Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry Research Articles

Partially Substituted La for Sm in Sm0.8Sr0.2NiO3: An Efficient Electrocatalyst Towards Alkaline Water Splitting

AbstractPerovskite‐type oxides having composition LaxSm0.8−xSr0.2NiO3 (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.6) were explored for their ability to act as facilitators for oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in alkaline media. Synthesis of the materials was conducted through a sol‐gel procedure via malic acid. The materials underwent advanced physicochemical characterization utilizing techniques, namely transmission electron microscope (TEM), scanning electron microscope/energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (SEM/EDS), inductively coupled plasma – mass spectrometry (ICP‐MS) and X‐ray diffraction (XRD). These analyses provided crucial details about the material’s particle size, surface morphology/chemical composition and crystalline structure, opening up exciting possibilities for their diverse applications. From TEM analysis, the average particle size of the oxide materials has been estimated and found to be 5.9 nm for Sm0.8Sr0.2NiO3 and 4.8 nm for La0.6Sm0.2Sr0.2NiO3. The particle size of the oxide material decreases when La was partially substituted for Sm in Sm0.8Sr0.2NiO3. Cyclic voltammetry and Tafel plot were observed for the electrochemical analysis in 1 M KOH (25 °C). An investigation on the anodic polarization of oxides revealed an increased electrocatalytic activity when La was partially substituted for Sm in Sm0.8Sr0.2NiO3. La0.6Sm0.2Sr0.2NiO3 was found to be most active at 800 mV with a current density, j = 184.1 mA/cm2. The Tafel experiment was conducted in 1M KOH at varying temperatures to determine thermodynamic properties like standard electrochemical energy of activation (), standard enthalpy of activation (ΔH°#), and standard entropy of activation (ΔS°#).

Mechanisms activating trace heavy metals in the rhizosphere microenvironment of Amaranthus hypochondriacus L.

Soil heavy metal activation is closely related to rhizosphere soil pH, O2 and enzyme activity levels. In this study, we used laser ablation inductively coupled plasmamass spectrometry (ICPMS), planar optode (PO), soil in situ enzyme spectrum analysis, and the diffusive gradients in thin films (DGT) method to investigate heavy metal accumulation in Amaranthus hypochondriacus L. growing in polluted soil (Cd, Pb and Zn) and unpolluted soil, as well as dissolved oxygen (DO), pH, soil enzyme activity, and trace heavy metal dynamics in rhizosphere and nonrhizosphere soils. The results revealed that the growth of A. hypochondriacus was significantly inhibited under combined Cd, Pb, and Zn stress, with the most pronounced effects on root and branch biomass. Radial oxygen loss (ROL) and alkalization occurred in the roots of A. hypochondriacus, which were influenced primarily by root growth and environmental conditions. The enzyme activity patterns indicated that acid phosphatase (ACP), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and β-glucosidase (BG) activities were primarily associated with the root system and that the activities of these enzymes were relatively low in nonrooted soil. Under heavy metal stress, the ACP, ALP and BG activities in the hotspots of soil increased. DO, pH, and soil enzyme activity were significantly correlated with the presence of heavy metals Cd, Pb, and Zn, influencing the mobilization mechanisms of trace metals in the rhizosphere. These findings lay the groundwork for understanding the impact of root-induced alterations in O2, pH, and soil enzyme activity on the mobility of trace heavy metals in soil.

The association between the serum levels of Molybdenum and Cadmium with the development of urolithiasis

