Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer Research Articles

Associations between welding fume exposure and blood hemostatic parameters among workers exposed to welding fumes in confined space in Chonburi, Thailand

BackgroundOccupational welding fumes contain varieties of toxic metal particles and may affect cardiovascular system like the Particulate Matters (PM). Few studies have focused on the effects of toxic metals on the hemodynamic balance; however, the reporting results were not consistent. This study aimed to investigate the association between toxic metals exposure (Chromium (Cr), Manganese (Mn) and Lead (Pb)) and blood hemostatic parameters status after a 3-week exposure cessation among workers exposed to welding fumes.MethodologyStructured interviews and biological samplings were conducted for 86 male workers without a history of Anemia and Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and working in a confined space to construct crude oil tanks. Metal levels of Cr, Mn and Pb in urine were measured during the working days using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer (ICP-MS) method. The concentrations of hemostatic proteins in blood (White blood cell counts (WBC), Lymphocytes, Monocyte, Eosinophil, Neutrophil, Hematocrit (Hct) were assessed after a 3 weeks exposure cessation. Workers were divided into groups based on occupation type (welder group and non-welder group), and based on metal levels (high and low exposure groups) for comparison. Linear regression models were used to explore the association between metal exposure and multiple blood hemostatic parameters adjusted for age, Body Mass Index (BMI), and smoking status.ResultsUrine Mn and Cr level of the welder group was significantly higher than the non-welder group (Mn: 0.96 VS 0.22 ug/g creatinine, p < 0.001; Cr: 0.63 VS 0.22 ug/g creatinine, p < 0.01). The mean value of Hct in the welder group was 44.58 ± 2.84 vol%, significantly higher than the non-welder group (43.07 ± 3.31 vol%, p = 0.026). The median value of WBC in the high Mn-exposed group (6.93 ± 1.59 X 106 Cell/ml) was significantly lower than the low Mn-exposed group (7.90 ± 2.13 X 106 Cell/ml, p = 0.018). The linear regression analyses showed that there was a significantly negative association between log transformed WBC value and the Mn exposure groups (high and low) after adjusting for age, BMI, and smoking status (β = - 0.049, p = 0.045), but no significant result was found between WBC and occupation types (welder and non-welder) (p > 0.05). Multiple linear regression analysis also showed positive association between Hct and occupational types (welder and non-welders) (β = 0.014, p = 0.055). The other hemostatic parameters were not different from controls when divided by occupation type or metal level groups.ConclusionsOur results showed that welders were exposed to about 3 to 4 times higher Mn and Cr concentrations than non-welders. Moreover, one third of the non-welders were exposed to high-exposure groups of Mn and Cr metals. Regression models revealed a significant association of the WBC counts with the Mn exposure group. Therefore, we infer that Mn exposure may play a significant role on the blood hemostatic parameters of workers in the confined space. Hazard identification for non-welders should also be conducted in the confined space.

Heavy metal pollution characteristics and health risk assessment of dust fall related to industrial activities in desert steppes.

China’s desert steppe is the transition zone between the grasslands in central China and the arid desert. Ecological security in this region has long been a subject of debate, both in the local and academic communities. Heavy metals and other pollutants are readily released during industrial production, combustion, and transportation, aggravating the vulnerability of the desert steppes. To understand the impact of industrial activiteis on the heavy metal content of dust fall in the desert steppe, a total of 37 dust fall samples were collected over 90 days. An inductively-coupled plasma mass spectrometer (NexION 350X) was used to measure the concentration of heavy metals Cu, Cd, Cr, Pb, Mn, Co, and Zn in the dust. Using comprehensive pollution index and multivariate statistical analysis methods, we explored the characteristics and sources of heavy metal pollution. We also quantitatively assessed the carcinogenic risks of heavy metals resulting from dust reduction with the help of health risk assessment models. The heavy metals’ comprehensive pollution index values in the study area’s dust fall were ranked as follows: Zn > Cd > Pb > Mn > Cu > Co > Cr. Among these, Zn, Cd, and Pb were significant pollution factors in the study area, and were affected by industrial production and transportation. The high pollution index was concentrated in the north of the research industrial park and on both sides of a highway. The seven heavy metals’ total non-carcinogenic risk index (HI) values were ranked as follows: Mn > Co > Pb > Zn > Cr > Cu > Cd (only the HI of Mn was greater than one). Excluding Mn, the non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risk index values of the other six heavy metals were within acceptable ranges. Previous studies have also shown that industrial transportation and production have had a significant impact on the heavy metal content of dust fall in the desert steppe.

