Trace Element Profiles Research Articles

Optimizing LA-ICP-MS analytical procedures for elemental depth profiling of foraminifera shells

Laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) is becoming a widespread technique for analyzing elemental ratios in foraminiferal calcite. Here we focus on optimizing LA-ICP-MS for high-resolution depth profiling of elemental ratios through shell walls. This application reveals intrashell variability and provides a unique opportunity to quantify trace element incorporation over short time scales of calcification by an individual foraminifer. High-resolution depth profiling requires careful consideration of both ablation and analytical conditions required to resolve differences in shell chemistry across sub-micron shell thickness. We present laser ablation profiles of NIST SRM 610 standard glass data (in cps) and elemental/Ca ratios (in mmol/mol) from foraminiferal calcite obtained over a range of operating conditions using a Photon Machines 193nm UV excimer laser-ablation system, equipped with a dual-volume ANU HelEx chamber, coupled to an Agilent 7700x quadrupole ICP-MS. Different combinations of energy density, repetition rate, and mass spectrometer cycle time can yield varying elemental profiles. This variability can mimic and/or mask real intrashell trace element heterogeneity in foraminifer shells. At low (<3Hz) laser repetition rates, real intrashell element variation can be obscured depending on the laser energy, whereas using moderate (≥3Hz) laser repetition rates and/or a signal-smoothing device improves the accuracy and precision of intrashell trace element profiles. Shell material is ablated rapidly when using a 5Hz or greater repetition rate and an energy density of 3J/cm2 or greater, resulting in reduced spatial resolution.

Evolution of Mojavian mantle lithosphere influenced by Farallon plate subduction: Evidence from Hf and Nd isotopes in peridotite xenoliths from Dish Hill, CA

A major issue in the assembly of continents is the role of subduction in building and reworking the continental mantle lithosphere. Spinel lherzolite xenoliths from Dish Hill, CA represent Mojavian sub-continental lithospheric mantle (SCLM) that existed along an off-craton continental edge during late Cretaceous Farallon plate subduction. The Dish Hill locale is well situated for recording any Farallon plate influence, be it as oceanic lithosphere accretion or for its role in providing metasomatic agents to the Mojavian SCLM. The 176Hf/177Hf and 143Nd/144Nd isotopic compositions of clinopyroxenes from these xenoliths are radiogenic with εHf from +12.9 to +134.4 and εNd from +2.2 to +26.1, indicative of ancient Proterozoic melt depletion. Four out of the sixteen samples lie on a 2.1Ga reference line for melt extraction from primitive mantle for both 176Hf/177Hf and 143Nd/144Nd, confirming their position on the 2.1Ga 187Os/188Os aluminachron from previous work on these peridotites (Armytage et al., 2014). A second Re-depletion age obtained from an 187Os/188Os aluminachron of 1.3Ga is also observed in the 176Lu–176Hf and 147Sm–143Nd systematics. The 176Hf/177Hf–143Nd/144Nd data from Dish Hill do not provide strong evidence for the existence of a duplex of oceanic lithosphere and SCLM, or for these peridotites being sourced from modern asthenospheric mantle upwelling after lithospheric removal. However, subchondritic 176Lu/177Hf and 147Sm/144Nd ratios and trace element compositions in some of the peridotites point to the influence of metasomatic processes. In seven of the peridotites 176Hf/177Hf ratios are not complemented by similarly radiogenic 143Nd/144Nd ratios. Such decoupling, relative to the mantle array, indicates that the 176Hf/177Hf record in these peridotites is more robust to resetting by these local metasomatic processes than 143Nd/144Nd. The 87Sr/86Sr ratios measured in these samples fall into two distinct groups based on (Ce/Yb)PM, with the less depleted 87Sr/86Sr ratios occurring in samples with (Ce/Yb)PM>0.8, consistent with post melt extraction LREE-enrichment. Geochemical modeling of melt addition to variably depleted peridotite rules out silicate melt compositions such as MORB (mid-ocean ridge basalt) or arc basalt as primary metasomatic agents. Instead the trace element profile of the modeled melt is closest to a carbonatite melt. In particular, the melt composition is most consistent with carbonatites found in subduction zone settings rather than those associated with stable intra-plate continental lithosphere. The timing of this metasomatic event is constrained at <200Ma based on 176Lu–176Hf and 147Sm–143Nd isotopic data. Both the timing and the composition of the melt points to Farallon plate subduction as producing the metasomatic agents that locally modified the Mojavian mantle.

