Differences In Element Concentrations Research Articles

Soil contamination caused by fly ash from coal-fired thermal power plants in India: Spatiotemporal distribution and elemental leaching potential

On combustion, coal produces fly ash (FA) and spheroidal carbonaceous particles (SCP) at high temperatures. Airborne particles like FA and SCP can be transported over long distances by wind, leading to the pollution of air and water resources. Concern mainly arises from various toxic metals loosely bound to the surface of FA and SCP. Here, we trace the provenance of SCP in soil samples collected upwind and downwind from two coal-fired thermal power plants (TPP) in central Nagpur (Khaperkheda and Koradi) that have been operational for over four decades. The samples showed morphological similarities between SCPs from soil samples and FA collected from the Khaperkheda power plant. The SCP distribution shows a sharp increase in the soil profiles coinciding with the expansion of the power plants between 2010 and 2015. Backward trajectories of winds were calculated to ascertain whether the sampling locations downwind of the TPPs were potentially affected by FA emissions. The results from the back trajectories indicate that emissions from the TPP are directed toward the sampling sites. Finally, leaching experiments were conducted in FA to assess the release of elements. Leaching experiments at 30, 40, and 50 °C and at a given pH or extraction time did not show any notable differences in elemental concentrations of Al, As, Ca, Cr, Co, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, Se, Ni, Ti, V, and Zn. The concentration of different elements mobilized from FA was high at pH 3, with rapid leaching occurring within the first 30 min of the experiment. Hence, disposal, reclamation, and management of FA need to be regulated and monitored correctly to ensure the safety of its use.

Trace elements in IVA iron meteorites explained by limited solid–liquid equilibration during inward solidification

Iron meteorites are windows into the formation and evolution of planetesimal cores. The trace element compositions of IVA iron meteorites are enigmatic; specifically, to explain the fractionations of different elements requires various sulfur contents of the parent liquid. Here, we propose a possible solution to this problem. IVA irons are thought to sample an exposed core that underwent inward solidification. In an inward solidifying core, sulfur-rich liquids expelled by crystallization are buoyant and stably stratified in the interstices of the mushy solidification front, until they eventually solidify at the eutectic point. Solidification proceeds through in-situ dendritic crystallization of mushy parcels of identical compositions, with the absence of chemical fractionation. In order for fractionation to take place, “pristine” liquids must flow into the mushy front and react with solids, which would be possible if circulation is driven by external forcing, for example, collisions. In this picture, the fluid exchange (which enables fractionation) is driven by occasional events, and each incremental solid can react with only a limited amount of liquid during solidification. We develop a simple model to describe the fractionation associated with this limited solid–liquid equilibration. With this model, we can explain the concentrations of different elements satisfactorily with a single sulfur content (∼5wt%) of the IVA iron parent liquid. Assuming that the stirring is caused by collisions to the solidifying body, we combine the new model for element fractionation with a model for solidification (as a Stefan problem) to suggest a frequency on the order of once per few thousand years for collisions that are large enough to cause the required stirring.

Study of bremsstrahlung radiation coming from a transmission type x-ray generator and its application on EDXRF technique

We have demonstrated the use of the bremsstrahlung radiation from a small, portable, transmission type x-ray generator that can be used in energy dispersive x-ray fluorescence technique as a tool to perform non-destructive elemental analysis of solid samples employed in inter-disciplinary science research. As our knowledge goes, till date, this is the first attempt to generate the bremsstrahlung spectrum theoretically from a portable transmission type x-ray generator and compared it with the actual observation. Theoretically generated bremsstrahlung spectra are also found to be in good agreement with the experimentally observed spectra obtained with various operating anode voltages of the x-ray generator. A computer program has been developed utilizing a few atomic parameters to obtain the elemental concentrations in the sample by a single run using the whole bremsstrahlung. The knowledge of incoming x-ray flux, geometry of experimental arrangements are not required in this technique. To validate the technique, we have taken two samples: an Indian one rupee coin of the year 2000 and a NIST made brass sample, whose compositions are well known. We have used these samples to expose to the bremsstrahlung radiation, produced by the operating anode voltages 20, 25, and 30 KV. The relative concentrations of different elements are determined, which is in good agreement with the earlier results.

