Trace Element Profiles Research Articles

The role of tropical small-scale fisheries in trace element delivery for a Small Island Developing State community, the Seychelles

The concentrations of 13 trace elements were determined in 1032 muscles of 54 small-scale fisheries species collected from the Seychelles waters between 2013 and 2019. Overall, profiles were dominated by zinc (Zn) > arsenic (As) > iron (Fe) > copper (Cu) > selenium (Se), with the spiny lobsters, spanner crab and octopus exhibiting the highest levels of As, Cu and Zn while fish had higher Fe concentrations. Both taxonomy-dependent processes and ecological factors explained the interspecific differences of trace element profiles observed. A benefit-risk assessment revealed that crustaceans and cephalopods were good sources of Cu and Zn. One portion of any fish could provide 30–100 % of daily Se needs, and one portion of demersal and pelagic teleost fish could bring 5–20 % of Cu, Fe and Zn needs, especially for young adult and adult women. Finally, our analysis showed that there was very low health risks associated with small-scale fisheries consumption for the Seychelles population.

Nickel hyperaccumulation, elemental profiles and agromining potential of three species of Odontarrhena from the ultramafics of Western Iran

The profiles of trace and major elements in three Odontarrhena species from the ultramafics of Western Iran (O. callichroa, O. penjwinensis and O. inflata) were evaluated to provide detailed information on their soil-plant relationships and potentials for agromining. The mean concentrations of Ni in leaf dry matter of these three species were 877, 3,270 and 2,720 mg kg−1, respectively. The mean concentrations of total soil Ni at sites Mazi Ban, Kamyaran and Ghala Ga were 1,470, 2,480, 1,030 mg kg−1, respectively. The Bioconcentration Factor (BCF) for Ni was >1 in O. penjwinensis and O. inflata, but not in O. callichroa. A positive relationship between shoot Ni and soil pH was found for all three species. They display Ni hyperaccumulation in the leaves, but with pronounced variation in the Ni concentrations attained. Odontarrhena penjwinensis emerged as the most promising potential candidate for future Ni agromining. The progress made in this study will enable further consideration of the three Odontarrhena species, especially O. penjwinensis, for any future commercial Ni agromining of the serpentinic ultramafic soils in Western Iran.

Effect of Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum) Supplementation on Pork Offal Quality.

Simple SummaryDue to their natural origin and a wide range of positive effects on the body, herbs and spices are currently becoming commonly used as a nonantibiotic component of pig rations. There is research evidence to confirm health-promoting effects of milk thistle on humans and animals. The greatest effects are seen for the liver, i.e., protection from toxins and regeneration. The aim of the study was to determine the effect of adding milk thistle seeds on the quality of edible internal organs from the fatteners, which are used in food production as offal. We suggest that our study shows room for improvement of offal quality and may have a positive impact on consumer awareness in the context of offal consumption.The aim of the study was to determine the effect of milk thistle supplementation of fattener pig feeds on physical and chemical properties of pork offal. The experiments were conducted on 60 fatteners (group C—control (30 pigs) and group E—experimental (30 pigs)). The experimental group was supplemented with ground milk thistle (Silybum marianum) at 7 g/kg feed. The offal (tongues, kidneys, hearts, lungs and livers) was analyzed for weight, pH, WHC, water, protein, fat, energy value, fatty acid profile and content of major and trace elements. The present study shows that milk thistle added to fattener pig diets increased pH45 and pH24 values in most of the analyzed offal and significantly (p ≤ 0.01) decreased the weight of heart and lungs and increased the weight of liver and kidneys. Hearts, lungs and kidneys of the experimental group contained more fat and the liver less, than the same offal of the control group. As regards the content of elements, the dietary supplement most often had an effect on the heart and lungs. In general, milk thistle supplemented in fattener diets had modified the physical parameters and chemical composition of the analyzed products.

