Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectrometry Research Articles

A technique for depositing iron, tungsten, molybdenum, and chrome in the determination of selenium and tellurium in alloy steel by ICP-AES method

Direct determination of the content of selenium and tellurium impurities in metallurgical materials by the method of inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES) is difficult due to spectral and non-spectral interference from macrocomponents present in the materials under study. The separation of micro-(Se, Te) and macro-components (Fe, W, Mo, Cr, Cu, Ni, Co) through preliminary precipitation is the goal of the study. The use of barium acetate and sodium fluoride as precipitants are shown to provide an effective separation of Se and Te from Fe, W, Mo, and Cr (the content in the analyzed solution is less than 0.1 wt.% of the original) and partial separation from Cu, Ni, and Co (the content in the analyzed solution from 25 to 55 wt.% of the original). Optimal conditions for the deposition of macrocomponents (Fe, W, Mo, Cr) and inhibition of the process of coprecipitation of selenium and tellurium on sediments of macrocomponents for their subsequent ICP-AES determination were determined. The optimal pH for the precipitation of macrocomponents equals 1. The optimal mass of precipitants (barium acetate and sodium fluoride) is 10 and 3 g, respectively. To inhibit the process of coprecipitation of selenium and tellurium on sediments of macrocomponents, it is proposed to use hydrofluoric acid. The optimal volume of hydrofluoric and hydrochloric acids for inhibiting the process of coprecipitation of analytes on sediments of macrocomponents was determined (3 and 6 cm3, respectively). The developed procedure for separating micro-Se, Te from macro-components was tested on standard samples of alloyed steels using the «spike» method. The technique is characterized by satisfactory accuracy and reproducibility, the limit of determination of analytes after separation of macrocomponents is 10–3 wt.%.

MACRO- AND MICROELEMENT COMPOSITION OF THE HERB AND ROOTS OF HAPLOPHYLLUM DAURICUM (L.) G. DON.

Haplophyllum dauricum is a rich source of lignans with antitumor activity. It has been actively used in the practice of Traditional medicine. In addition to lignans, the chemical composition of the species is represented by coumarins, flavonoids, alkaloids and essential oils. However, the composition of the elements of the species, which are necessary for the development of quality criteria of medicinal plants, has not been studied before. In this regard, the purpose of the work was to study the content of macro- and microelements in the aboveground and underground parts of Haplophyllum dauricum of the flora of Buryatia and Transbaikal territory. The content of the following elements was determined by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry: Li, Be, Na, Mg, Al, P, K, Ca, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Se, Sr, Zr, Mo, Cd, Sb, Te, Ba and Pb. The content of Hg was determined by the "cold steam" method using an atomic absorption analyzer. According to the obtained data, Haplophyllum dauricum is a rich source of calcium, potassium, magnesium and phosphorus, which were dominant. Among the microelements, iron and titanium were in highest concentration, which were accumulated mainly in the underground part of the plant. The content of heavy metals did not exceed the maximum permissible concentration established by the State Pharmacopoeia of the Russian Federation.

Bay Laurel of Northern Morocco: A Comprehensive Analysis of Its Phytochemical Profile, Mineralogical Composition, and Antioxidant Potential

Laurus nobilis, sometimes referred to as laurel, has been used for medicinal and culinary purposes for a very long time. The main subjects of this study are the phytochemical composition, mineralogical profile, and potential antioxidant properties of Laurus nobilis in Tangier, Northern Morocco. For phytochemical analysis of methanolic extracts, high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC-UV-MS) was used, and Fourier transformation infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) was used to identify each individual component. Minerals were studied by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES) and wavelength dispersive X-ray fluorescence (WD-XRF). Total tannin, flavonoid, and phenolic amounts were quantified using aqueous and methanolic extracts. The antioxidant properties were assessed using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2′-azino-bis (3ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), and oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) assays. Research has revealed a complex array of phytochemicals, including tannins, flavonoids, and phenolic acids. Mineral analysis has revealed the existence of vital components that are beneficial to health. Comparing the methanolic extract to the water extract, it demonstrated higher levels of phenols, flavonoids, and tannins as well as stronger antioxidant activity, indicating greater health benefits. This comprehensive study highlights the importance of Laurus nobilis from Northern Morocco as a reliable botanic resource with potential pharmaceutical, nutritional, and cosmetic uses.