Time Scales of Porphyry Cu Deposit Formation: Insights from Titanium Diffusion in Quartz

Porphyry dikes and hydrothermal veins from the porphyry Cu-Mo deposit at Butte, Montana, contain multiple generations of quartz that are distinct in scanning electron microscope-cathodoluminescence (SEM-CL) images and in Ti concentrations. A comparison of microprobe trace element profiles and maps to SEM-CL images shows that the concentration of Ti in quartz correlates positively with CL brightness but Al, K, and Fe do not. After calibrating CL brightness in relation to Ti concentration, we use the brightness gradient between different quartz generations as a proxy for Ti gradients that we model to determine time scales of quartz formation and cooling. Model results indicate that time scales of porphyry magma residence are ~1,000s of years and time scales from porphyry quartz phenocryst rim formation to porphyry dike injection and cooling are ~10s of years. Time scales for the formation and cooling of various generations of hydrothermal vein quartz range from 10s to 10,000s of years. These time scales are considerably shorter than the ~0.6 m.y. overall time frame for each porphyry-style mineralization pulse determined from isotopic studies at Butte, Montana. Simple heat conduction models provide a temporal reference point to compare chemical diffusion time scales, and we find that they support short dike and vein formation time scales. We interpret these relatively short time scales to indicate that the Butte porphyry deposit formed by short-lived episodes of hydrofracturing, dike injection, and vein formation, each with discrete thermal pulses, which repeated over the ~3 m.y. generation of the deposit.

Paleoproterozoic closure of an Australia–Laurentia seaway revealed by megaclasts of an obducted volcanic arc in Yukon, Canada

The Slab volcanics are a late Paleoproterozoic volcanic succession in the Wernecke Mountains of Yukon Territory in northwestern Canada. Fragments of the succession are preserved as megaclasts in km-scale zones of hydrothermal breccia. The largest clast is 160×380m and consists of 31 mafic lava flows and minor intercalated sandstone and tephra. Hydrothermal activity during the brecciation led to extensive metasomatic alteration, both sodic and potassic. Despite the alteration, an igneous geochemical signal is discernible. The rocks are mafic to intermediate and moderately alkalic. Their trace element profiles indicate derivation from a hydrated, enriched mantle source, consistent with an origin as a volcanic arc affected by a plume, rift or slab window. Major and trace element patterns demonstrate a cyclical magmatic evolution involving intervals of fractional crystallization punctuated by recharge with mafic magma. The Slab volcanics were previously thought to have been deposited on Laurentia but are herein regarded as part of the exotic terrane Bonnetia that was obducted onto the Laurentian continental margin in late Paleoproterozoic time. Bonnetia may have developed on or near the eastern margin of Australia as a continental or fringing arc. In that scenario, Bonnetia grew through arc magmatism as oceanic crust between Australia and Laurentia was consumed prior to terrane obduction and continental collision in the late Paleoproterozoic to early Mesoproterozoic. Sediment or tephra derived from the arc was transported westward into the interior of Australia, raising εNd values of late Paleoproterozoic sedimentary strata. Vigorous hydrothermal brecciation followed and led to fragmentation of the crust, including the obducted terrane Bonnetia. Giant blocks of the Slab volcanics and other units of Bonnetia foundered into breccia zones and moved downward for thousands of meters. Erosion removed the obducted terrane and the uppermost Laurentian crust, exposing the megaclasts.