Response of Tagetes patula L. and Ageratum houstonianum Mill. to Microbial Biostimulant Inoculation and Organic Fertilization

A correct cultivation technique supported by scientific evidence that leads to high-quality standards can promote sustainable floriculture. It is urgent to find alternative solutions to the widely used chemical fertilizers and evaluate the effectiveness of other fertilizers. The liquid organic ones, already in use in organic vegetable farming, could be a good substitute if supplied together with growth-promoting products such as microbial biostimulants. In the hope of replacing the traditional chemicals with a more sustainable organic-based fertilization, the present investigation aimed to evaluate the effects of a microbial biostimulant and various combinations of organic and mineral fertilization on morphological characteristics and physiological parameters of Tagetes patula L. and Ageratum houstonianum Mill. The plants were grown in pots with a substrate inoculated or not with the microbial biostimulant and were fertigated with nutrient solutions at different concentrations of elements from mineral and/or organic sources. Six fertilization formulas were adopted: control (only water without fertilizer), 100% mineral fertilization, 50% mineral fertilization, 100% organic fertilization, 50% organic fertilization, and 50% mineral + 50% organic fertilization. For the organic fertilization, a commercial liquid fertilizer admitted in organic farming with 3-2-5.5 NPK with 3% organic nitrogen was used. Mineral fertilization was formulated to match the organic solution as closely as possible. We observed an improvement in ornamental value (stem diameter and shoot number) with the biostimulant inoculum. Generally, the 50% mineral and 50% organic fertilization did not negatively influence the morphological characteristics. The reduction by 50% in the mineral nutrients and the integration of this reduction with an organic fertilizer was feasible to produce potted plants of these species during spring in the Mediterranean area.

Feather's Composition of South Polar Skua (Stercorarius maccormicki) Using WDXRF.

This study investigated the feathers' composition of South polar skua (Stercorarius maccormicki) using WDXRF, evaluating the concentration of essential and non-essential elements in the feathers, and dividing it into rachis and barb parts. We collected South polar skuas feathers from Hennequin Point, King George Island, South Shetland, Antarctic Peninsula in January of 2013. Our results show that 18 elements were observed in the composition of the feathers, with a different concentration between the rachis and barbs, qualitatively and quantitatively. Only 3 elements observed were classified as non-essentials but still mostly elements do not have a function described in the literature to the feathers. According to our knowledge, this is the first study that uses this technique to evaluate the concentration of different elements in the feathers. The findings of this study highlight the use of alternative techniques to biomonitoring elements in the ecosystem and bring baseline information for future studies.

Determination of Tumeric Potential for the Stabilization of Specific Mineral Elements in Two Sokoto Tomato Types

The purpose of this work was to assess the effect of turmeric on concentrations of selected mineral elements resent in two tomato types from Sokoto state, Nigeria. Healthy, ripe and firm tomato brought from Sokoto, was selected, cleaned for this study. 5%, 10% and 25% by were dissolved in respective 5g, 10g and 25g neem extracts in 9.5, 9.0 and 7.5 liters of distilled water respectively to preserve tomatoes. The experiment was laid in completely randomized design. And elements, Na, K, Ca, Mg, and P were determined in the tomatoes after the experiment using atomic absorption spectroscopy. When Daneka tomato was observed, 2.0 to 2.5 (ppm), 3.2 to 3.7 (ppm), 2.2 to 2.6 (ppm), 0.42 to 0.46 (ppm), and 0.4510 to 0.4800 (ppm) are the respective concentrations revealed under turmeric storage method for Na, K, C, Mg, and P. The protection of concentration of different elements is dependent on the concentration of the turmeric applied in the preservation methods. 3.5 to 3.8 (ppm), 2.7 to 2.9 (ppm), 1.4 to 1.8 (ppm), 0.45 to 0.49 (ppm), and 1.2 to 1.9 (ppm) are the ranges of elements compositions of UTC tomatoes after storage under turmeric, for Na, K, Ca, Mg, and P respectively. At the end, the study has indicated, a raising concentration of elements in the all the tomato types depending on the rising turmeric concentration. Impliedly, the turmeric indicates a potential to preserve a typical quality parameter of tomatoes, that is concentration of elements at p < 0.05 significant level.

