Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometric Method Research Articles

Lidites of the North Onegian Synclinorium of Karelia, Their Trace Element Composition and Possible Genesis

We studied of Paleoproterozoic siliceous rocks (lidites) geochemistry from the North-Onegian synclinorium (Karelia). The objects of research are represented by 16 samples of lidites selected from one stratigraphic level in geological sections of two sites – Tetyugino and Shunga. Their structural characteristics and mineral composition features were studied using a scanning electron microscope with an energy-dispersion microanalyzer. The trace elements were determined by the inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometric method (ICP MS). Tetyugino lidites contain biophilic elements (P, Co, Cu, Mo, V, Ba) predominantly, while Shunga lidites ‒ lithophilic elements (Li, Rb, Cs). The trace element composition of lidites indicates that their formation took place on the periphery of the hydrothermal system, while the Tetyugino site was closer to the place of hydrothermal discharge than Shunga. The peculiarities of the lidites chemical composition allow us to consider them as raw materials for very pure quartz.

Development and validation of a simple microwave-assisted digestion sample preparation technique for the estimation of aluminium and magnesium in a few pharmaceutical dosage forms by an inductively coupled-mass spectrometer (ICP-MS).

Rationale: A simple, sensitive, reliable, validated, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometric method for the determination of aluminium and magnesium using a simple common microwave-assisted digestion sample preparation technique for a few commonly used formulations was developed and validated according to International Conference on Harmonization Q3D and the United States Pharmacopeia general chapter <232> and <233>. The following pharmaceutical dosage forms were considered for estimation of aluminium and magnesium: Alumina, magnesia simethicone oral suspension, Alumina, magnesia simethicone chewable tablets, alumina and magnesia oral suspension, alumina and magnesium carbonate oral suspension. Methods: The methodology included optimizing a common microwave assisted digestion method, selecting the isotopes, choosing the measurement technique, and designating internal standards. The finalized microwave assisted procedure was a two-step program where in the first step the samples were ramped for 10 min to a temperature of 180 °C and hold for 5 min followed by ramping for 10 min to a temperature of 200 °C and hold for 10 min. Magnesium (24Mg) and aluminium (27Al) isotopes were finalized, internal standard assigned for both the isotopes was yttrium (89Y) with Helium (kinetic energy discrimination-KED) as the measuring mode. System suitability was run before initiating analysis to ensure that system performance was consistent. Results: Analytical validation parameters like specificity, linearity (from 25% to 200% of sample concentration), the detection limit and the limit of quantification were established. For all these dosage forms, the method's precision was demonstrated by analyzing the percentage relative standard deviation for six injections. Accuracy was established from 50% to 150% of instrument working concentration (J-levels) for aluminium and magnesium for all the formulations and was found to be within the range of 90-120%. Conclusion: This common analysis method, along with the common microwave-digestion technique applies to numerous types of matrices for a finished dosage form with aluminium and magnesium.

Evaluation of the applicability of the inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry method for special individual dosimetry monitoring

In the condition of modern radiation hazardous production , higher levels of personnel internal exposure are mainly due to the intake of radionuclides in situations caused by faulty equipment or wrong actions of personnel which can or do result in the exposure that exceeds established standards . In such cases , to determine the intake and committed effective dose , daily amount of urine and / or feces is collected followed by the preparation of loads and their subsequent measurements . For a total , it takes three to eight days to obtain the result depending on the method of measurement used . In case of acute intake of plutonium , it is important to estimate the levels of the nuclide intake as soon as possible in order to decide on treatment strategy and dose reduction . To achieve the above goal , the Southern Urals Biophysics Institute has developed a technique for measuring the plutonium-239 activity in blood using an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer as in the first hours and 24 hours after intake ( through inhalation or damaged skin ) the radionuclide concentration in blood is at its maximum level . Also a method has been developed to measure plutonium in urine aliquot using mass-spectrometry to perform special individual dosimetry monitoring that requires almost no sample preparation which allows to estimate the intake within a few hours . It is shown that , depending on the route of intake and chemical form of plutonium compounds entered , the measurement of plutonium activity in blood and urine aliquot performed by the inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer method allows to determine from 0.1 to 47% of intake limit within the first 24 hours after an accident . The analysis of a blood sample takes one to one - and -a- half workdays against a week required to analyze a urine sample using alpha-spectrometry . The application of the developed methodology , apart from the goal of individual dosimetry monitoring , will provide new information on the effects of chelation therapy on the plutonium behavior in the human body .