Trace Elements Status and Antioxidants Profile in Ill-thrift Buffalo Calves

The goal of the present study was to evaluate some trace element concentrations and the activity of antioxidant systems in ill-thrift calves. A total number of (52) buffalo-calf was subjected to study. Out of them, (37) buffalo-calves had poor coat, poor general body condition score which constituted the ill-thrift group. The remained animals (15) were clinically healthy and kept as control group. Complete blood picture, trace elements profile, serum calcium , phosphorus & magnesium , blood urea nitrogen (BUN) , creatinine , some liver function parameters and total antioxidants capacity were evaluated. Results showed a significant reduction in the blood serum concentration of copper, cobalt, iron, selenium and zinc associated with normocytic normochromic anemia. Also a significant reduction in the activity of total antioxidants value was evident in ill-thrift calves. While levels of serum calcium , phosphorus & magnesium ,blood urea nitrogen , creatinine and liver function parameters showed non - significant changes. In conclusion, a state of sub-optimal growth (ill-thrift) in buffalo-calves was largely attributed to trace element deficiency, in particular copper, cobalt, iron, selenium and zinc deficiency that may cause reduction in the total antioxidant capacity, with a lower ability to reduce oxidative compounds.

Assessing the Influence of Salmon Farming through Total Lipids, Fatty Acids, and Trace Elements in the Liver and Muscle of Wild Saithe Pollachius virens

AbstractSaithe Pollachius virens are attracted to uneaten salmon feed underneath cages at open‐cage salmon farms in Norway. The aggregated Saithe have modified their feeding habits as they have switched from wild prey to uneaten food pellets, which could lead to physiological and biochemical changes in the Saithe. Variations in profiles of total lipids, fatty acids, and trace elements in Saithe liver and muscle were measured to evaluate the influence of fish feed from salmon farms on wild Saithe populations. Farm‐aggregated Saithe had higher fat content in liver tissues than did individuals captured more than 25 km away from farms, but no clear differences were found in muscle tissues. High proportions of fatty acids of terrestrial origin, such as oleic, linoleic, and linolenic acids, in liver and muscle tissues of farm‐aggregated Saithe reflected the presence of wild Saithe at farms. Accordingly, low proportions of arachidonic, eicosapentaenoic, and docosahexaenoic acids in Saithe tissues mirrored the feeding activity at farms. Variations in specific trace element signatures among fish groups also revealed the farming influence on wild Saithe. High levels of Fe, As, Se, Zn, and B in liver, but also As, B, Li, Hg, and Sr in muscle of Saithe captured away from farms indicated the absence of feeding at farms.Received March 26, 2014; accepted December 10, 2014

Neoarchean (c. 2·7 Ga) Plutons of the Ungava Craton, Québec, Canada: Parental Magma Compositions and Implications for Fe-rich Mantle Source Regions

Mafic to ultramafic intrusions of the Qullinaaraaluk suite (Q-suite) were emplaced into the Ungava craton of the Northeastern Superior Province during an episode of intense igneous activity and crustal reworking from c. 2 74 to 2 70 Ga. Orthopyroxene-rich Q-suite intrusions from the Hudson Bay Terrane and southwestern Rivie' re ArnaudTerrane, and orthopyroxene-poor Q-suite intrusions from the north^central Rivie' re Arnaud Terrane indicate the existence of at least two Q-suite magma types: a subalkaline magma parental to the orthopyroxene-rich intrusions and a transitional magma parental to the orthopyroxene-poor intrusions. Both types of intrusions are characterized by light rare earth element (LREE)-enriched, high field strength element (HFSE)depleted trace element profiles that reflect, in large part, contamination by the tonalite^trondhjemite^granodiorite-dominated crust. Near-chondritic to strongly sub-chondritic initial eNd(2 72 Ga) values (þ2 to ^10) of the Q-suite intrusions reflect the combined effects of both the amount of crustal contamination and the agedependent isotopic composition of the contaminant. The inferred trace element profiles of the uncontaminated Q-suite magmas were probably flat to LREE-depleted. The transitional magmas that produced the least evolved dunitic cumulates of the Q-suite were ferropicrites (MgO 14 wt %, FeOTOT 17 wt %). In contrast, the magmas parental to the primitive Q-suite harzburgites were Fe-rich, high-Mg basalts (MgO 11wt %; FeO 14 wt %). The high Fe contents of the Q-suite magmas are incompatible with derivation from a pyrolitic mantle [Mg-number 0 90, Mg/ (MgþFeTOT)] and require sources significantly enriched in iron (Mg-number 0 79). Both magma types are also characterized by relatively low Ni contents suggesting derivation from source regions depleted in Ni relative to pyrolitic mantle peridotite. Differences in the major element compositions of the subalkaline and transitional parental magmas may reflect compositional diversity among the Fe-rich mantle sources. Comparisons with melting experiments on compositions analogous to the Martian mantle suggest that the Q-suite magmas may rather be generated by different degrees of melting of a common source with an Fe content slightly lower than that of the Homestead L5 ordinary chondrite (Mg-number1⁄4 0 77). The Fe-rich picritic to high-Mg basaltic magmas last equilibrated with garnet-free harzburgitic to lherzolitic residues at upper mantle pressures ( 5 GPa). The craton-wide occurrence of c. 2 72^2 70 Ga Q-suite mafic to ultramafic plutons suggests that underplating by Fe-rich mantle melts may have had a key role in the c. 2 74^2 70 Ga cratonization of the Northeastern Superior Province.

