Mn Content Research Articles

Synergistic manipulation of physical properties of Ni-Mn-In-B alloys by atomic occupancy and magnetic states

The physical properties of the Ni-Mn-In-B alloys synergistically modulated by atomic occupancy and magnetic states are systematically investigated. The results indicate that B atoms are indirectly substituted at the Mn2 position in the Ni2Mn1.5In0.5 alloy (i.e., B→In→Mn2). When B is doped in interstitial positions, the B atoms tend to be closer to Mn atoms rather than In atoms. Additionally, the higher the concentration of Mn around the B atom, the lower the formation energy of the austenite (A) phase. The lattice parameters of the A phase decreases with increasing x content, while c/a and phase stability gradually decrease for the 4O, 6M, and NM martensites in the ferrimagnetic (FIM) state. The magnetostrain of the alloy shows an increasing trend with increasing B content due to the decrease in c/a resulting in a decrease in the tangent variable S= |c/a-a/c|; however, the elastocaloric properties decrease due to the decrease in the volume change ΔV/VA after the transformation. The Ni2Mn1.5-xIn0.5Bx (0≤x≤0.042) alloys undergo an A→6MFIM→NMFIM transformation. The total magnetic moment of the A phase decreases, whereas those of the 4O, 6M, and NM phases increase with increasing x content. The phase stability is explained by analyzing the total densities of states (TDOS) from an electronic structure perspective.

Double Helix of Icosahedra Structure and Spin Glass Magnetism of the δ-Co2.5Zn17.5-xMnx (x = 0.4-3.5) Pseudo-Binary Alloys.

We have synthesized δ-Co2.5Zn17.5-xMnx (x = 0.4-3.5) pseudo-binary alloys of 10 different compositions by a high-temperature solid-state synthetic route, determined their crystal structures and the Mn substitution pattern, and estimated the existence range of the δ-phase. The alloys crystallize in two chiral enantiomorphic space groups P62 and P64, where the basic atomic polyhedron of the chiral structure is an icosahedron and the neighboring icosahedra share vertices to form an infinitely long double helix along the hexagonal axis (like in the δ-Co2.5Zn17.5 parent binary phase). The alloys are pure δ-phase up to the Mn content x ≈ 3.5. The Mn atoms partially substitute Zn atoms at particular crystallographic sites located on the icosahedra. The study of magnetism was performed on the Co2.5Zn17.1Mn0.4 alloy with the lowest Mn content. Contrary to the expectation that structural chirality may induce the formation of a nontrivial magnetic state, a spin glass state with no relation to the structural chirality was found. The magnetic sublattice contains all of the necessary ingredients (randomness and frustration) for the formation of a spin glass state. Typical out-of-equilibrium dynamic phenomena of a spin system with broken ergodicity were detected below the spin freezing temperature Tf ≈ 8 K.

Heavy Metals Levels and Contamination Status in Soils of Koudalwa, Tchad

This study is aimed at determining the heavy metal levels in agricultural soils and around oil drilling pits in Koudalwa, Tchad and evaluating pollution levels. Soil sampling was done on three sites AA (AA1 & AA2), BB (BB1 & BB2), CC (CC1 & CC2) with two samples collected per site, giving a total of six samples. The subsamples with code one represent the 0-30 cm depth and code two represent the 30-60 cm depth. A control sample was taken far from sites having any oil activities. 2 mm sieved soil samples were digested in a mixture of HCl and HNO<sub>3</sub> in the ratio 1:3 and the concentrations of Cr, Cd, Pb, Hg, Cu, Mn, Fe and Ni in the digested solutions determined by atomic absorption spectroscopy. The contamination level of the heavy metals was assessed using the Geo-Accumulation Index (Igeo), Contamination factor, Pollution load index (PLI), Enrichment Factor (EF), and Potential Ecological Risk Assessment (PER) models. Results obtained shows that the abundance of heavy metals in the soils of Koudalwa is in the order; Cu ˃ Hg ˃ Cr ˃ Mn ˃ Fe ˃ Cd ˃ Ni ˃ Pb. The site AA shows the highest levels of all the determined heavy metals except Ni with highest amount of Cr (197.98 mg/kg), Cd (6.49 mg/kg), Hg (531.46 mg/kg), Ni (0.088 mg/kg) in the 30-60 cm soil depth, and Pb (0.021 mg/kg), Cu (815.24 mg/kg), Mn (166.55 mg/kg) and Fe (60.04 mg/kg) in the top soil, 0-30 cm depth. PLI analysis confirms that sites AA1 and AA2 present a decline of site quality as compared to other sites which are of perfect site quality. ER values for Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg showed severe enrichment due to contributions of anthropogenic sources with higher values in subsurface samples, thus indicating their high mobility in these soils. Results of this study shows that critical attention must be given to site AA as well as other activities in other sites that can contaminate the soils with special focus on remediation measures and sensitization of the population on the dangers of different activities on the soils.

