Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer Research Articles

Co-exposure of potentially toxic elements in wheat grains reveals a probabilistic health risk in Southwestern Guizhou, China.

Bijie is located at a typical karst landform of Southwestern Guizhou, which presented high geological background values of potentially toxic elements (PTEs). Recently, whether PTE of wheat in Bijie is harmful to human health has aroused people’s concern. To this end, the objectives of this study are to determine the concentrations of PTE [chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni), arsenic (As), lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and fluorine (F)] in wheat grains, identify contaminant sources, and evaluate the probabilistic risks to human beings. A total of 149 wheat grain samples collected from Bijie in Guizhou were determined using the inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICP-MS) and fluoride-ion electrode methods. The mean concentrations of Cr, Ni, As, Cd, Pb, and F were 3.250, 0.684, 0.055, 0.149, 0.039, and 4.539 mg/kg, respectively. All investigated PTEs met the standard limits established by the Food and Agriculture Organization except for Cr. For the source identification, Cr and Pb should be originated from industry activities, while Ni, As, and Cd might come from mixed sources, and F was possibly put down to the high geological background value. The non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic health risks were evaluated by the probabilistic approach (Monte Carlo simulation). The mean hazard quotient (HQ) values in the three populations were lower than the safety limit (1.0) with the exception of As (children: 1.03E+00). However, the mean hazard index (HI) values were all higher than 1.0 and followed the order: children (2.57E+00) > adult females (1.29E+00) > adult males (1.12E+00). In addition, the mean carcinogenic risk (CR) values for Cr, As, Pb, and Cd in three populations were all higher than 1E-06, which cannot be negligible. The mean threshold CR (TCR) values were decreased in the order of children (1.32E-02) > adult females (6.61E-03) > adult males (5.81E-03), respectively, all at unacceptable risk levels. Moreover, sensitivity analysis identified concentration factor (CW) as the most crucial parameter that affects human health. These findings highlight that co-exposure of PTE in wheat grains revealed a probabilistic human health risk. Corresponding measures should be undertaken for controlling pollution sources and reducing the risks for the local populace.

HYDROCHEMISTRY OF HIGH-MOUNTAIN PAMIR RIVERS: FORMATION, CHANGES AND INFLUENCE ON THE CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF IRRIGATION WATER

The purpose of the research is to analyze the prospects for the agriculture development in the Central Asian region and Tajikistan in particular, in terms of identifying the main favorable and constraining factors for the further agriculture development. The Pyanj river is one of the main tributaries of the Transboundary Amu Darya River in the Central Asian region, whose waters are a source of drinking water supply for the population and 80% used for irrigation of agricultural land. The trend of deteriorating water quality of Central Asian River systems recently has been increasing, and monitoring water quality from the formation zone to the downstream of the rivers is a problem in the region. The statistical methods and Pearson correlation to the meteorological conditions monitoring of the river basins were used. In the Laboratory of Environment and Geology of the Department of Geological Sciences of the University of Colorado at Boulder (USA), as well as in the Laboratory of Moisture Chemistry of the Institute of Arctic and Alpine Research (USA) by use of an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICP-MS) and ion chromatography was conducted the element analyses of waters. The physical and chemical analyses of water samples was conducted using the “TaLab” spectrophotometer following the relevant state standards. The suitability of water for irrigation were determined by the calculation of the coefficients of sodium adsorption (SAR), the percentage of sodium (Na%), the percentage of sodium solubility (SSP), and the percentage of exchangeable sodium (ESP). The contribution of the Gunt River to the enrichment of the main Pyanj River with Fe, Co, Ni, Sr, Ca, Mg, Na, and K elements are established. The assessment of the natural water quality of the Pyanj and Gunt rivers for irrigation was carried out using various index methods, such as SAR, ESP, SSP and %Na.