Effects of mango leaves utilization during postharvest storage of tomatoes on some macroelements (Na, K, Ca, M, and P) concentrations in Sokoto, Nigeria

The objective of this study is to determine the effect of mango leaves in preserving the varied concentrations of metals (sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus) present in two tomato varieties in Sokoto, Nigeria. After the application of different mango leaves extracts in the postharvest preservation of Daneka tomato fruits in a randomized control design, and atomic absorption spectrophotometry of macro elements; the most elevated concentrations noticed significant difference at (p<0.05) were revealed in potassium (1.20±0.002 to 3.00±0.001 ppm), and calcium (1.27±0.003 to 2.15±0.002 ppm). The lower levels of metals noticed upon storage under mango leaves are revealed by phosphorus (1.10±0.002 to1.37±0.002 ppm), and sodium (0.90±0.001 to 1.30±0.001 ppm); and the least was revealed by magnesium (0.61±0.001 to 0.86±0.001 ppm). The different concentrations of elements upon addition of mango leaves in the postharvest preservation of UTC tomatoes in Sokoto, Nigeria show, the elevated concentrations revealed by phosphorus (2.5±0.001 to 3.8±0.004 ppm), potassium (2.00±0.001 to 2.99±0.001 ppm), and magnesium (1.01±0.001 to 2.59±0.001 ppm). The lower concentrations were observed in calcium (1.34±0.001 to 1.70±0.001 ppm), and sodium (0.55±0.005 to 1.80±0.002 ppm). The mango leaves possessed potential to preserve the Na, K, Ca, Mg, and P levels in tomatoes; thus could serve as cheap, accessible, and sustainable preservative in the state when improved.

Mineralogical and geochemical characterization of lacustrine calcareous shale in Dongying Depression, Bohai Bay Basin: Implications for paleosalinity, paleoclimate, and paleoredox conditions

Shale is an important self-sourced reservoir rock in many sedimentary basins worldwide. In this research work, a geochemical history of variations in the sedimentary environment of the lacustrine basin is analyzed based on extensive shale samples collected from the lower 3rd member (Es3L) and upper 4th member (Es4U) of the Paleogene Shahejie Formation in the Boxing Sag (Dongying Depression, East Coast of China). The representative shale samples were analyzed for total organic carbon (TOC) contents, mineralogical composition, the concentration of different elements (major, minor, and trace), kerogen types and vitrinite reflectance (Ro), and different sedimentary structures to understand the evolution of the depositional settings and their effect on the distribution of shale lithofacies in this basin. The TOC content in this shale ranges from 0.08 % to 13.6 %. Ro values range from 0.55 to 1.19 % with type-I to type-II kerogens. The studied shale is composed of calcite (average 37.83 wt%), dolomite (avg. 10.47 wt%), quartz (avg. 23.8 wt%), plagioclase (avg. 3.91 wt%), clay (avg. 20.84 wt%), and pyrite (avg. 2.85 wt%). Seven lithofacies have been established including mixed shale, calcareous shale, laminated limestone, argillaceous shale, dolomitic shale, siliceous shale, and siliceous dolomite based on mineral composition, TOC contents, and sedimentary structures. Different geochemical proxies including Sr/Ba, Ca/Ca + Fe, C-values, CIA values, Ti/Al, Al/Al + Fe, Al/Ti, V/V + Ni, Ni/Co, and Fe/Ca + Mg were used to interpret salinity, paleoclimate, detrital influx, provenance, paleoredox and water depth of the depositional environment in the studied shale. The detailed interpretation of the sedimentary environment suggested that during the deposition of Es3L shale, the terrigenous influx was high in shallow to a deep open lacustrine system with higher primary biogenic productivity. Semi-humid climatic conditions with higher precipitation rates prevailed during the deposition of this shale. On the other hand, relatively limited terrigenous input with low bioproductivity prevailed during the deposition of Es4U shale in the study area. Semiarid to humid climatic conditions with strong evaporation prevailed during the deposition of this shale. In this research work, a detailed depositional model of the Es3L–Es4U shale in Boxing Sag is established. The interpretations deduced from the current research work are likely to expand the knowledge of shale lithofacies and the genesis of lacustrine fine-grained sedimentary rocks, as well as can offer a theoretical foundation for lacustrine shale oil exploration and development.

Shape Fidelity Evaluation of Alginate-Based Hydrogels through Extrusion-Based Bioprinting.