Background. Kidney stones have increased globally and become a public health problem. The association between kidney stone risk and environmental heavy metal exposure was examined in some observational studies. Environmental and industrial metal contaminants commonly found include excess molybdenum (Mo) and cadmium (Cd). The objective of this study is to examine the correlation between the presence of kidney stones in a group of adults and the levels of these two metals in their blood serum. Methods. In this study, 44 patients with renal stones were taken against 44 healthy subjects from Basra Governate in Iraq. We employ the Agilent Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS Agilent 7500/USA) technique to quantify the concentrations of molybdenum (Mo) and Cadmium (Cd). Results. The results indicate a significant difference in patients' molybdenum (Mo) and cadmium (Cd) levels. Molybdenum (Mo) and cadmium (Cd) levels in the patient group were (179 ppb, 2.86 ppb) and in the healthy group (156 ppb, 1.22 ppb), respectively. The study also includes the antioxidant enzymes (catalase, glutathione peroxidase, malondialdehyde, xanthine oxidase, and superoxidase dismutase), which may be affected by increased heavy metal levels and significant differences between the patient and healthy groups. We use the enzyme-linked immune sorbent assay (ELISA) technique to assay antioxidant enzymes. The study also assesses the function of the liver and kidneys (serum uric acid, urea, serum creatinine, total serum bilirubin, direct and indirect bilirubin, GOT, GPT, and ALP). The patient and the healthy group significantly differed in liver and renal function parameters. Conclusion. The study determined that both molybdenum (Mo) and cadmium (Cd) are identified as risk factors for the formation of kidney stones. Elevated blood Mo and Cd exposure has been linked to increased urolithiasis in adults, and urolithiasis may be predisposed to high serum Mo and Cd levels.

Are Trace Elements Provided for Children on Long-Term Parenteral Nutrition Adequate to Meet Their Needs?

Background: We conducted a cross-sectional study to investigate whether children receiving long-term parenteral nutrition (LPN) are at risk of imbalances in selected trace elements. Methods: Serum levels of manganese, zinc, copper, selenium, and iodine were measured in 83 children on LPN and compared with 121 healthy controls. Children with signs of infection or elevated C-reactive protein levels were excluded. Elemental analysis was performed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Results: Manganese and copper levels were significantly lower in the study group compared with controls (p < 0.001) but remained within normal ranges. Iodine levels were also significantly lower in the study group (p < 0.05), though pediatric reference values are lacking. Zinc and selenium levels were significantly higher in the study group (p < 0.001), with median levels within normal ranges in both groups. Zinc, selenium, and iodine levels were higher in patients weighing ≤15 kg (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p < 0.02). Conclusions: Serum concentrations of manganese, copper, and selenium in the study group remained within normal ranges, even though children weighing over 15 kg received doses below those recommended by scientific guidelines. An iodine intake below 1 μg/kg/day in patients weighing over 15 kg appears insufficient. Patients on LPN required a higher zinc intake than current recommendations.

Assessment of Micronutrients and Toxic Elements in Rice Grains: Implications for Food Safety and Nutrition

The complete assessment of micronutrient and toxic elements (Cu, Mo, Sn, Cr, Ni, Zn and Pb) in rice grains and implications for food safety and nutrition is still not understood clearly. Pot experiments were designed to grow the two rice cultivars namely MH63 and LYMZ. For the accurate determination of the micronutrient elements and toxic element, here we used microwave assisted digestion for sample preparation and Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) for the determination. Good linearity was maintained over the range studied with correlation coefficients (R2) of 0.999-1.0. This work focused on evaluating these elements in two rice cultivars MH63 and LYMZ. The micronutrient elements and toxic element in the bran and kernel of both the cultivars were detected below the permitted level set by Food and Agriculture Organization of the United States/ World Health Organization(FAO/ WHO). Large portion of the micronutrient elements and toxic elements remain in the bran, very small amounts in the ppb levels remain in the kernel. The translocation of zinc into bran is highest among other nutrient elements. The load of nutrient element copper in the bran of both cultivars remains similar, i.e., 0.006g/kg whereas the toxic element lead in the bran of both cultivar lies below 0.008g/kg. The nutrient element zinc in the kernel of Lymz remains 0.066g/kg where as in MH63 is 0.025g/kg. Nutritionally essential trace element chromium in the kernel of both cultivars lies below 0.004g/kg (1mg/day tolerable limit). The concentration of nutrient elements in two rice cultivars were found to be very close to the minimum levels recommended by Food and agriculture organization (FAO). Thus, the nutrient quality of the rice grain depends on the status of soil, micronutrient element and toxic element concentrations in the permitted range of FAO/ WHO guideline.

