Concentrations Of Other Metals Research Articles

Mineral and Organic Materials as Factors Reducing the Effect of Petrol on Heavy Metal Content in Soil.

As industrial production increases worldwide, so does the demand for fuels. The transport of fuels from the point of production to the end user poses a risk of environmental pollution, both during transport and during combustion in internal combustion engines. The soil is a part of the environment which is particularly sensitive to contamination by petroleum substances. For this reason, research has been carried out into the possibility of reducing the impact of petrol on the content of heavy metals in the soil using various materials, both mineral (bentonite, calcium oxide) and organic (compost). These played an important role in the in situ remediation of contaminated soils. Petrol contamination increased the content of some heavy metals (Pb, Cd, or Ni), while it decreased the content of other metals (Cr, Zn, Co, and Cu) in the soil. The materials used in this study significantly altered the levels of heavy metals in the soil. The strength of the effect varied and the direction of the effect depended on the element. Bentonite was the most effective, while calcium oxide and especially compost were less effective. The most beneficial (limiting) effect of calcium oxide was shown on the soil content of cadmium, cobalt, and chromium, while the bentonite effects were on the content of chromium. The application of the abovementioned materials seems to be effective in reducing low level soil contamination by petrol.

Effect of Genotype on Cadmium and Trace Element Accumulation in Wheat from Weakly Alkaline Cadmium-contaminated Soil.

Cadmium (Cd) contamination of farmland soils leads to Cd accumulation in crops and reduced micronutrient uptake, posing grave risks to food safety. Herein, we investigated the enrichment and transportation patterns of Cd and trace elements in different parts of six wheat genotypes grown in weakly alkaline Cd-contaminated soils via pot experiments. The results revealed that the wheat grain variety with high Cd accumulation (Ningmai13) demonstrated a 1.94-fold increase compared to the variety with low accumulation (Yanong0428). The transfer factor of Cd from wheat straw to grain ranged from 0.319 to 0.761, while the transfer factor of Cd from root to straw ranged from 0.167 to 0.461. Furthermore, the concentrations of other metals in wheat grains followed the order of Zn > Mn > Fe > Cu. There was a significant positive correlation between Cd and Mn in grains, indicating a potential synergistic effect. Overall, this study provides valuable insights into the regulation of micronutrient intake to modulate Cd uptake in wheat.

Robust dating of Pb–Zn skarn systems by LA–ICP–MS garnet U–Pb geochronology

Lawu and Yaguila are two Pb–Zn skarn deposits in the eastern Nyainqêntanglha metallogenic belt, central Lhasa subterrane, Tibet. The genesis of Pb–Zn deposits in this belt and the crustal processes leading to their formation remain ill-constrained, mostly because of the lack of precise mineralization ages. We integrate textural information, geochemistry, and in-situ garnet U–Pb geochronology to constrain the timing and genesis of Pb–Zn mineralization. Garnets from the two deposits display oscillatory compositional zoning (And14Gr86 to And100) and contain variable U contents (0.07–5.3 ppm). Aluminum-rich garnet displays a chondrite-normalized rare earth element (REE) fractionation pattern in which LREEs are depleted relative to flattish HREE segments. In contrast, Fe-rich garnet shows LREE-enriched, relatively HREE-poor patterns with positive Eu-anomalies. Uranium concentration is correlated with total REE and Fe components in garnets, implying that U incorporation is largely controlled by coupled substitution mechanisms. The same garnets also contain measurable contents of other metals (up to hundreds of ppm), such as Sn, W, and In. The distribution and fractionation of major and trace elements in zoned garnets record periodic fluid pluses with different compositions during hydraulic fracturing. The new garnet U–Pb data show that the Yaguila deposit formed between 68.5 ± 3.4 and 65.0 ± 4.7 Ma, and the Lawu deposit formed at 54.6 ± 2.9 Ma. Within the geochronological framework of igneous rocks and Pb–Zn mineralization in the Nyainqêntanglha metallogenic belt, the new garnet ages suggest a magmatic-hydrothermal origin for related mineralization, with the causative magma likely derived from partial melting of ancient continental material due to rollback and subsequent breakoff of the Neo-Tethys oceanic slab during India–Asia continental collision. This study highlights the opportunities offered by garnet U–Pb dating for elucidating the formation age and ore genesis of base metal skarn systems.

