Content Of Heavy Metals In Samples Research Articles

Evaluation of Heavy Metal Presence in Agricultural Samples of Lactuca sativa and Trifolium alexandrinum Using Picosecond Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy and Flame Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy in Banha and Giza Governorates, Egypt

This pioneering study utilizes Flame Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (FAAS) and Picosecond Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (Ps-LIBS) to quantify heavy metal contents in samples of Lactuca sativa L. and Trifolium alexandrinum L. collected from Banha and Giza, Egypt for the first time. In order to enhance the performance of Ps-LIBS, laser parameters were carefully optimized. Expressly, laser energy was set to 100 ± 5% J/cm², pulse duration was calibrated to 170 picoseconds, and 1064 nm Nd: YAG pulses were employed. This optimization facilitated the creation of linear LIBS calibration curves, a crucial element in ensuring precise elemental quantification and bolstering the overall analytical reliability. The assessment of pollution indices revealed concerningly high levels of copper, nickel, and cadmium consistently across all study sites. Lactuca sativa L. and Trifolium alexandrinum L. also demonstrated multiple metals’ bioaccumulation factors (>1), further underscoring the potential health risks associated with copper, nickel, and cadmium contents. Given these findings, it is imperative to recommend constructing a dedicated wastewater treatment facility to address Al Mansouria village’s environmental challenges in the Giza governorate.

Seasonal content of heavy metals in the "soil-feed-milk-manure" system in horse husbandry in Kazakhstan.

Background and Aim:The quality of food, especially animal-based food, is crucial for human health. However, the quality of milk and other animal products has become an acute cause for concern in Kazakhstan. Technogenic dispersion of heavy metals (HMs) causes adverse effects on living organisms and creates unfavorable conditions for the existence of humans, animals, and plants. The purpose of this study was to analyze the content of several HMs in samples of soil, horse feed (hay, mixed feed, and bran), mare’s milk, and manure to assess bioaccumulation and possible adverse effects on the bodies of horses. An additional purpose was to identify areas with acceptable conditions for obtaining environmentally safe horse breeding products in the agricultural zones of the Almaty region, Kazakhstan.Materials and Methods:Samples were obtained from two farms in the Almaty region in 2020 (spring, summer, and autumn). In total, 72 soil samples were analyzed, which were taken from the upper humus horizon to the depth of the arable layer. Eighty-six samples were taken from the feed of horses. Green feed was represented by perennial and annual grasses (alsike clover, Medicago sativa, sweet yellow clover, as well as pea and oat mix). Barley and wheat bran stored in the warehouses of the farm were sampled for the research as feed supplements. The mixed feed comprised components such as maize and sunflower. In addition, 46 samples of mare’s milk and 28 samples of horse manure were collected. The HM analysis was performed in the laboratory of the Kazakh-Japanese Innovation Center. The residual amounts of HMs were determined using an absorption spectrometer with a voltammetric analyzer. The content of cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), and arsenic (As) in all the studied samples of soil, feed, mare’s milk, and manure did not exceed the threshold limit values (TLVs), suggesting that the intake of these toxic elements into the human body with food was low.Results:The average Cd concentration was in the range of 0.29-0.31 mg/kg in soil samples and in the range of 0.20-0.27 mg/kg in feed samples. In milk, the Cd concentration varied from 0.01 to 0.02 mg/L and was lower in summer and higher in fall. The total average Cd content in horse manure was 0.1844 mg/kg. The concentration of Pb in soil samples ranged from 1.09 to 1.30 mg/kg with the lowest value in spring and the highest in fall. In the feed, the concentration of Pb varied from 0.14 to 0.76 mg/kg and in milk from 0.03 to 0.15 mg/L. The average concentrations of Hg and As in soil samples averaged 0.022 and 0.019 mg/kg, respectively, and were within the TLVs.Conclusion:In the study areas, the calculated transition rates in the soil–feed–milk–manure system revealed that the greatest transition of HMs was observed for Pb and Cd, and a smaller migration was observed for Hg and As. The tendency of accumulation of trace elements continued in the feed.

