Average Concentrations Of Zinc Research Articles

Soil heavy metals contamination and health risk of an endemic plant in southeast of Damavand Mt., Iran

Considering the toxicological effects of some heavy metals (HMs) in which directly related to mortality and carcinogenicity in the population by their entrance from plants through livestock grazing, and medical skin cream, the rehabilitation of contaminated sites through phytoremediation by native plants might be quite challenging. Diplotaenia damavandica Mozaff. ex-Hedge & Lamond, is used as medical skin creams due to the existence of specific ingredients, which can be effective in treating skin disease. In the present study, the plant and associated soil sampling were performed around the boundary of D. damavandica. The concentration was measured using the Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The results revealed the effect of existing endemic plants on reducing the average concentration of lead and zinc in soil by 40 and 60%, respectively, due to phytoremediation. EDX confirmed the presence of Pb and Zn in root and shoot tissues. Based on the results of this study, D. damavandica is an endemic perennial herbaceous plant with 60% biomass and prosperous root systems, which can grow in low contaminated areas of Pb in the southeast of Damavand Mt. Hence, the HMs pattern indicated less often in the aerial parts except for lead, which should be examined more carefully for skin cream uses.

Microplastic and Heavy Metal Contamination in Sediments of the High-Altitude Nundkol Lake of Northwestern Himalayas-Kashmir

This study investigates heavy metal and microplastic contamination in the sediment of Nundkol Lake, a high-altitude glacial lake in the northwestern Himalayas. Sediment analysis revealed heavy metal concentrations significantly exceeding background levels, with average concentrations of cobalt (Co), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), zinc (Zn), and chromium (Cr) recorded at 40.991 ppm, 54.434 ppm, 87,843.59 ppm, 1,544.566 ppm, 83.288 ppm, 16.312 ppm, 104.571 ppm, and 106.514 ppm, respectively. Notably, the highest levels of Cu, Fe, Mn, and Pb were observed in sample GL2, indicating potential local geochemical anomalies. The trace elements were quantified using a Graphite Furnace - Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (Perkin Elmer-PinAAcle 900AA) for high precision.Microplastic analysis revealed an average abundance of 76 ± 12.08 items/kg dry weight, predominantly fibers. The microplastics were mostly red (55.26%), blue (36.84%), orange (5.26%), and green (2.63%). Raman spectroscopy identified Polyamides (PA) as the predominant type (86.5%), with the remainder being Polyethylene (PE) and Polypropylene (PP). The results suggest tourism, fishing, and trekking activities as major contributors to microplastic presence. This study uniquely combines the assessment of heavy metal and microplastic contamination in a high-altitude lake, providing a comprehensive view of pollutant dynamics. The findings highlight the need for tailored mitigation strategies and comprehensive monitoring programs to protect this fragile region. Applications include informing environmental policy, guiding pollution mitigation efforts, and promoting sustainable tourism practices. This study offers valuable insights into the environmental health of high-altitude lakes and underscores the need for efforts to mitigate anthropogenic impacts.

Agronomic Effectiveness of Zinc Sources as Micronutrient Fertilizers: A Comprehensive Review’

Zinc naturally occurs in the earth's crust as part of rocks and ore minerals. The average concentration of zinc in the lithosphere is 80 mg kg-1. While zinc is relatively immobile in soil, it is moderately mobile in plants. As a vital micronutrient for both humans and animals, zinc plays an essential role in plants as a catalytic, structural and regulatory cofactor for many enzyme reactions. It is necessary for the metabolism of carbohydrates, protein synthesis, the biosynthesis of growth hormones (particularly indoleacetic acid) and the maintenance of cell membrane integrity. Zinc deficiency is a widespread problem affecting both plants and humans in many regions of the world. To address this issue and improve plant zinc nutrition and yields, both soil and foliar zinc fertilizers have been applied. The agronomic effectiveness of Zn fertilizers has been related to the management factors such as placement, source type, seed treatment, foliar spray and biofortification that can affect the effectiveness of Zn fertilizers.