Non-lethal sampling of phalanges for heavy metal bioaccumulation in Pelophylax nigromaculatus from historical mercury mining areas in Southwestern China

The Wanshan mercury mining area (WMMA) in Guizhou Province, China, has been identified as a region at high ecological risk owing to heavy metal contamination. This study employed non-lethal sampling methods, using the phalanges of Pelophylax nigromaculatus in the WMMA as analytical material. Ten heavy metal (metalloid) elements were selected for analysis, including Hg, Cr, Mn, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd, Pb, As, and Se. These elements were measured using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), while Hg was determined using atomic fluorescence spectrometry (AFS). The bioaccumulation characteristics of heavy metals in P. nigromaculatus were analyzed through the bioaccumulation factor (BAF), and the extent of heavy metal pollution along with potential ecological risk was assessed using the potential ecological risk index (RI). The scaled mass index (SMI) was utilized to evaluate the body condition of P. nigromaculatus. Additionally, a combination of Spearman correlation analysis and non-negative matrix factorization (NMF) was employed to identify the sources and contributions of heavy metal elements. The results indicated that the distribution characteristics of heavy metal elements in the phalanges of P. nigromaculatus varied. Except for Pb, the concentrations of essential trace elements were significantly higher than those of non-essential elements. The bioaccumulation potential of P. nigromaculatus for heavy metal elements in the soil was found to be low, whereas the exposure risk from heavy metals in the water was high. The presence of heavy metal elements poses a significant potential ecological risk to P. nigromaculatus, with Hg, Cd, and As identified as the primary contributors to this risk. The environmental sources of heavy metals were identified as follows: Hg, Pb, Zn, and Se mainly originated from mining pollution sources; As and Cd primarily came from atmospheric pollution sources; Cr and Cu were mainly from natural activities sources; and Mn and Ni had multiple composite sources. Although heavy metal pollution negatively impacted the physical condition of P. nigromaculatus, no significant differences in SMI were observed across different regions. We believe that this is primarily attributable to the high levels of Se, which effectively mitigate the toxicity of heavy metals. The study demonstrated that using frog phalanges for heavy metal bioaccumulation analysis and SMI for physical condition assessment are simple, safe, and non-lethal methods, which can serve as useful indicators of environmental pollution and help trace the sources of environmental pollutants.

Antimicrobial Activity and Mode of Action of N-Heterocyclic Carbene Silver(I) Complexes

Silver drugs have played a vital role in human healthcare for the treatment of infections for many centuries. Currently, due to antibiotic resistance, a potential scenario or the application of silver complexes may arise as substitutes for conventional antibiotics. In this perspective, N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) ligands have been selected as carrier molecules for silver ions. In this study, we selected two mono NHC-silver halide complexes: bromo[1,3-diethyl-4,5-bis(4-methoxyphenyl)imidazol-2-ylidene]silver(I) (Ag4MC) and chloro[2-pyridin- N-(2-ethylacetylamido)-2-yl-2H-imidazol-2-ylidene]silver(I) (Ag5MC), and two cationic bis NHC silver complexes: bis[1,3-diethyl-4,5-bis(4-methoxyphenyl)imidazol-2-ylidene]silver(I) (Ag4BC) and bis[2-pyridin-N-(2-ethylacetylamido)-2-yl-2H-imidazol-2-ylidene]silver(I) (Ag5BC). The inhibitory properties of the four complexes were evaluated for their antimicrobial potential against a set of Gram (+) and Gram (−) bacterial strains and the fungus C. albicans. In addition, further investigations were made using fluorescence and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) in order to gain more insights into the mechanism of action. Some preliminary information on the Ag target was obtained by analyzing the cytosol of E. coli treated with Ag5MC by size-exclusion chromatography (SEC) coupled with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS).

Mineralogy and geochemistry of sands from Playa las Golondrinas, Puerto Rico: an approach to establishing a geogenic background

