Analysis Of Inorganic Elements Research Articles

Direct Photocatalytic Methane Oxidation to Formaldehyde by N Doping Co-Decorated Mixed Crystal TiO2.

In this paper, N-doped TiO2 mixed crystals are prepared via direct calcination of TiN for highly selective oxidation of CH4 to HCHO at room temperature. The structures of the prepared TiO2 samples are characterized to be N-doped TiO2 of anatase and rutile mixed crystals. The crystal structures of TiO2 samples are determined by XRD spectra and Raman spectra, while N doping is demonstrated by TEM mapping, ONH inorganic element analysis, and high-resolution XPS results. Significantly, the production rate of HCHO is as high as 23.5 mmol·g-1·h-1 with a selectivity over 90%. Mechanism studies reveal that H2O is the main oxygen source and acts through the formation of ·OH. DFT calculations indicate that the construction of a mixed crystal structure and N-doping modification mainly act by increasing the adsorption capacity of H2O. An efficient photocatalyst was prepared by us to convert CH4 to HCHO with high yield and selectivity, greatly promoting the development of the photocatalytic CH4 conversion study.

Discrimination of geographical origin of Korean and Chinese red pepper paste via inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy and mass spectrometry

BackgroundRed pepper paste is a common ingredient used in food in Korea. The discrimination of the geographical origin of agricultural products is important to protect the agricultural industry and customers from the misinformation regarding the product origin. Several studies have attempted to identify the geographical origin of red pepper based on its characteristic features using diverse methods, such as inorganic elemental analysis. However, similar studies on red pepper pastes have not been conducted thus far.ResultsIn, this study, we established methods based on inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-AES) and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) for determining inorganic elements in red pepper pastes. The limit of detection (LOD) of ICP-AES was in the range of 0.006–0.531 mg∙kg−1 and the limit of quantification (LOQ) was 0.017–1.593 mg∙kg−1. In addition, LOD and LOQ ranges for ICP-MS were 0.001–1.553, and 0.002–5.176 μg∙kg−1, respectively. The concentrations of Ca, K, Mg, Na, P, S, Cr, Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, Ga, As, Sr, Zr, Mo, Pd, Cd, Sn, Sb, Ce, Pt, Pb, and U were high in the Korean red pepper paste. All the employed discrimination models could clearly distinguish between Korean and Chinese red pepper pastes. In particular, among the four different models, CDA showed the most accurate ability to discriminate the geological origin of Korean and Chinese red pepper paste compared to that achieved using the other models with 100% accuracy.ConclusionsBased on, the findings of this study, the use of ICP-AES and ICP-MS analyses for discriminating the inorganic elements in food products in combination with the aforementioned statistical analysis models could help the mitigation of issues associated with the misinformation of the geographical origin of agricultural products, aiding customer protection.Graphical

Evaluation of Pharmacognostical and Phytochemical Studies for the Development of Quality Control Parameters for Stem Bark of Ximenia americana Linn. (Olacaceae)

Abstract Background: Plants are extremely useful to humankind as medicine, and hence the properties of medicinal plants have to be scientifically evaluated. Aim: The aim of this study is to establish pharmacognostical and phytochemical parameters for stem bark of Ximenia americana Linn. (Olacaceae). Materials and Methods: Macroscopical, microscopical evaluation, powder microscopical studies, quantitative microscopy, physicochemical evaluation, fluorescence analysis, analysis of inorganic elements, and determination of heavy metal contamination were performed as per the World Health Organization guidelines and standard methods. To evaluate various phytoconstituents, phytochemical investigations such as preliminary phytochemical screening, high-performance thin-layer chromatography, and high-performance liquid chromatography were performed. Results: Microscopical studies showed the presence of thick cortex, periderm cells, phloem parenchyma, phloem fibers, sieve elements, prismatic and granular calcium oxalate crystals, and resinous cells. The length and width of fibers, stone cells, and diameter of starch grains were measured. Physicochemical evaluation like ash values has shown total ash – 8.01% ± 0.02% w/w, acid-insoluble ash – 1.53% ± 0.02% w/w, water-soluble ash – 1.54% ± 0.01% w/w, sulfated ash – 12.02% ± 0.07% w/w, water-soluble hot extraction – 26.48 ± 0.02% w/w, cold maceration – 11.76% ± 0.04% w/w, alcohol soluble – 15.69% ± 0.03%w/w, ether soluble – 2.06% ± 0.03% w/w, and loss on drying – 4.88% ± 0.01% w/w. Conclusion: Pharmacognostical study on the stem bark of Ximenia americana may be reported as first. The results of pharmacognostical and phytochemical studies will be helpful for authentication and provide quality control parameters for the stem bark of this plant.