Delving into river health: unveiling microplastic intrusion and heavy metal contamination in freshwater

The persistent use of plastics in chemical and industrial procedures has resulted in the contamination of the environment and human health via microplastics (MPs). This study investigates heavy metals, MP, pH, conductivity, and turbidity levels in the Nida River in Poland. The Nida River exhibited the existence of diverse coloured MPs in several physical forms, including fibres, fragments, pellets, and foams. Differences in the number of MPs were noted at five selected locations, with values ranging from 215 to 280 MPs per litre. The mean number of MPs observed was 245 ± 21 per litre. The study of water samples using a scanning electron microscope indicates the existence of various MPs. The morphological study of these MPs revealed patterns of degradation. The energy-dispersive X-ray examination indicates the existence of several elements, such as carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, sodium, magnesium, aluminium, silicon, phosphorus, and others. The water exhibited fluctuations in its levels of heavy metal content. The average zinc concentration in all samples was 96.86 ± 40.25 μg/L, which was the highest. It was followed by Pb 37.6 ± 31.9 μg/L concentration. The turbidity measurement was recorded as 46.38 ± 22.54, the pH level was 7.078 ± 0.33, and the conductivity value was determined to be 1338.8 ± 39.64. The HQ and HI values for adults and children in all age groups were less than one. The carcinogenic excess lifetime cancer risk (ELCR) exceeds the threshold value in most water samples. This study aims to fill the existing gap in understanding the precise measurement of MPs and heavy metals in freshwater sources in Poland. Health risk evaluations are the first step in developing pollution management, control, and water quality standards.Graphical

Evaluation of Heavy Metals Pollution in the Sediments of Diyala River Lower Reaches, Eastern Iraq

Investigating the heavy metals in soil is important to the life of humans and living organisms. Diyala River Lower Reaches was chosen due to the changes in environmental characteristics that took place in recent years. Twelve sediment samples were collected from four different sites. The physical, and chemical properties and the concentrations of nine heavy metals were indicated. The results showed that the average concentrations of arsenic, copper, chromium, cobalt, iron, manganese, nickel, lead, and zinc are 8.5, 45.7, 538.5, 12.2, 5.07, 991.7, 183.5, 16.07, 136.5 ppm, respectively. They reflect contamination with arsenic, chromium, and nickel, while they are free of lead, and zinc contamination, according to the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) sediment quality guidelines. The measured contamination indices (the enrichment factor (EF), contamination factor (CF), degree of pollution (Cdeg), geographical accumulation index (Igeo), and pollution load index (PLI)), reflected high contamination factor for arsenic and chromium, and medium for manganese, nickel, lead, and zinc, while low for copper and cobalt. Based on all the results in all sampling sites indicate the presence of heavy element contamination in the sediments of the Diyala River Lower Reaches.

Analysis of Zinc and Copper Content in Selected Tissues and Organs of Wild Mallard Ducks (Anas platyrhynchos L.) in Poland.

The research material included selected muscles and liver of mallard ducks obtained in two research areas. A total of 28 mallards were obtained for the study-six males and six females from the Siedlce hunting district and eight males and eight females from the Leszno hunting district. Zinc and copper concentrations were determined by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP OES). It was concluded from the study that the Leszno hunting district is more polluted than the Siedlce hunting district. Among the examined tissues of mallard ducks from both hunting districts, the highest content of zinc and copper was found in the liver. In this organ, birds shot in the Leszno hunting district were characterized by a significantly higher content of these elements compared to birds shot in the Siedlce hunting area. The significantly higher average zinc and copper concentrations in the liver of mallards harvested in this hunting district may have been influenced by fertilization of crop fields in this area with fertilizers containing these elements and by extraction of ore containing zinc and copper minerals in the Legnica-Głogów Copper District. This is an important problem with regard to the safety of consumers of game meat. It was shown that the tissues of male mallards were characterized by higher average levels of zinc and copper than those of females, but the differences were statistically significant only in the case of the average copper content in the leg muscles.

