Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectrometry Research Articles

Association between exposure to arsenic, cadmium, and lead and chronic kidney disease: evidence from four practical statistical models.

Environmental exposure to arsenic (As), lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) may cause chronic kidney disease (CKD), with varying independent effects and unclear combined impact. This study aimed to evaluate these effects on CKD. 1,398 individuals were included. Urine arsenic (UAs) was determined by atomic fluorescence method. Urinary cadmium (UCd) and blood lead (BPb) levels were determined by graphite-furnace atomic absorption spectrometry. CKD was defined as an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) < 60mL/min/1.73m2or proteinuria. Generalized linear models (GLM), restricted cubic spline (RCS) models, weighted quantile sum (WQS) regression, and Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) models were employed to study the independent and combined effects of exposure to As, Pb and Cd on CKD risk. Compared with non-CKD subjects, UAs, UCd, BPb, and creatinine adjusted urinary cadmium (UCdCr) were all significantly higher in CKD subjects. Compared with the lowest quartiles, the ORs (95%CIs) of CKD risk in the highest quartiles were 2.09 (1.16-3.74) for UAs, 2.84(1.56-5.18) for UCd, and 1.79 (1.05-3.06) for UCdCr, respectively. UAs, UCd, and UCdCr were all significantly positively associated with CKD risk in p-trend tests. RCS models revealed non-linear links between UAs, UCd, UCdCr and CKD risk, while a linear dose-response existed for BPb and CKD risk. The OR (95%CI) in WQS models were 1.72 (1.25-2.36) with UAs being the highest weighing metal(loid). BKMR models showed co-exposure mixture linked to higher CKD risk when the ln-transformed metal(loid)s above their 55th percentile. The ln-transformed UAs and UCdCr was significantly positively associated with CKD risk when the other two ln-transformed metals levels were all fixed at their different percentile levels. Synergism between Cd and Pb was also apparent. Single As, and Cd exposure were positively associated with an increased CKD risk. Co-exposure to As, Pb and Cd was positively associated with CKD risk, with As playing a dominant role.

Heavy Metal Contamination Suspected Cause of Mass Deaths in Seaweed Cultivation in Waters Affected by Mine Waste

Since 2012 until this year, there has been a decrease and a mass death of seaweed, especially in centers where mining exploitation is located. The need for technology on seaweed that is almost extinct is eroded due to environmental damage caused by mining industry waste. One technology that can be used in genome editing is mapping and selecting potential superior genes in several seaweeds cultivated in Morowali waters. This research uses experimental research methods. The data collection technique in this study is observation—water measurement and sampling at 16 stations. The collected data were then analyzed by the International Modification Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC) method 2005: 999.10, using Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (FAAS) and Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (GFAAS). The results showed that the heavy metal content in mercury/mercury, arsenic, nickel, and lead exceeded the aquatic biota threshold. In addition, the highest heavy metal content in Fatufia and Lalampu waters is accompanied by reddish and muddy watercolor.

Study on the Thermal Control Performance of Mg-Li Alloy Micro-Arc Oxidation Coating in High-Temperature Environments

This paper reports on the successful preparation of a low absorption–emission thermal control coating on the surface of LAZ933 magnesium–lithium alloy using the micro-arc oxidation method. This study analyzed the microstructure, phase composition, and thermal control properties of the coating using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV–visible near-infrared spectroscopy (UV-VIS-NIR) and infrared emissivity measurements. The results indicate that the hemispherical emissivity of the coating remains unaffected with an increase in temperature and holding time, while the solar absorption ratio gradually increases. The thermal control performance of the coating after a high-temperature experiment was found to be related to the diffusion of the Li metal element in the magnesium lithium alloy matrix, as determined by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), flame graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GFAAS) and Glow Discharge Optical Emission Spectroscopy (GD-OES). As the holding time is extended, the coating structure gradually loosens under thermal stress. The Li metal element in the substrate diffuses outward and reacts with O2, H2O and CO2 in the air, forming LiO2, LiOH, Li2CO3 and other products. This reaction affects the coating’s solar absorption ratio in the end.

Metallomic Approach to Mercury and Selenium in the Liver Tissue of Psectrogaster amazonica and Raphiodon vulpinus from the Brazilian Amazon.

