Heavy Metal Composition Research Articles

Antibacterial Properties and Phytochemicals Screening of Tectona grandis (Teak) Leaf Extracts against Bacteria Implicated from Upper Respiratory Tract Infections

Upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) commonly befalls both children and adults and is a major cause of mild morbidity. URTIs ranges from mild self-limiting diseases such as common cold to serious life-threatening illnesses such as epiglottitis. The present study was aimed to evaluate the antibacterial activities of Tectona grandis (teak) leaves extractson some pathogenic microorganisms isolated from clinical samples causingURTIs. The antibacterial activities were assayed using the agar well diffusion method. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) were evaluated using standard microbiological techniques. Phytochemical andmineral compositions of all the extracts were determined. Appreciable quantities of phytochemical such as saponins, tannins, flavonoids, glycosides, anthraquinone and alkaloids were present in both extracts of the plants with flavonoids having a higher percentage. Minerals such as K, Ca, Fe, Na and Fe were presented in both solvents. Heavy metals like Pb, Cd and as were presented in significant quantities in both extracts, however, high amount of the heavy metal composition was observed in the ethanol extract. The plant extracts exhibited varying degrees of concentration-based antibacterial activities against bacteria implicated from URTIs. They showed a high significant antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumoniae. Conclusively, the plant extracts contained several bioactive compounds (phytochemical), thereby validating the use of this plants for therapeutic tenacities. Also, the antibacterial activity of the leaf extracts against the test organisms also supports its usage in traditional medicine practice.

Sediment and residual feed from aquaculture water bodies threaten aquatic environmental ecosystem: Interactions among algae, heavy metals, and nutrients

The effect of sediment and residual fish feed on aquaculture water bodies has gained increasing attention to alleviate the eutrophication and heavy metals enrichment induced by aquaculture. Thus, this study intended to reveal the possible interactions among nutrients, heavy metals, and Chlorella vulgaris (C. vulgaris) in aquaculture water bodies containing fish feed and sediment. The analyses showed that consistent with the composition of heavy metals in fish feed, manganese (Mn) and zinc (Zn) accounted for the highest proportions (68–78%) of heavy metals in sediment. Meanwhile, sediment in the centre of aquaculture water bodies (S2) contained more heavy metals than those in the perimeter (S1), but the released concentrations and rates (Rrelease) of heavy metals from S1 were higher than those from S2. Moreover, the biomass, growth rate, specific growth rate, and nitrogen and carbon fixation rate of C. vulgaris increased with adding fish feed, whereas superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) decreased. In addition, with C. vulgaris, influenced by the release process from sediment and the uptake by C. vulgaris, the concentration and Rrelease of Mn, Pb, Cu, Mn, Cr and Cd from sediments coexisting with fish feed in water first increased and then decreased in general. The C. vulgaris biomass was significantly negatively related to Mn, Pb, Cu, Ni, Cr, and Cd and PO43–P (P < 0.05), which was caused by the uptake of C. vulgaris and indicated that C. vulgaris biomass is easily affected by these factors. Accordingly, the input of residual fish feed and sediment should be controlled.

Chemical and functional composition and biological activities of Anatolian Hypericum scabrum L. plant

Hypericum scabrum L. plant has wide use in ethnopharmacology and is cultivated both naturally and technologically. This study was conducted to determine chemical and functional properties and in vitro biological activities as antimicrobial, antioxidant, anticancer composition of H. scabrum L. (Hypericaceae) from Anatolia. This plant was collected from Elazıg and Sivas province of Turkey. The ICP-OES method was used for the investigation of the heavy metal composition and GC–MS analysis was used for the defining of chemical components. Antimicrobial qualifications of plant extracts were investigated on 8 different microorganisms by minimum inhibition concentration (MIC) method. Antioxidant activities were investigated by using Diagnostic kits, which provide 99% reliable results with chemical reduction reactions. In vitro anticancer properties of the extracts were investigated on 5 different cell lines by using MTT method. It was observed that the flower and leaf parts of Hypericum plant have a very high antioxidant capacity and has mediocre antimicrobial activity only on 2 microorganisms. Also moderate cytotoxic activities on some cell lines were determined. It is thought that H. scabrum plant has functional bioactive compounds and might be an important natural antioxidant source in various sectors like cosmetics, drug and food industries.