Long term endurance analysis of the effects on ring wear and lubrication oil of biofuel used in a DI diesel engine

In this study, the long-term endurance tests were carried out in an engine that was used 100% diesel and 90% diesel −10% bioethanol blend. The lubricating oil and ring wear were investigated in the direct injection diesel engine using two different fuels under partial load and for 110 h. As a result of long-term endurance tests, ash content, density, viscosity, acid number determination, and flash point values of engine lubricating oil were detected. Moreover, the metal residues (Fe, Al, Cu, Pb, Zn, Mg, Mn, Ni) were signs of wear in the lubricating oil were observed. Samples were taken from the lubricating oil at 55 and 110 h and examined by the Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometer method. Also, tribological and morphological analyses of the replaced piston rings were made for each fuel mixture. The piston rings (first ring, second ring and third ring) had been examined by using the Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy and Scanning Electron Microscopy. As a result, it was observed that the metal residues in the oil changed over time. Metal residues were showed that after the 55th hour there were more metal residues in the lubricating oil with B10, compared to diesel. While the TAN value of lubricating oil was measured as 3.08 mg KOH/g in the D100 operation, this value was 3.29 mg KOH/g in the B10 operation.

Ribosomal DNA copy number associated with blood metal levels in school-age children: A follow-up study on a municipal waste incinerator in Zhejiang, China

To evaluate the body burdens of heavy metals and explore the impact of environmental metal exposure on ribosomal DNA (rDNA) or mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) copy number (CN) variation in school-age children living near a municipal waste incinerator (MWI), we conducted a follow-up study in 2019. A total of 146 sixth-grade children from a primary school located 1.2 km away from the MWI were recruited for our study. Metals, including vanadium (V), chromium (Cr), manganese (Mn), cobalt (Co), nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), arsenic (As), selenium (Se), cadmium (Cd), stannum (Sn), stibium (Sb), thallium (Tl), and lead (Pb), were determined by an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer method. Real-time qPCR was used to measure the rDNA and mtDNA CN. The blood metal levels followed this order: Zn > Cu > Se > Pb > Mn > Sb > As > Ni > Cd > Co > Cr > Sn > V > Tl. Blood Cr level was significantly correlated with 18 S, 2.5 S, and 45 S CN (β = −0.25, −0.22, −0.26, p < 0.05); Ni was correlated with 5 S (β = −0.36, p < 0.01); Cu was correlated with 28 S, 18 S, and 5.8 S (β = −0.24, −0.24, −0.23, p < 0.05); while Zn was correlated with 18 S, 5.8 S, and 45 S (β = −0.28, −0.32, −0.26, p < 0.05). In conclusion, school-age children living near the MWI had lower blood metal levels compared to children recruited in 2013, while rDNA CN loss was found to be correlated to several heavy metals in these children.

Determination of arsenic, cadmium, mercury, lead and nickel as elemental impurities in atorvastatin calcium by inductively coupled mass spectrometer.

Atorvastatin calcium is employed as front-line treatment for cardiovascular diseases. According to the international conference on harmonization (ICH) guideline ICH Q3D, elemental impurities can come into drug products from various sources. These elemental impurities do not have any therapeutic benefit to the end-user. On the contrary, it harms the normal physiological system. Class 1 elements like arsenic, cadmium, mercury, and lead are inorganic impurities that can cause toxic effects on the human body. Nickel was used as a catalyst during the synthesis process of atorvastatin calcium. It comes under the Class-2A, can cause toxicity to humans, and must be quantified. A simple, fast, reliable inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometric method for the estimation of elemental impurities like arsenic, cadmium, mercury, lead, and nickel in atorvastatin calcium by open sample digestion technique was developed and validated in accordance with ICH Q3D and USP < 232 > and USP <233 > general chapter. Internal standards like indium, terbium, thallium, bismuth and yttrium were used to correct the non-spectral interferences that were generated during analysis. Gold was added to all solutions as it preserves mercury by amalgamation. The system performance was evaluated every time my performing system suitability parameters. The limits for all the elements were fixed in accordance with ICH Q3D. The limit of detection and the limit of quantification for all the five elements were estimated. Method specificity was proven by checking for interferences due to the sample matrix and other elements. Linearity of each element in standards was established from 25% to 200% of sample concentration, and correlation coefficients were found to be not less than 0.999. The accuracy of the method was demonstrated at three spiking levels at 50%, 100%, and 150% of the J-value for all the elements. The recoveries for all elements at each level were within the range of 90-120%. Method precision was proved at 100% J-value. The relative standard deviation of all elements was less than 5%. It concludes that this newly developed and validated reliable inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometric method for estimating of elemental impurities like arsenic, cadmium, mercury, lead, and nickel in atorvastatin calcium was within the permitted limit and suitable for routine use.

