Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry Research Articles

Biosorption of copper, nickel, and manganese as well as the production of metal nanoparticles by Bacillus species isolated from soils contaminated with electronic wastes.

Improper electronic waste management in the world especially in developing countries such as Iran has resulted in environmental pollution. Copper, nickel, and manganese are from the most concerned soil contaminating heavy metals which found in many electronic devices that are not properly processed. The aim of this study was to investigate the biological removal of copper, nickel, and manganese by Bacillus species isolated from a landfill of electronic waste (Zainal Pass hills located in Isfahan, Iran) which is the and to produce nanoparticles from the studied metals by the isolated bacteria. The amounts of copper, nickel, and manganese in the soil was measured as 1.9 × 104 mg/kg, 0.011 × 104 mg/kg and 0.013 × 104 mg/kg, respectively based on ICP-OES analysis, which was significantly higher than normal (0.02 mg/kg, 0.05 mg/kg, and 2 mg/kg, respectively. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and the minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of metals on the bacterial isolates was determined. The biosorption of metals by the bacteria was evaluated by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES). The metal nanoparticles were synthetized utilizing the isolates in culture media containing the heavy metals with the concentrations to which the isolates had shown resistance. X ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) were used for the evaluation of the fabrication of the produced metal nanoparticles. Based on the findings of this study, a total of 15 bacterial isolates were obtained from the soil samples. The obtained MICs of copper, nickel, and manganese on the isolates were 40-300 mM, 4-10 mM, and 60-120 mM, respectively. The most resistant isolates to copper were FM1 and FM2 which were able to bio-remove 79.81% and 68.69% of the metal, respectively. FM4 and FM5 were respectively the most resistant isolate to nickel and manganese and were able to bio-remove 86.74% and 91.96% of the metals, respectively. FM1, FM2, FM4, and FM5 was molecularly identified as Bacillus cereus, Bacillus thuringiensis, Bacillus paramycoides, and Bacillus wiedmannii, respectively. The results of XRD, SEM and EDS showed conversion of the copper and manganese into spherical and oval nanoparticles with the approximate sizes of 20-40 nm. Due to the fact that the novel strains in this study showed high resistance to copper, nickel, and manganese and high adsorption of the metals, they can be used in the future, as suitable strains for the bio-removal of these metals from electronic and other industrial wastes.

Evaluating Heavy Metals in Human Breast Milk: a Cross-Sectional Study from Mining and Agricultural Areas in Northwestern Iran.

This study aimed to assess the levels of heavy metals in the breast milk of women residing in the mining and agricultural areas of East Azerbaijan province in Iran. This cross-sectional study analyzed 68 lactating mothers from mining (n = 28) and agricultural (n = 40) areas of East Azerbaijan province in Iran between June 2022 and March 2023. The study used an Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES) to measure the concentrations of heavy metals, including arsenic (As), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), and iron (Fe). A semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (SQ-FFQ) was used to collect data on the dietary and sociodemographic characteristics of the mothers. Although the concentration of arsenic (As) was below the limit of detection (LOD), the mean concentrations of chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), and iron (Fe) were 1.11, 0.87, and 13.25mg/L in agricultural areas and 0.83, 0.93, and 11.35mg/L in mining areas, respectively. The concentrations of Cr (p < 0.001) and Fe (p = 0.019) were significantly higher in the breast milk of women residing in agricultural areas. However, the concentration of Cu was significantly higher (p = 0.085) in the breast milk of women living in mining areas. Additionally, lactation age had a significant effect on Cu levels (p = 0.015), with a negative coefficient of -0.011. The study indicates that the levels of heavy metals in breast milk can be influenced by the exposure to pesticides, fertilizers, volcanic soil, and disparities in access to post-natal care and iron supplements.

