Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry Research Articles

Effects of Biostimulants on the Eco-Physiological Traits and Fruit Quality of Black Chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa L.)

Biostimulants contribute to the physiological growth of plants by enhancing the quality characteristics of fruit without harming the environment. In addition, biostimulants applied to plants strengthen nutritional efficiency, abiotic stress tolerance, and fruit biochemical traits. We investigated the effectiveness of specific organic biostimulants. Five treatments were tested: (1) control (H2O, no biostimulants); (2) Magnablue + Keyplex 350 (Mgl + Kpl350); (3) Cropobiolife + Keyplex 120 (Cpl + Kpl120); (4) Keyplex 120 (Kpl120); and (5) Magnablue + Cropobiolife + Keyplex 120 (Mgl + Cpl + Kpl120) on the mineral uptake and physiology in black chokeberry (Aronia) plants, as well as the quality of their berries. The different treatments were applied to three-year-old chokeberry plants, and the experimental process in the field lasted from May to September 2022 until the harvest of ripe fruits. Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES) revealed that the fifth treatment significantly increased concentrations of P, Ca, and K. Additionally, the fifth treatment enhanced photochemical efficiency (Fv/Fm), water-splitting efficiency (Fv/Fo) in PSII, and the performance index (PI) of both PSI and PSII in chokeberry leaves. Improvements in photosynthesis, such as CO2 assimilation (A), transpiration (E), and water-use efficiency (A/E), were also noted under biostimulant applications. Upon harvesting the ripe fruits, part of them was placed at room temperature at 25 °C, while the rest were stored at 4 °C, RH 90% for 7 days. The cultivation with biostimulants had beneficial effects on the maintenance of flesh consistency, ascorbic acid concentration, and weight of berries at 4 and 25 °C, especially in the 5th treatment. Moreover, the total antioxidant capacity, anthocyanin concentration, and total phenols of the berries were notably higher in the third and fifth treatments compared to the control. These data suggest that selecting appropriate biostimulants can enhance plant yield and fruit quality by potentially activating secondary metabolite pathways.

Monitoring of urinary nickel and chromium in metal industries workers in Alborz, Iran

Heavy metal contamination from occupational sources is a cause for concern due to its potential accumulation in the environment and the body of living organisms, which leads to long-term toxic effects. There is limited evidence on the concentration of heavy metals in the body fluids of welding workers. This study aimed to measure the concentration of nickel (Ni) and chromium (Cr) as two main toxic heavy metals in the urine samples of welders and determine the potential relationship of various environmental factors on their concentration levels. This study was conducted in Iran in 2022–2023. Eighty-five urine samples were collected from the studied welding workers. Inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) was used to measure the concentration of Ni and Cr. Data related to socio-demographic characteristics (education level, income, work experience, age, and body mass index (BMI)), lifestyle profile (consumption of seafood and canned food, smoking, physical activity), type of ventilation and preventive devices at work, and suffering from underlying diseases (cardiovascular and high blood pressure) were collected using valid questionnaires. Ni and Cr were present in 100% of urine samples with mean concentrations of (1.09 ± 0.294) and (11.45 ± 16.751) µg/g creatinine, respectively. A significant correlation was observed between the mean concentration of Ni and Cr with the level of education, income, work experience, age, consumption of seafood and canned food, smoking, type of ventilation and preventive devices, and underlying diseases (p-value < 0.05). Also, there was no significant difference between Ni concentration and physical activity and Cr concentration with BMI. Lifestyle determinants and not using preventive devices are important predictors of urinary heavy metals in welding workers. Therefore, more research is required to determine the adverse effects of long-term exposure to these heavy metals.

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.

Single Source Precursor Path to 2D Materials: A Case Study of Solution‐Processed Molybdenum‐Rich MoSe2‐x Ultrathin Nanosheets

AbstractTwo‐dimensional Molybdenum diselenide is a versatile and promising material used for a wide range of applications and its synthesis in high quality and yield is currently the subject of intense research. Low temperature solution phase synthesis of nanomaterials using designed molecular precursors enjoys tremendous advantages over traditional high‐temperature solid‐state synthesis. However, molecular precursor chemistry of molybdenum selenide nanomaterials is almost non‐existent. We report here synthesis and structural characterization of new molybdenum molecular precursors with selenoether and selenourea ligands, which due to their easy synthesis, desired Mo/Se composition and moderate processing properties, are highly promising as single source precursors for the scale‐up production of 2D molybdenum diselenide materials. This is demonstrated by the solution‐phase decomposition of the Mo‐selenourea precursor which produced Mo‐rich MoSe2‐x ultrathin nanosheets (NSs) in good yield. These NSs were characterized by Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP‐OES), Powder X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT‐IR), Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) studies.