Release of nickel ion and surface microstructure of NiTi archwire after immersion in tomato and orange juice

One of wires commonly used in orthodontic treatment is nickel-titanium (NiTi) archwire. NiTi archwire has the potential to release ions that can cause allergic and cytotoxic reactions. This study aimed to specify the difference in the amount of nickel ion release and surface microstructure of NiTi archwires after immersing in tomato and orange juice. NiTi archwire with a diameter of 0.016 inches and a length of 5 cm was used as the sample, which was immersed in 15 ml of solution and then stored at 37°C in an incubator for 24 hours. The samples were divided into two tretment groups (immersed in tomato and orange juice), each with nine samples. The immersion solution was tested for ion release using an Inductively Coupled Plasma–Mass Spectrometer. The microstructure of the wire surface was examined using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The results revealed that group 1 has higher average amount of nickel ion release than group 2 and control. SEM result showed that the surface microstructure of the NiTi archwire in group 1 is roughest. There was a significant difference between the amount of nickel ion released and surface microstructure on NiTi archwire after being immersed in tomato and orange juice.

Release of nickel ions and changes in surface microstructure of stainless steel archwire after immersion in tomato and orange juice

Stainless steel archwire is an important component of orthodontic appliances that have the potential to corrode. Consumption of foods and beverages with a low pH, such as fruit-based juices, can trigger the release of nickel ions in stainless steel archwire. This study aimed to determine the difference in the amount of nickel ions release and the surface microstructure of stainless steel archwire after immersed in tomato and orange juice. The sample used is stainless steel archwire with a diameter of 0.016 inches and length of 5 cm immersed in 15 ml of solution and then stored at 37°C in an incubator for 24 hours. The samples were divided into three groups (immersed in tomato juice,orange juice and artificial saliva), each group consisted of 9 samples. The solution was tested using an Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer (ICP-MS) to determine the number of nickel ions released. The archwire surface microstructure was tested using a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). The results showed that the average amount of nickel ion release in orange juice is more than tomato juice. There was a significant difference between the amount of nickel ion released and surface microstructure on stainless steel archwire after being immersed in tomato and orange juice.

Determination of 11 minerals in children using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry

BackgroundMinerals play an important role in children’s growth and cognition. In this study, our aim was to establish reference intervals of mineral level in Children of Liaoning province (China) and provide a reliable basis for future preventive healthcare guidelines.MethodsRandom samples of 2217 healthy children aged 0–15 years who were referred for routine hospital laboratory examinations in the cities of Shenyang, Fushun, Fuxin, Benxi, Chaoyang and Lingyuan were invited to participate in the study. Serum levels of Calcium (Ca), Iron (Fe), Zinc (Zn), Magnesium (Mg), Copper (Cu), Manganese (Mn), Selenium (Se), Mercury (Hg), Nickel (Ni), Cobalt (Co), and Lithium (Li) were determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer(ICP-MS).ResultsSex-related significant differences in the serum concentrations of the Mg and Cu (P < 0.05). Age-related significant differences were found in serum levels of Ca, Fe, Zn, Mg, Cu and Mn (P < 0.05) and the concentrations of 9 minerals (Ca, Mg, Cu, Mn,Se,Hg,Ni,Co and Li in serum varied from season to season (P < 0.05). The Spearman correlation matrix of 11 minerals was shown as a heat map, the correlations between Ca-Zn, Ca-Mg, Fe-Zn, Fe-Se, Mn-Ni, Se-Hg, Se-Ni, Hg-Ni, and Ni-Co, Ni-Li were the strongest compared with others.ConclusionsThe reference intervals of serum 11 minerals for children should considering the sex, age and season, which may be useful for decisive diagnoses of abnormality of the 11minerals and the related diseases.

