Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry Research Articles

Intake and excretion of cadmium of Japanese adult

ObjectiveIt is the aim of this study if the recent Cd intake and excretion is consistent with the regression equation proposed by Ikeda et al. (Environ. Health Prev. Med. 20 (2015) 455–459) which utilized intake/excretion data of 3 decades ago MethodMatched duplicate diet and spot urine samples were collected in 2017–2019 from 150 Japanese adults (85 females and 65 males, mean age being 44.9) for the estimation of daily Cd intake and urinary excretion. Cd concentration in diet and urine was measured by ICP mass spectrometry. ResultGeometric mean (geometric standard deviation) of Cd intake was 12.1 (1.67) μg/person/day or 0.206 (1.66) μg/kg body wt./day. Urinary Cd concentration was 0.54 (2.6) μg/g creatinine or 0.67 μg/L (2.3) (gravimetric correction). These were lower than those reported previously for Japanese populations. Urinary concentration was significantly higher in females than in males for both creatinine and gravimetric corrections. Dietary intake was higher in males than in females but this difference diminished after body weight correction. There was no significant correlation between Cd intake and urinary concentration on individual basis, which was expected because urinary Cd concentration reflects Cd body burden but not recent intake level. Meanwhile, the geometric mean intake and urine concentration was consistent with the regression equation proposed by Ikeda et al., which was based on intake and excretion surveys for 30 non-exposed Japanese female populations. ConclusionThis result supported that the regression equation of Ikeda et al. could be used for conversion of urinary Cd excretion level of a population to intake level.

Evaluation of Exchangeable Potassium Concentration in Sri Lankan Rice Paddy Soils with ICP-MS Using CaCl2 Extraction

ABSTRACT With the advancement of analytical techniques, multi-element extraction and detection have been developed. Universal extractans like CaCl2 and detection technologies like inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) could facilitate simultaneous analysis of multiple-elements, and would be useful in commercial scale soil analytical laboratories. The type of extractant and detection method could influence the concentration of exchangeable potassium (ex-K) determined in different soils. This study evaluated the effectiveness of 0.01 M CaCl2 as a multi-element extractant (CC) and ICP-MS and flame photometry (FP) as detection technologies when determining ex-K in soils. The widely used protocol for Sri Lankan soils, i.e. 1 M ammonium acetate (AA) as an extractant and FP as detection method, was used as the control for comparison of results. Altogether, 1,250 soil samples representing rice-growing regions in Sri Lanka were used. Soils were grouped under 16 categories based on soil type. Ex-K varied widely (26 to 1376 mg kg−1 from AA-FP method). Ex-K determined using three methods were in the order of AA-FP>CC-FP >CC-ICP-MS. On average, the values obtained from CC-FP and CC-ICP-MS methods were 53% and 24%, respectively, of those from AA-FP. Soil type-dependent variation in the detection of K using three methods was evident. In the 16 soil categories, coefficient of determination (R2) ranged from 0.23 to 0.86 for AA-FP and CC-ICP-MS, and from 0.05 to 0.70 for AA-FP and CC-FP. As a result, soil ex-K determined using CC-FP and CC-ICP-MS methods cannot be related to the results generated through AA-FP method across different soil types.

Comparative analysis of element and hormone content in zygotic embryos of Pinus elliottii and P. elliottii × P. caribaea

