Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry Research Articles

ASSESSMENT OF MAGNESIUM (MG) AND ZINC (ZN) IN CARCINOMA BREAST PATIENTS

Objectives: The objectives of the study were to determine and compare serum magnesium (Mg) and zinc (Zn) concentrations between breast carcinoma patients and healthy controls. Methods: Determination and comparison of serum Mg and Zn was done between 50 breast carcinoma patients and 50 healthy controls. Determination and comparison of LFT in between 50 breast cancer patient during different course of chemotherapy. Trace element analysis was done using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Statistical comparison was done, results were expressed as Mean±SD, p<0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. Results: All groups were statistically matched in age, sex, and p>0.05. Serum Mg concentrations in cases and controls (0.9920±0.38 mg/dL) and (1.49±0.58 mg/dL) respectively, p≤0.0001* serum Zn concentrations in cases and controls were (66.74±12.58 μg/dL) and (90.88±14.51 μg/dL), respectively, p≤0.0001*. Conclusion: Both serum (Zn) and (Mg) showed significant decreases in breast carcinoma patients as compare to healthy controls.

Content of Heavy Metals in Poultry and Local (Free Range) Chickens raised within Gwagwalada Area Council of Abuja, Nigeria

The content of heavy metals in poultry and local (free range) chickens raised within Gwagwalada Area Council of Abuja, Nigeria was investigated. The poultry chickens were obtained from poultry farms while the local (free range) chickens were bought from the natives within the study area. Samples were prepared by wet digestion method using nitric acid and the heavy metals determined by flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry (FAAS). The mean concentration (μg/g dry weight) of heavy metals in the Poultry chickens were 3.68 ± 0.86, 0.58 ± 0.36, 0.78 ± 0.02, 4.79 ± 1.27, 77.40 ± 66.44, 2.09 ± 0.54, 1.44 ± 0.82 and 68.99 ± 23.90 for Pb, Cd, Ni, Cu, Fe, Co, Mn and Zn respectively. Also the heavy metal contents in the local chickens were 2.01 ± 1.25, ND, 1.07 ± 0.30, 3.00 ± 1.24, 108.88 ± 73.41, 1.36 ± 0.46, 13.44 ± 6.14 and 75.49 ± 24.02 μg/g dry weight for Pb, Cd, Ni, Cu, Fe, Co, Mn and Zn respectively. A Pearson correlation analysis on the heavy metals in the chicken meat revealed positive strong correlations between Zn/Fe (r = 0.867), Zn/Mn (0.764), Zn/Cu (r = 0.591), Mn/Cu (r = 0.657) and Fe/Cu (r = 0.598) at p < 0.01 significant level. This is not unusual as Fe, Cu, Mn and Zn are essential elements and constitute part of expected components of the chicken. The human risk assessment conducted on the chicken samples revealed that Estimated Daily Intake (EDI) and Target Hazard Quotient (THQ) were in the safe levels, indicating that the exposure of adult population to individual heavy metals through consumption of poultry and local (free range) chickens will not pose adverse health effects. However, the Hazard Index (HI) value for the poultry chicken is suggestive of potential adverse health effect on the consumers. Also, the HI value of local (free range) chickens cannot be ignored because the accumulation of heavy metals in the human body over time can cause serious health effects.

Minerals and trace elements status of blood serum of lactating goats in a semi-arid region of southwest of Haryana State, India

Present study was undertaken to determine Beetal breed goats’ serum minerals and trace elements levels which were reared in an organized farm in semi-arid region of south-west of Haryana State, India. Ruminants selected for this study were of 2–6 years age group in post-calving lactation stage. For the quantification of minerals and trace elements, flame photometry and flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry were used, respectively. The results reported that average minerals (Na, K) concentration in goats’ serum was lesser but Ca levels were higher than the reference values. Average trace elements (Zn and Cu) concentration in serum was higher than reference values. For the descriptive statistics of the studied variables in goat serum, ORIGIN software package was used. With positive skewness values K, Ca and Zn had distribution towards higher range while Na, Fe and Cu with negative skewness values presented distribution in lower range. Zn represented leptokurtic distribution and also the right clustered scores. Copper with lower inter-quartile range was found to be the sole element which had data points clustered around the mean value. Almost equal arithmetic and geometric mean values of trace elements and minerals in goats’ serum suggested lesser spatial variation in the data.