(Digital Presentation) Electroless Deposition of Oxidation Resistant High-Temperature Silicide Coatings on Molybdenum and Tzm Alloy Using Molten Salt

Molybdenum is one of the refractory metals which has high melting point, 2620oC, and good mechanical properties. Unfortunately, oxidation resistance of molybdenum is not satisfactory for certain applications which involves high temperatures; therefore, an oxidation resistant coating is necessary. Molybdenum di-silicide (MoSi2) was coated on pure molybdenum and TZM alloy to increase oxidation resistance at high temperatures by electroless molten salt method. A molten salt solution containing NaCl, KCl and NaF was used to apply coating at temperatures above 600oC. Silicon powder and Na2SiF6 were used as silicon source during coating process. Experiments were carried out at different temperatures, durations and salt compositions. Coating thickness, surface roughness, resulting phases and coating behavior of pure molybdenum and TZM alloy were evaluated. X-ray diffraction (XRD), Inductively Coupled Plasma – Mass Spectrometer (ICP-MS) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) were conducted in characterization of the silicide coatings.

Rare Earth and Trace Elements Composition of a Residual Clay from Sosan Akoko, Southwestern Nigeria: Implications for Weathering and Provenance

The aim of this study is to determine the source area weathering and provenance of a residual clay samples overlying Precambrian basement complex in Southwestern, Nigeria. Fifteen representative clay samples were collected from three pits dug in three locations across the study area. The mineralogy and chemical composition of samples was analyzed using X-ray diffractometer (XRD) and inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometer (ICPMS) techniques respectively. The results of mineralogical analyses indicates that kaolinite (1.4%) and nontronite (2.77%) are the major clay minerals present while the non-clay minerals include quartz, orthoclase, labradorite and albite. Chemical indices of alteration (CIA) and weathering (CIW) values of 76.02% and 89.9% respectively, low alkali and alkaline earth elements content derived from the samples implies a comparatively intense source area. Furthermore, plots of TiO2/Al2O3 indicate provenance of predominantly acidic rocks and high concentrations of Rubidium (Rb) and Strotium (Sr) in the samples with values ranging from 113.4-138.2 ppm and 218.3-229.2 ppm respectively suggests ongoing chemical weathering of the clay body. The findings from this research through mineralogical composition, rare earth elemental normalized patterns, and ternary diagrams plotted implies that these samples are derived from felsic sources.

The Time Trend of Blood Lead and Cadmium Levels in Rural Chinese Children: China Nutrition and Health Survey 2002 and 2012.

This study was to investigate blood lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) levels and time trend in rural Chinese children derived from the China Nutrition and Health Survey 2002 and 2012 (CNHS 2002, CNHS 2012). In total, 1698 and 1581 of rural Chinese children were selected from the CNHS 2002 and the CNHS 2012 databases, respectively. The blood Pb and Cd levels were determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICP-MS), whilst the prevalence of blood Pb levels >5 µg/dL and blood Cd levels >0.5 µg/L and the corresponding reference values (RV95s: the upper limit of 95% confidence interval of 95th percentile) were together calculated. From the CNHS 2002 to the CNHS 2012, median concentrations in blood were severally decreased from 6.3 to 3.1 µg/dL for Pb and from 0.64 to 0.39 µg/L for Cd. The prevalence of blood Pb levels >5 µg/dL had decreased from 63.6 to 14.2%, together with blood Cd levels >0.5 µg/L prevalence from 62.7 to 33.5%, respectively. The RV95s of blood Pb and Cd levels were 15.2 µg/dL and 1.54 µg/L in the CNHS 2002, as well as 6.3 µg/dL and 1.12 µg/L in the CNHS 2012. In conclusion, blood Pb and Cd levels had been obviously improved in rural Chinese children during the past 10 years. However, the risks of Pb and Cd exposure are still serious and required to have continuous health monitoring and evaluation, even call for greater collaboration of the government and society.

