Trace Element Concentrations Research Articles

Serum levels of iron, zinc, selenium, copper and oxidative stress in hypertensive patients: A comparative study of age-related changes in the governorate of Basrah, Iraq

Hypertension is the force of blood through blood vessels, where the heart works harder and blood vessels are under more pressure. The relationship between trace element levels and oxidative stress in hypertension is under investigation, with conflicting results. This study aimed to determine the relationship between concentrations of certain antioxidant trace elements (iron, zinc, selenium, and copper) and protein carbonyl concentration as an indicator of oxidative stress in the serum of hypertensive patients compared to the control group in Basra, Iraq, according to age. The study included 100 hypertensive patients (44 males and 56 females) compared to 50 healthy individuals (25 males and 25 females). Patients were divided into three age groups: 35–45, 46–56, and over 57 years. The study showed a significant decrease (p<0.001) in the mean concentration of all selected elements in the patients' serum compared to the control group. Conversely, the mean protein carbonyl level showed a significant increase (p<0.001) in patients compared to the control group. Trace element concentrations decreased in patients with increasing age, while carbonyl protein levels increased, especially in the third age group. The study also showed a significant negative correlation between protein carbonyl level and all trace elements at p<0.001. These results suggest that hypertension is associated with an imbalance in oxidative stress and trace elements. Monitoring trace element intake may help reduce oxidative stress and improve overall health in individuals with hypertension, especially with advancing age, by restoring the balance of essential elements and antioxidants in the body.

Mesoproterozoic depleted spinel peridotites metasomatized by high-K hydrous melt in the Patagonian back-arc

Here we report the first investigation of spinel-bearing mantle xenoliths from Los Gemelos volcano, Canquel Plateau, Patagonia. They are highly-depleted Mesoproterozoic (ReOs model ages of 1.3–0.9 Ga) harzburgites and clinopyroxene-poor lherzolites characterized by typical indicators of partial melt extraction, such as low whole-rock Al2O3 and CaO contents (<1.5 wt%), high Mg# of silicate phases (90–95), and Cr-rich spinel (Cr# 0.20–0.42). Depletion of incompatible highly siderophile elements (Re, Ru, Pd) relative to the primitive upper mantle supports high degrees of melt extraction. The occurrence of phlogopite and K-rich alkaline glass veins with high- and low-SiO2 compositions is clear evidence of modal metasomatism. The light rare earth element (LREE) enrichment in clinopyroxene, as well as the whole-rock U-shaped REE pattern, confirms cryptic metasomatism. This melt-rock interaction is corroborated by major (i.e., Mg# vs. basaltic elements) and trace (i.e., La/YbN vs. Sr/Y and Ti/Eu; and Sr vs. Ti/Eu) element contents of pyroxenes. The calculated compositions of melts in equilibrium with clinopyroxene coexisting with phlogopite suggest interaction with slab-derived materials. This metasomatism has been generated by a chromatographic fractionation-reaction process, from deep to shallow mantle domains. The percolation of a high-K hydrous magma probably is associated with the upwelling of asthenospheric material through a slab-window, which caused partial melting of oceanic crust and overlying sediments during the Paleocene. The varying intensities of metasomatic imprints recorded by mantle xenoliths from Los Gemelos provide valuable insights into the interaction of slab-derived materials near the lithosphere-asthenosphere boundary, at a distance of ∼600 km from the Andean volcanic arc.

Trace Elements and Proximate Analysis of &lt;i&gt;Boswellia dalzielii&lt;/i&gt; Stem Bark