Associations between welding fume exposure and blood hemostatic parameters among workers exposed to welding fumes in confined space in Chonburi, Thailand

BackgroundOccupational welding fumes contain varieties of toxic metal particles and may affect cardiovascular system like the Particulate Matters (PM). Few studies have focused on the effects of toxic metals on the hemodynamic balance; however, the reporting results were not consistent. This study aimed to investigate the association between toxic metals exposure (Chromium (Cr), Manganese (Mn) and Lead (Pb)) and blood hemostatic parameters status after a 3-week exposure cessation among workers exposed to welding fumes.MethodologyStructured interviews and biological samplings were conducted for 86 male workers without a history of Anemia and Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and working in a confined space to construct crude oil tanks. Metal levels of Cr, Mn and Pb in urine were measured during the working days using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer (ICP-MS) method. The concentrations of hemostatic proteins in blood (White blood cell counts (WBC), Lymphocytes, Monocyte, Eosinophil, Neutrophil, Hematocrit (Hct) were assessed after a 3 weeks exposure cessation. Workers were divided into groups based on occupation type (welder group and non-welder group), and based on metal levels (high and low exposure groups) for comparison. Linear regression models were used to explore the association between metal exposure and multiple blood hemostatic parameters adjusted for age, Body Mass Index (BMI), and smoking status.ResultsUrine Mn and Cr level of the welder group was significantly higher than the non-welder group (Mn: 0.96 VS 0.22 ug/g creatinine, p < 0.001; Cr: 0.63 VS 0.22 ug/g creatinine, p < 0.01). The mean value of Hct in the welder group was 44.58 ± 2.84 vol%, significantly higher than the non-welder group (43.07 ± 3.31 vol%, p = 0.026). The median value of WBC in the high Mn-exposed group (6.93 ± 1.59 X 106 Cell/ml) was significantly lower than the low Mn-exposed group (7.90 ± 2.13 X 106 Cell/ml, p = 0.018). The linear regression analyses showed that there was a significantly negative association between log transformed WBC value and the Mn exposure groups (high and low) after adjusting for age, BMI, and smoking status (β = - 0.049, p = 0.045), but no significant result was found between WBC and occupation types (welder and non-welder) (p > 0.05). Multiple linear regression analysis also showed positive association between Hct and occupational types (welder and non-welders) (β = 0.014, p = 0.055). The other hemostatic parameters were not different from controls when divided by occupation type or metal level groups.ConclusionsOur results showed that welders were exposed to about 3 to 4 times higher Mn and Cr concentrations than non-welders. Moreover, one third of the non-welders were exposed to high-exposure groups of Mn and Cr metals. Regression models revealed a significant association of the WBC counts with the Mn exposure group. Therefore, we infer that Mn exposure may play a significant role on the blood hemostatic parameters of workers in the confined space. Hazard identification for non-welders should also be conducted in the confined space.

A Study of the Levels of Some Toxic Substances present in Dry Holi Colours in Kolkata, India.