Rutile U–Pb age depth profiling: A continuous record of lithospheric thermal evolution

Understanding of the thermal and geophysical evolution of the lower continental crust is limited by the resolution of conventional thermochronology. Intracrystalline daughter nuclide distribution profiles preserve a rich and underutilized record of thermal history. Using Laser Ablation Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry, we outline here a method to simultaneously acquire 206Pb/238U age and trace element profiles from U-bearing accessory phases. Inversion of 206Pb/238U age depth profiles yields thermal history information from an extended temperature range compared to inversion of age versus grain size relationships. Thermally-activated volume diffusion of Pb and Zr in rutile is sensitive to the thermal evolution of the mid- to lower-lithosphere. We document the ability of Laser Ablation depth-profiling to simultaneously resolve 206Pb/238U age and Zr diffusion profiles in the outer ∼35 μm of lower-crustal rutile euhedra from the Ivrea Zone, Southern Alps, with <1.2 μm depth resolution. Inversion of the age profiles reveals a continuous cooling history characterized by initially rapid cooling from >600°C at ∼180 Ma followed by a period of slower cooling from ∼525°C to ∼450°C. Combined with the topology of Zr diffusion profiles, these data indicate that the Ivrea Zone underwent a brief thermal pulse in the early Jurassic, plausibly associated with hyperextension of the Adriatic margin. Inversion of near-surface 206Pb/238U age distributions can be employed to resolve otherwise inaccessible thermal history information from the lower lithosphere.

Trace element profiles of the sea anemone Anemonia viridis living nearby a natural CO2 vent.

Ocean acidification (OA) is not an isolated threat, but acts in concert with other impacts on ecosystems and species. Coastal marine invertebrates will have to face the synergistic interactions of OA with other global and local stressors. One local factor, common in coastal environments, is trace element contamination. CO2 vent sites are extensively studied in the context of OA and are often considered analogous to the oceans in the next few decades. The CO2 vent found at Levante Bay (Vulcano, NE Sicily, Italy) also releases high concentrations of trace elements to its surrounding seawater, and is therefore a unique site to examine the effects of long-term exposure of nearby organisms to high pCO2 and trace element enrichment in situ. The sea anemone Anemonia viridis is prevalent next to the Vulcano vent and does not show signs of trace element poisoning/stress. The aim of our study was to compare A. viridis trace element profiles and compartmentalization between high pCO2 and control environments. Rather than examining whole anemone tissue, we analyzed two different body compartments—the pedal disc and the tentacles, and also examined the distribution of trace elements in the tentacles between the animal and the symbiotic algae. We found dramatic changes in trace element tissue concentrations between the high pCO2/high trace element and control sites, with strong accumulation of iron, lead, copper and cobalt, but decreased concentrations of cadmium, zinc and arsenic proximate to the vent. The pedal disc contained substantially more trace elements than the anemone’s tentacles, suggesting the pedal disc may serve as a detoxification/storage site for excess trace elements. Within the tentacles, the various trace elements displayed different partitioning patterns between animal tissue and algal symbionts. At both sites iron was found primarily in the algae, whereas cadmium, zinc and arsenic were primarily found in the animal tissue. Our data suggests that A. viridis regulates its internal trace element concentrations by compartmentalization and excretion and that these features contribute to its resilience and potential success at the trace element-rich high pCO2 vent.

