Trace Element Concentrations In Samples Research Articles

Spatial variation and chemical reactivity of dusts from open-pit bitumen mining using trace elements in snow

The chemical reactivity of trace elements (TEs) in dusts from bitumen mining, upgrading and related industrial activities in the Athabasca Bituminous Sands region (ABS), Alberta, Canada, was evaluated using the acid-soluble fraction of snow. Samples were collected at 14 sites along the Athabasca River (AR) and its tributaries, and at 3 remote locations. Following metal-free, ultra-clean procedures for processing and analysis, samples were leached with nitric acid (pH < 1), filtered (<0.45 μm), and analyzed using ICP-MS. Insoluble particles (>0.45 μm) were examined using SEM-EDS. Along the river, acid-soluble concentrations of TEs varied by 6 orders of magnitude, from 1 mg/L (Al) to less than 1 ng/L (Tl). Conservative (Al, Y, La, Th) and mobile (Li, Be, Cs, Sr) lithophile elements, those enriched in bitumen (V, Ni, Mo), and potentially toxic chalcophile elements (As, Cd, Pb, Sb, Tl) showed considerable spatial variation. Normalizing the concentrations of TEs in samples collected near industry to the corresponding concentrations in snow from the reference site (UTK), resulted in enrichments of V and most of the lithophile elements. Dust reactivity, quantified as the ratio of acid-soluble to total concentrations, was less than 50% suggesting limited bioaccessibility. The large differences in behaviour between Cd and Pb versus Ni and V could be due to the occurrence of the former pair in carbonate or sulfide minerals, versus acid-insoluble petcoke particles for the latter couple. Spatial variations in the reactivity of TEs most likely reflect the range in diversity and chemical stability of dust particles, and variations in their abundance in primary source areas. The leaching conditions employed here are extreme (pH < 1) and intended to identify an upper limit of chemical reactivity, with far less dust dissolution expected when these dusts encounter natural waters of the area which range in pH from 4 to 8.

Mobilization of Tungsten in Greenstone Belts of the Archean Kaapvaal and Singhbhum Cratons

AbstractDue to the inherently fluid‐mobile nature of W, the 182W record of the early Earth may have been obscured by fluid‐induced mobilization of W. To investigate W mobilization in Archean greenstone sequences, we analyzed 182W isotope systematics and major and trace element concentrations in samples from the 3.53 Ga old Onverwacht Group of the Kaapvaal Craton (South Africa) and the &gt;3.51 Ga old Badampahar Group of the Singhbhum Craton (India). Our results for mafic and ultramafic metavolcanic rocks show W/Th ratios significantly higher than primary magmatic values, which suggests fluid‐induced W enrichment. Samples least affected by secondary W enrichment (W/Th &lt; 0.26) show no resolvable W isotope anomalies from modern mantle values in both cratons. Samples from the Kaapvaal Craton with elevated W/Th exhibit deficits in 182W as low as −8.1 ± 4.3 ppm compared to the modern mantle. Covariations of μ182W with W/Th, and Ce/Pb suggest that negative isotope signatures were introduced during secondary fluid‐mediated processes. The enrichment of W is most evident in altered ultramafic rocks comprising serpentine, resulting in additional covariations between MgO, LOI, and W/Th. The W isotope composition of serpentinized komatiites reflects the composition of younger intruding granitoids. We therefore infer the latter as a possible source of W‐rich fluids. The Badampahar Group samples exhibit little W isotope variability. A well‐resolved 182W deficit of −6.2 ± 2.9 ppm was determined in a single komatiite sample, which indicates an unknown fluid source, currently not represented in any other unit of the Singhbhum Craton.

Thallium isotopes as indicators of ore mineralization at the Zn-rich sediment-hosted massive sulfide TL Deposit, British Columbia, Canada

