Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Research Articles

Effects of Tin Mining on Water Sources in Mwerasandu Tin Mine, Ntungamo District, Uganda

Tin mining is a widespread economic activity across various regions worldwide. Understanding the consequences of such operations is crucial for sustainable water management and environmental conservation. The current study aimed at determining the concentrations tin, lead and mercury in the water sources of Nyakahiimbura Stream in Mwerasandu, and assessed the physico-chemical properties including pH, turbidity, and chemical oxygen demand (COD) of the water from the Nyamuhimbura stream, Ntungamo district. Water samples from three locations, that is; the upstream, impact area and downstream of the Nyakahiimbura water stream were collected during the dry and wet seasons of the year 2024. The samples collected were analyzed for the physico-chemical properties in the laboratory while the Inductively Coupled Plasma-Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP – OES) was used to determine the concentration of heavy metals in the water samples. The pH, COD values obtained were within the acceptable effluent standards while the turbidity values at the upstream and downstream of the dry season and downstream during the wet season were above the acceptable effluent Standards. The tin concentration was high in the dry season (0.09mg/L) as compared to concentration (0.118mg/L) in the wet season. Lead concentration was the same (0.015mg/L) in both seasons. The concentrations of the heavy metals showed some variations in both dry and wet seasons in the upstream, impacted area and the downstream of the study area as compared to the values of the effluent standards. The study recommends that alternative sources of water for domestic use should be sought of. Also, the government officials especially from the Ministry of Health should carry out awareness campaigns to members of the community about the health risks associated with the uptake of the contaminated waters for domestic purposes. Constructed wetlands should be in place around the mining sites to act as filters for the dangerous metals before the water enters the surrounding environment.

The effect of mesoporous silica doped with silver nanoparticles on glass ionomer cements; physiochemical, mechanical and ion release analysis

BackgroundThe purpose of the study was to evaluate the effect of adding mesoporous silica with silver nanoparticles to conventional glass ionomer cements (GIC) on its, physical, chemical, mechanical properties and ion release analysis.MethodsSynthesized mesoporous silica with silver nanoparticles were added in 1, 3 and 5% by weight to the liquid component of GIC forming three experimental groups and compared with plain GIC as control group. Physical and chemical characterization were conducted using nano-computerized tomography (NanoCT) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Surface microhardness, water sorption and solubility were analyzed. Ion release was investigated using Inductive Coupled Plasma-Optical Emission Spectroscopy and High Performance Liquid Chromatography. Statistical analysis between different groups for the set parameters using parametric and non-parametric tests. The results were analysed using one way analysis of variance (p < 0.05).ResultsSynthesized mesoporous silica with silver nanoparticles were of 7.28 ± 5.0 nm in diameter with a spherical morphology. NanoCT revealed less porosities for 3 wt %. Microhardness showed a statistically significant difference for 5 wt% at day 1 and 21 ( p < 0.0001). Water sorption values decreased significantly on day 14 compared to day 7 for control, 1, 3 and 5 wt%. Control specimens showed highest concentration of fluoride release followed by 5, 3 and 1 wt%.ConclusionMesoporous silica with silver nanoparticles modified glass ionomer cements showed comparable microhardness to conventional GIC. Ion release was evident from the modified specimens. Silver remained within the GIC for atleast four weeks following incorporation.

Sediment evaluation indices point to cadmium and selenium contamination: A simultaneous analysis of potentially toxic elements in the water and sediment along the upper and middle Awash River, Ethiopia

