Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrometry Research Articles

Serum Cadmium and Lead Levels in Thalassemic Patients of Najaf Governorate, Iraq.

Thematological is a class of hereditary hematologic illnesses resulting from abnormalities in the production of one or more hemoglobin chains. Patients with β-Thematological may have a reduction in heavy metal levels as a result of iron chelate medication. The aim is to study the levels of heavy metals (toxic) in the blood of beta-Thematological patients and compare them to healthy people for the purpose of arriving at indicators through which it is possible to assist in early diagnosis of this disease or reduce symptoms. The study included 80 patients in comparison with age- and gender-matched 40 healthy individuals as controls. Samples were gathered between July 1, 2023, and September 1, 2023. The patients were interviewed for socio-demographic variables, and their medical histories were obtained from the hospital files. Cadmium and lead concentrations were determined using flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS). All samples from Thematological patients were taken after the chelating therapy. Cadmium levels in Thematological patients were found to be lower in both genders in the control group. Lead levels were found to be greater in male Thematological patients and lower in female Thematological patients than those in the control group of female Thematological patients. Additionally, it was observed that patients from areas outside of Najaf's city center had greater levels of lead and cadmium than patients from the city center. Cadmium and lead levels in the serum were often low in Thematological patients. Heavy metals are eliminated when deferasirox chelate is taken.

ACTIVATED CARBON DERIVED FROM GROUNDNUT SHELL AND RICE HUSK FOR THE ADSORPTION OF HEAVY METALS IN TANNERY WASTEWATER

ACTIVATED CARBON DERIVED FROM GROUNDNUT SHELL AND RICE HUSK FOR THE ADSORPTION OF HEAVY METALS IN TANNERY WASTEWATER

Proximate analysis and mineral contents of atella from traditional tella brewers in Jimma City, Ethiopia

Atella is a by-product of Tella, a local brewed beverage. It is used as a food source to promote weight gain, development, and milk yield in cattle and sheep. The aim of this study was to analyze the physicochemical properties, nutritional composition, and mineral content of Atella. The samples of Atella were purposively collected from 25 Tella vendors in Jimma City, Ethiopia. The physicochemical properties and proximate analyses were performed using the AOAC method. The mineral contents of the samples were measured using flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS). The results showed that the pH value was between 3.36 - 4.23, temperature (19.27 - 20.20 °C), conductivity (124.10 - 153.50 μS/cm), dry matter content (15.87 - 20.17%), crude protein content (16.47 - 18.72%), crude fat content (3.73 - 5.43%), crude fiber content (15.52 - 19.73%), total ash content (3.58 - 4.47%), carbohydrate content (35.02 - 40.50%), and gross energy (247.42 -271.13 kcal/g). The average concentrations of Ca, Mg, Fe, Cu, Cr, and Pb were 656.71, 274.74, 79.16, 7.73, 1.55, and 0.41 mg/kg, respectively. The results of the study show that Atella is a nutrient-rich source of essential nutrients, minerals, and energy. KEY WORDS: Tella, Atella, Physicochemical properties, Proximate analysis, Mineral content Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2024, 38(4), 825-837.                                                          DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bcse.v38i4.1                                                  

Environmental and living organisms’ disaster caused by discharge of drilling fluid waste

The oil and gas industry plays a vast and vital role in our society. Despite the numerous benefits of the production of crude oil, its activities pose a lot of dangers to the environment and living organisms because it generates a huge volume of solid and liquid wastes, thus, these wastes require treatment before disposal. The major drilling wastes are drilling muds, drilling cuttings, and obnoxious gas emissions. Parameters that should be considered during the disposal of decontaminated drilling muds and drill cuttings are heavy metals. These wastes are introduced into the environment through accidental spills as well as intentional discharge. The discharge into the environment has effects on humans, plants, birds, soil, and also aquatic life. Generally, oil based drilling fluid usage and disposal are not preferable. However, water based drilling fluid and synthetic based drilling fluid can be a technically and economically disposed because they are biodegradable. Generally, drilling waste disposal options are offshore disposal, onshore disposal and drill cuttings re-injection. Zero discharge can achieved by drill cuttings re-injection. However extensive study must be carried before drill cuttings can be re-inject to the formation. Disposal options must be evaluated based on economics, environment and operational aspects. This study aimed at evaluating the heavy metals present in the drilling fluid waste and drilling cuttings. The experiment was achieved with the aid of a Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (FAAS). Upon the investigation, it was discovered that lead concentration in drilling cuttings was the highest with the concentration of 1,058.9 mg/l and drilling fluid was 190.3 mg/l whereas NUPRC limit is 5 mg/l; the total chromium concentration in drilling cuttings was 19.16 mg/l and drilling fluid was 8.38 mg/l whereas NUPRC limit is 8 mg/l; zinc was 58.10 mg/l in drilling cuttings while in drilling fluid it was 23.96 mg/l whereas NUPRC limit is 50 mg/l; silver concentration in drilling cuttings was 14.67 mg/l and drilling fluid 0.91 mg/l whereas NUPRC limit is 5 mg/l; Cadmium concentration in drilling cuttings was 2.17 mg/l and drilling fluid was 1.36 mg/l whereas NUPRC limit is 1 mg/l. In no doubt. The study has shown that disposal of this drilling fluid waste and drilling cutting directly into the environment without treatment will be detrimental to the living organisms and therefore should be discouraged.

