Plasma Spectroscopy Research Articles

Fast and Sensitive Bioanalytical Method Development and Validation for Determination of Capmatinib in Human Plasma Using HPLC-MS/MS

The term “anticancer drugs” evokes memories of a time when the development of medications in that category was still necessary. Capmatinib, for example, is a kinase inhibitor that targets the C-Met receptor tyrosine kinase in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer, which involves tissue repair and organ regeneration.1 Thus, utilizing liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectroscopy (LC-MS/MS) in human plasma in accordance with United States Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) bioanalytical technique validation criteria, a quick, simple, specific, dependable, and sensitive approach was created using deucravacitinib as an internal standard. Capmatinib and the internal standard were separated using liquid-liquid extraction. The extracted sample run through a chromatographic system with an ACE-C18 column (4.6 × 100 mm, 5 μm); the mobile phase consisted of methanol and 2 mM ammonium formate in an 80:20 ratio at a flow rate of 1.00 mL/min. The system operates for three minutes in multiple reaction monitoring mode at the ABSCIEX API 4000 mass spectrometer using electron spray ionization. For capmatinib, the ion transitions are 413.10 to 382.10 and 426.30 to 358.20 for deucravacitinib, with a concentration range of 5.00 to 4000 ng/mL, the accuracy, precision, linearity, selectivity, and selectivity were validated and found to be within the acceptability limits.

Volume of detonation determination based on gaseous products of energetic materials by time resolved LIPS combined with schlieren image

The safe and fast measurement of volume of detonation (VoD) is always a hard task for macroscale explosion even though it is one of the important parameters to evaluate the explosion performance. Therefore, a promising technology to determine the VoD is highly desirable for evaluation of energetic materials. Herein, a new method of VoD determination based on gaseous products via small dose energetic materials by time correlated laser induced plasma spectroscopy (LIPS) combined with schlieren image was proposed. Hydrodynamics of products after laser ablation on a time scale ranging from microsecond to millisecond was investigated. Based on the analysis of hydrodynamics of products after laser ablation, the effective spectra of gaseous products of each energetic material are obtained. Subsequently, a high-accuracy quantitative analysis model of VoD based on gaseous products using the method of principal component analysis - partial least squares (PCA-PLS) with small sample modeling algorithm has been developed( R2>0.96). The VOD model accurately predicts the detonation parameters with the average relative error of test set (ARET) < 3% and the maximum relative error of test set (MRET) < 5%. Moreover, the results without spectra selection of the relative error of blind data show the max relative error is less than 7%. The results of variable importance in projection (VIP) identification indicate a robust association between the spectral signatures of carbon (C), nitrogen (N), hydrogen (H), oxygen (O) and VoD. Furthermore, the N lines exert the most substantial influence on the VoD model. This method provides a new safe and fast determination technology for the evaluation of VoD and clarification of the related mechanism.

The Heavy Metal Biomonitoring Study Using Transplanted Lichen, Pseudevernia furfuracea (L.) Zopf, in Nevşehir, Türkiye

The goal of this research was to measure the level of air pollution in Nevşehir and to develop an air pollution map of the city utilizing Pseudevernia furfuracea (L.) Zopf as a bioindicator. In July 2002, Lichen specimens were obtained from a clean region in the Yapraklı Mountains, Çankırı, and transplanted to four distinct sites in Nevşehir. Lichen specimens were obtained again three and six months afterwards, respectively. Inductively Coupled Plasma Spectrometry (ICP-OES) was utilized to determine heavy metal amounts (Cd, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn). The Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) technique was applied for calculating the chlorophyll a and b concentrations. According to the findings of P. furfuracea heavy metal analyses, heavy metals contents of exposed stations were found to be in first period in range of 0.26–0.39 μg g−1, 0,014–0,028 μg g−1, 1,52–2,81 μg g−1, 0,25–0,34 μg g−1,0.44–0,60 μg g−1, and 0,15–0,24 μg g−1, in second period in range of 0,37-0,44 μg g−1,0,022-0,027 μg g−1,1,88-2,77 μg g−1 ,0,25-0,32 μg g−1 , 0,47-0,60 μg g−1 and 0,18-0,35 μg g−1 for Cu, Cd, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn. High levels can be attributed to traffic, autumn/winter heating, and industrial operations, particularly in the city center, caused primarily by heating operations and traffic. In accordance with heavy metal analysis outcomes, P. furfuracea performed effectively as a bioindicator and showed the presence of air pollution in Nevşehir.

