Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectrophotometer Research Articles

Land Use Based Distribution Pattern, Fractionation forms and Health Risk Assessment of Heavy Metals in Mining-affected Soils of Western Ghat of Goa, India

Goa is a biodiversity hotspot and a major iron ore producer state in India. The study investigated heavy metal (HM) distribution pattern, fractionation forms under different land use types near an iron mining including health risks associated with different exposure pathways. Georeferenced 38 soil surface samples, 8 soil profile samples and 6 plant samples were collected from three land use types- agriculture cropland, fallow land and natural vegetation. Collected samples were analyzed for HM contamination in inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrophotometer (ICPAES). The mean total HM concentration in surface soil exceeded the background value. Weak acid soluble fraction % of metals posed no to medium risk values. Fallow land had higher metal content in surface soil. Principal component (PC) analysis showed Pb, Cd and Cr metals were more associated with mining activity. Vertical distribution pattern of HM accumulation in soil profiles showed a drastic reduction in HM concentration below plough layer in fallow land indicating anthropogenic sources of origin. Hazard index (HI) in the descending order were Cd> Cr >Pb. Non-carcinogenic HI value were considerably higher than safe level. Higher organic carbon (OC) and clay content in soil had a tendency to accumulate ample HM in unavailable form due to chelation effect. Soils had higher pool of unavailable residual HM as compared to available. Overall the land uses are in medium risk category and site specific management is requisite of the time to maintain the balance of this fragile ecosystem with anthropogenic activities in long run.

Source Area Weathering and Tectonic History Inferred from the Geochemistry of the Maastrichtian Sandstone from Patti Formation, Southern Bida Basin, North Central Nigeria

Sandstones sampled from Patti Formation, Southern Bida Basin, were studied geochemically using Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectrophotometer (ICP-AES) and an Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) technique to evaluate their weathering and tectonic setting as well as to deduce the paleo-climatic conditions that existed during their deposition. Geochemically, SiO2 range from 73.9% to 86.2%, Al2O3 (6.7%~17.1%), Fe2O3 (1.1%~1.9%), K2O (0.1%~0.7%) while MgO, CaO, Na2O, P2O5, MnO and TiO2 were <1%. Enriched in Ba (Av. 622.94), Sr (Av. 153.63), Rb (Av. 55.08) and Zr (Av. 51.86) relatively similar in composition to UCC. High SiO2 but low other major oxides signify high mobility during processes of weathering. This was confirmed by high value (>80%) for indices like chemical index of alteration, chemical index of weathering, plagioclase index of alteration, mineralogical index of alteration and relatively lower values for weathering index of parker, recently used alpha indices (αAl E) of sodium (326.17αΑl Na<344.40), magnesium (100.54αΑl mg<398.55), calcium (12.07αΑl Ca<198.99), potassium (4.43αΑl K<64.33), strontium (0.84αΑl E<21.40), barium (0.45 αΑl Ba<10.52) and rubidium (0.0008αΑl Rb<0.06), supported by AI2O3-(CaO*+Na2O)-K2O and CIA vs. SiO2 plots that imply intense weathering in the source area. The obtained high CIA values (>80) indicates a steady-state of weathering under a warm/humid climate as confirmed by the SiO2 vs. Al2O3+ K2O + Na2O plot. High average SiO2 (75.41wt%) with K2O/Na2O ratio >1 (15.63), low Fe2O3 (1.27wt %), Al2O3 (15.82wt%) and TiO2 (0.46) suggest passive margin tectonic setting. This is supported by enriched ΣREE (209.64 ppm), ΣLREE (195.78), LREE/HREE (27.78) and negative Eu/Eu* (0.68), plots of log (K2O/Na2O) vs. SiO2 and SiO2/Al2O3 vs. K2O/Na2O. Major elements discriminant-function multi-dimensional diagram, DF1 (arcrift-col) vs. DF2 (arc-rift-col), for high-silica sediments revealed a continental rift tectonic setting. Thus, the Patti Formation sandstone underwent a high degree of weathering under a humid climatic condition within a continental rift tectonic setting.

