Loss Of Trace Elements Research Articles

Assessment of Microelements Soil Pollution with Ecological Indicators

Trace elements soil pollution leads to degradation of structure and aggregates stability which promotes the soil erosion and compaction. For more efficient management of the results on the content of trace elements in eroded soils is used the ecological indicators for characterization the accumulation in genetic horizons. The data confirms the soil pollution by erosion, the losses of humus, carbonates, and trace elements in arable carbonatic chernozems of catena. The humus losses in eroded soils consists 52%, the trace elements - 33-35%.

Antioxidant Trace Element Reduction in an In Vitro Cardiopulmonary Bypass Circuit

Many complications occurring after cardiac surgery are attributed to an acute increase in reactive oxygen and reactive nitrogen species, which under normal conditions are balanced by the antioxidant response. Two key enzymes of the antioxidant response, glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and superoxide dismutase (SOD), rely on trace elements for normal function. It was hypothesized that circulation of blood through the cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) circuit would 1) reduce trace element levels and antioxidant function, 2) increase oxidative stress, and that 3) prepriming circuits with albumin would ameliorate trace element loss. This hypothesis was investigated by circulating fresh human whole blood in an in vitro CPB circuit. Plasma selenium, copper, and zinc levels were measured, as were SOD and GPx and oxidative stress by thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS). In spite of significant decreases in copper and zinc levels, SOD levels increased with time. Significant decreases in selenium were associated with a trend to increase TBARS but no change in GPx. Prepriming with albumin provided no benefit as it did not reduce trace element loss nor alter levels of oxidative stress. This study confirms that CPB circuits cause significant depletion of trace elements (selenium, copper, and zinc) necessary to maintain redox homeostasis. The loss of trace elements is a potential contributor to cardiac surgical morbidities, and further studies in the cardiac patient population are needed to investigate this.

Selected trace elements in snowpack on Urumqi Glacier No. 1, eastern Tianshan, China: As yielded by leaching treatment representative of real-world environmental conditions

To investigate the seasonal variability and potential environmental significance of trace elements in mountain glaciers, the surface snow and snow pit samples were collected at Urumqi Glacier No. 1 (43°06′N, 86°49′E, 4 130 m a.s.l.), eastern Tianshan (天山), from September 2002 to September 2003, and analyzed for Li, V, Cr, Mn, Co, Cu, and Ba. The samples were acidified (leached) in a manner intended to reasonably approximate the extent to which the natural hydrologic and weathering cycles would liberate elements from mineral grains (dusts) in the ice and snow into the environment. The mean concentrations of Li, V, Cr, Mn, Co, Cu, and Ba are 0.2, 1.1, 0.8, 14.8, 0.1, 0.7, and 3.2 ng/g in surface snow but 1.0, 2.2, 1.8, 92.4, 0.8, 2.9, and 16.2 ng/g in snow pits, respectively. Input varies seasonally: in general, concentrations in the winter are higher than those in the summer. The trace elements are somewhat enriched (relative to expected abundances in material taken directly from the earth’s crust) and similar to what is observed in both pre-industrial and modern atmospheric dusts, although some anthropogenic components from nearby industrial cities may be present. Concentration vertical profiles can be redistributed in the post-depositional process, which may cause loss of trace elements in the summer.

Phytostabilization of semiarid soils residually contaminated with trace elements using by-products: Sustainability and risks

We investigated the efficiency of various by-products (sugarbeet lime, biosolid compost and leonardite), based on single or repeated applications to field plots, on the establishment of a vegetation cover compatible with a stabilization strategy on a multi-element (As, Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn) contaminated soil 4–6 years after initial amendment applications. Results indicate that the need for re-treatment is amendment- and element-dependent; in some cases, a single application may reduce trace element concentrations in above-ground biomass and enhance the establishment of a healthy vegetation cover. Amendment performance as evaluated by % cover, biomass and number of colonizing taxa differs; however, changes in plant community composition are not necessarily amendment-specific. Although the translocation of trace elements to the plant biotic compartment is greater in re-vegetated areas, overall loss of trace elements due to soil erosion and plant uptake is usually smaller compared to that in bare soil.

