Flame Absorption Spectrometry Research Articles

Volcanic Terroirs: Exploring Minerals in Canary Red Wine

The mineral composition of monovarietal red wines from the Canary Islands was analyzed to evaluate the potential of mineral content as a marker for wine authenticity by geographical origin. Key minerals—K, Na, Mg, Mn, Fe, Cu, and Co—were quantified in 190 wine samples using flame absorption spectrometry. The study revealed slight mineral profile differences between recently introduced international grape cultivars and traditional ungrafted varieties. A significant correlation was found between K and Mg, highlighting their roles in vine physiology. The results indicated that Tenerife wines had elevated Fe and Mn, Lanzarote wines showed higher Na (likely from marine aerosols), and La Gomera wines had significantly high Mn. Linear discriminant analysis demonstrated that Mn, Mg, and Na differentiated wines by island with 85% classification accuracy, while Cu and Fe correlated with wine ageing. These findings emphasize the influence of volcanic soils and microclimate on mineral profiles, supporting mineral analysis as a cost-effective tool for classifying red wines by origin. This study offers insights into how terroir, grape cultivar, and winemaking practises define the unique characteristics of Canary Island wines.

Development of facile field-test paper for rapid determination of iron contamination in natural water of acid sulfate soils

Abstract The iron concentration in natural water of acid sulfate soils is usually determined by complicated methods of SMEWW 3111B:2017 or ISO 6332: 1988 E in the laboratory for acidified water samples at pH ∼2–3. Therefore, the rapid field determination of iron content in natural water is a very useful method because it limits the error and reduces the experimental time for analysis. In this study, we proposed, developed, and tested a rapid colorimetric analysis method based on the chemical reaction of ferric and anion thiocyanate (SCN−) ions for an iron concentration range of 0–100 mg/L with a linear equation of ΔE = 0.5955x + 2.0909 and high correlation coefficient (R2) of 0.9864. The results from 10 water samples by this method were very close to those by flame absorption spectroscopy with a difference of less than 5%. Besides the biggest advantage of rapid site testing, this method also gives quite high accuracy compared to the molecular absorption method of ISO 6332:1988 E. In addition, this new method can quantify Fe3+, Fe2+, and total iron in water, suggesting a very useful and potential method for determining the iron content of natural water from acid sulfate soils.

Solid Waste Disposal: A Potential Threat to Aquatic Environment

The disposal of solid waste close to water bodies is becoming a threat to the potability of water and the survival of aquatic organism. This research work was carried out to assess the impact of solid waste disposal on Nwaorie River in Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria. This was to ascertain the level of some heavy metals and physico-chemical parameters that could affects the quality of the water. Three sampling stations were established along the length of the study area and water from untreated effluent discharged points, 50m upstream, 50m midstream and 50m downstream respectively from the point of discharge. The water sample collected was taken to the Laboratory for analysis. Parameters such as pH, turbidity, Temperature, Total Dissolved Solid, Electrical conductivity, Dissolved Oxygen, Zinc, Arsenic, Iron, Cadmium were measured in situ using a multi-parameter water quality monitor and flame absorption spectrometry. The results obtained revealed the concentration of dissolved Oxygen ranged 6.900-7.400mg/l, Biochemical Oxygen Demand ranged 0.250-0.540mg/l, mean of pH has the highest value of 5.30±0.0 at the downstream, electrical conductivity highest value was 98.00±0.0 at the downstream and temperature was found highest at the upstream with a value of 31.2±0.01 Zinc was less than 0.003mg/l in all sampling points, Iron, zinc and Arsenic were not detected while CaCO3 ranged 13-29mg/l and turbidity was 0.00. When compared the results of the measured parameters with World Health Organization Standard, all the measured parameter fell within the permissible limit. The study therefore concluded that river Nwaorie is slightly impacted by untreated waste deposited within the vicinity of the river, which could have implications for people that depend on the river for domestic uses and also aquatic organism in the river. Measures should therefore, be taken to stop this unhealthy way of waste disposal.