Risk assessment of agricultural soils surrounding an iron ore mine: A field study from Western Ghat of Goa, India

ABSTRACT Goa, a biodiversity hotspot, is also a major iron ore producing state in India. This study investigated total heavy metal (HM) contamination in 65 georeferenced soil samples through inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrophotometer (ICP-AES) for assessing risk of mining activity on agricultural soils. The mean concentrations of copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), lead (Pb), nickel (Ni), chromium (Cr), cadmium (Cd), manganese (Mn), iron (Fe) and cobalt (Co) were 125.60, 75.60, 96.40, 51.20, 69.30, 25.77, 2091, 162638 and 21.20 mg kg−1, respectively. Lower pH, higher organic carbon (OC) and fine-textured soil augmented metal accumulation processes. Boxplot of geoaccumulation index (I geo) values indicated that lead (Pb) metal had more variation in the study area. Mean Igeo values of metals in descending order are Fe (4.24) > Mn (3.08) > Cu (2.84) > Co (2.47) > Pb (1.85) > Cd (0.7) > Zn (0.58) > Ni (0.45) > Cr (0.16). Mean values of modified degree of contamination (mCdeg) (10.4) and pollution load index (PLI) (6.19) revealed high contamination with deteriorating soil quality. Combined approach of correlation, principal component (PC) and cluster analysis indicated the source of origin by describing association of metals with Fe. PC biplot showed that impact of mining was more on lowland agro-ecosystem rather than natural due to slope factor which led to clogging of pores by mining overburden mixed soil deposition from uphill as evidenced from the presence of waterlogged fallow lands. Fuzzy k-mean clustering yielded three contamination zones (CZs) of low (CZ2), moderate (CZ1) and high (CZ3) degree of contamination. The CZs-based site-specific land management plan might lead to a sustainable ecosystem through coexistence of both mining and agricultural activity by arresting contamination and restoring fallow lands.

Diagnosis and Recommendation Integrated System Assessment of the Nutrients Limiting and Nutritional Status of Tomato

Tomato is an important field crop, and nutritional imbalances frequently reduce its yield. Diagnosis and Recommendation Integrated System (DRIS), uses ratios for nutrient deficiency diagnosis instead of absolute concentration in plant tests. In this study, local DRIS norms for the field tomatoes were established and the nutrient(s) limiting tomatoes yield were determined. Tomato leaves were analyzed for nutrients, to identify nutritional status using the DRIS approach. One hundred tomatoes fields were selected from Chatter Plain Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the Sheikupura Punjab Pakistan. The first fully matured leaf was sampled, rinsed, dried and ground for analyzing P, K, Ca, Mg, Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn using an Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectrophotometer (ICP AES). Plant tissue N and S were measured by the combustion method. The tomatoes yields were recorded at each location. The data were divided into high-yielding (≥3.79 kg/10 plant) and low-yielding (

Evaluation of Water Quality Pollution Indices for Heavy Metal Contamination Monitoring in Surface Water of Sutlej River (India)

Globally, heavy metal contamination in aquatic environment is a growing dilemma and currently reached at an alarming rate. Surface water receives metal contamination both naturally and anthropogenically. A study was conducted during October 2018 – Dec 2019 to examine the present status of heavy metal pollution in the river Sutlej (Downstream junction of Buddha Nullah), Punjab. The prime thrust is to determine the heavy metal concentrations (Arsenic, Nickel, Cadmium, Cobalt, Chromium, Boron, Manganese, Copper, Iron, Lead and Zinc) of surface water from two points at the location site and to determine the water quality indices (Heavy metal pollution index, heavy metal evaluation index and degree of contamination). Heavy metal analysis has been done using inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrophotometer. The results of this study showed that the average concentration of heavy metals such as As, B, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Zn and Pb were 0.123?g/l, 0.144 ?g/l, 0.047 ?g/l, 0.059 ?g/l, 0.189 ?g/l, 0.281?g/l, 1.424?g/l, 0.097?g/l, 0.291?g/l, 0.904 ?g/l and 0.631 ?g/l respectively. The overall mean concentration of heavy metals was observed in the following order Fe >Zn>Pb>Cu>Ni>Cr>B>As>Mn>Co>Cd. The HPI and HEI (water quality indices) for As, Fe, Mn, Ni, Zn, Pb, Cd, Cr and Cu were 503.05, 55.55 respectively. It is concluded that the study area is critically polluted with heavy metals that are lethal to aquatic life and humans.

