Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer Research Articles

Trace and Heavy Metals in Locally and Imported Spices Sold on Markets in Accra Metropolis, Ghana.

Spices enhance food's colour, aroma and palatability. The main objective of this study was to assess the levels of heavy metals in the most common spices used in Ghanaian and worldwide cuisines. Ninety samples were obtained directly from local marketplaces in the Accra Metropolis (Madina, Kaneshie and Makola). After microwave digestion, the samples' levels of arsenic, iron, lead, cadmium and zinc were measured using an inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometer (ICP-MS). Iron, zinc, arsenic, cadmium and lead levels in specified natural spices varied from 0.022 mg/kg to 5.814 mg/kg, 0.056 mg/kg to 0.895 mg/kg, not detected to 14.012 mg/kg, 0.02 mg/kg to 0.45 mg/kg and not detected to 3.583 mg/kg, respectively. The toxic metals arsenic and lead in turmeric powder, whole rosemary and garlic, as well as lead in ginger, were slightly above the Codex, but below the FAO/WHO permissible level. All spices in this study had THQ and HI values of less than one, indicating that consumers will experience no potential health hazards from consuming specific metals through spices. However, continual scrutiny should be maintained over time due to bioaccumulation in humans.

Mapping of uranium particles on J-type swipes with microextraction-ICP-MS.

A microextraction liquid sampling system coupled to a quadrupole inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometer (ICP-MS) was utilized to spatially discern uranium particles, isotopically, on a cellulose-based swipe material (i.e., J-type swipe). These types of swipes are often used by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) as part of their environmental sampling program. A grid was created such that extraction locations covered the center circle (n = 34 without overlapping). Uranium (U) particulates (<20 μm) of varying U isotopic abundance and chemical form (i.e., uranyl fluoride and uranyl nitrate hexahydrate) were mechanically placed on the swipes in random locations and detected via the microextraction-ICP-MS methodology. Heat maps were subsequently generated to show the placement of the particulate with their respective intensity and isotopic determination. This detection of the uranium particulates, via isotopic determination, agreed with reference values for these materials. Additionally, depleted (235U/238U = 0.002) uranium particulates were placed directly within a clay matrix, on the swipe surface, and subjected to analysis by microextraction-ICP-MS. The mapping of the swipe demonstrated, for the first time, the employment of the microextraction-ICP-MS method for extracting sample from a complex matrix, and correctly identifying the uranium isotopic composition. This example ultimately demonstrates the utility of the methodology for detecting particles of interest in complex matrices.

A biomonitoring study of Diadema setosum: metal bioaccumulation and current status in Iskenderun Bay, eastern Mediterranean

Concentrations of aluminum, chromium, cobalt, nickel, cadmium, lead, manganese, iron and zinc were determined in sea urchin species, Diadema setosum from Iskenderun Bay in December 2022. The level of metals was determined by Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometer (ICP-MS). Concentrations of the heavy metals in the examined sea urchins ranged as follows: Al 0.07-7.17 µg g-1; Cr 0.07–0.8 µg g-1; Co 0.01–0.2 µg g-1; Ni 0.2–2.9 µg g-1; Cd 0.0–0.02 µg g-1; Pb 0.4-3.5 µg g-1; Mn 0.03–0.4 µg g-1; Fe 1.2-57.2 µg g-1; Zn 0.28–2.7 µg g-1, respectively. The highest accumulation of Fe and Pb metals was determined in the tissues of the sea urchin. The present study suggests that D. setosum could be a potential biological indicator of metal pollution in the İskenderun Bay. Furthermore, soft tissues generally had lower levels overall. For this reason, the data show that D. setosum is a very good heavy metal collector and therefore may be used successfully to monitor heavy metal levels in Iskenderun Bay.