Extrusion-based 3D bioprinting is a promising technique for fabricating multi-layered, complex biostructures, as it enables multi-material dispersion of bioinks with a straightforward procedure (particularly for users with limited additive manufacturing skills). Nonetheless, this method faces challenges in retaining the shape fidelity of the 3D-bioprinted structure, i.e., the collapse of filament (bioink) due to gravity and/or spreading of the bioink owing to the low viscosity, ultimately complicating the fabrication of multi-layered designs that can maintain the desired pore structure. While low viscosity is required to ensure a continuous flow of material (without clogging), a bioink should be viscous enough to retain its shape post-printing, highlighting the importance of bioink properties optimization. Here, two quantitative analyses are performed to evaluate shape fidelity. First, the filament collapse deformation is evaluated by printing different concentrations of alginate and its crosslinker (calcium chloride) by a co-axial nozzle over a platform to observe the overhanging deformation over time at two different ambient temperatures. In addition, a mathematical model is developed to estimate Young's modulus and filament collapse over time. Second, the printability of alginate is improved by optimizing gelatin concentrations and analyzing the pore size area. In addition, the biocompatibility of proposed bioinks is evaluated with a cell viability test. The proposed bioink (3% w/v gelatin in 4% alginate) yielded a 98% normalized pore number (high shape fidelity) while maintaining >90% cell viability five days after being bioprinted. Integration of quantitative analysis/simulations and 3D printing facilitate the determination of the optimum composition and concentration of different elements of a bioink to prevent filament collapse or bioink spreading (post-printing), ultimately resulting in high shape fidelity (i.e., retaining the shape) and printing quality.

Ambient particle composition and toxicity in 31 major cities in China

Current assessment of air quality or control effectiveness is solely based on particulate matter (PM) mass levels, without considering their toxicity differences in terms of health benefits. Here, we collected a total of 465 automobile air conditioning filters from 31 major Chinese cities to study the composition and toxicity of PM at a national scale. Dithiothreitol assay showed that normalized PM toxicity (NIOG) in different Chinese cities varied greatly from the highest 4.99 × 10−3 for Changsha to the lowest 7.72 × 10−4 for Yinchuan. NIOG values were observed to have significant correlations with annual PM10 concentration (r = -0.416, p = 0.020) and some PM components (total fungi, SO42− and calcium element). The concentrations of different elements and water-soluble ions in PM also varied by several orders of magnitude for 31 cities in China. Endotoxin concentrations in PM analyzed using limulus amebocyte lysate assay ranged from 2.88 EU/mg PM (Hangzhou) to 62.82 EU/mg PM (Shijiazhuang) among 31 Chinese cities. Besides, real-time qPCR revealed 10∼100-fold differences in total bacterial and fungal levels among 31 Chinese cities. The concentrations of chemical (water soluble ions and trace elements) and biological (fungi, bacteria and endotoxin) components in PM were found to be significantly correlated with some meteorological factors and gaseous pollutants such as SO2. Our results have demonstrated that PM toxicity from 31 major cities varied greatly up to 6.5 times difference; and components such as fungi and SO42− in PM could play important roles in the observed PM toxicity. The city-specific air pollution control strategy that integrates toxicity factors should be enacted in order to maximize health and economic co-benefits. This work also provides a comprehensive view on the overall PM pollution situation in China.

Spatial distribution of multi-elements in moss revealing heavy metal precipitation in London Island, Svalbard, Arctic

The Arctic is a sink for major pollutants in the Northern Hemisphere, and is an ideal place to investigate the migration of concerned metals on the local environment. In this study, 13 elements including Li, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Cu, Zn, As, Cd, Hg, and Pb were determined in mosses (Dicranum angustum) from London Island in Ny-Ålesund. The results showed that the concentrations of different elements varied greatly at different altitudes, while their distributions in low (0–200 m) and high (200–300 m) altitudes based on cluster analysis were significantly different. Among them, Li, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Cu, and As showed significant positive correlations with elevation. This result may be due to the influence of key environmental factors such as elements transported by the airborne dust carried by winds, and surface runoff from snow meltwater. Multiple receptor models (PCA, PMF, and UNMIX) were employed to discuss the sources of metals in mosses from London Island. Elements that showed positive correlation with altitude were attributed to natural sources, and Zn, Cd, Hg, and Pb, which lacked apparent correlation with elevation, were interpreted as from anthropogenic sources by the models. Among them, Zn, Cd, and Hg were from long-range deposition, while Pb was from mixed industrial sources.

