Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometric Technique Research Articles

Investigation of macro and micro-nutrients in selected medicinal plants

Heavy metals contents including Fe, Zn, Ni, Cr, Pb, Cu, Cd and Ag and inorganic constituents like HCO3-, CO3-2, Ca+2, Mg+2, Cl-, Na+, K+, SO4-2, NO3-, Fe+2 and F- are quantitatively determined in Citrolus colocynthis, Opuntia monocantha, Gallium apparine, Foeniculum vulgare, Equisetum arvensis, Hypericum perforatum, Carthamus lanatus and Cichorium intybus collected from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are of Pakistan using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer techniques. The study showed that the level of Fe was found very high as compared to Zn and Ag. In case of the inorganic constituents, the level of the components was found high except florid and potassium with very low concentration. All the parameters were found below the maximum permissible level. These results obtained from the current study are of particular importance by providing a scientific data base which will be very helpful for pharmaceutical consumption and for the local practitioners using these herbs for different types of ailments. Key words: Medicinal plants, inorganic constituents, heavy metals, atomic absorption spectrophotometer.

FORMULA ESTABLISHMENT OF COLORLESS Pb(II) COMPLEX WITH N-BENZOYL-N-PHENYL HYDROXYLAMINE (BPA) USING ATOMIC ABSORPTION SPECTROSCOPY

A new method for determination of stoichiometry of colorless complexes by using atomic absorption spectrophotometric technique in continuous variation method and slope ratio method was described here. This method can be used in same manner as that of mole ratio method and slope ratio method. In this method atomic absorption spectroscopy was used instead of UV-Vis spectrophotometry. Atomic absorption spectrophotometric technique is superior to UV-Vis spectrophotometry as it can be applied to colorless soluble complexes. Pb(II) and n-benzoyl-n-phenyl hydroxylamine react to form colorless complex at pH 6.5, which can be easily determined by this method. It was found that Pb(II) forms 1:2 complex with n-benzoyl-n-phenyl hydroxylamine and is quantitatively extracted back to aqueous solution for AAS analysis.

Analysis of Heavy Metals in Human Hair Using Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS)

Hair samples of individual were analysed for heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Pb and As) across gender and various occupational distributions by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometric technique (AAS). The results of replicate analysis shows the following mean concentrations (mg/kg): Cd = 27.8 ± 8.0, Cr = 2.70 ± 0.7, Pb = 73.8 ± 42.3 and As = 222 ± 34.1. The coefficients of variation for the total distribution is; Cd = 28%, Cr = 26%, Pb = 57% and As = 15%. The distribution of the metals follows the series in decreasing order of As ＞ Pb ＞ Cd ＞ Cr, while their coefficients of variation is in the order of Pb ＞ Cd ＞Cr ＞ As. The result shows the presence of all the metals in relatively large amounts with As having the highest concentration between the two genders. The difference between male and female concentration could be due to individual differences in exposure to heavy metal load as a result of habitual or environmental factors.

Assessment of Trace Metals Pollution in Auto-Mechanic Workshop in Some Selected Local Government Area of Benue State, Nigeria

The determination of Cd, Co, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn in soils within motor parks in some selected Local Government Areas of Benue state were carried out with Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometric technique. The method developed by the United State Environmental Protection Agency for (total sobbed) heavy metals in soils, sediments and sludges was used in the preparation of the soil samples for the determination of total metal content in this study. Generally, the ranges and mean concentrations (ug/g) of metals in auto-mechanical workshop soils were 5.00 - 5.93 (5.47 ± 0.29), 2.07 - 2.93 (2.44 ± 0.28), 204.33 - 273.83 (240.29 ± 23.04), 402.00 - 486.67 (436.91 ± 35.53), 17.87 - 22.23 (19.23 ± 1.02), 513.00 - 582.00 (567.52 ± 19.35) and 106.67 - 138.33 (119.02 ± 8.77) for Cd, Co, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn respectively. The enrichment factors obtained for Cd, Co, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn in auto-mechanical workshops were 19.54, 1.80, 29.63, 3.03, 1.80, 172.50 and 12.45 respectively. The inter-element correlation was found among metals in the soils of auto-mechanical workshops using Pearson's correlation co-efficient. There were positive correlations among the metals determined. Metals such as Pb, Cd, Cu and Zn show high degree of contamination, while Co, Mn and Ni shows low degree of contamination in the study sites.