Few studies have focused on the application of the Tl isotopic system for geochemical exploration. We report ε 205 Tl values of rock samples from the TL Deposit, British Columbia, Canada – a sediment-hosted massive sulfide (SHMS) deposit with characteristics of a Broken Hill-type deposit – and investigate relationships with major and trace element geochemistry. Maps generated using Tl isotope and trace element data indicate that ε 205 Tl values can potentially be used to fingerprint ore mineralization at the TL Deposit. The sources of Tl and other metals (Ag, Pb, Zn) are assessed using Tl isotope data. Measured ε 205 Tl values exhibit positive correlations with Pb, sedimentary exhalative metal index (Zn + 100*Pb + 100*Tl), and the redox proxy, U/Th, and negative correlations with Be, Cd, Ce, La, Ni and Th. Individual lithologies have distinct Tl isotopic compositions. Metal-rich heavily altered samples have relatively high ε 205 Tl values (−5.0 to −2.5 ε -units) reflecting the euxinic conditions of the global Paleoproterozoic ocean and hydrothermal influence. Samples with lower ε 205 Tl values (−15 to −7.6 ε -units) reflect a combination of their mineralogy (phyllosilicate minerals such as biotite and clinochlore), Tl from sediments reflecting the Tl isotopic composition of modern seawater, and possible low-temperature alteration processes. Samples with high Pb and Ag contents have high ε 205 Tl values, indicating a hydrothermal origin of these metals, whereas Zn is highest in samples with low ε 205 Tl values, indicating a low-temperature or sedimentary origin. Thallium isotopes, paired with conventional geochemical data, show promise as a useful tool for exploration of SHMS deposits with Broken Hill-type characteristics. Supplementary material: Major, minor and trace element contents of samples and reference materials, blank values, correlation coefficient values, and XRD patterns are available at https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.c.6370671 Thematic collection: This article is part of the Geochemical processes related to mined, milled, or natural metal deposits collection available at: https://www.lyellcollection.org/topic/collections/geochemical-processes-related-to-mined-milled-or-natural-metal-deposits

Studying the influence of seasonal conditions and period of exposure on trace element concentrations in the moss-transplant Pylaisia polyantha.

This study evaluates the effects of seasonal conditions and exposure periods on trace element concentrations in samples of the epiphytic moss Pylaisia ​​polyantha when transplanted into urban areas. This assessment was carried out in summer and winter at four sites differing in their level of technogenic trace element load. The contents of 25 trace elements (As, Ba, Br, Ca, Ce, Co, Cr, Cs, Eu, Fe, Hf, La, Lu, Mo, Nd, Rb, Sb, Sc, Sm, Sr, Tb, Th, U, Yb, and Zn) were determined using neutron-activation analysis, and it was shown that seasonal conditions do not affect vital activity in P. ​​polyantha graft moss. For most elements, the greatest increase in trace element concentration in P. ​​polyantha transplant moss was observed within one month. The high sensitivity of this epiphytic moss-transplant to the level of technogenic load has thus been demonstrated, and it may find utility in future research with similar objectives.

Essential and toxic elements in honeys consumed in Italy

ABSTRACTThe aim of this study was to determine the levels of iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), mercury (Hg), cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) in several types of honey purchased from the local consumer markets in Central Italy by Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). Lead and Cd were also determined by Atomic Absorption Spectrometry with graphite tube atomization (AAS-GTA). The degree of humidity, sugar content, pH, free acidity, combined acidity (lactones) and total acidity were also measured. These elements were found to be present in honeys in various proportions depending upon (1) area foraged by bees, (2) flower type visited for the collection of nectar, and (3) quality of water in the vicinity of the hive. The honeys consumed in Italy were of good quality, but not completely free of heavy metal contamination. Compared with established recommended daily intakes, heavy metals or trace element concentrations in samples investigated, however, do not pose any serious concern to human health.

Genesis of giant Early Proterozoic magnesite and related talc deposits in the Mafeng area, Liaoning Province, NE China

This study aims to understand the origin of giant magnesite and talc deposits in the Liaohe Group (Liaoning Province, NE China). Magnesite stromatolites and the composition of fluid inclusions suggest that magnesite or high-Mg calcite precipitated directly from strongly restricted seawater pools with meteoric influx. A primary evaporitic origin is also indicated for parts of the investigated dolomites by comparably heavy δ18O values. Later, intense metasomatic activity led to the formation of a magnesite/dolomite succession with irregular contacts and a lighter isotopic signature of oxygen. A slight shift in δ18O to more positive values was observed for talc-hosting magnesite, which can be explained by the incorporation of isotopically light oxygen into talc. This highlights that the hydrothermal processes that led to talc formation influenced the hosting carbonates as well, which is also documented by a tendency to smaller crystal sizes, a higher whiteness and lower trace element concentrations in samples from locations nearby large talc bodies. Although δ13C is suggested to be less sensitive to hydrothermal activity, comparably light δ13C values were determined for magnesite sinters, as well as for remobilized magnesites. In general, the δ13C signature of the investigated magnesites is lighter than expected for Proterozoic carbonates. A single-stage generation of the giant talc deposit in the study area is suggested based on elemental and isotopic data. Later deformation led to a (iso-chemical) re-location of talc at least once. During this process, irregularly distributed, cloudy/massive talc bodies acted as weak zones and were incorporated into shear bands up to several meters in thickness, which form the actually present, structurally controlled deposit. The original ore type is preserved only in areas with minor deformation. Lamprophyre dykes prove Jurassic volcanism and are clearly younger than the main phase of talc generation. A younger (post-Jurassic?), intense tectonic event is indicated by strongly tectonized dyke material that is re-worked into strike-slip faults and shows siliceous contact zones to the surrounding magnesite. These faults occasionally cross-cut the older, deposit-forming talc shear bands, indicating that the event that led to the deformation of lamprophyre dykes was younger than the main phase of talc re-location. However, this younger event did not lead to a second phase of major talc generation or affect the quality of the initial deposit to a large extent.