This study presents a simultaneous analysis of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in the water and sediment of the upper and middle Awash River for the first time. We used standard field and laboratory procedures, sediment assessment indices and guidelines, and multivariate statistical methods to analyze PTEs and assess their possible sources. Water and sediment samples were collected from nine sampling sites, and PTEs were analyzed using the Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometer. The PTEs concentrations arranged in descending order in water were Fe>Mn>B>Zn>Cr>Ni>Pb>Cu, ranging between 4.14 ± 2.093 mg L 1 and 0.074 ± 0.016 mg L 1. The level of PTEs in the sediment varied between 24,493.6 ± 16,640.3 mg kg-1 and 0.4 ± 0.2 mg kg-1 and follows the order: Fe>Mn>Cr>Zn>Pb>Ni>B>Se>Co>Cu>Cd>Hg>As. The river-mouth of the upper Awash had the highest concentrations of Mn, Ni, Cr, and Cu in water and Fe, Mn, Cr, Ni, Pb, Co, Se, Cu, Cd, and AS in the sediment. Contamination factor, enrichment factor, and geo-accumulation index showed a very high level of contamination of Se and Cd. The ecological risk index, Nemerow pollution index, and pollution load index also indicated a high ecological risk and pollution by PTEs in the river. The levels of Fe, Pb, Ni, Mn, B, and Cr in the water surpassed Ethiopian/WHO's drinking water guidelines, while the levels of Cd, Hg, and Cr in the sediment exceeded Canadian/Ontario's probable/severe effect levels. This study revealed the presence of ecological degradation at the downstream sites of the upper and middle Awash. The most likely sources of contaminants were identified as small-scale agricultural pollution, residential and commercial waste from towns like Addis Ababa, Merti, and Metehara, and the inflow of Lake Beseka. We recommend an integrated management plan for the Awash River to ensure sustainable use of the water, guarantee the well-being of wildlife, and reduce public health risks.

Iron, Zinc and Total Phenolic Content in Cooked Biofortified NUA 45 and Gloria Sugar Beans: The Case of Zimbabwe

Biofortification involves breeding of staple crops that are micronutrient-dense and high yielding for example iron-biofortified beans. The biofortification of crops has been found to be cost effective and feasible to fight micronutrient deficiencies. The aim of the study was to determine the iron, zinc and total phenolic composition for the biofortified NUA 45 and Gloria sugar beans in raw as well as cooked samples with and without previous soaking. Determination of iron and zinc content in the raw, cooked bean grain samples with and without soaking was carried out by Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP) Optical Emission Spectrometry whereas the determination of Total Phenolic Content was done using the Folin-Ciocalteau colorimetric method. The highest zinc concentration (0.295ppm) was found in raw Gloria sugar beans whilst the raw NUA 45 sugar beans had the highest iron content (0.755ppm) and total phenolic composition (352.8mg/100g). For the cooked bean samples Gloria sugar beans had the highest zinc concentration (0.247ppm) cooked after soaking. NUA 45 sugar beans had no significant difference on the zinc content after being cooked with and without soaking. Amongst the cooked samples the biofortified NUA 45 sugar beans cooked after soaking had the highest iron content (0.373ppm) as well as the highest total phenolic content in the beans cooked without soaking (200.5mg/100g). Biofortified NUA 45 and Gloria sugar beans proved to be good sources of iron, zinc and phenolic compounds. However, cooking with and without soaking diminished the iron, zinc and the total phenolic composition of the cooked NUA 45 and Gloria sugar beans.

Correlation between serum heavy metals and the risk of oral squamous cell carcinoma and oral potentially malignant disorders

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a serious public health problem in various Asian countries, including Sri Lanka, and a combination of cultural practices, lifestyle factors, and genetic predispositions influences the incidence of these cancers. The examination of the connection between exposure to heavy metals and the probability of developing oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMD) and OSCC has been limited in its scope, and the overall consequences of such exposure remain largely unknown. This study aims to clarify the link between serum levels of heavy metals and the risk of OSCC and OPMD. The concentrations of seven heavy metals—namely, arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), cobalt (Co), copper (Cu), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn)—were analyzed in serum samples from 60 cases and 15 controls in the Sri Lankan cohort. The Inductively Coupled Plasma-Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES) was used for the analysis. Subsequently, the data underwent statistical evaluation via the Kruskal–Wallis H test, using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 28 software, with a confidence interval set at 95%. A p-value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. The cohort consisted of 48 men and 27 women, with 15 patients each diagnosed with OSCC, OSF, OLK, and OLP, and 15 healthy controls. The study used the Kruskal–Wallis Test to compare metal concentrations across groups, finding significant differences for all metals except As and Pb. Significant associations were observed between age, past medical history, drug history, gender, smoking, alcohol consumption, and betel chewing. The Spearman Correlation test showed significant correlations between the concentrations of Cr, Co, Cu, As, and Zn and the presence of cancer/precancer conditions. The study’s findings suggest that heavy metal contamination may be linked to the development of OSCC and precancerous conditions. When comparing OSCC and OPMD cases with controls, the serum concentrations of As and Pb did not differ significantly. However, Cd, Cr, Co, Cu, and Zn exhibited significantly higher concentrations among cases compared to controls (p < 0.05). This study observed significant variations in the levels of these five heavy metals among cancerous (OSCC), premalignant (OPMD), and healthy tissues, suggesting a potential role in the progression of malignancies. These findings underscore the importance of environmental pollution in this specific context.

