Trace Elements Research Articles

Tracing the Genesis and Mineralization Mechanism of the Xiejiagou Pb‒Zn Deposit in Gansu, China: Insights from Trace Element Analysis, Fluid Inclusion Studies, and the Sulfur Isotopic Composition

Tracing the Genesis and Mineralization Mechanism of the Xiejiagou Pb‒Zn Deposit in Gansu, China: Insights from Trace Element Analysis, Fluid Inclusion Studies, and the Sulfur Isotopic Composition

The onset of Paleo-Pacific subduction: Key evidence from the Kaishantun Accretionary Complex, northeastern Eurasia

Subduction of the Paleo-Pacific oceanic lithosphere has dominated the tectonic evolution of northeastern Eurasia since the Mesozoic. We document the time of subduction initiation based on the age, character, and paleogeographic record of the Jilin-Yanji Suture that separates the Jiamusi-Khanka Block (of Northeast China) from the northeastern North China Craton. The suture contains a series of accretionary complexes that provide abundant information for elucidating the evolution of the oceanic plates. Zircon U-Pb and Lu-Hf isotope, as well as zircon trace element data, from nine sedimentary rock samples from the Kaishantun Accretionary Complex in the easternmost segment of the Jilin-Yanji Suture document a volcanic arc setting in the end-Permian to Middle Triassic (255−244 Ma) involving the addition of juvenile crust. Based on our new data and previous studies, we propose that southwestern-directed subduction of the Jilin-Heilongjiang Ocean dominated the evolution of regional tectonics between 260 Ma and 230 Ma, which resulted in the formation of arc-related volcano-sedimentary rocks and the generation of accretionary complexes within the Jilin-Yanji Suture. The Paleo-Pacific Ocean started to subduct beneath northeastern Eurasia at ca. 235 Ma, which accelerated the closure of the Jilin-Heilongjiang Ocean and provided the major driving force for the final amalgamation of the northeastern North China Craton and the Jiamusi-Khanka Block.

Assessing the sources and spatiotemporal variability of dissolved trace elements in the upper Nakdong River based on multivariate analysis

Various sources associated with mining activities adversely affect water quality in aquatic ecosystems. This study aimed to estimate the sources of dissolved trace elements (DTEs: Al, As, B, Ba, Cd, Co, Cr, Cs, Cu, Fe, Li, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Rb, Sb, U, and Zn) affecting water chemistry in the upper Nakdong River (UNR) catchment and determine the hydrological processes associated with the inflow from anthropogenic sources. Hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) and principal component analysis (PCA) were employed to estimate main sources affecting water chemistry and its spatiotemporal variability in the four tributaries and main channel of the UNR. Water samples were classified into four groups based on their chemistry. The spatiotemporal variations of DTEs were driven by the presence of anthropogenic sources (including smelters, AMD, mining-related sources), while running toward downstream. The correlations among PCA (and HCA), Zn as smelter impact, and deuterium excess (d-excess = δ2H – 8 × δ18O) indicated that smelters had a strong influence on water chemistry in the main channel after passing through the smelter. In the dry season, d-excess < ~12 ‰ was observed with increasing Zn levels and factor score for PC2, especially samples influenced by DTEs from smelter, indicating that groundwater affected by the smelters recharged mainly by summer rainwater impacted the spatiotemporal variability of DTEs. This multivariate study suggests that the spatiotemporal variation in DTEs is associated with the complex contributions of natural and anthropogenic sources to water chemistry, which are strongly influenced by hydrological processes and seasonality.

