Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry Research Articles

Monitoring and Assessment of Heavy Metal Concentrations in Two Black Fish Species, Capoeta saadii (Heckel, 1847) and Capoeta trutta (Heckel, 1843), in Western Iran.

Contamination of aquatic ecosystems with heavy metals poses a significant global issue due to its hazardous effects and persistent accumulation in living organisms. This study analyzed 51 fish samples from two species of Black Fish, Capoeta saadii and Capoeta trutta, collected from Iran's Khorramroud River during the summer and fall of 2022 to assess heavy metal accumulation in their gill, liver, and muscle tissues. After biometry, the studied tissues of each fish were isolated to measure the concentration of heavy metals (cadmium (Cd), zinc (Zn), chromium (Cr), lead (Pb), copper (Cu), and nickel (Ni)). The tissue concentration of the studied metals was obtained by measuring in the inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) device after chemical digestion. Based on the results of this study, muscle and liver tissues had the lowest and highest accumulation of heavy metals, respectively, with zinc concentration in the liver of C. saadii reaching 118.557 mg/kg, which exceeds the permissible limit of 75 mg/kg. Also, there was no significant correlation between the amount of absorption of heavy elements and the biometric indicators of body weight and length. Although C. saadii accumulated higher levels of Zn, Cu, Cd, and Cr than C. trutta, statistical analysis (ANOVA and PCA) revealed no significant differences in heavy metal accumulation between the two species (P > 0.05). Comparisons with international standards indicated that chromium (2.10-9.97 mg/kg) and zinc concentrations (41.72-118.557 mg/kg) exceeded permissible limits, while Ni, Cu, Pb, and Cr levels remained below the allowable thresholds. These findings underscore the need for strategic planning, management, and continuous environmental monitoring to mitigate heavy metal pollution in aquatic ecosystems and safeguard the health of fish populations in the Khorramroud River.

Guanine-Assisted Contrived Low Pt-Integrated Mo2C/C for Hydrogen Evolution Reaction.

Due to the high cost of the available Pt electrocatalysts, the large-scale water electrolysis production of hydrogen has been hindered. Hydrogen generation via electrochemical water splitting is a renewable energy essential to a sustainable society, creating a distinct material interface that shows Pt-like properties with long-term stability crucial to hydrogen evolution reactions (HERs). Here, we synthesized the guanine-assisted facile synthesis of 1 wt % Pt/Mo2C/C having a layered type morphology via solid state calcined process followed by chemical reduction. The well-developed 1 wt % Pt/Mo2C/C heterostructure is analyzed by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) to understand the percentage of Pt doped on Mo2C/C. The as-synthesized 1 wt % Pt/Mo2C/C heterostructure exhibits a better HER activity than a commercial Pt/C with a small overpotential of 19 mV to reach a current density at 10 mA cm-2 with a Tafel slope of 28 mV/dec. The catalyst 1 wt % Pt/Mo2C/C shows a long-term stability of 42 h in 0.5 M H2SO4. The layered sheet structure with the N-doped carbon (C) nanosheet, encapsulating well-dispersed Pt within the layers, significantly enhances the reaction kinetics of the 1 wt % Pt/Mo2C/C. This design creates a synergistic effect among Mo2C, Pt, and the carbon matrix, improving catalytic performance. Theoretical calculations using the density functional theory (DFT) indicate the active sites for hydrogen evolution on Pt-integrated Mo2C/C. The 1 wt % Pt/Mo2C/C possessed a significantly reduced ΔGH* value (-0.06 eV) as compared to the pristine Mo2C/C material (ΔGH* = 0.34 eV), suggesting a higher catalytic activity. This simple method offers a fresh means to make clearly defined carbides and sheds light on creating low-Pt catalysts for a scalable HER.

Interactions Between Toxic Metals and Serum Micronutrient Level in Auto-mechanics in Ibadan Metropolis, Nigeria: a Pilot study.