Accelerating Real-Time Analysis of Gas Diffusion Electrodes Using Different Coupled Mass Spectrometry Techniques

Due to the rapid development of new catalysts, simple electrochemical screening methods are needed to evaluate the activity and stability of catalyst layers. Setups for these applications already exist: the so-called Scanning Flow Cells (SFCs) unify real-time electrochemical activity and dissolution stability analysis in a high-throughput fashion and find applications in a broad range of topics, such as battery research, 1 oxygen evolution reaction catalysts performance,2 and photo-electrochemistry.3 Yet, the low current densities reached in the system hinder the direct comparison of the results to real devices.4 Gas diffusion electrode (GDE) based setups present a promising alternative to Aqueous Model Systems (AMS) due to their ability to achieve higher current densities. Compared to two electrode full cells (fuel cell or water electrolyser), GDE half-cells are operated in a three-electrode configuration with liquid electrolyte. However, as in fuel cells, gasses reach the catalyst layer through a flow field, achieving relevant current densities up to 2 A cm-2. The GDE half- cell offers the advantage of studying the isolated reaction of the working electrode by applying controlled potentials with a reference electrode. While the GDE offers a simplified approach, the assembly process can be time-consuming, and the overall catalyst throughput analysis could be further optimised.5,6 In this context, we present a novel setup that enables the rapid examination of catalyst layers for fuel cells, providing more realistic conditions while simultaneously investigating degradation processes. The setup consists of an optimised SFC based on lower internal resistance and an additional flow field to purge the catalyst layer with different gasses. As the common SFC, the presented Scanning Gas Diffusion Electrode half cell (S-GDE) can be connected to an Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer (ICP-MS) to quantify the dissolution of metals in real-time. Furthermore, the gas-sensitive Mass Spectrometer can be connected to the gas stream of the cell, enabling the detection of volatile products via on-line electrochemical mass spectrometry (OLEMS). The simple replacement of catalyst layers in the S-GDE allows fast analysis of multiple catalysts consecutively. Still, as the aim is to facilitate high-throughput electrochemistry, developing the S-GDE is ongoing. Furthermore, the optimised cell can reach higher current densities than cells of a similar design, allowing accelerated stress tests (ASTs) and the performance of polarisation curves.The S-GDE will offer a new perspective on realistic catalyst layers, their performance, and catalyst/support degradation processes, e.g. Pt dissolution and carbon corrosion. The increasing demand for new catalyst materials highlights the need for their rapid evaluation under realistic conditions, taking into account not only their electrochemical performance but also their stability. Lüchtefeld J, Hemmelmann H, Wachs S, Mayrhofer KJ, Elm MT, Berkes BB. Effect of Water Contamination on the Transition Metal Dissolution in Water-Enriched Electrolyte: A Mechanistic Insight into a New Type of Dissolution. The Journal of Physical Chemistry C. 2022;126(40):17204–11.Zlatar M, Nater D, Escalera-López D, Joy RM, Pobedinskas P, Haenen K, et Evaluating the stability of Ir single atom and Ru atomic cluster oxygen evolution reaction electrocatalysts. Electrochimica Acta. 2023;444:141982.Jenewein KJ, Kormányos A, Knöppel J, Mayrhofer KJJ, Cherevko S. Accessing In Situ Photocorrosion under Realistic Light Conditions: Photoelectrochemical Scanning Flow Cell Coupled to Online ICP-MS. ACS Measurement Science Au. 2021;1(2):74–81.Ehelebe K, Escalera-López D, Cherevko S. Limitations of aqueous model systems in the stability assessment of electrocatalysts for oxygen reactions in fuel cell and Current Opinion in Electrochemistry. 2021;29:100832.Ehelebe K, Knöppel J, Bierling M, Mayerhöfer B, Böhm T, Kulyk N, et Platinum Dissolution in Realistic Fuel Cell Catalyst Layers. Angewandte Chemie (International ed in English). 2021;60(16):8882–8.Ehelebe K, Seeberger D, Paul MTY, Thiele S, Mayrhofer KJJ, Cherevko S. Evaluating Electrocatalysts at Relevant Currents in a Half-Cell: The Impact of Pt Loading on Oxygen Reduction Reaction. Journal of The Electrochemical Society. 2019;166(16):F1259-F68. Figure 1: The S-GDE unifies the real conditions approach of the GDE and the high throughput approach of the SFC and the connection to two mass spectrometer enables the real time detection of dissolved catalyst (ICP-MS) and volatile products (OLEMS). Figure 1

Mechanisms of Stabilization and Degradation of Transition Metal Oxygen Electroreduction Catalysts with in-Situ Electrochemical Flow Cell ICP-MS