Assessment of Heavy Metal Contamination in Soil Samples Obtained from Fadama Soils within the Vicinity of Dumpsites in Lokoja, Kogi State

he concentration and contamination levels of some heavy metals in Fadama soils utilized for agricultural activities within the vicinity of dumpsites in Lokoja were assessed and presented. The reconnaissance was conducted, and soil samples were collected from four different locations to test the type of soil and heavy metal content. Simple random sampling technique was adopted for plot selections, soil samples were analyzed with atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The value of the Zn content ranged between 37.10mg/kg at Banda and 50.96mg/kg at Kabawa, Mn ranged between 212.92mg/kg at Nataco and 452.14mg/kg at Kabawa. Iron ranged between 1071.80mg/kg at Banda and 1913.40mg/kg at Nataco. Cu and Pb level vary little amongst the different plots, from 3.56mg/kg at Ganaja to 6.84mg/kg at Nataco and 1.80mg/kg at Banda to 3.38mg/kg at Nataco. The heavy metals did not show significant correlation with the particle size fractions and organic matter of the soil. The heavy metals of respective plots were very low compared to European Union maximum permissible level; suggesting that the level of metals in this study are not threatening for now, but there is need for continuous monitoring to checkmate future trend for agricultural sustainability.

Study on Characterization and Content Determination Method of Silver in Chitosan Antibacterial Gel

To characterize the silver in chitosan antibacterial gel, and to establish a method for the determination of silver content in samples. The silver in the samples was analysed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) and single particle inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (SP-ICP-MS). Microwave digestion was adopted to digest the chitosan antibacterial gel, and then the content of silver was determined by flame atomic absorption spectrometry. The analysises showed that the particle size of silver in chitosan antibacterial gel was about 150~ 200 nm. The silver showed good linearity in the concentration range of 25~250 μg/L (y=0.000 35x+0.001 7, r=0.999 9). The recovery rate (n=9) was 98.5%. SEM, EDS and SP-ICP-MS can be used for the characterization of silver particles in chitosan antibacterial gel. Microwave digestion-flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry method is simple, practicable, high precision and high quantitative accuracy, which is suitable for the quantitative analysis of silver in chitosan antibacterial gel.

Arsenic Biosorption by the Macroalgae Chondracanthus chamissoi and Cladophora sp.

The biosorption of arsenic (As) with macroalgae has aroused much interest as a clean and low-cost technology. To evaluate arsenic biosorption by Chondracanthus chamissoi and Cladophora sp., approximately 5 kg of algae was collected from Huanchaco’s beach and Sausacocha lake (Huamachuco), La Libertad. As biosorption was carried out in four column systems, with 2 g of algae pellets each, circulating As solutions of 0.25 and 1.25 ppm, respectively, at 300 mL/min cm2. As concentration was determined at 3 and 6 h of treatment by flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Data were analyzed using Student’s t-test with 95% confidence. At 6 h, Chondracanthus chamissoi presented an As biosorption of 95.76% in a 0.25 ppm mg/L solution and 85.33% in a 1.25 mg/L solution. Cladophora sp., at 6 h, presented an As biosorption of 95.76% in a 0.25 mg/L solution and 42.03% in a 1.25 mg/L solution. It was concluded that Chondracanthus chamissoi achieves higher percentages of biosorption than Cladophora sp. in solutions of 1.25 mg/L As (p < 0.05), and that there is no significant difference between the biosorption percentages of Chondracanthus chamissoi and Cladophora sp. in a 0.25 mg/L solution of As at 6 h of treatment (p > 0.05).

Puzzling relationship between levels of toxic metals in blood and serum levels of reproductive hormones: Benchmark dose approach in cross-sectional study

Reproductive disorders and infertility have become more common recently among the general population. Toxic metals are known as endocrine disruptors and as they are widespread in nature they may be linked to reproductive problems. This study was conducted as a cross-sectional study and its aim was to examine the dose–response relationship between cadmium, arsenic, mercury, chromium and nickel and serum hormone levels of testosterone (women) and estradiol and progesterone (men) using the Benchmark dose approach (BMD). Blood samples were collected from 218 women and 217 men digested in a microwave, and the levels of the tested metals were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS) or inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Dose–response analysis was performed in PROAST software (version 70.1). The model averaging method was used to calculate the Benchmark dose interval (BMDI). A dose–response relationship has been established between all metals and hormones. The narrowest BMDI was found for the As-testosterone and Hg-testosterone. Levels estimated to produce the extra risk of testosterone serum levels disturbances of 10% were lower than median levels measured in the general population. Moreover, this research suggests the possibility of use of the BMD approach in analyzing data pool generated from extensive human-biomonitoring studies.