Effect of Microbial Community on Iron Release under Low Velocity in Drinking Water Supply Pipes

Iron release from water supply network affects water quality safety. To investigate the change of microbial community structure and its effect on iron release in water supply pipes under leakage condition, the research was carried out based on the pilot platform used in actual water supply system. Microbial community structure was analyzed using high-throughput sequencing and the total iron index was measured by atomic flame absorption spectroscopy. The results showed that Proteobacteria had a large competitive advantage in the laminar flow rate, the average relative content increased more than 60%. At the level of class, the relative content of Alphaproteobacteria, Gammaproteobacteria, Betaproteobacteria increased larger than others. When the velocity was close to the critical flow rate, the microbial community was gradually stabilized. The total iron concentration decreased with the increase of flow rates, when the flow rate was 40% of the critical flow rate, the total iron concentration tended to be stable, and the promotion of total iron release was mainly iron-oxidizing bacteria and sulfate reducing bacteria, and the inhibition effect was mainly nitrate reducing bacteria. It has important reference significance for further controlling the microbial community and iron release in the water at the end of the pipe network.

Determination of cadmium in rice samples using amino-functionalized metal-organic framework by a pipette tip solid phase extraction

In this study, the amino-functionalized metal-organic framework (NH2-MOFs) was used as an adsorbent for the extraction of cadmium in rice samples based on the pipette tip solid phase extraction (PT-SPE) before determined by the flame absorption spectrometry (F-AAS). The pH of the sample solution, initial concentration of the cadmium, the volume of the sample, elution ‎conditions, and the amount of adsorbent on the recovery of the cadmium were investigated and ‎optimized. The results showed that the best extraction efficiency of cadmium was obtained at pH 5.0, 2500.0 µL of cadmium solution, and 20.0 ‎µL of HCl (10% V/V) ‎ as eluent solvent. First, the cooking rice was transferred to a beaker and hydrochloric acid/nitric acid was added to it as a digestion process before analysis by the PT-SPE procedure. The limit of detection of this method was found to be 0.03 µg L-1 with a relative standard deviation of ≤ 2.5 % (for seven replicate analyses of 50 µg L-1 of cadmium). The linear and dynamic ranges were achieved at 0.3 -14.5 µg L-1 and 0.3 -150 µg L-1, respectively. The adsorption capacity of sorbent and enrichment factor was 175 mg g-1 and 125 folds, respectively.

Trace metals and organochlorine pesticide residues in imported fishes in Bangladesh and human health risk implications.

Substantial quantity of fish has been imported to Bangladesh without adequate food safety assessment which can pose a serious health risk to local people. This study analyzed the trace metals and organochlorine pesticides residues and the associated human health risk in 33 imported fishes (9 species) from four countries (India, Myanmar, Oman, and United Arab Emirates) collected from three different ports (Benapole, Bhomra, and Chittagong) of Bangladesh with invoice lists from the port authorities. Trace metal concentrations were determined using graphite furnace absorption spectrometry and flame absorption spectrometry. The two organochlorine pesticides (Aldrin and Chlordane) residues were determined by GC-MS and found as below detection level (BDL). The trace metal concentrations (mg/kg-ww) in imported fish samples ranged as As 0.008 to 0.558, Pb 0.004 to 0.070, Cr 0.010 to 0.109, Cd 0.00 to 0.083, Ni 0.011 to 0.059, Co BDL to 0.067, Mn BDL to 0.0780, Fe 1.780 to 10.77, Cu 0.055 to 0.632, and Zn 0.898 to 9.245. Concentrations of As and Cd were higher than the food safety guideline. Considering the source country of imported fishes, fish samples from Oman were mostly contaminated by the trace metals. The estimated daily intake (EDI) was higher for Cr. However, the target hazard quotient (THQ) for individual metal and total THQ for combined metals were lower than 1, indicating no apparent non-carcinogenic health risk for consumers. The cancer risk (CR) was within the acceptable range. But extensive monitoring of these toxic chemicals is needed prior to import these fishes to the country. Given the self-sufficiency in fish production, this study also argues whether Bangladesh needs to import the fishes at all.