Effects of lead and/or cadmium on the distribution patterns of some essential trace elements in immature female rats

Lead acetate (300 mg/L) and/or cadmium chloride (50 mg/L) were administered as drinking water to Sprague-Dawley rats for 9 weeks to investigate the effects of concurrent exposure to lead and cadmium on the distribution patterns of five essential trace elements. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry was used to determine the concentrations of zinc, copper, manganese, selenium and iron in the urine at different exposure times, as well as their levels in the renal cortex and serum at the end of treatment. Compared with the control group, exposure to lead and/or cadmium resulted in a significant increase in the urinary excretion of these five elements during the experiment, whereas significant decreased levels of these elements were found in kidney and serum. In conclusion, increased urinary loss of antioxidant trace elements due to lead and/or cadmium exposure induced the deficiency of antioxidants in the body, which could result in further oxidative damage. Moreover, there was an obvious synergistic effect of lead combined with cadmium on the distribution patterns of these essential trace elements, which may be related to the severity of co-exposure to these two metals.

Loss of trace elements from serpentinites during fluid-assisted transformation of chrysotile to antigorite — An example from Guatemala

Abstract We studied a unique chrysotile–antigorite serpentinite, drilled on Deep Sea Drilling Project Leg 84 (Site 566) in the Guatemala forearc. Our in situ major and trace element data provide new constraints on possible reactions and associated trace element mobilisation during shallow serpentinite subduction. Chrysotile of the studied serpentinite, formed by the hydration of an upper mantle peridotite precursor, is partially replaced by antigorite (alone) which also occurs in 0.5 mm wide unoriented veins crosscutting the rock. Based on textural relationships and the P–T–X stability of the rock forming phases, the replacement of chrysotile by antigorite occurred at T The fluid-assisted chrysotile-to-antigorite transformation and associated trace element loss documented here can occur in the shallow (

Nutrition Disorders During Acute Renal Failure and Renal Replacement Therapy

The physiological and biological modifications related to acute renal failure in critically ill patients, including the current use of continuous renal replacement therapies, have dramatically changed the type and importance of the metabolic and nutrition disturbances observed during treatment of renal failure. This review summarizes the current knowledge and makes recommendations for the daily nutrition management of these patients. The filtration of water-soluble substances of low molecular weight by continuous hemodiafiltration results in significant losses of glucose, amino acids, low-molecular-weight proteins, trace elements, and water-soluble vitamins. The losses of these macronutrients and micronutrients should be compensated for. During continuous renal replacement therapy, the daily recommended energy allowance is between 25 and 35 kcal/kg, with a ratio of 60%-70% carbohydrates to 30%-40% lipids, and between 1.5 and 1.8 g/kg protein. Providing energy 25-35 kcal/kg/d with a carbohydrate/lipid ratio of 60-70/30-40 and protein 1.5-1.8 g/kg/d is recommended during continuous renal replacement therapy. Supplemental vitamin B(1) (100 mg/d), vitamin C (250 mg/d), and selenium (100 mcg/d) are also recommended.

Substitution of exudative trace element losses in burned children

We describe an intravenous copper-selenium-zinc substitution policy in children with major burns using adult doses adapted to total body surface area. Blood levels and clinical course confi rm its safety, with a rapidly favourable clinical evolution. Major burn injuries are associated with trace element defi ciencies, which lead to impaired wound healing and infectious complications. Low plasma levels of zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) are inadequately compensated for during hospitalization [1], and enteral supplements are unsuccessful in correcting the status [2]. Additionally, there are currently no clear recommendations regarding trace element requirements in children. Th e aim of the present study was to determine if our trace element supplementation policy for adults adapted to total body surface area would achieve normalization of plasma concen trations of trace elements in burned children.