Trace elements, anions, and carbohydrates in the recirculating aquaculture system using woodchip denitrification, constructed wetland, and sand infiltration

Abstract A recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) aims to achieve fish production with negligible discharge into the environment. RASs have been applied for fish production in several countries, but nitrate removal is often a limiting factor for production increases. In this study, a pilot-scale RAS (10 tons of fish/year) was connected to a water treatment field which consisted of a denitrifying woodchip bioreactor (9 m × 14 m) filled with birch woodchips (Betula pendula), a constructed wetland (7.5 m × 6 m), and sand infiltration (16 m × 31 m) to achieve high water quality with low-maintenance treatment units. In the constructed wetland, a perennial common reed (Phragmites australis) was used in a well-drained soil for nutrient re-use. Concentrations of different elements, diluted anions, and selected hydrocarbons were monitored and quantified. Some Mn leaching occurred during the sand infiltration stage. However, Mn concentrations decreased towards the end of the experiment. Concentrations of total-Fe increased up to 2.75 mg L−1 and Mn up to 5 mg L−1 in the sand infiltration stage of the water treatment field, probably due to anoxic conditions and leaching of fine particles. This type of process design offers effective but low-maintenance treatment of circulating water.

Relative bioefficacy of seventeen Poaceae extracts targeting oxidative stress-related diseases coupled with elemental profiling using ICP-MS

Free radicals produced in vivo increases ‘oxidative stress’ and leads to lipid peroxidation, DNA damage and other disorders such as hemolysis. Present study aimed at evaluating the biological potentials of seventeen Poaceae species in order to scientifically confirm their traditional uses and to identify elements involved in regulating reactive oxygen species. Extracts of seventeen grass species were prepared to determine antioxidant activity using ferric thiocyanate and thiobarbituric acid assays. Sorghum halepense, Eleusine indica, Ochthocloa compressa, Saccharum spontaneum, Dactyloctenium aegyptium and Cymbopogon citratus showed highest antioxidant potential. Antihemolytic potential was assessed by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) induced hemolysis in human erythrocytes and was found to be highest in C. citratus (96%) followed by S. spontaneum (95%), O. compressa (66%) and D. annulatum (60%). DNA damage activity was performed using p1391Z plasmid DNA. In the end, samples were digested using nitric acid and the concentration of twenty elements was determined using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) method. Principal component analysis (PCA) of essential elements showed 70% variability and non-essential elements displayed 52% in total variance. Hence, the selected botanicals can be used commercially in the treatment of oxidative-stress related diseases as the concentration of different elements validate their safety and efficacy for human body.

Occurrence and spatial distribution of trace metals in seawaters of the Drake Passage and Antarctic Peninsula

In this study, surface seawater was collected from 82 stations in the Drake Passage and Antarctic Peninsula sea area, and the distribution characteristics and correlations of 11 trace elements (i.e., V, Cr, Mn, Co, Cu, Zn, As, Mo, Cd, Pb, and U) in the seawater were analyzed. Results showed remarkable differences in the concentration of different elements, among which those of Mn (53.15%), Mo (22.77%), Zn (9.81%), and U (6.23%) were relatively high. The concentration of trace elements in Drake Passage water was relatively low, likely because a westerly drift that enhances large circulating currents exists in the sea area, thereby affecting the distribution of substances in the water. Mn, Co, Cu, Zn, Cd, and Pb showed relatively high concentrations at more stations than the other elements, and the high concentrations of Mn, Co, and Cd were mainly found in shallow water areas. UV, MoV, AsV, AsMo, AsU, and MoU demonstrated good linear correlations with correlation coefficients in the range of 0.878–0.961. These results could provide support for further explorations of the environmental behavior of trace elements in Antarctica.

