Levels Of Toxic Trace Elements Research Articles

Assessment of essential and toxic trace element levels in erythrocytes of hemodialysis patients with end-stage renal disease

BackgroundChronic kidney disease (CKD) is a global public health problem, resulting in end-stage kidney disease, cardiovascular disease, and premature death. AimThe aim of the study was to determine the profile of essential and toxic trace elements in erythrocytes of patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and their relationship with selected anthropometric and biochemical parameters. MethodsThe present study compared the profiles of trace elements, including toxic sub-stances, in the erythrocytes of 80 hemodialysis patients with CKD with 40 healthy subjects. All patients had stage 5 CKD. The levels of Cd and Pb were determined by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry and levels of Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu Cr, Ni, and Li by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry. ResultsThe ESRD patients demonstrated significantly lower Fe and Zn concentrations and significantly higher Mn and Li and toxic Pb and Cd concentrations in erythrocytes compared to those of the healthy controls. Negative correlations were observed, among others, between the concentrations of Cu, Li, and creatinine; Cu and phosphates; Mn, Pb, and transferrin saturation while positive correlations were noted between Cu, Cr, and transferrin and Pb, Cr, and the normalized protein catabolism rate. ConclusionsThe higher concentrations of toxic elements present in the erythrocytes of CKD patients might have resulted from the reduced ability of the kidneys to excrete them. Moreover, differences in the concentrations of essential elements (Fe, Mn, Zn) between the two groups indicated that their resorption in the kidneys of CKD patients was impaired. Patients with CKD might benefit from interventions intended to reduce high, toxic concentrations of Pb and Cd and Li and Mn as an alternative supportive treatment. Iron and zinc supplementation should be a component for the treatment of anemia in CKD patients.

Evaluating the properties of deinking paper sludge from the Mediterranean area for recycling in local areas as a soil amendment and to enhance growth substrates

AbstractRecycling of paper generates large quantities of paper sludge that is rich in organic matter and can be exploited to counteract organic matter loss in agricultural soils, especially in some geographical areas, such as the Mediterranean. In order for deinking paper sludge (DPS) to be recycled, chemical and physical characterizations are required along with an analysis of possible contaminants. DPS from Italy and Tunisia, resulting from various deinking processes, were analyzed and compared in terms of their chemical properties (pH, OM, total N, C/N ratio, mineral nutrients, and trace metals), surface chemistry [diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform (DRIFT) spectroscopy and Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy], and thermal stability [thermogravimetric analysis (TGA)]. The aim was to improve their use as amendments in soils or growth substrates. Elemental analysis revealed higher carbon concentrations in the Tunisian DPS and similar nitrogen contents, high mineral nutrient levels, and potentially toxic trace element levels below the limits allowed for soil amendment. No evidence was found for the presence of organic pollutants, pathogens, or toxic heavy metals. Surface chemical analysis revealed comparable materials rich in aromatic, phenolic, aliphatic, and polysaccharide structures along with clay minerals and carbonates. The thermal analysis revealed similar decomposition temperatures for the organic matter. Practical implications of the results are discussed, highlighting the similar properties of sludge following ink removal by different processes and the need to integrate the N content in order to be able to employ sludge as an amendment in soil and growing media. Given the similarity of the compositions of the materials, appropriate DPS management is key to improving soil fertility, reducing paper waste disposal, and implementing a circular economy in the Mediterranean, where climate change is having a significant impact.

Correlation between essential and toxic elements in maternal blood during early pregnancy and atrial septal defects/ventricular septal defects/patent ductus arteriosus in offspring.

