Atomic Absorption Spectrometry Method Research Articles

Adsorption of Cd and Mn from neutral mine effluents using bentonite, zeolite, and stabilized dewatered sludge

This study aimed to investigate the adsorption efficiency of Cd and Mn using natural sorbents—bentonite, zeolite and stabilized digested dewatered waste sludge. The main contributions of the scientific article are in adding to the scientific knowledge of the use of natural and waste sorbents in the removal of heavy metals from neutral mine effluents. Current studies mainly focus on metal removal by sorption using natural sorbents from acid mine drainage. This study investigates sorption in neutral mine drainage. The efficiency of the sorption process was evaluated using the following parameters: efficiency (%) of metal ion removal, Freudlich and Langmuir adsorption isotherm constant. The AES–ICP method (atomic emission spectrometry with inductively coupled plasma) was used for the initial metal analysis of the materials used. The atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) method was used for the analysis of Cd and Mn in the sorption process. The maximum efficiency of Mn removal by bentonite at the end of the test was approximately 90%. The removal of Mn by zeolite was considerably lower—about 20% compared to the use of sludge—80%. Based on the sorption efficiency, the sludge was suitable for sorption. Much higher levels of Cd sorption were achieved using sludge compared to using natural bentonite and zeolite. The main novelty of the work lies in the sorption of metals using dewatered digested sludge. Previous studies have focused on metal sorption using activated sludge. Most previous studies focused on sorption from acid mine drainage. The novelty of this study is that we focused on the sorption of neutral mine drainages, which are typical for the location we are monitoring.

Iron in Drinking Water and its Impact on Human Health –A Study in Selected Units of Jalalabad Cantonment

Background: Prevalence of diseases due to appearance of excessive amount of iron in drinking water is increasing day by day. Often people are unaware about the harmful effects of excess iron that may be present in drinking water. Sometimes they overlook minor symptoms. Adequate study was not conducted before to rule out actual scenario. The aim of this study is to represent the detrimental effect of excessive iron in drinking water as well as to create awareness to get rid of it. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out in 17 units of 17 Infantry Division, Jalalabad Cantonment, Sylhet covering the period of January 2019 to May 2019. Total 52 participants were selected purposively who had been suffering from various kinds of abdominal symptoms; their source of drinking water was marked. Water was collected from 5 different sources to see iron level. Again they were monitored after establishing Reverse Osmosis water filter. Iron level at drinking water was also tested each time at laboratory by Atomic Absorption spectrometry method. Informed written consent was taken from the patients. A semi-structured questionnaire was developed and data were collected by face to face interview. Analysis was done by using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS version 25). Results: Among 52 respondents, maximum i.e. 25(48.07%) developed moderate to severe constipation followed by 16(30.76%) developed dyspepsia and while others i.e.11(21.15%) had both the symptoms. Symptoms were most severe among the persons who used to drink water having highest concentration of Iron (1.9 mg/L). After establishment of Reverse Osmosis water purifier the iron concentration in water reduced significantly and only 4(8%) had constipation and 6(12%) had dyspepsia. Conclusion: Iron is a natural constituent of drinking water. But considering the harmful impact of excessive iron present in drinking water to human health, regular monitoring should be ensured to identify the risk group. Bangladesh Armed Forces Med J Vol 56 No (2) December 2023, pp 58-64

Production and biochemical characterization of freeze-dried blueberry juice from enzymatically processed berries

