Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometric Method Research Articles

Genetic Variability and Correlation Studies in Red Rice (Oryza sativa L.) for Yield Related Traits and Grain Zinc, Iron and Protein Content

Aims: Nutrient deficiencies, particularly zinc (Zn), iron (Fe) and protein, pose severe health risks especially in children and lactating women. Red rice is significantly rich in iron, zinc and protein compared to white rice. The present investigation was undertaken in this context to elucidate information on variability and character association in red rice genotypes to identify effective selection criteria for grain yield and quality improvement of red rice genotypes. Study Design: Randomized complete block design with two replications. Place and Duration of Study: Zonal Agricultural and Horticultural Research Station, Brahmavar, Udupi during Kharif 2023. Methodology: A total of 108 red rice genotypes were used in the study and observations were recorded for ten characters. Protein was estimated by Kjeldhal method, zinc and iron content by Atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS) method. The data collected was subjected to statistical procedures using R software. Results: Analysis of variance revealed significant variation among the genotypes for all the characters studied. Grain Zn (11.4-44.7ppm), Fe (13.11-37.12ppm) and protein (5.0-11.43%) showed wide range of variability. High genotypic and phenotypic coefficient of variation was observed for Zn, number of productive tillers per plant, Fe, grain yield per plant, number of grains per panicle and plant height. Correlation studies revealed that grain yield per plant exhibited significant positive association with yield component traits. Protein and Fe content had negative association with grain yield. Conclusion: The traits that have high PCV, GCV, heritability and genetic advance as per cent mean are controlled by additive gene action which is very valuable for selection. The traits that are positively correlated with grain yield can be used for indirect selection which aids crop improvement. Karthika, Bilihallga and Shahara genotypes have high protein, iron and zinc respectively, which can be used in the further breeding program to develop nutritionally rich varieties.

Is the Tigray region, Ethiopia also affected by fluoride in drinking water affecting public health?

The purpose of this study was to assess the levels of fluoride in drinking water and its health impact in Semema, Tigray, Ethiopia. Water samples were collected in February, March and April from three potential spring water sources, namely May Atkaru, May Sensela and May Liham. Each sample was analyzed for a variety of physicochemical parameters including fluoride using standard APHA procedures through double beam UV-Visible spectrophotometer, atomic absorption spectrophotometer and titrimetric methods. All the measured physicochemical parameters except hardness (345.78-368.35 mg/L) and alkalinity (231.3-354.6 mg/L) were recorded below the WHO permissible limit set for drinking water. The amount of fluoride in May Atkaru (4.00 mg/L) and May Sensela (3.89 mg/L) was significantly greater than the WHO permissible limit set for drinking water, 1.5 mg/L. Moreover, HQ > 1 from May Atkaru and May Sensela revealed the possibility of dental and skeletal fluorosis over extended exposure to fluoride irrespective of age and sex variations. This confirmed people in the area with mottled teeth are vulnerable to the excessive consumption of fluoride, which poses health risks. Therefore, it needs immediate interventions to minimize the debilitating effect of fluoride in drinking water by creating awareness among the community and policymakers to introduce low-cost defluoridation methods.

Evaluation of Physiochemical, Phytochemicals, Antioxidant, Micronutrients Properties of Bangladeshi Crude and Commercial Rice Bran Oil

