High Concentrations Of Trace Elements Research Articles

Trace elements speciation and sources characterization in the main watercourses, middle-upper Egypt

Water contamination by mutagenic microchemicals is a worldwide problem. To evaluate the overall water quality and identify the source(s) of pollutants (B, Fe, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, Cd, and Cr) in different watercourses in middle-upper Egypt, we analyzed 66 surface water samples collected from the significant waterways. In addition to trace pollutants, 15 physicochemical parameters (pH, Temperature, EC, alkalinity, DO, BOD, COD, Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+, K+, HCO3 -, SO4 2-, Cl-, and NO3 -) were measured. Multivariate statistical approaches such as exploratory principal component analysis, hierarchical cluster analysis, and correlation matrix analysis were applied to explore the sources of the contaminants. Data reveal that surface water quality in the investigated area is threatened by high concentrations of trace elements, which are higher than the permissible limits recommended by WHO guidelines and Egyptian standards for drinking water and irrigation purposes. Statistical analyses suggest that surface water contamination is the result of interference of natural (geogenic related to rock–water interaction) and human (interrelated to agrogenic and domestic sewage) inputs. The study will help decision-makers to take appropriate actions for freshwater sustainable management and protection. Moreover, surface water should be treated before use for drinking purposes.

Human health impact assessment and temporal distribution of trace elements in Cop\u0219a Mic\u0103- Romania

The present study aims to analyze the temporal variations of PM10 and to assess the health risk indexes caused by trace elements from particulate matter (PM10) via inhalation, ingestion, and dermal absorption by adults and children in Copșa Mică (Romania) during 2009–2019. The results revealed a high multi-annual mean concentration of PM10 and trace elements. The analyzed air pollutants showed a decreasing trend during the studied years, therefore 44.11%, 43.48%, 36.07%, 16.02%, and 15.80% lower values were observed for As, Cd, Ni, PM10, and Pb, respectively, due to environmental regulations. The daily exceedance percentage of Pb and Cd was very high, representing 21.74% and 11.26%, followed by PM10 and As concentrations with 4.72% and 3.92%. The ratio between the trace element concentration measured in Copșa Mică and the country average was 2.46, 4.01, 2.44 and 10.52 times higher for As, Cd, Ni and Pb. The calculated Hazard Quotient values via inhalation were higher than the safe limit (1), which accounted 1.81, 3.89 and 4.52, for As, Cd and Ni, respectively, indicating that the trace elements might present a non-carcinogenic risk to both adults and children. Furthermore, the concentration of all studied trace elements in Copșa Mică showed cancer risk for adults via inhalation and dermal absorption as well.

Effect of maturation stage and sex on proximate, fatty acid and mineral composition of eri silkworm (Samia ricini) from India

Prepupae and pupae of eri silkworm, Samia ricini collected from northern West Bengal, India were evaluated for proximate, fatty acid and mineral composition. Results revealed high protein (62.24 and 62.11 %) and lipid (26.01 and 26.21 %) content in eri silkworm prepuae and pupae respectively. Slightly higher protein was observed in males than the females whereas significant difference was found in lipid content but it was higher in females than the males. Moisture (7.16–8.55 %) among prepupae and pupae varied significantly exhibiting different atmospheric moisture absorption abilities. Fatty acid composition of male and female prepupae and pupae ranged from 28.73 to 30.29 % for saturates, 11.68–12.53% for monounsaturates and 54.07–56.83% for polyunsaturates. Estimation of mineral exhibited high concentration of potassium (784.96–794.57 mg/100 g) and trace elements like iron, manganese and zinc in prepupae and pupae of eri silkworm. Nutritional value of eri silkworm pupae with high protein and α-linolenic acid and low ω-6/ω-3 and Na/K ratio offers immense potential for industrial use of these byproducts as valuable food/feed resources.