Sands from the dune, berm, and shore environments at Playa las Golondrinas (18° 30′ 51″ N, 67° 3′ 26″) were investigated to explore how beach sands could be applied as a potential environmental (geogenic) background for the local region. Grain size is dominantly unimodal classifying as fine to medium sand. Hydraulic conductivity values range from 1.07 cm/s (berm) to 1.49 cm/s (shoreface). Sample mineralogy as constrained by X-ray diffraction (XRD) reveals a dominance of quartz and feldspar with minor Mg-calcite, pyroxene, and olivine. Light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM–EDS) support XRD data and indicate the presence of oxide-bearing lithic fragments in addition to biologic materials (e.g., corals. forams). Reflective spectra are consistent with XRD and microscopy. Bulk element concentrations determined using inductively coupled plasma—mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) are consistent with derivation from the arc-related rocks of Puerto Rico’s interior exhibiting LILE enrichment, Pb-enrichment, and associated Nb–Ta depletion. The majority of the bulk elemental concentrations are below those of average upper continental crust (UCC) values and element co-variation trends (e.g., wt. % Fe2O3 vs. As) are interpreted as geogenic in origin. Berm sands are enriched in Fe, Mn, Ni, Cr, V, and As compared to dune and shore samples and this signature is interpreted as being from a wind-driven winnowing effect. The exact form of As (As3+ or As5+) remains unconstrained and thus it is unknown if As is mobile in this environment. Reflective spectra, supported by grain size, mineralogy, and bulk chemistry, enables future remote sensing investigations by providing detailed constraints on sand in environmentally sensitive areas. This study therefore provides local context for metal pollution studies across the region.

Microscopic, Spectroscopic and Chemical Analysis of Emeralds from Habachtal, Austria

Studies on emeralds from Habachtal (Austria) are scarce and non-exhaustive. However, they represent a significant interest to the community, as they have been assumed to be present in historical pieces of jewelry. Along with Egypt, Habachtal is suggested to be one of the main sources of gem-quality emeralds of archaeological significance. In this regard and due to their similar macroscopic look and geological context, it has always been challenging to distinguish Austrian and Egyptian emeralds set in historic jewelry. In this paper, a first comprehensive study of several Habchtal emeralds is presented based on a combination of classic gemology, chemistry and spectroscopy, using non-destructive to micro-destructive methods. Spectroscopic analyses, such as via Raman, FTIR and UV-Vis–NIR spectroscopies, showed that emeralds from Habachtal (Austria) contain Type II H2O molecules with alkalis and they are colored by chromium and iron, similarly to emeralds from Egypt. Under an optical microscope (and identified by Raman spectroscopy), actinolite needle-like inclusions are frequently observed in Austrian emeralds. Other inclusions, such as quartz, plagioclase, albite, phlogopite and pyrite, can also be observed in Austrian samples. Chemical analysis of Austrian emeralds’ trace elements by LA–ICP–MS show similar results to those from Egypt, with the exception of V, K and Rb, which show a lesser content in Austrian emeralds. Thanks to the determination of inclusions combined with a careful examination of specific chemistry, this study shows that Austrian emeralds can be distinguished from their Egyptian counterpart.

Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry Performance for the Measurement of Key Serum Minerals: A Comparative Study With Standard Quantification Methods.

Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) is widely used for the accurate measurement of minerals. However, its application to serum essential mineral measurement has not been fully evaluated. The present study aimed to assess the performance of ICP-MS for serum minerals by comparing its measurements to those obtained using standard quantification methods. Cross-sectional data were collected from 282 participants from a single facility in Japan. Serum concentrations of eight key minerals, namely sodium, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, iron, zinc, and copper, measured via ICP-MS and standard methods were compared using Passing-Bablok regression and Bland-Altman plots. All minerals, except phosphorus, exhibited good agreement with standard methods, with more stable regression coefficients observed for minerals with greater interindividual variability. After systematically filtering outliers, the mean relative errors were approximately -3% for sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium; +5% for iron; 0% for zinc; and -19% for copper. The outliers for iron were primarily due to mild hemolysis, whereas those for zinc were largely attributed to nonhemolysis factors. For phosphorus, the serum total phosphorus concentration measured using ICP-MS was approximately 3.5 times higher than the serum inorganic phosphorus concentration measured using standard methods, with a weak correlation observed between the two methods. This study provides a practical foundation for future research. Understanding ICP-MS characteristics will facilitate the development of new approaches in clinical diagnostics.

