Source Of Trace Elements Research Articles

An innovative approach to food fortification using baker’s yeast

Currently, the problem of deficiency of macro- and micronutrients in the diet of the population remains relevant. One of the promising areas for solving this problem is the development of methods for the production of domestic food ingredients with the aim of creating food products fortified with microelements on their basis. The biotechnological method for production of such ingredients is considered one of the most relevant. The most widely used microorganism in the food industry is the Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast. The aim of the research was to study the possibility of baker’s yeast enrichment with microelements: zinc and chromium. The possibility of yeast fortification during batch fermentation on malt wort with the addition of salt solutions — sources of trace elements (zinc sulfate (ZnSO4×5H2O) and chromium (III) chloride (CrCl3×6H2O)) was confirmed. The optimal dosages of the selected trace element salts for fortification were 250 mg Zn/dm3 and 500 µg Cr/dm3. An increase in the crude protein content by 11.6±0.5% was also observed. When using this combination (250 mg Zn/dm3 + 500 µg Cr/dm3), it was possible to reach optimal results in the process of simultaneous enrichment of the object with two microelements. It makes possible to obtain a sample with a concentration of 263.4±13 mg Zn/100 g of yeast (percentage of incorporation was 58.8%) and 308.2±15 µg Cr/100 g of yeast (percentage of incorporation was 34.4%). An increase in the crude protein content by 30±1.5% was also observed. The possibility of including the produced experimental samples in food products was studied. Bread as a mass consumer product was chosen as a model. Experimental bread samples were produced with a complete replacement of yeast without enrichment with yeast fortified with zinc and chromium. Organoleptic evaluation and study of important parameters such as moisture and acidity demonstrated that the experimental samples can be used in the food industry after passing the necessary safety tests. The values of replenishing the norms of physiological needs in microelements when consuming 100 g of the experimental bread samp

Concentration, seasonality, and sources of trace elements in atmospheric aerosols from Godavari in the southern Himalayas

Atmospheric pollution has detrimental effects on human health and ecosystems. The southern region of the Himalayas, undergoing rapid urbanization and intense human activities, faces poor air quality marked by high aerosol loadings. In this study, we conducted a two-year PM10 sampling in the suburban area (Godavari) of Kathmandu, a representative metropolis situated in the southern part of the central Himalayas. The trace elements were measured to depict aerosol-bound element loadings, seasonality, and potential sources. The mean concentrations of trace elements varied considerably, ranging from 0.27 ± 0.19 ng m−3 for Tl to 1252.78 ng m−3 for Zn. The average concentration of Co and Ni was 1.2 and 22.4 times higher, respectively, than those in Lhasa city in Tibet in the northern Himalayas. The concentration of Pb was 38 times lower than that in Lahore, Pakistan, and 9 times lower than urban sites in India. For the seasonality, the trace element concentrations displayed remarkable variation, with higher concentrations during the non-monsoon seasons and lower concentrations during the monsoon season. This trend was primarily influenced by anthropogenic activities such as low-grade fuel combustion in vehicles, coal combustion in brick kilns, and biomass burning, along with seasonal rainfall that induced aerosol washout. The enrichment factors (EFs) analysis revealed that Cd, Zn, Sb, Ni, Cu, Cr, and Pb had higher EFs, indicating their significant contributions from anthropogenic sources. In contrast, elements like Tl, Co, V, Cs, U, Ba, Th, and Sr, characterized by lower EFs, were mainly associated with natural sources. The Pb isotopic ratio profiles exhibited the Pb in PM10 are derived major contribution from legacy lead. Biomass burning contributed to the Pb source in winter. These findings provide policymakers with valuable insights to develop guidelines and strategies aimed at improving air quality and mitigating the impact of aerosol pollution on human health in the Himalayan region.

Egg Quality, Sensory Attributes, and Protein Metabolites of Laying Hens Fed Whole Flaxseed, Fish Oil, and Different Sources of Trace Elements.