CONTENT OF MINERAL SUBSTANCES AND SOME BIOLOGICALLY ACTIVE COMPOUNDS IN THE TISSUE OF THE SHOOTS TETRALOPHOZIA SETIFORMIS (EHRH.) SCHLJAKOV, PTILIDIUM PULCHERRIMUM (WEBER) VAIN. AND RADULA COMPLANATA (L.) DUMORT FROM THE FLORA OF THE REPUBLIC OF KOMI

The study of the chemical composition of biologically active substances (neutral lipids and their fatty acid composition, prothenogenic amino acids, alkaloids) and the content of macro- and microelements in the shoots of three types of liverworts from the flora of the Komi Republic – Tetralophosia setiformis (Ehrh.) Schljakov, Ptilidium pulcherrimum (Weber) Vain. and Radula complanata (L.) Dumort, was carried out. It is shown that the content of neutral lipids in the studied representatives lies in the lower limits typical for plants (0.3; 0.9; 0.5% of dry weight). The fatty acid composition of neutral lipids is represented by molecules with chains from C12 to C20. It was found that the main share is made up of saturated fatty acids, among which palmitic (C16:0), stearic (C18:0) and arachinic (C20:0) dominate. Unsaturated acids are mainly represented by oleic and linoleic acids. Lipids of P. pulcherrimum are characterized by a fairly high content of extremely rare unsaturated vaccenic acid in plants (3.0% of the total acid content), which is classified as an unusual fatty acid. The mass fraction of nitrogen in the dry matter of three types of liverworts ranges from 0.83 to 1.27%. Of the 17 proteinogenic acids in all liver samples, the dominant ones are aspartic and glutamic acids, which are part of the proteins of all known living organisms, as well as alanine, leucine and lysine. In addition, a fairly high content of the partially interchangeable amino acid arginine was found. In the three studied species, 13 micro- and six macronutrients were found. At the same time, T. setiformis is characterized by a higher content of trace elements of iron, aluminum and lead and the macronutrient sodium, P. pulcherrimum – manganese, potassium and phosphorus, R. complanata – trace elements of zinc, copper, barium and strontium, macronutrients of calcium and magnesium. Testing the samples for the presence of alkaloids using sedimentary reactions and UV detection of extracts gave a negative result for two species, but a positive reaction with two reagents and an intense glow during UV detection of P. pulcherrimum extracts, which requires additional more detailed study.

Effects of substances released from a coal tar-based coating used to protect harbor structures on oysters

Products coal tar-based are largely used as concrete structures as protective coatings but some questions about leaching and potential toxic effects remain unclear. A laboratory experiment exposing oysters to miniaturized concrete pillars painted with Lackpoxi N1761 over time was performed and trace elements and 17 PAH were monitored in seawater exposure media, and oyster tissues. The original paint composition was also analyzed, and high concentrations of trace elements and PAH were detected. Sharp increases in PAH concentrations were observed after 6–96 h in exposure media and oyster tissues, suggesting that these compounds were leached from the painted structures. In parallel, the integrity of the hemocytes lysosomal membranes of exposed organisms has been damaged. Based on the response of this biomarker, the use of Lackpoxi N1761 is potentially harmful to the environment and it is required that coal tar-based paints be evaluated according to the environmental risk assessment protocols.

A window on mantle-derived magmas within the Central Andes: eruption style transitions at Cerro Overo maar and La Albóndiga lava dome, northern Chile

Cerro Overo maar and La Albondiga lava dome are two independent monogenetic volcanoes located in the Central Volcanic Zone of the Andes in northern Chile, close to the active Lascar and Chiliques volcanoes. Cerro Overo maar was formed <77 ka ago by explosive-effusive eruptions, including phreatomagmatic activity, while La Albondiga lava dome (Pleistocene) is the result of magmatic explosive-effusive activity alone. Cerro Overo and La Albondiga are characterized by deposits composed of pyroclastic rocks and dense coherent lava blocks. At Cerro Overo, these deposits are located around the crater rim, while at La Albondiga, they form coherent in situ lava dome features. Cerro Overo also displays thin ash- and lapilli-dominated deposit layers presumed to be pyroclastic surge deposits, which include juvenile pyroclasts exhibiting cauliflower textures, numerous exotic accidental lithics, and ballistically transported lapilli, bombs, blocks, and bomb sags. These fragments include recycled, juvenile pyroclasts, as well as material from older volcanic and intrusive rocks from the stratigraphic units immediately below. These small-volume volcanoes represent two of the less silicic volcanoes (~54 wt.% SiO2) in the northern Chilean Pleistocene to Holocene volcanic provinces. They are characterized by a fine grain size (mainly fine lapilli), olivine phenocrysts with skeletal textures, ignimbritic, dioritic, and granitic xenoliths, and quartz xenocrysts, with high concentrations of incompatible trace elements and light rare earth elements. The general magmatic evolution of the Cerro Overo and La Albondiga systems has been controlled by fast ascent (e.g., skeletal olivine phenocrysts) of mantle-derived magma associated with mixing, fractional crystallization, and a low degree of crustal assimilation during turbulent ascent processes. Such eruptions provide evidence that various factors play an essential role in the transition from explosive-effusive magmatic (Cerro Overo and La Albondiga) to phreatomagmatic (Cerro Overo) volcanic eruption styles.