Basement faults deduction at a dumpsite using advanced analysis of gravity and magnetic anomalies

ABSTRACTA study of the fracture systems in the basement of the Matatlan urban waste dump of Guadalajara City, near the western edge of the Rio Grande de Santiago canyon (southwestern Mexico), is reported. The Matatlan dumpsite was developed on top of andesitic and rhyolitic rocks. Measurements at outcrops indicated that N–S (0°–15° and 165°–180°), N45–90E and N105–135E fracture systems affect the basement. Statistical analysis (micromagnetic method) of magnetic lineament azimuths indicated the presence of two lineament groups. The major one (N60–120E) has a maximum at N90–105E, and a secondary group (N120–165E). The gravity anomalies are featured by a major group (N60–120E, with maximums at N60–75E, and N105–120E) and a secondary group (N120–180E). Thus, a good to fair correlation exists between the measured fracture orientations and the lineaments featuring the gravity and magnetic anomalies. Horizontal derivative and tilt angle depicted horizontal limits of anomaly‐causative bodies. Results of the micromagnetic method are consistent with fracture orientations and with the limits established through edge‐detection techniques. Lineaments established by means of the gravity and magnetic Euler deconvolution are also consistent. Gravity and magnetic Euler deconvolution helped to estimate the depth extent of the limits of gravity and magnetic common sources. Euler deconvolution indicated the fault or contact nature of these lineaments. Furthermore, Euler deconvolution indicated slopes of the limits of gravity and magnetic sources. The fault or fracture nature of the major lineaments was finally confirmed by forward modelling (forward 2D cooperative modelling of gravity and magnetic profiles). For example, lineaments delimiting the northern depression could be characterized as normal faults. In general, this study indicates that it is possible, based on gravity and magnetic data, to characterize fractures affecting the basement of a dumpsite, a key parameter in hydrogeophysical studies. In particular, through this study, the inferred structures could be associated with regional tectonic faulting, which might provide migration paths to unhealthy lixiviate outside the dumpsite, giving rise to the contamination of the neighbouring environment. In particular, the study explains the presence of an unhealthy leachate waterfall to the northeast of the dumping site. Heavy metal contents in samples from this waterfall support that lixiviates originate at the dumpsite.

Sadržaj bakra i pratećih elemenata u višeslojnom blatnjavom zemljištu iz Bučimskog jezera ispod jalovišta rudnika "Bučim", Republika Severna Makedonija

The intense mineral extraction in mining areas during the last several decades has produced a large amount of waste material and tailings, which release toxic elements to the environment. The aim of the study was to determine in two vertical profiles/sections (1 and 2) the heavy metal contents of samples derived from six samples, three from each section located in the porphyry copper mine Buchim area, Republic North Macedonia. The results have been compared to new Dutchlist (DL) and Kabata-Pendias (KP) standards and the following was concluded: As values ranged 14.985÷60.131 mg kg-1 with 4 samples above the target value of the DL (29 mg kg-1 As) and 6 above standard values given in KP value (5 mg kg-1 As), in that context Co values ranged 11 ÷57 mg kg-1 with 6 values above the target value of the DL (9 mg kg-1 Co) and 5 above standard values given in KP value (12 mg kg-1 Co), Cr with range 29.32÷75.76 mg kg-1 with 6 over KP value (10 mg kg-1 Cr) and none above the target value of the DL (100 mg kg-1 Cr), Cu with range 2694÷6749 mg kg-1 with 6 samples above the target value of the DL (36 mg kg-1 Cu) and 6 above standard values given in KP value (20 mg kg-1 Cu), Ni with range 59.57÷105.98 mg kg-1 with 6 samples above the target value of the DL (35 mg kg-1 Ni) and 6 above standard values given in KP value (20 mg kg-1 Ni), Pb with range 27.06 ÷96.08 mg kg-1 with 1 sample above the target value of the DL (85 mg kg-1Pb) and 6 above standard values given in KP value (25 mg kg-1Pb), Zn with range 147÷273 mg kg-1 with 6 over target value of the DL (140 mg kg-1 Zn) and 6 above standard KP value (64 mg kg-1 Zn), V with range 34.44÷92.57 mg kg-1 with 5 over target value of the DL (42 mg kg-1 V) and one above KP value (90 mg kg-1 V).In order to compare the level of contamination, the contamination factor (𝐶𝑓 𝑖 ), degree of contamination (Cd), and pollution load index (PLI) were computed. Serious numbers were found for Cu, as, Zn, Co and Ni, which exceeded standard values at almost all samples from both vertical sections. Compared from section 1 and section 2, pollution load index increased by 13.43%, which in almost all samples was classified as heavily polluted to extremely polluted. The fact that mining activities at the Buchim Mine last for almost 40 years, the presence of heavy metals in soils at a serious level is understandable. The high level of contamination is a result of heavy metal persistence and non-biodegradability.