Correlation between micronutrients and cellular immune responses after CoronaVac vaccination in elderly people

Background: Elderly individuals are often at risk for deficiencies in micronutrients like zinc (Zn) and magnesium (Mg), which are essential for cellular function and immune system homeostasis. Vaccination is a crucial strategy to prevent disease, but micronutrient deficiencies may diminish vaccine effectiveness. The immune response consists of cellular and humoral components, with neopterin serving as a marker for cellular immune activity. Objective: This study aimed to determine whether Zn or Mg deficiencies affect the decrease of cellular immunity between six and 24 weeks after vaccination. Method: This study was a prospective cohort involving eighty-eight elderly individuals (aged 60 and older) who received two doses of the CoronaVac vaccine. Blood samples were collected at six and 24 weeks post-vaccination to measure serum zinc (Zn) and magnesium (Mg) levels using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The immune response was assessed by the decrease in serum neopterin levels at six and 24 weeks after vaccination, measured using an enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA). Result: There was a positive correlation between Mg and a decrease in neopterin between six and 24 weeks after vaccination, with p = 0.011 and r = -0.296. However, we did not find a correlation between Zn and neopterin levels. This study showed that the lower the Mg levels, the faster the cellular immune response after vaccination disappeared. Nevertheless, the role of Zn in cellular immune response after vaccination is still unclear. Conclusion: Mg deficiency, but not Zn, was correlated with a more rapid reduction of cellular immune response after vaccination.

Impact of offshore energy activities on trace elements content and mobility in marine sediments.

The offshore oilfields in the North Sea area are increasingly employed for projects beyond oil production, like carbon capture and storage (CCS). Still, the fossil fuel production from mature fields is significant. It has raised environmental concerns associated with discharging produced waters (PW) and drilling mud into the sea. These discharges, which may be highly saline and contain production chemicals, vary significantly in metals and particulate content. Due to density and release depth, the plume is assumed to sink towards the seafloor. Also, a single oilfield can input up to 7.5 tons of Ba, 675kg of Fe, and 619kg of P into the water column through PW. Therefore, this study investigates the impact of these discharges on seafloor sediments around two Danish oilfields, assesses the mobility of metals within these sediments, and evaluates the environmental status. PW samples were collected at the discharge outlets from the platforms. Sediment cores were taken near the two oil platforms and from control sites. Using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) and an optimized BCR sequential extraction, we analyzed the composition and distribution of 24 elements in sediment samples. The results revealed significant differences in total extracted concentrations between sediments near the platforms and those from distant locations and stratigraphically older samples, with relevant levels of Br, Ba, and Sn near the platforms (averaged 14, 27, and 0.1ppb, respectively). Sediment quality indices showed considerable enrichment and geo-accumulation of toxic metals, particularly at one of the platform sites. However, cumulative indices did not display significant pollution anomalies. Therefore, our findings suggest that oil extraction activities may increase the availability of toxic metals in nearby sediments, potentially impacting marine ecosystems.

Waste SMD LEDs from End-of-Life Residential LED Lamps: Presence and Characterisation of Rare Earth Elements and Precious Metals as a Function of Correlated Colour Temperature

Energy consumption in buildings is linked to lighting technology. Light-emitting diode (LED) technology includes lamps and luminaires for general lighting applications. Due to their structure, LED lamps are expected to generate specific waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) streams. LEDs are the main source of luminous flux, and their elemental composition is of particular interest to the recycling sector. In this study, surface-mount device (SMD) LEDs from six types of LED lamps (E27, E14, G9, R7S, GU10, and MR16) were removed, collected, separated by correlated colour temperature (CCT) (2700 K, 3000 K, 4000 K, and 6500 K), and characterised for the presence of rare earth elements and precious metals. They were digested with HNO3, aqua regia, and HF in a hot plate and characterised by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The concentration of each element as a function of CCT ranged as follows: lanthanum, 242–1840 mg/kg; cerium, 132–284 mg/kg; europium, 15–69 mg/kg; gadolinium, 1.9–3.8 mg/kg; terbium, 0.1–0.4 mg/kg; lutetium, 29–6381 mg/kg; yttrium, 4804–11,551 mg/kg; silver, 2712–5262 mg/kg; gold, 502–956 mg/kg; and palladium, 32–110 mg/kg. These results indicate the need for selective removal and separate recycling processes of SMD LEDs from LED lamps.

Serum Zinc-Alpha-2 Glycoprotein and Zinc Levels and Their Relationship with Insulin Resistance and Biochemical Parameters in Overweight and Obese Children.