Water quality assessment of Remeți watercourse, Maramureș, Romania, located in a NATURA 2000 protected area subjected to anthropic pressure

The study assessed the evolution of water indicators of Remeți water body that is located in the Remeți locality in the Upper Tisa, a Natura 2000 protected area. Thus, electric conductivity, dissolved oxygen, oxygen saturation, temperature, pH, turbidity, ammonium concentration (NH4+), nitrates (NO3−), nitrites (NO2−), orthophosphate (PO43−), dissolved Fe, Mn, water hardness, alkalinity (A) and chloride were measured over the January (I)-October (X) 2021 period. This water course was subjected to anthropic pressure, being polluted with nutrients such as ammonium and orthophosphate ions, iron and manganese. The concentrations of other metals were either low (Al, Ba, Li, Ga, Rb, Ni, Sr, Zn, Cu, Ti) or below the detection limit (Pb, Cd). The study was performed over a period of 8 months, namely January 2021–October 2021, covering the 4 seasons, in order to establish their influence on the level of water quality indicators. Exceeded turbidity values and high concentrations of ammonium, orthophosphate and dissolved iron were found, these being generally higher in the summer-autumn months. Dissolved oxygen concentrations were low in the summer-autumn months. Based on the values of the physico-chemical indicators, two types of water quality indices WA-WQI (weighted arithmetic water quality indices) and CCME-WQI (Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment water quality indices) were calculated to evaluate the global water quality and its evolution over the seasons with a single value. WA-WQI values varied in the range of 78.56–761.63, with a tendency to increase in autumn, showing an intensified tendency of global water quality deterioration due to an increase in ammonium, turbidity, iron and orthophosphates in autumn months while CCME-WQI values were between 39.6 and 68.9, being fair in winter-spring months and marginal / bad in summer and autumn months. The results of this study are advantageous in identifying the level of pollution of Remeți water course, being a signal for local authorities in taking the necessary measures to reduce the pollution around it, for a better human health and conservation of the ecosystems hosted in the protected area.

Accumulation of heavy metals in meat and their relationship with water and food intake of aquatic animals in Kermanshah, western Iran

ABSTRACT Accumulation of heavy metals in aquatic meat can have a destructive role in food safety and is also closely related to the water and feed consumed by animals. Thus, the aim of this study is to evaluate the heavy metals in three aquatic species and their relationship with water and food. Fresh samples included 65 trout, 40 carp, and 45 shrimp, and their water and food were collected from Kermanshah aquaculture. After the preparation phase, the concentration of heavy metals was determined by using inductively-coupled plasma-mass-spectrometry. Lead in carp, arsenic in shrimp, cadmium, and mercury in trout had the highest concentrations of toxic metals. The lead, arsenic, and mercury concentrations in all three farmed aquatic species were higher than the maximum permissible limits. A significant correlation coefficient was observed between the concentration of these metals in the meat and their consumed water and food (p≤0.001). Of the essential metals, except for selenium in trout, and zinc in all three aquatic species, the concentration of other metals was higher than that of the permissible consumption limit. There was also a significant correlation between the concentration of essential metals and their consumed feed (p<0.001). The target hazard quotient of toxic metals was less than 1, but the target cancer risk for arsenic and mercury was in the range of carcinogenicity. Thereby, it is vital to monitor the quality of aquatic meat and pay special attention to their water and feed sources in this region of Iran, which will consequently guarantee human health.