English

Heavy metals such as Cr, Fe, Zn, Mn, Ni, Pb, Cu and Cd, and inorganic ions like HCO3-, CO3 2-, Ca2+, Mg2+, Cl-, Na+, SO42-, NO3-, Fe2+ and F- were investigated in medicinally important plants: Taraxacam officinale, Cichorium intybus andFigonia critica, applying atomic absorption spectrophotometer techniques. In the studied herbs, there were variable amounts of heavy metals and inorganic ions. The purpose of this study was to standardize heavy metals contamination in various indigenous medicinal plants and to create awareness among the public regarding its safe use at collection areas (containing high level of heavy metals) and their adverse health effects.   Key words: Medicinal plants, inorganic constituents, heavy metals, atomic absorption spectrophotometer.

Atomic absorption spectrophotometric determination of selenium concentrations in hair and nails of residents in Wassa West District of Ghana

Human hair and nail samples collected from the subjects of Wassa West District were analysed for the levels of selenium using atomic absorption spectrophotometric technique. Selenium levels in hair ranged from (0.50- 1.53) ig/g with a mean of 0.94 ± 0.21 ig/g. Levels in control subjects ranged from (0.74 - 0.8) ig/g with a me-an of 0.82 ± 0.03 ig/g. Significant differences existed between the levels of Se in the field subjects and control subjects (p = 0.003 0.05). The measurement precis-ion specified by the relative standard deviation was within ± 4 %, while the accuracy of determination evaluated by analysing certified standard human hair reference material GBW 09101 was within ± 5 % of the certified value.

Environmental Risk Assessment in Baghdad City by Determination of Lead Level in Soil Samples

:The concentration of lead has been determined in different sites of Baghdad during summer season 2008.Analysis was carried out using flame atomic absorption spectrophotometer technique (FAAST) at wavelength 217 nm and air-acetylene flame. The lead level was found in a particulate fraction in some soils of AL-Karkh is more than in AL-Rusafsa sites of Baghdad. The levels approach the hazardous limits in most sites as a result of industrial activities and exhaust cars which are very crowded in Baghdad streets.

Arsenic Contamination of the Coastal Aquifers in the North Coast of Java, Indonesia

A study was conducted to assess the Arsenic (As) metal contamination of the shallow aquifers in Jakarta, Semarang, and Surabaya city of Java and its relation to the highly developed industrial and domestic activities in the coastal region. Arsen was assayed in the waters of 30 wheals throughout the terrestrial cities, in residential zones using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer technique. The mean and standard deviation of As in Jakarta, Semarang and Surabaya were 17.19± 19.08, 1.78 ±2.28 and 0.59 ± 0.26 μgL -1 , respectively. The r As concentration of groundwate shows in correlation with Fe significantly. The levels of As in some investigated three Indonesian metropolis cities were below the maximum allowable concentrations of metals recommended by Indonesian Drinking &. Domestic Water Quality Standard for Ground Water and WHO's (World Health Organization) Guideline Values for Drinking Wate, except for station 6 of Jakarta were concentration 59,65 μgL -1

Blood-copper and zinc levels and consequences of cardiovascular complications: a study by INAA and FAAS

To understand the role of Cu and Zn in human blood both in controls as well as in cardiovascular (CVD) patients, whole blood samples of 181 CVD and 185 controls between the ages of 20–66 years were investigated. Instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) and flame atomic absorption spectrophotometric techniques were successfully employed to quantification Cu and Zn levels. The mean blood-Cu levels (1.50 mg L−1) were found as enhanced whereas Zn levels (5.88 mg L −1) were reduced in cardiovascular patients group as compared to 0.90 and 6.70 mg L−1 for Cu and Zn respectively in controls. Cu/Zn ratios for CVD patients are also higher than in control subjects. Negative correlation exists between Cu and Zn levels in both controls and patient groups. However, when the CVD patients were checked for their systolic and diastolic pressure it was found that copper concentrations in these patients was significantly increased (p < 0.001) with the rise of blood systolic pressure so a positive correlation was observed between copper and systolic pressure. Zn on the other hand has an inverse relation with systolic as well as diastolic pressure (p < 0.001). Total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglyceride (TG) in blood samples have also been determined and their probable role in the CVD complication has been observed. A positive correlation of blood-Cu with TC, TG, and LDL-C indicates that rise in blood-Cu levels may initiate the development of CVD. An increase in Cu/Zn ratio can instigate the cardiovascular risk factor. The findings from this study can definitely update our knowledge of the role of Cu and Zn in the development of CVD risk in humans.