Geological and geochemical analyses of pegmatites in Egbe, Isanlu (sheet 225), Southwestern Nigeria

The hitherto pegmatite of the Egbe area has been known to bear valuable economic minerals. They are associated with other rock types including banded gneiss, schist, amphibolite, and granites. These pegmatites and the host rocks were studied in detail to elucidate their petrochemical and geochemical features and also to assess the mineralization of Tantalum- iobium and other minerals. Geological field mapping was done, thin section-petrographic analysis of ten representative rock samples was performed and nineteen whole-rock samples were analyzed for major and trace elements including REES aided by Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS), Boron- Fusion-Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectrometry (ICP-AES), and Ion-Selective Electrode (ISE) for Fluorine at Acme Laboratory, Vancouver, Canada. The general structural trend of the area under study is WNW-ESE and foliations of N-S strike were observed in the banded gneiss and schist which also exhibit asymmetric and isoclinals folding respectively. The tantalite-columbite mineralization is associated with the NE-SW trending pegmatite dykes. The mineralized pegmatites are genetically related to the peraluminous S-type granite. The minerals (i.e., Albite, lepidolite and muscovite) extracted from the pegmatites are well enriched in Li, Rb, Cs, Nb and Ta compared to the host rocks. The rare-metal pegmatites exhibit pronounced negative Ce and Eu anomalies and also show weak negative Yb anomalies while the barren pegmatites have positive Ce and weak negative Eu anomalies and exhibit weak positive Yb anomalies. The pegmatites are moderately evolved compared with other highly mineralized pegmatites. The pegmatites from Igbaruku and one from the Okere area are of the rare-metal pegmatite and they are moderately fractionated while the barren pegmatite from Egbe and one from Okere are unfractionated. The economic mineral within the Egbe area is tantalite, with every possibility that the tantalite-columbite enrichment is ferrotantalite-columbite and manganotantalite columbite.

P-chromophore stability of Mehlich-1 and Mehlich-3 under Braga & Defelipo or Murphy & Riley dosing methods

ABSTRACT The performance of colorimetric methods for P quantification has been overlooked by researchers for decades. We investigated the performance of two blue colorimetric methods for P quantification, Braga and Defelipo (B&D) and Murphy and Riley (M&R), using two commonly soil P extractants, Mehlich-1 (M1) and Mehlich-3 (M3). Specifically, we evaluated the color development time and its stability in different soil extractant solution proportions (1:1 or 1:4 v/v), the optimum wavelength, limits of detection, and element quantification. Our results indicate that M3 leads to lower limits of detection and quantification for both colorimetric methods, particularly for B&D. For M1, the volumetric ratio (1:1 or 1:4) did not influence color development and both B&D and M&R methods showed a fast color development. However, B&D showed greater color stability (from 5 to 600 min) and an optimum wavelength of 711 nm, while M&R was stable from 27 to 600 min an optimum wavelength of 889 nm. For M3 soil extractant, there are important issues, such as M&R being unstable and B&D presenting slow color development. In addition, the spectral profile obtained from soil extractant was different from the one obtained by the calibration curve without soil for both M&R and B&D. Therefore, the adoption of original methods on P quantification in M3 extracting solution represents a potential source of error, leading to wrong P fertilizer recommendations. Thus, the best option for P quantification in M3 extracts seems to be the use of Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectrometry (ICP-AES).