Fruit Characteristics of Different Varieties of Cornelian Cherry (Cornus mas L.) Cultivated in the Czech Republic

The use of the fruit of the Cornus mas L. in the food industry has a long tradition in the Czech Republic. Although these fruits currently belong to marginal species, there is an increasing interest in cultivating this crop. The main goal of the present study was to determine pomological properties of 6 varieties and 4 ecotypes of Cornus mas L. fruit grown in the Czech Republic and to find out whether it is possible to differentiate these varieties and ecotypes from one another by means of analysis of variance of the obtained data. To exclude the impact of climatic conditions, fruits harvested in three seasons (2010–2012) were analysed. The results showed that the chemical composition of Cornus mas L. varieties or ecotypes originating in the Czech Republic (‘Ruzynsky’, ‘Tisnovsky’, ‘Olomoucky’), Ukraine (‘Elegantni’, ‘Vydubecky’, ‘Vysegrodsky’, ‘Lukjanovsky’), Austria (‘Fruchtal’, ‘Jolico’) and Slovakia (‘Sokolnicky’) is significantly different. Varieties or ecotypes of Cornus mas L. originating in the Czech Republic contained high amount of ascorbic acid (avg. 315 mg kg−1 f.w.). Varieties of Cornus mas originating in Austria were rich in polyphenols (avg. 1728 mg kg−1 f.w.). Slovakian ecotype of Cornus mas ‘Sokolnicky’ contained the highest amount of citric acid (avg. 0.53 g kg−1 f.w.). Ukrainian varieties were characterized by a higher content of trace elements (avg. 2.41 mg kg−1 Cu and 3.37 mg kg−1 Zn f.w.).

Deep Subsoil Storage of Trace Elements and Pollution Assessment in Mountain Podzols (Tatra Mts., Poland)

Research highlights: this article refers to the deep storage of trace elements as a result of the podzolization process under different types of vegetation cover. This is also an attempt to trace differentiation in the distribution of trace elements in mountain soils under the podzolization process. Background and objectives: we focused on estimating whether the podzolization process of soils under various vegetation covers led to the deep storage of trace elements in the subsoil. Furthermore, the potential contamination of studied soils with trace elements using pollution indices was assessed. Materials and methods: in thirteen soil profiles under three different vegetation types, chosen chemical–physical properties, e.g., organically bonded and active forms of Al and Fe, podzolization indices, and trace element content (Cd, Pb, Zn, Cu, Cr, and Ni) were analyzed. Additionally, pollution indices, such as Geoaccumulation Index, Potential Ecological Risk, Pollution Load Index, and Contamination Security Index, were calculated. Results: the distribution of Al and Fe varied among the soil profiles, suggesting different rates of podzolization processes that were partially dependent on the type of vegetation. Exceptionally high values of Alo and Feo were noted in profiles P1 and P2 (1.53% and 2.52% for Alo, and 2.13% and 1.46% for Feo, respectively) in horizons Bs and BsC under Plagiothecio-Piceetum taricum. Some of the soils showed the expected distribution of trace elements as the result of the podzolization process revealed their accumulation in the spodic horizon. Moreover, four different patterns of trace element distribution were recognized. Often, the accumulation of trace elements occurred in Bs/BsC horizons, e.g., in case of Zn soils P8, P9, and P10, which reached 65.8, 68.0, and 72.30 mg∙kg−1, respectively. However, there were no large differences in trace element content in soils independent of the vegetation type. The pollution indices in most samples confirmed lack of contamination with trace elements. Only several soil horizons were moderately polluted and showed deterioration of soil quality or very low severity. Conclusions: in the majority of studied soils, the podzolization process resulted in the deep storage of trace elements, i.e., the accumulation of spodic horizon; however, in certain cases, it might have been related only to the different lithology, and appeared as anomalies not related to the dominant soil-forming process. Anomalies were characterized by a much higher content of trace elements in the BsC horizon compared to the upper O horizons. Obtained data of trace elements, as well as values of pollution indices, did not indicate pollution. This lack of pollution was related to localization of soils within a topographic barrier that protected them from the deposition of potential trace element–rich pollution.