Proton exchange membrane hydrogen fuel cell (PEMFC) deployment is presently limited by the high material cost of oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) electrocatalysts at the cathode. Developing low-cost, earth-abundant alternatives for use in acidic environments presents a material stability challenge, especially for long-term device operation. Platinum (Pt)-based materials are used in typical commercial PEMFC cathode formulations due to their simultaneous high performance and long-term stability despite the prohibitively high material cost. Developing lower-cost, longer-life catalyst materials based on earth abundant transition metals can accelerate the adoption of PEMFC technology. The impact of potential, current density, and local microenvironment has been shown to cause degradation of non-Pt materials but standard ex situ measurements can only probe surface restructuring and cumulative dissolution after operation. Material-specific degradation mechanisms that are strong functions of the operating conditions cannot be ascertained without in situ quantification of material degradation under PEMFC-relevant conditions. Information about the degradation pathways of these non-precious catalysts can assist with material design for devices; however, most efforts towards developing an in-situ understanding of PEMFC cathode catalyst degradation under operating conditions are generally limited to Pt-based materials. Extensive in situ characterization has revealed Pt-specific mechanistic information about corrosion pathways as well as conditions that exacerbate Pt alloy leaching. It has been hypothesized that the Pt degradation processes are related to oxide formation under potential cycling. With this critical in-situ information, Pt conditioning protocols have been developed to enhance material lifetime; however, investigations on non-precious materials are less common. Insights into non-precious catalyst degradation in PEMFC operating conditions are not as well-established but could be essential in enabling low-cost materials for commercial use. There is a need for more insights into a vast array of materials which necessitates the development of faster, preferably benchtop techniques for degradation analysis.In this work, we use an in situ electrochemical flow cell assembly and coupled it with an inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometer (ICP-MS) to quantify the loss of material in real time for several non-Pt materials under reaction conditions. The flow cell is fed by a peristaltic pump at 2.5 mL/min of gas-saturated acidic electrolyte for optimal mass transport. The cell has a three-electrode configuration with a compression-mounted metal foil working electrode, silver/silver chloride reference electrode, and Pt counter electrode downstream of other components. We evaluate a variety of transition metals across the spectrum of ORR activity: palladium, silver, nickel, copper, manganese, and cobalt. Each metal is tested under oxygen and nitrogen saturation in five electrolytes of identical pH: perchloric acid, sulfuric acid, nitric acid, hydrochloric acid, and hydrobromic acid. This setup allows for nearly real time measurement of ORR kinetics and in situ element-specific dissolution rates as a function of time. With careful design of experimental conditions and controlled variables, we are able to suggest mechanisms of degradation with specific reference to conditions under which material loss occurred such as high/low potential, oxygen-saturated/nitrogen-saturated electrolyte, or faradaic/non-faradaic current. We find some metals are stable under nitrogen-saturated electrolyte but corrode more under oxygen-saturated electrolyte only while ORR active. Furthermore, other metals are stable in nitrogen saturated electrolyte at all tested electrochemical conditions but unstable under oxygen saturated electrolyte but only outside the ORR range, implying that cathodic faradaic processes might be stabilizing the surface at low potentials. This stabilization where a thermodynamically unstable material (based on its Pourbaix diagram) exhibits greater immunity while performing ORR in certain electrolytes could inform the development stability mechanisms that direct the design of next generation, non-precious PEMFC cathode catalyst materials. With combined in situ catalyst stability analysis in five pH 1 electrolytes, we can recommend specific conditions for optimizing activity and stability based on the potential range of operation and the electrolyte composition/saturation. We can also distill mechanistic insights from these experiments by creating models that validate causes of catalyst degradation. These models are built using “graphical causal modeling”, which is a mathematical field that goes beyond correlative predictions by venturing into causal inference. We hope to expand this framework into other electrocatalytic reactions of interest. The in-situ ICP-MS electrochemical flow cell setup exhibits promise for accelerating materials stability analysis for enabling next generation Pt-free ORR electrocatalysts through practical experiments and direct comparability to established electrochemical techniques.