Assessing the Health Risk and Trophic Transfer of Lead and Cadmium in Dairy Farming Systems in the Mantaro Catchment, Central Andes of Peru

This study investigated lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) transfer in three dairy farming areas in the Mantaro river headwaters in the central Peruvian Andes and at varying distances from the mining complex at La Oroya. At each of these sites, the transfer of trace metals from the soil to raw milk was estimated, and a hazard assessment for lead and cadmium was carried out in scenarios of minimum, average, and maximum milk consumption in a Peruvian population aged 2–85. Pb and Cd were quantified by flame atomic absorption spectrometry. Significantly, the concentrations of lead and cadmium were found to exceed the maximum limits recommended by the World Health Organization, with a positive geospatial trend correlated with the distance from mining activity. Both Pb and Cd were found to be transferred through the soil–pasture–milk pathway, with the primary source of Cd being phosphate-based fertilizers used in pasture improvement. Pb was found to be the most significant contributor to the Hazard Index (HI) with those under 19 years of age and over 60 recording an HI of >1, with infants being the most vulnerable group due to their greater milk consumption in relation to their body weight. A marginal increase in contamination was observed in the dry season, indicating the need for studies to be expanded over several annual cycles.

The effects of cadmium on selected oxidative stress parameters and the content of photosynthetic pigments in cucumber Cucumis sativus L.

BackgroundEnvironmental pollution by cadmium (Cd) is currently a common problem in many countries, especially in highly industrialised areas. Cd present in the soil can be absorbed by plants through the root system. AimThe aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of cadmium on the metabolic activity of cucumber plants (Cucumis sativus L.) and the accumulation and distribution of Cd in the organs of the plants. MethodsCucumber seeds (3 g) were exposed to 0.76, 1.58 or 4.17 mg Cd/L (applied as CdCl2 solutions). The activity of selected antioxidant enzymes - glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT), lipid peroxidation and the content of photosynthetic pigments were determined in 6-week-old cucumber plants. In addition, intake of Cd has been determined by flame atomic absorption spectrometry (F-AAS). ResultsThe results show that the applied cadmium concentrations affected the activity of antioxidant enzymes. An increase in CAT activity and a decrease in SOD activity were observed in all cucumber organs analysed. GSH-Px activity increased in the roots and stems. Surprisingly, GSH-Px activity decreased in the leaves. The level of lipid peroxidation was usually unchanged (the only one statistically significant change was a decrease in the concentration of malondialdehyde in the leaves which was observed after exposure to the highest Cd concentration). The applied Cd concentrations had no effect on the content of photosynthetic pigments. The highest cadmium content was found in the roots of cucumber plants. Cd tends to accumulate in the roots and a small amount was translocated to the stems and leaves, which was confirmed with the translocation factor (TF). ConclusionsThe results indicate that the range of cadmium concentrations used, corresponding to the level of environmental pollution recorded in Europe, effectively activates the antioxidant enzyme system, without intensifying lipid peroxidation or reducing the content of photosynthetic pigments.