Quality control analyses of selected honey samples from Serbia based on their mineral and flavonoid profiles, and the invertase activity

Abstract Nowadays, climate changes induce deviations in the composition of honey varieties characteristic of a specific geographic region. Therefore, according to Codex Alimentarius for honey, the slight variations in values of determined parameters cannot be strictly regarded as a sign of its adulteration. Here, modified methods are presented for preparing honey samples for inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) analysis and the high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method to use them as fast and reliable methods in the food industry. ICP-OES analysis suggested that all analysed honey samples are natural, and HPLC-DAD (diode-arrray detection) analysis on the flavonoids showed that one sample is probably not natural. Invertase activity showed an overlap with this HPLC-DAD finding but suggested more samples as possibly adulterated, which can be neglected due to possible thermal treatment of those natural samples, causing a decrease in invertase activity. Therefore, results obtained from the analyses of investigated honey samples based on the mineral content, number, and quantity of flavonoids, together with the invertase activity, indicated that the combination of analyses could be a reliable tool for determining the quality of honey samples.

Determination of 40K radionuclide concentration and elements content in some animal feeds

AbstractThe study of radionuclide concentrations is significant for the exposure of the radiation on the livings from these radionuclides and they are transferred from plants, animals to livings, and this is important for the health of livings. In this paper, 40K concentration and elements content of wheat, barley, corn, and chick feeds, which are used as animal feed using gamma‐ray spectrometry and inductively coupled plasma‐optical emission spectrometry (ICP‐OES) were examined. The animal feeds were obtained from two different sellers for representative and to be able to compare the obtained results from studied animal feeds. The mean value of 40K radionuclide concentration for wheat, barley, and corn is smaller than the world mean value whereas it is higher for chick feeds than the world mean value. The Hin, Hex, and Iγ of studied animal feeds are lower than limit value reported in the scientific report. There are positive and significant correlations between K, Ca, Fe, Mg, Na, P, and 40K at the 0.01 level and between Cu, Mn, Ni, Zn, and 40K at 0.05 level.

Intrinsically Flame‐Retardant Polyamide 6 by Anionic Ring‐Opening Copolymerization with a Phosphorous‐Containing Comonomer

AbstractA three‐step synthetic route is established for the synthesis of a phosphorus‐containing ε‐caprolactam derivative, starting from cyclohex‐2‐enone and diphenylphosphinous chloride, followed by a Beckmann rearrangement. 2D NMR spectroscopy reveals that the phosphorus moiety is selectively localized at the 4‐position of the caprolactam ring. Different amounts of the phosphorus‐containing comonomer are systematically incorporated into polyamide 6 by anionic ring‐opening copolymerization with ε‐caprolactam at elevated temperatures. Polymerization reactions are initiated by a latent, CO2 protected N‐heterocyclic carbene in the presence of N‐acetyl caprolactam and MgCl2. The phosphorus content is determined by inductively‐coupled plasma‐optical emission spectroscopy (ICP‐OES) analysis. Limiting oxygen indices up to 23.5 are found for polymers containing ≈1 wt.‐% of phosphorus. The thermal properties of the copolymers are determined and compared to those of polyamide 6.

Human health risk assessment of potentially toxic and essential elements in medicinal plants consumed in Zabol, Iran, using the Monte Carlo simulation method

