Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometric Analysis Research Articles

Bioremediation potential of Brevibacillus parabrevis AMB‐CD‐2 in spinach under lead toxicity

AbstractThe present study was conducted to evaluate the impact of lead toxicity on the growth parameters of spinach and the performance of lead‐resistant bacterial isolates under lead stress conditions. Out of four bacterial isolates selected for this study, only two isolates AMB‐CD‐2 and AMB‐CD‐4 were selected based on their lead tolerance ability. A polybag experiment was conducted with six treatments and four replications in spinach. The treatments included T1 (RDF + control), T2 (lead acetate), T3 (AMB‐CD‐2 + lead), T4 (AMB‐CD‐4 + lead), T5 (AMB‐CD‐2), and T6 (AMB‐CD‐4). Results showed that lead contamination significantly decreased plant growth parameters, particularly in the treatment T2 (lead acetate) when compared with other treatments. Similarly, reduced uptake of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK) was recorded in T2. Inoculation with lead‐resistant bacteria, AMB‐CD‐2, significantly improved plant growth parameters (plant height, root fresh weight, shoot fresh weight, root dry weight, shoot dry weight, and root length). The uptake of NPK was higher in T5 (AMB‐CD‐2) in the absence of lead by approximately 0.81%, 0.37%, and 0.42% than in the control, respectively. Through atomic absorption spectrophotometer analysis, the lead concentration in treatment T2 (control) was about 3.20 mg/g while in treatment T3 (AMB‐CD‐2 + lead) it was about 1.32 ppm. The 16S rRNA gene sequencing revealed that AMB‐CD‐2 resembles Brevibacillus parabrevis. The results demonstrate that the lead‐resistant bacteria B. parabrevis AMB‐CD‐2 showed a significant lead reduction of approximately 58.75% compared to the control.

Evaluation of heavy metals in soil from automobile mechanic Village Dutse, Jigawa State, Nigeria

Soil contamination by heavy metals is a worldwide environmental problem. Some heavy metals pollutants are released from the activities in the auto-mechanic workshops and have various effects on human health as well as the environment. It is important to determine the presence and concentration level of the heavy metals in the soil. This research was aimed to determine the level of some selected heavy metals and physicochemical parameters of the soil sample. The soil samples were digested with nitric and hydrochloric acid and heavy metals were analyzed from digested samples using atomic absorption spectrometer (AAS). Results of the atomic absorption spectrophotometric (AAS) analysis of soil samples revealed that sample is contaminated with Ni, Zn, Mn, Fe and Cu with concentrations level (mg/kg) range between (0.75 - 5.55), (0.30 - 0.40), (1.00 -1.42) (0.80 - 1.30) and (0.05 - 0.60), respectively. Other metals such as As, Cd, Cr also contaminated the soil with concentrations (mg/kg) ranged between (0.12-0.76), (0.13-01.13) and (0.11-1.30), respectively. The results were compared with the standard set by National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA). The research concluded that the anthropogenic activities at auto-mobile workshops contaminate soil with heavy metals which may have a direct or indirect effect on human. Further studies should be conducted to ascertain the effects of those metals on human, plants, groundwater, and environment.

Iron Metal Ion Adsorption Capacity on Palm Oil Mill Effluent (POME) Using Montmorillonite Adsorbent

Palm oil mill effluent (POME) is the most produced waste among other types of waste, which is around 60% in every 100% processing of fresh fruit bunches containing heavy metals, namely ferrous metal (Fe). Montmorillonite (MMT) is one of the best adsorbents used to reduce the concentration of Fe in POME. In addition, this mineral (MMT) also has a high cation fertilization capacity so that the space between layers of MMT is able to accommodate large amounts of cations and make MMT a unique material. In this review, the assurance of the mass variety of the MMT as adsorbent and the variety of the contact time on the adsorption capacity of Fe metal in POME was resolved utilizing a Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS) and surface morphology analysis of MMT before and after adsorption using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). Based on the results of AAS analysis, the greater the mass of the adsorbent, the higher the amount of Fe adsorbed from the POME. Moreover, the longer the contact time between MMT and Fe, the higher the amount of Fe in the palm oil mill effluent adsorbed on the adsorbent surface. The best adsorption conditions occurred at an adsorbent mass of 8.5 g MMT in 50 mL adsorbate and a contact time of 5 hours with an adsorption capacity of 0.0383 mg/g. The results of the SEM showed the presence of empty spaces in the MMT before adsorption, in which after adsorption white granules occupies the empty spaces evenly on the surface of the MMT. The granules indicate the presence of Fe metals in the POME samples which are adsorbed on the MMT surface.

