Determination Of Mineral Content Research Articles

Analysis of Nutritional Profiles, Mineral Content, and Contaminants in Palm Oil from Yenagoa Metropolis, Nigeria: Assessing Quality and Safety Standards

Aim: This study aims to evaluate the nutritional profiles, chemical compositions, and potential contamination of palm oil samples from different locations in Yenagoa Metropolis, Nigeria, to assess their quality and safety. Study Design: An analytical investigation was conducted, using proximate analysis, mineral content determination, and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) to characterize the palm oil samples' composition and contamination levels. Place and Duration of Study: The research was carried out in Yenagoa Metropolis, Nigeria, from January to October 2023. Methods: Palm oil samples were collected from three distinct locations within Yenagoa Metropolis. Proximate analysis quantified moisture, ash, protein, fat, and carbohydrate contents. Mineral content was assessed for potassium, iron, magnesium, and phosphorus. GC-MS was employed to identify and quantify bioactive compounds and potential contaminants in the samples. Results: Moisture content ranged from 0.00% in sample C to 3.00% in sample A. Ash content was highest in samples B and C, at 20.06%, while sample C had the highest fat content at 47.0%. Potassium (10.9%) and phosphorus (0.53%) were also highest in sample C. GC-MS analysis revealed key bioactive compounds, such as n-hexadecanoic acid and squalene, but also detected harmful contaminants especially in samples A and B. Presence of Isobutylene glycol and various oxiranes can cause skin, eye, and respiratory irritation, with prolonged exposure leading to severe health issues. Benzene, toluene, Trimethylamine compound with Borane, Pentane 3-ethyl-2-methyl and Heptane 2-methyl are associated with respiratory problems, neurological damage, and potential long-term organ effects. Contaminants in the oil samples were attributed to inadequate refining, contaminated raw materials, improper handling, and environmental pollution. This study emphasizes the nutritional value of palm oil while highlighting the need for improved quality control measures to ensure the safety and efficacy of palm oil products.

Effectiveness of energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence for the quantification of mineral elements in skim milk and whey powders

Milk and whey are subjected to quick deterioration due to bacterial growth. Turning them into powder allows for extended shelf life, easier storage, and more effective transport. Monitoring mineral elements in dairy powders is crucial for both technological and nutritional implications. Current analysis of minerals in food matrices is time consuming and requires high costs and labor. In this view, energy dispersive x-ray fluorescence (ED-XRF) may represent a potential alternative technique to rapidly determine mineral content of food matrices. The present study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of ED-XRF technique for the prediction of Na, Mg, P, S, K, Ca, Cu, and Zn in skim milk and whey powders. Reference analysis for mineral concentration in dairy powders was inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry. The accuracy of ED-XRF for the prediction of mineral elements was assessed on all available samples (global calibration set; n = 23), and after splitting the whole data in a training set (n = 16) and a testing set (n = 7), comprising 70% and 30% of the available samples, respectively. The accuracy of prediction was moderate to low for Na and Mg, whereas robust predictions were obtained for P, S, K, Ca, Cu, and Zn, with coefficients of determination in global calibration from 0.88 to 0.99, and ratios performance to deviation in testing from 2.14 to 24.74. Results suggest that ED-XRF can be considered for accurate prediction of main mineral elements in dairy powders.

Determination of Mineral Content and Physico-Chemical Properties of Apis Honey from Karnataka State

The present investigation analyzed Apis honey samples of dorsata, cerana, mellifera and florea spp. from Coorg and Kolar districts of Karnataka. The physical parameters, pH, optical density, viscosity, and moisture contents were analyzed for the Apis honey samples and were found to comply with international standards. The efficacy of Apis honey in medical research chiefly depends on its mineral constituents. Hence, the total ash content was calculated using the Ivanov and Chevanakova methods. An atomic absorption spectrophotometer and flame photometer were used to quantify minerals in honey samples. The total ash range was between 0.24±0.2 to 0.65±0.1 per cent. The F-test and ANOVA values of the total ash content of honey samples were significant at 5% levels. Honey of Apis dorsata had 4.33±0.01 ppm±SD of Calcium and 1.69±0.02 ppm±SD of Magnesium; 0.004±0.0001 ppm±SD of Chromium 0.09±0.02 ppm±SD of Iron was found in honey of Apis florea. Likewise, honey of Apis cerana had Copper (0.05±0.002 ppm±SD), Manganese (0.08±0.002 ppm±SD), Phosphorus (0.49±0.02 ppm±SD), Potassium (40.44±0.09 ppm±SD) and Sodium (4.37±0.06 ppm±SD). Zinc (0.06±0.002 ppm±SD) was present in honey of A. mellifera. All the mineral nutrients studied were within the compliance range and determined to be statistically significant (p< 0.05). It was concluded that the Karnataka Apis honey maintains its good standards.

