Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrophotometer Research Articles

Deciphering the link: A cutting-edge exploration of the intriguing connection between recurrent pregnancy loss and rare earth elements-Lutetium, praseodymium, samarium, dysprosium, and cerium.

To evaluate the levels of serum rare earth elements (REEs): lutetium [Lu], praseodymium [Pr], samarium [Sm], dysprosium [Dy], and cerium [Ce] in pregnant women with recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) and evaluate their relationship with total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), a marker of DNA damage. A case-controlled study was conducted on a cohort of 60 female participants, with first-trimester healthy pregnant women as the control group and pregnant women with a history of consecutive abortions as the recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) group. Following blood collection, serum concentrations of Lu, Pr, Sm, Dy, and Ce were measured using an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrophotometer (ICP-MS). Oxidative stress and DNA damage were evaluated through TAC and DNA damage marker (8-OHdG). Serum levels of Lu, Pr, Sm, Dy, and Ce were higher in women with RPL compared with control (P < 0.001). Intriguingly, a strong significant negative correlation was observed between TAC and REEs (P < 0.05). Lu, Dy, and Ce demonstrated a significant positive correlation with increased DNA damage in the RPL group (P < 0.05). Contrary, there was no evidence of a correlation between 8-OHdG and Pr and Sm. The study highlights a potential association between Lu, Sm, Dy, and Ce and an increased risk of RPL, highlighting REE-induced toxicity as a major risk factor for RPL. The outcome of the study is to advance our understanding of the interplay between rare earth elements and RPL, with potential implications for reproductive medicine, environmental health, and the development of preventive strategies for individuals at risk of RPL.

Study of Bioaccumulation of Heavy Metals Mercury (Hg) and Tin (Sn) in Traditional Seaweed (Caulerpa racemosa) Cultivation in Brondong, Lamongan

Abstract Organisms such as Caulerpa racemosa seaweed, which play a pivotal role as primary producers in marine ecosystems, are particularly vulnerable to the deleterious effects of heavy metal exposure. Thus, comprehending the levels of heavy metals, in conjunction with parameters such as the bioconcentration factor (BCF) and geoaccumulation index (Igeo), pertaining to mercury (Hg) and lead (Pb) within the sediment and C. racemosa seaweed in Brondong, Lamongan is imperative for safeguarding the safety of seaweed-derived food products. Sampling of C. racemosa was conducted within traditional seawater ponds utilized for the cultivation of giant groupers, alongside other varieties of seaweed. The concentrations of heavy metals in various anatomical components of the seaweed (ramuli, stolons, rhizoids) and sediment were determined through spectrophotometric analysis utilizing Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrophotometer (ICP-MS). Laboratory analyses disclosed mercury (Hg) concentrations in C. racemosa ranging from 0.0212 ppm in rhizoids to 0.00437 ppm in ramuli, whereas tin (Sn) concentrations exhibited variability from 0.0392 ppm in rhizoids to 0.0390 ppm in ramuli. While mercury remained undetectable in sediment samples, moderate concentrations of tin were observed at approximately 2.10 ppm. The calculated bioconcentration factors (BCF) for tin in different segments of C. racemosa ranged from 0.0187 ppm to 0.0114 ppm, suggesting a low degree of bioaccumulation. Geoaccumulation index (Igeo) values spanned from -4.1876 to -4.2186 across distinct segments of C. racemosa, indicating marginal accumulation of heavy metals.

Bioaccumulation of Cadmium in Muscle and Liver Tissues of Juvenile Yellowfin Tuna (Thunnus albacares) from the Indian Ocean.