Efficacy of blood plasma spectroscopy for early liver cancer diagnostics in obese patients

Introduction and ObjectivesHepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) represents one of the most common cancers worldwide. A considerable proportion of HCC is caused by cirrhosis related to metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH). Due to the increasing prevalence of metabolic syndrome, it is estimated that MASH-related HCC will become the most prevalent etiology of HCC. Currently, HCC screening is based on liver ultrasonography; however, the sensitivity of ultrasonography for early HCC stages in obese patients only reaches 23 %. To date, no studied biomarker shows sufficient efficacy for screening purposes. Nevertheless, the usage of spectroscopic methods offers a new perspective, as its potential use would provide cheap, fast analysis of samples such as blood plasma. Material and MethodsWe employed a combination of conventional and chiroptical spectroscopic methods to study differences between the blood plasma of obese cirrhotic patients with and without HCC. We included 20 subjects with HCC and 17 without evidence of liver cancer, all of them with body mass index ≥ 30. ResultsSensitivities and specificities reached values as follows: 0.780 and 0.905 for infrared spectroscopy, 0.700 and 0.767 for Raman spectroscopy, 0.840 and 0.743 for electronic circular dichroism, and 0.805 and 0.923 for Raman optical activity. The final combined classification model based on all spectroscopic methods reached a sensitivity of 0.810 and a specificity of 0.857, with the highest area under the receiver operating characteristic curve among all models (0.961). ConclusionsWe suggest that this approach can be used effectively as a diagnostic tool in patients who are not examinable by liver ultrasonography. Clinical trial registrationNCT04221347

Assessing cobalt and manganese in foods: A study on determination and health risk using inductively coupled plasma spectrometry

This study aimed to evaluate the concentration and health risk of cobalt (Co) and manganese (Mn) in food using inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy (ICP-MS) and ICP optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES), respectively. Methods were validated for six food classes based on composition and calorie content. The method limit of quantification (MLOQ) ranged from 0.0766 to 0.2525 μg/kg for Co and 0.0202–0.0832 mg/kg for Mn. Out of 351 food items, Co and Mn were detected above the method limit of detection (MLOD) in 266 and 222 samples, respectively, with highest levels in nuts, seeds, grains, beans, sauces, and seasonings. Pearson correlation analysis showed a significant positive correlation (p < 0.01) between Co and Mn in agricultural (r = 0.390) and processed food (r = 0.543) categories. Exposure to Co and Mn through dietary intake remained within acceptable limits (target hazard quotient (THQ) < 1), suggesting that lifetime consumption is unlikely to elevate potential health risks. In conclusion, this comprehensive study validated methods for Co and Mn analysis and assessed their concentrations and potential health risks across various food categories.

WED-280 Spectroscopy of blood plasma has the potential to differentiate metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis from steatosis

WED-280 Spectroscopy of blood plasma has the potential to differentiate metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis from steatosis

Trace Elements Distribution in the k7 Seam of the Karaganda Coal Basin, Kazakhstan

We investigated the distribution patterns and evaluated the average contents of trace elements in the k7 seam of the Karaganda coal basin in Central Kazakhstan. This paper presents the results of studying the geochemistry of 34 elements in 85 samples of the k7 seam. The study employed a suite of advanced high-resolution analytical methods, including atomic emission spectrometry with inductively coupled plasma (ICP–OES) and mass spectrometry with inductively coupled plasma (ICP–MS), along with their processing and interpretation. It was determined that the concentrations of trace elements in the k7 seam are primarily associated with lithophile elements, revealing high concentrations of Li, V, Sc, Zr, Hf, and Ba. Additionally, increased concentrations of Nb, Ta, Se, Te, Ag, and Th were observed compared to the coal Clarke. Specific Nb(Ta)–Zr(Hf)–Li mineralization accompanied by a group of associated metals (Ba, V, Sc, etc.) was identified. The study revealed lateral and vertical heterogeneity of the rare elements’ distributions in coals, attributed to the formation dynamics of the coal basin. A correlation between Li and Al2O3 with a less positive relationship with K2O suggests the affinity of certain elements (Li, Ta, Nb, and Ba) to kaolinite. Clay layers showed increased radioactivity, with Th—13.2 ppm and U—2.6 ppm, indicating the possible presence of volcanogenic pyroclastic rocks characterized by radioactivity. Taken together, these data reveal the features of the rock composition of the source area, which is considered a mineralization source. According to geochemical data, it was found that the source area mainly consists of igneous felsic rocks, indicating that the formation occurred under conditions of a volcanic arc. This study’s novelty lies in estimating the average trace elements in the k7 seam, with elevated concentrations of certain elements that suggest promising prospects for industrial extraction from coals and coal wastes. These findings offer insights into considering coal as a potential source of raw material for rare metal production, guiding the industrial processing of key elements within coal. The potential extraction of metals from coal deposits, including from dumps, holds significance for industrial and commercial technologies, as processing critical coal elements can reduce disposal costs and mitigate their environmental impact.