Formation of trace element biogeochemical anomalies in surface soils: the role of biota

ABSTRACT Understanding the mechanisms by which soil geochemical anomalies form is extremely relevant to exploration for buried mineral deposits. Most mechanisms proposed in the geological literature are based on abiotic processes such as physical transport, hydrodynamic dispersion, or immobilization along chemical (e.g. redox) gradients. However, trace elements could also become locally enriched in soils above ore bodies as a result of the activity of plants and soil organisms. In this work, we review literature on trace element cycling in arid and semi-arid terrestrial ecosystems, and develop a conceptual model of trace element biogeochemical cycling. This model incorporates the biogeochemical fluxes of elements expected to affect the formation of soil anomalies through biological means. A simplified mass-balance calculation, based on the conceptual model, was used to evaluate the likelihood of forming soil anomalies solely through plant uptake. The existence of soil geochemical anomalies depends on the balance between ecosystem net primary productivity and trace element losses through soil erosion and leaching. The calculation predicts that accumulation in soils should be favoured for more bioavailable elements, since the plant:soil concentration ratio affects the relative sizes of uptake and erosion fluxes. We suggest that soil geochemical anomalies are transient geological features, forming and dispersing as a result of the relative sizes of the accumulative and loss fluxes. Due to the complexity of trace element biogeochemical cycles, the simple mass-balance approach that we used is insufficient to account for the interaction between fluxes. This work provides the groundwork for a more complex model of trace element biogeochemical cycling that would include rate expressions and simulate the balance between multiple interacting fluxes.

Micronutrients in Parenteral Nutrition: Boron, Silicon, and Fluoride

Boron may be beneficial for bone growth and maintenance, central nervous system function, and the inflammatory response, and silicon may be beneficial for bone maintenance and wound healing. Fluoride is not an essential element but amounts provided by contamination may be beneficial for bone strength. Fluoride toxicity may be a concern in parenteral nutrition. Further studies are warranted to determine whether there are optimal amounts of boron and silicon that should be delivered to typical and special population patients receiving parenteral nutrition. In addition, further studies are needed to determine whether providing the dietary guideline of adequate intake amounts of fluoride parenterally would prevent or treat parenteral nutrition osteopenia.

Manganese in Parenteral Nutrition: Who, When, and Why Should We Supplement?

Micronutrient requirements are not fully understood. Parenteral nutrition (PN) usually contains the trace element (TE) manganese (Mn) from fixed-concentration TE supplements. Multiple TE formulations may not be optimal in pediatric and home PN. Moreover, most PN products contain Mn as a ubiquitous contaminant. Excessive Mn can lead to Parkinson-like symptoms resulting from hypermanganesemia. A survey of 40 Australasian hospitals that contributed data on 108 patients to the annual home PN register and a systematic review of the literature were conducted to establish the scope of the potential problem of Mn toxicity in PN patients. Exposure to Mn doses 5-6 times current daily requirements, together with the TE contamination that is reported in PN products, can lead to neurotoxicity. Whole-blood levels are more accurate for monitoring and correlate well with signal intensity of magnetic resonance imaging. Current TE formulations restrict prescribing options. The regulatory mechanisms of Mn homeostasis are bypassed via the parenteral route so elimination via the hepatobiliary system is impaired, resulting in tissue or brain accumulation. Published dosage recommendations may be excessive and official guidelines require revision. Variability in clinical practices necessitates that individual TE additives are more widely available and multiple TE products reformulated. More frequent monitoring for any brain accumulation is recommended. The scarcity of PN-associated Mn deficiency, plus the growing evidence for Mn toxicity, leads to the conclusion that it is unnecessary for Mn to be prescribed routinely for pediatric or long-term PN patients.

Trace element losses during bed rest.

Trace element losses during bed rest.

