Levels Of Metals Research Articles

Patina formation and diffuse dispersion of alloying metals from weathering steels at urban atmospheric conditions—A combined laboratory and field investigation

AbstractThe increasing use of weathering steels (WS) has raised concerns regarding the diffuse emission of alloying elements. This research paper investigates the release of iron (Fe) and the alloying elements (Cr), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn) and nickel (Ni) from two commercially available WS at urban field conditions in Stockholm, Sweden, during 1 year and in the laboratory at simulated urban conditions. The amount of released metals is evaluated and compared with recommended levels of metals in drinking water and the formation and evolution of the protective patina is studied in parallel to assess the influence on the metal release process. Only minor amounts of the alloying elements are released and is only linked to the outermost surface composition of the patina during the very beginning of the exposure. The released amounts are found to be lower compared with the corresponding levels recommended by the World Health Organisation for drinking water.

Chemometric Analysis and Human Health Implications of Trace and Heavy/Non-Essential Metals through ingestion of Carbonated and Non-Carbonated Beverages.

Elevated levels of trace metals (TMs) and heavy/non-essential metals (HnMs) in commonly consumed beverages concern the public and regulatory agencies. Thus, frequent monitoring of these metals is critically important. The present study intended to assess TMs and HnMs concentrations and associated health risks in beverages. Ten metals, such as Mn, Co, Cr, Cu, and Zn (TMs) and Ni, Cd, Pb, Al, and As (HnMs), were quantified in different beverage brands categorized into two groups such as non-carbonated and carbonated beverages. Chemometric analysis such as hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA), Pearson's correlation coefficient (PCC), and principal component analysis (PCA) were also performed to demonstrate the possible natural and anthropogenic sources of metal contamination. Among the TMs, the mean concentration of Zn (233.3 ± 3.3-291.7 ± 3.2µg/L) followed by Mn (119.0 ± 2.3-146.4 ± 2.2µg/L) was found highest in both carbonated and non-carbonated beverage samples. In the case of HnMs, the lowest mean concentration of Cd (7.4 ± 0.9-18.6 ± 1.2µg/L) followed by Pb (4.1 ± 0.4-4.5 ± 0.4µg/L) was observed in both types of beverage samples. The tolerable dietary intake (TDI) value for Ni and provisional tolerable monthly intake (PTMI) value for Cd were higher than the value established by the WHO and EFSA. The computed values of the hazard index (HI < 1) and the cumulative cancer risk (CCR) indicated a low risk of exposure.

Measurement of lead, mercury, and cadmium in blood donors in Canada.

Fetal and neonatal exposure to lead is associated with irreversible adverse effects on neural development. There is no reliable threshold for lead effect, so limiting exposure is recommended. A significant correlation has been reported between post-transfusion blood lead level (BLL) in infants and lead levels in transfused RBC units. We measured levels of lead, mercury, and cadmium, in Canadian donor blood to investigate if concerning levels for neonatal transfusion exist. Whole blood samples from blood donors (n = 2529) were shipped cold within 7 days of donation. All permanent blood donation clinics across Canada were sampled. Twelve of these permanent clinics and 8 mobile clinics with a greater potential for having higher lead or mercury levels were oversampled. Heavy metals were measured by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Of all donations, 2.2% (lead) and 0.4% (mercury) had levels higher than the recommended thresholds for safe neonatal transfusion. BLLs were higher in males but there was no significant difference in the blood mercury levels of males versus females. Cadmium levels were higher in females. There was a positive correlation between donor age and levels of heavy metals, with lead having the strongest correlation (r = 0.47, p < .0001). Three clinics in close proximity to two lead-producing mines were among the clinics with the highest BLLs. Significantly higher blood mercury levels were observed in coastal clinics. Our data on donor blood heavy metal levels supports considering blood transfusion as an exposure source to heavy metals and encourages informed selection of blood units for transfusion to vulnerable groups.

