Elements Pb Research Articles

Evaluation of Toxic Heavy Metals and Health Risk in Airborne Particulate Matter at Qassim region, Saudi Arabia

Particulate matter (PM) significantly influences air quality, visibility, climate change, the earth’s radiative balance, and human health. The significance of carrying out this investigation in its entirety is due to the small amount of data that has been collected and published in Qassim region (26.2078º N, 43.4837º E). Understanding the origins of PM and its chemical species in Qassim districts is advantageous for the purpose of identifying impacts on one’s health Characterization of pollution sources also will assist in the success of mitigation strategies and solve the issue of increased PM concentrations in outdoor areas. Therefore, this study described the physical and chemical properties of PM by measuring the PM1, PM2.5, and PM10 concentrations in Qassim’s central urban and rural areas. In urban Qassim, the average PM1, PM2.5, and PM10 concentrations were 12.23, 33.16, and 155.38 µg/m3, respectively. On the other hand, the average PM1, PM2.5, and PM10 concentrations reached 8.18, 23.03, and 93.57 µg/m3 in rural Qassim, respectively. The findings revealed that fine particle concentrations have risen over allowable levels due to dust storms. A total of 18 elements and 8 chemical compounds were determined and identified. The compound concentrations of Al2O3, SiO2, CaO, TiO2, K2O, BaO, MnO, Fe2O3 and the essential elements Sr, V, Al, Cu, Ca, Fe, Cr, As, Zr, K, Br, Ba, Pb, Mn, Ni, Zn, Rb and Ti were determined using XRF and XRD. The findings revealed that fine particle concentrations have risen over allowable levels due to dust storms. The main elements in the trace elements were Ca, Fe, Al, Sr, K, and Mg, indicating significant contributions from the soil (Ca, Fe, Al, Mg), as well as from industrial and vehicle emissions (Sr, Ca, Al, Fe, K). V, Cu, Zn, Cr, Ni, Pb, Sr, As, Mn and Br fall under the anthropogenic category of trace elements, while Al, S, Na, Mg, Rb, K, Zr, Ti, Fe, Mn, Sr, Y, Cr, Ca, Ni, Zn and Cu are obtained from the earth's crust. HIGHLIGHTS The study measured levels of toxic heavy metals in airborne particulate matter (PM) in the Qassim region of Saudi Arabia The results indicated that the concentrations PM were higher than the recommended guidelines set by the World Health Organization (WHO), which poses a potential health risk to the population The study suggests that the major sources of heavy metals in the Qassim region are from dust storms and anthropogenic activities such as industrial activities and traffic emissions The study highlights the importance of regular monitoring of heavy metals in PM and the need for effective pollution control measures to protect public health GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

Geochemical Modeling of Copper Mineralization Using Geostatistical and Machine Learning Algorithms in the Sahlabad Area, Iran

Analyzing geochemical data from stream sediment samples is one of the most proactive tools in the geochemical modeling of ore mineralization and mineral exploration. The main purpose of this study is to develop a geochemical model for prospecting copper mineralization anomalies in the Sahlabad area, South Khorasan province, East Iran. In this investigation, 709 stream sediment samples were analyzed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), and geostatistical and machine learning techniques. Subsequently, hierarchical analysis (HA), Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient, concentration–area (C–A) fractal analysis, Kriging interpolation, and descriptive statistics studies were performed on the geochemical dataset. Machine learning algorithms, namely K-means clustering, factor analysis (FA), and linear discriminant analysis (LDA) were employed to deliver a comprehensive geochemical model of copper mineralization in the study area. The identification of trace elements and the predictor composition of copper mineralization, the separation of copper geochemical communities, and the investigation of the geochemical behavior of copper vs. its trace elements were targeted and accomplished. As a result, the elements Ag, Mo, Pb, Zn, and Sn were distinguished as trace elements and predictors of copper geochemical modeling in the study area. Additionally, geochemical anomalies of copper mineralization were identified based on trace elements. Conclusively, the nonlinear behavior of the copper element versus its trace elements was modeled. This study demonstrates that the integration and synchronous use of geostatistical and machine learning methods can specifically deliver a comprehensive geochemical modeling of ore mineralization for prospecting mineral anomalies in metallogenic provinces around the globe.