Application of ICP-MS in the Innovation and Practice of Instrument Analysis Course - Taking the Determination of Cesium in Soil as an Example

Instrumental analysis is an important part of analytical chemistry, which plays a crucial role in cultivating the experimental operation ability of students in disciplines such as environment, geology, and medicine. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) is currently an irreplaceable basic equipment in inorganic element analysis, and incorporating it into experimental teaching content is a requirement of the times. However, there is still a lack of application in this area. This article focuses on the graduate course “Modern Detection Technology”. The experimental course adopts a mixed teaching mode of pre class theoretical guidance and in class emphasis on practical operation. It combines theoretical and practical teaching organically, and takes the current hot topic of radioactive pollution as the problem orientation. The teaching mainly focuses on analyzing experimental design, instrument operation and use, sample measurement and result analysis, etc. The teaching mode and content of ICP-MS continuously explored to improve the quality of experimental teaching and enable students to comprehensively enhance their basic skill knowledge, scientific research literacy, and innovation awareness.

Oyster mushroom drying in tray dryer: Parameter optimization using response surface methodology, drying kinetics, and characterization

In this study, the drying of oyster mushrooms (P. ostreatus) in a tray dryer was optimized. The parameters used to optimize the drying process were drying temperature, airspeed, mass loading, and moisture content. Its drying kinetics were investigated at the optimum drying parameters. A quadratic equation was obtained to predict the moisture content of mushrooms at the given drying temperature, airspeed, and mass loading, and it was validated against experimental results. A minimum moisture content (9.99 wt%) was obtained at the optimum conditions of 60 °C, 3 m/s airspeed, and mass loading of 200 g using a tray dryer. Proximate analysis, shelf-life analysis, inorganic elemental analysis, and functional group analysis were done as a characterization method for mushrooms after drying at the optimum drying conditions. About 27.8 wt% protein and 50.2 wt% carbohydrates were found in proximate results. Besides, potassium and sodium were the dominant elements as estimated by spectrophotometry analysis. The induction period (IP) of dried mushrooms at room temperature is 3520:47 (hour: minute) from the oxidation stability analysis, and the water activity of dried mushrooms was found to be 0.36. The drying kinetics of oyster mushrooms were studied at various temperatures (50–75 °C), optimum airspeed (3 m/s), and mass loading (200 g). The best-fit model describing the mushrooms drying kinetics was found to be Midilli et al., with the lowest RMSE (0.008749), X2 (0.0014), and the highest R2(0.9993) values. The kinetic triplet activation energy, effective diffusivity, and diffusivity constant (Ea, Deff, D0) for oyster mushrooms drying were determined and found to lay in the general range for foodstuffs. The value of Deff results lies within the range of 10−8 to 10−12 m2/s, with Ea of 15.32 kJ/mol and D0 value 2.263 × 10−6 m2/s.

Combined analysis of inorganic elements and flavonoid metabolites reveals the relationship between flower quality and maturity of Sophora japonica L.

Flos Sophorae (FS), or the dried flower buds of Sophora japonica L., is widely used as a food and medicinal material in China. The quality of S. japonica flowers varies with the developmental stages (S1-S5) of the plant. However, the relationship between FS quality and maturity remains unclear. Inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) and ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization-triple quadrupole-linear ion trap mass spectrometry (UPLC-ESI-Q TRAP-MS/MS) were used to analyze inorganic elements and flavonoid metabolites, respectively. A combined analysis of the inorganic elements and flavonoid metabolites in FS was conducted to determine the patterns of FS quality formation. Sixteen inorganic elements and 173 flavonoid metabolites that accumulated at different developmental stages were identified. Notably, 54 flavonoid metabolites associated with the amelioration of major human diseases were identified, and Ca, P, K, Fe, and Cu were postulated to influence flavonoid metabolism and synthesis. This study offers a novel perspective and foundation for the further exploration of the rules governing the quality of plant materials.