Cadmium geochemistry and groundwater pollution status evaluation using indexing and spatial analysis for Keffe community and Environs Sokoto Basin, North Western Nigeria

Representative groundwater samples were collected from the Kaffe community and environs to evaluate the concentrations and geochemical constraints for mobilizing cadmium (Cd) and selected heavy metals. Field-based in-situ measurements of physicochemical parameters were combined with Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer analysis of dissolved elemental concentrations. Pollution indices (i.e. heavy metal pollution index; HPI, heavy metal evaluation index; HEI, contamination degree; Cd, metal index; MI, synthetic pollution index; SPI, ecological risk index; ERI and Nemerow index; NI) evaluations highlighted the levels of heavy metals in the groundwater. Cadmium and iron (Fe) concentrations exceeded the recommended limits in 97% of the analysed samples, with an average pH of 6.3. Strong positive correlations were observed between cadmium and the computed pollution indices (p 0.774 to p 0.100), suggesting significant Cd pollution of the groundwater. Components analysis grouped Cd, Fe, and the pollution indices in the first PC. This was favourably compared to the correlation analysis result. Cluster analysis categorized Cd, Zn and pH in the first cluster consistent with the suggested dissolution and enrichment of Cd and Zn in the groundwater under similar geochemical conditions. The study area is medium and moderately polluted based on HPI, HEI, Cd, and NI.

Development of A Hybrid Method by Integrating Electrocoagulation Countinous System with Activated Charcoal Adsorption to Treat Sago Wastewater

Wastewater from the sago industry can pose a risk of pollution because it contains chemicals such as high organic matter content, fiber, 4% unextracted starch, nitrogen solution, and cyanoglucoside which are difficult to degrade in the environment. Sago wastewater is generally acidic, has foul smells, and has a high solids concentration. In this study, a hybrid method using electrocoagulation continuous system and activated carbon adsorption was developed to decrease organic and inorganic contaminates which considered importand environmental concern. These two methods have the advantages of simple equipment, easy operation, low efficiency, and short reaction time. The flow rate will affect the pause time of the sample in the reactor. The longer the pause time, feeding will lead to an increase in the level of turbidity that can be lowered. Industrial wastewater variations in the initial analysis then carried out the electrocoagulation process in a continuous system with a container capacity of 1680 mL with an electrode distance of 2 cm, a voltage of 18 volts, and wastewater into a container with a flow rate of 1 mL/, 2 mL/second, 3 mL/ sec, 4 mL/sec, and 5 mL/sec. In addition, the waste is directly into a container containing charcoal. The parameters studied were COD, BOD, TSS, TDS, KMnO4, DO, pH, DHL, and Al concentration analysis with Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer, odor, and color analysis. The maximum removal efficiency for TDS, TSS. COD, BOD, TDS, KMnO4 were 81.16%, 87.58%, 91.32%, 48.66%, 99.07%, for a flow rate of 1 mL/second, also other parameters also met have met the quality standards set by PerMenLH No. 5.

Comparative Analysis on the Calcium Concentration of Conventional over Probiotic Based Pearl Millet Foods by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometric Analysis.

Comparative Analysis on the Calcium Concentration of Conventional over Probiotic Based Pearl Millet Foods by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometric Analysis.

DETERMINATION OF Cu, Fe AND Zn IN SILYBUM MARIANUM SEEDS AFTER DIGESTED USING MICROWAVE OVEN BY FAAS

This study, the concentrations of necessary trace and microelements like Cu, Fe and Zn were determined in the Silybum marianum seeds used to medicine purpose for many years. For this intention, the digestion procedure based on closed vessel-assisted microwave oven (MW) was determined a rapid, reliable, and simple digestion method for the flame atomic absorption spectrophotometric (FAAS) analysis of herbal plant. Various periods for different powers and acid mixture of the MW were examined. The obtained data show that the MW is an excellent method because it is fast and results in fewer losses and contaminants. The metal concentrations were of Fe>Cu>Zn for herbal seed, respectively.

