ICP-AES Research Articles

Determination of palladium content in catalysts based on different carbon supports by inductively coupled plasma — atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES)

Catalytic processes and technologies are the structure-forming elements of modern chemical, petrochemical and pharmaceutical industries. Prospects of their development are strongly determined by continuous improvement of the existing catalysts and developing the advanced and more efficient ones. Among the available catalysts, an important place belongs to palladium catalysts with carbon supports. Palladium as an active component exhibits unique catalytic properties in various transformations of organic substances: hydrogenation, dehydrogenation, isomerization, dehydrocyclization, carbonylation, oxidation, etc. To control the content of the active component of a catalyst, precise and rapid physicochemical methods are used. ICP-AES shows a good performance in the analytical practice due to the rapidity, sensitivity, high accuracy and selectivity in determining various elements. The aim of the study was to develop a scientifically grounded methodological approach to estimate the palladium content in the catalysts synthesized on different carbon supports made of carbon black and Sibunit, which combines only the acidic decomposition of a sample and analysis by ICP-AES. A series of palladium catalysts synthesized on the carbon supports with different structural and textural characteristics was studied. An urgent goal is to control the content of the active component in the composition of catalysts. This characteristic affects the phase and electronic state of the metal, the structural and textural characteristics and thus determines the activity and selectivity of catalysts during operation. Therefore, quantitative chemical analysis is one of the main methods used to control the quality of catalysts. A method for quantitative determination of palladium concentration, which combines acidic decomposition of a sample and ICP-AES has been developed. The carbon support type was shown to exert no effect on the accuracy and reproducibility of data obtained by the analysis of supported palladium catalysts. The content of palladium in such catalysts can be measured using analytical lines 340.458 and 360.955 nm without lowering the measurement accuracy. The selected conditions of sample preparation make it possible to carry out a quantitative analysis of metal systems based on the carbon support with high accuracy. The relative error in determining the elements did not exceed 4%, the relative standard deviation was no more than 0.04. The results of this work can be used to analyze catalysts of similar chemical composition by ICP-AES.

Development of a technique for X-ray fluorescence analysis of zinc-aluminum-magnesium alloys

A technique for X-ray fluorescence spectral analysis of zinc-aluminum- magnesium alloys has been developed, which allows the determination of Mg, Al, Pb, Si, Cu, Mn, Fe, Ni content in the alloy. The effect of the sample preparation method on the linearity of calibration graphs is revealed. The conditions for determining the main alloying (Al, Mg) and impurity (Pb, Fe, Cu, Si, Mn, Ni) elements by X-ray fluorescence spectrometry were studied. It is proposed to use the correction of the matrix effect by selecting alpha coefficients for the intensity of X- ray radiation with subsequent automatic conversion of the function into a linear form. Calibration graphs for determination of the elements in the corresponding ranges, i.e., Mg (0.00019 – 5.04%), Al (0.0002 – 12.4%), Pb (0.0012 – 2.07%), Si (0.0005 – 0.12%), Cu (0.0006 – 5.95%), Mn (0.0004 – 0.00524%), Fe (0.0009 – 0.41%), Ni (0.0009 – 0.27%), were obtained using standard reference samples and production samples of the alloys, the chemical composition of which was previously determined by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES). The correctness of the developed methodology was confirmed by analysis of standard samples and comparative analysis of the obtained results using the Student’s t-test.

Influence of Hybrid Surface Modification on Biocompatibility and Physicochemical Properties of Ti-6Al-4V ELI Titanium.

Titanium-based materials are the most widely used materials in biomedical applications. However, according to literature findings, the degradation products of titanium have been associated with potential allergic reactions, inflammation, and bone resorption. The corrosion process of Ti-6Al-4V in the human body environment may be exacerbated by factors such as reduced pH levels and elevated concentrations of chloride compounds. Coatings made of biopolymers are gaining attention as they offer numerous advantages for enhancing implant functionality, including improved biocompatibility, bioactivity, wettability, drug release, and antibacterial activity. This study analyzes the physicochemical and electrochemical behavior of the Ti-6Al-4V ELI alloy subjected to PCL and PCL/TiO2 deposition by the electrospinning method. To characterize the polymer-based layer, tests of chemical and phase composition, as well as surface morphology investigations, were performed. Wetting angle tests were conducted as part of assessing the physicochemical properties. The samples were subjected to corrosion behavior analysis, which included open circuit potential measurements, potentiodynamic tests, and the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy method. Additionally, the quantification of released ions post the potentiodynamic test was carried out using the inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES) method. Cytotoxicity tests were also performed. It was found that surface modification by depositing a polymer-based layer on the titanium substrate material using the electrospinning method provides improved corrosion behavior, and the samples exhibit non-toxic properties.