Advances in the Sustainable Production of Fertilizers from Spent Zinc-Based Batteries

Wastes from spent batteries are a secondary source of raw materials. To ensure this, it is mandatory to design sustainable and low-cost processes. In the case of alkaline and zinc–carbon-based batteries, the high content of Zn and Mn makes them of interest in the development of fertilizers. The main objective of this research is to study the fertilizers production from spent zinc-based batteries, using sulfuric acid, citric acid (CIT) and glycine (GLY) solutions as leaching agents. Leaching with glycine at alkaline pHs shows a high selectivity of Zn over Mn, whereas the use of citric and sulfuric solutions leads to recoveries of Zn and Mn. Solutions with the highest Zn recoveries were tested in sand columns. Commercial ZnSO4 heptahydrate was used as a control. For sulfuric acid, two solutions (H2SO4 2M and 0.25M) were used. The elution of leached Zn and Mn in sand columns depended on the solution added. The Zn-Mn-CIT treatment showed a slight but steady increase in the leachates, reaching 70% and 75% of the total leached Zn and Mn, respectively, in the medium term. The Zn-Mn-H2SO4 2M and ZnSO4 treatments showed a similar behavior in Zn release. Both Zn-Mn-GLY and Zn-Mn-H2SO4 0.25M treatments showed similar amounts of leached Mn in the medium term (77% of total leached Mn), differing in the leached Zn. Solutions from the leaching of spent black mass batteries, especially Zn-Mn-CIT or Zn-Mn-GLY, showed promising behavior as fertilizer from the point of view of Zn and Mn availability as nutrients.

Assessment of trace and macroelement accumulation in cyprinid juveniles as bioindicators of aquatic pollution: effects of diets and habitat preferences

Juveniles of three cyprinids with various diets and habitat preferences were collected from the Szamos River (Hungary) during a period of pollution in November 2013: the herbivorous, benthic nase (Chondrostoma nasus), the benthivorous, benthic barbel (Barbus barbus), and the omnivorous, pelagic chub (Squalius cephalus). Our study aimed to assess the accumulation of these elements across species with varying diets and habitat preferences, as well as their potential role in biomonitoring efforts. The Ca, K, Mg, Na, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Pb, Sr, and Zn concentration was analyzed in muscle, gills, and liver using MP-AES. The muscle and gill concentrations of Cr, Cu, Fe, and Zn increased with trophic level. At the same time, several differences were found among the trace element patterns related to habitat preferences. The trace elements, including Cd, Pb, and Zn, which exceeded threshold concentrations in the water, exhibited higher accumulations mainly in the muscle and gills of the pelagic chub. Furthermore, the elevated concentrations of trace elements in sediments (Cr, Cu, Mn) demonstrated higher accumulation in the benthic nase and barbel. Our findings show habitat preference as a key factor in juvenile bioindicator capability, advocating for the simultaneous use of pelagic and benthic juveniles to assess water and sediment pollution status.