Rice bran oil was extracted by product of milling of <i>Oryza sativa </i>seeds. The focus of the study was to determine the physiochemical, phytochemicals, micronutrients and antioxidant potentiality of rice bran oil and effect of refining process. The oil is extracted from bran of three popular rice varieties (BRRI-28, BRRI-29, Rajvogh) of Bangladesh. The acid value, peroxide value, iodine value and saponification value of extracted oils were observed in the range of 14.03-16.82 mgKOH/g, 26.68-34.50 meqO<sub>2</sub>/kg, 71.61-84.70 gI<sub>2</sub>/100g and 175.13-180.26 mgKOH/g respectively. Atomic absorption spectrophotometric method was used for determination of micronutrients. The concentrations for copper, zinc, iron and chromium were found to comprise between 0.03-0.25, 0.25-0.39, 17.97-64.47 and 0.96-4.87 ppm respectively. It was observed that BRRI-29 showed the greatest DPPH radical scavenging activity with the IC<sub>50</sub> value of 187.55µg/ml, followed by BRRI-28 (IC<sub>50</sub>- 284.04), Rajvogh (IC<sub>50</sub>- 325.56) and refined oil (IC<sub>50</sub>- 465.12). All the samples acted upon nitric oxide free radical according to following order- BRRI-29 (IC<sub>50</sub>- 286.4)> BRRI-28 (IC<sub>50</sub> -416.81) >Rajvogh (IC<sub>50</sub> -453.95)> refined oil (IC<sub>50</sub>- 557.86).All the extracted and refined oils were found to have considerably good antioxidant activity in a dose dependent manner. The extracted oils were found to contain more phenolic and flavonoid content than refined oil that serve as antioxidants. Some literatures show that, RBO contains tocotrienol and oryzanol which absent in soybean oil which regarded to be the best in perspective of antioxidant potentiality and categorize rice bran oil as promising edible oil. Comparative to crude bran oil commercial refined oil were lower in these parameters which shows the effect of refining process. Further investigation should be conducted on animal model (in vivo study) for safe human consumption. The knowledge would be useful in recommending various ways of using the oil in food industry, as well as in households.

Evaluating Cadmium (Cd) Pollution in Sleman Regency’s Rice Fields

The research aims to investigate the Cadmium (Cd) contamination in rice fields within Sleman Regency due to its potential environmental and human health impact. The study was conducted from January to June 2023 and involved collecting soil samples from 23 irrigated rice fields within Sleman Regency with a grid sampling approach. Composite soil samples were created by blending five individual sub-samples from the cultivated layer (0-20 cm). The Cd levels in these samples were investigated using the Atomic Absorption Spectro-photometer (AAS) method. The findings revealed that all the sampled rice fields in Sleman Regency exceeded the critical limit of Cd concentration. The analysis of contamination factors (CF) and potential ecological risks (Er) indicated that the Cd contamination in Sleman Regency had reached a highly polluted level, carrying potential ecological risks. The extent of Cd contamination, primarily resulting from human activities (EF > 1), fell within the severe to extreme range (I-geo = 4-5). As a result, remediation measures are required to address the Cd contamination in Sleman Regency’s rice fields. These findings call for reducing the usage of chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and fungicides. Future studies should determine the possibility of cadmium accumulation in rice and its transfer from soil to rice.

PHYSICOCHEMICAL AND HEAVY METAL CONTENT ASSESSMENT OF WATER QUALITY IN KEANA AND NASARAWA–EGGON LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREAS, NASARAWA STATE, NIGERIA

This study conducted a thorough evaluation of the physicochemical parameters of various drinking water sources in Keana and Nasarawa Eggon, Nasarawa State. The assessment involved the use of standard methods to analyze the water samples. Additionally, the heavy metal contents were determined using the atomic absorption spectrophotometric method. The findings revealed that the pH levels ranged from 7.36 to 8.16 in Keana (KN) and 5.70 to 5.80 in Nasarawa Eggon (NE), with mean pH values of 7.74 and 5.74, respectively. The conductivity varied from 3.94 to 4.56 µS/cm in KN and 510 to 1760 µS/cm in NE. Alkalinity content ranged from 4.06 to 4.52 mgL-1 in KN and 45 to 50 mgL-1 in NE. Nitrate, acidity, chloride, phosphate, TDS, DO, and BOD levels were also assessed. The metal concentrations included Pb, Mn, Cr, Zn, Fe and Cu, and were within permissible limits, except for Pb and Ni, which exceeded WHO specifications. This study provides crucial insights into the water quality of these regions, essential for ensuring the safety of water for human consumption and other activities.

