Determination Of Trace Elements Research Articles

Standard Operating Procedure for the determination of trace elements in hydrothermal fluids by Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS)

This standard operating procedure (SOP) validates an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) procedure for the determination of trace elements in hydrothermal fluids. Hydrothermal fluids are aqueous solutions with a wide range of temperature, salinity, pH and trace elements that can be used by a set of microbial proteins containing redox-sensitive transition metals as their catalytic core. Due to the high variability of these samples, we have developed this protocol taking into account the special features of the matrices analyzed. An ICP-MS 7900 Agilent system was used. Calibration curves are linear in the 0.01 to 100 μg/L concentration range.

Recent Advances in the Determination of Major and Trace Elements in Plants Using Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry.

Interest in measuring major and trace elements in plants has increased in recent years because of growing concerns about the elements' contribution to daily intakes or the health risks posed by ingesting vegetables contaminated by potentially toxic elements. The recent advances in using inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) to measure major and trace elements in plant samples are reviewed in the present work. The sample preparation before instrumental determination and the main advantages and limitations of ICP-OES are described. New trends in element extraction in liquid solutions using fewer toxic solvents and microextractions are observed in recently published literature. Even though ICP-OES is a well-established and routine technique, recent innovations to increase its performance have been found. Validated methods are needed to ensure the obtaining of reliable results. Much research has focused on assessing principal figures of merit, such as limits of detection, quantification, selectivity, working ranges, precision in terms of repeatability and reproducibility, and accuracy through spiked samples or certified reference materials analysis. According to the published literature, the ICP-OES technique, 50 years after the release of the first commercially available equipment, remains a powerful and highly recommended tool for element determination on a wide range of concentrations.

Evaluation of Ultraviolet-Femtosecond-Laser Ablation-ICP-TOFMS for fast, sensitive and high-spatially resolved multi-elemental mapping of laser-deposited Hastelloy coated carbon steel

Ultraviolet Femtosecond Laser Ablation-Inductively Coupled Plasma-Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry (UV-fs-LA-ICP-TOFMS) is critically evaluated for fast multi-elemental mapping of Hastelloy coated carbon steel that was immersed in a liquid corrosive environment for two months. The Hastelloy coating, which is a multi-elemental Cr-Fe-Ni-Mo-W matrix, is produced using laser cladding technology. A UV-fs laser is employed to reduce the ablation thermal effects improving the spatial resolution in the elemental analysis of the coating, interface and substrate. Moreover, the TOFMS is equipped with ion beam attenuation grids to expand its linear dynamic range, allowing the determination of major, minor and trace elements. In particular, spatial distribution of major (e.g., Co, Ni, Fe), minor (e.g., Mn, Si) and trace (e.g., Cu, In, Zn) elements from two sequential mapping analysis were determined. Quantification is achieved through Relative Sensitivity Factors calculated using matrix-matched external reference materials and making use of measurements carried out by SEM-EDX to determine the concentration of internal standard elements. Qualitative and quantitative elemental maps highlight diffusion processes at the coating-substrate interface. Moreover, correlated spatial distributions of ion signals from external corrosive elements (e.g., 32S, 138Ba, 202Hg, 205Tl, and 209Bi) were detected in localized regions within the material and on the external surface.

PHYTOCHEMICALS SCREENING, ANTIOXIDANT AND ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITY OF CARICA PAPAYA LEAF EXTRACTS

Objective: The objective of the present study aimed at investigating the phytochemical antioxidant and anti-microbial properties of Carica papaya leaf extracts. Methods: As phytochemicals are biologically active compounds and a powerful group of plant chemicals believed to stimulate the immune system along with antioxidants, the molecules which hinder oxidation of other molecules by the process of inhibiting or by generating the oxidizing chain reactions and preventing diseases. The anti-microbial activity on various gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria were determined using zone of inhibition and antioxidant by the 2,2,1-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl method. Results: Phytochemical screening, antioxidant and antibacterial potential were determined using different aqueous and organic solvents in addition to the determination of trace element in leaves of C. papaya. Antioxidant activity using DPPH free radical scavenging assay indicated leaves extracts leaves showed inhibition of per oxidation. The result showed that the ethanolic extract of C. papaya possessed a significant antioxidant activity as compared to methanol and aqueous extract. The antibacterial study showed leaves extract is the best to cope infectious action of bacteria. Conclusion: This study was conducted to test the medicinal profile of C. papaya by extracting secondary metabolites with organic and aqueous solvents. Ethanol was found to be the best solvents of choice to extract natural products to get maximum medicinal benefits and could be used to medicinal formulation against different infectious diseases.