Analysis of Heavy Metal Cadmium (Cd) and Lead (Pb) in Eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) in Pontianak City by Using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS)

In Indonesia, eggplant is a favored vegetable with substantial production. The main objective of this study is to investigate the level of safety of eggplants marketed in traditional wholesale markets in Pontianak City against possible contamination of the heavy metals cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb), which are commonly discovered in water waste, vehicle exhaust, and excessive pesticide and fertilizer use. Alizarin Red S for Cd metal and Dithizon for Pb metal were used in qualitative assays. Cd and Pb levels were measures using an Atomic Absorption Spechtrophotometer (AAS) instrument. The analytical method has been verified for linearity, accuracy, precision, limit of detection, and limit of quantification. The qualitative test results showed that all samples had positive results for Cd and Pb. The quantitative test results revealed that the Cd and Pb metal contents in the FB (Flamboyan) sample were 0.056 mg/kg and 3.5066 mg/kg, consequently, while they were 0.0986 mg/kg and 3.957 mg/kg, consequently, in the PR (Puring) sample. In keeping with BPOM standard No. 5 of 2018, Cd metal levels in FB samples are at a safe threshold, while Cd metal levels in PR samples and Pb metal levels in FB and PR samples exceed the maximum thresholds that have been set.

Comparisons of heavy metals levels in water, sediment and crayfish under rice-crayfish co-culture and pond culture modes with correlation analysis and health risk assessment

Comparisons of heavy metals levels in water, sediment and crayfish under rice-crayfish co-culture and pond culture modes with correlation analysis and health risk assessment

Stability of bentonite colloid carried with kaolin-supported nanoscale zero-valent iron together as composite remediation materials and its adsorption property onto multi-heavy metals

In order to improve the defects of fast sedimentation rate and poor mobility of kaolin-supported nano-zero-valent iron (K-nZVI), bentonite colloid with strong suspension and adsorption was selected as the carrier in this study, and the stability and adsorption of bentonite colloid carried with K-nZVI (B-K-nZVI) were studied. The sedimentation tests as well as viscosity tests were prepared to determine the best solid mass ratio of the stable suspension fluid. The adsorption tests combined with adsorption kinetics and isotherm models were conducted to reveal the adsorption and reduction properties of B-K-nZVI to remove chromium, zinc and lead ions. The results showed that B-K-nZVI greatly presented superior stability and determined 5 % of bentonite and 0.2 % of K-nZVI as the best solid mass ratio. The removal rate of Pb and Zn exceeded 90 % within 30 minutes; meanwhile, the removal efficiency was Pb(II) > Zn(II) > Cr(total), indicating that the effect of B-K-nZVI on cations was significantly better than that on anions. In addition, the adsorption capacity of Pb(II), Zn(II) and Cr(total) by B-K-nZVI were 19.11 mg·g−1, 17.33 mg·g−1 and 1.03 mg·g−1 after 30 minutes of reaction, respectively. Compared to K-nZVI, the new composite remediation material has achieved significant improvements in stability and adsorption performance. This study has great significance for demonstrating B-K-nZVI as potential remediation materials to reduce the levels of some heavy metals in groundwater and providing reliable theoretical basis for remediation material design.

Heavy Metal Concentrations in Surface Water of the Lower Mekong River Basin (Vietnam)

Heavy Metal Concentrations in Surface Water of the Lower Mekong River Basin (Vietnam)

Level of Heavy Metals and Potential Ecological Risks in Irrigated Horticultural Farms in the Vicinity of Lake Ziway, Central Ethiopian Rift Valley Region.

Research on heavy metal pollution in horticultural farms located around lakes in the Central Ethiopian Rift Valley Region has focused on measuring the levels of heavy metals and their health implications. However, the ecological risks of horticultural farms contaminated with heavy metals in this region have not been studied. The current study addresses this gap by providing information on the degree of heavy metal contamination and the ecological risk associated with horticultural farms around Lake Ziway, using various pollution indices. An inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometer (ICP-OES) was used to measure the concentrations of nine heavy metals (As, Cd, Co, Cu, Cr, Ni, Pb, Hg, and Zn) in a total of 30 composite soil and irrigation water samples, each consisting of a mix of six subsamples. The results indicated that the mean concentrations of Hg, Cd, Pb, and Zn in soils collected from all the sampling sites exceeded the FAO/WHO maximum permissible limit (MPL). The values of both the contamination factor (CF) and contamination degree (Cd) of the heavy metals ranged from 0.04 to 2.66 and 2.81 to 6.14, respectively, indicating a low to medium level of contamination for both indices. The pollution load index (PLI) values of 0.451, 0.449, and 0.157 for sites 2, 1, and 3, respectively, indicate "unpolluted" to "moderately polluted" levels of heavy metal pollution. However, the ecological risk indices (ERIs) at sites 2 and 1 (158.92 and 141, respectively) showed a potentially high ecological risk due to soil pollution. Therefore, close monitoring and early intervention mechanisms must be in place to control pollution in the study area.