Boswellia dalzielii (B. dalzielii) Hutch is a tree plant of the Burseraceae family found in Savannah woodlands. The decoction of stem bark has been reported to be useful in treating gastrointestinal diseases, rheumatism, septic sores, and sexual ailments. Additionally, it has demonstrated antifungal, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties. The research was undertaken to evaluate the trace element contents and nutritional contents of the stem bark of B. dalzielii using standard methods of the Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC). The elemental analysis showed the presence of: Zn (5.82±0.021 mg/kg), Cu (4.22±0.017 mg/kg), Mn (31.24±0.114 mg/kg), and Fe (9.12±0.318 mg/kg), Se (3.13m±0.223 g/kg) Cr (0.0026±0.211 mg/kg), Co (0.00 mg/kg), Mo (0.0016±0.001 mg/kg), Cd (0.0037±0.117 mg/kg), Ni (0.0016±0.324 mg/kg), and I (4.15±0.214 mg/kg). While the proximate analysis revealed the presence of the following: ash content (5.97±0.315%), moisture (6.22±0.115%), protein (18.52±0.018%), fiber 16.2±0.215%), crude fat (6.02±0.002%), and carbohydrate (31.73±0.224%). Trace elements have well-characterized physiological functions within the body. They regulate biological processes, thereby stabilizing the structures of cells when they are supplied at the normal level, but their deficiency leads to different kinds of diseases. The study suggests that the trace elements present in the bark sample of B. dalzielii may be of value and may have prognostic significance in the early diagnosis and therapy evaluation of some diseases, especially various types of cancer, as well as in anti-diabetic agents. The results of the proximate analysis depict the potentiality of the plant as a good source of nutraceuticals.

Trace Element Concentrations of Arsenic and Selenium in Toenails and Risk of Prostate Cancer among Pesticide Applicators.

Prostate cancer is a common cancer among males in the US, but little is known about its risk factors, including trace elements. The primary aim of this study was to examine prostate cancer and its association with arsenic and selenium in toenails. We conducted a small, nested case-control study of men residing in Iowa within the Agricultural Health Study cohort, where we also collected toenail samples to test for arsenic and other trace elements. Toenail samples were sent for neutron activation analysis aimed at long-lived trace elements, including arsenic. Logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) for trace element exposures and prostate cancer. A total of 66 prostate cancer cases and 173 healthy controls returned questionnaires, over 99% of which included toenail samples. An increased risk was seen for the highest levels of arsenic (OR = 3.4 confidence interval (CI) of 1.3-8.6 and OR = 2.2, 95% CI of 0.9-5.6) and the highest level of selenium (2.0, 95% CI of 1.0-4.0). These data also show detectable levels of over 50% for 14 of 22 elements detected in the toenails. The association seen here with arsenic and prostate cancer further supports ecological studies finding an association with community levels of arsenic and prostate cancer incidence and mortality.

Determination of Trace Elements Content of a Popular Traditional Herbal Medicine Used for Internal Hemorrhoids Treatment in Katsina State, Nigeria

Study’s Excerpt/Novelty Assessment of toxic metal concentrations of a widely used traditional herb in Katsina state, was carried out. Flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry and descriptive statistical analysis was employed in the research. Pb, Cr, and As were found to be beyond WHO/FAO thresholds. Full Abstract There has been an increase in the utilization of traditional herbal drugs for different medications and health care in Katsina state. This is possibly due to the growing need for complementary disease treatment, relative cheapness, availability, and wider distribution. Raw samples of a popularly used traditional herb (locally named - Dan Lambar Rimi) were purchased from local markets, prepared, and analyzed using a flame atomic absorption spectrophotometer for Pb, Cr, As, Co, Ni, and Cd concentrations. The obtained concentrations were then summarized using descriptive statistics in SPSS Version 27. The results for the elements analyzed were Ni (0.83 ± 0.15), Cd (0.20 ± 0.01), Pb (21.5 ± 6.63), As (2.10 ± 0.70), Cr (2.36 ± 0.37), and Co (1.15 ± 0.22) ppm. Cr, Pb and As concentrations were greater than the WHO/FAO threshold limits for herbal medicines, while that of Cd was within the recommended threshold. Furthermore, the concentrations of these metals (As, Cr, and Pb) were greater than the WHO/FAO acceptable threshold in 50% of the herbal samples analyzed. Therefore, these metals can pose a threat to public health, especially considering the conventional way in which this herbal medicine is used. With deliberate improvement in hygiene during its preparation prior to consumption, the risk will be brought to a minimal. Future studies should perform a detailed chemical risk assessment, especially when we look at the increase in the number of diseases of unknown etiology in the region.