The composition of sacarine substrates for ethanol production and the fermentative capacity Saccharomyces cerevisiae Pedra-2

The production of ethanol in Brazil is based on sugarcane juice, however other biomasses can be used for this process, such as sweet sorghum. However, some nutrients can interfere with fermentation, such as the presence of metals, carbon and nitrogen sources, which can affect the fermentation capacity of yeasts. Thus, this study aims to analyze the presence of fundamental nutrients present in saccharine substrates, as well as their assimilation and conversion of ethanol by the yeast Pedra-2. Samples of sugarcane and sorghum juice were obtained, in which analysis of the presence of metals was carried out using acid digestion and the levels determined by atomic flame absorption spectroscopy. The amino acid analysis was performed on the saccharine substrates at a concentration of 22 ºBrix, before and after fermentation, and analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography and the concentration of ethanol by gas chromatography. The sorghum broth showed higher amounts of available amino acid metals. The yeast Pedra-2 showed better fermentative performance in the sorghum broth. We can conclude that the sorghum broth represents an important substrate to be used to increase the sustainability and production of ethanol in Brazil.

Antibacterial effect of TiO2 :Cu:Ag thin coatings on Pseudomonas strain measured by microbiological and ATP assays.

The aim of this study is to investigate the antimicrobial properties of nanocomposite thin TiO2 :Cu:Ag films on Pseudomonas putida as a natural isolate and an opportunistic pathogen. Several different methods were used to compare the antibacterial effect of thin TiO2 :Cu:Ag layers obtained by radiofrequency magnetron sputter deposition against P. putida: optical density of the bacterial suspension, most probable number of survived cells, dehydrogenase activity inhibition, scanning electron microscopy images, atomic flame absorption spectroscopy, and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) luminescent assay. Optical density measurements and most probable plate count were in agreement and showed a strong bactericidal effect of the as-deposited and only bacteriostatic effect of the annealed coatings with the same metal content on tested bacteria. As the metal quantity in the medium rises during the first hour of the experiment, it could be suggested that this is the main reason for cell death. ATP-luminescent assay showed up to 18-fold reduction of the signal. It was compared with other microbiological and biochemical assays to prove the strong antibacterial effect of nanocomposite thin TiO2 :Cu:Ag coatings with the possibilities of medical applications. Protection of medical devices against infections is a significant current challenge raised by an increasing number of medical devices-associated infections and microbial resistance to conventional antibiotic and multidrug treatments. Deposition of antimicrobial coatings is one of the current approaches to mitigate the problem.

The toxicological analysis of Cu, Mn and Zn as elemental impurities in pharmaceutical herbal products for teething available in pharmacies in Poland

The monitoring of elemental impurities (EIs) in pharmaceutical materials is often not adequately treated, although it is a very important topic because the directive ICH Q3D requires a wide range of elements, often at low concentrations, to be monitored. This article describes the quantitative toxicological analysis of copper, manganese and zinc as EIs in the pharmaceutical gels for teething containing herbs available in Poland. The levels of EIs were measured to evaluate whether the intake of these metals through the gels was within recommended levels. The flame absorption spectrometry (FAAS) following microwave induced digestion (concentrated nitric acid) was applied to determine the levels of Cu, Mn and Zn in the products. This article was motivated especially by the facts that: (i) herbs can be a potential source of EIs; (ii) Cu, Mn and Zn are essential trace elements in the infancy period; (iii) there is a general lack of data around the risk assessment associated with exposure to these EIs in this kind of pharmaceutical. Our safety assessment is based on triple approach including: (1) profile of EIs in gels; (2) the actual amount of EIs in the appropriate amount of gel applied with a single administration (one drop) and (3) the daily exposure of EIs in analysed teething pharmaceuticals due to the maximum daily dose. Our results show that all EI levels meet the standards of directive ICH Q3D. It can be concluded that all of the teething gels investigated, based on herbs, available in Polish pharmacies do not represents a health hazard to babies.