This paper reports the results of a mercury (Hg) and selenium (Se) metallomic study in the liver tissues of Psectrogaster amazonica and Raphiodon vulpinus from the Brazilian Amazon. Two-dimensional electrophoresis, graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry, and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry were performed. Hg and Se determinations allowed the calculation of Hg:Se and Se:Hg molar ratio and Se values for health benefits (Se HBVs). The Se:Hg values were >1 for both fish species, whereas the Se HBVs were >5 for P. amazonica and >10 for R. vulpinus, indicating that both possess Se reserves to control Hg toxicity. The metallomic data allowed the identification of 11 Hg/Se-associated protein spots in the two fish species, with concentrations in the range of 9.70 ± 0.14 and 28.44 ± 0.31 mg kg-1 of Hg and 16.15 ± 0.21 and 43.12 ± 0.51 mg kg-1 of Se. Five metal binding proteins (MBP) in the Hg/Se-associated protein spots in the liver proteome of P. amazonica and eight in R. vulpinus were identified, indicating the possible formation of Hg/Se complexes on the MBP structures. The activities analysis of catalase, superoxide dismutase, GPx enzymes, and lipoperoxide concentrations demonstrated that Hg-induced oxidative stress did not occur, possibly because both fish species possess Se reserves necessary to inhibit the Hg's deleterious effects.

Assessment of trace metal levels in water, sediment and fish tissue from Lake Small Abaya, Ethiopia

The environmental impact of trace metal contamination is a concern for Lake Small Abaya, Ethiopia, because of nearby agricultural and industrial activities. This study assessed the levels of trace metals (Pb, Zn, Cd, Cu, Fe, Mn, and Cr) in water, sediment, and fish samples, as well as the physicochemical parameters of the water. Samples were collected from five sites and analyzed via graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GFAAS). The mean concentrations in the water were Zn: 0.6971 mg/l, Fe: 0.5628 mg/l, Cu: 0.1168 mg/l, Mn: 0.2129 mg/l, Pb: 0.0057 mg/l, Cr: 0.0021 mg/l, and Cd: 0.0014 mg/l. In the sediments, the mean concentrations were as follows: Fe, 33.066 mg/kg; Zn, 18.263 mg/kg; Mn, 22.777 mg/kg; Cu, 7.5663 mg/kg; Pb, 0.0751 mg/kg; Cr, 0.0233 mg/kg; and Cd, 0.0183 mg/kg. The fish samples presented mean concentrations of Fe: 21.855 mg/kg, Zn: 12.686 mg/kg, Cu: 0.3185 mg/kg, Mn: 0.9181 mg/kg, Pb: 0.0089 mg/kg, Cd: 0.0075 mg/kg, and Cr: 0.0015 mg/kg. All the metal concentrations were generally below the World Health Organization (WHO) regulatory limits. The physicochemical parameters indicated slightly alkaline to neutral conditions, with electrical conductivity and total dissolved solids within acceptable ranges. These findings suggest that current agricultural and industrial activities do not significantly contribute to trace metal pollution. However, continued monitoring and pollution control measures are recommended to ensure the long-term health and sustainability of the lake. This study highlights the importance of effective environmental management strategies to safeguard this crucial aquatic resource.

Copper supplementation alleviates hypoxia‑induced ferroptosis and oxidative stress in neuronal cells.

Hypoxic ischemia is the primary cause of brain damage in newborns. Notably, copper supplementation has potential benefits in ischemic brain damage; however, the precise mechanisms underlying this protective effect remain unclear. In the present study, a hypoxic HT22 cell model was developed to examine the mechanism by which copper mitigates hypoxia‑induced oxidative stress. Cell viability was assessed using the Cell Counting Kit‑8 assay, mitochondrial structure was examined with a transmission electron microscope, intracellular ferrous ions and lipid reactive oxygen species levels in HT22 cells were measured using FerroOrange and BODIPY 581/591 C11 staining, copper content was determined using graphite furnace atomic absorption spectroscopy, and gene and protein expression were analyzed by reverse transcription‑quantitative PCR and western blotting. The present findings indicated that hypoxic exposure may lead to reduced cell viability, along with the upregulation of various markers associated with ferroptosis. Furthermore, hypoxia elevated the levels of reactive oxygen species, hydrogen peroxide and malondialdehyde, and decreased the activity of superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) in HT22 cells. In addition, the intracellular copper concentration exhibited a notable decrease, while supplementation with an appropriate dose of copper effectively shielded neurons from hypoxia‑induced oxidative stress and ferroptosis, and elevated cell viability in hypoxia‑exposed HT22 cells through the copper chaperone for superoxide dismutase/SOD1/glutathione peroxidase 4 axis. In conclusion, the present study identified a novel function of copper in protecting neurons from oxidative stress and ferroptosis under hypoxic conditions, providing fresh insights into the therapeutic potential of copper in mitigating hypoxia‑induced neuronal injury.

