Trace Elements Cr Research Articles

Determination of Cr, Se, Ge, and V in Hypothyroidism Patients by Using Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectrometry and mixture matrix modification

A simple, accurate and rapid method was developed for routine determination of trace elements in blood serum. The method based on the direct determination for Cr, Se, Ge, and V in hypothyroidism patients before therapy. By using atomic absorption spectrometry with graphite surface coated and uncoated pyrolysis GF-AAS, and a mixture of palladium nitrate and magnesium nitrate as the matrix modifier, with deuterium background correction and no sample pretreatment except dilution was necessary. This permitted direct determination hence the risk of sample contamination was reduced. Further, the use of graphite surface-coated GF-AAS decreased the ashing and atomization temperatures of Cr, Ge, and V to values that were lesser than the corresponding values obtained using uncoated pyrolysis GF-AAS, by 100°C; in case of Se, the atomization temperature decreased to a value that was 200°C lesser than that obtained using uncoated pyrolysis GF-AAS.
 A mixture of (3µL) palladium nitrate, and (2µL) magnesium nitrate was successfully applied to improve the sensitivity, reproducibility, recovery, limit of detection and the accuracy of the measurements. The correlation coefficients of the calibration curves of Cr, Se, Ge, and V were found to be (0.9999, 0.9999, 0.9995 and 0.9999) respectively, the relative standard deviation of the measurements for Cr, Se, Ge and V were (0.027, 0.075, 0.054 and 0.068) respectively. The statistical analysis of the acquired data showed acceptable accuracy. The analyses thus performed indicated that the levels of serum trace elements Cr, Se, Ge, and V in hypothyroidism patients were lower than those in the control group.

Size Distribution of Chemical Components of Particulate Matter in Lhasa

To explore the contributions of chemical components in the particulate matter in Lhasa, the size distribution characteristics of the chemical components, such as carbonaceous species (organic carbon, OC; elemental carbon, EC), water-soluble ions (NH4+, Cl−, SO42−, and NO3−) and trace elements (Na, Ca, Al, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, K, Mg, and Pb), were investigated from August 2018 to May 2019. Principal component analysis (PCA) was also used to simulate the source of the particulate matter. The chemical components showed bimodal size distributions, except for Cu. The highest mass concentration of OC appeared at < 0.49 μm, and the second highest one existed at 1.5–3.0 μm in winter or at 3.0–7.2 μm in other seasons. The maximum concentrations of NH4+, Cl−, SO42−, and NO3− were at < 0.49 μm and peaked at 0.95–1.5 μm or > 3.0 μm. For seasonality, the concentrations of NO3− and SO42− were considerably higher in summer and autumn; trace elements (except for Cu, Zn, V, and Ni), OC, and EC presented higher values during late autumn and winter. The ratio between OC and EC (4.15–33.80) indicated the existence of secondary pollution in Lhasa. The [NO3−]–[SO42−] ratios during summer and autumn exceeding 1 suggested that the currently predominant vehicle exhaust made a greater contribution to the aerosols. According to the results of a PCA, the main pollution sources of particulate matter in Lhasa were suspended dust, biomass burning, fossil fuel combustion, secondary pollution, and vehicular emissions.

Seasonal variation, contribution and dynamics of trace elements in the drainage basin and estuary of the Serinhaém river, BA

In the present study a mass balance calculation was used to quantify trace elements (Al, Ba, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Pb, Ti, V and Zn) fluxes exported from the Serinhaém River estuary to the Atlantic Ocean. The studied elements exportation in the particulate fraction showed higher fluxes in the first sampling campaign and a high export rate to the Atlantic Ocean during this period. The physical-chemical parameters showed the highest values in sampling campaign 1. These variations are probably the cause of the different trace elements behavior in fluvial and estuarine areas, where removal and addition processes between particulate and dissolved phases took place, affecting distribution coefficient and fluxes to the Atlantic Ocean. EPA ecosystems present values in accordance with Brazilian legislation for pristine areas, however, monitoring programs must be carried out in the region, to avoid future environmental problems.

Effect of Radionuclides and Trace Elements on Antioxidant System of Brown Seaweeds.

