Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer Research Articles

Determination of heavy metal concentration in African pike (Hepsetus odoe) from Alape River, Southwestern Nigeria

Aquatic ecosystems in Nigeria face significant environmental challenges because of anthropogenic activities, resulting in heavy metal contamination. Fish body weight and length and heavy metal concentrations in African pike (Hepsetus odoe) from Alape River, Igbokoda, Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State, Southwestern Nigeria, were investigated. Copper (Cu), Cadmium (Cd), Iron (Fe), Manganese (Mn), Nickel (Ni), and Lead (Pb) concentrations were measured in the gills, intestines, and trunks of the fish over six months (i.e., from May 2022 to October 2022) using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer (Buck Scientific’s 210VGP). Significant variations in heavy metal concentrations were observed across different months and organs. The order of concentrations for the six months, from highest to lowest, was Fe (2.26 mg/kg) > Ni (0.37 mg/kg) > Cu (0.23 mg/kg) > Mn (0.27 mg/kg) > Pb (0.05 mg/kg) > Cd (0.01 mg/kg). Higher concentrations were generally observed in the gills and intestines in May and June, whereas elevated levels were observed in the gills in September and October. These concentrations were compared with the maximum permissible limits established by the Food and Agriculture Organization and the World Health Organization for fish consumption, and all measured heavy metal concentrations were determined to be below the permissible limits. Body weight ranged from 172 to 362 g, and length ranged from 15.7 cm to 23.5 cm. The regression coefficient (b) ranged from − 0.134 to 0.204, indicating a relatively weak length–weight relationship. The condition factor (K) exhibited variations in the overall health and well-being of the fish. Based on these findings, the consumption of African pike from the Alape River is currently considered safe for humans, regardless of fish size, with all of the heavy metal concentrations within the permissible limits. However, continuous monitoring is crucial to ensure the ongoing safety of aquatic ecosystems and human health.

Comparison of the Effectiveness of Calcined Chicken and Duck Eggshells as Zn Metal Adsorbent Using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometric

Comparison of the Effectiveness of Calcined Chicken and Duck Eggshells as Zn Metal Adsorbent Using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometric

Assessment of heavy metal concentration in the water of major carp breeding River Halda, Bangladesh

Heavy metal contamination in river water is a result of anthropogenic sources like industrial waste, tanneries, used fertiliser, and sewage discharge. Bioaccumulation and toxicity of heavy metals are alarming concerns for the natural carp breeding ground of the one and only river Halda of Bangladesh. Seven heavy metals (Fe, Mn, Cu, Co, Ni, Zn, and Cr (VI)) were assessed in this study following standard methods by gathering data from 36 sampling points that are situated along the area between the origin of Halda and Kalurghat confluence point of Halda and Karnofuli. An atomic absorption spectrophotometer was used for the measurement of the heavy metals, and the correlation between the parameters was determined using principal component analysis (PCA). The concentration of heavy metals ranged from 0.316 to 3.216 mg/L for Fe, 0.023–0.236 mg/L for Mn, 0.022–0.044 mg/L for Cu, 0.022–0.051 mg/L for Co, 0.002–0.008 mg/L for Ni, 0.037–0.282 mg/L for Zn, and 0.013–0.146 mg/L for Cr (VI), respectively. Cu and Mn values in some points were above the permissible limit, but other metal contents were within the permissible limit.

Evaluation of ground water quality using heavy metal pollution indices and estimation of health risk