Contaminants in the Soil and Typical Crops of the Pannonian Region of Slovenia

Soil contamination and the uptake of pollutants by food crops are widespread issues that vary greatly by region and are influenced by the mineral composition of the soil and local human activities. The Pannonian region, where agriculture has played a key role since Roman times, has been particularly impacted by the long-standing agricultural and industrial practices. While soil contamination with heavy metals is monitored by the Slovenian government, microplastic contamination and the uptake of pollutants into food crops have yet to become a regular component of monitoring efforts. In this study, we conducted a preliminary investigation into soil and crop contamination across the Pannonian region, focusing on identifying harmful contaminants and their potential uptake into food crops. Both soil and crop samples were analyzed for the presence of heavy metals with proven methods such as atomic absorption spectrometry (FASS), graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GF-AAS), atomic fluorescence spectrometry (AFS), and inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) was found to be a potentially faster method of obtaining data on soil composition. Special attention was also given to the potential presence of microplastics in the region’s soils.

Development of a novel method based on extraction mediated by a semipermeable membrane to determine Cd and Cr in sugar by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry

This work proposes a novel method to determine the Cd(II) and Cr(III) content in commercial sugar samples. It is based on the extraction of the analytes (as ammonium pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate complexes) into a semipermeable membrane device (SPMD) filled with CHCl3. After extraction, the SPMD was deployed and opened, and the analytes were recovered from the organic phase by back extraction with a 4.2 mol L−1 HNO3 solution. The analytes present in the acid extract were measured with graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry. Under optimized conditions, the limit of quantification of the method was 1.2 and 3.1 ng g−1 for Cd(II) and Cr(III), respectively. Twelve samples of different types of sugar were analyzed. In addition, a recovery test was performed to evaluate the accuracy of the method. The recovery percentage was 90 %–102 % for Cd(II) and 85.2 %–103 % for Cr(III).

Development of CadR-based cadmium whole cell biosensor for visual detection of environmental Cd2+

BackgroundAs a threat to human health and public health, cadmium (Cd) pollution has received widespread social concern. Our previously constructed CadR-based bacterial whole cell biosensor (WCB) epCadR5 showed high sensitivity and specificity in cadmium detection. However, the application of the sensor is still hindered by the need for laboratory equipment to read the fluorescence signal output. In this study, we aimed to optimizing the sensor to make it available for visual detection of environmental cadmium and simplify the detection process to advance practical application of the sensor. ResultsBy replacing the constitutive promoter with J110, the fluorescence signal output of the sensor was significantly increased and the fluorescence leakage was decreased. In addition, the fluorescence signal output of green fluorescence protein (GFP) was enhanced by the addition of a 5′ untranslated region (5′-UTR) mlcR10. The fluorescence signal output of the WCB is sufficiently robust to be visible and distinguishable to the naked eye, which is of paramount importance for visual detection. The sensor readout can be conveniently recorded by mobile phone camera and quantified. For ease of on-site application, the WCB's visual detection procedures and conditions were further optimized and simplified. The WCB demonstrated good linearity and detection limit (1.81 μg/L) for visual detection of Cd2+ without the assistance of bulky laboratory equipment. For the detection of real environmental samples, the WCB visual detection results were close to those of WCB-flow cytometry (FACS) and graphite furnace atomic absorption spectroscopy (GFAAS). SignificanceIn this work, we developed an easy-to-use, on-site and visual detection biosensor for monitoring environmental Cd2+. It will advance the utilization of cadmium WCBs in practical settings. The optimization and simplification strategy in the study also provide new insights into the visualization of other bacterial biosensors, and will advance the practical application of WCBs.

Validation of GF-AAS Method for the Determination of Aluminium Content in Human Albumin Finished Product

Background: Purified human albumin fractionated from plasma has a complex matrix that imposes a lot of interference in quality control testing, particularly for impurities at trace level. In this study, a simple approach has been studied and validated for the quantification of aluminium content using Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (GF-AAS). As per international guidelines, the linearity, accuracy, precision, specificity, limit of detection, and quantification have been assessed. Results: The linearity of the analyte response was evaluated over the range of concentrations from 5μg/L to 45 μg/L, and the correlation coefficient obtained was greater than 0.99. The mean recovery obtained for the accuracy ranged from 102.29% to 106.81% at three concentration levels. The specificity/selectivity evaluated for possible interference from other metal ions and relative standard deviation for the high and low content was 10.24% and 6.50%, respectively, which was statistically verified and not significant. Method precision was evaluated for repeatability and intermediate precision, and the relative standard deviation obtained was 1.83% and 4.61%, respectively. The limit of detection and quantification obtained was 1.30 μg/L and 4.10 μg/L, respectively. Conclusion: Results obtained for the method performance show the suitability of the method for aluminium estimation in human albumin samples and should be used to control the limit of aluminium in human albumin blood products.