Mineral Nutrition In The Leaves of Cocculus hirsutus (L) Under Pathogenesis

The present research paper deals with mineral content in the leaves of Cocculus hirsutus(L) affected by powdery mildew fungus Oidium Sp. (Imperfect stage). The healthy and infected leaves were digested by tri-acid, prescribed by Toth et al., (1948) method. The digested sample was further subjected to Inductive Coupled Plasma Optical Emission spectroscopy. ICP-OES (Agilent 5800ICP-OES FEQ’S), MY 1523001 software version: 7.3.0.8799. Firm ware version: 3354 for analysis of mineral element. The infected leaf shows enhanced content in potassium, iron, manganese, copper, nickel, chromium, and aluminium element. On the Contrary, elements such as magnesium, sodium, calcium, lead, zinc, boron, strontium and thallium were reduced in their contents reflect a high metabolic activity during pathogenesis.

Regulated Inductively Coupled Plasma–Optical Emission Spectrometry Detectible Elements in Utah Lake: Characterization and Discussion

During the 2021 (n = 15) and 2022 (n = 13) summers, we measured the total and dissolved (&lt;0.45 μm) concentration of 25 elements in Utah Lake using Inductively Coupled Plasma–Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES) with detection limits in the order of a few parts-per-billion (ppb). This resulted in 1400 measurements, which is a unique dataset in terms of sensitivity and temporal resolution. Regulated elements are not commonly measured at the ppb-level; thus, these data provide insight into both the behavior and existence of these elements in an aquatic environment and have implications for both the management and regulation of the lake. Utah regulates twelve of these elements. While ICP-OES has ppb-level sensitivity, it is not the approved regulatory analysis method for these elements. All regulations are for dissolved concentrations, except aluminum (Al) and phosphorus (P), which are for total recovery. We found total Al above the allowable concentration, but dissolved concentrations were well below allowable concentrations. We attribute high total concentrations to suspended clays. This suggests that regulatory methods should be reviewed for lakes with a high suspended-solid content. Dissolved copper (Cu) concentrations were below regulatory levels in 2021, but some samples were above regulatory levels in 2022. This could be related to the use of Cu-based algaecide treatments, or from other sources. Lead (Pb) data were inconclusive; dissolved Pb concentrations were well below the acute (1 h average) limit, but the chronic concentration limit (4 h average) was below the ICP-OES minimal detection limit. Arsenic (As) concentrations exhibited a seasonal trend that we attribute to groundwater inflows—they were below regulatory levels for aquatic environments but around the levels for drinking water. This ppb-level study with high temporal resolution provides insight into regulated elements in Utah Lake previously not available due to the high sensitivity of the method and measurements of both total and dissolved concentrations.

Capsule controlled release of crystallisation inhibitors in mortars

Crystallisation inhibitors, such as sodium ferrocyanide (NaFeCN), are highly effective in mitigating NaCl-induced weathering in lime-based mortars; however, direct addition of NaFeCN in lime-mortars increases its susceptibility to leaching and rapid depletion, thus compromising long-term performance. Here, we present hydrogel-capsules for the controlled-release of NaFeCN within hydraulic mortars for the prolonged prevention of salt weathering. Capsules were prepared by complexing chitosan and calcium-alginate in different ratios containing different concentrations of NaFeCN. The release of NaFeCN from these capsules was measured in (1) simulated lime-mortar solution (2) from mortar specimens incorporated with calcium alginate (CA) and chitosan-calcium-alginate (Cs-CA) capsules using ultraviolet–visible light spectrophotometry and Inductive Coupled Plasma-Optical Emission Spectroscopy. Mortars containing Cs-CA capsules exhibited controlled-release of NaFeCN with four times lower effective diffusion coefficient, compared to incorporating NaFeCN directly in mortar. Conversely, mortar containing CA capsules (without chitosan) released NaFeCN rapidly. Thus, chitosan’s presence in CA is necessary for tuning NaFeCN release and the reason may be attributed to chitosan’s role in reducing CA’s permeability and chitosan’s electrostatic-attraction to ferrocyanide anions, slowing diffusion of the latter. In conclusion, using Cs-CA capsules can control the release of NaFeCN within mortar, providing a steady NaFeCN supply to prolong mortar’s resistance against salt damage.