Assessement of the heavy metal contamination of soils in Kondopoga and Kostomuksha (Republic of Karelia)

Surveys were carried out in Kondopoga and Kostomuksha, where the main industries are pulp-and-paper making and iron ore mining and concentration, respectively. Samples were taken from the top 0–10 cm soil layer in sites belonging to different land use categories and the content of heavy metals (Pb, Cu, Zn, Ni, Co, Cr, Mn) in the samples was determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry (Aqua Regia extract). In addition, subsidiary soil pits were made for sampling at 0–5, 5–10, and 10–20 cm depths. These samples were analyzed for physico-chemical properties and heavy metal content. The results showed a relatively low level of heavy metal pollution of soil in the mentioned towns. Surveys in Kondopoga revealed limited general-use areas containing some elements in concentrations exceeding Russian national maximum allowable (MAC) and tentative allowable (TAC) levels (Pb – 6x MAC, Cu – 9x TAC, Zn – 16x TAC), and with labile copper and zinc concentrations up to 2x–3x MAC. Soils of Kostomuksha exhibited relatively low levels of the analyzed heavy metals with concentrations generally not exceeding the regional background in all land use categories. It was only occasionally that pollutant concentrations (Pb, Ni, Cu, Zn) reached 1–2x MAC/TAC. The resultant data can be used in the monitoring of urban soils and for working out recommendations for environmental protection.

Health Risk Assessment of Some Selected Heavy Metals in Agricultural Soils from Katsina State, North-Western Nigeria

This work contributes to the monitoring of heavy metal pollution of Agricultural soils, Katsina State Nigeria, using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry. The heavy metal contamination of the soil samples were analyzed based on the Geoaccumulation index (Igeo), enrichment factor (EF), contamination factor (CF), pollution load index (PLI) and potential ecological risk index (PERI). The health risks of the evaluated heavy metals were estimated using the Hazard Quotient (HQ) and Hazard Index (HI)) to evaluate the possible non-carcinogenic effect and the Incremental Lifetime Cancer Risk (ILCR) for the cancer risk to the population. The results of the study had revealed that in the soil samples all the evaluated heavy metals lie within acceptable limits as set by the regulatory agencies. The evaluated soil samples pollution indices had revealed that the I-geo values for the soil samples were within the range of unpolluted to moderate pollution. Also, the heavy metal enrichment factor (EF) value for the soil samples have indicated that only the heavy metal Fe showed significant enrichment, with the soil samples being moderately contaminated with Fe. The pollution load index (PLI) also indicated unpolluted to moderate pollution. With the potential ecological risk index (PERI) values presenting low ecological risks. The calculated non-cancer risk indices in both the children and adults population for all the heavy metals were less than 1. With the exception of the ILCR for the heavy metal Pb in children from Daura zone that was in limits that environmental and regulatory agencies considered as unacceptable risk, risk values for all the heavy metals falls within the range of the threshold of the safe limit and limits regarded as safe by the regulatory agencies (10-7 to 10-4). The results of pollution indices have indicated that the Agricultural soil samples have low contamination and low health risks by the heavy metals evaluated.

Formulating anti-diabetic nutraceutical tablets based on edible plants from Tripura, India

