Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer Research Articles

Breviscapine attenuates lead‑induced myocardial injury by activating the Nrf2 signaling pathway.

The present study investigated the therapeutic potential of breviscapine (Bre) in mitigating lead (Pb)-induced myocardial injury through activation of the nuclear factor erythroid-2 related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathway. Rat cardiomyocytes (H9C2 cells) were exposed to Pb to model Pb poisoning, and various parameters, including cell viability, apoptosis and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, were assessed using Cell Counting Kit-8, flow cytometry and 2',7'-dichlorfluoresceindiacetate assays, respectively. Additionally, a rat model of Pb poisoning was established in which blood Pb levels were measured using a graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometer, and alterations in myocardial tissue, oxidative stress markers, inflammatory indicators, protein expression related to apoptosis and the Nrf2 pathway were evaluated via histopathology, ELISA and western blotting. The results showed that Bre treatment enhanced cell viability, decreased apoptosis, and reduced ROS production in Pb-exposed H9C2 cells. Moreover, Bre modulated oxidative stress markers and inflammatory factors while enhancing the expression of proteins in the Nrf2 pathway. In a rat model, Bre mitigated the lead-induced increase in blood Pb levels and myocardial injury biomarkers, and reversed the downregulation of Nrf2 pathway proteins. In conclusion, the current findings suggested that Bre mitigates Pb-induced myocardial injury by activating the Nrf2 signaling pathway, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic agent for protecting the heart from the harmful effects of Pb exposure. Further research is required to elucidate the exact mechanisms and explore the clinical applicability of Bre in mitigating Pb-induced myocardial damage.

Severe Disease Burden and the Mitigation Strategy in the Arsenic-Exposed Population of Kaliprasad Village in Bhagalpur District of Bihar, India.

The present study was carried out in the village Kaliprasad of Bhagalpur district of Bihar to know the arsenic exposure effect in the exposed population. A total of n = 102 households were studied, and their water and biological samples such as urine and hair were collected and analyzed in a graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometer (GF-AAS). The assessment of arsenic-exposed village population reveals that the villagers were suffering from serious health-related problems such as skin manifestations (hyperkeratosis and melanosis in their palm and soles), breathlessness, general body weakness, mental disorders, diabetes, hypertension (raised blood pressure), hormonal imbalance, neurological disorders, and few cancer cases. About 77% of household hand pump water had arsenic level more than the WHO recommended level of 10µg/L, with highest level of 523µg/L. Moreover, in 60% individual's urine samples, arsenic concentration was very high with maximum 374µg/L while in hair 64% individuals had arsenic concentration above the permissible limit with maximum arsenic concentration of 11,398µg/kg. The hazard quotient (HQ) was also calculated to know the arsenic risk percentage in children as 87.11%, in females as 83.15%, and in males as 82.27% by groundwater. This has surpassed the threshold value of for carcinogenic risk (CR) in children, female, and male population group in the village. Hence, the exposed population of Kaliprasad village are at very high risk of the disease burden.

HEAVY METAL CONTENT IN BEEF COLLECTED FROM LOCAL MARKETS OF DHAKA AND ASSESSING THE HEALTH RISK

Around the world, beef is consumed as a healthy source of protein, fat, niacin, vitamins B6, B12, iron, zinc, and phosphorus. There is mounting evidence that beef is becoming increasingly contaminated with heavy metals, particularly lead (Pb) and chromium (Cr). The purpose of this study was to determine the amounts of the lead (Pb) and chromium (Cr) in beef. Five large markets in Dhaka city—Mirpur-1, New Market, Karwan Bazar, Kaptan Bazar, and town hall market of Mohammadpur—were chosen to gather samples of beef. In this study, the Pb and Cr content in beef was estimated by the Zeeman method using graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometer (GFAAS). The microwave digester finished the digestion of beef. The Pb and Cr content in beef were estimated in mg/kg. Total lead (Pb) content in a beef sample of Mirpur -1, New Market, Karwan Bazar, Kaptan Bazar and Mohammadpur was found to be 0.563±0.084, 0.845±0.127, 0.159±0.024, 0.063±0.009 and 0.143±0.021 mg/kg respectively (Minimum detection limit is 0.06 mg/kg). On the other hand, total chromium (Cr) content in beef sample from Mirpur -1 was found below the detection limit of the method (Minimum detection limit is 0.05 mg/kg). The Cr content in beef from New market, Karwan Bazar, Kaptan bazaar and Mohammadpur was found to be 0.05±0.007, 0.052±0.008, 0.121±0.018 and 0.053±0.008 mg/kg respectively. According to Codex Alimentarium Commission (CAC), the acceptable limit of lead content in beef is 0.1 mg/kg and there is no standard for chromium set by international organization like WHO/FAO, CAC. Brazil has set 0.1 mg/kg as permissible chromium content in beef (Ihedioha et al., 2014). Except for Kaptan Bazar, the chromium content was found to be within Brazil's permissible limit. Surprisingly, only Kaptan Bazar had acceptable lead content that was within the CAC limit. Bioresearch Commu. 9(1): 1196-1202, 2023 (January)