How the physio-chemical properties of char from the pyrolysis of Automotive Shredder Residue (ASR) influences its future uses

Abstract Pyrolysis of ASR is an emerging technology which may increase circularity in End-of-Life Vehicle (ELV) waste recycling. To scale up from the current pilot scale, physiochemical characterisation of the by-products is required to determine their utilisation. This paper explored how the physiochemical properties of char from different pyrolysis fractions influence secondary uses. ASR was pyrolysed in a pilot-scale unit capable of processing 100 kg h−1 at 900 °C, producing 480 kg of char from which samples were taken for analysis. Three types of pyrolysis char were identified: (i) coarse char (CC) (ii) medium char (MC) and (iii) fine char (FC). Physical (particle size, moisture content and surface analysis) and chemical (calorific value, organic and inorganic elemental analysis) analysis was conducted. Physical and chemical differences were determined between char fractions: CC had the highest particle size (800 µm; mean 353.5 µm) calorific value (14,544 kcal g−1) and metal concentration; the relationship was CC > MC > FC. Organic elemental analysis indicated %C was highest under FC (80.29 %) and %S was highest in CC (1.04 %). Findings from this experiment provided initial insight into the differences in properties of char fractions from ASR pyrolysis. Potential future uses in char commercial markets were evaluated, with upgrading recommendations provided.

Concentration and inorganic elemental analysis of particulate matter in a road tunnel environment (Žilina, Slovakia): Contribution of non-exhaust sources

Particulate matter (PM) is present in the surrounding air. The tunnel environment is no exception, where the PM source is road traffic. In a broader sense, the tunnel can be described as a separate point source of air pollution from which PM pollutants spread to the portal parts and the external environment. PM originates from the exhaust and non-exhaust processes of road traffic (brake wear, tire wear, road surface wear, and road dust re-suspension). This study deals with the specification of non-exhaust PM emissions in a tunnel environment where the primary source is road traffic. PM measurements took place in the “Považský Chlmec” highway tunnel with a length of 2,118 m directly in the tunnel tube and near the tunnel portal. PM measurements were performed using gravimetric and optical methods. PM chemical analyses were performed using energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF). The concentration of PM in the tunnel was on average: PM10 = 30.76 μg/m3 and PM2.5 = 15.66 μg/m3 and near the tunnel portal PM10 = 14.38 μg/m3 and PM2.5 = 8.74 μg/m3. The average traffic volume in the tunnel tube was 2,274 veh/24 h. Using EDXRF, the main chemical elements Al, Br, Ca, Cl, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, P, Si, S, Ti, and Zn were identified in the PM. Chemical element concentrations in PM10 and PM2.5 were subjected to factor analysis (FA) and principal component analysis (PCA) to determine the origin of PM. Two sources were identified for PM10 and three for PM2.5. Absolute principal component scores (APCS) in conjunction with multiple regression analysis (MRA) were used to determine the source contribution to the production of PM10 and PM2.5.

Physicochemical and structural characterisation of oil palm trunks (OPT) hydrochar made via wet torrefaction