Pb speciation and elemental distribution in leeks by micro X-ray fluorescence and X-ray absorption near-edge structure.

Vegetables are crucial to a human diet as they supply the body with essential vitamins, minerals, etc. Heavy metals that accumulate in plants consequently enter the food chain and endanger people's health. Studying the spatial distribution and chemical forms of elements in plant/vegetable tissues is vital to comprehending the potential interactions between elements and detoxification mechanisms. In this study, leek plants and soil from vegetable gardens near lead-zinc mines were collected and cultivated with 500 mg L-1 PbNO3 solutions for three weeks. Micro X-ray fluorescence was used to map the distribution of Pb and other chemical elements in leek roots, and X-ray absorption near-edge spectroscopy was used to assess the Pb speciation in leek roots and leaves. These findings demonstrated that Pb, Cu, Mn, Cr, Ti and Fe were detected in the outer rings of the root's cross section, and high-intensity points were observed in the epidermis. Zn, K and Ca, on the other hand, were distributed throughout the root's cross section. Leek root and leaf contained significant quantities of lead phosphate and basic lead carbonate at more than 80%, followed by lead sulfide (19%) and lead stearate (11.1%). The capacity of leek roots to convert ambient lead into precipitated lead and fix it on the root epidermis and other inner surfaces is a key mechanism for reducing the toxic effects of Pb.

Bdullahi

This study determines the heavy metal concentrations of water from Ekuku dam in Okene local government area of Kogi state. Water samples and available fish samples from Ekuku dam were collected, digested and analysed using inductively couple plasma – optical emission spectrometer (ICP-OES). There results of water samples were below or within the range of the recommended limit of WHO and other recognized regulatory bodies. Similarly, the head, gills, muscle and liver of the two fishes sample collected from Ekuku dam were found to contain all the analysed heavy metals (Mn, Cu, Pb, Cd, Fe, Zn, Cd, Cr, Ni, and Hg) at different levels. Some of the determine metals in the parts of the fishes may not be harmful to consumers because the observed values of heavy metals were below the permissible limits issued by World Health Organisation (WHO) and other recognized regulatory bodies for human consumption however, elements like Cr, Ni and Pb call for serious concerned. Finally, Pearson’s correlation at 95% confidence levels of significance was calculated for finding relationship between elements content in water and fish sample. Significantly positive and negative correlation was observed between different elements in water and fish samples.

A comparative evaluation of enrichment of trace elements in South African and Australian coals using SRXRF

In this study, coals imported from South Africa and Australia were characterized and quantified by an accelerator based X-ray emission technique viz., Synchrotron Radiation X-ray Fluorescence (SRXRF). Twelve trace metallic analytes (V, Cr, Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Se, Rb, Sr, and Pb) and four minor elements (K, Ca, Ti, and Fe) were quantified by SRXRF. Elements of environmental concern, V, Cr, Co, Sr, and Pb were found to be enriched with respect to Clarke's world coal values. Correlation analysis reveals that most of the enriched trace elements in both the studied coals have organic affinity rather than inorganic affinity except Cr. Elements were clustered into three groups by hierarchical cluster analysis based on their chemical affinities.