Relevance of using portable X-ray fluorescence to identify gold hyperaccumulator plants

Field Portable X-Ray Fluorescence (FPXRF) was investigated as an alternative analysis tool for the detection and quantification of gold in hyperaccumulator plants in the field. First, synthetic gold standards were prepared with materials chosen to best simulate plant material, using microcrystalline cellulose (mcc) or ash by adding known amounts of gold. Powder samples were obtained containing gold in amounts ranging from 10 to 1000 ppm of gold. They were analysed, as well as blank samples of mcc and ash, using a NITON xl3t GOLDD+ FPXRF spectrometer in AllGeo and Soil modes with an analysis time of 60 s. Results were compared to Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES) analysis of the synthetic gold standards after digestion in aqua regia. Gold was detected and accurately quantified in synthetic gold standards containing more than 25 ppm of gold in AllGeo mode. At lower concentration, results were much more inaccurate, with no gold being detected at 10 ppm. In Soil mode, similar results to AllGeo mode were obtained with mcc synthetic standards. However, with ash synthetic standard gold quantification was very poor over the whole concentration range and gold was detected in the blank ash sample, which was confirmed as a false positive by the subsequent ICP analysis. Samples of Phyllanthus stipulatus, suspected gold hyperaccumulators, collected on gold-bearing sites in French Guiana were then analysed following the same protocol. The same false positive phenomenon was observed in some of them, with gold being detected by FPXRF in Soil mode but not by ICP analysis. Furthermore, analysis of the FPXRF spectra revealed that none of the characteristic gold emission ray was present. This false positive was attributed to an interference caused by zinc, present in significant amount in the ash of the synthetic standard and the collected plants.

The key role of major and trace elements in the formation of five common urinary stones

BackgroundUrolithiasis has emerged as a global affliction, recognized as one of the most excruciating medical issues. The elemental composition of stones provides crucial information, aiding in understanding the causes, mechanisms, and individual variations in stone formation. By understanding the interactions between elements in various types of stones and exploring the key role of elements in stone formation, insights are provided for the prevention and treatment of urinary stone disease.MethodsThis study collected urinary stone samples from 80 patients in Beijing. The chemical compositions of urinary stones were identified using an infrared spectrometer. The concentrations of major and trace elements in the urinary stones were determined using Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES) and Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS), respectively. The data were processed using correlation analysis and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) methods.ResultsUrinary stones are categorized into five types: the calcium oxalate (CO) stone, carbonate apatite (CA) stone, uric acid (UA) stone, mixed CO and CA stone, and mixed CO and UA stone. Ca is the predominant element, with an average content ranging from 2.64 to 27.68% across the five stone groups. Based on geochemical analysis, the high-content elements follow this order: Ca > Mg > Na > K > Zn > Sr. Correlation analysis and PCA suggested significant variations in the interactions between elements for different types of urinary stones. Trace elements with charges and ionic structures similar to Ca may substitute for Ca during the process of stone formation, such as Sr and Pb affecting the Ca in most stone types except mixed stone types. Moreover, the Mg, Zn and Ba can substitute for Ca in the mixed stone types, showing element behavior dependents on the stone types.ConclusionThis study primarily reveals distinct elemental features associated with five types of urinary stones. Additionally, the analysis of these elements indicates that substitutions of trace elements with charges and ion structures similar to Ca (such as Sr and Pb) impact most stone types. This suggests a dependence of stone composition on elemental behavior. The findings of this study will enhance our ability to address the challenges posed by urinary stones to global health and improve the precision of interventions for individuals with different stone compositions.

Photocatalytic water oxidation by iron and copper phthalocyanine complexes immobilized on Fe3O4@SiO2@TiO2 under visible light irradiation