The synthesis and characterization of s-Triazine polymer complexes containing epoxy groups

Abstract It has been synthesized in this study that s-triazine based monomeric complexes including epoxy groups and their polymeric structures. For this reason, cyanuric chloride (I) has been used as starting material. 5-(4,6-dicholoro-2-1,3,5-triazine-2-ylamino)isophtalic acid coded as “III” has been obtained from the reaction of 5-aminoisophtalic acid II and I at −5 °C with sodium bicarbonate in aqua/acetone media. Bis(oxiran-2-ylmethyl)-5-(4,6-dichloro-1,3,5-triazine-2-ylamino)izophtalate coded as “V” was synthesized from the reaction of epichlorohydrin (IV) and III in aqua/acetone media with KOH at 2 °C. In aqua/ethanol media at 60 °C, monomeric metal complexes (VI, VII and VIII) were obtained from the reaction of V and/or Mn+2, Co+2 and Ni+2. s-Triazine based polymeric metal complexes (IX-XIV) were obtained from the reaction of the monomeric metal complexes and 3,4-dihydroxybenzaldehyde/o-phenylenediamine in 1,4-diaxane media with DIPEA at 60 °C. The structure of ligands, monomers and polymers were characterized using 1H NMR and 13C NMR, FTIR, ESI-MS, UV–vis spectrophotometers, TGA and elemental analyses. Metal contents in the prepared monomeric and polymeric complexes were determined by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrophotometer (ICP-AES). Magnetic behaviors of the synthesized novel monomeric and polymeric complexes were also investigated. And, these compounds were determined to be high-spin distorted octahedral Mn(II), distorted octahedral Co(II) and distorted octahedral Ni(II).

Synthesis and Characterizations of s-Triazine Polymeric Complexes Including Epoxy Groups: Investigation of Their Magnetic and Thermal Properties

We aimed to synthesize and characterize novel salen/salophen capped polymeric complexes including oxirane groups. For this purpose, we used 2,4,6-trichloro-1,3,5-triazine (I) as starting material. 2,4-dichloro,6-(3,4-dihydroxyphenylethylamino)-1,3,5-triazine (II) was synthesized by the reaction of an equivalent (I) and an equivalent dopamine. 2-(3,4-bis(oxiran-2-ylmethoxy)phenethyl)amine,4,6-dichloro-1,3,5-triazin (III) was synthesized by the reaction of two equivalents of epichlorohydrin and an equivalent of (II). [(Salen/Salophen) (Cr(III)/Fe(III))] capped complexes of (III) were synthesized by reaction of the reactants, codded as IV, V, VI and VII. Then, these monomeric complexes were polymerized by using ethylenediamine and o-phenylenediamine in 1,4-dioxane media, codded as VIII, IX, X, XI, XII, XIII, XIV and XV. II and III, monomeric and polymeric complexes were characterized by means of elemental analyses, 1H-NMR (spectrometry) and 13C-NMR (spectrometry), FT-IR spectrometry, ESI-MS and thermal analyses. Metal content in the prepared polymeric complexes was determined by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrophotometer (ICPAES). We also synthesized novel polymeric complexes and investigated their effects on magnetic behaviors of [Cr(III)/Fe(III)(salen/salophen)] capped complexes. The complexes were determined to be low-spin distorted octahedral Fe(III) and distorted octahedral Cr(III).