Exposure to metals among Electronic Nicotine Delivery System (ENDS) users in the PATH study: A longitudinal analysis

BackgroundFew studies have evaluated Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS) in longitudinal studies, as a potential source of metals which may have carcinogenic, neurotoxic, and cardiotoxic effects. We evaluated metal body burden by ENDS use status in a longitudinal population-based national survey. MethodsWe used the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health (PATH) Study wave 1 (2013–2014), wave 2 (2014–2015), and wave 3 (2015–2016) adult data to assess urinary concentrations of seven metals among (1) ENDS only users who never used any nonelectronic tobacco products (n = 50), (2) ENDS only users who were former users of any nonelectronic tobacco products (n = 123) and (3) Never users (n = 1501) of any tobacco product. ResultsAmong ENDS only users who never used any nonelectronic tobacco products (n = 50), the geometric mean ratios (GMRs) of Cd and Pb were 1.25 (95%CI: 1.09–1.42) and 1.19 (95%CI: 1.05–1.34), respectively, compared to never users after adjustment for PATH Study wave, age, sex, race/ethnicity, education, region, secondhand smoke at home and work, and cannabis and other substance use. After the same adjustment, the corresponding GMRs were 1.48 (95%CI: 1.32–1.67) and 1.43 (95%CI: 1.28–1.60) for ENDS only users who were former users of any nonelectronic tobacco products (n = 123). No difference was observed in urinary concentrations of other metals comparing ENDS users to never users of any tobacco product. DiscussionENDS users show higher urinary levels of Cd and Pb, including lifetime exclusive ENDS users compared to never users of any tobacco product. These findings are limited by the small sample size and could be related to underreporting of past combustible tobacco use or other factors. Metals typical of ENDS such as nickel and chromium unfortunately are not available in PATH. Studies assessing metal exposure associated with long term lifetime exclusive ENDS use (≥5 years) with larger sample size are needed.

Electrolyte circulation: Metal recovery from waste printed circuit boards of mobile phones by alkaline slurry electrolysis

Alkaline slurry electrolysis has been verified as an effective method for metal recovery from waste printed circuit boards (WPCBs). However, the electrolyte that remains after slurry electrolysis contains high concentrations of metal, which can cause pollution without suitable treatment. Most importantly, the metals in the electrolyte are not completely recovered, resulting in wasted resources and increased costs. Here, the feasibility of circulating this electrolyte and its effect on copper recovery, current efficiency, and purity, is discussed. We also describe in detail the migration and transformation of copper and other metals, such as nickel, zinc, and lead, during the preparation of high-purity cathode copper from mobile phone WPCBs (WPCB-MPs) using an ammonia-ammonium chloride slurry electrolysis system. Experimental results from 19 cycles of electrolyte reuse show that copper is mainly distributed in the cathode products, whereas other metals are mainly distributed in the electrolyte and anode residues. With an increase in the number of cycles, the concentration of other metals in the electrolyte gradually increased, showing metal enrichment. The current efficiency fluctuates but is usually >90%. In addition, the copper recovery rate and purity were essentially unaffected, being >99% and >99.9% for all 20 runs, respectively, and all the cathode copper foils were easily peeled off. This study demonstrated that electrolytes can be reused for metal recycling from WPCB-MPs by alkaline slurry electrolysis without decreasing Cu purity, Cu recovery rate, and current efficiency. Thus, this study provides a green and cost-effective process for recycling resources from e-waste.

Concentrations of trace metals in Siganus javus captured in Negombo estuary, Sri Lanka: Human health risk assessment through dietary exposure

Concentrations of aluminium, cadmium, chromium, lead, nickel and zinc in muscle and liver of a marine fish in Indo-Pacific region, Siganus javus captured in Negombo estuary were evaluated and potential human health risks associated with dietary exposure were assessed. Of the six metals analyzed, zinc was the most abundant metal in both tissues. No significant differences were found between muscle and liver with respect to cadmium and lead concentrations whereas concentrations of other metals were higher in liver compared to muscle. In human health perspective, estimated target hazard quotients for cadmium and lead were greater than the threshold of one indicating potential non-cancer health risks to heavy consumers. Estimated excess cancer risk of cadmium indicate carcinogenic health risks associated with their consumption even at moderate meal frequencies. The results revealed that consumption of S. javus from the estuary needs to be limited concerning non-cancer and cancer risks to human health.