Quaternary climatic instability in south‐east Australia from a multi‐proxy speleothem record

ABSTRACTMilankovitch‐scale Quaternary climatic oscillations within south‐east Australia are known to be characterized by relatively arid glacial and wet interglacial stages. However, terrestrial proxy records of environmental change are scarce, based largely on river terraces, dune sediments and pollen sequences. Here we present a speleothem‐based palaeoclimate record from Yarrangobilly caves, south‐east Australia. The oxygen isotopic composition of calcite (δ18Ocalcite) is taken to represent rainfall amount and used as an aridity index. High‐resolution trace element profiles and UV fluorescence support interpretations based on δ18Ocalcite, allowing further designation of key phases of speleothem growth into periods of relative aridity and moisture excess. A hiatus of approximately 37 ka duration divides the record into two key phases of growth which can be mapped onto marine isotope stages 5c–a and 3, respectively. Increasing aridity in the latter half of MIS 5 led to cessation of speleothem growth for the duration of MIS 4. Growth recommences during MIS 3, associated with greater moisture availability, enhanced vegetation and augmented biogeochemical cycling. This speleothem record provides a unique context of terrestrial environmental change and depicts hydrological conditions which fluctuate markedly over the 70‐ka period covering the time of megafauna extinction and human arrival on the continent.

Forensic discrimination of copper wire using trace element concentrations.

Copper may be recovered as evidence in high-profile cases such as thefts and improvised explosive device incidents; comparison of copper samples from the crime scene and those associated with the subject of an investigation can provide probative associative evidence and investigative support. A solution-based inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry method for measuring trace element concentrations in high-purity copper was developed using standard reference materials. The method was evaluated for its ability to use trace element profiles to statistically discriminate between copper samples considering the precision of the measurement and manufacturing processes. The discriminating power was estimated by comparing samples chosen on the basis of the copper refining and production process to represent the within-source (samples expected to be similar) and between-source (samples expected to be different) variability using multivariate parametric- and empirical-based data simulation models with bootstrap resampling. If the false exclusion rate is set to 5%, >90% of the copper samples can be correctly determined to originate from different sources using a parametric-based model and >87% with an empirical-based approach. These results demonstrate the potential utility of the developed method for the comparison of copper samples encountered as forensic evidence.

Polyphase growth of garnet in eclogite from the Hong'an orogen: Constraints from garnet zoning and phase equilibrium

Abstract Major and trace element profiles as well as mineral inclusions were analyzed in garnets from massive and foliated eclogites from the low-T/high-P eclogite-facies zone in the Hong'an orogen, China. Garnets in the two types of eclogites show different core–rim zoning and mineral inclusions. At least two stages of garnet growth are evident for most garnet grains. Garnets in the massive eclogite contain abundant mineral inclusions such as quartz, chlorite, amphibole, rutile and phengite in cores, but only a few mineral inclusions such as quartz, rutile and titanite in rims. These garnet grains exhibit increasing MgO but decreasing CaO and REE contents from core to rim. Together with pseudosection calculations it is suggested that hydrous minerals such as chlorite, epidote and amphibole were probably the major reactants for the growth of garnet cores during prograde subduction, whereas the growth of garnet rims involves amphibole breakdown and/or dissolution of previously formed garnet. On the other hand, garnets in the foliated eclogite exhibit nearly constant MgO, decreasing MnO but increasing CaO and heavy REE contents (HREE) from core to rim. Along with pseudosection calculations it is inferred that the decomposition of epidote would consistently contribute to the growth of garnet core and rim. This is also supported by epidote zoning in matrix, with the occurrence of low-jadeite omphacite inclusions in the core and a few rutile inclusions in the rim. The enrichment of light REE (LREE) and depletion of HREE in the epidote rim relative to the core indicate that the epidote rim was recrystallized in equilibrium with the garnet rims. For protolith compositions, the foliated eclogite shows higher SiO2, Na2O, K2O and MgO contents but lower Al2O3, Fe2O3 and TiO2 contents than the massive eclogite. Along with phase equilibrium modeling, it is concluded that the differences in the protolith compositions of eclogites primarily dictate the differences in the garnet zoning patterns and the mineral assemblages of matrix and inclusions. The decomposition of hydrous minerals such as chlorite, amphibole and epidote is necessary for garnet growth during subduction-zone metamorphism.