Heavy Metal Contamination of Soils and Vegetation around Solid Waste Dumps in Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Assessment of the levels of copper, zinc and lead in soils and vegetation around solid waste dumpsites in Port Harcourt and environs were carried out in 2005 using Atomic Absorption spectrophotometric technique. Physical parameters such as pH and particle size were also determined. The results show that the mean concentrations of copper in transect and profile soils and vegetation were 1.20 ± 0.83ppm, 2.57 ± 1.87ppm, 1.48 ± 1.61ppm respectively at the East – West road dumpsite and 2.42 ± 1.87ppm, 1.40 ± 0.61ppm, 1.39 ± 0.67ppm respectively at the Kaduna/Afam street dumpsite. The mean concentrations of zinc in soil and vegetations along the transect were 12.83 ± 4.65ppm, 2.68 ± 1.82ppm, 1.33 ± 0.64ppm, 0.80 ± 0.60ppm respectively at the Kaduna/Afam street dumpsite. The mean concentrations of lead in soils and vegetation were 0.26 ± 0.21ppm, 0.28 ± 0.24ppm, 1.48 ± 0.12ppm respectively at the East – West road dumpsite and 0.45 ± 0.37ppm, 0.20 ± 0.08ppm, 0.39 ± 0.17ppm respectively at the Kaduna/Afam street dumpsite. The order of occurrence of the heavy metals in the topsoils of the study areas was Zn > Cu > Pb. The levels of copper and zinc in soils from the waste dumpsite were significantly different (P

Pleistocene calcretes from eastern Tunisia: The stratigraphy, the microstructure and the environmental significance

This paper is meant to study the stratigraphy, the mineralogy, the microstructure and the geochemistry of Pleistocene calcretes from eastern Tunisia in order to infer the environmental factors intervening in their formation. Samples of eight profiles of Pleistocene calcretes from eastern Tunisia were examined on the basis of a variety of techniques including Optical Microscopy (OM), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), chemical analysis and Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS) techniques. Then, the obtained data underwent a statistical analysis on the basis of Factor Analysis (FA) and Principal Component Analysis (PCA). On the basis of field missions, five different horizons have been differentiated from bottom to top of all profiles: nodular, powdery, massive Brecciated and laminar horizon. The mineralogical study shows two minerals categories inversely proportional: calcite and (quartz and the clay). It shows also shows that Palygorskite is the dominant clay mineral. The escarpment edge is capped by a limestone containing fibrous palygorskite. Finally, superficial calcrete are described: a brecciated horizon which occurs in pockets on the plateau surface. This study about eastern Tunisia revealed the occurrence of successive cycles of calcretisation. Pedogenesis, water table oscillation, sedimentogenesis and stromatogenesis are the intervening factors in the calcretisation process. During the Pleistocene, they interfered with each other according to the climatic pulsations. From the studied case, it may be noticed that the formation of each calcrete horizon is the result of a dominating process that takes place during a distinguishable stage. In the first stage, the pedogenic process is developed by palygorskite formation including authigenic replacement or formation from a precursor mineral, neoformation from the breakdown products of such minerals or neoformation from suitable solutions. In the second stage, the powdery horizon is formed in the slope of the distal zone which presents a drained environment. In the third stage, several diagenetic processes (cementing, compaction, dissolution...) contribute to the formation of the laminar and massive horizon. Since it is exposed to dryness for a long period, the massive horizon is harder and more compact. In the fourth stage, the banding of light–dark in the laminar horizons reflects a dry-wet season alternation seasons. Dark beds are formed by the stromatolitic cover were developed during the wet season, whereas light beds were developed in an extremely arid climate argued by the presence of the detrital grains. In the fifth stage, the brecciated horizon, which occupies the channels, is formed by well rolled concretions, which present a dismantling material of Early and Middle Pleistocene calcretes after the Post-Villafranchian compressive phase. Thus, calcretisation seems to have been controlled by periods of uplift and stability of the slope, given that calcrete formation might be inhibited by the activation of the sedimentation of colluvial materials as a consequence of the tectonic activity. We also suggest that groundwater and biological activity may play a significant role in the development of pedogenic, sedimentological and polygenetic calcrete cycles within the same sedimentary basin. The alternation of dry and wet climatic periods may be responsible for the calcrete genesis.