Influence of iron substitution on the microstructure and properties of ettringite in calcium sulfoaluminate cement: A comprehensive study on the Al/(Fe+Al) ratios

Ettringite, as the dominant hydration product of calcium sulfoaluminate cement, significantly contributes to cement strength. Its formation is closely related to the Fe and Al ratio in raw materials. During cement hydration, Fe present in ferrite can replace some of the Al in ettringite, which notably affects the microstructure and properties of the latter. To understand the relationship between the Al/(Fe + Al) ratios and the ettringite phase, we synthesized ettringite with varying Al/(Fe + Al) ratios using a chemical synthesis method. The microstructure was then characterized to determine the formation process of this phase. Various analysis methods, including X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM), and N2 adsorption-Brunauer Emmett Teller (BET), were used to study the solid phases. For aqueous solutions, inductively coupled plasma emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) was employed. Our results reveal that Fe replacing Al leads to regular changes in the ettringite crystal's microstructure. As the Al/(Fe + Al) ratio decreases, there is a reduction in the ettringite unit cell parameter a, an increase in c, and an enlargement of the unit cell volume. Concurrently, Fe substitution shrinks the crystallinity and grain size of ettringite crystals. SEM-TEM and BET demonstrate that Fe substitution boosts ettringite's particle size and aspect ratio, while the specific surface area contracts with a decreasing Al/(Fe + Al) ratio. Moreover, Fe substitution tends to lower ettringite's thermal stability and OH group binding ability. When the Al/(Fe + Al) ratio reached 80%, the ettringite crystal exhibited optimal thermal stability.

Study of sample preparation, by acid digestion assisted by microwave radiation in a closed system, to determine inorganic contaminants in street cocaine samples by ICP OES and ICP MS

Knowledge of the inorganic composition of cocaine makes it possible to correlate the drug with its refinement and dilutions1, it is important to highlight that when aiming to study the adulteration/production of street cocaine it is interesting to carry out the total solubilization of the sample2. Thus, acid digestion using microwave radiation in a closed system is a widely used technique due to the speed and efficiency of digestion3. Thus, acid solubilization procedures and acid digestion assisted by radiation via microwaves of the sample were studied, varying the mass of the sample (0.050g, 0.100g, 0.200g and 0.500g) and concentration of the HNO3 solution (5%, 10% , 30%, 40% and 50% v/v). In order to verify whether the different sample preparation procedures and whether the final acidity interferes with the quantification of the analytes studied. ICP OES analysis was carried out on a high purity sample prepared by direct solubilization and digestion. The result of the intensities test for the elements Co, Cu, Mo, Pb and Zn, with final acidity of HNO3 2% or 4% v/v, demonstrated that samples prepared by direct solubilization or digested by microwaves, with final acidity of HNO3 2% v/v, presented very close intensity values for the elements analyzed, indicating that the types of sample preparation studied (solubilization or digestion) did not present significant interferences in the analysis by ICP OES.

Leaves, Infusion, and Grounds-A Three-Stage Assessment of Element Content in Yerba Mate (Ilex paraguariensis) Based on the Dynamic Extraction and Mineralization of Residues.