Ecological effects in marine living can be understood via the determination of antioxidant molecules in aquatic organisms against pollutants. This study aims to evaluate the radionuclides and trace element stress with response molecules. Cystoseira crinita and Halopteris scoparia have been chosen as study materials because of their susceptibility to pollution. The radionuclides 210Po, 238U, 232Th and 40K and trace elements Al, Fe, Mn, Cr, As, Zn and Pb levels were analysed as well as antioxidants and antioxidant enzymes in two brown algae, seasonally. Marine pollutants in terms of radionuclides and trace elements were correlated with antioxidant molecules in these species and may be used as biomarkers for assessing the radioactive stress. The 210Po and Mn concentrations in C. crinita seem to activate catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) enzyme activities while 210Po concentrations inclined the proline amount in H. scoparia. This study demonstrated the radiation stress-induced the antioxidant defence system in macroalgae, the primary producers of the marine environment.

Gemological and Mineralogical Characteristics of Emerald from Ethiopia

Ethiopia has been gaining attention in recent years as an emerging source of high-quality emerald. Ethiopian emerald samples with different colors ranging from dark green to light green were selected to study the gemological properties, chemical composition, and spectral characteristics. The Ethiopian emeralds were examined using conventional gemological instruments, including X-ray fluorescence spectrometry, LA-ICP-MS, UV/Vis/NIR, infrared spectrometry, and Raman spectrometry, providing a wealth of data and research information related to Ethiopian emeralds. The EDXRF results show that the chemical composition of Ethiopian emeralds is distinctly regional compared to emeralds of Colombian origin, being low in Cr, low in V, and high in Fe. LA-ICP-MS results demonstrate consistent results for Cr (734.34 to 1644.3 ppmw), V (89.61 to 106.61 ppmw), and Fe (4468.04 to 5022.3 ppmw) based on the chemical composition analysis by EDXRF. In addition, the LA-ICP-MS assay revealed that the combination of alkali metals (Li, Na, K, Rb, and Cs) and some trace elements (Sc, V, Cr, and Fe) could distinguish the Ethiopian emeralds from those from other regions. The Ethiopian emerald had absorption of Fe2+, Cr3+, V3+, and Fe3+, and the typical absorption intensity of Fe2+ (around 850 nm) was higher than that of Fe3+ (around 371 nm) in the UV/Vis/NIR spectra. The infrared spectrum of samples indicated that the absorption of type II H2O was higher than type I H2O in the emeralds from Ethiopia, which is consistent with the high content of alkali metals detected by LA-ICP-MS that would lead to an increase in the content of type II H2O. The Raman spectra showed absorption at 410 cm−1, 569 cm−1, 687 cm−1, 995 cm−1, and 1067 cm−1, with an emerald species recognition pattern. The gas–liquid two-phase inclusions of the emerald in this area were mainly CO2 and H2O, and the samples contained typical dark inclusions of magnesium-rich biotite sheets that revealed the tectonic-magmatic-related geological environment in this region.

Secondary fluorescence effect quantification of EPMA analyses of olivine grains embedded in basaltic glass

Trace element analysis of olivine is challenging but vital, since trace elements in olivine can potentially record crystallization conditions and, correspondingly, conditions of magma generation, evolution, and transport dynamics. Electron microprobe analysis (EPMA) is one of the most widely used methods for trace element analysis in olivine for many reasons including but not limited to high-spatial resolution and high precision. EPMA protocols with high-beam currents and long-counting times provide accurate trace element concentrations with low-detection limits. However, these protocols neglect the effect of secondary fluorescence (SF) across phase boundaries, which may lead to fictitious analytical results when analyses are performed near other phases. In these cases, obtaining accurate EPMA data requires correction of SF effects from the adjacent or surrounding phase. In this study, the contents of olivine trace elements Ca, Ni, Mn, Ti, Cr, and Al have been measured in run products of experimental high-temperature studies on mafic magmatic systems consisting of olivine grains embedded in basaltic glass. Olivine grain fragments with known composition, were embedded in basaltic powder, and heated to 1250 °C in 1-atm vertical gas-mixing furnace for a few minutes and quenched. EPMA analyses of the olivine grains before and after the experiments were used to quantify the effect of SF, which was found to be most significant for Ca and Ti, and to a lesser extend for Al, and to depend on the distance from the interface, olivine grain geometry, accelerating voltage, and olivine and glass compositions. By combining our experimental results with systematic SF calculations performed with the Monte Carlo simulation program PENEPMA, analytical expressions that give the apparent Ca, Ti, and Al concentrations due to SF in equant olivine grains embedded in basaltic glass were derived. These equations, which allow for a rapid correction of SF effects, are used to assess the average overestimation due to SF of olivine analyses included in current experimental databases, which might be the source of major discrepancies observed in petrological tools utilizing trace element contents in olivine.