Concentrations of heavy metals in effluent discharges downstream of Ikpoba river in Benin City, Nigeria

Various effluent samples were collected from their sources of discharge to the Ikpoba river in Benin City, Edo State between September and October, 2008. Six heavy metals (cadmium, chromium, copper, nickel, lead and zinc) in the effluents and receiving water were analyzed by atomic absorption spectrophotometric technique (AAS) in separate experiments. The concentrations of heavy metals in the effluents were compared with corresponding heavy metal values in the water. The results show that metal concentrations were higher in the effluents than in the water. Total mean metal concentrations (mg/l) recorded in the effluents were as follows: Cd = 0.072; Cr = 0.079; Cu = 0.194; Ni = 0.122; Pb = 0.125 and Zn = 0.174 while corresponding mean values recorded in the water were Cd = 0.043; Cr = 0.072; Cu = 0.152; Ni = 0.091; Pb = 0.110 and Zn = 0.128. Significant differences (P 0.05) were recorded between the concentrations of cadmium in the water procured from the four sampled stations. Significant correlations (P < 0.05) were recorded between metals in effluents and water. The concentrations of Cu, Pb and Zn in urban run-off effluents exceeded the limit recommended in effluent discharges to surface waters by the Federal Ministry of Environment (FMENV).

Contaminants in local alcoholic beverages: zinc and manganese contamination

The extent of leaching of zinc (Zn) and manganese (Mn) from the vessels used during the preparation of two local alcoholic drinks, Pito and Burukutu has been assessed. Leaching of these metals during the four phases of fermentation was monitored by determining the levels of the metals in each phase using atomic absorption spectrophotometric technique; in each complete fermentation protocol, metallic or clay container was used. Contamination appeared to be due to the fermentation process, container used or a combination of the two. Comparatively, there was increase in the levels of these metals from the initial to the final phase of fermentation for both types of vessels; in each case, appropriate controls were used. Compared to control values, the average increase in the level of zinc in Burukutu and Pito for metallic and clay containers is 343%; 325% and 295%; 252% respectively; whereas for manganese the increases are 815%; 1438% and 1292%; 1150% in that order. The differences in the levels of these metals among the phases in each of the drinks were significant (p Keywords : Fermentation, Containers, Clay, Metallic, Burukutu, Pito . International Journal of Biological and Chemical Sciences Vol. 2 (4) 2008: pp. 411-416

The study of the changes in the biochemical and mineral contents of bones of Catla catla due to lead intoxication

In the present study, an attempt has been made to analyze the changes in the biochemical and mineral contents of lead-intoxicated bones of Catla catla at subchronic (15.5 ppm) exposure, and also to determine whether the effects of Pb intoxication can be reversed with the chelating agent meso 2, 3-dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) on the bones of freshwater fingerlings Catla catla by using Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and atomic absorption spectrophotometer techniques. The FT-IR spectra of the lead-exposed bones show significant alteration in the biochemical constituents. The XRD analysis showed a decrease in crystallinity due to lead exposure. Further, the Ca, Mg, and P contents of the lead-exposed bones were less than those of the control group, and there was an increase in the mineral contents of the bones after DMSA treatment. In conclusion, the present study suggests that the subchronic lead exposure results in severe loss of bone minerals. The overall decrease in the FT-IR band intensity of Pb-exposed bones relative to the control indicates a decrease in the biochemical constituents like proteins and lipids. The increase in the band intensity after treatment with chelating agent DMSA indicates increased biochemical constituents, showing that the subchronic effects of lead can be reversed by DMSA. The amide I bands observed at 1654 cm(-1) in the present study suggest that the protein is dominated by alpha-helical structure.

Total mercury concentration in common fish species of Lake Victoria, Tanzania

Total mercury (THg) concentration was analysed in muscles of common fish species of Lake Victoria in the eastern and southern parts of the lake using cold vapour Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometric technique. Mercury concentration in all fish species was generally lower than the WHO maximum allowable concentration (500 ng/g ww) in edible fish parts. The maximum concentration of THg in Lates niloticus samples was 396 ng/g ww. Samples of Oreochromis niloticus had THg concentration ranging between

Study of metals concentration levels in Patella piperata throughout the Canary Islands, Spain

In order to assess the extent of metal contamination at rocky shores of the Canarian Archipelago, metal concentrations have been measured in Patella piperata (Gould, 1846), using the standard atomic absorption spectrophotometer technique. Ranges of elements concentrations measured (in microg g(-1)) found in the biota were: Cd (0.36 +/- 0.26 microg g(-1) dry wt.), Cu (2.05 +/- 0.91 dry wt.), Pb (1.57 +/- 1.14 microg g(-1)dry wt.) and Zn (10.37 +/- 4.60 microg g(-1) dry wt.). Variation in metal concentrations in Patella, was tested by using non-parametric statistical methods. Cd content had a maximum in the Archipelago Chinijo, northward of Lanzarote Island. The metal concentrations recorded at the clean stations may be considered carefully if they are used like background levels.