Bioremoval of mercury (II) from aqueous solutions by Phragmites australis: Kinetic and equilibrium studies

In this study, the removal of mercury (II) ions from aqueous solutions by dried biomass of Phragmites australis was investigated in the batch system. The biomass was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (ED-XRF), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area techniques (BET). Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectrophotometer (ICP-OES, Spectro Blue) was used to analyze Hg(II) concentration and obtained data in batch experiments indicated that Hg (II) was rapidly adsorbed and such adsorption reached equilibrium within 60 min. The initial pH of the solution was effective parameter for Hg (II) biosorption. The biosorption kinetics was in better good fit with pseudo-second order kinetics and the results obtained from the batch experiments were conformed better with the Langmuir isotherm model than Freundlich and D-R isotherm models. The maximum Hg (II) biosorption capacity of P.australis was 20.0 ± 0.4 mg/g. The availability of other metal ions affected mercury biosorption. Adsorption/desorption studies demonstrated that the adsorbed Hg (II) could be desorbed effectively with a 0.1 M ethylenediamine tetra-acetic acid (EDTA) solution. The biosorption capacity of the regenerated biosorbent could still be maintained at 72% at the fifth adsorption–desorption cycle. Consequently, it can be said that P. australis can be used as an applicable, cost-efficient, nature friendly biosorbent for treating wastewater.

Feature Fusion of ICP-AES, UV-Vis and FT-MIR for Origin Traceability of Boletus edulis Mushrooms in Combination with Chemometrics.

Origin traceability is an important step to control the nutritional and pharmacological quality of food products. Boletus edulis mushroom is a well-known food resource in the world. Its nutritional and medicinal properties are drastically varied depending on geographical origins. In this study, three sensor systems (inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrophotometer (ICP-AES), ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) and Fourier transform mid-infrared spectroscopy (FT-MIR)) were applied for the origin traceability of 184 mushroom samples (caps and stipes) in combination with chemometrics. The difference between cap and stipe was clearly illustrated based on a single sensor technique, respectively. Feature variables from three instruments were used for origin traceability. Two supervised classification methods, partial least square discriminant analysis (FLS-DA) and grid search support vector machine (GS-SVM), were applied to develop mathematical models. Two steps (internal cross-validation and external prediction for unknown samples) were used to evaluate the performance of a classification model. The result is satisfactory with high accuracies ranging from 90.625% to 100%. These models also have an excellent generalization ability with the optimal parameters. Based on the combination of three sensory systems, our study provides a multi-sensory and comprehensive origin traceability of B. edulis mushrooms.

Geoaccumulation assessment of heavy metal pollution in Ikwo soils, eastern Nigeria.

An imbalance in the environment's composition leads to significant effect on human activities such as farming. Of importance are heavy metals which are introduced anthropogenically or naturally. This calls for environmental monitoring and subsequent remediation if needed. An environmental monitoring exercise was conducted on Ikwo soils of Ebonyi State, eastern Nigeria with the aim of determining concentration levels for possible remediation. A total of 18 soil composite samples taken at 0-50cm below soil surface from fallowed and cultivated soils not fertilized were subjected to heavy metal analyses and fertility indices like: organic matter (OM), cation exchange capacity (CEC), % total nitrogen (%TN), organic carbon (OC), and salinity. A correlation at 95% confidence level between geo-accumulations (Igeo) of the various heavy metals with salinity, OM, and CEC of the sampled soils reveals that Igeo could be a contributing factor to the fertility status of the soils. With the aid of inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrophotometer (ICP-AES), the distribution pattern was determined as Mn> Fe> Zn>Cu> Mo> Cd> V>Hg>Ti> Ni>Bi> Pb> Co>Ag>Au> Cr>Pd>Pt. The Igeo of the heavy metals in the study area varied from heavily to extremely contaminated levels. A remediation exercise was recommended on Ikwo soils due to their high salinity level and low CEC.

Assessment of genetic variability for grain nutrients from diverse regions: potential for wheat improvement.