Physical properties of MnFeAl-based alloys affected by Mn content and annealing

The present study is devoted to the Mn2.4Fe0.8Al0.8 and Mn2FeAl alloys prepared by induction melting and studied in their original and subsequently annealed states. The annealing was carried out at 773 K/100 h and 1073 K/100 h in the argon atmosphere. The microstructure, phase composition, magnetic properties, and atom arrangement are followed with regard to Mn content and annealing conditions.The scanning electron microscopy completed by the energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and neutron activation analysis has detected single-phase alloys with compositions close to the nominal ones. Their structure, analyzed by X-ray diffraction, was found to be primitive cubic β-Mn with the lattice parameters of 0.6359(2) nm for Mn2.4Fe0.8Al0.8 and 0.6339(1) nm for Mn2FeAl. The coherent potential approximation calculations and positron annihilation spectroscopy have allowed obtaining an overview to the arrangement of Mn, Fe, and Al atoms in the β-Mn structure and formation of the open volume defects. It is shown that Mn atoms occupy predominantly 8c Wyckoff sites and remaining Mn, Fe and Al atoms occupy 12d sites in equal 1/3 proportion. The open volume defects, vacancies and vacancy clusters, occur in both alloys and both annealed states in a very low concentration. From the magnetic viewpoint, both alloys in the as-prepared state and after annealing at 773 K/100 h are paramagnetic at room temperature with transition to antiferromagnetic state at about 30-40 K. The ac susceptibility measurements have indicated spin glass nature of the Mn2FeAl alloys. The annealing at a higher temperature, 1073 K/100 h, has affected mainly Mn2.4Fe0.8Al0.8 alloy manifesting a weak ferro-/ferrimagnetic contribution at room temperature contributing to a strong magnetic ordering below 42 K.

Remote sensing inversion on heavy metal content in salinized soil of Yellow River Delta based on Random Forest Regression—a case study of Gudao Town

To explore the potential of using the mineral alteration information extracted by remote sensing technology to indirectly estimate the heavy metal content of salinized soil, 23 sampling points were uniformly set up in the town of Gudao in the Yellow River Delta as the research area in 2022. The concentrations of seven heavy metals, Cr, Cu, Pb, Zn, As, Mn and Ni, at the sampling points were determined in laboratory tests. Spectral derivative indices, topographic factors, and mineral alteration information (iron staining, hydroxyl, and carbonate ions) were extracted and screened as modeling factors using Sentinel 2 imagery. An inverse model of heavy metal content was constructed using the random forest algorithm, and the model accuracy was evaluated using the cross-validation method. The results of the study show that: (1) Hydroxyl and carbonate ion alteration can be effectively used for the inversion of soil As and Ni content in this study area. Iron-stained alteration can be used as a modeling factor in the inversion of Cr, Cu, Pb, Zn, and Mn concentrations. (2) The inclusion of alteration information improves the accuracy of heavy metal content inversion. The Cu concentration was verified to be the best predictor, with an RMSE of 3.309, MAPE of 11.072%, and R2 of 0.904, followed by As, Ni, and Zn; the predictive value of Mn, Cr and Pb was average. (3) Based on the results of concentration inversion, the high concentration areas of As, Ni, and Mn are primarily distributed on both sides of the river and around lakes and ponds. The high-concentration areas of Zn were mainly distributed in the farmland areas on both sides of the river. Areas with high concentrations of Cu were mainly distributed in the eastern oil extraction area, both sides of the rivers, and around lakes.

Assessment of the surface water quality and primary health risk in urban wastewater and its receiving river Kathajodi, Cuttack of eastern India.

Kathajodi, the principal southern distributary of the Mahanadi River, is the vital source of irrigation and domestic water use for densely populated Cuttack city which receives anthropogenic wastes abundantly. This study assesses the contamination level and primary health status of urban wastewater, and its receiving river Kathajodi based on the physicochemical quality indices employing inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy and aligning with guidelines from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) and WHO. The high WQI, HPI, and HEI in the catchment area (KJ2, KJ3, and KJ4) indicate poor water quality due to the influx of domestic waste through the primary drainage system and effluents of healthcare units. A high BOD (4.33-19.66mg L-1) in the catchment indicates high organic matter, animal waste, bacteriological contamination, and low DO, resulting in deterioration of water quality. CR values beyond limits (1.00E - 06 to 1.00E - 04) in three locations of catchment due to higher Cd, Pb, and As indicate significant carcinogenic risk, while high Mn, Cu, and Al content is responsible for several non-carcinogenic ailments and arsenic-induced physiological disorders. The elevated heavy metals Cd, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, and Zn, in Kathajodi, could be due to heavy coal combustion, vehicle exhaust, and industrial waste. On the other hand, Cu, Fe, K, and Al could be from agricultural practices, weathered rocks, and crustal materials. Positive significant (p ≤ 0.05) Pearson correlations between physicochemical parameters indicate their common anthropogenic origin and similar chemical characteristics. A strong correlation of PCA between elements and physiological parameters indicates their role in water quality deterioration. Assessing the surface water quality and heavy metal contents from this study will offer critical data to policymakers for monitoring and managing public health concerns.