In this research, the heterogeneous catalysts of Fe3O4@SiO@TiO‐FePc and Fe3O4@SiO@TiO‐ CuPcN (FePc = iron (II) phthalocyanine and CuPcN = copper (II) tetraazaphthalocyanine), termed respectively as nanocomposites 1 and 2, were prepared by immobilizing the FePc and CuPcN complexes on the Fe3O4@SiO@TiO surface and used for the photocatalytic water oxidation reaction. Since phthalocyanine complexes have received very little attention as photocatalysts for water oxidation, the advantage of the synthesized photocatalyst owes to the ability of the phthalocyanine complex grafted on the titanium substrate to oxidize water in the photocatalytic reaction. The prepared nanocomposites were then studied by diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy‐dispersive X‐ray (EDX), Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR) spectroscopies, thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), inductively coupled plasma‐optical emission spectroscopy (ICP‐OES), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) analysis, ultraviolet diffuse reflectance (DRS), and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopies. The photocatalytic response of water oxidation by nanocomposites 1 and 2 was investigated in the presence of silver nitrate as an electron recipient at ambient temperature. The progress of the water oxidation reaction was monitored with an oxygen meter. The amount of oxygen generated in the presence of nanocomposites 1 and 2 under visible light irradiation was found to be 2.6 and 2.1 mg L−1, respectively. Owing to the existence of magnetic material, these nanocomposites can be effortlessly removed from the response medium with an external magnet. The involved nanocomposites can be used up to three times in catalytic water oxidation reactions with no significant change in their photocatalytic activity.

Ultrasound-assisted Cu(II) Strecker-functionalized organocatalyst for green azide-alkyne cycloaddition and Ullmann reactions.

A new aminonitrile-functionalized Fe3O4 has been synthesized via the Strecker reaction, the designed aminonitrile ligand on the surface of the magnetic core coordinated to copper(II) to obtain the final new catalyst. The fabricated nanocatalyst was characterized by Fourier transform Infrared (FT-IR), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM), Energy-Dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Vibrating-Sample Magnetometer (VSM), Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES), and Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA). The high tendency of nitrogens in the aminonitrile functional group to make a complex with Cu(II) has caused the practical activity of this nucleus in this catalyst. This nanocatalyst performance was investigated in azide-alkyne Huisgen cycloaddition (3 + 2) reaction for achieving to 1,4-disubstituted 1,2,3-triazoles in water as a green media at room temperature. In another try, Classic Ullmann Reaction was investigated for the synthesis of biaryls at 85°C promoted by ultrasonic condition (37 kHz). The reaction scope was explored using different reactants and the results of using this developed catalytic system demonstrated its capacity to reduce the reaction time and enhance the reaction efficiency to provide good to excellent product yield. Conversely, the simple recycling and reusability of this catalyst for at least six times without any noticeable leaching of copper makes it a potential future catalyst for synthesizing such compounds.

Assessment of trace elements in Iranian kefir samples by using ICP-OES technique

ABSTRACT In this research, levels of 12 trace elements (Al, Zn, Cd, Ni, Hg, Pb, Co, Cr, Se, Fe, As and Mn) were measured in Iranian kefir samples by using ICP-OES (Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy) method. Based on our findings, the maximum and minimum averages of essential elements were related to Fe (423 ± 146 µg/kg) and Se (not detected or ND), respectively, and the maximum and minimum averages of toxic elements were related to As (13.3 ± 4.68 µg/kg) and Hg (ND), respectively. Based on the amount of fat in the kefir samples, the highest mean values of toxic and essential elements was related to As (15.9 ± 5.25 µg/kg) and Fe (466 ± 177 µg/kg) in high-fat kefir samples, respectively. In addition, the correlation between the amount of fat and elements in the samples was shown with a multivariate principal component analysis (PCA). Based on the obtained results, the amount of trace elements in kefir samples was lower than the existing standards (Cd = 10, Pb = 20, Al = 500, Hg = 20, As = 140, Mn = 100 and Fe = 2700 µg/kg). Also, in reviewing the results by PCA analysis, the differences and similarities between the type and amount of toxic elements and essential elements in kefir samples have been shown. Finally, based on the obtained results, it can be concluded that the consumption of this food item can be safe due to the low level of elements below the acceptable limit.