Determination of the Element Values of Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss Walbaum, 1792) Eggs

The objective of this study was to determine the amount of the elements of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss Walbaum, 1792) eggs obtained from different stations. The study was conducted in 5 different production areas that are producing the most rainbow trout eggs in Turkey. Element analysis (Na, Mg, Al, P, K, Ca, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Zn, As, Se, Cd, Ba, Pb, Hg, and Cu) of rainbow trout eggs were performed using ICP-MS (Inductively Coupled Plasma- Mass Spectrometer). At the end of the study, it was determined that the daily consumption limit for selected elements (Ca, P, Mg, Zn, Mn, Ni and Se) was not exceeded in individuals consuming 100g of rainbow trout eggs per day. The daily intake recommended by the European Communities Commission was determined to be sufficient for the K, Ca, P, Mg, Fe, Zn, Cu and Mn elements in rainbow trout eggs. The Cd and Pb values of rainbow trout eggs obtained from different stations were determined significantly less than the values included in the Turkish Food Codex. The results of this study were thought to be important for both consumers and juvenile rainbow trout producers.

Evaluation of Antibacterial Effects of Matrix-Induced Silver Ions against Antibiotic-Resistant ESKAPE Pathogens.

Recently, drug-resistant bacterial infections, especially ESKAPE pathogens (Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterobacter spp.), have become a critical health issue worldwide, highlighting the emerging need for novel antibacterial agents. In this study, silver nanoparticles were extracted from silver-containing mesoporous bioactive glass (MBG-Ag) using four different matrixes, including water, phosphate buffer saline (PBS), tryptic soy broth (TSB), and taurine (Tau). The inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometer (ICP-MS) results demonstrated that the silver concentration of Tau-Ag was the highest among the four matrixes. The Tau-Ag was also observed to have 87.35% silver ions in its X-ray photoelectron spectrometer (XPS) spectra. The micrograph of transmission electron microscope (TEM) displayed a uniform distribution of silver nanoparticles, which was confined in a smaller size compared to that in TSB-Ag. Moreover, the peak shifts observed in the Fourier-transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR) spectrum implied that the -SO32− and -NH groups in taurine may interact with silver. A low cytotoxicity was noted for Tau-Ag, with approximately 70% of cells surviving at 0.63 mg/mL. Compared to the other three matrix-induced silver agents, Tau-Ag represented a better antibacterial effect against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) value of 0.63 mg/mL and a postponed growth of 0.31 mg/mL observed. Further antibacterial examinations illustrated the presence of remarkable antibacterial activities against vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus feacium, carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae, carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii, and carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Given our observations and multiple bioactive functions of taurine (prevent patients from inflammation and oxidative-stress injuries), we anticipate that taurine matrix-induced silver ions would be a biomedical material with a high potential for combatting drug-resistant ESKAPE pathogens.

Assessment of heavy metals pollution in seawater and sediments in the Arabian Gulf, near Dammam, Saudi Arabia

Anthropogenic activities, urban and industrial wastewaters, and the usual disintegration of rock from physical, chemical, and biological stresses are the main cause of heavy metals in seawater and sediments worldwide. Five different sampling locations were selected after an initial survey of the Dammam region Seawater study area, and sediment samples were procured in triplicate from each location to assess the level of selected heavy metals pollutions in the Arabian Gulf, Dammam, Saudi Arabia. Be, Cr, Ni, Cu, As, Se, Ag, Cd, Pb, Hg, Co, Zn, Fe, Mn, Sr, and Mo were detected using “inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICP-MS).” The pH ranges from 7.91 ± 0.26–8.22 ± 0.38 in stations 4 and 3, respectively. Surface seawater's electrical conductivity values ranged from 71788 ± 28.52 to 75680 ± 42.92 µS/cm at stations 4 and 3. The minimum and maximum concentration of total dissolved solid was observed as 49524 ± 50.25 and 54786 ± 66.95 mgL-1 in sites 4 and 3, respectively. The level of these metals fluctuated among the sampling sites. The highest concentration of these heavy metals was recorded from sampling site 4 and minimum in location 1. The average level of these metals in water samples were recorded Sr > Cu > Se > Zn > As > Mn > Fe > Ni > Mo > Hg > Co > Cr > Ag > Cd > Pb and Be, respectively. The average level of these metals in sediment samples were recorded Fe > Sr > Ni > Mn > Cu > Cr > Zn > Pb > Ag > As > Mo > Co > Se > Hg > Be and Cd, respectively. It has been concluded that the concentration of As, Hg, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, and Sr was high, which is alarming, particularly in the Dammam area.