Prenatal Metals Exposure and pre-adolescents’ Emotional and Behavioral Problems

Emotional and behavioral problems during childhood raise the risk of subsequent developmental of mental disorders. Our aim was to study the association between maternal metal and trace element concentrations during gestation and these problems in 9 year-old children. The study sample comprised Spanish mother-child pairs in the INMA project (n = 1003). Metals and trace elements (As, Cd, Co, Cu, Mo, Ni, Pb, Sb, Se, Tl and Zn) were measured in urine samples collected during pregnancy. Inorganic As metabolites were speciated in a subsample (n = 729). Emotional and behavioral problems were assessed using the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) composed of three scales: internalizing, externalizing and total problems. Sociodemographic, dietary and exposure to other environmental pollutants were obtained through questionnaires. Single nucleotide polymorphisms in brain- and metabolism-related genes APOE, BDNF, GSTP1, and PON1 were determined in cord blood. Multivariate negative binomial models were used. The interaction with sex and genotypes was evaluated including interaction terms. A multi-element analysis was carried out by a principal component analysis. Higher concentrations of Cu, monomethylarsonic acid, and Pb during pregnancy were associated with an increased incidence ratio risk (IRR) between 4.6 and 7.5% for internalizing and externalizing problems for all three CBCL scales in the children. Increasing Mo, Ni and Co concentrations were associated with higher IRR for internalizing problems (up to 8%), and Cd for externalizing problems (6.7%). Modifications by sex and genotypes were found for several associations. Multi-element analysis associated multiple metals and trace elements (Ni, Cu, Se, Cd and Pb) with higher internalizing problems.

Green synthesis of Mn doped Cs3Cu2X5 (X=Cl, Br) powders with excellent photoluminescence and stability for anti-counterfeiting

Lead halide perovskite have drawn enormous attention recently for their excellent optoelectronic properties in many fields. However, the toxicity of Pb element and poor stability extremely hinder their practical applications. Herein, 0 D orthorhombic Cs3Cu2X5 powders (X = Cl, Br) are simply synthesized by a novel method, which using H2O as green solvent, CuX2 as the substitute of CuX. They exhibit broadband blue-green photoluminescence (PL) emissions of 468–530 nm with large Stokes shifts, which are attributed to their intrinsic self-trapped exciton (STE) emission characteristics. Moreover, Mn doped Cs3Cu2Cl5 powder present higher PLQY (78%) and longer average lifetime (108 μs), which also have an improved stability for moist air, UV light and high temperature. The obtained Cs3Cu2Br5 microrods show a low PLQY ∼20% and bad stability, but the faded photoluminescence can be recovered by further thermal treatment. Finally, a kind of green economic anti-counterfeiting ink is obtained, which would be activated by high temperature and deep-ultraviolet. The CIE coordinate of fabricated green emitting LED is (0.30, 0.53), which indicates they have a potential for future lighting application.

Rare earths and other elements content in hen eggs sold in Italy: comparison among main types of farming methods and consumer's health risk assessment.

Recently, in Italy, consumers are choosing hen eggs from farming systems with higher ethical value, due to their perception of a related higher quality and safety. The purposes of this study were to evaluate the existence of differences in elemental content in Italian eggs from organic, barn, and caged hen farming methods and to determine the related potential consumer exposure risk to inorganic contaminants due to the consumption of eggs. One hundred seventy-six egg samples were collected and analyzed using Q-ICP-MS to investigate the content of 14 elements (Pb, As, Hg, Cd, Tl, Fe, Zn, Mn, Cu, Se, Co, Ni, V, and Cr) and 13 rare earth elements (La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, and Yb). The scenarios of exposure to rare earth and other elements from eggs were estimated for three age groups of consumers. The daily intake values were always lower than the respective safety reference values. In conclusion, Italian hen eggs contain low levels of rare earth and other elements, and therefore, their consumption does not represent a risk of exposure. Finally, no significant differences in contaminants between conventional and organic farming methods were found.

Trophic dynamics of methylmercury and trace elements in a remote Amazonian Lake

Information on pollutant trophodynamics can be crucial for public health, as contaminated food consumption may lead to deleterious effects. This study was performed in Puruzinho Lake, a remote body of water in the Brazilian Amazon from which a riparian human population obtains an important part of its animal protein intake. Samples from 92 individuals, comprising 13 species and four trophic guilds (iliophagous, planktivorous, omnivorous, and piscivorous fish) were analysed for the determination of trace elements (Fe, Cr, Mn, Ni, Zn, Ca, Sr, Cd, Sn, Tl and Pb) and methylmercury concentrations. Samples from the same individuals had already been analysed for stable isotope (SI) measurements (δ13C and δ15N) in a previous investigation and the SI data have been statistically treated with those generated in this study for the evaluation of trophic dynamics of contaminants. Methylmercury was the only analyte that biomagnified, presenting TMF values of 4.65 and 4.55 for total and resident ichthyofauna, respectively. Trace elements presented either trophic dilution or independence from the trophic position, constituting a behaviour that was coherent with that found in the scientific literature. The similarity between Ni behaviour through the trophic web to that of essential elements contributes to the discussion on the essentiality of this metal to fish. Considering the Non-cancer Risk Assessment, the calculated Target Hazard Quotient (THQ) values were higher than 1.0 for all analysed individuals for methylmercury, as well as for only one individual for nickel. No other analyte rendered THQ values higher than 1.0.

