Correlation Of Cu Research Articles

Evaluation of heavy metals contamination in Rabbit Fish (Signus Sutor) from selected landing sites in Zanzibar, Tanzania

The increase of heavy metals concentrations in aquatic and terrestrial environments and their toxicity is of global concern. The bioaccumulation of toxic metals in fish poses a serious risk to human health when consumed. This study assessed the quality of Rabbit fish (Signus Sutor) and their associated health risks from four landing sites (namely Malindi, Mazizini, Kizimkazi and Matemwe) in Zanzibar. The concentrations of toxic metals, including Lead (Pb), Cadmium (Cd), Copper (Cu), Chromium (Cr), Nickel (Ni), and Arsenic (As), in the fish muscle were scrutinized using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). The detected mean concentration (mg/kg) of Pb, As, Cr, Cd, Cu, and Ni at Malindi were 0.25±0.14, 2.22±0.44, 0.02±0.02, 0.01±0.00, 0.02±0.02 and 0.00±0.00 respectively; at Kizimkazi were 0.39±0.39, 2.30±0.44, 0.11±0.01, 0.07±0.04, 0.17±0.13 and 0.15±0.04 respectively: at Matemwe were 0.38±0.12, 0.52±0.14, 0.04±0.02, 0.05±0.01, 0.65±0.21 and 0.09±0.03 respectively; and Mazizini were 0.21±0.12, 5.56±1.37, 0.02±0.02, 0.03±0.01, 0.05±0.02 and 0.15±0.05 respectively. The mean concentration levels detected for all the elements in the fish gathered from all four landing sites were below international and local maximum (FAO/WHO) permissible limits for human consumption, except for Arsenic (As) and lead (Pb). The study also investigated the relationship between fish size and metal concentration which shows a positive correlation for Cu and Ni. However, it was negative for the remaining metals, possibly due to ecological and metabolic differences. The study emphasizes the necessity for regular monitoring of the marine environment and enforcement of hygienic regulations, as well as the treatment of land-based pollutants before they are discharged into the marine environment to protect fish quality.

Identification of key features relating to the coexistence mechanisms of trace elements and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in marine mammals

Organic and inorganic substances coexist in the livers of marine mammals and may correlate with one another; however, their coexistence mechanisms and relevant key features remain largely unknown. In this study, temporal variations (2011–2021) in the concentrations of nine trace elements and 19 per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in the livers of Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins (Sousa chinensis) and finless porpoises (Neophocaena phocaenoides) were investigated. Interannual Cd in dolphins increased significantly whereas Pb concentrations decreased over the past decade (p < 0.05). Interannual levels of seven and four PFASs in dolphins and porpoises decreased significantly with time (p < 0.05). By further extending the timescale to 1993–2021, the sensitivity of trace elements to annual change further increased, whereas the sensitivity of PFASs remained relatively stable. Cu levels, similar to the majority of PFASs, were negatively correlated with the body length of the studied cetaceans, which led to positive correlations of Cu with six long-chain perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids, perfluorodecane sulfonic acid, and perfluoroethylcyclohexane sulfonic acid. The concentrations of trace elements in the cetacean liver were closely correlated with cetacean sex, species, and body length, whereas PFAS concentration was responsive to time-related features such as stranded season and year. By further employing a machine learning method, we demonstrated that body length and a time-related factor (year) played a crucial role in predicting the concentrations of certain trace elements and PFASs, respectively, particularly Cu and perfluoroheptanoic acid.

Source apportionment of heavy metals and their effects on the species diversity of plant communities in the Caizi Lake wetland, China.

This study investigated the effects of heavy metals on the species diversity of the Xinjian Dyke Wetland, an ecosystem where reclaimed farmlands are being transformed back into wetlands through the introduction of indigenous plants. The sources of soil heavy metals were analyzed, and correlation analyses were conducted to assess the relationships between heavy metal content and biodiversity indices. The results indicated that (1) the mean contents of Hg, Cd, Cu, Zn, As, Cr, and Pb were higher than the control values, with the content of Hg, Cd, Cu, and Zn exceeding the national standard; (2) the soil heavy metals mainly came from pesticides, chemical fertilizer, transportation, sewage irrigation, and the soil matrix; and (3) Hg and As were not significantly correlated with the diversity indices, but there was a highly positive correlation for Cu, Cr, and Pb, and a significant negative correlation for Zn and Cd. Collectively, our findings indicated that heavy metals have different effects on the plant species diversity inXinjian Dyke reconstruction area. The ecological restoration of wetlands from reclaimed farmlands should reasonably increase tolerant species and maximize the ecological niche differentiation of the species. Moreover, functionally redundant species should not be planted.