The more yerba mate infusions that are consumed, the larger the amount of grounds generated. What is more, both the infusion and the residues after brewing remain rich elements. Therefore, a strategy for the three-stage assessment of the element content was presented. A new brewing method was based on dynamic extraction, ensuring both the ease of preparing the infusion and recovering the grounds. In turn, microwave-assisted acid mineralization was used to decompose the leaves and twigs of yerba mate before and after brewing. In total, 30 products were analyzed by ICP OES in three fractions each, i.e., dry yerba mate, infusion, and grounds, to determine up to 25 elements. The elemental composition was considered in terms of the country of origin, type, or composition of yerba mate. The extraction percentages obtained with dynamic extraction were comparable to previously used ultrasound-assisted extraction, as well as data from the literature. The three-stage strategy is a novel approach in yerba mate studies, and it may be a model procedure for the laboratory preparation of yerba mate grounds (waste that can be re-used, e.g., a natural fertilizer).

Prospecting for rare earth element (hyper)accumulators in the Paris Herbarium using X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy reveals new distributional and taxon discoveries.

Rare earth elements (REEs) are increasingly crucial for modern technologies. Plants could be used as a biogeochemical pathfinder and a tool to extract REEs from deposits. However, a paucity of information on suitable plants for these tasks exists. We aimed to discover new REE-(hyper)accumulating plant species by performing an X-ray fluorescence (XRF) survey at the Herbarium of the Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle (MNHN, Paris, France). We selected specific families based on the likelihood of containing REE-hyperaccumulating species, using known taxa that accumulate REEs. A total of 4425 specimens, taken in the two main evolutionary lineages of extant vascular plants, were analysed, including the two fern families Blechnaceae (n = 561) and Gleicheniaceae (n = 1310), and the two flowering plant families Phytolaccaceae (n = 1137) and Juglandaceae (n = 1417). Yttrium (Y) was used as a proxy for REEs for methodological reasons, and a total of 268 specimens belonging to the genera Blechnopsis (n = 149), Dicranopteris (n = 75), Gleichenella (n = 32), Phytolacca (n = 6), Carya (n = 4), Juglans (n = 1) and Sticherus (n = 1) were identified with Y concentrations ranging from the limit of detection (LOD) >49 µg g-1 up to 1424 µg g-1. Subsequently, analysis of fragments of selected specimens by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES) revealed that this translated to up to 6423 µg total REEs g-1 in Dicranopteris linearis and up to 4278 µg total REEs g-1 in Blechnopsis orientalis which are among the highest values ever recorded for REE hyperaccumulation in plants. It also proved the validity of Y as an indicator for REEs in XRF analysis of herbarium specimens. The presence of manganese (Mn) and zinc (Zn) was also studied by XRF in the selected specimens. Mn was detected in 1440 specimens ranging from the detection limit at 116 µg g-1 up to 3807 µg g-1 whilst Zn was detected in 345 specimens ranging from the detection limit at 77 µg g-1 up to 938 µg g-1. This study led to the discovery of REE accumulation in a range of plant species, substantially higher concentrations in species known to be REE hyperaccumulators, and records of REE hyperaccumulators outside of the well-studied populations in China.

Development of the Purification Process of Gallium-68 Eluted from Germanium-68/Gallium-68 Generator

Objective: 68Ga has a half-life of 68 minutes, with 89% of its decay is through positron emission. It is available from generator systems and possesses suitable property for labeling radioligands. These aspects make 68Ga a promising tracer for positron emission tomography (PET) imaging. This study aims to develop the purification process of the 68Ga eluates from 68Ge/68Ga generator after its recommended shelf-life and ensuring the quality through the radiolabeling process. Materials and Methods: In this study, we explored the development of a purification method for 68Ga eluted from a68Ge/68Ga generator before radiolabeling was investigated. Cation and anion exchange chromatography techniques were combined to remove trace amounts of competing metal ion impurities. Post-purification, the eluate’s metal contents were analyzed using inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES). Breakthrough of 68Ge was measured using a multi-channel analyzer (MCA) spectrometer with high-purity germanium (HPGe) radiation detectors. Additionally, the radiochemical purity of 68Ga-NOTA-RGD was analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Results: Metal impurities including Fe(II), Zn(II) and Al(III) were reduced by 61%, 38% and 44% respectively. The 68Ge breakthrough was approximately ~10–3%. The labeling efficiency with NOTA-RGD, a tracer for angiogenesis imaging, resulted in an average yield of 68Ga-NOTA-RGD (not corrected for decay) of around 50%, with aradiochemical purity by HPLC of approximately 98%–99%. Conclusion: Cation exchange in combination with anion exchange chromatography was thus proven to be an efficient method for purification of the 68Ga eluate from a 68Ge/68Ga generator prior to labeling the 68Ga PET radiotracer.