Evaluation of Soil Heavy Metal Contamination and Potential Human Health Risk inside Forests, Wildfire Forests and Urban Areas

Recently, due to rapid industrialization and urbanization, many studies have focused on the assessment of soil metal contamination. The present research aimed to investigate the concentration of potentially hazardous elements (Al, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, Ni, Pb, V and Zn) in three different areas (forest, wildfire forest and urban) of the Mediterranean region. Contamination levels were further assessed calculating different indices: contamination factor (CF), geo-accumulation index (GI) and ecological risk (E). The results showed high concentrations of V, Mg and Mn in forest and wildfire forest soils, as well as high concentrations of Al, Fe, Ni, Pb and Zn in urban soils. According to the contamination indices, Pb exceeded the background level in both wildfire forest and urban soils. According to human risk assessment, inhalation appeared the main route of exposure of metals in soils, especially for children. The overall cancer risk was higher than the safe level, especially for Pb. Different relationships were found between the contamination indices and the potential risk of carcinogenic effects according to the diverse metal concentrations. Particularly, wildfire soils showed human health risks mainly linked to Pb, Cu and Cr contaminations, due to human activities, and Ni, due to both anthropogenic and pedogenetic input. Instead, the urban soils showed that Zn contamination, mainly related to urban traffic, influenced the potential carcinogenetic risk in this area. The carcinogenic risk was higher than acceptable values for all the metals assessed. These findings highlighted the need to develop further management practices to protect soils from metal pollution and reduce human health risks.

Gourmet Table Salts: The Mineral Composition Showdown.

Table salts with their specialty flake size, textures, flavors, and colors can be considered a gastronomy niche food already increasing in demand worldwide. Being unrefined, they can contain trace elements potentially both healthy and toxic. In this study, 12 mineral elements (Al, Ca, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Mn, Ni, Pb, Se, and Zn) in 10 different salts commercially available in southern Italy namely, Atlantic grey, Baule volante, Guerande, Hawaiian pink, Hawaiian black, Himalayan pink, Maldon, Mozia, Persian blue, and smoked salts were analyzed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and thermal decomposition amalgamation-atomic absorption spectrophotometry (TDA-AAS). The concentration of mineral elements was variable according to the type of salt and its geographical origin. Co, Cr, Cu, Hg, Pb, and Se levels were tolerable and Al, Ca, Fe, Mn, Ni, and Zn ranged significantly among the samples. Persian Blue and Atlantic Grey salts showed elevated levels of Fe and Zn; their intake can be helpful in some specific conditions. Nevertheless, Ni levels were high in Persian Blue and Smoked salts. Pb exceeded the maximum level in all samples. Additional monitoring analyses of mineral contents in table salts are recommended for human health.

Potentially toxic elements capture by an active living wall in indoor environments: Effect of species in air phytoremediation

Indoor air pollution is a serious health problem throughout the world. Plants are known to be able to reduce the effect of air pollution and improve indoor air quality (IAQ). The aim of the present study was to compare the effectiveness of four plant species (Tradescantia zebrina hort. ex Bosse, Philodendron scandens K. Koch & Sello, Ficus pumila L. and Chlorophtytum comosum (Thunb.) Jacques) planted in an active living wall (ALW) for capturing particle pollutants. The ALW was introduced in a glass chamber and exposed to large (10–40 μm) and fine (1.2–10 μm) airborne particles containing a fixed concentration of potentially toxic elements (Al, B, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Ni and Pb). The surface particle deposition (sPM) was estimated in the leaves from the four species and the potentially toxic element concentration in the particulate matter (PM) was measured in plants, medium culture and in the ALW support system. The distribution of different particle size fractions differed between species. The capacity to trap particles on leaf surfaces was similar among the species (4.7–13 ng cm−2) except when comparing Tradescantia and Chlorophytum with Ficus, being higher in the latter species. Differences in toxic elements accumulation capacity were observed between species depending on the elements considered. The percentage of reduction in indoor pollution using an ALW was in a range of 65–79% being similar between species. Plants were the most important component of the ALW in terms of accumulation of indoor potentially toxic elements. The data presented here could be used to model the effectiveness of ALW systems schemes in improving IAQ.