'Holi' is an Indian festival with a great cultural context, that is celebrated across the world at the onset of spring by applying dry powder of vibrant colours on friends and family. In ancient times holi colours were prepared from different spring flowers, but in modern times, these natural colours have been replaced by commercial industrial dyes prepared by chemical processes. Even products that claim to use organic colours, use synthetic pigments to enhance the brightness of hues. Such synthetic holi colours are sold as herbal colours, in an unregulated manner, in local markets, and no checks can be enforced on the product composition. Also, the quality and the amount of information about the ingredients of the particular packets are missing. These colours sold in the local market often contain hazardous chemicals such as endotoxins, and heavy metals, like lead, potentially causing moderate to severe health problem. Holi colour samples were randomly collected from different sites in Kolkata, India. Red, pink, violet, green and yellow coloured powders were obtained. The powders were prepared and analysed for lead content by Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometric method. Analysis of endotoxin content of different holi colours was also performed by Limulus Amebocyte Lysate test. The lead content was found to be almost 2 times higher in the holi colours, with yellow pigment having the highest concentration, than FDA Standard for maximum permissible limit in cosmetics, which was taken as a reference for safety limit of lead that is dermatologically applicable. The endotoxin levels are alarmingly high, with almost 35 times the FDA reference for dermatological safety limit. Special attention should be given to lead and endotoxin levels in holi colours as their consequences pose serious health threats. Therefore, quality control measures should be recommended for them, in par with products designed for long-term contact with the skin.

Investigation on the combustion characteristics and lubrication of biodiesel and diesel fuel used in a diesel engine

In this study, the effects on combustion and lubrication oil of biodiesel-diesel blended fuels used as fuel are examined in a direct injection single-cylinder diesel engine. It was used the canola oil methyl ester (B10) blended in 10% proportions, canola oil methyl ester (B20) blended in 20% proportions (volume) with diesel fuel and diesel (D100). Firstly, the equivalence ratio and the spray / temperature formation for all test fuels at two different crank angles was examined. Then, the engine was operated on for approximately 150 h of long-term endurance tests with these two different fuels. The lubricating oil samples were taken from the engines which had operated with the different fuels. These results in the lubricating oil showed that the viscosity, flashpoint, TAN and moisture content of the lubricant oil decreased, while its density, TBN value, and sulfate ash content increased in B10 compared to diesel fuel. In B10 fuelled operation compared to the D100 operation, metal concentrations determined using Inductively Coupled Plasma-Atomic Emission Spectrum (ICP-AES) and Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometer (ICP-MS) method were more found in engine lubrication oil.

Cost-effective voltammetric determination of boron in dried fruits and nuts using modified electrodes

Cost effective, simple and accurate two voltammetric methods for determination of boron in hazelnut, peanut, almond, raisin, prune and date samples were described. Metal nanoparticles-carbon nanotube modified glassy carbon electrode (MNP/CNT/GCE, M = Au or Cu) and poly xylenol orange modified pencil graphite electrode (p-XO/PGE) were used as working electrodes. The oxidation of alizarin red s (ARS) in the boron-ARS complex at MNP/CNT/GCE and the oxidation of tiron in the B-tiron complex at p-XO/PGE were monitored as response. The limit of determination values (based on visual evaluation) for CuNP/CNT/GCE, AuNP/CNT/GCE and p-XO/PGE were calculated as 100 µg/L, 125 µg/L and 80 µg/L, respectively. The results were compared with the results obtained by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometric method and no significant difference between the results was observed. The accuracy experiments of the methods and uncertainty calculations were also performed using a certified reference material (UME CRM 1202 Elements in Hazelnut).

Assessment of the contents of a selected macro, micro and toxic elements in ripen bael fruits and tender shoots of water spinach and sweet potato using XRF and ICP-MS methods

Macro and micro elemental nutrient profiles and compositions of toxic heavy metals in food items are important attributes in culinary and nutrition sciences. We selected ripen bael fruits of elite accessions selected for large-scale cultivation in Sri Lanka, Kankong, a green leafy vegetable prone to bioaccumulation of toxic heavy metals (market and commercially available samples) and shoot-tops of sweet potato, an underutilized leafy vegetable to detect the elemental compositions using X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and Inductive Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometric (ICP-MS) methods. Bael pulp was extracted from ripe fruits and, Kankong and sweet potato shoot-tops were collected. The presence and absence of elements were assessed using XRF. The elemental contents were measured using ICP-MS, and statistically analyzed. Bael and SP samples did not contain toxic heavy metals As and Pb whereas Kankong samples collected from a municipal wastewater drain contained all these toxic elements in large quantities. Kankong samples purchased from open market contained Hg, Cd, As and Cr. It is also noted that Pb separately correlated with Cr, Fe, Co, Zn, Ni and Hg contents in Kankong implying that they are under a common absorption mechanism or coming from a common source in the polluted habitat. The present study concludes that Kankong in Sri Lanka is unsafe for consumption and SP is an alternative to replace Kankong.