Nutraceuticals are food-based drugs that are used as dietary supplements to minimize chronic diseases. Diabetes is one of the most common chronic diseases all over the world. Recently, herbal nutraceuticals have taken a promising role in treating diabetes.
 We aimed to develop herbal nutraceutical tablets and evaluate its anti-diabetic activity using ob/ob mice. Five plant species were collected by field survey methods based on oral interviews with traditional healers of Tripura. The wet granulation method was applied to formulate the herbal nutraceutical tablet. Water- and fat-soluble vitamins were determined by reversed-phase highperformance liquid chromatography. Trace elements were analyzed by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. To evaluate the anti-diabetic activity of the herbal tablets, we determined serum hemoglobin, glycosylated serum protein, and oral glucose tolerance.
 The newly formulated herbal nutraceutical tablets provided the optimal energy level. It contained sufficient amounts of essential minerals, such as iron (74.6 ± 2.7 mg/g), sodium (4.4 ± 0.4 mg/g), potassium (5.3 ± 0.7 mg/g), calcium (163.1 ± 2.2 mg/g), magnesium (39.2 ± 1.7 mg/g), and phosphorus (14.6 ± 2.1 mg/g). We also found optimal quantities of water-soluble vitamins, such as vitamin C (27.2 ± 4.3 mg/g), vitamin B1 (0.6 ± 0 mg/g), vitamin B3 (0.6 ± 0.2 mg/g), vitamin B6 (1.1 ± 0.2 mg/g), vitamin B12 (0.6 ± 0.2 μg/g), and folic acid (82.6 ± 7.6 μg/g), as well as fat-soluble vitamins, such as vitamin A (287.4 ± 6.3 μg/g), vitamin D3 (2.6 ± 0.6 μg/g), and vitamin E (0.7 ± 0 ng/g). Finally, the herbal nutraceutical tablet (200 mg/kg) significantly improved the antihyperglycemic effect on ob/ob mice (type 2 diabetes), compared to the standard drug, metformin (200 mg/kg).
 The results suggest that the newly formulated herbal tablet may be recommended as an anti-diabetic nutraceutical drug.

Determination Of Macro Mineral Content In Fresh Noni Fruit (Morinda Citrifolia L.) By Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry

This study aims to determine the levels of macro minerals such as potassium, calcium, sodium, and magnesium in fresh noni fruit. The sample of noni fruit was destructed, then quantitative analysis of potassium, calcium, sodium, and magnesium were performed using atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS) at a wavelength 766.5 nm for potassium; 422.7 nm for calcium; 589.0 nm for sodium; and 285.2 nm for magnesium. The advantages of this method are selective and sensitive. The average % recoveries were obtained in 109.7 % for potassium; 96.4 % for calcium; 99.7 % for sodium; and 92.4 % for magnesium. This method is very suitable for determining mineral content in fruit as shown in the recovery results and in accordance with the validation requirements.

Monitoring of pesticide and some metal residues in Mazafati date fruit cultivar and risk assessment to the health

Metals and pesticides pose risk to human health if accumulated in date fruits eaten for their distinctive sweetness and beneficial minerals. The present study evaluated the concentrations of metals and pesticides in Mazafati date fruit, soil, and irrigation water from three locations of Kerman province in Iran to show potential pollution hazards to consumers of date fruit in Iran. Levels of pesticides and metals were measured using chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and atomic absorption spectrophotometry, respectively. The significant difference between the levels of Cu, Fe, chlorpyrifos, and malathion from three various locations was identified. The majority of metals except for Pb and Cd did not meet the safety limits concerning maximum allowable levels (MAL) in the Mazafati date cultivar. Estimated daily intake (EDI) of metals through date consumption (g/person/day) for all metals was above the tolerable daily intake in all studied locations. Furthermore, the concentrations of identified residues of chlorpyrifos, HCH total, and malathion are considerably upper than the maximum residue limits (MRL), showing a risky trend in the cultivation of date palm. As a result, the public consciousness of Iranian farmers should be raised to use pesticides more prudently. Also, consuming date fruits cultivated close to the industrial zones is hazardous and must be prevented.

Assessing the state of rainwater for consumption in a community in dire need of clean water: Human and health risk using HERisk

Abstract This study examines the case of Ekpoma community, Edo State, Nigeria, where roof-harvested rainwater is the primary source of water for drinking and domestic purposes. Eight potentially toxic elements (PTEs), namely aluminum, chromium, copper, iron, manganese, nickel, lead, and zinc, were detected in rainwater samples, collected and analyzed from 54 sampling locations across the community. The elemental concentrations were quantified using atomic absorption spectrophotometry and compared using the regulatory standards of the World Health Organization, United States Environmental Protection Agency, and Nigerian Drinking Water Quality Standards. The PTEs detected in the rainwater samples can be attributed to the nature of the materials used in the roof catchment systems, storage tank conditions, anthropogenic effects from industrial and agricultural processes, and fossil fuel emissions. However, only 20% of the evaluated samples contained PTE concentrations below the allowable regulatory limits. Spatio-temporal health risk analysis conducted using HERisk software showed that children in the development phase (1–18 years) are most vulnerable to health risks in the community. After age 18, the risk increased by approximately 10% and remained constant until old age. In addition, the evaluation of the studied sites showed that 33% of the evaluated sites had negligible carcinogenic risks, while the other 61% were sites with low carcinogenic risks to residents.