Multivariate Analysis of Okra [Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench] Genotypes and Hybrids based on Mineral Content

Background: In 2021, the world production of okra [Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench] was over 10.8 million tonnes which is led by India (about 60%). The objective of this study was to determine mineral content of genotypes and hybrids of okra identified by our in-house heterosis breeding programme. Methods: The samples were digested in a heating block using nitric acid and hydrogen peroxide and analyzed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) for mineral profiling of okra samples. Result: The results were evaluated using multivariate analysis. The genotype EC169474 was with the highest concentration of minerals Na (184.91 μg/g), K (14613.52 μg/g) and Fe (268.76 μg/g), while, EC169477 was found to have highest concentration of Mg (6530.76 μg/g) and Ca (273.58 μg/g). Comparatively, in hybrids, EC 169470 x EC169474 contains highest concentration of minerals Na (177.27 μg/g) and Ca (253.01 μg/g), EC169474 x EC169477 contains highest Mg (6301.74 μg/g) and hybrid EC169468 x EC169477 contains highest K (14412.99 μg/g) and Fe (246.51 μg/g). Principal component analysis (PCA) reveals that the element that contributed most for the variability between the genotypes and hybrids was K, moderate contribution by Ca, Fe and Na, while, Mg being the least. Score plot of principal components reveals EC169470 and EC169477 among the most variable genotypes and EC169470 x EC169477 was the most variable hybrid. Hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) tends to separate all analyzed samples in two major clusters. However, the genotypes EC169474 and EC169477 were grouped in hybrid cluster, while, hybrid EC169470 ´ EC169477 grouped with genotype cluster. The multivariate analysis revealed a systematic difference in the mineral content of okra. The results presented in this study are of great value for nutritionally dense breeding programmes for okra that provides important nutritional diversity by hybrids.

SYNTHESIS AND CHARACTERIZATION OF Mn+2 , Co+2 , Ni+2 , Cu+2 AND Zn+2 COMPLEXES WITH 4-(2-(BENZO-1,3-DIOXOL-5-YL)-4,5-DIPHENYL-2,5- DIHYDRO-1H-IMIDAZOL-1-YL)ANILINE AND EVALUATION OF THEIR BIOLOGICAL ACTIVITY

The aim of this work was to create new ligand complexes and evaluate their effectiveness against certain strains of bacteria. A Brucker Tensor 27co FTIR spectrophotometer was used to record the infrared spectra. Elemental analysis (C, H, N) was carried out on an AA670 atomic absorption spectrophotometer to determine mineral content, and the conductivity of PCM3 Jenway was measured to record electronic spectra. The ligand was prepared, that possessed physical constants and spectroscopic properties. The complexes [M(L)2Cl2] and [M(L)4Cl2] were also prepared, where M=Mn(II), Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), and Zn(II), which were synthesized by direct reaction of the above ligand with metal chlorides in (2:1) or (4:1) (Ligand : metal) molar ratio in the ethanol medium. The ligand compound 4-(2-(benzo-1,3-dioxol-5-yl)-4,5-diphenyl-2,5-dihydro1H-imidazol-1-yl)aniline (L) was obtained. The prepared complexes were shown by elemental analysis, spectroscopic studies (FTIR, UV/vis), 1H-NMR measurement, conductivity measurements, and electron spectrometry value, which indicate the presence of tetrahedral and octahedral geometry around the metal ions. The biological antibacterial activity of the compounds and complexes has been demonstrated against specific strains of G+ Staph. aureus and G− Bacillus. The bonding compound L coordinates the metal in a tetrahedral and octahedral N-M-N manner. The compound and its complexes had activity against specific strains of bacteria. The ligand (L1) and the complex (3) had a greater effect on different types of bacteria than the rest of the complexes, which had a lower efficiency rate.