Congenital heart defects (CHDs) are the most common congenital malformation in the world. Recent studies have found that essential and toxic trace element levels may play a crucial role in the risk of neonatal malformation. However, the relationships between element levels in early pregnancy and CHD risk among humans remain unclear. This study investigates the association between maternal essential element (copper [Cu], zinc [Zn], calcium [Ca], manganese [Mg] and iron [Fe]) and toxic element (lead [Pb] and cadmium [Cd]) levels during early pregnancy and CHDs. A hospital-based case-control study was conducted, including 181 cases and 218 controls. Eligible participants underwent antenatal examination during gestational weeks 11-14 and trace element levels were detected by the atomic absorption method. Multi-variable logistic regression was used to examine the associations between the level of maternal trace elements and CHD risks. Higher levels of Ca in early pregnancy were associated with lower risk of ASD/VSD risks. Moreover, higher Fe, Pb, and Cd levels in the first trimester were associated with higher risks of all CHD and the subtypes risks, and the tests for trend were significant (all p < .05). The restricted cubic spline analysis showed that there was a nonlinear inverted u-shaped dose-response relationship between levels of Zn, Pb, and Cd in the first trimester and risk of CHDs (non-linearity test p < .05). A moderate increase in Zn and Ca levels and a decrease in Pb and Cd levels during early pregnancy are needed to reduce the incidence of CHDs in the Chinese population.

Comparison of levels of toxic trace elements in two most common spinal pathologies in three different tissues

Aim: The toxic trace element levels in serum, bone (lamina), and intervertebral disc tissues of patients with lumbar spinal stenosis and lumbar herniated nucleus pulposus (HNP) which are the two most common spinal pathologies were determined, and it was investigated whether they have a role in the pathophysiology of these pathologies. Materials and methods: Cadmium (Cd), aluminium (Al), arsenic (As), mercury (Hg), and lead (Pb) levels in serum, intervertebral disc, and bone (lamina) tissue of patients with HNP (=20) and 30 with lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) (n=30) were determined by Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry technique. Results: LDH group Cd serum level was found to be significantly higher than LSS group Cd serum level (p=0.024). The Al disc level in the HNP group was found to be significantly higher than the Al disc level in the LSS group (p=0.038). While As serum level increased in LDH group, it was determined that As bone level increased very significantly (r= 0.699, p=0.001). In the LSS group, it was determined that the Hg disc level increased significantly as the Hg serum level increased (r=0.608, p&lt;0.01). On the other hand, as the Hg serum level increased in the LDH group, the Hg disc level also decreased significantly (r= -0.579, p&lt;0.01). Conclusion: The difference in toxic trace element levels seen in these pathologies has been discussed in terms of possible causes in light of current literature. The findings of our study support the hypothesis that toxic trace elements may be effective in lumbar disc degeneration.

Two cetacean species reveal different long-term trends for toxic trace elements in European Atlantic French waters

Cetaceans have been naturally exposed to toxic trace elements (TEs) on an evolutionary time scale. Hence, they have developed mechanisms to control and/or mitigate their toxic effects. These long-lived species located at high trophic positions and bioaccumulating toxic elements are assumed to be good biomonitoring organisms. However, anthropogenic emissions have strongly increased environmental levels of toxic TEs in the last decades, questioning the efficiency of the detoxication mechanisms in cetaceans. In this context, temporal trends of mercury (Hg), cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) concentrations were studied through the analysis of 264 individuals from two cetacean species the common dolphin (Delphinus delphis) and the harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) and belonging to two different Management Units (MUs) for the latter. These individuals stranded along the French Atlantic coasts from 2000s to 2017. All the trends presented were age- and sex-corrected and stable isotope ratios of carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) were measured as proxies of their feeding ecology. Results showed that Pb concentrations clearly decreased over time in both species and MUs. This decrease agrees with the lead petrol regulation after 2000s, supporting the use of these species as valuable bioindicators of changes for TE levels in the marine environment. A significant long-term increase of total Hg concentrations was only observed in common dolphins. Cadmium concentrations also revealed different trends over the period in both species. The different Hg and Cd trends observed in the two species, probably reflected a contrasted contamination of habitat and prey species than a global increase of the contamination in the environment. These results highlight the necessity and gain of using different species to monitor changes in marine environments, each of them informing on the contamination of its own ecological niche. Lastly, the Se:Hg molar ratios of species suggested a low risk for Hg toxicity over time.