Carbon-Rich Plasma-Deposited Silicon Oxycarbonitride Films Derived from 4-(Trimethylsilyl)morpholine as a Novel Single-Source Precursor.

4-(trimethylsilyl)morpholine O(CH2CH2)2NSi(CH3)3 (TMSM) was investigated as a single-source precursor for SiCNO films synthesis. Optical emission spectroscopy of plasma generated from TMSM/He, TMSM/H2, and TMSM/NH3 gas mixtures revealed the presence of N2, CH, H, CN, and CO species. The last two are suggested to be responsible for the lowering of carbon concentration in the films in comparison with the precursor. The refractive index ranged from 1.5 to 2.0, and bandgap varied from 2.0 to 4.6 eV, which pointed that some of the films can be used as antireflective coatings in silicon photovoltaic cell technologies and dielectric layers in electronic devices.

Real-time chemostratigraphy at wellsite; removing drilling uncertainties

Real-time chemostratigraphy is a workflow deployed at wellsites to remove stratigraphic uncertainty and support drilling operations. This study presents the chemostratigraphic wellsite workflow which, during drilling operations, support either the placement of casing points (using predefined geochemical markers to target a depth above a specific stratigraphic feature) or aid geosteering. Geosteering is typically employed during the drilling of a horizontal well and is done to keep the drill within a certain zone or horizon to maximise production. Wellsite chemostratigraphy has been effectively deployed to wellsites within multiple basins around the globe and has recently been utilised in the Perth Basin. The wellsite workflow starts before the deployment, with offset wells analysed by inductively coupled plasma (ICP) spectroscopy within a laboratory-based setting. This builds the correlative element-based framework and identifies the trends required to assist with either core placement, casing point, or geosteering. Samples are analysed by energy dispersive x-ray fluorescence units (these data are then used to confirm the zone previously defined) and can be identified at wellsite using the onsite tool, the selected elements of which are those less likely to be affected by drilling mud contamination and loss of circulation material (LCM). However, during drilling operation, there may be instances where LCM must be added to the drilling muds, which may have an effect on the data quality for certain elements. With a dedicated ICP spectrometry elemental database behind the wellsite operation, machine learning tools may be employed to ‘repair’ correlation critical elements.

Investigating the Nutritional and Functional Properties of Protaetia brevitarsis Larvae and Isolated Soy Protein Mixtures as Alternative Protein Sources.

The growing demand for sustainable and alternative protein sources has spurred interest in insect-based and plant-based proteins. Protaetia brevitarsis (PB) larvae and isolated soy protein (ISP) are notable in this regard, offering potential health benefits and nutritional enhancements. We assessed the feasibility of PB larvae and ISP mixtures as alternative food ingredients. Methods included the optimized purification and freeze-drying of PB larvae, extraction and refinement of legume proteins, physicochemical and antioxidant capacity evaluations, DPPH radical scavenging activity measurement, total phenolic and flavonoids content quantification, general component analysis, amino acid profiling using HPLC, fatty acid profiling through gas chromatography, and mineral content analysis using inductively coupled plasma spectrometry. The study found that certain PB:ISP ratios, particularly a 7:3 ratio, significantly improved the blend's antioxidant capacity, as evidenced by DPPH scavenging activity. This ratio also impacted the nutritional profile by altering the mixture's general components, with a notable increase in moisture, crude protein, and fiber and a decrease in crude fat and ash. Amino acid analysis revealed a balanced presence of essential and non-essential amino acids. The fatty acid profile was rich in unsaturated fatty acids, especially in certain ratios. Mineral analysis showed a complex interplay between PB larvae and ISP, with some minerals decreasing and others increasing in the blend. PB larvae and ISP mixtures have significant potential as alternative protein sources, offering a diversified nutritional profile and enhanced antioxidant properties. The 7:3 ratio of PB larvae to ISP has been shown to be particularly effective, suggesting that this ratio may offer an optimal balance for enhancing the overall nutritional quality of the mixture. This study sets the stage for future research to further explore and optimize the potential of these mixtures for human consumption while considering the challenges of consumer acceptance and long-term safety.