Continuous venovenous hemodiafiltration trace element clearance in pediatric patients: a case series

Continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) is used to treat critically ill children with acute kidney injury. The effect of CRRT on trace element clearance is poorly characterized. The purpose of this study was to quantify the transmembrane clearance of chromium, copper, manganese, selenium and zinc during continuous venovenous hemodiafiltration (CVVHDF). The transmembrane clearance of trace elements was assessed prospectively in five critically ill children receiving CVVHDF at the pediatric intensive care unit of a tertiary care university hospital. Pre-filter blood and effluent samples were measured for trace element concentrations. Transmembrane clearance of trace elements was calculated, and daily loss of each trace element was determined. Daily trace element loss via CVVHDF was compared with daily standard supplementation of trace elements in pediatric parenteral nutrition. Five patients (age range 23 months to 15 years) with a body weight range of 10.5-53 kg completed the study. The median transmembrane clearance of chromium, copper, manganese, selenium and zinc during CVVHDF was calculated as 0 ml, 0.59 ml, 2.48 ml, 1.22 ml, and 1.90 ml, respectively, per 1.73 m(2) body surface area per minute. The calculated CVVHDF losses were substantially smaller than the daily parenteral supplementation for all trace elements.

Mineralogical and chemical mass changes in mafic and ultramafic rocks from the Logatchev hydrothermal field (MAR 15°N)

Mineralogical and geochemical investigation of altered host rock samples from the Logatchev hydrothermal field reveal a large variety of alteration styles at this site. Serpentinization is most intense in former harzburgites and dunites varying between 90–95%, whereas gabbros are mostly rather fresh. A combination of serpentinization, interaction with hot hydrothermal fluids, melt/rock interaction, and low-temperature seafloor weathering lead to significant gains and losses of major and trace elements. Serpentinization within the Logatchev hydrothermal field proceeds mainly isochemical for the major elements, except for a loss of TiO 2 and CaO. However, the concentration of the trace elements Cu, Nb, Ba, La, Sm, Eu, Th or U increases significantly in the serpentinites. Gabbroic intrusions act as a sink for MgO during alteration due to the formation of chlorite and serpentine after clinopyroxene. Interaction between gabbros and hydrothermal fluids leads to significant redistribution of SiO 2, TiO 2, CaO, and Na 2O as well as numerous trace elements. The different styles of alteration and their associated element changes reveal that samples from the entire Logatchev field have been influenced by hydrothermal fluids to some degree. Therefore, the hydrothermal fluid-dominated alteration of the ultramafic oceanic crust is a sink for many trace elements which were provided by mafic intrusions and mobilized by hydrothermal fluids and melt-rock interaction, whereas the gabbros accumulate high amounts of Mg from the seawater. Summarized the alteration processes at Logatchev are a combination of serpentinization, melt/rock interaction of serpentinites and mafic intrusions, and low-temperature seafloor weathering.

Particle size distribution and dissolution properties of metals in cyclone fly ash

The particles in the examined cyclone fly ash were all smaller than 0.25 mm. in diameter, and particles smaller than 0.075 mm. in diameter accounted for 88.4 % of the ash weight. This result indicates that cyclone fly ash consists of particles with a small diameter. The metals in the cyclone fly ash were enriched in small particles. The highest concentrations for zinc, copper, lead, cadmium and molybdenum in the cyclone fly ash were found in the smallest particle size fraction (< 0.075 mm.) and for Barium, chromium, nickel, Vanadium and Cobalt in the second to smallest particle size fraction (0.075-0.125 mm.). From an environmental and toxicological standpoint, the smallest particles are of the greatest concern when ash is handed at landfill disposal sites (transport and disposal especially in stormy weather conditions), and some studies have reported risks to workers from prolonged exposure to ash. The results of the comparison of various dissolution methods for metals showed that the digestion procedures with nitric acid alone (USEPA 3051) or with a mixture of nitric acid + hydrogen peroxide (USEPA 3050B) slightly underestimated the metal concentrations in the cyclone fly ash. Although the use of hydrofluoric acid is often necessary for the determination of a number of elements associated with siliceous minerals, its use can result in loss of trace elements during dissolution.