Relevance of using portable X-ray fluorescence to identify gold hyperaccumulator plants

Field Portable X-Ray Fluorescence (FPXRF) was investigated as an alternative analysis tool for the detection and quantification of gold in hyperaccumulator plants in the field. First, synthetic gold standards were prepared with materials chosen to best simulate plant material, using microcrystalline cellulose (mcc) or ash by adding known amounts of gold. Powder samples were obtained containing gold in amounts ranging from 10 to 1000 ppm of gold. They were analysed, as well as blank samples of mcc and ash, using a NITON xl3t GOLDD+ FPXRF spectrometer in AllGeo and Soil modes with an analysis time of 60 s. Results were compared to Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES) analysis of the synthetic gold standards after digestion in aqua regia. Gold was detected and accurately quantified in synthetic gold standards containing more than 25 ppm of gold in AllGeo mode. At lower concentration, results were much more inaccurate, with no gold being detected at 10 ppm. In Soil mode, similar results to AllGeo mode were obtained with mcc synthetic standards. However, with ash synthetic standard gold quantification was very poor over the whole concentration range and gold was detected in the blank ash sample, which was confirmed as a false positive by the subsequent ICP analysis. Samples of Phyllanthus stipulatus, suspected gold hyperaccumulators, collected on gold-bearing sites in French Guiana were then analysed following the same protocol. The same false positive phenomenon was observed in some of them, with gold being detected by FPXRF in Soil mode but not by ICP analysis. Furthermore, analysis of the FPXRF spectra revealed that none of the characteristic gold emission ray was present. This false positive was attributed to an interference caused by zinc, present in significant amount in the ash of the synthetic standard and the collected plants.

Classification of wooden wastes with machine learning approaches

In this study, 200 wood waste samples from different origins were analysed by Inductive coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) and Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) for 11 elements (lead, cadmium, aluminium, iron, zinc, copper, chrome, arsenic, nickel, mercury and sulphur) that are likely to present in wood waste. In the study, the data as non-hazardous and hazardous was evaluated based on the standard (TS EN ISO 17225-1, 2021). Artificial neural network (ANN) and random forest (RF) analyses were then applied to better analyze and interpret the data. In this way, statistical separation of wood wastes as non-hazardous and hazardous was realized. Accordingly, it was shown that random forest analysis with an accuracy rate of 100% was better than artificial neural network analysis with an accuracy rate of 99%. Results suggested that wood wastes could be recycled and entered the production cycle in a way to contribute to the national economy or be incinerated with appropriate methods in bioenergy production in an environmentally friendly way which would be possible with the accurate classification of these wastes. In this study, the classification of wood wastes as hazardous and non-hazardous with 100% accuracy rate using ICP data with machine learning approaches, which is not encountered in the literature review.

Development and application of a protocol for extractables profiling from central venous catheters in neonates

Peripherally inserted central catheters (PICC-lines) used in neonatology are made of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) or silicone. These materials usually contain substances that may leach into drug vehicles or blood. In this extractables study, we determined the optimal extraction conditions using TPU films containing defined amounts of butylhydroxytoluene (BHT) and then applied them on unused and explanted PICC-lines. Maceration and sonication tests were carried out with hexane, acetone and water as the extraction solvents. The analyses were performed using gas and liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry detectors, as well as inductive coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy to detect a wide range of extractables. We selected a limited list of substances to be sought from the usual adjuvants and monomers, related to their carcinogenic, mutagenic or reprotoxic properties and/or existence in endocrine disruptors lists. The TPU-film experiments showed that acetone was slightly better than hexane, and maceration better than sonication. When applied to PICC-lines, the extraction methods were almost similar but acetone was clearly better than hexane for TPU. From the 48 peaks initially observed in GC-MS, we ended up with 37 peaks to follow in TPU PICC-lines, among which were those of BHT and 4,4′-Methylenebis(cyclohexyl isocyanate) isomers. For silicone PICC-lines, out of 41 peaks initially observed in GC-MS, we followed 20 peaks, most of them being identified as cyclosiloxanes. Barium was the main inorganic element extracted for both PICC-lines. For TPU PICC-lines, the inter-batch variability was higher than for intra-batch, but in silicone devices both were similar. When compared to new PICC-lines, explanted TPU PICC-lines extracted peaks had a lower area under the curve (AUC), while the AUCs of the peaks were higher for the majority of silicone PICC-lines extract compounds. No identified substances were detected above their toxicological threshold, but isocyanates and cyclosiloxanes toxicity was mostly studied for other exposition routes than intravenous. The methods defined in this study were efficient in producing extractable profiles from both PICC-lines.