Lead and Arsenic Content in Everyday Drinkware

   This research explores the issue of lead and arsenic contamination in everyday drinkware which highlights the profound implications for consumer safety. The ubiquity of glassware in everyday life underscores the urgency of investigating the sources and levels that pose health risks associated with these toxic elements within drinkware products. Through a systematic examination and use of flame atomic absorption spectroscopy (FAAS), identifying the levels of lead and arsenic contamination has been achieved. This research rigorously quantifies the levels of contamination in commonly used drinkware, revealing possible correlations with concentration, condition, and price points. These correlations furthermore emphasize the need for regulatory measures and heightened consumer awareness. This comprehensive exploration serves as a vital contribution to safeguarding consumer safety in the context of drinkware usage, paving the way for informed decisions and targeted interventions in the pursuit of a healthier living environment. This research found that 20% of all tested samples leached an average of 0.84 ppm lead with a standard deviation of 0.32 ppm. 30% of all samples that tested positive for arsenic had an average of 4.10 ppm leached and a standard deviation of 0.88 ppm. No correlation was found between prices and concentration and a highly negative correlation was found between both metals. Low concentrations of arsenic had high concentrations of lead. Likewise, high concentrations of arsenic had low concentrations of lead. Damaged, or internally exposed ceramics tested higher for both lead and arsenic.   

Analysis of heavy metals in barley dust and health risk assessment in Malt Factory, Ethiopia

ABSTRACT The recent rapid industrialisation in Ethiopia has become a critical concern from pollution of the environment, including contamination by heavy metals. The purpose of this study was to determine heavy metals in barley dust and evaluate the health risks associated with workers in Gondar Malt Factory, Ethiopia. For this, the concentrations of some potentially toxic heavy metals (Cu, Ni, Cd, Cr, Pb, Zn and Fe) were determined in samples from four different production lines (barley receiving, aspiration, grading, and final product dispatch lines). Prior to metal analysis by flame atomic absorption spectroscopy, a 1 g barley dust was subjected to an optimised wet digestion procedure using 8 mL HNO3, 4 mL HClO4 heated for 4 h at 250°C. The average concentration (mg/kg) of the metals was found to be in the range of 3.3‒4.8 Cu, 4.7‒9 Cd, 9.5‒11.5 Pb, 3063‒3463 Fe, 17.7‒24.7 Ni and 148‒180 Zn. Chromium was below the detection limit of the method in all the samples. The results showed that the barley dust contained significant concentration of the heavy metals. However, the study has found the absence of non-carcinogenic risk, from the analysed heavy metals in the barley dust, through both dermal contact and inhalation routes of exposure. Similarly, no carcinogenic risk was associated with the analysed heavy metals in the barley dust, except for Pb. Hence, proper management control system needs to be implemented to minimise chronic health risks from exposure to Pb.

Development of a dispersive micro-solid phase extraction method based on using cobalamin as a green adsorbent for the extraction of Cd(II) and Pb(II) from oil samples

ABSTRACT A dispersive micro-solid phase extraction procedure using cobalamin as a green sorbent has been developed for the extraction of Cd(II) and Pb(II) ions from oil samples. At first, a desired amount of oil sample was dissolved in chloroform. Then, the specified amount of cobalamin was added and vortexed. After centrifuging, the separated solid particles were dissolved in nitric acid solution. Finally, the analytes were analysed by flame atomic absorption spectrometry. Effects of different analytical parameters such as amounts of sample and cobalamin, vortex time, complexing agent amount, type and volume of dissolving solvent, and temperature on the extraction efficiency of Pb(II) and Cd(II) ions were investigated and optimised. Under optimised conditions, calibration curves were established with the linear ranges of 1.5–150 μg Kg−1 for Cd(II) and 1–150 μg Kg−1 for Pb(II). The detection limits were found to be 0.48 and 0.34 µg Kg−1 along with extraction recoveries of 89.1% and 94.8% for Cd(II) and Pb(II) ions, respectively. The proposed method demonstrated good repeatability, with the relative standard deviation ranging from 3.8% to 4.1% (n = 6, C = 10 μg Kg−1 of each cation). Finally, the method was successfully applied to determine the concentrations of Cd(II) and Pb(II) ions in various oil samples.