In-situ K-Ar dating on Mars based on UV-Laser ablation coupled with a LIBS-QMS system: Development, calibration and application of the KArMars instrument

Absolute dating is needed to check and calibrate the relative Martian chronology presently available from meteoritic crater counting. For such purpose, a new analytical system (KArMars) has been developed to experiment the feasibility of in-situ K-Ar for future landing planetary missions. It consists in a laser ablation-based system built to vaporize a reproducible volume of rock. Potassium content is measured by laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) and argon by Quadrupole Mass Spectrometry (QMS). Instrument calibration, and checking of the reliability of the measurements for Martian analyses, requires terrestrial analogues. For such purpose, total chemistry, electron microprobe analyses, flame absorption spectrometry and mass spectrometry have been performed in order to qualify the stoichiometry, the mineralogy, the K concentration and the Ar isotopic composition from a collection of old terrestrial rocks. These new analyses coupled with published data allowed us to select mineral phases (e.g. feldspars, phlogopite, muscovite, amphibole) showing a large range of K content (0.3–8.5 wt%). All these mineral phases display a K-Ar age older than 300 Ma. Hence, the content of radiogenic Ar atoms per gram is within the range of Martian samples (on the order of 1 Ga for 0.4 wt% of K). We have shown that the ablated mass can be precisely estimated by measurement of Ar extracted from a similar mineral of known amount of radiogenic Ar content per gram. Then, it has been possible to derive a well-defined relationship between the ablation time and the sample mass extracted from UV-laser ablations for different minerals. Using an isochron approach from multiple ablations of several samples analyzed as unknowns, we have shown that KArMars can be successfully used for dating samples with different compositions, and with ages varying by an order of magnitude from 0.3 to 3 Ga. In-situ K-Ar ages obtained here for plagioclase and amphibole crystals display uncertainties as low as about 10%, and with accuracy, i.e. difference with the reference age, of only 10%. Such results further support in-situ K-Ar dating based on QMS and LIBS instruments as a reliable approach to be implemented onboard Martian rovers. In case a return mission is made possible, KArMars can also be a valuable tool to select the most relevant samples for return and ensure onsite which samples are representative of most of the surface at a given landing site.

The Effect of Petroleum-Derived Substances on the Growth and Chemical Composition of Vicia faba L.

Petroleum and petroleum-derived products can contribute to the inhibition of growth and development of plants. Soil contamination by these compounds either hampers or makes difficult the intake of water and mineral salts from the substrate, and also breaks a number of metabolic processes. As a result of the deficiency of chlorophyll and nutrients, the affected plants grow deformed roots, shoots, leaves, and flowers, and show numerous chloroses and necroses. The objective of our research was to determine the effects of petrol, used engine oil, and diesel oil on select morphological parameters of Vicia faba L., and on the content of select nutrients and heavy metals in the leaves of plants. The effect of the bioremediation process initiated by biopreparation ZB-1 on the above-mentioned parameters was also determined. The analyzed plants were obtained from the Experimental Station of the University of Agriculture in Cracow, located in Mydlniki near Cracow. In June 2010, the soil placed in special containers was contaminated with petroleum-derived substances at a quantity of 6,000 mg per 1 kg of dry mass, by pouring it on the soil. Half of the objects were subjected to bioremediation. The evaluation of the morphology of plants and the structural elements of yield was made at the stage of technological maturity of broad bean seeds. The evaluation of heavy metals content was conducted using flame absorption spectrometry. The carbon, nitrogen, and sulphur content was determined in a Variomax CNS analyzer. The results of the experiment showed that diesel oil had the most adverse effects on the morphological parameters of plants. Engine oil caused a decrease in the nitrogen, carbon, and sulfur contents in the leaves of plants, but on the other hand this substance, like other petroleum-derived compounds, increased the content of most heavy metals. The effect of biopreparation was diverse and depended on the type of substance and on the analyzed parameter. The conducted experiment showed that petroleum-derived substances continued to adversely affect the growth of plants even three years after soil contamination. Additionally, it increased the accumulation of harmful substances in the organs of plants which could, in turn, seriously impact the economy and human health. However, the intensity of the impact depends on the type of derivative. Bioremediation supported by the use of microorganisms is an advantageous solution that permits the improving of the growth parameters of plants, as well as offsetting the harmful effects of petroleum-derived products upon the majority of the analyzed elements.