The combined effect between BDNF genetic polymorphisms and exposure to metals on the risk of Chinese dyslexia

BDNF gene has been implicated in the development of cognition and language. Meanwhile, exposure to metals might interact with BDNF gene to increase the risk of neurodevelopmental disorders. The present study aimed to explore the association between BDNF genetic polymorphisms and dyslexic risk and examine whether BDNF polymorphisms would interact with metal exposures, jointly contributing to dyslexia. Among a case-control study composed of 238 children with dyslexia and 228 healthy controls, the BDNF genetic polymorphisms were genotyped by the Sequenom MassARRAY system, and the exposure to eight metals, such as lead (Pb), mercury (Hg) and copper (Cu), were measured using an inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometer (ICP-MS). Multivariable logistic regression models were used to assess the adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence interval (CI) of dyslexia. After multivariate adjustment, significant associations of dyslexic risk with rs6265 polymorphisms of the BDNF gene were observed (OR = 1.99; 95% CI: 1.15–3.44). Furthermore, exposure to Cu could interact with rs6265 to increase the risk of dyslexia (P interaction = 0.045). High-Cu children with the rs6265 TT genotype were more likely to have dyslexia compared with low-Cu children carrying CC + CT genotypes (OR = 3.19; 95% CI: 1.38–7.39). The findings of this study suggested that the polymorphism of rs6265 in BDNF gene could interact with Cu exposure to increase the occurrence of dyslexia.

Doğu Karadeniz Bölgesi Sahil Otoyol Çevresindeki Karayosunlarında Trafik Kaynaklı Ağır Metal Analizleri

Bu çalışmanın amacı; Giresun-Samsun otoyol çevresindeki karayosunları kullanılarak Trafik kaynaklı ağır metal kirliliğini belirleyebilmektir. Karayosunları, ağır metalleri biriktirebilme yeteneğinden dolayı, ağır metal hava kirliliğinin belirlenmesinde oldukça uygun biyoindikatörlerdir. Türkiye’nin Doğu Karadeniz bölgesinde yer alan Giresun-Samsun otoyolu çevresindeki karayosunlarının ağır metal analizleri InductivelyCoupledPlasma–MassSpectrometer (ICP-MS) cihazı kullanılarak belirlendi. Karayosunlarının kalitatif analizleri neticesinde Cr, Fe, Mn, V, Zn, Cu, Ni, Pb ve Co olduğu belirlendi. Şehir merkezlerinden toplanan karayosunlarındaki konsantrasyon değerleri sırasıyla 15.12, 6087.31, 301.12, 27.80, 74.20, 38.48, 56.69, 19.40 ve 9.10, mg/kg olarak belirlenirken, şehirler arasından toplanan karayosunlarının ağır metal konsantrasyonları ise 15.56, 4751.23, 247.93, 28.03, 83.71, 33.72, 48.38, 17.20 ve 6,97 kg/kg olarak belirlendi. Genelde karayosunlarında, Krom(Cr), Demir(Fe), Mangan(Mn), Vanadyum(V), Çinko(Zn), Bakır(Cu), Nikel(Ni), Kurşun(Pb) ve Kobalt(Co)’ınkonsantrasyonlarının 2006 ve 2017 yılları arasında azaldığı görüldü. Fakat bu azalmaya rağmen karayosunlarındaki ağır metal konsantrasyonları hala yüksektir.

The utility of rapid throughput single-collector sector-field ICP-MS for soil Pb isotope studies