Real-Time Mass Spectrometry for Simultaneous Monitoring of Electrode Dissolution and Reaction Product Distribution during Organic Electrosynthesis

An organic electrosynthesis is an emerging tool for modern chemical manufacturing fitting the environmental and sustainability agenda. It utilizes polarized electrode surfaces as “traceless” oxidants or reductants, whereas its heterogeneous nature and exceptional tunability enable easy access to radical intermediates and novel mechanistic pathways. In the line of further energy input improvement, there is a growing demand for appropriate catalytic materials devoted to organic molecule transformations, for which the activity and selectivity have so far been most studied. Although the investigation of electrodes’ and electrocatalysts’ stability in the field of electrochemical energy conversion is well-established, there is still a lack of attention to the symmetrical studies for organic electrosynthesis. Nevertheless, electrode material losses shorten the reactor’s lifetime and can cause metal cathodic re-depositions, severely altering reaction product selectivity and final product contaminations. Although some reports on the ex-cell metal dissolution analysis are available, no information about its mechanism can be gained in such a way. To highlight the issue numerically, an analytical method to characterize rates and mechanisms of catalyst dissolution within a real-time response-enabled potential-, temperature-, or time-resolved parametrization of the electrocatalyst is highly demanded.Herein we present a system to study organic electrosynthetic protocols under dynamic operations to quantitatively monitor the electrode dissolution aligned with reaction products during organic molecules transformations. The instrument comprises an electrochemical flow cell (EFC) with exchangeable working electrodes, the outlet of which is interfaced with an online quadrupole mass spectrometer (OQMS) for the analysis of extracted by solid membrane gaseous products and an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICP-MS) for the detection of dissolved metals. The system is exemplified by a benchmark Kolbe electrolysis over platinum Pt anode, commonly considered a stable and inert electrode material. Based on the literature, methanol has been used as a solvent of choice, while partially neutralized acetic acids with different bases were studied as objects. The methodology shed some light on understanding the role of platinum oxide formation on the electrode surface and can be used to study time- and potential-resolved catalyst stability and the possibility for dissolved transition metal-catalyzed electroorganic transformations.

Quantitative evaluation of LiPF6 as corrosion inhibiting additive for Al in LiTFSI-based battery electrolytes – An on-line mass spectrometric study

Lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (LiTFSI) is a promising candidate for future lithium-ion battery (LIB) electrolytes because of its increased stability and ionic conductivity. One major drawback of this salt, however, is its ability to dissolve Al, leading to a degradation of current collectors in LIBs over time. Surface passivating additives can reduce or even completely suppress the dissolution. A truly cost and material-efficient suppression, however, can only be achieved by identifying the ideal (i.e., minimal) amount of additive. Therefore, quantifying the dissolution-suppressing effect of additives is necessary to create an optimum electrolyte mixture. In this work, we examine the influence of lithium hexafluorophosphate (LiPF6) addition to LiTFSI-based electrolytes via cyclic voltammetry (CV) in an electroanalytical flow cell (EFC) coupled on-line to an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICP-MS) for continuous downstream elemental analysis. This setup allows the potential resolved quantification of Al dissolution with unprecedented precision in real-time. With that, we found that already very small amounts of 0.02 M LiPF6 added to 0.98 M LiTFSI will drastically reduce the total dissolved amount of Al during one CV cycle by a factor of ∼ 20, while electrolytes containing 0.30 M LiPF6 (and 0.70 M LiTFSI) completely suppress the dissolution of Al. These findings allow the substitution of large portions of LiPF6, enabling the production of safer LIBs without risking current collector degradation.

Environmental Assessment and Monitoring of Heavy Metals in New York City Potable Water Systems: Case Study at Medgar Evers College, Correlation Analysis, and Public Health Impacts