Determinación de As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb y Zn en tés negros (Camellia sinensis L.) vendidos en supermercados en Campos dos Goytacazes, Brasil

Camellia sinensis L. is a small tree in the Theaceae family. From its leaves is produced a tea, which is the second most consumed non-alcoholic beverage in the world. The tea of this plant can bring several health benefits, however, some elements present in the leaves of Camellia sinensis L. are potentially toxic, for example, As, Cd and Pb; since they are among the ten chemical substances of major health risks. Thus, the objective of this work was to determine the concentrations of As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb and Zn by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP OES) after acid digestion of commercial samples of black tea from the plant Camellia sinensis L. acquired in supermarkets from Campos dos Goytacazes (Brazil). The detection limits for the elements were 0.5 mg kg−1 for As; 0.003 mg kg−1 for Cd; 0.02 mg kg−1 for Cr; 1.2 mg kg−1 for Cu; 0.09 mg kg−1 for Pb and 0.04 mg kg−1 for Zn. The concentrations found of the potentially toxic elements Cd and Pb in the black teas of Camellia sinensis L. are below the concentrations established by ANVISA (0.60 mg kg−1 and 0.40 mg kg−1, respectively).

Do the individual and population-level traits of Donax trunculus reflect the effects of metal contamination in aquatic environments?

Heavy metals are considered a major threat to aquatic ecosystems, due to their ability to penetrate and accumulate through the food chain, putting marine organisms and the ecosystem at risk. This research presents a case study of the Taghazout coast, located in the central Atlantic of Morocco, which has become the focal point of various development projects, including the Taghazout Bay tourist resort. The study aimed to gain a deeper understanding of the harmful effects of these metals on the reproductive cycle and population dynamics of the bivalve Donax trunculus. The assessment of cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), and copper (Cu) levels in D. trunculus bivalves and sediment at the research location provides evidence of exposure to these metal sources by these bivalves. The analysis of the reproductive cycle revealed a balanced sex ratio of males to females. The Sexual Maturity Index (SMI) and Condition Index (CI) of the bivalves were found to be significantly influenced by trace elements Pb and Cu, as well as environmental factors like temperature, dissolved oxygen, and salinity. The maturity stages of the gonads were classified into five stages: undifferentiated, developing, mature, spawning, and spent. Two spawning periods were observed aligning with the population dynamics study that identified a bimodal recruitment (early autumn and spring) in D. trunculus. The population was found to have 11 size cohorts, with a maximum length of 37.96 cm, a yearly growth rate of 1.93 cm, and a short lifespan of 1.5 years. The high mortality rate of 3.30 per year was attributed to the presence of trace elements in Taghazout coast. These findings shed light on heavy metal's impact on the population of D. trunculus, revealing that a sole emphasis on its physiological or cellular effects may overlook its larger impact.

Theoretical Health Risk Assessment Based on Potentially Toxic Element Profiling of Cosmetic Products in Istanbul Street Bazaars.