The microwave induced plasma with optical emission spectrometry (MIP–OES) in 23 elements determination in geological samples

The article presents the optimisation, validation and application of the microwave induced plasma optical emission spectrometry (MIP–OES) dedicated for a routine determination of Ag, Al, B, Ba, Bi, Ca, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Ga, In, K, Li, Mg, Mn, Mo, Na, Ni, Pb, Sr, Tl, Zn, in the geological samples. The three procedures of sample preparation has been proposed: sample digestion with the use of hydrofluoric acid for determination of total concentration of elements, extraction by aqua regia for determination of the quasi-total element concentration and extraction by hydrochloric acid solution to determine contents of the elements in acid leachable fraction. The detection limits were on the level 0.001–0.121mgL−1 (from 0.010–0.10 to 1.2–12mgkg−1 depend on the samples preparation procedure); the precision: 0.20–1.37%; accuracy 85–115% (for recovery for certified standards materials analysis and parallel analysis by independent analytical techniques: X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and flame absorption spectrometry (FAAS)). The conformity of the results obtained by MIP–OES analytical procedures with the results obtained by XRF and FAAS analysis allows to propose the procedures for studies of elemental composition of the fraction of the geological samples. Additionally, the MIP–OES technique is much less expensive than ICP techniques and much less time-consuming than AAS techniques.

Corrosion of magnesium and magnesium–calcium alloy in biologically-simulated environment

A study of biocompatibility and corrosion of both metallic magnesium (Mg) and a magnesium alloy containing 1% calcium (Mg–Ca) were investigated in in vitro culture conditions with and without the presence of bone marrow derived human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs). Chemical analysis of the degraded samples was performed using XRD and FEGSEM. The results from the XRD analysis strongly suggested that crystalline phase of magnesium carbonate was present on the surface of both the Mg and Mg–Ca samples. Flame absorption spectrometry was used to analyse the release of magnesium and calcium ions into the cell culture medium. Magnesium concentration was kept consistently at a level ranging from 40 to 80mM for both Mg and Mg–Ca samples. No cell growth was observed when in direct contact with the metals apart from a few cells observed at the bottom of culture plate containing Mg–Ca alloy. In general, in vitro study of corrosion of Mg–Ca in a biologically-simulated environment using cell culture medium with the presence of hMSCs demonstrated close resemblances to in vivo corrosion. Although in vitro corrosion of Mg–Ca revealed slow corrosion rate and no immediate cytotoxicity effects to hMSCs, its corrosion rate was still too high to achieve normal stem cell growth when cells and alloys were cultured in vitro in direct contact.

Determination of the Stability of Low Viscous Particle Inks

Inkjet printing is a flexible contactless deposition method for a variety of materials and applications in microelectronics. For a reliable printing process the stability of the ink is essential and verification of the stability of a suspension remains a demanding task. After presenting some fundamentals of ink preparation, several methods of determining the stability of inks considering different particles are discussed. In a stable suspension no sedimentation occurs i.e. the solid content remains constant over a long period. The simplest way of evaluating the stability is supposed to be visual inspection however this method yields no measurable information about the stability. Standard photometric methods deliver a measurement signal but the signal does not contain any information about the sedimentation processes. Scanning photometry compensates this deficit and provides furthermore information about the distribution of the solid content over the sample. Therefore a method of determining the solid content of a sample from transmission and backscattering measurement data is introduced. However, these contactless photometric methods work only with certain particles. If photometric methods fail, the evaluation of samples from the suspension is required. With non-contactless methods sample taking has to be performed very carefully and due to small sample amounts weighting of the samples in order to determine the solid content requires very precise measurement systems. For small sample amounts flame absorption spectrometry has been found to be a good method to receive reliable measurement results. In conclusion the application of rheological methods for the determination of stability is discussed.