Determination of Element Concentration of Brewed Tea Consumed in Iran Using ICP-OES: A Risk Assessment Study.

Tea is a popular drink enjoyed by many people around the world. However, it is important to note that impurities and contaminants in tea can potentially threaten human health when consumed. The main objective of this research is to assess the concentration of 16 trace elements (As, Fe, Al, Co, B, Li, Cd, Ba, Pb, Cr, Zn, Hg, Ni, Mn, Sb, and Sn) present in different types brewed of tea by using the ICP-OES (the inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometer) device, and the human health risks related to its use were evaluated. In this study, manganese (Mn) indicated the highest mean concentration in black (917.64µg/kg) and green tea (912.89µg/kg), respectively. Our study showed that the highest mean concentration of element boron (B) was (44.36µg/kg) in Stachys lavandulifolia brewed tea. Among different packaging, tea bag samples had the highest concentration of Mn (1025.65µg/kg) and aluminum (Al) (396.63µg/kg). However, those unpacked posed the lowest content of Mn (188.13µg/kg) and Al (100.47µg/kg). The lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), and cadmium (Cd) concentrations in all samples were lower than the maximum limit of the Iranian standard and the WHO. In general, the amount of tea metal in Iranian samples was higher than in imported samples. Also, increasing the brewing time (10 min) can be effective in the solubility and extraction of metals such as B, Hg, cobalt (Co), iron (Fe), and lithium (Li). Further, the correlation between the amount of metals and type in tea samples was evaluated with principal component analysis. Based on the conducted non-carcinogenic risk assessment by the Monte Carlo simulation, the hazard index (HI), due to ingestion of heavy metals via tea in the 5-min brewing of tea, was 7.39E - 03 and 2.09E - 03, and in the 10-min brewing of tea, it was 3.20E - 02 and 9.07E - 03 for children and adults, respectively. Therefore, there was no significant non-carcinogenic risk from tea consumption.

Determination of threshold values and heavy metal pollution assessment of soils in an industrial area in Ghana.

Industrial activities have the potential to pollute soils with a wide variety of heavy metals (HMs). In Ghana, however, assessment of HM pollution of soils in industrial areas remains limited. Accordingly, HM soil pollution in one of the industrial areas in Accra, Ghana was assessed. Soil samples were taken and analysed forHMs, including Fe, Zr, Zn, Ti, Sr, Rb, Mn, Pb, Cu, and Co, using X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF). HM geochemical threshold values (GTVs) were determined to establish soil HM pollution levels and identify areas needing remediation. Furthermore, risk assessments wereconducted to evaluate the potentialecological and human health risks associated with these metals.The mean concentrations of Fe, Zn, Rb, Sr, Zr, Ti, Mn, Co, Cu, and Pb in the soils were: 27133.83, 147.72, 16.30, 95.95, 307.11, 4663.66, 289.85, 418.54, 44.97, and 112.88 mg/kg, respectively. Generally, the concentrations of HMsdecreased with depth, although some lower layers exhibited elevated HM levels. Soil pollution levels were categorized as low for Fe, Rb, Zr, Ti, Mn, Co, and Cu; moderate for Sr and Zn; and considerable for Pb. Notably, the northwestern part of the study area displayed a considerable to very high degree of HM contamination. While HMs in the soils posed low ecological risk, the human health risk assessment indicated potential health effects from Co, particularly in children. The presence of HMs in the soils was noted to originate from both natural geological phenomena and human activities, including industrial operations, agricultural practices, landfill activities, and vehicular emissions.