Peritectic and phenocrystic garnet accumulation and the origin of strongly peraluminous granitic rocks: The Flagstaff Lake Igneous Complex, Maine

The Flagstaff Lake Igneous Complex of Maine contains a metaluminous phase that ranges from diorite to granite, and three phases of strongly peraluminous, garnet-bearing rocks with silica contents that range between 43 and 59 wt%. These peraluminous rocks have increasing amounts of normative corundum with increasing maficity, indicating that they do not represent liquid compositions, rather garnet accumulation accounts for their bulk-rock A/CNK compositions. Garnet in these rocks displays a variety of textures, inclusion patterns, and trace element compositions. The Loon Lake phase is characterized by garnet with abundant, randomly distributed apatite inclusions. Some grains have spiral inclusion patterns that are peritictic grains formed during partial melting of source rocks while they were undergoing differential stress. In contrast, the Quarry Phases A and B contain inclusion-free garnet with euhedral grain boundaries. These grains have trace element profiles indicative of crystal fractionation processes and are interpreted to be phenocrysts. Some of these phenocrysts have inclusion poor, resorbed cores that are mantled by inclusion-free overgrowths. The cores have lower concentrations of compatible trace elements and higher concentrations of incompatible elements than the mantles. These cores are resorbed phenocrysts from an evolved magma that were mingled in a more primitive, garnet crystallizing magma. Also present in Quarry Phase B rocks are a minor population of inclusion-rich garnets with random inclusion distributions. These are also interpreted as peritectic garnet, entrained from the source, or from dehydration melting of country rock biotite. They are mantled by inclusion-free garnet with the same composition as the phenocrysts and are phenocrystic overgrowths. Thus, the original Flagstaff Lake anatectic melts were mildly peraluminous with the current bulk-rock compositions of the garnet tonalites dominated by the accumulation of variable portions of phenocrystic garnet or the entrainment of peritictic garnet, both of which generated the increasing peraluminosity with increasing maficity of the complex. Magmatic, mafic enclaves present in the peraluminous rocks are similar to the metaluminous, main phase rocks of the complex, suggesting that the coeval basaltic magmas provided the heat for anataxis to generate the peraluminous magmas.

Transfer and accumulation of trace elements in seawater, sediments, green turtle forage, and eggshells in the Xisha Islands, South China Sea.

Chemical pollutants present a substantial threat to the survival of the green turtle (Chelonia mydas). In this study, the concentrations of 12 trace elements (TEs) in seawater, sediments, and green turtle forage and eggshells from the Xisha Islands in the South China Sea, along with their patterns of transfer and accumulation, were identified. The results revealed that the median TE concentrations in seawater and sediments were lower than the first-grade limit values of the national standard in China, indicating a low ecological risk. The concentrations (μg·g-1) of TEs in forage ranged from 0.05-0.69, 3.43-14.4, 157-2391, 27.9-124, 2.05-9.39, 0.30-9.78, 2.01-80.50, 0.18-5.76, 0.06-0.98, 2.00-18.4, 0.02-0.24, and 0.01-0.09 for Cr, Mn, Sr, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, Se, Cd, As, Pb, and Hg, respectively. Seawater, sediments, turtle forage, and eggshells exhibited different TE profiles, which were driven by Hg, Sr, Cr, and Pb in seawater and sediments; Fe and Ni in sediments; Cd and As in forage; and Zn, Se, and Cu in eggshells. The contents of Cu, Zn, and Se increased slightly with trophic level, indicating that they were transferred through dietary pathways. Although Cd and As appeared to bioaccumulate in green turtle forage, it was not transferred to their eggshells, which may be related to the excretion and metabolism process in the mother's body. Thus, eggshells may be a poor bioindicator for the exposure of female green turtles to these toxic elements.

Trace Elements in Medicinal Plants Traditionally Used in the Treatment of Diabetes-Do They Have a Role in the Claimed Therapeutic Effect?