Somatic embryogenesis is a crucial method for achieving clonal forestry in conifers. Understanding the development of zygotic embryos is essential not only for enhancing the efficiency and quality of somatic embryogenesis, but also for advancing forestry breeding programs. This study investigated dynamic changes of element and hormone contents during ZE development of Pinus elliottii and its hybrid P. elliottii × P. caribaea. Significant differences in embryo development speed among different clones were observed. Elemental analysis was conducted using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and identified 68 elements, including major, minor, and beneficial elements. In both species, the contents of potassium (K), calcium (Ca), iron (Fe), boron (B) and five beneficial elements decreased during early ZE development, while phosphorus (P) and copper (Cu) increased. Significantly higher levels of K, Ca and Fe at the initial stage, and sulfur (S) and nickel (Ni) decreased at later stages were detected in P. elliottii than in the hybrid. For the other elements, except for very few significant differences at certain stages, most differences between the two species did not reach a significant level. The contents of endogenous hormones were determined and different accumulation patterns were detected in most hormones between the two species, except abscisic acid (ABA) which simultaneously decreased with developments by stage 8. Significant differences were found in indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) contents at most stages between species, while higher levels of total cytokinin (CK) at each stage were detected in the hybrid in comparison with those in P. elliottii. As a result, lower IAA to CK ratios in the hybrid than in P. elliottii. Methyl jasmonate (JA-me) and gibberellin A3 (GA3) contents showed a similar pattern and exhibited an M-shaped fluctuation in the hybrid. Furthermore, JA-me, GA3, gibberellin A4 (GA4) and brassinolide (BR) showed significantly higher levels in the hybrid than in P. elliottii. K-means clustering and correlation analyses were used to explore relationships between elements and hormones during embryo development, revealing complex interplay in both species. These data indicate different requirement in element and hormone contents for embryogenesis and suggest species-specific media composition for each step in somatic embryogenesis. The findings provide insights into their developmental processes and informing future research and applications in somatic embryogenesis and forestry breeding.

The Petrogenesis and Geological Implications of the Sanggeda Gabbros, Southern Tibet: Insights from the Amphibole Crystal Population

Amphibole is an important mineral during the differentiation of arc magmas but rarely as a phenocryst in arc lavas or eruptive pyroclastic rocks. The Sanggeda complex, intruded into the ophiolite of the Indus–Yarlung Zangbo Suture Zone (IYZSZ), Zedong, southern Tibet, mainly consists of amphibole-rich, fine-grained, and porphyritic gabbros. The complex provides an opportunity to study the differentiation of arc magmas through amphibole crystals. Four distinct amphibole crystal populations can be recognized according to petrographic observations, EMPA, and LA–ICP–MS analysis. The first ones (Type 1) are fined-grained and euhedral, are crystallized during ascent, and are the product of the shallow emplacement of host magma. The second ones (Type 2) are euhedral, with slight negative Eu and Sr anomalies, and crystallize from an evolved magma that previously experienced plagioclase fractionation. Type 3 amphiboles have similar morphological characteristics to Type 2 but are without Eu and Sr anomalies. Type 4 crystals are shown as pseudomorphs, formed by the reaction–replacement between the clinopyroxene and melt. Type 1 crystals are autocrysts. Other amphiboles within host magma, whether presented as phenocrysts or cumulate nodules, are antecrysts. Based on the amphibole crystal population developed in the complex, in this study, a trans-crustal magma plumbing system is proposed, containing at least three magma reservoirs located at different crust depths: the shallow emplaced crust (~4.8 km), the mid-crust (~12.9 km), and the lower crust (~21.8–24.9 km). Early amphibole crystallization is an effective process to generate silicic residual melts. Gravity could help in that sense. Precursor amphibole and clinopyroxene can efficiently delaminate back into the mantle and promote the generation of silicic continental crust.

Metal ion levels after metal-on-metal hip resurfacing: A single-center longitudinal study of Chinese patients.

This study aimed to investigate the long-term serum metal ion levels of patients who received metal-on-metal hip resurfacing arthroplasty (MoM HRA). We conducted a retrospective study of 99 patients (110 hips) from March 2006 to May 2017 who underwent MoM HRA. The Harris Hip Score (HHS) and the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) activity score were measured, and the patients underwent clinical and radiological management. Serum levels of cobalt (Co), chromium (Cr), and molybdenum (Mo) were measured using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICPMS) at 1, 6, and 12 months, and each year follow-up after prosthesis implantation. Patients were followed up from 1 to 156 months, with a mean of 98 months. No complications occurred. Metal ion analysis revealed significantly elevated levels compared to preoperative levels. The metal ions levels increased and reached a peak after surgery, and then the levels began to decline gradually. Approximately 84-108 months after surgery, the metal ion levels increased again to approximately peak levels. Then, up to 156 months after surgery, the metal ions levels will drop approximately to preoperative levels. The serum levels of Cr in women were higher than those in men, with the difference being statistically significant. Patients with a body mass index (BMI) of ≥24.9 kg/m2 Co levels were significantly higher than those of normal-weight patients. The serum levels of metal ions showed no significant differences between the prostheses. The use of the MoM HRA was clinically effective, and the Co, Cr, and Mo levels increased significantly after HRA; however, upon long-term follow-up, serum metal ion levels tended to decrease to preoperative levels. Longer follow-up periods and larger study samples are needed to establish the long-term outcome of patients undergoing HRA with MoM bearings. Level IV, Therapeutic Study.