ABSTRACT This paper presents the monitoring of heavy metals, including cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), lead (Pb), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn), in the groundwater of the Byrnihat Industrial Area and Guwahati City, which is located in close proximity to the Byrnihat Industrial Area. A total of 20 water samples were collected at distances approximately 1–2 km apart from each other. The pH and the TDS of the collected samples were analysed immediately after collecting samples using a digital pH and TDS meters. The collected samples were analysed using a Flame type Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. The highest observed values of Cd, Cr, Pb, Cu and Zn in mg/L were recorded to be 0.0526, 0.1438, 0.5175, 0.1060 and 0.0925, respectively. The average values of Cd, Cr, Pb, Cu and Zn were 0.0246 ± 0.0168 mg/L, 0.0282 ± 0.0421 mg/L, 0.4805 ± 0.0206 mg/L, 0.0653 ± 0.0276 mg/L, and 0.0642 ± 0.0098 mg/L, respectively. Cd and Pb concentrations were above the guideline values set by Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and the World Health Organisation (WHO) [WHO recommended values, Cd: 0.003 mg/L, Pb: 0.01 mg/L]. Though the average concentration of Cr was below the allowable limit, five samples within the Byrnihat industrial area were found to be above the limit. High values of pollution indices was observed for all the samples. The cumulative hazard index (HI) values for adults and children were found to be 8.56 and 9.37, respectively. The total cancer risk (TCR) was observed to be 7.87E-03 for adults and 8.54E-03 for children. The result obtained from the present investigation show significant contamination of ground water by heavy metals, particularly Pb, Cd, and Cr concentrations. The observed high values of hazard index and cancer risks indicate significant health risks, necessitating the need for immediate regulatory action.

Arsenic tolerance in Tagetes erecta L.: Phytoaccumulation, physicochemical and anatomical studies through electron microscopy

Arsenic (As), a toxic metalloid that is becoming more and more concentrated in the environment, poses risks to human health, plant production, and species at every trophic level through bioaccumulation and biomagnification. Finding tolerant and hyperaccumulative plant species that can be used in contaminated land is a potential eco-friendly strategy for As removal in terms of its mitigation. Tagetes erecta L. is an ornamental plant species chosen as phytoremediator plant for As removal. To assess the morphological and biochemical changes we conducted pot experiments with plants that were treated with different concentration of sodium arsenate (Na3AsO4) for up to 60 days. Atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS) was used to measure the amount of As absorbed in various tissues of the plant. Highest As accumulation was detected in root tissues (12.864 mg kg−1), whereas shoot had least quantity of As (3.443 mg kg−1). With increasing As concentrations, the maximum levels of proline and polyphenol were 14.743 µ mol g−1 and 4.25 mg g−1, respectively. At 60 days, antioxidant enzymes APX (6.952 mM mg−1), CAT (2.143 mM mg−1), and GR (76.631 mM mg−1) were found to be increased. As transport and distribution were confirmed by anatomical analysis in root and shoot tissues by FESEM-EDX, TEM, and light microscopy. The results obtained after morpho-physiological and anatomical studies are in favor of high degree of tolerance of As concentration (25 mg kg−1) by T. erecta suggesting that it could be a potential phytoremediator of As from polluted soil.

Accumulation of heavy metals and arsenic in plants in the vicinity of the Chadan coal deposit (Republic of Tuva)

The content of copper, zinc, lead, cadmium and cobalt in plant samples from the vicinity of the Severny dump of the Chadansky coal mine in the Republic of Tuva was studied. Heavy metals in plant samples were determined by the Quantum-2mt atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Due to the extra-arid conditions, the studied area belongs to the zone of risky agriculture and there is developed cattle breeding. It was revealed that vegetation typical for steppe communities is developed on the territory of the Chadan coal deposit, represented by wormwood-cereal, grass-grass-wormwood, grass-wormwood-kovyl, wormwood-grass-grass steppes. In the dumps, deposits of different ages with small-scale, wormwood-cereal communities with typically steppe species are developed. For lead, cadmium and cobalt, the concentrations in vegetation samples from the CER and SWZ sites adjacent to the dump turned out to be close to their background values. The Cu content in the vegetation of the dump sites exceeds the natural content by 2–2,2 times, Zn – 2–2,7 times, Pb – 1,5 times. However, a comparison of the content of Cu, Cd, Zn, Pb, Co in vegetation from 2 sites of the Severny dump and the background territory with MDU for plant feeds showed that their concentrations in the studied samples are much lower than the maximum permissible level.