Medicinal plants (MPs) have long been used for their therapeutic properties in traditional forms of medicine. However, the presence of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in MPs raises concerns about their safety, efficacy, and potential adverse effects on human health. The current study aimed to determine the level of potentially toxic and essential elements (PTEEs) in commonly consumed MPs in Zabol, Iran, along with their health risk assessments. To conduct the present study, 10 types of MPs widely used in Zabol, Iran, were selected, and 15 samples of each type (150 samples in total) were taken. Each sample was analyzed for the presence of various PTEEs using Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES) for Lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), chrome (Cr), nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), aluminum (Al) and manganese (Mn); and Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS) for arsenic (As) and mercury (Hg). Finally, to better comprehend the scope of exposure and its possible effects, the Monte Carlo simulation method is successfully applied to assess human health risks related to PTEs in MPs. Statistical analysis revealed statistically significant (P < 0.001) variations in PTE averages among MP types. Furthermore, all samples’ overall PTE mean concentration (range: 0.18 to 215.5 µg/kg) was below the World Health Organization’s (WHO) regulatory standards. Probabilistic health risks, including non-carcinogenic-target hazard quotient (THQ) for each element, total target hazard quotient (TTHQ) for all elements, and carcinogenic-incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR) for each element, and total carcinogenic risk (TCR) for all elements, were significantly lower than the acceptable limit for children and adults. Accordingly, it can be said that consuming MPs sold in Zabol is safe for children and adults regarding carcinogenic (ILCR/TCR = 10− 4) and non-carcinogenic (THQ/TTHQ = 1) effects. In light of the findings presented here, and to our understanding, the primary factor contributing to lower levels of PTEs in MPs in Zabol City markets is the cultivation of plants in nonindustrialized areas, separate from urban and industrial zones. This practice keeps them from environmental contaminations, including soil quality and water sources. It is recommended that it is essential to regulate the sources that enhance the transfer of PTEs and other harmful pollutants from surroundings to the soil and, consequently, MPs. It is also suggested that, like chemical drugs, MPs should undergo rigorous testing by quality control agencies before being made available to the market.

Potentially Toxic Metals Enrichment in Soils of Ishiagu Mining Community, Southeastern Nigeria

This Study was carried out to evaluate potentially toxic metals enrichment, pollution and potential ecological risk in the soils of Ishiagu. The concentrations of Cadmium (Cd), Chromium (Cr), Cobalt (Co), Copper (Cu), Lead (Pb), Manganese (Mn), Nickel (Ni), Zinc (Zn), Aluminum (Al) and Iron (Fe) in soil samples from the area were analyzed by Bureau Veritas Laboratory, Vancouver, Canada, using inductively-coupled plasma optic emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). Descriptive statistics, enrichment factor, pollution load and potential ecological risk indices were employed to analyze the data in order to understand the characteristics of potentially toxic metals in the study area. The potentially toxic metals statistic show the mean values (mg/kg-1 ) of Pb, Zn, Mn, Fe, Al, Cd, Cr, Ni, Co, and Cu to be 205.7, 162, 527, 35892, 11374, 1.3, 21.6, 15, 14.6 and 11.1 respectively. The soil enrichment varied considerably between mining and non-mining areas with mining area being extremely enriched with Pb, Zn and Cd, and significantly enriched with Co, Cu, Ni and Fe. Non- mining areas are minimally enriched with all investigated metals. The soils around the mines are polluted with Pb and Cd, where both metals also pose very high ecological risks.

Risk assessment and quantification of elemental concentrations in river and stream in Nigeria

The rising prevalence of elements in surface water is becoming a major global environmental problem due to their resistance to change and capacity to accumulate in organisms. Humans are causing significant heavy metal contamination in the aquatic environment, which is killing aquatic creatures. The purpose of this study is to determine the elemental composition of surface water in Ogun State. Water samples were collected from a river that flows alongside Liberty Estate in Ewupe, Ado-Odo Ota Local Government Area, and a stream that runs alongside Pacific Estate in Iganmode. The element composition of water samples was determined using Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES). Several components were found to exceed the limitations imposed by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). In River I, sodium (Na) had the highest apparent concentration, whereas titanium (Ti) had the lowest average concentration. In River II, silicon (Si) had the highest apparent concentration, whereas chromium (Cr) had the lowest average concentration. Titanium (Ti) had the lowest mean concentration value, whereas sodium (Na) appeared to have the highest concentration in stream I. Stream II has the highest concentration of sodium (Na), while Uranium (U) has the lowest average concentration value. Nonetheless, the incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR) values for adults and children who drink river and stream water are similar, ranging from 10–9 to 10–8. This implies a high carcinogenic risk (CR) linked with drinking water from both sources. Children who had access to both stream and river water demonstrated higher risk levels than adults. Routine studies of the state's streams and rivers should be conducted to avoid the subtle impact that may emanate from the water bodies.