Trace Element Loss in Urine and Effluent Following Traumatic Injury

Few data are available to establish recommendations for trace element supplementation during critical illness. This study quantified the loss of several elements and assessed the adequacy of manganese and selenium in parenteral nutrition (PN). Men with traumatic injuries were grouped by renal status: adequate (POLY; n = 6), acute failure with continuous venovenous hemofiltration (CVVH; n = 2), or continuous venovenous hemodiafiltration (CVVHD; n = 4). PN supplied 300 microg/d manganese and 60 microg/d selenium. Urine and effluent (from artificial kidneys) were collected for 3 days and analyzed for boron, manganese, nickel, and silicon using inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry, and for selenium using atomic absorption spectrometry. POLY manganese and selenium excretion averaged (standard deviation [SD]) 7.9 (3.3) microg/d and 103.5 (22.4) microg/d, respectively. All elements except selenium were detected in dialysate (prior to use). CVVHD effluent contained 3.5 and 7.3 times more manganese and nickel than CVVH ultrafiltrate, respectively. Loss of manganese averaged 2.6%, 21%, and 73% of PN amounts for POLY, CVVH, and CVVHD groups, respectively. Minimal loss of manganese compared with the amount in PN suggests that excessive amounts are retained. POLY patients excreted more selenium than was in PN, indicating negative balance. POLY losses of boron and silicon were less than that published for healthy adults, reflecting less than typical intake, whereas loss during CVVH was in the normal reference range, possibly because of added intake from boron contamination of replacement fluids. All patients lost more nickel than amounts published for healthy adults. Current guidelines of 60-100 microg/d of parenteral manganese may be excessive for trauma patients. The uptake of manganese and nickel from contaminants in CVVHD dialysate should be investigated.

Trace element requirements in critically ill burned patients

Critically ill burned patients are characterized by a strong oxidative stress, an intense inflammatory response, and months-long hypermetabolism, all of which are proportional to the severity of injury. Trace element (TE) deficiencies have repeatedly been described. The clinical course is complicated by organ failures, infections, and delayed wound healing, which can be partly attributed to TE deficiencies. Among critically ill patients, TE deficiencies are the most severe in major burns, who suffer a specific copper deficiency. Plasma TE concentrations are low during any critical illness, as a result of TE losses in biological fluids, low intakes, dilution by fluid resuscitation, and redistribution from plasma to tissues mediated by the inflammatory response. The large exudative losses cause negative TE balances. Intravenous supplementation trials show that early substitution improves recovery, reduces infectious complications (particularly nosocomial pneumonia), normalize thyroid function, normalize skin tissue levels, improve wound healing and shorten hospital stay. Nevertheless, prolonged high dose delivery may be deleterious, as TE have potential for toxicity. In major burns, supplements up to 4 mg of Cu/day, 500 mg Se/day and 40 mg Zn/day for 3 weeks have been found to be safe and effective. The intravenous route appears the only way to deliver the doses required to achieve antioxidant and clinical effects. Further research is required to determine the optimal combination and doses for different severities of injury.

Iodine Status and the Effect of Soil Erosion on Trace Elements in Nanka and Oba Towns of Anambra State, Nigeria