Sausage meat product enriched by jida

The development strategy aimed at creating the independence of the use of our raw materials by domestic meat producers is currently achieving the following goals: building modern production facilities and introducing new primary and processing technologies; expanding the assortment of meat products. The scientific research works carried out during the development of technology for the production of meat products by replacing a certain amount of beef or chicken with vegetable raw materials are important. Production of meat products based on these raw materials allows effective use of local raw materials, production of functional products and expansion of the range of meat products. The purpose of the study is to consider the features of the production technology of sausage meat product enriched with jida. The article presents the processing of the meat product production technology by enriching its composition with raw materials of vegetable origin - jida powder and the analysis of the mineral content of the finished product. The research work was carried out at the "Food Engineering" department of the M. Auezov South Kazakhstan University and at the "Construction and Biochemical Materials" regional test laboratory of engineering profile. Raster electron microscope (REM) and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) methods were used to determine the amount of mineral substances in meat products - sausage. The specialty of this work is the technology of product production using vegetable raw materials to enrich the content of meat products - sausages with minerals. Vegetable raw material - jida powder, by using it in the production of functional meat products, enriches the mineral content of meat products, and also by replacing a small part of meat raw materials, contributes to increasing the yield of the product. Jida powder is a vegetable raw material that is soluble in cold water and rich in dietary fiber, vitamin C, flavonoids and organic acids and does not cause losses in the production of food product. Jida powder production technology consists of: cleaning berries from dust and impuri[1]ties (passing them through a sorting fan); crushing (optimal duration of berry crushing in the IV-1 crusher τ= 52-65 sec, rotation speed of the working body 12000 rpm); drying (dry in the sun for fruits with a high sugar content).

Chemical classification of spherules recovered from the Pacific Ocean site of the CNEOS 2014-01-08 (IM1) bolide

We have conducted an extensive towed-magnetic-sled survey during the period of June 14–28, 2023, over the seafloor about 85 km north of Manus Island, Papua New Guinea, centered around the calculated path of the bolide CNEOS 2014-01-08 (IM1). We found about 850 spherules of diameter 0.1–1.3 mm in our samples. The samples were analyzed by micro-XRF, Electron Probe Microanalyzer and ICP Mass spectrometry. Here we report major and trace element compositions of the samples and classify spherules based on that analysis. We identified 78 % of the spherules as primitive, in that their compositions have not been affected by planetary differentiation. We divided these into four groups, three of which correspond to previously described cosmic spherule types. Spherules in the fourth group, comprising 22 % of the collection, appear to all reflect planetary igneous differentiation and are all different from previously described spherules. We call them D-type spherules. At least five of the D-type spherules are suggested to be terrestrial in origin, although many spherules exhibit elemental ratios that are distinct from known planetary bodies and their origins are undetermined. A subset of the D-spherules show an excess of Be, La and U, by up to three orders of magnitude relative to the solar system standard of CI chondrites. Detailed mass spectrometry of 12 of these “BeLaU”-type spherules, the population of which may constitute up to ∼10 % of our entire collected sample, suggests that they are derived from material formed by planetary igneous fractionation. Their chemical composition is unlike any known solar system material. We compare these compositions to known differentiated bodies in the solar system and find them similar to those of evolved planetary materials–with lunar KREEP the closest in terms of its trace element enrichment pattern, but unusual in terms of their elevated CI-normalized incompatible elements. The “BeLaU”-type spherules reflect a highly differentiated, extremely evolved composition of an unknown source.

Investigation of radioactivity and heavy metal levels in soil samples from neutral and vegetation land of Punjab, India.