Circulatory Imbalance of Essential and Toxic Trace Elements in Pre-dialysis and Hemodialysis Patients.

The status of essential and toxic trace elements in patients with different stages of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is still unclear and not well characterized. The present study examined the circulatory levels of a wide panel of trace elements (Al, Cr, Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Se, Rb, Sr, Cd, Pb, and U) in hemodialysis patients (HD group) and pre-dialysis patients with stage 3 CKD (PD group). Comparisons were made between groups of patients and healthy individuals from the control group (CG). The levels of Al, Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, As, Se, Sr, and Pb were higher, while the levels of Cr, Zn, Rb, Cd, and U were lower in HD patients than in our CG. Higher levels of Al and Se, as well as lower levels of As, Sr, Zn, Rb, and U were significant and distinguished HD from PD. Among other analyzed elements, Co, Se, and U are the only trace elements that did not distinguish PD from CG at a statistically significant level. The HD group had lower serum U levels than the PD group, and this could be a result of hemodialysis. This study also revealed that the Cu/Zn ratio could be used as a marker for early and late detection of renal failure. Marked changes of essential and toxic trace element levels in sera indicate additional pathophysiological events in CKD, which could additionally contribute to the preexisting increased morbidity of HD patients. Measurement of trace elements in HD patients should be performed routinely.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12011-021-02940-7.

Could Consumption of Trace Element-Contaminated Rice Be a Risk Factor for Acute Interstitial Nephritis with Uncertain Etiology in the Dry Zone of Sri Lanka?

Ingestion of toxic trace elements in the human body has been considered one of the major reasons for renal dysfunction. Chronic kidney disease with uncertain etiological factors (CKDu) is a recently described clinical entity in which the disease is found in geographically isolated pockets in the dry zone of Sri Lanka. In CKDu regions, an increasing number of cases are reported with acute interstitial nephritis without any known reason (AINu). However, recent exposure to certain risk behaviors or nephrotoxins, or both, is suspected for the AINu. Consumption of foods that are contaminated with trace elements is one of the main pathways of human exposure to environmental toxins. The current study was carried out to assess the possibility of trace element-contaminated rice consumption on the etiopathogenesis of AINu. Samples of rice consumed by 32 clinically diagnosed AINu cases were collected and analyzed for possible nephrotoxic trace elements. Out of 32 patients, 26 were histologically confirmed with tubulointerstitial disease. The results revealed that the mean values of Cd, As, and Pb were 0.18, 0.055, and 0.135mg/kg, with ranges of 0.020-1.06, 0.012-0.222, and 0.003-0.744mg/kg (on dry weight basis), respectively. This study indicated that the investigated toxic trace element levels of rice consumed by AINu were reasonably below the recommended levels of the Codex Alimentarius Commission of FAO and WHO. Hence, it is less likely that rice consumption is to be a risk factor for the etiology of AINu.

Characterization of Algae Dietary Supplements Using Antioxidative Potential, Elemental Composition, and Stable Isotopes Approach.

Dietary supplements based on algae, known for their nutritional value and bioactive properties, are popular products among consumers today. While commercial algal products are regarded safe by numerous studies, information about the production and origin of such products is scarce. In addition, dietary supplements are not as strictly regulated as food and medicinal drugs. We characterized different algal products (kelps: Laminariales, Spirulina spp., Chlorella spp., and Aphanizomenon flos-aquae), obtained on Slovenian market, based on their elemental composition (X-ray fluorescence, inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry), antioxidative potential [DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) assay, total phenolic content], and stable isotope values [carbon (C), nitrogen (N), and sulfur (S); elemental analyzer isotope ratio mass spectrometry (EA-IRMS) method]. Antioxidative potential is consistent among products of the same type, with A. flos-aquae samples having 4.4 times higher antioxidative potential compared to Chlorella spp. and 2.7 times higher compared to Spirulina spp. Levels of toxic trace elements (arsenic, cadmium, mercury, and lead) are below the maximum allowed values and as such do not pose risk to consumers' health. Samples of Spirulina spp. have relatively high δ15N (7.4 ‰ ± 4.4‰) values, which indicate use of organic nitrogen sources in certain samples. Likewise, different elemental composition and isotopic ratios of stable elements (C, N, and S) for the samples with Spirulina spp. or Chlorella spp. are the consequence of using different nutrient sources and algae-growing techniques. Statistical analysis (principal component analysis) has confirmed that all tested A. flos-aquae samples originate from the same source, supposedly Klamath Lake (Oregon, USA). Hawaiian Spirulina pacifica can also be differentiated from all the other samples because of its characteristically high metal content (iron, manganese, zinc, cobalt, nickel, vanadium). Chlorella spp. and Spirulina spp. require further analyses with larger number of samples, as differentiation is not possible based on results of this study.