Analytical Procedure for Determination of Lead in Blood and Urine by Atomic Absorption Spectrometry

Lead is one of the natural constituents of earth found in soils, plants, and water. Lead predominantly a concern for neurological toxic effect particularly in children due to its irreversible neurological damage. The common spectroscopic methods in trace element analysis in biological fluids are dithizone extraction, polarography, spectral analysis, atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS), inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry. A graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometer is a valuable, simpler, and cost-effective spectrometric technique for the identification of lead absorbance in the human system. The GF-AAS method can be employed for the measurement of lead percentage in whole blood and urine, and the results acquired are helpful in biological monitoring and clinical diagnostic of work related to surrounding lead exposure. The paper reports the average lead concentration, and calibration graphs for standards as well as absorbance against lead concentration, which will be productive in future for analytical determination of lead in blood and urine.

A fast, sensitive, low-cost electrochemical paper-based chip for real-time simultaneous detection of cadmium (Ⅱ) and lead (Ⅱ) via aptamer

A novel electrochemical paper-based microfluidic chip was firstly developed to simultaneously detect cadmium (Ⅱ) and lead (Ⅱ) in vegetable and fruit samples. The patterned filter paper was prepared through the printing of three-electrode patterns on filter paper using an automatic screen-printing machine. Portable and low-cost (less than $1) electrochemical paper-based chips are prepared by filling conductive ink and hot pressing. The paper-based chip could realize signal amplification through gold nanoparticles and seed solutions. Cadmium (Ⅱ) and lead (Ⅱ) were sensitively detected by their aptamers labeled with methylene blue and ferrocene, separately. Under the optimal experimental parameters, the paper-based chip detected cadmium (Ⅱ) and lead (Ⅱ) as low as 23.31 and 46.23 pmol/L (3σ) with a wide linear range from 0.1 to 1000 nmol/L and exhibited excellent selectivity. The RSD was 6.41% (cadmium (Ⅱ)) and 4.20% (lead (Ⅱ)). Compared with other methods, the paper-based chip could complete the detection within 15 min and could be stored at −20 °C for 5 days. Furthermore, the results for vegetable and fruit samples were agreed with the results of the graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometer, in which the recovery rates were 93.20%–95.80%.

Determination of Manganese in Serum Using GFAAS: Serum Reference Values for Manganese in the Adolescent Girls of the DERVAN Cohort.

Current proposed method allows for the determination of manganese in serum sample using aqueous standard calibration technique on Graphite Furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometer (GFAAS) using deuterium background correction. This method involves determination of manganese from digested serum samples without the use of matrix modifier. Pyrolysis and atomization temperatures are 1200°C and 2200°C respectively. The limit of detection (LoD) and limit of quantitation (LoQ) of the method are 0.0097ng/ml (0.18nmol/l) and 0.032ng/ml (0.58nmol/l) respectively. Validation of the method was carried out using seronorm trace element level-1 serum standard with excellent agreement between measured value and certified value. Accuracy was demonstrated by the spike and recovery study with analytical recovery between 98.8 and 100.6% in serum. The serum reference value for manganese in adolescent girls of rural Konkan region of India range from 4.7 to 215nmol/l.