A green flow-batch liquid phase microextraction lab-in-syringe platform based on natural deep eutectic solvents for toxic metal determination

In this work, a novel functional and reliable computer-controlled flow-batch lab-in-syringe (LIS) platform was developed for liquid phase microextraction (LPME) based on the use of natural deep eutectic solvents (NADES) as green alternatives to conventional extractants. The proposed automatic on-line LIS system is reported for the first time and demonstrated for the determination of toxic metals in aqueous samples, as a front-end to flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS). To the best of our knowledge, the determination of metals by atomic spectrometric techniques processing a LIS preconcentration system using NADES has not been previously reported. The analytical process included the in-syringe metal complexation of Cd, Cu, and Pb (model analytes) with ammonium pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate and the subsequent microextraction of the resulted complexes by a mixture of menthol:heptanoic acid at a molar ratio of 1:2. After phase separation, the NADES was transferred towards the flame for direct atomization in an automatic and precise manner. The main attributes that affect the performance of the method were thoroughly studied. Under optimum conditions, the limits of detection ranged between 0.54 and 4.52 μg L−1 corresponding to a sample consumption of 4000 μL. The relative standard deviations were less than 3.8% demonstrating good method precision. As a proof-of-concept, the developed system was used for the analysis of drinking and environmental water samples resulting in good relative recoveries (i.e., 94.0–104.0%). The green character and the applicability of the proposed approach were demonstrated by the Green Analytical Procedure Index (GAPI), and Blue Applicability Grade Index (BAGI), respectively.

Evaluation of potentially toxic elements within the vicinity of an integrated agro industry, Nigeria

The contamination of soils and crops by potentially toxic elements (PTEs) affects the food quality and it is perceived as a huge threat to human health. PTEs (Chromium, Cadmium, Lead, Copper, Nickel and Zinc) were evaluated in soil and crop (Manihot esculenta) around an integrated agro industry in Nsukka in two different seasons using Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (FAAS). The concentration status of these PTEs, their ecological risks and human health risk potential associated with their consumption were evaluated. The following PTE mean concentration ranges (ppm) were found in the crop throughout the dry season: Zn (0.0115 - 0.1470), Pb(0.2499 - 0.2601), Cu(0.0215 - 0.1359), Ni(0.1029 - 0.3760), and Cr(0.1560 - 0.4279). During the wet season, the mean concentration ranges (ppm) of PTEs in crop are as follows: chromium (undetectable (ND) - 0.3498), Cd(ND - 0.0598), Pb(ND - 0.1989), Cu(0.0218 - 0.0860), Ni(0.1029 - 0.1116), Zn(0.0090 - 0.0720), and so on. During the dry season, the PTEs in soil are as follows: Cr(0.1180 - 0.3887), Cd(0.0597 - 0.1313), Pb(0.2598 - 0.8330), Cu(0.0333 - 0.1834), Ni(0.2069 - 0.7860), and Ni(0.1160 - 1.7550). The following are the mean concentration ranges (ppm) of PTEs found in soil during the wet season: Zn(0.0119 -0.1013), Pb(0.2981 - 0.3974), Cu(0.0220 - 0.0860), Ni(0.1034 - 0.4449), and Cr(ND - 0.1561). The health risk index for Manihot esculenta, according to its non-carcinogenic human health risk assessment, was as follows: Pb(2.598 for adults and 9.329 for children in the dry season) and Cd(0.342) and chromium (0.449) on farm 1, respectively; Zn, Cu and Ni did not exhibit any health risk values; Cr(1.226 and 1.001 for children in the dry and wet seasons) on farm 2, and other metals did not exhibit any human health risk values; on farm 3, Pb(2.498 for adults and 8.974 for children in the dry season), Cd(0.852 and 0.685 for children in the wet and dry seasons respectively) and (0.239 and 0.192 for adults in the wet and dry seasons respectively), while the other metals did not exhibit any health risk values. According to the carcinogenic health risk evaluation, every metal evaluated had an incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR) value between 10−3 and 10−6 for adults and children on every farm that was studied. According to the ecological risk index, pollution load index (PLI), the levels of contamination (Cf), transfer factor (Tf) and degree of contamination (Cd) were all below the corresponding threshold limits. This generally showed that the vicinity of the industry is relatively polluted and there should be a regulatory enforcement on the surrounding environment.