Production and biochemical characterization of freeze-dried blueberry juice from enzymatically processed berries

Production of freeze-dried juice semi-finished products is a promising direction in the technology of processing blueberries. This direction allows complex problem solving regarding seasonality of berry processing with optimization of logistics costs, extension of the geography of sources of raw material supply while preserving high sensory properties of a freeze-dried product. The main advantages of such a product are characteristics determining properties of fresh berries, including taste, color, aroma, nutritional and biological value. The aim of the study was the development of technological solutions to produce freeze-dried blueberry juice from enzymatically processed blueberry pulp, as well as determination of its biochemical characteristics. Chemical (titrimetric and gravimetric) methods and modern physico-chemical methods (HPLC, atomic absorption spectrometry, potentiometric and spectrophotometric methods) were used in the work. As a result of the performed investigations, parameters have been determined for the process of freeze-drying of native blueberry juice: freeze-drying temperature of –23 ±2 °С and pressure of 70–80 Pa, secondary drying at a temperature of 38–40 °С. Duration of the freeze-drying process was 16 hours until reaching the final moisture of 4%. It is shown that freeze-dried juice preserves all quality attributes of the native juice: taste, color and aroma. The native and freeze-dried blueberry juice was characterized by the chemical composition. The profile of flavonoids, anthocyans, phenolic and organic acids, composition of sugars, vitamins and minerals were studied. It has been established that the chosen parameters of freeze-drying ensure preservation of biologically active and minor substances at a level of no less than 77% of the initial content in the native juice. High preservation was demonstrated for quercetin and resveratrol. Losses were 9.6% for epicatechin, 13.7–23.0% for phenolic acids, and 14–22% for vitamins. As a result of juice processing by freeze-drying, an increase was noticed for the content of delphinidin-3-glucoside, cyanidin-3-arabinoside, cyanidin-3-glucoside by 20–35%. The proportion of cyanidin-3-galactoside + delphinidin-3-arabinoside decreased by 65% and that of delphinidin-3-galactoside by 2.85 times. A decrease in the content of macro-elements (up to 6.0%) was established in the freeze-dried juice; more noticeable losses were recorded for micro-elements (up to 14.8%). The results obtained show prospects of using the technology and chosen regimes of freeze-drying in production of freezedried blueberry juice. This technology combines a possibility of producing a manufacturable berry ingredient with maximum preservation of natural biologically active and minor components of berries for using in products of healthy nutrition.

The influence of the acid water of the Banyupait River on the community health in Bantal village, Asembagus, Indonesia.

The pH of Mount Ijen crater water is 0-2, resulting in water that is acidic and sulfurous. A fault near the Mount Ijen Crater causes seepage so that acidic water flows into the Banyupait River. Chemical elements and heavy metals originating from the river pollute groundwater and plants. As a result, people around the river consume heavy metals. This research aims to determine the quality of river water and groundwater, as well as determine community factors that are susceptible to dental fluorosis. The methodology used is field mapping and laboratory analysis. For water samples, the Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS) method is used. The pH of river water at the research location exceeds the quality standard, namely pH 4-5.5. Meanwhile, groundwater fluorine and sulfate elements exceed quality standards, namely fluorine of 0.6171 mg/L and 0.6870 mg/L, and sulfate ranging from 325-683 mg/L. These two elements cause symptoms of dental fluorosis. Meanwhile, the community factors most susceptible to dental fluorosis are people in the adult age category, and the last level of education is elementary school. This is because the Banyupait River water and groundwater are exposed to fluorine and sulfate water originating from seepage from the Mount Ijen Crater.

Acceptance and Content of Iron of Nahukol (Broccoli Tofu Nugget) as an Alternative Food to Prevent Anemia

Anemia is a condition of low red blood cell mass or hemoglobin. Another way of prevention and control is to consume food sources of iron such as tofu. The general objective of this study was to determine the characteristics of "NAHUKOL" on the results of the acceptability test and iron levels of alternative snacks to prevent anemia. The research design used was experimental research with a total sample of 3 samples, the iron test sample used the most preferred sample and the control group. Data collection techniques used acceptability test and iron content test. the study was conducted from October to March 2023. The analytical technique used in the acceptability test was the Kruskal Wallis test and in the iron, test using the atomic absorption spectrophotometer method. The results of the research on the acceptability test obtained the most preferred formula was formulation 2. The iron content test obtained results in formulation 2 of 4.43 mg/100 g and the control group of 4.2 mg/100 g. NAHUKOL products (Tofu and Broccoli Nuggets) can be used as an alternative food to prevent anemia.