Trace elements in liver and muscle tissues from wild waterfowls in Australia: Risk associated with human consumption in a global context

Trace elements in game meats remain a point of concern for both the public and policymakers alike due to the human health implications if levels present are above guideline limits. This study aimed to: (1) determine trace element concentrations (As, Cd, Hg, Pb Cr, Cu, Se, Zn) in edible portions (breast meat and liver) of the four most frequently hunted duck Anatidae species inhabiting wetlands in Victoria, Australia, to identify the risk to human health from consumption; (2) investigate landscape-scale variables that may influence the detected concentrations and; (3) review the studies available (n = 41) in duck liver and muscle tissues from the 1970s to 2024, to contextualise the detected concentrations found on a global scale. Our study shows that ducks in Victoria had trace element concentrations below tolerable daily intake (TDI) guidelines for human health with one exception: notably high Hg in a filter-feeding specialist, the Pink-eared duck (Malacorhynchus membranaceus). Yet, the only trace element concentrations that were influenced by proximity to populated centres, were As and Zn. Compared to international reports, Pb concentrations in livers and muscle of Victorian waterfowl were lower, however, Pink-eared ducks had higher Hg than other duck (Anas spp.) species. Review of the worldwide data indicate that Pb concentrations in liver tissues from all Anas species have declined from the 1970s to 2024. This is the first study to identify this trend at a global scale. International movements towards Pb-shot bans, along with phasing out of Pb in gasoline and paint are the most likely cause of declining concentrations in tissues of wild waterfowl. These findings strongly underscore the importance of legislative efforts to limit trace elements entering the environment.

Generation of isotopically enriched giant Lincang Batholith by disequilibrium melting of the heterogeneous lower crust

Deciphering the origin of granitoids with enriched isotopic compositions is essential to understanding the mechanism of continental growth and reworking. Establishing their origin is also an effective solution to the decoupled interpretations between geochemical and isotopic observations in competing petrogenetic models. This paper reports on the whole-rock major and trace elements, Sr-Nd-Pb-Hf isotopes, and zircon UPb age and Hf isotope data of samples from the Late Triassic Lincang Batholith in SW China. The hornblende-bearing granodiorites are weakly peraluminous, whereas the coeval biotite monzogranites are generally strongly peraluminous. These two types of granitoids show identical and extremely enriched isotopic compositions with (87Sr/86Sr)i ratios of 0.71991 to 0.74302, whole-rock εNd(t) values of −13.5 to −10.1, and εHf(t) values of −13.4 to −10.3, as well as a large variation of zircon εHf(t) values of −17.6 to +0.6. The inherited zircons from both suites of samples show similar age peaks (ca. 950 Ma and ca. 1150 Ma), trace element concentrations, and εHf(t) variations to those of the detrital zircons from the Lancang Group. These similarities indicate that these rocks are most likely derived from the anatexis of the Lancang Group that is mainly composed of quartz schist, sericite schist, greenschist, chlorite albite schist, and minor eclogite. On the other hand, the Lancang Group is characterized by more enriched isotopic compositions than the granitic batholith with whole-rock εNd(225 Ma) value of −13.3 and εHf(225 Ma) value of −19.1, but identical to those of the average εHf(225 Ma) values of inherited and detrital zircons (−18.1 and − 16.3). This isotopic fractionation between the granitoids and the Lancang Group may result from disequilibrium melting of the Lancang Group with different dissolution behavior of accessory minerals (i.e., zircon, monazite, apatite, titanite, etc.). The Lincang Batholith is on average more silicic and richer in incompatible elements than the upper continental crust, suggesting that the isotopically enriched giant granitic batholith is a mature magmatic response to continental reactivation and reworking.

Trace element concentrations and associated human health risk assessment in canned tuna, city of Neyshabur, Iran

Seafood is considered a healthy and nutritious food, but the presence of toxic substances in such foods is a serious problem. The present study aimed to analyze the concentration of some toxic metals in seafood and evaluate their noncarcinogenic risks to consumers. Samples were digested according to the Association of Official Agricultural Chemists (AOAC) standard. The heavy metals concentration of Cd, Ni, Hg, Pb, and Sn in 30 canned tuna samples were determined using an inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES). The mean concentrations of Cd, Ni, Sn, Pb, and Hg were 0.7, 0.49, 1.03, 0.31, and 0.12 µg g− 1, respectively. Based on these results, the concentrations of Cd, Sn, and Hg in samples met the required standards. However, the concentrations of Ni and Pb in some samples were higher than the permissible limits. The mean values of Sn, Ni, Pb, Hg, and Cd in samples followed a decreasing order. Since the values of the health risk index for these samples were lower than the HI and HRI risk threshold (<1), they can be consumed without any problems arising. Highlights The metal concentration was measured in the four most popular brands of canned fish sold in Neyshabur City, Iran. Some samples exceeded the maximum permissible level of nickel (Ni) and lead (Pb). A significant correlation was observed between Ni concentration with Pb and Hg concentrations and Pb concentration with Cd concentration. The values of the health risk index (HRI) for noncarcinogenic health risks were lower than 1. The calculated Hazard index (HI) for adult and child consumers was less than 1. The HI values were greater for children than for adults.