In this work, radioactivity investigations of soil samples from neutral and agricultural sites in Punjab (India) have been carried out to study the impact of land use patterns. Analyzing soil samples radiological, mineralogical, and physicochemical attributes has employed state-of-the-art techniques. The mean activity concentration of 238U/226Ra, 232Th, 40K, 235U, and 137Cs, measured using a carbon fiber endcap p-type HPGe detector, in neutral land was observed as 58.03, 83.95, 445.18, 2.83, and 1.16Bqkg-1, respectively. However, in vegetation land, it was found to be 40.07, 64.68, 596.74, 2.26, and 1.90Bqkg-1, respectively. In the detailed activity analysis, radium equivalent (Raeq) radioactivity is in the safe prescribed limit of 370Bqkg-1 for all investigated soil samples. However, the dosimetric investigations revealed that the outdoor absorbed gamma dose rate (96.08 nGy h-1) and consequent annual effective dose rate (0.12mSv y-1) for neutral land and the gamma dose rate (82.46 nGy h-1) and subsequent annual effective dose rate (0.10mSv y-1) for vegetation land marginally exceeded the global average. The soil's physicochemical parameters (pH, EC, and porosity) from both sites were measured, and their correlations with radionuclides were analyzed. Various heavy metals of health concern, namely, chromium (Cr), arsenic (As), copper (Cu), cobalt (Co), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), selenium (Se), and zinc (Zn), were also evaluated in soil samples using Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectroscopy (ICP-MS). Pollution Load Index (PLI) and Ecological Risk Index (RI) revealed that vegetation land was more anthropogenically contaminated than neutral land, with maximum contamination from Hg and As.

Enhancing wound healing with zinc and silver nanocomposites synthesized with β-lactoglobulin: antimicrobial properties, collagen deposition, and systemic effects in a C57BL/6J mouse model

This study explores the potential of zinc and silver nanocomposites, synthesized with β-lactoglobulin, a whey protein, in promoting wound healing, using the C57BL/6J mouse model. Our research is distinct in its dual focus: assessing the antimicrobial efficacy of these nanocomposites and their impact on wound healing processes. The antimicrobial properties were investigated through minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) assessments and colony-forming unit (CFU) tests, providing insights into their effectiveness against wound-associated microorganisms. Notably, the formulation's effective antibacterial concentration did not exhibit toxicity to mouse fibroblasts. A key aspect of our methodology involved the use of a stereoscopic microscope for detailed monitoring of the wound closure process. Additionally, the distribution and potential systemic effects of the zinc and silver ions were analyzed using Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). This analysis was crucial in evaluating metal ion absorption through the wound site and estimating any toxic effects on the body. Our findings are particularly significant in the field of regenerative medicine. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed that the tested nanocomposites notably enhanced collagen deposition, a vital component in the wound healing process. Furthermore, a reduction in glycogen levels in hepatocytes was observed following treatment with these metal-protein dressings. This novel finding warrants further investigation. Overall, our findings highlight the diverse roles of zinc and silver nanocomposites in wound healing. This study not only contributes to our understanding of metal-protein complexes in tissue regeneration but also opens new avenues for research into the delivery mechanisms of such treatments for hard-to-heal wounds.

The concentrations of microelements in forest mushrooms are influenced by soil pH and C/N ratio and less by stand characteristics

The fruitbodies or sporocarps formed by mushrooms can accumulate mineral elements, such as selenium, zinc or copper, making them an important source of micronutrients essential to humans. However, the literature about environmental factors affecting mineral composition in mushrooms is scarce and limited to the ambiguous impact of soil properties and region. In our study, we investigated the effects of tree stand characteristics (tree species and tree canopy cover), understory cover, and soil properties (pH and C/N ratio of the soil) on the concentration of minerals in six edible mushroom species: Laccaria laccata, L. proxima, L. amethystina, Lepista nuda, Lycoperdon perlatum, and Calvatia excipuliformis, collected on 20 plots covered by stands of different tree species composition and varying in the understory cover. We estimated the concentration of eight elements (Zn, Se, Mg, Mn, Cu, Co, Cr, Mo) using the ICP-MS (Inductively Coupled Plasma - Mass Spectrometry) technique and compared their concentration between the plots, using ordination and linear regression methods. Our research revealed that mushroom species identity, including its ecological role and phylogenetic affinity, had the greatest effect on the mineral composition of mushrooms. The effect of environmental factors depended also on the micronutrient identity. Some elements were not affected at all (Co, Cr), some only by soil reaction or C/N ratio (Mn, Mg, Cu), while others were influenced by both tree stand characteristics and soil properties (Se, Zn, Mo). This knowledge enables us to maximize the content of minerals in harvested mushrooms by collecting them in specific areas. For example, mushrooms, which are sources of Se and Zn, can be gathered in coniferous forests characterized by acid soils, low canopy cover, and minimal understory cover. This targeted collection approach can effectively increase the mineral content in harvested mushrooms, thereby enhancing their health benefits.