Reinforced by this study, New York City has one of the cleanest water systems in the world. Medgar Evers College (MEC) serves 7000 students/1050 faculty/staff. Given that: (1) students/faculty/staff spend 20–30% of their daily time there; (2) potable water sources must abide by the EPA’s maximum contamination levels (MCLs); and (3) a detrimental impact on human health arises from violations to EPA’s water quality mandates, we quantified the abundance of 27 heavy metals (96 samples, N = 3) using MEC as a case study. Water was collected from all potable water sources, following EPA protocols for sample-matrix preparation, collection, and wet-chemical analysis. Linear polyethylene containers/caps were used to prevent sample contamination while the water samples were spiked with HNO3 (aq) for preservation. Heavy metal concentrations were quantified using New Jersey’s Meadowlands Environmental Research Institute’s Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometer (ICP-MS, Agilent 7700X) in no gas, and He flow modes. Ninety-five percent of sample concentration relative standard deviations (RSDs) reveal four distinct regions: (1) where one mode is more precise than the other, and sample data exhibit very good to excellent precision, RSD ≤ 15%; (2) despite being at low concentrations, measurements exhibit good to excellent precision, RSD ≤ 20%; (3) species concentrations ≥0.1 ppb very good to excellent precision is shown, RSD ≤ 15%; and (4) species at concentrations ≤ 10−3 ppb display fair to very poor precision, RSD ≥ 30%. All heavy metals complied with their respective EPA MCLs (except Fe). Over 90% of Fe sample concentrations were enhanced by up to about 30×. Two samples exhibited [Pb] = 13.7 (No gas mode, RSD = 3.32%) and 14.8 ppb (He mode, RSD = 0.75%), which is close to the EPA Primary MCL, 15 ppb. Based on EPA/WHO end-member equations, we estimate a 1/103 to 1/108 chance of cancer attainment from long-term exposure to the range of concentrations of heavy metals measured in this study.

Laser Ablation for Nondestructive Sampling of Microplastics in Single-Particle ICP-Mass Spectrometry.

In this work, laser ablation (LA) was characterized as a method for sampling and introducing microplastic particles (MPs) into an inductively coupled plasma (ICP) for subsequent 13C+ monitoring using an ICP-mass spectrometer operated in single-event mode. MPs of different types (PS, PMMA, and PVC) and sizes (2-20 μm) were introduced intactly. The laser energy density did not affect the particle sampling across a wide range (0.25-6.00 J cm-2). Single-shot analysis separated clustered MPs (2-7 MPs per cluster) during the LA and particle transport processes, allowing the temporally resolved analysis of the individual constituting MPs. Line scanning showed superior performance when using a small laser beam diameter combined with a high repetition rate. The 13C+ signal intensity correlated linearly (R2 >0.9945) with the absolute C mass in a 2-10 μm size range, while the use of He in the collision-reaction cell (CRC) allowed extension of the linear range to 20 μm. The LA approach generated narrower 13C+ signal distributions than the traditional solution-based approach (dry versus wet plasma conditions) and proved successful for the analysis of a mixed suspension (containing four sizes of PS MPs in a 2-5 μm size range) and for sampling MPs from PVDF and glass microfiber filters, with the latter offering a lower background.

Validation and measurement uncertainty of the determination of 24 elements in drinking water using ICP-MS

Abstract In this study, the concentrations of 24 elements, which are suspicious to be found in drinking and utility waters for the province of Antalya/Turkey, were determined using an inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometer (ICP-MS). Validated methods with a low limit of detection are required to analyze such waters. The method was validated considering selectivity, limits of detection and quantification, sensitivity, linearity, operating range, accuracy, precision, and measurement uncertainty. All monitored isotope calibration plots had a correlation coefficient of 0.9994 or higher. According to the results of recovery, the expected results of all element isotopes were determined in the range of 94–104%. The average precision quantities for items were calculated as percent relative standard deviation (%RSD) between 0.10 and 2.31%. The analytical method provided here for detecting the concentrations of 24 elements in drinking water samples with demonstrated traceability and estimated uncertainty can yield reliable and internationally comparable results.

Serum and urinary essential trace elements in association with major depressive disorders: a case-control study.