Determination of mineral content and antimicrobial activities of sumac (Rhus coriaria L.) grown under Kilis ecological conditions (Turkey)

In this study, it was aimed to determine the antimicrobial activity of sumac (Rhus coriaria L.) fruits naturally grown in Kilis region and frequently used in the food of the people and to make antibiograms of the used pathogens. The antimicrobial activity of ethanol, methanol, water and petroleum ether extracts of Sumac (Rhus coriaria L.) fruits was investigated. The antimicrobial effect of the obtained extracts was tested on Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas spp., Bacterial strains and Penicillium thomi and Aspergillus parasiticus fungi according to disk diffusion method. Antibacterial effects of extracts of Rhus coriaria L. fruits with different solvents on different test microorganisms were measured by disc diffusion method. In the study, it was determined that the bacteria used were susceptible / resistant to various antibiotic discs, and that the ethanol extract from the microorganisms used had a maximum effect of 33 mm on the S. aureus strain. Methanol extracts (10-30 mm) of the fungi used were found to be more effective. It has been observed that petroleum ether extracts do not act against the microorganisms used. In general, it has been determined that there is antimicrobial property and protective effect against microorganisms as a natural product. Sumac is a natural food substance abundantly consumed in the region according to other regions. Consideration of commercial dimensions around the world is considered to be an important source of income in the development of our country.

Effects Density and Salinity of Artificial Brackish Water on the Growth and Physiological Perfomance of Whiteleg Shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei Boone, 1931)

The increase in shrimp culture causes problems with the quality of seawater which is a source of water for whiteleg shrimp culture it self. The use of artificial brackish water as a culture medium is an effort to increase the availability of water sources for whiteleg shrimp culture. This study aims to (1) determine the optimum stocking density of whiteleg shrimp culture using artificial brackish water salinity based on carrying capacity, (2) determine mineral content (Mg, Ca, Na and K) in artificial brackish water, (3) study the effect of salinity on the growth and blood glucose concentration of whiteleg shrimp cultivated in artificial brackish water, (4) examine the effect of salinity on hemolymph osmolarity of whiteleg shrimp cultivated in artificial brackish water. This study used an experimental method consisting of two stages. Each stage was arranged using a completely randomized design (CRD). Obtained stocking densities of SD-50% (20 shrimps/50L), SD (40 shrimps/50L) and SD+50% (60 shrimps/50L). The best growth and performance were obtained in the treatment of 20 individuals, namely survival (SR) 87%, specific growth rate (SGR) 3.26%/day and hemolymph glucose concentration of 30.73 mg/dl. In the next stage of the research, the salinity treatments tested were seawater, 10 ppt, 15 ppt, 20 ppt and 25 ppt. The best shrimp performance was obtained in treatment 20 shrimps/50 L, namely survival rate 70.00%, specific growth rate (SGR) 1.55%/day, feed conversion ratio (FCR) 1.72, glucose haemolymp 73.44 mg/dl. The optimal osmotic work level (OWL) value is obtained at a salinity of 15-20 ppt.

Total Phosphorous and Mineral Content Determination in Rock Phosphates using ICP-MS

ABSTRACT Phosphorous (P) is an essential element for plant growth and development, and its scarcity is a severe crop output constraint. Determination of total P in soil and fertilizers is very important in agriculture as the amount of P is related to crop production. Rock phosphate (RP) is an excellent natural source of P widely used for P fertilizer production. The objective of this study was to compare two different digestion methods, microwave digestion and hot plate digestion, and to evaluate the performance of two analytical techniques, inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy (ICP-MS) and colorimetry (UV-VIS), for measuring total P in imported RP samples. The validation of microwave digestion followed by analysis in ICP-MS was performed. Phosphorus has detection and quantification limits of 1 mg L−1 and 5 mg L−1 respectively through ICP-MS analysis. Average P recovery was found 92.12–96.53%. Precision in terms of intra-day (%RSDR = 2.76–5.98 evaluated using ICP-MS) and inter-day (%RSDr = 2.92–6.75) were found to be within the acceptable range (20%), indicating consistency of the proposed method to determine total-P over traditional UV-VIS method. The combination of microwave-assisted digestion and ICP-MS offers superior efficiency in determining both phosphorus (P) and heavy metals, including aluminum, iron, zinc, cadmium, strontium, manganese and chromium, in RP samples. Hence, this method is novel and rapid and is used for the quantification of total P in different RP samples for quality control.