Karakteristik Mineralisasi Endapan Emas Epitermal Sulfidasi Rendah di Daerah Mekarbakti, Kecamatan Bungbulang, Kabupaten Garut, Provinsi Jawa Barat

The southern mountains of western Java have been known to have large gold deposit potential. The Mekarbakti area, located in Garut regency, is known to have gold-bearing quartz veins, but the distribution and characteristics of these veins are not well recorded. The purpose of this study is to determine the geological conditions of the deposits and the characteristics of the epithermal deposits in the study area, in term of alteration, ore mineralization, vein texture, and ore geochemistry. Field work includes random sampling of veins from surface outcrops and cores. Laboratory analysis includes mineragraphic, geochemical analysis by means of Fire Assay Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (FA-AAS) and Inductively Coupled Plasma-Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES) . The lithology of the Mekarbakti area is composed of volcanic rocks including andesite lava, andesite intrusion and pyroclastic rocks such as breccia and tuff. The mapping results show that the hydrothermal alteration that developed is divided into three zones of alteration type, namely the silicification zone (silica + - clay), the argillic zone (kaolinite + - smectite - illite) and the propylitic zone (chlorite - smectite - epidote - illite). Quartz texture is generally dominated by brecciated, colloform, comb, lattice bladed and cockade textures. The texture interpretation of the veins shows a crystalline quartz zone, which is enriched in base metals such as galena, sphalerite and chalcopyrite and a crustiform – colloform zone which usually contains gold and silver. Veins in the study area contain the elevated grades of 3.21 ppm Au and 75.5 ppm Ag.

The Effectiveness Of Moringa Leaf Extract (Moringa oleifera) on Cadmium and LDL Cholesterol Levels in Blood as Indicators of Atherosclerosis in Cadmium (Cd) Induced White Rats (Rattus norvegicus)

Moringa leaves (Moringa oleifera) have chelating agent properties that act as natural antioxidants in binding heavy metals and free radical scavengers, with cadmium being one of the heavy metals free radicals having toxic effects on the body. Exposure to cadmium can reduce the activity of lipoprotein lipase enzymes (LPL) which function in the triglycerides and free fatty acids catabolism process, and can increase cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood. This study aims to determine the effectiveness of Moringa (Moringa oleifera) on Cadmium chloride-induced white rats (Rattus norvegicus) using an experimental research design with a quantitative analysis technique. This study uses the level of cadmium and LDL cholesterol for the dependent variable and the dose of Moringa leaf extract (Moringa oleifera) for its independent variable. The samples used are white rats (Rattus norvegicus) aged 8-12 weeks with a weight of 150-200 grams, along with blood drawn from the heart for the specimen. The researcher conducted the study at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Airlangga University; Surabaya Health Laboratory Center; and Surabaya Bakti Analysis Laboratory from October 2021 to June 2022 using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS) and Chemical Analyzer BS-200. The results show that the average value of cadmium and LDL cholesterol levels in white rats in treatment group 1 are 0.605 g/dL and 8.25 mg/dL, group 2 are 0.075 g/dL & 18.5 mg/dL; and group 3 are 0.08125 g/dL and 12 mg/dL. Based on the statistical analysis of the One-Way ANOVA test, the sig. p-value is > 0.05. Thus, the average value of cadmium and LDL cholesterol has no significant difference. Compared to the 400 mg/kgBW and 500 mg/kgBW, the 600 mg/kgBW dose has the best effectiveness in reducing LDL cholesterol in white rats (Rattus norvegicus) after being induced with cadmium chloride. This study recommends consuming fresh Moringa leaves (Moringa oleifera) as much as 66.522 grams per human/day as an additional antioxidant and chelating agent.

The Investigation of the Impact of Toxicity of Metals on Oxygen-Evolving Complex in Spinacia oleracea.