Iodine Deficiency Disorders (IDD) is common in all populations. Iodine and other trace elements naturally occur in the soil but erosion leaches off these elements from the soil. This results in a continued loss of trace elements from the soil. In the present study, the levels of iodine, selenium, zinc and lead in the environment (measured in soil, bitter leaves (Vernonia amygdalina), cassava roots (mannihot utilissima, staple food in Nigeria), and drinking water) and urinary iodine from school children (n=200), pregnant women (n=60) and women of child bearing age (n=60) were determined for Nanka prone to soil erosion and Oba all in Anambra State, Nigeria (used as control) to assess their risk to IDD. The levels of selenium, zinc and lead were analysed using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry while the levels of iodine in the environment and urinary iodine were estimated using the method of Dunn et al.,(1993). In this study there was a positive correlation between iodine and the metals. The results show that the mean concentrations of total soil zinc (0.69 +/- 0.16 ppm); lead (0.40 +/- 0.12 ppm) values in Oba were significantly (p < 0.05) higher than values from Nanka (Zn = 0.33 +/- 0.10 ppm; Pb = 0.21 +/- 0.09 ppm). However, total soil values for selenium and iodine in soil were not significantly different in the two communities. Mean concentration of total vegetable zinc (0.63 +/- 0.14 ppm) value in Oba is significantly (p < 0.05) higher than the value from Nanka (Zn = 0.31 +/- 0.07 ppm). However, total vegetable values for I, Se and Pb were not significantly different in the two communities. Also, mean concentration of total cassava zinc (0.65 = 0.15 ppm) in Oba was significantly (p < 0.05) higher than Zn (0.44 +/- 0.1l ppm) from Nanka. However, values for Se, Pb, and I were not significantly different in the two communities. Mean concentration of total water iodine (105.25 +/- 10.44 microg/L) in Oba was significantly (p < 0.05) higher than the value from Nanka (I = 89.8 +/- 6.42 microg/L). However, total water values for Se, Zn, and Pb were not significantly different in the two communities. The mean urinary iodine concentration of 170.65 +/- 27.17 microg/L in school children from Oba was significantly higher (p < 0.05) than the mean concentration of 156.12 +/- 16.48 microg/L found in school children from Nanka. However, the mean urinary iodine concentration of all the women (pregnant and non-pregnant) were not significantly different in the two communities but they are below the recommended daily intake. The results show that people living in Nanka and Oba, could be at risk of IDD.

Trace element removal during in vitro and in vivo continuous haemodialysis

Continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) increasingly is being used to treat critically ill patients with renal disease. CRRT removes waste products but also nutrients. Our understanding of trace element CRRT clearance has been limited by poor assay sensitivity. The development of inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) allows for the measurement of CRRT trace element removal. Continuous venovenous haemodialysis (CVVHD) transmembrane clearances of trace elements and urea were assessed using a bovine blood-based in vitro model using two different haemodialyser types. These findings were validated in 10 critically ill adult patients receiving continuous venovenous haemodiafiltration (CVVHDF). Calculated daily trace element loss was compared with a typical dose of daily trace element supplementation. The mean +/- SD in vitro CVVHD transmembrane clearances (ml/min) for the polysulfone haemodialyser were chromium 0.97 +/- 0.23, copper 0.47 +/- 0.18, manganese 4.6 +/- 3.6, selenium 1.2 +/- 0.63 and zinc 2.3 +/- 0.32 and for the cellulose diacetate haemodialyser chromium 1.54 +/- 0.91, copper 0.21 +/- 0.07, manganese 7.8 +/- 4.1, selenium 0.76 +/- 0.39 and zinc 2.7 +/- 0.37. The in vivo CVVHDF transmembrane clearances (ml/min) were chromium 5.4 +/- 2.4, copper 0.45 +/- 0.33, manganese 1.9 +/- 4.6, selenium 1.6 +/- 1.2, and zinc 4.0 +/- 1.3. ICP-MS assays detected the five trace elements in the effluent of CVVHDF patients. Trace element CVVHD transmembrane clearance estimates for our in vitro model were supported by the in vivo CVVHDF findings. Calculated daily trace element loss attributed to CVVHD and CVVHDF with dialysate flow rates of 33.3 ml/min is less than what is provided in a daily dose of a trace element supplementation product.

The Availability of Trace Elements in Intravenous Hyperalimentation Solutions

A study of the level and availability of trace elements in commercial and compounded hyperalimentation solutions was performed. Analyses of the zinc, copper, and manganese content of Aminosol®, Amigen®, Cutter Protein Hydrolysate®, and FreAmine II® were carried out using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Zinc was found to be present in the highest concentrations in the solutions and copper in the lowest. Although the concentrations of a particular element varied between batches of a given solution, there was a greater variation in concentrations between the different nitrogen sources. No loss of trace elements by precipitation or absorption occurred following their addition to a compounded hyperalimentation solution. A suggested trace element solution for supplementation to a compounded TPN preparation is presented.