Content Of Several Elements Research Articles

Classification of Salt Quality Based on the Content of Several Elements in the Salt Using Machine Learning

Classification of Salt Quality Based on the Content of Several Elements in the Salt Using Machine Learning

Human health risks associated with trace metals in dust of residential arid areas

Composite dust samples were collected on a monthly basis over a full year from Doha, Qatar. Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICPMS) was used for the determination of total concentrations of Na, K, Mg, Ca, Li, Be, B, V, Cr, Fe, Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Se, Sr, Cd, Ba, Al, Pb, Ag, TI, U, Sb, Si, Sn, Mo and Bi. A combined approach, merging conventional sampling and analysis with subsequent numerical calculations of the risk of exposure to toxic elements, was employed. For assessment of the health risks associated with the regular exposure to dust, the exposure routes related to the dermal contact and inhalation were considered. Our results indicate that the total non-carcinogenic health risk through exposure to different elements (Hazardous Quotients, HQ's) that are contained in the dust are quite low (well below unity) for both dermal contact and inhalation routes in all months of the year, i.e., there is no risk to the human health. There is no clear explanation for the seasonal variation of metals in the dust in the Qatar area. Several elements in the dust collected in the summertime have higher concentration than in the wintertime. This could be due to the weather conditions and natural depositions. However, the content of several elements (Pb, Zn, Cu, Sn and Li) showed elevation in the wintertime. For dermal exposure, the dominant contribution to the Hazardous Index (HI) comes from thallium (Tl) while for inhalation exposure several comparable contributions are related to Mn, Sb, Si, Ni, and Co. Long-term monitoring strategies are still needed for detailed research on dust pollutants and potential risks.

Comparison of the Content of Several Elements in Seawater, Sea Cucumber Eupentacta fraudatrix and Its High-Molecular-Mass Multiprotein Complex.

Metal ions and other elements play many different critical roles in all biological processes. They can be especially important in high concentrations for the functioning of organisms living in seawater. It is important to understand how much the concentrations of different trace elements in such organisms can be higher than in seawater. Some marine organisms capable of rapid recovery after different injuries are fascinating in this regard. Sea cucumbers Eupentacta fraudatrix can completely restore all organs and the whole body within several weeks after their division into two parts. Here, for the first time, a comparison of the content of different elements in seawater, sea cucumber, and its very stable multiprotein complex (2000 kDa) was performed using two-jet plasma atomic emission spectrometry. Among the 18 elements we found in sea cucumbers, seawater contained only six elements in detectable amounts, and their content decreased in the following order: Mg > Ca > B > Sr ≈ Si > Cr (0.13–930 µg/g of seawater). The content of these elements in sea cucumbers was higher compared with seawater (-fold): Ca (714) > Sr (459) > Cr (75) > Si (42)> B (12) > Mg (6.9). Only four of them had a higher concentration in the protein complex than in seawater (-fold): Si (120.0) > Cr (31.5) > Ca (9.1) > Sr (8.8). The contents of Mg and B were lower in the protein complex than in seawater. The content of elements additionally found in sea cucumbers decreased in the order (µg/g of powder) of P (1100) > Fe (47) > Mn (26) > Ba (15) > Zn (13) > Al (9.3) > Mo (2.8) > Cu (1.4) > Cd (0.3), and in the protein complex, in the order of P (290) > Zn (51) > Fe (23) > Al (14) ≈ Ni (13) > Cu (7.5) > Ba (2.5) ≈ Co (2.0) ≈ Mn (1.6) > Cd (0.7) >Ag (0.2). Thus, sea cucumbers accumulate various elements, including those contained in very low concentrations in seawater. The possible biological roles of these elements are discussed here.