Hydrogeochemistry and hydrobiology of technogenic reservoirs of mining territories of Eastern Transbaikalia

The chemical composition of the waters of quarry lakes formed as a result of the development of the Zavitinskoye lithium-beryllium deposit located in Eastern Transbaikalia (Russia) has been studied. The studied waters of the ore pits are fresh with a neutral and slightly alkaline reaction, mainly of the magnesium-calcium sulfate type. It was found that the quarry waters contain high concentrations of lithium (Li) and strontium (Sr), in isolated cases of arsenic (As). Low concentrations of other metals in man-made waters are due to the neutralizing effect of carbonates of host rocks and ores, but this does not make them environmentally safe. The content of trace elements in the waters of quarries relative to the background contents, as well as the standards of maximum permissible concentrations (MPC) of chemicals for the waters of water bodies of fishery importance and sanitary and hygienic indicators were determined. A distinctive feature of the studied quarry lakes, as well as other man-made reservoirs, is the low species diversity of zooplankton and macrophytes, which is mainly due to the small catchment area, the steepness of the shores, the absence of shallow waters and other factors.

Методика определения потерь давления на трение в круглом трубопроводе постоянного сечения

The aim of the work was to solve the problem of increasing the efficiency of identifying large enterprises that pollute natural water from among many water users of the industrial region. For this purpose, artificial neural networks (INS) were used to detect and evaluate the weights of connections between statistical data, which is important for studying the dynamics of water quality formation in conditions of its spatial and temporal variability. The work was carried out on the example of the available 250 measurements of the concentration of each of the four priority metals at the hydro chemical gates of the Iset River in the area of Yekaterinburg. Neural network analysis made it possible to detect the interdependencies of individual water quality indicators at neighboring sites. At points above Yekaterinburg (+5.2 km, target 1), in the city (target 2) and below it (–4 km, target 3), in total at 3 × 4 × 250 = 3000 points. It was found, in particular, that the effect of the nickel content in the water of the gate 2 on the concentration of other metals of the gate 3, especially zinc, is quite high, so that the correlation coefficient is not lower than 0.6. Such results made it possible to identify the logistical economic ties of water users and simplify the identifi cation of water pollutants by the “water footprint” left by related enterprises. Thus, it is shown that the INS provides the identification of a man-made decrease in water quality against the background of its natural pollution with the same substances. The reliability of the conclusions is confirmed by the ability to satisfactorily predict the water quality of the section located downstream of the river, according to the data for the section located above, as established in the work by predicting water quality using the INS.

BACTERIAL LEACHING OF BALANCED ORES OF ALBITITE DEPOSITS OF THE UKRAINIAN SHIELD

Prospects for increasing the raw materials resources of uranium ore deposits of the albite formation of the Ingul megablock of the Ukrainian Shield and the possibility of reducing the impact of harmful waste due to the method of bacterial leaching of metals were considered. Mineral-forming systems of uranium-bearing albitites of the Ukrainian Shield have always been considered as monoelement, exclusively uranium objects. However, their out-of-balance ores and tailings contain elevated, up to industrial, concentrations of other metals, which, under conditions of hypergenic processes, pose a potential threat of environmental pollution. In order to determine the possibility of expanding raw materials resources of albite deposits of the Ukrainian Shield due to the use of the method of bacterial leaching of metals, the composition of industrial ores and host rocks was considered. In particular, our data from their mineralogical and geochemical research showed that uranium and five of its companion elements: thorium, vanadium, beryllium, zirconium and lead reach industrial content. At the same time, cobalt, nickel and zinc are characterized by an increased content close to the minimum industrial values. The most promising for bacterial leaching are rocks that contain sulfides. The rocks of the uranium ore albitite formation contain sulfur-containing compounds and, in particular, pyrite, as well as bi- and trivalent iron. We found the highest content of sulfides in albitized rocks (up to 0.82%), ore-free albitites (up to 0.81%), low-ore albitites (up to 0.61%), that is, in rocks accumulated in industrial waste. It is assumed that the use of bacterial leaching methods with the participation of chemolithotrophic microorganisms can be promising for the processing of off-balance ores and will contribute to the expansion of the raw material base of albite deposits of the Ukrainian Shield, due not only to uranium, but also to nickel, cobalt and zinc.