The Early Cretaceous Sembar Formation, Southern Indus Basin, Pakistan: Biomarkers and Trace Element Distributions to Investigate the Sedimentary Palaeoenvironment and Organic Matter Input.

The Early Cretaceous clay-rich facies of the Sembar Formation represent the most significantly occurring organic-rich sediments in the Southern Indus Basin of Pakistan. In this study, detailed geochemical research of total organic carbon, biomarker, mineralogy and trace elemental compositions, together with kerogen microscopic analysis, were carried out and used to understand the organic matter input and the dispositional environmental setting of the organic-rich Sembar shale. The Sembar shales have high organic matter, as indicated by the total organic carbon (TOC) content of up to 2.31 wt %. These shales contain a high abundance of liptinites (i.e., alginite and bituminite), with significant reactive vitrinite maceral, reflecting a mixed-organic matter with a high contribution of marine-derived input. The biomarker distributions evidence the finding of mainly marine organic matter. The biomarker characteristics such as Pr/Ph, Pr/n-C17, Ph/n-C18, and tricyclic terpane ratios together with C27-C29 regular sterane distributions show that the source of organic matter was primarily marine-derived from mainly phytoplankton algae, along with amounts of land plant input, and accumulated under a low oxygenated environment. The Sembar shale facies are characterized by high Mo trace element content and high V/Ni and Mo/TOC ratios, suggesting anoxic and nonsulfidic environmental conditions during time deposition. The geochemical proxies such as the Sr/Ba ratio and gammacerane/C30 hopane (G/C30) index suggest that the Sembar shale facies were deposited in a relatively low moderate stratified water column. The higher gallium (Ga) than rubidium (Rb), with high Ga/Rb ratios, indicates a high abundance of the kaolinite mineral, thereby deducing the subaerial weathering during the warm and humid climatic conditions. In this case, these warm and humid climatic conditions cause an influx of masses of nutrients, which could be attributed to increasing marine primary bioproductivity. These large masses of nutrients into the photic zone are also attributed to the presence of the upwelling system during the deposition time. Therefore, such conditions of bioproductivity and preservation of organic matter (OM) resulted in the accumulation of organic carbon in the shale facies of the Early Cretaceous Sembar Formation.

Technology of preparation and determination of the properties of kvas from table beet for use in bakery

In connection with the deterioration of the health of the population of Ukraine, the primary task should be to enrich the usual diet with products of functional purpose and to add natural biologically active additives that contribute to the removal of radionuclides, toxins, normalization of the body's systems and increased immunity. This work is devoted to the study of the process of beet processing and its further use in the bakery and confectionery industries. The refractometric method was used to determine the content of soluble solids. The content of trace elements was determined using the atomic adsorption method. When preparing kvass from table beets, additional raw materials were added: sprouted flax seeds, whey, yeast, viburnum powder, rye bread crackers. It was established that the variety of the Dutch selection Roket differs from the varieties Bordeaux 237 and Cylindra in terms of dry matter, organic acids, dyes and sugars. It is important to note that when improving kvass preparation technology, optimal fermentation conditions and dosing of additives are taken into account in order to maximize the shelf life of the product without losing its quality. In view of the increase in the number of genetic and complicated diseases, it is worth noting the introduction of specialized dietary programs, which are gaining more and more relevance. Such programs have been found to ensure food security and meet all essential nutrient needs. Considered the problem of the need for constant improvement of recipes of food products, study of new gluten-free alternatives and provision of access to high-quality gluten-free products. Studies have proven that the use of natural raw materials in the production of beet kvass is an effective means of improving its quality characteristics. Therefore, a promising direction in the production of flour products is the improvement of the recipe of the existing assortment due to the use of natural plant components of increased biological value. Kvass from table beet can be a source of natural biologically active substances (BAR). Table beets have a rich chemical composition. The nutritional value of beets is additionally balanced by the content of sugars and acids (citric and oxalic), the content of organic substances, minerals and vitamins. The production of bakery products using kvass from table beet as a natural food additive is relevant today.