Attentive Evaluation of Trace Elements in Patients with Breast Cancer-A Cross Sectional Study of Nawabshah, Sindh, Pakistan

Background: Breast cancer has recently become one of the most obsessing and life threatening issues in the world. Globally, females suffered mostly by breast cancer. Breast cancer is multifactorial etiological disorder. Trace elements are acts as cofactors and biological catalyst. They play a very essential role in the metabolic pathways.
 Methods: A cross sectional study with two hundred (200) subjects and divided into two groups. 50 females were normal healthy as a control while 150 females were patient with breast cancer. Blood was collected from all participant after taking history, clinical data, mammographic and histopathological findings. Consent and predesign porforma were filled by all participants of study. The trace elements (Na, K, Zn, Fe, Ca) were determined through atomic absorption spectrophotometer (ASS) and other biochemical analysis such as Total Protein, serum albumin and Total cholesterol were analyzed on Micro Lab.300. Data was entered on SPSS 22.0 version, and applied student t-test for continuous variables. Results were analyzed as Mean and standard deviation.
 Results: The results of serum Na+, K+, Ca++, Zn++, Cu++ and Fe in breast cancer patient were observed and found significantly fluctuated in breast cancer patients as compared to normal healthy subjects. Serum Total Protein significantly increased whereas serum Albumin decreased in patient with breast cancer.
 Conclusions: in Present study we found significantly abnormal concentration of Na+, K+, Ca++, Zn++, Cu++ and Fe in breast cancer these elements may contribute in early diagnosis of breast cancer. Increased body weight and total cholesterol are also risk factors of Ca breast.

Trace Mineral, Qualitative Phytochemical Composition and Antidiabetic Effect of Ethanol Extract of Citrullus lanatus Seeds on Diabetic Rats

The trace mineral concentration, phytochemical composition and antidiabetic effect of the ethanol extract of C. lanatus seeds were carried out using standard methods. The preclinical experimental model was 120 mgkg-1 b.w. (via intraperitoneal) Alloxan induced diabetic rat model, with ethanol extract of C. lanatus seeds administered orally at 500mgkg-1 b.w. Qualitative phytochemical screening showed presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, cardiac glycosides, steroids/triterpenoids, tannins, carbohydrates and oils. Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometric analysis revealed that iron had the highest value (8.31mgkg-1), followed by zinc (5.78 mgkg-1), then manganese (4.28 mgkg-1). Selenium concentration was appreciable (0.85 mgkg-1). Ethanol extract of C. lanatus seeds significantly (p < 0.05), dose and time dependently reduced blood glucose level, increased body weights of rats and had positive effect on organ weights and organ volume. The results in this study showed that Citrullus lanatus seeds are rich in zinc, selenium, manganese, iron, alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, cardiac glycosides, steroids/triterpenoids, and tannins. They may therefore serve as good sources of these trace mineral nutrients and bio actives for nutritional and medicinal purposes relating to diabetes management.

Development of Ag decorated Au core-shell nanospheres for the detection of Cr(III) from environmental sample

Trivalent chromium ions are the abundant toxic metal, released to environment by various industrial effluent discharges. A sensitive and specific SPR technique for Cr(III) detection in trace levels from aqueous sample was developed in the present study. Here, Ag decorated Au nanoparticles (NPs) was functionalized with citrate by chemical-reduction technique. The Ag–Au NPs probe was analyzed via UV–visible spectrophotometer, TEM, EDAX, FTIR, DLS, and zetasizer. The Ag–Au NPs zeta potential was −36.66 mV and the particle size was 19 nm. The developed probe shown drastic variation in colour from dark pink to colourless with response time of 60 s after the interaction with Cr(III) ions. The absorbance at A526 showed good linearity with Cr(III) concentrations (10 nM - 100 µM). The LOD of Ag–Au NPs probe for Cr(III) detection was found to be 0.4 nM. The Ag–Au NPs sensor showed high specificity towards Cr(III) ions even in presence with competitive metal ions. In acidic pH and at temperature range of 25–50 °C the probe worked effectively. At last, the fabricated probe was applied for Cr(III) ion estimation in Cr(III) augmented environmental samples and the detection accuracy was determined by comparing with atomic absorption spectrophotometric analysis. Thus, the reported suggest that Ag–Au NPs could be applied for the selective detection of Cr(III) from environmental samples with excellent accuracy.