Sample Preparation and Determination of Trace Elements in High-Entropy Alloys by Total Reflection X-Ray Fluorescence (TXRF)

High-entropy alloys (HEAs) have attracted significant attention in recent years owing to their exceptional material properties; however, trace impurities in these alloys can significantly affect their strength, toughness, and radiation resistance. This study employs total reflection X-ray fluorescence (TXRF) to determine the trace impurities in three common HEA powders prepared via suspension techniques. High-Z (Ca and Mn) and low-Z (Mg and Al) elements were quantified using the internal standard and calibration curve methods, respectively. The levels of high-Z elements are consistent with those determined using inductively coupled plasma – optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). Although the physical mechanisms exerted various effects on low-Z elements, qualitative and semi-quantitative analyses remained feasible, demonstrating the effectiveness of TXRF for impurities in HEAs. Additionally, the combination of suspension sample preparation and TXRF affords a nondestructive, rapid, and cost-effective methodology that requires minimal sample quantities. Consequently, TXRF is well suited for the rapid determination of impurities in HEAs.

Exploration of catalytic activities of Caesalpinia bonduc (L.) Roxb. ash on green-oxidation of small organic substrates: an effective way to reduce the use of harsh chemicals

In this modern era, large-scale industrial use of harsh chemicals is an alarming problem as it can cause serious environmental damage. Among industrial pollutants, harsh chemical oxidizing agents are one of the leading chemicals that can cause severe environmental threats. These harmful harsh chemicals are practically omnipresent in industries and are used to oxidize numerous small organic substrates. Replacement of these harsh chemicals with some plant-based products might be helpful to safeguard our environmental damage. In this study, Caesalpinia bonduc (L.) Roxb. ash is used as a catalyst to activate aerial oxygen for promoting the oxidation of 3,5-di-tert-butylcatechol (3,5-DTBC) and o-aminophenol (OAPH) like small organic substrates. Detailed kinetic studies for these catalytic oxidation reactions have been performed spectrophotometrically, which confirms that catalytic reactions follow Michaelis–Menten kinetics. Several enzyme-kinetics plots such as the Michaelis–Menten plot, Lineweaver–Burk plot, Hanes–Woolf plot, and Eadie–Hofstee plot have been used to determine the maximum rate achieved by the reaction (Vmax) and Michaelis constant (KM) like kinetic parameters. The average values of Vmax and KM for catalytic oxidation of 3,5-DTBC are (8.6669 ± 0.6519) × 10–5 M S−1 and (21.4289 ± 0.4741) × 10–4 M, respectively. Similarly, the average values of Vmax and KM for catalytic oxidation of OAPH are (2.1781 ± 0.2071) × 10–5 M S−1 and (20.1062 ± 1.2690) × 10–3 M, respectively. The mineral composition of Caesalpinia bonduc (L.) Roxb. ash has also been evaluated by using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES).Graphical

Processing and Characterization of Spent Nickel-Metal Hydride Type AA Batteries to Recover Valuable Materials (Cobalt, Nickel and Rare Earth Elements).

The experimental research was focused on the investigation of valuable material from spent Ni-MH type AA batteries, namely the metal grid anodes and the black mass material (anode and cathode powder). The materials of interest were analyzed by X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF), ICP-OES (inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry), optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX), electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The analyzed grids have a high Fe content, but some of them correspond to the Invar alloy with approx. 40% Ni. In the black mass material, round particles and large aggregations were observed by SEM analysis, showing a high degree of degradation. The XRD analysis reveals the presence of only three compounds or phases that crystallize in the hexagonal system: La0.52Ce0.33Pr0.04Nd0.11Co0.6Ni4.4, Ni(OH)2, and La5Ni19. The obtained results provide useful and interesting information that can be used for further research in the recycling and economic assessment of metals from spent Ni-MH batteries.

Groundwater geochemistry using modified integrated water quality index (IWQI) and health indices with special emphasis on nitrates and heavy metals in southern parts of Tirupati, South India.