Iron Trace Elements Concentration in PM10 and Alzheimer's Disease in Lima, Peru: Ecological Study.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) has been linked to air pollution, especially particulate matter (PM). PM comprises various elements, including iron-rich particles that may reach the brain through inhalation. Lima, Peru is one of the most polluted cities in Latin America, with a high rate of AD. The study aims to evaluate the association between iron (Fe) trace elements in PM10 and AD cases in Lima, Peru. This retrospective ecological study used monthly Fe concentration data from the Peruvian Ministry of Health. AD cases (ICD-10-G30) and dementia in AD cases (DAD, ICD-10-F00) were obtained from the Peruvian CDC. Fe trace element data were available for six districts in Lima for the years 2017-2019 and 2022. Cases were standardized based on ≥60-year-old populations of each district. Hierarchical mixed-effects models of Gaussian and negative binomial families were constructed to evaluate both outcomes jointly (AD + DAD) and separately (AD, and DAD). A sensitivity analysis was conducted by excluding data from Lima's downtown district. In the complete model, log-Fe concentration was associated with a higher rate of AD + DAD and DAD, and with a higher IRR for the three outcomes. After controlling for other metals, a higher DAD rate was observed (β-coeff = 6.76, 95%CI 0.07; 13.46, p = 0.048), and a higher IRR for AD + DAD (1.55, 95%CI 1.09; 2.20, p = 0.014) and DAD (1.83, 95%CI 1.21; 2.78, p = 0.004). The association was not significant in the sensitivity analysis. In conclusion, exposure to Fe through PM10 inhalation may be associated with the presence of AD in Lima.

What Can We Learn from the Scalp Hair's Trace Element Content? The Relationship with the Advancement of Coronary Artery Disease.

Background: Multiple risk factors for coronary artery disease have been identified without answering one of the leading questions related to the extent of the involvement of the epicardial arteries. Trace elements are involved in various stages of atherosclerotic lesion formation and may play a significant role in the advancement of coronary artery disease. Methods: A total of 157 (92 (59%) men and 65 (41%) women) patients with a median age of 71 (65-75) years presenting with chronic coronary syndrome were enrolled in the prospective single-center analysis. The coronary angiography results were compared with the concentration of trace elements in scalp hair. Results: Through Spearman analysis, a positive correlation between the number of diseased coronary arteries and hair trace element concentration was found for sodium (r = 0.198, p = 0.013), vanadium (r = 0.164, p = 0.040), chromium (r = 0.242, p = 0.002), and nickel (r = 0.176, p = 0.026). A negative relationship was noted between magnesium (r = -0.237, p = 0.003) and calcium (r = -0.217, p = 0.007) and the extent of epicardial lesions. Conclusions: Scalp hair trace element analysis indicates the possible modulatory role of trace elements in advancing coronary artery disease. Since a significant correlation with one- and two-vessel but not with three-vessel disease was noted, it might be considered an "all or nothing" phenomenon. A positive correlation between the number of diseased coronary arteries and sodium, vanadium, chromium, and nickel and an inverse correlation with magnesium and calcium were noted. The presented analysis is hypothesis-generating, and further studies are necessary to corroborate the results from a clinical perspective.

Effect of HTC and Water-Leaching of Low-Grade Biomasses on the Release Behavior of Inorganic Constituents in a Calcium Looping Gasification Process at 650 °C.