Erythrocyte trace element concentrations in critically ill children with sepsis

Erythrocyte trace element concentrations in critically ill children with sepsis

Magnetic solid-phase extraction of trace elements in water and fish using greenly synthesized MnFe2O4 @ Cabbage hydrochar/Chitosan ternary composite

A new analytical method for determining lead, cadmium, and copper in water and fish was established employing a novel synthesized magnetic eco-friendly ternary nano-composite adsorbent of manganese ferrite@cabbage hydrochar/chitosan (MnFe2O4@CBH/CTS). Cabbage leaves were employed as a green fuel, acting as a reducing and capping agent in the green manufacture of manganese-ferrite nanoparticles, and then hydrothermally carbonized to form hydrochar. The novel material underwent FT-IR, XRD, SEM, EDX, and BET investigation, revealing a micro-porous surface. The magnetic solid-phase extraction (MSPE) technique was used to enrich the samples and separate the matrix for GFAAS analysis. The impact of adsorption factors such as pH, extraction duration, metal ion concentration, and interference from coexisting ions were examined. Based on a preconcentration factor of 50, the method demonstrated LOD (3σ/m) ranging from 6-18ngL-1, linearity (ng L-1) from 48-450 (Pb), 20-180 (Cd) and 59-300 (Cu), and precision (RSD, n=3) of 1.8-3.9% (1.0μgL-1) and 3.0-4.6% (10μgL-1). The approach was effectively applied to the analysis of tested elements in water and marine fish samples, with spiked sample recoveries above 95% and an RSD of less than 5.4%.

Impact of levetiracetam and ethanol on memory, selected neurotransmitter levels, oxidative stress parameters, and essential elements in rats.

Ethanol disrupts brain activity and memory. There is evidence supporting the beneficial effect of levetiracetam on alcohol consumption. Therefore, the aim of the study was to examine whether levetiracetam has a protective activity against ethanol-induced memory impairment, alterations in selected neurotransmission activities, oxidative stress, and selected essential elements in rats. The rats were given levetiracetam (300mg/kg b.w. po) with ethanol for three weeks prior to behavioral tests. Spatial memory was tested using the Morris water maze, while recognition memory was evaluated using the Novel object recognition test. The GABA and glutamate concentration was determined in three rat brain regions (cerebellum, hippocampus, and cerebral cortex). Serum oxidative stress parameters and selected essential elements concentration (Cu, Mn, Zn, Fe, Mg) in the rat brain were analyzed. Levetiracetam administered with ethanol improved spatial memory, but did not affect abstinence-induced impairment. The drug also decreased ethanol-induced long-term recognition memory impairment. No alterations in glutamate levels were observed. GABA levels were elevated by levetiracetam in the cerebral cortex and by ethanol in the cerebellum. Ethanol increased catalase activity (CAT) and decreased superoxide dismutase activity (SOD) in the serum. Levetiracetam significantly increased the activity of SOD. Alcohol disrupted the levels of trace elements (Mn, Zn, Mg) in the rat brain. Additionally, levetiracetam alone increased Mg, Fe, and Cu concentrations while all animals receiving the drug also had significantly lower concentrations of Zn. Levetiracetam had differential effects against ethanol-induced impairments. These findings could have important implications for future levetiracetam treatment in patients.

Tetrahedrite-(Hg) from the Litija deposit, Central Slovenia: Mineral chemistry insights into fluid evolution processes

For over a century, the main carrier of Silver in the Litija mineralisation has been debated, with fine-grained galena often identified as the primary host. The in-situ quantitative microanalysis of a silver-bearing ore from the Alma orebody reveals that silver is not hosted within the galena but occurs instead as inclusions within tetrahedrite-(Hg). The mechanism of silver incorporation in tetrahedrite is complex and may occur through atom-to-atom substitution, where monovalent silver replaces monovalent copper (Ag+ ↔ Cu+). Additionally, silver can be present as a separate phase, either as nanoscale inclusions of acanthite or through the replacement of pre-existing silver-rich chalcopyrite. Elemental correlations and minor variations in the element distribution within the studied tetrahedrite provide insights into the chemistry of the mineralizing fluid. These findings suggest an initial reducing, near-neutral, low-chlorinity fluid promoting incorporation of Sb3+ and Hg2+ into tetrahedrite. This fluid subsequently mixed with high-salinity, Cl-rich, near-neutral fluid transporting Zn2+. Sulfide precipitation introduced additional acidity in the mixed fluids, altering the pH and promoting As3+ and Zn2+ incorporation into tetrahedrite. We suggest that Hg2+ ↔ Zn2+ substitution in tetrahedrite is influenced by pH fluctuations and fluid mixing. These findings provide new insights into the geochemical processes governing trace element incorporation in sulfosalt minerals and offer valuable framework for understanding mineralization in similar hydrothermal systems worldwide.