Groundwater is particularly vulnerable to pollution in places with a high population density and extensive human usage of the land, especially in southern parts of Tirupati, India. To assess this, 60 bore-well samples were obtained and assessed for physical specifications, ion chemistry, and heavy metals during the pre- and post-monsoon seasons 2022. The current investigation employed a modified integrated water quality index (IWQI), conventional graphical and human health risk assessment (HHRA) of nitrates and heavy metals to know the groundwater chemistry and its detrimental health effects on humans. The major ions were analyzed using American public health association (APHA)standards, whereas heavy metals were analyzed using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry(ICP-OES). Additionally, pH Redox Equilibrium and C (PHREEQC),a geochemical model written in C programming language was employed to determine the saturation indices of mineral facies and ArcGIS 10.3.1 was used for spatial distribution patterns of IWQI. Then, the HHRA of nitrates and heavy metals was performed using United States environmental protection agency (USEPA)guidelines. The noteworthy outcomes include elevated levels of Ca2+, Mg2+, Cl-, NO3-, Cu,Fe, Mn, and Pb, demonstrating rock-water interaction, silicate weathering, Ca-Mg-HCO3 followed by mixed water facies, dissolution/precipitation, reverse exchange, and anthropogenic contamination are the major controlling processes in groundwater of southern Tirupati, India. The modified IWQI reveals that most groundwater samples (38%) fall under the bad quality class, with (47%) in the poor quality class and only (15%) classified as medium qualityclass in pre- and post-monsoon seasons. Elevated IWQI were observed in all directions except in the east, which is suitable for drinking. Moreover, the major hazard quotient (HQ) and hazard index (HI)for nitrates (NO3-) and heavy metals like copper(Cu), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), lead (Pb) and zinc (Zn) are above the critical value of 1, revealing potential risk to humans, especially infants, followed by children and adults, entailing the instantaneous implementation of proper remedial measures and stringent policies to reduce the risk associated with groundwater pollution in the southern parts of Tirupati.

Traces of the past: assessing the impact of potentially toxic elements from an abandoned mine on groundwater and agricultural soil in San Luis Potosí, México.

The study was conducted in Cerritos, San Luis Potosí, México, near the Guaxcama mine, focused on environmental contamination (groundwater and agricultural soil) from antimony (Sb), arsenic (As), lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and mercury (Hg). In March 2022, 20 agricultural soil and 16 groundwater samples were collected near the historically cinnabar (HgS)- and arsenopyrite (FeAsS)-rich Guaxcama mine. Hydride generation atomic fluorescence spectrometry (HG-AFS) for As, cold vapor atomic fluorescence spectrometry (CV-AFS) for Hg, and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) for Cd, Pb, and Sb were used for the determinations of potentially toxic elements (PTEs). While concentrations of Cd, Hg, Pb, and Sb in groundwater were below detection limits, As levels exhibited a range from 40.9 ± 1.4 to 576.0 ± 1.0µg/L, exceeding permissible limits for drinking water (10µg/L). In agricultural soil, As was between 7.67 ± 0.16 and 24.1 ± 0.4µg/g, Hg ranged from 0.203 ± 0.018 to 2.33 ± 0.19µg/g, Cd from 2.53 ± 0.90 to 2.78 ± 0.01µg/g, and Pb from 11.7 ± 1.2 to 34.3 ± 4.1µg/g. Only one study area surpassed the Mexican As soil limit of 22µg/g. Sequential extraction (four-step BCR procedure) indicated significant As bioavailability in soil (fractions 1 and 2) ranging from 3.66 to 10.36%, heightening the risk of crop transfer, in contrast to the low bioavailability of Hg, showing that fractions 1, 2, and 3 were below the limit of quantification (LOQ). Crucial physicochemical parameters in soil, including nitrate levels, pH, and organic matter, were pivotal in understanding contamination dynamics. Principal component analysis highlighted the influence of elements like Fe and Ca on phytoavailable As, while Pb and Cd likely originated from a common source. Ecological risk assessments underscored the significant impact of pollution, primarily due to the concentrations of Cd and Hg. Non-cancer and cancer risks to residents through As poisoning via contaminated water ingestion also were found. The hazard index (HI) values varied between 4.0 and 82.2 for adults and children. The total incremental lifetime cancer risk (TILCAR) values for adults ranged from 7.75E - 04 to 1.06E - 02, whereas for children, the values were from 2.47E - 04 to 3.17E - 03.