Fabrication of poly(xylitol‐citrate‐sebacate) and strontium‐doped mesoporous bioactive glass scaffold for tissue engineering application

AbstractIn this study, strontium‐doped mesoporous bioactive glass nanoparticles (Sr‐MBGNs) were incorporated into a poly(xylitol‐citrate‐sebacate) (PXCS) matrix using solution mixing techniques. The resulting composites, including PXCS, PXCS/1.5% Sr‐MBGNs, PXCS/3% Sr‐MBGNs, and PXCS/5% Sr‐MBGNs, were characterized for biomedical applications using FTIR, DSC, and x‐ray diffraction analyses. High‐resolution scanning electron microscopy (HRSEM) and a universal testing machine were employed to investigate the structure, morphology, and mechanical properties of the polymer and its nanocomposites. Our findings indicate that the introduction of polymer and its nanocomposites minimally affects the glass transition and crystallinity. The observed decrease in glass transition temperature with increasing Sr‐MBGNs content suggests a plasticizing effect. These results are consistent with previous studies. Additionally, in vitro studies were conducted to evaluate antibacterial properties, VERO cell line proliferation, degradation, and swelling percentage of the scaffolds. Metal ions release behavior was assessed using inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP‐AES) Furthermore, the drug loading and release of curcumin from PXCS/5% Sr‐MBGNs and PXCS/Sr‐MBGNs nanocomposite scaffolds were investigated at varying pH levels (pH: 5.5, 6.8, and 7.4). Both PXCS/5% Sr‐MBGNs and PXCS/5% Sr‐MBGNs scaffolds demonstrated enhanced biological properties, highlighting their potential for use in bone regeneration approaches.

Led-induced deposition of Pt and Au NPs on carbon fibers: Developing a novel strategy for facile fabrication of electrocatalysts for enhanced methanol electrooxidation

In addressing the imperative of aligning materials science with sustainable development, our study introduces an innovative method for the simultaneous deposition of Pt and Au nanoparticles onto a carbon support. This research represents the pioneering application of the photodeposition process for synthesizing bimetallic nanoparticles on a carbon matrix. The comprehensive characterization of the resulting nanostructures involves various techniques, including field X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM and TEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX), inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and cyclic voltammetric techniques. Our findings reveal that the photodeposition method produces a homogeneous AuPt nanostructure, demonstrating superior electrocatalytic activity in methanol oxidation compared to the monometallic carbon fiber_Pt (CF_Pt) catalyst. These results emphasize the effectiveness of our novel approach in fabricating electrocatalysts with exceptional performance in methanol oxidation reactions.

Zn complexed on hybrid manganese doped cobalt ferrite nanoparticles covered by silica as a catalyst in the synthesis of 2-amino-4H-pyran and N- arylquinoline derivatives

In the present work, Zn complexed on hybrid manganese doped cobalt ferrite nanoparticles covered by silica were synthesized. These MNPs were characterized using different techniques including Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), Field emission‐scanning electron micro-scope (FE-SEM), Energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDS), Vibration sample magnetometer (VSM), Inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP), Zeta potential and Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). FE-SEM Images showed uniform spherical shape with rough surfaces and an aggregation in structure of MNPs. A decrease in Ms is visible in VSM analysis due to the increase in particle diameter as a result of loading the organic coating on the surface of the magnetic nanoparticles. According to TGA analysis, the synthesized MNPs have good stability up to 125 °C. The ICP analysis indicates the presence of 0.13 mmol/g zinc on the surface of loaded MNPs. The effect of these prepared MNPs as a catalyst was studied in the synthesis of 2-amino-4H-pyran and N- arylquinoline derivatives. This method provides excellent yield of products with short reaction time, simple purification and easy separation of the catalyst. Furthermore, the reusability of the catalyst during five periods was not associated with a significant decrease in its activity.

Porous Se@SiO2 nanocomposites play a potential inhibition role in hyperoxaluria associated kidney stone by exerting antioxidant effects.