Geochemometrics of primordial radionuclides and their potential radiological risk in coastal sediments of Southeast Coast of India

In recent years, the contamination of the earth's materials with radioactive elements as naturally occurring radioactive material has been a source of concern. This study is aimed at the environmental radioactivity of beach sediments and the gamma dose levels along the south-eastern coastal region of the Indian subcontinent, from the Palar River mouth (Kadalur Kuppam) to the Pulicat Lake or Pazhaverkadu coast. Furthermore, to analyze the gamma dosage level, as well as the spatial variation of the activity concentrations of 238U, 232Th, and 4 K, as well as the acid-leachable trace elements Ni, Pb, Mn, Zn, Cu, Co, Fe, and Cr in coastal sediments. In addition, radiological risk and hazard indices are assessed in the study domain. The MiniTRACE CSDF survey meter was used to determine the ambient gamma dose level and the activity concentration of primordial radionuclides (238U, 232Th, and 4 K) was quantified using gamma-ray spectroscopy with a NaI (Tl) detector, as well as trace elements studied in atomic absorption spectroscopy. The primordial radionuclides activity concentration (238U, 232Th, and 4 K) in collected coastal sediments of the proposed region were found in the range of ≤3–1953, ≤3–1180, and 41–753 Bq/kg, respectively. The annual effective dose rate was found in the order of 4 K > 232Th > 238U. Based on the geochemometric approach, the data collected for various radiological parameters were combined with radiological risk indices, and trace element concentrations were compared on a regional and global scale. The current study could provide a new research pathway in the areas of coastal monitoring, environmental health, and radiation safety measures.

Trace elements in surface sediments from Xinyanggang River of Jiangsu Province, China: Spatial distribution, risk assessment and source appointment

The Xinyanggang River in Yancheng City, one of the essential rivers entering the Yellow sea, has imported abundant pollutants to the coast of Jiangsu Province. Trace elements (Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Rb, Sr, Mo, Pb, Th, U, Sc, Ga, Se, Zr, Nb, and Sn) in surface sediments in the Xinyanggang River were measured to analyze the spatial distribution, risk assessment, and source appointment. The results showed that the parts of 17 trace elements presented high average values in river sediments, such as Zr (309.19 mg/kg), Sr (182.72 mg/kg), Zn (77.67 mg/kg), and Cr (70.63 mg/kg). Compared with some coastal rivers, the Xinyanggang River was polluted by certain trace elements, such as Cr, Zn, and As. Based on the analysis of the enrichment factor (EF), the contamination factor (CF), the pollution load index (PLI), and the geoaccumulation index (Igeo), trace elements in sediments showed unpolluted to moderate contamination and mild to moderate enrichment. Among them, Zn, Pb, and Sn were highly polluted. The multivariate analysis, the principal component analysis-multiple linear regression (APCS-MLR) model, and the Unmix model identified four contributing trace element sources. Cr, Th, U, Se, Zr, and Nb originated from manufacturing industries and hydrodynamic transport erosion. Ni, Rb, Sc, and Ga were attributed to natural source. Cu, Zn, Mo, Pb, and Sn were contributed from mixed sources including industrial wastewater and transportation emissions. As and Sr were associated mainly with mixed sources of agriculture and combustion. These four sources of metals accounted for 22.5 %, 5.7 %, 15.3 %, and 11.1 % by using the APCS-MLR model, whereas 22.9 %, 39.7 %, 17.5 %, and 19.9 % by using the Unmix model, respectively.

Geochemical Criteria for Discriminating Shallow and Deep Environments in Oligocene-Miocene Succession, Western Iraq

The geochemical study of the Oligocene-Miocene succession Anah, Euphrates, and Fatha formations, western Iraq, was carried out to discriminate their depositional environments. Different major and trace patterns were observed between these formations. The major elements (Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn, K, and Na) and trace elements (Li, V, Cr, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Ga, Rb, Sr, Zr, Cs, Ba, Hf, W, Pb, Th, and U) are a function of the setting of the depositional environments. The reefal facies have lower concentrations of MgO, Li, Cr, Co, Ni, Ga, Rb, Zr, and Ba than marine and lagoonal facies but have higher concentrations of CaO, V, and Sr than it. Whereas dolomitic limestone facies are enriched V, and U while depletion in Li, Cr, Ni, Ga, Rb, Sr, Zr, Ba, and Pb Conversely, the lagoonal facies are rich in clay minerals and associated trace elements Li, V, Cr, Co, Ni, Cu, Ga, Rb, Zr, Ba, and Pb.