Lead (Pb) isotope tracing is widely used in environmental monitoring and public health studies, to determine the provenance of agricultural and archaeological materials, and in mineral exploration campaigns. Combined with elemental analyses, Pb isotope ratios are used to ‘fingerprint’ the sources and transport paths of Pb found in multiple targets including dust, metal filings, soil/regolith, plants, water and blood, to name a few. Low cost and high throughput are important factors in such studies - typically performed using solution-mode Inductively Coupled Plasma -Mass Spectrometers (ICP-MS) - but these undoubted advantages need to be balanced against data quality. Here we compare Pb isotopic compositions (including the low abundance 204Pb isotope) determined for unseparated soils measured by high-throughput single-collector sector-field inductively-coupled-plasma mass-spectrometry (SC-SF-ICP-MS) and quadrupole ICP-MS (Q-ICP-MS) with results from more traditional high-precision multi-collector-ICP-MS (MC-ICP-MS) analysis following Pb separation chemistry. The soils, from outcrops of young basalts near Melbourne (Australia), have Pb isotope compositions similar to those of the underlying lava flows, with minor offsets possibly related to dust import from Palaeozoic metasedimentary rocks which dominate the region. Except for one sample, contamination with industrial Pb appears to be absent to minor, a surprising finding given the proximity of the sample sites to a major metropolitan area. In these soils, comparison of data for fully digested and acid-leached soil, some from a range of sampling depths, allows small and variable contributions from anthropogenic Pb to be resolved. Despite their lower precision, isotopic compositions measured by SC-SF-ICP-MS and Q-ICP-MS largely reproduce the isotopic patterns established by MC-ICP-MS. However, analytical uncertainties are larger and performance is more variable for Q-ICP-MS. The results confirm SC-SF-ICP-MS as a viable high-throughput, intermediate precision tool for large-scale Pb isotope surveys.

Does anti-IgE therapy prevent chronic allergic asthma-related bone deterioration in asthmatic mice?

Current evidence on the association between allergic diseases and bone metabolism indicates asthma may be a potential risk factor for bone health. Using anti-IgE has been proven effective in allergic asthma treatment with a good safety profile; however, its effects on bone health are unknown. Thus, we aimed to investigate whether: (i) chronic allergic asthma (CAA) causes any meaningful changes in bone, and if any, (ii) anti-IgE therapy prevents any CAA-induced adverse alteration. A murine model was used to study CAA. Thirty-two BALB/c male-mice were assigned into four groups (eight-mice/group): Control, CAA (treated with saline), CAA + 100 µg of anti-IgE (CAA + 100AIgE), and CAA + 200 µg of anti-IgE (CAA + 200AIgE) groups. After immunization, saline or anti-IgE was performed intraperitoneally for 8-weeks (in five-sessions at 15-days interval). Three-point bending test was used for the mechanical analysis. Bone calcium (Ca2+) and phosphorus (P3−) as well as Ca/P ratio were evaluated using inductively-coupled plasma-mass-spectrometer (ICP-MS). Compared to control, reductions observed in yield and ultimate moments, rigidity, energy-to-failure, yield and ultimate stresses, elastic modulus, toughness, and post-yield toughness parameters of the CAA group were found significant (P < 0.05). Similar declines were also detected regarding bone Ca2+, P3− and Ca/P ratio (P < 0.05). Compared to control, we observed that 200 µg administration of anti-IgE in CAA + 200AIgE group hindered CAA-related impairments in mineral and mechanical characteristics of bone, while 100 µg in CAA + 100AIgE failed to do so. Our results showed CAA may cause bone loss, leading to a decrease in bone strength, and anti-IgE administration may dose-dependently inhibit these impairments in bone.

Chemostratigraphic Architecture of Sandstone Facies Exposed along Auchi-Ighara Road, Mid-Western Nigeria

In this work, inorganic whole-rock geochemistry was applied to characterize the exposed sandstone facies along the Auchi-Ighara road Anambra basin Midwestern, Nigeria for distinction and correlation of the depositional units on the basis of the stratigraphic variation of geochemical trait. Fourteen representative samples collected from the outcrop were analyzed using Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometer (ICP-MS). From our analyses, ten major elements oxides, sixteen trace elements, and thirteen rare earth elements were obtained. The concentration of major elements in the samples range from 0.13 % and 53.71 % with SiO2, TiO2, Al2O3 and Fe2O3 being predominant. Other oxides found in the samples include K2O, CaO, Na2O, MgO and P2O5 indicating a recycled orogenic source of the grits from which the sandstone is derived. Trace elements concentration ranges between 0.017 ppm and 122.25 ppm; marked by the dominance of Zircon (Zr) which further asseverates orogenic recycling. The rare earth elements range in concentration from 0.01ppm and 5.53 ppm; the modal occurrence of Praseodymium (Pr) in this category is apparently indicative of deposition in an oxidizing environment. The appreciably high SiO2/Al2O3 ratio averages 11.2 in the samples is symptomatic of several cycles of sedimentation. Variation pattern of Ga/Rb and Al2O3/(CaO+MgO+K2O+Na2O) ratios connote a cooler and drier climatic condition after the sandstone deposition, which expectedly resulted to a decrease in hydrolytic weathering. Changes in sediment provenance are predicated on Cr/Al2O3, Cr/Na2O and Nb/Al2O3 ratio which indicate grits derivation from a more quartzose sedimentary and felsic sources that resulted from fluctuating paleoclimate during deposition. From the geochemical data, the paleoclimate and provenance of the sandstone facies were modelled and used for subdivision and correlation into two geochemical packages and five geochemical units. Keywords: Chemostratigraphy; Paleoclimate; Provenance; Weathering; Whole rock geochemistry.