Production of freeze-dried juice semi-finished products is a promising direction in the technology of processing blueberries. This direction allows complex problem solving regarding seasonality of berry processing with optimization of logistics costs, extension of the geography of sources of raw material supply while preserving high sensory properties of a freeze-dried product. The main advantages of such a product are characteristics determining properties of fresh berries, including taste, color, aroma, nutritional and biological value. The aim of the study was the development of technological solutions to produce freeze-dried blueberry juice from enzymatically processed blueberry pulp, as well as determination of its biochemical characteristics. Chemical (titrimetric and gravimetric) methods and modern physico-chemical methods (HPLC, atomic absorption spectrometry, potentiometric and spectrophotometric methods) were used in the work. As a result of the performed investigations, parameters have been determined for the process of freeze-drying of native blueberry juice: freeze-drying temperature of –23 ±2 °С and pressure of 70–80 Pa, secondary drying at a temperature of 38–40 °С. Duration of the freeze-drying process was 16 hours until reaching the final moisture of 4%. It is shown that freeze-dried juice preserves all quality attributes of the native juice: taste, color and aroma. The native and freeze-dried blueberry juice was characterized by the chemical composition. The profile of flavonoids, anthocyans, phenolic and organic acids, composition of sugars, vitamins and minerals were studied. It has been established that the chosen parameters of freeze-drying ensure preservation of biologically active and minor substances at a level of no less than 77% of the initial content in the native juice. High preservation was demonstrated for quercetin and resveratrol. Losses were 9.6% for epicatechin, 13.7–23.0% for phenolic acids, and 14–22% for vitamins. As a result of juice processing by freeze-drying, an increase was noticed for the content of delphinidin-3-glucoside, cyanidin-3-arabinoside, cyanidin-3-glucoside by 20–35%. The proportion of cyanidin-3-galactoside + delphinidin-3-arabinoside decreased by 65% and that of delphinidin-3-galactoside by 2.85 times. A decrease in the content of macro-elements (up to 6.0%) was established in the freeze-dried juice; more noticeable losses were recorded for micro-elements (up to 14.8%). The results obtained show prospects of using the technology and chosen regimes of freeze-drying in production of freezedried blueberry juice. This technology combines a possibility of producing a manufacturable berry ingredient with maximum preservation of natural biologically active and minor components of berries for using in products of healthy nutrition.

Sustainable non-plasticized polymer inclusion membrane containing an immobilizing optode ligand for in situ ultra-sensitive colorimetric measurement and pre-concentration of beryllium ions in environmental and biological matrices

Beryllium (Be2+) is a type of alkaline earth-divalent metal that enters many strategic industries. The work environment limits concentrations of beryllium is in the range of 0.01 – 1.0 μg mL−1 (ppm), where concentrations exceeding 5.0 ppm of Be2+ lead to acute toxicity, causing pulmonary edema and chemical pneumonitis. Herein, Be2+ was measured selectively in situ down to ultralow concentration levels utilizing a fabricated sensitive polymer inclusion membrane (PIM) as an immobilizing non-plasticized colorimetric optical sensor (optode). The PIM-sensitive optode has been created using an encapsulation method with polyvinyl chloride (PVC) as a polymer base, an (E)-6-(4-((2,5-dihydroxyphenyl)diazenyl)phenyl)-2-oxo-4-phenyl-1,2-dihydropyridine-3-carbonitrile (DDP-OPDC) as a selective ligand, and Aliquat 336 as an enhancer extractant. The linear dynamic range of the various standard measurements ranged between 5.0 and 145 ng mL−1 with excellent sensitivity down to 1.6 ng mL−1. Moreover, the manufactured optode was reusable and had sustainable mechanical strength. The method has also successfully quantified Be2+ in the livers and muscles of bovine, chicken, and pork (recovery %; 98.0–––102.3 %) in addition to Be2+ analysis in contaminated tap, mineral, and well water (recovery %; in the range of 93.6–––103.3 %). With an assessment duration of 10 min at a maximum absorbance of 622 nm, the colorimetric evaluations of Be2+ in various samples (water and biological) were rapid, reliable, and reproducible. Furthermore, the obtained results by the developed optode matched excellently those obtained by the comparison atomic absorption spectrometry method.

ANÁLISE DE METAIS POTENCIALMENTE CONTAMINANTES NOS PEIXES DO RIO TAQUARI, BACIA DO RIO PARAGUAI, MUNICÍPIO DE COXIM-MS

In this study we analyzed the concentration of the metals Cd, Cu, Pb, Fe and Ni in the muscle tissue and digestive tract of 13 species of fish from the Taquari River, collected in the northern region of the state of Mato Grosso do Sul, in the Coxim micro-region, in order to quantify and compare the concentrations of these analytes present in these fish with the regulations for inorganic contaminants in Brazil (MERCOSUR) and abroad (FAO/WHO), thus making it possible to indicate whether they are within acceptable standards. The analyses were carried out using the Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrometry method and the results obtained indicate that Cd and Pb were not detected in all species. For Fe, Cu and Ni, no limits stipulated by legislation were found. Finally, the analysis showed that there are no factors of contamination by potentially contaminating metals through the consumption of fish by the population.