Fortification of Shrimp Shell Flour as a Source of Calcium on the Preference Level of Bread

This research aim was to find the most preferred percentage of shrimp shell flour fortification on white bread. This research used an experimental method with 20 semi-trained panelists and 5 treatments of shrimp shell flour percentages which were 0%; 2,5%; 5%; 7,5%; and 10%. The parameters in this research were yield of shrimp shells, bread volume development, and calcium content which were analyzed with a comparative descriptive method; and preference level which was analyzed using the Friedman test. Fisheries Product Processing Laboratory, Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Science and Test Service Laboratory, Faculty of Agro-Industrial Technology, Padjadjaran University, between January and June 2023. Yield and volume development were tested by the ratio of the mass of shrimp shells flour and shrimp shells (yield test) and dough volume and white bread loaf (volume development test) times 100%. The Preference test used an organoleptic test with each panelist being given a test sheet to test 5 treatments of white bread fortified with shrimp shell flour and to test their preference level on 4 characteristics; which were color, aroma, texture, and taste. Calcium content was tested using the atomic absorption spectrophotometer method on the control treatment (0%) and the most preferred treatment. Yield result from shrimp shell flour was 27.8% (139 gr) from its initial mass (500 gr). Volume development of white bread showed decreases in volume with each treatment from 136.433% to 111.504%. The most preferred fortification of shrimp shell flour on white bread was treatment 2.5% with an alternative value of 7.22 and characteristic value of color 9, aroma 7, taste 7, and texture 7, which means overall still preferred. The calcium content within treatment 2.5% was 30.095 mg/100gr which is significantly higher than the calcium of treatment 0% (1.465 mg/100gr) and could assist humans meet their calcium needs.

Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometric Method for the Estimation of Micronutrients in Soil and their Effect on Plant Growth

Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometric Method for the Estimation of Micronutrients in Soil and their Effect on Plant Growth

Ecological safety of sunflower seeds in the conditions of agricultural intensification

Sunflower cultivation using intensive technologies, which manifests itself in the disruption of crop rotation, high rates of mineral fertilisers and pesticides, leads to an increased risk of products contaminated with heavy metals, nitrates, and pesticide residues. The purpose of this study was to identify the risks of toxic substances accumulation in the soil and sunflower seeds. In this study, the atomic absorption spectrophotometric method was used to determine the content of toxic substances in soil and sunflower seeds. The content of alkaline-hydrolysed nitrogen, mobile phosphorus, exchangeable potassium, the reaction of the soil solution pH, as well as the content of mobile forms of heavy metals: lead, cadmium, copper, zinc, mercury, cobalt, and molybdenum; boron, and radioactive caesium were determined in the soil after sunflower cultivation. The factual content of soil contaminants was compared with their maximum permissible concentrations. The study investigated the content of heavy metals, namely, lead, cadmium, copper, and zinc, as well as nitrates in sunflower seeds. Their content was compared with the values of maximum permissible concentrations. The coefficients of accumulation of the heavy metals under study by sunflower seeds were calculated. Thus, copper and zinc are most intensively absorbed from the soil and accumulate in sunflower seeds, while lead is the least absorbed. The findings suggest that since no excess of the permissible levels of heavy metals and nitrates in sunflower seeds was found, there is a higher probability of their increased accumulation in sunflower by-products: seed husks, stems, leaves, petioles, and roots. The study results can be used in organic sunflower cultivation

Analysis of Heavy Metals Concentration and Pollution Index on Water Quality in Labuan Beach Fishery Port Area, Banten

Labuan Coastal Fishing Port (PPP) is an area with great potential for development in the economic and tourism sectors. Apart from being the center of the fishing industry in Pandeglang Regency, PPP Labuan also has beach tourist attractions. Some activities could cause the entry of heavy metals into waters and affect water quality. These activities include ships refuelling, ships exhaust emissions, ships washing and paint spills, as well as beach tourism activities. The pollution index is used to determine the level of pollution in waters. This research aimed to analyze water quality and pollution indices based on the heavy metals content iron (Fe), nickel (Ni), and copper (Cu). Samples were taken from three observation stations, namely the beach tourist area (station 1), the fish auction site (station 2), and the pier (station 3). Analysis of the heavy metals Fe, Ni, Cu was carried out using the Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer method and the results were compared with Indonesian government reulation, PP No. 82/2001. Pollution index analysis wasusing the pollution index method. The heavy metals content of iron (Fe) ranged from 1.761 – 6.907 mg/L, nickel (Ni) ranged from 0.079 – 0.269 mg/L, and copper (Cu) is < 0.001 mg/L. Based on the pollution index (IP), station 1 was lightly polluted with an IP value of 3.75. At station 2 it was moderately polluted with an IP value of 5.91, and at station 3 it was lightly polluted with a value of 4.2.