Microstructural and heavy metal analysis of gallstones prevalent in Jharkhand and its implications in the treatment

ABSTRACT Objectives In the present study the structural and compositional analysis of gallstones was carried out by various characterization techniques. Also, the utility of the study was evaluated on how the findings can enhance the treatment and dissolution therapies of gallstones? Methods Gallstones from the Jharkhand region were analyzed both structurally as well as chemically using Field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) and Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, inductively coupled optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES), Carbon hydrogen and nitrogen analyzer (CHNS), Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), Thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) and Differential Thermal Analysis (DTA) and other instruments. The content of heavy metal was represented statistically as a mean with standard deviation. Results FESEM analysis unveiled the crystal and globular structure of cholesterol and pigment gallstones respectively. Through ICP-OES analysis metals such as Fe, Mn, Cu, Pb, Cr, Zn etc. were detected in gallstones. FTIR and XRD analysis confirmed the presence of cholesterol and calcium carbonate and other compounds in mixed stones and calcium bilirubinate and bilirubin in pigment gallstones. NMR analysis revealed the presence of monohydrate cholesterol (Crystalline) in Cholesterol and mixed gallstones. Mixed gallstones were found to be predominant in this region in contrast to pigmented stones that were prevalent earlier. Conclusion The present study uncovered the current composition and content of different heavy metals in gallstones of Jharkhand region which can be instrumental in enhancing the dissolution therapies for gallstone treatment. This can serve as a major tool for practitioners for gallstone treatment and change the way they are looked at.

An experimental study on the concentration of heavy metals and minerals found in some of the estuarine organisms in Thengaithittu estuary, Puducherry

It is a known fact that edible aquatic animals possess a rich source of minerals and metallic compounds. In order to analyze the composition of minerals and heavy metals (Zn, Cu, Fe, Mn, Cd, Pb, and Cr) present in these fauna, this study was conducted in two fishes mullet and cat fish (Mugil cephalus&amp; Ictalurus punctatus), two crustaceans prawn and crab (Fenneropenaeus indicus&amp; Portunus sanguinolentus) and mussel (Perna viridis) which were collected from Thengaithittu estuary region, Puducherry, India. The results showed that the Zinc concentration is maximum in prawn and minimum in catfish, Copper concentration is maximum in catfish and minimum in mullet fish, Iron concentration is higher in catfish and minimum in mussel, Manganese concentration is maximum in mussel and minimum in prawn, Cadmium concentration is higher in crab and minimum in mussel, lead content is maximum in mullet and minimum in crab and Chromium concentration is higher in mussel and minimum in mullet. Mineral analysis reveals that the prawn had the good source of sodium, potassium and calcium and least in mussel. In this context the heavy metals and minerals concentration in estuarine fish, prawn, crab and mussel perceived in the current study was within the tolerable limits. The results of the current study suggest that eating fish, prawns, crab, and mussels from the Thengaithittu estuary in Puducherry may not have any negative effects.

Nutritional composition, heavy metal content and in vitro effect on the human gut microbiota of Talitrus saltator, an underutilized crustacean from the Atlantic coast.