Method validation of an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) assay for the analysis of magnesium, copper and zinc in red blood cells

BackgroundLaboratory measurements of trace elements such as magnesium (Mg), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn) in red blood cells (RBCs) are essential for assessing nutritional status and diagnosing metal toxicity. The purpose of this study was to develop and validate an ICP-MS method for quantifying these elements in RBCs. MethodsPacked RBCs were aliquoted and diluted in an alkaline diluent solution containing internal standards, 0.1 % Triton X-100, 0.1 % EDTA, and 1 % ammonium hydroxide. The resulting diluted specimen was analyzed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) to quantitatively determine the levels of Mg, Cu, and Zn. The method underwent validation for accuracy, precision, method comparison, linearity, analytical sensitivity, and carryover. Additionally, retrospective data were analyzed, and non-parametric reference intervals were calculated. ResultsAccuracy and linearity fell within the expected range of ≤±15 % for all analytes. Within-run, between-run, and total imprecision were ≤15 % coefficient of variation. All other validation experiments met the established acceptance criteria. Retrospective data analysis was conducted on patient samples using the method. The application of Tukey’s HSD test for multiple comparisons revealed statistically significant mean differences (p < 0.05) in Mg, Cu, and Zn concentrations between all pairwise groups of age and sex, except for the mean Cu concentration in adult males versus females and the mean Mg concentrations in adult versus minor males. ConclusionsThe presented method was successfully validated and met the criteria for clinical use. Retrospective data analysis of patient results demonstrated the method’s suitability for assessing nutritional deficiency and toxicity.

Crystallographic insights and crystal fractionation simulations of alkali- and water-bearing beryl: Implications for magmatic–hydrothermal evolution and Be enrichment mechanisms

Beryl, an economically significant mineral containing high concentrations of the critical metal Be, has been the subject of considerable characterization regarding its crystal structure and chemical composition. Despite this, discerning between alkali- and H2O-bearing beryls solely based on the alkali and water contents within the structural channels of beryl has remained a challenge. Additionally, the mechanisms that cause granitic melts to become enriched in Be remain ambiguous. Through comprehensive chemical and structural analyses of representative alkali-water-bearing beryl samples from Igla of East Egypt and Baishawo of South China, this contribution improves the beryl classification model and provides new perspectives on Be enrichment mechanisms. This analysis has demonstrated that a linear correlation exists between the water content and alkali content of hydrous beryls, and identified two distinct types of H2O molecules — Type I and II. Major elements are uniformly distributed throughout beryl grains, whereas trace elements exhibit core–rim zonation. Crystal–chemical characteristics of alkali- and water-bearing beryls provide valuable insights into pegmatite evolution, with implications for understanding mineralizing processes and formation conditions. The distributions of alkali metals, Mg, Mn and Fe in alkali-rich and H2O-rich (ARHR) beryl suggest that the pegmatite in the beryl-bearing zones is the product of magmatic metls. Low Fe/Mg ratios of alkali-poor and H2O-rich (APHR) beryl are associated with hydrothermal alkali-metasomatism. Using the Baishawo Be–Li–Nb–Ta pegmatite deposit as a case study, we utilize crystal fractionation simulations to demonstrate the alkali- and water-bearing beryls crystallized after high degrees of magma evolution. The study contributes to the classification of beryl varieties based on chemistry and structure, and provides new insights into Be enrichment mechanism in granitic melts and hydrothermal fluids.