Proximal and mineral composition of native fish species from Amazonas, Brazil

For decades, researches were developed about the diversity of fishes in the Amazon basin and their consumption by the people. In this context, an important gap identified was a lack of information about the nutritional composition of some of the main Amazon fish species consumed and traded. Front this, the objective of this study was to evaluate the chemical composition and mineral content of filets from 10 fish species with the highest landing volume in Amazonas State. The fish species selected were curimatã, jaraqui, mapará, matrinxã, pacu, piramutaba, sardinha, surubim, tambaqui and tucunaré. Were collected 20 samples (fishes) from each species according to the hydrological cycles of the region (20 samples in the flood and 20 samples in drought). Ten fish samples were processed to determine the proximal composition and 10 fish samples were used to determine mineral content (macro and micro minerals). The proximal composition of fish species analysed varied widely between species and seasons, with an emphasis on moisture and lipid content. Fishes in the flood season presented higher content of nutrients than drought season. This result also was observed in the minerals profile, where fishes in the flood season presented the highest (p < 0.05) minerals content.

Proximate composition, phytochemical screening and mineral content studies of leaves extract of Adenanthera pavonina

Adenanthera pavonina belongs to the leguminous non-climbing plant, with a very prominent value in food chain and therapeutic medicine of traditional origin. The purpose of this study was to evaluate GC-MS analyzed methanolic leaf extract for proximate analysis, phytochemical screening and mineral content determination in order to authenticate its nutraceutical propensity. The leaves were collected, washed with distilled water, dried under shed and powdered. The phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, saponin, flavonoids, carbohydrates, anthocyanin and betacyanin, quinones, cardiac glycoside, terpenoids, triterpenoids, coumarin, steroids, and acids while oxalates, phenol and tannins were absent. The results of a proximate analysis revealed that the plant possessed a significant amount of protein (8.050 ± 0.15% %), crude fiber (11.088 ± 0.07%), moisture content (7.135 ± 0.18%), crude fat (0.8459 ± 0.34%), carbohydrates (67.7911 ± 0.85%), ash contents (5.09 ± 0.11%), organic matters (94.91 ± 0.93%) and vitamin A (0.196). Quantitative analysis on mineral content revealed the presence of Mn (125.350 mg/kg), Fe (878.450 mg/kg), Ni (15.850 mg/kg), Cr (15.850 mg/kg), Cu (11.950 mg/kg), Zn (24.500 mg/kg), K (0.721%), Na (0.074%), Ca (0.988%), Mg (0.988%), Magnesium (0.9 (0.730%). The study also showed that cobalt, cadmium, and lead could not be detected due to the detection limits of the instrument. Physicochemical and spectral analysis were carried out using FT-IR and GC-MS to identify the content of each extract and the hypothesized structures were correlated from spectroscopic data.

Determination Of Macro Mineral Content In Fresh Noni Fruit (Morinda Citrifolia L.) By Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry

This study aims to determine the levels of macro minerals such as potassium, calcium, sodium, and magnesium in fresh noni fruit. The sample of noni fruit was destructed, then quantitative analysis of potassium, calcium, sodium, and magnesium were performed using atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS) at a wavelength 766.5 nm for potassium; 422.7 nm for calcium; 589.0 nm for sodium; and 285.2 nm for magnesium. The advantages of this method are selective and sensitive. The average % recoveries were obtained in 109.7 % for potassium; 96.4 % for calcium; 99.7 % for sodium; and 92.4 % for magnesium. This method is very suitable for determining mineral content in fruit as shown in the recovery results and in accordance with the validation requirements.

Determination of Mineral Content, Proximate Analysis and Composition in Vernonia Amygdalina Leaf Samples from Taraba North, Nigeria

The determination of minerals elements and proximate analysis of vernonia amygdalina samples was taken from Sabon-gari area, Koffai area and Mile 6 areas, all in Taraba North with the view to evaluate the mineral content of the samples using standard methods.

In vitro regeneration through indirect organogenesis, genetic uniformity analysis and mineral content determination of finger millet (Eleusine coracana L.)

In vitro regeneration through indirect organogenesis, genetic uniformity analysis and mineral content determination of finger millet (Eleusine coracana L.)