Heavy Metal(oid)s Contamination and Potential Ecological Risk Assessment in Agricultural Soils.

Soil pollution caused by heavy metal(oid)s has generated great concern worldwide due to their toxicity, persistence, and bio-accumulation properties. To assess the baseline data, the heavy metal(oid)s, including manganese (Mn), iron (Fe), Cobalt (Co), nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), arsenic (As), lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), chromium (Cr), and cadmium (Cd), were evaluated in surface soil samples collected from the farmlands of Grand Forks County, North Dakota. Samples were digested via acid mixture and analyzed via inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP MS) analysis to assess the levels, ecological risks, and possible sources. The heavy metal(oid) median levels exhibited the following decreasing trend: Fe > Mn > Zn > Ni > Cr > Cu > Pb > Co > As > Cd > Hg. Principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) suggested the main lithogenic source for the studied metal(oid)s. Metal(oid) levels in the current investigation, except Mn, are lower than most of the guideline values set by international agencies. The contamination factor (Cf), geo accumulation index (Igeo) and enrichment factor (EF) showed considerable contamination, moderate contamination, and significant enrichment, respectively, for As and Cd on median value basis. Ecological risk factor (Er) results exhibited low ecological risk for all studied metal(oid)s except Cd, which showed considerable ecological risk. The potential ecological risk index (PERI) levels indicated low ecological risk to considerable risk. Overall, the results indicate the accumulation of As and Cd in the study area. The high nutrients of the soils potentially affect their accumulation in crops and impact on consumers' health. This drives the impetus for continued environmental monitoring programs.

Trace elements in an adjacent channel of an anthropized area: a case study of Baixada Santista, Southeastern Brazil

In recent decades, due to intensive industrialization, the Baixada Santista has undergone an intense process of environmental degradation. The metals are toxic and persistent in varying concentrations and oxidation states and may be incorporated in sediments and biota. Thus, understanding the importance of this contamination is necessary for coastal planning. This study provides a basis for understanding the levels of metal and As contamination in the Bertioga Channel (SP). The levels of Al, As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sc, V and Zn in superficial sediment samples were determined by ICP-OES. The degree of sediment contamination was evaluated according to the sediment quality standards set by the Canadian environmental agency (ISQG and PEL) and by statistical tests. All values were below PEL, and most of the sample values were below ISQG, except for As, Cu and Pb. From a cluster analysis, it was possible to differentiate eastern and western parts of the channel due to their distinct hydrodynamic patterns. Furthermore, it was possible to separate the trace elements by geochemical behavior, in which Cu, Pb and Zn were linked to a small anthropogenic contribution. Thus, this study detected small anthropogenic contributions from an adjacent channel of an anthropized area, but most of the results were linked to natural geochemical processes.

Ecotoxicity of trace metal enrichment and the degrees of contaminated sediment and water from Riparian communities in Rivers State, Nigeria

This study assessed trace metal enrichment and contamination levels in Tema, Sangama, and Degema communities in Rivers State, Nigeria. Samples were collected monthly from October 2021 to April 2022. Trace metals such as Pb, Cu, Fe, Cd, Zn, and As were analysed using an Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). The contamination factor, degree of contamination and enrichment factor for trace metals were used to evaluate the impact of pollution levels. There was a descending order of heavy metal concentrations in water at the three stations: Fe &gt; Cu &gt; Zn &gt; Cd &gt; Pb. Sediment heavy metal concentrations were descending from Fe &gt; Zn &gt; Cu &gt; Pb &gt; Cd at the same stations. Heavy metal levels were consistently higher at Sangama. The result revealed that compared to Pb and Zn, Cd contamination was moderate to considerable. Fe contamination was relatively low, but Cu contamination was moderate to high. Water and sediment were contaminated to varying degrees. The contamination levels of Pb, Zn, and Cu were low to moderate. Sangama, Tema, and Degema all had varying degrees of contamination, with some areas having higher contamination levels. This study recommends the need for effective environmental management practices in these coastal marine wetlands.