The present study evaluated the cadmium (Cd) levels and temporal variation of Cd in dark muscle, white muscle, and liver of juvenile Thunnus albacares. 72 individuals (Standard length: 50-67 cm; weight: 0.8-2.5 kg) were collected from Indian Oceanic water around Sri Lanka during the period between April 2021 to May 2022. Total Cd levels were analyzed using an Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrophotometer. The mean Cd levels (mean ± SD mg kg-1 dry weight) in different tissues varied with significantly higher levels in the liver (13.62 ± 0.98, p < 0.05), compared to dark muscle (0.52 ± 0.05), and white muscle (0.42 ± 0.04). Cd levels in liver tissues were positively correlated (p < 0.05) with the fish weight. The Cd levels reported in dark muscles, white muscles, and liver tissues were significantly higher (p < 0.05) during 2nd inter-monsoon than in the other monsoonal regimes and exceeded the maximum permissible level (0.1 mg kg-1 wet weight) set by the European Union (EU). However, the measured Cd levels in white and dark muscles were below the maximum permissible level (0.2 mg kg-1 wet weight) set by FAO/WHO. The Cd levels in all the liver tissues were above the levels set by the EU and FAO/WHO. Accordingly, people should avoid the consumption of liver tissues of T. albacares from the Indian Ocean. A human with a body weight of 60 kg can consume white muscles up to 4.667 kg per week without exceeding the Provisional Tolerable Weekly Intake.

Enhancing ergogenic performance and antioxidant benefits of red sugarcane juice through probiotic fermentation

The potential of red sugarcane as a functional probiotic drink was investigated, with a focus on determining its physicochemical, ergogenic, and antioxidant activities. Three different variants of Malaysian red sugarcane, namely Ragnar, Kapur, and Serai, were selected for analysis. The concentrations of electrolytes (Na, K, Ca, Mg, Zn, and Fe) in sugarcane juice were determined using an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrophotometer (ICP-MS), while the antioxidant activity and Vitamin C were assessed through colorimetric assays. Additionally, the functionality of the optimal variant, Ragnar, was enhanced by inoculating it with lactic acid bacteria (LAB) Lactobacillus plantarum ATCC8014 and Lactobacillus casei Shirota. High antioxidative properties (TPC: 71.63 mg GAE/mL, FRAP: 2.76 mmol TE/mL, DPPH EC50: 55.66 µg/mL, and Vitamin C: 0.72 mg/100 g) were observed in the Ragnar, which tends to exhibit an attractive blue-yellow hue. K exhibited the highest concentration in all samples (126.31 – 229.95 mg/mL), followed by Na, Mg, Fe, and Zn, which exceeded the commercial isotonic drink. The viability of LAB (above 107 CFU/mL) and the production of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) were satisfactory while reducing sugars were generally lower after the fermentation. The findings present red sugarcane as a potential natural source for the development of functional drinks.Graphical

Comprehensive risk assessment of metals in surface sediments of the Southern Black Sea coastal and transition waters

This study was carried out to determine metal levels accumulated in the sediments collected from the transitional and coastal waters of the southern Black Sea. Samples were taken from 32 stations in May and September 2018. The concentrations of elements were measured by an Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrophotometer (ICP-MS). Enrichment Factor (EF), Geo-accumulation Index (Igeo), Pollution Load Index (PLI), Contamination Factor (Cf), and Modified Degree of Contamination (mCd) were applied to the data for assessing the sediment quality. Associations between the variables were also revealed by factor analysis. Igeo of metals are obtained in coastal sediments only when Hg in May and Cr in September are classified as moderately polluted. PLIs exceeded one at stations in the industrial zone, indicating getting worse. It is necessary to prevent pollution from industrial, domestic, and agricultural sources and to control agricultural lands.

Metal levels in Sander lucioperca (Linnaeus, 1758) and their health risk assessment for consumers

AbstractThe current study was conducted to determine the residues of Zn, Fe, Cu, Cd, Hg, Pb, and As in the edible tissues of Sander lucioperca. Total of 20 fish individuals collected from Lake Balık, Samsun were analysed by using ICPMS (Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrophotometer). All metal values in the muscle of S. lucioperca were quite low. Fe is the highest concentration (4.07 mg/kg), whereas Cd had the lowest Cd (0.007 mg/kg). Therefore, it can be said that the bioaccumulation of metals in pike‐perch did not go over the acceptable limits established for these metals by national and international organisations. The hazard quotients (HQs) for individual elements and the hazard index (HI) were all &lt;1 in S. lucioperca, showing no danger by these chemicals when consumed by infants, children, and adults. The RIs for Pb were between 1.45 × 10−7 and 4.30 × 10−7, indicating their insignificant carcinogenic risks, whereas for As these values were between 2.78 × 10−5 and 1.06 × 10−4, indicating their tolerable or acceptable carcinogenic risks.