Family and species as determinants modulating mineral composition of selected wild-growing mushroom species

It has been known since the 1970s that differences exist in the profile of element content in wild-growing mushroom species, although knowledge of the role of mushroom species/families as determinants in the accumulation of diverse element remains limited. The aim of this study was to determine the content of 63 mineral elements, divided into six separate groups in the fruit bodies of 17 wild-growing mushroom species. The mushrooms, growing in widely ranging types of soil composition, were collected in Poland in 2018. Lepista nuda and Paralepista gilva contained not only the highest content of essential major (531 and 14,800 mg kg−1, respectively of Ca and P) and trace elements (425 and 66.3 mg kg−1, respectively of Fe and B) but also a high content of trace elements with a detrimental health effect (1.39 and 7.29 mg kg−1, respectively of Tl and Ba). A high content of several elements (Al, B, Ba, Bi, Ca, Er, Fe, Mg, Mo, P, Sc, Ti or V) in L. nuda, Lepista personata, P. gilva and/or Tricholoma equestre fruit bodies belonging to the Tricholomataceae family suggests that such species may be characterised by the most effective accumulation of selected major or trace elements. On the other hand, mushrooms belonging to the Agaricaceae family (Agaricus arvensis, Coprinus comatus and Macrolepiota procera) were characterised by significant differences in the content of all determined elements jointly, which suggests that a higher content of one or several elements is mushroom species-dependent.Graphical abstract

Aluminum exclusion from root zone and maintenance of nutrient uptake are principal mechanisms of Al tolerance in Pisum sativum L.

Our study aimed to evaluate intraspecific variability of pea (Pisum sativum L.) in Al tolerance and to reveal mechanisms underlying genotypic differences in this trait. At the first stage, 106 pea genotypes were screened for Al tolerance using root re-elongation assay based on staining with eriochrome cyanine R. The root re-elongation zone varied from 0.5mm to 14mm and relationships between Al tolerance and provenance or phenotypic traits of genotypes were found. Tolerance index (TI), calculated as a biomass ratio of Al-treated and non-treated contrasting genotypes grown in hydroponics for 10days, varied from 30% to 92% for roots and from 38% to 90% for shoots. TI did not correlate with root or shoot Al content, but correlated positively with increasing pH and negatively with residual Al concentration in nutrient solution in the end of experiments. Root exudation of organic acid anions (mostly acetate, citrate, lactate, pyroglutamate, pyruvate and succinate) significantly increased in several Al-treated genotypes, but did not correlate with TI. Al-treatment decreased Ca, Co, Cu, K, Mg, Mn, Mo, Ni, S and Zn contents in roots and/or shoots, whereas contents of several elements (P, B, Fe and Mo in roots and B and Fe in shoots) increased, suggesting that Al toxicity induced substantial disturbances in uptake and translocation of nutrients. Nutritional disturbances were more pronounced in Al sensitive genotypes. In conclusion, pea has a high intraspecific variability in Al tolerance and this trait is associated with provenance and phenotypic properties of plants. Transformation of Al to unavailable (insoluble) forms in the root zone and the ability to maintain nutrient uptake are considered to be important mechanisms of Al tolerance in this plant species.

X-Ray Fluorescence Analysis of Ground Coffee.

Coffee is becoming one of the most popular beverages in Mexico. In the present work, X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) was used to determine the contents of several elements (with atomic numbers between 11 and 38) in 11 samples of commercial ground coffee, comparing with another one of soluble coffee and two of used ground coffee. Samples were dried at room temperature and pelletized. XRF analyses were carried out using a spectrometer based on an Rh X-ray tube, registering the characteristic x-rays with a Silicon Drift Detector. The system detection calibration and accuracy check was performed through the analysis of NIST certified reference materials 1547 (peach leaves), 1570a (spinach leaves), 1573a (tomato leaves), and 1571 (orchid leaves). As a general rule, the elemental concentrations measured are similar in all samples of coffee, in values not exceeding toxic levels. However, the differences among the elemental concentrations are shown.