Auto-mechanics who often work without safety measures are vulnerable to the harmful effects of toxic metals like lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd). These toxic metals exert their deleterious effect by interacting with the micronutrients at their primary site of action. This study aimed to investigate the effects of toxic metal exposure on serum micronutrient levels of auto-mechanics in Nigeria. This case-control study involves 60 participants aged 18 to 45years. The control group consists of 30 healthy male staff of University College Hospital Ibadan, Nigeria. The test group consists of 30 male auto-mechanics recruited from their workshops in the Bodija and Olodo areas of Ibadan, Nigeria. Blood lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), plasma iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), selenium (Se), manganese (Mn), magnesium (Mg), and calcium (Ca) were quantified by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) method. Results show that systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP and DBP) and plasma levels of Pb and Cd were significantly higher in the auto-mechanic group when compared with control, while there were significantly lower levels of micronutrients: Fe, Zn, Mn, and Se when compared with control (p < 0.05). The plasma levels of Ca and Mg were not statistically different in the two groups. Also, there was a significant negative relationship between Cd and Zn (r = - 0.38, p = 0.001), a weak positive relationship (r = 0.46, p = 0.001) between Pb and SBP, and a weak non-significant negative relationship between Pb and Se (r = 0.4, p = 0.11) in the auto-mechanics. The chronic exposure to Pb and Cd in auto-mechanics is associated with elevated blood pressure and reduced micronutrients levels which can impact negatively on their health.

Concentration of metals in water around roads: a case study in Southern Brazil

Roads can be sources of pollutants that can affect the environment. By exceeding the carrying capacity of the environment, metallic elements become a source of environmental pollution as they present themselves as substances with harmful and bioaccumulative properties. This study aimed to analyze the effects of proximity to roads on the occurrence and concentration of metallic elements in water. The study was conducted near the RS-135 highway in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Southern Brazil. The water samples were collected in three environments with different influence of surface water runoff: (a) in water bodies near the RS-135 highway (six sampling points), (b) in water bodies in the agricultural systems around the RS-135 (three sampling points), and (c) in water bodies within the Sertão Municipal Natural Park (SMNP, three sampling points)). Two water samples were collected at each site, the first in October and the second in December 2022. The estimation of the presence and concentration of metal elements was carried out using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). Of the thirteen elements analyzed, eight metallic elements were detected: Al, Ca, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na and Zn. Three elements (Ca, Mg and Na) showed higher concentrations near the highway. Al, Fe and Mn were detected in concentrations above the limit considered environmentally acceptable for type II lentic water in Brazil. Our study shows that proximity to roads can increase the concentration of dissolved metals in surface waters, which can lead to pollution of the surrounding waters.

Enhancing elemental release and antibacterial properties of resin-based dental sealants with calcium phosphate, bioactive glass, and polylysine

BackgroundThis study aimed to develop ion-releasing and antibacterial resin-based dental sealants comprising 3 to 6 wt% monocalcium phosphate monohydrate (MCPM, M), 3 to 6 wt% bioactive glass (BAG, B), and 3 to 6 wt% polylysine (PLS, P). The physical properties, mechanical performance, cytotoxicity, and inhibition of S. mutans biofilm by these materials were subsequently evaluated.MethodsFive experimental dental sealants were formulated as follows: F1 (M6B6P6), F2 (M6B6P3), F3 (M3B3P6), F4 (M3B3P3), and F5 (M0B0P0, serving as the control). ClinproXT (CP, 3 M, Saint Paul, MN, USA) was used for commercial comparison. The degree of monomer conversion (DC) was determined using attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (n = 5). The biaxial flexural strength (n = 6) and Vickers surface microhardness (n = 5) of the materials were evaluated after a 24-hour immersion in water. The element release over 4 weeks was measured using inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) (n = 3). The cell viability of mouse fibrosarcoma cells exposed to the extract was assessed via an MTT assay (n = 3). Additionally, the inhibition of S. mutans biofilm was tested (n = 3). Statistical analysis was conducted using one-way ANOVA and the Tukey HSD test.ResultsThe lowest DC among experimental sealants was obtained from F1 (66 ± 4%), which was significantly higher than CP (54 ± 2%, p < 0.001). The lowest biaxial flexural strength was obtained from F3 (131 ± 47 MPa). This was comparable to that of CP (140 ± 58 MPa, p = 0.992). The lowest surface microhardness among experimental materials was detected with F2 (19 ± 2 Vickers hardness number), which was higher than that of CP (12 ± 1 Vickers hardness number, p = 0.003). Furthermore, high cell viability of > 90% after exposure to extracts from the experimental materials was detected, which was similar to that observed with CP. Additionally, the experimental materials exhibited higher Ca and P release compared to CP and showed a potential trend for reducing S. mutans biofilm formation. Increasing additive concentrations exhibited minimal effects on material properties, except for enhanced elemental release and a slight reduction in BFM with higher PLS content.ConclusionThe experimental sealants provided sufficient physical and mechanical strength and maintained cell viability and bacterial inhibition with higher elemental release than the commercial product.