Determination Of Some Trace Elements In Some Lipstick Products By Inductive Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry

Cosmetics have been attracting the attention of humanity since it existed. Over the years, the reach of the cosmetics industry has increased exponentially. In recent years, cosmetic manufacturers have developed many formulations on cosmetic products that are brighter in color, more permanent and not easily affected by external factors. However, heavy metal powders are used while producing these formulations especially inside in dyestuffs and stabilizers. Cosmetic products can be absorbed through the skin and cause systemic toxicity. Hundreds of chemicals are used in many cosmetic products such as make-up products, shampoos, creams, aftershaves, and these chemicals may cause significant health problems. Thus, this study is designed to investigate the heavy metal content of lipstick samples which are used extensively by women. Determination of aluminum (Al), chromium (Cr), iron (Fe), nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), elements in 35 different lipstick samples (including 15 brands) were performed by Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrophotometer (ICP-MS) device. Before the analysis, two different solubilization methods, wet solubilization and dry ashing, were applied to the samples in order to take the metals in the lipstick samples into inorganic environment

Metal Levels in Trachurus mediterraneus ponticus Aleev, 1956 and Their Health Risk Appraisal For Consumers

This research was carried out to determine the levels of Cd, Hg, Pb, As, Al, Cu, Fe and Zn in the muscles of Trachurus mediterraneus ponticus. The fish samples were collected from the Samsun coasts of the Black Sea between September and December in both 2021 and 2022 and were analysed by using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrophotometer. The metal values in the muscle tissues of horse mackerel were below the permissible values. Zn has the higher mean concentration (5.475 mg/kg wet weight (w.w.)) followed by Fe (mean concentration of 3.887 mg/kg w.w.) and Cu (mean concentration of 0.178 mg/kg w.w.) The Cd was found at the lowest (0.0077 mg/kg w.w.) mean concentration followed by Hg (0.0096 mg/kg w.w.), Pb (0.0453 mg/kg w.w.), and Al (0. 1077 mg/kg w.w.). The target hazard quotients (THQs) for individual metals and the total target hazard quotients (TTHQs) were

Distribution pattern and ecological risk assessment of heavy metals and PAHs in sediments of the entrance of Musa estuary, Persian Gulf to establish desalination plant

Musa estuary is a critical channel in northwest of Persian Gulf. The aim of present study was to assess the distribution pattern and ecological risk of heavy metals and PAHs in sediments of this estuary to evaluate the possibility of the establishment of desalination plant in this area. To this end, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) and heavy metal pollution in surface sediments of Musa estuary from 12 stations was evaluated, and the potential sources of pollution and their ecological risks were investigated. The conductivity, temperature, and depth data from the sampling area were also reported. Twenty-two metals including aluminum (Al), Magnesium (Mg), Iron (Fe), Titanium (Ti), Manganese (Mn), Barium (Ba), Chromium (Cr), Vanadium (V), Nickel (Ni), Zirconium (Zr), Zinc (Zn), Copper (Cu), Lead (Pb), Arsenic (As), Cobalt (Co), Uranium (U), Caesium (Cs), Molybdenum (Mo), Beryllium (Be), Tin (Sn), Cadmium (Cd), and Thallium (Tl) were analyzed using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrophotometer (ICP-MS), and PAHs were determined by GC/MS instrument. Results indicated that most of the stations were moderately polluted regarding Cr and Ni. Average concentrations of As, Cr, and Ni in most of sediments were higher than their threshold effect levels throughout sampling area. Enrichment factor based on average element levels demonstrated that elements in studied area originated from natural sources. In addition, results indicated low to moderate PAH pollution levels in sediment samples; the source of pollution was estimated to be pyrolitic. In general, results demonstrated that PAHs and heavy metals pose no threat regarding adverse biological effects, and the studied area has enough potential for accepting development projects related to desalination plants.