Measurement of trace element content in bone samples using long-lived neutron activation products and high-resolution gamma-ray spectrometry

A nondestructive instrumental neutron activation analysis with high-resolution gamma-ray spectrometry of long-lived radionuclides was developed and used for measurement of trace element contents in samples of bone to determine health and diseases. Using this method, the silver (Ag), cobalt (Co), chromium (Cr), iron (Fe), mercury (Hg), rubidium (Rb), antimony (Sb), selenium (Se), and zinc (Zn) mass fractions were estimated in bone samples from 27 patients with intact bone (12 females and 15 males, aged from 16 to 49 years) who had died from various non-bone-related causes, mainly unexpected traumas, and from 5 patients with chondroma (2 females and 3 males, 15–42 years old), obtained from open biopsies or after operation. The reliability of the differences in the results between intact bone and bone affected by chondroma was evaluated by a parametric Student’s t test and a nonparametric Mann–Whitney U test. It was found that in the bone affected by chondroma, the mean mass fractions of Co, Cr, Fe, Se, Sb, and Zn were significantly higher than in normal bone tissues. In the neoplastic bone, many correlations between trace elements found in the control group were no longer evident. This work revealed that there is a significant disturbance of the trace element metabolism in bone affected by chondroma.

A commercially available rosette system for trace metal—clean sampling

To obtain trace element data sets of sufficient resolution to resolve and interpret biogeochemical features, it is necessary to develop sampling schemes that are fast and reliable, retrieve uncontaminated samples, and are consistent with the new global‐ranging oceanographic programs. We present here a detailed description of a rosette‐based system for trace element determinations that meets these criteria. It has been used successfully on several CLIVAR cruises that required high‐resolution sampling for trace elements, and it has also been used on cruises for biological studies where large volumes of uncontaminated water were needed for deckboard incubations. With the exception of the weights used for ballasting, the rosette is an assembly of commercially available components and thus requires no custom fabrication. Comparison of Fe and other trace element concentrations in samples collected with this equipment and processed using these protocols with samples collected and processed using protocols developed in other trace element laboratories, during the SAFe intercalibration cruise, show essentially identical results.

The Early Mesozoic volcanic arc of western North America in northeastern Mexico

Volcanic successions underlying clastic and carbonate marine rocks of the Oxfordian–Kimmeridgian Zuloaga Group in northeastern Mexico have been attributed to magmatic arcs of Permo–Triassic and Early Jurassic ages. This work provides stratigraphic, petrographic geochronological, and geochemical data to characterize pre-Oxfordian volcanic rocks outcropping in seven localities in northeastern Mexico. Field observations show that the volcanic units overlie Paleozoic metamorphic rocks (Granjeno schist) or Triassic marine strata (Zacatecas Formation) and intrude Triassic redbeds or are partly interbedded with Lower Jurassic redbeds (Huizachal Group). The volcanic rocks include rhyolitic and rhyodacitic domes and dikes, basaltic to andesitic lava flows and breccias, and andesitic to rhyolitic pyroclastic rocks, including breccias, lapilli, and ashflow tuffs that range from welded to unwelded. Lower–Middle Jurassic ages (U/Pb in zircon) have been reported from only two studied localities (Huizachal Valley, Sierra de Catorce), and other reported ages (Ar/Ar and K–Ar in whole-rock or feldspar) are often reset. This work reports a new U/Pb age in zircon that confirms a Lower Jurassic (193 Ma) age for volcanic rocks exposed in the Aramberri area. The major and trace element contents of samples from the seven localities are typical of calc-alkaline, subduction-related rocks. The new geochronological and geochemical data, coupled with the lithological features and stratigraphic positions, indicate volcanic rocks are part of a continental arc, similar to that represented by the Lower–Middle Jurassic Nazas Formation of Durango and northern Zacatecas. On that basis, the studied volcanic sequences are assigned to the Early Jurassic volcanic arc of western North America.

Dissolved trace elements in river water: spatial distribution and the influencing factor, a study for the Pearl River Delta Economic Zone, China

Twenty-nine water samples were collected from different river channels of the Pearl River Delta Economic Zone, China. An inductively coupled plasma-mass spectromonitor (ICP-MS) was used to measure concentrations of the trace elements in these samples. The results suggest that the average concentrations of rare earth elements in river water show an increasing trend from the West River, the North River, the rivers of the Pearl River Delta, and the Shenzhen River to the East River. Relatively high concentrations of heavy metals appear in the East River, the rivers of the Pearl River Delta and the Shenzhen River, while the West River and the North River have relatively low heavy metal concentrations. Trace element concentrations in samples collected near urban or industrial areas are much higher than those of samples collected from distant areas, away from urban and industrial areas. After natural conditions, human activities have significant influence on the trace element concentrations in river water. This trace element concentration’s spatial distribution in the river water from the Pearl River Delta Economic Zone is actually an integrated effect of natural conditions and human activity.