The Continued Presence of Antibiotic-resistant Bacteria and Heavy Metals at one of the World’s Most Important Green Turtles’ Nesting Location, Ras al-Jinz Reserve, Oman

Environmental contamination of marine habitats is a global concern, especially in areas that are crucial for endangered species’ life cycles. To gain a comprehensive understanding of environmental contamination, analyzing various biotic and abiotic components of ecosystems is necessary. Situated in the Arabian Peninsula, Ras al-Jinz Reserve serves as an invaluable nesting site for green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas). There, the prevalence of antibiotic-resistant microbial strains and heavy metals was assessed by collecting samples from diverse components of this ecosystem, including sand from turtle nests, dead turtle hatchlings, fresh turtle eggs, oviductal fluids from nestling turtles, turtle carapace smears, live crabs, and seawater. Microbial fauna was identified using a MALDI-TOF Biotyper. The concentration of heavy metals was measured by an inductively-coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Among the isolated bacterial strains, 70 heterotrophic species belonging to eleven genera were identified, with over 46% of isolates belonging to the Pseudomonas species. More than 85% of isolates displayed antibiotic resistance but had negligible resistance to chloride. Of the 23 heavy metals assessed, Titanium and, in lesser measure Vanadium, were found in the highest concentrations, reaching up to 12 µg g-1. While such concentrations might not be immediately alarming, they are significant enough to warrant attention due to the potential health and environmental impacts. These results obtained over a decade after the last monitoring in the Reserve provide compelling evidence of the persistent presence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Additionally, the study confirms the prevalence of heavy metals, the sources of which remain unknown but are likely from anthropogenic sources. It is crucial to implement measures that mitigate sea turtles’ exposure to contaminants in Ras al-Jinz Reserve. Regular monitoring efforts are required to assess the emergence of discernible contamination trends in this critically important area. Keywords: Chelonian conservation; Environmental contamination assessment; Microbial contamination; Biological reserve; Coastal pollution.

Universally Applicable Methods for Comprehensive Risk Assessment of Elemental Impurities in Vitamin A and D Preparations

Background: Vitamin A and D deficiency in children is a common public health problem. In China, almost all children are administered vitamin A and D preparations daily and over the long term. Children are sensitive to elemental impurities, including heavy metals. However, there are no regulatory requirements or reports on the risk assessment of elemental impurities in marketed vitamin A and D preparations. Objective: The aim of this study was to propose an accurate and efficient method suitable for samples from different manufacturers to detect elemental impurities and conduct risk assessments according to the ICH Q3D guidelines. Methods: We developed a universally applicable digestion method for capsules and an ICP–MS method for quantitative analysis of 28 elemental impurities in vitamin A and D formulations. These methods were validated according to the USP 233 guidelines. Elemental impurities in 15 batches of vitamin A and D products from 10 manufacturers and their capsule shells were determined, and risk assessment was conducted according to the International Council for Harmonization Q3D guidelines. Results: All elemental impurities of toxicological concern met the Q3D requirements. However, the concentrations of various elements, including those of lead (not detected to 4.1 µg/g), arsenic (not detected to 7 µg/g), aluminum (not detected to 888 µg/g), and palladium (not detected to 36 µg/g), varied markedly. Moreover, the lead content in one batch from one manufacturer exceeded the control threshold. Conclusion: In this study, we successfully developed an effective digestion method for processing capsules containing samples from different sources and a sensitive ICP–MS method for quantitative determination of 28 elemental impurities in vitamin A and D preparations. ICP–MS should be implemented for the evaluation and control of elemental impurities in vitamin A and D preparations. This will ensure safe long-term vitamin A and D supplementation in children