DEVELOPMENT OF APPROACHES TO THE ANALYSIS OF ELEMENTAL IMPURITIES IN TITANIUM DIOXIDE (BARIUM AND LEAD DEFINITION)

Relevance. Titanium dioxide (TiO2) is widely used in the pharmaceutical industry as a drug excipient (DE). Therefore, control of its content of ele-mental impurities (EI) plays an important role in ensuring the stability of quality and safety of drugs. The lack of harmonized pharmacopoeial require-ments for the content of EIs in TiO2, as well as the need for specialized validated methods of their analysis determine the actual task in the field of quality control of this substance. Research objective. This work is devoted to the development and validation of a method for the determination of barium and lead in TiO2 sub-stance. Material and Methods. The inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES) method was used to determine the barium and lead content in the TiO2 substance. Acid extraction was used in the sample preparation process. All used reagents and materials were in accordance with pharmacopoeial requirements. A sample of TiO2 substance, manufactured by Venator Germany GmbH, Germany, was used as an object of study. Validation of the method was carried out in accordance with the requirements of GF RF for the following characteristics: specificity, linearity, LOQ, correctness, repeatability, intra-laboratory precision and range of the technique. Results. The method of barium and lead determination in TiO2 substance using ICP-AES demonstrates high accuracy and sensitivity. The results ob-tained during validation meet the acceptance criteria, which confirms the applicability of the technique for control of barium and lead content in TiO2 substance. Conclusions. A method for the determination of barium and lead impurities in TiO2 substance using the ICP-AES method and acid extraction during sample preparation has been developed. This approach enables the determination of barium and lead at the specification level (20 ppm and 5 ppm, re-spectively). The validation results meet the acceptance criteria for all characteristics investigated, confirming the ability to quantify barium and lead in the range of 50% to 150% of the specification level.

Characterization of halotolerant microalga isolated from waterlogged habitats: Deciphering the biochemical profiling and unraveling the molecular identity.

The primary objective of this study was to comprehensively explore the biochemical profile of the novel halotolerant microalgae strain, biogas laboratory scenedesmus (BGLRS), previously isolated from waterlogged regions in the southwest zone of Punjab, India. To achieve this, three distinct drying methods viz. freeze-drying, oven-drying, and shade-drying were employed and biochemical composition and antioxidant analyses on the microalgal biomass were conducted. Utilizing advanced analytical techniques, including high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES), and gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS) on freeze-dried biomass, its carbohydrate profile, micronutrient composition, and presence of bioactive compounds with potential therapeutic and nutraceutical significance were sought to unravel. Among the drying methods evaluated, freeze-drying exhibited the most promising experimental results, prompting its selection for further investigation. Notably, ICP-AES unveiled elevated concentrations of essential elements such as calcium, iron, magnesium, and phosphorus in BGLRS, with negligible traces of heavy metals, underscoring its safety for human consumption. GC-MS analysis further divulged the existence of numerous biologically active compounds, indicating potential applications in medical and nutraceutical fields. Through molecular identification using sequencing of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region, a close taxonomic resemblance between BGLRS and Scenedesmus sp. MKB was established, solidifying its unique position within the microalgal taxonomy. The deposition of ITS sequences into the NCBI GenBank, obtaining accession number MN796425, attests to the rigor and transparency of this research. Overall, these findings strongly suggest that microalgae BGLRS possesses high-quality biochemical attributes of significant therapeutic and nutraceutical importance.

Biosynthesis of Bt-Ag2O nanoparticles using Bacillus thuringiensis and their pesticidal and antimicrobial activities.