Production of sub-micron-sized high-entropy alloy particles and nanoparticles via pulsed laser ablation of CrMnFeCoNi targets in water

High-entropy alloys (HEAs) are a class of materials known for their unique properties, including high strength, excellent wear resistance, and good corrosion resistance. Sub-micron- and nanosized HEA particles were fabricated via pulsed laser ablation in liquid using a Cantor alloy target. The Cr20Mn20Fe20Co20Ni20 target was immersed in pure water and ablated using a focused nanosecond-pulsed Nd: YAG laser. A dark solution containing HEA particles was obtained which was stable for about one week before agglomeration and precipitation was observed. The diameters of the obtained particles ranged from several tens of nanometers to several hundred nanometers. Increasing the laser power resulted in higher particle concentration and an increase in the intensity of UV-vis absorption spectra. Electron diffraction was used to confirm that the composition of the particles was close to that of the Cantor alloy, although the concentrations of Cr and Mn were slightly deficient. There was also a weak dependence of the composition on laser power, and all the particles also contained oxygen. Selected area electron diffraction revealed that the composition varied spatially within some particles and that they are mainly polycrystalline. This work shows that HEA particles can be quickly, safely, and effectively manufactured using liquid-based laser ablation, opening the pathway for mass manufacture and disruptive applications in, e.g., catalysis or tribology.

Geochemistry of magnetite from Fe-skarn deposits along the central Loei Fold Belt, Thailand

Abstract Fe-deposits in Thailand are mostly located along the Loei Fold Belt in Central Thailand. The study areas, Khao Lek (KL) and Khao Thab Kwai (KTK), have Fe-deposits hosted in contact metamorphized Permian limestone and Permo-Triassic volcanic rocks. Magnetite forms over a wide range of geological conditions and incorporates various trace elements into its cubic spinel structure. The KL and KTK Fe-skarn deposits are mainly composed of massive magnetite. The main discriminator elements for magnetite are characterized by the distribution of Mg, Al, Si, Ca, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Co, Ni, and Cu. Thus, this study focused on the chemical characteristics of magnetite to identify the origins of the iron ore deposits. This study investigated the trace element chemistry of the magnetite using laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The high Ca + Al + Mn and low Ti + V and Ni/Cr + Mn contents of hydrothermal magnetite in the KL and KTK deposits support a typical skarn origin, and the textural and trace element features of the KL and KTK magnetite are analogous to those of typical calcic-Fe skarn deposits worldwide.

Effects of Claroideoglomus etunicatum Fungus on the Growth Parameters of Maize (Zea mays L.) Plants under Boron Toxicity and Salt Stress

Soil salinity is an emerging phenomenon threatening arid and semiarid areas due to changing climatic events. Salinity, in combination with other elemental contaminants, can often harm crop performance and productivity. This experiment was conducted to evaluate the mitigating effect of Claroideoglomus etunicatum, an arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus (AMF), on combined boron (B) toxicity and salt stress symptoms in maize plants. After the stress and AMF treatments, plants were subjected to a wide range of analyses, such as AMF colonization rates, ion leakage, plant biomass, and concentration of B, phosphorus, sodium, potassium, iron, zinc, copper, and manganese in root and shoot tissues. The results showed that the combined stress did not affect the AMF colonization rate. AMF inoculation significantly increased plant biomass, the K+/Na+ ratio, and shoot B, sodium, and copper concentrations, but reduced root B concentrations and ion leakage. AMF inoculation slightly increased root dry weight and the sodium, potassium, zinc, copper and Mn contents in shoots under combined B and salinity stress, while AMF reduced the electrolyte leakage in leaves. It is inferred that AMF can ameliorate B toxicity in maize by improving biomass and reducing B concentration in plant tissues. Our research implies that C. etunicatum could be a valuable candidate for assisting in the remediation of boron-contaminated and saline soils.