Microwave-assisted digestion for trace elements analysis of tree nut oil: evaluation of residual carbon content

An inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer method for estimating trace elements in tree nut oils has been developed which employs microwave digestion equipped with high pressure subassembly. Residual carbon content and residual acidity were determined to evaluate the efficiency of digestion. The best digestion efficiency was obtained using Easyprep™ system with 0.5 g of oil, 4 mL concentrated nitric acid, and 2 mL hydrogen peroxide, and a final temperature of 235 °C. Residual carbon content and residual acidity were estimated as 1.7% (corresponding to 852 mg L−1 of carbon in sample solution) and 7.5%, respectively, and recovery values ranged from 90.7% to 107.7%. Whereas, only 0.2 g of oil could be digested through conventional microwave system with 5 mL concentrated nitric acid and 2 mL hydrogen peroxide at 205 °C (residual carbon content = 3.2%). The developed method has been applied to determine nine trace elements (Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, As, Zn, Cd, and Pb) in different categories of tree nut oils, and high content of Fe, Mn, and Zn were found in some of those oils. To the best of our knowledge, the present investigation is the first attempt to analyze trace elements in different categories of tree nut oils consumed in China.

U–Pb Age and Hf–Nd–Sr Isotopic Systematics of Vein Rocks of the Volkovsky Massif, Middle Urals, Russia

This paper reports chemical, geochronological, and Hf–Nd–Sr isotopic-geochemical data on granite, leucogabbro, and microgabbro porphyrite vein bodies in the gabbro of the Volkovsky massif. It was proved that the vein granite and leucogabbro are genetically related to the leucogabbro–anorthosite–plagiogranite (anorthosite–granite) series of the Urals Platinum Belt. The granite was dated by U-Pb laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometric method at 409.0 ± 2.3 Ma. The rock has 87Sr/86Sr(409 Ма) = 0.70358, high eNd(409 Ма) = 6.4–6.5, and eHf(409 Ма) ≥ 10.8. Similar values of 87Sr/86Sr(409 Ма) = 0.70370 and eNd(409 Ма) = 5.9 were obtained for the vein leucogabbro. The isotopic-geochemical data are consistent with existing concept of the formation of the leucogabbro–anorthosite–plagiogranite (anorthosite–granite) series through partial melting of the olivine gabbro. The measured 143Nd/144Nd = 0.512939 value obtained for the microgabbro porphyrite reflects their more radiogenic composition and likely a mantle source. The granite, associated leucogabbro, and microgabbro porphyrite were emplaced at the final magmatic stage in the massif evolution. This event marks the upper age boundary of the Au–Pd mineralization related to the gabbroic rocks. The vein rocks lack any signs of the mineralization. However, it is highly probable that they were sources of energy and fluid for reworking of the earlier olivine gabbro and redeposition of ore components in this rock.

The Relationship between Cord Blood and Maternal Serum Zinc Levels and Birth Weight

Background: Examining the relationship between cord blood and maternal serum zinc levels and birth weight.Methods: A total of 127 infant-mother pairs were assigned to study (n = 58; with birth weight < 2500 g) and control (n = 69; with birth weight ≥ 2500 g) groups. Serum samples were collected from eligible mothers and cord blood of their low birth weight (LBW) or normal birth weight (NBW) healthy newborns. The inclusion criterion for the infant-mother pairs was lack of any medical complications. Serum zinc level was measured by using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer method and the results were expressed in μg/dl. The two groups were compared in terms of maternal and cord blood serum zinc levels. Then, we evaluated their association with birth weight of neonates in both groups through Student’s t-test and one-way analysis of variance using SPSS.Results: The study protocol was reviewed and approved by the ethics committee of the Urmia University of Medical Sciences (Ir.umsu.rec.1393.108 1393/04/24). Participants were provided with detailed information about the study and were assured that confidentiality would be maintained at all times. Written consent was obtained prior to data collection.The mean age of the pregnant women was 26.1±5.8 years (age range: 18-40 years). The mean birth weight of the neonates in the two groups was 3275.9±552 kg. Pregnant women with serum zinc levels of higher than 70 μg/dl gave birth to neonates with birth weight higher than 3.5, whereas mothers with serum zinc levels of less than 60 μg/dl gave birth to infants with birth weight less than 3 kg (P=0.034). Mean serum zinc level in the cord blood of LBW group was 79.16±19.86 μg/dl, which was significantly lower than that in the NBW group (95.14±17.56 μg/dl; P<0.021). Similarly, mean maternal serum zinc level was 63.98±19.33 μg/dl in mothers who gave birth to LBW neonates, while it was 86.13±20.10 μg/dl in mothers with NBW neonates, indicating that serum zinc level was significantly lower in mothers with LBW infants than in those with NBW infants (P=0.017).Conclusion: Maternal and cord blood zinc concentrations were shown to be associated with birth weight of the newborns