Evaluating the Nutritional and Safety Aspects of Pyracantha coccinea: Antioxidant Activity, Mineral, and Heavy Metal Content

In this study, the fruits of Pyracantha coccinea, known for their ornamental and medicinal properties, were analysed to evaluate their antioxidant capacity, mineral content, and heavy metal concentrations. The antioxidant potential of Pyracantha coccinea was determined using DPPH, CUPRAC, and ABTS tests. Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES), Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS), and Gerthard Dumatherm techniques were used to determine the mineral and nutrient composition of the plant. As a result of the evaluation, calcium (0.25±0.02%), protein (4.29±0.47%), potassium (0.39±0.01%), magnesium (0.197±0.01%), sodium (0.08±0.01%), iron (0.012µg/g DW), aluminium (138±9.6 µg/g DW), cobalt (0.541±0.11 µg/g DW), chromium (0.422±0.05 µg/g DW), manganese (20±1.7 µg/g DW), zinc (43.9±4.6 µg/g DW), % DPPH (76.92±0.48) % ABTS value (77.52±0.39) and CUPRAC values (0.771±0.045 for 100ppm) were determined. In particular, the high levels of chromium (Cr) and zinc (Zn) in the fruits exceed the thresholds considered safe for medicinal applications and suggest that the heavy metal content in plants for medicinal use should be critically evaluated within acceptable limits. This study aims to explore the nutritional value and safety of Pyracantha coccinea by examining its antioxidant properties, mineral content, and potential heavy metal contamination. The findings will help shed light on its potential benefits and risks, offering valuable insight for its use in health, nutrition, and environmental applications.

EFFECTS OF LIGHT AT DIFFERENT DISTANCES AND POWER ON WHEAT (Triticum aestivum L.) AND BARLEY (Hordeum vulgare L.) GROWTH

Global population growth increases the need for efficient methods of maintaining a stable food supply. Light is one of the most important influences on plant growth and development. Artificial lighting elements used in agricultural applications have different effects on plants. This study analyzed the effects of metal halide (MH) lamps with a wavelength of 450 nm, at distances of 1, 1.5, and 2.5 m, on barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) and wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) growth. Growing occurred in light magnification rooms without daylight, using 250, 400, and 600 W MH lamps as the only light source. Plants exposed to light for 13–14 h a day were harvested after 18 days. After harvest, the amount of electrolyte leakage, chlorophyll, carotenoid, and B, Cu, Mn, Zn, K, and Ca intake were determined using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES). The data were analyzed with the SPSS 22 Statistical Package program. Wheat and barley grown at different light distances and intensities showed statistically significant changes in mineral element uptake and plant chlorophyll levels. This research contributes to the optimization of agricultural productivity and the understanding of the interaction between light quality and other environmental parameters.

Comparison of different characterization approaches for monoelemental calibration solutions at two national metrology institutes.

Monoelemental calibration solutions are the most common reference in elemental analysis, linking measurement results to the International System of Units (SI). National Metrology Institutes (NMI) prepare these solutions as certified reference materials (CRM) and determine their elemental mass fraction with high accuracy. Characterization with high accuracy is one of the most critical steps in CRM production. This report compares the approaches taken by the NMIs of Türkiye (TÜBİTAK-UME) and Colombia (INM(CO)) in preparing and characterizing cadmium calibration solutions with a nominal value of 1 g kg-1. Each NMI produced CRMs using an independent batch of cadmium calibration solution and assigned mass fraction values to both their own solutions and those of the other NMIs. TÜBİTAK-UME employed a primary difference method (PDM) to assess the purity of a cadmium metal standard, quantifying all possible impurities using a combination of instrumental analytical techniques. The defined purity standard was used for both the gravimetric preparation of the CRM and the calibration of high-performance inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) measurements. On the other hand, INM(CO) used gravimetric titration with EDTA to assay cadmium in the CRM solutions. The EDTA salt was previously characterized by titrimetry. Despite the fundamentally different measurement methods and independent metrological traceability paths to the SI, the measurement results exhibited excellent agreement within the stated uncertainties. This comparative analysis demonstrates the effectiveness of varied characterization approaches and underscores the reliability of the cadmium calibration solutions prepared by TÜBİTAK-UME and INM(CO). This collaborative effort highlights the reliability and adaptability of various measurement techniques in fulfilling rigorous metrological standards for elemental calibration solutions. Furthermore, this approach enhances the robustness of the measurements in the field of elemental analysis and contributes traceability to the SI.