Background A total of 150 bread wheat genotypes representing 121 Indian and 29 Turkish origin were screened for nutrient concentrations and grain protein content. Elemental and grain protein composition were studied by Inductively Coupled Plasma-Atomic Emission Spectrophotometer and LECO analyser, respectively. The study was performed to determine the variability in nutrient concentrations present in the collected wheat genetic material from two countries.ResultsSeveral fold variations among genotypes existed for almost all the elements. Three major components of principal component analysis (PCA) revealed 60.8% variation among the genotypes. Nutrient variables segregated into two groups, one group containing all the macroelements except sulphur; and another cluster containing proteins and all the microelements except Zn and Mn. Pearson correlation analysis and heat-map were in accordance with each other determining strong positive association between P–K, Mn–Zn, Mg–S and Cu–protein content. Also, PCA and hierarchical grouping divided all the Indian and Turkish genotypes in two main clusters.ConclusionsNutritional profile differentiated the genotypes from two countries into separate groups. However, some of the varieties were closely associated and indicated the success of global wheat exchange programs. While most of the correlations were in agreement with the previous studies, non-association of zinc with grain protein content directed towards its control by some other genetic factors. Some of the experimental wheat varieties with promising nutrient content have been suggested for future wheat advancement programs. Results obtained will be supportive for breeders involved in wheat biofortification programs, food industries and people relying on whole grain wheat products.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s40064-016-3586-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Effect of Impurities on Electrochemical Performance of Low-Purity Natural Graphite As Anode Active Material for Lithium Ion Batteries

Natural graphite (NG) has been attracted as a promising anode material for lithium ion batteries due to its appropriate charge/discharge profile, high reversible capacity and low cost. However, high irreversible capacity and low capacity retention at first cycle have influenced on its practical use. Although low cost is the main advantage of natural graphite, the material cost of natural graphite should be reduced further in order to be used for electric vehicles (EVs) and energy saving systems (ESS). Generally, pristine natural graphite contains various impurities such as Al, Fe, and Si. For commercial use, pristine natural graphite should be refined since the impurities would have a negative effect on both electrolyte and electrode of lithium ion batteries. The purity grade of natural graphite can be classified based on the purification process. As the requirement for high purity increases, more purification steps are needed, resulting in high manufacturing cost. Therefore, the main issue for the application of natural graphite as an anode active material is to use low-purity natural graphite with purification process as less as possible. In this regard, effect of Fe as impurity on the electrochemical performance of the low-purity natural graphite as anode active material for lithium ion batteries was investigated in this study. Natural graphite powders with 5 wt% Fe (05Fe) and 10 wt% (10Fe) were synthesized by combustion method from the raw materials of Fe(III)(NO3)3 9H2O (Alfa Aesar) and high-purity spherical natural graphite (POSCO CHEMTECH) by calcination at 500 °C in air atmosphere. The morphology of the natural graphite powders was observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM, JSM-5900, JEOL, Japan). The particle size of each powder was measured by a dynamic light scattering method (ELS 6000 zeta potential and particle size analyzer, Otsuka Electronics, Japan). Powder X-ray diffraction (XRD, MAX-2500, RIGAKU, Japan) analysis was conducted using Cu Kα radiation with a wavelength λ = 1.5406 Å. The crystallite sizes (La and Lc) were calculated on the basis of the d002XRD lines by application of the Scherrer’s equation. The crystallinity of the natural graphite powders was investigated by Raman spectroscopy (LabRAM, Horiba Jobin-Yvon, Japan). The concentrations of impurities in the natural graphite were determined by an inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrophotometer (ICP-AES). A working electrode paste was fabricated from a mixture of natural graphite with a binder consisting of carboxymethylcellulose (CMC)/styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) and carbon black (Super-p) as a conductive agent dissolved in D.I. water. The weight ratio of graphite to binder (CMC:SBR:Super-p=2:2:1) was 95:2:2:1. The prepared paste was coated onto 10㎛ Cu foil by using a doctor blade and then dried under vacuum at 120 °C for 12 h. Electrochemical performance was evaluated using CR2032 coin-type cells with a 20 μm thick Cellgard 2300 porous membrane separator and 1 M LiPF6-EC/DMC (1:1 in volume ratio) electrolyte. Lithium metal foil was used as a counter electrode. All of the samples studied in this work were treated by sphericalization and the sphericalized natural graphite maintained a spherical shape after the calcination process at 500 °C for 4 h. All the samples have both hexagonal and rhombohedral phases which are the typical structure of natural graphite. Fe2O3 peaks (JCPDS card #33-0664) were indexed at 2θ = 33.1°, 35.6°, 62.4°, and 63.9°, respectively. The most of Fe2O3particles were located on a surface of natural graphite, based on the EDX mapping and back-scattered electron (BSE) images. The irreversible capacity during the charge-discharge reactions increased with increasing the Fe content. However, the cycle retention of the 05Fe, 10Fe, and NG are comparable. Therefore, it may be possible to use unrefined natural graphite as an anode active material for lithium-ion rechargeable batteries.