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

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

Effect of silica fume type on rheology and compressive strength of geopolymer mortar

Silica fume (SF) is widely used in the developing of high-performance geopolymer systems. Previous studies have shown that using different types of SF may have different influences on the performance of geopolymers. What are the key factors (affecting the properties of geopolymers) still need to be clarified? This paper investigated the effects of three types of silica fume (SF1− SF3) with various silica contents (98.0%, 94.7% and 53.1%) and particle sizes (D50: 3.3 μm, 3.1 μm and 11.8 μm) on the rheology and compressive strength of alkali-activated calcium alumina cement (CAC)/fly ash mortar. The incorporation of SF can significantly increase the plastic viscosity. The increase in plastic viscosity was due to the ball-bearing action of the spherical SF particles, which reduced the friction between the particles under shearing. Replacing 20% of the fly ash with SF1 and SF2 improved the compressive strength of geopolymer mortars while the incorporation of SF3 decreased the compressive strength at the same replacement ratio. Inductively coupled plasma (ICP) spectrometry results indicated that the amorphous silica in the SFs was dissolved in an alkali solution. Activators with high concentrations of monomer and dimmer silicon groups may promote the reaction between precursors and activators. The formation of additional aluminosilicate gels reduced the amount of large capillary pores (500 nm to 1000 nm), leading to improved strength. The incorporation of coarse SF3 introduced extra voids in the mixture, as suggested by calculations of packing density, leading to reduced strength.

Near-infrared radiation of gold–platinum submicron particle-decorated nonwoven mats enhances wound healing: In vitro and In vivo studies

Because of their biocompatibility and unique optical and electrical properties, Pt nanoparticles (NPs) have been extensively utilized in biomedical applications. However, the use of pure Pt NPs is hindered by the high costs of raw material and absorption at ultraviolet wavelengths. To leverage the benefits of Pt particles while mitigating their drawbacks, we applied electrospinning technology to prepare polyacrylonitrile (PAN) nonwoven mats decorated with gold and platinum submicron particles (Au5Pt3 submicron particle-decorated PAN). We examined the surface morphology, elemental composition, and chemical structure of the resultant Au5Pt3-decorated PAN nonwoven mats by field emission scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy, and EDX elemental mapping. When subjected to near-infrared (NIR) illumination, the Au5Pt3-decorated PAN nonwoven mats showed a more stable temperature rise than pure PAN nonwoven mats or Au PAN nonwoven mats. Inductively coupled plasma spectrometry demonstrated that the Au5Pt3-decorated PAN nonwoven mats can release more Pt ions under NIR illumination, reaching concentrations of up to approximately 8 ppm. The Au5Pt3-decorated PAN nonwoven mats exerted positive effects in a wounded mouse model, with or without NIR irradiation: the films did not cause wound adhesion or fibrosis, and excellent skin tissue healing and collagen regeneration were observed. Moreover, when combined with NIR illumination, the Au5Pt3 submicron particle-decorated PAN nonwoven mats more strongly inhibited the growth of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and more strongly enhanced blood vessel generation, compared with the same mats in the absence of NIR illumination. Regardless of NIR irradiation, the Au5Pt3 submicron particle-decorated PAN nonwoven mats do not show significant damage to the liver or kidney in mice. Overall, treatment with these Au5Pt3 submicron particle-decorated PAN nonwoven mats does not result in toxicity in mice and exerts a positive effect on wound healing when combined with NIR irradiation, with enhanced angiogenesis and collagen regeneration.