Evaluation of imprecision in the different detection methods of Zn based on 5 years of data from an external quality assessment program in China

BackgroundThis study examines the imprecision of zinc (Zn) measurements across various clinical detection methods by analyzing the external quality assessment (EQA) data from 2018 to 2022. The findings of this study aim to offer recommendations for enhancing Zn measurements. MethodsParticipating laboratories were grouped into peer categories based on the detection methods. The robust mean and coefficient of variation (CV) of the samples were calculated following ISO 13528 guidelines. The evaluation criteria for optimal, desirable, and minimum allowable imprecision in Zn estimation are2.50%, 5.05%, and 7.55%, respectively, based on biological variation. Furthermore, the study examined inter-lab CVs, inter-method bias, and the passing rate. The impact of sample concentration on CVs and the pass rate was also investigated. ResultsOver the past five years, 4,283 laboratories participated in the EQA program, showing a high pass rate that improved as sample concentration increased. Differential pulse polarography (DPP) demonstrated stable and low CVs (0.61–1.86%). Although differential pulse stripping (DPS) was less stable than DPP, it still exhibited a low CV (0.71–3.10%). Graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GFAAS) and flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS) performed similarly and displayed stable CVs (2.39–4.42%) within the acceptable range of desirable imprecision (5.05%). However, the CVs for ICP-MS were unacceptable in three out of the five years (5.28–6.20%). In 2022, the number of participating laboratories for DDP, DPS, GFAAS, FAAS and ICP-MS is 131, 35, 35, 820 and 72, respectively. ConclusionThis study provides reliable insights into the imprecision of Zn measurements in clinical laboratories. The findings indicate that additional efforts are required to reduce the imprecision of ICP-MS in Zn measurements.

A Univariate Optimization Strategy for Pre-concentration of Cobalt(II) in Various Matrixes by a DLLME before Analysis Using FAAS

A procedure based on dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction (DLLME) for cobalt (Co) quantification in an Iraqi environmental matrix by flame atomic absorption spectroscopy (FAAS) was applied in this work. A case-study approach was chosen to obtain further in-depth information on the Co levels and to evaluate the effectiveness of N-salicylideneaniline (SAN) as a complexing agent for pre-concentration and extraction of Co. An univariate strategy was utilized to achieve the optimum extraction conditions. The estimated limits of detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ) under optimum conditions were 1.04 and 3.47 µg L−1, respectively. The results achieved by the proposed system were compared with those using the microwave digestion/graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometer (MWD/GF-AAS) for digest samples and also for some water samples (Direct GF-AAS). The proposed procedure was applied for analyzing eleven environmental samples. The detectable Co levels for water samples ranged from 0.72 to 4.30 µg L−1 with a relative standard deviation of 3.7–8.8%, while the concentration for solid samples ranged from 0.17–4.51 µg g−1 (2.4–11.8 RSD %). DLLME/FAAS proposed procedure is effective, simple, and has the benefit of minimizing the organic solvent consumption by a few microliters, which results in little waste.

Highly efficient oxidative degradation of organic dyes by using magnetically recyclable nanocatalyst based on manganese-porphyrin

This study reports the attachment of meso-tetrakis-(4-carboxyphenyl)porphyrinato manganese(III) acetate (Mn(TCPP)OAc) to the surface of amine-functionalized iron oxide magnetic nanoparticle (Fe3O4@SiO2@NH2) by amide bonds. To characterize the structure and morphology of the prepared nanocatalyst (Fe3O4@SiO2@NH2@(Mn(TCPP)OAc)), various techniques such as FT-IR, ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy, flame atomic absorption spectroscopy, X-ray powder diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, vibration sample magnetometry and thermogravimetric analysis were applied. In the following, the catalytic efficiency of the prepared nanocatalyst were also investigated for the oxidative degradation of various organic dyes with hydrogen peroxide (as a green oxidant) in water and the effect of various parameters which may affect the catalytic efficiency were optimized. In addition, the prepared nanocatalyst showed little deactivation with time, was easily recovered by an external magnet, and could be reused at least five times with no significant loss in the activity.

Human and ecotoxicological risk assessment of heavy metals in polymer post treatment sludge from Barekese Drinking Water Treatment Plant, Kumasi