In this study, an undervalued marine crustacean (Talitrus saltator) was characterized in terms of nutritional and heavy metal composition and its potential to affect human gut microbiota. Nutritional analysis of this crustacean revealed that it complies with the criteria established in European legislation to include nutritional claims in their labeling, such as “source of fiber,” “low in fat,” “low in sugars” and “high in protein.” The analysis of the heavy metal content did not reveal any risk derived from the presence of Cd, Hg, or Pb, whereas essential metals contained in 100 g exceeded the minimum daily requirements recommended in Europe for Zn (19.78 mg/kg), Cu (2.28 mg/kg), and Fe (32.96 mg/kg). Using an in vitro system, the effect of T. saltator on the human colonic microbiota shows some beneficial effects, such as fermentation-maintained populations of Bifidobacterium or Lactobacillus, did not increase Firmicutes phylum counts, decreased the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio, and stimulated 11 metabolic pathways with respect to baseline. These results are unusual in a high protein content-food. However, negative effects were also found in gut microbiota relative proportions, such as an increase in the Proteobacteria phylum and especially some opportunistic bacteria from this phylum, probably due to the antimicrobial effect of chitin on other groups more sensitive to its effect. This work shows for the first time the effect of T. saltator on human colonic microbiota using and in vitro system. The presence of chitin in its composition could provide some beneficial effects by modulating the microbiota, but as T. saltator is a high-protein food, more studies should be carried out showing these benefits.

EXTRACTIVE SUBSTANCES OF SAPROTROPHIC MUSHROOMS: FLAMMULINA VELUTIPES, HYPHOLOMA CAPNOIDES, ARMILLARIA BOREALIS, ARMILLARIA CEPISTIPES. HEAVY METAL CONTENT

The article is concerned to the study and comparison of the extractive substances chemical composition of typical saprotrophic mushrooms that grow in the forests of St. Petersburg and the Leningrad region: Flammulina velutipes, Hypholoma capnoides, Armillaria borealis, Armillaria cepistipes. The article analyzed and compared the chemical composition of low-molecular compounds of caps and legs separately. The composition of heavy metals was compared: cadmium, mercury, iron. The content of heavy metals in the studied fungi was compared with those studied earlier (Lentinula edodes and Pholiota squarrosa). Cadmium and mercury are found mainly in the caps of autumn mushrooms.&#x0D; The composition of fatty acids, sterols, carbohydrates and sugar alcohols in various parts of mushrooms (stems and caps) was determined and compared. It was revealed that glycerin is presented in all types of mushrooms and is contained in large quantities in the stems and caps of F. velutipes. The qualitative composition of sugar alcohols is approximately the same in all mushrooms, but the quantitative composition has specific differences. Sugar alcohol threitol is contained in Armillaria.

Spatiotemporal variation and ecological risk assessment of sediment heavy metals in two hydrologically connected lakes

Excessive accumulation of heavy metals in global lake sediments poses a serious threat to lake water quality and ecosystem security. However, there is still a knowledge gap in comparison of heavy metal variation and pollution in hydrologically connected lakes. In this study, concentrations of As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Pb, and Zn in sediments of two hydrologically connected lakes, Xingkai Lake and Xiaoxingkai Lake, were determined during the hydrologically connected periods (May and September) and disconnected period (January and July) in 2021. We found the range of As was 2.58∼14.35 mg/kg, Cd was 0.050∼0.21 mg/kg, Cr was 28.58∼262.3 mg/kg, Cu was 3.12∼28.05 mg/kg, Hg was 0.0030∼0.14 mg/kg, Pb was 10.87∼58.86 mg/kg, and Zn was 18.21∼90.73 mg/kg. Heavy metal concentrations were lower than grade I level in Chinese soil quality standards with significant spatial and temporal differences in the basin. Overall, most of the sampling sites in Xingkai Lake and Xiaoxingkai Lake were at the uncontaminated level and moderate ecological risk during the sampling period. Two lakes showed different heavy metal compositions, accompanied by higher contamination level and higher potential ecological risk in the small lake than those in the large lake based on analysis of the geo-accumulation index and potential ecological risk index. Besides, the contamination level and potential ecological risk in May and September were higher than those in January and July, mainly due to human activities and hydrological connectivity. The ecological risks were moderate for Cd and Hg, and low for As, Cr, Cu, Pb, and Zn. Correlation and PCA analyses showed that Cd mainly originated from anthropogenic sources, while other metals mainly came from natural sources. These findings elucidate the effects of agriculture and hydrological connectivity on heavy metals in sediments, and provide scientific basis for the reasonable management of lake ecosystem.