Iron deficiency and cognitive impairment in children with low blood lead levels

BackgroundThe relationship between iron deficiency (ID) and children's neurocognitive functions has attracted the interest of the scientific community, particularly among those living at the lead-contaminated sites. Thus, the current paper aims at evaluating the association between ID and neurocognitive performance of school children living in a mining area (CMA) in comparison with a control group (CG). Methodshe study involves 90 school children aged from 6 to 10 years old. A survey was conducted to obtain information on the socio-economic and demographic status of the children. The students underwent cognitive test battery including the Bell Dam Test (BDT) and the Digit Span test (DST). Iron status (IS) was determined by serum iron, ferritin, transferrin, and blood count (CBC). Blood lead levels (BLLs) were measured by the Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (SAA-FG). ResultsAn ID was observed in 23.3 % of CMA, but it is not statistically different from the CG 21.7 % (p = 0.774). CMA group exhibited elevated BLLs (3.5 ± 1.21 µg/dL) when compared to the CG (2.31 ± 0.95 µg/dL), p = 0.006. Children's performance on the visual attention test (VA) was impaired in both groups. Working memory (WM) abilities were normal. In bivariate analysis, no difference was demonstrated in mean BLLs between the students who adopt the disorganized scanning strategy compared to the others whose method is organized for both CMA (t = − 0.508, p = 0.616) and CG (t = − 0.014, p = 0.989). Multivariate models did not reveal any association between IS and cognitive scores of children in the two groups (p > 005). Nevertheless, daily milk consumption was positively associated to VA skills among CMA. A negative influence of BLLs above the threshold value of 5 µg/dL was determined on children's WM skills. ConclusionOur results suggest that low-level lead exposure did not influence children's visual attention scores but may adversely affect WM abilities if it reaches the threshold value of 5 µg/dL regardless of their IS.

The Occurrence, Pathways, and Risk Assessment of Heavy Metals in Raw Milk from Industrial Areas in China.

This study evaluated chromium (Cr), arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), and lead (Pb) contamination in raw milk from industrial areas in China, identified the possible pathways of heavy metals from the environment to raw milk, and made a risk assessment of the consumption of heavy metals from milk consumption. The Cr, As, Cd, and Pb concentrations in raw milk, water and silage were analyzed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The Cr and As in soil were analyzed by flame atomic absorption spectrometry and atomic fluorescence spectrometry, respectively. Cd and Pb in soil were determined by a Graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The Cr and As concentrations in milk from industrial areas were 2.41 ± 2.12 and 0.44 ± 0.31 μg/kg, respectively, which were significantly higher (p < 0.01) than those from non-industrial areas, which had levels of 1.10 ± 0.15 and 0.25 ± 0.09 μg/kg, respectively. Chromium was mainly transferred through the soil-silage-milk pathway, As was transferred through the water-silage-milk pathway, while Cd was mainly transferred through the soil (water)-silage-milk pathway. The contributions of each metal to the overall hazard index (HI) followed a descending order of As, Cr, Pb, and Cd, with values of 46.64%, 25.54%, 24.30%, and 3.52%, respectively. Children were at higher risk than adults.

Assessment of Heavy Metals Concentration and Health Risks of Selected Vegetables Sold In Jos Metropolis

This study revolved around environmental pollution caused by heavy metals and the health risks posed to humans by the consumption of contaminated vegetables commonly sold in Jos, Nigeria. Vegetables studied (Apium graveolens - Celery, Hibiscus cannabinus - kenaf, Hibiscus sabdariffa - Sorrel or Roselle, Allium fistulosum - Spring Onions leaves and bulbs, Sesamum radiatum - Sesamum leaves) were obtained from major markets within Jos metropolis. They were washed, air-dried, homogenized, and stored in air-tight bottles. Their concentrations of heavy metals (Zn, Fe, Mn, As, Cd, Pb, Cr, and Cu), were determined using a graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometer, and their health risks were evaluated through daily intake and hazard quotient. The vegetables analyzed gave different concentrations of heavy metals with their values falling within the FAO/WHO permissible limits. The highest concentration of Iron (0.515±0.003 mg/kg) and Cadmium (0.095±0.006 mg/kg) were found in Celery, while Kenaf had the highest copper (0.030±0.008 mg/kg) concentration. Zinc was higher in all the vegetables when compared to the other metals. The daily intake values of all the metals examined exceeded the maximum tolerable daily intake (MTDI) except for copper. Hazard quotient values of all the metals were less than 1 except As, Cd, and Zn which were found to be greater, thereby signifying health risk potentials of these metals. The study, therefore, revealed that consumption of these vegetables could constitute potential health hazards to the well-being of the consumers.