The disposal of polymer post-treatment sludge (PTS) from Barekese Water Treatment Plants (WTPs) as organic fertilizer and aquatic feed is a common practice in Ghana, necessitating a thorough evaluation of its ecological and human health risks. This study aims to assess the suitability of PTS samples for soil amendment and fish feed, scrutinizing potential hazards to consumer health and soil. PTS samples were collected from five distinct lateral sections of three clariflocculator tanks. Potentially toxic metals such as Cd, Zn, Pb, Cu, Ni, and Cr were determined using a flame atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The mean concentration of 7.82 ± 2.43, 0.31 ± 0.021, and 0.78 ± 0.042 mg/kg for Mn, Zn, and Pb respectively. The concentrations of Ni, Cr, and Cd were below their detection limits (BDL) in all PTS samples. Upon detailed exposure assessment, ingestion emerged as the primary exposure route for both adults and children, with non-cancer risks (NCR) determined to be below 1 for both age groups. Additionally, an exploration of potential cancer risks (CR) associated with heavy metal exposure in the PTS samples revealed values below the tolerable intake levels ranging from 10−4 to 10−6 for both adults and children (10−8 and 10−9, respectively). This study also employs various ecological indices, such as Nemerow's synthetic pollution index (PN), single factor pollution index (PI), geo-accumulation index (Igeo), contamination factor (CF), potential ecological risk index (PERI), pollution load index (PLI), polymetallic contaminant index (IPD), and ecological risk index (ERI). These indices consistently highlight a low contamination status and ecological sensitivity. Consequently, the study indicates that the presence of metals in the PTS samples does not pose a significant threat to the surrounding environment and human health. Furthermore, this research underscores the inadequacy of relying solely on regulatory limit values in assessing the health risks of waste materials. Such comprehensive assessments are crucial for safeguarding aquatic and human populations.

Application of a Green Deep Eutectic Solvent for Preconcentration and Determination of Copper and Cadmium in Food, Cosmetic, and Water Samples

Background:: Determination of environmental pollutants is important due to their harmful effects on the health of living organisms. However, direct measurement of many of these pollutants is not possible due to their low concentrations, which necessitates the need for sample preparation methods. One of the rapid and simple sample preparation methods is the Air-Agitated Liquid-Liquid Microextraction (AALLME) method, which requires toxic organic solvents that can lead to environmental pollution. Therefore, finding green solvents like Deep Eutectic Solvents (DESs) to replace them can be investigated. Methods:: A novel Deep Eutectic Solvent (DES) was synthesized from a combination of choline chloride and 2-phenylethanol with a molar ratio of 1:4, and it was examined using FT-IR analysis. This solvent was used in an AALLME method for measuring copper and cadmium heavy metal ions in complex real samples with Flame Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (FAAS). Results:: The influential parameters of this method, such as solution pH (5.4), extraction cycles (12), and extraction solvent volume (440 μL), were optimized utilizing central composite design (CCD). Underneath the optimized circumstances, the detection limits for Cu2+ and Cd2+ were 0.14 and 0.09 ng mL-1, and the linear dynamic range was 0.47-50.0 and 0.32-22.5 ng mL-1, respectively. The preconcentration factors for these cations were 139.7 and 133.4, respectively. Conclusion:: Combining this novel green solvent and rapid sample preparation method for the preconcentration and determination of the studied heavy metal ions has shown promising results in terms of enrichment factors and detection limit values.

The Influence of Copper and Zinc on Photosynthesis and Phenolic Levels in Basil (Ocimum basilicum L.), Borage (Borago officinalis L.), Common Nettle (Urtica dioica L.) and Peppermint (Mentha piperita L.).

This work is aimed at relationships which govern zinc and copper uptake by four popular medicinal herbs: basil (Ocimum basilicum L.), borage (Borago officinalis L.), common nettle (Urtica dioica L.) and peppermint (Mentha piperita L.). They are often grown in soils with significant copper or zinc levels. Herbs were cultivated by a pot method in controlled conditions. Manganese, iron, copper and zinc concentrations were determined by High-Resolution Continuum Source Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrometry. The efficiency of photosynthesis was estimated by measuring the chlorophyll content, water use efficiency, net photosynthesis, intercellular CO2, stomatal conductance, and transpiration rate. Phenolic compounds were determined by the Folin-Ciocalteu method. Analysis of variance showed that herbs grown in soil treated with copper exhibited a lower iron content in roots, while manganese behaved in the opposite way. The only exception was borage, where a decrease in the manganese content in roots was observed. Both copper and zinc supplementations increased the total content of phenolics, while the highest increases were observed for common nettle and basil. Peppermint and borage responded less to supplementation. In the majority of samples, zinc and copper did not significantly affect the photosynthesis. Herbal extracts from common nettle and basil had unique antioxidant properties and may be good free radical scavengers.