Synthesis and characterization of Novel Igepal Co-520 surfactant coated Fe3O4 Nanoparticles: An evaluation of Vanadium enrichment in spice samples

In this study, novel Fe3O4 nanoparticles coated with surfactant Igepal Co-520 (polyoxyethylene (5) nonylphenylether) as adsorbent were synthesized, and total vanadium recovery was performed by magnetic solid phase extraction (MSPE) method. Fe3O4 nanoparticles coated with Igepal Co-520 were employed in the investigation of vanadium enrichment. The synthesized nanoparticles were characterized by Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FESEM), Energy Dispersive X-Ray Analysis (EDX), X-Ray Diffraction Analysis (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), and Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), and total vanadium concentration was determined by Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES). The corresponding values for the pH, adsorbent amount, and contact time were 3, 5 mg, and 120 min. Total vanadium was recovered from an aqueous solution under the optimum conditions. Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption isotherms, pseudo-first and pseudo-second order adsorption kinetics, foreign ion studies, desorption, and analytical value studies were performed. In isotherm studies, the effect on adsorption was examined by varying the vanadium concentration between 1 mg/L and 100 mg/L. The Langmuir model (R2>0.99) seems to be more compatible with vanadium adsorption than the Freundlich model (R2<0.87). Pseudo−first-order and pseudo-second-order equations were used to evaluate adsorption kinetic models. It has been observed that the pseudo-quadratic equation (R2>0.89) was more suitable for modeling than the pseudo-first-order equation (R2<0.56). The analytical performance parameters of the method were calculated as enrichment factor (EF) 114, the limit of detection (LOD) 8.3 µg/L, the limit of quantification (LOQ) 28.3 µg/L, and relative standard deviation (RSD) 1.20 %. At various molarities, the effects of acidic (HCl) and basic (NaOH) agents on the desorption of total vanadium ions adsorbed on the magnetic Fe3O4 surface were examined and compared. It was observed that the maximum recovery (100 %) was obtained using HCl as the desorption agent. The total vanadium concentration in spice samples was measured in an actual sample analysis. All the results demonstrate that the Fe3O4@Igepal Co-520 was successfully synthesized and has the potential to be a useful tool for heavy metal recovery.

Enhancing the selectivity for light olefins through catalytic cracking of n-hexane by phosphorus doping on lanthanum-modified ZSM-5.

Naphtha, as the primary raw material in the production of light olefins, could well accommodate their increasing demand through the energy-efficient process of catalytic cracking with ZSM-5. In the current work, different amounts of lanthanum and phosphorous were loaded on ZSM-5 using the wet impregnation method to tune the acidic properties of ZSM-5 for selective catalytic cracking of n-hexane to produce light olefins. Various characterization techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), Al nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), temperature-programmed desorption of NH3 (NH3-TPD), Py-Fourier transform infra-red (Py-FTIR), inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES), N2 adsorption-desorption, X-ray photoelectron spectra (XPS), and scanning electron microscopy were adopted to investigate the modified zeolites. It was found that adding La to ZSM-5 (0.25wt% to 1wt%) improved the catalytic life and increased the n-hexane conversion (to 99.7%), while the further addition had a negative impact, reducing the conversion rate and deviating the product selectivity towards a substantial, undesired benzene, toluene, and xylene (BTX) fraction (33%). On the other hand, a 64% selectivity for light olefins was achieved on phosphorous-doped ZSM-5 (at a loading amount of 1wt%) while reducing the BTX fraction (2.3%) and converting 69% of the n-hexane. A dual metal-modified ZSM-5 with optimal loading amount, 1P0.25LaZ5 (phosphorus 1wt% and La 0.25wt%), helped boost the light olefin selectivity to 62% in the tuned Lewis acid sites at an n-hexane conversion of about 77% while decreasing the undesired BTX selectivity to 3% by reducing the number of Brønsted sites. Thus, the current study reveals that tuning the acidic sites of ZMS-5 by dual metal augmentation with P.La is an effective way of controlling the amount of undesirable BTX produced at a stable n-hexane conversion rate and substantial olefin selectivity.