Идентификация предприятий-загрязнителей воды на основе нейросетевого анализа

The aim of the work was to solve the problem of increasing the efficiency of identifying large enterprises that pollute natural water from among many water users of the industrial region. For this purpose, artificial neural networks (INS) were used to detect and evaluate the weights of connections between statistical data, which is important for studying the dynamics of water quality formation in conditions of its spatial and temporal variability. The work was carried out on the example of the available 250 measurements of the concentration of each of the four priority metals at the hydro chemical gates of the Iset River in the area of Yekaterinburg. Neural network analysis made it possible to detect the interdependencies of individual water quality indicators at neighboring sites. At points above Yekaterinburg (+5.2 km, target 1), in the city (target 2) and below it (–4 km, target 3), in total at 3 × 4 × 250 = 3000 points. It was found, in particular, that the effect of the nickel content in the water of the gate 2 on the concentration of other metals of the gate 3, especially zinc, is quite high, so that the correlation coefficient is not lower than 0.6. Such results made it possible to identify the logistical economic ties of water users and simplify the identifi cation of water pollutants by the “water footprint” left by related enterprises. Thus, it is shown that the INS provides the identification of a man-made decrease in water quality against the background of its natural pollution with the same substances. The reliability of the conclusions is confirmed by the ability to satisfactorily predict the water quality of the section located downstream of the river, according to the data for the section located above, as established in the work by predicting water quality using the INS.

Variation of glomalin-metal binding capacity in 1 m soil profiles from mangrove forests to mudflat and affected factor analysis

Glomalin-related soil protein (GRSP) plays an important role in soil metal sequestration in coastal wetlands. Additionally, it can release dissolved organic matter (GDOM) in water-soaked condition. The purpose of this study was to clarify the variation of GRSP's heavy metal immobilisation capacity at soil profiles of coastal wetland, and explore the compositional characteristics of GDOM and its influence on the heavy metals' environmental behaviour. The results indicated that the metal immobilisation capacity of GRSP decreased with increasing burial depth. The contributions of GRSP to soil Cr, As, and Pb were higher in both mangrove soils (K. obovata and A. marina forests) than in the mudflat. Oxygen-containing functional groups of GRSP (CO, –COO−, etc.) played a positive role in heavy metals accumulation. Redundancy analysis (RDA) showed that high soil pH was not conducive to the enrichment of heavy metals by GRSP. Besides, the concentrations of GRSP-Fe showed a significant positive correlation with the concentrations of other metals (Cu, As, and Pb) in GRSP. It is speculated that the Fe minerals in GRSP contributed the enrichment of heavy metals. Based on PARAFAC modelling, four fluorescent components of GDOM were identified, including three humic-like fluorescent components and one tyrosine-like fluorescent component. The contributions of GDOM to GRSP-bound heavy metals fluctuated between 4.05 % and 88.80 %, which could enhance the fluidity of heavy metals in water and weaken the soil heavy metal immobilisation capacity of GRSP. High salinity exerted an inhibitory effect on the heavy metal content of the GDOM. This study comprehensively explored the potential of GRSP to immobilise heavy metals in wetland soils and highlighted the potential heavy metal risks associated with the GDOM component in water, which could contribute to the multidimensional assessment and control of heavy metal pollution in coastal wetlands.