Red Arils of Taxus baccata L.-A New Source of Valuable Fatty Acids and Nutrients.

The aim of this study, focused on the nutritional value of wild berries, was to determine the contents of macronutrients, profiles of fatty (FAs) and amino acids (AAs), and the contents of selected elements in red arils (RA) of Taxus baccata L., grown in diverse locations in Poland. Protein (1.79–3.80 g/100 g) and carbohydrate (18.43–19.30 g/100 g) contents of RAs were higher than in many cultivated berries. RAs proved to be a source of lipids (1.39–3.55 g/100 g). Ten out of 18 AAs detected in RAs, mostly branched-chain AAs, were essential AAs (EAAs). The EAAs/total AAs ratio approximating were found in animal foods. Lipids of RA contained seven PUFAs, including those from n-3 family (19.20–28.20 g/100 g FA). Polymethylene-interrupted FAs (PMI-FAs), pinolenic 18:3Δ5,9,12; sciadonic 20:3Δ5,11,14, and juniperonic 20:4Δ5,11,14,17, known as unique for seeds of gymnosperms, were found in RAs. RAs may represent a novel dietary source of valuable n-3 PUFAs and the unique PMI-FAs. The established composition of RAs suggests it to become a new source of functional foods, dietary supplements, and valuable ingredients. Because of the tendency to accumulate toxic metals, RAs may be regarded as a valuable indicator of environmental contamination. Thus, the levels of toxic trace elements (Al, Ni, Cd) have to be determined before collecting fruits from natural habitats.

Effect of toxic trace element detoxification, body fat reduction following four-week intake of the Wellnessup diet: a three-arm, randomized clinical trial

BackgroundDetox diet are known as a popular dieting strategies that helps toxins elimination and weight manage but there is very little clinical evidence. The Wellnessup diet (WD) used in the present study designed as a healthy meals based on organic plant based diets including various vegetables, fruits, whole grains, nuts and phytonutrients.MethodsTo evaluate the effects of 4 week intake of the WD on toxic trace element detoxification, body fat reduction, and safety parameters. Forty-five women with body mass index (BMI) of 23.5–30 kg/m2 were recruited. Thirty of them were assigned 1:1 to the test group (WD, 15 subjects) and control group 1 (calorie-restricted diet, CRD, 15 subjects) in a single blind and randomized, and the remaining 15 subjects were assigned to control group 2 (maintaining regular diet, MRD). The primary outcome were toxic trace element levels in hair (29 types of heavy metals), and the secondary outcomes were changes in anthropometric and urinary organic acids.ResultsThe levels of four toxic trace elements in hair decreased in the WD group after the diet compared to before the diet. Ni, Rh, Sn, and Ga were significantly lower in the WD group than in the CRD or MRD group (p < 0.05). At the end of the trial, both WD and CRD groups had lower BMI, Waist Circumference(WC), Hip Circumference(HC) and WHR compared to the baseline values (p < 0.05). Compared to the WD group, the CRD group had a greater mean change (p < 0.05) from the baseline for weight loss (− 3.22 ± 0.48 kg vs − 1.88 ± 0.95 kg vs) and fat free mass (− 2.08 kg vs − 1.09 kg). The weight, BMI, body fat mass, fat free mass, WC, and HC of the CRD group were significantly decreased compared to the MRD (p < 0.05). No significant changes in any safety parameter were observed.ConclusionsUse of WD might have several beneficial effects and safety such as body fat reduction and improving some the element detoxification through caloric restriction but did not reducing body fat mass more than calorie-restricted diet.Trial registrationThis study was registered at Clinical Research Information Service (CRIS) of Republic of Korea (KCT0003002).