Evaluation of Health Risks in the Blood Serum of People Working in the Welding Industry as a Result of Exposure to Heavy Metals in Diyala Governorate / Iraq

General Background: The welding industry is associated with significant health risks due to occupational exposure to heavy metals. Specific Background: Workers in this industry are particularly vulnerable to toxic metals such as lead, cadmium, copper, iron, and zinc, which can lead to severe health issues. Knowledge Gap: There is limited data on the specific health risks and heavy metal concentrations in welders' blood serum in Diyala Governorate, Iraq. Aims: This study aims to identify the primary health risks associated with welding-related heavy metal exposure and to explore strategies to mitigate these risks. Methods: The study was conducted in several industrial areas in Diyala Governorate, where blood samples were collected from 40 welders and 40 control participants (employees and students from Diyala University). An atomic absorption spectrophotometer was used to measure heavy metal concentrations in blood serum. Results: Statistical analysis revealed significant differences in heavy metal levels between welders and the control group (P Value < 0.05), indicating higher exposure among welders. However, no significant differences were found within welder subgroups based on age, smoking status, and duration of exposure. Novelty: This study provides the first comprehensive assessment of heavy metal exposure among welders in Diyala Governorate, highlighting the urgent need for improved protective measures. Implications: The findings underscore the necessity for environmental and health authorities to implement rapid interventions to protect welders from heavy metal toxicity. Current protective measures are inadequate, as evidenced by elevated levels of lead, cadmium, nickel, and zinc in welders' blood serum. Enhanced protective practices and stricter regulations are critical to reducing these occupational health risks. Highlights: 1. Higher levels of heavy metals found in welders' blood compared to controls.2. No significant differences among welder subgroups by age, smoking, exposure duration.3. Urgent need for better protective measures and interventions in welding industry. Keywords: Welding industry, heavy metals, occupational exposure, health risks, Diyala Governorate

Assessment of environmental chemical contamination and histamine levels in the production of <i>Colatura di Alici di Cetara</i>

Colatura di alici di Cetara is a fish sauce obtained from the fermented seasoning of anchovies (Engraulis encrasicolus L.) in salt and produced in the province of Salerno (Campania, Italy). The anchovies used in its production could indicate the degree of the ecosystem's well-being through the study of heavy metals. Histamine represents one of the major hygienic and health concerns in fish products belonging to the Engraulidae family and those derived from them through enzymatic maturation. The current study aimed to: i) investigate the levels of heavy metals in anchovies; and ii) assess histamine content in two distinct production processes: the first following the Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) protocol, which involves anchovy’s evisceration; and the second employing an experimental protocol using whole anchovies. The determined parameters were: i) heavy metals cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer and mercury (Hg) using a direct mercury analyzer on the raw material (T0), coarse salt, and processed anchovies at T1; ii) polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) using a high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled to fluorescence detection at T1; and iii) histamine using an ultra HPLC-diode-array detection analysis at all stages throughout the process (T0 to T8). The results of the heavy metals analyzed show values below the permitted limits for Cd (0.013±0.006 mg/kg), Pb (not detected), and Hg (0.072±0.003 and 0.043±0.026 mg/kg). The PAHs were not detected. All histamine concentrations determined were below the maximum limit set by the European legislation for fish sauces. The highest values were found in the anchovies gutted at T2 (0.86±0.08), in the respective colatura (51.00±1.70) of the PDO procedure, and in the experimental procedure at T8 (7.00±0.60). No significant differences were found between the colatura obtained by both production processes. The study highlighted the importance of raw material selection and monitoring of the process for producing a product like Colatura di Alici di Cetara.

Evaluation of Health Risks in the Blood Serum of People Working in the Welding Industry as a Result of Exposure to Heavy Metals in Diyala Governorate / Iraq