Spatiotemporal variations of heavy metal historical accumulation records and their influencing mechanisms in the Yangtze River Estuary

Complex transformations of heavy metals in the mega-river-estuary continuum limit our understanding of their pollution history. This study investigated sedimentary compositions of heavy metals, major elements, total organic carbon, grain size, and radionuclides to study spatiotemporal variations in heavy metal accumulation patterns and their controlling mechanisms in four sediment cores (E1-E4) from the Yangtze River Estuary (YRE). Results show that only E3 in the distal YRE front mirrors well the heavy metal pollution history due to its continuous deposition in a stable sedimentary environment, while E1 and E2 record the influence of riverine and estuarine projects and processes apparently. E1 in the proximal YRE front registers intense human disturbance through sediment dredging and dumping activities to produce a thick layer of abnormal low 210Pbex and minor heavy metal concentrations. E2 in the intermediate YRE front demonstrates the recently increasing influence of reduced sediment discharge by its upcore coarsening trend with decreased heavy metal concentrations. Flood and storm events left different imprints in core sediments of E2 and E3 by their coarse stratal units with fewer heavy metal concentrations. The source analysis indicates that heavy metals in estuarine sediments mainly come from natural processes but are significantly affected by human activities. A direct linkage of the heavy metal accumulation history with the socioeconomic development in recent decades is found by a comparison study of core data from the tidal river to the estuary, albeit with a remarkable spatiotemporal difference, which is jointly determined by grain size, offshore distance, hydrodynamic condition, depositional status, and sedimentation rate besides estuarine processes. This warns us to carefully interpret the heavy metal history from single or sparse core data in a mega estuary system with intense natural forces and human disturbances analogous to the YRE.

Influence of drying methods on heavy metal composition and microbial load of plantain chips

Mature unripe plantain is usually processed into chips using the traditional sun-drying method without considering consumer safety. Thus, there is a need to assess the influence of solar tent and open sun drying on the heavy metal composition and microbial load of plantain chips. Thirty samples of dried plantain chips were collected randomly from 10 processing centers in Akure South and Idanre Local Government Areas of Ondo State, Nigeria. In addition, four popularly consumed plantain varieties (agbagba, bobby tannap, mbi egome, and pita 23) were processed to chips and dried using open sun and solar tent drying. The samples were analyzed for heavy metal compositions using an Inductively Coupled Plasma- Optical Emission Spectrometer (ICP-OES) and microbial loads using the serial dilution method. The heavy metal content of the dried plantain chips was in the range of 0.01–0.08 mg/kg for Cd, 0.01–0.07 mg/kg for Co, and 0.05–0.50 mg/kg for Pb. Seven fungi (Penicillium spp., Rhizopus spp., Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus Niger, Aspergillus tamarii, Fusarium verticillioides, and Monilla spp.) of health importance were isolated. The drying methods had a significant effect on the Cd (p < 0.01), Co (p < 0.001), and Pb (p < 0.01) contents of the plantain chips, but with no significant effect (p > 0.05) on the bacterial, fungi, and total coliform counts. Since the heavy metal content and microbial loads were higher in the surveyed and open sun-dried samples, the solar tent-dryer may be more reliable in producing less contaminated plantain chips than the open sun drying methods.