Preparation and characterization of lipid vesicles entrapping iron oxide nanoparticles

ABSTRACTNanometric assemblies, activated and controlled through external stimuli, represent an innovative stage in the development of multifunctional therapeutics. In particular, magnetite nanoparticles embedded in liposomes represent submicrometric carriers that can be activated by external magnetic fields, showing high efficacy in reaching tumor cells offering new exciting opportunities towards the development of active targeting systems. Actually, synthesis and characterization of such nanoscale carriers, as well as the assessment of their entrapment capacity, is of great interest for the scientific community. We report here the formation and the characterization of magnetoliposomes (MLs): phospholipid vesicles encapsulating magnetite nanoparticles. MLs were prepared by embedding hydrophilic nanoparticles of commercially available carboxymethyl‐dextran coated superparamagnetic iron oxide particles inside the vesicles at different lipid/nanoparticles ratios. Liposomes were prepared by the thin lipid film hydration method: a fixed amount of lipids was dissolved in organic solvent and the obtained solution was evaporated until dryness. Then the dry lipid film was hydrated with a buffered aqueous solution of different concentrations of carboxymethyl‐dextran coated magnetite. The resulting MLs, heterogeneous in their size, were extruded through polycarbonate membranes to obtain homogeneous size of unilamellar vesicles. Size exclusion chromatography was used to remove non‐entrapped nanoparticles. Magnetite content was determined by 1,10‐phenanthroline (Kiwada assay) and Belikov methods and also by flame absorption spectrometry. Physical characterization was performed by dynamic light scattering to determine the mean particles diameter, the size distribution, and the ζ‐potential. Physical stability of MLs stored at 4 °C was investigated up to 4 weeks to assess the effect on time of the entrapment of the nanoparticles within the liposomes. © 2012 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Estimation of heavy metals in medicinal plants and their infusions

AbstractMedicinal plants and their extracts deserve special attention because of the important influence they have to human health. There are easily contaminated with metals during growth, development and processing. The aim of this study was to achieve the quantitative determination of metallic elements (Cu, Cr, Cd, Fe, Mn, Zn, Pb) in some medicinal plants including Mentha piperita L., Matricaria camomilla L., Hypericum perforatum L., Achillea millefolium L., Thymusserpillum, Capsella-bursa-pastoris L., Urtica dioica L., Primula veris L., Plantago major L., Taraxacum officinalis L., and their infusions, using flame absorption spectrometry. The highest concentration of metal in medicinal plants was that of iron 333.22 ± 35.18 mg Kg-1 and zinc 244.90 ± 32.13 mg Kg-1. Metal content in the powdered medicinal plants was in descending order: Fe > Zn > Mn > Cu > Cr; Pb and Cd were present in minor amounts. Analysis of plant infusions showed transfer of heavy metals during extraction procedure. Monitoring the content of mineral elements in medicinal plants and their boiling water extracts is of high importance because some heavy metals in large quantities in the body may have a toxic effect.

Increased bronchoalveolar lavage fluid tin content in stannosis

Stannosis is a rare non-fibrotic pneumoconiosis that follows the chronic inhalation of tin particles. Apart from occupational history and radiographic findings, no diagnostic criteria exist for stannosis. Therefore, analysis of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) to support stannosis might be of significant value. We present a case of a 74-year-old male patient, who developed progressive dyspnea and dry cough 35 years after working full-time as a tinner for 17 years. His post-bronchodilator forced vital capacity and forced expiratory volume in one second were 111% and 108% predicted, respectively, accompanied by a disproportionately low diffusing capacity of the lung (34.4% predicted). Contents of tin, lead and copper were measured in both the BALF and the systemic circulation by electrothermal atomic and flame absorption spectrometry. The patient had a 38.5-, 48.5-, 88- and 85- fold higher BALF concentration of tin than did four male individuals (controls) without stannosis or an exposure to other heavy metals (crude figures and standardized for total protein, albumin, and potassium contents, respectively). Moreover, there was no difference in the BALF concentrations of lead and copper, or any of the heavy metals in the peripheral blood stream between the patient and the controls. The relative coefficient of excretion of 24.9 for tin in the patient and of <1 both for tin in the controls and for other metals in the patient, as well as for all metals in the controls refers to the deposition of tin locally into the lungs of the patient via chronic inhalation. This case study indicates that weighed measurement of tin in the BALF could provide significant support to the clinical diagnosis of stannosis.