Advancing environmental remediation through tailored TiO2 nanomaterials in water and air purification

This study investigates the green synthesis of TiO2 nanoparticles at varying concentrations (0 %, 0.1 %, 2.5 %, 5 %, and 10 %) using Viola betonicifolia plant extract, focusing on their application in environmental purification, specifically in water and air decontamination. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis confirmed the anatase crystal structure of TiO2 nanoparticles, with an average crystallite size of approximately 22 nm. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed a median diameter of around 22 nm, corroborating the findings from XRD. The effectiveness of these TiO2 nanomaterials was evaluated through bench-scale models simulating real-world conditions, targeting a broad range of pollutants, including heavy metals, organic dyes, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and microbial pathogens. Advanced analytical techniques such as High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), and microbial plate count methods quantified the pollutant removal efficiency, demonstrating the significant potential of the synthesized TiO2 nanoparticles. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) analysis showed a mean hydrodynamic diameter of 22 nm and a polydispersity index (PDI) below 0.1, indicating a uniform size distribution. The FTIR spectrum revealed a broad absorption band at 3400 cm−1, corresponding to O–H stretching vibrations, indicative of hydroxyl groups crucial for the photocatalytic activity of TiO2. The UV–visible spectroscopy indicated a maximum absorption at 642 nm, associated with the п-п* transition. Photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue under UV irradiation achieved a degradation efficiency of 94 % after 120 min, underscoring the superior efficiency of the green synthesis method.

Influence of municipal waste treated sludge on the quality attributes of African marigold (Tagetes erecta)

Using treated sludge to amend soil in agriculture presents opportunities and challenges, particularly concerning the augmentation of heavy metals in cultivated plants. This research looks into how applying treated sludge affects the buildup of heavy metals in African marigold (Tagetes erecta), a popular ornamental plant that could potentially help with phytoremediation. Several treatment combinations were imposed, out of which treated sludge at 2.5 t/ha showed promising results. The effect of incorporating treated sludge was found to be better in terms of using conventional manures like Farm Yard Manure and Vermicompost in quantitative terms. The sludge processed at the treatment plant underwent strict treatment procedures, resulting in odourless material that can be used as an organic amendment with nutrients. Heavy metal concentrations in plant tissues were analyzed using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICPMS) to assess the uptake and accumulation of heavy metals by African marigolds. Results indicated that treated sludge application did not significantly influence the accumulation and bioavailability of heavy metals in African marigolds. The treated sludge helped plants grow better and absorb nutrients; it did not cause higher levels of harmful heavy metals like cadmium and lead in the plants. The levels of heavy metals found were lower than what is considered unsafe for plants. In addition, treated sludge can serve as a soil conditioner to enhance the physicochemical properties of the soil.

Combined effect of magmatic fluid–seawater mixing and host rock alteration on the formation of gold-enriched massive sulfides in the Forecast vent field, southern Mariana Trough