Petrogenesis of episodic volcanic-intrusive rocks in SE China: Crystal-melt segregation and magma mixing

Crystal-melt segregation and magma mixing are key magmatic processes that generate compositional variabilities in igneous rocks. Distinguishing these processes can provide insight into the evolution of volcanic calderas and the driving force of plate subduction. Intensive episodic magmatism occurred in Southeast China during the Cretaceous, producing a series of volcanic-intrusive rocks during different magmatic stages in chain-like calderas. We conducted comprehensive petrological, geochemical, isotopic, and zircon trace element analyses on two representative calderas (Xiaoxiong and Shiniushan).The results show that the magmatism produced multistage volcanic and coexisting intrusive rocks regarding their crystallization ages (102–88 Ma) and NdHf isotopic compositions (zircon ɛHf(t) = −11.7 to −1.8, whole-rock εNd(t) = −8.3 to −2.4). The volcanic and intrusive rocks are related by fractional crystallization.In general, the erupted silicic rhyolitic rocks are characterized by distinctly negative Eu anomalies (δEu = 0.10–0.71) and depletions of Ba, Sr, P, and Ti, while the coexisting intrusive rocks show distinct or complementary geochemical signatures, such as neglectable Eu anomalies (δEu = 0.92–1.09) and positive Ba anomalies. Furthermore, the whole-rock samples from the calderas have variable δ41K values (from −0.14 ‰ to −0.59 ‰) that show strong correlations with indices of fractional crystallization such as Eu anomaly, Sr content, and K2O/Na2O ratios, indicating a key role of plagioclase during crystal-melt segregation. This is also supported by petrographic evidence for crystal accumulation such as the synneusis of plagioclase phenocrysts. Mafic microgranular enclaves in the volcanic-intrusive rocks indicate that magma recharge events occurred in the magma reservoir. Synthesizing these lines of evidence, we argue the multiple magmatism in plate subduction zone can be sustained by recharge events in the magma reservoir along with crystal-melt segregation processes. Particularly, the volcanic rocks tend to have isotopically lighter K than intrusive rocks, and strongly support that the volcanic rocks represent the extracted melt that is complementary to the cumulative intrusive rocks.

Semi-quantitative μLIBS mapping of germanium diffusion between metal and silicate during planetary core–mantle segregation

Understanding the distribution of elements between the cores and mantles of planetary bodies is essential for elucidating the geological and geochemical processes operating during their formation. Because the semi-metallic element Ge shows complex siderophile, chalcophile, and lithophile properties, it is particularly significant for investigating core–mantle segregation and ore deposit formation. Recent advancements in in situ microanalysis techniques, such as μLIBS, have enabled high-resolution elemental mapping of Ge and other trace elements.This study explores the application of μLIBS imaging to investigate the high-temperature/high-pressure distribution of Ge between metallic and silicate matrices analogous to planetary cores and mantles. By cross-calibrating the μLIBS intensities with electron microprobe profile analyses carried out on piston cylinder experimental samples, we produced semi-quantitative Ge maps from which we extracted Ge concentration profiles to assess Ge diffusion from the silicate to the metal. We determined, for the first time, the diffusion coefficient of Ge between metal and silicate to be D(Ge)metal = 4.03E−13 ± 3.6E−14 m2/s at 1 GPa and 1350 °C. Our results demonstrate the capability and efficiency of μLIBS for providing detailed, high-resolution (15 μm) trace element concentration data at few ppm levels, offering a time- and cost-effective alternative to conventional techniques.These findings bring insights on planetesimal differentiation and on chemical exchanges between metal and silicate phases in a magma ocean and between two different metal phases occurring at the bottom of the magma ocean during planetesimal formation.