Searching for the Relationship between the Concentration of Heavy Metals in the Blood and the Clinical Course of Multiple Sclerosis: A Cross-Sectional Study in Poland.

(1) Background: Of all environmental pollutants, heavy metals have the most detrimental effect on public health because they remain in the ecosystem and are not biodegradable. The neurotoxicity of heavy metals, including cadmium and lead, has been well documented, and blood levels of heavy metals serve as a biomarker of exposure, reflecting their content in soft tissues. Multiple sclerosis (MS) is one of the most common chronic neurodegenerative diseases. The pathogenesis of MS is complex and relies on the interaction between genetic and environmental factors. The aim of this study was to search for the relationship between the values of cadmium and lead concentration in the blood and the health history and functional status of patients with MS. (2) Methods: The study group consisted of 151 patients with a clinical diagnosis of MS. Determination of the presence of tested elements in serum was performed using an ELAN DRC-e ICP mass spectrometer. (3) Results: Statistical analysis demonstrated that an increase in the level of cadmium was accompanied by an increase in the level of lead. There was no significant correlation between the blood lead concentration and the functional status assessed by EDSS among patients with MS in Poland. However, a tendency towards worse functional status of patients with higher blood lead concentration (p = 0.07) was demonstrated. Patients who experienced first MS symptoms at older age had higher blood levels of the tested metals. (4) Conclusions: The concentrations of cadmium and lead in the blood of MS patients in Poland were not factors differentiating their functional status and the course of the disease.

Exposure to multiple metals and the risk of dyslexia - A case control study in Shantou, China

Environmental heavy metal exposure has been considered to be the risk factor for neurodevelopmental disorders in children. However, the available data on the associations between multiple metals exposure and the risk of dyslexia in China are limited. The purpose of our study was to examine the associations between urinary metal concentrations and Chinese dyslexia risk. A total of 56 Chinese dyslexics and 60 typically developing children were recruited. The urinary concentration of 13 metals were measured by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometer (ICP-MS). Binary logistic regression and the Probit extension of Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR-P) were used to explore the associations between multiple metal exposure and the risk of Chinese dyslexia. Our results indicated that Co, Zn and Pb were significantly associated with Chinese dyslexia in the multiple-metal exposure model. After adjusting the covariates, a positive association was observed between Pb and the risk of Chinese dyslexia, with the odds ratio (OR) in the highest quartiles of 6.81 (95%CI: 1.07–43.19; p–trend = 0.024). Co and Zn were negatively associated with the risk of Chinese dyslexia. Compared to the lowest quartile, the ORs of Co and Zn in the highest quartile are 0.13 (95%CI: 0.02–0.72; p–trend = 0.026) and 0.18 (95%CI: 0.04–0.88; p–trend = 0.038), respectively. In addition, BKMR-P analysis indicated that with the cumulative level across Co, Zn and Pb increased, the risk of Chinese dyslexia gradually declined and then rebounded, albeit non-significantly, and Pb was the major contributor in this association. In general, the urinary concentrations of Co, Zn and Pb were significantly associated with Chinese dyslexia. More prospective studies are needed to confirm the health effects of multiple metals exposure in children with Chinese dyslexia.