General Background: The welding industry is associated with significant health risks due to occupational exposure to heavy metals. Specific Background: Workers in this industry are particularly vulnerable to toxic metals such as lead, cadmium, copper, iron, and zinc, which can lead to severe health issues. Knowledge Gap: There is limited data on the specific health risks and heavy metal concentrations in welders' blood serum in Diyala Governorate, Iraq. Aims: This study aims to identify the primary health risks associated with welding-related heavy metal exposure and to explore strategies to mitigate these risks. Methods: The study was conducted in several industrial areas in Diyala Governorate, where blood samples were collected from 40 welders and 40 control participants (employees and students from Diyala University). An atomic absorption spectrophotometer was used to measure heavy metal concentrations in blood serum. Results: Statistical analysis revealed significant differences in heavy metal levels between welders and the control group (P Value < 0.05), indicating higher exposure among welders. However, no significant differences were found within welder subgroups based on age, smoking status, and duration of exposure. Novelty: This study provides the first comprehensive assessment of heavy metal exposure among welders in Diyala Governorate, highlighting the urgent need for improved protective measures. Implications: The findings underscore the necessity for environmental and health authorities to implement rapid interventions to protect welders from heavy metal toxicity. Current protective measures are inadequate, as evidenced by elevated levels of lead, cadmium, nickel, and zinc in welders' blood serum. Enhanced protective practices and stricter regulations are critical to reducing these occupational health risks. Highlights: 1. Higher levels of heavy metals found in welders' blood compared to controls.2. No significant differences among welder subgroups by age, smoking, exposure duration.3. Urgent need for better protective measures and interventions in welding industry. Keywords: Welding industry, heavy metals, occupational exposure, health risks, Diyala Governorate

Determination of Heavy Metals Concentrations in Local and Imported Chicken Meat Found in Hilla Province Markets

This study was carried out in Hilla province, the chicken samples were collected of both local and imported chicken, the concentration of eight heavy metals (iron, copper, zinc, nickel, manganese, cadmium, lead and chromium) were measured in all samples in order to find if the concentrations of these metals were within or exceeded the permissible limit, The samples were analysis by used the Atomic Absorption spectrophotometer. The result show that for iron, copper, Zinc, nickel, manganese, cadmium, lead and chromium the concentrations were ranged from 70.66 - 81.33 ppm, 0.34 - 0.71 ppm, 6.06 - 8.21 ppm , 6.13 - 8.02 ppm, 0.213- 0.51ppm, 0.276 - 0.833 ppm, 0.733 -1.39 ppm and 0.37 - 0.716 ppm respictively . Generally, the highest heavy metal concentration was recorded in Iraqi house breading chicken. While the lowest concentrations of almost all measured heavy metal in Iraqi Farm breed in chickens.

Determination of Heavy Metals Concentrations in Local and Imported Chicken Meat Found in Hilla Province Markets

This study was carried out in Hilla province, the chicken samples were collected of both local and imported chicken, the concentration of eight heavy metals (iron, copper, zinc, nickel, manganese, cadmium, lead and chromium) were measured in all samples in order to find if the concentrations of these metals were within or exceeded the permissible limit, The samples were analysis by used the Atomic Absorption spectrophotometer. The result show that for iron, copper, Zinc, nickel, manganese, cadmium, lead and chromium the concentrations were ranged from 70.66 - 81.33 ppm, 0.34 - 0.71 ppm, 6.06 - 8.21 ppm , 6.13 - 8.02 ppm, 0.213- 0.51ppm, 0.276 - 0.833 ppm, 0.733 -1.39 ppm and 0.37 - 0.716 ppm respictively . Generally, the highest heavy metal concentration was recorded in Iraqi house breading chicken. While the lowest concentrations of almost all measured heavy metal in Iraqi Farm breed in chickens.

Ecological and health risk assessment of heavy metals in interior dust from college campus.

Contamination of college campus dust with heavy metals and the calculation of their ecological and health risks to the students and staff did not receive much attention except in recent years. This study aims to assess the ecological and human health risks of Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb, and Zn in interior dust of College of Science/University campus. An atomic absorption spectrophotometer was utilized to estimate the samples that were collected from 46 locations of the college campus including: classrooms, offices, and laboratories. The Pb, Cu, Cr and Zn metals in the interior dust of the College of Science pose low potential ecological risk, whereas Cd generates medium potential ecological risk. The gained results showed that the student and staff of the College are exposed to low non-cancerous health risks (HI < 1) caused by Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb, and Zn in interior dust. The total lifetime carcinogenic risks (TLCR) of Cd, Cr, and Pb are within the acceptable safe limit (10-6-10-4). The low non-carcinogenic health risks of Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb, and Zn and that the carcinogenic health risks of Cd, Cr and Pb fall within acceptable safe limits, measured in the interior dust of the campus of the College of Science, does not mean neglecting the continuous assessment of those risks.