A Vehicle Fleet Study to Investigate the Effect of B20 and B10 Usage on Engine Oil Degradation

The use of blended palm biodiesel has been implemented in Malaysia starting with B5 (5% palm biodiesel blended with 95% petroleum diesel) in 2011, B7 (7% palm biodiesel blended with 93% petroleum diesel) in 2014, and B10 in 2019. Palm biodiesel has been regarded as a reliable petroleum diesel substitute since 1995 following the research and development carried out by MPOB. Six trucks participated in the trial to evaluate the use of B20 and B10 through fleet testing and laboratory investigations. The trucks were divided into two groups according to fuel used. The field trial started in 2019 and ended in 2021. Engine oil and filter samples were taken at 5,000 kilometers intervals between service interval 30,000 kilometers. All the engine oil samples were within their operational service limits at each 5,000 kilometers sampling interval. The average viscosities of used engine oil in B20 group were 12.75 mm2 s-1 and for B10 group 12.98 mm2 s-1. The total basic number (TBN) values for the B20 group was 6.4 mg KOH g-1 and 6.3 mg KOH g-1 on average for B10 group. The wear and contaminants test showed the average iron particles concentrations for B20 and B10 groups were 22 ppm and 25 ppm respectively. In terms of engine oil evaporation, the average zinc and phosphorus concentrations reduced by only 20% for both vehicle groups. The average values for soot in oil showed that the B20 group had 10% less soot build-up compared to B10 group. The use of B20 had affected engine oil quality with minimal advantages for soot in oil and iron particle concentrations.

The spatiotemporal variation in lead and zinc contents in the Moulouya River (northeastern Morocco)

In the context of the challenges imposed by climate change, which exerts constant pressure on water security in Morocco, the Moulouya River, one of the main sources of surface water, frequently undergoes spatiotemporal variations in its quality. This situation is particularly worrying in the upstream part of the river, where the old Zaida mine is located, which is now inactive and leaves significant residues in the form of slag heaps in direct contact with the waters of the Moulouya River. To assess the impact of this abandoned mining waste, eight (08) water sampling stations (S1 to S8) were chosen to analyse the concentrations of two (02) essential metals, namely, lead and zinc. The results revealed lead concentrations of approximately 0.13 mg/L on average during the dry period and 0.09 mg/L during the humid period. The average zinc concentration was 0.29 mg/L during the dry season and 0.32 mg/L during the humid season. The maximum concentrations were recorded at the stations closest to the aforementioned mine, in particular, S1, S2 and S3. Other maximum concentrations were observed at station S6. These results highlighted the significant impact of mining slag heaps exposed to the open sky on the physico-chemical and metallic quality of Moulouya waters. This finding highlights the urgency of continued monitoring of this vital water resource to protect it against potential risks of contamination.

Occurrence and patterns of metals in mangrove forests from the Oman Sea, Iran

Concentrations of selected metals were investigated in roots, stems, leaves and sediments from mangrove forests situated along the coast of the Oman Sea, Iran. Results showed that the overall average concentrations of lead, nickel, copper, and zinc in sediments were 47.90, 54.12, 42.13 and 44 μg/g dry weight (dw) and 3.81, 16.41, 29.23 and 25 μg/g dw in plant tissues, respectively. In addition, the bioconcentration factors (BCFs) of root, stem and leaf ranged from 0.5 to 1.7, 0.2 to 1.5, and 0.4 to 1.3, respectively. Pollution indices showed that all investigated sites were in the category of low to moderate pollution (pollution load index: 1.5–0.11), with a 21 % probability of biological toxicity.

Determination of the Concentration of Heavy Metals in Artisanal Cheeses Produced in the Mexican States of Tabasco and Chiapas.

Cheese consumption provides humans with minerals, proteins, carbohydrates, and vitamins. In Mexico, several cheese varieties are produced, each with its texture, scent, and flavor. The artisanal cheeses made in the states of Tabasco and Chiapas-including, among others, the varieties named crema (cream), doble crema (double cream), oaxaca, panela, fresco, bola, poro, cotija, and asadero-have a high demand in the domestic and foreign markets. The intensification of anthropic activity in these states causes an increased emission to the environment of contaminants like heavy metals, which could reach human foodstuffs through the food chains. In particular, heavy metal contents in cheeses consumed daily by these states' local populations might represent a public health risk. Because of that, our objectives in this work were to determine the concentrations of lead, cadmium, nickel, copper, zinc, and iron in artisanal cheeses produced in the states of Tabasco and Chiapas and to determine the values of the hazard quotient (HQ), total hazard quotient (THQ), and cancer risk total (CRT) for adult and young men and women. The results of our analyses of cheese samples from the states of Tabasco and Chiapas showed that the average concentrations (mg kg-1) of cadmium (0.0023 ± 0.002, 0.0023 ± 0.002 mg kg-1, respectively, for each state), lead (0.0047 ± 0.00, 0.0051 ± 0.002), nickel (0.0039 ± 0.0046, 0.0031 ± 0.0039), copper (0.0199 ± 0.021, 0.0202 ± 0.022), zinc (0.1611 ± 0.18, 0.194 ± 0.21), and iron (61.84 ± 4.23, 65.76 ± 6.61 mg kg-1), the first three values lower than the limits established by the FAO/WHO and Codex Alimentarius. The value of THQ that we obtained was less than one, and that of CRT was within the limits established by the US-EPA, which means that the consumption of artisanal cheeses from Tabasco and Chiapas by humans does not imply a risk of disease or cancer.