Biomonitoring-Health Risk Nexus of Potentially Toxic Metals on Cerithidea obtusa: A Biomonitoring Study from Peninsular Malaysia.

The present study aimed to assess the human health risks of six potentially toxic metals (PTMs) (Cd, Cu, Fe, Ni, Pb and Zn) in 21 populations of popular mangrove snails, Cerithidea obtusa, collected from Malaysia. In general, the concentrations (mg/kg wet weight) of Cd (0.03-2.32), Cu (11.4-35.2), Fe (40.9-759), Ni (0.40-6.14), Pb (0.90-13.4) and Zn (3.11-129) found in the snails in all populations were lower than the prescribed maximum permissible limits (MPL)s for Cd, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn. However, in the investigated snail populations, Cd (14%), Pb (62%), Cu (19%), and Zn (10%) were found in exceedance of the MPL of the respective metal. The target hazard quotient (THQ) values in all populations for Cu, Ni, Fe and Zn were all found to be below 1.00. However, for the THQ values of Cd and Pb, two populations exceeded 1.00, while others were below the threshold level. The estimated weekly intake (EWI) of all six metals for all populations was only 0.03-4.65% of the provisional tolerable weekly intake. This conclusively indicates that, based on the EWI, there are no health risks of the six PTMs in the consumption of snails from Malaysia since the assessments are dependent on the consumers' body weight and consumption rate. Nonetheless, the present results indicate that the amounts of snails consumed should be limited to minimize the potential health risks of PTMs to consumers. The relatively low and weak but positive correlations of Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn between C. obtusa and their habitat sediments indicate that C. obtusa can be a potential biomonitor for Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn. This is important for effective mangrove management from the perspective of the sustainable resources from the intertidal mangrove environment. Hence, the biomonitoring-health risk nexus of PTMs in mangrove snails is proposed in the present study.

Effect of the Growing Season, Trichoderma, and Clinoptilolite Application on Potentially Toxic Elements Uptake by Cucumis melo L.

The extent to which different agricultural strategies may affect the uptake of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) by cropped plants is not entirely understood at a field scale. This study addresses the effect of seasonality, Trichoderma inoculation alone, or combined with different applications of commercial-grade clinoptilolite (i.e., foliar action, fertigation, and pellet) on the PTE content of early- and late-ripening cultivars of Cucumis melo L. Two similar field experiments were performed in spring and summer. For each cultivar/treatment combination, the input of PTEs [namely, chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), and lead (Pb)] into the soil-crop system through irrigation water, fertilizers, pesticides, and treatment products (i.e., Trichoderma and clinoptilolite products), as well as the PTE content of melon stem, leaves, and fruit, were measured through inductively coupled plasma-optic emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). Neither Trichoderma alone nor with clinoptilolite had a visible effect on PTE uptake by plants, whereas early season cultivation was strongly associated with reduced uptake of Cu and Pb. The high correlation of Cu and Pb content with stem and leaf calcium (Ca) content (used as a proxy for different transpiration rates under different growing seasons) indicated a possible uptake of these metals through Ca nonselective cation channels as a defense against drought stress. Reduced Cu and Pb concentrations were found in early-ripening fruit cultivated in spring. Concerning Cu and Pb risk management, in case of significant contamination in Mediterranean calcareous soils, early-ripening Cucumis melo L. cultivars are suggested instead of late-ripening ones.