Evaluation of Phytoremediation, Physicochemical and Heavy Metal Assessment of Crude Oil Polluted Soil Using Pseudomonas and Bacillus spp, Rivers State, Nigeria

Crude oil exploration has been beneficial to our economy but detrimental to our environment with the artisanal `refineries further compounding the challenge. This research was aimed at investigating the phytoremediation, physicochemical and heavy metal assessment of crude oil polluted soil using Peudomonas spp. and Bacillus spp. as augmenting microorganism, in Rivers state, Nigeria. This study was carried out in in south-south Nigeria (B-dere in Gokana Local government of `Rivers State). Contaminated Soil were collected and subjected to standard microbiological methods. Contaminated Soil samples were collected from two different area of Rivers state with sterilized soil auger at two depths of 0-15cm and 15-30cm. The contaminated soil sampled were analyzed for heavy metal (Cadium Chromium, Lead and Zinc) using Atomic Absorption spectrophotometric method. Microbiological analysis was carried out on the soil samples. Ten (10) treatments consisiting of contaminated soil (CS), uncontaminated soil (US), uncontaminated soil(US), Panicum subalbidum and Schoenoplectus senegalensis were setup for a period of 28 days. Physicochemical parameters were analyzed for uncontaminated soil and contaminated soil. The physicochemical parameters analyzed were pH, Temperature, Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium and Total Hydrocarbon Content. The physiochemical parameters of the uncontaminated soil were pH (5.43), temperature (27oC), Electrical conductivity (9uS/cm), Moisture content (7.80%), Total organic carbon (0.93%), Soil organic matter (1.60%), total Nitrogen (56.695mg/kg), available phosphorus (0.621mg/kg), potassium (7.125mg/kg) and total hydrocarbon content (700mg/kg). Results revealed that the amount of hydrocarbon remediated and percentage (%) bioremediation in the soil after 28 days of monitoring from the initial THC value of (4050 mg/kg), is higher in set up with CS+PSE+SCH (3454mg/kg; 85.28%) and lowest in set up with US+SCH (434mg/kg: 62%) and the amount uptake of phytoremediation in the root after 28 days of monitoring to be higher in set up with CS+BAC+SCH (632Mg/kg; 15.6%) and lowest in set up with US+SCH (12.2mg/kg; 1.74%). The heavy metals assessed were cadium (Cd), chromium (Cr), lead (Pb) and zinc (Zn). This research revealed and recommend that Schoenoplectus senegalensis as a suitable plant species for phytoremediation of crude oil contaminated soil. Hydrocarbon utilizing bacteria identified in this study were; Pseudomonas and Bacilus spp.

Nutrient and Antinutrient Determination of Some Agrowates in Port Harcourt, Rivers State

Studies on the nutrient and antinutrient compositions of some agrowastes in Port Harcourt were carried out in the Department of Plant Science and Biotechnology, Rivers State University. Agrowastes such as sawdust, wood ash and rice bran were selected for this study. Sawdusts from Xylopia aethiopica and Mitragyna ciliata and Rhizophora racemose wood were obtained from Mile II Timber Market Diobu in Port Harcourt while the wood ash was sourced from burnt Rhizophora racemose wood after cooking. Rice bran was obtained from Dilomat Farms and Services Limited in Rivers State University. All selected agrowastes were brought to the Department for further studies. The atomic absorption spectrophotometer methods described by Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC) were used for the determination of proximate, mineral, vitamin and antinutrient contents of these agrowastes. Proximate evaluation revealed rice bran to possess highest values for moisture (11.63±0.15), lipid (7.50±0.10) and carbohydrate (35.63±0.60). Highest values (9.56±0.03) for protein, 71.50±0.10 for fibre and 15.00±0.50 for ash were recorded for M. ciliata, X. aethiopica and R. racemose wood ash respectively. Mineral and vitamin assessment revealed wood ash to contain highest calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium and sodium while thiamine (0.23±0.01) was only recorded for rice bran. Antinutrient investigation showed the availability of oxalate, tannin, carotenoid, polyphenol, flavonoid and lignant in all tested agrowastes. However, X. aethiopica recorded highest antinutrient composition compared to other assessed agrowastes. Generally, these agrowastes still possess valuable nutrients and antinutrients that could support other production processes