Increased bronchoalveolar lavage fluid tin content in stannosis

Stannosis is a rare non-fibrotic pneumoconiosis that follows the chronic inhalation of tin particles. Apart from occupational history and radiographic findings, no diagnostic criteria exist for stannosis. Therefore, analysis of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) to support stannosis might be of significant value. We present a case of a 74-year-old male patient, who developed progressive dyspnea and dry cough 35 years after working full-time as a tinner for 17 years. His post-bronchodilator forced vital capacity and forced expiratory volume in one second were 111% and 108% predicted, respectively, accompanied by a disproportionately low diffusing capacity of the lung (34.4% predicted). Contents of tin, lead and copper were measured in both the BALF and the systemic circulation by electrothermal atomic and flame absorption spectrometry. The patient had a 38.5-, 48.5-, 88- and 85- fold higher BALF concentration of tin than did four male individuals (controls) without stannosis or an exposure to other heavy metals (crude figures and standardized for total protein, albumin, and potassium contents, respectively). Moreover, there was no difference in the BALF concentrations of lead and copper, or any of the heavy metals in the peripheral blood stream between the patient and the controls. The relative coefficient of excretion of 24.9 for tin in the patient and of <1 both for tin in the controls and for other metals in the patient, as well as for all metals in the controls refers to the deposition of tin locally into the lungs of the patient via chronic inhalation. This case study indicates that weighed measurement of tin in the BALF could provide significant support to the clinical diagnosis of stannosis.

Effects of Iron Concentration Level in Extracting Solutions from Contaminated Soils on the Determination of Zinc by Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrometry with Two Background Correctors

Zinc and iron concentrations were determined after digestion, water, and three-step sequential extractions of contaminated soils. Analyses were carried out using flame absorption spectrometry with two background correctors: a deuterium lamp used as the continuum light source (D2 method) and the high-speed self-reversal method (HSSR method). Regarding the preliminary results obtained with synthetic solutions, the D2 method often emerged as an unsuitable configuration for compensating iron spectral interferences. In contrast, the HSSR method appeared as a convenient and powerful configuration and was tested for the determination of zinc in contaminated soils containing high amounts of iron. Simple, fast, and interference-free method, the HSSR method allows zinc determination at the ppb level in the presence of large amounts of iron with high stability, sensitivity, and reproducibility of results. Therefore, the HSSR method is described here as a promising approach for monitoring zinc concentrations in various iron-containing samples without any pretreatment.

Feasibility of high-resolution continuum source molecular absorption spectrometry in flame and furnace for sulphur determination in petroleum products

For the first time, high-resolution molecular absorption spectrometry with a high-intensity xenon lamp as radiation source has been applied for the determination of sulphur in crude oil and petroleum products. The samples were analysed as xylene solutions using vaporisation in acetylene-air flame or in an electrothermally heated graphite furnace. The sensitive rotational lines of the CS molecule, belonging to the ∆ν = 0 vibrational sequence within the electronic transition X 1∑ + → A 1П, were applied. For graphite furnace molecular absorption spectrometry, the Pd + Mg organic modifier was selected. Strong interactions with Pd atoms enable easier decomposition of sulphur-containing compounds, likely through the temporal formation of Pd xS y molecules. At the 258.056 nm line, with the wavelength range covering central pixel ± 5 pixels and with application of interactive background correction, the detection limit was 14 ng in graphite furnace molecular absorption spectrometry and 18 mg kg −1 in flame molecular absorption spectrometry. Meanwhile, application of 2-points background correction found a characteristic mass of 12 ng in graphite furnace molecular absorption spectrometry and a characteristic concentration of 104 mg kg −1 in flame molecular absorption spectrometry. The range of application of the proposed methods turned out to be significantly limited by the properties of the sulphur compounds of interest. In the case of volatile sulphur compounds, which can be present in light petroleum products, severe difficulties were encountered. On the contrary, heavy oils and residues from distillation as well as crude oil could be analysed using both flame and graphite furnace vaporisation. The good accuracy of the proposed methods for these samples was confirmed by their mutual consistency and the results from analysis of reference samples (certified reference materials and home reference materials with sulphur content determined by X-ray fluorescence spectrometry).