Effect of Fe Magnetic Impurity to the Crystal Structure and Magnetic Properties of Eu 1.83+y Ce 0.17−y Cu 1−y Fe y O 4+α−δ

In the overdoped regime of superconductors, both electron- and hole-doped superconductors exhibit intriguing phenomena like the Quantum Critical Point. Other phenomena, such as cooper-pair breaking and stripe pinning, can be observed by eliminating superconductivity by the addition of impurities. In this study, we investigate the crystal structure and magnetic properties of electron-doped superconducting cuprates of Eu2-x+y Ce x-y Cui1-y Fe y O4+α-δ in the overdoped regime of x = 0.17 for Ce doping with y = 0.005, 0.01 and 0.03 for Fe impurity. The material has a tetragonal T’ structure that matches the ECCO crystal structure, according to the XRD analysis of the crystal structure. The addition of magnetic impurity has no effect on the structure but does decrease the lattice parameter. SQUID was used to measure the magnetic susceptibility at low temperatures between 2 K and 30 K. The spin-glass was observed at y = 0.03, due to the Ruderman-Kittel-Kasuya-Yosida (RKKY) interaction as shown in a hole-doped system. Due to the significant contribution from the magnetic moment of the Fe ion, the addition of Fe concentrations increases the effective magnetic moment. The conduction layer’s spin correlation of Cu is dramatically disrupted by the addition of Fe, resulting in the breakage of the copper-pair and the elimination of superconductivity.

Elemental profiling of human semen with confirmed normozoospermia: Baseline levels for 44 elements

BackgroundAs a consequence of the progressive decline in human semen quality in recent decades, modern epidemiological investigations have identified several trace elements that could be responsible for this phenomenon. However, their levels in semen have not been clearly elucidated, particularly for elements present in ultra-trace levels. MethodsWe aimed to determine the levels of 39 (ultra)trace elements and 5 macroelements in human semen samples with confirmed normozoospermia using ICP-based techniques. The research was amplified by analyzing blood samples from the same participants. ResultsAmong the analyzed (ultra)trace elements in semen samples, Zn is the most and Tm is the least prominent. Zn levels in semen are so high that Zn should be considered as a macroelement in this matrix. The levels of Zn, Rh, Sm, Re, Ir, Tl, Na, and Ca were significantly higher in semen, while the levels of Cu, As, Rb, Gd, Sb, Tb, Tm, Lu, K, and Fe were significantly higher in blood. Correlation analysis of the levels of 44 individual elements in paired semen and blood samples revealed positive correlations between 43 of the elements, particularly for Tl and Pt. An exception was the negative correlation for Cu, which showed that its high level in semen is associated with a low level in blood and contrariwise. ConclusionThe reported data can be used as baseline levels/reference values for 44 elements in human semen. Furthermore, the findings of this study could be relevant for further consideration of male infertility.

Distribution and safety assessment of heavy metals in fresh meat from Zhejiang, China

There are increasing concerns on heavy metals in animal derived foods. We analyzed the levels of As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, and Pb in 1066 fresh meat samples including pork, beef, mutton, chicken and duck from Zhejiang province, southeast China. The average levels of As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, and Pb were 0.018, 0.002, 0.061, 0.801, 0.0038, 0.055, and 0.029 mg/kg wet weight respectively. There are significant positive correlations among Cd, Hg and Pb (P < 0.05) and negative correlations for Cu–Pb or Cu–Cd (P < 0.05). The exposure assessment showed that the health risk to humans by consuming these meat products was relatively low. However, regular monitoring of heavy metals in meat products is still recommended considering their intensive industrial activities.

Effects of age and sex on the content of heavy metals in the hair, liver and the longissimus lumborum muscle of roe deer Capreolus capreolus L.

The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of age and sex on the content of heavy metals (Pb, Cd, Zn and Cu) in the hair, liver and the longissimus lumborum muscle of roe deer (Capreolus capreolus L.). In addition, correlations between heavy metals in individual tested matrices were studied as well as an attempt was made to explain the reasons for their accumulation in specific research matrices. The levels of Zn and Cu were measured using atomic absorption spectroscopy (F-AAS). The levels of Pb and Cd were analysed by means of electrothermal atomic absorption spectroscopy (ET-AAS). In the own research, sex-related statistically significant differences in concentrations of analysed elements were confirmed. Higher levels of the elements were observed in samples collected from does (except for Cd in the liver samples of 6–7-month-old male fawns) but only in some cases, these values were statistically significantly higher. In some cases, age-related differences in the content of individual metals were also confirmed. Age-dependent increased Pb levels in the muscle and liver were reported in 6–7-month-old, <3–4-year-old, <5–6-year-old males. Similar relationships were confirmed for Zn in the bucks’ muscles. In the group of does, the increase in heavy metal concentrations with aging was observed for Zn in the muscle and for Pb in the liver. In the other cases, the trend of age-related level changes regarding heavy metals was not clearly demonstrated. Significant positive correlations between Cu and Cd were found for all samples, and significant negative correlations of Cu with Pb were found for the hair and liver. There was a negative correlation of Zn with Cu in all matrices. The study also revealed a negative correlation between Zn and Pb in muscle and a strong significant negative correlation between Zn and Cd in hair and in the liver.