Analytical Techniques for Detecting Rare Earth Elements in Geological Ores: Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS), MFA-LIBS, Thermal LIBS, Laser Ablation Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry, Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy, Energy-Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence Spectrometer, and Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy

Rare earth elements (REEs) hold significant industrial, scientific, and modern technological worth. This study focused on detecting and quantifying REEs in various geological ore samples. These samples were collected from different REE-bearing locations recommended by geological experts. The analysis was conducted using laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) and laser ablation time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LA-TOF-MS). In this work, LIBS methodology was employed using three different configurations: standard LIBS, LIBS with an applied magnetic field, and LIBS with both an applied magnetic field and target sample heating within an optimal temperature range. Elements from the REE group, specifically lanthanum (La), cerium (Ce), and neodymium (Nd), were identified and quantified. To detect, quantify, and validate the results from LIBS and LA-TOF-MS, we utilized an array of analytical techniques—Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX), Energy-Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence Spectrometer (ED-XRF), and Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES). Interestingly, the quantitative results for REEs (La, Ce, and Nd) in the ore samples obtained using the LIBS technique with various configurations were found to be in agreement with those from LA-TOF-MS, EDX, XRF, and ICP-OES. In addition, LIBS enables detailed microchemical imaging, allowing the map of the spatial distribution of elements within the mineral–ore matrix. The high-resolution microscale elemental mapping of REEs was accomplished using the emission lines Ce (II) at 446.0 nm, La (II) at 492.1 nm, and Nd (II) at 388.8 nm. By integrating multiple analytical techniques, our study enabled the construction of a complete elemental distribution map, providing new insights into the geochemical processes and mineral composition of rare earth ores, while advancing geochemistry and contributing valuable data for rare earth resource exploration.

Arsenic in Rice and Rice-Based Products with Regard to Consumer Health.

Most articles on the exposure to arsenic (As) associated with rice and rice products come from Asia where these products are consumed in the largest quantities; relatively few of the articles have focused on European consumers. Since rice products can represent a significant contribution to overall arsenic exposure, the aim of the study was to determine the total arsenic content (tAs) in rice and the most commonly-consumed rice products available on the Polish market. The tAs determination was performed by hydride generation coupled to inductively-coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (HG-ICP-OES). Because an inorganic form of As (iAs) is mutagenic and carcinogenic and about 100-fold more toxic than the organic form, an additional aim of the study was to assess the risk of its ingestion, assuming that it constitutes 67.7%, 72.7%, or 90% of tAs. In all products tested, the calculated iAs content was below the maximum permissible levels, and no threat was found for any of the analyzed Polish consumers, based on the mean rice consumption in Poland and the mean calculated iAs content. However, a potential health risk was noted among infants and young children, assuming maximum iAs levels and threefold higher consumption (16.2 g d-1). To avoid a risk of developing cancer, infants up to one year of age should consume no more than 32.2 g of the studied products per week, children under three years of age up to 68.7 g, and adults 243 g. Consumers should strive to include a variety of cereals in their daily diet and choose products shown to have low arsenic contamination levels based on testing and inspection rankings.

Antibacterial performance of biodegradable polymer and hazelnut husk flour antibacterial biofilm with silver nanoparticles

The antibacterial performance of biocomposite films prepared from lignocellulosic waste (hazelnut husk or hazelnut leafy green cover) modified with silver nanoparticles and polylactic acid (PLA) was determined. The amount of hazelnut husk in the PLA matrix ranged from 10 to 40% by weight in 10% increments. The composite pellets were produced using a twin-screw extruder. Biocomposite films of 0.6 mm x 40 mm x 200 mm were produced from the pellets in a laboratory hydraulic hot press. The surfaces of the modified hazelnut husk and biocomposite specimens were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). The antibacterial activity of the biocomposite films against Staphylococcus aureus bacteria was determined using the ASTM E 2149 (2020) method. The antibacterial activity of the biocomposite films increased noticeably with the addition of hazelnut husk modified with the silver nanoparticles. Compared to the pure PLA film, the biocomposite films with 10 wt% modified husk flour showed the lowest antibacterial activity (31.3%) against S. aureus over 24-h while the films with 40 wt% showed the highest antibacterial activity (99.9%). The biocomposite films made of hazelnut husk flour with silver nanoparticles and PLA matrix could be considered for food packaging applications.