Blood arsenic as a biomarker of arsenic exposure: Results from a prospective study

Exposure to arsenic (As)-contaminated drinking water affects millions of people worldwide. Arsenic exposure is associated with skin lesions, skin, lung, kidney and liver cancers, neurologic and cardiovascular effects. Past studies involving biomarkers of As exposure have typically examined urinary As (UAs) (adjusted for urinary creatinine), hair or toenail As, but not blood As (BAs) since blood concentrations are exceedingly low and are not detectable by conventional atomic absorption spectrophotometric techniques. In a case-cohort analysis of 303 newly diagnosed cases of skin lesions, and 849 subcohort members randomly selected from 8092 participants in the health effects of as longitudinal study (HEALS) in Araihazar, Bangladesh, we measured blood, urine and water As concentrations, and examined their associations with each other, and with the risk for skin lesions. BAs concentrations were highly correlated with creatinine-adjusted UAs concentrations ( r = 0.85) and with water As (WAs) ( r = 0.75). We observed consistent dose–response relationships between the risk of skin lesions and all the measures of As exposure. Rate ratios (RRs) for skin lesions by quintile of As exposure, adjusted for age and gender, revealed that the two highest quintiles were significantly related to an increased risk of skin lesions for each measure of exposure: BAs, UAs, WAs and a time-weighted water As variable. This prospective study confirms the increased risk of skin lesions in relation to As concentrations in blood, urine and water and also establishes that BAs is a useful biomarker of As exposure in this study population.

Physico-chemical characterisation of99mTc-tin fluoride colloid agent used for labelling white cells

99mTc–tin fluoride colloid is an agent used to label leucocytes, for the imaging and diagnosis of inflammatory conditions including Crohn's disease. Despite previous investigations, this radiolabelling agent is still poorly characterised. The aim of this work was to examine the process of formation and stability of 99mTc–tin fluoride colloid using mass spectrometry, membrane filtration and atomic absorption spectrophotometric techniques. Tin-oxide bonds in tin clusters were identified in the stannous fluoride reagent vial by mass spectrometry. From radioactive particle size distribution experiments, the facile disruption of radiocolloid particles with excess oxygen gas contrasted to the partial hydrolysis of Sn(II) during the formation process. Under the standard conditions, 10% of particles were determined as 1–3 µm, and this population coordinated 96% of the 99mTc added. Colloid particle formation and the reduction of 99mTc-pertechnetate is discussed. Sodium fluoride may optimise 1–3 µm radioactive particle size, by regulating particle growth. 99mTc–tin fluoride colloid is affected by positive or negative charge, as either Al, Mo ions or solid membranes, resulting in either coagulation and/or deflocculation of the particles. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Effects of pH on the mortality and accumulation of copper in tissues of Oreochromis niloticus

In the present study, effect of pH on the mortality and accumulation of copper in various tissue and organs of Oreochromis niloticus were tested at varying concentrations of copper in the medium and over different periods of time. Experimental animals were exposed to pH 5.5, 7.8 and 9.5 and 0.1, 0.5, 1.0 and 5.0 ppm copper over periods of 7, 15 and 30 days in liver, gills and muscle were determined using atomic absorption spectrophotometric techniques. The rate of mortality at 1.0 and 5.0 ppm Cu was 100% after 7 days of exposure at pH 5.5 while at 5.0 ppm Cu was 66% after 30 days of exposure at pH 7.8. No mortality was observed in any of the copper concentrations tested at pH 9.5. In all pH levels, tissue accumulation of copper increased with increasing concentrations of copper in the medium at a given exposure period. In all pH values tested, highest levels of copper were found in the liver of O. niloticus, followed by the gills and muscle tissues. Accumulation of copper in all tissues were higher at pH 5.5 compared with the other pH values in all the conditions tested.

Determination of the levels of some heavy metals in urban run-off sediments in Ilorin and Lagos, Nigeria

The concentration of zinc, cadmium, lead and iron in run-off water sediments on paved roads in Ilorin and Lagos areas of Nigeria were determined using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometric technique Zinc, iron and cadmium were found in very concentration in the Urban sediment from these cities whilst for most of the locations, lead was found to be below the detection level. Iron has the highest mean concentration while lead had the lowest level. A significant correlation was obtained between iron and zinc in Lagos (r =0.8820) and in Ilorin (r = 09937) at 95% probability level. These results suggest a probable common source for iron and zinc. The average concentrations of iron and lead were higher in Lagos than in Ilorin. (Journal of Applied Sciences & Environmental Management: 2002 6(2): 23-26)