Nutrient transition metals in a time series of hydrothermal vent fluids from Main Endeavour Field, Juan de Fuca Ridge, Pacific Ocean

Cabled deep-sea observatories can deliver continuous power and communications linkages to seafloor instruments and sampling devices. Building on this capability, a nine-month time series of hydrothermal vent fluids was recently collected from the well-studied Main Endeavour Field on the Juan de Fuca Ridge (northeast Pacific Ocean) using a novel remotely triggered vent fluid sampling system connected to Ocean Network Canada's NEPTUNE observatory (Seyfried et al., 2022). These samples exhibit very low Mg concentrations (Mg = 0.19–3.07 mmol/kg), indicative of little-to-no contamination by ambient seawater, providing excellent insight into sub-seafloor hydrothermal processes. Here, we present analyses of these samples for transition metals identified as biological nutrients (V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Mo, Cd, and W) and identify possible controlling processes.Overall, nutrient transition metal concentrations in collected samples reflect dynamic responses to subtle deep-seated and near-surface changes in the hydrothermal system. Roughly two months into the deployment, inmixing of a Mg- and sulfate-rich fluid is decoupled from observed changes in vent fluid temperature but coincides with noticeable decreases in fluid Co and Mo concentrations, likely indicating subtle or more deep-seated cooling of the system and subsurface deposition of these temperature-sensitive metals. Several months later, a ∼20°C drop in vent fluid temperature from 304°C to 280–285°C over ∼20 hours is accompanied by ∼90% decreases in Cu, Zn, and Cd concentrations and an additional decrease in Mo attributable to precipitation of metal sulfides, presumably in the shallow subsurface. Relative stability in concentrations of other metals (V, Cr, Mn, Ni, W) suggests more deeply seated higher-temperature controls, though covariations in Cr and Ni concentrations decoupled from vent fluid temperature suggest subtle, temporally variable lithologic controls. Molybdenum concentrations (29–220 nmol/kg) are higher than expected based on previous analyses of seafloor hydrothermal vent fluids and do not reflect contamination by modern Mo-rich seawater. This finding has implications for understandings of hydrothermal Mo delivery to the ocean, relevant to hypotheses about the evolution of Mo-dependent biological pathways among early life forms in anoxic and Mo-poor ocean environments thought to be prevalent throughout the Archean Eon.

Direct recovery of Zn from wasted alkaline batteries through selective anode's separation

In the present study, a leaner process for recovering zinc from spent alkaline batteries is studied at a laboratory scale. Such process is part of a diagram, under development, that aims at maximizing the value of all the battery components while reducing the costs of treatment and the environmental footprint involved in recycling this waste. It starts by a physical and selective pre-treatment stage that separates the anode from the remaining components followed by neutral leaching (three washing cycles at room temperature, S/L ratio of 1/5 (w/v), magnetic stirring for 15 min and settling during 45 min), acid leaching of the washed solid (4 mol/L of sulphuric acid, S/L ratio of 1/3 (w/v), 120 min at room temperature under magnetic stirring) and, finally, electrowinning of zinc from the pregnant leach solution (100 mA/cm2, 120 min under slow magnetic stirring). By leaching the anode alone, it is possible to obtain a solution rich in zinc (86 g/L), with very low concentration of other metals (<0.08 g/L). Such solution was adequate for zinc electrowinning, allowing an average recovery rate of 58%, without applying any purification stages, at the same time regenerating sulphuric acid for its recirculation. In conclusion, the results demonstrate that a more specific physical pre-treatment stage is highly desirable to recycle spent alkaline batteries in order to reduce the number of stages involved and the overall complexity, thus, reducing the costs involved and the potential environmental impacts, while maintaining high recovery rates of zinc.

Heavy Metals Accumulation in Tissues of Wild and Farmed Barramundi from the Northern Bay of Bengal Coast, and Its Estimated Human Health Risks.