Potential Utilization of Loess in Grouting Materials: Effects of Grinding Time and Calcination Temperature

Potential Utilization of Loess in Grouting Materials: Effects of Grinding Time and Calcination Temperature

Minerals levels in sugarcane syrup

Sugarcane syrup derived from evaporating sugarcane juice serves as both a self-consumed product and a dietary supplement. It retains nutrients in sugarcane juice, especially minerals and nutritional compounds resistant to cooking processes. This study evaluated the mineral content of Brazilian sugarcane syrup by using Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry. The syrup was found to have high concentrations of potassium, magnesium, calcium, and phosphorus (340, 57, 49, and 48 mg 100 g-1, respectively). Although the qualitative mineral composition of the evaluated products was relevant and consistent, there was considerable quantitative variation; therefore, standardization based on a narrow range of acceptable values is not recommended. It would take 243-1157 g of syrup to replace 200 g of whole cow’s milk. Nonetheless, sugarcane syrup contains essential minerals with proven health benefits. Potassium had the highest average concentration (up to 781.53 mg 100 g-1), followed by magnesium (10.82-94.69 mg 100 g-1), with iron ranking fifth (8.82 mg 100 g-1). Despite the quantitative variation, the qualitative mineral composition remained relevant. Therefore, a narrow standardization based on a limited range of values is not recommended. Nonetheless, sugarcane syrups with lower mineral levels can be considered nutritionally adequate.

Determination of Heavy Metal Concentrations in Commercial Edible Vegetable Oil Sold in the Jordanian Market by Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry

This study investigates the levels of iron (Fe), copper (Cu) and lead (Pb) in five varieties of edible vegetable oils (Olive, Corn, Palm, Soybean and Sunflower oil) available in the Jordanian market. The analysis uses inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES). Our findings indicate that the Fe, Cu and Pb levels in all oil samples (Fe concentrations were &lt; 9 ppb, Cu &lt; 2 ppb and Pb &lt; 9 ppb) are well below the safety thresholds set by the FAO and WHO, suggesting that they can be consumed without any concern. This study confirms the effectiveness of ICP-OES for precise heavy metal detection in complex food matrices. The findings have significant implications for food safety and public health, especially regarding environmental contamination and its effects on food quality.

Health risk assessment of occupational exposure to heavy metals among green space workers in Iran.

Exposure to heavy metals can result in various adverse health effects. Tehran is rated as one of the world's most polluted cities. Green space workers are continuously exposed to such pollutants in this city. Thus, this study aimed to estimate the health risks caused by exposure to heavy metals among green space workers. Eighty-eight workers and office personnel in two regions with different air quality levels were chosen for sampling. Air samples were collected using the NIOSH-7300 method and analyzed using an Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES) instrument. The hazard quotient (HQ) and the lifetime cancer risk (LTCR) were calculated to assess carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risk levels. The results revealed that the rank order of heavy metals was determined as Zn, Pb, Mn, Ni, Co, and Cd. Workers were subjected to higher concentrations of Ni, Pb, Zn, and Co than office personnel. Furthermore, the Cd, Co, and Zn exposure levels stood significantly higher in region 6 than in region 14. Non-carcinogenic risk levels for all participants fell within the acceptable range. Moreover, no employee had a carcinogenic risk level within the acceptable range when exposed to Cd. Also, 2.3% of individuals demonstrated Ni's acceptable carcinogenic risk level. Owing unacceptable risk levels, proper interventions are required to minimize occupational exposure to heavy metals. These interventions include optimizing shift schedules, using personal protective equipment, and conducting regular health assessments.