Serum levels of heavy metals in patients with Bell's palsy: a case-control study.

The exact etiology of Bell's palsy (BP) remains unknown, while its potential etiopathology includes neuritis and inflammation-related demyelination as in optic neuritis. It has been reported that disruption of heavy metal homeostasis may be associated with the inflammatory process of optic neuritis; therefore, heavy metals may be involved in the pathogenesis of facial nerve neuritis. In this study, we aimed to investigate serum levels of heavy metals including essential elements [iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), cobalt (Co), and manganese (Mn)], and nonessential elements [lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd)] in patients with BP. The study included 25 patients with BP and 31 healthy volunteers. For each participant, serum levels of essential and nonessential elements were measured using the atomic absorption spectrophotometer method. Serum levels of essential elements were significantly lower in the patient group compared to the control group (p < 0.001, for each). Serum levels of Pb increased in the patient group compared to the control group although no significant difference was achieved (p = 0.105). In contrast, serum Cd levels increased significantly in the patient group compared to the control group (p < 0.001). Our findings suggest that decreased essential and increased nonessential elements may be associated with BP and thus, serum concentrations of these elements should be taken into account in BP. Studies are warranted to determine the role of these elements in treatment of BP.

Differences in Iron (Fe) Content in Samples of Refill Drinking Water (AMIU) and Bottled Drinking Water (AMDK) Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry Method

Introduction: Iron is a metal in the first transition Series and the most common element on Earth by mass that makes up most of the outer and inner core of the Earth. High levels of iron (Fe) can be polluted by corrosive gases such as CO2 and H2S. In nature there are various elements that include heavy metals and also a component of pollutants, namely Cd, Hg, Cr, Pb, Ni, Cu, Zn, and Fe. The Aim Of The Research: To determine the difference in iron content in samples of drinking water refills and bottled drinking water Atomic Absorption spectrophotometric method. Research Method: This research was conducted at the mathematics and Natural Sciences Laboratory of Sriwijaya University in January-February 2022 with a total of 20 samples. The Result: The results of the study obtained the average value of iron (Fe) content in refilled drinking water samples 7.7 mg/L and bottled drinking water 3.7 mg/L Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry method. Mann Witney test obtained the value of p (Sig 2 Tailed) = 0.04. Conclussions: Have different levels of iron in samples of drinking water refills and bottled drinking water Atomic Absorption spectrophotometric method.

Proximate and Elemental Composition of Black Seed and Jujube as Formulation for the Treatment of Peptic Ulcer

Black seed (Nigella sativa) is a widely used medicinal plant throughout the world. Seeds and oil have a long history of folklore usage in various systems of medicines and food. The fruits of jujube (Ziziphus jujuba) are being consumed all around the world because of their health benefits, as both food and herbal medicine. The aim of this research was to evaluate Proximate and elemental compositions of Black seed and Jujube as formulation for managing peptic ulcer. Proximate composition of jujube, black seed and formulation of black seed and jujube was carried out and the contents of moisture, carbohydrate, fats, fibers, proteins and ash were determined according to standard AOAC, 2010 method. Mineral elements (Zn, Fe, Cu, Cr, Mg, Ca, Na, K, As, Pb) were also determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometric method. The result revealed that jujube has higher carbohydrate, fiber and ash contents of 46.60%, 32.17% and 12.87% respectively, while black seed has higher fats and crude protein contents (35.9% and 9.47% respectively). Elemental composition revealed that black seed has higher zinc, iron, copper, and sodium contents of 1.91 mg/L, 6.95 mg/L, 2.42 mg/L, and 27.23 mg/L respectively. Black seed and jujube can be consumed alone or in combination as they are highly enriched with nutrients which are essential for physiological body functioning and can facilitate healing in ulcer treatment.