The biological role of zinc-alpha 2-glycoprotein (ZAG) has been associated with lipid mobilization, although this is not entirely clear. The study's aim was to examine the serum levels of ZAG and zinc (Zn) and the Zn/ZAG in a population of children with overweight (OW) and obesity (OB), and their relationship with biochemical parameters. Our study was a cross-sectional analysis of a group of Mexican children aged 6-10 (n = 72). We analyzed anthropometric data and biochemical parameters, including fasting plasma glucose (FPG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLc), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLc), triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), insulin, and homeostatic model assessment insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). ZAG protein levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and serum zinc (Zn) levels were quantified using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The Zn values indicate a statistically significant difference between normal weight (NW) and OW/OB children with Zn concentrations were 91µg/dL for NW and 66µg/dL for OW/OB children. ZAG values did not show significant differences between NW and OW/OB, and values were 2.1mg/dL and 2.3mg/dL, respectively. The Zn/ZAG ratio was lower in the OW/OB compared to the NW (p = 0.05). Correlations were found between FPG and Zn (p = 0.004) in NW boys, and ZAG (p = 0.046) in OW/OB boys, as well as a negative correlation between insulin and Zn in NW children of both sexes. HOMA-IR shows correlations between Zn (p = 0.008) in OW/OB boys, and ZAG (p = 0.010) in the OW/OB girls. Additionally, correlations were observed between LDLc, TG, and BMIz with Zn and ZAG in the boys. In the same way, we also found that girls with OW/OB had a Zn/ZAG ratio of - 2.32 (p = 0.043) compared to NW boys. In conclusion, our findings highlight the significant roles of Zn and ZAG in glucose and lipid metabolism. Furthermore, Zn/ZAG ratio may provide insights into nutritional deficiencies, adiposity, and metabolic health. However, further studies are necessary to validate our results.

High-Volume Phosphogypsum Cement Stabilized Road Base: Preparation Methods and Strength Formation Mechanism.

This study investigated the potential for efficient and resourceful utilization of phosphogypsum (PG) through the preparation of a High-volume Phosphogypsum Cement Stabilized Road Base (HPG-CSSB). The investigation analyzed the unconfined compressive strength (UCS), water stability, strength formation mechanism, microstructure, and pollutant curing mechanism of HPG-CSSB by laser diffraction methods (LD), X-ray diffraction (XRD), fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The optimal mix ratio of HPG-CSSB was 4% cement, 1% CA2, 35% PG, and 60% graded crushed stone. The UCS reached 6.6 MPa, 9.3 MPa, and 11.3 MPa at 7, 28, and 60 d, respectively. The alkaline curing agent stimulated cement activity and accelerated the release of Ca2+ and SO42- from the PG. This formed many C-S-H gels and ettringite (AFt). The curing agent converted Ca2+ to C-(A)-S-H gels due to high volcanic ash activity. The diverse hydration products strengthened HPG-CSSB. The HPG-CSSB exhibits favorable water stability, demonstrating a mere 7.6% reduction in strength following 28 d of immersion. The C-S-H gel and AFt generated in the system can carry out ion exchange and adsorption precipitation with F- and PO43- in PG, achieving the curing effect of toxic and hazardous substances. HPG-CSSB meets the Class A standard for integrated wastewater discharge.

Use of humate-sapropelic suspension when growing sunn hemp (Crotalaria junceae L.) in protected soil conditions (greenhouse)

Among the species of the genus Crotalaria L., Crotalaria juncea is the only cover crop cultivated for its fiber. The quality of the latter depends on nutritional conditions, the accumulation of biophilic elements in the biomass and the synthesis of proteinogenic amino acids. Thus, the purpose of the study was a qualitative and quantitative assessment of the green harvest at the stage of active flowering, before the phase of bean formation, when the entire biochemical cycle of the plant is reconfigured, and biochemical indicators are maximum. The plants were grown for 140 days (from April 22 to September 9, 2023) in protected soil conditions. The experimental design consisted of two blocks of 50 plants: in the first (control) plants were grown in a soil mixture without any additives; in the second, the crop was treated three times during the growing season with an organic suspension of humic acids (1000 ppm) obtained from sapropel (Pskov region) – UDGSS, by applying it when watering at the root. The soil substrate in both cases was typical chernozem (Kamennaya Steppe nature reserve, Voronezh region, 51°01ʹ41.6ʹʹN 40°43ʹ39.3ʹʹE) with a 20% addition of volcanic zeolite. Over the course of every 14 days, a systematic record of the dynamics of changes in the morphometric indicators of crop growth (height and dry biomass) was carried out, by removing five cultivars from each block of variants. After 140 days, the remaining five replicates per variant were subjected to biochemical analysis using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) using 7500 and LC 1200 instruments (Agilent Technologies, USA), according to the manufacturer's method. Treatment with UDGSS increased productivity and shoot height by 51.1% and 11.3%, respectively. The concentration of macroelements in dry biomass was in the following order: NaKCaSPMg in the control and NaKCaMgPS in the variant with UDGSS, and the export of microelements – FeMnZn BaBCuMo and FeMnBZnBaCuMo. At the same time, in total, the increase was more manifested in the amount of accumulation of microelements, due to a twofold increase in the concentration of iron ions. Among amino acids, an increase in the concentration of L-Lysine, L-Glycine, L-Glutamine and L-tyrosine was observed. The first three are structural components of biological tissues, which indirectly indicates an increase in the fiber strength of the culture.