This study evaluated the effects of whole flaxseed (WFS), fish oil (FO), and different sources of Se, Zn, and Fe (inorganic, organic, and nano-source) on egg production, quality, sensory attributes, and serum protein metabolites in laying hens. A total of 144 hens were divided into six groups with six replicates of four hens each. Hens were fed six diets as follows: 1) control diet; 2) 7.5%WFS+1.5%FO; 3) 7.5%WFS+1.5%FO+175 mg/kg vitamin E (VE); 4) 7.5%WFS+1.5%FO+175 mg/kg VE + inorganic sources of Se, Zn, and Fe (ISeZnFe); 5) 7.5%WFS+1.5%FO+175 mg/kg VE + organic sources of Se, Zn, and Fe (OSeZnFe); 6) 7.5%WFS+1.5%FO+175 mg/kg VE + nano-source of Se, Zn, and Fe (NSeZnFe) from 40-50 weeks of age. Laying hens fed 7.5% WFS, 1.5% FO, and different sources of trace elements in their diets had no negative effects on laying rate, egg weight, egg mass, feed intake, feed conversion ratio, body weight change, or survival rate compared to that of hens fed the control diet. Dietary treatments did not negatively affect the external and internal egg characteristics or egg sensory attributes. Feeding 7.5%WFS+1.5%FO+VE+ISeZnFe positively influenced yolk color in fresh eggs. Dietary treatments had a significant impact on egg nutritional composition, with the highest levels of macronutrients found in eggs from hens fed the 7.5%WFS+1.5%FO+VE+NSeZnFe treatment. The highest plasma globulin concentrations were observed in hens fed organic and nano-source trace elements. The same diets reduced plasma uric acid levels. Based on these findings, the inclusion of organic or nano-source trace minerals in diets containing WFS and FO positively affected egg quality and hen protein metabolites.

Macro and microelements in persimmon fruits of Uzbekistan

The study’s findings on the macro and microelement contents of three pomological persimmon fruit varieties—Hiyakume, Zenju-Maru, and Denaus sugar—grown in the Republic of Uzbekistan’s weather-climatic circumstances are presented in this article. The research demonstrated that Uzbekistan’s climate favors persimmon cultivation, which is distinguished by a high concentration of macro and microelements. Studies have established that the accumulation of macro and microelements by fruits is significantly influenced by the pomological variety of persimmon fruits and the weather and climatic conditions of cultivation. As a result, compared to persimmon fruits grown in Surkhandarya region’s Bandykhan Valley, those grown in Fergana Valley have about three times the magnesium concentration. The salt level of the several persimmon fruit kinds under study varied considerably from one another as well. For instance, Fergana Valley persimmon Hiyakume fruits had 6.30 mg/100 g of this element; Bandykhan Valley persimmons of the same type had 28.70 mg/100 g of this element. The fruits of the persimmon variety Zendji-Maru from Fergana Valley were the richest in iron macronutrient content among the studied varieties. For example, the iron content in fruits of Zendji-Maru variety was 10.64 µg/100 g, i.e., almost two times higher than the iron content in fruits of the same variety grown in Bandykhan zone of Surkhandarya region. However, an inverse dependence on manganese content was observed. Persimmon fruits grown in the weather and climatic conditions of Uzbekistan were also rich in iodine content, which is deficient for the region. Overall, it was shown that persimmon fruits may be effectively employed in preventative nutrition and are a good source of potassium, salt, calcium, and several trace elements, including copper, iron, zinc, manganese, and iodine.

Biogeochemical accumulation of trace elements in soils and plants of the Russian Far East

The accumulation of total mercury and other elements in soils and plants growing on them (legume and valerian families) selected in the Khabarovsk and Primorsky Territories, Buryatia, and the Amur Region was studied. The possibility of determining mercury in natural objects along with the natural atomic absorption method is also shown by X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy simultaneously with other trace elements. Analysis of the data obtained indicates that the main sources of trace elements at the test sites are, apparently, sources of natural origin – soils, underlying rocks, underground and surface waters, etc.