Preconcentration and Removal of Lead From Water Samples Using Magnetic Copper Ferrite Nanoparticles

The presence of lead and its compounds is extremely dangerous to various forms of life. Therefore, exploring effective treatments that can reduce the presence of lead ions around us becomes crucial, thereby averting lead toxicity. A magnetic solid phase extraction (MSPE) procedure for the removal and preconcentration of trace amounts of Pb(II) using copper ferrite nanoparticles (CuFe2O4 NPs) prior to their determination by flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS) has been proposed. CuFe2O4 as solid-phase extraction adsorbent was synthesized via co-precipitation and characterized by attenuated total reflection–infrared spectroscopy (ATR–IR), x-ray diffraction spectrometry (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). These magnetic CuFe2O4 carrying the Pb(II) could be easily separated from the aqueous solution by applying an external magnetic field; no filtration or centrifugation was necessary. Various analytical parameters, including pH, eluent type/concentration, adsorbent mass, sample volume, adsorption/desorption time, mixing, and interfering ions, were systematically studied and optimized for the recovery of Pb(II). A sample volume of 20 mL achieved a preconcentration factor of 20. The method effectively determined Pb(II) in water samples, with recovery values exceeding 95% using the optimal conditions.

CoSn(OH)6 nanocubes as a solid sorbent for the effective preconcentration of copper ions in cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) extract

This study was aimed at developing a simple and efficient CoSn(OH)6 nanocubes-based preconcentration method for the preconcentration of copper ions from cinnamon extracts for determination by flame atomic absorption spectrometry. The cube-shaped sorbent was synthesized using the simple stoichiometric co-precipitation method under ambient conditions. Experimental factors of the method were evaluated with a comprehensive optimization approach to maximize the extraction efficiency for the analyte. Under the optimal conditions, the limit of detection (LOD), limit of quantitation (LOQ), and linear dynamic range were recorded as 0.98 µg/L, 3.28 µg/L, and 4.0–75 µg/L, respectively. The enhancement factor was calculated as 101.6-fold by comparing the LODs of the optimized and direct analysis systems. Percent recoveries were found to be within an acceptable range (77.6–115 %), with high repeatability using matrix matching calibration strategy. Results validated the proposed method as a highly efficient extraction approach for the monitoring of copper ions in herbal cinnamon extracts.

Accumulation of potentially toxic elements in fourfinger threadfin (Eleutheronema tetradactylum) and black pomfret (Parastromateus niger) from Selangor, Malaysia.

The accumulation of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) has raised public awareness due to harmful contamination to both human and marine creatures. This study was designed to determine the concentration of copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), cadmium (Cd), and nickel (Ni) in the intestine, kidney, muscle, gill, and liver tissues of local commercial edible fish, fourfinger threadfin (Eleutheronema tetradactylum), and black pomfret (Parastromateus niger) collected from Morib (M) and Kuala Selangor (KS). Among the studied PTEs, Cu and Zn were essential elements to regulate body metabolism with certain dosages required while Cd and Ni were considered as non-essential elements that posed chronic and carcinogenic risk. The concentration of PTEs in fish tissue samples was analyzed using flame atomic absorption spectrometry (F-AAS). By comparing the concentration of PTEs in fish tissues as a bioindicator, the environmental risk of Morib was more serious than Kuala Selangor because both fish species collected from Morib resulted in a higher PTEs concentration. For an average 62kg adult with a fish ingestion rate (FIR) of 0.16kg/person/day in Malaysia, the estimated weekly intake (EWI) of Cd from the consumption of E. tetradactylum (M: 0.0135mg/kg; KS: 0.0134mg/kg) and P. niger (M: 0.0140mg/kg; KS: 0.0132mg/kg) had exceeded the provisional tolerable weekly intake (Cd: 0.007mg/kg) established by the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) and oral reference dose (ORD) values of Cd (0.001mg/kg/day) as provided by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) regional screening level, thus it posed chronic risks for daily basis consumption. Besides, the value of the carcinogenic risk of Cd (0.7-3 to 0.8-3) and Ni (0.5-3 to 0.6-3) were in between the acceptable range (10-6 to 10-4) of the health index that indicates a relatively low possibility cancer occurrence to the consumers in both Morib and Kuala Selangor. This study recommended FIR to be 0.80kg/person/day to reduce the possibility of posing chronic and carcinogenic risks while at the same time obtaining the essential nutrients from the fish.