Assessment of Bioautography and Spot Screening of TLC of Green Tea (Camellia) Plant Extracts as Antibacterial and Antioxidant Agents.

This study was carried out as a prerequisite to evaluate the therapeutic potential of Camellia varieties. The crude extracts of six different plants of green tea Camellia assamica and Camellia sinensis were tested against three Gram-positive and four Gram-negative bacteria using agar disk diffusion method at 50 mg/ml concentration. 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) and diphenyl-(2,4,6-trinitrophenyl)iminoazanium free radical scavenging methods were performed to evaluate the antioxidant potential. Phytochemical constituents and trace metals were detected through thin layer chromatography and Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectrophotometer, respectively. The maximum inhibition of Staphylococcus aureus was recorded by dimethyl sulphoxide extracts of green tea varieties. The measured zone of inhibition of dimethyl sulphoxide extracts by Qimen was (10.00±0.0 mm), Japanese (10.00±0.0 mm), Turkish (10.00±0.0 mm), Indonesian (8.33±1.0 mm), P3 clone (10.00±0.0 mm) and Sri Lankan (10.00±0.0 mm). Maximum scavenging potential activity was found with ethanol, methanol and dimethyl sulphoxide extracts. Spot screening of TLC-developed plates indicated that the presence of active biological compounds such as flavonoids, proteins, phenols, alkaloids and glycosides also exhibited strong activity against tested bacterial strains. This study reveals the potential biological activities of Camellia assamica and Camellia sinensis having massive phytochemical constituents and trace elements.

What can a multi tracer approach tell us about the ecology of two sympatric species of Globicephala genus?

What can a multi tracer approach tell us about the ecology of two sympatric species of Globicephala genus?

Phytoaccumulation of Arsenic, Cadmium and Lead by <i>Brassica juncea</i> Parents and Their F1 Hybrids

Although Brassica juncea (Indian mustard) is reported to be a good accumulator of metals, little is known of the selected varieties of B. juncea (cvs. Rai and BARI-11). This paper investigates the phytoaccumulation of arsenic, cadmium and lead by B. juncea (cvs. Rai and BARI-11) parents and F1 hybrids. The experiment was conducted in the hydroponic media in the greenhouse of University of Southampton under a Randomised Block Design. Sodium arsenite, cadmium sulphate and lead nitrate with 0 ppm, 0.5 ppm and 1 ppm were used. The cadmium treated plants were analysed by Varian Atomic absorption spectrophotometer-200. The samples of arsenic and lead were analysed by Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectrophotometer. The results suggest that arsenic was detected only in the root systems while cadmium and lead were detected both in the root and shoot systems. Significant differences in the uptake were observed for different concentrations. Accumulation of arsenic was detected only in the root systems of B. juncea (cvs. Rai and BARI-11) at lower concentrations. Hence, this can be used as an agriculturally viable and efficient phytoaccumulator in the arsenic affected areas where contamination level is low and the contamination occurs at the rooting level.

Effect of Trace and Toxic Elements of Different Brands of Cigarettes on the Essential Elemental Status of Irish Referent and Diabetic Mellitus Consumers.