Background: Medicinal plants are often used in the treatment of diabetes mellitus, although knowledge about their mode of action and the substances responsible for their antidiabetic potential is limited. It is well known that some trace elements play a role in glucose metabolism and insulin action. Thus, a particular trace elements profile could be associated with the antidiabetic properties observed for some medicinal plants. Methods: Infusions (n = 102) prepared from commercial herbal products (n = 34) containing medicinal plants indicated for the treatment of diabetes (n = 16 different plant species) and infusions (n = 60) prepared from commercial herbal products (n = 20) containing medicinal plants without such an indication (n = 7 different plant species) were analyzed by ICP-MS for their trace elements content. Results: In both groups, results varied significantly between different medicinal plants and also between different origins (brands) of the same medicinal plant. Significant differences (p < 0.05) between the two groups were found for nine elements, including four trace elements related to glucose metabolism (Mn, B, V, and Se), but with lower median contents in the group of medicinal plants for diabetes. Conclusions: Except for some particular species (e.g., Myrtilli folium) in which the trace element Mn may play a role in its antidiabetic effect, globally, a direct association between the claimed antidiabetic properties and a specific trace element profile of the studied medicinal plants was not evident.

Spatiotemporal Variations in Trace Element Compositions in Pollock Populations under the Influence of Coastal Norwegian Salmon Farms

AbstractPollock Pollachius virens (also known as Saithe) modify their feeding habits when including in their diet uneaten feed pellets from salmon aquaculture sea cages. To determine the influence of salmon farms on Pollock, multivariate and univariate analyses were conducted on the trace element signatures from muscle and liver tissues. Sample fish were caught in the vicinity of salmon farms and in control areas (&gt;3‐km distance from the farms) on the coast of Hitra Island (western Norway) over two consecutive years (2012 and 2013). The hepatosomatic index was calculated as a proxy of fish body condition and was higher in Pollock captured near the salmon farms in both years. Variations in specific trace element profiles revealed the influence of farming on the Pollock assemblages (i.e., arsenic, manganese, and copper in muscle; vanadium and manganese in liver). Differences in element composition between sampling years were notable and may, in addition to influence from salmon feed, reflect temporal variation in Pollock migrations or natural food availability. Multivariate analyses of each sampling year showed significant differences in trace element composition of both tissue types among the Pollock groups. Therefore, trace element assessment is a potential tool for determining the influence of aquaculture on Pollock populations, although other natural sources of variation must be taken into account when considering future aquaculture and fishery management strategies.

Effect of physiological status and parity on metabolic and trace element profile of crossbred Rambouillet sheep of Himalayan region.

The study was designed to evaluate the effect of physiological status and parity on metabolic profile in crossbred Rambouillet ewes of the Himalayan region. The study was conducted on 20 ewes divided into two groups, primiparous (PP) and multiparous (MP), with 10 ewes in each group. Blood samples were collected on 4- and 1-week pre-lambing and 1- and 4-week post-lambing to measure metabolic parameters and minerals. The glucose (p < 0.01), total plasma protein (TPP) (p < 0.05), albumin (p < 0.05), blood urea nitrogen (BUN) (p < 0.05), cholesterol (p < 0.05), triglyceride (p < 0.01), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) (p < 0.05), calcium (Ca) (p < 0.01), phosphorus (Pi) (p < 0.05), magnesium (Mg) (p < 0.01), copper (Cu) (p < 0.05), and zinc (Zn) (p < 0.01) levels revealed significant change along the time with the concentration decreasing from 3-week pre-lambing to immediate post-lambing; thereafter, levels increased steadily. Significant increase (p < 0.01) was observed in non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), iron (Fe) (p < 0.05), and bilirubin (p < 0.05) concentrations along the sampling time. No group difference was observed in any of the parameters; however, parity and time interaction was observed in glucose, NEFA, GGT, Ca, and Pi. While NEFA levels were significantly high in pre-lambing in PP ewes compared to MP ewes, the post-lambing levels were significantly high in MP ewes. Pre-lambing levels of GGT were at par between the two groups; however, post-lambing levels were significantly high in MP ewes. Glucose, Ca, and Pi were low during pre-lambing in PP ewes and post-lambing in MP ewes. The result showed that ewes show a significant change in metabolic profile and trace minerals during late gestation and immediate postpartum; however, these changes were more pronounced during late gestation in primiparous and post-lambing in multiparous.