Assessment of health risks from potassium bromate and trace metals in bread consumption in Ado Ekiti, Southwest, Nigeria

IntroductionBread, a staple food consumed by a large portion of the population worldwide, including Nigeria, has emerged as one of the most popular quick meal options. The excessive intake of potassium bromate and trace metals in bread has been identified as detrimental to human health due to its heightened propensity to induce cancer in human. ObjectiveThe current study assessed the exposure to potassium bromate (KBrO3) and trace metals through bread consumption, as well as the associated risks to dietary habits among Ado Ekiti, Southwest Nigeria residents. Bread varieties commonly consumed in Ado Ekiti were randomly chosen from local bakeries. These bread samples were then analyzed in the laboratory using an Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer to determine the levels of trace metals, including lead (Pb), manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni), chromium (Cr), zinc (Zn), cadmium (Cd), and cobalt (Co), as well as potassium bromate concentrations. ResultsThe findings revealed that cobalt (Co) had the highest mean concentration (29.35±3.59 mg.kg−1), whereas lead (Pb) exhibited the lowest mean concentration (0.06±0.02 mg.kg−1). The sequence of trace metal levels was Co > Cd > Zn > Ni > Mn > Cr > Pb. All trace metal concentrations exceeded the standards set by FAO/WHO. Regarding potassium bromate content, it ranged from 0.01 mg.kg−1 to 0.06 mg.kg−1, surpassing the maximum permissible limits of 0.02 mg.kg−1 set by the Food and Drug Administration.Although the chronic hazard quotient among adults and children was low, the hazard ratio ranged from 11 to 9 among adults and from 14 to 9 among children, suggesting the potential for carcinogenic effects with repeated consumption. Based on the hazard ratios, the estimated chances of developing cancer from daily consumption of bread samples were approximately 14 in 1,000,000, 86 in 1,000,000, 71 in 1,000,000, and 40 in 1,000,000, respectively, for the adult population, and about 20 in 1,000,000, 11 in 1,000,000, 90 in 1,000,000, and 56 in 1,000,000 for the children population. ConclusionThe study showed that trace metals Pb, Mn, Ni, Cr, Zn, Cd and Co concentrations were higher than the FAO/WHO permissible limits. The concentration of potassium bromate in all the sorted bread samples exceeded the maximum acceptable limits except one. Though chronic hazard quotient among adults and children was low, the hazard ratio among the adult and children population was high, signifying possible cancer risks when continually consumed. These findings underscore the importance of stringent oversight by Nigerian regulatory authorities over using potassium bromate as an ingredient in bakeries.

A method for studying the influence of Mn oxyhydroxides on the trace element content of aquatic bryophytes

The main objective of this study was to develop and test a method of separating externally deposited Mn oxyhydroxides and co-precipitated elements from samples of aquatic moss (the moss Fontinalis antipyretica). The method, which uses 0.1 M hydroxylamine to dissolve the oxyhydroxides, was tested with samples collected in rivers with slightly acidic, well‑oxygenated waters, where high rates of Mn precipitation occur. The method was effective (it extracted up to 84 % of the Mn) and selective (Fe oxyhydroxides were not extracted). The elements Ba, Cd, Zn and Ni were associated with the Mn oxyhydroxides, while Al, As, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg and Pb were not. Deposition of Mn therefore increased the concentration of some elements in the moss samples. However, as Mn precipitation depends on Eh and pH, which are independent of the concentrations of the elements in water, the relationship between water and moss element concentrations is not clear (i.e. the data are noisy). This is a problem in biomonitoring studies, which assume a close relationship between element concentrations in moss and water. The value of the proposed extraction method is that it can be used to correct the effect of Mn deposition. We present an example of this correction applied to the Cd concentrations in the test data. We found that the noise introduced by the Mn, including age-related effects (observed by comparing concentrations in 0–2.5 and 2.2–5.0 cm sections from the shoot apex), can be reduced. Additionally, the correction revealed recent increases in Cd concentrations in one site that were not observed in the uncorrected data. Another finding of interest was the low content of total Mn and different extractability (of most elements) observed in moss samples collected in alkaline waters. Finally, we discuss how future studies designed for different environmental scenarios can benefit from application of the proposed method.