Physico – chemical study of the adsorption properties of natural minerals for sorption treatment of wastewater from Pb+2, Ni+2, Zn+2 ions

One of the urgent challenges is to clean up industrial wastewater from toxic and heavy metal ions in a more efficient and environmentally friendly way. Bentonite montmorillonite, bentonite red, zeolite and diatomite of the Almaty region were selected as the materials of the study. In this study was investigated the adsorption properties of natural minerals by physico-chemical methods for the sorption treatment of wastewater from Pb+2, Ni+2, Zn+2 ions. X – ray phase analysis determines the chemical composition of the materials studied. The main component of diatomite is SiO2, in zeolite – Laumontite composition Ca4Al8Si16O48·14H2O (51.3 %). The base of bentonites is bedellite – montmorillonite, which has an amorphous structure. The method of atomic absorption spectrometry was used to investigate the sorption of heavy metal ions (Pb+2, Ni+2, Zn+2) by the natural adsorbents under investigation. Bentonites, Mukra and Medium Tentec have the best sorption properties. Here, the content of lead, nickel and zinc ions is reduced by an average of 82–85 %. In the case of diatomite, the ion content of the same metals is reduced by approximately 74–76 %, and for zeolite by 64 %. Generally speaking, the adsorption properties of these minerals are expected to be achieved by the high porosity in the case of diatomite and zeolite or the penetration of ions into the interpackage space between the bentonite layers. Mixing adsorbents, increasing their mass percentages and increasing the mass of the mixture leads to increased efficiency of the degree of cleaning from these ions. In conclusion of the study, natural minerals of the Almaty region have sorption properties that can be used for practical purposes, in particular for wastewater treatment

Comparative Assessment of Soil and Selected Crop in Cement Dust Contaminated Environment in Okpella Area of Edo North, Nigeria

The research was designed to compare the degree of contamination of soil and selected crops by cement dust generated during cement industry activities. Two types of soils were investigated. Soil obtained near the cement industry (OS1) and the soil obtained in a location far from the site of the cement industry (AS2). Only cassava was studied but collected at two different locations. Crop sample collected near the cement industry (OC1) and the one collected at a site far from the cement industry (AC2). The physicochemical properties of the soil samples were determined by analyzing for their percentage nitrogen (N), organic matter (OM), phosphorous (P), potassium (K), electrical conductivity (EC), moisture content (MC), bulk density (BD) and hydrogen ion potential (pH). The proximate composition of the crop samples was determined by analyzing for moisture content, crude protein, ash content, ether extract, crude fibre, dry matter, and carbohydrate. The method used was in accordance with the Association of Official Analytical Chemists’. The samples were characterized for the presence of functional groups using Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. X-ray Diffractometer (XRD) was used to determine the mineral composition and the heavy metals were determined using the Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS) method of analysis. The result showed that the percentage of P (28.6±0.01) and K in AS2 was higher than in OS1 (21.6±0.07). The OM in AS2 (2.34±0.01) was higher than in OS1 (2.17±0.01). The values obtained for EC were OS1 (145.7±0.01) and AS2 (115.4±0.28). The concentration of the selected elements did not exceed the maximum allowable amount. Fe has the highest concentration in soil and crop samples. The obtained value for ash content in OC1 was 4.62±0.00 and AC2 was 2.39±0.01. Carbohydrate has 74.4±0.01 in OC1 and 83.4±0.05 in AC2, however moisture content in OC1 was 7.17±0.03 and 6.86±0.03 in AC2. The results also showed the presence of various functional groups and revealed the types of minerals in the samples.

Seasonal Variation of Indoor Dust Levels of Potential Toxic Heavy Metals in Early Childhood Education Classrooms

The study examines the seasonal variation in potentially toxic heavy metals found in indoor dust in early childhood classrooms, as heavy metal exposure becomes more common in Nigerian childcare settings. Six preschool dust samples from two Nigerian cities were collected during the dry and wet seasons, respectively. After being dried to a consistent weight, the dust samples were ground in a standard pulverizer. The Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS) method was used to conduct quantitative and qualitative analyses of the samples to determine the heavy metal and elemental composition of the dust in both locations. The dust samples contained seven heavy metals (As, Cd, Co, Cu, Mn, Pb, and Zn), with concentrations varying by season: Co 0.83 µgg-1 to Zn 38.43 µgg-1 during the rainy season, and 1.82 µgg-1 Cu to 80.00 µgg-1 Zn during the dry season. The study concluded that seven elements were present in the sample, and it is recommended that the government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria implement the necessary mechanisms to monitor the impact of dust on preschool children.