Heavy Metals In Bivalves From Coastal Municipalities Of C apiz,P hilippines

This research study is based on the current status of heavy metal contamination in bivalves within the coastal areas of Capiz, Philippines, drawing insights from accessible data. The findings shed light on the contamination’s extent, potential threats to human health, and the pollution’s origins. The researchers acknowledge the study’s limitations. As per the findings, elevated levels of heavy metals, such as lead, mercury, cadmium, arsenic, and chromium, in bivalves collected from Capiz’s coastal regions. Variations in metal concentrations are observed among different bivalve species and sampling sites, with identified geographical distribution patterns and potential contamination hotspots. An assessment of conformity to regulatory limits and guidance for heavy metal levels in shellfish consumption is conducted, identifying any exceedances or areas of concern. The research aims to establish the extent to which bivalves from Capiz aligns with legal requirements. Potential health risks allied to the bivalve consumption are evaluated based on the detected heavy metal levels, considering various exposure routes, population characteristics, and toxicity reference values. The research scrutinizes the impact of human activities, including industrial discharges, agricultural practices, and urban runoff, on heavy metal contamination in coastal ecosystems. The ongoing discussion underscores the need for further investigation and underscores the importance of addressing the issue to ensure the environmental sustainability and safety of coastal resources in Capiz.

Do heavy metals have a role in extrahepatic portal vein obstruction in children: A pilot case-control study

ObjectiveExtrahepatic portal venous obstruction (EHPVO) is a common cause of portal hypertension in Southeast Asia as compared to the western world, where chronic liver disease is the most common cause. Pollution and inadvertent exposure to heavy metals in poor socio-economic status in this part of the world are quite common. Therefore, this study was proposed to determine the association between heavy metal levels and oxidative stress in children with EHPVO. MethodsThis pilot case-control study was conducted in the department of Pediatrics, of a tertiary health care centre from January 2020 to October 2021. Children between 1 and 14 years, diagnosed with EHPVO were included. Controls were the healthy volunteers from OPD and near discharge indoor pediatrics patients. Metal analysis for Copper, Lead, Zinc, and Manganese, & Antioxidant activity for superoxide dismutase (SOD), Glutathione reductase (GR) and Lipid peroxidase (LPO) in form of malondialdehyde (MDA) was measured in both the groups. ResultsA total of 80 subjects were enrolled (40 EHPVO cases and 40 controls) mean age for cases was 8.15 ± 3.53, and for control, was 7.69 ± 3.55 years (p = 0.560). Lead values were found to be significantly higher (p = 0.003) in EHPVO cases (5.39 ± 3.13) in comparison to controls (3.30 ± 2.91). Mean superoxide dismutase (SOD) and Glutathione reductase (GR) values were decreased (p = 0.035- GR) and the malondialdehyde (MDA) value was increased in the EHPVO cases as compared to controls. ConclusionChildren with high blood levels of lead might be at risk of portal vein thrombosis resulting in EHPVO, and lead-induced oxidative stress.

Mercury in four common fishes sold in Algeria and associated humans risk

ABSTRACT This study aimed to analyse the concentrations of mercury in fish samples available in the Algerian market and evaluate the potential health risks associated with their consumption. A total of 135 fish samples, representing the species Sardina pilchardus, Merluccius merluccius, Sparus aurata and Auxis rochie, were collected and analysed. Mercury levels were determined using thermal decomposition amalgamation Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry. Health risks were evaluated by calculating hazard quotients. The overall mean concentration was 0.19 ± 0.11 mg/kg across all species. Individual species concentrations were recorded as 0.17 ± 0.08 mg/kg for Sardina pilchardus, 0.26 ± 0.19 mg/kg for Merluccius merluccius, 0.27 ± 0.18 mg/kg for Sparus aurata and 0.23 ± 0.13 mg/kg for Auxis rochei. Hazard quotients were below 1, indicating low health risk for fish consumers. Nevertheless, it is recommended to conduct periodic monitoring of heavy metal levels in fish, coupled with ongoing risk assessments, to ensure continued consumer protection.

Heavy metals and potential health risk assessment of Lactuca sativa and Daucus carrota from soil treated with organic manures and chemical fertilizer