Determination of Trace Cobalt in Water Samples by Ionic Liquid-Dispersive Liquid–Liquid Microextraction and Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectrometry

Determination of Trace Cobalt in Water Samples by Ionic Liquid-Dispersive Liquid–Liquid Microextraction and Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectrometry

Identification of Major Interfering Substances for Heavy Metal Determination in Northern Sea Areas of Sri Lanka

This study investigated the physicochemical characteristics of seawater from five locations along the northern Sri Lankan coast, encompassing areas with varying degrees of anthropogenic activity. The analysis revealed significant variations in several parameters, potentially influenced by human influences. The results reveal significant variations in several parameters. For instance, turbidity levels varied from 1.88 NTU in Thalaiyadi to 13.3 NTU in Pannai, with Pannai, Myliddy, and Kakkaithivu exceeding the recommended limit of 5 NTU. Total suspended solids (TSS) ranged from 3 mg/L in Thalaiyadi to 83 mg/L in Pannai, surpassing the recommended limit of 30 mg/L. Electrical conductivity (EC) ranged from 45,700 µS/cm in Nainathivu to 49,500 µS/cm in Pannai, exceeding the typical seawater range. Nitrate levels ranged from 10.4 mg/L in Thalaiyadi to 19.1 mg/L in Myliddy. Major cations such as calcium (361 mg/L to 417 mg/L), magnesium (1,222 mg/L to 1,327 mg/L), and sodium (10,140 mg/L to 10,530 mg/L) also showed significant differences across locations. These findings highlight the need for continuous monitoring and effective management strategies to mitigate the negative impacts of anthropogenic activities on these coastal ecosystems. Furthermore, the complex seawater matrix presents challenges for heavy metal determination using Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (GFAAS) due to spectral interferences from major cations, non-specific matrix effects, and interferences from organic matter, turbidity, and suspended solids. Careful consideration of these factors through background correction techniques, matrix modifiers, sample pre-treatment, and optimization of analysis parameters is crucial for accurate heavy metal determination in these environments. This study contributes to a better understanding of the environmental conditions and emphasizes the need for further research on heavy metal contamination and the development of robust analytical methods tailored to address the challenges posed by the complex seawater matrix in northern Sri Lanka.

Effects of Processing on Nickel Content and its Relationship with Proximate Composition in dead fresh and canned tuna fish in Iran

Background: The presence of toxic metals in food can be a risk to food safety and public health. Methods: The Iranian canned tuna was analyzed for nickel level after wet digestion with acids using Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (GFAAS). Results: The average concentration of nickel in canned and dead fresh fish found 4.20 ppb and 1.64 ppb. A significant difference in nickel level was observed between canned and dead fresh fish samples in this study. Although the concentration of nickel per g in the fillet after processing was relatively low, but the total amount of nickel in the sample shown change (256.01%). The results in present study showed the protein content in the canned fish increased to 13.17%. The moisture content in the processed fish decreased to 8.80%. The fat content in the canned fish increased to 12.86%. Conclusion: Although the protein and moisture contents significantly increased and decreased respectively after processing, but none of these factors were related to the change in nickel concentration. It may be recommended to regularly monitor the concentration of nickel metal in aquatic food products, so that human health was not at risk.

Cadmium Exposure and Noncommunicable Diseases in Environmentally Exposed Brazilian Population: Cross-Sectional Study without Association of GSTP1 Polymorphism.