Эффекты аскорбата лития у пациентов среднего возраста со стенозирующим атеросклерозом брахиоцефальных артерий

Resume. Lithium ascorbate is a highly digestible and low-toxic lithium salt. In stis study patients with stenosing arteriosclerosis of brachiocephalic arteries were under observation (n = 70, mean age 52 years, 50 % men). In group A (n = 30), participants received standard therapy and lithium ascorbate (0.78 mg/day of elemental lithium, 8 weeks), in group B (n = 40, control) - only the standard therapy. Effects of the lithium ascorbate on the results of neuropsychological testing (Luria's technique, Schulte tables, MMSE and BDI scales, visual-spatial gnosis), levels of BDNF and the levels of trace elements in hair have been established. Lithium ascorbate contributed to a significant improvement in work capacity, mood, a decrease in the proportion of patients with 20 % cerebral stenosis, increased levels of BDNF and a decrease in the levels of toxic trace elements in the hair.

Impacts of urban wastewater and hydrogeochemistry of the São Mateus River, Espírito Santo, Brazil

The waters of the River Sao Mateus and its tributaries, Abissinia and Preto do Sul, were analyzed to evaluate the impacts caused by the direct disposal of untreated domestic effluents generated on the city of Sao Mateus-ES, Brazil. Between the evaluated parameters, the most affected one was the dissolved oxygen (DO) in Abissinia River, which is completely consumed. Regarding Sao Mateus River, the situation is worrisome because its self-depurative capacity is exceeded and by the elevated levels of phosphorus nutrient, which may lead to eutrophication. A prototype was built to carry out the respirometric characterization of the effluents, aiming to determine the DO consumption rate (K1). This constant was used in the self-depuration model, which shows the need of effluent treatment with a minimum efficiency of 60% in removing the organic load. The chemical characterization revealed similar sodium chloride composition for these waters with contrasting patterns of lanthanides. Despite the low levels of toxic trace elements registered at Sao Mateus River, the concentrations of Pb and As were higher in the Preto do Sul River. This finding requires further investigation to track the source of these elements.

TOTAL AND PLANT AVAILABLE TOXIC TRACE ELEMENTS (Cd, Cr, Co AND Pb) AT FARMS OF EASTERN CROATIA

UDK 631.453(497.5)&#x0D; It is well known that soil properties, metal speciation and plant species, especially soil- plant interactions, determine the availability of metals in soils. Therefore, various one- step extraction methods such as EDTA and DTPA have been used to represent the available fraction. In present study we observed the total (aqua regia) and available fraction (EDTA and DTPA) of toxic trace elements (Co, Cd, Cr and Pb) from soil on two farms (Berak and Vinogradci) in eastern Croatia that have different soil properties. The study included 106 soil samples from soil depth 0-30 cm that were collected during 2013- 2014. Samples were analyzed for standard soil properties (pH, organic matter, AL-P, AL- K) as well as for total and available fractions of toxic trace elements. Analyses of main soil properties show vide variety of soils. Soil pH (in H2O) was in range 4.4-8.6 (avg: 6.5), thus sampling sites included range from very acid to alkaline soils. Farm in Berak (average pH was 7.2) had more alkaline soils while farm in Vinogradci was acidic (average pH was 5.9). Organic matter varied from 1.1-2.8% (avg: 1.9), average phosphorous was 17.4 mg/100g and potassium 20.9 mg/100g. Total concentration of trace elements extracted by aqua regia show satisfactory results as not one sample had elevated levels of toxic trace elements (Co, Cd, Cr and Pb). In that regard all sites satisfy Croatian regulation on pollutants in agricultural fields. However, EDTA and DTPA extractions show higher availability of Cr, Co and Pb for both extractions (EDTA and DTPA) at farm in Vinogradci where soils are more acidic compared to farm Berak. Only available Cd was shown to be higher in Berak than in Vinogradci.