Theoretical DFT studies of Cu2HgSnS4 absorber material and Al:ZnO/ZnO/CdS/Cu2HgSnS4/Back contact heterojunction solar cell

We investigated a single heterojunction solar cell with stannite phase Cu2HgSnS4 as a new potential absorber material using the hybrid density functional theory for materials parameter and macroscopic device simulation studies for the photovoltaic response. The lattice constants are optimized using PBEsol and GGA exchange–correlation approach with mBJ parameterization and considering spin–orbit coupling effect on heavy element Hg, while strong correlation of Cu and Hg 3d electrons are taken into account by Hubbard parameter U = 0.52 Ry. The computed bandgap is ~1.33 eV. The effective mass of electrons and holes in the respective band edges (electron in conduction band and the hole in the valence band) is 0.25 m0 and 0.91 m0, respectively. Further, the computed materials optoelectronic parameters are used to optimize the device performance by introducing a variation in minority carrier lifetime, defect concentration in Cu2HgSnS4 absorber, Cu2HgSnS4/CdS interface, and the absorber thickness to achieve a realistic photovoltaic response. The optimal conversion efficiency is 11.6% after taking more realistic parameters in the considered single-junction solar cell. However, the maximum photovoltaic response >17% can be achieved by controlling absorber and interface defects together with optimal carrier concentration.

Provenance identification of soil at the confluence of Thar desert, Aravalli hills, and alluvial plain based on trace and rare earth elements geochemistry

Khetri Copper Belt (KBC), India, lies in the semi-arid region at the confluence of Aravalli ranges and alluvial soil. A study is designed to understand the influence of aeolian processes on soil geochemistry (major oxides, trace elements and REE) at the edge of desert. Mines of copper, quartzite and granite are active in the region and for the study the region is divided into three zones such as copper mine zone (CMZ), quartzite mine zone (QMZ) and granite mine zone (GMZ). CMZ is located in the windward of Aravalli hills (considering Thar desert as a reference point) and significantly influenced by strong winds from Thar desert. Low values of CIA (60) at CMZ compared to PAAS (CIA = 70) are attributed to significant impact of aeolian processes. QMZ is quartzite enriched zone and low average value of CIA (60) is due to less weathering of parent quartzite rocks. Cu and Zn are major nutrient for plants and a positive correlation of Cu and Zn with N and C at QMZ indicates high fertility of soil (alluvial soil) and negligible influence of aeolian processes is attributed to its leeward location from Aravalli hills, the physical barrier. Eu anomaly and variations in trace elements (La/Th, Th/Sc and La/Sc) confirm the felsic source of soil. The UCC normalised plot for ∑REE shows the enrichment of REE at QMZ and GMZ as compared to CMZ is due to presence of heavy minerals. Thus, less impact of aeolian processes on QMZ lies in the leeward of Aravalli ranges indicating that the Aravalli ranges shield the transportation of aeolian sand.

Distribution of gold and silver and its relation with hypogene ore minerals in the Esperanza porphyry deposit, Antofagasta Region, Chile

AbstractModes of occurrence of Au‐ and Ag‐bearing phases and their relation with associated hypogene ore minerals were examined with the objective to elucidate Au‐Ag distribution at the Esperanza porphyry deposit in the Eocene Centinela copper belt, using ore‐microscope modal analysis, semi‐quantitative analyses by automated mineralogy, electron probe microanalysis, and secondary ion mass spectrometer. The Esperanza hypogene mineralization is characterized by early‐stage chalcopyrite‐rich veinlets in the potassic alteration zone and later polymetallic stage with tennantite and galena in the chlorite‐sericitic alteration zone. Only the early‐stage chalcopyrite contains fine‐grained electrum (Au68Ag32 ‐ Au81Ag19) and hessite (Ag2Te), and thus yields positive correlations in Cu vs. Au and Cu vs. Ag grades that are clearly recognized in the hypogene sulfide zone. The early‐stage chalcopyrite grains frequently exhibit polysynthetic twinning suggestive of inversion from intermediate solid solution. These features suggest that the fine‐grained electrum and hessite are products exsolved in the cooling process with the intermediate solid solution to chalcopyrite inversion. In contrast, tennantite and galena of the later‐stage mineralization contain no detectable Ag, and it is thus proposed that the early‐stage inverted chalcopyrite is the principal storage of economically important precious metals.