Photo-assisted degradation of Rhodamine B by a heterogeneous Fenton–like process: performance and kinetics

ABSTRACT This study presents the degradation of rhodamine B (RhB) by photo Fenton-like (PF-like) process under visible light irradiation (λ > 380 nm) using cobalt phosphate microparticles (CoP-MPs). The effects of the initial concentration of RhB, pH value, CoP-MPs dosage, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) concentration, and salts found in textile wastewater (such as NaNO3, Na2SO4, and NaCl) were investigated in detail. It was found that CoP-MPs can maintain high catalytic activity with wide pH values varying from 4 to 8. This indicated that the use of CoP-MPs overcame the low efficiency of Fenton-like reaction at neutral and even weakly alkaline pH. The PF-like degradation of RhB followed pseudo-first order kinetics in various conditions. Moreover, a comparison of experimental results showed that the PF-like system has good degradation ability for RhB and methyl blue (MB) solution, but is poor for methyl orange (MO) solution. The repeat experiments indicated that the chemical structures of CoP-MPs were stable. Furthermore, the Co2+ ions leaching to the solutions were measured by an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICP-MS). Analysis of UV-vis spectra suggested that RhB was degraded by the formation of a series of N-de-ethylated intermediates followed by cleavage of the whole conjugate chromophore structure. Highlights RhB can be effectively degraded in the PF-like process under visible light irradiation by CoP-MPs. The PF-like process can maintain high catalytic activity at neutral and even weakly alkaline pH. Degradation kinetics exhibited pseudo-first-order kinetics and were influenced by the key parameters. The variation in the UV-vis spectra of RhB was analyzed in detail to infer a possible degradation pathway.

Methylcyclopentadienyl Manganese Tricarbonyl Alter Behavior and Cause Ultrastructural Changes in the Substantia Nigra of Rats: Comparison with Inorganic Manganese Chloride.

The antiknock additive methylcyclopentadienyl manganese tricarbonyl (MMT) is an organic manganese(Mn) compound. Mn neurotoxicity caused by occupational Mn exposure (mostly inorganic MnCl2) is associated with motor and cognitive disturbances, referred to as Manganism. However, the impact of environmentally relevant Mn exposure on MMT-induced Manganism is poorly understood. In this investigation, we studied the effects of MMT on motor function and brain structure, and compared its effects with those of inorganic MnCl2. After adaptive feeding for 7days, male and female Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats in the MMT-treated groups and positive control group were treated for 8weeks with MMT (1, 2 and 4mg/kg/i.g.) or MnCl2·4H2O (200mg/kg/i.g.). Mn content in blood, liver, spleen and distinct brain regions was determined by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometer (ICP-MS). We found that MMT and MnCl2 exposure led to slower body-weight-gain in female rats, impaired motor and balance function and spatial learning and memory both in male and female rats. HE staining showed that MMT and MnCl2 led to altered structure of the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc), and Nissl staining corroborated MMT's propensity to damage the SNpc both in male and female rat. In addition, Immunostaining of the SNpc showed decreased TH-positive neurons in MMT- and MnCl2-treated rats, concomitant with Iba1 activation in microglia. Moreover, no statistically significant difference was noted between the rats in the H-MMT and MnCl2 groups. In summary, these findings suggest that MMT and MnCl2 exposure cause ultrastructural changes in the SNpc neurons culminating in altered motor behavior and cognition, suggesting that altered SNpc structure and function may underline the motor and cognitive deficits inherent to Manganism, and accounting for MMT and MnCl2's manifestations of atypical parkinsonism.