The results of the poultry roll organoleptic assessment based on the point scales method

Correct and balanced nutrition helps to prevent diseases and improve the general condition of the body. Meat products are one of the main sources of human nutrition. One of the developing sectors of the meat industry is the production of meat rolls. The purpose of the research is to assess the organoleptic and physicochemical characteristics of the investigated poultry roll. The offered poultry roll meets safety requirements, has a high content of trace elements and vitamins due to the use of natural bee honey, concentrated milk whey, fresh garlic, a mixture of starter cultures and orange juice in the recipe. According to the research results, it can be concluded that the finished product has high organoleptic characteristics that meet the requirements and expectations of the consumer. It is advisable to use the product for the nutrition of athletes, children over three years old and in other specialized nutrition.

Textures, trace elements and Pb isotopes of pyrite from the Donggushan tungsten polymetallic deposit, eastern China: Deciphering the source of a skarn tungsten polymetallic deposit

The Donggushan tungsten polymetallic deposit is located near the northern margin of one of the most important ore deposit belts in China; the Middle - Lower Yangtze Metallogenic Belt (MLYB). The source and genesis of mineralization in the Donggushan deposit is poorly understood and is investigated using pyrite textures and geochemistry. Two types of pyrite and two subtypes were recognized, based on the location within the ore body, mineral assemblages, textures and geochemistry. Pyrite 1a occurs in the cores of pyrite crystals in the tungsten orebody, at depth within the deposit, near the intrusive rocks. It is characterized by high Ni and low contents of other trace elements and is overgrown by Py1b which has low Ni and higher trace elements. Pyrite 2a is characterized by moderate As and higher trace elements than those in Pyrite 1. It occurs in the cores of pyrite crystals in the shallow zinc-lead orebody. This pyrite is overgrown by Pyrite 2b characterized by higher trace elements. The trace elements, textures and inclusions in these pyrites suggest a progressive decrease in temperature, with Pyrite 1a forming at 350 °C through to Pyrite 2b forming at < 250 °C. The Pb isotopic compositions in the pyrites indicate that Pb in the deep tungsten ore body was derived from Yangtze upper crust (Dongling basement) but that Pb in the shallower ore body was sourced from the Dabie Orogen lower crust. The data supports a model whereby intra-continental subduction was the main geodynamic process controlling the mineralization of the Donggushan deposit.

Time-Dependent Changes in the Physico-Chemical Parameters and Growth Responses of Sedum acre (L.) to Waste-Based Growing Substrates in Simulation Extensive Green Roof Experiment

Over the last decade, an increase in the use of locally available, recycled, and waste materials as growing media components have occurred in various regions of the world in extensive green roof technology. For eco-concept reasons, such a strategy appears to be appropriate, but can be problematic due to difficulties in obtaining proper parameters of growing substrate. The growing media should be properly engineered in order to enable the proper functioning of green roofs and provide suitable environment for ideal root growth. The aim of the study was to assess the utility of locally occurring waste materials for growing media composition and estimate plant- and time-dependent changes in the physico-chemical parameters of waste-based substrates in a simulated extensive green roof system during a two-year Sedum acre L. cultivation. Five different substrate compositions were prepared using silica waste, crushed brick, Ca- and Zn-aggregates, melaphyre, tuff, sand, muck soil, urban compost, spent mushroom, and coconut fibres. Optimal water capacity, particle-size distribution, pH and salts concentration were found in all substrates. A higher concentration of macronutrients (N, P, K, Mg) and trace elements (B, Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn, Cd, Ni, Pb, and Cr) was found in waste-based substrates than in the commercial medium. In comparison to the parameters determined before establish the experiment, bulk density of tested growing media decreased, except for the substrates where the source of organic matter was the rapidly mineralising spent mushroom. The organic matter content in substrates after the two-year vegetation increased in relation to the ready-made substrate, with the exception of the composition with spent mushroom. After two years of the experiment, all available macronutrients and trace elements (with the exception of mineral N, K, SO4-S, and B) concentration were higher than in 2014, while pH, salt concentration was lower. In general, plants grown in waste substrates had lower dry matter content and higher biomass. A significantly higher biomass of S. acre L. was found in the first year of the experiment. In the second year of the research, the plants grown in the commercial medium, the substrate with silica waste, and the substrate with spent mushroom produced higher biomass than in the first year. No symptoms of abnormal growth were observed, despite the higher trace element concentrations in plants collected from waste-based substrate. Waste-based growing media can be considered as a valuable root environment for S. acre L. in an extensive green roof system.