Assessment of heavy metal levels in polyculture fish farms and their aquatic ecosystems: an integrative study addressing environmental and human health risks associated with dam water usage.

This study examines the levels of heavy metals in polyculture fish (Labeo rohita, Cyprinus carpio, and Catla catla), water, and sediment in Tanda Dam, Kohat, Pakistan, aiming to understand environmental and health risks. Samples of fish, water, and sediment were collected from 3 fish farms, and heavy metal concentrations were measured using a Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). Results reveal that C. catla exhibited significantly higher (p < 0.05) levels of Zn than other fish species. Conversely, C. carpio showed significantly higher (p < 0.05) concentrations of Pb, Cd, Cr, Mn, Cu, As, and Ni than other species. The heavy metal hierarchy in C. carpio was found to be Zn > Cu > Pb > Cr > Cd > Mn > As > Ni. While heavy metal levels in L. rohita and C. catla generally fell within reference ranges, exceptions were noted for Zn, Pb, and Cd. Conversely, in C. carpio, all metals exceeded reference ranges except for Cu and Ni. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) indicated a close relationship between water and sediment. Additionally, cluster analysis suggested that C. catla formed a distinct cluster from L. rohita and C. carpio, implying different responses to the environment. Despite concerns raised by the Geoaccumulation Index (Igeo) and Contamination Factor (CF), particularly for Cd, which exhibited a high CF. Furthermore, Hazard Index (HI) values for all three fish species were below 1, suggesting low health risks. However, elevated Igeo and CF values for Cd suggest significant pollution originating from anthropogenic sources. This study underscores the importance of monitoring heavy metals in water for both environmental preservation and human health protection. Future research efforts should prioritize pollution control measures to ensure ecosystem and public health safety.

Sequential Fractionation of Heavy Metals from Flooded and Non-Flooded Soils in Obunagha Community, Bayelsa State, Nigeria

Soil samples from flooded and non-flooded areas of different farmlands in Obunagha community, Bayelsa State were collected for this study. The aim of the study was to investigate the chemical fractionation and bioavailability of Cr, Cd, Zn, Ni, &amp; Fe in flooded and non-flooded farmlands. The soil samples were fractionated into six chemical fractions, each containing different heavy metal concentrations and analyzed using flame atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The highest average concentration for Cadmium (Cd) is 1.50g/kg, Zinc (Zn) is 7.53g/kg, Nickel (Ni) is 10.54g/kg, Iron (Fe) is 9.52g/kg, and Chromium (Cr) is 12.62g/kg all from the flooded areas of the farmlands. Sequential extraction showed heavy metals distributed throughout all extraction steps, with the water-soluble fraction prevailing, potentially increasing the mobility and bioavailability of these metals. The %bioavailability ranged from 37.98% – 90.00%. The results indicated also that the average concentration of the metals in flood affected farmland were more than the non-flooded areas. The results indicated that floods affect farmland metal content by altering contaminant bioavailability, causing adverse environmental effects. Also, the results of the heavy metals analyses revealed that the levels of nickel, zinc, chromium, cadmium and iron in all the farmland soil samples are above the maximum allowable concentration for heavy metals in soil set by WHO Guidelines provided. Hence, the farmland soils are not safe for agricultural activities. We therefore, recommend regular monitoring of the soils to prevent excessive build-up of these toxic heavy metals.

Assessment of Heavy Metals Using the Enrichment Factor and Geoaccumulation Index in Menjer Lake, a Tropical Volcanic Lake

Lakes are recognized as vulnerable to pollution, including Menjer Lake, whose catchment area is dominated by agricultural lands and features floating net cages in the water body. The heightened contamination risk within the lake primarily stems from the accumulation of heavy metals, compounds known for their profound toxicity. The high-level concentration of heavy metal in sediment aligns with the level of water toxicity, underscoring the urgent need for thorough assessment and monitoring. The research focused on assessing heavy metal concentration and distribution through spatial analysis. Toxicity levels were evaluated using the enrichment factor (EF) and Geoaccumulation Index (Igeo). This study collected eight samples each during the rainy season of 2022 and 2023. The heavy metals were tested using an Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS), including Pb, Cd, Cr, Fe, Al, and Cu. Comparatively, the mean concentration of heavy metals in 2023 was slightly higher for Fe and Al than in 2022. Moreover, Cd was not detected in either 2022 or 2023. The variety of land use and land cover has consequences on the spatial distribution of toxicity levels, showing an influential correlation between Al, Pb, and Fe metals with locations associated with cropland and floating net cages. Additionally, highly steep slopes significantly affected erosions that induced sediment from agricultural land use, further underscoring the multifaceted nature of environmental risk factors.