Heavy Metal Pollution Monitoring in Vulnerable Ecosystems: A Case Study of the Lagos Lagoon, Nigeria.

This comparative analysis was carried out to monitor heavy metal concentrations in the Lagos Lagoon over the last 2 decades. Surface water and sediment samples were collected from stations on the Lagos Lagoon based on their suitability for comparative analysis and future monitoring. Heavy metal content in samples was determined using Flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry (FAAS). The concentrations in the samples were compared to those obtained by Don-Pedro et al. (West African Journal of Applied Ecology 5:103-114, 2004) in previous studies from the same sampling zones. Results show that concentration of most heavy metals analysed has reduced significantly (p < 0.05) in the past 2 decades. However, the concentration of Cadmium (Cd) was found to have increased significantly (p < 0.05) over the same period. Increased concentration of Cadmium poses a threat to ecosystem health thus, it is imperative that safe limits for heavy metal discharge in waste streams should be revised and implemented.

Assessment of soil heavy metal pollution in a former mining area - before and after the end of mining activities

Toxicity and persistence of heavy metals, which are accumulated in the environment as the result of diverse industrial activities, represent serious environmental problem worldwide. The intense mineral extraction in mining areas has produced a large amount of waste material and tailings, which release toxic elements to the environment. The aim of the study was to determine in two time horizons (1997, 2015) the heavy metal contents of samples derived from ten sampling sites located in the former mining area of Central Spiš (Slovakia). In order to compare the level of contamination, the contamination factor (C&lt;sup&gt;i&lt;/sup&gt;&lt;sub&gt;f&lt;/sub&gt;), degree of contamination (C&lt;sub&gt;d&lt;/sub&gt;), and pollution load index (PLI) were computed. Spearman’s correlation coefficient was used in order to detect the relationships among heavy metals. A serious situation was found for Hg, Zn, and Cd, which exceeded limit values at all sampling sites within both studied years. In 1997, the average values of contamination factor have shown very high contamination with all studied heavy metals, and moderate contamination with Co. In 2015, the study area was classified as very highly contaminated with As, Hg, Zn, Cu, considerably contaminated with Ni, Cr, Pb, and Cd, while Co contamination was not detected. Since 1997 till 2015 the pollution load index decreased by about 38%, nevertheless even then almost all sampling sites were classified as heavily polluted. Despite the fact that mining activities were stopped or limited at the beginning of the 21&lt;sup&gt;st&lt;/sup&gt; century, the presence of heavy metals in soils remains at a serious level. The high level of contamination is a result of heavy metal persistence and non-biodegradability.

Effects of Mining Pollution on the Longjiang River in China

In order to investigate the effects of mining pollution to LongJiang River and to know the situation of LongJiang River, we collected water and sludge samples along the river and analyzed the heavy metal content of samples. Results showed that LiDeFen factory and JinHe mining released most of the heavy metals to LongJiang River two years ago, and the upstream of LongJiang River also released some metal to the river. These heavy metals were precipitated to the bottom of LongJiang River by using weak alkaline chemical precipitation technology, and water quality of LongJiang River can reach the second national environmental quality standards of surface water now. The precipitation effects were different in different remediation sites.