Activity, stability, and kinetic study of CuO/TiO2 Janus photocatalyst for rhodamine B degradation

ABSTRACT The CuO/TiO2 photocatalyst was synthesized using hydrothermal and sonochemical methods and subsequently applied to degrade rhodamine B in wastewater. The best synthesis conditions were established, determining Cu(NO3)2 solution concentration of 2.5 wt.% and calcination temperature of 500 °C. The CuO/TiO2 photocatalyst underwent characterization through various techniques, including inductively coupled plasma spectroscopy (ICP), photoluminescence, X-ray diffraction, ASAP, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDAX), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. TEM and SEM analyses revealed the presence of TiO2 nanowires and CuO nanoparticles. The Box–Behnken design, encompassing 27 experimental runs, assessed the impact of process variables such as initial dye concentration, pH, UV lamp power, and catalyst dose on the degradation process. The model's R2 value of 0.9893 indicated a high precision in fitting the predicted data to their actual values. Analysis of variance results highlighted UV irradiation power as the most significant variable within the design space. In addition, the CuO/TiO2 photocatalyst demonstrated efficacy under visible light irradiation. Light-expanded clay aggregate beads were chosen as the substrate for photocatalyst immobilization, which enhanced the reaction rate. The stability of CuO/TiO2 was evidenced by about 2% reduction in efficiency after four degradation cycles.

Ionization of sulfur clusters, S[formula omitted] (n = 2−8) by electron collisions

This article reports the electron scattering ionization cross sections for S2, S3, S4, S5, S6, S7, and S8 target molecules essential to many fields like radiation chemistry, atmospheric, astrophysical, and astrochemical modeling. The theoretical approach utilizes a complex scattering potential ionization contribution method. The computation is carried from the ionization threshold of the target molecule to 5000 eV to investigate the entire energy range, which is significant to the ionization process of the molecules. A simple additivity rule is applied to study complex and non-spherical cases. Further, screening correction is implemented within the molecular system to reduce the overestimation in cross section values due to the overlapping charge density. A high correlation was obtained for the maximum ionization cross section value and the square root of the ratio of polarizability to the target molecule’s ionization energy, indicating the present method’s accuracy. Besides the Astro modeling applications, the cross section values also find utility in industrial plasma, sulfur lamps, lithium-sulfur batteries, and mass spectrometry.

Bioactive Profiling, Antibacterial Efficacy and Computational Modelling of Myrtus Communis Essential Oil (Morocco).

In the context of investigations into molecules of natural origin with biological activities. This study focuses on the development of Myrtus communis L., a medicinal plant found in the mountains of Morocco. The first, an analysis carried out on leaves using the inductively coupled plasma spectrometry technique, showed the almost total absence of heavy metals. Furthermore, we aim to identify the chemical composition of its essential oils by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS) analysis and assess its antibacterial efficacy in vitro and in silico. The average yield of essential oils was 0.9 %±0.06, and GC/MS analysis identified 35 constituents, with myrcene (27,38 %), limonene (16,51 %), α-pinene (7,32 %) being the major compounds. Remarkably, the essential oils displayed considerable antibacterial activity against various tested bacteria, including Escherichia coli (0.7 μL/mL), Escherichia pseudocoloides (2.8 μl/ml), Escherichia vekanda (2.8 μl/ml). Molecular docking has contributed to our understanding of the mechanism of antibacterial action of the main compounds in this essential oil.

Research on a new multiple-screening method for laser-induced plasma spectroscopy utilizing Lorentz

In the field of Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) research, the screening and extraction of complex spectra play a crucial role in enhancing the accuracy of quantitative analysis. This paper introduces a novel approach for multiple screenings of LIBS spectra using Lorentz Screening and Sensitivity and Volatility Analysis. Initially, Create symmetrical sampling standards for Lorentz fitting. Then the Lorentz fitting is used to uniformly screen the collected spectral information on both sides in order to eliminate adjacent interference peaks. Subsequently, Sensitivity and Volatility Analysis is employed to further remove overlapping peaks and select spectra with low volatility and high sensitivity. Sensitivity and Volatility Analysis is a spectral discrimination method proposed on the premise of intensity's correlation with concentration. It utilizes a Z-score method that incorporates both deviation and standard deviation for effective analysis. Furthermore, it meticulously selects spectral lines with minimal interference and volatility, thereby augmenting the precision of quantitative analysis. The quantitative accuracy (R2) for Chromium (Cr) and Nickel (Ni) elements can reach 0.9919 and 0.9768, respectively. Their average errors can be reduced to 0.0566 % and 0.1024 %. The study demonstrates that Lorentz Screening and Sensitivity and Volatility Analysis can select high-quality characteristic spectral lines to improve the performance of the model.