Cumulative Effect and Content Variation of Toxic Trace Elements in Human Hair around Xiaoqinling Gold Mining Area, Northwestern China

The harm of toxic trace element polluted living environments to human health in mining areas has attracted extensive attention. In this study, human hair samples from a toxic trace element polluted area (village A) in a mineral processing area collected in 2015 and 2019 were studied in detail and the nonpolluted human hair samples from a contrast area (village B) with a relatively clean environment were also collected for comparison. The Hg and As in human hair samples were analyzed by Atomic Fluorescence Spectrometry (AFS) and the Pb, Cd, Cr, and Cu in human hair samples were analyzed by Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). The single cumulative index (Pi) and the Nemerrow index (Pz) were used to evaluate the single and comprehensive cumulative pollution index. The results indicated that the average toxic trace element contents in human hair from different ages in the polluted area exhibited certain statistical significance. The average single cumulative indexes indicated a significant accumulation of Hg, Pb, and Cd in human hair of both genders and different ages from the polluted area, and the comprehensive cumulative pollution indexes revealed higher accumulation of toxic trace elements in the hair of males than in females. In general, the content of toxic trace elements in human hair from polluted area was still growing in accumulation. The high content of toxic trace elements in human hair shows a notable correlation with human health, and the environmental pollution in gold mining areas is seriously harmful to human health.

Prediction of Trace Metal Distribution in a Tailings Impoundment Using an Integrated Geophysical and Geochemical Approach (Raibl Mine, Pb-Zn Alpine District, Northern Italy).

When mines are decommissioned, tailings piles can act as sources of contamination for decades or even centuries. Tailings, which usually contain high concentrations of metals and trace elements, can be reprocessed for a secondary recovery of valuable elements with an innovative approach to a circular economy. This study offers new results for tailings ponds characterisation and chemical content prediction based on an integrated geophysical-geochemical approach. The study of the Raibl Pb-Zn tailings impoundment was done using bulk chemical analysis on borehole samples, Electrical Resistivity Tomography surveys, and Ground Penetrating Radar measurements. We found valuable and statistically significant correlations between the electrical resistivity of the mining impoundments and the metal distribution, thus providing a practical opportunity to characterise large volumes of metal-bearing tailings. In particular, these results can be useful to aid in the development of environmental monitoring programs for remediation purposes or to implement economic secondary recovery plans.

Determination of heavy metals in cream foundations and assessment of their dermal sensitivity, carcinogenicity, and non-carcinogenicity

ABSTRACT Lightening creams are among the most frequently used cosmetic products applied to the face to obtain a lighter tone or as an anti-spot. Heavy metals are the most common ingredients in powder creams that are sometimes present in impurities or added to improve the quality and shine.These metals can threaten human health. The presentstudy aimed to determine the concentrations of heavy metals in cream foundations. For this purpose, the concentrations of five heavy metals, including lead, cadmium, nickel, chromium, and cobalt, were measured in four brands of cream foundations selected from the Iranian market (two domestic and two imported brands). Measurements were performed usinginductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry(ICP-OES) in 36 samples in three colours of dark, beige, and light. According to the obtained results, the lead (Pb) concentration was 1.45–398.5, cadmium (Cd) ND-4.77, nickel (Ni) 1.75–16.92, chromium (Cr) 3.52–30.9, and cobalt (Co) 0.45–3.77 µg/g. The total content of heavy metals was higher in the two Iranian brands than the two imported ones. In terms of colour, the results indicated that heavy metals’ distributiondid not follow a certain pattern in different colours. According to the guidelines, all the tested samples were within the safe range in terms of non-carcinogenicity, carcinogenicity, and dermal sensitivity. However, due to the high concentrations of trace elements in the samples, the health consequences of heavy metals for consumers should not be overlooked.