Variation of Heavy Metal Content of Market Variants of Ayurvedic Formulation - Lack of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)

Aim: The present study was conducted to estimate the heavy metal content in samples of Kutazghan Vati (a pill), from three different manufacturers to know about the quality control measures being followed by manufacturers for GMP. The study will also provide a platform for regulatory authorities to tighten the noose and upgrade the industry about high heavy metal levels in relation to international regulations. Methodology: Three variants of Kutajghan Vati coded as A, B, and C manufactured by different leading manufacturers was procured from local market. Heavy metals analysis was done according to AOAC (1995) for non volatile heavy metals. Results: Cadmium content of two variants A and C was within permissible limits where as cadmium content of variant B was 2.98 ppm about ten times higher than the permissible limits of 0.3 ppm set up by WHO and the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India. The lead content of variant A was 36.33 ppm that was about four times against the permissible value set up by WHO. Despite very low detection limits, mercury and arsenic were not detectable in all the three variants depicting that the formulation were free from these heavy metals. Conclusions: Despite same guidelines issued by same regulatory authorities for production of ayurvedic formulations for permissible limits of heavy metal content, three different manufacturers marketed the same formulation with different heavy metal content which reflects that industry seems to be negligent for maintaining proper quality control. This study suggests that periodic estimation of heavy metals is highly essential for single drugs, raw drugs as well as finished products for quality assurance and safer use of herbal drugs.

Variation of Heavy Metal Content of Market Variants of Ayurvedic Formulation - Lack of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)

Aim: The present study was conducted to estimate the heavy metal content in samples of Kutazghan Vati (a pill), from three different manufacturers to know about the quality control measures being followed by manufacturers for GMP. The study will also provide a platform for regulatory authorities to tighten the noose and upgrade the industry about high heavy metal levels in relation to international regulations. Methodology: Three variants of Kutajghan Vati coded as A, B, and C manufactured by different leading manufacturers was procured from local market. Heavy metals analysis was done according to AOAC (1995) for non volatile heavy metals. Results: Cadmium content of two variants A and C was within permissible limits where as cadmium content of variant B was 2.98 ppm about ten times higher than the permissible limits of 0.3 ppm set up by WHO and the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India. The lead content of variant A was 36.33 ppm that was about four times against the permissible value set up by WHO. Despite very low detection limits, mercury and arsenic were not detectable in all the three variants depicting that the formulation were free from these heavy metals. Conclusions: Despite same guidelines issued by same regulatory authorities for production of ayurvedic formulations for permissible limits of heavy metal content, three different manufacturers marketed the same formulation with different heavy metal content which reflects that industry seems to be negligent for maintaining proper quality control. This study suggests that periodic estimation of heavy metals is highly essential for single drugs, raw drugs as well as finished products for quality assurance and safer use of herbal drugs.

濃尾平野完新統中の重金属元素濃度と分布の特徴

To elucidate the background value and distribution of natural heavy metals in Holocene alluvial sediments, we examined the heavy metal contents (MnO, Fe2O3, Ni, Cu, and Zn) of five sediment cores drilled at various locations on the Nobi Plain, central Japan using an XRF analysis. The amounts of heavy metals were in proportion both to the amounts of clay fraction and Al2O3 contents of sediments. Ni, Cu, and Zn contents were higher in the clay mineral fraction than in the other fraction when applying the elutriation method. This suggests that Ni, Cu, and Zn are adsorbed onto the clay minerals. MnO was especially enriched in several horizons. This might be affected by its oxidized-reduced state. In addition, there is little difference in the heavy metal contents of terrestrial and marine sediments. Most of the heavy metal contents of samples studied were lower than those of the modern riverbed sediments from Imai et al., (2004). High concentrations of Cu were observed in subsurface sediment. These anomalous high concentrations of Cu are presumably due mainly to anthropogenic pollutions.