MINERAL-ORGANIC COMPOSITE FOR IMMOBILIZING PBIN SOIL SUBJECTED TO AIDED PHYTOSTABILIZATION

The content of Pb in the surface layer of soil is largely connected with the influence of anthropogenicfactors. The degradation of soil caused by the presence of increased heavy metal contents has ledto the search for or improvement of effective remediation methods. The study made use of thetechnique of aided phytostabilisation for immobilizing Pb in the soil using a composite based ondolomite and compost (CDC) as a soil amendment, as well as Lolium perenne L. The efficiency wasassessed in terms of determining the Pb content in the soil, roots and above-ground parts of thetest plant with the use of the atomic absorption spectrometry method. The application of CDC tosoil had a positive influence on increasing the production of plant biomass and the pH of the soil,with the Pb being higher in the roots than in the above-ground parts of Lolium perenne L. Uponcompleting the experiment, the soil amendment was found to have had a positive influence ondecreasing the average Pb content in the soil (by 18%) as well as the CaCl2-extractable Pb forms(23%). In the case of the contents of this element in the roots and above-ground parts, on the otherhand, the influence was +53% and –36% respectively.

Investigation of some useful chemical parameters in Shea tree (Vitelaria paradoxa) nut wastewater collected after extraction of the butter: prospects of Shea butter waste valorization

Shea butter is extracted the nut of Vitellaria paradoxa for both domestic and commercial purposes. Growing extraction and utilization of the butter especially in pharmaceutical, food and cosmetics industries result in large shea butter extraction with resultant large volumes of waste product of unknown content. Analyses of the wastewater/byproduct was carried out to review possibilities of its value addition in production of new products, or otherwise appropriate disposal. Therefore, Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy, physicochemical, and phytochemical screening methods, and extraction were used in the current study to assess antioxidant activity, BOD, calcium, iron, magnesium, lead, nickel, zinc, copper, and phytochemical content of samples of the material from Northern Ghana. The amount of residual oil was also determined. The BOD ranged from 168.00±0.00 to 86.25±6.25 mg O2/kg; Levels of magnesium in the samples ranged from 16.65 - 206.65 mg/kg, calcium from 4.72 - 19.60 mg/kg, iron was 7.75 - 14.0 mg/kg, copper from 0.02 - 0.08 mg/kg, lead from 0.33 - 1.22 mg/kg, nickel from 0.04 - 0.23 mg/kg and zinc from 3.36 - 5.80 mg/kg. Secondary metabolites present included alkaloids, phenolic, saponins, tannins and flavonoids. while residual oil extracted from the sample was between 14.67-6.46 % of the material. Mean pH was 5.95±0.05 - 6.10±0.005, and the mean temperature of the samples ranged from 24.00±0.05 to 25.25±0.05 oC at the time of analyses. From the findings the material has good and diverse content and could be used in cosmetics, pharmaceutical products or organic manure. Otherwise it should be disposed appropriately to safeguard environmental and water pollution.

Arsenic In Surface Waters In The Central Part Of The North Caucasus And Correspondent Health Risk Assessment

Arsenic is ranked as a significant global health hazard associated with potable water. The present study assesses the arsenic pollution of the surface waters in the mountainous regions of the central part of the North Caucasus due to the presence of geochemical anomalies and the potential health risk by its consumption for the residents. The studies were carried out from 2016 to 2022. The surface waters of 5 main rivers of the region (Kuban, Malka, Baksan, Chegem and Cherek) with their main tributaries have been studied. Samples were taken during the period of intensive melting of glaciers (summer). The determination of the soluble form of arsenic was carried out using the method of atomic absorption spectrometry. In general, arsenic concentrations in this region are lower than Clark values for river waters. Along with this, watercourses with high and very high concentrations of arsenic have been identified. Elevated concentrations of arsenic in surface waters spatially coincide with the location of geochemical anomalies. The most polluted is the Baksan River. The levels of surface waters pollution from natural and anthropogenic sources are almost the same (up to 100 µg/dm3). In this regard, an assessment of the health hazard was carried out. For residents receiving drinking water from wells located at the southern foot of Elbrus, the carcinogenic risk for adults was 4.51×10-4, which is unacceptable for the general population. The non–carcinogenic risk was 1.00 - the maximum permissible risk causing concern.