Characterization of Urban Atmospheric PM2.5 by ATR-FTIR, ICP-MS and SEM-EDS Techniques

The study aims to investigate the chemical composition of airborne particulate matter with size below 2.5 �m (PM2.5) collected from Targoviste City area, in the summer of 2015. For this consideration eleven representative points have been chosen for sampling. This research provides interesting data which can clarify the relationship between PM2.5 exposure and the negative effects on human health at urban area level. Three analytical techniques have been developed for the qualitative, quantitative and morphological characterization of PM2.5. The inorganic and organic functional groups of the PM2.5 samples were investigated by Attenuated Total Reflectance - Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometry (ATR-FTIR). The content of several elements (i.e. Pb, Cd, Cr, Ni, Cu, Mn, Al, Zn and Fe) in samples was determined by Inductively Coupled Plasma - Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). The measured concentration of these metals was compared with values reported by the International Agency on urban area in order to establish the minimal element level which cannot be considered as a potential health risk for the urban population. The morphological characterization of PM2.5 was performed by Scanning Electron Microscopy - Energy Dispersive Spectrometry (SEM-EDS). The elemental analysis of samples were performed by EDS and showed that airborne particle was mainly composed of elements, such as C, O, Si, Ca, N and S.

Atomic Emission Spectral Determination of Microelements in Human Hair Using MAES

Biomonitoring of essential and toxic elements present in human is an urgent task of modern medicine. In that context, human hair is a promising matrix for the analysis. We present the results of atomic emission spectral analysis of hair mineralizates (obtained after acid digestion) with excitation of a dried residue spectrum from the end of carbon electrode in ac arc. Spectrum recording was carried out using a MFS-8 spectral device modernized by linear photodiode array MAES. The developed technique is used for determination of Al, B, Ca, Cu, Mg, Mn, Fe, P, Pb, and Zn in 42 different hair samples. Using the obtained data we derived a law of the element distribution in the sample and compare the results with the literature data. Statistically significant influence of the donor gender on the content of several elements in human hair is revealed.

Alterations of Hair and Nail Content of Selected Trace Elements in Nonoccupationally Exposed Patients with Chronic Depression from Different Geographical Regions.

The aim of this study was to determine if altered levels of selected trace elements manifest themselves during chronic depression. To identify elements strongly associated with chronic depression, relationships between the elemental contents of hair and nails and the interelement correlations were checked. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and ion chromatography were used to evaluate the contents of Zn, Cu, Co, Pb, Mn, and Fe in hair and nail samples from a total of 415 subjects (295 patients and 120 healthy volunteers). The study included logistic regression models to predict the probability of chronic depression. To investigate possible intercorrelations among the studied elements, the scaled principal component analysis was used. The research has revealed differences in TE levels in the group of depressed men and women in comparison to the healthy subjects. Statistically significant differences in both hair and nails contents of several elements were observed. Our study also provides strong evidence that the intermediary metabolism of certain elements is age- and gender-dependent. Zn, Mn, Pb, and Fe contents in hair/nails seem to be strongly associated with chronic depression. We found no statistically significant residence-related differences in the contents of studied elements in nonoccupationally exposed patients and healthy subjects.

Exposure of Common Bean Seeds to Liquid Nitrogen Modifies Mineral Composition of Young Plantlet Leaves

Many publications describe cryopreservation techniques but only a few studies have focused on the biochemical and physiological changes occurring in plants regenerated from seeds exposed to liquid nitrogen. This paper aims at describing the effect of common bean seed cryostorage on mineral nutrition of young plantlets. The following elements were measured on leaves of 10-day-old plantlets from non-cryopreserved and cryopreserved seeds: Al, B, Ba, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, Ni, P, S, Se, Sr and Zn. At 10 days after sowing, both treatments (control and cryopreserved seeds) showed 100% seed germination without any visual phenotypic difference. However, contents of several elements in the leaves were different. Exposure of seeds to liquid nitrogen decreased Cu, Cd and Na uptake and increased absorption of B and Al. Further studies are required to understand the mechanisms underlying the relationship between seed exposure to liquid nitrogen and mineral nutrition during the early stages of plantlet growth.