Assessment of Trace Element (Mg, Al, K and Mo) in 14 Types of Raw Herbs and Spices using SEM-EDX Analysis

Herbs and spices are multi-purposes ingredients and essential in daily life such as in cooking as well as in traditional medicines. There was a lack of information on heavy metal composition of herbs and spices in Malaysia. Therefore, this study reveals the major and trace elements of elemental compounds in 14 types of herbs and spices using the Scanning Electron Microscopy Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy (SEM-EDX) method. The pH of most herbs and spices values are found to be in the ranges of pH 5.70 until 7.60 for herbs, while pH for spices is found to be within pH 5.26 until 7.23. A statistically eloquent relationship (r=0.91, P&lt;0.05) was found for Mg and its pH level in herbs by employing Pearson correlation. The SEM-EDX reveals the elements of carbon (C), aluminium (Al), magnesium (Mg), potassium (K) and molybdenum (Mo) are detected for the entire herbs and spices samples. C is the dominant element found at high concentration (&gt;85%) in both herbs and spices. Basil and cardamom have the most elevated amount of K with atomic percentage of 1.82% and 2.14%. Basil and ginger samples consist of more than 1.00% atomic percentage. The values of Al found in the samples of oregano (0.11%) and black pepper (0.37%). Higher amount of Mo concentration was found in ginger with an atomic percentage of 0.99%. The values obtained in the assessment are within the safe level for both herbs and spices, according to WHO.

Composition and sources of heavy metals in aerosol at a remote site of Southeast Tibetan Plateau, China

Knowledge of the elemental composition of aerosols at remote sites is important for evaluating the influence of anthropogenic activities. In this study, the elemental composition and sources of total suspended particles (TSP) at Yaze, a remote site in the southeastern Tibetan Plateau (TP), were investigated. The results showed that the mean elemental concentrations at Yaze were relatively low compared with those in other areas of the TP. Seasonal variations in the studied elements was characterized by low and high concentrations during the monsoon and non-monsoon periods, respectively. The enrichment factors (EFs) for some heavy metals at Yaze were slightly higher than those at Nam Co station (inland TP) but much lower than those at Mt. Yulong (southeastern TP) and in the Indian megacity of Delhi, indicating fewer anthropogenic influences at the study site relative to sites close to severely polluted regions. For the studied elements, three major sources were identified: crustal origins (e.g., Al and Fe), anthropogenic origins (e.g., Zn and Cd) and mixed origins (e.g., As and Bi). Further analysis by potential source contribution functions showed that the local TP was the primary source for elements of crustal origins. Correspondingly, the typical heavy metals were mainly attributed to pollution emitted from anthropogenic activities and transported over long-range from both South and Southeast Asia. This work demonstrates the transport of heavy metals from external sources to remote sites in the southeastern TP. These results are also useful for interpreting the historical profiles of heavy metals in the ice cores of the TP.

Nutritional property of Mucuna pruriens L. seed powder and effect of its graded dietary supplement on serum corticosterone in male and female albino rats

Mucuna pruriens(MP) is highly recognized for its diverse biology activities. Its seeds are not only utilized in Asian countries but also here in Nigeria. Hence, the need to evaluate Mucuna pruriens seed powder for its nutritional property and influence on the level of corticosterone hormone when supplemented with rat feed at varying doses. Rats were randomized into 4 groups and fed diets supplemented with graded inclusion levels of MP seed powder for 6 weeks; group 1 (control) was maintained on normal diet while group two, three and four were fed diets supplemented with the powder of MP seed at 0.5, 1 and 1.5 g corresponding to 3.33%, 6.67% and 10% inclusion level respectively. Phytochemical, proximate, L-Dopa, minerals and heavy metal compositions were analyzed using standard methods while serum level of corticosterone in rats was analyzed with Enzyme Linked Immuno-sorbent Assay after consecutive feeding. Saponins, steroids, alkaloids, flavonoids, phenolics, triterpenes, terpenoids, coumarins and glycosides were all present in MP seed powder. Proximate analysis revealed slightly-high carbohydrate (44.70), protein (28.80) and L-Dopa (3.11g/100g) contents. Mineral analysis revealed appreciable level of calcium (125.04 ppm), magnesium (3.31ppm) and iron (2.16 ppm). Level of serum corticosterone in both male and female rats fed diet supplemented with MP at 3.33%, 6.67% and 10% compared to their respective controls was not significantly different (p&gt;0.05). It is thus concludedthat MP seed powder possess nutritional potentials and may not induce stress in animal at inclusion levels of 3.33%, 6.67% and 10%.