This study evaluates the effect of wet torrefaction of OPT under autogenous pressures at 3 different relatively low temperatures (i.e. 180, 200, and 220 oC) and extended residence times (i.e. 3, 6, 9, 12, 18, 24, 48, and 72 h) on the hydrochar's physical, chemical, and structural properties. Logarithmic-like increase of HHV profile was observed at the highest temperature of 220 oC, in which a plateau was reached at 24 h. Between temperature and residence time, temperature gave a more significant influence on the characteristics of the produced biochar. The HHV of the biomass sample increases from 16.4 MJ kg−1 in raw OPT to the highest HHV of 26.9 MJ kg−1 when torrefied at 220 oC for 72 h. Van Krevelen analysis shows dehydration was the primary reaction pathway that occurred during wet torrefaction of OPT at 180 oC for 24 h, 200 oC for 24 h, 220 oC for 6 h, and 220 oC for 12 h. Decarboxylation dominates the reaction when temperature and residence time was increased to 220 oC for 24 h, respectively. Further increasing the residence time to 48 and 72 h at 220 oC promotes demethylation as the dominant reaction. FTIR analysis reveals that most hemicellulose and parts of cellulose decomposed when OPT was subjected to lower temperature and/or residence time (i.e. 180 oC for 24 h, 200 oC for 24 h, 220 oC for 6 h, and 220 oC for 12 h). However, increasing temperature to 220 oC and beyond 24 h resulted in carbon-rich and lignin-dense hydrochar, which was observed in powder XRD results where graphite nitrate peak at 2θ of 7.4o appears. Morphology analysis reveals that most of the hemicellulose and cellulose-rich parenchyma was removed when subjected to wet torrefaction at 220 oC for 24 h. The formation of microspheres from the repolymerisation of 5-HMF was observed in large quantities in OPT hydrochar treated at 220 oC for 72 h. Inorganic elemental analysis shows that wet torrefaction of OPT effectively removes K and Cl from the biomass. The removal of K increased with increased temperature, which may partially resolve the corrosion problems in combustion reactions related to silicate deposition. OPT hydrochar from WT under autogenous condition and relatively low temperature exhibits much more improved fuel properties compared to raw OPT.

In vitro genotoxic and mutagenic effects of water samples from Sapucaia and Esteio streams (Brazil) under the influence of different anthropogenic activities

Pollution of aquatic ecosystems is associated with the discharge of mainly industrial and urban effluents, which may cause damage to public health. This study aims to evaluate the cytotoxic, genotoxic, and mutagenic potential of surface water samples under the influence of different anthropogenic effluents in a human-derived liver cell line (HepG2). Samples were collected in Esteio and Sapucaia streams (Rio Grande do Sul; Brazil), which flow into the Sinos River, a source of water supply for more than one million people. Physicochemical and microbiological analyses were performed as well as an analysis of inorganic elements using the PIXE technique (Particle-Induced X-Ray Emission). The presence of pharmaceutical compounds and caffeine was evaluated by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. The cytotoxicity, genotoxicity, and mutagenicity of the samples were evaluated in HepG2 cells by cell viability assays, alkaline Comet Assay and Cytokinesis-block micronucleus (CBMN) assay. We verified alterations in the physicochemical and microbiological parameters and detected caffeine, diethyltoluamide, and different inorganic elements that corresponded to elements from domestic and industrial effluents and agricultural runoff. Although the samples in the concentration used were not cytotoxic, water samples from all sites induced DNA damage. However, it is difficult to attribute these damages to a specific substance since the factors are a complex mixture of different compounds. Despite this, it is observed that both urban and industrial contributions had a similar effect in the cells evaluated. Such results demonstrate the need to perform biomonitoring of surface waters under anthropogenic influence, especially those that flow into rivers that are a source of public supply water. We also highlight the need for research into emerging pollutants in these aquatic environments.

Maturity and depositional controls on compound-specific sulfur isotope values of saline lacustrine source rocks in the north Dongpu Depression, Bohai Bay Basin

Source rocks and oil sands from the northern Dongpu Depression have been analyzed by gas chromatography multicollector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (GC-MC-ICP MS) to investigate the compound-specific sulfur isotope (δ34S) values of saline lacustrine source rocks. The samples were also subject to more traditional organic geochemical analyses including hydrocarbon biomarker detection by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS), carbon and oxygen isotopic analysis by isotope ratio mass spectrometer, and major and trace inorganic element analysis. δ34SOSCs values measured for a limited number of organic sulfur compounds (OSCs) showed a quite large range (5.16‰–44.73‰). The source rocks and oil sands could be separated into two groups with δ34S values above or below 25.00‰. The first group with δ34S > 25.00‰, were primarily the Weicheng source rocks, which also typically showed an increase in δ34S values with increasing alkylation. The second group had δ34S < 25.00, the δ34S of dibenzothiophenes showed a positive correlation with the concentration of the saturated hydrocarbon fraction of rocks, and a negative correlation with the polar (resin + asphaltene) fraction. The δ34SOSCs show obvious positive correlation with gammacerane/C31 hopane and C35/C34 hopanes and excellent correlation with contents of minerals and ratios of trace elements, reflecting a 34S enrichment in closed evaporative environment (conducive to the sulfurisation of organic matter) and relative 34S depletion in terrestrial environments. These trends identify the depositional environment of the source rocks as one of controls on δ34SOSCs values. Thermal maturity was also observed to influence δ34SOSCs values, becoming heavier with increasing maturity. There was a good result of oil-source rock correlation by δ34SOSC in this study. This study demonstrates the contribution δ34SOSCs data can make to oil-oil and oil-source rock correlations as well as providing further evidence of their sensitivity to depositional environments and thermal maturity.