Profiles of Trace Elements in the Hair of Healthy People and with Down Syndrome

Profiles of Trace Elements in the Hair of Healthy People and with Down Syndrome

Trace Element Analysis in Sera of Horses with Allergic Dermatitis and in Matched Healthy Controls with Special Attention to Zn, Ni and Ti

The most common allergic dermatitis of the horse is associated with hypersensitivity to insect bites. A purely hereditary-based background to this allergic pruritus has not been shown, and so far, it is not fully understood why some horses are more susceptible than others. Although altered zinc levels have been detected in many inflammatory and allergic disorders, changes in various trace elements have not been widely investigated in horses with allergic dermatitis. Therefore, the purpose was to analyse trace element profiles in the sera of 8 affected and 8 matched healthy horses and to further assess whether the profiles change after therapy of the affected animals. Sera were collected both before and after therapy of the eczema horses. Samples were analysed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry for their iron (Fe), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), titanium (Ti), vanadium (V), chromium (Cr), manganese (Mn), cobalt (Co) and nickel (Ni) content. Concentrations of Zn and Ni were significantly lower in eczema than in healthy horses (p = 0.0089 and p = 0.0018, respectively). In addition, concentrations of Fe, Zn and Ni displayed significant inverse associations with the severity of clinical signs (p = 0.0075, p = 0.0397 and p = 0.0011, respectively). After a 4-week therapy, no significant differences were found between the groups. Concentrations of Ti were exceptionally stable both between the horses and over time. Horses with allergic dermatitis have alterations in their trace element profiles in comparison with healthy horses. Alterations seem to diminish when clinical signs are regressing.

Trace Elements Analysis of Tunisian and European Extra Virgin Olive Oils by ICP-MS and Chemometrics for Geographical Discrimination.

The aim of this study was to investigate the levels of trace elements in olive oils from different locations and their use for geographical authentication. Concentrations of seventeen elements were determined in a total of 42 olive oils from Tunisia, Spain (Basque country), and southern France, and in nine soil samples from Tunisia by quadrupole inductively plasma mass spectrometry. The compilation of appropriate techniques integrated into the analytical procedure achieved a precision (RSD) between 2% and 15% and low limits of detection (between 0.0002 and 0.313 µg kg−1). The accuracy of the analytical method applied for olive oil analysis was evaluated using SRM NIST 2387 Peanut butter. The recoveries obtained after microwave-assisted digestion for the certified elements ranged between 86% and 102%. Concentrations of non-certified elements (V, Cr, Co, Ni, Ba, Rb, Sr, Cd, Pb, and As) were presented. The use of Pearson correlation applied on paired Tunisian oil/soil samples has shown that several elements (Mg, Mn, Ni, and Sr) were significantly correlated. The multivariate statistics using principal component analysis have successfully discriminated against three studied origins. The most significant variables were the elemental concentrations of Cu, Cr, Fe, Mn, Sr, V, and Zn. This study shows the potential of applying trace elements profiles for olive oil geographical discrimination.

Trace Elements and Chronic Kidney Disease: A Cross-Sectional Study from Jamaica

Background: Several environmental studies have reported that low-level exposure to nephrotoxic elements increases the risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD). In developing countries, finite resources can limit epidemiological studies and environmental risk assessment; however, the unique soil profile in Jamaica has raised some concerns for the potential exposure to populations who are of high risk. Method: This study investigated the potential for using trace element profiling in CKD, by analysing blood concentration levels of vanadium, chromium, iron, cobalt, copper, zinc, selenium, strontium (Sr), arsenic, barium, cadmium, mercury, and lead. Trace element analysis was conducted using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Results: One hundred and fifty-eight individuals were included and were predominantly of African descent (98%) and their ages ranged from 21 to 90 years old. Three main correlation clusters were evident: firstly, vanadium, chromium, copper, silicon, and selenium, with mercury and barium more distantly related; secondly, lead, arsenic, nickel, and Sr; and thirdly, iron and zinc. Cadmium was an outlier. Blood Sr was strongly associated with estimated glomerular filtration rate (r = -0.83; p&lt;0.001) and strong linear progression models (r2=0.96; p&lt;0.001). Algorithmic models placed Sr as the highest-ranking trace element biomarker (area under the curve: 95.6%; p&lt;0.001). Discussion: The decline in kidney function may result in the retention of non-essential trace elements. Strong corresponding trends between kidney function and blood Sr concentration indicate biomarker potential for a trace element with a unique profile in patients with CKD. Other significant relationships may also be unveiled as CKD biomarkers as trace element profiling is explored in the region.