Assessment of heavy metal composition of Ogbujilekwe Stream Watershed in Nimo, Njikoka L.G.A. of Anambra State

The study on heavy metals was conducted at the Ogbujilekwe stream watershed. The study aimed to ascertain the heavy metal content of the watershed and the water from the nearby stream and to find out if there is any relationship between the heavy metals in the watershed and that in the waters sample. The experiment was laid out using Randomized Complete Block Design. The heavy metals that were investigated in this research work are Copper (Cu), Mercury (Hg), Lead (Pb) and Zinc (Zn). The result of mean values of the heavy metals shows that the heavy metals were significant and Cu followed by Hg was the most significant at p&lt; 0.005. Also, Hg in soil was above the permissible limit for soil samples. Results from the mean values of the water samples also showed that all the heavy metals were significant in water, and mercury was the most significant heavy metal. From correlation analysis of the heavy metals in soil and water, only mercury in the soil had a positive correlation with mercury in water, and an increase in other heavy metals in the water had no relationship with the watershed. The mercury pollution in the water can therefore be attributed to the discharge from the watershed.

Assessment of heavy metal composition of Ogbujilekwe Stream Watershed in Nimo, Njikoka L.G.A. of Anambra State

Assessment of heavy metal composition of Ogbujilekwe Stream Watershed in Nimo, Njikoka L.G.A. of Anambra State

Concentrations of Zn, Mn and Al in wood chips from wood-based manufacturing industries

The elemental composition of wood chip samples manufactured in the wood industries at Batu Pahat were analyzed for their heavy metals composition. This study was aimed to prove that heavy metals can accumulate in wood and trees themselves without adding any wood treatment additives. ICP-MS analysis was conducted on the wastewater at the same manufacturing industry to evince the occurrence of the leaching process that causes the presence of heavy metals in the wastewater. The results of the experiments showed that Mn, Zn and Al were among the highest metal traces found in the wood chips. As a result, Mn concentrations in three different samples of wood chips were 83.6 mg/L, 88.1 mg/L, and 80.9 mg/L, whereas Zn amounts were 38.8 mg/L, 40.2 mg/L, and 37.7 mg/L. Furthermore, the amounts of Al traces in the three samples were 28.2 mg/L, 29.6 mg/L, and 30.7 mg/L, respectively. The study also found that the highest metal trace in wastewater shows a proportional value to the highest concentration of heavy metals in wood chips. Therefore, it can be concluded that, even though the whole chipping production process is considered to be a dry process, the wastewater generated after cleaning surfaces, storage tanks and machinery, causes heavy metal leaching and contributes to the presence of heavy metals in wastewater.

Assessment of Physicochemical, Macro- and Microelements, Heavy Metals, and Related Human Health Risk from Organically, Conventionally, and Homemade Romanian Wines

From the consumers’ perspective, organic and homemade products have become more attractive than conventional ones. However, scientific data regarding the characteristics, properties, and composition of these products are scarce. This study assessed the elemental composition of organic, conventional, and homemade Romanian wines. The physicochemical composition, SO2 (free and total) and total concentration of macroelements, microelements, and heavy metals from nine wine regions containing 165 samples of white (38 organic/70 conventional/57 homemade), 67 red (22/31/14) and 7 rosé (2/2/3) wines were analyzed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Dietary intake and target hazard quotient were also evaluated. The phytochemical and elemental compositions of the wine samples varied across regions and wine types. The highest levels of Ca, K, Fe and Al were detected in conventional wines, while homemade wines recorded high concentrations of Na, Mg, V, Ba and Rb. In the case of the rosé wine samples, the levels of trace elements and heavy metals were below the admissible limit. The estimated daily intake of a glass of wine provided less than 0.5% of the tolerable daily intake of the analyzed elements. No health concerns were identified. All wine samples can be safely consumed, regardless of the culture system used for production, and homemade wines are not of a lower quality than organic or conventional wines.