Nephrolithiasis seriously affects people's health with increasing prevalence and high recurrence rates. However, there is still a lack of effective interventions for the clinical prevention of kidney stones. Hyperoxaluria-induced renal tubular epithelial cell (TEC) injury is a known key factor in kidney stone formation. Thus, developing new drugs to inhibit the hyperoxaluria-induced TEC injury may be the best way. We synthesized the Se@SiO2 nanocomposites as described in Zhu's study. The size and morphology of the Se@SiO2 nanocomposites were captured by transmission electron microscopy. Cell viability was measured by a Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay. The mice were randomly divided into the following four groups: (I) the control group (n=6); (II) the Se@SiO2 group (n=6); (III) the glyoxylic acid monohydrate (GAM) group; and (IV) the GAM + Se@SiO2 group (n=6). The concentration of Se in the mice was quantified using inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy. The CCK-8 assays showed that Se@SiO2 nanocomposites had almost no obvious cytotoxicity on the Transformed C3H Mouse Kidney-1 (TCMK-1) cell. The mice kidney Se concentration levels in the Se@SiO2 groups (Se@SiO2 6.905±0.074 mg/kg; GAM + Se@SiO2 7.673±2.85 mg/kg) (n=6) were significantly higher than those in the control group (Control 0.727±0.072 mg/kg; GAM 0.747±0.074 mg/kg) (n=6). The Se@SiO2 nanocomposites reduced kidney injury, calcium oxalate crystal deposition, and the osteoblastic-associated proteins in the hyperoxaluria mice models. Se@SiO2 nanocomposites appear to protect renal TECs from hyperoxaluria by reducing reactive oxygen species production, suggesting the potential role of preventing kidney stone formation and recurrence.

Complex reaction mechanisms of electrolyte decomposition at large-scale Ni-rich Li-ion battery cells including electrode crosstalk effect

Ni-rich cathodes are essential for the advancement of high-energy lithium-ion batteries but encounter significant challenges at elevated voltages, including oxygen liberation and enhanced surface reactivity, which precipitate electrolyte decomposition. This study explores the intricate reaction mechanisms of electrolyte decomposition linked to the pronounced release of oxygen from the cathode lattice in large-scale 18650 cylindrical cells employing Ni-rich LiNi0.90Mn0.05Co0.05O2(NMC90)//graphite configurations, focusing on electrode crosstalk effects at high voltages. Notably, acetals such as methoxy methanol (49.93 %) and methane diol (50.07 %) were identified at 4.7 V, with their presence escalating at 4.9 V. Formaldehyde, present at 7.21 %, along with methanol (22.77 %), methane diol (36.35 %), and methoxy methanol (33.67 %), begins to manifest at 4.9 V. The dissolution of transition metals was analyzed using Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectrometry, and changes in the double-layer capacitance were assessed through electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, further validating the link between these decomposition products and cathode failure associated with oxygen release. These insights reveal the complex relationship between electrolyte decomposition and cathode degradation due to oxygen release, highlighting a critical failure mechanism in large-scale cylindrical lithium-ion batteries.

Use of <i>Hermetia illucens</i> hermicompost in the technology of growing legume microgreens

Relevance. The work describes the prospect of using black soldier fly zoohumus as an organic fertilizer to activate the growth of microgreens of non-traditional legume species, including small-seeded ones, and the prospects of reducing the dose of mineral fertilizers.Methods. An experiment was carried out with a comparative study of changes in the morphometric and chemical parameters of plant growth at the full recommended dose of mineral fertilizers, and at 25% of their use, but with the addition of 1% liquid extract of zoohumus, also enriched with essential elements. The duration of the experiment was 21 days. The plants were grown in a closed grow tent, with intensive light culture and control of the internal microclimate of the working area.Results. Among the six studied non-traditional legume species grown for microgreens, the most responsive to combined treatment with an organomineral complex was Onobrychis viciifolia. Trifolium rubens showed the worst result in terms of biomass. Analysis of changes in the profile distribution of essential elements in the resulting green biomass, carried out using inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES), revealed iron and zinc ions as potential targets associated with yield shortfalls in juvenile shoots. Since in global food systems these microelements are the most common nutrients noted for the manifestation of “hidden hunger”, especially among children under 5 years of age and women of childbearing age, when creating a nutritional biocomposition based on black soldier fly zoohumus for growing non-traditional types of legumes, further the emphasis should be on them. No significant differences were found in the number of macroelements.Results. The results of the study confirmed the high efficiency of using humic fertilizers in conditions of low soil fertility and revealed the selective sensitivity of vegetable crops to humic preparations of various origins.