Nanosilver oxide exhibits strong antibacterial and photocatalytic properties and has shown great application potential in food packaging, biochemical fields, and other fields involving diseases and pest control. In this study, Ag2O nanoparticles were synthesized using Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt-Ag2O NPs). The physicochemical characteristics of the Bt-Ag2O NPs were analyzed by UV‒vis spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), inductively coupled plasma emission spectrometry (ICP), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM), and zeta potential. The phis-chemical characterization revealed that the Bt-Ag2O NPs are in spherical shape with the small particle size (18.24nm), high crystallinity, well dispersity, and stability. The biopesticidal and antifungal effects of Bt-Ag2O NPs were tested against Tribolium castaneum, Aspergillus flavus, and Penicillium chrysogenum. The survival, growth, and reproduction of tested pests and molds were significantly inhibited by Bt-Ag2O NPs in a dose-dependent manner. Bt-Ag2O NPs showed higher pesticidal activities against T. castaneum than Bt and commercial Ag2O NPs. The LC50 values of Bt, Ag2O NPs, and Bt-Ag2O NPs were 0.139%, 0.072%, and 0.06% on day 14, respectively. The Bt-Ag2O NPs also showed well antifungal activities against A. flavus and P. chrysogenum, while it resulted a small inhibition zone than commercial Ag2O NPs did. In addition, A. flavus showed much more sensitive to Bt-Ag2O NP treatments, compared to P. chrysogenum. Our results revealed that Bt-Ag2O NPs synthesized using B. thuringiensis could act as pesticides and antifungal agents in stored-product fields. KEY POINTS: • Bt-Ag2O NPs could be synthesized using Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt). • The NPs showed a high degree of crystallinity, spherical shape, and small particle size. • The NPs also showed excellent insecticidal and antifungal activity.

Visible Light Activation of Gold Nanoparticles Embedded into Titanium Dioxide Surface in Electrospun Polymeric Coatings

This work reports the development of a functional photocatalytic coating based on a combination of polymeric electrospun fibres and nanoparticles that is intended to be activated in the visible light range. In this sense, the resulting fibres can act as an effective matrix for the incorporation of titanium dioxide (TiO2) particles, which are covered by gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), in the outer surface of the metal oxide precursor. In the first step of the process, the optical properties of the nanoparticles were determined by UV-Vis spectroscopy. The extension of the visible absorption can be associated to the localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) of the metallic AuNPs. In addition, the resultant particle size distribution and average particle diameter was evaluated by dynamic light scattering (DLS) measurements. Furthermore, the phase composition and porosity of the functional particle powder were analysed by an XRD and N2 adsorption test. In the second step, these synthesized particles have been successfully immobilized into a PAA + β-CD electrospun fibre matrix by using the two different deposition methods of dip-coating and solution-casting, respectively. The morphological characterization of the samples was implemented by means of scanning electron microscopy (SEM), showing uniform and homogeneous, free-beaded fibres with a random distribution of the synthesized particles deposited onto the electrospun fibres. Then, the functional coatings were removed from the substrate, and a thermogravimetric (TGA) analysis was carried out for each sample in order to obtain the precursor mass immobilized in the coating. Once the overall mass of precursor was obtained, the percentage of TiO2 particles and AuNPs in the precursor was calculated by using inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES). Finally, the photocatalytic activity of both functional solution and electrospun coatings were evaluated in terms of a gradual degradation of rhodamine B (RhB) dye after continuous exposition to a visible-light lamp.

The Nutritional Value of Plant Drink against Bovine Milk—Analysis of the Total Concentrations and the Bio-Accessible Fraction of Elements in Cow Milk and Plant-Based Beverages