Determination of Geochemical Correlation of Cu, Pb, Zn in Stream Sediment Samples in Barru Area, South Sulawesi

The Barru area is known as the rock basement location in Sulawesi Island. The disclosure of ultramafic rock, metamorphic rock, and various sedimentary rock formations in the field and outcrops of unmapping intrusive rocks on a regional scale are certainly very interesting to be used as a media experiment in statistical methods in exploration of mineral resources. This is quite reasonable because among these rock formations are revealed intrusion of dacite and diorite rocks which are alterated and deposited as sulfides. The research gradually combines the pearson hybrid correlation geochemical stream sediment data and intrusive rocks on the relationship between SiO2, TiO2, Al2O3, Fe2O3, MnO, MgO, CaO, Na2O, K2O, P2O5, and Cr2O3 variables which are illustrated by multidimensional spatial correspondence analysis and anomalous sources based on Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Zn, As, Mo, Co, Sb, Cd, and Pb variables. The results showed that the application of the hybrid statistical analysis method was effective enough to identify elemental variables in identifying sulfide deposits and the characteristics of anomalies were quite different from diorite and dacite due to magmatic hydrothermal and tectonic activity.

Changing dynamics of micronutrients in piedmont soil of Bangladesh

A study was aimed to delineate the micronutrient status, their change directive with time and relationship with other soil variables in piedmont soils of Bangladesh. Northern and Eastern Piedmont Plains (AEZ 22) is one of the 30 agro-ecological zones (AEZs) of the country whose bench mark status of soil micronutrient has been used for comparing with the present status. There is an indication of zinc (Zn) and boron (B) depletion to some extent after a decade of time whereas the very high fertility status of copper (Cu), manganese (Mn) and iron (Fe) prevails as it was in the previous status. In general view, the micronutrient content of surface soil (0-15 cm) was higher than those of sub-surface soils (15-30 cm). In surface soil clay content showed significant correlation with soil Zn (r=0.403**), Cu (r=0.752**), Fe (r=0.501**) and Mn (r=0.340**). Cu content of soil exhibited positive relationship with all the soil parameters except soil pH and P content; there existed highly significant negative correlation of Cu with soil pH (r=-0.578**) and P (r=-0.420**). The availability of Fe in soil was strongly related with soil clay content (r=0.501**), soil pH (r=-0.686**) and organic matter content (r=0.527**). In surface soil, Fe content influenced significantly with the content of Zn, Cu and Mn. Accordingly in sub-surface soil, positive significant interaction of Zn-Fe, Cu-Fe, Cu-Mn and Fe-Mn was observed. The message revealed from this study concerning nutrient depletion, and interactions among different soil parameters and nutrient elements will pave the way for efficient use of soil resources in a sustainable way.

A preliminary investigation for Cu distribution in paddy soil and rice plants in contaminated paddy fields

The soil sample of a paddy field was found to be contaminated by copper (Cu). The application of wastewater as the nitrogen fertilizer was identified as the cause in this study. The concentration of Cu in soil and rice plants was therefore explored. The paddy soil characteristics indicated a strong anaerobic environment. The Cu concentration in topsoil was 123 ± 24 mg kg−1. The Community Bureau of Reference (BCR)’s fractionation of Cu from high to low was residual fraction (62.1%) > organically bounded and sulfide-bounded fractions (24.2%) > iron oxide and manganese oxide fraction (8.8%) > acid-soluble fractions (4.8%). The concentration of Cu in rice organs was the highest in the roots, followed by the straw, grain, and husk. The correlation of Cu in rice straws with every fractionation of Cu in soil was strong. However, the weak correlation between Cu in rice grains and soil was found. The result of Cu mass balance in the soil–rice cultivation system showed that less than 0.1% of Cu was translocated to rice plant. The average Cu intake through rice grain consumption (621 μg day−1) indicated the Cu supply to human body basic need without any potential negative health impacts to consumer. However, this level of Cu may cause toxicity to rice growth and productivity. Soil replacement may be more appropriate than soil treatment in this study. In addition, agricultural practices should be managed to prevent further contamination and promote more aerobic conditions.