Chlorophyll and Magnesium Content of Papaya Leaves Extract (&lt;em&gt;Carica Papaya&lt;/em&gt; L.) at Various Extraction Times

Purpose: This research is to determine the suitable extraction time required to obtain extracts with the highest contents of chlorophyll and magnesium.Research Method: Papaya leaves extracted by maceration method with acetone as a solvent, 4 groups with 6 levels of extraction time treatment. Chlorophyll contents were analyzed using the Arnon equation, magnesium contents were analyzed using Inductively Coupled Plasma-Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES), and the energy gap was analyzed for the highest chlorophyll contents by touch plot method.Findings: 48 hours extraction treatment showed the highest chlorophyll and magnesium content, resulting in an average content of 13.272 mg/L for total chlorophyll, 11.380 mg/L for chlorophyll a, 1.881 mg/L for chlorophyll b and 934.771 mg/kg of magnesium content. The direct energy gap and indirect energy gap of the highest extract are respectively obtained at 2.428 eV and 2.442 eV.Originality/Value: Based on the obtained results, it was concluded that papaya leaf extraction for 48 hours produced the highest chlorophyll and magnesium contents, which can be used as a natural dye sensitizer for renewable energy Dye-Sensitized Solar cells

Otolith chemistry suggests population heterogeneity within a genetically homogeneous Indian scad population along Indian coast

The Indian scad, Decapterus russelli is one of the most exploited pelagic resources of India. Population genetic analyses using mitochondrial and nuclear markers indicated a lack of genetic structuring among populations from Indian waters. As this species is highly migratory, it is also important to establish the environmental influence on its population structure. In the present study, the whole sagittal otolith composition was analysed using Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES) to assess spatial distribution of D. russelli collected from 4 sites along the Indian coast. Elemental ratios (Ba/Ca, Fe/Ca, K/Ca, Mg/Ca, Na/Ca, Sr/Ca and Zn/Ca) were analysed using univariate and multivariate statistics to determine whether this chemical signature can provide insight into the adaptive patterns. All element/Ca ratios are found to be significantly different between the four sampling locations (ANOVA, p < 0.05; MANOVA, p < 0.05). Five of the element/Ca ratios were found to be significantly different when the data was analysed coastwise (ANOVA, p < 0.05; MANOVA, p < 0.05). The LDA plot also showed the spatial heterogeneity of Element/Ca ratios between the four sampling sites, but some overlaps were also observed, reflecting the migratory ability of the species. This basic information on spatial ecology is required for formulating effective management and conservation strategies for the species.

Preliminary studies for the standardization of a pXRF analyzer via ICP-OES for the accurate quantification of Pb in new paint.

Determining lead (Pb) concentrations in new paints using spectroscopic methods such as Inductively Coupled Plasma-Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES) requires technical expertise, consumables, equipment for method preparation, and instrumentation that can be cost prohibitive and difficult to maintain in low and middle-income countries (LMICs). Although portable X-ray Fluorescence (pXRF) analyzers are less expensive and simple to operate, their inaccuracy has limited their use to screening for the analysis of Pb in new, dried paint. To determine the limits of pXRF analyzers, new paint samples were purchased, dried, homogenized, and analyzed via pXRF and ICP-OES. Pb concentrations determined via pXRF were ∼27% lower than those determined by ICP-OES. Interestingly, the concentrations determined by both methods exhibited a strong linear correlation. The resulting equations were used to calibrate an individual pXRF analyzer, improving the accuracy of the pXRF result to within ±4.4% of verified concentrations of two certified reference materials. Additionally, eleven new paint samples from Benin and Türkiye were analyzed via pXRF, and their calculated concentrations were similar within ±10% of concentrations as verified by ICP-OES. This method requires no acid digestion or dilutions and provides an alternative method for the determination of Pb in new paint in LMICs.

Field experiment on the uptake of lead, strontium, cobalt, and nickel in the wood and bark of spruce (Picea abies L.) and Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii Mirb.)