Four types of non-dairy (plant) drinks—almond, oat, rice, and soy—as well as cow milk with varying fat contents (1.5%, 2.0%, and 3.2%), were examined and compared in terms of the total concentrations of Al, As, B, Ba, Ca, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Na, Mn, Ni, P, Pb, Sb, Se, Sr, and Zn using inductively coupled optical emission spectrometry (ICP OES). Additionally, in vitro gastrointestinal digestion was used to determine the bio-accessible fraction of selected elements, evaluating the nutritional value and risk assessment involved with the consumption of these beverages. A significant difference in the mineral profile was observed depending on the type of plant drink, with the highest content of elements noted in the soy drink and the lowest in the rice drink. Except for Ca and P, the soy drink appears to be a much better source of essential nutrients, including Cu, Fe, and Mn, than cow’s milk. A similar Ca content in plant beverages can be obtained only by adding calcium salt at the stage of its production. Interestingly, by using the multivariate data analysis, the average content of the selected elements (Cu, K, Na, P, and Zn) can be used both to differentiate dairy and non-dairy milk samples according to their type and to distinguish plant drinks from milk of animal origin. The bio-accessibility of essential elements (Ca, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, P, Zn) in cow milk was within 8.37–98.2% and increased with an increase in its fat content. Accordingly, by drinking 1 L of this milk daily, it is possible to contribute to the recommended dietary intakes of Ca, P, Cu, Mg, and Zn between 5.6–68%. Although the bio-accessibility of elements in the rice drink was the highest (9.0–90.8%), the soy drink seems to be the best source of nutrients in bioavailable forms; its consumption (1 L/day) covers the requirements of Cu, Mn, Mg, Ca, P, and Zn in 7.0–67%. Unfortunately, both groups of beverages are not important sources of Fe (plant drink) and Mn or Fe (cow milk) in the human diet. On the other hand, potentially toxic elements (Al, B, Ba) were found in them in a relatively inert form.

Coordination polymer gel mediated spectrophotometric, ICP-AES and spectrofluorimetric methods for trace As(III) determination in water and food samples

Herein, a coordination polymer gel is proposed for the determination of As(III) in real samples through multispectroscopic techniques viz. spectrophotometry, spectrofluorimetry, and inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES). Taguchi L32 (46 21) design and adaptive neuro fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) optimized the controllable factors affecting the extraction yielding an experimental S/N ratio of 39.94 dB. The fluorescence quenching (KSV = 2.63 × 106 L mol−1) was static with photoelectron transfer being the main mechanism confirmed by the density functional theory calculations. The limits of detection (LODs), limits of quantification (LOQs) and linear ranges were 0.038 μg L−1, 0.13 μg L−1 and 1.67–116.67 μg L−1, 0.40 μg L−1, 1.21 μg L−1 and 1.67–33.33 μg L−1, 1.07 μg L−1, 3.24 μg L−1 and 3.32–35.37 μg L−1 for the developed enrichment coupled ICP-AES, spectrophotometry and fluorescence sensing methods. Among these methods, the enrichment - ICP-AES method has the lowest LOD, LOQ and the widest linear range followed by the enrichment - spectrophotometry and fluorescene sensing methods. Spectrofluorimetry offers high sensitivity, selectivity, and possible real time monitoring, spectrophotometry provides a cost-effective and versatile option, while ICP-AES manifests multi-element analysis with high sensitivity and low interference. The developed methods were validated and employed for the successful determination of trace As(III) in real samples. The employment of these methods enhances the overall analytical capability for a wide range of sample types and concentrations.

Analysis of the Concentration of Heavy Metals in Khat Grown in Meru County and the Assessment of Their Associated Health Risks

Contamination of farm produce by toxic heavy metals has become a serious global health concern. These metals can bioaccumulate in plant tissues and are precursors for major public health problems such as cancer and neural impairment. Khat (Catha edulis) also referred to as miraa has the potential to sequester and accumulate both micronutrients and potentially toxic heavy metals in its consumable parts—tender leaves and soft barks of young shoots which are known to possess psychoactive properties when consumed. Therefore, the motivation behind this contribution is to determine the levels of six heavy metals, namely, cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), chromium (Cr), lead (Pb), iron (Fe), and nickel (Ni) in consumable Meru khat samples, compare these levels with the permissible limits of World Health Organization (WHO) in order to predict associated health risks, and to estimate the noncarcinogenic risks of these metals by total health quotient (THQ) and health index (HI) on khat consumers. 1.0 g of dry ground khat samples was digested in 0.05 M HCl and allowed to stand for 5 hours before being analyzed for heavy metals using inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES). The mean heavy metal concentrations (mg/kg) in dry khat samples of six toxic heavy metals were Cd (7.81 ± 1.56), Cr (15.98 ± 2.22), Cu (15.81 ± 2.84), Fe (97.35 ± 32.67), Ni (0.37 ± 0.02), and Pb (32.36 ± 9.95). Based on the results, the mean levels of Pb, Cd, and Cr exceeded WHO permissible limits. In addition, the Pb and Cd THQ values and the HI of the six heavy metals investigated in the khat samples exceeded the threshold value of 1.0. Furthermore, the THQ and HI values showed that Pb and Cd were potentially the major contributors to noncarcinogenic risks on regular khat consumers. This is a matter of concern on the excessive consumption of Meru khat-based products, which over time may cause a toxicological response. Based on the findings of this study, the use of agrochemicals should significantly be minimized in khat farming. Accordingly, the Meru khat farmers should be sensitized on alternative farming practices that do not potentially cause heavy metal contamination in khat.