Heavy Metal Determination of Bivalves in Cagayan Valley, Philippines

Level of heavy metals like Cadmium (Cd) and Lead (Pb) in bivalves has been intensively studied during recent years as these hazardous substances could be accumulated in the biota and has been a hot issue in marine environmental studies. By consuming the shellfish, risk of bivalve related diseases may increase. And this shellfish poisoning is a concern to public health. This research study aims to determine if the Bivalves in Cagayan Valley, Philippines is safe to consume. The Freshwater clam (Corbicula fluminea) and the Marine mussel (Mytilus edulis) in Cagayan Valley, Philippines was collected for this study. The byssus and shells were removed, leaving only soft tissues to be used for the analysis and they were categorized into two. Graphite Furnace- Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (GFAAS) was used to determine the concentrations of Cadmium (Cd) and Lead (Pb). The results showed that the Freshwater bivalves Corbicula fluminea has a concentration 0.006 μg/g of Lead (Pb) and a concentration 0.016 μg/g. of Cadmium (Cd) while for Marine bivalves Mytilus edulis, the concentration of Pb was 0.011 μg/g and the concentration of Cd levels was 0.015 μg/g. The test results showed that the heavy metals, lead, and cadmium, were at low levels when referred to guidelines on heavy metals for food safety by different countries, particularly Malaysia. Thus, the results that were found were quite lower and there are no health risks to the people when consuming these bivalves collected from the province of Cagayan. Based on the results of the study conducted, the researchers recommend using different bivalve species to know the levels of heavy metals on bivalve species, investigate lead and cadmium heavy metals concentrations of one species collected in different areas/locations in Cagayan Valley and investigate the lead and cadmium heavy metal concentration of different bivalves in a regular basis i.e., monthly, or quarterly for at least 1 year.

RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN LEAD AND CADMIUM LEVELS IN BLOOD AND REFRACTORY CHRONIC CONSTIPATION AMONG IRANIAN CHILDREN.

There is limited research examining reasons causing refractory chronic constipation (RCC) in children. The effects of lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) exposures on this condition have been even less clear. However, some related factors may contribute to evaluation of blood lead levels (BLLs) and blood cadmium levels (BCLs). The present study aimed to examine the relationship between Pb and Cd exposures and RCC in children living in the city of Ahvaz, Khuzestan Province, in Southwestern Iran. This study was performed on a total number of 48 children aged 2-13 years, including 36 medically-diagnosed RCC cases and 12 controls referring to a pediatric clinic in the city of Ahvaz. Their BLLs and BCLs were then determined using a graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The data from the researcher-designed questionnaire were also recoded and the related risk factors were analyzed through Spearman's correlation and logistic regression analysis. The findings revealed that the geometric means of Pb and Cd in blood samples in the control group were 58.95 µg/dL and 0.45 µg/dL; respectively. These values in the case group were equally 45.26 µg/dL and 0.26 µg/dL; respectively. A significant difference was additionally observed between BCLs in the case and control groups (P<0.01). All children in both groups also had BLLs greater than the permissible limit endorsed by the World Health Organization (WHO) (≤10 µg/dL). On the other hand, 8.3% of the individuals in the case group and 33.3% of those in the control group had BCLs higher than the acceptable range mentioned by WHO (≤0.5 µg/dL). Pb and Cd exposures due to environmental pollution and susceptibility to heavy metals may not be associated with RCC in children living in the city of Ahvaz. Although this research was the first one providing data on BLLs and BCLs in children with RCC, the findings could be useful for designing future epidemiologic studies.

Seasonal Evolution of the Chemical Composition of Atmospheric Aerosol in Terra Nova Bay (Antarctica)

Atmospheric aerosol samples were collected at Faraglione Camp, 3 km away from the Italian Mario Zucchelli Station (Terra Nova Bay, Ross Sea), from 1 December 2013 to 2 February 2014. A two-step extraction procedure was applied to characterize the soluble and insoluble components of PM10-bound metals. Samples were analyzed for Al, Fe, Cd, Cu, and Pb by square wave anodic stripping voltammetry (SWASV) and by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometer (GF-AAS). The mean atmospheric concentrations were (reported as means ± SD) Al 24 ± 3 ng m−3; Fe 23 ± 4 ng m−3; Cd 0.92 ± 0.53 pg m−3; Cu 43 ± 9 pg m−3, and Pb 16 ± 5 pg m−3. The fractionation pattern was metal-specific, with Al, Fe, and Pb mainly present in the insoluble fractions, Cd in the soluble one, and Cu equally distributed between the two fractions. The summer evolution showed overall constant behavior of both fractions for Al and Fe, while a bell-shaped trend was observed for the three trace metals. Cd and Cu showed a bell-shaped evolution involving both fractions. A seasonal increase in Pb occurred only for the insoluble fraction, while the soluble fraction remained almost constant. Sequential extraction and enrichment factors indicated a crustal origin for Al, Fe, and Pb, and additional (marine or anthropogenic) contributions for Cd and Cu. Back trajectory analysis showed a strong contribution of air masses derived from the Antarctic plateau. A potential low contribution from anthropized areas cannot be excluded. Further studies are necessary to better characterize the chemical composition of the aerosol, to discriminate between natural and anthropogenic sources, and to evaluate a quantitative source apportionment.