Unraveling the sources of major, trace and rare earth elements in the waters of a high latitude proglacial environment: Weathering vs. atmospheric signature in Northern Patagonia

Glaciers are important water reservoirs and are extremely sensitive to the effects of climate change. The Manso River basin, in Northwest Patagonia, Argentina, is a typical hydrological system with actively retreating glaciers. In this article, the proglacial environment was examined to assess the sources and the geochemical processes responsible for the chemical signatures of the following water subsystems: 1) clean glacial meltwaters (supraglacial influence, fed by “clean ice” glaciers); 2) dirty glacial meltwaters (subglacial influence, fed by “dirty ice” debris-covered glacier); and 3) proglacial runoff (river). Results indicated that clean glacial meltwaters present high dissolved immobile and nonmobile trace elements, derived from atmospheric input with an anthropogenic component in Pb, Cu, V, and Ni. Dissolved concentrations of Sr, Mn, Rb, and major ions are the result of carbonation and hydrolysis processes. The dirty glacial meltwater presents the highest dissolved load due to the highest water-rock interaction. The proglacial runoff presents intermediate physicochemical characteristics. At the site where the clean and dirty glacial meltwaters mix, the cation denudation rate is 2075 meq+ m−2 y−1. Downstream, geochemical inverse modeling indicates that the Manso Superior River system produces, by weathering reactions, a rate of dissolved load of 2.67 108 mol year−1, along with a CO2 sequestration of 2.05 108 mol year−1, denoting that proglacial environments are an important scenario in the CO2 cycle. The results of this work provide a baseline for future studies in proglacial environments and highlight the importance of assessing metal concentrations and mobilization within the Andean cryosphere.

Application of Multivariate Statistical Methods for Determining Geochemical Trends of Elements on the Territory of Slovenia

The main objective of this study is to map multi-element geochemical anomalies in soil on a regional scale. We aimed to determine and evaluate the baseline geochemical values and main geochemical trends in soil that may serve as reference values against any future changes. A total of 817 topsoil samples (0–10 cm) were collected in a 5 × 5 km grid and analyzed for 35 elements using ICP-ES after multi-acid digestions (HClO4/HNO3/HCl/HF) and 53 elements using ICP-MS after modified aqua regia digestion (HCl/HNO3/H2O). The analytical results for the two different digestion methods (multi-acid digestion vs. aqua regia) were also compared for each chemical element. Multivariate statistical methods were applied to identify the geochemical trends and main sources of trace elements over the territory of Slovenia. Based on these results, seven natural and one mixed natural/anthropogenic geochemical association were established. The contents and trends of the determined factors are presented according to 8 natural units, 4 drainage areas, and geological units characteristic of Slovenia. The identified anthropogenic geochemical association combines toxic elements (Ag, Bi, Cd, Hg, P, Pb, S, Sn, and Zn). Increased values of these elements can be found in mining areas and metallurgic centers, in Quaternary sediments of the Sava River, and Adriatic Basin as the consequence of past mining activities and in the Julian Alps, where their origin could be connected to the atmospheric deposition.

Correlation of trace element composition of oils to the composition of the Earth’s crust as an indicator of the prospectivity of deep-seated deposits

The article considers correlations between the trace element composition of oils from the fields of Tatarstan and Western Siberia and the chemical composition of the Upper, Middle and the Lower crust and biota. The factual basis of the correlation calculations is a database compiled from a large number of analyzes by different authors. The results of the study quantitatively confirm the earlier conclusions about the polygenic source of trace elements in naphthides. The nature of the change in the correlation dependences of the trace element composition of naphthides is shown – from the initial organic matter to oils and natural bitumens. In certain oil and gas basins, a higher correlation of the trace element composition of oils with the compositions of the Lower or Middle crust, but not with the Upper one testifies for the involvement of deep-seated deposits in the oil generation processes, which increases the predictive estimates of the possibility of identifying mega-reservoirs of oil and gas at great depths.