Elemental Composition and Freezing Tolerance in High Arctic Fishes and Invertebrates

The elemental composition in different Arctic fishes and invertebrates was investigated using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrophotometer (ICPMS). Nineteen elements such as Arsenic (As), Barium (Ba), Bismuth (Bi), Cadmium (Cd), Cesium (Cs), Chromium (Cr), Cobalt (Co), Copper (Cu), Iron (Fe), Lead (Pb), Manganese (Mn), Nickel (Ni), Rubidium (Rb), Selinium (Se), Silver (Ag), Strontium (Sr), Uranium (U), Vanadium (V), and Zinc (Zn) were analyzed in six species of fishes (Anarhichas lupus, Gadus ogac, Gadus morhu, Gymnocanthus tricuspis, Liparis sp., Myoxocephalus scorpius) and four benthic invertebrates (Ophiura albida, O. Sarsii, Strongylocentrotus droebachiensis, Polychaete). Elemental data revealed that the invertebrates accumulate higher concentrations of elements than the fishes. The high concentration of elements including Sr, As, and Zn indicated anthropogenic contribution and may affect the fish community in the fragile ecosystem of the High Arctic. The movement of tourists and logistics must be regulated to prevent serious change in Svalbard. Most of the fishes have shown strong antifreeze protein (AFP) activity, and this potential helps fishes to survive in the cold Arctic environment. This is the first study of elemental concentrations and AFPs in fishes and benthic invertebrates filling the knowledge gap from the High Arctic.

Groundwater quality in awe and environs, middle benue trough, nigeria

Groundwater quality is an important thing to be determined; because it is commonly used as a source of clean water for domestic, agricultural and industry purposes. Fifty three groundwater samples (seventeen from wells, five from springs and thirty one from boreholes) were sampled for this research work. Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrophotometer (ICP-MS) was used to analyze for the major cations while titration was used for SO4 and HCO3. Cl was analyzed using the Ion Chromatographic Method (IC). From the results obtained, Total dissolved solids (TDS), Electrical conductivity (EC), and Strontium (Sr) classified the groundwater in the study area into three as fresh, brackish and saline water. The concentrations of major ions in all the fresh water and some of the brackish water in the study area met the World Health Organization (WHO) Standard for drinking water while the concentrations of the major ions in the saline water are above the WHO permissible values for drinking water. This indicates that the saline water from the study area are not good for domestic, agriculture and industrial uses. Four types of water are obtained from the groundwater based on Total Hardness (TH) as: 75 mg/l as soft; 75–150 mg/l as moderately hard; 150–300 mg/l as hard; and &gt;300 mg/l as very hard. Both extreme degrees of very soft (&lt;75 mg/l) and very hard (&gt;300 mg/l) are considered as undesirable features in water. About 90% of the groundwater in the study area are suitable for domestic, livestock and irrigation purposes but only about 51% of the groundwater samples can be used by industries without being treated.&#x0D;

Concentration and risk of contamination with trace elements in acipenserid and salmonid roe

Fish roe is among important components of human diet, but its elemental composition is rather poorly known. In this study we used inductively coupled plasma mass spectrophotometer (ICP-MS) to examine the content of As, Cd, Co, Cr, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb and Se in the roe of sturgeon, sea trout and rainbow trout. In addition, risk assessment for consumer health was conducted by the determination of estimated daily intake (EDI), target hazard quotient (THQ), hazard index (HI) and carcinogenic risk (CR). Overall, the elements formed the following sequence (mean values in μg kg−1): Se (1173) > Mn (785) > Ni (58.9) > As (27.6) > Mo (14.5) > Co (2.25) > Cr (1.31) > Pb (0.96) > Cd (0.41). The greatest concentrations of As, Co, Cr, Ni and Pb were recorded for the sturgeon roe, and the greatest Cd and Mo concentrations for the sea trout roe. The EDI values did not exceed permissible oral reference doses, the THQ were much below the permissible levels (THQ < 1), and the CR were at least within the permissible range (CR < 10−4). In conclusion, bioaccumulation of elements depended on the fish species, and for Cd, Co, Cr and Pb it was smaller than that observed in the roe of fish from other regions of the Earth. No risk for consumer health in terms of CR, THQ and HI values was detected in the examined roe. Assuming a small index of roe consumption, it can be concluded that its consumption should not pose a threat to human health.