Cigarette smoking interferes with the metal homeostasis of the human body, which plays a crucial role for maintaining the health. A significant flux of heavy metals, among other toxins, reaches the lungs through smoking. In the present study, the relationship between toxic element (TE) exposure via cigarette smoking and diabetic mellitus incidence in population living in Dublin, Ireland is investigated. The trace [zinc (Zn) and selenium (Se)] and toxic elements arsenic (As), aluminum (Al), cadmium (Cd), nickel (Ni), mercury (Hg), and lead (Pb) were determined in biological (scalp hair and blood) samples of patients diagnosed with diabetic mellitus, who are smokers living in Dublin, Ireland. These results were compared with age- and sex-matched healthy, nonsmokers controls. The different brands of cigarette (filler tobacco, filter, and ash) consumed by the studied population were also analyzed for As, Al, Cd, Ni, Hg, and Pb. The concentrations of TEs in biological samples and different components of cigarette were measured by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrophotometer after microwave-assisted acid digestion. The validity and accuracy of the methodology were checked using certified reference materials (CRM). The recovery of all the studied elements was found to be in the range of 96.4-99.7% in certified reference materials. The filler tobacco of different branded cigarettes contains Hg, As, Al, Cd, Ni, and Pb concentrations in the ranges of 9.55-12.4 ng/cigarette, 0.432-0.727 μg/cigarette, 360-496 μg/cigarette, 1.70-2.12 μg/cigarette, 0.715-1.52 μg/cigarette, and 0.378-1.16 μg/cigarette, respectively. The results of this study showed that the mean values of Al, As, Cd, Hg, Ni, and Pb were significantly higher in scalp hair and blood samples of diabetic mellitus patients in relation to healthy controls, while the difference was significant in the case of smoker patients (p < 0.001). The levels of all six toxic elements were twofolds to threefolds higher in scalp hair and blood samples of nondiabetic mellitus smoker subjects as compared to nonsmoker controls. The high exposure of toxic metals as a result of cigarette smoking may be synergistic with risk factors associated with diabetic mellitus.

Assessment of toxic elements in the samples of different cigarettes and their effect on the essential elemental status in the biological samples of Irish hypertensive consumers

Cigarette smoking causes an acute increase in blood pressure and heart rate and has been found to be associated with malignant hypertension (HT). A significant flux of toxic metals among other toxins reaches the lungs through smoking. In the present study, the relationship between essential (zinc and selenium) and toxic element (TE; cadmium and mercury) and HT incidence in smoker and nonsmoker population living in Dublin, Ireland was investigated. The zinc (Zn), selenium (Se), cadmium (Cd) and mercury (Hg) were determined in biological (scalp hair and blood) samples of smoker and nonsmoker hypertensive patients. For comparison purposes, healthy age- and sex-matched subjects as referents residing in the same city were also selected. The different brands of cigarette consumed by the studied population were also analyzed for Cd and Hg. The concentrations of essential trace and TEs in all studied samples were measured by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrophotometer after microwave-assisted acid digestion. The validity and accuracy of the methodology was checked using certified reference materials (CRMs). The recovery of all the studied elements was found to be in the range of 96.4-99.7% of certified values of CRMs. The filler tobacco of different branded cigarettes contains Hg and Cd concentrations in the range of 9.55-12.4 ng and 1.70-2.12 μg per cigarette, respectively. The results of this study showed that the mean values of Cd and Hg were significantly higher in scalp hair and blood samples of hypertensive patients as compared with healthy controls, whereas Zn and Se concentrations were found to be lower in hypertensive patients, the difference was significant in the case of smoker patients (P < 0.001). The levels of both TEs were 2-3-folds higher in scalp hair and blood samples of nonhypertensive smoker subjects as compared with nonsmoker controls. It was observed that exposure of TEs via cigarette smoking may be synergistic with other risk factors associated with HT.

Trace Metals Levels in Inorganic Fertilizers Commercially Available in Nigeria

Aims: To investigate the concentrations of arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), lead (Pb), nickel (Ni), vanadium (V) and zinc (Zn) in commercially available inorganic fertilizers (calcium superphosphate and urea). Place and Duration of Study: Urea and superphosphate fertilizers were purchased from a local market in Uyo, Southern Nigeria. Methodology: A total of twenty seven fertilizer samples were randomly taken representing triplicate samples from three urea and six superphosphate original fertilizer bags. Each sample were digested and extracted using the ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA) extraction technique. The elemental analysis was performed using an inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrophotometer (ICP-AES) (Optima 3000 – Perkin Elmer). Results: The analyses indicated the presence of trace metals in commercially available fertilizers sold in Nigeria. Cadmium was found in comparatively high concentrations. Zinc was found present in relatively high concentrations in both urea and phosphate fertilizer samples but As was found in low concentration. By comparison, the superphosphate