Toxic elements that pose a potential threat to human health are found as impurities in various cosmetic products. In this study, the inorganic profile of 19 elements (Li, B, Mg, Al, Cr, Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Se, Sr, Mo, Cd, Sb, Ba, Hg, and Pb) in 90 cosmetic products (lipsticks, lip glosses, lip pencils and eye shadows) were detected by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry after microwave acid digestion method and hazard indices (HI) of 9 toxic elements (Pb, Cd, Cr, Ni, Co, As, Hg, Sb, and Al) were calculated for the assessment of theoretical health risk. Satisfactory method performance parameters were found for each analyte. The results were compared with the maximum permissible limits set by regulatory agencies; 38 of 41 lip products (92.68%) and all eye shadows (n = 49) exceeded the established limits. The HI was found to be ≥ 1 in 82.76% of lip products for oral exposure, whereas HI was ≤ 1 for dermal exposure in all lip products (n = 41) and only one eye shadow sample was ≥ 1 (2.04%). Remarkable results were also detected for 19 elements in this study, which conducted a comprehensive inorganic profiling for the first time. Wide-range concentrations of Mg, Al, Ba, Mn, Cu, Zn, and Sr elements were remarkable. HI values were firstly brought out in this study, although Al, as a well-known toxic element, has not been listed in regulations yet. In conclusion, it is obviously seen that continuous monitoring of cosmetics is crucial not only for toxic elements but also for other essential or non-toxic elements to prevent consumers from long-term exposure.

Vertical distribution and trace element contamination in sediment cores affected by gold mining in Colombia

The vertical distribution, level of contamination, potential ecological risks, and historical fluxes of trace elements (Pb, As, and Hg) were evaluated from 210Pb-dated sediment cores in three different areas with gold mining impacts in northern Colombia: the Atrato River (AR), the Delicias Marsh (DM) and the Encaramada Marsh (EM). All cores spanned ∼100 years; the mass accumulation rates followed the order AR > DM > EM. The average trace elements concentrations in the sediment cores were: Pb 2.41 ± 0.72, As 0.65 ± 0.32, Hg 0.07 ± 0.02 μg g−1 in the Atrato River; Pb 23.49 ± 2.59, As 2.46 ± 0.88, Hg 0.10 ± 0.02 μg g−1 in the Delicias Marsh; and Pb 9.76 ± 4.18, As 2.44 ± 1.26, Hg 0.17 ± 0.06 μg g−1 in the Encaramada Marsh. Sediments are classified according to the contamination factor (CF) and geoaccumulation index (Igeo) as low to very highly contaminated. The Pollution load index (PLI) indicates environmental deterioration (PLI> 1), and the Sediment quality guidelines (SQGs) indicate that only Hg may produce adverse biological effects in the EM core. This study is an example of the reconstruction of temporal changes in pollution levels and impacts of potentially toxic elements caused by gold mining in remote ecosystems, which can be reproduced in other areas where environmental monitoring is scarce or non-existent.

Estimate of the maximum amount of dust adhering to skin and the upper limit of dust-skin adherence factor for young adults: An example from Changchun, China

Contaminants present in dust adhering to the skin can pose a significant risk to human health through dermal absorption and hand-to-mouth contact. The adhesion capacity of dust differs significantly from that of soil due to its physicochemical properties. Therefore, applying the raw soil exposure parameters to estimate the health risks associated with dermal exposure to dust may lead to erroneous conclusions. In this study, we quantified the maximum amount of dust that adhered to the skin (MADmax) and the upper limit of dust-skin adherence factor (DSAFmax) in 26 adults using element markers as a proxy for dust. The volunteers were exposed to dust and rinse water samples were collected from their hands, forearms, lower legs, and feet. We analyzed both the raw dust samples and the rinse water samples for 11 element markers, including Be, V, Cr, Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Se, Ba, and Pb. The results showed that the MADmax of indoor dust and outdoor dust increased by 0.08–0.62 mg and 0.33–0.56 mg following a 1 cm2 increase in skin surface area, respectively. Based on best dust element markers, the body part-weighted dust-skin adherences (WDSAFmaxs) of indoor dust and outdoor dust were 0.35 and 0.64 mg/cm2, respectively. A smaller particle size and higher moisture content resulted in a larger DSAFmax. Only when indoor dust concentrations exceed 24.2 mg/m3 or outdoor dust concentrations exceed 44.3 mg/m3, can the WDSAFmax be applied directly in the health risk assessment of dermal exposure to dust. The method from this study can be re-applied in different regions, and the adherence data can help to improve future studies on the health effects of dermal exposure to dust.