The Estimation of Iron, Zinc, Phytic Acid Contents and Their Molar Ratios in Different Types of Bread and Rice Consumed in Halabja City, Iraqi Kurdistan

A total of 10 samples involving five bread and five rice types and five cooked rice were selected. The iron and Zn contents were analyzed using an Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrophotometer (ICP-MS), and phytic acid content was analyzed using a rapid colorimetric method using a spectrophotometer. Phytic acid to Fe and Zn molar ratios were also determined using their molar weight to determine the potential bioavailability of selected nutrients. A one-way ANOVA test was used to statistically analyze the means differences between the phytate and mineral contents between the bread and rice samples. The variation of Fe and Zn (mg kg-1) in the bread samples was 24.1-65.6 and 13.3-22.8, in row rice was 10.8 to 45.3 and 8.66-17.4, and in cooked rice was 10.0-45.2 and 6.03-15.5 respectively. The PA concentration in (g 100g-1) was 0.77-1.14 for bread, 0.61-1.10 for row rice, and 0.31-0.77 for cooked rice. And also, PA/Fe and PA/Zn ratios were 2.58-6.01 and 8.07-13.4 for bread, 0.25-1.35, and 39.7-110 for row rice, and 0.11-0.89 and 23.0-125 for cooked rice, respectively. The results indicated that soaking and cooking processes caused the reduction in the Fe, Zn, and PA concentrations by 22.4, 5.54, and 27.7 %, respectively. These results from PA/Fe and PA/Zn molar ratios show that Fe had moderate bioavailability while Zn had low bioavailability. The results may be valuable for generate cultivars of wheat and rice varieties with suitable concentrations of PA and micronutrients, which can lead to the improvement of micronutrient-rich cultivars to reduce malnutrition.

Even lobar deposition of poorly soluble gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) is similar to that of soluble silver nanoparticles (AgNPs)

BackgroundInformation on particle deposition, retention, and clearance is important when evaluating the risk of inhaled nanomaterials to human health. The revised Organization Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) inhalation toxicity test guidelines now require lung burden measurements of nanomaterials after rodent subacute and sub-chronic inhalation exposure (OECD 412, OECD 413) to inform on lung clearance behavior and translocation after exposure and during post-exposure observation (PEO). Lung burden measurements are particularly relevant when the testing chemical is a solid poorly soluble nanomaterial. Previously, the current authors showed that total retained lung burden of inhaled soluble silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) could be effectively measured using any individual lung lobe.Methods and resultsAccordingly, the current study investigated the evenness of deposition/retention of poorly soluble gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) after 1 and 5 days of inhalation exposure. Rats were exposed nose-only for 1 or 5 days (6 h/day) to an aerosol of 11 nm well-dispersed AuNPs. Thereafter, the five lung lobes were separated and the gold concentrations measured using an inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrophotometer (ICP-MS). The results showed no statistically significant difference in the AuNP deposition/retention among the different lung lobes in terms of the gold mass per gram of lung tissue.ConclusionsThus, it would seem that any rat lung lobe can be used for the lung burden analysis after short or long-term NP inhalation, while the other lobes can be used for collecting and analyzing the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and for the histopathological analysis. Therefore, combining the lung burden measurement, histopathological tissue preparation, and BALF assay from one rat can minimize the number of animals used and maximize the number of endpoints measured.

Evaluation of Geophagy Clay Capacity in Adsorbing Cd2+ and Pb2+ for Water Treatment in Southeast Nigeria.

Geophagy clay has been used in tropical regions as gastrointestinal protector for adsorbing toxins in human body, but it was rarely used in adsorbing heavy metals contaminants in water. This study determines elemental concentration of geophagy clay and evaluates its adsorptive capacity in removing Cd2+ and Pb2+ in water. Fifteen clay samples were randomly collected from three layers in the space of one meter apart from Amawom clay deposit in Ikwuano local government, Southeast Nigeria. Elemental analysis was carried out using the inductively coupled plasma mass spectrophotometer (ICP-MS), and chemical characterization was performed with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and X-ray diffractometer (XRD). The adsorptive capacity of Cd2+ and Pb2+ on the clay samples was evaluated using standard solutions of the metal ions. The result of the elemental analysis in mg/kg (Pb ≤ 12.4, Zn ≤ 2.75, Co ≤ 1.50, Ni ≤ 1.47, Mn ≤ 15.0, Cd = 0.01, Ca ≤ 300, Al ≤ 3466, Na ≤ 13.3, and Hg = 0.02; P ≤ 40.0) revealed that the concentrations of most of the studied metals in the three layers are statistically similar and fall below the permissible recommended safety levels. The presence of functional groups (hydroxyl, amine, and carboxylic/ester) and minerals (kaolinite, goethite, and quartz) provided evidence of the good adsorptive properties of the clay samples. The adsorption of Cd2+ and Pb2+ unto the clay samples increased with increase in pH, concentration, time, and temperature, and the equilibrium data for the adsorption fitted well into Langmuir isotherm. The study, therefore, concluded that geophagy clay possesses the capacity to adsorb Cd2+ and Pb2+ for water treatment.