Trace Element Levels in Native Plant Species around the Industrial Site of Puchuncaví-Ventanas (Central Chile): Evaluation of the Phytoremediation Potential

The present work investigates the uptake of selected trace elements (Cu, Sb, As, Pb, Cd, Zn, Cr, Mn, Ni, V, and Co) from soil and their accumulation in the biomass samples (leaves and flowers) of three selected native plants (namely Oenothera picensis, OP; Sphaeralcea velutina, SV; and Argemone subfusiformis, AS) around an industrial area (Puchuncaví-Ventanas) located in the Puchuncaví valley, in the central region of Chile. Primary emission sources in the area come from a copper refinery, coal-fired power plants, and a set of 14 other different industrial facilities. Trace element measurements in the native plants of this area and the ability to transfer of these pollutants from soil to plants (transfer factor) have been assessed in order to identify the potential use of these plant species for phytoremediation. Preliminary results showed a high concentration of trace elements in the OP, SV, and AS samples. The concentration of these elements in the plants was found to be inversely correlated to the distance of the primary emission sources. Moreover, the high concentrations of trace elements such as Cu, As, Cr and V, upon the toxic limits in the native plant species, suggest the need for continuous monitoring of the region. The OP species was identified as the plant with the highest capacity for trace elements accumulation, which also showed higher accumulation potential in whole aerial parts than in leaves. Transfer factor values suggested that these native plants had phytoremediation potential for the elements Cu, Pb, As, Ni, and Cr. This study provides preliminary baseline information on the trace element compositions of important native plants and soil in the Puchuncaví-Ventanas area for phytoremediation purposes.

Intraspecific variation of trace elements in the kelp gull (Larus dominicanus): influence of age, sex and location

Hepatic tissue of Larus dominicanus sampled on the coastline of the state of Santa Catarina in Brazil between October 2016 and May 2018 was used to evaluate intraspecific trends and spatial distribution of essential trace elements (Mn, Co, Cu, Zn, Mo and Cr) and non-essential trace elements (As, Pb, Cd, Hg, Ba and V). Principal Component Analysis (PCA) indicated differences in the bioaccumulation of trace elements between female adults and male adults, differences to sex and age were indicated by Kruskal-Wallis test. Heat maps suggest hot spots in locals with high concentration of trace elements in liver of Larus dominicanus. In general, the concentration of trace elements were comparable with values reported in other studies carried out for this species in South America and other regions of the world. The heat maps showed to be a promising tool to identify influences of the locality on bioaccumulation of trace elements in Larus dominicanus.

Chemical and mineral composition of sulfide nodules from the Mikhaylovsky and Belousovsky ancient mines, Orenburg Gis-Urals

Cu-sulfde and rare Fe-sulfde nodules up to 2–5 cm in size are found in gray marl siltstones, which occur in a sequence of Permian sandstones of Orenburg Cis-Urals. The Cu-sulfde nodules are characterized by high Cu content (&gt;20 %) and low contents of trace elements (Fe &lt;1.2 %, As, Ag, V, and Pb &lt;130 ppm). They are composed of Cu sulfdes (minerals of the chalcocite group and covellite) with minor barite and mottramite. The Cu sulfdes are transformed to malachite and, to a lesser degree, to chrysocolla and brochantite. The decomposition of Ag-bearing Cu sulfdes leads to the formation of a Ag sulfde. The Fe-sulfde nodules of the Belousovsky mine are composed of pyrite. In the oxidation zone, pyrite is replaced by ferrous opal; single grains of plumbogummite are associated with Fe hydroxides.

Changes in microbial community structure due to chronic trace element concentrations in different sizes of soil aggregates.

Studies on the effects of trace elements (TEs) (e.g. Cu, Cd, Zn) on soil microbial communities have provided useful information on the toxicity of TEs to microbes. However, previous studies mainly focused on the effects of TEs on microbial community structure in intact soil, while there are few studies on the impact of TEs on microbial community structure in soil aggregates. In this study, soils previously polluted for 20 years, and now containing low and high TE concentrations derived from, now abandoned, metal smelters were sampled from the surface layer (0-15cm) of two adjacent Chinese paddy fields. The aim was to determine the effects of TEs on the soil microbial biomass and community structure in different sized soil aggregates. Long-term high TE pollution decreased microbial biomass concentration and species, changed the proportion of bacteria and fungi and decreased the diversity of bacteria in the different sized aggregates. The microbial communities in soil aggregates became clustered with increasing TE concentrations.