The large-scale production of food crops with heavy application of chemical fertilizers in the effort to meet the astronomical increase in food demands may be counterproductive to the goal of food security. This study investigated the effect of different soil treatments on the levels of heavy metals (Cr, Cu, Fe, Ni, Pb, and Zn) in two types of vegetables Lactuca sativa (lettuce) and Daucus carrota (carrot). The potential carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic health risks from their consumption were also evaluated. Planting experiment was set up in a randomized block design, with different soil treatments of soil + cow dung (CD), soil + sewage sludge (SS), soil + chemical fertilizer (nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium (NPK)), and untreated soil (UNTRD). The vegetables were harvested at maturity, washed with distilled water, and subjected to an acid digestion process before the levels of heavy metals were measured by inductively coupled plasma spectrometry (ICP-MS). The mean concentrations of the metals in the vegetables across all treatments were below the maximum permissible limits. The pattern of heavy metal accumulation by the vegetables suggested that the lettuce from SS treatment accumulated higher concentrations of heavy metals like Cr (0.20 mg/kg), Cu (3.91 mg/kg), Ni (0.33 mg/kg), and Zn (20.44 mg/kg) than carrot, with highest concentrations of Fe (90.89 mg/kg) and Pb (0.16 mg/kg) recorded in lettuce from NPK treatment. The bioaccumulation factor (BAF) showed that lettuce, a leafy vegetable, has bioaccumulated more heavy metals than carrot, a root vegetable. The BAF was generally below the threshold value of 1 in both vegetables, except in lettuce from NPK and CD treatments and carrot from NPK treatments, with BAF values of 1.6, 1.69, and 1.39, respectively. The cancer risk assessment factors were well below the unacceptable maximum range of 10−4 suggesting that consuming these vegetables might not expose an individual to potential risk of cancer development. The hazard quotient estimations were below the threshold values of 1 for all heavy metals; however, the hazard index (HI) values of 1.27 and 1.58 for lettuce from NPK and SS treatments indicate a potential non-carcinogenic health risk to consumers from intake of all the heavy metals.

Unveiling the potential of Satureja calamintha nepeta: A study on its phytochemical composition and antibacterial activity

AbstractSatureja calamintha nepeta is a plant native to northwestern Morocco. The purpose of this investigation is to identify the chemical composition and evaluate the antibacterial of the essential oil extracted from this plant. Firstly, a quality inspection of the plant was carried out to quantify its level of metals, especially the heavier ones, using the ICP technique. Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry was used to characterize the chemical composition of essential oil. The chromatogram analysis shows the presence of 27 compounds, that is, 99.2% of the essential oil, with 1,8‐cineole (34.34%) and cis‐pinocamphone (11.87%) being the most significant. The antibacterial effectiveness of the essential oil was tested using the disc diffusion method against 6 gram‐positive and gram‐negative pathogens. The essential oil shows strong activity against Escherichia coli and Escherichia vekanda strains, with an MIC value of about 2.80 µg/mL. The authors were benefited from the modeling technique to better understand the antibacterial activity.

Bacterial-fungal interactions and response to heavy metal contamination of soil in agricultural areas.

Long-term heavy metal contamination of soil affects the structure and function of microbial communities. The aim of our study was to investigate the effect of soil heavy metal contamination on microorganisms and the impact of different heavy metal pollution levels on the microbial interactions. We collected soil samples and determined soil properties. Microbial diversity was analyzed in two groups of samples using high-throughput sequencing technology. Additionally, we constructed microbial networks to analyze microbial interactions. The pollution load index (PLI) < 1 indicates that the area is not polluted. 1 < PLI < 2 represents moderate pollution. PLI was 1.05 and 0.14 for the heavy metal contaminated area and the uncontaminated area, respectively. Cd, Hg, Pb, Zn, and Cu were identified as the major contaminants in the contaminated area, with the contamination factors were 30.35, 11.26, 5.46, 5.19, and 2.46, respectively. The diversities and compositions of the bacterial community varied significantly between the two groups. Compared to the uncontaminated area, the co-occurrence network between bacterial and fungal species in the contaminated area was more complex. The keystone taxa of the co-occurrence network in the contaminated area were more than those in the uncontaminated area and were completely different from it. Heavy metal concentrations played a crucial role in shaping the difference in microbial community compositions. Microorganisms adapt to long-term and moderate levels of heavy metal contamination through enhanced interactions. Bacteria resistant to heavy metal concentrations may play an important role in soils contaminated with moderate levels of heavy metals over long periods of time.