Bioactive coatings on biopolymer materials: evaluation of mechanical, physical, thermal, and in vitro properties

AbstractThe aim of this study was to develop and characterize coatings of bioglass nanoparticles (BGNs) on biopolymer (poly [glycolide-co-L-lactide], (PGLA)) surgical sutures, and to investigate the effects of these coatings on the performance of the sutures as they slid through a skin substitute. Melt-derived BGNs were used to coat resorbable PGLA biopolymers, providing them with bioactivity, biocompatibility, and improved physical and mechanical properties. The structural, thermal, and physical properties of the coated and uncoated biopolymers were analyzed using Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE-SEM) and Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDXS). The dissolution profiles and bioactivity of the BGNs-coated PGLA biopolymers were assessed through Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES). Tensile strength tests were conducted on the biopolymers before and after immersion in simulated body fluid to evaluate the impact of the BGNs coating on the degradation of PGLA biopolymers. Incorporating BGNs into PGLA resulted in improved tensile strength properties. The study also found that increasing the BGNs ions content facilitated the formation of a hydroxycarbonate apatite (HCA) layer in Dulbecco’s Modified Eagle Medium and medium with L-glutamine and sodium bicarbonate solutions. In vitro bioactivity tests demonstrated that the coated suture biopolymers exhibited enhanced attachment, migration, and proliferation of fibroblasts, indicating favorable biocompatibility of the biomaterial for clinical applications.

Elemental Analysis with Sorption Preconcentration by Graphene Oxide for Mineral Water by Inductively Coupled Plasma – Optical Emission and Mass Spectrometries (ICP-OES and ICP-MS)

The paper discusses using sorption preconcentration of elements from mineral waters by graphene oxide. The procedure aims to extract heavy metals such as Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb, Zn and other analytes from solution. Inductively coupled plasma – mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and inductively coupled plasma – optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) were used to determine the analyte content. Graphene oxide was obtained by microwave exfoliation of graphite oxide. The sorption of analytes on the graphene oxide at different pH values and coexisting ion effect were studied in detail. Preliminary preconcentration of analytes provides good extraction recoveries using the optimal conditions. The limits of detection (LODs) of 27 analytes for the developed procedure ranged 0.1 to 200 ng L−1 for ICP-MS and from 5 to 1000 ng L−1 for ICP-OES. Sorption concentration provides recoveries of analytes from 80 to 110%. Graphene oxide was successfully employed for the sorption preconcentration of analytes from mineral and tap water.

Classification of wooden wastes with machine learning approaches

In this study, 200 wood waste samples from different origins were analysed by Inductive coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) and Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) for 11 elements (lead, cadmium, aluminium, iron, zinc, copper, chrome, arsenic, nickel, mercury and sulphur) that are likely to present in wood waste. In the study, the data as non-hazardous and hazardous was evaluated based on the standard (TS EN ISO 17225-1, 2021). Artificial neural network (ANN) and random forest (RF) analyses were then applied to better analyze and interpret the data. In this way, statistical separation of wood wastes as non-hazardous and hazardous was realized. Accordingly, it was shown that random forest analysis with an accuracy rate of 100% was better than artificial neural network analysis with an accuracy rate of 99%. Results suggested that wood wastes could be recycled and entered the production cycle in a way to contribute to the national economy or be incinerated with appropriate methods in bioenergy production in an environmentally friendly way which would be possible with the accurate classification of these wastes. In this study, the classification of wood wastes as hazardous and non-hazardous with 100% accuracy rate using ICP data with machine learning approaches, which is not encountered in the literature review.

Corrosion Behavior of Ni-Cr Alloys with Different Cr Contents in NaCl-KCl-MgCl2.