Human biomonitoring of essential, nonessential, rare earth, and noble elements in placental tissues

Exposure to certain metals has been recognized as a risk factor for numerous complications in vulnerable population groups, particularly pregnant women. This investigation evaluated the levels of essential (Cr, Mn, Co, Cu, Zn, Se, Mo) and nonessential trace metals with recognized toxicity (Be, Al, Ti, V, Ni, Ga, As, Rb, Sr, Cd, Sb, Ba, Tl, Hg, Pb, Bi, Th, U), together with rare earth elements (Sc, Y, La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Yb, Lu), and noble metals (Ru, Rh, Pd, Re, Os, Ir, Pt, Au, Ag) in the placental tissues of healthy pregnant women (n = 105). The selection of participants was undertaken with special reference to specific confounding factors that could influence the trace element profiles. Among trace elements, Zn was the most abundant and Lu was the least abundant. Cd and Os placental levels show a tendency to increase with women's age. Compared with literature data, high levels of Ni were found. This is the first study that provides the composition levels of essential and toxic trace elements, rare earth elements, and noble metals in human placental tissues. Also, for the first time, normal (reference) ranges for 50 (ultra)trace elements in placental tissues are proposed. Reference ranges are especially important in biomonitoring studies, which nowadays give increasing importance to the analysis of solid tissues instead of body fluids. Overall, the information provided in this study can serve as a starting point for further clinical trials and/or prediction of potential risks to pregnancy.

Geochemical Systematics of High Arctic Large Igneous Province Continental Tholeiites from Canada—Evidence for Progressive Crustal Contamination in the Plumbing System

Abstract Cretaceous High Arctic large igneous province (HALIP) sub-alkaline magmatic rocks in Canada are mostly evolved (MgO 2–7 wt%), sparsely plagioclase + clinopyroxene ± olivine-phyric tholeiitic basalts. There were two main HALIP continental flood basalt (CFB) eruption episodes: 135–120 Ma (Isachsen Fm.) and 105–90 Ma (Strand Fiord Fm.), both associated with cogenetic doleritic sills and dykes. Building on a large modern database, 16 HALIP tholeiite types are defined and grouped into genetic series using Ce vs Sm/YbNMORB distributions. Comparison with model melting curves implies that higher-Sm/Yb HALIP basalt types record low-degree melting of garnet-bearing mantle sources. More voluminous intermediate- and low-Sm/Yb HALIP basalt types separated from the mantle at shallower levels after further extensive melting in the spinel-peridotite field. Within a given Sm/Yb range, increases in incompatible elements such as Ce are coupled with progressive clockwise rotation of normalized incompatible trace element profiles. Trace element modeling implies this cannot be due to closed-system fractional crystallization but requires progressive and ubiquitous incorporation of a component resembling continental crust. The fractionation models imply that low-Sm/Yb HALIP basalts (∼7 wt% MgO) initially crystallized olivine gabbro assemblages, with lower-MgO basalts successively crystallizing gabbro and ilmenite-gabbro assemblages. In contrast, higher-Sm/Yb basalts fractionated more clinopyroxene and ilmenite, but extensive plagioclase fractionation is still required to explain developing negative Sr–Eu anomalies. Back-fractionation models require about 40 % addition of olivine to bring the most primitive HALIP basalts (∼7 % MgO) into equilibrium with Fo89 mantle. Inverse fractionation–assimilation modeling shrinks the CFB signature, making decontaminated model parental melts more similar to enriched mid-ocean ridge basalt. The progressive increase of the contamination signature within each HALIP tholeiitic differentiation series is not consistent with models involving derivation of HALIP basalts from a mantle source previously enriched by subduction. Strong interaction of basalt with Sverdrup Basin sedimentary rocks may cause localized over-enrichment in K–Rb–Th–U, but cannot explain strong Ba enrichment in the absence of concomitant K–Rb–Th–U enrichment. The localized Ba enrichment could reflect either a Ba-rich lithospheric mantle component that is strongly manifested in the coeval HALIP alkaline suites, or syn- to post-emplacement fluid-mediated transfer from Ba-rich host rocks.