Cadmium (Cd) is a toxic metal which is harmful to humans and the environment. Cd levels and adverse effects may be associated with genetic polymorphisms in genes involved in its toxicokinetics. This study investigated Cd levels in 198 residents of a condominium in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, built on industrial steel slag waste and the influence of glutathione S-transferase pi isoform 1 (GSTP1) rs1695 A>G polymorphism. Polymorphism was genotyped using a validated TaqMan assay; Cd levels were measured in blood (BCd) and urine (UCd) by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry. Associations were evaluated by multiple logistic regression, odds ratios (ORs), and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The mean Cd levels were 0.70 ± 0.20 µg L-1 (BCd), 0.58 ± 0.57 µg L-1 (UCd), and 0.61 ± 0.65 µg g-1 in urine corrected by creatinine (UcCd), and the Cd results were above tolerable levels (BCd > 0.5 µg L-1) in 87.4% of subjects. Higher blood Cd levels (>0.69 µg L-1) were associated with respiratory disease (OR = 2.4; 95%CI = 1.2-5.0), as almost 30% of people with respiratory diseases had higher Cd levels. The GSTP1 rs1695AA genotype frequency was 38.1%, and there were no significant differences between the SNP and Cd levels. High Cd levels and a high prevalence of diseases highlight the importance of implementing public policies and the continuous monitoring of this at-risk population.

Engineering Novel Amphiphilic Platinum(IV) Complexes to Co-Deliver Cisplatin and Doxorubicin.

In this study, we report a novel platinum-doxorubicin conjugate that demonstrates superior therapeutic indices to cisplatin, doxorubicin, or their combination, which are commonly used in cancer treatment. This new molecular structure (1) was formed by conjugating an amphiphilic Pt(IV) prodrug of cisplatin with doxorubicin. Due to its amphiphilic nature, the Pt(IV)-doxorubicin conjugate effectively penetrates cell membranes, delivering both cisplatin and doxorubicin payloads intracellularly. The intracellular accumulation of these payloads was assessed using graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry and fluorescence imaging. Since the therapeutic effects of cisplatin and doxorubicin stem from their ability to target nuclear DNA, we hypothesized that the amphiphilic Pt(IV)-doxorubicin conjugate (1) would effectively induce nuclear DNA damage toward killing cancer cells. To test this hypothesis, we used flow the cytometric analysis of phosphorylated H2AX (γH2AX), a biomarker of nuclear DNA damage. The Pt(IV)-doxorubicin conjugate (1) markedly induced γH2AX in treated MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells, showing higher levels than cells treated with either cisplatin or doxorubicin alone. Furthermore, MTT cell viability assays revealed that the enhanced DNA-damaging capability of complex 1 resulted in superior cytotoxicity and selectivity against human cancer cells compared to cisplatin, doxorubicin, or their combination. Overall, the development of this amphiphilic Pt(IV)-doxorubicin conjugate represents a new form of combination therapy with improved therapeutic efficacy.

Quantification of Pb2+ using thiourea functionalised metal-organic frameworks in the MEPS method followed by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectroscopy analysis

ABSTRACT This study aimed to develop a novel method for extracting trace amounts of Pb2+ in water samples using thiourea-functionalised MOF-199 in microextraction by packed sorbent (MEPS). The primary objectives were synthesising and characterising the sorbent, optimising extraction parameters, and evaluating the method’s performance in real-world applications. The prepared sorbent was characterised using FTIR, FESEM, and EDX. Various extraction efficiency parameters were optimised, including sample pH, sorbent amount, loading cycles, eluent cycles, sample volume, and eluent type and volume. Under optimal conditions, the proposed method demonstrated excellent analytical performance with a low limit of detection (0.005 µg L−1), limit of quantification (0.058 µg L−1), high extraction efficiency (93.8%), good linearity (0.06–40 µg L−1), and satisfactory precision (RSD = 0.41%, n = 10, CPb = 20 µg L−1). Notably, thiourea-functionalised MOF-199 exhibited significantly enhanced Pb2+ extraction ability compared to untreated MOF-199, with a saturated adsorption capacity of 99.58 mg g−1 at pH = 6. The method’s applicability was successfully demonstrated by extracting Pb2+ from three fish species’ river water, vegetables, and muscle tissues, achieving satisfactory recoveries of 99.42–100.4%. The novelty of this work lies in developing a highly efficient and sensitive MEPS method using thiourea-functionalised MOF-199 for Pb2+ extraction. Thiourea preferentially coordinates with the central Cu of the MOF-199 through its C=S functional group, leaving the nitrogen atoms free to interact with Pb2+ ions. This innovative approach offers a promising solution for trace Pb2+ analysis in complex environmental and biological matrices.

Trace Metal Bioaccumulation in Feral Pigeons (Columba livia f. domestica) and Rooks (Corvus frugilegus) Residing in the Urban Environment of Iasi City, Romania.