This study investigates the corrosion behavior of Ni-Cr binary alloys, including Ni-10Cr, Ni-15Cr, Ni-20Cr, Ni-25Cr, and Ni-30Cr, in a NaCl-KCl-MgCl2 molten salt mixture through gravimetric analysis. Corrosion tests were conducted at 700 °C, with the maximum immersion time reaching up to 100 h. The corrosion rate was determined by measuring the mass loss of the specimens at various time intervals. Verifying corrosion rates by combining mass loss results with the determination of element dissolution in molten salts using Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES). Detailed examinations of the corrosion products and morphology were conducted using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Micro-area elemental analysis on the corroded surfaces was performed using an energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS), and the elemental distribution across the corrosion cross-sections was mapped. The results indicate that alloys with lower Cr content exhibit superior corrosion resistance in the NaCl-KCl-MgCl2 molten salt under an argon atmosphere compared to those with higher Cr content; no corrosion products were retained on the surfaces of the lower Cr alloys (Ni-10Cr, Ni-15Cr). For the higher Cr alloys (Ni-20Cr, Ni-25Cr, Ni-30Cr), after 20 h of corrosion, a protective layer was observed in certain areas. The formation of a stable Cr2O3 layer in the initial stages of corrosion for high-Cr content alloys, which reacts with MgO in the molten salt to form a stable MgCr2O4 spinel structure, provides additional protection for the alloys. However, over time, even under argon protection, the MgCr2O4 protective layer gradually degrades due to chloride ion infiltration and chemical reactions at high temperatures. Further analysis revealed that chloride ions play a pivotal role in the corrosion process, not only facilitating the destruction of the Cr2O3 layer on the alloy surfaces but also possibly accelerating the corrosion of the metallic matrix through electrochemical reactions. In conclusion, the corrosion behavior of Ni-Cr alloys in the NaCl-KCl-MgCl2 molten salt environment is influenced by a combination of factors, including Cr content, chloride ion activity, and the formation and degradation of protective layers. This study not only provides new insights into the corrosion resistance of Ni-Cr alloys in high-temperature molten salt environments but also offers significant theoretical support for the design and optimization of corrosion-resistant alloy materials.

Pozzolanic metakaolin reactivity: Time-dependent influence of calcium hydroxide, alkali hydroxides, and sulfates

In the quest for environmentally sustainable binders within the construction industry, metakaolin (MK) has emerged as a highly promising material. Its reactivity and hardening performance encompass a wide range of applications, spanning from lime to cement-based materials. This performance is primarily underpinned by the pozzolanic reaction with calcium hydroxide (CH), leading to the formation of various calcium aluminate silicate hydrates. The intricacies of the hydration kinetics and resultant reaction products hinge on several factors woven into the specifics of the binder type. This study investigates the influence of CH availability, explored through initially mixed MK/CH weight ratios of 0.33 and 1.0. Furthermore, the study examines the impact of introducing alkali hydroxides (KOH and NaOH) and/or sulfates (K2SO4 and Na2SO4) on the pozzolanic reactions. Short-term analysis employed inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES), and pH measurements for pore solution as well as isothermal calorimetry, and in-situ X-ray diffraction (XRD) on paste samples. Long-term investigations extended to 245 days at 40 °C, incorporating XRD, thermogravimetric (TGA) and scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM/EDX). Results provide insights into the kinetics of phase assemblage and compositions of C-A-S-H gels, highlighting the transformation of metastable C2ASH8 and C4AH13 to stable Si-rich hydrogarnet phases, incorporating sulfate, under excess CH conditions. Higher MK/CH enriches Si/Ca, Al/Ca, enhancing C-A-S-H gels, while KOH addition further boosts Al/Ca ratios.

The use of a portable X-ray fluorescence spectrometer for measuring nickel in plants: sample preparation and validation.

X-ray fluorescence is a fast, cost-effective, and eco-friendly method for elemental analyses. Portable X-ray fluorescence spectrometers (pXRF) have proven instrumental in detecting metals across diverse matrices, including plants. However, sample preparation and measurement procedures need to be standardized for each instrument. This study examined sample preparation methods and predictive capabilities for nickel (Ni) concentrations in various plants using pXRF, employing empirical calibration based on inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) Ni data. The evaluation involved 300 plant samples of 14 species with variable of Ni accumulation. Various dwell times (30, 60, 90, 120, 300s) and sample masses (0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0g) were tested. Calibration models were developed through empirical and correction factor approaches. The results showed that the use of 1.0g of sample (0.14gcm-2) and a dwell time of 60s for the study conditions were appropriate for detection by pXRF. Ni concentrations determined by ICP-OES were highly correlated (R2 = 0.94) with those measured by the pXRF instrument. Therefore, pXRF can provide reliable detection of Ni in plant samples, avoiding the digestion of samples and reducing the decision-making time in environmental management.