Baseline Study of Trace Element Concentrations in Sediments of the Intertidal Zone of Amazonian Oceanic Beaches

Analyzing the presence and quantifying trace elements is of paramount importance to understand natural environmental processes and monitor the degree of anthropogenic disturbance to mitigate impacts already caused. Here, we aimed to establish a baseline of the trace elements profile and concentrations in sandy sediments of intertidal areas of three Amazonian beaches (Brazil). For each beach, sediments were collected from three different sectors (south, center, and north) and five shoreline distance levels (from the high- to the low-water mark), totalizing 15 samples per beach. The concentration of the different trace elements (Mg, Al, P, S, Ca, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Br, Rb, Sr, Y, Zr, Cd, Sn, I, Hg, and Pb) was determined by Total reflection X-ray Fluorescence spectrometry. Sediment was also characterized for its grain size, organic matter, and pH. To assess possible enrichment due to anthropogenic activities we compared trace element levels with the values for the Earth’s crust and calculated pollution indexes: geoaccumulation index (Igeo), ecological risk index (RI), contamination factor (CF), pollution load index (PLI), and sediment quality guideline (SQG), threshold effects level (TEL) and probable effects level (PEL). Individual trace metal concentrations did not vary significantly between beaches, sectors, or sample levels, evidencing a homogeneity of trace elements composition and concentrations across this environment. Igeo indicated 62.2% of the sampling stations uncontaminated, 20.0% from uncontaminated to moderately contaminated, and 4.44% (two sampling stations) strongly contaminated, the same two areas classified as high ecological risk by RI. Most of the sampling points presented low CF. Cadmium and Hg were the only elements that showed moderate to very high values of CF. According to the SQGs, 77.7 and 8.8% of the sampling points presented values above the moderate threshold effect level (SQG-TEL) and probable effect level (SQG-PEL), respectively. All points were classified as non-polluted according to the PLI. Our results show that the three beaches present safe levels of almost of the elements demonstrating the good state of preservation. Most of the indexes classified the sampling points as non-polluted, except for Cd and Hg in a few specific sampling points.

Pegmatitic granite fluid compositions and thermochronometry in the Seridó Belt, Borborema Province, Brazil: Insights from trace element advection-diffusion-partitioning halos in host schist and gneiss

At the Seridó Belt pegmatitic province, fluid advection from dykes and sills led to trace element diffusion and partitioning in biotite, producing sub metric concentration halos in host mica schist and gneiss. We analyzed trace element concentration vs. distance profiles in the host rock of pegmatitic granite intrusions showing enrichments in Li, F, Cl, Zn, Rb, Nb, Sn, Cs, Ta, U and depletions in Sr and Ba. We estimated fluid temperatures in the range 600 to 700 °C using methods of Ti in biotite, F-OH in biotite-apatite and Tschermak component in biotite-muscovite. We analytically modeled thermal profiles around pegmatitic planar intrusions and found that cooling by thermal flats in the first meters into the host rock is reached in 100 years for a 10 m thick sill. The model constraints sustained heat flow during pegmatitic melt emplacement into a colder host rock. The measured trace element profiles were fitted with solutions of differential equations modeling advection-diffusion-partitioning in porous media under isothermal and cooling conditions. Each trace element profile is equally fitted by values of pegmatitic fluid concentration vs. fluid flux duration plotting as a straight line. We obtained a theorical framework combining pegmatitic fluid trace element composition, fluid flux duration and velocity, rock/fluid trace element partition coefficient, and cooling rate. Using published fluid inclusion trace element composition, we obtained fluid flux duration between tens of years to several centuries for the studied profiles. In the case of low temperature fluid flux at 450 °C the modeled flux duration is increased by less than one order of magnitude. The results allow us to interpret the trace element halos as sub millennial hot isothermal fluid influx from the pegmatites into their host rock. Trace element partitioning from the fluid into host rock falls mostly within the range of 0.01 to 25 and decreases in the order Nb, Cu, Rb, Zn-Li, Cs-Sn. The model constraints fluid advection velocity between 1 × 10−11 m/s and 1 × 10−9 m/s, typical of regional metamorphism to shear focused fluid flow regimes. The trace element enrichment of biotite along the profiles reproduces the observed pattern for whole rock, indicating that biotite is their main sink during pegmatitic fluid influx. Using experimental F in biotite diffusivity we obtained a minimal planar diffusion distance, or the effective porosity, between 7 and 15 μm for the total F re-homogenization of metamorphic biotite by pegmatitic fluid. As shown from others fluid-present petrogenetic systems, the trace element contents of biotite in host rock at the contact with pegmatitic intrusions can be a potential tool for the assessment of their rare metal potential.