Determination of the level of chromium (III) and comparison of chemical precipitating agents to recover and reuse it from tannery waste water

Most tannery wastes are discharged into the natural environment without any treatment system and pose a potential negative impact on living things due to their high organic loading and chromium content. In this study, a comparison of chemical precipitating agents to recover and reuse chromium (III) from tannery waste water was done. The study was conducted by performing physicochemical characterization and chemical precipitation. The Cr concentration was determined using the flame atomic absorption spectroscopy (FAAS) method. Statistical analysis was performed using the SPSS program through one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). In terms of sludge volume, magnesium oxide produced 25%, calcium hydroxide 31%, and sodium hydroxide 44%. The findings have implications for global sustainability, as the use of magnesium oxide as a precipitating agent results in a smaller sludge volume and potentially less environmental impact.

Green direct ultrasonic slurry sampling and electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry method for metal analysis of solid plastics samples.

This work presents a "green" analytical method developed for the determination of potentially toxic metals such as aluminium, barium and chromium in solid plastics samples using the slurry sampling technique in conjunction with electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry. The development of the slurry sampling technique in conjunction with electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry entailed optimisation of the measuring conditions, which included optimisation of the temperature programme, selection of an appropriate liquid medium for slurry preparation, optimisation of the concentration and volume of the liquid medium and optimisation of the mass of the solid plastics sample. The following conditions were determined: the optimal pyrolysis temperature for aluminium, barium and chromium was in the range of 1300 °C to 1700 °C and the optimal atomisation temperature was in the range of 2100 °C to 2400 °C. The optimal liquid media for solid plastics samples were H2O, 0.2% (v/v) HNO3 and 0.2% (v/v) HCl. The optimal volume of liquid medium was in the range from 5 to 15 mL and the mass of the solid plastics samples was in the range from 30 to 100 mg. The limit of detection and limit of quantification were estimated as 0.06-0.52 ng g-1 and 0.22-1.69 ng g-1 for aluminium, 0.11-0.94 ng g-1 and 0.37-3.14 ng g-1 for barium and 0.07-0.31 ng g-1 and 0.25-1.04 ng g-1 for chromium. Relative standard deviation was below 5% for all plastic samples analysed. Based on the established validation parameters, the slurry sampling technique in conjunction with electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry represents a viable technique for metal analysis of a variety of plastic materials. The concentrations of analytes in individual solid plastic samples were in the range of 1.36 ± 0.06 μg g-1 to 22.65 ± 0.66 μg g-1 for aluminium, 1.13 ± 0.03 μg g-1 to 6.01 ± 0.22 μg g-1 for barium and 0.60 ± 0.03 μg g-1 to 10.48 ± 0.46 μg g-1 for chromium.

The place of comprehensive environmental and analytical assessment of the impact of the "CRE" system on environmental components in the EIA procedure

Problem. The operation of highways has a wide and multi-component impact on all components of the environment. Environmental Impact Assessment of roads is crucial for assessing the potential environmental consequences of road construction and operation. It is advisable to conduct this assessment based on a systemic analysis using a hierarchical structure for a comprehensive evaluation of the impact of the "CRE" system on the environment. Goal. The goal is to present the results of a comprehensive ecological-analytical assessment of the impact of roads on environment, which can be effectively used in the EIA procedure. Methodology. The 'CRE' system was analyzed using system analysis. Prioritization and weight coefficients for each element of the hierarchy were determined using expert-analytical assessments with the use of the MAI software complex. For a rapid assessment of the impact of road operation on the state of environment and the accumulation of heavy metals (HM) in vegetation and roadside soils, natural measurements and atomic absorption spectrometry methods were employed. Results. The expert-analytical research results revealed the contributions of each component within the complex hierarchical structure. Accumulation of HM in the roadside areas, including pollution of vegetation and soil, exceeding the permissible levels, was confirmed. Rank series were constructed: accumulation of HM in vegetation and soil samples, vegetation according to the property of accumulation of different HM in them. Originality. The study proposed a comprehensive assessment of the impact of road operation on the components of environment through an ecological-analytical evaluation of the developed hierarchical 'CRE' structure, resulting in the determination of weight coefficients and priorities of each element in the hierarchy's contribution to the environmental impact through expert-analytical assessment using the T. Saaty AНР method. Practical value. Using the proposed systematic approach in the EIA procedure for roads at every stage of their life cycle can improve control quality and the effectiveness of environmental protection measures, reducing environmental impact.