Assessment of Atmospheric Deposition of Potentially Toxic Elements in Macedonia Using a Moss Biomonitoring Technique

This study aims to investigate the changes in atmospheric deposition trends in Macedonia, using a moss biomonitoring technique. This technique has been used to assess the content of potentially toxic elements in Macedonia in 2002, 2005, 2010, and 2015, within the framework of the International Cooperative Program on Effects of Air Pollution on Natural Vegetation and Crops. The content of 42 elements was analyzed using instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA), inductively coupled plasma–atomic emission spectrometry (ICP–AES), and atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS), on 72 moss samples collected in the summer of 2015. The median values of the elements studied were compared with data from previous years and with median values obtained from comparable studies in Norway and the neighboring countries. Through factor and cluster analysis, three geogenic factors were identified: Factor 1, which includes the elements Al, Ce, Fe, Hf, La, Li, Na, Sc, Sm, Tb, Ti, Th, V, and U; Factor 4, which includes As, Cl, and I; and Factor 5, which includes the elements Ba and Sr. In addition, one geogenic-anthropogenic factor containing Co, Cr, and Ni (Factor 2), was identified, and one anthropogenic factor containing Cd, Pb, Sb, and Zn (Factor 3). The lead and zinc mines near the towns of Kriva Palanka, Probištip, and Makedonska Kamenica in the eastern region of the country, the former lead and zinc smelter in the town of Veles, and the ferronickel smelter near Kavadarci, have continuously had the greatest anthropogenic impact on the atmospheric deposition of potentially toxic elements during the time period of the study. In addition to the human influences, the lithology and the composition of the soil continue to play a significant role in the distribution of the elements.

Investigation of elemental composition in red teff grains using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP OES), Sire District, Arsi zone, Ethiopia

BackgroundMinerals are important not only for better plant growth and development but also for human and animal nutrition. It is known that east and west Gojam in the Amhara region and east and west Shoa areas in the Oromia region Ethiopia's most teff growing areas. However, there is no information on the mineral content and nutritional worth of Teff Sire district, Arsi zone, Ethiopia. Since ICP OES is a powerful technique to examine elemental compositions even in lower concentration, it is used in this work to investigate the elemental composition of red teff samples. MethodsThe elemental compositions of red Teff grain samples were determined using ICP-OES from three sites: S1, S2, and S3 of Sire district, Arsi zone, Ethiopia. Wet digestion of the teff samples was carried out by weighing 0.5 g red teff sample and digested with 8 ml HNO3 and 2 ml H2O2 (30%) for 3:00 h at a temperature of 100℃ on hot plate. The investigations of method validation, limit of detection and limit of quantification were also carried out. ResultsThe average amount of elements in red teff sample obtained as 172–280 mg/kg Fe, 13–76 mg/kg Mn, 8.2–8.5 mg/kg Cu, 24–26 mg/kg Zn, and toxic trace elements 0.12–0.29 mg/kg Pb and 0.15–0.22 mg/kg Cd. The limit of detection found in ranges from 0.21 mg Kg−1 to 10.44 mg Kg−1 whereas quantification limit resulted in 0.7 mg Kg−1 to 34.8 mg Kg−1 for the metals under consideration. The method was validated by its linear range in the concentration range of 0.028–1.4 ppm or 0.056–2.8 ppm and excellent recovery result was achieved in the range of 90–120%. ConclusionThis study aimed to investigate the mineral content in red teff cultivated in Ethiopia specifically Arsi zone by using ICP OES. From the obtained results, Iron was the first abundant essential element in red teff compared to Mn, Cu and Zn. The level of trace elements: Cd and Pb in the samples slightly above the acceptable limit, possibly due to agricultural practices like usage of fertilizers, pesticides, and other industrial products. Overall, this red teff elemental composition information contributes to the nutrition database and food safety in Ethiopia and beyond.