Trace Elements in Blood of Sea Ducks from Dutch Harbor and Izembek Lagoon, Alaska

Abstract In 2001, we collected whole blood from sea ducks—Steller's eider Polysticta stelleri, harlequin duck Histrionicus histrionicus, black scoter Melanitta nigra, and long-tailed duck Clangula hyemalis—wintering at Dutch Harbor, Alaska, and from Steller's eiders molting at Izembek Lagoon on the Alaska Peninsula. Analysis of blood samples was done for 19 trace elements, of which 17 were detected in one or more samples. In Steller's eiders, mean concentrations of six trace elements (As, B, Fe, Hg, Se, and Mo) were greater at Dutch Harbor and mean concentrations of four trace elements (Cr, Cu, Mg, and Zn) were greater at Izembek Lagoon. Among sea ducks at Dutch Harbor, mean concentrations of five trace elements (Cu, Hg, Se, Zn, and V) differed by species: Steller's eiders had greater concentrations of Cu, Zn, and V in their blood; black scoters had the highest concentration of Se; and harlequin ducks had the highest Hg level, with a mean concentration slightly above a threshold effect level. One Steller's eider and one harlequin duck from Dutch Harbor had blood Pb levels above background concentrations. We have no observations to indicate that concentrations of these trace elements were associated with adverse effects.

Investigation of Serum Trace Element Levels in Sheep in Diyarbakır Province and Districts

Background: In this study, the serum of sheep raised on pasture in the province and districts of Diyarbakır was tested for concentrations of the essential trace elements Cr, Cu, Se, Zn, Co, Mn, ultra-trace elements like Ni, V and Ag and non-essential toxic trace elements like Al, Pb, As, Cd and Ti. Methods: The animals used in the study consisted of 313 healthy sheep at the end of lactation obtained from different districts of Diyarbakır. The closed system method of wet decomposition was used to transfer serum trace elements to the soluble phase in blood samples. Serum trace elements were analyzed using an ICP-MS device. Result: This study contributed to obtaining normal levels of Al, Ag, Ni, Ti and V trace elements in ewes at the end of lactation. It was observed that there was no difference between all districts in terms of serum Al, Ni, Cu and Zn trace element levels. In the study, differences were found in the serum Cr, Se, As and Cd trace element levels of sheep between the districts; however, it was determined that no significant deficiency or excess occurred and these levels were within normal limits. The Co and Mn levels we obtained in Diyarbakýr are much lower than the average levels reported by the researchers. We can say that the addition of Co and Mn trace elements in appropriate proportions to the rations of animals can positively affect animal health and productivity.

Comparison of trace element concentrations in paired formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded and frozen human placentae

IntroductionThere is increasing interest in measuring metals concentrations in human placentas to better understand physiology, disease, and toxic and diagnostic exposures. For these purposes, formalin-fixed paraffin embedded (FFPE) tissues obtained at clinical pathology examination represent a valuable potential store of well-characterized tissues for analysis. However, the limited data that exist comparing metal concentrations in FFPE tissue to recently collected frozen tissues paints a confusing picture, and there is no published data directly comparing frozen and FFPE placental villus tissues. MethodsPaired samples of fresh frozen and FFPE tissue from 22 rapidly processed human singleton placentae were weighed and digested using standard clean laboratory procedures and subsequently analyzed for a suite of 13 metals using a PerkinElmer DRC II ICP-MS. The analytical results were compared using either a paired t-test or a sign test depending on data normality. ResultsConcentrations of metals (aluminum (Al), arsenic (As), barium (Ba), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), gadolinium (Gd), mercury (Hg), manganese (Mn), lead (Pb), strontium (Sr), and zinc (Zn)) measured in both types of tissue preparations (frozen and FFPE) displayed a consistent range with other studies and did not display significantly different values from each of the paired specimens for any of the 13 specific metals analyzed. DiscussionWithin placentae, metals concentrations of measured trace, toxic and diagnostic elements (Al, As, Ba, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Gd, Hg, Mn, Pb, Sr, and Zn) are consistent between FFPE and fresh placental villus tissue, without indications of systematic element loss or bias. FFPE from archived pathology specimens may offer an important and convenient alternative for measuring trace metals in human frozen placental tissues.