Geochemistry and the optics of geospatial analysis as a preposition of water quality on a macroscale.

The water treatment depends exclusively on the identification of residues containing toxic chemical elements accumulated in NPs (nanoparticles), and ultrafine particles sourced from waste piles located at old, abandoned sulfuric acid factories containing phosphogypsum requires global attention. The general objective of this study is to quantify and analyze the hazardous chemical elements present in the leachate of waste from deactivated sulfuric acid factories, coupled in NPs and ultrafine particles, in the port region of the city of Imbituba, Santa Catarina, Brazil. Samples were collected in 2020, 2021, and 2022. Corresponding images from the Sentinel-3B OLCI satellite, taken in the same general vicinity, detected the levels of absorption coefficient of Detritus and Gelbstoff (ADG443_NN) in 443m-1, chlorophyll-a (CHL_NN (m-3)), and total suspended matter (TSM_NN (g m-3) at 72 points on the marine coast of the port region. The results of inductively coupled plasma atomic-emission spectrometry (ICP-AES) and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) demonstrate that the leaching occurring in waste piles at the port area of Imbituba was the likely source of hazardous chemical elements (e.g., Mg, Sr, Nd, and Pr) in the environment. These leachates were formed due to the presence of coal pyrite and Fe-acid sulfates in said waste piles. The mobility of hazardous chemical elements potentiates changes in the marine ecosystem, in relation to ADG443_NN (m-1), CHL_NN (m-3), and TSM NN (g m-3), with values greater than 20gm-3 found in 2021 and 2022. This indicated changes in the natural conditions of the marine ecosystem up to 30km from the coast in the Atlantic Ocean, justifying public initiatives for water treatment on a global scale.

Variation in nutritional composition of Strychnos spinosa Lam. morphotypes in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

AbstractFruits of Strychnos spinosa Lam. hold considerable food value within rural communities. However, no study has reported the nutritional profile of S. spinosa morphotypes. Therefore, this study is aimed to determine nutritional variation among the morphotypes. Proximate composition was analyzed using association of official analytical chemists’ methods, and minerals with inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy. The following were the ranges of proximate and nutrient content determined: moisture content (10.29–60.50%); fat (0.95–2.67%); crude protein (2.85–9.19%); ash (4.78–18.05%); carbohydrates (37.39–42.24%); acid detergent fibre (7.94–21.75%), neutral detergent fibre (16.46–42.55%); calcium (0.30–35 mg/100 g); potassium (810–2510 mg/100 g); phosphorus (9–69 mg/100 g); sodium (7–54 mg/100 g); magnesium (9–55 mg/100 g); copper (0.10–2.70 mg/100 g); iron (0.10–5.50 mg/100 g); manganese (0.30–2.43 mg/100 g) and zinc (0.10–0.80 mg/100 g). Calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, copper, iron, manganese, fat, acid detergent fibre, neutral detergent fibre, sodium, crude protein showed positive association with principal components. Biplot and dendrogram grouped morphotypes with high and low nutrient content independently. Carbohydrates, protein, calcium, potassium, copper, iron, manganese, and zinc content of morphotypes were higher than those in commercialized fruits. This species is promising for domestication and commercialization, and thereby contributes significantly towards food security.

Copper(II) Ions Originating from CuBTC MOF Act as a Soluble Catalyst in the Friedländer Synthesis.