Molecular and Elemental Characterization of Selected Turkish Durum Wheat Varieties

Combination of elemental and protein studies along with molecular data using microsatellite markers may lead to the better and realistic determination of relatedness between the varieties and their populations. In this study, the extent of diversity among five Turkish durum wheat cultivars and their populations has been assessed using seven microsatellite markers and the elemental analysis together with the differences in their protein content.In molecular analysis, total 23 alleles have been obtained among all the genotypes with middling of 4.6 per primer. On employing UPGMA Dendrogram, Principle Coordinate Analysis (PCoA) and Winboot analyses, both inter and intra varietal polymorphic studies had shown similar clustering with minor differences. As a result of AMOVA performed, the extent of diversity was found to be higher among the genotypes (76%) in comparison to the variability within the genotypes (24%). In elemental analyses, ‘Selcuklu-97’ was found to be the most efficient variety with high content of several elements. Also, strong and positive correlation has been observed between magnesium- phosphorus, magnesium-sulphur and sulphur-sodium, while noteworthy negative correlation has been observed between sodium and zinc. The protein content of the genotypes was found in the range of 15.17-16.90%.The diversity revealed in durum genotypes can be employed in genetic expansion of the crop. These involved varieties may aid to avoid genetic attrition coming up from the landraces. The information provided can be utilized by breeders for appropriate selection of both, genetically and nutritionally efficient durum wheat varieties.

Determination of elemental impurities in polymer materials of electrical cables of safety systems of nuclear power plants by k 0-INAA

Instrumental neutron activation analysis with k0 standardization (k0-INAA) was employed for elemental characterization of individual components of electrical cables currently used in safety systems of nuclear power plants (NPP). The analysis yielded information about the content of 35 elements. It has been found that the presently used cables would not satisfy requirements of qualification set for the new generation of NPP by “The European Utility Requirements for LWR Nuclear Power Plants”, because content of several elements exceeded the maximal admissible levels. This demonstrates that cable polymer materials for safety systems of the new generation NPP must be synthesized and controlled regarding the content of additives, which are undesired from the hygienic and radiological points of view. k0-INAA proved to be a method of choice for elemental characterization of polymer materials of electrical cables as part of their qualification for use in NPP.

Temporal variation in the arsenic and metal accumulation in the maritime pine tree grown on contaminated soils

The uptake of arsenic and other metals (iron, manganese, copper, zinc, lead, nickel and tungsten) by Pinus pinaster Aiton (the maritime pine tree) growing in soils and tailings around an abandoned mine (northern Portugal) was investigated. Aerial parts of Pinus pinaster trees were sampled from three substrate areas: a background area, in mine contaminated soils and in tailings. Vegetation material was separated into needles and stems and subdivided into tissues of different maturities (1-, 2-, 3- and 4-years-old). The sampling of the substrate in each area was also undertaken. In general, vegetation concentrations were strongly related to substrate concentrations. The results show that the contents of several elements depend as much on the plant organ as on the age of the tissue. For the researched elements, this species shows a great variability in behavior depending on the age of the organ. The data indicate that the older needles constitute the best samples for use in a conjunct biogeochemical analysis of these elements.

Determination of trace elements in some copper minerals by k0-neutron activation analysis

Trace element contents in two copper minerals [brochantite [Cu(4)SO(4)(OH)(6)] and native Cu] using k(0)-NAA were determined before and after quantitative removal of copper. The distribution of 44 elements in the studied minerals was investigated. An important advantage of the proposed method is the possibility to determine the content of several elements (Al, Dy, Mg, Mn and V) via their short-lived nuclides after the electrolytic removal of Cu due to the elimination of matrix interferences.

Is removal of copper by electrolysis from copper minerals an appropriate method for determination of trace elements?

The trace elements content in the copper mineral chalcanthite (CuSO 4·5H 2O) was determined using k 0-INAA before and after quantitative removal of copper. To avoid the interference of the matrix element, a method for electrolytic separation of copper was used. The distribution of 47 elements (with intermediate/medium and long-lived radionuclides) present in the studied mineral was investigated. The main advantage of the proposed method is the possibility to determine the content of several elements (Al, Dy, K, Mg, Mn, Pt, Re and V) via their short-lived nuclides after the electrolysis of Cu as a result of the elimination of interferences from the matrix element. In addition, the limit of detection for some elements (Ga, K and W) is lower in the electrolyzed solution compared to their corresponding values determined by k 0-INAA. However, the results showed that electrolysis was not an appropriate method for determination of some trace elements (As, Na, Sb, Pt and Zn) at low concentration level due to contamination from the Pt-electrode or inadequate purification of the glassware used, adsorption/desorption on glassware (e.g. Na, Sb, Se), or losses during evaporation of the solution (heated to about 80 °C) to ∼2 mL (e.g. Se).