Unique hepatic maternal transfer pattern of trace metals and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in a bluntnose sixgill shark (Hexanchus griseus)

The fate and distribution of environmental contaminants includes bioaccumulation within marine organisms. A deceased 4-m long adult female bluntnose sixgill shark, pregnant with 72 pups, was recovered from Coles Bay on Vancouver Island, BC, Canada in 2019. This specimen provided a unique opportunity to examine maternal transfer of contaminants in a yolk-sac viviparous shark species. Liver subsamples of the adult and offspring were analyzed for 18 targeted inorganic elements by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) and 21 targeted perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) by liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-high resolution mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-Orbitrap MS). The maternal-offspring transfer efficiencies in liver tissue were subsequently examined for both contaminant classes. Concentrations of all detectable metals apart from calcium and magnesium were found to be higher in the mother compared to the offspring, including substantial levels of toxic cadmium (6 ± 2 mg kg−1 dw) and lead (7 ± 3 mg kg−1 dw). Conversely, high maternal transfer efficiencies were observed for PFAS (i.e., ΣPFAS = 71 ± 9 ng g−1 ww in offspring compared to 13 ± 9 ng g−1 ww in the mother). This study highlighted the unique maternal transfer characteristics of PFAS in bluntnose sixgill sharks depending on the structure of the polar head group, with greater liver-to-liver transfer efficiencies observed for perfluorocarboxylic acids (PFCAs) than perfluorosulfonic acids (PFSAs) of the same fluorocarbon chain length.

Microelements, Fatty Acid Profile, and Selected Biomarkers in Grass Carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) Muscle Tissue: Seasonal Variations and Health Risk Assessment

AbstractThe study assesses associations between microelement levels, fatty acid composition, and oxidative stress markers in grass carp muscle in the summer and autumn seasons. Additionally, various factors were considered, including the estimated daily intake (EDI), target hazard quotient (THQ), total THQ (TTHQ), and metal pollution index (MPI), to evaluate potential health risks for consumers. The microelements (Al, As, Ba, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Li, Mn, Ni, Pb, Se, Sr, and Zn) were determined using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES), and total mercury was determined using cold-vapor atomic absorption spectroscopy (CV-AAS). Fatty acid profiling was realized using gas chromatography (GC) detection with a flame ionization detector (FID). The overall tendency of microelement levels was as follows: Fe &gt; Zn &gt; Al &gt; Sr &gt; Ba &gt; Ni &gt; Se &gt; Cr&gt; Cu &gt; Mn &gt; Pb &gt; As &gt; Li &gt; Hg; &lt;LOQ (below limit of quantification): Cd, and Co. The correlation analysis between concentrations of trace elements (Al, Ba, Cr, Cu, Mn, Li, Sr, Zn, and Hg) and the fatty acids (C16:0, C16:1, C18:1n9c, C18:2n6c, C20:4n6c, EPA, and DHA), as well as between Al, Ba, Fe, or Hg and oxidative stress markers (superoxide dismutase—SOD, glutathione peroxidase—GPx, or total antioxidant status—TAS), revealed statistically significant interactions in different seasons. THQ values were lower than 1; TTHQ values ranged from 0.27 to 0.76. The main toxic elements forming TTHQ were Hg and Ni (49%). The calculated health risk assessment indices indicate a low concentration of observed elements and low risks associated with the consumption of grass carp muscle from the tested location, although concentrations and THQ of mercury and nickel may be of slight concern.