Determination of mineral concentrations in stem and seed of Juncus acutus

The objective of this study was to determine micro and macro mineral concentrations in stem and seed of Juncus acutus for ruminant nutrition. The samples of Juncus acutus stem and seed were randomly collected from Kizilirmak Delta, Samsun, Turkey. Micro and macro mineral concentrations of samples were analyzed by using an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrophotometer (ICP-MS) and ion chromatography (IC) methods, respectively. Differences between mean concentrations of B, Al, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn and Se in stem and seed of Juncus acutus samples were significant (P&amp;lt;0.05). The mean values of Al, Cr, Fe, Co, Ni and Se for stem of Juncus acutus were higher than values for seed of Juncus acutus but, the mean values of Mn, Cu and Zn for seed of Juncus acutus were higher than stem of Juncus acutus (P&amp;lt;0.05). The concentrations of Na, K and Ca in stem were higher than seed of Juncus acutus. On the other hand, the concentration of Mg for seed of Juncus acutus were higher than stem of Juncus acutus (P&amp;lt;0.05). In conclusion, the obtained results show that stem and seed of Juncus acutus may be a good source to meet the micro and macro mineral requirements of ruminant animals. Besides, the seeds of Juncus acutus may also provide micro and macro minerals to birds in wetlands.

Trace elements in Endectyon fruticosa collected from a sewage outfall site, Therespuram, Tuticorin coast, India

Gulf of Mannar biosphere reserve extends from Rameswaram to Tuticorin coast supporting a large biodiversity of marine organisms especially corals and sponges. During recent past, Tuticorin has become a major recipient of contaminants from both domestic and industries surrounding the coast. The sewage outfall site located close to the sea which is directly dumping its effluents into the open sea has resulted in the significant enrichment of trace elements (TEs). Samples of seawater and Endectyon fruticosa were collected at three different stations (S1, S2 and S3) along a gradient of distance from sewage outfall site, and the six TEs Pb (lead), Mn (manganese), Ba (Barium), V (vanadium), Mo (molybdenum) and Sb (antimony) were measured in seawater and tissues of E. fruticosa using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrophotometer (ICP-MS). Station S1 close to the sewage outfall site has shown high concentration of Pb, Mn, Ba, V, Mo and Sb when compared to far regions (S2 and S3). The decreasing order of accumulation of TEs in both seawater and E. fruticosa was same order of magnitude in all the collected three stations (S1, S2 and S3) Pb > Mn > Ba > V > Mo > Sb. The concentration of TEs in seawater and E. fruticosa were relatively more near the sewage outfall site when compared to the other far regions. Thus, E. fruticosa can be used as an effective biomonitor to evaluate the concentration of TEs from point source (S1) to far regions (S2 and S3).

Edible Spruce (Morchella esculenta), Accumulator of Toxic Elements in the Environment

Abstract In this study we examined the dried fruiting bodies of Morchella esculenta, collected in the area of the coal and biomass based thermal power plant in Vojany from the nearby Bahoň marsh, in the Slovak Republic. The area is characterized by a high environmental burden, especially because of air pollutant emissions from the power plant operation. Twenty-three (23) chemical elements were found in the dried fruiting bodies after microwave-assisted sample preparation using an Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrophotometer ICP-MS AGILENT 7500c system. The mercury content was determined employing a special AMA 254 apparatus intended for the determination of Hg directly in dry powdered fruiting bodies without microwave digestion. The content of toxic elements expressed in mg.kg−1 DW (dry weight) were as follows: Hg 0.048—0.052 (RSD—Relative Standard Deviation = 4.80 %); Cd 4.543—6.169 (RSD = 3.35 %); Pb 0.261—0.291 (RSD = 2.67 %); As 0.455—0.469 (RSD = 5.79 %); Cr 1.585—1.616 (RSD = 2.33 %); and Ni 8.166—9.276 (RSD = 3.03 %). The contents of cadmium, nickel and mercury exceeded the hygiene limits, while the contents of arsenic and lead approached the hygiene limits. Due to the high levels of toxic elements, the fruiting bodies collected in the location are not suitable for culinary purposes. The mushroom Morchella esculenta acts as an accumulator of toxic elements from the environment in which it grows and can be considered as an indicator of environmental pollution.