Diagnostic Value of Energy Dispersive Hand-Held X-ray Fluorescence Spectrometry in Determining Trace Element Concentrations in Ovine Liver

There are no data available on the use of hand-held X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectrometry to determine trace element concentrations in veterinary diagnostics. The hand-held XRF spectrometer is easy to use and does not require extensive training for the operator. In Sub-Saharan Africa with few centralised analytical laboratories equipped with expensive apparatus or mass spectrometry capabilities, trace element analysis using the hand-held XRF spectrometer provides an alternative. The objective of this study was to compare ovine hepatic copper (Cu), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), molybdenum (Mo), selenium (Se) and zinc (Zn) concentrations as obtained with the hand-held XRF spectrometer to those of a reference laboratory using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Thirty ovine livers were obtained from an abattoir; prepared as wet blended and oven-dried samples and analysed. Bayesian correlation was used to assess the correspondence between results from the XRF and ICP-MS analyses. The oven-dried preparation procedure for XRF provided the best correlation with the ICP-MS data. The correlations for Cu and Zn were strong and the XRF method may represent a suitable substitute for ICP-MS analysis. For Mn and Fe the correlations were moderately strong and the XRF method may be suitable. For Mo, the correlation was weak and XRF cannot be recommended. Selenium could not be detected in samples prepared by either method. Hand-held XRF spectrometry was a practical method to determine liver concentrations of specific trace elements under African conditions and may significantly reduce the turn-around time of analysis, but unfortunately the apparatus is expensive.

Association of zinc and copper with clinical parameters in the preterm newborn.

Given that preterm infants are born at a time of rapid fetal growth, they are at risk of deficiency of essential nutrients for brain development, including zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu). This study evaluate the relationship between serum Cu or Zn, gestational age (GA) and anthropometric parameters at birth in preterm infants. This was a retrospective study of infants <35weeks' GA from January 2010 to August 2012. We collected the data from medical records of 59 preterm infants at birth with regard to GA, anthropometric parameters, and serum Cu and Zn levels. Correlation of Cu, Zn, and GA with anthropometric parameters at birth was then done. Zn was inversely correlated with GA, bodyweight (BW), body length (BL), and head circumference (HC), and Cu was inversely correlated with the standard deviation (SD) score for BW, BL, and HC. On stepwise multiple regression analysis, GA was a significant independent predictor of Zn level, and HC SD score was a significant independent predictor of Cu level. Prematurity influences Zn, and intrauterine head growth restriction influences Cu at birth in preterm infants. Further research is needed to evaluate the relationship between intrauterine growth restriction and brain Cu metabolism.

Chalcophile elements in Martian meteorites indicate low sulfur content in the Martian interior and a volatile element-depleted late veneer

It is generally believed that the Martian mantle and core are rich in sulfur and that shergottites originated from sulfide-saturated magma. However, recent work suggests that the high FeO contents would require very high S concentrations in shergottite parent magmas at sulfide saturation. Here we combine new and published data on chalcophile elements in shergottites, nakhlites and ALH84001 to constrain the sulfide saturation state of the parent magmas and the chalcophile element concentrations in their mantle sources.Regardless of the MgO content and the long-term depletion history of incompatible lithophile elements as indicated by initial ε143Nd, different groups of shergottites display limited variations in ratios of Pt, Pd, Re, Cu, S, Se and Te. The emplacement of most shergottites within the crust and limited variations of ratios of chalcophile elements with substantial differences in volatility during eruption (e.g., Cu/S, Cu/Se and Pt/Re) indicate little degassing losses of S, Se, Te and Re from shergottites. Limited variations in ratios of elements with very different sulfide–silicate melt partition coefficients and negative correlations of chalcophile elements with MgO require a sulfide-undersaturated evolution of the parent magmas from mantle source to emplacement in the crust, consistent with the FeO-based argument. Sulfide petrography and the komatiite-like fractionation of platinum group elements (PGE) in shergottites also support this conclusion. The absence of accumulated sulfides in the ancient Martian cumulate ALH84001 results in very low contents of PGE, Re, Cu, Se and Te in this meteorite, hinting that sulfide-undersaturated magmas may have occurred throughout the Martian geological history. The negative correlation of Cu and MgO contents in shergottites suggests approximately 2±0.4(1s) μg/g Cu in the Martian mantle. The ratios of Cu, S, Se and Te indicate 360±120 μg/g (1s) S, 100±27 ng/g (1s) Se and 0.50±0.25 ng/g (1s) Te in the Martian mantle. At such low S concentrations, all S in Martian mantle sources may dissolve in basaltic melts that form at >5 % partial melting.Assuming equilibrium metal–silicate partitioning, and provided that the compositional model of the Martian mantle based on SNC meteorites is correct, Martian mantle inventories of Cu, S and Se were mostly established by core formation and the Martian core should contain <5–10 wt.% S only (depending on the choice of metal–silicate partition coefficients). The low S content in the Martian interior is consistent with the low Zn content in the Martian mantle, which indicates about 5 wt.% S in the core. In contrast, the highly siderophile PGE, Re and Te were added to the mantle by late accreted material after the Martian core formed. The near chondritic PGE ratios and the very low ratio of volatile Te to refractory PGE reflect a strongly volatile element-depleted late veneer and imply that the delivery of Martian water, presumably from carbonaceous chondrite like materials, must have occurred before accretion of the late veneer, likely within 2–3 million years after formation of the solar system.