DETERMINATION OF MICRONUTRIENTS IN DIABETIC WOMEN: A SERUM ANALYSIS OF SEVEN ELEMENTS

Background: The human body needs minerals and micronutrients. It is important to estimate the micronutrients (Fe+2, Mg+2, Mn+2, Zn+2, Cu+2, K+, Na+) in the serum of female patients with diabetes mellitus (T2DM) as needed for insulin and glucose metabolism, especially zinc, manganese, and magnesium, which activate insulin receptor sites. Aim: Estimate the micronutrient concentrations by (µg/mL) and determine their effects on insulin resistance and diabetes mellitus. Methods: The study was conducted at Maysan Province Endocrinology and Diabetes Center from January to April 2023. It included 120 women aged (20 – 65) years separated into two groups. The control group included 40 healthy women, and the patient group included 80 women with diabetic mellitus (T2DM). The IBM SPSS Statistics and the t-test were used to compare the two groups. Results: The results showed a statistically significant difference at the level (P?0.05) for the average concentration of Magnesium, Manganese, Zinc, Copper, Potassium, and Sodium, while Iron concentration was a non-significant decrease at (P?0.05) in the patients with (T2DM) compared with the control group. The concentration of micronutrients in diabetes mellitus and healthy groups was Na+ > Cu+2 > Zn+2 > Mn+2 > Fe+2 > K+ > Mg+2 and Na+ > Cu+2 > K+ > Mg+2 > Fe+2 > Zn+2 > Mn+2 respectively. In the T2DM group, the trace element with the highest observed concentration was the Sodium ion, while Manganese (Mn+2) had the lowest concentration. Conversely, in the control group, Sodium (Na+) showed the highest concentration and Magnesium (Mg+2) the lowest. Discussion: Sodium had the greatest micronutrient content in both the control and T2DM groups. Micronutrient differences may affect insulin resistance and diabetes. Conclusions: The variation in the micronutrient concentration was statistically significant between the diabetes mellitus and control groups, except for Iron, demonstrating the complex relationship between micronutrient levels and metabolic disorders

Human health risk assessment of trace elements in commonly consumed herbs in Ibadan, Nigeria

Elemental contamination of medicinal herbs is a major barrier to its general use. This study assessed the concentrations and health risks of Manganese, Iron, Copper, Zinc, Chromium, Cadmium, Cobalt, Nickel, Lead and Selenium via consumption of commonly sold medicinal herbs in Ibadan, Nigeria. Exactly 180 medicinal herb samples, purchased from 10 markets across Ibadan, were digested using aqua-regia. Quantification via Inductively Coupled Plasma-Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP–OES) was done and validated via recovery (99.6–101%) and linearity (R2 > 0.999) procedures. The health risk associated with the consumption of medicinal herbs was estimated as Chronic Daily Intake (CDI), Hazard Quotient (HQ), Hazard Index (HI) and Target Carcinogenic Risk (TCR). The concentrations (mg kg-1) of Iron, Manganese, Copper, Zinc, Chromium, Selenium and Cobalt ranged from 65.4 to 369, 32.7–184, 17.0–96.0, 36.1–203, 5.41–30.5, 0.028–0.159 and 0.675–3.81 respectively. The average concentrations of Iron, Copper, Zinc and Chromium exceeded the WHO permissible limits. Although some elemental HQ values <1, all medicinal herbs had HI values > 1. Likewise, TCR values exceeded the 1 × 10–4 USEPA limit for cancer suggesting that consumption of these medicinal herbs is not safe for both adults and children.