Development of water quality index of ex-mining ponds in Malaysia

In this paper, a study on the development of water quality index of ex-mining ponds was carried out for proper assessment and utilization of the abundant ex-mining ponds in Malaysia. Heavy metals were analyzed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrophotometer (ICPMS), and physico chemical parameters were analyzed in-situ. Chemometric analysis was successfully applied for the parameter selection process. The water quality index of existing Malaysian river did not accommodate the toxic metal pollutants that dominanted in ex-mining water. The acceptable index should therefore incorporate the metal pollutants in order to evaluate the quality status of ex-mining water for human consumption which is the major point of consideration. Two water quality indices were developed to assess the water quality status of ex-mining ponds with reference to Malaysia’s water quality standard (INWQS). The heavy metal index was comprised of contribution from Pb, As, and Cd as the selected metals, while the physico-chemical parameter index has BOD, pH, DO, and AN. Chemometric analysis revealed the dominance of the selected heavy metals in ex-mining water, and physico-chemical parameters were important in water quality monitoring. Heavy metal water quality index revealed that most ex-mining ponds in Klang Valley were classified to be very poor hence could not be used for human consumption. Due to domestic input in some of the lakes in Klang Valley, the physico-chemical water quality index was in very poor status as well. In Melaka and Negeri Sembilan, ex-mining ponds and lakes were classified as excellent in both indices.

Lobar evenness of deposition/retention in rat lungs of inhaled silver nanoparticles: an approach for reducing animal use while maximizing endpoints

BackgroundInformation on particle deposition, retention and clearance are important for the evaluation of the risk of inhaled nanomaterials to human health. Recent revised OECD inhalation toxicity test guidelines require to evaluate the lung burden of nanomaterials after rodent subacute and subchronic inhalation exposure (OECD 412, OECD 413). These revised test guidelines require additional post-exposure observation (PEO) periods that include lung burden measurements that can inform on lung clearance behavior and translocation. The latter being particularly relevant when the testing chemical is a solid poorly soluble nanomaterial. Therefore, in the spirit of 3 R’s, we investigated whether measurement of retained lung burden of inhaled nanoparticles (NPs) in individual lung lobes is sufficient to determine retained lung burden in the total lung. If it is possible to use only one lobe, it will reduce animal use and maximize the number of endpoints evaluated.ResultsTo achieve these goals, rats were exposed nose-only for 1 or 5 days (6 h/day) to an aerosol of 20 nm well-dispersed silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), which is the desired particle diameter resulting in maximum deposition in the pulmonary region when inhaled as singlets. After exposure, the five lung lobes were separated and silver concentration was measured using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrophotometer (ICP-MS). The results showed that the retention of deposited silver nanoparticle in the different lung lobes did not show any statistically significant difference among lung lobes in terms of silver mass per gram lung lobe. This novel finding of evenness of retention/deposition of inhaled 20 nm NPs in rats for all five lobes in terms of mass per unit tissue weight contrasts with earlier studies reporting greater apical lobe deposition of inhaled micro-particles in rodents. The difference is most likely due to preferred and efficient deposition of inhaled NPs by diffusion vs. additional deposition by sedimentation and impaction for micron-sized particles.ConclusionAgNPs following acute inhalation by rats are evenly retained in each lung lobe in terms of mass per unit lung tissue weight. Accordingly, we suggest sampling any of the rat lung lobes for lung burden analysis can be used to determine deposited or retained total lung burden after short-term inhalation of NPs and using the other lobes for collecting and analyzing bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and for histopathological analysis. Therefore, by combining lung burden measurement, histopathological tissue preparation, and BALF assay in the same rat will reduce the number of animals used and maximize the number of endpoints measured.