The etiology and pathophysiology of major depressive disorders (MDDs) remain unclear. Increasing evidence has demonstrated that essential trace elements (ETEs), such as iodine (I), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), selenium (Se), cobalt (Co), and molybdenum (Mo), play vital roles in MDDs. In total, 72 patients with MDD and 75 healthy controls (HCs) in the Zhumadian Second People's Hospital, Henan Province, China were recruited in our study. The levels of different ETEs were examined in both serum and urine, using an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICP-MS), for both the MDD patients and HCs. The serum levels of I, Se, Cu, and Mo were significantly lower in the MDD patients compared to the HCs (p < 0.05), and the urinary levels of I and Zn were significantly higher in the MDD patients compared to the HCs (p < 0.05). The serum concentration of I (Q3: OR = 0.210, Q4: OR = 0.272) was negatively associated with MDD after adjusting for potential confounders, including age, gender, and BMI, and the urinary concentration of I (Q4: OR = 2.952) was positively associated. The higher levels of I, Se, Cu, and Mo in serum might be protective against the development of MDD, and the excess I and Zn in urine may be associated with MDD pathogenesis. Future research needs to gain a deeper understanding of the metabolic pathways of ETEs, especially I, Se, Zn, Cu, and Mo, in MDD, and their role in the pathogenesis of depression.

Photoluminescence of CdTe and CdZnTe compounds doped with 2% selenium

The addition of 2 % of selenium in CdTe and CdZnTe (CZT) exhibited an additional acceptor-bound exciton in photoluminescence (PL). From the PL and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICP/MS) analyses, the additional acceptor-bound exciton emission is associated with a Cu impurity in the relatively low-purity (5N) precursor CdSe starting material. In addition, thermal quenching of the acceptor/donor bound exciton emissions do not require a shift to any higher excited states or to the free exciton state. ICP/MS analysis also showed a higher concentration of Sn in CdZnTeSe (CZTS) compared to CdTe and CZT which is known to form a deep level trap at around EC – 0.83 eV. The trapping and de-trapping times indicate that the Sn-related deep trap acts as an electron trapping center. The relatively low electron mobility-lifetime product of CZTS might be correlated with the concentration of Sn in the impure CdSe material. Pulse height spectra using an Eu-152 gamma-ray source was taken for a 2-mm-thick planar CZTS detector. The spectra clearly showed all the expected gamma peaks with energy lower than 344.3 keV.

Metal levels of canned fish sold in Türkiye: health risk assessment.

This study analyzed 34 canned fish products, including 28 tuna specimens, 3 salmon specimens, 1 mackerel specimen, and 1 anchovy specimen, from 13 different brands purchased in Türkiye. The study aimed to determine metal/metalloid levels in canned fish and potential health risks for both children and adult consumers. The metal/metalloid levels in the samples were determined using an Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometer (ICP-MS), with the range of levels found as follows (mg/kg, ww): Fe (12.12-101.4), Cu (2.19-11.68), Zn (4.06-33.56), Se (0.24-10.74), Al (1.41-14.45), Cr (0.06-4.08), Pb (0.10-0.43), Cd (0.001-0.110), and As (0.01-0.13). Estimated weekly intake (EWI) levels were found that the consumption of canned fish products did not pose any risk based on the EWI levels and provisional tolerable weekly intake (PTWI) limits. However, three tuna samples had target hazard quotient (THQ) levels above the threshold (>1). Arsenic levels were found to increase the carcinogenic risk for child consumers if they heavily consumed 18 canned fish products, including 15 tuna, 2 salmon, and 1 mackerel. The maximum allowable consumption rates (CRmm) for each canned fish product were calculated monthly. Consequently, the consumption of canned fish by children can pose health risks.

Heavy Metal Analysis Of Some Phytotherapeutic Plants In Sanamavu Forest, Krishnagiri District Of Tamil Nadu, India.

ABSTRACT Phytotherapeutic plants such as Aristolochia indica L. Bidens pilosa L. Clematis zeylanica L. (Pori.) Syn: Naravelia zeylanica L. Corallocarpus epigaeus (Rottl.) Ex Willd. and Plectranthus caninus L. are used as important source of medicine for village people near the Sanamavu Forest area, Krishnagiri District. The concentration of five heavy metals Cadmium (Cd), Lead (Pb), Arsenic (As), Mercury (Hg) and Thalium (TI) are investigated using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer (ICP-MS). Heavy metal analysis shows that the high amount of lead (Pb) 2.36 mg/kg is identified in Plactranthus caninus L. and 1.80 mg/kg is in Clematis zeylanica L. (Pori.) The high amount of Cadmium (Cd) 0.143 mg /kg is identified in Plactranthus caninus L. and 0.097 mg/ kg in Corallocarpus epigaeus (Rottl.) Ex Willd. and the high amount of Arsenic (Ar) 0.11 mg/kg found in Plactranthus caninus L. and 0.039 mg/kg in Biden pilosa L. The high amount of Copper (Cu) 19.01mg/kg found in Clematiszeylanica L. (Pori.) Mercury (Hg) and Thalium(TI) are not detected in the five selected medicinal plants. This research goal is to identify and report heavy metals in the selected medicinal plants.