Combined analysis of inorganic elements and sugars for the identification of red pepper powder containing undeclared ingredients.

This study sought to identify adulterated red pepper powder (RPP) containing undeclared ingredients, such as salts, glucose, Monascus red pigments, and other plant ingredients (e.g., wheat flour, garlic powder, onion powder) using element and sugar analysis methods. Analytical data were obtained for 66 samples of authentic RPP and 12 samples of adulterated RPP. The variables selected to identify the authenticity of RPP include Na, Cl, K, maltohexaose, and maltoheptaose, which partly or totally originate from RPP, salts, or Monascus red pigments. All the 12 samples of commercial seasoned RPP used as models of adulterated RPP and all the 20 blind samples containing ≥10% (w/w) of commercial seasoned RPP were correctly identified by applying the range of the five variables found for the authentic RPP samples. Our findings suggest that combined analyses of the above five constituents could be used to identify adulterated RPP containing undeclared ingredients. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Adulteration of high-priced spice products, including red pepper powder (RPP), has increasingly become a public concern worldwide as it endangers consumer health and represents economic fraud. This study provides analytical methods that can accurately determine the authenticity of RPP. They would become effective means for protecting producers and suppliers against unfair competition and consumers against health threats.

ORGANIC AND INORGANIC PHYTOCHEMICAL SCREENING, QUANTITATIVE ANALYSIS OF ALKALOIDS OF STEM AND ROOT EXTRACT OF LAVANGA

Introduction: Lavanga is one of the most ancient and valuable spices due to its versatile uses in treatment according to Ayurveda lavanga has tikta and katu rasa and sheeta virya. Due to katu rasa it acts as kaphashamaka and pittahara due to sheeta veerya. Lavanga contains most of various secondary metabolites with great potentials. Materials &amp;Methods Aims &amp; objectives: The aim to study is to evaluate organic and inorganic screening and Quantitative analysis of alkaloids of stem and root extract of lavanga. Qualitative analysis like phytochemical screening and inorganic screening were carried out and physico chemical screening with standard techniques. Quantitative analysis like quantification of alkaloids were estimated by Harborne method. Results: Qualitative organic and inorganic screening showed the presence of carbohydrates, saponin, flavonoids, steroids, alkaloids, glycoside in aqueous extract, alkaloids, proteins and amino acids, Quinone and glycoside are present in ethanolic extract. Inorganic elemental analysis shows presence of calcium, Iron, sodium are appreciated in the stem and root of lavanga extract. Quantification of alkaloids shown 24.2 % of alkaloids presence. Conclusion: Lavanga stem&amp; root extract shows many compounds in aqueous extract than alcoholic extract and higher alkaloids presence in stem and root of lavanga &amp; justifies their uses for human health benefit

Physicochemical Analysis of Wastewater Sludge in Yeosu National Industrial Complex

In 1987, the national industrial complex began to build wastewater treatment facilities, and the Yeosu National Industrial Complex is a large-scale industrial complex in which Korea''s representative heavy and chemical companies reside. In this study, in order to review the efficient sludge treatment method for the Jungheung Industrial Complex wastewater treatment plant as a research object, the physicochemical characteristics of the wastewater sludge were analyzed to examine ways to efficiently convert resources into resources. The Jungheung Wastewater Treatment Plant generated 9,200 tons/year of sludge in 2019, and the treatment cost was 1,253 million won per year. As a result of three components analysis of wastewater sludge, moisture was in the range of 70 to 91 %, and combustible matter was in the range of 5 to 19 %, and in the case of ash, it was in the range of 1 to 17 %. The average low calorific value of the subjects was 2,050 kcal/kg, and even within the same industry, the low calorific value was shown in the subjects with a low ratio of combustible powder and a relatively high content of ash. As a result of analysis of the five elements C, H, N, S, and O of wastewater sludge, the carbon value ranged from 3.17 to 49.72 %, and most subjects with high calorific value had high C content. There was no subject whose heavy metal content in the wastewater sludge exceeded the standard value. As a result of the analysis of inorganic elements, certain elements were found to be high depending on the characteristics of the industry, such as manganese cobalt (Co) being high in the petrochemical industry.