Heavy Metal Accumulation in Three Varieties of Mustard Grown under Five Soil Management Practices

Heavy metal pollution represents a global health issue. Different methods and technologies are adopted to mitigate the problem of heavy metal pollution. Phytoremediation has been gaining attention as an environmentally friendly method to remediate this problem. The purpose of this research is to explore the effectiveness of phytoremediation in agricultural settings to assess the effect of five soil management practices (chicken manure, sewage sludge, leaf compost, cow manure, and vermicompost) on Cd, Cu, Mo, Ni, Pb, and Zn accumulation in the mustard (leaves and pods) of three mustard Brassica juncea varieties (black mustard, yellow mustard, and mighty mustard). The accumulation in mustard was quantified using the Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometer (ICP-OES). The results showed that the bioaccumulation factor (BAF) of the three mustard varieties exceeded one (BAF &gt; 1) for Cd and Mo. It indicates that mustard is a good accumulator of Cd and Mo, whereas BAF values for Cu, Pb, Ni, and Zn were less than one (BAF &lt; 1). The accumulated Cu, Mo, Ni, and Zn levels were below the allowable limit, whereas the Cd and Pb levels were beyond the limit. This result indicates that the investigated mustard varieties can be grown on heavy metal polluted sites for Cd and Mo phytoremediation purposes, but care is needed with regard to Cd and Mo toxicity.

Lead dust exposure and blood lead levels among workers in used battery recycling factories in Dar es salaam, Tanzania

Background: Used Lead Acid Battery (ULAB) recycling factories produce Lead, which brings health effects among workers. Lead is an environmental and occupational pollutant agent. Lead toxicity is one of the most prevalent occupational and environmental health problems in the world.1 Objective: The main objective of the surveillance was to determine lead exposure levels and associated health effects among workers in ULAB recycling factories in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Material and Methods: This was a cross sectional study conducted in two of the ULAB recycling factories (Factory A and Factory B) in Dar es Salaam. The Socio demographic characteristics from 149 workers in the two factories were assessed. Lead exposure levels in air and blood Lead level (BLL) was measured (n=60). Inductive Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-AOS) used for analysis of Lead exposure level and BLL data and control measure were analysed using SPSS version 23. Results and discussion: The arithmetic mean (AM) age was 30.56 years with standard deviation (SD) 8.66. The mean duration of employment was 82.24(69.55) and 47(57.09) months for Factory A and Factory B respectively. Geometric Mean (SD) for Pb level in air were 307.9(5.08) µg/m3 and 242.9(1.94) µg/m3 for factory A and factory B respectively, which were higher compared to the OEL value of 50 µg/m3by NIOSH and that of 0.5µg/m3 by WHO. The mean Blood Lead Level was 9.36 µg/dL and 17.30 µg/dL for Factory A Factory B respectively. The use of protective equipment was 2.70 % for respirators and 79.90% reported on being provided with a piece of cloth. Conclusion: The study concludes that higher levels of lead in air was associated with the recycling processes at ULAB recycling factories. Workers in these factories had inappropriate PPE in comparison with hazards exposed. The mean Blood Lead level of the workers for factory were higher than the CDC reference value of 5µg/dL whereas at these level workers may experience health effects.

Effects of foliar iron oxide nanoparticles (Fe3O4) application on photosynthetic parameters, distribution of mineral elements, magnetic behaviour, and photosynthetic genes in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum var. cerasiforme) plants