Geochemical signature of hydrothermal alteration in surface rocks of Cerritos Colorados geothermal field of Mexico

Several reliable and extensively applied traditional geochemical, mineralogical, and petrography methods exist for identifying hydrothermal alteration of rocks. However, many of these methods require tedious and laborious sample preparation and analysis procedures. Therefore, there is a need for faster methods and reliable in their application. Binary diagrams of felsic vs mafic components, Na2O content, porosity, and permeability of the rocks are newer methods that are faster in their application and more reliable and have the potential to be considered for this purpose. These methods are successfully applied to the surface rocks of Cerritos Colorados Geothermal Field (CCGF) providing consistent results that are comparable to those obtained by extensively applied and highly reliable mineralogical and geochemical methods. Most of these altered rocks are from the formation of the Post-Tala Quaternary Lacustrine Sediments and are located near the faults and fumaroles. Evaluation of the results obtained by all applied methods confirms that the new methods are easy to measure and reliable, which can be useful as additional tools during the initial stage of geothermal exploration in identifying altered rocks and zones of hydrothermal alteration. Mass change values reveal the highest mobility for the major elements and the lowest mobility for the trace elements in the rocks of the study area.

Assessing the Precision and Accuracy of Foraminifera Elemental Analysis at Low Ratios

AbstractThe minor and trace element compositions of biogenic carbonates such as foraminifera are important tools in paleoceanography research. However, most studies have focused primarily on samples with element to calcium (El/Ca) ratios higher than the El/Ca range often found in benthic foraminifera. Here, we systematically assess the precision and accuracy of foraminifera elemental analysis across a wide range of El/Ca especially at relatively low ratios, using a method on a Thermo Scientific iCAP Qc quadrupole Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer (ICP‐MS). We focus on two benthic foraminifera species, Hoeglundina elegans and Cibicidoides pachyderma, and prepared a suite of solution standards based on their typical El/Ca ranges to correct for signal drift and matrix effects during ICP‐MS analysis and to determine analytical precision. We observe comparable precisions with published studies at high El/Ca, and higher relative standard deviations for each element at lower El/Ca, as expected from counting statistics. The overall long‐term analytical precision (2σ) of the H. elegans‐like consistency standard solutions was 6.5%, 4.6%, 5.0%, for Li/Ca, Mg/Ca, Mg/Li, and 6.4%, 10.0%, 4.2% for B/Ca, Cd/Ca, Sr/Ca. The precision for H. elegans‐like Mg/Li is equivalent to a temperature uncertainty of 0.5–1.1°C. Measurement precisions were also assessed based on three international standards (one solution and two powder standards) and replicate measurements of H. elegans and C. pachyderma samples. We provide file templates and program scripts that can be used to design calibration and consistency standards, prepare run sequences, and convert the raw ICP‐MS data into molar ratios.

Selecting Endogenous Promoters for Improving Biosynthesis of Squalene in Schizochytrium sp.

Squalene (C30H50) is an acyclic triterpenoid compound renowned for its myriad physiological functions, such as anticancer and antioxidative properties, rendering it invaluable in both the food and pharmaceutical sectors. Due to the natural resource constraints, microbial fermentation has emerged as a prominent trend. Schizochytrium sp., known to harbor the intact mevalonate acid (MVA) pathway, possesses the inherent capability to biosynthesize squalene. However, there is a dearth of reported key genes in both the MVA and the squalene synthesis pathways, along with the associated promoter elements for their modification. This study commenced by cloning and characterizing 13 endogenous promoters derived from transcriptome sequencing data. Subsequently, five promoters exhibiting varying expression intensities were chosen from the aforementioned pool to facilitate the overexpression of the squalene synthase gene squalene synthetase (SQS), pivotal in the MVA pathway. Ultimately, a transformed strain designated as SQS-3626, exhibiting squalene production 2.8 times greater than that of the wild-type strain, was identified. Finally, the optimization of nitrogen source concentrations and trace element contents in the fermentation medium was conducted. Following 120 h of fed-batch fermentation, the accumulated final squalene yield in the transformed strain SQS-3626 reached 2.2g/L.