The current article reported the investigation of metal toxicity on the oxygen-evolving complex (OEC) in Spinacia oleracea related to depletion in chloride ion concentration, an essential part of the photosystem (II). The greenhouse experiment was conducted where S. oleracea was cultivated in three replicates with control plants (plants “a”) treated with tap water. Moreover, 30 ppm of Cu2+ ion solution and Pb2+ ion solution was used to irrigate the rest of the plants, labeled as plants “b” and “c”, respectively, on alternative days. Advanced technologies such as Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS), and UV-visible Spectrophotometry were used to monitor the essential nutrients in leaves to validate the function of the photosystem (I and II). Reduced Cl− ions contents showed that both metals (Cu2+ and Pb2+) altered the essential elements of the oxygen-evolving complex (OEC) of photosystem (II), required to maintain the coordination structure of the Mn4CaO5 cluster. SEM analysis revealed the modified leaf structure of the S. oleracea under Cu2+ and Pb2+ accumulation due to which distorted cellular structure, reduced surface area, and the (shattered) stomatal opening compared to the plants “a” were observed. The EDS analysis of plants “b” and “c” showed high oxygen contents followed by reduced chloride contents over plants “a”, reflecting the infirmity of OEC to push out oxygen, which leads to generating oxidative stress. The lower pigment concentration in leaves of metal-contaminated plants “b” and “c” impacts carbon assimilation, which is linked to the reduced stomatal opening and influences the gaseous exchange rates. Additionally, increased contents of K+ and Ca2+ may be due to self-defense mechanisms under low chloride contents to speed up oxygen evolution to protect plants against oxidative stress. It was concluded that Cu2+ and Pb2+ metal toxicity influences essential Cl− and K+ contents, which modify the photosystem II system; subsequently, a reduced growth rate was observed.

Adansonia digitata L. fruit shell extract alleviates lead-induced neurotoxicity in mice via modulation of oxidative stress and a possible chelating activity

BackgroundLead is a ubiquitous environmental heavy metal known to induce neurotoxicity. It has been postulated that substance with high antioxidant capacity could alleviate lead-induced neurotoxicity. Adansonia digitata fruit shell extract (ADFS) has been reported to have high phenolic contents and exerts antioxidant activity. This study investigated the effects of Adansonia digitata fruit shell extract on lead-induced neurotoxicity in mice. MethodsMale balb/c mice (n = 7) were administered with Pb-acetate (50 mg/kg) 30 mins before ADFS (250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg) or succimer (50 mg/kg) per orally for 28 days. Motor activities were evaluated on days 29 and 30 through horizontal bar and open field tests respectively. Further, spectrophotometry, atomic absorption spectrophotometry and haematoxylin and eosin staining were carried-out to determine the expression of oxidative stress biomarkers, level of lead concentration in the brain and histology of the cerebellum respectively. ResultsLead acetate exposure significantly (p < 0.05) induced motor deficits in horizontal bar test and open field test, caused oxidative stress, high concentration of lead in the brain as well as histological aberration in the cerebellum. ADFS significantly (p < 0.05) reversed the motor deficits evident by increased muscle strength and number of lines crossed. Further, ADFS significantly reversed oxidative stress evident by increased levels of SOD, CAT and GSH and decreased level of MDA. There was also significant (p < 0.05) decrease in brain lead concentration as well as reduced cerebellar cells death. ConclusionFindings suggest that ADFS attenuated motor deficits via inhibition of oxidative stress and chelating activity which is comparable to succimer. Hence, ADFS should be explored for possible development of chelating agent against lead and other heavy metals toxicity.

Assessment of Heavy Metal Pollution Associated with Surface Sediment Contamination in the Bhima River, Karnataka, India