Concentration of heavy metals from traffic emissions on plant produce sold along Ife– Ibadan express way: Health implications

In recent years, emission and combustion of fossils and fuels have been identified as primary sources of atmospheric metallic burden. Detailed information about this is not readily available in Nigeria. This study was therefore carried out to determine the concentration of heavy metals (e.g. lead, mercury and cadmium} deposited on plant produce sold along the highway in Osun State). Samples were bought from traders along the road from two different locations (Gbongan and Ikire junctions). The samples were digested and analyses for lead (Pb), cadmium (cd) and Mercury (Hg) using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometers (AAS). The data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics (Bar charts and graph). Results from the various analyses indicated that the levels of these metals were found to increase uphill due to high combustion of fuel leading to high emission of vehicular exhaust and vice versa (uphill > downhill).When the heavy metal content in samples was compared with FAO/WHO guideline for food, it was observed that the metal contents in the plant produces sold along the road were higher than the threshold level, hence the plant produces sold along the road were considered contaminated. Therefore, buying and selling of plant produces along the highways should be discouraged. Enactment of an enabling law and its enforcement should be considered as priority by the appropriate organs of the government

Biomonitoring of Metal Deposition in the Vicinity of Eregli Steel Plant in Turkey

This article describes the first attempt to study the concentration of seven element (Fe, Pb, Ni, Cr, Cu, Co, and As) contaminations in the vicinity of the Eregli Iron and Steel Plant (ERDEMIR) by analysis of two pleurocarpic moss species (Hypnum cupressiforme and Scleropodium purum). Samples of H. cupressiforme were collected from May 2003 to October 2004. Unwashed, dried samples were digested with HNO3/HClO4, and the concentrations of heavy metals were determined by graphite–furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GFAAS). In the region, general orders of heavy metal content in samples of mosses were determined as follows: Fe > Pb > Cr > Ni > Cu > Co > As. Comparisons were made between the two moss species for those elements presents at different concentrations and regression analysis were made to see interspecies relationship. H. cupressiforme and S. purum are significantly correlated for only Fe (P < 0.01) having Pearson's correlation coefficient as 0.93, indicating interspecies calibration for Fe. The ratios (Hc/Sp) were relatively better correlated with 1/Sp for As than for other metals, suggesting a saturation effect in H. cupressiforme for As. The deposition of metals due to the operation of the steel plant has been established and could be further monitored. Such information could be useful for forensic studies aiming to apportion between different possible sources of those metals.

Multivariate analysis of heavy metal contents of sediments from Gumusler creek, Nigde, Turkey

In this study, heavy metal contents of samples from Gumusler creek in Turkey were studied and the metal contamination characteristics were investigated. In this respect, considering the pollutant sites in the area, systematic sediment samples were collected in a zone starting from the manifestation part of the water to the entrance of the Karasu creek in Gumusler town. Samples were taken from lower section of the river bed at 30 stations along Gumusler creek, 13 km in length and their heavy metal contents were analyzed with XRF Spectrometer. Correlation coefficients, element coefitic coefficient correlation, dendogram hierarchical cluster, model summary and Annova analysis statistical methods were applied to data. Strong positive correlations were determined for some elements which are believed to have possibly the same origin. In addition, mineralizations in the area are thought to cause variation in metal contents. Results of chemical analysis show that soil limit values and clark values were exceeded. The heavy metal accumulation in the creek is believed to be derived from non-operated Sb-Hg-W and Fe quarries.

Heavy metal contents in samples of Hypericum and Thymus spec. collected from different mountain areas in Serbia

Heavy metal contents in samples of Hypericum and Thymus spec. collected from different mountain areas in Serbia