Trace Analysis of Potentially Mutagenic Boronic Acids and Esters in Drug Substance by ICP-MS

Boronic acids and boronate esters are commonly used reagents in Suzuki–Miyaura coupling chemistry which are known to be weakly mutagenic in microbial assays. In this paper, we describe an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer method (ICP-MS) for the analysis of boron at low parts per million levels. Boronic acid and ester levels are then calculated stoichiometrically in a drug substance based on the determination of boron with good sensitivity (LOQ of 0.8 ppm). The paper outlines some of the important aspects of the method and instrument features such as use of organic diluent, spray chamber configuration, and its optimization which are critical for analysis of trace inorganic species in drug substances.

Trace elements of Carboniferous–Permian coal from the Adaohai Mine, Daqingshan Coalfield, Inner Mongolia, China

A total of 48 samples of Carboniferous–Permian coal was taken from the Adaohai Mine, Daqingshan Coalfield, Inner Mongolia, China. Cu2 coal is the major coalseam of the Daqingshan Coalfield. The samples were analyzed by the inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometer method. The results indicate the content of V, Cr, Cu, Zn, Ga, Se, Ag, Cd, In, Ba, Pb and U of the Cu2 coals from Adaohai Mine is higher than that of the common Chinese coals. Compared to the world hard coals, the content of V, Cu, Zn, Ga, Se, Sr, Ag, Cd, In, Ba and U is relatively high. Compared to the clark values of the crust, only elements Se, Ag, Pb and Bi are enriched in the coal. Most of the elements in coal benches are lower than in those in roofs and partings. The statistical analysis and clustering analysis showed that the modes of trace elements occurrence for the Cu2 coal correlated positively with the minerals. The values of Sr/Ba show that the coal forming environment was influenced both by sea water and fresh water.

Speleothem constraints on marine isotope stage (MIS) 5 relative sea levels, Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico

ABSTRACTRates of sea‐level fall at the termination of the last interglacial are poorly defined and archives from which sea‐level elevations are constrained during marine isotope stage (MIS) 5 in the western North Atlantic–Caribbean region are restricted spatially to a few key sites. Here, growth periods of presently submerged but subaerially deposited speleothems from the Yucatan Peninsula, south‐east Mexico, are dated using the 230Th/234U multi‐collector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometric method. The growth periods, used to constrain maximum elevations of relative sea level, are in agreement with glacio‐isostatic adjustment models for the near to intermediate region of the former North American ice sheets. Furthermore, our data provide additional constraints on the timing of peak relative sea levels during MIS 5a and 5c, and the timing of the regression following the last interglacial highstand. Combining our data with coral archives of minimum relative sea level from the same region provides a novel approach to calculating the rate of relative sea‐level fall, although initial estimates are poorly constrained because of the wide range in ages observed for the most suitable corals. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley &amp; Sons, Ltd.