Understanding the Electrochemical Dissolution of IrO2 PEM Electrolyzer Anode Catalyst Using Online ICP-MS

The transition to a sustainable society largely relies upon the utilization of renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power.1,2 However, due to their intermittent availability, energy storage and conversion systems such as electrolyzers and fuel cells have become a crucial topic of research and development. Electrocatalysis efforts in low temperature, PEM-based electrolysis tend to focus on the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) since it is several orders of magnitude kinetically slower than its counterpart, the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). 3 In comparison to other OER catalysts, Ir-based metal oxides (IrOx)4-8 are regarded as the best PEM electrolyzer electrocatalysts as they are both active and, compared to alternatives, such as RE-based oxides, are relatively stable.9,10 However, even Ir-based electrocatalysts slowly undergo dissolution under the operating conditions of the electrolyzer anode. 11-12, 9 Considering the non-renewable and high-cost of Ir, understanding the kinetics and mechanism of its electrochemical dissolution is of vital importance to develop strategies targeting high activity, long-term stability, and limited metal dissolution in acidic media. Mechanistic studies of both OER and dissolution at the solid–liquid interface are more challenging, as they typically require detection of reaction intermediates with short lifetimes. A number of studies have shown possible routes for OER-activated Ir dissolution involve participartion of IrIII, IrIV, and IrV species.13 An electrochemical cell coupled to a highly sensitive analytical technique provides a platform for detection of reaction intermediates and may help to resolve the degradation pathway of Ir and its oxides and the correlation to the OER mechanism.This presentation will outline the dissolution of iridium oxide (IrO2) under various operating conditions. Studies are performed to quantify the amount of dissolved Ir during potentiodynamic conditions in an electrochemical flow cell system connected to an inductively-coupled plasma-mass spectrometer (ICP-MS) capable of detecting trace concentrations (<ppb) of dissolved elements in solution. The electrochemical data combined with the ICP-MS data are used to evaluate the influence of various factors such as potential, potentiodynamic profile parameters (e.g., scan rate, upper and lower potential limits) and catalyst type, on the dissolution processes in acidic electrolytes at room temperature. Fundamental models will be developed to explain the mechanisms of dissolution process under various potential conditions. Acknowledgements This work was supported by the U.S. Department of Energy, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technologies Office (HFTO) under the H2NEW Consortium. This work was authored in part by Argonne National Laboratory, a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science laboratory operated for DOE by UChicago Argonne, LLC under contract no. DE-AC02-06CH11357. References N. S. Lewis, D. G. Nocera, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci., 103, 15729 (2006).V. R. Stamenkovic, D. Strmcnik, P. P. Lopes, N. M. Markovic, Nat. Mater., 16, 57 (2017).S. M. Alia, B. Rasimick, C. Ngo, K. C. Neyerlin, S. S. Kocha, S. Pylypenko, H. Xu, B. S. Pivovar, J. Electrochem. Soc., 163, F3105 (2016).S. M. Alia, M. -A. Ha, G. C. Anderson, C. Ngo, S. Pylypenko, R. E. Larsen, J. Electrochem. Soc., 166, F1243 (2019).S. Cherevko, S. Geiger, O. Kasian, N. Kulyk, J. P. Grote, A. Savan, B. R. Shrestha, S. Merzlikin, B. Breitbach, A. Ludwig, et al., Catal. Today, 262, 170 (2016).Y. Lee, J. Suntivich, K. J. May, E. E. Perry, Y. Shao-Horn, J. Phys. Chem. Lett., 3, 399 (2012).D. F. Abbott, D. Lebedev, K. Waltar, M. Povia, M. Nachtegaal, E. Fabbri, C. Copéret, T. J. Schmidt, Chem. Mater., 28, 6591 (2016).H. N. Nong, T. Reier, H.-S. Oh, M. Gliech, P. Paciok, T. H. T. Vu, D. Teschner, M. Heggen, V. Petkov, R. Schlögl, et al., Nat. Catal. , 1, 841(2018).N. Danilovic, R. Subbaraman, K.-C. Chang, S. H. Chang, Y. J. Kang, J. Snyder, A. P. Paulikas, D. Strmcnik, Y.-T. Kim, and D. Myers, J. Phys.Chem. Lett., 5, 2474 (2014).T. Reier, M. Oezaslan, and P. Strasser, ACS Catalysis, 2, 1765 (2012).S. Cherevko, S. Geiger, O. Kasian, N. Kulyk, J.-P. Grote, A. Savan, B. R. Shrestha, S. Merzlikin, B. Breitbach, A. Ludwig, K. J. J. Mayrhofer, Catal. Today, 262, 170 (2016).O. Kasian, S. Geiger, P. Stock, G. Polymeros, B. Breitbach, A. Savan, A. Ludwig, S. Cherevko, K. J. J. Mayrhofer, J. Electrochem. Soc., 163, F3099 (2016).O. Kasian, J.-P. Grote, S. Geiger, S. Cherevko, and K.J.J. Mayrhofer, Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. , 57, 2488 (2018).