Determining depleted uranium (DU) contamination in soils and salt marsh sediments in the vicinity of DU munitions testing sites in SW Scotland and NW England, UK

first of all, such changes manifest themselves in the extent of the impact of operating plants upon the environment and the air basin. This atmo-geochemical research was performed through studying natural depositing medium snow cover, as the composition of its insoluble fraction is identical to that of solid constituent of air pollutants. The solid phase was analyzed through the method of quantitative spectral analysis for a wide set of heavy metals. Based on the data on heavy metal contents in separate samples, specialized geochemical maps of the city's territory were produced applying GIS ArcView 3.2 a. These initial data allow to calculate in-day dust load per square kilometer -38.3 kg/sq, km*day, respectively, for the whole of the city's territory (225 sq. kin) -8.6 tons. Data on element contents in dust allow to calculate the load of separate elements throughout the city landscape; so in-day load of Zn is 2.3 kg, Cu 1.1 kg. The determined contents of heavy metals are standardized by the element background and the following ranked geochemical series of heavy metal contents in ambient dust throughout the city was made up: Mo-Ag-Sn-Zn-Ni-Cu-Cr-Pb. The maps clearly reflect the morphology and extent of pollution zones and the structure of pollution. To characterize complex pollution, we have calculated a Summary Index of Pollution (SIP) that represents the sum of heavy metal contents in samples standardized by the background. For the city's territory, the summary index varies from 44 to 129. The research results show that dust in ambient air is simultaneously contaminated with several heavy metals. Comparing data on SIP with sanitary-standardized indices for heavy metal contents in dust allows to attribute pollution of the city's air basin with heavy metals to middle-level one. SIP for heavy metals in dust can be used as a geoindicator to characterize the intensity of man-made geochemical stream in the atmosphere.

Variation in some heavy metals during the production of white cheese

The lead, cadmium, arsenic and mercury contents in samples of milk, curd and white cheese taken from a production line were investigated. The lead, cadmium and arsenic levels were found to be 12.07±0.06 ng/ml, 1.82±0.01 ng/ml and 0.64±0.03 ng/ml in milk, 219.85±0.46 ng/g, 19.58±0.34 ng/g and 8.80±0.41 ng/g in cheese curd, 250.63±0.53 ng/g, 21.19±0.16 ng/g and 10.85±0.34 ng/g in fresh white cheese preripened in brine salted to 16%, and 260.25±0.51 ng/g, 22.87±0.17 ng/g and 11.35±0.29 ng/g in ripened white cheese, respectively. No detectable levels of mercury were found in any of the samples. Variation in the heavy metal contents of samples taken during the production stages was significant (p &lt;.05). The heavy metal concentrations of the samples were compared with those obtained by other investigators in different countries.

The use of two species of crayfish as environmental quality sentinels: the relationship between heavy metal content, cell and tissue biomarkers and physico-chemical characteristics of the environment

In systems as heavily disturbed as rivers, the use of biological sentinels is a most interesting way of obtaining continuous assessment of environmental quality. This study seeks to establish the value of such sentinels of two species of crayfish: the native crayfish ( Austropotamobius pallipes, Lereboullet 1858) and an introduced species, signal crayfish ( Pacifastacus leniusculus, Dana 1852), by comparing the habitat quality (water and sediments) and heavy metal contents in crayfish with the degree of stress manifested by the animals, measured by cell and tissue biomarkers. For this purpose a histological study of the digestive gland was carried out together with measurements of heavy metal contents in samples from various points of the river network of Bizkaia (Spain), selected on the basis of their degree of disturbance. The results establish a positive correlation between these environmental conditions, the cell and tissue biomarkers of the digestive gland (thinning of the digestive epithelium, enlargement of digestive lysosomes) and the heavy metal contents of the animals (converted to an index of pollutant load).

Heavy metal pollution in the Chao Phraya River estuary, Thailand

A study on heavy metal pollution in the Chao Phraya River estuary indicated that the accumulation of Cd, Cu, Cr and Pb in water in the river mouth vicinity was significant, which may have a long term impact on the aquatic environment through precipitation of heavy metals to the bottom sediments and bio-accumulation and bio-magnification of heavy metals in various food chains. Although the seasonal and spatial variations of heavy metals in the sediments and fish did not conform to a definite pattern, the heavy metal contents of samples were higher than those previously reported in the area and in some cases were higher than the mean world concentrations. Thus, Thai people may ingest Hg and Pb in fish in the Chao Phraya River estuary at quantities more than those reported for other countries.