Distinguishing Korean and Chinese red pepper powder using inductively coupled plasma and X-ray fluorescence-based analysis.

This study aimed to distinguish between Korean and Chinese red pepper powder (RPP) using inorganic elemental analysis data combined with orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA). Elemental concentrations were obtained for 31 Korean and 31 Chinese RPP samples that were collected in Korea. Energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy detected 11 elements in these samples. Rb and Cl concentrations were selected as the variables which best allowed distinguishing between Korean and Chinese RPP using an S-plot from OPLS-DA. Rb and Cl concentrations in the Korean RPP samples were ≤ 1.6mg/100g (measured by inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy) and ≤ 215mg/100g, respectively. A blind trial demonstrated that Korean RPP containing ≥ 50g/100g of Chinese RPP could be identified by applying predetermined ranges of Rb and Cl concentrations, suggesting that analysis of these two elements is a possible approach to distinguish between Korean and Chinese RPP.

A Comprehensive Workflow for the Analysis of Bio-Macromolecular Supplements: Case Study of 20 Whey Protein Products

The presence of bio-macromolecules as major ingredients is a primary factor in marketing many biologically derived macromolecular supplements. Workflows for analyzing these supplements for quality assurance, adulteration, and other supply-chain difficulties must include a qualitative assessment of small-molecule and macromolecular components; however, no such integrated protocol has been reported for these bio-macromolecular supplements. Twenty whey protein supplements were analyzed using an integrated workflow to identify protein content, protein adulteration, inorganic elemental content, and macromolecular and small-molecule profiles. Orthogonal analytical methods were employed, including NMR profiling, LC-DAD-QToF analysis of small-molecule components, ICP-MS analysis of inorganic elements, determination of total protein content by a Bradford assay, SDS-PAGE protein profiling, and bottom-up shotgun proteomic analysis using LC-MS-MS. All 20 supplements showed a reduced protein content compared to the claimed content but no evidence of adulteration with protein from an unclaimed source. Many supplements included unlabeled small-molecule additives (but nontoxic) and significant deviations in metal content, highlighting the importance of both macromolecular and small-molecule analysis in the comprehensive profiling of macromolecular supplements. An orthogonal, integrated workflow allowed the detection of crucial product characteristics that would have remained unidentified using traditional workflows involving either analysis of small-molecule nutritional supplements or protein analysis.

Palaeoenvironmental evolution of formation of Bayanjargalan oil shale: evidence from trace elements and biomarkers

The genetic type of the Bayanerhet Formation oil shale in the Bayanjargalan mine area is an inland lacustrine oil shale deposit. Inorganic element analysis and organic geochemical testing of oil shale samples collected in three boreholes show that the Bayanerhet Formation oil shale has relatively high organic contents, e.g., average TOC values of 6.53, 7.32 and 8.84 (corresponding to oil contents of 5.49%, 6.07% and 7.50%) in boreholes BJ3807, BJ3405 and BJ3005, respectively. Analysis of organic matter sources with biomarkers indicates that lower aquatic organisms such as algae contribute more to the organic matter than higher plants do. According to research on the values of Fe2O3/FeO, Rb/Sr and w (La) n/w (Yb)n in cores from the three boreholes, the Bayanjargalan oil shale is inferred to have formed in a humid paleoclimate with a relatively high sedimentation rate. In research on the evolution of the paleoaquifer in which the oil shale formed, the values of Fe3+/Fe2+, V/V + Ni, Ni/V, Ceanom and δCe are applied as sensitive indicators of the redox conditions in the aqueous medium. These values indicate that the Bayanjargalan oil shale formed in a water body with a weak redox environment. Moreover, the values of Ca/(Ca + Fe) and Sr/Ba and the values of gammacerane/αβC30 hopane in biomarkers show that the oil shale was formed in a saltwater environment. Analysis of Mo and U shows high endogenous lake productivity, corresponding to high TOC, which suggests that the lacustrine productivity played an important role in organic matter enrichment. The Lower Cretaceous Bayanerhet Formation (K1bt) in the Bayanjargalan mine area encompasses a complete sequence and was formed during lowstand, transgression, highstand and regression periods. The dominant oil shale deposits were formed in the transgression system tract and high stand system tract, and these oil shales have a high oil content and stable occurrence. A large set of thick, high-TOC and high-oil-content oil shales in the second member of the Bayanerhet Formation was deposited under such conditions. The abundant terrigenous supply under warm and humid conditions significantly promoted the primitive biological productivity, and the weak redox saltwater environment had relatively high productivity. All the favorable conditions promoted the formation of high-quality oil shale.