The associations between urinary metals and metal mixtures and kidney function in Chinese community-dwelling older adults with diabetes mellitus

BackgroundPrevious studies have found associations between single toxic metals, such as arsenic and cadmium, and kidney function in adults with diabetes. However, studies with regards to other metals and metal mixtures are still limited. ObjectiveOur study aimed to investigate the associations between urinary concentrations of 5 selected metals and metal mixtures and kidney function using a sample of older adults with diabetes mellitus in Chinese communities. MethodsIn a sample of older adults (n = 5186), 592 eligible subjects were included in this study. Urinary concentrations of 5 metals, i.e., arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), vanadium (V), cobalt (Co), and thallium (Tl), were measured by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICP-MS). Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was calculated and dichotomized into indicator of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Logistic analysis and Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) were used to explore the associations between single metals and metal mixtures and CKD, respectively. ResultsUrinary levels of As and V were positively correlated with CKD (OR=2.37, 95% CI: 1.31–4.30 for As; OR=2.24, 95% CI: 1.25–4.03 for V), when compared the 4th quartile with the 1st quartile. After adjustment for potential confounders, the significant association between As and CKD still existed (OR=2.73, 95% CI: 1.23–6.07). BKMR analyses showed strong linear positive associations between As and V and CKD. Higher urinary levels of the mixture were significantly associated with higher odds of CKD in a dose-response pattern. As and V showed the highest posterior inclusion probabilities. ConclusionUrine As and V were positively associated with CKD in older adults with diabetes mellitus, separately and in a mixture. The metals mixture showed a linear dose-response association with the odds of CKD. The analyses of mixtures, rather than of single metals, may provide a real-world perspective on the relationship between metals and kidney function.

Circulating trace elements for the prediction of preeclampsia and small for gestational age babies.

Poor gestational outcomes due to placental insufficiency can have lifelong consequences for mother and child. There is a need for better methods of diagnosis, and elemental metabolomics may provide a means to determine the risk of gestational disorders. This study used blood plasma samples collected at 36weeks' gestation from women who later developed preeclampsia (n = 38), or small-for-gestational age babies (n = 91), along with matched controls (n = 193). Multi-element analysis was conducted by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICP-MS), allowing simultaneous measurement of 28 elements. Women who later developed PE, exhibited significantly increased concentrations of K, Rb and Ba. For SGA pregnancies, there was a significant increase in Cu and a decrease in As concentrations. Despite significant differences in single elements, the elemental profile of groups indicated no clustering of control, PE, or SGA samples. Positive predicative values correctly identified approximately 60% of SGA and 70% of PE samples. This is the first-time elemental metabolomics has been used to predict SGA and PE at 36weeks. Though significant changes were identified, routine clinical use may be limited but may contribute to a multi marker test. Future analysis should include other biomarkers, metabolic data or clinical measurements made throughout gestation.