A comparative study on the pollution status of heavy metals in soils and sediment from farmlands in Askira Uba, Nigeria

Heavy metals may enter the food chain from soil through mineralization by crops or environmental contamination, as in application of agricultural inputs such as pesticides and fertilizers or in the treatment of soils with sewage sludge cupper content of normal plant tissue. Atomic Absorption Spectroscopic (AAS) method is one of the most commonly used instrument in metal analysis due to its reproducibility of results, short analysis time, lower level of detection. Soil and sediments samples were collected at three distinct stations each, designated as A1, B1, C1 and A2, B2, C2 respectively from Askir/Uba local government area of Borno State, Nigeria. The concentrations of six heavy metals of environmental concern which includes Cd, Cu, Cr, Pb, Ni and Zn were determined by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer; Buck scientific model 210GP. The mean concentration of Cd in soil and sediment were (10.7±2.32 mg/kg and 9.62±2.32 mg/kg) and are of toxicological concern. The decrease in concentrations of the metals across sampling locations followed this order Cd > Cu > Cr > Pb > Ni > Zn. The geoaccumulation index of the sediment by each metals are in the following increasing order: B2 < A2 < C2 for Cd and Pb, B2 < C2 < A2 for Cr, A2 < B2 < C2 for Cu, A2 < B2 < C2 for Zn respectively. In general, the order of metal contamination were Zn < Ni < Cu < Pb < Cr < Cd. The results of the findings revealed that the soil and sediment were contaminated with Cadmium, the high level of Cd in the soil were above the recommended values. However, Independent-samples t-test (statically significant at p<0.05) was used to compared the average metal composition in soil and sediment which showed that there was no significant difference on the composition in soil and sediment for all the metals p-value = 0.8939 The aim of the study was to compare the mean level of the soil and sediment with WHO permissible limit, hence evaluate their pollution status by the application of geoaccumulation index.

DETERMINATION OF SOME MINERAL ELEMENTS LEVEL IN VEGETABLES SOLD IN YANKABA MARKET KANO STATE, NIGERIA

This study was conducted to analyze the levels of some mineral element contents of broccoli, cauliflower, curly kale, red cabbage, and lentils sold in Yankaba Market of Kano State, Nigeria. Samples of these vegetables were obtained from the market and analyzed for some mineral elements (calcium, Cobalt, Copper, iron, potassium, magnesium, manganese, sodium, and zinc) contents using standard methods. The mineral elements analysis showed that the samples had calcium ranging from 43.09 to 76.67 mg/kg, cobalt 0.04 to 2.33 mg/kg, Copper 0.89 to 7.20 mg/kg, iron 0.71 to 9.88 mg/kg, Potassium 12.83 to 69.09 mg/kg, magnesium 15.63 to 86.63 mg/kg, Manganese 0.51 to 1.77 mg/kg, Sodium 8.65 to 37.36 mg/kg, and Zinc 0.7-11.88 mg/kg. atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) method was used to determine the level of these elements. The results for the analysis of variance (ANOVA) indicated that (P>0.05) in all samples, this shows that there was no significant difference among the samples analyzed. The study revealed that the vegetables from the Yankaba market contain some appreciable amount of essential nutrients and mineral elements needed to maintain good nutritional status that will benefit consumers.