Trace Elements in Chronic Haemodialysis Patients and Healthy Individuals-A Comparative Study.

End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) patients despite receiving adequate Haemodialysis (HD) develop significant risk of Cardiovascular Disease (CVD). Abnormality in levels of trace elements may potentiate vascular injury by producing sustained inflammation and endothelial dysfunction. Hence, the present study was undertaken to evaluate the levels of trace elements in patients receiving HD. To study the blood levels of arsenic, cadmium, mercury, lead, chromium, barium, cobalt, caesium and selenium among ESRD patients undergoing HD and compare it with healthy individuals. It was a cross-sectional, comparative study done in a tertiary care center. About 40 established ESRD patients aged above 18 years, belonging to both sexes, undergoing chronic HD for more than six months were enrolled as Group A (Cases). Patients who had history of smoking and occupational exposure to heavy metals were excluded from the study. About 40 age and sex matched apparently healthy individuals attending health check-up were enrolled as Group B (Controls). Participants of this group had normal e-GFR by Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) equation. About 5ml of fasting venous blood sample was obtained from both groups and analyzed for trace elements. Chi-square/Fisher's-exact test was used for comparing ratios. A p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. In the present study, the mean blood levels of arsenic, cadmium, chromium and cobalt was found to be significantly higher in Group A as compared to Group B with all these parameters attaining a p-value of <0.001. Similarly, the mean blood levels of lead and caesium was high in Group A with a p-value of 0.001 each. The blood levels of mercury and barium did not vary significantly between both the groups with p=0.656 and 0.096 respectively. The blood levels of anti-oxidant selenium was lower in Group A, but did not attain statistical significance (p=0.217). The mean blood levels of toxic trace elements were significantly elevated with a simultaneous reduction in essential trace elements in patients receiving HD, which probably may contribute to an increase in CVD.

Determination of minor and trace elements in aromatic spices by micro-wave assisted digestion and inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry

This study aimed at analyzing the concentrations of 23 minor and trace elements in aromatic spices by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), after wet digestion by microwave system. The analytical method was validated by linearity, detection limits, precision, accuracy and recovery experiments, obtaining satisfactory values in all cases. Results indicated the presence of variable amounts of both minor and trace elements in the selected aromatic spices. Manganese was high in cinnamon (879.8μg/g) followed by cardamom (758.1μg/g) and clove (649.9μg/g), strontium and zinc were high in ajwain (489.9μg/g and 84.95μg/g, respectively), while copper was high in mango powder (77.68μg/g). On the whole some of the minor and essential trace elements were found to have good nutritional contribution in accordance to RDA. The levels of toxic trace elements, including As, Cd, and Pb were very low and did not found to pose any threat to consumers.

The influence of industrial-scale canning on cadmium and lead levels in sardines and anchovies from commercial fishing centres of the Mediterranean Sea

The current study encompassed a survey on the levels of toxic trace elements in two highly consumed fish species in commercial fishing centres of western, central and eastern Mediterranean Sea. A Zeeman GTA-AAS graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry system was used throughout the study. Toxicological evaluation of the samples revealed a low Cd content in the raw samples, ranging between 0.003 and 0.027 mg kg−1. Pb presented significantly higher values, from 0.037 to 0.297 mg kg−1, occasionally reaching the limit of 0.3 mg kg−1. Heavy metal levels were particularly higher in bones, thus raising queries about the safe consumption of fish intended to be eaten as a whole, a very common practice for small fish and canned products. The influence of industrial-scale canning showed that canning enhanced heavy metal levels by 35%–80%. The effect of canning depended on metal type and reduction of moisture loss after the steam-roasting step of the canning procedure.