A petrographic study of bauxite of Kenco area, Landak District, West Kalimantan Province

Lateritic bauxite are the products of intense weathering of rocks. It is largely controlled by bedrock type, time, climate (rainfall), and geomorphology. It is located in Kenco area, Landak district, West Kalimantan Province which the rest of the development of Cretaceous volcanism consisting of the island of Borneo Volcanic Formations Mensibau with unit members Granodiorite, quartz diorite and diorite, and the Formation of the Kingdom Volcanic Andesite-trachite units and Formations of alluvium and swamp sediment quarter. Bauxite deposits of Kenco area in Landak are investigated to determine the characteristics of rocks using petrographic analysis. Petrographic analysis aims to determine mineral content and type of source rock based on Travis classification (1955). The results of 15 thin sections showed that aluminum-bearing minerals consisted of orthoclase, plagioclase, and biotite which are the type of source rock are granodiorite, granodiorite porphyry, gabbro porphyry, and basalt porphyry based on Travis classification (1955).

Comparative Study of Mineral Content in Different Varieties of Green Tea

Camellia sinensis L. leaves composed of different concentrations of mineral contents play a vital role in human nutrition and health. In this study, locally processed three different green tea varieties i.e. P3, P5 and P9 were used for mineral content determination at National Tea and High Value Crops Research Institute (NTHRI), Shinkiari, Mansehra, Pakistan. Atomic absorption spectrophotometer, flame photometer and Kjehldal apparatus were used for the determination of mineral concentration in all the collected tea samples. Mineral composition of tea samples were identified in the following quantity order: high level of nitrogen (37300 to 41380 mg/L), calcium (515.6 to 522.1 mg/L) and phosphorus (742 to 1220 mg/L) were observed in all tea samples compared to other minerals. Cobalt (Co), molybdenum (Mo), sodium (Na), zinc (Zn), nickel (Ni) and copper (Cu) were highest in P3, while least amount was identified in P5, variety. On the contrary, calcium (Ca), potassium (K) and lead (Pb) contents were maximum in P5, while minimum were in P3. This study revealed that the levels of mineral elements in different varieties of green tea vary from the permissible level but the monitoring of their levels in tea plant is obligatory for future risk measurements.

Heavy Metal Content Screening in Leaves and Flowers of Hypericum montbretii Spach. by Atomic Absorption Spectrometry

Atomic absorption spectrometry facilitates the reliable determination of mineral content during pharmaceutical quality control of medicinal plants. In the present work, measurable amounts of Fe, Ca, Cu, K, Mg, Mn, Na and Zn were detected in the leaves and flowers of Hypericum montbretii Spach. through atomic absorption spectrometry. Mean heavy metal content in the flowers and leaves of H. montbretii Spach. was, in descending order, Ca > Mg > K > Mn> Na. Ca was present in higher concentrations in the leaves (10252.75 ppm) and flowers (7321.94 ppm) of titled plant. Our results reveal that flowers are less suitable as target plant parts for metal accumulation than leaves.

Trace element composition of tree fodder and potential nutritional use for livestock

Silvopastoral agroforestry, the integration of trees into livestock production systems, is an ancient practice with benefits to animal welfare and nutrition. Intensification of farming practices have reduced the presence of trees and hedgerows in the agricultural landscape. Environmental benefits coupled with improvements to ecological resilience and the long-term sustainability of farm productivity have led to a resurgence in interest in silvopastoral farming systems. The objective of this study was to investigate the nutritional composition and potential use of tree leaves as a supplementary fodder for ruminant livestock, with particular reference to sheep.Leaves (including petioles) were collected during spring (June) and autumn (September) from goat willow (Salix caprea), oak (Quercus spp) and alder (Alnus spp) from three sites in the UK. On the third site samples of ash (Fraxinus excelsior), beech (Fagus sylvatica), sweet chestnut (Castenea sativa) and sycamore (Acer pseudoplatanus) were also collected. Tree leaves were analysed to determine mineral content, dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), modified acid detergent fibre (MADF) and metabolisable energy (ME) which were then compared to the nutritional requirements of grazing sheep (Ovis aries).Leaves from all tree species used in this study were able to exceed the dietary ME and CP concentration requirements (NRC) for growing lambs (40 kg lamb @ 150 g/d). Alder contained the most ME and CP of the studied species. There was no significant effect of season although CP was higher in spring than autumn for all tree species.Zinc and cobalt concentrations were found to be dependent on tree species with negligible site and season effects. All (NRC) sheep requirements of both elements were exceeded by willow, met by alder and not met by oak, willow exceeded these requirements for zinc and cobalt by approximately 3-6 and 10-15 fold respectively. Leaf selenium concentrations were site specific with site 1 almost able to meet maximal requirement, whilst all other sites (all tree species) were around the minimal requirement.To conclude, ME and CP concentrations of the tree leaves were generally within a requirement range to support adequate growth of lambs if leaves fed alone (not likely in practice). Selenium concentrations were site dependant, iodine was mainly season dependent with tree species effects for zinc and cobalt. The zinc and especially cobalt concentrations of willow leaves were sufficient to suggest that willow could be used as a bio-supplement when fed within a conventional grazing system, especially useful for growing lambs.