Risk Factors for Lead Toxicity and its Effect on Neurobehavior in Indian Children.

Lead (Pb) is profoundly used heavy metal despite its known toxic effects. Children in particular are more susceptible to Pb toxicity. Thus, the present study was carried out to estimate the prevalence of lead toxicity in Indian children, to observe serum levels of biochemical parameters and to evaluate psychopathological implications of Pb toxicity using population specific scale-Childhood Psychopathological Measurement Schedule (CPMS) in children. Children between 9 and 15years of age were included in the study (N = 70). Demographic details and information regarding the source of lead exposure were collected using a self-made questionnaire. All biochemical investigations were performed in Beckman Coulter Auto-analyser AU680 and Blood Lead Levels (BLL) were estimated by Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. The neurobehavioral state of the children was assessed by a population-specific scale i.e., CPMS, which evaluates for neurobehavior under 8 factors, titled, Low intelligence with behavioural problems, Conduct disorder, Anxiety, Depression, Psychotic symptoms, Special symptoms, Physical illness with emotional problems, and Somatization. The median BLL of the study population was 4.9μg/dL. Habit of frequently consuming roadside food, proximity of residence to vehicular traffic and educational status of the mother were observed to be significant contributing factors for high BLL (≥ 5μg/dL). Serum alkaline phosphatase (P = 0.02) and phosphorous levels (P = 0.04) were significantly lower in children belonging to high BLL group. A significantly high adverse neurobehavioral score was observed in high BLL group children compared to low BLL group (P < 0.05). There was high prevalence of Pb toxicity with 50% of children having BLL > 5μg/dL. Further, certain lifestyle characteristics such as proximity of residence to vehicular traffic, frequent consumption of roadside food and lower educational status of the mother could be possible risk factors for higher Pb exposure in children. Evaluation of neurobehavior in children with high BLL revealed a high prevalence of adverse neurobehavior in them when compared to children in low BLL group.

Optimization of a GF-AAS method for lead testing in blood and urine: A useful tool in acute abdominal pain management in emergency.

Suspicion of lead poisoning is confirmed by its concentration in blood and protoporphyrin red blood cells. At low concentrations, lead influences the synthesis of the heme in the sense of lowering it. Acute and chronic lead intoxication is extremely polymorphic in regards to its clinical manifestations, with digestive, hematological, cardiovascular, renal hepatic and neurological features. The aim of the study was to evaluate the presence of lead in human whole blood and urine harvested before and during chelation treatment in the case of lead poisoning. An atomic absorption spectroscopic method for the analysis of lead was developed using graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometer (GF-AAS), Varian Spectra AA-880 with a hollow cathode lead lamp and a deuterium lamp for background correction, coupled to a GTA-100 atomizer and a programmable sample dispenser. Standard calibration solutions were used for the range 10-100 µg/l. The linearity range was 10.0 to 100.0 µg/l with the correlation coefficient of 0.999. We established that the method can be applied for the determination of lead in whole blood and urine, and the results obtained are useful for monitoring chelation therapy in cases of acute lead poisoning, a neglected cause of abdominal colic pain in an emergency situation.

Assessment of arsenic exposure in the population of Sabalpur village of Saran District of Bihar with mitigation approach.