FEATURES OF ELEMENTS ACCUMULATION IN FRUIT AND BERRY PLANTS CULTIVATED IN THE VICINITY OF ZELENOGORSK CITY, KRASNOYARSK REGION

The aim of the study is to identify the peculiarities of the elemental composition of berries (fruits) and leaves of raspberry (Rubus idaeus L.), rowan (Sorbus aucuparia L.), black currant (Ribes nigrum L.), sour cherry (Cerasus vulgaris L.), serviceberry (Amelanchier ovalis Medik.) collected in the vicinity of Zelenogorsk, Krasnoyarsk Region, with an assessment of their potential use as sources of elements, ecological safety of use, as well as patterns of distribution of elements between plants, soil, and the surrounding environment. The elemental composition was analyzed using the method of arc atomic emission spectroscopy with a multi-channel analyzer of emission spectra (DAES with MAES) after ashing. As a result, the presence of 30 elements was determined in the ash of the studied plants, 25 of which belong to trace elements, and 22 are (conditionally) essential. The belongingness of the minimum extremes of content to mostly odd ordinal numbers of elements in the Mendeleev table was established, while the maximum extremes belonged to even ones. It is proposed to represent the revealed regularities in the form of combinations of extrema with the corresponding serial numbers of atoms, which clearly indicates the plant's ability to concentrate certain chemical elements. Based on the degree of accumulation from the soil, which indicates the ability of plants to accumulate elements, the highest indicator for all studied species and their raw materials is K, for all raspberry and blackcurrant raw materials – Ca, for cherry and raspberry leaves with berries (fruits) and separately for cherry fruits – Mg, only for blackcurrant leaves with berries (fruits) – Ti, for blackcurrant leaves with berries (fruits) – Sr and Ag. The study identified only Ti and Ag as having a "strong accumulation" in the biological absorption of elements, while the others were common for vegetation. Raspberry was found to have the highest biogeochemical activity among the studied fruit and berry plants (regardless of the raw material), followed by blackcurrant. It is shown that the raw materials "leaves + berries (fruits)" in all the studied cases contain much more trace elements, in contrast to individual berries (fruits). The study demonstrated the potential use of these plant species as sources of macroelements and trace elements, including essential ones.

Effects of exposing Japanese quail eggs to a low dose of gamma radiation and in ovo feeding by two sources of trace elements on embryonic development activities

The present study investigated the influence of exposing quail eggs to low-dose gamma radiation (GR) and in ovo feeding with 2 sources of a mixture of trace elements (Zn, Fe, and Cu), including sulfate (TES) and loaded with montmorillonite (TEM), on embryonic development activities and prehatch quality. A total of 960 eggs on the seventh day of incubation were randomly divided into 6 groups (160 eggs/group) with 4 replicate of 40 eggs in each. A 3 × 2 factorial arrangement experiment was performed and included 3 sources in ovo feeding with a mixture of trace elements (Zn, Fe, and Cu), including 0 mg/egg, 50 mg TES/egg, and 50 mg TEM/egg with egg irradiation using 0 and 0.2 Gy from GR. Eggs injected with 50 mg TEM/egg and exposed to 0.2 Gy from GR (TEM/GR) was significantly (P ≤ 0.05 and 0.01) higher in hatchability, hatch body weight, and relative organ weight (liver, gizzard, proventriculus, heart, and intestine). The obtained results indicated significant (P ≤ 0.05) decreased in the serum concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA) in TEM/GR group. There was significant (P ≤ 0.05) increased of catalase (CAT) activity and the concentrations of growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) in TEM/GR group; however; total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) was significant (P ≤ 0.05) increased in CT/GR group. Serum concentrations of immunoglobulin M (IgM) (P ≤ 0.05) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) were increased in the TEM/CR group; the concentration of transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) significant (P ≤ 0.05) increased in the TEM/GR group; and interleukins (IL6 and IL10) showed no significant differences among the groups. Our results showed increase in thyroxine and myostatin concentrations with TES/CR and CT/GR of our study groups, respectively. The relative mRNA expression levels of the GH, IGF-1, and Fas cell surface death receptor (FAS) genes were significantly (P ≤ 0.05 and 0.01) upregulated in the liver tissue of the TEM/GR group compared with the other groups. In conclusion, TEM/GR was the best treatment for improving prehatch quality, increasing serum antioxidant enzyme activities, and promoting the expression of growth and immune genes in fertilized quail eggs.