Globally, both natural water bodies and aquaculture systems are being severely contaminated by heavy metals due to rising anthropogenic activities. Fish living in aquatic environments can easily accumulate metals in their bodies, which can then be transferred to consumers and put them at risk. In this study, metal concentrations (Pb, Cd, Cr, As, Mn, Cu, Zn) in different organs (gill, liver, and muscle) of farmed and wild Barramundi (Lates calcarifer) fish from the northern Bay of Bengal were evaluated to quantify and compare contamination levels and related human health risk. Heavy metal concentrations were higher in liver tissues of farmed Barramundi than in wild Barramundi, with the following relative mean values in the liver, gills, and muscle: Zn > Cu > Pb > Mn > Cd > Cr > As; Zn > Cr > Cu > Pb > Mn > Cd > As; Zn > Pb > Cu > Cr > Mn > Cd > As; Zn > Pb > Cu > Cr > Mn > Cd > As; and Zn > Pb > Cu > Cr > Mn > Cd > As, respectively. The differences in heavy metal accumulation observed between farmed and wild fish were probably related to the differences in their environmental conditions and dietary element concentrations. However, ANOVA indicated that the variation of metals in wild and Barramundi was not statically significant. Pb concentrations in the liver tissue of farmed Barramundi exceeded the national and international threshold limits, whereas concentrations of other metals were within the limit. Among the examined organs in both fish species (wild and farmed), muscle had the lowest concentration compared to others, and liver was the target organ for Pb, Cu, and Cd accumulations. Metals such as Zn and Mn exhibited higher concentration in the gills. However, all the studied heavy metals were below the maximum permissible limits of national and international standards, but the mean concentrations of Pb and Cd values in the liver of farmed Barramundi exceeded all international and national guidelines. Based on the contamination factors (CF) and pollution indices (PLI and MPI), the degree of contamination in the fish organs was as follows: gills > liver > muscle. The major accumulation tissues for both farmed and wild fish were found to be the gills (MPI = 0.970) and the liver (MPI = 0.692). Based on the estimated daily intake (EDI), the fish samples examined in this study are safe for human consumption as within the recommended daily allowance (RDA) range established by various authorities. According to the Target Hazard Quotient (THQ) and Carcinogenic Risk (CR) calculations, though the Barramundi fishes depicted no potential hazard to humans, farmed fish posed a higher health risk than wild fish.

A mechanistic approach for toxicity and risk assessment of heavy metals, hydroquinone and microorganisms in cosmetic creams

The demand and importance of fairness creams as a major cosmetic have increased significantly in recent years. However, some of these cosmetics contain heavy metals, hydroquinone and microorganism that can cause various health problems. Therefore, the aim of this study is to determine and examine the concentration of metals (i.e. Cd, Pb, Cr, Ni, Zn, Hg), hydroquinone and microorganisms in nine different fairness creams produced by local and international brands. The health risk assessment of the tested substances for consumers was accessed through systemic exposure dosage (SED), margin of safety (MoS), lifetime cancer risk (LCR), hazard quotient (HQ) and hazard index (HI). The concentration of Zn and Hg were found the highest and measured in the range of 17.82–138.06 mg.kg−1 and 2.3–141 mg.kg−1, respectively. The concentrations of other metals were determined as 0.06–0.67 mg.kg−1 of Cd, 0.43–1.55 mg.kg−1 of Cr, 0.14–1.43 mg.kg−1 of Ni and 0.3–1.34 mg.kg−1 of Pb. HPLC results showed a significant presence of hydroquinone in the range of 0.12–7.2%. The total viable counts of cosmetic samples showed the substantial presence of microorganisms, and 44% of the collected samples surpassed the permissible limit of 100 cfu/g recommended by European Union. Many of the collected samples exceeded the MoS, HQ and HI tolerance limits. However, the LCR value in all samples was significantly higher than the acceptable limit. Therefore, it is advised to avoid overuse of these products in order to ensure human safety and reduce the risks to skin health.

Determination of some heavy metals levels in the meat of animal species (sheep, beef, turkey, and ostrich) and carcinogenic health risk assessment in Kurdistan province in the west of Iran.