Characterization of thermoluminescence kinetic parameters of dolomite after exposure to β-radiation dose

Dolomite is a carbonate mineral of calcium and magnesium having the chemical formula CaMg(CO3)2. It is a reservoir for significant petroleum reserves and mainly used as building and ceramic material. Thermoluminescence (TL) emission of this mineral has been examined in the literature, especially collected from Egypt, India, and Brazil. In this study, the aim is to investigate TL properties of dolomite mineral which has a wide reserve in Mersin/Turkey. Structural, morphological, and elemental analyzes were performed by X-ray Diffraction (XRD) Spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscope equipped with Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectrometer (SEM-EDS), and Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer (ICP/MS), respectively. TL measurements were carried out using a TL/OSL reader with a90Sr/90Y beta source. The natural TL (NTL) curve of the sample showed two peaks at around 255 and 345 °C by the wideband blue filter whereas an additional peak at 115 °C was observed under the beta irradiation. In addition, at high doses from 50 Gy, a shoulder at around 402 °C occurred. The optimum annealing temperature and duration of the sample were determined as 500 °C and 30 min. In order to remove the low-temperature peak, a preheating process at 200 °C with 23 s duration was applied before each TL readout. TL response to absorbed dose showed good linearity over the 0.1–1200 Gy dose range and the sample was observed to be reusable with only 1.7% change up to 10 cycles under a dose of 100 Gy. The kinetic parameters (activation energy E (eV), frequency factor s (s−1), kinetic order b) of the evident glow peaks were estimated using Peak Shape (PS), Various Heating Rate (VHR), Initial Rise (IR), and Computerized Glow Curve Deconvolution (CGCD) methods. The kinetic analysis indicated that the TL glow curve of the preheated sample consists of four individual peaks having activation energies of ∼1.56, 1.60, 1.78, and 1.73 eV, and these peaks obey second and general-order kinetics.

Exposure and health risk assessment from consumption of Pb contaminated water in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Exposure to lead (Pb) through drinking water has been linked to adverse health outcomes. Children are particularly susceptible. This study was designed to measure Pb contamination level in drinking water of the Ethiopian city Addis Ababa and assess the associated health risks. Eighty-eight fully-flushed drinking water samples were collected from all ten sub-cities of Addis Ababa. Pb concentration was measured using an Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer (ICP-MS). The chronic daily intake (CDI), the hazard quotient (HQ), and the cancer risk (CR) of Pb were determined to assess exposure levels and health effects. Blood lead level (B–Pb) for children was modelled using the integrated exposure uptake biokinetic model (IEUBK). The mean concentration of Pb in the drinking water was 17.8 μg/l, where >50% of the samples exceeded WHO's 10 μg/l guideline. Significant spatial variation of Pb was noticed among sub-cities. The mean CDI was 1.43 and 0.59 μg/kg/day for children and adults, respectively. The HQ showed that 8% of children and 2.3% of adults exceeded the safe limit. The predicted geometric mean of B–Pb ranged from 3.23 to 14.65 μg/dl. The risk of a child having a B–Pb level >5 μg/dl at the median water Pb concentration (10.5 μg/l) was estimated at 13.4%. Based on the 95th percentile Pb concentration (75.1 μg/l), 89.6% of children would have B–Pb levels above the 5 μg/dl threshold. The estimated CR was found in the range of 1 × 10−7 to 9.9 × 10−5; hence cancer risks are not a concern. The study concluded that Addis Ababa's drinking water is likely to be a source of lead exposure where consumers at specific city locations are at risk of numerous non-cancer health effects. The impacts are expected to be severe in the Ethiopian context; hence further investigations and coordinated interventions are required.