Genetic dissection of maize (Zea maysL.) trace element traits using genome-wide association studies

Maize (Zea mays L.) is an important food and feed crop worldwide and serves as a a vital source of biological trace elements, which are important breeding targets. In this study, 170 maize materials were used to detect QTNs related to the content of Mn, Fe and Mo in maize grains through two GWAS models, namely MLM_Q + K and MLM_PCA + K. The results identified 87 (Mn), 205 (Fe), and 310 (Mo) QTNs using both methods in the three environments. Considering comprehensive factors such as co-location across multiple environments, strict significance threshold, and phenotypic value in multiple environments, 8 QTNs related to Mn, 10 QTNs related to Fe, and 26 QTNs related to Mo were used to identify 44 superior alleles. Consequently, three cross combinations with higher Mn element, two combinations with higher Fe element, six combinations with higher Mo element, and two combinations with multiple element (Mn/Fe/Mo) were predicted to yield offspring with higher numbers of superior alleles, thereby increasing the likelihood of enriching the corresponding elements. Additionally, the candidate genes identified 100 kb downstream and upstream the QTNs featured function and pathways related to maize elemental transport and accumulation. These results are expected to facilitate the screening and development of high-quality maize varieties enriched with trace elements, establish an important theoretical foundation for molecular marker assisted breeding and contribute to a better understanding of the regulatory network governing trace elements in maize.

Patterns of trace element composition of caustobiolites and carbonic fluids according to the results of correlation analysis: A summary of results

Trace element analysis is a well-known research method. The article discusses the results of calculations of correlation coefficients of trace element composition of samples with model chemical content of the Upper, Middle and the Lower crust and biota. Unlike the commonly used methods for comparing the content of individual elements and groups of elements, this method, based on the use of the entire set of available trace element data, provides more robust results. The factual basis of the analysis is a database compiled of a large number of analyzes by different authors and including trace element composition data of organic matter of rocks, solid caustobiolites and hydrocarbon and carbonic deep fluids. The results of correlation coefficient calculations at a quantitative level confirm the previously made conclusions of the polygenic source of trace elements in naphthides, mud volcanic and carbonic fluids. The method makes it possible to estimate the depth of bottom the corresponding fluid systems and the dominant type of the original organic matter. A number of new relationships between the correlation coefficient values of the trace element compositions of the studied natural substances are revealed, in particular, the trend of changes in the correlation coefficients values of trace element content in specimens with the composition of the Earth’s crust and biota in the process of transformation of the initial organic matter into oil and further into oil degradation products. The results of the analysis testify in favor of the previously proposed model of massive oil genesis according to the scheme of a non-equilibrium flow reactor. Confirmation of this model allows us to propose on its basis a system of predictive indicators of possible high oil and gas content, which is required by practice in connection with the depletion of reserves of shallow traditional hydrocarbon deposits.

Determination of the health-protective effect of different Sempervivum and Jovibarba species

This study aimed to examine the micro- and macroelements, as well as the total antioxidant, and polyphenol content of 22 different types of dried houseleek, and fresh plant decoctions. The measurement of antioxidant and polyphenol content was carried out with two drying methods- a drying cabinet and lyophilization. The plants, without exception, were provided by Berger Trio Kft. from Jánossomorja (Hungary), thus, the influencing effect of the environment is negligible in the case of the tested species. Based on the results, the type of houseleek has a clear influencing effect on the amount of the tested constituents. The investigated microelements were B, Cu, Fe, Mn, and Zn, while Ca, K, Mg, Na, P, and S were examined among the macroelements. In terms of microelement content, Mn was present in outstanding amounts (20.67–148.00 mg/kg DW), while among macroelements Ca (44.43–95.27 g/kg DW) and Na (24.07–128.50 g/kg DW) was present in larger quantities in the samples. It can be said that in the case of samples with a high amount of antioxidants and polyphenols, the element content is low and the reverse is also true. During the examination of the dried houseleeks, outstanding values were obtained for the tested compounds. The antioxidant values of the dried leaves were between 2.22 and 317.74 mg AAE/g DW, while their polyphenol contents ranged from 5.52 to 144.16 mg GAE/g DW, however, the drying methods had some influencing effect. Regarding fresh plant decoctions, the polyphenol contents (0,02–1,11 mg GAE/g FW) were negligible, while the amount of antioxidants (2,38–4,61 mg AAe/g FW) were low. With other solvents (e.g. alcoholic extraction - tinctures), better results are likely to be achieved. Houseleek species (especially in dried form) are an excellent source of trace elements, antioxidants, and phenolic components so they can even be used as additives to functional foods or consumed on their own in the form of encapsulated dietary supplements.