Bioavailability of Ca, K, Mg and Na in Arabian Yellow Finned Sea Bream (Acanthopagrus arabicus) with Estimated Daily Intake for Human Consumption

Yellow finned sea bream (Acanthopagrus arabicus) is a commercially important fish of coastal water of Pakistan. It is widely consumed by the people within and outside the country. Therefore, the paper investigates the concentration of macro-minerals (Ca, K, Mg and Na) in its meat and gills. The concentrations of different elements demonstrated statistically significant difference (P < 0.01) between meat and gills of the fish. Significantly higher concentrations of calcium and lower concentrations of potassium and sodium were recorded in gills compared to those in meat. In meat, mean concentrations were found in the order Na (5.41%) > K (3.44%) > Ca (2.16%) > Mg (0.24%), while in gills, the mean concentrations were Ca (57.72%) > Na (3.43%) > K (1.19%) > Mg (0.31%). Statistically significant correlations (P < 0.05) were noted between the body weight and the concentrations of calcium and magnesium in the meat of fish. The results are also compared with estimated daily intake and dietary reference intake values. The present study suggests that Acanthopagrus arabicus is an important source of macro-minerals for human consumption.

Recent sediments of Arctic small lakes (Russia): geochemistry features and age

The article presents the first data on the study of a wide range of chemical elements in the water and sediments of small lakes located in the Arctic Zone of Russia. Among the selected objects are two lakes located in the urbanized areas. As a result, the sediments of all lakes were classified by the ratio of the main elements and the total content of organic matter. The concentration coefficients of all elements were calculated taking into average concentrations of different elements in the continental crust and the potentially toxic elements in the sediments of the background area. Analyzing sediment cores made it possible to evaluate the historical dynamics of the behavior of some metals and metalloids (Pb, Cd, Sb, Sn, Bi, Ni, Cu) in the aquatic environment during the industrial era, both in urbanized territories and in the background regions of the Arctic. The main natural and anthropogenic factors of the formation of geochemical anomalies in the concentrations of different elements, including potentially toxic ones, in the sediments studied, were identified. In urban areas, the main sources of metals entering the lake environment are emissions of the copper–nickel, thermal power plants, coal port, and an incineration plant. For all lakes, the pollution level of objects was estimated by calculating the geo-accumulation index and pollution load index. The most polluted lakes are the lakes of urban areas of the Arctic, the lakes of the background territories are characterized by a moderate level of pollution or no pollution.

Microbial Diversity in the Glacial Ecosystem of Antarctic, Arctic, and Tibetan Plateau: Properties and Response to the Environmental Condition

Microorganisms, as successive members of the food web, play a major role in biological processes. They are found in environments ranging from extremely hot to harsh cold temperatures. Thus, the study of bacterial communities in various ecosystems is of great concern around the world. The glacier is one of the parts of the cryosphere, which is the key component and sensitive indicator of climatic and environmental changes. A glacial ecosystem is a habitat for various microorganisms, i.e., autotrophic and heterotrophic. Different physicochemical parameters like temperature, pH, electrical conductivity, the input of nutrient concentration, precipitation, ions concentrations, etc. influence the microbial diversity in the glacial ecosystem for their metabolic processes. Successive studies of bacterial communities in the Himalayan glacial ecosystem are reliable proxies to know the relationships between microbial biodiversity and climate change since the Himalayan glaciers are free from anthropogenic activities. After the study of the relevant literature, it is clear that the researches. have been carried out in the Polar Regions, and the Tibetan plateau mainly focused on the glacial ecosystem. This review concluded that Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Cyanobacteria, Firmicutes, Verrucomicrobia, and Actinobacteria were the most dominant bacterial phyla via 16S rRNA clone libraries and Illumina MiSeq. Alter in landscapes, nutrient cycles, exposure of light, shifting on the concentration of different elements, glacier retreats were the major components for survival strength of dominant bacterial phyla. However, limited studies on the glacial ecosystem of the Himalayas have been published. Thus, the study of bacterial abundance, diversity, and community in the Himalayas will help plug this research gap.