Rare earth elements in surface waters and sediments of the Mgoua watershed, south western Cameroon

The concentrations and distribution spectra of 14 stable rare earth elements (REE) were studied for surface waters (n = 30) and sediments (n = 30) of the tropical zone Mgoua watershed in southwest of Cameroon. Samples were analyzed using the inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICP-MS) method. The ∑REE concentrations of the surface waters vary from 0.11 to 6.60 µg/L with an average value of 1.18 µg/L. This average is 150 times lower than the average values of the Post-Archean Australian Average Shale (PAAS). In the sediments, the concentrations range from 282.12 to 727.67 ppm with an average value of 550.05 ppm, making it 2.5 times higher than the PAAS. Rare earth spectra normalized to PAAS are spread out and show heavy rare earth enrichment; positive Eu anomalies; negative, low, or no Ce anomalies; and a gradual decrease in heavy earths in river and well waters and sediments, but are sawtooth with strong negative Ce anomalies in effluent waters and sediments. A low rare earth fractionation is noted in river and well waters [(La/Yb)N ~ 0.35–1.19], while it is high in effluent waters [(La/Yb)N ~ 0.42–56.99]; a slight depletion of rare earths in all environments [(La/Sm)N ~ 0.69–2.35], as well as a depletion of heavy rare earths [(Gd/Yb)N ~ 0.58–1.94]. In the sediments, the same characteristics are found with elemental ratio values differing slightly [(La/Yb)N ~ 1.15–1.99]; [(La/Sm)N ~ 0.75–1.36]; and [(Gd/Yb)N ~ 1.15–2.01]. This study shows that the Mgoua watershed does not have a high concentration of REE, although in the sediments they are well above the average PASS value while they are insignificant in the waters.

Bioaccumulation Pattern of Heavy Metals in the Shrimps of the lower stretch of the River Ganga

Rapid industrialization and urbanization have contaminated the riverine and estuarine ecosystems to a great extent. To evaluate such kind of contamination, we undertook a research programme to analyze the concentrations of zinc, copper, lead and cadmium in muscle tissue of five commonly edible shrimp species, namely Penaeus monodon, Penaeus indicus, Penaeus semisulcatus, Penaeus marguensis and Metapenaeus brevicornis collected from the lower stretch of the River Ganga (in the Sundarbans delta complex). The heavy metals in tissue samples were estimated using a Perkin-Elmer Sciex ELAN 5000 ICP mass spectrometer. Concentrations in shrimp species ranged as follows: Zn: 4.11 ± 0.13 – 353.45 ± 2.98; Cu: 3.43 ± 0.10– 140.49 ± 1.81; Pb: BDL - 8.21 ± 0.63 and Cd: BDL – 3.66 ± 0.12 mg kg-1 dry weight. Irrespective of species, heavy metals accumulated in the shrimp muscle in the order Zn &gt; Cu &gt; Pb &gt; Cd. The concentration of heavy metals in the tissues varied significantly depending upon the locations from where the species were collected. Although the concentration of selected heavy metals were within the normal range in all stations, but at station 1 (Nayachar Island) the metal level has exceeded in the muscle of shrimp species as a food source for human consumption. The shrimp samples were collected from different locations of lower Gangetic region with different degree of industrial and anthropogenic activities and station 1 is exposed to maximum stress (in terms of pollution) from the adjacent port-cum-industrial zone of Haldia and industrial discharge of multifarious industries situated in and around the city of Calcutta (upstream to station 1) along the bank of the River Ganga.&#x0D;

Direct isotopic analysis of solid uranium particulates on cotton swipes by microextraction-ICP-MS