Assessment of health risks from potassium bromate and trace metals in bread consumption in Ado Ekiti, Southwest, Nigeria

IntroductionBread, a staple food consumed by a large portion of the population worldwide, including Nigeria, has emerged as one of the most popular quick meal options. The excessive intake of potassium bromate and trace metals in bread has been identified as detrimental to human health due to its heightened propensity to induce cancer in human. ObjectiveThe current study assessed the exposure to potassium bromate (KBrO3) and trace metals through bread consumption, as well as the associated risks to dietary habits among Ado Ekiti, Southwest Nigeria residents. Bread varieties commonly consumed in Ado Ekiti were randomly chosen from local bakeries. These bread samples were then analyzed in the laboratory using an Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer to determine the levels of trace metals, including lead (Pb), manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni), chromium (Cr), zinc (Zn), cadmium (Cd), and cobalt (Co), as well as potassium bromate concentrations. ResultsThe findings revealed that cobalt (Co) had the highest mean concentration (29.35±3.59 mg.kg−1), whereas lead (Pb) exhibited the lowest mean concentration (0.06±0.02 mg.kg−1). The sequence of trace metal levels was Co > Cd > Zn > Ni > Mn > Cr > Pb. All trace metal concentrations exceeded the standards set by FAO/WHO. Regarding potassium bromate content, it ranged from 0.01 mg.kg−1 to 0.06 mg.kg−1, surpassing the maximum permissible limits of 0.02 mg.kg−1 set by the Food and Drug Administration.Although the chronic hazard quotient among adults and children was low, the hazard ratio ranged from 11 to 9 among adults and from 14 to 9 among children, suggesting the potential for carcinogenic effects with repeated consumption. Based on the hazard ratios, the estimated chances of developing cancer from daily consumption of bread samples were approximately 14 in 1,000,000, 86 in 1,000,000, 71 in 1,000,000, and 40 in 1,000,000, respectively, for the adult population, and about 20 in 1,000,000, 11 in 1,000,000, 90 in 1,000,000, and 56 in 1,000,000 for the children population. ConclusionThe study showed that trace metals Pb, Mn, Ni, Cr, Zn, Cd and Co concentrations were higher than the FAO/WHO permissible limits. The concentration of potassium bromate in all the sorted bread samples exceeded the maximum acceptable limits except one. Though chronic hazard quotient among adults and children was low, the hazard ratio among the adult and children population was high, signifying possible cancer risks when continually consumed. These findings underscore the importance of stringent oversight by Nigerian regulatory authorities over using potassium bromate as an ingredient in bakeries.

Serum Cadmium and Lead Levels in Thalassemic Patients of Najaf Governorate, Iraq.

Thematological is a class of hereditary hematologic illnesses resulting from abnormalities in the production of one or more hemoglobin chains. Patients with β-Thematological may have a reduction in heavy metal levels as a result of iron chelate medication. The aim is to study the levels of heavy metals (toxic) in the blood of beta-Thematological patients and compare them to healthy people for the purpose of arriving at indicators through which it is possible to assist in early diagnosis of this disease or reduce symptoms. The study included 80 patients in comparison with age- and gender-matched 40 healthy individuals as controls. Samples were gathered between July 1, 2023, and September 1, 2023. The patients were interviewed for socio-demographic variables, and their medical histories were obtained from the hospital files. Cadmium and lead concentrations were determined using flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS). All samples from Thematological patients were taken after the chelating therapy. Cadmium levels in Thematological patients were found to be lower in both genders in the control group. Lead levels were found to be greater in male Thematological patients and lower in female Thematological patients than those in the control group of female Thematological patients. Additionally, it was observed that patients from areas outside of Najaf's city center had greater levels of lead and cadmium than patients from the city center. Cadmium and lead levels in the serum were often low in Thematological patients. Heavy metals are eliminated when deferasirox chelate is taken.

A linear correlation of p-band center with the performance of electrochemical CO2 reduction revealed by Sn single-atom catalysts

The correlation between p-orbital energy level and catalytic activity of electrochemical CO2 reduction reaction (ECRR) is rarely reported, but significantly desired for further design of highly effective main group single-atom catalysts (SACs). Herein, a series of Sn-SACs (Sn-N3S1, Sn-N3P1, Sn-N3B1, and Sn-N4) were developed as a model system to explore structure-activity relationships of main group SACs for ECRR. Coordination environment regulation could upshift the p-band center of Sn, facilitating the adsorption of intermediates and improving the catalytic activity. Sn-N3S1 with the most positive p-band center shows a 100 % Faradaic efficiency of CO (FECO), superior over that of Sn-N4 and other reported SACs. Notably, the catalytic performance of Sn-SACs shows a linear relationship with p-band center of Sn, indicating a high applicability of p-band center as a descriptor for catalytic performance. This work provides a new way to boost ECRR by lowering the p-orbital energy level of main group metal.