The influence of foliar macronutrient on growth and yield of sweet corn grown in Rengam and Rasau soil series under greenhouse conditions

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of different rates of macronutrients as a foliar applications on growth and yield performance of sweet corn cultivated in Rengam and Rasau soil series of Malaysia under greenhouse condition. The study comprised five treatments of macronutrient fertilization as a foliar application (0, 25, 50, 75 and 100 % NPK). The plant height, stem width, leaf number, leaf area and cob height of sweet corn grown in Rengam soil series were significantly influenced by foliar macronutrient application. Notably, a rise in cob weight of sweet corns cultivated in Rasau soil series was observed at the 75 % rate, reaching 75 g, compared to 68 g for sweet corn grown in Rengam soil series. The foliar application of 100 % NPK resulted in the highest total leaf area at 252.92 cm2 compared to all other treatments. Regarding the cob fresh weight and dry matter content of sweet corn cultivated in the Rasau soil series, significant improvement noted with the 75 % NPK treatment, however plants grown in the Rengam soil series and treated with 75 % NPK as a foliar application did not exhibit significant effects. The concentrations of Fe and Mn in the corn stem from both soil series significantly increased with macronutrients foliar application. In the corn leaves grown in Rengam soil series, the concentration of nutrients was significantly influenced by the rate of NPK used as a foliar application in this study. Notably, the increased of Ca content in the treated leaves was significantly higher compared to control plants. Additionally, the contents of P, K, Cu and Zn in the corn flower of the plants in the Rengam soil series were significantly elevated in treated plants compared to untreated ones. Conclusively, based on this greenhouse study, it can be inferred that two foliar sprays of macronutrient solution at rates of 75 % and 100 % NPK greatly enhanced the growth, yield and nutrient contents of sweet corn cultivated in the Rengam and Rasau soil series.

Evaluation of heavy metal concentration in black tea and coffee marketed in Erbil, Iraq: a consumer health risk assessment

ABSTRACT Black tea and coffee are popular and widely consumed beverages worldwide. However, the potential accumulation of heavy metals in food products raises concerns regarding their toxicity. In this study, we investigated the concentrations of arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), chromium (Cr), lead (Pb), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), and iron (Fe) in 102 samples of black tea and coffee purchased from Erbil city market in Iraq. Additionally, we determined the Hazard Quotient (HQ) and Hazard Index (HI) levels of heavy metal intake to evaluate the non-carcinogenic health risks for adult consumers. The mean concentrations of As, Cd, Cu, Cr, Pb, Mn, Zn, and Fe in black tea and coffee were found to be 0.023, 0.11, 10.29, 0.60, 1.69, 294.99, 25.59, and 39.80 mg/kg, respectively. In the case of black tea, the highest mean concentration observed was 607.28 mg/kg for Mn, while the lowest was 0.035 mg/kg for Cd in coffee. Arsenic was below the detection limit in coffee. Our results revealed that, except for Cd content in some tea samples, the concentrations of the studied metals were within the standard levels. The HQ and HI values for all elements were found to be less than one, indicating no adverse health effects associated with consuming these beverages. However, continuous monitoring is essential to ensure the ongoing safety of black tea and coffee.

Assessment of macro, trace and toxic element intake from rice: differences between cultivars, pigmented and non-pigmented rice

Pigmented and non-pigmented rice varieties (grown in different areas) were collected in China, Yunnan, to investigate the content of macro-, trace elements and potentially toxic elements (PTEs), and to assess the health risk associated with dietary intake. The order of elemental concentrations in rice was Mn > Zn > Fe > Cu > Se for trace elements, P > K > Mg > Ca > Na for macro elements, and Cr > As > Cd for PTEs. Rice with a high concentration of essential elements also associated with a high content of PTEs. In addition, higher content of Cr, Mn and Na were found in pigmented rice. The health risk assessment showed that the daily intake of all elements was below the tolerable limit (UL). Moreover the intake of Fe, Zn and Se was far from sufficient for the nutrient requirement. The PTEs in rice dominated the health risk. Of concern is that this rice consumption is likely to contribute to carcinogenic risks in the long term and that adults are at higher health risk from pigmented rice compared to non-pigmented rice. This study confirms that the lack of essential micronutrients in rice and the health risk associated with rice diets should remain a concern.