The copper-based metal-organic framework (MOF), CuBTC (where H3BTC = benzene-1,3,5-tricarboxylate), has been reported as a reusable heterogeneous catalyst for the Friedländer synthesis of substituted quinolines, which are desirable targets in the pharmaceutical industry. Because of this application, we further investigated the CuBTC-catalyzed Friedländer synthesis of 3-acetyl-2-methyl-4-phenylquinoline. CuBTC was synthesized in-house and used as a catalyst for the Friedländer synthesis. Fresh and used CuBTC were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), powder X-ray diffraction (pXRD), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The used CuBTC shows structural breakdown in pXRD patterns and SEM images. Despite the structural breakdown, the desired product, 3-acetyl-2-methyl-4-phenylquinoline, is still produced in a moderate yield (76.3% ± 0.2), as confirmed via time-of-flight mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy of the recovered supernatant solution indicates the presence of copper(II) ions in solution. Thus, we hypothesized that the standard Friedländer conditions may degrade the CuBTC framework, resulting in copper(II) ions in solution. Control experiments with copper(II) from Cu(NO3)2·3H2O catalyzes the Friedländer reaction in yields (75.6% ± 0.1) equal to that of the CuBTC MOF. Overall, our findings suggest that CuBTC acts as a copper(II) source, and the copper(II) ions originating from the CuBTC MOF are responsible for the observed catalysis.

Physico-Chemical Properties of CdTe/Glutathione Quantum Dots Obtained by Microwave Irradiation for Use in Monoclonal Antibody and Biomarker Testing.

In this report, we present the results on the physicochemical characterization of cadmium telluride quantum dots (QDs) stabilized with glutathione and prepared by optimizing the synthesis conditions. An excellent control of emissions and the composition of the nanocrystal surface for its potential application in monoclonal antibody and biomarker testing was achieved. Two samples (QDYellow, QDOrange, corresponding to their emission colors) were analyzed by dynamic light scattering (DLS), and their hydrodynamic sizes were 6.7 nm and 19.4 nm, respectively. Optical characterization by UV-vis absorbance spectroscopy showed excitonic peaks at 517 nm and 554 nm. Photoluminescence spectroscopy indicated that the samples have a maximum intensity emission at 570 and 606 nm, respectively, within the visible range from yellow to orange. Infrared spectroscopy showed vibrational modes corresponding to the functional groups OH-C-H, C-N, C=C, C-O, C-OH, and COOH, which allows for the formation of functionalized QDs for the manufacture of biomarkers. In addition, the hydrodynamic radius, zeta potential, and approximate molecular weight were determined by dynamic light scattering (DLS), electrophoretic light scattering (ELS), and static light scattering (SLS) techniques. Size dispersion and the structure of nanoparticles was obtained by Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and by X-ray diffraction. In the same way, we calculated the concentration of Cd2+ ions expressed in mg/L by using the Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES). In addition to the characterization of the nanoparticles, the labeling of murine myeloid cells was carried out with both samples of quantum dots, where it was demonstrated that quantum dots can diffuse into these cells and connect mostly with the cell nucleus.

A novel portable microchip electrophoresis system for rapid on-site detection of soil nutrient ions