Monitoring Chlorinated Pesticides and Toxic Elements in Tissues of Food-Producing Animals in Yugoslavia

According to the established monitoring program in Yugoslavia, 941 swine, 561 cattle, and 358 lamb samples collected during a 5-year period were analyzed for chlorinated pesticide residues. Less than 10% of the examined samples contained residues of HCB (hexachlorobenzene), HCH (hexachlorocyclohexane), lindane (gamma-hexachlorocyclohexane), and total DDT (p,p'-DDT and metabolites) at concentrations greater than the lowest detectable limit. None of the swine and cattle samples exceeded the residue limit (RL). Among lamb samples, 2.5% contained lindane residues exceeding the RL, with a mean of 4.75 mg/kg. This finding suggests lindane's improper use as a veterinary pesticide, probably as a sheep-dip for destroying ectoparasites. During the same period, 849 swine, 584 cattle, and 350 lamb samples also were analyzed for toxic elements (Pb, Cd, Hg, and As). In the majority of samples, toxic elements were present at levels less than 50% of RLs. Only Cd and Pb RLs were exceeded in several cases. Differences in trace element contents of samples from different animals were not significant. The data indicate that residues in tissues of food-producing animals do not have a great potential impact on public health.

Factor analysis of atmospheric trace-element deposition data in the netherlands obtained by moss monitoring

Monte Carlo-Assisted Factor Analysis has been applied to a data set of trace element concentrations in samples of the moss species Pleurozium schreberi, collected in 1992 from 66 locations in the Netherlands. A Monte Carlo approach was used to give more insight in the uncertainties and significance levels of the factor analysis results. Using a selection of 23 elements, factor analysis enabled the identification of 8 significant pollution source types. Two source types were assumed to be related to the influence of foliar leaching from higher plants. The remaining source types were found to correspond with the major source types obtained in earlier biomonitoring surveys in the Netherlands using lichen and bark, i.e. crustal material, sea aerosol and various types of industrial pollution sources, associated with metallurgical industries, refuse incineration and oil combustion or processing of oil products. The contribution of the industrial pollution sources appeared to have decreased between 1987 and 1992.

Alaskan marine mammal tissue archival project

A project to establish an archive of Alaskan marine mammal tissues was conceived in 1987 to be a part of the National Biomonitoring Specimen Bank (NBSB). Protocols and field collection of marine mammals, long-term storage, and analysis are summarized in this paper. Instrumental neutron activation analysis has been used for an initial evaluation of trace element content in samples of northern fur seal (Callorhinus ursinus) from the Pribilof Islands. The findings agree with previously observed trace element levels in northern fur seals. The archived specimens can be used in future studies when comparison of past and present pollution levels are needed.

Trace elements in disseminated sulfides, magnetite, and massive sulfides, West Shasta District, California

Samples of massive sulfide layers show an enrichment in many minor and trace elements in the central part of layers. Comparison of trace element contents of massive sulfides, magnetite, and disseminated sulfides suggests differences in origin. Trace element contents of samples from various mines suggest regional variations.

Trace elements in some human milk samples by radiochemical neutron activation analysis

Some trace element contents of samples of human milk, mainly colostrum and transitional milk, collected in the Ljubljana area of Yugoslavia, are reported. Analyses of As, Cd, Co, Cu, Hg, I, Mn, Sb, Se, Sn, V and Zn were performed by radiochemical neutron activation analysis, and the results are discussed briefly in the light of literature values.

The Determination of Platinum in Human Tissues with PIXE

Platinum levels as well as trace element concentrations in samples from cis-platin treated patients have been measured using the PIXE technique. The results were verified by neutron activation analysis for some elements. Spectral interferences of the platinum Ls peak and selenium K? have been solved by introducing a germanium layer as a selective absorber. The experiments are done in the frame work of a project on the assesment of the toxicity of cytostatic platinum compounds. Preliminary results for liver, kidney and heart tissues are shown.

Bauxite genesis in Jamaica; new evidence from trace-element distribution

The question of whether the bauxite deposits of Jamaica originated from the insoluble residue of the underlying White Limestone Formation or from alluvium transported onto the limestone surface from the Cretaceous inliers has been the subject of considerable discussion.Analyses of the trace element contents of samples of bauxite, limestone residues and rocks from the inliers suggest that the limestone residue is the principal source material from which the bauxite has been derived.