Evaluation of pollution with some heavy metals for soils and plants of agricultural Locations in Basrah province

To Evaluate the state of pollution with heavy metals (Zn, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb), ten Locations with different chemical and physical properties were selected from the agricultural Locations of Basrah province: 1/Al-Qurna, 2/Al-Madina, 3/Al-Dair, 4/Al-Haritha, and 5/Karmat Ali (University). ), 6/ Al-Tanuma, 7/ Abu Al-Khasib, 8/ Al-Siba, 9/ Al-Faw and 10/ Al-Zubayr (Al-Burjisiya station) and a site was chosen for comparison, where soil samples were collected from agricultural Locations close to the source of pollution, while plant samples were collected from near and far from the source Pollution and the necessary analyzes were Carried out for the study. The results showed an increase in the concentration of total heavy metals in the soils of most of the study Locations, and they were polluted compared to the comparison treatment. The soils of most agricultural Locations exceeded the internationally permissible limits. The results indicated that the total average concentration of lead, Nickel, copper, chromium and zinc in the Hartha area (the fourth site) was 615.88, 165.55, 390.40, 48.45, 465.83 mg kg-1 soil sequentially, which is higher compared to the average concentration in other agricultural sites, as well as the concentrations of heavy metals increased (Pb, Ni, Cu, Cr, Zn) in plants grown in locations close from the source of pollution. The concentrations of these elements decreased in plants far from the source of pollution. It is noted that the pollution factor (CF) values of Pb and Zn in all study Locations ranged from moderate contamination to very high contamination. Keywords: PLI, pollution Factor (CF), oil installations, soil pollution, plant pollution.

Geochemical evaluation and environmental risk assessment of heavy metals: A case study from Ireland using Tellus stream sediment data (2011–2017)

A comprehensive assessment of the distribution, spatial mapping and ecological risk of heavy metals in stream sediments of 17 counties of Ireland based on the Tellus geochemical survey programme in Ireland was carried out. Average trace metal concentrations of chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), lead (Pb), zinc (Zn), vanadium (V), cobalt (Co), arsenic (As), and major and minor oxides iron oxide (Fe2O3), manganese oxide (MnO) in the stream sediments were above the background values, but lower than Irish sediment quality guidelines for livestock and Canadian sediment quality guidelines (ISQG); threshold effect level (TEL) and probable effect level (PEL). 69.65% of Ni, 22.13% of Zn, and 96.7% of Pb samples exceeded the low-effect-range (ERL) values, whereas only 21%, 1.80% and 0.69% of the same elements exceeded the median effect range (ERM) values. Hotspots of Zn (>12000 mg kg−1), Pb (>10,000 mg kg−1), Fe2O3 (61.38%), MnO (26%), Cr (>2300 mg kg−1) and Ni (874.2 mg kg−1) were observed at Wicklow, Dublin, Mayo, Galway and Cavan counties. Catchment geochemistry was identified for the presence of heavy metals in the stream sediments. The geo-accumulation index (Igeo) indicated Kildare to be the least contaminated county with Igeo < 0 for Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn, Pb and As for 50% of the samples. The enrichment factor (EF) indicated that some sites located in Mayo and Donegal were highly contaminated. PInemerow followed the trend, Tipperary > Dublin > Waterford > Monaghan > Donegal > Wexford > Galway > Wicklow > Cavan > Meath > Kilkenny > Leitrim > Mayo > Louth > Sligo > Kildare > Carlow. Based on potential ecological risk index (PERI), 83.1% of the sites posed low ecological risk (PERI <150), 11.9% sites posed moderate risk (150 < RI < 300) and high ecological risk was posed by 0.3% (PERI >1200) of the sites. Lithology, topography and anthropogenic factors influenced the distribution and ecological risks of heavy metals. Non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risk for adults and children were above the recommended value.

Multidecadal heavy metals and microplastic deposition records in an urban lake: the ecological risk assessments and influencing factors.