Comparison of Serum, Plasma, and Liver Zinc Measurements by AAS, ICP-OES, and ICP-MS in Diverse Laboratory Settings

Progress improving zinc nutrition globally is slowed by limited understanding of population zinc status. This challenge is compounded when small differences in measurement can bias the determination of zinc deficiency rates. Our objective was to evaluate zinc analytical accuracy and precision among different instrument types and sample matrices using a standardized method. Participating laboratories analyzed zinc content of plasma, serum, liver samples, and controls, using a standardized method based on current practice. Instrument calibration and drift were evaluated using a zinc standard. Accuracy was evaluated by percent error vs. reference, and precision by coefficient of variation (CV). Seven laboratories in 4 countries running 9 instruments completed the exercise: 4 atomic absorbance spectrometers (AAS), 1 inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometer (ICP-OES), and 4 ICP mass spectrometers (ICP-MS). Calibration differed between individual instruments up to 18.9% (p < 0.001). Geometric mean (95% CI) percent error was 3.5% (2.3%, 5.2%) and CV was 2.1% (1.7%, 2.5%) overall. There were no significant differences in percent error or CV among instrument types (p = 0.91, p = 0.15, respectively). Among sample matrices, serum and plasma zinc measures had the highest CV: 4.8% (3.0%, 7.7%) and 3.9% (2.9%, 5.4%), respectively (p < 0.05). When using standardized materials and methods, similar zinc concentration values, accuracy, and precision were achieved using AAS, ICP-OES, or ICP-MS. However, method development is needed for improvement in serum and plasma zinc measurement precision. Differences in calibration among instruments demonstrate a need for harmonization among laboratories.

Aluminium occurrence in plant feed from Northwestern Italy

BackgroundAluminium (Al) is widespread in nature, but the main route of exposure for humans and animals is through food. Cereals and vegetables give and important contribute to dietary intake.This investigation focused on the occurrence aluminium in raw materials intended for animal consumption. In fact, Al is not included in the official monitoring programs, and little or no data are still available about its presence in feed or plant material. MethodsRice, wheat, corn, barley, rye, triticale, oats, and soy samples were collected in Northwestern Italy in an area characterized by clayey soil rich in aluminium silicates. Samples were subjected to homogenization and microwave acid digestion and Al was quantified by Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometer (ICP-MS). ResultsDifferent aluminium concentrations were found in the analyzed raw materials: soy (89 mg kg−1) > rye > rice > oat > triticale > barley > wheat > corn (2.9 mg kg−1). In this study, Al concentrations were found higher than those reported for same matrices in other UE and non-EU countries, especially in rice and soy. ConclusionsAl concentrations were related to the soil geological feature and to the physiological characteristics of the plant species. These two factors must be carefully considered for a reliable evaluation of aluminium exposure through feed and food.

Targeting HER2 protein in individual cells using ICP-MS detection and its potential as prognostic and predictive breast cancer biomarker

The human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) is a transmembrane protein that has become one of the most specific prognostic and predictive biomarker of breast cancer. Its early detection is key for optimizing the patient clinical outcome. This work is focused on the detection of HER2 in individual cells using an antibody containing lutetium (Lu) as reporter group that is monitored by introducing the individual cells into the inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICP-MS). This Lu-containing antibody probe is used to label different breast cancer cell lines considered HER2 negative (MDA-MB-231) and positive (SKBR-3 and BT-474). Optimizations regarding the amount of the probe necessary to ensure complete labelling reactions are conducted in the different cell models. Concentrations in the range of 0.006 fg Lu/cell and 0.030 fg Lu/cell could be found in the HER2 negative and HER2 positive cells, respectively. In addition, the selectivity of the labelling reaction is tested by using two different metal-containing antibody probes for HER2 (containing Lu) and for transferrin receptor 1 (containing Nd), respectively, within the same cell population. Finally, the methodology is applied to the targeting of HER2 positive cells in complex cell mixtures containing variable amounts of BT-474 and MDA-MB-231 cells. The obtained results showed the excellent capabilities of the proposed strategy to discriminate among cell populations. This finding could help for scoring HER2 positive tumors improving existing technologies.