Assessment of Heavy Metals Using the Enrichment Factor and Geoaccumulation Index in Menjer Lake, a Tropical Volcanic Lake

Lakes are recognized as vulnerable to pollution, including Menjer Lake, whose catchment area is dominated by agricultural lands and features floating net cages in the water body. The heightened contamination risk within the lake primarily stems from the accumulation of heavy metals, compounds known for their profound toxicity. The high-level concentration of heavy metal in sediment aligns with the level of water toxicity, underscoring the urgent need for thorough assessment and monitoring. The research focused on assessing heavy metal concentration and distribution through spatial analysis. Toxicity levels were evaluated using the enrichment factor (EF) and Geoaccumulation Index (Igeo). This study collected eight samples each during the rainy season of 2022 and 2023. The heavy metals were tested using an Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS), including Pb, Cd, Cr, Fe, Al, and Cu. Comparatively, the mean concentration of heavy metals in 2023 was slightly higher for Fe and Al than in 2022. Moreover, Cd was not detected in either 2022 or 2023. The variety of land use and land cover has consequences on the spatial distribution of toxicity levels, showing an influential correlation between Al, Pb, and Fe metals with locations associated with cropland and floating net cages. Additionally, highly steep slopes significantly affected erosions that induced sediment from agricultural land use, further underscoring the multifaceted nature of environmental risk factors.

Heavy metals concentrations of traditional herbs consumed in Northwestern zone of Nigeria and associated health risks on humans

Herbal drugs have gained much popularity as alternative medicine among residents of the northern part of Nigeria, taking advantage of abundant medicinal plants in the region. This study therefore investigated the levels of some selected heavy metals (Cd, Hg, Ni, Pb and Zn) in five identified herbal drugs sold in Andaza town, Kiyawa local Government area of Jigawa State. Preparation of the samples was done using a wet digestion method with HNO3 and HCl as digestion acids and the metals were determined using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS). The health risk assessment (HRA) for adults and children was done by using the estimated daily intake (EDI), target hazard quotient (THQ), hazard index (HI) and target cancer risk (TCR). The concentrations of heavy metals on dry weight (dw) basis in this study fell within the range (mg/kg dw, mean±SD)): Cd (0.156-0.312, 0.221±0.065), Hg (8.58-16.7, 12.7±3.78), Ni (0.960-2.74, 1.67±0.698), Zn (4.26-10.1, 6.17±2.34) and Pb (0.876-1.91). Pb was not detected in two out of the five samples and therefore the mean±SD of Pb was not computed. A comparison of the results with the World Health Organisation (WHO) maximum permissible limit showed that Hg levels were far above the permissible limit in all the samples; two samples had Cd values above the maximum limit. The concentrations of Ni, Zn and Pb in all the samples were within the recommended levels of WHO. Results of HRA showed that THQ were less than 1 in the analyzed metals except for Hg with relatively high values in both adults (70 kg body weight) and children (24 kg body weight) categories and this may pose a potential health risk to consumers. Results of the percentage non-carcinogenic risk (NCR) of each metal showed that Hg contributed more than 95% to HI (the overall NCR) in each sample. TCR of Pb indicates moderate to high cancer risk whereas, that of CD showed high to very high cancer risk if the samples are consumed for a long period of time. It is therefore important that consumption of these medicines should be monitored and regulated in order for consumers to avoid future health challenges.