Metabolic and Inorganic Elemental Profiling Analysis of Tortoise Shell for the Identification of Tortoise Strain

Tortoise shell is not only an armor, but also an important structure for storing nutrients for tortoise. The shell from one tortoise strain, Chinemys reevesii (CR), has long been used as a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Nowadays, massive CR shells are also processed into healthy food in Asian countries. Despite large-scale culture of CR in nowadays, there still exist massive counterfeit CR shells derived from other strains of tortoises in the market of TCM. However, it is usually difficult to identify the strain of shell only with the naked eyes, which leads to uncertainties for the healthcare efficacy. In this context, the present study aims to analyze both metabolites and inorganic elements contained in the shell from CR and two other common tortoise strains in the market, using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). We report that comprehensive metabolic and elemental differences have been revealed in the shell of three analyzed tortoise strains. Higher levels of various amino acids, fatty acids, and salutary trace elements and lower levels of lead and arsenic were found in CR shell, in comparison to the other two strains. These metabolic and elemental hallmarks found in CR shell are in accordance with its predominant healthcare effect described in TCM. A combination between leucine and lead was determined to be a potential marker to predict the strain of CR. The top discriminant metabolites and elements, as well as the combinational marker identifying the strain of CR in the training set, were further validated for their predictability by external test samples. Our study demonstrates that analyses of metabolites and inorganic elements contained in tortoise shell are useful to identify the strain of the tortoise.

Quantification Analysis of 13 Organic Components and 8 Inorganic Elements in Angelica Sinensis Radix and Its Different Parts Combined with Chemical Recognition Pattern.

Angelica Sinensis Radix (Danggui, DG) is one of the most commonly prescribed traditional Chinese medicines. The organic components include phthalides and phenolic acids. Meanwhile, inorganic elements play an important role in clinical effect. DG and its different parts have different effects. There is no relevant report on the analysis of organic compounds and inorganic elements among them. Therefore, ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with triple quadrupole mass spectrometry was developed for the simultaneous determination of 13 organic components (8 phthalides and 5 phenolic acids), and 8 inorganic elements were determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The contents of 32 samples were analyzed by orthogonal partial least squares discrimination analysis, hierarchical cluster analysis, and least-significant difference of one-way analysis of variance. The results showed that the differences were significant among DG and its different parts. 11 difference markers (Ca, Z-ligustilide, Mg, Mn, Fe, Na, K, Cu, Zn, coniferyl ferulate, and senkyunolide A) were obtained by variable importance for the project. These difference markers were some different among DG and its different parts, especially Z‐ligustilide, coniferyl ferulate, Mg, Zn, the differences were significant. This study can provide a reference for DG research.

Rubidium analysis as a possible approach for discriminating between Korean and Chinese perilla seeds distributed in Korea

The aim of this study was to discriminate between Korean and Chinese perilla seeds by using inorganic elemental analysis data combined with orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA). Inorganic element content data were obtained from 29 Korean and 11 Chinese perilla seed samples distributed in Korea. Using energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy, 11 species of inorganic elements were detected in the perilla seed samples and eight of them were quantified. The Rb content was selected as the variable to best discriminate between Korean and Chinese perilla seeds using an S-plot generated from OPLS-DA. An accurate range for the Rb content was determined using inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy. The Rb content is remarkably higher in Chinese perilla seeds (8.7–19.0 mg/kg) than in Korean perilla seeds (0.0–7.6 mg/kg), thereby suggesting that Rb analysis may be an appropriate approach to discriminate Chinese perilla seeds from Korean perilla seeds.