Evaluation of in vitro antioxidant activities, total phenolic and elemental contents of common herbs and spices (Moringa oleifera leaves, Allium sativum (Garlic) and Momordica charantia (ejinrin) leaves) in South-West Nigeria

Abstract Natural remedies are being widely utilized in some disease’s conditions including cancer, diabetes, neurodegenerative diseases, atherosclerosis hypertension and other cardiovascular diseases. The therapeutic intervention of medicinal plants and spices cannot be overemphasized in the management and control of diseases but the exact modes of action of these herbs and plants have not been fully elucidated. This research work was designed to study the expression of selected elements, zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), copper (Cu), selenium (Se), lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd); the phytochemical and the in vitro antioxidant properties of ethanolic extracts of Moringa oleifera leaves, Allium sativum (Garlic) and Momordica charantia (ejinrin) leaves for their potential involvement in the prevention and management of cardiovascular diseases and cancer through different chemical methods. In vitro antioxidant properties were assayed by investigating 2,2-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) free radicals scavenging potentials and Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Potential (FRAP); total phenolic content was determined by using Folin-Ciocalteu assay and the elemental contents of these extracts was investigated through the use of Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES). All tests were run in triplicates and analysed. Our results revealed that the ethanolic extracts of M. oleifera leaves, A. sativum (Garlic) and M. charantia (ejinrin) leaves possess significant antioxidant activities and express important and beneficial elements (in marginal and trace amounts) and phytochemicals. These results suggest that the medicinal attributes of these plants may be linked to the radical scavenging abilities, beneficial elements and phytochemicals expression of their ethanolic extracts which may likely be a good direction in the area of drug discovery and development.

The Waelz Slag from Electric Arc Furnace Dust Processing: Characterization and Magnetic Separation Studies.

The Waelz slag generated during electric arc furnace dust processing is an iron-rich product with significant amounts of iron, zinc and copper. About 600-800 kg of the Waelz slag is generated per ton of the dust processed. The Waelz slag samples from two different plants were thoroughly characterized using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES), X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), chemical phase analysis, Mössbauer spectroscopy and other supporting methods. The phase distribution of iron, zinc and copper was determined in the Waelz slag samples. Low-intensity wet magnetic separation was tested for the iron recovery from the Waelz slag samples. It was found that the Waelz slag samples have complex chemical and mineralogical compositions, which can impede the selective recovery of valuable elements. The obtained results indicate that the chemical and mineralogical composition of the Waelz slag samples has a considerable effect on the magnetic separation indexes. The experiments showed that the iron concentrates with Fe contents of 73% and 46.8% with the metallization degrees of 87.2% and 57.5% and the iron recovery degree of 54.8% and 52.9% were obtained at optimal conditions for two different samples, respectively, without selective segregation of Cu and Zn in the magnetic or non-magnetic fraction.

HSPiP and QbD oriented optimized green nanoemulsion to treat chloramphenicol contaminated water

Nanoemulsion is an isotropic and kinetically stable system used for multiple purposes. Exhaustive flow of chloramphenicol (CAMP) in the water systems raised global thereat to aquatic and human lives. Innate cohesive energy of the material is the basis of predictive HSPiP program. We aimed to prepare biocompatible nanoemulsion employing eugenol oil, lecithin, tween 80, and propylene glycol) for the contaminated water treatment. Furthermore, experimental design oriented robust nanoemulsion (OCEN1) investigated the impact of composition, CTime (exposure time), and nanoemulsion characteristics on percent removal efficiency (%RE). Thermodynamic stability study was conducted at different temperatures. Finally, the presence of CAMP in the treated water was negated by ICP-OES (inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy). HSP (Hansen solubility parameters) and experimental solubility data were the basis of excipient selection. A blend of tween-80 and lecithin served as surfactant mixture (Smix) to stabilize nanoemulsion. OCEN1 was associated with high desirability (D = 0.93), low size (43 nm), low PDI (0.19), high %RE (90.72 % over period of 17 min of exposure time), optimal viscosity (1.12 cP), and high zeta potential (−25 mV). Experimental design identified significant impact of composition, exposure time (CTime), and nanoemulsion characteristics on %RE as prime factors to consider before wastewater treatment plant installation. Thus, the approach is simple, rapid, ecofriendly, and scalable to treat CAMP contaminated water with high selectivity and efficiency.