Effect of Egg Shell Composition on the Flexural and Hardness Properties of Epoxy Resin/ Egg Shell Particles Composite

The effect of calcined egg shell particles on the mechanical properties of epoxy resin had been studied. The egg shell was sun dried for 3 days and calcined at 800oC in an electrically fired furnace model KGVB. The calcined egg shell was ground in a locally fabricated pulverized machine and sieved using Sieve Model 567924/173281Endecotts in accordance with ASTM standard. Microwave digestion system and an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICP-MS) were used to determine the chemical composition of the egg shell. The egg shell particles were mixed with epoxy resin to develop a composite casted by open mold casting. The flexural and hardness properties of the developed composite was determined using Universal Testing Machine model TUE-C-100, observing ASTM D790 standard and Rockwell Scale K hardness testing machine according to ASTM D785 respectively. The results showed that the calcined egg shell contained mostly CaO. Maximum flexural strength of 12MPa was observed at 25 wt. % egg shell particles. The highest hardness value of HRN 393 was observed at 20 wt. % egg shell particles. The produced composites may be applied where moderate strength is required.

Provenance study of the glazed tiles body in the Mingzhongdu site

AbstractIn order to define the provenance of the raw material of the glazed tile bodies excavated at the site of Mingzhongdu (Fengyang, China), X‐ray fluorescence spectrometry (XRF), X‐ray powder diffraction (XRD) and inductively coupled plasma‐mass spectrometer (ICP‐MS) were used. A comparative analysis was performed using glazed tiles excavated from the Qiaojianzi kiln in Fengyang (FQY), a kiln in Dangtu (DY), Nanjing Ming Palace (NMGG) and Dabaoensi in Nanjing (DEBS). The data suggest that the clay of the glazed tiles in Mingzhongdu came from the local area, while the others were from Dangtu and unknown areas. Clays are usually more or less refined, and minerals such as quartz, feldspar and mullite are often added. This study provides a direct basis for the material source of the glazed tile body in Mingzhongdu, and offers some useful data for further study of the firing system of glazed tiles in Mingzhongdu.

Strategic evaluation of limiting factors affecting algal growth – An approach to waste mitigation and carbon dioxide sequestration

This work outlines major critical physico-chemical parameters that play a key role in increasing the fixation of CO2 from coal-fired flue gas CO2 into green microalgae biomass. Nitrogen concentration, gas flow rate, initial medium pH, and incident light intensity were determined to be the most important process variables with significant impact on CO2 fixation. Therefore, NaNO3 (500–3000 mg L−1), pH (6.8–8.0), light (50–200 mol m−2 s−1) and aeration (0.1–1.0 vvm) were varied to assess the biological assimilation potential of CO2 from the flue gas. The parameters that resulted in maximal CO2 fixation from raw flue gas, resulting in a maximum biomass density of 3.1 g L−1, were NaNO3 = 1500 mg L−1, pH =7.2–7.5, incident light intensity = 133.33 mol m−2 s−1, and 0.5–0.75 vvm aeration without any cost-incurring flue gas pre-treatment step. The inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometer (ICP-MS) was used to investigate heavy metals uptake from raw flue gas, and it was discovered that no net intake of trace metals had a significant influence on biomass production. The research lays the path for efficient large-scale microalgal cultivations for industrial uses, as well as bolstering the circular economy concept.

Direct Uranium Isotopic Analysis of Swipe Surfaces by Microextraction-ICP-MS.

The ability to directly measure uranium isotope ratios on environmental swipes has been achieved through a solution-based microextraction process and represents a significant advancement toward the development of a rapid method to analyze international nuclear safeguard samples. Here, a microextraction probe is lowered and sealed onto the swipe surface, and analytes within the sampling site (∼8 mm2) are dissolved and extracted into a flowing solvent of 2% nitric acid (HNO3). The mobilized species are subsequently directed into an inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometer (ICP-MS) for accurate and precise isotope ratio determination. This work highlights the novelty of the sampling mechanism, particularly with the direct coupling of the microextraction probe to the ICP-MS and measurement of uranium isotope ratios. The preliminary method detection limit for the microextraction-ICP-MS method, utilizing a quadrupole-based MS, was determined to be ∼50 pg of 238U. Additionally, precise and accurate isotope ratio measurements were achieved on uranium reference materials for both the major (235U/238U) and minor (234U/238U and 236U/238U) ratios. While the present work is focused on directly measuring uranium isotopic systems on swipe surfaces for nuclear safeguards and verification applications, the benefits would extend across many applications in which direct solid sampling is sought for elemental and isotopic analysis.