This study aims to examine the effect of foliar magnetic iron oxide (Fe3O4) nanoparticles (IONP) application on the physiology, photosynthetic parameters, magnetic character, and mineral element distribution of cherry tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum var. cerasiforme). The IONP suspension (500 mg L−1) was sprayed once (S1), twice (S2), thrice (S3), and four times (S4) a week on seedlings. Upon 21 days of the treatments, photosynthetic parameters (chlorophyll, carotenoids, photosynthetic yield, electron transport rate) were elucidated. Inductively-coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometer (ICP-OES) and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) were used to determine the mineral elements and abundance of magnetic power in the seedlings. In addition, the RT-qPCR method was performed to quantify the expressions of photosystem-related (PsaC, PsbP6, and PsbQ) and ferritin-coding (Fer-1 and Fer-2) genes. Results revealed that the physiological and photosynthetic indices were improved upon S1 treatment. The optimal dosage of IONP spraying enhances chlorophyll, carotenoid, electron transport rate (ETR), and effective photochemical quantum yield of photosystem II (Y(II)) but substantially diminishes non-photochemical quenching (NPQ). However, frequent IONP applications (S2, S3, and S4) caused growth retardation and suppressed the photosynthetic parameters, suggesting a toxic effect of IONP in recurrent treatments. Fer-1 and Fer-2 expressions were strikingly increased by IONP applications, suggesting an attempt to neutralize the excess amount of Fe ions by ferritin. Nevertheless, frequent IONP treatment fluctuated the mineral distribution and caused growth inhibition. Although low-repeat foliar applications of IONP (S1 in this study) may help improve plant growth, consecutive applications (S2, S3, and S4) should be avoided.

Promoting the elemental profile of sorghum grain: Driving factors affecting nutritional properties under nitrogen fertilizer conditions

Monitoring nitrogen utilization is crucial in agricultural practices, emphasizing the interrelationship between soil health, nutrient management, and human health.The study was conducted to evaluate the impact of N fertilizer on the nutritional characteristics of diverse S. bicolor varieties, namely Alföldi 1, ES Föehn (Lidea Seeds) with a red pericarp, ES Albanus, Albita, and Farmsugro 180 (all white varieties), the study was conducted in sorghum-producing areas where the crop is non-native. Specifically, the study investigated two soil types: loam clay and sandy soil. Furthermore, the respective varieties were grown under N (27% N CAN) fertilizer conditions, involving 60 kg/ha−1 and 120 kg/ha−1 of the treatment rates applied at each experiment site. We measured the specific element concentration in each sample using the Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES) technology. Certainly, the results demonstrated that the different S. bicolor varieties had unique nutritional characteristics attributed to several factors such as soil type, variety, and treatment, which showed a significance value of (P < 0.05).The findings demonstrated that the treatments had distinct impacts as stimulators and inhibitors for certain elements. Specifically, the application of 120 kg/ha−1 negatively affected the levels of particular elements, such as Ca mg/kg−1, in loam clay and sandy soil. The statistical analysis of trace microelement variance did not show a significance value (P > 0.05) when considering the year factor, which supported the data analysis's reliability and accuracy.In summary, to enhance the nutritional value of sorghum grain and supply nutrient-rich food choices for individuals, consider factors such as fertilizer response, nutrient uptake by grain, element mineral accumulation, and advisory variety. Additional research could enhance the nutritional properties of sorghum to provide the required dietary stuff, such as grain processing, which can render sorghum a proper addition to a healthy and balanced human diet.

Comparative analysis of heavy metal content of unregulated facial whitening creams and branded facial whitening creams

The present study was conducted to evaluate potential health risks of Omani cosmetics considering the dangers and adverse effects on health caused by unregulated and unlabelled cosmetic products. Therefore, this current study is to examine the toxic heavy metals of unregulated facial whitening creams that are available in the Omani market and compare them with branded facial whitening creams. A total twenty-two samples were purchased from the Souqs/markets of all eleven governorates of Oman and their heavy metals content was determined by using Inductively Coupled Plasma-Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES). The sample was digested by using ultra wave microwave at 180 °C. The percentage of heavy metals present in the unregulated whitening creams were compared with the heavy metals content of two randomly selected and branded whitening creams. The results showed that most of the unregulated samples contain significant amount of chromium, cooper and lead. In comparison, the branded face creams contained only the permissible amount of the heavy metals tested. The maximum arsenic content was found in a sample collected from Al Batinah South region (1.74 ppm). The maximum cadmium content was found in a sample collected from Al Wusta region (2.02 ppm). The maximum cobalt and chromium content were found in the samples collected from Al Buraimi region (0.10 ppm) and Dhofar region (8.04 ppm) respectively. In conclusion, unregulated face creams are not safe for human consumption because they contain significant levels of heavy metals that exceed the permissible limits.