Linking seasonal plankton succession and cellular trace metal dynamics in marine assemblages

Factors affecting trace metal dynamics in marine plankton still need to be fully understood. Underlying mechanisms affecting cellular metal distribution, seasonal changes, and the influence of plankton community structure are poorly explored. This study comprehensively analyzed the seasonal changes in environmental factors, plankton community structure, and their impact on plankton cellular metal dynamics. Plankton samples were isolated, and trace metals (Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, As, Cd, Hg, and Pb) were analyzed with an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICP-MS). Plankton community structure significantly changed with seasons (p < 0.05), which were mainly driven by temperature (seasonal change) and nutrients (eutrophication). Mean plankton cellular trace metals did not significantly change (p > 0.05) in the study area but were higher along estuaries likely due to differences in metal influx from rivers. However, their distribution patterns significantly differ between the wet and dry seasons, likely influenced by the changes in community structure and anthropogenic influx. Cellular trace metals, particularly in phytoplankton, strongly correlated with selected species suggesting the impacts of community structure in trace metal distribution. Hence, the influence of environmental factors in driving plankton succession may have caused a ripple effect on cellular trace metal distribution, especially in phytoplankton. However, both blooming species Skeletonema and Chaetoceros (diatoms) showed a contrasting relationship with cellular metals, suggesting the cooccurrence of bioaccumulation or biodilution mechanisms. This study shows the potential influence of community structure in cellular trace metal dynamics for marine plankton assemblages. However, more than plankton abundance and functional diversity, i.e., species diversity, might be needed to assess the community-level impacts on cellular metals.

Horse Whole Blood Trace Elements from Different Sicily Areas: Biomonitoring of Environmental Risk.

Horses are excellent bioindicators for the assessment of environmental pollution. The aim of this study was to evaluate the levels and potential bioaccumulation of 28 mineral elements in 75 horse whole blood samples collected from five pollution-prone areas of Sicily, Italy. A direct mercury analyzer (DMA-80) was used for Hg determination, and an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICP-MS) for all other elements. A one-way ANOVA test, followed by Bonferroni's multiple comparison for post hoc comparison, was applied to assess statistically significant differences between mineral elements and the five experimental groups. The levels of mineral elements in hay and concentrate were below the limits set by Regulation No. 744/2012. The mineral content of whole blood samples was slightly influenced by the region of origin of the horse. p values < 0.05 were statistically meaningful. However, the concentrations of mineral elements in horses' whole blood remained within reference ranges. In conclusion, the present study shows that the mineral content does not represent a toxicological risk for the analyzed horses. In addition, the study areas did not appear to show a high mineral element contamination.

Morphology study of nickel and vanadium in asphaltenes via hydropyrolysis

The morphology of nickel and vanadium compounds in the asphaltenes were investigated via hydropyrolysis with the help of inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICP-MS), ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis), high-temperature gas chromatography atomic emission detection (HT GC-AED), and positive-ion electrospray ionization Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (+ESI FT-ICR MS). The results showed that the toluene soluble yields of products decreased from 64% to 19% as the hydropyrolysis temperature increased from 330 to 410 °C, while the abundance of nickel and vanadium compounds detected by GC-AED increased significantly. The molecular composition distribution of nickel and vanadyl porphyrins showed rhythmic changes with different temperatures in the hydropyrolysis of asphaltenes.