Estimation and study effect of some trace elements and some electrolytes in hyperlipidemia patients

Abstract Background: Measuring electrolytes in the blood is considered one of the most common diagnostic techniques. Objectives: To assess sodium, potassium, zinc, and copper levels and examine the correlation between parameters and study their probable relation with hyperlipidemia in Babylon province. Materials and Methods: Sodium, potassium, zinc, and copper were estimated in one hundred subjects; 50 patients with hyperlipidemia and 50 healthy subjects participated in this study. The age of the patients and control groups ranged between 19 and 75 years. Sodium and potassium levels were assessed by colorimetric enzymatic technique, whereas the level of zinc and copper was assessed in serum by the flameless atomic absorption spectrophotometer method. Results: Serum levels of sodium and zinc displayed a significant decrease, whereas serum copper significantly elevated (P &lt; 0.05) in hyperlipidemia patients compared with the control group. Serum potassium observed nonsignificant change (P-value &gt; 0.05) in hyperlipidemia patients. On the other hand, copper and zinc correlated significantly with cholesterol, triglyceride, and sodium. Conclusion: Among hyperlipidemia patients in Babylon province, the variability in some trace elements and some electrolytes concentration indicate a significant relationship with hyperlipidemia.

Analysis of Lead (Pb) and Cadmium (Cd) in Oyster Crassostrea gigas and Saccostrea cucullata using Atomic Absorption and Ultraviolet-Visible Spectrophotometer Methods

Lead (Pb) and Cadmium (Cd) metals are highly toxic when accumulated in the body and cause serious diseases and even death. This study aimed to determine the metal content of Pb and Cd in the oyster species Crassostrea gigas and Saccostrea cucullate in the Lampulo and Krueng Cut areas at three different places. Analysis of the metals was carried out using AAS and UV-Visible spectrophotometers. Samples were prepared using concentrated HNO3 wet destruction and the addition of dithizone. The results showed Pb measured by AAS in Saccostrea cucullata 2.33-8.00 ppb, and by UV-Vis 2.77-8.66 ppb. Pb within Crassostrea gigas by AAS method 1.77-10.30 ppb, and by UV-Vis method 2.11-10.66 ppb. The Cd metal measured by AAS in Saccostrea cucullate is 3.80-10.50 ppb, and by UV-Vis method is 4.29-10.77 ppb, whereas Cd in Crassostrea gigas measured by AAS is 12.11-13.22 ppb and by UV-Vis method is 12.77-13.66 ppb. Linearity of Pb measurements with AAS and UV-Vis was obtained R2 =0.9979 and R2 =0.9938 and for Cd were R2 =0.9986 and R2 =0.9810. Accuracy (%recorvery) of Pb measurements by AAS and UV-Vis are 80-110% and 98-113% whereas Cd showed 100-106% and 91-107% respectively. The relative value of the standard deviation (%RSD ± SD) is 0.001 indicating excellent measurement results. Based on t-test calculations, measurements of Pb and Cd levels showed no difference between the AAS method and the UV-Vis method

Assessment of heavy metal contamination and ecological risk in Morocco's marine and estuarine ecosystems through a combined analysis of surface sediment and bioindicator species: Donax trunculus and Scrobicularia plana

Morocco is one of the most affected regions by heavy metal pollution worldwide. In this study, two ecosystems in Agadir Bay, southern Morocco, were studied seasonally, using surface sediment and bivalve species. The concentrations of Cu, Pb and Cd were determined using the Shimadzu AAS 7000 flame atomic absorption spectrophotometer method. Our results marked average levels corresponding to an unpolluted sediment with a low contamination degree, low ecological risk associated with metal contamination, and levels that did not exceed the thresholds set by EC, USEPA, INERIS and INRH, except for Pb in tourist beach. The principal component analysis findings revealed a positive correlation in the bioaccumulation between the two compartments, with an influence of abiotic parameters. Thus, to better manage environmental pollution in these ecosystems, authorities must implement waste treatment strategies in the surrounding harbor and tourist complexes and prohibit the use of these toxic metals in the coastal areas.