Transportation of Chromium (VI) to Bombyx mori L. from mulberry Plant (Morus alba L.) grown at soil irrigated with Chromium (VI) containing effluents

The research was conducted to determine Chromium (VI) toxicity in population Bombyx mori. The synthetic wastewater used to irrigate soil to evaluate the impact of pH (4 to 8) at 100 mg/L and initial Chromium (VI) concentrations (25 mg/L to 300 mg/L) at 5 pH in its bioaccumulation in B. mori foodchain. By using atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS) analysis the amount of Chromium (VI) determined in soil, mulberry plants, B. mori larvae, silk glands and silkworm feces. The results showed that local cobalt pollution can be indicated by using B. mori as a template as its body length, body weight and the mortality rate were found to be strongly related to Chromium (VI) concentration. Higher the Chromium (VI) amount in mulberry leaves causes more toxicity to B. mori population. At 300 mg/L Cr (VI) concentration and pH 4 there was maximum deposition of Chromium (VI) in soil, mulberry plants, B. mori larvae, faeces and silk glands from the synthetic effluent. The maximum deposition was 123.5±0.03 mg/kg, 89.76±.031 mg/kg, 23.31±0.019 mg/kg, 41.32±0.069 mg/kg and 35.67±0.04 mg/kg observed respectively.

Proximate Analysis and Mineral Content Determination of Traditionally Processed Locust Bean (Parkia biglobosa) Fruit Pulp for Possible Industrial Application

This study examined the nutritional properties and industrial application of African locust bean properly known as Iru in southwest Nigeria. Locust bean was processed into food condiment which is used as a spice that gives an African meal a pleasant flavor. The production process of locust bean includes boiling for 12 hours, soaking the seeds in water, de-hulling, boiling for another 6 hours and ferment for 4 days. Proximate analysis and mineral content of the African locust bean (Parkia biglobosa) fruit pulp was determined using standard methods Association of Analytical Communities (AOAC) (1995). The results showed that African locust bean contain 42.8% Moisture, 37.34% Protein, 24.21% Fiber, 0.9% Fat, 3.55% Ash, and 17.0% Carbohydrate using proximate Analysis. The Mineral elements present are Calcium 9.01 mg/100 g, Potassium 20.5 mg/100 g, Magnesium 35.00 mg/100 g, Iron 3.31 mg/100 g, Phosphorus 73.00 mg/100 g with the use of Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer Analysis technique. With the values gotten for the nutritional and mineral analysis of African locust bean, it should therefore be substituted for Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) used industrially for the production of various magi and flavorings which are not nutritive but are carcinogenic chemicals while locust bean has no health side effect. The food industry should package the locust bean in a way which would make the condiment much more attractive to its consumer and non-consumers because is faced with packaging problem.

Health risk assessment and heavy metal bioaccumulation in vegetables irrigated with waste water in Kano State, Nigeria

Intake of vegetables grown in heavy metals contaminated soils is one of the most common food chain routes for exposure of human. For this purpose, this research aimed at evaluating the concentration of heavy metals (cadmium-Cd, lead-Pb and zinc-Zn) in vegetables such as spinach (S), lettuce (L), and onion (O), irrigated with two different wastewater sources in Kano State Nigeria. Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometric analysis (AAS) was used in this research to determine the metal levels. Zn (0.17-0.12 mg/l) was detected in the wastewater, as well as in the irrigated soil (8.36-33.64 mg/kg), while Cd and Pb were not detected in both the wastewater and irrigated soils. Furthermore, between (1.50-27.05 mg/kg) of Zn was detected in the assayed vegetables (S, L and O). However, there was no significant difference (p<0.05) between the Zn content of the two wastewater sites. Lactuca sativa was observed to have the highest Zn concentration (27.5 mg/kg) in site A, while Spinacia oleracea had the lowest Zn concentration (1.5 mg/kg). Zn levels in all the samples analysed in this study were below the permissible limit of 100 mg/kg in vegetables, 50 mg/kg in soil and 5mg/l in wastewater set by FAO/WHO. However, Pb and Cd were not detected in all the samples. Bioaccumulation factor was found ranging from 0.32-41.17 mg/kg and the pollution index ranged from (0.46-1.80 µg g-1). This indicated potential health risk from Zn in people who are consuming these vegetables for long period of time due to biomagnification. This research suggested that frequent test should be carried out to monitor the accumulation and, farmers should be sensitized on the importance of treating irrigation water before agricultural usage.