Co-occurrence profiles of trace elements in potable water systems: a case study.

Potable water samples (N = 74) from 19 zip code locations in a region of Greece were profiled for 13 trace elements composition using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The primary objective was to monitor the drinking water quality, while the primary focus was to find novel associations in trace elements occurrence that may further shed light on common links in their occurrence and fate in the pipe scales and corrosion products observed in urban drinking water distribution systems. Except for arsenic at two locations and in six samples, rest of the analyzed elements was below maximum contaminant levels, for which regulatory values are available. Further, we attempted to hierarchically cluster trace elements based on their covariances resulting in two groups; one with arsenic, antimony, zinc, cadmium, and copper and the second with the rest of the elements. The grouping trends were partially explained by elements' similar chemical activities in water, underscoring their potential for co-accumulation and co-mobilization phenomena from pipe scales into finished water. Profiling patterns of trace elements in finished water could be indicative of their load on pipe scales and corrosion products, with a corresponding risk of episodic contaminant release. Speculation was made on the role of disinfectants and disinfection byproducts in mobilizing chemically similar trace elements of human health interest from pipe scales to tap water. It is warranted that further studies may eventually prove useful to water regulators from incorporating the acquired knowledge in the drinking water safety plans.

Effects of productivity, glaciation, and ventilation on late Quaternary sedimentary redox and trace element accumulation on the Vancouver Island margin, western Canada

AbstractVariations in chalcophile and redox‐sensitive trace elements are examined at high‐resolution intervals from a ~50 kyr long sediment core (MD02‐2496) from the Vancouver Island margin. Enrichments of Ag, Cd, Re, U, and Mo above lithogenous levels, signifying sedimentary suboxia and anoxia, occurred during the early Holocene and Bølling/Allerød, and during warm interstadial events of Marine Isotope Stage (MIS) 3. Down‐core trace element profiles co‐vary with productivity proxy records (opal, CaCO3, and marine organic carbon), and with sedimentary nitrogen isotope ratios, which reflect variably enriched nitrate upwelled from intermediate waters that were transported northward from the Eastern Tropical North Pacific. The similarity of the MD02‐2496 record with records from the southern portion of the California Current System (CCS), and to the Greenland ice core oxygen isotope record during warm climate intervals, suggests that sedimentary redox conditions along the California Current responded to local productivity, to North Atlantic climate change and to tropical Pacific surface water processes via long‐distance teleconnections. Concentrations of trace elements and productivity proxies were relatively depleted during the Younger Dryas, cool stadial events of MIS 3, and in two episodes of glaciomarine sedimentation from ~14.7 to 30.5 kyr BP (last glacial maximum, LGM), and from 44 to 50.4 kyr BP. Cordilleran Ice Sheet advancement onto the Vancouver Island continental shelf during the LGM led to intervals of increased terrigenous sedimentation and greatly reduced productivity not seen in the southern portion of the CCS, and along with ventilation of North Pacific Intermediate Waters, resulted in brief sedimentary oxic conditions.

Trace element profile in patients with fibromyalgia syndrome

Patients and methods: Thirty-three patients diagnosed as having FMS according to ACR 1990 criteria and 30 healthy subjects were enrolled in this study. Patient group was evaluated for age, disease duration, body mass index, medication, medical history, visual analog scala (VAS), sleeping disorders, Beck depression inventory, morning stiffness, fatigue, functional assessment (FIQ). In the laboratory examination, serum copper (Cu), zinc (Zn) and selenium (Se) levels were measured with atomic absorption spectrometer and serum magnesium (Mg) levels were analysed by spectrophotometer (Olympus 5180, Beckman Coulter kit) device.

What do the trace metal contents of urine and toenail samples from Qatar׳s farm workers bioindicate?