The Correlation Between Smoking Status of Family Members and Concentrations of Toxic Trace Elements in the Hair of Children

Hair analysis is a promising tool for routine clinical screening and diagnosis of heavy metal exposure and essential trace element status in the human body. Systemic intoxications have been identified by anomalously high values of toxins in hair samples. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the relationship between smoking habit of the family members and the levels of toxic and nontoxic trace elements in hair samples of children. The randomized cross-sectional controlled study comprised of 95 children (41 girls and 54 boys) between the ages of 1 and 6 years. After written informed consent was obtained, a face-to-face interview was conducted with the families about educational background, total income of the family, and smoking habits of family members. The mineral elements considered in this study were Zn, Se, B, V, Co, Mo, Mn, iron (Fe), Be, aluminum (Al), As, cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), Hg, chromium (Cr), Ag, Be, nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), Sn, and antimony (Sb). Hair mineral contents were measured by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. The results showed that the levels of Cd, Pb, Cr, Sb, Fe, and Al in hair samples of children whose parents smoked were significantly higher than those whose parents were nonsmokers. The number of smokers and the frequency of smoking at home were positively correlated with Pb, Cd, Cu, Ni, and Sb levels found. At the same time, it was found that there was no correlation between toxic element concentrations and family income or educational background excluding the levels of Cd. A correlation was observed between the smoking status of family members and levels of toxic trace elements in hair where this correlation was more significant with the levels of Pb and Cd. High socioeconomic status and the level of education of family members did not have any effect on toxic trace levels in hair samples of children.

Analysis of Temporal and Spatial Dichotomous PM Air Samples in the El Paso-Cd. Juarez Air Quality Basin

ABSTRACT This paper presents and discusses the results obtained from the gravimetric and chemical analyses of the 24-hr average dichotomous samples collected from five sites in the El Paso-Cd. Juarez air quality basin between August 1999 and March 2000. Gravimetric analysis was performed to determine the temporal and spatial variations of PM2.5 (particulate matter less than 2.5 um in diameter) and PM2.5-10 (particulate matter less than 10 μm but greater than 2.5 μm in diameter) mass concentrations. The results indicate that ~25% of the PM10 (i.e., PM2.5 + PM2.5-10) concentration is composed of PM2.5. Concurrent measurements of hourly PM concentrations and wind speed showed strong diurnal patterns of the regional PM pollution. Results of X-ray fluorescence (XRF) elemental analyses were compared to similar but limited studies performed by the Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission (TNRCC) in 1990 and 1997. Major elements from geologic sources—Al, Si, Ca, Na, K, Fe, and Ti—accounted for 35% of the total mass concentrations in the PM2.5-10 fraction, indicating that geologic sources in the area are the dominant PM sources. Levels of toxic trace elements, mainly considered as products of anthropogenic activities, have decreased significantly from those observed in 1990 and 1997.

Synthesis and Properties of Zeolites from Coal Fly Ash

Previous attempts to use fly ash as a soil amendment have had limited success because of its low nutrient value, low cation exchange capacity (CEC), and elevated levels of toxic trace elements. However, treating fly ash with NaOH or KOH at an elevated temperature converts the ash into zeolite minerals and solubilizes the toxic trace elements, which are removed in the base solution. The CEC of the untreated fly ash was <100 mmolC kg-1 but increased to over 3000 mmolC kg-1 when heated for 3 days at 100 °C in 3 M NaOH. The dominant zeolites formed at 100 °C in NaOH were zeolite Na-Pl and zeolite P-C, and at temperatures of 150−250 °C, the mineralogy changed to zeolite X and pectolite. In KOH at 100 °C, zeolite K-G (potassium chabazite) was formed. The fly ash zeolites had a high affinity for K+, Ca2+, and NH4+, although attempts to use the treated ash to remove NH4+ and heavy metals from wastewater and electroplating wastes were only partially successful. Potential uses of the treated ash were limited due to...