유통 환제의 유해 중금속 함량 및 위해도 평가

The objective of this study is investigation of contamination levels and assessment of health risk effects of heavy metals in herbal pills. 31 Items and 93 samples were obtained for this investigation from major herbal medicine producing areas, herbal markets and on-line supermarkets from Jan to Jun in 2010. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer method was conducted for the quantitative analysis of Pb, Cd and As. In addition, the mer- cury analyzer system was conducted for that of Hg without sample digestion. The average contents of heavy metals in samples were as follows : 0.87 mg/kg for Pb, 0.08 mg/kg for Cd, 2.87 mg/kg for As and 0.16 mg/kg for Hg, respec- tively. In addition, the average contents of heavy metals in different parts of plants, including cortex, fructus, herba, radix, seed, algae and others were 0.63 mg/kg, 3.94 mg/kg, 1.42 mg/kg, 1.05 mg/kg, 0.16 mg/kg, 22.31 mg/kg and 10.17 mg/kg, respectively. After the estimations of dietary exposure, the acceptable daily intake (ADI), the average daily dose (ADD), the provisional tolerable weekly intake (PTWI) and the relative hazard of heavy metals were eval- uated. As the results, the relative hazards compared to PTWI in samples were below the recommended standard of JECFA as Pb 3.1%, Cd 0.9%, Hg 0.5%. Cancer risks through slope factor (SF) by Ministry of Environment Republic Korea and Environmental Protection Agency was 4.24 × 10 �7 for Pb and 3.38 × 10 �4 for As (assuming that the total arsenic content was equal to the inorganic arsenic). Based on our results, possible Pb-induced cancer risks in herbal pills according to parts used including cortex, fructus, herba, radix, seed, algae and others were 1.95 × 10 �7 , 1.45 × 10 �6 , 2.14 × 10 �7 , 6.27 × 10 �7 , 1.99 × 10 �8 , 3.61 × 10 �7 and 9.64 × 10 �8 , respectively. Possible As-induced cancer risks in herbal pills by parts used including cortex, fructus, herba, radix, seed, algae and others were 1.54 × 10 �5 , 7.24 × 10 �5 , 1.23 × 10 �4 , 2.02 × 10 �5 , 3.25 × 10 �6 , 2.18 × 10 �3 and 5.67 × 10 �6 respectively. Taken together, these results indicate

Determination of total lead in lipstick: Development and validation of a microwave‐assisted digestion, inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometric method

Recent reports describing the presence of lead (Pb) in lipsticks have suggested that, under ordinary use, the potential amount of Pb exposure is harmful. To permit independent assessment of the Pb contamination, a method for determining total Pb in lipstick using microwave-assisted digestion and analysis employing inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) was developed and validated. Since lipsticks may contain fats, oils, pigments, dyes, and minerals, several reference materials (RM) were analyzed, including coal, wear metals in oil, organic Pb in oil, milk powder, and estuarine sediment. With the exception of the RM with mineral content (estuarine sediment), complete recovery of Pb from the RMs was obtained by simple nitric acid (HNO(3)) digestion. Complete recovery of Pb from estuarine sediment was achieved only when hydrofluoric acid (HF) was added to the digestion mix, followed by treatment with excess boric acid (H(3)BO(3)) to neutralize the HF and to dissolve insoluble fluorides. Commercial lipsticks were tested for total Pb by the validated method. The detection limit was estimated to be 0.04 microg Pb/g. The average value obtained for the lipsticks was 1.07 microg/g. Undigested material was present in some lipstick digests when only HNO(3) was used, and generally lower Pb values were obtained. All of the Pb levels found by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) were within the range the agency would expect to find in lipsticks formulated with permitted color additives and other ingredients prepared under good manufacturing practice (GMP) conditions. This method will be useful for the FDA and industry in helping to ensure the safety of cosmetic products.

Methods for determination of iodine in urine and salt

Good quality data on iodine concentrations in urine and salt samples are indispensable for the efficient management of national salt iodisation programmes and for evaluating iodine interventions. Most of the analytical methods for urinary iodine concentration are based on the manual spectrophotometric measurement of Sandell-Kolthoff reduction reaction catalysed by iodine using different oxidising reagents in the initial digestion step. Other analytical methods include semi-quantitative methods, a microplate method, automated methods; and the technologically advanced methods include the inductively coupled plasma mass-spectrometer method. Iodine in salt is determined quantitatively by the titration method, colorimetrically by the WYD iodine checker or by a technologically advanced potentiometric method. Worldwide, titration is the method of choice because of its accuracy, ease of operation and low cost. Rapid test kits are suitable for qualitative use in situations where iodised salt need to be distinguished from non-iodised salt, preferably with titration back-up.