Massive sulfides and sulfide-bearing breccia were collected from the Forecast vent field in the southern Mariana Trough. These samples exhibit varying degrees of hydrothermal alteration and/or mineralization, with the former type having significant enrichments in Au (up to 101 ppm). In this study, detailed analyses of mineralogy, geochemistry, S isotope, and fluid inclusion were conducted to understand the unusual Au-rich mineralization. Mineralogical investigations and geochemical analyses (LA–ICP–MS and EPMA) of dominant sulfide minerals indicate that electrums, the main phase of Au mineralization, are characterized by two different generations based on mineralogical relationships and fineness. Early-stage high fineness electrums (930–981 ‰) are associated with sphalerite under relatively high-temperature fluid conditions, whereas galena is main host mineral related to late-stage low fineness electrums (773–868 ‰). Sphalerite geothermometry (231–264 °C), the occurrence of colloform textured sulfides, and microthermometric characteristics of fluid inclusions (Th = 220–304 °C; Salinity = 1.4–6.6 wt% NaCl equivalent; a general trend of decreasing salinity with decreasing Th) indicate that significant decreases in H2S activity, attributed to seawater dilution and rapid precipitation of sulfide minerals, facilitated the efficient destabilization and deposition of Au transported as sulfide complexes from hydrothermal fluids. In particular, the lower 34S values (+0.2 ‰ to + 1.3 ‰) of sulfides compared to those of arc/back-arc lavas (δ34S = +5‰ to + 11 ‰), along with the prevalence of CO2 in the vapor phase of fluid inclusions, reflect that the significant contribution of magmatic volatile influx supplied most of the sulfur and metals (including Au) to the Forecast hydrothermal fluids. Additionally, the abundance of montmorillonite and varying proportions of sulfide and gangue minerals observed in hydrothermal samples suggest that the chemical buffering of fluids by associated substrates and/or sediments could be another significant factor in promoting Au-rich mineralization. Therefore we conclude that the combination of magmatic fluid–seawater mixing and host rock alteration plays an important role in the formation of Au-enriched massive sulfides in the Forecast vent field.

Chemometric classification of Vietnamese green tea (Camellia sinensis) varieties and origins using elemental profiling and FTIR spectroscopy

SummaryThe objective of this study was to employ multi‐elemental analysis and chemometric multivariate data analysis for identifying the geographical origin of Camellia sinensis cultivated in Vietnam's northeastern region. Ninety‐two tea leaf samples encompassing four distinct varieties were sourced from Bac Can and Thai Nguyen provinces. These samples underwent analysis through Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and chemometrics, while elemental quantification was achieved via inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP‐MS), utilising mixed standards for 26 elements. The FTIR spectra exhibited characteristic peaks, denoting the functional groups of the potential compounds present. ICP/MS analysis identified the presence of 14 elements in the tea samples, revealing significant variations in content across the four varieties. principal component analysis (PCA) of the FTIR data illustrated that the initial two principal components accounted for 91.26% of the total variance, effectively segregating the four green tea varieties into distinct clusters. Conversely, PCA of the ICP‐MS spectra also distinguished the four varieties, albeit Trung Du and Hybrid F1 exhibited a proximate distribution. This closeness may be incidental and not indicative of correlation, considering the limited variable set. Our findings ascertain that ICP/MS and FTIR, augmented by chemometric software, serve as efficacious tools for ascertaining the geographical origins of tea.

Be aware of the effect of electrode activation and morphology on its performance in gas diffusion electrode setups

The superior performance enhancement in catalyst research for proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFC) revealed in the model rotating disc electrode (RDE) environment is rarely demonstrated in membrane electrode assemblies (MEA). The discrepancy is typically attributed to the difference in the chemical structure and morphology of the catalyst layer (CL), affecting the transport of reactants of the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). In this study, the gas diffusion electrode (GDE) half-cell setup is used to focus on crucial aspects of CL development, especially on the activation and morphology of CLs, to gain a fundamental understanding of the development of PEMFCs. Adjusting the CL porosity by using different solvent compositions of water and isopropyl alcohol and implementing an activation method for low platinum content catalysts, we focus on understanding the contributions of macro-porosity and hydrophobicity in a liquid electrolyte-based system. We show that macro-porosity significantly influences the O2 mass transport in the CL, demonstrating increased performance with higher porosities. Coupling inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) with the GDE half-cell setup, we propose a method for qualitative estimation of water content in the CL. Lower macro-porosity shows higher platinum dissolution, attributed to improved mass transport of dissolved ions in aqueous media.

Analytical Investigation of Phthalates and Heavy Metals in Edible Ice from Vending Machines Connected to the Italian Water Supply.