Nutritional and microbial quality of selected commercially available powdered infant formula during the Covid-19 pandemic

Recently, there has been a shortage of baby formula due to the COVID-19-related supply chain, unsanitary conditions, and contamination in the manufacturing company. There is genuine concern that contaminated baby formulas may have been inadvertently imported worldwide. For this purpose, five commercially available infant formulas were selected and coded as IF1, IF2, IF3, IF4, and IF5. Physicochemical, nutritional compositions, toxic element (Pb), microbial content, and identification of isolates in the infant formula were determined using standard methods. The pH and total titratable acidity ranged from 6.50±0.00 to 6.90±0.0 and 0.05±0.01 to 0.07±0.00 %, respectively. Moisture, ash, and protein ranged from 2.4±0.1 to 8.00±0.3 %; 1.9±0.01 to 2.7±0.4 %; 1.8±0.0 to 3.8±0.3 %, respectively. Crude fat ranged from 22.0±0.0 to 28.30±0.0 %, and fibre was not detected. Toxic element Pb was detected in all the samples, ranging from 1.2±0.1 to 13.51±0.9 mg/kg. Microbial counts ranged from 2.0×10 to 8.0×104 CFU/g for total viable, enterobacteriaceae 3.0×104 to 13.5×105 CFU/g; staphylococcal 5×103 to 1.0×104 CFU/g and fungal 1.1×10 to 2.4×105 CFU/g. Although the standard is that no pathogen should be in infant formula, several were identified including Klebsiella spp., Escherichia spp., and Staphylococcus spp. In conclusion, the nutritional composition obtained correlated with the product description. Manufacturers should work assiduously on taking steps to ensure the safety of their products by limiting the level of toxic elements and microbial contaminants which negatively affect the health of infants.

Trace metal geochemistry sediments from the Dibamba River, SW Cameroon: Implication for heavy metal assessment and origin

Sediment quality and trace metal accumulation are two of the most pressing issues facing the aquatic ecosystem around the world. Twenty-four (24) samples of stream sediments were collected along the Dibamba River, in the economic and industrial capital of Cameroon, to judge the trace metal levels in this river flowing near the city of Douala. Trace metal concentrations were disclosed with an ICP-MS on two different grain size fractions (very fine-grained sand and clay). The sediments indicate possible adverse effects of trace metals on surrounding biota as elements like Cr, Cu, Ni, Zn, Pb, and Hg show positive enrichment of greater than 1 when compared to background values from the upper continental crust (UCC) and sediment quality factors such as TEL (threshold effects level), PEL (probable effects level), ERL (effects range low), and ERM (effects range medium) values. The sediments show values of Degree of contamination (DC = 2–4), Pollution load index (PI = 1–2), and individual potential risk (EI = 92–219) indicating moderate pollution and ecological risk. Statistical and multivariate analyses point to both anthropogenic and geogenic sources for the heavy metals in the Dibamba stream sediments. The geogenic origin of the heavy metals is linked to the weathering of gneiss and migmatite found in the river banks. This study found low to mild levels of metal pollution and toxicity in the sediment, but it also warned that the continued development of nearby industries and businesses, the provision of transportation services, and waste disposal activities could result in a gradual outflow and accumulation of metals in the sediment, endangering the aquatic ecosystem.

Natural and anthropogenic radionuclides concentration with heavy metals analysis of the sediments collected around Novaya Zemlya

The Dispersal profile of the radioisotopes (226Ra, 232Th, 235U, 40K, 137Cs) along with potentially toxic elements (Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, V, Zn, and Hg) in the sediments around the Novaya Zemlya was determined. The task was fulfilled with the aid of HPGe gamma spectrometry, inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy, DMA-80 Direct Mercury Analysis System, X-ray diffraction and statistical tools. At most of the locations, the radionuclides activity was higher than the world average activity concentration for the respective nuclei, 40K being the most abundant. From all the potentially toxic elements detected, Cr and Ni were usually observed on higher levels compared to their background values, indicating the probability of the detrimental biological effects. Thus, the present situation at the studied area might be a threat to the neighboring marine life.