Determination of Heavy Metals in Blood, Urine and Water Samples by Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectrophotometer and Fluoride Using Ion-Selective Electrode

This study was conducted in Maiduguri Metropolis of Borno State, Nigeria. The levels of fluoride, cadmium, arsenic, lead and nickel were determined in sachet, tap and ground water. The levels of fluoride and some heavy metals were also determined in blood and urine samples with respect to age groups. The sample collection and preparation were carried out using standard procedures. The concentrations of the heavy metals were determined by using Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectrophotometer (ICPAES), while fluoride was determined Potentiometrically Using Ion-Selective Electrode. The results of this study showed that the concentration of fluoride was highest in male subject with a value of 1.65 mg/l within the age group of 51-60, while the lowest concentration of 0.02 mg/l was observed in female subject within the age group of 1-10. The concentrations of the metals studied in blood samples from male subject were significantly higher than in the female subject. The concentrations of these metals were significantly higher at an age group of 51-60, while the age group 1-10 showed the lowest concentrations. It was also observed that the concentration of fluoride in urine samples from male subject increased significantly with increase in age (P<0.05). The concentration of fluoride in borehole water from Gamboru, Bolori, Mairi and Gwange ward ranged between 0.02 mg/l and 0.01 mg/l, 0.04 mg/l and 0.11 mg/l Ni, 0.05 mg/l and 0.07 mg/l Cd, while for tap water the concentration of fluoride ranged from (0.034 to 0.73 mg/l), (0.026 to 0.54 mg/l)As, (0.15 to 0.24 mg/l)Pb, (0.08 to 0.22 mg/l)Ni, and (0.12 to 0.31 mg/l)Cd. Similarly for sachet water (Hauwa, Madube, Mustapha and Rahama waters) the concentration of fluoride ranged between 0.01 mg/l and 0.06 mg/l, 0.01 mg/l and 0.03 mg/l As, 0.001 mg/l to 0.05 mg/lPb, 0.01 mg/l and 0.0007 mg/l Ni, 0.01 mg/l to 0.05 mg/l Cd. The highest concentration of Cd in borehole water was observed in Mairi, while the lowest concentration of F was in Gamboru. Similarly, the concentration of F in tap water was significantly higher (P<0.05) in Bolori, while Ni showed the lowest concentration in Gamboru. From the above results, the concentrations of all the metals in the water samples were lower than those of the blood and urine samples, this is possible because; metals can be accumulated and concentrated in human bodies. Hence, it may be concluded that the water samples consumed by these inhabitants might not be responsible for the presence of these studied metal in the blood and urine samples.

Relationship between toxic metals exposure via cigarette smoking and rheumatoid arthritis.

The incidence of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) has increased among people who smoke tobacco. In the present study, the association between toxic metals exposure via cigarette smoking and rheumatoid arthritis incidence in the population living in Dublin, Ireland, is investigated. The different brands of cigarettes (filler tobacco, filter and ash) consumed by the population studied were analysed for Cd, Ni, and Pb. The concentrations of toxic elements in biological samples and different components of cigarettes were measured by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrophotometer after microwave-assisted acid digestion. The validity and accuracy of the methodology were checked using certified reference materials. The filler tobacco of different branded cigarettes contain Cd, Ni, and Pb concentrations in the ranges of 1.73-2.02, 0.715-1.52, and 0.378-1.16 μg/cigarette, respectively. The results of this study showed that the mean values of cadmium nickel, and lead were significantly higher in scalp hair and blood samples of rheumatoid arthritis patients when related to healthy controls, while the difference was significant in the case of smoker patients (p < 0.001). The levels of all three toxic metals were 2- to 3-fold higher in scalp hair and blood samples of non arthritis smoker subjects as compared to nonsmoker controls. The high exposure of toxic metals as a result of cigarette smoking may be synergistic with risk factors associated with rheumatoid arthritis.