Direct isotope ratio analysis of solid uranium particulates on cotton swipes was achieved using a solution-based microextraction technique, coupled to a quadrupole inductively coupled plasma - mass spectrometer (ICP-MS). This microextraction-ICP-MS methodology provides rapid isotopic analysis which could be applicable to nuclear safeguards measurements. Particulates of uranyl nitrate hexahydrate (UO2(NO3)2·6H2O) and uranyl fluoride (UO2F2) ranging from 6 μm to 40 μm in length were transferred to cotton swipes with a particle manipulator. The microextraction probe then delivers a 5% nitric acid (HNO3) solvent onto the swipe surface to extract the uranium species. The extracted sample is then delivered to the ICP-MS for isotopic determination. The majority of uranium signal (∼99% and ∼94% for UO2(NO3)2·6H2O and UO2F2, respectively) was detected in the first 15 s extraction, while subsequent extractions on the same location had low or no U signal, suggesting near complete removal of the solid uranium compounds from the swipe surface. Ten samples (for each of the uranium compounds), were analyzed for their isotopic composition. For UO2(NO3)2·6H2O, the determined isotope ratios resulted in a % relative difference (% RD) from the referenced isotope ratios of 0.97, 1.0, and 7.3% for 234U/238U, 235U/238U, and 236U/238U, respectively. The % RD of the UO2F2 isotope ratios were 1.9 and 0.60% for 234U/238U and 235U/238U, respectively. The preliminary limits of detection were determined to be 0.002, 0.4, and 60 pg for 234U, 235U and 238U, respectively This work demonstrates that microextraction ICP-MS is a rapid and sensitive method that could directly determine uranium isotope ratios of UO2(NO3)2·6H2O and UO2F2 particulates on cotton swipes.

Heavy metals and trace elements in soybeans cultivated in different regions of Austria, a comparison between the sampling sites and an overview of typical element contents in the soybeans

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to determine the concentration of heavy metals and trace elements in soybeans [Glycine max (L.) Merr.], cultivated in different areas in Austria and further to compare the results with published maximum limits for feed. Additionally an evaluation of the effect of soil conditions (element concentration, pH-value) on the element content in soybeans was performed. MethodIn total, 77 soybean samples and 9 soil samples were analysed on the elements V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Se, Rb, Sr, Mo, Cd, Ba, Pb by ICPMS (inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer) after microwave digestion. ResultsAll elements, with exception of arsenic and lead were detectable in the soybean samples analysed with our analytical system. The concentration of the elements were below the maximum contents from Directive 2002/32/EC [1] and maximum intake doses (MID) from VDI-Guidelines [25–34] for feed. The influence of the soil parameter, especially pH-value was only significant for the elements barium und manganese. ConclusionThis paper shows an apparent influence of the sampling site on element content in soybeans, for which a joint evaluation of all parameters like soil content, pH-value and soil type is necessary to show the influence of the soil.

Multielement and chemometric analysis for the traceability of the Pachino Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) cherry tomatoes

To prevent PGI (Protected Geographical Indication) cherry tomato of Pachino (Sicily, Italy) from frauds, an alternative method, which includes chemometric treatments, was proposed. The content of 32 inorganic elements (macro-micronutrients and lanthanides) present in 16 PGI and 24 not PGI cherry tomato samples cv Naomy, and in 16 PGI and 8 not PGI soil samples, was determined by Inductively Coupled Plasma - Mass Spectrometer (ICP-MS). To identify the elements able to differentiate PGI and not PGI cherry tomato samples, Principal Components Analysis (PCA) and Canonical discriminant analysis (CDA) were performed. The first two principal components (PC1-PC2) explain a total variance of 71,41% between PGI and not PGI group, whereas CDA showed Zn, Cd, Mn and Ca as inorganic markers able to correctly classify the 100% of samples. Furthermore, with a translocation factor (K), evaluated in soil/plant chain, the comparison of absorption trends for PGI and not PGI samples was realized.

Comparative trace metal assessment in phytoplankton using size and density fractionation

Trace metal assessment in marine phytoplankton is challenging due to complex assemblages and variable amounts of abiogenic suspended particulates. Using aliquots, this study were able to compare trace metal concentrations in plankton samples subjected to size and density fractionation. Elements including Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Sr, Hg, and Pb were analyzed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICP-MS). Trace metals were found to be significantly higher in size fractionated than density fractionated plankton for both small (1.2–50 μm) and large (50–120 μm) fractions. Metals from abiogenic sources (61–88%) also significantly contributed to trace metals detected in 1.2–120 μm suspended particulates collected from Kaohsiung Harbor. Results suggest that size fractionation can potentially overestimate trace metals in phytoplankton. It is therefore recommended combining the two methods by first isolating different size fractions followed by density fractionation to separate phytoplankton from zooplankton, and abiogenic particulates from phytoplankton assemblages, respectively.