Qatar׳s farm workers provide a unique population for exposure study: they are young, healthy males. This study combined trace element profiles in urine and toenail with survey information from 239 farm workers to assess the extent to which the biomarkers provide complementary exposure information. Urinary Mo levels (average=114µg/L) were elevated; average urinary values (µg/L) for all other elements were: V (1.02), Cr (0.55), Mn (2.15), Fe (34.1), Co (0.47), Ni (2.95), Cu (15.0), As (47.8), Se (25.7), Cd (1.09), Ba (22.5), Pb (2.50) and U (0.15). Average toenail concentrations (mg/kg) were: Mn (2.48), Cu (4.43), As (0.26), Se (0.58), Mo (0.07), Cd (0.03), Ba (1.00), Pb (0.51) and U (0.02). No significant association was found between corresponding elements in urine and toenails. Elemental profiles suggest groundwater (with the exception of Mo) and soil–dust–crop exposure pathways cannot account for elemental variations. The main factors moderating trace element contents are related to depuration processes involving participants׳ trace element body burden prior to work in Qatar, and interactions of trace element metabolic cycles which over-ride the exposure footprint. Toenail and urine need to be carefully validated before reliable use as biomarkers of exposure in general populations for most elements in the study.

Effects of Buried Environment on the Morphology and Trace Element Profile of Faunal Remains: An Experimental Study

Present study was carried out mainly to know the effects of buried environment on morphology as well as the elemental profile of the faunal remains. For this purpose, we have collected 50 modern bone samples of goat, sheep and ox from different locations of the Garhwal region and these samples were buried in the ground in various places, at different levels of depth and with different pHs as well. After four years, all the buried bone samples were recovered and pretreated sequentially in the laboratory, examined morphologically and processed for getting the ash of each sample. Trace elements were estimated through spectrometry methods in laboratory for archaeological chemistry, Wisconsin University, Madison, USA. The morphological examination revealed that the bones buried in highly acidic and alkaline soil and at the level of 50–75 cm were proceeding towards the disintegration as they were recovered in bad condition, while other faunal remains which were buried in normal acidic and alkaline soil and beyond the level of 100 cm were recovered in a well-preserved condition. However, elemental analysis also revealed that no any major changes in trace element profile have been observed among the faunal remains recovered in good conditions, but in morphologically disintegrated faunal remains, a significant change in the concentration level of different elements has been noticed. It clearly showed that both the factors are positively responsible for the disintegration of archaeological remains.

Alteration of Trace Elements Profile in Granulation Tissue of Wounds Grafted With Chitosan Film and Chitosan- Povidone Iodine Composite Film in Rabbits

The present work was carried out to study the efficacy of chitosan and chitosan-povidone iodine composite films for cutaneous wound healing in rabbits. Following optimization of different concentrations, the study was planned on 18 rabbits divided into three groups of six animals each. Group I animals were kept as control, group II were applied with chitosan films and group III received chitosan-povidone iodine films over the cutaneous wounds created. Apart from the healing time,histopathology, physiological parameter evaluation, biochemical evaluation with special reference to iron, copper and zinc in granulation tissue were conducted. Since these elements play a significant role in wound healing, alteration in their levels affect the healing process. This present paper deals with alteration or fluctuation of these trace elements in granulation tissue during wound healing.

Serial Profile of Vitamins and Trace Elements during the Acute Phase of Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation

Currently, we utilize vitamins and trace elements formulations that are not prepared specifically for patients receiving hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), and adequacy of this strategy has not been evaluated. We prospectively measured blood level of vitamins and trace elements in 15 patients once per week at 6 time points around the acute phase of allogeneic HSCT. We provided standard nutrition support, including administration of parenteral nutrition with vitamin and trace elements formulation in case of impairment of oral intake. Most patients had vitamin B1 deficiency from the start of preparative regimens. Vitamin C deficiency was prominent throughout the acute phase of HSCT and this was significantly associated with high inflammatory markers, C-reactive protein and ferritin. Remarkable vitamin K overload associated with administration of parenteral supplementation and ferritin overload caused by repeated transfusions was observed. Moderate deficiency of zinc was at least partially linked to gastrointestinal loss by diarrhea. We revealed several features of vitamin and trace element status in the acute phase of HSCT and provided a basis for attempts to improve the nutritional condition in HSCT recipients.

P.1.g.081 Zinc depletion impairs behaviour and alters trace elements profile in serum and brain structures

P.1.g.081 Zinc depletion impairs behaviour and alters trace elements profile in serum and brain structures