Vertical profiles of trace elements in a sediment core from the Lambro River (northern Italy): Historical trends and pollutant transport to the Adriatic Sea

River sediments generally act as a sink for trace elements but, when resuspended, they contribute to long-term downstream transport of contamination, which may finally reach the marine environment. This study analyzed these processes in a complex aquatic system that includes a contaminated tributary, the Lambro River (Northern Italy) and its recipient and main Italian watercourse, the Po River, with the prodelta in the Adriatic Sea. The study was conducted from a historical perspective which, covering the last 50 years, examined the main driving events such as the inputs of contaminants, the construction of WWTPs and the evolution of environmental legislation. The time trend of trace element contamination was analyzed in a sediment core collected in the Lambro River and dated 1962–2011. The highest enrichments were found for Hg, Zn, Cu, Pb and Cd, which showed similar trends, with EF maxima in the '60s–'90s (172, 56, 40, 28 and 21, respectively), following industrial and urban development, and a general decreasing pattern after the late ‘90s. Only in the 2000s the ecological risk associated with metal contamination showed mean PEC Quotients stably below 1. The results of a literature survey on sedimentary trace elements in the Po River and the prodelta for the last 50 years were then compared to the Lambro sediment core. A significant contribution to Cu, Zn, Pb, Hg and Cd contamination was proved to derive from Lambro sediment transport. In the prodelta, increasing Ni and Cr concentrations were also evidenced, likely as a result of enhanced soil erosion in the Po basin. This study highlights the key role of WWTPs, of lower-impact industrial processes and of environmental legislation in reducing contaminant inputs. It also emphasizes the active contribution of riverine sediment-bound contamination to long-distance marine sediment quality.

Fish tissues for biomonitoring toxic and essential trace elements in the Lower Amazon

Brazilian soils can have high concentrations of toxic elements, mainly mercury (Hg) and arsenic (As), metals also associated with anthropogenic activities (e.g. intensive agriculture, mining, deforestation and hydroelectric plants). This can lead to large amounts of these elements reaching and/or being mobilized in the aquatic ecosystem, which constitutes a serious threat to the environment and to the health of local populations. Thus, we evaluate the feasibility of analyzing the tissues of freshwater fish species for monitoring toxic and trace element accumulation within the aquatic ecosystem in the Lower Amazon, Brazil. Two fish species were considered: Cichla temensis (Tucunaré), a carnivorous species, and Pterygoplichthys pardalis (Acari), a detritivorous species. Samples of liver and muscle from both species were evaluated in relation to their potential use for biomonitoring purposes. The study findings clearly demonstrate the value these fish species and tissues, particularly liver, for biomonitoring toxic and trace element concentrations in the aquatic environment across the study region. While Tucunaré liver proved the best option for biomonitoring elements that accumulate through the food chain (e.g. Hg), Acari liver better reflected elements that typically accumulate in the sediments (e.g. As). Moreover, the trace element profiles, determined using chemometric (multivariate) techniques, differed greatly in specimens from waters in the Andean mountain range (sampling sites located in the main course of the Amazon River) with high sediment concentrations, and in specimens from the Guyana and Brazilian shields (Porto Trombetas on the Trombetas River and Itaituba on the Tapajós River). The findings also indicate that deposition of elements in freshwater fish in this area is mainly associated with the geological origin of the soils and that large amounts of toxic elements can reach the aquatic ecosystem due to anthropogenic activities, thereby posing a serious danger to the environment and the health of the riverside communities.