The conventional techniques for soil nutrient ion detection face challenges, including prolonged preparation periods and the necessity for distinct instruments tailored to each specific ion. To address these issues, we have engineered a cutting-edge soil nutrient ion detection apparatus: the Microchip Electrophoresis Soil Nutrient Ion Portable Detection System (ME-SNI-PDS). This system, leveraging microchip electrophoresis with a capacitively coupled contactless conductivity detector (ME-C4D), simplifies the detection process with user-friendly touchscreen controls. Our system is capable of simultaneous detection of key soil nutrient ions—ammonium (NH4 +), calcium (Ca2+), magnesium (Mg2+), potassium (K+), nitrate (NO3 −), and dihydrogen phosphate (H2PO4 −)—in a swift 180 s, facilitated by precise voltage regulation. We have refined the buffer solution, consisting of 20 mM 2-(N-morpholinyl)-ethanesulfonic acid and L-histidine, with the addition of 0.01 mM cetyltrimethylammonium bromide and 10 mM 18-crown-6, to ensure the complete resolution of soil nutrient ions. Following this, we established highly accurate peak height-to-concentration correlations for the six aforementioned ions, each with a coefficient of determination (R2) exceeding 0.99. The detection limits for these ions stand at a remarkably low concentration of 0.05 mM, translating to 0.9 mg l−1 for NH4 +, 2.0 mg l−1 for Ca2+, 1.2 mg l−1 for Mg2+, 1.96 mg l−1 for K+, 3.1 mg l−1 for NO3 −, and 4.85 mg l−1 for H2PO4 −. Subsequent soil leachate analysis via the ME-SNI-PDS has yielded ion content data that, upon comparison with results from continuous flow analyser (CFA) and inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry, confirm the system’s exceptional integration, compactness, portability, speed, and efficiency. The ME-SNI-PDS shows immense promise for application in precision agriculture and the prevention of surface soil pollution. It is poised to make a significant impact in the realm of crop fertilization and environmental stewardship.

Effect of Thermal Cycling or Simulated Gastric Acid on the Surface Characteristics of Dental Ceramic Materials

(1) Background: The presence of various dental ceramic materials with different chemical compositions complicates clinicians’ decision making, especially in cases with a highly acidic environment appearing in patients suffering from gastroesophageal reflux disease or other eating disorders. Thermal alterations in the oral cavity can also affect surface structure and roughness, resulting in variations in both degradation mechanisms and/or bacteria adhesion. The aim of the present in vitro study was to evaluate the effect of thermal cycling and exposure to simulated gastric acid on the surface roughness of different ceramics; (2) Methods: Five groups of different ceramics were utilized, and twenty specimens were fabricated for each group. Specimens were either thermocycled for 10,000 cycles in distilled water or immersed in simulated gastric acid for 91 h. The evaluation of surface roughness was performed with optical profilometry, while scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction analysis and inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy were also performed; (4) Conclusions: Based on the combination of the surface roughness profile and structural integrity, zirconia specimens presented the smallest changes after immersion in simulated gastric acid followed by lithium disilicate materials. Zirconia-reinforced lithium silicate ceramic presented the most notable changes in microstructure and roughness after both treatments.

Phytochemical analysis and acute toxicity of Solanum elaeagnifolium extract in Swiss albino mice

IntroductionThe curative effects of Solanum elaeagnifolium have aroused the interest of botanical medicine researchers. However, no research has been carried out into its potential toxicity. The aim of this study was firstly to screen the secondary metabolites contained in the leaves and fruits of S. elaeagnifolium and their mineralogical composition, and secondly to assess the acute oral toxicity of S. elaeagnifolium in Swiss albino mice. MethodsThe amount of minerals in the plant powder was assessed by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry, and phytochemical screening was performed. The hydroethanolic extracts of the leaves and fruits of this plant were prepared using the maceration method. Acute oral toxicity was assessed according to the OECD guideline 423. Mice were given leaf extracts (SEFE) and fruit extracts (SEFR) once at doses of 500 mg/kg, 1000 mg/kg and 2000 mg/kg in an acute toxicity study. The animals were then monitored for 14 days. The animals were then monitored for 14 days. To rule out any potential toxicity, the general behavior of the animals, the clinical symptoms of poisoning, body weight, biochemical and hematological markers, and liver, kidney, and spleen histology were examined. ResultsThe two different plant extracts comprised very important mineralogical elements such as Mg, Zn, and k, as well as secondary metabolites such as polyphenols and flavonoids, these chemical elements were shown to have very important biological activities. An oral administration of a hydroethanolic extract of S. elaeagnifolium leaves and fruits at a dose of 2000 mg/kg resulted in toxicity and death in mice. We found no significant difference in the weight of the mice. For doses less than 2000 mg/kg, biochemical markers in the liver, kidneys, and hematology did not differ significantly from those in the control group. Furthermore, there were no changes in hematological markers. Furthermore, the architecture of the liver, spleen, and kidney was normal and histopathological analysis did not reveal significant adverse effects. ConclusionsThese findings indicate that the plant harbors a significant array of secondary metabolites and minerals. S. elaeagnifolium exhibited signs of toxicity and induced histological, hematological, and biochemical alterations at a dose of 2000 mg/kg body weight. These comprehensive studies will help to improve our understanding of S. elaeagnifolium safety and potential utility, laying the groundwork for its safe use in a variety of settings.