Phytonutrient Formulation Using Gum Arabic and Adansonia Digitata Pulp: Lessons for Boosting the Human Immune System - Part 1

BackgroundThe intrinsic immune system (HIIs) defends the body against pathogens and relies on the energy obtained from food sources to increase its metabolic activity. AimIn this study, a new blended 3 in1 formula comprising A. senegal, A. seyal, and Adansonia digitata at a ratio of 5:3:2 was proposed as a potential aid in the management of Covid-19 patients with Metabolic Syndrome (MeT-S) disorders, with a specific focus on those presenting with impaired health. MethodsThe utilization of Inductively Coupled Plasma-Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-MS) was employed to analyze 3 blended ingredient combinations, including the 3in1 formula, A. senegal, A. seyal, and A. digitata pulp, for the presence of elements by detecting the levels of moisture, ash, minerals, protein, amino acids, carbohydrates, sugars, prebiotic polysaccharides, energy, dietary fibers, and crude fibers. This advanced technique has replaced the titration method used in previous studies. ResultsThe mineral content of the blended 3in1 sample was found to be dominated by potassium (70.56±2.35), Calcium (68.54±3.12), Magnesium (16.60±4.80), Phosphorus (11.50±2.50), Sodium (31.4±4.80), Zinc (19.19±2.10), Iron (19 ± 0.14), Copper (15.12±1.81), and selenium (0.037 ± 0.005) g/100 g DW. The blended 3 in1 sample also had a higher hydroxyproline content (30.17 g/100 g and a higher total protein and carbohydrate content than the blended 2 in1 sample. Additionally, arabinose was identified as the major reducing sugar with up to 48.23 and 49.97g/100 gDW. The prebiotic polysaccharide content was 88.61±3.12g/100 gDW for the blended 3 in1 sample, which was significantly higher than that of the blended 2 in1 sample. Furthermore, the energy value of the blended 3 in1 sample was significantly higher at 350.12±5.210 kcal/100 g than the blended 2 in1 sample at 340.67±3.155 kWh. The Insoluble Dietary Fibers (IDFs) and Soluble Dietary Fibers (SDFs) of the blended 3 in1 sample were 12.6±2.10 g/100 gDW and 87±2.124 g/100 g DW, respectively, which were significantly higher than those of the blended 2 in1 sample. ConclusionThe discovery of distinct molecular compositions of A. senegal and A. seyal when combined with Adansonia Digitata Pulp (ADLP) in the 3 in1 blend demonstrated enhanced HIIs among Covid-19 patients with compromised MeT-S disorders. This may be considered a valuable natural antiviral agent for the treatment of such individuals.

The elemental variance between the "rice" and "non-rice" portions of Maifanitum and its health risk assessment

BackgroundMaifanitum, a mineral used in Chinese medicine, was first documented during the Song Dynasty (960-1279). Historical records suggest its multifaceted therapeutic properties, including detoxification and stasis resolution, necrosis removal and tissue regeneration, diuretic and calculi dissolution and prolonging life. The concentration of elements in Maifanitum may vary depending on its origin, different parts, which can affect its effectiveness in different fields of applications. Therefore, the analysis of elements in Maifanitum and the subsequent health risk assessment have been conducted. This provides an important basis for the quality control and application safety of Maifanitum. MethodThe analytical techniques employed in this study are inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES), utilized for the quantitative assessment of 60 elements (Refer to Appendix 1) within Maifanitum samples. Based on the test results, chemometric methods are employed to evaluate the characteristics and differences in elemental concentration from different sources and locations. Additionally, a preliminary health risk assessment is conducted for Maifanitum from different origins and various parts. ResultsWe have established a fingerprint of the elements within Maifanitum, demonstrating a commendable level of similarity. The findings from hierarchical cluster analysis（HCA） corroborated with those from principal component analysis (PCA), collectively unveiling a systematic profile of elemental disparities between Maifanitum samples of diverse origins and applications. It also revealed that there are differences in the concentration of Al, Ga, Be, Hf, Na, Sn, Ti, Zr, Gd, Tb, Sr, Pb, Ce, Ba and other elements in different parts of Maifanitum. While Cd, As, and Cu levels in all samples were within the permissible limits as defined by the Chinese Pharmacopeia, Pb concentrations in the majority of samples were found to surpass these standards, albeit slightly in the ''non-rice'' fraction. The assessment of both beneficial and deleterious elements indicates that the ''non-rice'' fraction of Maifanitum possesses superior quality attributes. Moreover, the overall concentration of rare earth elements in Maifanitum is substantially below the established lower threshold for daily human consumption, with no immediate evidence suggesting any adverse health risks. ConclusionThis study provides a basis for the quality control and safety evaluation of Maifanitum in clinical use.