Accumulation and environmental risk assessment of heavy metals in soil and plants of four different ecosystems in a former polymetallic ores mining and smelting area (Slovakia)

ABSTRACTHeavy metals (Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn) in soils and plants of four different ecosystems (forest, grassland, agro and urban ecosystem) at different distances from the source of the pollution were analyzed in order to assess and compare soil contamination in the various ecosystems and determine the potential accumulation of plants depending on the place they inhabit. Correlation relationships among heavy metals in soils differ depending on the ecosystem, and between soil and plant, the heavy metals showed significant correlation for Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn. Contamination factor (Cf), degree of contamination (Cd) and pollution load index (PLI) were used in order to determine the level of environmental contamination of the study area. All studied ecosystems were rated as moderately contaminated (except agroecosystem, which was found as low contamination ecosystem) according to Cd and extremely polluted according to PLI. The highest pollution in both cases was found in urban ecosystem, and Cd, Cu and Fe were determined as the biggest pollutants.

Assessment the Leachable Heavy Metals and Ecological Risk in the Surface Sediments inside the Red Sea Ports of Egypt

The concentrations and distributions of the leachable heavy metals (Co, Cu, Zn, Ni, Cd, Mn, Pb and Fe) were investigated in the fine sediment fractions (O3, O4 and O5) collected from the Egyptian Red Sea Harbors at Hurghada, Safaga and Qusier. The three fractions were the essential heavy metal carriers and were formed the main constituent of the marine sediments with percentages exceed 50% at the most of studied stations. The accumulation sequence of the metal carriers at Hurghada was O5 >O4> O3, however at Safaga and Qusier, it was O5 >O3> O4. Fe and Mn showed the highest values at Safaga (7483 and 306.3 µg/g, respectively) due to the high terrigenous inputs from the different shipment operations and the wastewater effluents. The highest values of Zn, Cu, Ni and Pb were recorded in the marine area off Hurghada ports (330.38, 298.40, 91.4 and 101.02 µg/g, respectively), which attributed to the coastal based activities at Hurghada shipyard and fishing berth. Meanwhile the highest levels of Co and Cd were observed at the old port of Qusier (5.85 and 4.19 µg/g, respectively). The correlation coefficient and principal component analysis (PCA) indicated the anthropogenic sources of Cu, Zn and Pb in front of Hurghada ports. Based on the SQGs, the concentrations of Co, Fe, Mn, Zn and Pb were below the lowest effect level (LEL) with limited severity for Cd, Cu and Ni at Hurghada shipyard but lower than the sever effect level (SEL). The principal component analysis (PCA) showed correlations between Fe, Mn and partially Cd as well as the strong positive correlations for Cu with Zn and Pb suggesting common source of contamination that is likely originated from the terrestrial materials associated with the shipping of ores and coastal activities. According to the Enrichment factor (EF) and the geo-accumulation factor (Igeo), Cu and Pb were the highest enriched elements due to anthropogenic contamination; consequently the studied ports were classified as moderately to highly contaminated by Cu and Pb at Hurghada.