Arsenic poisoning through groundwater is the world's greatest normal groundwater catastrophe which got an immense effect on worldwide general wellbeing. India is confronting the outcomes of arsenic poisoning in the zone of Ganga Brahmaputra alluvial plains. In Bihar, out of 38 districts, 18 districts are exceptionally influenced with groundwater arsenic defilement. In the present study, we have assessed the current situation of arsenic exposure in Sabalpur village of Saran district of Bihar after reporting of breast, renal, skin and thyroid cancer cases from this village along with typical symptoms of arsenicosis. Such cancer patients were identified at our institute and were taken for the study. The present investigation deals with the quantification of arsenic in groundwater, hair and nail samplesofsubjects as well as the survey of entire village to know the overall health status of the village people. A total ofn=128 household handpump water samplesas well as n=128 human hair and nail samples were collected from over n=520 households. Using the graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometer (GF-AAS), all the samples were analysed. The investigation resulted that the 61% of the analysed samples particularly the groundwater had the arsenic levels more than the permissible limit of WHO (> 10 μg/L) with 244.20 μg/L as thehighest arsenic contamination in one of the handpumpwater sample. The exposure effect of hair sample was worst as 88% of all the collected samples were having high arsenic levels more than the permissible limit (> 0.2 mg/Kg). In case of nail samples, 92% of the samples were having high arsenic concentration more than the permissible limit (> 0.5 mg/Kg). The health survey study revealed high magnitude of disease burden in the exposed population with symptoms such as asthma, anaemia, hepatomegaly, diabetes, cardiac problem, skin fungal infections, breathlessness and mental disability. Few cancer cases of renal, skin, breast and cervix were also found among theexposed population of this village. The percentage of cancer cases in this village was 0.94% that was low, but it would be an aggravated situation in the near future if people will continue drinking arsenic-contaminated water. Therefore, a mitigation intervention was carried out in March 2020 by installing an arsenic filter plant. The health situation in thevillage in the present scenario is hope to improve in the coming years. However, motivation and awareness among the village population are still required.

Heavy Metal Concentration and Health Risk Assessment of Selected Fruits Sold in Jos Metropolis

The present study investigated the level of heavy metals in selected fruits sold commonly in Jos, Nigeria. The fresh fruits (Avocado pear, Black currant, Egg Plant, Golden melon, and Soursop) were purchased from five major markets (Terminus, Farin Gada, Building materials, Bukuru, and Fobur) in Jos. Each fruit sample was collected in triplicate and analyzed using standard procedures. The concentration of heavy metals (Fe, Cu, As, Cd, Zn, Pb, Mn, and Cr) was determined using Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. The data obtained were subjected to descriptive statistics and then compared with the WHO/FAO acceptable limits. The results revealed low concentrations of Fe (0.125–0.241 mg/kg), Cu (0.015–0.020 mg/kg), Zn (0.925–1.135 mg/kg), Mn (0.025–0.045 mg/kg), Cr (0.018–0.029 mg/kg), and Pb (0.031–0.055 mg/kg) in all five fruits studied. Only cadmium exceeded the acceptable limit of 0.020 mg/kg stipulated by WHO/FAO, with the highest cadmium concentration of 0.085 mg/kg detected in Soursop. Accumulation of cadmium in the kidneys leads to kidney damage and osteoporosis. The Estimated Daily Intake (EDI) values of all metals were lower than the recommended tolerable daily intake values, except for arsenic, for which the hazard quotient greater than 1 was also detected in all the fruits studied. This could be a result of pollution in the environment of the regions where the fruits were cultivated. Long-term exposure to inorganic arsenic causes cancer. Environmental pollution raises health challenges to the consumers and therefore, drastic measures should be implemented to control it.

PRESENCE OF HEAVY METALS (LEAD AND CADMIUM) IN MEAT SAMPLED FROM THE TAMALE ABATTOIR AND RISK ASSESSMENT

The study investigated the presence and concentration of possible heavy metals residues in meat processed at Tamale abattoir. A total of twenty-seven (27) animal parts (liver, kidney and muscles) from goats, sheep and cattle were sampled and analysed for heavy metals using the Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (GFAAS). Means and standard deviations of Pb and Cd concentrations were computed from the data collected to test for the difference in heavy metal concentrations in the various meat samples. Liver samples from all three different animals were found to contain the highest concentration of Pb (3.17±2.39 mg/kg) and Cd (3.47±3.19 mg/kg). The sampled muscles of all animals used had an average Cd concentration above the permissible. Pb concentrations in cattle and sheep were found to be higher than the permissible limits indicated by the World Health Organisation and United States Environmental Protection Agency. The average daily dose (ADD) of Pb exposure to humans via ingestion were 7.64 × 10˗9 ˗ 2.19 × 10˗8 for children and 3.27 ˗ 9.35 × 10˗9 for adults. For Cd, the ADD were 1.96 ˗ 4.57 × 10˗6 for children and 1.13 ˗ 2.63 × 10˗7 for adults. Human health risk assessment proved no eminent risk of carcinogenicity to consumers, but it is estimated that the higher levels of Pb and Cd in the meat samples may pose a potential health risk over a period of continual exposure. Keywords: Heavy Metals, Kidney, Liver, Muscle, Abattoir

Relationship between personal-sampled air lead and blood lead in low-lead-exposure workers in Japan to apply multiple regression models determining permissible air lead concentration.