Association between rare earth elements and depression: Evidence from pilot mice model of chronic unpredictable mild stress-induced depression and human studies of major depressive disorder

The etiology of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) has been associated with levels of trace elements in the human body. The source of trace elements in the human body may be rare earth elements (REEs). Our study aimed to identify the potential relationship between t REEs in blood and brain samples and depression from two paths: animal experiments and population studies. In the animal experiments, 35 adult Sprague–Dawley rats were randomly allocated to the control group (n = 14) and treatment group (n = 21), which received the chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) procedure for four weeks and further categorized into the sensitive group (n = 9) and resilient group (n = 12) by sucrose water preference test. Then, all rats were executed to obtain serum and brain tissue samples. We also recruited 197 participants and divided them into the major depressive disorder (MDD) group (n = 100) and the control group (n = 97) then serum samples were collected for REEs detection. Our finding reported that significant differences were found in the levels of La and Ce in blood samples from different groups in the CUMS rat model (sensitive group < resilient group < control group) (all p < 0.05), with similar patterns for other elements (Pr, Nd, and Y) (but p > 0.5). No significant inter-group difference was reported in rat brain tissue samples. After adjusting for demographic variables, we found that the concentrations of all five REEs (La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Y) were lower in depression group than in control group (all p < 0.01). The current conjoint animal and human data supported appropriate levels of REEs have a certain protective effect on body health. These results may be attributed to Hormesis effects. Whether the possible favorable effects of REEs on improving symptoms of depression or can be applied to drug development remains to be further investigated.

Concentration, Spatial Distribution, and Source Analysis of Trace Elements in the Yarlung Zangbo River Basin and Its Two Tributaries

The Yarlung Zangbo River (YZR) is the longest plateau river in China and has famous tributaries, the Lhasa River and the Nianchu River. A total of 75 water samples were collected from the Yarlung Zangbo River Basin (YZRB) in this study to investigate the dissolved concentration, spatial distribution, and source of trace elements (Fe, V, Be, Ti, Mo, Se, Cd, Zn, Cu, Ni, Co, Mn, Cr, Ba, Tl, Pb, Hg, As, and Sb). The results indicate that only Cr and Tl contaminate water, while the other trace elements were in an unpolluted state. In addition, correlation analysis showed that there was a highly significant positive correlation between the concentrations of As, Sb, and Mo; there was also a highly significant positive correlation between the concentrations of Fe, Mn, Ti, Pb, Ni, Co, and Ba. The results of Positive Matrix Factorization (PMF) showed that there were four sources of trace elements in the YZRB, including the resuspension and dissolution of sediments (16.283%), agricultural source (11.436%), lithological source (47.418%), and soil-forming rocks (6.374%). Cluster analysis combined with PMF normalized contribution analysis, which showed that the trace elements found in the YZR’s mainstream were predominantly influenced by the surrounding rocks composition. Meanwhile, both the discharge of mining wastewater and sediments were marked in the Lhasa River. Additionally, agricultural activities were the chief contributors to the trace elements in the Nianchu River. Furthermore, the entire basin was subjected to the influence of soil-forming rocks. This study comprehensively analyzed and evaluated the physicochemical properties of water, the spatial distribution, and the pollution degree, and performed source analysis of trace elements in the YZRB. This research provides a foundational reference for further investigation of the spatial distribution and origins of trace elements in the rivers of the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau (QTP).