Discrimination of geographical origin of Korean and Chinese red pepper paste via inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy and mass spectrometry

BackgroundRed pepper paste is a common ingredient used in food in Korea. The discrimination of the geographical origin of agricultural products is important to protect the agricultural industry and customers from the misinformation regarding the product origin. Several studies have attempted to identify the geographical origin of red pepper based on its characteristic features using diverse methods, such as inorganic elemental analysis. However, similar studies on red pepper pastes have not been conducted thus far.ResultsIn, this study, we established methods based on inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-AES) and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) for determining inorganic elements in red pepper pastes. The limit of detection (LOD) of ICP-AES was in the range of 0.006–0.531 mg∙kg−1 and the limit of quantification (LOQ) was 0.017–1.593 mg∙kg−1. In addition, LOD and LOQ ranges for ICP-MS were 0.001–1.553, and 0.002–5.176 μg∙kg−1, respectively. The concentrations of Ca, K, Mg, Na, P, S, Cr, Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, Ga, As, Sr, Zr, Mo, Pd, Cd, Sn, Sb, Ce, Pt, Pb, and U were high in the Korean red pepper paste. All the employed discrimination models could clearly distinguish between Korean and Chinese red pepper pastes. In particular, among the four different models, CDA showed the most accurate ability to discriminate the geological origin of Korean and Chinese red pepper paste compared to that achieved using the other models with 100% accuracy.ConclusionsBased on, the findings of this study, the use of ICP-AES and ICP-MS analyses for discriminating the inorganic elements in food products in combination with the aforementioned statistical analysis models could help the mitigation of issues associated with the misinformation of the geographical origin of agricultural products, aiding customer protection.Graphical

Characteristics and health implications of fine particulate matter near urban road site in Islamabad, Pakistan

The escalating issue of air pollution has become a significant concern in urban regions, including Islamabad, Pakistan, due to the rise in air pollutant emissions driven by economic and industrial expansion. To gain a deeper understanding of air pollution, a study was conducted during winter 2022–2023, assessing physical, chemical, and biological factors in Islamabad. The findings revealed that the average concentration of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) was notably greater than the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines, reaching 133.39 μg/m³. Additionally, the average concentration of bacteria (308.64 CFU/m³) was notably greater than that of fungi (203.55 CFU/m³) throughout the study. Analytical analyses, including SEM-EDS and FTIR, showed that the PM2.5 in Islamabad is composed of various particles such as soot aggregates, coal fly ash, minerals, bio-particles, and some unidentified particles. EF analysis distinguished PM2.5 sources, enhancing understanding of pollutants origin, whereas Spearman's correlation analysis elucidated constituent interactions, further explaining air quality impact. The results from the Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES) indicated a gradual increase in the total elemental composition of PM2.5 from autumn to winter, maintaining high levels throughout the winter season. Furthermore, a significant variation was found in the mass concentration of PM2.5 when comparing samples collected in the morning and evening. The study also identified the presence of semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs) in PM2.5 samples, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and phenolic compounds, with notable variations in their concentrations. Utilizing health risk assessment models developed by the US EPA, we estimated the potential health risks associated with PM2.5 exposure, highlighting the urgency of addressing air quality issues. These findings provide valuable insights into the sources and composition of PM2.5 in Islamabad, contributing to a comprehensive understanding of air quality and its potential environmental and health implications.