Influence of Different Substrates on Nutrient Composition of Vermicompost and Vermiwash

The present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of different substrates on nutrient composition of vermicompost and vermiwash at Division of Soil Science, College of Agriculture, Pune during 2022-23. High density polyethylene beds of 12 X 4 X 2 feet size were used for production of vermicompost. While 200 liter capacity plastic barrels were employed for vermiwash preparation. There were five treatments of substrate combination like 25% rain tree litter (RTL) + 75% paddy straw spent mushroom compost (PSSMC); 50%tree litter+50% paddy straw spent mushroom compost (PSSMC); 75% tree litter+25% paddy straw spent mushroom compost (PSSMC); 100% rain tree litter, 100% paddy straw spent mushroom compost (PSSMC) were used for the preparation of vermicompost with earthworm Eisenia fetida and replicated four times in completely randomized block design. There were ten plastic barrels of above capacity were used for by using vermicompost prepared from different substrate combinations. The sampling, harvesting and characterization of vermiwash was done in duplicate for first and second harvest after incubation period of 15 days. Results showed that pH, EC, organic matter, C: N ratio, total nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, iron, zinc, manganese, copper in vermicompost were significantly influenced by different proportions of rain tree litter and paddy straw spent mushroom compost. C: N ratio of vermicompost prepared by using rain tree litter and paddy straw spent mushroom compost was ranged between 9.71 and 16.19. Significantly higher total nitrogen (2.31%), phosphorus (1.185%), potassium (0.863%), iron (1072 mg kg-1), manganese (231.50 mg kg-1), zinc (254 mg kg-1) and copper (54.25 mg kg-1) were noted in vermicompost from 100% rain tree litter. Significantly high EC (total soluble salts) at first and second harvest of vermiwash was reported when 100% rain tree litter compost and vermicompost as substrate used. Further, vermiwash prepared by using vermicompost from rain tree litter reported significantly higher nitrogen (0.65 and 0.51%), phosphorus (0.33 and 0.27%) and potassium (0.27 and 0.23%) content at both harvest respectively but higher content was in first harvest. Vermiwash prepared from 100% raintree litter vermicompost reported significantly higher Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu content at both harvesting stage.

Potentially toxic elements in urban soils of the coastal city of the Sea of Azov: Levels, sources, pollution and risk assessment

Coastal cities are major centers of economic activity, which at the same time has negative consequences for the environment. The present study aimed to determine the concentrations and sources of PTEs in the urban soils of Taganrog, as well as to assess the ecological and human health risks. A total of 47 urban and 5 background topsoils samples were analyzed by ICP-MS and ICP-AES. A significant excess of Cu, Zn, and Sb was noted in urban soils compared to the upper continental crust and average world-soil (1.7–2.9 times). Statistical analysis showed that the elements in soils were of geogenic, mixed and anthropogenic origin. According to the single pollution index (PI), the greatest danger of soil pollution was represented by anthropogenic elements, namely Cu, W, Pb, Zn, Cd, and Sn, the levels of which were increased in residential and industrial areas. The median contents of As, Mn, Cr, Sr, Mo, Sb, Cu, W, Pb, and Zn were 1.1–2.1 times higher, while Cd and Sn were 2.5 folds higher in the urban soils compared to the background ones. The total pollution index (ZC) showed that only 15% of the soils had high level of pollution, which is typical for the industrial areas. Overall ecological risks were negligible or low in 92% of soils, and were mainly due to elevated levels of Cu, Zn, As, and Pb. Non-carcinogenic risks to humans were mainly related to exposure to La and Pb. The hazard index (HI) values for all PTEs were less than ten, indicating that overall non-carcinogenic risk for adults and children was low-to-moderate and, moderate, respectively. The total carcinogenic risk (TCR) exceeded threshold and corresponded to low risk, with Pb, As, and Co being the most important contributors. Thus, the industrial activities of Taganrog is the main source of priority pollutants.