Sustainable, Proficient Fodder Influenced By Bio Diversity in Mineral Composition of Shrub Leaves of Quetta District

The vegetation of Balochistan is of critical value to the quality of life for the local nomadic people. Many important dominant species used for animal grazing were selected to evaluate their value as fodder during 2016-2017. These plants including Amylgdalus brahuica Boiss, Prunus eburnea Aitch, Caragana ambigua Stocks, Sophora mollis Royle, Perovskia abrotanoides Karel, and Berberis baluchistanica Ahrendt, (as because Sophora mollis were not found in Zarghoon] were collected seasonally from Hazarganji, Karkhasa and Zarghoon area of Quetta district. These were analyzed for macro and micro elemental composition such as P, Ca, Na, K, S, Fe, Zn, Sr, Al and Mn by using atomic absorption, flame photometer and X-ray florescence spectrophotometer. The elemental concentrations were compared with standard feed table of Pakistan Agriculture Research Council. P. eburnea and B. baluchistanica showed good amount of nutrients in their foliage, these two plants were palatable and preferred by the small ruminants, while A. brahuica and C. ambigua showed medium amounts of minerals and fulfill the requirements of the animal as fodder. The animals did not prefer to eat P. abrotanoides may due to its strong smell while S. mollishad deposition of cutin and suberin on their leaves. It was observed that there was no significant difference (P > 0.05] in the concentration of different elements of the forage due to seasonal changes.

A comprehensive risk assessment of toxic elements in international brands of face foundation powders

Despite the COVID-19 pandemic and wearing masks in many countries, women are keen on elegance, beauty and the use of face foundations. Assessment of health risks associated with the regular use of face foundation by females is dynamic due to the emerging products. The most common international 14 brands of face foundation powders were collected and the concentrations of different elements (Ag, Al, As, B, Ba, Be, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, K, Li, Mg, Mn, Mo, Na, P, Pb, Sb, Se, Sn, V and Zn) in each sample were determined. A combined approach merging the conventional and computational tools was used for investigating the risk of exposure to toxic elements. Monte Carlo simulations were applied to calculate risks associated with twenty elements. We attempted different probability distribution functions for concentrations because the actual distribution functions are not known, and the only data available are the mean value and standard deviation of concentrations obtained from experiment. Our results indicate that the total non-carcinogenic health risk through exposure to different elements (Hazardous Index, HI) does not strongly depend on the choice of the probability distribution function for the concentrations. We also show that taking into account probability distributions of other variables and parameters such as body weight, exposed skin area, skin adhesion, etc. does not significantly change the main result rather just slightly broadening the final Hazardous Index distribution function. We found that calculated HI is well below unity for all considered samples, i.e., the dermal exposure to toxic elements in the considered facial powders is negligible and the considered face foundation powders are quite safe to use.

Determination of chemicals released from single use low density polyethylene plastic bags

The use of plastics has increased manifold, owing to their inexpensive, multipurpose, durable and lightweight nature. Plastics are made with various types of polymer, including Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE). In Myanmar, many foods are packaged in single use LDPE plastics including fresh meat, vegetables, fast foods, and even some hot foods in daily life. Therefore the present study was aimed to determine the chemicals released from single use LDPE plastic bags that were used in direct contact with hot foods. Fourier Transform Infra-Red (FTIR) spectroscopy analysis was done for confirmation of LDPE. Extraction of chemicals from single use plastic bags was carried out by reflux extraction method by using four types of solvents (chloroform, ethanol, distilled water and olive oil). The individual chemicals released from the sample were determined by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) with National Institute of Standard and Technology (NIST) library. GC-MS results of different extracts were hexadecanoic acid octyl ester (26.09%), octadecanoic acid octyl ester (19.96%), tetracosane (13.36%) and 9-octadecanoic acid methyl ester (9.28%) from distilled water extract;3-methoxy 2,2-dimethyloxirane (84.26%), 2,3-dihydro-1,4-dioxin (3.77%), 1-ethoxy pantane (2.85%) and tetracosane (2.65%) from ethanolic extract; toluene (69.30%), ethyl benzene (18.11%), 1,1-dipropoxypropane (4.02%) and dipropoxy methane (1.56%) from chloroform extract; and supraene (76.81%), nonanal (3.09%), 2-decenal (2.97%), 2-undecenal (3.05%) and toluene (1.35%) from olive oil extract respectively. According to the Wavelength Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence (WDXRF) analysis of single use plastic bag, the different concentrations of elements were found to be titanium (0.0587 %), chlorine (0.0093 %) and strontium (0.0026 %) and so on. The present study revealed that single use LDPE plastic bags contained some chemicals that are toxic to human beings such as toluene, ethyl benzene, methyl oxirane, supraene and some type of aldehyde, and even carcinogenic substance like dioxin. Therefore it is necessary to limit the use of harmful additives and packaging of hot foods in single use LDPE plastic bags.