Geochemical vectors for targeting hydrothermal gold mineralization in the Damang area, southwestern Ghana: Constraints from petrography, multi-element geochemistry and multivariate statistical analysis

The Damang Gold Mine in southwestern Ghana sits on two kinds of mineralization: the Tarkwaian paleoplacer and a hydrothermal type found within the Tarkwaian Group's meta-sedimentary rocks. Geochemical vectors related to the hydrothermal gold mineralization in the area are not well known. Therefore, this research was conducted to identify pathfinders for hydrothermal gold mineralization in the Damang area. A total of fifty (50) rock samples were collected from three diamond drill holes focusing on mineralized zones of the holes. The mineralogy of the host rocks was established using petrographic studies of twelve (12) selected representative drill core samples. Multi-element geochemical analysis of the host rocks (n = 50) involving Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) technique was conducted to quantify the trace element concentrations in the host rocks. The multi-element geochemical data was analyzed using multivariate statistics. The petrographic studies showed the abundance of quartz, biotite, pyrite, pyrrhotite, sericite, and minor amounts of feldspars (plagioclase and orthoclase). Al, Mg, Fe, and Ca dominated the geochemical data. The highest Au concentrations were found in Birimian quartz veins and the intrusive lithologies compared to the other lithologies in the region. Most of the data failed the Shapiro-Wilk and Kolmogorov-Smirnov tests. The deviations from normality were shown graphically by Q-Q plots. The centered log-ratio transformation was used to correct this, and the data tested again for normality. Spearman rank correlation showed a positive correlation between Te, Bi, U, Ba, Ag, and Au. When hierarchical cluster analysis was run, three clusters emerged with Au in the same cluster with Te, Ag, and Bi. Factor analysis served as a confirmatory test with Au in the same factor with Bi, Ag, and Te. Datamine Studio RM was used to create drillhole logs showing the anomalies of the three elements and Au with different lithologies downhole, which showed a similitude in the abnormal occurrences. Therefore, hydrothermal gold mineralization in the Damang area is related to Bi-Te-Ag-Au multi-element association.

Lithium affects sodium balance but not intestinal microbiota - studies in Drosophila melanogaster

BackgroundThe trace element lithium (Li) is known for its therapeutic mood-stabilizing application in humans, but also for its various bioactivities, which have been uncovered in model organisms. According to the literature, Li may interfere with the homeostasis of other minerals in mammals, namely sodium, calcium and magnesium. In addition, Li was found to influence the composition and diversity of the intestinal microbiota in vertebrates, an observation that may be related to the many bioactivities of Li. MethodsBased on these previous findings, we employed the model organism Drosophila melanogaster to decipher whether Li exhibits similar bioactivities in invertebrates. First, we examined the influence of increasing dietary Li supply (0 -100 mM LiCl) on the status of Li and ten other minerals via Inductively coupled plasma - mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) in heads and remaining body parts of the three wildtype strains w1118, Oregon-R-C and Canton-S. In addition, we investigated the potential impact of Li feeding (0, 0.1, 1mM LiCl) on the total bacterial load, α- and β-diversity via real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT q-PCR) and 16S rDNA sequencing in the intestines of female w1118. ResultsOur observations revealed that Li accumulates linearly in both sexes and all body parts of the three Drosophila strains as the dietary Li supply increases. While the status of most elements remained unchanged, the sodium levels of the fly also correlated positively with the Li content of the diet. The intestinal microbiota, however, remained largely unaffected by Li feeding in terms of both, bacterial load and diversity. ConclusionThese findings support the hypothesis that elevating the Li supply affects sodium homeostasis in Drosophila, a finding coherent with observations in mammals. Furthermore, our data opposes a possible involvement of the bacterial intestinal colonization in the bioactivity of Li in Drosophila.