Determination of trace elements concentration and transfer factor in medicinal plants growing in the wetland of Payyanur Region, Kerala, India

The present investigation is an attempt to measure the presence of trace elements concentration in selected medicinal plants and their associated soils present in the wetland of Payyanur, Kannur. Medicinal plants such as Acorus calamus, Psidium guajava, Clerodendrum viscosum, Moringa oleifera, Ocimum tenuiflorum, Azadirachta indica, Pipper nigrum, Curcuma amada, Curcuma longa, and Barringtonia acutangular are selected as samples for the study. The concentration of Co, Fe, Mg, Cu, Zn, Cd, Hg, Ni, Pb, and As, were measured using Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometer (ICP-MS). The study of the transfer coefficient reveals that higher concentrations of harmful trace elements are present in Clerodendrum viscosum (Hg and As) and Psidium guajava (Cd and Pb)The result of the investigation is presented and discussed in this manuscript.

Study of microscopic properties and heavy metal solidification mechanism of electrolytic manganese residue-based cementitious materials.

Electrolytic manganese residue (EMR) is a solid waste that contains a significant amount of soluble manganese and ammonia nitrogen, which can pose risks to human health if improperly disposed of. This study aimed to prepare cementitious materials containing abundant ettringite crystals by mixing EMR with various proportions of granulated blast furnace slag (GBFS) and alkaline activators (CaO, Ca(OH)2, clinker, NaOH). The resulting cementitious material not only utilized a substantial amount of EMR but also exhibited comparable strength to ordinary Portland cement. The optimal ratios were determined through mechanical testing. Additionally, the leaching toxicity of cementitious materials was assessed using ICP-MS (inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer) tests. The microscopic properties, hydration, and mechanism of heavy metal solidification in the cementitious materials were evaluated using XRD (X-ray diffraction), SEM (scanning electron microscope), EDS (energy-dispersive spectrometer), FTIR (Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy), and TG (thermogravimetric) techniques. The results showed that the optimal ratio for the cementitious materials was 60% EMR, 36% GBFS, and 4% Ca(OH)2. The hardened mortar exhibited compressive strengths of 34.43 MPa, 41.3 MPa, and 50.89 MPa at 3 days, 7 days, and 28 days, respectively, with an EMR utilization rate of 60%. The hydration products of EMR-based cementitious materials were C-(A)-S-H, AFt, and ferromanganese compounds, which contribute to the mechanical strength. The Mn2+ and NH4+-N contents of raw EMR were 1220 and 149 mg/L, respectively. Nonetheless, the leaching of Mn2+ and NH4+-N in the alkali-EMR-GBFS system was significantly below the limits set by the Chinese emission standard GB8978-1996. Within this system, C-(A)-S-H and AFt could physically adsorb and displace heavy metals, Ca6Mn2(SO4)2(SO3)2(OH)12·24H2O could replace Al ions with Mn ions, and ferromanganese compounds Fe2Mn(PO4)2(OH)2·(H2O)8 and MnFe2O4 could chemically precipitate Mn2+.

Arsenic-dissolved organic matter complexation in water soluble extracts from lignite

Arsenic in groundwater is a global threat to public health. Recently, As mobility has been tied to the concentration and chemical characteristics of dissolved organic matter (DOM) through formation of As-DOM complexes. To date, there has been a wide range of DOM types studied to understand As-DOM interactions, but most of these have focused on surface water derived materials and not groundwater DOM. We address this gap in knowledge by simulating groundwater DOM using water extractable organic matter (WEOM) from two lignite deposits and treating the extracts with increasing concentrations of As. As-DOM complexes were measured using size-exclusion chromatography coupled to multiple detectors including an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICPMS) for As detection as well as fluorescence and variable wave detectors for organic matter detection. First, we found two different size fractions of As-DOM, one of ∼1 kDa and another of ∼15 kDa, depending on the DOM types. The smaller As-DOM complex (∼1 kDa) was approximately 10 times more abundant than the larger complex (∼15 kDa). Second, we found that the lignite derived DOMs showed higher conditional distribution coefficients than did the surface water reference material (Suwanee River Natural Organic Matter, SRNOM). Finally, the data showed good fit (R2 > 0.92) to one-site ligand binding models, and the lignite derived DOMs showed higher maximum sorbate concentrations (Bmax) compared to SRNOM. Together, this study shows that As-DOM complexation is an important control on As speciation, even in groundwater systems.