Source Apportionment of Chemical Elements and Their Geochemical Baseline Values in Surface Water of the Parauapebas River Basin, Southeast Amazon, Brazil

The present work aims to evaluate the chemical quality and establish the geochemical baseline values of elements in the surface waters of the Parauapebas River basin (PRB), which is one of the major subbasins in the Itacaiúnas River watershed (IRW) located in the Brazilian Amazon. A total of 327 surface water samples were collected during the rainy and dry seasons in 2017. Results indicate that waters are slightly acidic to alkaline (pH 6 to 8), and there was a strong influence of the seasonal variation on water quality, with higher values of turbidity, Fe, Al, Mn, TDS, etc. in the rainy season. Two geochemical baseline types for the PRB were defined, i.e., ‘conservative baseline’ (CB), represented by the cumulative frequency curve, and the ‘environmental baseline’ (EB), comprising the sum of natural and diffuse anthropogenic contributions, represented by the 98th percentile. Except Fe, Mn and Al, the CB and EB values of various trace elements (Ba, Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, Rb, Sn, Sr, Ti, V and Zn) were lower than the recommended limits of CONAMA 357/05—class 2. The principal component analysis (PCA) identified the major geochemical association (Al-Ti-Cu-Cr-Ni-V), which is an imprint of the local geological setting. Ni and Cr showed enrichment at sites where mafic and ultramafic rocks are concentrated, while Cu concentration is mainly associated with the north and south mineralization belts. High concentrations of Fe and Mn are characteristic of the waters of this region and this is mostly influenced by specific land use activities and intense weathering/erosion of catchment materials. At the upper Parauapebas, anthropogenic contributions associated with soil use and occupation were also important along with the geogenic effects. The obtained results regarding sources of contaminants in some microbasins can be taken as a starting point for future studies on the environmental quality of the region’s water resources.

Concentration of Macroelements and Trace Elements in Farmed Fallow Deer Antlers Depending on Age.

The mineral content of the antlers reflects the nutritional status and specific stage of bone growth in cervid males. Therefore, this research aimed to analyze the concentration of Ca, P, Mg, K, Na, Li, V, Cr, Mn, Co, Cu, Zn, Se and Mo in three characteristic antler positions selected based on the observation of fights between males. These were compared between farmed fallow deer (Dama dama) of different ages. The mineral compositions of tissues were analyzed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The highest mean concentrations of macroelements (except K) were recorded in the youngest animals aged 2 or 3 years in the proximal position of the antlers. With age and distance from the skull, Ca, P, Mg and Na contents decreased, while K increased. Higher mean concentrations of most trace elements (Cr, Mn, Co, Cu, Zn) were recorded in 3-year-old animals in antler distal positions. With an increase in the age, body mass and antler mass of fallow deer, the concentration of Ca, P, Mg, K, Mn, Cu and Zn decreased (−0.414 ≤ R ≤ −0.737, p < 0.05) in the studied tissue, whereas Li increased (0.470 ≤ R ≤ 0.681, p < 0.05). The obtained results confirm that the antlers’ chemical composition changes with age, also changing the Ca:P ratio.