Analysis of Heavy Metals in Soils around a Scrap Metal Recycling Company in Ile-Ife, Osun State, Southwestern Nigeria

Contamination of soils by heavy metals has severely increased over the last few decades due to industrial wastes and human activities. Contaminated soils can constitute sources of health hazard to humans globally. However, there is paucity of information on the level of heavy metal concentration in the study area. This study therefore made a pioneering effort in investigating the concentration of selected heavy metals (Cd, Cu, Pb, Zn and Fe) in soils around a scrap metal recycling company in Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria. Thirty soil samples and solid wastes were collected from four sides of the scrap metal recycling company. The samples were air-dried, digested using standard method and analyzed for the selected heavy metals using a flame atomic absorption spectrometer. Results of the Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometric (AAS) analysis revealed that for heavy metals, the concentrations in the soils were below the background levels and permissible limits recommended for soils in some countries. The value of the mean concentration of the analyzed heavy metals in the soils around the scrap metal recycling company ranged from 0.0040 – 0.0140 mg/kg for Cd, 0.061 – 0.108 mg/kg for Fe, 0.037 – 0.047 mg/kg for Cu, 0.003 – 0.0064 mg/kg for Pb and 0.019 – 0.121 mg/kg for Zn. The results from the study indicated that the concentrations of heavy metals around the scrap metal recycling company did not appear to be of serious concern. The concentrations of all the heavy metals were below the background level proposed by the World Health Organization (WHO) residential soil standards.

Preliminary Study of Heavy Metals in Low-Cost Jewelry Items Available in Nigerian Markets.

Background.Many developing countries either lack or have weakly enforced regulations on imported goods. A high percentage of low-cost jewelry items in Nigeria are imported from abroad. There is concern about the levels of heavy metals present in these products.Objectives.The present study examined the levels of lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr) and nickel (Ni) in inexpensive jewelry purchased from retail wholesale shops in Ibadan metropolis, southwestern Nigeria.Methods.One hundred (100) assorted jewelry items were digested in dilute nitric acid solution followed by atomic absorption spectrophotometric analysis.Results.Out of the total number of jewelry items analyzed, 12% of them had Pb concentrations above European Union (EU) safety limits. Also, 63%, 42% and 62% of items had Cd, Cr and Ni average concentrations above their EU limits. Notably, 3%, 27% and 8% of the items had Pb, Cd and Cr concentrations over 103 times above their EU limits Overall, Cd showed the highest average level in rings (256,952 mg/kg) followed by bracelets (60,627 mg/kg) and earrings (54,388 mg/kg). All metals in solid bangles were within their EU guidelines.Conclusions.Given the significant deleterious impacts of these metals on human health, low-cost jewelry poses a serious potential threat to users' health. Policies to guarantee the safety of low-cost jewelry items must be established and enforced.Competing Interests.The authors declare no competing financial interests.

A potent multifunctional MnS/Ag-polyvinylpyrrolidone nanocomposite for enhanced detection of Hg2+ from aqueous samples and its photocatalytic and antibacterial applications.

The development of nanotechnology for hazardous heavy metal detection with nanoparticles (NPs) created an interest for the preparation of MnS/Ag nanocomposite. Here, MnS/Ag-polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) nanocomposite was developed for the detection of mercury. The prepared composite was analyzed using particle size analyzer, X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), Ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) spectroscopy, zetasizer, high resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The λmax of MnS/Ag-PVP nanocomposite was observed at 404nm. The particle size was determined to be 21±1.7nm and the surface charge was -31.19±3mV. The brownish yellow colour of the nanocomposite changed into colourless when Hg2+ was added. The different metal ions present with the analyte did not show any interference on detection of Hg2+. The MnS/Ag-PVP nanocomposite incorporated paper and gel exhibited visual detection of Hg2+ from aqueous sample. There was an excellent linearity (y=-0.0015x+0.8744) found in plot of 20 to 100nM Hg2+ concentrations versus absorbance at 404nm and the LOD was calculated to be 16nM. The probe was applied to quantify Hg2+ from spiked environmental sample and the results were further confirmed with atomic absorption spectrophotometric analysis. Hence, the investigation suggests that the present probe could efficiently detect and quantify Hg2+ at nano molar level. In addition, the study suggests that MnS/Ag-PVP nanocomposite exhibit multifunctional property including efficient photocatalytic and antimicrobial activity. The antibacterial activity was evaluated against both gram positive and gram negative bacteria.