Geologic setting and characterization of coals and the modes of occurrence of selected elements from the Franklin coal zone, Puget Group, John Henry No. 1 mine, King County, Washington, USA

Upper middle and upper Eocene coal-bearing strata in the Green River coal district of Washington state are in the Franklin coal zone of the undivided Puget Group. Coal-bearing strata accumulated in intertidal and deltaic environments along a tidally influenced delta plain. Numerous shale and tonstein partings within the coals indicate that the coal formed in low-lying peat mires. To evaluate variations in element distribution within these coals, vertical bench channel samples from the Franklin No. 7–8–9 ( n = 24) and the No. 10 ( n = 11) coal beds were collected. Coal beds in the John Henry No. 1 mine of the Green River coal district have an apparent rank of high volatile B bituminous. No. 7–8–9 and No. 10 have a mean sulfur content of 0.67 wt.% and 0.9 wt.% respectively. When compared statistically to other western U.S. Tertiary coals, the Franklin coal zone in the John Henry No. 1 mine Franklin coal zone is significantly higher in contents of ash, Si, Al, Mg, K, Ti, Ag, As, Cu, F, Ga, Hg, Li, Nb, Ni, P, Sc, Sr, V, Y, Yb, and Zr, and has significantly lower contents of Ca, Na, B, Nd, and Se. Mean contents of several elements in the Franklin No. 7–8–9 and No. 10 coal beds are uncommonly high compared to western U.S. Tertiary coals. The No. 7–8–9 bed is higher in As (6.6 X, 44 ppm), Cu (3.8 X, 42 ppm), F (3 X, 190 ppm), Hg (44 X, 4.4 ppm), Mn (3.4 X, 170 ppm), Nb (4.4 X, 10 ppm), Ni (3.5 X, 16 ppm), V (4 X, 68 ppm), and Zr (4.9 X, 88 ppm). The No. 10 bed is higher in As (11 X, 81 ppm), Cu (3.2 X, 35 ppm), Hg (75 X, 7.5 ppm), Ni (3.3 X, 15 ppm), P (5.4 X, 1300 ppm), Sc (4.1 X, 8 ppm), Sr (2.5 X, 680 ppm), V (3.7 X, 63 ppm), and Zr (2.7 X, 48 ppm). X-ray diffraction analysis of the low-temperature ash from these coals reveals the predominance of quartz and clays (kaolinite, minor illite, smectite group, and mixed layer) and minor plagiociase feldspar (albite, disordered, and ordered Ca-bearing), carbonate (ankerite, calcite, kutnohorite, and siderite), pyrite, and clinoptilolite. Minor crandallite group minerals, zircon, and β-form quartz phenocrysts were also found, indicating that volcanic ash was deposited within the peat-forming mires. The presence of augite, hornblende, and smectite group clays in the tonsteins suggests a volcanic source that was intermediate in composition. The higher contents of Ba, F, P, Sr, and Zr in the Franklin coals result from the alteration of volcanic ash in the mires. Apatite contains major amounts of F and P, whereas feldspar contains Ba and Sr. Zircon is the primary Zr-bearing mineral. Crandallite group minerals are major Ba- and P- bearing minerals in the coals and can contain Ca and Sr. Higher As and Hg contents in the coals result from post-Eocene hydrothermal mineralization. Mines in the nearby Green River Gorge contain cinnabar, metacinnabar, realgar, and orpiment. Realgar and orpiment were found in fractured sandstone above the No. 10 coal bed. Kleinite and cinnabar, both mercury-containing minerals, were identified in coal samples and native mercury was found in one parting sample. Thermal and XANES studies on coal samples indicate that there are at least two modes of occurrence for Hg in the Franklin coals: (1) organic complexes containing Hg, and (2) Hg-bearing minerals within the coal and associated partings. Pyrite may also contain trace amounts of As, Hg, and Ni.