Integrated assessment of trace elements contamination in sediments of a typical aquaculture bay in China: Ecological toxicity, sources and spatiotemporal variation

Trace elements contamination in estuarine and bay ecosystems has become a serious problem, especially in bays with frequent aquaculture activities. To explore the pollution risk, sources and trends of pollution trace elements in Dongshan Bay, a typical aquaculture bay in China, the concentration and spatial distribution of seven trace elements in surface sediments were investigated. In this study, Zn was the element with the highest content in surface sediments, followed by Pb and Cr, while Cd was the lowest, but the average concentrations of Cd and Hg exceeded the regional background values. High levels of trace elements were distributed in estuaries and aquaculture areas, which were illustrated also by the SOM model. An evaluation of the pollution load index (PLI), geo-accumulation index (Igeo) and potential ecological risk index (PERI) demonstrated that Cd and Hg were the principal pollution elements and ecological risk factors in the surface sediments of the Bay. A positive matrix factorization model (PMF) revealed that the main sources of trace elements were natural sources, petrochemical industry and fossil fuel combination emissions, use of agricultural fertilizer, and industrial and agricultural sewage discharge. Comparative analysis found that since 2008, the mean content of Cu, Pb, Zn, and As have decreased significantly, while the content of Cd, Hg, and Cr have increased significantly. This information will help marine management efforts in taking effective measures to prevent environmental risks caused by trace elements pollution, especially related to aquaculture.

Trace Element Patterns in Heterogeneous Land–Sea Sediments: A Comprehensive Study of the Ulla–Arousa System (SW Europe)

In the continuum of the land–sea interface, sediment reservoirs are often considered separately. Therefore, integrative research is necessary. This study focuses on sediments throughout the tributaries–river–estuary–ria pathway of the Ulla–Arousa system, aiming to quantify trace element contents, identify land sources, determine background levels, and assess sediment enrichment and contamination states. The elements Al, As, Cr, Cu, Fe, Ni, Pb, Sb, U, and Zn were determined in 78 sediment stations. Two approaches were considered. First, background functions and enrichment factors were estimated using Al or U as the reference element. Second, a statistical study was conducted using distribution analysis, which helped identify trace element sources and their influences throughout the basin. The results revealed two significant sources of trace elements. One source is the amphibolite massif of the Arinteiro Unit, influencing the Brandelos (Cu) and Lañas (Fe) tributaries. Another source is the Deza tributary (As, Sb). However, these alterations do not reach the estuary, where anthropogenic sources (Cr, Cu, Ni) dominate. In the inner Ria of Arousa, only a light Cr enrichment was observed. The integrated study of the Ulla–Arousa system provides valuable patterns to understand and address heterogeneous land–sea systems.

Concentration and Distribution of Toxic and Essential Elements in Traditional Rice Varieties of Sri Lanka Grown on an Anuradhapura District Farm.

Toxic heavy metals have been the focus of many investigations into chronic kidney disease of unknown aetiology (CKDu) within Sri Lanka. It has been hypothesised that exposure to nephrotoxic arsenic, cadmium and lead could play a role in the development of CKDu, and these metals have previously been found in unsafe concentrations in Sri Lankan rice. Traditional varieties of Sri Lankan rice remain popular due to their perceived health benefits, but their uptake of trace and toxic heavy metals remained unexplored. Here, we report a one-time, cross-sectional dataset on the concentrations of essential and toxic elements present in eleven samples of polished and unpolished traditional rice varieties, all regularly grown and sold in the Anuradhapura district, a CKDu hotspot. All rice was sourced from the same farm, with the exception of one store bought sample grown on another, unidentified farm. Cadmium concentrations varied significantly between varieties, and potentially unsafe concentrations of cadmium were detected in the store-bought sample (Suwadel, 113±13 μg kg-1). Elemental imaging of the grains revealed lead to be stored mainly in the rice bran, which is removed during polishing, while cadmium was distributed in the edible portion of the grain. Essential elements were generally higher in the traditional rice varieties than those reported for non-traditional varieties and are a potential source of trace elements for nutrient-deficient communities. The concentration of selenium, an element that plays a protective role in the kidneys, was too low to provide the minimum recommended intake. The methods developed in this study could be applied to a more comprehensive study of elemental uptake of rice under controlled growing conditions.