Heavy metals accumulation in food products as a result of industrialization is one of the main potential threats to public health. This study was aimed to evaluate the concentrations of heavy metals in the meat of some prevalent farm animal species including sheep, beef, turkeys, and ostriches in Sanandaj (one of the strategic cities in Kurdistan province, Iran). In this study, the contents of some heavy metals (selenium, lead, cadmium, arsenic, cobalt, zinc, nickel, copper, and chromium) were assessed in 170 meat samples collected from meat distribution centers in Sanandaj, Kurdistan province. The ICP-MS method was used to assess the levels of these elements in the meat of beef, sheep, turkey, and ostrich as the main consumed meats in this region. Statistical analysis was performed by ANOVA and one-sample t-test, and the correlation coefficient of the concentrations of metals was also calculated. The results showed that there were no significant differences in the average contents of selenium, nickel, cobalt, and chromium among various meats (P > 0.05). However, the amounts of lead, cadmium, arsenic, zinc, copper, chromium, and nickel were meaningfully different to maximum permissible limits (MPL) (P < 0.05). In addition, a significant negative correlation was found between arsenic and selenium in meats. Except for cobalt, the concentrations of other metals were higher than MPL in the evaluated meats. Despite the target hazard quotient (THQ) for cadmium in sheep and beef meats being higher than their MPL (> 1), its target risk of cancer (TR) was acceptable. It can be concluded that monitoring and elimination of heavy metals pollution are essential because of their high accumulation in the meat of main farm animal species in Sanandaj, Kurdistan province.

Selective Plate-Based Assay for Trace EDTA Analysis via Boron Trifluoride-methanol Derivatization UHPLC-QqQ-MS/MS Enabling Biologic and Vaccine Processes.

The employment of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) across several fields in chemistry and biology has required the creation of a high number of quantitative assays. Nonetheless, the determination of trace EDTA, especially in biologics and vaccines, remains challenging. Herein, we introduce an automated high-throughput approach based on EDTA esterification in 96-well plates using boron trifluoride-methanol combined with rapid analysis by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-QqQ-MS/MS). Derivatization of EDTA to its methyl ester (Me-EDTA) serves to significantly improve chromatographic performance (retention, peak shape, and selectivity), while also delivering a tremendous enhancement of sensitivity in the positive ion mode electrospray ionization (ESI+). This procedure, in contrast to previous EDTA methods based on complexation with metal ions, is not affected by high concentration of other metals, buffers, and related salts abundantly present in biopharmaceutical processes (e.g., iron, copper, citrate, etc.). Validation of this assay for the determination of ng·mL-1 level EDTA in monoclonal antibody and vaccine products demonstrated excellent performance (repeatability, precision, and linear range) with high recovery from small sample volumes while also providing an advantageous automation-friendly workflow for high-throughput analysis.

Study of Atmospheric Pollution and Health Risk Assessment: A Case Study for the Sharjah and Ajman Emirates (UAE)

Dust is a significant pollution source in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) that impacts population health. Therefore, the present study aims to determine the concentration of heavy metals (Cd, Pb, Cr, Cu, Ni, and Zn) in the air in the Sharjah and Ajman emirates’ urban areas and assesses the health risk. Three indicators were used for this purpose: the average daily dose (ADD), the hazard quotient (HQ), and the health index (HI). Data were collected during the period April–August 2020. Moreover, the observation sites were clustered based on the pollutants’ concentration, given that the greater the heavy metal concentration is, the greater is the risk for the population health. The most abundant heavy metal found in the atmosphere was Zn, with a mean concentration of 160.30 mg/kg, the concentrations of other metals being in the following order: Ni &gt; Cr &gt; Cu &gt; Pb &gt; Cd. The mean concentrations of Cd, Pb, and Cr were within the range of background values, while those of Cu, Ni, and Zn were higher than the background values, indicating anthropogenic pollution. For adults, the mean ADD values of heavy metals decreased from Zn to Cd (Zn &gt; Ni &gt; Cr &gt; Cu &gt; Pb &gt; Cd). The HQ (HI) suggested an acceptable (negligible) level of non-carcinogenic harmful health risk to residents’ health. The sites were grouped in three clusters, one of them containing a single location, where the highest concentrations of heavy metals were found.