Edible ice is often produced by special machines that can represent a source of significant chemical and microbiological contamination. In this work, the presence of phthalic acid esters (phthalates, PAEs) and heavy metals in ice cubes distributed by 77 vending machines installed in two different zones in southern Italy and fed by water from the public water supply was investigated. Solid-phase microextraction coupled to gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (SPME-GC/MS) was used to evaluate contamination with four PAEs, which were selected because they are commonly used in the production of food-contact plastics, while inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP/MS) was used to quantify the heavy metals. It was found that ice samples, especially those from one of the two considered zones (zone 2), exceeded the dibutyl phthalate (DBP) threshold limit value; some ice cubes from the other zone (zone 1) instead showed levels of both lead (Pb) and nickel (Ni) up to one order of magnitude higher than those observed in samples collected in zone 2 and higher than the maximum permitted values (European Directive n. 2184/2020). Since the water source connected to the ice vending machines was found to be free from significant levels of all considered target compounds and metals, the high levels of DBP, Ni, and Pb in ice cubes could be attributed to the components and/or to the state of repair of the ice vending machines themselves.

Understanding physiological, elemental distribution and bioaccumulation responses of crustose and foliose lichens in the vicinity of coal-based thermal power plant, Raebareli, Uttar Pradesh, India

Environmental pollution, especially from coal-based thermal power plants, poses significant risks to human respiratory health and the environment. This study evaluates the diversity of lichens in the areas. Physiological and bioaccumulation responses of two crustose lichens (Bacidia incongruens and Rindoina sophodes) and one foliose lichen (Pyxine cocoes) in the vicinity of the Feroz Gandhi Unchahar National Thermal Power Corporation, Raebareli, Uttar Pradesh, India were also assessed. These lichens, exposed to emissions including fly ash, greenhouse gases, metals, and particulate matter were analyzed for metal accumulation and physiological responses. Changes in physiological parameters and metal profiles concerning distance from the coal-based thermal power plant to the outskirts were analyzed for B. incongruens, R. sophodes and P. cocoes by utilizing Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). The study identified 18 lichen species from 12 genera and 10 families in the area, with Pyxine sorediata newly recorded in Uttar Pradesh. The dominant species, B. incongruens, P. cocoes, and R. sophodes, preferred substrates like Mangifera indica, Acacia nilotica, and Azadirachta indica bark. Physiological analyses revealed variations in pigment concentrations, with significant differences in chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, total chlorophyll, carotenoids, and chlorophyll degradation, while protein content remained stable. Metal accumulation studies showed nine metals with distinct patterns, B. incongruens had higher concentrations in the west (52730.61 µg g-1) and P. cocoes in the east (23628.32 µg g-1). Correlation analyses indicated significant relationships between paired elements, suggesting specific sources of environmental contamination. This research highlights the significance of integrating physiological and environmental factors to understand lichen responses to coal based thermal power plant.

Thiol-functionalized MOF modified 3D printed monolithic microextraction array for analysis of trace Cd and Pb in human urine

Controlling the position, size, and shape of pores is a limitation of traditional monolithic preparation methods. The application of 3D printing technology offers high customizability, allowing the precise printing of pore positions, sizes, and shapes according to the designer's 3D model. Herein, by using Projection Microstereolithography (PμSL), we prepared a 3D-printed monolithic array with post-modification of thiol-functionalized metal-organic framework (MOF), and combined it with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) for the online analysis of trace Cd and Pb in human urine. To achieve array monolithic microextraction, six 3D-printed monolithic columns were modified with thiol-functionalized MOF-808 (MOF-808-SH), and were then assembled in the 3D printed extraction device incorporating gas valve and scaffold. The MOF-808-SH modified 3D-printed monolithic column exhibits excellent extraction performance to Cd2+ and Pb2+ due to rich active adsorption sites and hierarchical porous structure, and has long life span (>100 reused times). Under the optimized conditions, the limits of detection (LODs) are 3.5 and 17.6 ng L−1 for Cd2+ and Pb2+, respectively, with the relative standard deviations of 4.9 % and 8.2 % (0.1 μg L−1, n = 7), and the sample throughput is 11 h−1. To validate the accuracy of the method, the method was used to determine Cd and Pb in Certified Reference Materials of freeze-dried human urine, the determined results agree well with the certified values. This method was also successfully applied to the determination of trace Cd and Pb in real human urine samples. The developed method offers low LODs, robust anti-interference capability, high sample throughput, long reuse cycles, and automation analysis, showing great potential for the analysis of trace heavy metals in biological samples.