Trace element selenium–augmented Kirschner wire with enhanced osteogenetic and antibacterial properties

The Kirschner wire (K-wire) is widely used in orthopedic external fixation due to its versatility and clinical effectiveness. However, a significant challenge associated with its use is the potential for bacterial migration, subsequent infection, and dislodgement as the wire penetrates the skin and bone. This study introduces a novel bioactive material, selenium/calcium silicate (Se/β-CS), achieved by integrating selenium—an essential trace element in the human body—into bioceramic calcium silicate. This integration was accomplished using a combined chemical co-deposition method and redox reaction. Furthermore, a uniform and controllable Se/β-CS coating was applied to the K-wire's surface using the Langmuir-Blodgett technique. This coating gradually releases active components—Si, Ca, and Se—that effectively eliminate bacterial infections and promote osteointegration. The findings of this study offer promising opportunities for the use of robust and multifunctional coating materials on implantable devices, particularly within the fields of orthopedics, transplantation, and surgery.

Removal of Airborne Particulate Matter by Evergreen Tree Species in Dhaka, Bangladesh

Urban air quality stands as a pressing concern in cities globally, with airborne particulate matter (PM) emerging as a significant threat to human health. An investigation was carried out to examine the potential of four prevalent evergreen roadside tree species grown at different locations in Dhaka to capture PM using their leaves. The distribution of PM by mass and quantity in Dhaka are presented for the first time for Bangladesh and these results will also be applicable to countries with similar climates and tree species. Separate gravimetric analyses were carried out to quantify PM in three different size ranges (0.2-2.5 μm, 2.5-10 μm, and 10-100 μm) accumulated on surfaces and trapped within waxes by using the rinse and weigh method. The method is validated for the first time through SEM-EDX analysis, which confirmed that the increase in weight from chloroform-rinsed leaves was exclusively attributable to particle deposition on the filter. The chemical composition of the deposited PM2.5 was analyzed quantitatively by determining the concentration of twenty-five trace elements employing ICP-MS. SEM-EDX analysis revealed the significance of leaf microstructural traits in effectively capturing PM. Significant variations in the deposition of PM were found among different species for two PM categories (surface PM and wax-embedded PM) and three size fractions (large, coarse, and fine) (one-way ANOVA; p<0.05). The quantity of wax retained on the foliage of trees documented in these locations also varied (p<0.05). Among the species studied, Ficus benghalensis demonstrated a greater ability to retain PM. Mangifera indica was identified to be the most efficient collector of wax-related PM and appears to be the ideal species for traffic-heavy areas distinguished by high concentrations of organic compounds from vehicle emissions.

Trace Element Intake and Major Adverse Kidney Outcomes in Critically Ill Patients with Severe Sepsis

Trace Element Intake and Major Adverse Kidney Outcomes in Critically Ill Patients with Severe Sepsis

Assessment of Ecological and Health Risks of Potentially Toxic Elements in Soil and Plant Under Long-Term Sewage Wastewater Irrigation.

This paper aimed to evaluate the ecological and health risks for some potentially toxic trace elements (PTEs) in agricultural soils irrigated with sewage wastewater for more than 50 years. Therefore, soil and plant samples were collected from 21 sites at sewage wastewater irrigated area and these samples were analyzed for their contents of PTEs i.e. Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, and Pb. The risks of PTEs pollution in the study area were analyzed using indices such as the individual and comprehensive potential ecological risk indices (Eri and RI, respectively), hazard quotient (HQ), hazard index (HI), and carcinogenic risk (CR) model. The results showed that the PTEs in soil samples ranged from 1.70 to 9.90mg/kg for Cd, from 39.9 to 183.4mg/kg for Cr, from 31.5 to 655.1mg/kg for Cu, from 18.8 to 113.1mg/kg for Ni and from 5.4 to 65.4mg/kg for Pb. The results also demonstrated that the soil samples were characterized by high to very high ecological risk for Cd. According to the health risk assessment, the mean HQ and HI of the PTEs in soil for adults and children were below the risk threshold of 1, indicating no risk for non-carcinogenic health effects. However, the HI of PTEs via plant consumption was > 1, suggesting a non-carcinogenic health risk. The CR for most plant samples was above the acceptable range. These findings may offer helpful information regarding the ecological and human risks related to PTEs exposure in soil and plants irrigated with wastewater under arid conditions.