ObjectivesWe investigated the relationship between lead in air (Pb‐A) measured by personal sampling and blood lead (Pb‐B) in workers with relatively low lead exposure to estimate the permissible air concentration of lead corresponding to the biological tolerance value of Pb‐B of 15 µg/dL.MethodsWe collected air samples at a lead‐acid battery factory in Japan by personal sampling devices attached to 32 workers (19 males and 13 females) and measured Pb‐A by a graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometer in 2017‐2020. In addition, we collected information on age, smoking habits, Pb‐B, and urinary δ‐aminolevulinic acid from the records of medical examinations for lead poisoning. Samples were collected two times from four workers, resulting in 36 data sets.ResultsBefore analyses, we excluded four inappropriate data sets. The levels of Pb‐A in the factory and Pb‐B in the workers were almost under the current permissible limits. Multiple regression models showed significant correlations between Pb‐B and Pb‐A, and sex, and borderline significance between Pb‐B and age. Based on them, we calculated Pb‐A corresponding to Pb‐B 15 μg/dL, and obtained similar values to the current occupational exposure limit (OEL) of 30 μg/m3, with slight variation between sex and age.ConclusionThese results validate OEL, although supplementary conditions in terms of sex and age may be necessary.

Supramolecular solvent-based microextraction for the preconcentration of Pb2+ and Cd2+ prior to spectrophotometric detection.

Supramolecular solvent-based dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction technique has been developed as a preconcentration tool for the determination of trace level of Pb2+ and Cd2+. Dodecanol dispersed in tetrahydrofuran has been utilized as a supramolecular-solvent system for the extraction of analytes prior to their quantitative determination with graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Both Pb2+ and Cd2+, which were efficiently extracted by supramolecular solvent system, were complexed with dithizone followed by the addition of supramolecular solvent. The experimental variables that could possibly influence the extraction efficiency, i.e. pH value, temperature, sample volume, centrifugation time, rate of centrifugation, ionic strength, etc. were subjected to the optimization step. An interference study was also conducted to check the selectivity of developed method. Limit of detection calculated for Pb2+ and Cd2+ was 0.015 and 0.061 mg L-1, respectively. The limit of quantification was 0.05 and 0.2 mg L-1 for Pb2+ and Cd2+, respectively. The analytical signal was enhanced to 30 times in case of Pb2+ and 27 times in case of Cd2+. The results obtained revealed that the developed method is rapid, simple, sensitive, and efficient for the determination of both analytes in real water samples.

Health-compromising ingredients in fizzy drinks available in the markets of Dhaka city, Bangladesh

Fizzy drinks containing hazardous ingredients may pose public health risks to the consumers. This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the level of health-compromising ingredients in fizzy drinks. Fifteen top-selling fizzy drinks [ten soft drinks (SfD) and five energy drinks (EgD)] available in the markets of Dhaka city, Bangladesh, were analyzed. pH was measured by pH meter. Quantitative estimation of TSS was done by a hand refractometer. Lane and Eynon’s method was used to determine total and reducing sugar. The level of caffeine was estimated by high-performance liquid chromatography. Heavy metals were assessed using a graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The pH of SfD and EgD ranged from 2.5-3.4 and 2.9-3.4, respectively. The total sugar content in one serving (250 ml) was 20.8-28.8 gm for SfD and 22.6-37.0 gm for EgD, where six fizzy drinks exceeded the maximum daily allowable limit of sugar as recommended by the World Health Organization. Caffeine levels in the EgD were higher than those of SfD. The range of lead in SfD was 0.19-0.29 mg/L and in EgD was 0.19-0.22 mg/L. Levels of chromium were 0.08-0.26 mg/L and 0.07-0.30 mg/L for SfD and EgD, respectively. Low pH, presence of excess sugar, caffeine, and heavy metals were the health-compromising ingredients found in this study. Awareness among the consumers and strict monitoring by the regulatory bodies of Bangladesh should be raised to reduce the negative impact of fizzy drinks on health.