Nowadays, trace metal contamination within urban atmospheres is a significant and concerning global issue. In the present study, two synanthropic bird species, namely, the feral pigeon (Columba livia f. domestica) and the rook (Corvus frugilegus), were employed as bioindicators to assess the atmospheric trace metal pollution in Iasi City, Romania. The concentrations of Ni, Pb, Cd, Co, Cr, and Cu were determined through high-resolution continuum source graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (HR-CS GF-AAS) of various tissues, including the liver, kidney, lung, heart, muscle, and bone, of feral pigeons and rooks collected in Iasi City. The order of trace metal concentrations in the tissues of feral pigeons and rooks in Iasi City was similar: Cu > Pb > Ni > Cd > Cr > Co. However, trace element values in most tissues were higher in the rook samples than in feral pigeon ones, except for Co, which had elevated levels in feral pigeon renal and cardiac tissues, and Cu, which registered the highest concentrations in feral pigeon liver and kidney tissues. While not statistically significant, Pb concentration values in the PM10 fraction of atmospheric particles positively correlated with Pb concentrations in rook kidney samples (p = 0.05). The concentration levels of Cd, Pb, and Ni in the PM10 fraction of air particles showed a positive correlation with Cd levels in the samples of pigeon heart and rook liver, kidney, and heart, Pb levels in the samples of pigeon kidney, heart, and muscle and rook liver and bone, and Ni levels in the samples of pigeon liver, kidney, and bone and rook liver, muscle, and bone, respectively.

Copper, lead, and cadmium monitoring via the small-spotted catshark (Scyliorhinus canicula; Linnaeus, 1758): space-time driven variability in Western Mediterranean populations.

The philopatric and sedentary nature of female S. canicula, its high abundance as a bycatch and resilience to regular exploitation by bottom trawl fisheries and its widespread distribution, makes it a potentially good candidate as a biomonitor species. To evaluate this potential, microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) and Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (GF-AAS) were used to analyse Pb, Cd, and Cu in muscle tissue of individuals captured in the Western Mediterranean (Alicante, Spain). A monthly assessment of the concentration of these three analytes was conducted from November 2019 to November 2020 with 300 individuals. Results showed the existence of slightly higher mean concentrations during warmer seasons for Pb and Cd with mean concentrations for Pb and Cu peaking in Autumn 2019 and during Spring 2020 in the case of Cd. Significant differences in analyte concentrations found between non-consecutive months suggested gradual variability in time. Although space-wise, time-persistent concentration hotspots were observed throughout the sample area, the magnitude of these appeared to be variable in time and should be evaluated in future studies.

Heavy metals (Pb, Cd, Ni) in insect-based products for human consumption sold by e-commerce in the EU market: Occurrence and potential health risk associated with dietary exposure

Ensuring the safety of insect-based products (IBPs) is essential considering their potential as food source in the future. Among food contaminants, heavy metals represent a concern for food safety. In this study, the concentrations of lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and nickel (Ni) in 52 IBPs marketed on European e-commerce were assessed. The analyses were conducted with Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectrometry. The impact of consuming IBPs on the toxicological reference values for each analyzed heavy metal was also assessed, to characterize the potential human health risks. Results showed a statistically significant higher concentration of Pb in products containing a percentage greater than 50% of insects compared to those with lower percentage of inclusion. Specifically, 70% of samples containing 100% insect powder exceeded the Pb levels established by regulation, while 10% exceeded the Cd limits. The Ni values, higher respect to other studies, were compared with the mean values reported by the EFSA monitoring plan on foodstuff, showing that our data mainly fell between grain and other vegetables products, which have a greater nickel content respect to products of animal origin. According to EFSA, the health risk assessment conducted suggests that consuming products containing A. diaperinus, A. domesticus, L. migratoria, and T. molitor as proposed does not significantly contribute to overall dietary exposure to heavy metals. However, 4.24% of the Margins of Exposure for Pb were above 1 but below 10, suggesting a very low health risk, while 12.30% of the Margins of Exposure for Ni were lower than 30, indicating potential health risks for sensitized individuals. The importance of rigorous monitoring of heavy metal contamination to ensure the safety of IBPs and the need for continued research to mitigate potential health risks associated with their consumption were highlighted.

Ionic Liquid-Based Solidified Floating Organic Drop Micro-Extraction Followed by Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectrometry for the Determination of Mercury in Water Samples

Ionic Liquid-Based Solidified Floating Organic Drop Micro-Extraction Followed by Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectrometry for the Determination of Mercury in Water Samples