Diagenetic trends of dental tissues

Dentine and enamel from mammal teeth of modern fresh samples, regurgitated pellets, carnivore faeces and fossil samples have been studied from a variety of locations in terms of their microstructure and chemical composition. Enamel is more durable than dentine during fossilisation, and consequently is less altered in terms of its composition. Statistical analyses of the data show that contents of several elements differ between enamel and dentine; that fossil teeth are generally depleted in Mg and Na, and enriched in Fe and Sr relative to modern samples, and that the different fossil sites can be discriminated. To cite this article: Y. Dauphin, C.T. Williams, C. R. Palevol 3 (2004).

Determination of Ca, P, Sr and Mg in the synthetic biomaterial aragonite by NAA

In orthopaedic surgery, synthetic biomaterials encountered a great success. In this work, the “in-vivo” behaviour of aragonite synthesized in our laboratory was studied. The in vivo experiments have been carried out on femurs sites of nine ovine. Neutron activation analysis was applied to evaluate the ossification kinetics of synthetic aragonite. The content of several elements (Ca, P, Sr and Mg and phosphorous to calcium ratio) were determined versus time after implantation. Results showed that the biomaterial undergoes a lot of transformations during time. The chemical composition of the aragonite was modified and progress to become close to that of an ovine bone. Biological studies assess its biocompatibility.

Geochemistry and acidity of sulphide-bearing postglacial sediments of western Finland

The geochemistry, mineralogy, acidity and electric conductivity of sulphide-bearing postglacial sediments located on the coastal plains of western Finland were studied. Grain size and mineralogical analysis (eight samples studied) indicated that the sediments are silts dominated by primary minerals (quartz, feldspars), and that the clay fraction ( 13%) of the aqua-regia extractable contents of several elements (Co, Mn, Ca, Ni, Zn, Sr, Na and B) are mobilised at oxidation. Because of the high quantities of acidity and metals liberated at oxidation, it is argued that stream-water quality, which is poor in the study area, will not improve unless artificial draining is restricted in areas of sulphide sediments.

Wide-spaced sampling of humus in fennoscandia

In support of IGCP Project 259 (International Geochemical Mapping), a pilot survey designed to test the effectiveness of analysing dried humus collected at an extremely low sampling density (one composite sample per 23 000 km 2) for geochemical mapping was carried out in 49 large catchment basins in Fennoscandia. The samples were analysed for their aqua-regia leachable contents of 30 elements by ICP-ES. The results were compared with those of till sampled at the same sites and with moss from previous surveys. The correlation with underlying bedrock was also studied. Geological features exert only a weak influence on the regional distribution of elements in humus. Exceptions are high levels of Ca and Sr in areas of carbonate bedrock and low contents of K in areas of Archean rocks. The distribution patterns of Co, Cr, Cu, Mg, Ni and Zn in humus coincide partly, and the levels correlate positively with those in till. The contents of Ni, Cr and Cu are lower in humus overlying acid magmatic rocks and arkose than other rock types. Pollution is the obvious source of high concentrations of Pb, Cd and Zn in southern Sweden and southern Norway. Acid fallout seems to cause leaching of Al, P and La from the humus horizon. The contents of these elements are low in the south where deposition of S and N is high and pH of rainwater is below 4.5. Deposition of sea salts gives high levels of Na, Mg, K and B along the coast of Norway and southern Sweden. The contents of several elements in humus correlate positively with the amount of organic matter (LOI). Comparison between four types of forest shows that the contents of Ca, Mg and Na in birch forest and of Cd, Mn, Pb and Zn in spruce forest are significantly higher than in other forest types. These features, however, are considered false and are due to sources such as atmospheric deposition of anthropogenic metals and sea salt. The results of the relatively strong chemical attack used for analyses of humus samples are less informative than those from till and overbank sediments. A weaker attack may have given more useful information. The humus horizon could be suited for environmental monitoring if used in global geochemical mapping.