Production of high purity 47Sc from proton irradiation of natural vanadium targets

BackgroundScandium-47 is the therapeutic counterpart to the diagnostic radionuclides, 43Sc and 44Sc. Together, these form elementally matched theranostic nuclide pairs, but their incorporation into radiopharmaceuticals requires developing production techniques leading to radioscandium isotopes with high chemical and radionuclidic purity. Previous 47Sc production methods involved expensive, enriched titanium targets that require additional procedures for target recovery. This work investigates the irradiation of natural vanadium targets and the development of purification methods for high-purity 47Sc. Natural vanadium foils were used in cyclotron target configurations. Targets were irradiated with 24 MeV protons at currents of up to 80 µA. A purification method was developed by determining the Kd values of Sc, Cr, and V using MP-50 resin. The final purification method used MP-50 and CM resin columns to isolate the 47Sc from natV and co-produced 51Cr. Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS), gamma-ray spectroscopy, and a DOTA titration were used to characterize the 47Sc product. ResultsTwo cyclotron targets were designed, a small-scale target for developing a purification procedure and a high-power target for scaled-up production. The high-power target maximum current was 80 µA of 24 MeV protons. The yield for an 8 h irradiation at 80 µA of 24 MeV protons, was 128.02 ± 11.1 MBq of 47Sc at End of Bombardment. The radionuclidic purity of 47Sc was 99.5 ± 0.2%. The purification using MP-50 and CM columns resulted in the removal of natV target and 51Cr contaminate in the final 47Sc product, with an average recovery of 72 ± 2.1% and a DOTA apparent molar activity of 7733 ± 155 MBq/µmol. ICP-MS results showed that all top-row transition metals were below the limit of detection (< 1 ppb) with the exception of Zn, which was 64.6 ± 10.3 ppb.ConclusionsA high-power cyclotron target capable of withstanding a proton current of 80 µA was developed. A novel separation method was developed for isolating the 47Sc from the vanadium target and the co-produced 51Cr contaminate. The final product characterization resulted in a chemically and radionuclidically pure 47Sc product with high recovery yields.

Isotopic U-Pb age of zircon (LA-ICP-MS method) from igneous rocks of the Chorukh-Dairon W-Mo(-Cu-Au) deposit (Tajikistan): first evidences for post-collisional ore formation in the Kurama segment of the Middle Tien Shan