Risk Assessment of Natural Radionuclides and Trace Elements of Industrial Activities in Suez Bay

ABSTRACT The study aims to assess the marine environmental hazards resulting from some industrial activities areas being found at the Suez Bay. The survey was done to select five industrial locations along the studied areas where different water and sediment samples were collected during September 2020. The study methods showed that different concentrations were measured in the collected water and sediment samples, such as; Al, Fe, Mn, Hg, Cd, Cr, Co, Mo, V, Pb, Ni, Cu, Zn, where the digested samples were measured by using Inductively Coupled Argon Plasma spectroscopy (ICAP 6500 Duo), while the natural radioactivity concentrations of the selected radio-nuclides such as 238U, 226Ra, 232Th, 40K, were measured in both water and sediments samples by using Hyper germanium detector, as the radiological risk assessment of different samples was detected by using ERICA modeling software. The study results showed that the concentrations of the measured trace elements in the selected five industrial sites were slightly higher than the standard limits, while the measured radioactivity concentrations of the selected radio-nuclides in both water and sediment samples were below the standard limits. The results showed that the calculated distribution coefficient of the selected trace elements was (Kd Metal Pollution Index < 3), which indicated that the measured trace elements were more dissolved in the aqueous than the sediment medium. The study used the mean probable effect Level (m-PEL-Q) for estimating the metal concentration hazards in the sediment samples at the selected sites, where these values were ranged from 0.04 to 0.1, indicating that the combined concentration effects for these metals were caused 9% toxic probability. The study showed that both the calculated quotient risk (QR) and dose rate values of the marine organisms which were being calculated by the ERICA model were below the recommended limits.

Comparison of laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) and ICP analysis results for measuring Pb and Zn in soil

Context Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) is a rapid, multielement analytical technique. It is particularly suitable for the qualitative and quantitative analyses of heavy metals in solid samples. Aims To validate the technique, the LIBS data were compared with the data obtained via conventional inductively coupled plasma (ICP) spectroscopy for the same soil samples. Methods In this study, standard and unknown soil samples from contaminated areas were prepared and fixed to an adhesive tape for LIBS analysis. The soils were also digested with acids for ICP analysis. The emission intensity of one selected line for each of the two analytes, i.e. lead (Pb) and zinc (Zn), was normalised to the background signal and plotted as a function of the concentration values previously determined via ICP analysis. Key results The data demonstrated good linearity for the calibration lines drawn, and the correlation between the ICP and LIBS data was confirmed by the satisfactory agreement between the corresponding values. Conclusions The concentration coefficient of determination (R2) between LIBS and ICP-aqua regia digestion analysis or ICP-total digestion analysis were &gt;0.86 and &gt;0.89 for Pb and Zn, respectively. The total analysis time for the LIBS method was 310 min, which was 54.40% shorter than that for the ICP method (680 min). Implications Consequently, LIBS can be used to measure Pb and Zn in soils without any chemical preparation.

Cobalt concentration effect on the Structural, Magnetic and Optical properties of Zn1-xCoxSe Nanoparticles

Cobalt doped Zinc selenide (Zn1-xCoxSe where x = 0.00,0.03, 0.05, 0.07, 0.09, 0.1, 0.15) nanoparticles are synthesized using co-precipitation method. For studying structural properties of prepared samples, nanoparticles are characterized by XRD (X-ray diffraction),SEM (Scanning Electron Microscope) with EDX (Energy Dispersive X-ray Diffractometer), HRTEM (High resolution transmission electron microscope),Elemental composition confirmed by EDX (Energy Dispersive X-ray Diffractometer), Inductively coupled plasma (ICP) spectroscopy test and XPS (X-ray photoelectron microscope). XRD study confirms that prepared samples are crystalline in nature and size is appeared in nanometer range with cubic structure. Optical investigation is done by UV–visible spectra and PL spectra at room temperature which indicates change in energy band gap as doping of cobalt increases in host material due to quantum confinement which shows the altered optical properties due to doping of transition metal in host material. FTIR (Fourier transform infra-red) spectroscopy reports presence of different functional groups in nanoparticles and thermal stability is confirmed by TG/DTA(Thermogravimetric) analysis. Magnetic analysis by using ESR (electron spin resonance) and VSM (Vibrating Sample Magnetometer) confirms presence of ferromagnetic coupling in cobalt doped zinc selenide nanoparticles which make these nanoparticles suitable for using in different devices e.g. in magnetic storage devices, magnetic imaging, magneto-optics and sensors etc. Combined semiconducting and magnetic nature of these Co doped ZnSe nanoparticles make them useful in spintronics, magnetic storage devices etc applications.