Human activities have significantly altered the availability and circulation of pollutants, impacting their concentrations in the environment. This pollution notably affects trees. In this study, we conducted two separate experiments (I and II) to investigate the uptake of lead, strontium, cobalt, and nickel in spruce (Picea abies L.) and Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii Mirb.) seedlings. These seedlings were exposed to elevated levels of these metals by adding them to the soil. Our field experiments provide insights into metal accumulation in natural environments. We measured concentrations of these elements, along with manganese and zinc, in the soil, wood, and bark using Inductively Coupled Plasma-Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES). The results showed increased levels of the added metals in the wood and bark of both tree species. Notably, there was a significant increase in lead and nickel concentrations in Douglas-fir wood. The lead concentration in Douglas-fir wood was 7 and 4 times higher in experiments I and II, respectively, compared to the control group of seedlings, while the nickel concentration was 18 and 10 times higher. These findings suggest that Douglas-fir wood has potential for phytostabilization of lead and nickel based on trace element concentrations and transfer factors.

A comprehensive analysis of the impact of arsenic, fluoride, and nitrate-nitrite dynamics on groundwater quality and its health implications.

Groundwater contamination is a growing global concern. The objective of the present study is to assess the groundwater quality of Khairpur district, Sindh, Pakistan-a region which is emblematic of broad environmental and public health challenges prevalent in South Asian countries. The study also aims to comprehend the impact of arsenic (As), fluoride (F-), and nitrate (NO3-) dynamics and its health implications. Additionally, this work is vital in shaping the policies of higher authorities to take actions regarding public health. The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) methods and modern analytical techniques, such as Inductively Coupled Plasma - Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES), Ion Chromatography (IC), and UV-Vis Spectrophotometry were employed to analyze a series of groundwater samples (n = 50), taken from various locations of Khairpur district. Present study reveals a high occurrence of arsenic (As) with mean concentrations of 26.05 µg/L, and low occurrence of fluoride (0.12-0.59 mg/L) in majority of samples (68 %), hence not according to the safe drinking limits of World Health Organization (WHO). The occurrence of low nitrate (range: 0.53-22.63; mean: 3.36 mg/L) and high nitrite (range: 10.23-30.3; mean: 20.48 mg/L) in 90 and 98 % of total samples respectively suggests that an active reduction process is taking place in the study area. A link was identified between numerous anthropogenic and natural geochemical processes, including As, F-, and NO3- contamination, which are contributing towards this groundwater pollution and significantly affecting the health of pediatric population in terms of skin manifestations like skin irritation, melanosis and keratosis which are early symptoms of skin cancer. Findings of present study emphasizes. Findings of the present study emphasizes an urgent need for remedial measures to mitigate the identified risk and call for a comprehensive plan to monitor and improve the quality of groundwater, in order to ensure the safety and well-being of the vulnerable communities. Our work also highlights the urgent need for environmental health awareness and policy reforms to prevent the long-term health repercussions from compromised groundwater quality.

Geochemical exploration of rare earth element resources in highland karstic bauxite deposits in the Sierra de Bahoruco, Pedernales Province, Southwestern Dominican Republic.

This study investigates the geochemical characteristics of rare earth elements (REEs) in highland karstic bauxite deposits located in the Sierra de Bahoruco, Pedernales Province, Dominican Republic. These deposits, formed through intense weathering of volcanic material, represent a potentially valuable REE resource for the nation. Surface and subsurface soil samples were analyzed using portable X-ray fluorescence (pXRF) and a NixPro 2 color sensor validated with inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). We employed compositional data analysis (CoDA) and machine learning models to estimate total REE concentrations, demonstrating that pXRF and the color sensor, when properly calibrated, are effective tools for remote geochemical exploration. The results reveal that REE concentrations increase with depth and elevation, with light REEs (LREEs) dominating the profiles. The correlation of REE concentrations with morphological soil development suggests that higher-altitude areas are enriched in REEs due to progressive weathering processes. The study also shows a strong relationship between REE concentrations and environmental factors such as latitude and elevation. While pXRF provided reliable estimates of total REE concentrations, to our surprise, the NixPro2 color sensor proved similarly accurate. The research emphasizes the practical value of the x-ray and color sensors for remote exploration, provided that a well-explored, robust calibration is performed to account for site-specific variability. These findings contribute to understanding the geochemical distribution of REEs in karstic bauxite deposits and highlight the potential for further exploration in remote, high-altitude regions. Future research should explore using these and other portable sensors, singly or combined, to predict REE speciation, for expediting information related to the environmentally sustainable extractability and potential economic feasibility of resources in expeditionary locations.