Determination of Mineral Content of Seeds Belonging to Different Quinoa Varieties and their Evaluation for Daily Mineral Requirements of Laying Hens

No study has been conducted to determine the mineral content of seeds belonging to different quinoa varieties under the conditions of Turkey. In addition, there is no study on whether quinoa seeds that containing high amounts of minerals can be utilized for mineral needs of laying hens in particular. In this study, which was carried out under Erzurum irrigated conditions, it was aimed to determine the mineral content of seeds belonging to nine quinoa varieties and whether they can appropriately utilize for meeting mineral requirements (as recommended by NRC) of laying hens. Significant differences were observed in the mineral contents of the varieties. The phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, copper, manganese, zinc and boron contents of the seeds varied between 0.18-0.25%, 0.76-1.08%, 0.07-0.12%, 3427-5453 mg kg-1, 233.8-577.8 mg kg-1, 45.6-107.8 mg kg-1, 40.2-72.9 mg kg-1, 29.8-55.4 mg kg-1 and 48.3-94.7 mg kg-1, respectively. When these results were compared with the values recommended by NRC, it was seen that quinoa seeds could exceedingly meet the daily mineral requirements (except calcium) of laying hens. As a result, it has been revealed that the seeds of all quinoa varieties can be evaluated as an organic mineral source in the feeding of laying hens.

Characteristics and Genetic Mechanisms of Normal-Pressure Fractured Shale Reservoirs: A Case Study From the Wufeng–Longmaxi Formation in Southeastern Chongqing, China

Compared with the overpressure conditions of shale reservoirs in the Jiaoshiba area, exploring the controlling factors of changes in shale reservoir physical properties under normal-pressure accumulation is of great significance to shale gas exploration. To achieve this, X-ray powder diffraction, nitrogen adsorption, and scanning electron microscopy were carried out to determine mineral content, permeability, porosity, and pore structure for well core and outcrop samples of the Wufeng–Longmaxi Formation in southeastern Chongqing, China. Field observations and drilling cores revealed abundant structural fractures in southeastern Chongqing, offering potential main storage space for shale gas. Findings also determined that high-quality source rocks are located in the lower part of the Wufeng–Longmaxi Formation, which features low porosity and low permeability, yet existing structural fractures could potentially improve permeability to a certain extent. The main factors controlling the shale reservoir with the above characteristics include the depositional environment, mineral components, total organic carbon content, and tectonic movement. The deep-water anoxic depositional environment was conducive to the complete preservation of organic matter and sedimentation of the biogenic siliceous minerals, which had a strong effect on improving the porosity of organic matter and brittleness of the rocks. The high content of quartz was found to improve rock compression resistance and brittleness, and increasing clay proportion was found to enhance the interlayer pores of clay minerals. Total organic carbon content, specific surface area, pore volume, and fracture development were all found to have direct contributions to shale gas entrapment. Overall, the most important factor resulting in normal-pressure accumulation in southeastern Chongqing was the intense tectonic movements since the Late Jurassic period which destroyed the original overpressure accumulation conditions.

Heavy Metal Content Screening in Leaves and Flowers of Hypericum origanifolium Willd. by Atomic Absorption Spectrometry

Atomic absorption spectrometry facilitates the reliable determination of mineral content during pharmaceutical quality control of medicinal plants. In the present work, measurable amounts of Fe, Ca, Cu, K, Mg, Mn, Na and Zn were detected in the leaves and flowers of Hypericum origanifolium Willd. through atomic absorption spectrometry. Mean heavy metal content in the flowers and leaves of H. origanifolium was, in descending order, Ca > Mg > K > Na > Fe. Ca was present in higher concentrations in the flowers (11157.24 ppm) and leaves (20132.24 ppm) of titled plant. Our results reveal that flowers are less suitable as target plant parts for metal accumulation than leaves.