Prebiotics reduce feather pecking behavior, and improve trace element profile and redox balance in Mule ducks

The aim of this study was to evaluate the prebiotic effects of mannan-oligosaccharide (MOS) and β-glucan (BG) combination (MOS-BG prebiotics) on feather pecking behavior, some physiological aspects and brain histology in Mule ducks. A total of 48 Mule ducks (15 days of age) were assigned to 3 treatments; 4 control (C) groups of ducks fed a basal diet only, 4 low-dose AGRIMOSⓇ (LA) (1.5 g/kg diet) groups, and 4 high-dose AGRIMOSⓇ (HA) (3 g/kg diet) groups. The experiment lasted for 6 weeks. Feather pecking behavior was recorded by direct observation for altogether 1 hour/pen/week. Blood samples and brain tissues were collected from 2 ducks per pen (8 ducks per treatment group) at the end of the experiment. Feather pecking frequency and feather scores of the wings, back, and vent regions were significantly lower in HA compared to C groups, but higher in LA groups. Dopamine levels were highest in LA groups, followed by C and HA groups, and serotonin levels showed an opposite outcome pattern. Iron levels were highest in LA groups and vitamin C levels highest in HA groups. A dose-dependent increase in both magnesium level and superoxide dismutase activity was observed in LA and HA groups. Both LA and HA groups showed similarly increased zinc, copper and vitamin E levels, glutathione peroxidase activity and total antioxidant capacity as well as decreased total peroxide levels and oxidative stress indices were found. This, points to a possible welfare enhancing effect of MOS-BG prebiotics in ducks. However, no clear association between feather pecking behavior and antioxidant capacity was apparent. Additionally, the extent of feather pecking behavior was not reflected by any histological or cytological changes in the brain tissues or neurons, respectively. Considering the low sample size and the unexplainable result of more feather pecking when fed with low doses of prebiotics further investigations are needed. However, the study indicates that utilization of MOS-BG prebiotics at the high dose may attenuate feather pecking behavior and enhance the oxidative stability and trace element reserve.

Trace element profile and incidence of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and colorectal cancer: results from the EPIC-Potsdam cohort study

PurposeWe aimed to examine the prospective association between manganese, iron, copper, zinc, iodine, selenium, selenoprotein P, free zinc, and their interplay, with incident type 2 diabetes (T2D), cardiovascular disease (CVD) and colorectal cancer (CRC).MethodsSerum trace element (TE) concentrations were measured in a case-cohort study embedded within the EPIC-Potsdam cohort, consisting of a random sub-cohort (n = 2500) and incident cases of T2D (n = 705), CVD (n = 414), and CRC (n = 219). TE patterns were investigated using principal component analysis. Cox proportional hazard models were fitted to examine the association between TEs with T2D, CVD and CRC incidence.ResultsHigher manganese, zinc, iodine and selenium were associated with an increased risk of developing T2D (HR Q5 vs Q1: 1.56, 1.09–2.22; HR per SD, 95% CI 1.18, 1.05–1.33; 1.09, 1.01–1.17; 1.19, 1.06–1.34, respectively). Regarding CVD, manganese, copper and copper-to-zinc ratio were associated with an increased risk (HR per SD, 95% CI 1.13, 1.00–1.29; 1.22, 1.02–1.44; 1.18, 1.02–1.37, respectively). The opposite was observed for higher selenium-to-copper ratio (HR Q5 vs Q1, 95% CI 0.60, 0.39–0.93). Higher copper and zinc were associated with increasing risk of developing CRC (HR per SD, 95% CI 1.29, 1.05–1.59 and 1.14, 1.00–1.30, respectively). Selenium, selenoprotein P and selenium-to-copper-ratio were associated to decreased risk (HR per SD, 95% CI 0.82, 0.69–0.98; 0.81, 0.72–0.93; 0.77, 0.65–0.92, respectively). Two TE patterns were identified: manganese–iron–zinc and copper–iodine–selenium.ConclusionDifferent TEs were associated with the risk of developing T2D, CVD and CRC. The contrasting associations found for selenium with T2D and CRC point towards differential disease-related pathways.