Tracing metals in Mediterranean and Atlantic Sardina pilchardus: Unveiling impacts on food safety.

This study evaluates the concentration of metals and trace elements (Al, Cd, Cu, Fe, Li, Pb, Zn) in the muscle tissue of Sardina pilchardus from three northeast Atlantic localities (Lisbon, Canary Islands, Rabat) and two western Mediterranean sites (Málaga, Cartagena) to assess food safety and environmental impact. A total of 100 sardines were sampled between January and June 2019, with specimens collected, homogenized by size and weight, and analyzed for metal content using Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES). Results show significant geographical variation in metal concentrations, with Cartagena exhibiting the highest levels due to industrial and urban activities, while the Canary Islands had the lowest, likely influenced by geographical isolation and stringent environmental regulations. Intermediate levels were observed in Lisbon, Rabat, and Málaga, with Rabat ranking second highest. Importantly, none of the samples exceeded EU safety limits for lead (0.3mg/kg) or cadmium (0.25mg/kg), confirming their suitability for human consumption regarding metal content. These findings emphasize the role of local environmental and industrial factors in influencing metal bioaccumulation in marine ecosystems. Genetic and ecological dynamics, such as the Almería-Oran Front and the Canary Islands' isolation, likely contribute to these patterns. The study underscores the importance of continuous monitoring to safeguard food safety and marine ecosystem health. Despite Cartagena's elevated contamination levels, which pose a higher potential risk if sardine consumption is frequent, sardines from all locations remain within safety limits. Moving forward, research should prioritize long-term monitoring and explore genetic and ecological factors influencing bioaccumulation trends, contributing to sustainable management and effective pollution control measures. This highlights the interconnectedness of environmental health and human dietary safety, emphasizing the need for a proactive approach to monitoring marine contamination.

The hidden arsenic legacy in mid-19th century papered microscope slides

This study investigated the presence of arsenic in Victorian-era microscope slides, particularly those containing green pigments. X-ray fluorescence (XRF), Raman, Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS) and Inductively Coupled Plasma – Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES) were employed to analyse the elemental composition of pigments on the slides. The analysis identified arsenic primarily in green pigments containing emerald green but also in some red pigments.To assess the prevalence of slides potentially containing arsenic, a separate analysis was conducted examining the colour of slides in existing collections. Across two data sources, focusing on slides with accompanying images, around 10 % of slides were identified to contain green pigment. Extrapolating this prevalence to UK collections suggests a potential for hundreds of thousands of slides to contain arsenic, posing potential health risks during handling and raising concerns about proper disposal practices.This research highlights a previously unrecognised occupational and environmental hazard associated with historical slides. The study emphasises the importance of responsible handling and disposal practices for slides containing arsenic pigments, particularly those coloured green and red, to minimise health and environmental risks. We propose guidelines for safe handling and disposal practices, alongside outreach activities to raise awareness among stakeholders.

INFLUENCE OF WASTEWATER TREATMENT TECHNOLOGY AND SLUDGE STABILIZATION ON THE SORPTION CAPACITY OF SEWAGE SLUDGE

This article investigates the influence of sewage sludge treatment processes and stabilizationmethods on metal-binding capacity and susceptibility to metal remobilization from sewagesludge. The materials (stabilized sewage sludge) were collected from two mechanical-biologicalsewage treatment plants located in an industrial area in southern Poland (Silesian Province):1) one with nutrient removal (nitrogen and phosphorus) and anaerobic sludge digestion (WWTPIII),and 2) a facility without nutrient removal and with aerobic sludge stabilization (WWTP-II).Concentrations of PTEs in sewage sludge samples were measured using the inductively coupledplasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). Sewage sludge from WWTP-III showeda significantly higher sorption capacity for Cu ions (20–50%) and Ni ions (50% to 2.5-fold) ascompared to sewage sludge from WWTP-II. However, sewage sludge from WWTP-II exhibiteda higher sorption capacity for Cd ions. The studied potentially toxic elements (PTEs), irrespectiveof anion type, formed unstable bonds with sewage sludge, which may lead to their desorption intothe environment. The high mobility of Cd, Cu, Ni and Zn ions in chloride and sulphate system, aswell as the low susceptibility to Cr ion release, should be considered in various applications of thetested sewage sludge.