NUTRITIONAL AND TOXICOLOGICAL STUDIES ON Periophthalmus koelreuteri FROM OKPOAMA-BRASS, BAYELSA STATE

Mudskippers have been used extensively in ecotoxicological studies due to their tendency to bioaccumulate heavy metals and other environmental toxicants. The present study investigated the proximate, fatty acids, minerals and heavy metals composition of Periophthalmus koelreuteri (mudskipper) from Okpoama-Brass, Bayelsa State. Proximate composition was determined by AOAC methods, fatty acids composition was determined by gas chromatography and mineral/heavy metals were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Health risks associated with consumption of mudskippers (estimated daily intake-EDI, target hazard quotient-THQ and carcinogenic risk-CR) were determined by calculation. Proximate composition of samples were as follows: 52.50±0.20% crude protein, 7.50±0.02% crude fat, 0.29±0.01% carbohydrates, 15.71±0.015% crude fibre, 18.00±1.00% ash and 6.00±0.04% moisture. The following fatty acids were detected: lauric acid, palmitic acid, margaric acid, stearic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid and arachidonic acid. Minerals detected includes Na, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Zn, Cu, Co and Mo and heavy metals (Cd&gt;Cr&gt;Pb). Health risk assessment showed the following: EDI for Cd was 0.001 mg/100g-1bw/day; EDI for Cr in the samples was 0.000628mg/100g-1bw/day. THQ value for Cd was &gt;1 hence consumption of mudskipper (with respect to Cd) is not advised as it may pose health threats to the consumers. THQ for Cr and Pb were &lt;1 hence there are no health risks associated with respect to these metals. CR values for all heavy metals (Cd, Cr and Pb) in the sample were within the permissible limits. Mudskipper is a good source of protein, fatty acids and minerals however it accumulates toxic heavy metals from the environment.

Mineral composition and seasonal dynamics of the content of heavy metals in bed loads of ravines and small rivers in the city of Kamyshin (Volgograd oblast, Russia)

The article presents the study of the mineral composition and content of heavy metals (Ni, Cu, Cd, Cr, Pb, Zn) in bed loads (0–1 cm layer) of ravines and small rivers in the city of Kamyshin (Volgograd oblast, Russia). We established that quartz is the most widespread rock-forming mineral found all-over the place. In areas, where proportion of quartz decreases, the content of hydromica and feldspars increases. We discovered that the content of heavy metals in the bed loads increases in 61.1% of cases in spring compared to summer due to the inflow of pollutants from the urban watersheds with snowmelt runoff. Bed loads with a high content of heavy metals should be considered as an object of accumulated environmental damage. Reclamation of the beds of small rivers and ravines is required in order to create a comfortable urban environment and reduce the negative impact on the Volgograd Reservoir.

ABDIMAS PAPARAN EDUKASI LOGAM BERAT PEMUTIH WAJAH

Many choices of cosmetic products to make women look more beautiful. One of them is a facial whitening cream (Whitening Cream). However, it turns out that there are still many face creams that contain heavy metal compositions, one of which is hydroquinone. This community service activity aims to provide education to the community in an effort to minimize the use of whitening creams that are dangerous to contain heavy metals. The activity was carried out in RT.02/RW.01 Rawabuaya Village. Through this activity, the identification of heavy metal content in facial creams is carried out by detecting hydroquinone using nonikit. The identification stage is by dripping a little cream and then adding 2 drops of nonikit, then seeing the color change. The results of testing on several cosmetic brands used by the public, there are 5 positive trademarks containing hydroquinone from the facial cream used. Brands indicated to contain hydroquinone are Fair &amp; lovely (30%), Kinclong (50%), BioAqua (30%) and RK Glow (50%), SP Strong (50%). Face creams that have been identified as positive for heavy metals should be discontinued because they will cause serious health effects. This activity has a positive impact on the community to be more careful in choosing the use of facial creams.