With the development of urbanization and economic growth, the urban lake ecosystem faces many challenges derived from external factors. As pollutants in the aquatic environment, heavy metals and microplastics negatively influence the urban lake ecosystem due to their intrinsic properties. To understand the distribution patterns and multidecadal deposition characteristics of heavy metals and microplastics, six sediment cores were collected in March 2021 from a Chinese urban lake, Xinghu Lake, and the isotopic composition of cesium-137 and lead-210 was analyzed for the chronology of the sediment core. Here, the classifications of comprehensive ecological risk evaluation methods for heavy metals and microplastics were adjusted further. Meanwhile, the correlations among heavy metals, microplastics, sediment grains, and natural and social factors were further analyzed. The results showed that the sediments of Xinghu Lake were mainly fine silt (39%), and the average surface area of sediment was 1.82 ± 0.60 m2/g. The average concentrations of cadmium, chromium, copper, nickel, lead, vanadium, and zinc were 0.268 ± 0.077, 59.91 ± 16.98, 23.29 ± 6.48, 52.16 ± 13.11, 36.83 ± 11.78, 119.57 ± 26.91, and 88.44 ± 29.68mg/kg, respectively. The average comprehensive potential ecological risk indexes of heavy metals and microplastics in sediment cores were 46.59 ± 9.98 and 105.78 ± 23.32 in Xinghu Lake, and their risks were projected to reach high and very high levels by 2030 and 2050. The annual average temperature was the key natural factor for the abundances of heavy metals and microplastics, and the small sediment grain had a significant correlation with these. Agricultural activities were major pollution sources of heavy metals and microplastics, while the chemical fibers and plastic products were closely related to the abundance of microplastics.

Some Trace Elements and Oxidative Stress Status in Patients with Chronic Rheumatoid Arthritis

Background Rheumatoid arthritis (R.A.) is a complex polygenic, au- toimmune inflammatory disease. It was disturbing that almost 1-2% of people depended on that geographic spreading worldwide. R.A. can result from the interaction of genetic, environmental, and autoimmunity. It is characterized by non-organ-specific self-reactive antibody production and chronic synovitis leading to the damage of cartilage and bone. Objectives To evaluate the sera of trace elements and oxidative stress levels in patients detected with chronic rheumatoid arthritis. Determination of some trace elements such as copper, zinc, and iron in the sera of patients.Patients and Method A case-control study was done on the Iraqi population from Al-Najaf, an Iraqi city. Blood samples were collected from 135 volunteers from September 2021 to February 2022 from Al-Sadder Medical City (Al-Najaf). The 180 volunteers in our study were divided into two groups patient group consisting of 90 individuals ages range: (20–70 years), male and female, and a control group consisting of 45 individuals. Blood was drawn from the patients to measure the copper, zinc, and iron concentration level using the Colorimetric method technique.Results The average zinc concentration was lower in the patient’s group than in the reference category. The average copper concentration was more significant in the patient’s group than in the reference category. In addi- tion, the average Zn/Cu ratio was lower in the patient’s group compared to the reference category. There was no statistical variation in average serum iron between patients and the reference category. However, the average Zn/Fe ratio was lower in the patient’s group compared to the reference category control group.Conclusion Lower levels of zinc and a higher level of copper suggest a role for those trace elements on that pathogen of R.A.

Determination of metal(oids) in different traditional flat breads distributed in Isfahan city, Iran: Health risk assessment study by latin hypercube sampling.

This survey was conducted to assess the metal(oids) content in 93 samples of bread, including barbari, lavash, and tafton, using inductive couple plasma/optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) method and atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS). The amounts of measured element were compared with the permissible limit set for bread by FAO/WHO and Iranian National Standardization Organization (INSO). The limit of detection (LOD) was ranged from 6.6 × 10-5 to 2.1 × 10-2 mg l-1 with recoveries ranged from 92% to 102%. The average concentrations of aluminum (Al), arsenic (As), boron (B), cadmium (Cd), iron (Fe), mercury (Hg), magnesium (Mg), sodium (Na), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn) in bread were 29.88 ± 8, 0.03 ± 0.004, 12.77 ± 3.70, 0.01 ± 0.006, 34.16 ± 8.95, 0.01 ± 0.008, 346.07 ± 36.08, 3314.81 ± 317.19, 0.24 ± 0.11, and 19.65 ± 4.66 mg Kg-1, respectively. Amounts of As, Cd, Hg, Mg, Pb, and Zn were lower, and those of Al, Fe, and Na were higher than the permissible limits defined by FAO/WHO. The Latin Hyper Cube (LHC) sampling results revealed that children were exposed to higher non-carcinogenic risk and adults were more threatened by carcinogenic risk. It is recommended to control the entrance of metals in bread in the farm-to-fork chain in order to prevent probable future health challenges.