Investigation of Elemental Contents in Wild Goat Meat (Capra aegagrus aegagrus)

This study focuses on Capra aegagrus aegagrus, a subspecies of wild goat listed as vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. Hunting of males aged 8 years and older is allowed due to their low reproductive capacity. This study aimed to analyze essential and potentially toxic elements in meat of male C. aegagrus aegagrus from a high altitude protected area in Mersin using inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES). Thigh muscle samples from 18 males aged 10 years and older were analyzed. Phosphorus, potassium, and calcium were the most abundant macro elements in the samples, while sodium and magnesium were the lowest. Iron was the most abundant microelement, followed in decreasing order by zinc, copper, manganese, boron, selenium, cobalt, chromium, vanadium, and nickel. Among the potentially toxic metals, lead had the highest concentration. Arsenic, antimony, strontium, cadmium, aluminum, and barium were found in lower concentrations. Tin was not detected in the samples. High levels of potassium, phosphorous, and iron suggest nutritional benefits but potentially toxic elements must be monitored to ensure safety.

Source and Ecological Risk Assessment of Potentially Toxic Metals in Urban Riverine Sediments Using Multivariate Analytical and Statistical Tools

Multivariate and statistical tool advancements help to assess potential pollution threats, their geochemical distribution, and the competition between natural and anthropogenic influences, particularly on sediment contamination with potentially toxic metals (PTMs). For this, riverine sediments from 25 locations along urban banksides of the River Ravi, Pakistan, were collected and analyzed to explore the distribution, pollution, ecological, and toxicity risk indices of PTMs like Al, As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sb, Sn, Sr, V, and Zn using Inductively Coupled Plasma–Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES) technique. Additionally, techniques such as X-ray Diffraction (XRD) and Scanning Electron Microscopy–Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) were employed to investigate the mineralogical and morphological aspects. The results indicated that mean concentrations (mg kg−1) of Cd (2.37), Cr (128), Hg (16.6), Pb (26.6), and Sb (2.44) were significantly higher than reference values given for upper continental crust (UCC) and world soil average (WSA), posing potential threats. Furthermore, the geochemical pollution indices showed that sediments were moderately polluted with Cd (Igeo = 2.37, EF = 12.1, and CF = 7.89) and extremely polluted with Hg (Igeo = 4.54, EF = 63.2, and CF = 41.41). Ecological and toxicity risks were calculated to be extremely high, using respective models, predominantly due to Hg (Eri = 1656 and ITRI = 91.6). SEM-EDS illustrated the small extent of anthropogenic particles having predominant concentrations of Zn, Fe, Pb, and Sr. Multivariate statistical analyses revealed significant associations between the concentrations of PTMs and the sampling locations, highlighting the anthropogenic contributions linked to local land-use characteristics. The present study concludes that River Ravi sediments exhibit moderate levels of Cd and extreme pollution by Hg, both of which contribute highly to extreme ecological and toxicity risks, influenced by both natural and anthropogenic contributions.

A Palladium Tetraiodide Supported Catalyst for the Oxidative Carbonylation of β‐Amino Alcohols to 2‐Oxazolidinones

A novel PdI42−‐supported catalyst, based on imidazolium‐functionalized polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes (POSS) functionalized with imidazolium arms grafted on amorphous silica, has been prepared through a straightforward synthetic procedure allowing to accede to high local concentration spots of palladium sites surrounding the POSS core. The hybrid material has been fully characterized by thermogravimetric analysis coupled with differential scanning calorimetry (TGA‐DSC), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP‐OES), and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). This material has been successfully used as heterogeneous catalyst for the oxidative carbonylation of β‐amino alcohols to 2‐oxazolidones as well as 2‐aminopyridin‐3‐ol to oxazolo[4,5‐b]pyridin‐2(3H)‐one under relatively mild conditions (100 °C for 3 h under 40 atm of a 4:1 mixture CO‐air) in DME as the solvent and with aerobic oxygen as the simplest external oxidant, with formation of water as benign coproduct. The catalyst could be successfully recycled up to four times, before beginning to undergo partial deactivation due to palladium reduction, as evidenced by XPS and TEM. ICP‐OES analysis of some representative products evidenced a very low metal contamination (palladium content &lt; 1 ppm), making our approach particularly attractive for applications the in life science field, where a very high degree of purity is required.