The quality of the sediment is negatively impacted by the concentration of potentially toxic elements (PTEs). The Bhima River, which supports a sizable population and is a significant location for agricultural production, is susceptible to PTEs pollution. In this research, we examined concentration of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) with Zinc(Zn), Copper(Cu), Iron(Fe), Manganese(Mn), Cadmium(Cd), and Lead(Pb) in sediment samples collected from eight different chosen sites near temples where rituals are performed, close to farming activities, bridge structures, and sewage sludge dumping areas during the period of October 2020 to September 2021. PTEs were detected using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS). The obtained results have been out into succeeding arrangement Fe&gt;Mn&gt;Cu&gt;Zn&gt;Pb&gt;Cd. To evaluate the pollution status, the geo accumulation index (Igeo), enrichment ratio (ER), and pollution load index (PLI) were used for measuring sediment contamination. ER values for Cu, Mn, Pb, and Cd were greater than 5, indicating a significant level of contamination by these metals. The ER demonstrated that high Cd was present at almost all sampling sites. Cu had the greatest Igeo values at the S3 site, while Cd had the highest Igeo values in all the sites. According to the PLI, site S4 was more polluted. This evidence points to a lithogenic effect on the river's metal contamination. Cu, Mn, and Cd concentrations are expected to have a negative impact on benthic organisms. Furthermore, principal component analysis and cluster analysis discovered as agricultural run-off, bridge building, lead battery use, and sewage sludge were the leading causes of sediment quality degradation in the research area. It is vital to monitor the PTEs concentration in this sediment regularly because of its long-term effect.

Exploring the relationship between blood toxic metal(oid)s and serum insulin levels through benchmark modelling of human data: Possible role of arsenic as a metabolic disruptor

The major goal of this study was to estimate the correlations and dose-response pattern between the measured blood toxic metals (cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni))/metalloid (arsenic (As)) and serum insulin level by conducting Benchmark dose (BMD) analysis of human data. The study involved 435 non-occupationally exposed individuals (217 men and 218 women). The samples were collected at health care institutions in Belgrade, Serbia, from January 2019 to May 2021. Blood sample preparation was conducted by microwave digestion. Cd was measured by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometry (GF-AAS), while inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) was used to measure Hg, Ni, Cr and As. BMD analysis of insulin levels represented as quantal data was done using the PROAST software version 70.1 (model averaging methodology, BMD response: 10%). In the male population, there was no correlation between toxic metal/metalloid concentrations and insulin level. However, in the female population/whole population, a high positive correlation for As and Hg, and a strong negative correlation for Ni and measured serum insulin level was established. BMD modelling revealed quantitative associations between blood toxic metal/metalloid concentrations and serum insulin levels. All the estimated BMD intervals were wide except the one for As, reflecting a high degree of confidence in the estimations and possible role of As as a metabolic disruptor. These results indicate that, in the case of As blood concentrations, even values higher than BMD (BMDL): 3.27 (1.26) (male population), 2.79 (0.771) (female population), or 1.18 (2.96) μg/L (whole population) might contribute to a 10% higher risk of insulin level alterations, meaning 10% higher risk of blood insulin increasing from within reference range to above reference range. The obtained results contribute to the current body of knowledge on the use of BMD modelling for analysing human data.

Optimized Box-Behnken Design Combined Response Surface Methodology to Determine Calcium and Iron Contents Using Visible, Atomic Emission and Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry in Vegetables and Wastewater Samples.

Calcium and iron are crucial essential minerals. Iron is mainly responsible for transporting oxygen in the body and the immune system. In comparison, calcium's primary function is in human bones and teeth. Due to that, it is vital to quantify the amount in vegetables. Optimization and validation of three analytical procedures, visible, atomic emission spectrophotometry (AES), and atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS), were developed to determine calcium and iron in vegetables and wastewater samples using response surface methodology (RSM) via Box-Behnken design (BBD). The design helps to reduce experiment trials with selected variables to find a correlation between them and their respective dependent variables. Method I was developed to quantify calcium in vegetables mixed with concentrated 3M HNO3 and heated to reflux as per the BBD. Then it was cooled, filtered, and completed with 3M HNO3 to be carried out utilizing AES and AAS. For method II, vegetables were mixed with nitric acid and sulfuric acid solution with an optimized 5M KSCN solution, which was computed using the AAS and visible spectrophotometry. First, percentage of water content was calculated for all vegetables, higher in malabar spinach and lower in peas. The calcium and iron contents were present within 0.59-2.68 mg and 35.8-211.5 mg, respectively, in 100 g of vegetables. The results showed a higher amount of iron was available in spinach and a lower amount in okra. In contrast, the highest calcium amount was present in broccoli and the lowest amount was in peas. The calcium and iron content were between 0.015-137.25 and 0.01-147.85 µg/mL in the wastewater samples. These methods can help to determine the amount of calcium and iron for the quality control samples in research and development, food, and the environmental industry. Three validated analytical techniques quantify calcium and iron in vegetables and wastewater samples. The RSM-BBD optimized the method and determined its crucial factors.