The release of alkali metals (K, Na) and nonmetals (S, Cl) during a calcium looping (CaL) gasification process of waste derived-hydrochars, water-leached samples, and CaO-biomass blends was investigated. Special attention was paid to biomasses that are not particularly promising for gasification requirements but have a large occurrence in Europe, including Grape Bagasse, Organic Fraction of Municipal Solid Waste (OFMSW), Green Waste, and Out-of-use woods from construction debris and discarded furniture. The release experiments were performed at 650 °C in a flow channel reactor to investigate the behavior of inorganic trace substances. Hot-gas analysis was performed by Molecular Beam Mass Spectrometry (MBMS). Thermodynamic equilibrium calculations via FactSage indicate H2S, carbonyl sulfide (COS), KCl, NaCl, and HCl as the main inorganic impurities. Thus, the focus of the experiments was placed on these species. It was found that the concentrations of trace elements released during gasification at 650 °C, such as H2S, SO2, KCl, and NaCl, are hardly affected by intense water-leaching. In contrast, carbonaceous materials from hydrothermal carbonization exhibit a higher concentration of trace potassium substances (K, KCl, and K2Cl+). When biomass samples are combined with CaO, the total amount of inorganic trace compounds (K, Na, and S compounds) in the resulting syngas could be decreased.

Baseline status of the levels and distribution of rare, noble, and fissionable elements from the Northern Nile Delta black sand deposits

This study examined the composition, distribution, and origins of rare, Noble, and fissionable elements for the first time in black sand deposits from the Northern Delta coastal region. The findings showed that among the elements under investigation, Fe, Ti, Mn, and Sn had the greatest mean levels, while Hf, Cd, and As had the lowest mean amounts. According to the study's elemental composition, black sand is thought to have economic worth for Ti, Zr, Hf, Sn, Ag, and W. The Zr, Co, Cd, Cu, Hf, V, W, and Zn correlation points to the same source origin. It is clear that the accessory mineral composition in the sediments under study especially the heavy ones controls the geochemical patterns of trace elements. The trace element concentrations of interest show a pattern of element variability related to the mineralogy of the sands, as indicated by the principal component analysis and cluster analysis. To explore and exploit heavy minerals in the research region, the study's findings are important.

Variations of dissolved trace elements in precipitation and stream water in Japanese forest area: additional evidence of changing air pollution in the region

Trace elements released into the atmosphere by human activities, such as fossil fuel combustion, flow into forest ecosystems via wet and dry deposition and can flow out via mountainous stream water. The Kajikawa catchment site in Niigata Prefecture, located on the Sea of Japan side in central Japan, suffers from large amounts of acidic substance deposition due to its geographical conditions and meteorological seasonality and is affected by transboundary air pollution originating from the Asian continent due to northwesterly seasonal winds in winter. This study determined the concentrations of trace elements dissolved in precipitation and stream water to comprehensively evaluate the effects of transboundary air pollution on forest ecosystems. The results showed that the concentrations of trace elements and major inorganic ions in precipitation tended to be high in winter and low in summer. The fluxes of many trace elements also increased in winter, reflecting high precipitation amount. Except for Sr, the enrichment factors of the highly enriched trace elements did not show clear seasonality. Therefore, they were continuously influenced by anthropogenic activities. Furthermore, the stable Pb isotope ratio changed significantly during the observation period; however, this was not explained by seasonal changes. This study revealed that trace elements are transported to the Sea of Japan side in central Japan, especially in winter; however, their quantity and content change in response to changes in local and transboundary air pollution.Graphical

Assessment of potential toxic elements in soils, sediments, and vegetation in the surroundings of Anapa, Russia.

The study presented here reports the concentration of major, trace, and rare earth elements in soil, sediments, and vegetation samples collected from 13 locations around Anapa City located on the northern coast of the Black Sea in Russia. The neutron activation analysis technique has been used to fulfill this objective. Along with this, the bioconcentration and translocation factors were calculated. Overall, the content of 31 elements was detected in soil and sediments while 20 elements were determined in three types of vegetation: macroalgae (Cystoseira sp. and Ulva sp.), aquatic plants (Phragmites australis), and sea grass (Zostera sp.). The quantified concentration followed the order soil > sediment > vegetation. The phytotoxic levels for Zn, V, Mn, and Fe have been quantified as the highest. Bromine was the most abundant and accumulated in Phragmites australis. Based on the results obtained from this investigation, there is a possibility of contamination in the study area.