Determination of Heavy Metals in Cocoa Products Consumed in Nairobi County Kenya

Cocoa is an important cash crop obtained from the beans of the Theobroma cacao tree belonging to the family Malvaceae. Its products are rich in several classes of phenolic compounds such as Flavanols, procyanidins, and anthocyanins. These compounds are attributed to copious health benefits. In addition to the bioactive compounds, cocoa contains heavy metals whose origin and levels depend on natural and anthropogenic activities. Beyond permissible limits, these metals are linked to deleterious damage to several systems in the human body. This study aims to determine the concentration of some heavy metals in Cocoa products and compare the levels with the permissible exposure limits stipulated by international health agencies. This was achieved by wet digestion of the strategically sampled cocoa products and their analysis using the atomic absorption spectrometry technique. The average concentration of Lead (Pb), Copper (Cu), Zinc (Zn), and Manganese (Mn) in cocoa powder was 0.154±0.021, 0.270±0.037, 0.794±0.063, and 0.334±0.015 respectively. The average concentration of Pb, Cu, Zn, and Mn in cocoa butter was 0.329±0.008, 0.028±0.038, 0.116±0.075, and 0.124±0.008 respectively. The average concentration of Pb, Cu, Zn, and Mn in chocolate milk was 0.463±0.003, 0.042±0.066, 0.296±0.015, and 0.162±0.010 respectively. Cadmium levels were below the detection limit in all the samples. The results obtained in all the samples were within the WHO and KEBS permissible levels in food products.

Concentrações de microminerais (cobre, cobalto, ferro, molibdênio e zinco) no fígado de vacas leiteiras da Região de Campos Gerais, Paraná, Brasil

ABSTRACT: This study collected samples from 50 Holstein cows, most intensively bred, and from the Campos Gerais region, Paraná, with an average milk production of 30.21L/day. Samples of the liver, spleen and lymph nodes were collected to determine the levels of copper, cobalt, iron, molybdenum and zinc. Spleen and lymph nodes were subjected to histological analysis and evaluation of the degree of hemosiderosis. The average concentrations of copper (495.05ppm), molybdenum (4.19ppm), and zinc (274.49ppm) were higher than those established for the bovines. For cobalt 26% of the animals presented levels below the established level, which characterized cobalt deficiency. Only iron (299.12ppm) exhibited an adequate average level. Histopathologically hemosiderosis was observed mainly in the spleen (78%) and less frequently in the lymph nodes (20%). The observation of hemosiderin in the spleen and lymph nodes is not related to copper deficiency. Still it may be related to high levels of molybdenum, zinc, iron, or other undetermined causes.

Heavy metal (Pb, Cd, Zn, Cu) concentration in Red Blood Cockle (Anadara granosa) sold at local markets in Uttaradit Province, Thailand

The objectives of this study were to determine the concentration of heavy metals such as lead (Pb), cadmium (cd), zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) in red blood cockles sold at local markets in Uttaradit province, Thailand. The red blood cockles were collected and randomly obtained from 5 local markets in Uttaradit province, Thailand-total 50 samples (10 samples from each local markets). The samples were analyzed using Atomic absorption spectrometry technique. The results showed that the average concentration of lead Pb was 0.5107±0.1039 mg/kg dry weight which does not exceed the specified standard. The average concentration of cadmium (Cd) was 0.7882±0.2535 mg/kg dry weight which does not exceed the specified standard, the average concentration of zinc (Zn) was 50.812±5.2684 mg/kg dry weight which does not exceed the specified standard and the average concentration of copper (Cu) was 4.593±0.6082 mg/kg dry weight which does not exceed the specified standard of the Thailand Food and Drug Administration of and that of the United States Food and Drug Administration.