Interactions between enzyme preparations and trace element sources on growth performance and intestinal health of broiler chicks

This experiment was conducted to explore the interactions between enzyme preparations and trace element sources on growth performance and intestinal health of broilers chicks. A total of 480 one-day-old healthy male yellow-feather broilers with similar weight were randomly arranged in a 2×2 factorial design with 2 kinds of compound trace element sources (inorganic [I] and organic [O] trace element supplemented with 80, 8, 60, 40, 0.15 mg/kg of Fe, Cu, Mn, Zn, and Se, respectively) and 2 levels of enzyme preparations (0 and 200 mg/kg). The 4 groups named I, O, IE, and OE with 6 replicates and 20 birds per replicate. The trail lasted for 28 days. Results showed that the average weight (ABW), average daily gain (ADG) of broilers in IE and OE groups significantly increased while the F/G significantly decreased as compared with group I and O (P < 0.05). Enzyme preparation supplementation, regardless of the trace element sources, significantly increased the duodenal and jejunal endogenous enzyme (e.g., Try and AACT) activity, and improved the morphology and jejunal barrier function evidenced by the increased villus height and MUC-2 mRNA expression (P < 0.05). Sequencing data manifested that enzyme preparations favorably modulated the cecal microflora by increasing bacterial diversity and abundance of short-chain fatty acid (SCFA)-producing bacteria (e.g., Anaerostipes, Anaerofusis, and Pygmaioactor), while decreasing the abundance of harmful bacteria (e.g., Desulfovibrio). Factorial analysis indicated that there were no interactions between enzyme preparation and trace element sources on growth performance and intestinal health of broiler chicks. In conclusion, dietary supplementation with enzyme preparations, regardless of the trace element sources, could enhance endogenous enzyme activity, improve intestinal morphology and barrier functions, and favorably modulate the cecal microflora, thereby improving the intestinal health and growth performance of broiler chicks.

Trace Elements Concentrations in Urban Air in Helsinki, Finland during a 44-Year Period

The atmospheric concentrations of seventeen elements were measured in air filters at the Finnish Meteorological Institute station in Helsinki, Finland, during a period of 44 years (1962–2005). The mean annual concentrations were calculated and are presented from the lowest values to the highest ones Cr &lt; Ni &lt; Ti &lt; Br &lt; V &lt; Mn &lt; Cu &lt; Zn &lt; Cl &lt; Al &lt; Fe &lt; K &lt; Ca &lt; Na &lt; Pb &lt; Si &lt; S. Most of the elements (Fe, Si, Ti, K, Ca, Zn, Br, Pb, V, Ni, S, Cr, Na, Al, and Cl) present higher values during spring and winter season, while in summer the elements (Ti, Ca, S, and Na) are found in higher concentrationsdue to the weather conditions across seasons and the sources and emissions of air pollutants. There is a strong correlation between the elements (V-Ni, Si-Pb, Fe-Ca, V-Cr, Si-K, K-Ca, Fe-Ti, K-Na, Si-Ca, and V-S), indicating their common source. The identification of the sources of trace elements was performed based on positive matrix factorization analysis, using SoFi software. Four Suspended Particulate Matter (PM) sources were identified: road dust (due to usage of leaded fuel), heavy oil combustion/secondary sulfates, traffic emissions, and natural dust (soil). For the total of 44 years studied, significant decreases in concentrations were observed for all elements, most of which were over 50%: Na (−74%), Al (−86%), Si (−88%), S (−82%), K (−82%), Ca (−89%), Ti (−80%), V (−89%), Cr (−82%), Mn (−77%), Fe (−77%), Ni (−61%), Zn (−72%), and Pb (−95%). In general, a significant decline has been observed in the majority of the elemental concentrations since the end of the 1970s, underlying the effectiveness of different environmental policies that have been applied during the last few decades.