Synthesis of Zinc Nanoparticles by the Gas Condensation Method in a Non-Contact Crucible and Their Physical-Chemical Characterization.

This work explored the zinc nanoparticles obtained by the one-stage induction flow levitation method. A 10 kW tube generator with an operating frequency of 440 kHz was used. The process used 8 mm diameter zinc granules (2 g weight) with a purity of 99.9%. Zinc wire was fed to replace the evaporated metal from the granule surface. This method productivity was 30 g/h of nanoparticles. In addition, various methods were used to characterize the resulting nanoparticles: scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-Ray fluorescence analysis (XRF), dynamic light scattering (DLS), porosimetry and inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-MS). The resulting nanoparticle size, determined by SEM and porosimetry, was 350 nm, while the size of the primary crystallites was 21 nm. The amount of impurities in the resulting nanoparticles did not exceed 1000 ppm.

A novel method for simultaneously measuring boronophenylalanine uptake in brain tumor cells and number of cells using inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy

Boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) combines neutron irradiation with boron compounds that are selectively uptaken by tumor cells. Boronophenylalanine (BPA) is a boron compound used to treat malignant brain tumors. The determination of boron concentration in cells is of great relevance to the field of BNCT. This study was designed to develop a novel method for simultaneously measuring the uptake of BPA by U87 and U251 cells (two brain tumor cell lines) and number of cells using inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES). The results revealed a linear correlation between phosphorus intensity and the numbers of U87 and U251 cells, with correlation coefficients (R2) of 0.9995 and 0.9994, respectively. High accuracy and reliability of phosphorus concentration standard curve were also found. Using this new method, we found that BPA had no significant effect on phosphorus concentration in either U87 or U251 cells. However, BPA increased the boron concentration in U87 and U251 cells in a concentration-dependent manner, with the boron concentration in U87 cells being higher than that in U251 cells. In both U87 and U251 cells, boron was mainly distributed in the cytoplasm and nucleus, accounting for 85% and 13% of the total boron uptake by U87 cells and 86% and 11% of the total boron uptake by U251 cells, respectively. In the U87 and U251 cell-derived xenograft (CDX) animal model, tumor exhibited higher boron concentration values than blood, heart, liver, lung, and brain, with a tumor/blood ratio of 2.87 for U87 cells and 3.11 for U251 cells, respectively. These results suggest that the phosphorus concentration in U87 and U251 cells can represent the number of cells and BPA is easily uptaken by tumor cells as well as in tumor tissue.

Human health risk assessment of heavy metals accumulation in different genders and tissues of whiting fish (Merlangius merlangus euxinus Nordmann, 1840) from Rize, Turkey

The contamination of fish resulting from marine pollution is a major concern, as it poses potential adverse effects on human health. Therefore, heavy metal concentrations (Cr, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, and Pb) in different genders and tissues (muscle, liver, gonads and gills) of whiting fish collected from fish markets in Rize province were determined by Inductively–coupled plasma optic emission spectrometry (ICP–OES). The concentration ranges of heavy metals in all tissue samples, based on the overall average, were as follows (mg/kg wet weight): Cr: 0.081–0.25, Fe: 2.3–40, Ni: 0.070–0.095, Cu: 0.33–1.01, Zn: 3.0–20, and Pb: 0.015–0.043. The results indicated that the liver and gills exhibited a higher metal accumulation capacity compared to other tissues, whereas the muscle consistently displayed the lowest metal concentrations. The metal concentrations in the muscle were found to be below the maximum permissible levels set by international organizations for seafood. Additionally, calculated estimated daily intake (EDI), metal pollution index (MPI), target hazard quotient (THQ), total exposure hazard index (HI), and target carcinogenic risk (TR) indicate no potential risk to humans from whiting fish consumption.