Heavy metal (As, Cd, and Pb) concentration in selected leafy vegetables from Jengka, Malaysia, and potential health risks

This study determines the toxic heavy metal (As, Cd, Pb) concentrations in selected leafy vegetables (pak choi, amaranth, and caisim) that were collected from an agricultural area in Jengka, Pahang, Malaysia. A potential health risk via the ingestion pathway is also evaluated. A graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometer (GFAAS) analysis was applied to determine metal concentration. Heavy metal concentrations for leafy vegetables ranged between 0.03 and 0.05 mg/kg for lead (Pb), followed by 0.19–0.43 mg/kg for arsenic (As) and 0.15–0.54 mg/kg for cadmium (Cd). Cd is likely to be accumulated and absorbed more than arsenic (As) and Pb based on the bioconcentration factor (BCF). Cluster analysis (CA) and principal component analysis (PCA) suggested the metal origin is anthropogenic (the agricultural activities). Target hazard quotient (THQ) value below unity ( 1 × 10–4) possibly will pose a health risk to consumers. This study suggested leafy vegetable intake from this area poses some degree of potential health hazards to the consumer. Therefore, a comprehensive investigation such as bioavailability metal form analysis to obtain a more accurate risk assessment is needed.

Preparation of Ag-cellulose nanocomposite for the selective detection and quantification of mercury at nanomolar level and the evaluation of its photocatalytic performance

Mercury is a toxic heavy metal that reaches to the water bodies mainly by coal burning, mining and petrol refining. The study was focused to investigate the application of Ag-cellulose nanocomposite to detect and quantify mercury colorimetrically. The Ag-cellulose nanocomposite was characterized by X-ray diffraction, Transmission electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, UV–visible spectroscopy, particle size analyzer and zetasizer. The study identified that the presence of other metal ions did not interfere with the detection of Hg2+ ion by the probe. The prepared Ag-cellulose nanocomposite-phenylalanine conjugate incorporated paper strip showed an excellent result in Hg2+ detection. The Ag-cellulose nanocomposite was used to quantify the unknown concentration of mercury on real sample (environmental sample) and it was found to be highly accurate by confirming with atomic absorption spectrophotometric analysis. The Ag-cellulose nanocomposite showed effective detection at 45 °C, pH 9 and 0.1% of salinity. The Ag-cellulose nanocomposite showed efficient photocatalytic performance under visible light irradiation. The half-life period of MB by Ag-cellulose nanocomposite under visible light was determined to be 90 min. The study suggests the application of prepared probe in photocatalysis and the detection of Hg2+ from various environmental samples.

Determination of mercury in cosmetics on electropolymerized film-modified electrodes

Electropolymerized film-electrodes modified with a film consisting of N-ethyl-N-(p-hydroxyphenethyl) amine, tyramine and tri-n-octylphosphine oxide, in a 0.5% Nafion or 0.02% poly(vinyl chloride) matrix were used for an anodic stripping determination of mercury in cosmetics. The most important parameters include thickness of the modifying film, the modifier-to-matrix ratio in the modifying film and the base electrolyte composition. These parameters were investigated in this study. Comparison with results obtained from atomic absorption spectrophotometric analysis (AAS) showed good agreement.

Investigation on four heavy metal constituents of commercial restorative Chinese medicines

This study undertook the analysis of Cd, Cr, Mn, and Pb constituents in the various forms of five restorative preparations from ten GMP Chinese medicine laboratories. Collected samples of the commercial drugs were digested with HNO3-HClO4 in the presence of microwaving, followed by atomic absorption spectrophotometric analysis the results showed higher levels in the Mn content (27.9 ± 19.8 ppm) than Cr (2.86 ± 2.04 ppm), Pb (0.247 ± 0.578 ppm), and Cd (0.157 ± 0.167 ppm), based on the dry weight of the samples. The variation of heavy metal contents between laboratories, prescriptions, prescribed doses, and lot numbers may be attributed to the differences in the origin of raw materials as well as the additives used in the processing procedure. Comparison between prescriptions exhibited higher heavy metal contents (53.6 ± 24.7 ppm, the sum of Cd, Cr, Mn and Pb) in Kim-So-Ku-Gien-Wan. For purposes of safety and quality in Chinese drugs,it is necessary to confine individual heavy metal content on the basis of potential toxicity.