The Serra Branca amazonite pegmatite of the Vieirópolis pegmatite field, Paraíba, Brazil: A new and unusual megacrystic amazonite deposit

ABSTRACT The recently discovered Serra Branca amazonite pegmatite in the state of Paraíba, Brazil, is an evolved niobium-yttrium-fluorine (NYF) granitic pegmatite, which belongs to the Vieirópolis pegmatite field, the first NYF pegmatite field described from the Borborema Province. The pegmatite is an unusually large resource (&amp;gt;300,000 tons) of intensely colored amazonite megacrysts up to 2 m in size, exploited in an open pit since ca. 2010 as an ornamental stone and gemological material. This study provides the first mineralogical and geochemical characterization of the Serra Branca amazonite pegmatite and its mineralogy, which are further compared with the mineralogy and composition of other NYF pegmatites. The Serra Branca pegmatite forms an approximately 800 m-long and up to 3 m-thick flat-dipping sheet that consists of two distinct structural-mineralogical zones with complex relationships: (1) the massive, megacrystic amazonite zone forming commonly in the upper part of the dike and (2) the fine-grained albite zone commonly occurring at the bottom of the dike. The amazonite zone, which comprises ca. 75 vol.% of the pegmatite body, is composed of amazonite and quartz, the major constituents, with accessory biotite, helvine, galena, ilmenite, hematite, columbite-(Mn), phenakite, titanite, magnetite, and rutile. The albite zone consists of saccharoidal albite and quartz and accessory spessartine, ilmenite, zircon, columbite-(Mn), pyrochlore, and fluorite. A younger minor intrusive pegmatitic unit composed of megacrystic euhedral amazonite and quartz and platy albite (cleavelandite) postdates the formation of the amazonite and albite zones. Geochemical analysis of the bulk pegmatite, amazonite zone, and albite zone shows that the bulk pegmatite and the amazonite zone have similar compositions, with high trace-element contents of Ba, Be, Rb, Sr, and Pb, whereas the albite zone is enriched in Zn, Nb, Zr, Ga, and Hf. The amazonite and albite zones display some similarities in terms of major elements, the presence of HFSE minerals, and the distribution of incompatible and REE, which indicates that the two zones originated from the same melt. The amazonite crystals are enriched in Rb, Pb, Sr, Cs, Ba, Tl, Fe, and Ga, characterizing the Serra Branca pegmatite as an evolved NYF pegmatite. This conclusion is confirmed by the low K/Rb ratio of biotite of ∼5.7. Higher Li and Ga and lower Sr and Ba in the amazonite of the minor unit suggests that this melt was even more highly fractionated than the melt of the first emplacement stage.

Growth Behavior of Selected Ustilaginaceae Fungi Used for Mannosylerythritol Lipid (MEL) Biosurfactant Production - Evaluation of a Defined Culture Medium.

Fungi of the Ustilaginaceae family are a promising source for many biotechnologically relevant products. Among these, mannosylerythritol lipid (MEL) biosurfactants have drawn a special interested over the last decades due to their manifold application possibilities. Nevertheless, there is still a knowledge gap regarding process engineering of MEL production. As an example, no reports on the use of a chemically defined culture medium have been published yet, although such a defined medium might be beneficial for scaling-up the production process toward industrial scale. Our aim therefore was to find a mineral medium that allows fast biomass growth and does not negatively affect the successive MEL production from plant oils. The results showed comparable growth performance between the newly evaluated mineral medium and the established yeast extract medium for all seven investigated Ustilaginaceae species. Final biomass concentrations and specific growth rates of 0.16-0.25 h–1 were similar for the two media. Oxygen demand was generally higher in the mineral medium than in the yeast extract medium. It was shown that high concentrations of vitamins and trace elements were necessary to support the growth. Increasing starting concentrations of the media by a factor of 10 resulted in proportionally increasing final biomass concentrations and up to 2.3-times higher maximum growth rates for all species. However, it could also lead to oxygen limitation and stagnant growth rates when too high medium concentrations were used, which was observed for Ustilago siamensis and Moesziomyces aphidis. Successive MEL production from rapeseed oil was effectively shown for 4 out of 7 organisms when the mineral medium was used for cell growth, and it was even enhanced for two organisms, M. aphidis and Pseudozyma hubeiensis pro tem., as compared to the established yeast extract medium. Conversion of rapeseed oil into MEL was generally improved when higher biomass concentrations were achieved during the initial growth phase, indicating a positive relationship between biomass concentration and MEL production. Overall, this is the first report on the use of a chemically defined mineral medium for the cell growth of Ustilaginaceae fungi and successive MEL production from rapeseed oil, as an alternative to the commonly employed yeast extract medium.