The Role of α−β Quartz Transition in Fluid Storage in Crust From the Evidence of Electrical Conductivity

AbstractAqueous fluids are extensively present in the middle to lower crust, as revealed by seismic and magnetotelluric soundings. The α−β quartz phase transition significantly affects many physical properties and leads to substantial microcracks that can provide pathways for the migration of crustal fluids. A systematic investigation of macroscopic physical properties and microstructure of quartz is crucial to elucidate their correlation. In the present study, the effects of water content, trace elements, orientations, and phase transition on the electrical conductivity of quartz were thoroughly evaluated at 400−900°C and 1 GPa. Individual annealing experiments were simultaneously conducted on quartz single crystals at different peak temperatures and 1 GPa to investigate the evolution and spatial distribution of microcracks using X‐ray microtomography (CT) and backscattered electron imaging. We found that trace element content and orientations, rather than H2O, are the dominant factors controlling the conductivity of quartz. The distinct changes in conductivity of single crystals at around α−β phase transition temperature are attributed to the transformation of microcracks from isolated to interconnected networks, as confirmed by two‐dimensional (2‐D) and three‐dimensional (3‐D) microstructure images. Based on the variation in electrical conductivity and microstructure across the transition, it thus is proposed that the intragranular microcracks caused by quartz phase transition can serve as fluid or melt pathways within highly conductive zones present in the middle to lower crust, while α‐quartz acts as an impermeable cap.

Quality Of Drinking Water In An Area With High Gold Panning Activity In Côte d'Ivoire (Daloa, Centre-West)

Background: Gold panning has experienced remarkable growth in recent decades in Côte d’Ivoire. This activity contributes substantially to local economies. However, the use of toxic chemicals has an impact on human health and the environment, particularly water resources. The aim of this study was to evaluate the level of contamination of drinking water by metallic trace elements, cyanide and pesticides in an area with high gold panning activity in Côte d'Ivoire. Materials and Methods: Five (5) surface water samples and 5 well water samples were collected in the area of the gold panning sites and then analyzed. The metallic trace elements were measured by atomic absorption spectrometry. Total cyanides were measured according to the NF EN ISO 14403-1 standard and the pesticides were analyzed using a UV-visible HPLC chain. Results:The average concentrations of the metallic trace elements found were 0.125; 0.002; 0.046; 0.036 and 0.009 µg/L respectively for arsenic, Cadmium, Iron, Lead and mercury in surface waters. In the well water, the concentrations of arsenic, cadmium, iron, lead and mercury were respectively 0.025; 0.001; 0.009; 0.007 and 0.002 µg/L. The average concentration of arsenic in all surface water samples and three well water samples was higher than the standard set by WHO (0.01 mg/Kg) for drinking water. Lead and mercury levels in surface water were also higher than recommended standards for drinking water. Cyanide has been found in surface and well waters at relatively low concentrations. Twenty-five pesticides belonging to the chemical families of organochlorines, organophosphates, carbamates and other compounds derived from urea and atrazine were found in the water samples analyzed. Farmer’s well water was qualitatively the most contaminated with the simultaneous presence of several pesticides. The sum of the measured pesticide concentrations for each sample complied with the recommendations for drinking water, set at 0.50 µg/L. Conclusion: Drinking water in this locality is contaminated by metallic trace elements, cyanide and pesticides. The quality of drinking water in this locality must be subject to permanent monitoring in order to protect the health of the population.

Source identification of heavy metal contamination in beach sediments of the ancient city of Phaselis in Antalya, Türkiye

The ancient city of Phaselis, which is located along gravel, coarse sandy, and sandy beaches, is a popular area visited by thousands of domestic and foreign tourists every year, and has been selected as the study area. Sediment samples collected from 57 different locations in the ancient city of Phaselis were analyzed using an X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectrometer, and the major, trace, and rare earth element contents of the samples were revealed. The heavy metals arsenic (As), cobalt (Co), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), tin (Sn), stronsium (Sr), and zinc (Zn) were used in the pollution index calculations. Distribution maps revealed that heavy metal concentrations reached higher levels, especially in the eastern part of the study area. Therefore, it is recommended to plant rooted macrophytes that can absorb the heavy metals Cr and Ni and perform phytoremediation of the sediment in the region.

Platinum-Group Element and Trace Element Contents of Chromite Grains from the Alexo Komatiite Flows Compared with Chromites from Other Volcanic Rocks: Implications for the Use of Chromite Compositions in Petrogenesis

Platinum-Group Element and Trace Element Contents of Chromite Grains from the Alexo Komatiite Flows Compared with Chromites from Other Volcanic Rocks: Implications for the Use of Chromite Compositions in Petrogenesis