The paper presents isotopic U–Pb zircon data (LA–ICP–MS method) for the main types of high-potassic intrusive rocks of the Chorukh-Dairon W–Mo(–Cu–Au) skarn deposit situated in the Kurama segment of the Middle Tien Shan near the largest porphyry Cu–Mo–Au deposits of the Almalyk mineralized cluster. Together with the other Au, W, Mo and Cu deposits, all these deposits are parts of the extended Late Paleozoic metallogenic belt of Tien Shan. The concordant isotopic U–Pb zircon data obtained for the rocks of successive intrusion phases in the Chorukh-Dairon pluton span from about 298 Ma to 290 Ma. This interval included crystallization of monzodiorite (295.1±3.3 Ma), quartz syenite (294.7±2.3 Ma), quartz monzonite (294.1±2.1 Ma), and monzogranite (293.0±3.0 Ma). These dates correspond to the pluton emplacement at the Late Carboniferous-Early Permian boundary and highlight its younger age compared to the productive high-potassic intrusions of the porphyry Cu–Mo–Au deposits in the Almalyk mineralized cluster, the latter assigned to the Late Carboniferous (about 337–313 Ma and partially to 308–297 Ma). By contrast to the latter, which were intruded in the subduction-related environment, the emplacement of the high-potassic rock of the Chorukh-Dairon pluton occurred in the transitional subduction-related to post-collisional environment or even under an actual post-collisional regime. This allows distinguishing two pulses of ore-bearing Carboniferous-Permian high-potassic calc-alkaline to shoshonitic series magmatism in the Middle Tien Shan. Consistently, there is a metallogenic evolution in the region that was expressed in the transition from porphyry Cu–Mo–Au deposits associated with subduction-related potassic magmatism, and likely evolving toward epithermal Au–Ag deposits, to essentially tungsten (W–Mo–Cu–Au) deposits associated with younger potassic magmatism occurring rather in the post-collisional environment.

Comparison of the Performance of ICP-MS, CV-ICP-OES, and TDA AAS in Determining Mercury in Marine Sediment Samples.

Mercury (Hg) determination in marine sediment is an analytical challenge due to the toxicity of this element even at low concentrations (up to 130 μg kg-1 in marine sediments) and complex matrices. Therefore, it is necessary to use analytical techniques that have high sensitivity, selectivity, and low limits of quantification (LoQ). In this study, two methods that require sample treatment and one method with direct sampling were studied. The techniques studied were inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry with cold vapor generation (CV-ICP-OES), and atomic absorption spectrometry with thermodecomposition and amalgamation (TDA AAS) for Hg determination in marine sediment samples. Since ICP-MS has more studies in the literature, optimization with design of experiments was developed for CV-ICP-OES and TDA AAS. Although it was found to have low levels of instrumental LoQ for all three techniques, differences were found once the method LoQ was calculated. The calculation for method LoQ considers all analytical procedures executed, including sample treatment, which provides a 100-fold dilution for ICP-MS and CV-ICP-OES. The method LoQ obtained were 1.9, 165, and 0.35 μg kg-1 for ICP-MS, CV-ICP-OES, and TDA AAS, respectively. Comparing marine sediment sample analyses, Hg concentrations had no statistical difference when determined by ICP-MS and TDA AAS. It was not possible to determine Hg in marine sediment samples by CV-ICP-OES due to the high method LoQ obtained (165 μg kg-1). Although ICP-MS has the advantage of being a multielemental technique, it is high-value equipment and needs a large volume of argon, which has a high cost in the market, and it requires sample treatment. On the other hand, TDA AAS-based spectrometer DMA-80 performs direct sampling, avoiding the pretreatment stage, and has a relatively lower cost, both in terms of initial investment and maintenance, while maintaining the high sensitivity, accuracy, and precision required for Hg determination on marine sediment samples.

A health risk assessment of toxic metals and aflatoxin contamination in homemade and industrial noodles.

Environmental pollution is a problem that affects food safety throughout the world. In this study, a health risk assessment of possible toxic metal and aflatoxin contamination in homemade and industrial noodles produced in Türkiye was carried out. Samples were taken from 67 kinds of homemade and five kinds of industrial noodles from different cities. Each sample was ground and prepared according to the inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy (ICP-MS) protocol. Chronic daily metal intake (CDI), target hazard quotient (THQ), hazard index (HI), and cancer risk (CR) calculations were made according to metal concentrations. Then, it was compared with the limit values of the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA). Furthermore, AFB1 analyses were performed on all samples the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method. Using the obtained data, health risk assessments were made in the samples of homemade and industrial noodles. Pb (lead), Hg (mercury), Cd (cadmium), As (arsenic), Cr (chromium), Ni (nickel), Cu (copper), Al (aluminum), and Fe (iron) concentrations analyzed in all samples were used in THQ and HI (non-cancer health risk) calculations, and THQ < 1 and HI < 1 were found. On the other hand, 81% of all the samples were found to have cancer risk in terms of Ni and 75% Cr. The AFB1 findings (mean, 0.29ppb) were below the Turkish Food Codex limit (2.00ppb). Consequently, it is questionable that the noodle samples have cancer potential in general.