Phytoextraction of Some Selected Heavy Metals in Contaminated Soil by Arabian Jasmine (Jasminum sambac)

Heavy metal contamination in soil is a significant environmental and health concern. This study investigates the potential of Arabian jasmine (Jasminum sambac) for phytoremediation of heavy metals in soil. The plants were grown in pots using soil samples collected from contaminated dumpsite soils of Dana Steel Limited in Katsina Metropolis; their ability to accumulate and remove heavy metals was assessed. An atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS) was used to measure the concentrations of metals in plants and soil. The statistical analysis of the data obtained was carried out using a t-test. The amounts of the metals under study in the polluted soil before planting were found to be higher than the values from the control soil: Cu (6.49±1.88 mg/kg), Ni (2.67±1.09 mg/kg), Cd (0.20±0.08 mg/kg), Pb (17.57±7.39 mg/kg), Zn (1.63±0.03 mg/kg), and Cr (8.01±2.68 mg/kg). The Bioaccumulation factor for Jasminum sambac was less than one (BAF&lt;1) for all the studied heavy metals: Cu (0.10), Ni (0.32), Cd (0.87), Pb (0.30), Zn (0.02) and Cr (0.30), indicating a low bioaccumulation capacity. However, the transfer factor for Jasminum sambac was greater than 1 (TF&gt;1) in Cu (3.35), Pb (3.00) and Cr (1.97), suggesting that the transfer rate of these heavy metals from soil into the plant's tissues was higher. These findings suggest that using this plant in phytoremediation can be a viable and sustainable approach to reducing heavy metals contamination in soil, thereby offering a potential solution to a significant environmental problem.

The Effects of Air Abrasive Polishing on the Release of Iron Ions from Various Orthodontic Arch Wires (Stainless Steel and Nickel Titanium)

Orthodontic treatment with has been increasingly demanded. However, when using fixed appliances for orthodontic treatment, oral hygiene is compromised, and there is a higher chance of developing dental stains, plaque-related diseases, and corrosion-related problems. Air abrasive polishing had a superior effect over the conventional method in removing dental deposits, however, its effect on corrosion process was not investigated thoroughly in details. This study designed to assess the effects of air polishing onion release and surface micromorphology of stainless steel and Nickel titanium arch wires. A total of 288 ( stainless-steel , coated stainless steel , Nickel titanium and coated Nickel titanium rectangular arch wires ) of one brand ( The Ultimate Wire) ™ From IOS (International Orthodontic Services, Stafford, USA), (0.016 * 0.022 ) were subjected to varying air abrasion polishing periods (5, 10, and 20 seconds), after which they were immersed in artificial saliva with a pH of 6.75 and incubated at 37°C for 28 days. Ion release was measured using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer at 7 days, 14 days, and 28 days. The cumulative effect was then calculated. After polishing the chosen sample, corrosion and surface changes were evaluated using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The significant difference between the analysed groups was found using an analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the LSD test, with a significance level of p 0.05. The results revealed that all types of arch wire showed a significant amount of release in the tested ions and the amounts of nickel and iron ions released was higher than chromium ion. Additionally, the longer the polishing time the higher the number of ions release that’s yields the level of significance, air abrasion polishing increased surface roughness and surface pits and crevices.It may be concluded that the air polishing method enhanced the amount of ion release to a subtoxic level and could be employed in adult patients with a lengthy time between visits.This study was performed to:1. Evaluate the effect of calcium carbonate airborne particles abrasion with different polishing times 5, 10 and 20 seconds on (Fe) ions release from orthodontic arch wires. 2. Assess the surface micromorphology of orthodontic arch wires after air polishing procedure.

Contribution of Hair Care Products in Heavy Metals Exposure in Pakistan

Products used for hair care by humans are essential for cleaning, protection, perfuming, and beautification. These are applied directly on the skin and can be a potential factor for dermal exposure to toxic metals. The present research deals with the assessment of heavy metals in the hair care products available in the local markets of Karachi, Pakistan. A total of 20 brands of shampoo and 05 brands of conditioners were collected in triplicate and analyzed for 10 heavy metals (Fe, Mn, Cr, Ni, Cu, Co, Pb, Cd, Zn, and Hg) by atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Toxic metals were found to be higher in conditioner than in shampoo of respective color and brand. Ni and Zn concentrations have exceeded the maximum permissible limits. Consumers belonging to the lower class are more vulnerable to heavy metals exposure because of the high metal content in low-cost products. These results suggested that hair care products should also be considered as one of the sources of heavy metals exposure.