Hydrochemical and Biological study of surface water in Al-Kut city

In this study, physicochemical and biological examinations of water samples were performed. These analyses included measuring the pH, EC, TDS, TSS, DO, BOD, and COD. Turbidity was also measured. Along with the primary cations and anions, heavy metals such as Fe, Mn, Zn, Cd, Cu, Co, Pb, Ni, Cr, As, Mo, Hg, Al, Li, Be, Se, V, U, and Sr are included. The study of hydrochemistry incorporates both the geochemistry of the surface water in Al-Kut city as well as the water from the Tigris River that is discharged into the main river. There are a total of sixteen surface water samples that have been collected. These samples have been dispersed as sixteen from the Tigris River portion of the study region separately, which discharged onto the main river. In order to evaluate the quality of the water for a variety of applications, physicochemical parameters of water samples are tested, and the results of those analyses are compared to both Iraqi and international standards. The findings support the hypothesis that the pH of the Tigris River ranges from neutral to slightly alkaline. It is characterized by having slightly brackish water and an abundance of Ca2+ and SO4 =, which are the predominant ions in the water. In the Tigris River, the cations are arranged in the following order: Ca2+ Na+> Mg2+>K+, and the anions are organized as follows: SO4 = > Cl- > HCO3 -. The Tigris River in the city of Al-Kut was contaminated with PO4 3- and NO3. The concentrations of the trace elements Al, As, Sr, Mn, Fe, Li, Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Co, Pb, Zn, Mo, V, and Ba in the Tigris River are all within the acceptable limits, with the exception of Sr and b, which both exceed these limits. Trace elements appear to be concentrated in the Tigris River. According to BOD, the situation with the Tigris River is critical. The BOD and COD readings were visibly affected by the various forms of excreta that were not treated in the waste water. Because the water in the Tigris River is high in salinity (both TDS and EC) and nutrients, it cannot be used for drinking. However, the water may be used for irrigation, and its quality ranges from acceptable to outstanding.

Hydrochemistry of the Injana Unconfined Aquifer in Ameriat Al-Falluja, Iraq

Water samples were collected from 15 wells in Ameriat Al-Falluja, in two periods in order to study the groundwater hydrochemistry characteristics and evaluation the quality of the groundwater to determine their suitability for different uses. Hydrochemistry includes analyses of major constituents (Na+, Mg2+, Ca2+, K+, Cl-, SO42-and HCO3-), and minor ionic (NO3-, PO4-3) as well as trace elements (Cu, Mn, Pb, Ni, Cd, Cr, and Zn). The results indicate that Ca2+ is the most common cation, which could be due to carbonate rock dissolution, and that SO42- is the most common anion, which could be due to the presence of gypsum and anhydrite in the Fatha Fn., which is the underlying the Injana Formation. Trace elements Cu, Mn, Cr, and Zn were all below the permissible limits, while Pb, Ni, and Cd exceeded them. According to the salinity, groundwater samples for two periods were classified as excessively mineralized water, while they were categorized as brackish water, except the sample no. 5 in the dry period, which was salty due to the Total Dissolved Solids values. During the two periods, the groundwater was also categorized as very hard water. CaSO4, CaCl, NaCl, and Na2SO4 are the most prevalent salts in the water samples from both times. For two periods, the chloride-sulfate type of groundwater was present. The findings of the investigations show that the groundwater is unfit for human consumption but it is ideal for irrigation.

Regularities of distribution of microelements in virgin and arable chernozem under the impact of mining

The total content of trace elements Cu, Pb, Cr, Ba and Sr in soils and in parent rocks in the vicinity of a mining plant (Lebedinsky GOK) in virgin and arable areas composed of tittypic chernozems was studied. The studied trace elements are heavy metals and can enter the soil when fertilizing. The tailings dump of Lebedinsky GOK has the greatest impact on the site. The obtained results were compared with the clarks of soils, maximum permissible, approximately permissible and local background concentrations. In the studied soils, accumulation of Cu (Кк = 1.45-2.05) and Cr (Кк = 1.44-1.74) is most pronounced, while dispersion is typical of Sr (Кк = 0.49-0.87). In soil profiles, chromium is evenly distributed; the content of barium and lead in organic mineral horizons increases significantly. The content of strontium in the upper soil horizons is lower than in rocks. In the organo-mineral and in mineral horizons, the concentrations of chromium and barium are close to the MAC level: the excess is 0.87&ndash;1.03 for chromium and is 0.86&ndash;1.12 for barium. The contents of copper and lead are below 0.4 MAC and 0.3 MAC, respectively. The soil contamination assessment shows that there is low contamination with chromium, barium and copper. With respect to the contents of strontium and lead, the soils are classified as clean. In general, the soil pollution is tolerable, but there is a decrease in the soil pollution reference function of protected area. To enhance the reliability of the research results, it is necessary to solve a number of issues related to the development of MAC and AAC and background values of the contents of the studied elements.

Carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic health risk assessment of heavy metals contamination in groundwater in the west of Minia area, Egypt

Groundwater contamination by heavy metals is a worldwide serious issue due to its severe risks to human health. In the present study, a total of 49 groundwater samples were collected and analyzed for eleven trace elements (Al, Cr, Cd, As, Zn, Se, Sn, Ni, Pb, Mn, and Cu) in the west of Minia area, Egypt, to determine groundwater contamination by heavy metals and their impact on groundwater use for drinking and human health as a result. Multivariate statistics, geospatial mapping, and health risk assessment approaches are used to evaluate the potential non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic hazards in the research area and determine both natural and anthropogenic consequences of identified trace elements on local groundwater quality. The heavy metal concentrations (in µg/l) in the groundwater samples were found to be in the following order: Zn (154.5) > Al (40) > As (37.4) > Sn (32) > Cr (28.4) > Hg (25.6) > Cu (21.8) > Cd (16) > Ni (15.4) > Pb (6.5). Heavy metals measurements revealed that As, Hg, and Cu do not meet WHO Guidelines Values, indicating a risk to human health from the consumption of groundwater. Zn > Al > As > Sn > Cr > Hg > Cu > Se > Cd > Ni > Pb was shown to be the order of the mean values of chronic daily heavy metal consumption for new-borns, children, and adults. Continuous oral intake of groundwater loaded with heavy metals could result in carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic concerns, posing serious health dangers to people throughout the life course.

Application of quantitative analysis for aluminum alloy in femtosecond laser-ablation spark-induced breakdown spectroscopy using one-point and multi-line calibration

To achieve the quantitative elemental analysis of aluminum alloy samples, the one-point and multi-line calibration (OP-MLC) method and femtosecond laser-ablation spark-induced breakdown spectroscopy (fs-LA-SIBS) were combined in this study. An ultrafast Ti: sapphire laser with high single-pulse energy and high repetition–rate operation was used as the laser source to ablate the sample at a 1k Hz pulse repetition rate and achieve re-excitation using spark discharge. Subsequently, an enhanced spectral peak intensity was achieved, which increased the sensitivity and analytical capabilities of laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) technique. Considering only one confirmed sample, the OP-MLC method was used to calculate the concentration ratios of trace elements Mg, Cr, Cu, Mn and Zn in four aluminum alloy samples to the calibration samples by the integral intensity ratio of the elemental characteristic lines between the two samples. The average relative errors with the identified concentrations were 3.99%, 15.13%, 8.76%, 9.30% and 9.64%, respectively. The results showed that the combination of OP-MLC method and fs-LA-SIBS has good accuracy in the quantitative analysis of elements, and has the advantages of simplicity, rapidity and high sensitivity.

Atmospheric wet deposition of trace elements in Bangladesh: A new insight into spatiotemporal variability and source apportionment

The interaction between water vapor and natural/anthropogenic airborne particles deposits a massive amount of trace elements in the ecosystem. As the principal source region of the Indian monsoon originated from the Bay of Bengal, atmospheric trace elements in Bangladesh have impacted atmospheric wet deposition along the pathway, even reaching the headwaters in the Asian water tower. However, no study reports the atmospheric wet deposition of trace elements at the spatiotemporal scale. Thus, this study investigated the concentration, sources, and deposition of eighteen trace elements (Al, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Rb, Sr, Mo, Cd, Sn, Sb, Ba, and Pb) from 232 precipitation samples at four sites in Bangladesh. Results showed that the VWM concentrations of the eighteen measured trace elements ranged from 0.03 to 535.6 μg L−1. Zn, Fe, and Al were the principal elements of the atmosphere at four sites with mean values of 207.9 ± 227.8, 18.2 ± 9.3, and 16.3 ± 6.8 μg L−1, respectively. Besides, the eighteen trace elements showed significant variation in spatial scale with distinct seasonality. Enrichment factors of Zn, Sb, and Cd indicated serious anthropogenic influences. The major sources of trace elements were fossil fuel combustion, brick kilns, crustal dust, fugitive Pb, metal smelters, and battery recycling. Both the concentration and precipitation amount played a pivotal role in the deposition. Most of the air masses during the monsoon season came from marine sources passing over southern India and Sri Lanka. Meanwhile, the air masses during the non-monsoon season were from West Asia and the northwestern Indian subcontinent. The air masses are transported over a long range and deposit massive amounts of particulate matter in the Third Pole Himalayan region. This first-hand work on spatiotemporal variation provides a reference dataset for future targeting of the scientific community and policymakers for the development of strategies and action plans.