Non-carcinogenic human risk assessment of the consumption of infant formulas contaminated with total and organic mercury

The quality of food is paramount for the healthy growth and development of children, with nutrients and contaminants like mercury playing significant roles here. In this study, the levels of total mercury (THg) and methylmercury (MeHg) in infant formulas such as the first infant formula, hypoallergenic formula, comfort formula against colic and constipation, and anti-reflux formula were investigated. A validated and optimized cold atomic absorption spectrometry method of direct thermal decomposition with gold amalgamation was used. Analysis revealed notable variations in THg and MeHg levels among products. Basic infant formulas were characterized by the highest average and median THg values (6.14 µg/kg, and 3.27 µg/kg, respectively), while hypoallergenic preparations showed the lowest THg content (1.069 µg/kg on average and 0.922 µg/kg for the median). Methylmercury levels were the lowest in preparations meant to treat constipation and colic, whereas anti-reflux formulas were characterized by the highest mean and median values. Based on the evaluation of the Provisional Tolerable Weekly Intake realization for THg, and MeHg, it was determined that the mercury content in infant formulas was within acceptable consumption limits. However, the target hazard quotient, and the total hazard index revealed elevated mercury levels in certain products, potentially posing health risks.

Assessing Heavy Metal Contamination in Traditional Herbal Medicine (Jamu) by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry

Heavy metal contamination of traditional herbal medicine (jamu) is a threat to humans, especially at levels above known threshold concentrations. Traditional herbal medicine found in Banda Aceh City – Indonesia, polluted by heavy metals cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), and mercury (Hg) was performed. Heavy metal analysis used Flame - Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (FAAS) and Chemical Vapor Generation - Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (CVG - AAS) methods. The validation of the method was performed to obtain more accurate heavy metal analysis results for the samples. Heavy metal contamination, especially Pb metal, with concentrations of 4.32 ± 0.14 mg/Kg to 29.25 ± 0.24 mg/Kg. The Cd metal contamination was only found in herbal medicine sample E with a concentration of 0.80 ± 0.02 mg/Kg, above the threshold. The Hg metal contamination was also found with concentrations of 0.20 ± 0.01 to 2.14 ± 0.06 mg/Kg, and some were not detected. The government should be very concerned about stopping the distribution of herbal medicine that can be harmful to health and should inspect drug stores that still sell herbs that do not have established standards.

Assessment of the Radiation Situation and the Presence of Heavy Metals in the Soil in the Poleski National Park

The aim of the research in the Poleski National Park was to determine the concentration of radionuclides and heavy metals in the soil and to evaluate the absorbed dose and the average annual effective dose as a result of external exposure to ground-based radiation sources. The spread of anthropogenic radionuclide concentration in the Poleski National Park was the highest. This is a first-of-its-kind study in Poland. The annual effective dose calculated for the Poleski National Park was over three times higher than the average worldwide value. Soil samples were subjected to mineralization using a TITAN MPS with a rotor. Subsequently, the metals in the obtained solutions were determined using the atomic absorption spectrometry method with flame atomization (AAS FM). The content of copper Cu, nickel Ni, lead Pb, cadmium Cd, and chromium Cr did exceed the average content neither in Europe nor around the world. The soils of the Poleski National Park are characterized by pollution with the tested heavy metals, especially cadmium Cd.

Preparation of Some as-Triazines, Their Evaluation as Spectrophotometric Reagents and Determination of Trace Amount of Iron in Certain Food and Natural Samples

Spectrophotometric reagents 3-(2-pyridyl)-5,6-diphenyl-1,2,4-triazine (PDT) and 3-(2-pyridyl)-5,6-bis(p-methoxyphenyl)- 1,2,4-triazine (PBMPT) were prepared from commercially available reactants simply by condensing pyridyl-2-hydrazidine with 1,2-dicarbonyl compounds. These organic reagents were used further to determine the trace amount of iron in various natural and food samples by spectrophotometric method. The absorptiometric features of iron (II) complexes of PDT and PBMPT were determined. The molar absorptivites of iron (II) complexes of PDT and PBMPT were found to be 24,181 L mol-1 cm-1 (at 556.0 nm) and 32,091 L mol-1 cm-1 at (561.8 nm) respectively. The reliability of these absorptivities were verified by standard addition technique and also by comparing the results of atomic absorption spectroscopy method. The complexes of both the reagents obey Beer’s law within the experimental concentration range 0.032mg/L - 0.159 mg/L.
 Dhaka Univ. J. Sci. 71(2): 111-116, 2023 (July)