Supramolecular deep eutectic solvent: a powerful tool for pre-concentration of trace metals in edible oil.

The utilization of supramolecular deep eutectic solvent eddy-assisted liquid-liquid microextraction utilizing 2-hydroxypropyl β-cyclodextrin (SUPRADES) has been identified as a successful method for pre-enriching Cu, Zn, and Mn in vegetable oil samples. Determination of each element was conducted by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) after digestion of metal-enriched phases. Various parameters were examined, including the composition of SUPRADES species [2HP-β-CD: DL-lactic acid], a cyclodextrin mass ratio of 20wt%, a water bath temperature of 75 °C, an extractor volume of 800 μL, a dispersant volume of 50μL, and an eddy current time of 5min. Optimal conditions resulted in extraction rates of 99.6% for Cu, 105.2% for Zn, and 101.5% for Mn. The method exhibits a broad linear range spanning from 10 to 20,000μg L-1, with determination coefficients exceeding 0.99 for all analytes. Enrichment coefficients of 24, 21, and 35 were observed. Limits of detection ranged from 0.89 to 1.30μg L-1, while limits of quantification ranged from 3.23 to 4.29 μg L-1. The unique structural characteristics of the method enablethe successful determination of trace elements in a variety of edible vegetable oils.

The Determination and evaluation of trace elements in the blood of radiography workers using graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry

This study aimed to evaluate the potentially toxic effects of trace elements in the blood of Iraqi medical radiography workers by analyzing them through GF-AAS. The study involved 50 male blood radiography workers from the medical imaging field at Al-Shatrah General Hospital in Thi-Qar City, Iraq. All workers were aged between 35-50 years and had worked for less than 10 years. The study compared these workers with 50 healthy men. The study found a significant increase in the levels of Cu, Pb, Cd, and Ca among radiography workers compared to the healthy control group, while Zn and Se levels decreased significantly. Moreover, Specificity and confidence interval (95%) were estimated via the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC). The study provided conclusive evidence of disturbances in the levels of trace elements in the blood of radiographer workers, which makes them more susceptible to many diseases because of their radiation exposure. which portends the more preventive measures of radiation. The linear range of Cd, Cu, Zn, Se and Pb in human serum were obtained 0.2-6.0 µg dL-1, 6.0-200 µg dL-1, 8.0-200 µg dL-1, 10-250 µg dL-1, 4-120 µg dL-1 by GF-AAS after dilution samples with DW up to 20 (n=10, RSD< 5%).

Determination of copper and other trace elements in serum samples from patients with biliary tract cancers: prospective noninterventional nonrandomized clinical study protocol.

Biliary tract cancers (BTCs) are usually diagnosed at an advanced stage, when the disease is incurable. Currently used tumor biomarkers have limited diagnostic value for BTCs, so there is an urgent need for sensitive and specific biomarkers for their earlier diagnosis. Deregulation of the homeostasis of trace elements is involved in the carcinogenesis of different cancers, including BTCs. The objective of the study is to determine/compare the total concentrations of copper (Cu), zinc (Zn) and iron (Fe) and the proportions of free Cu and Cu bound to ceruloplasmin (Cp) and the isotopic ratio of 65Cu/63Cu in serum samples from healthy volunteers and cancer patients using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry-based methods (ICP-MS). In this prospective, noninterventional, nonrandomized study 20 patients and 20 healthy volunteers will be enrolled to identify serum Cu, Zn and Fe levels, Cu isotopic fractionation as a predictive biomarker of response to systemic therapy of BTCs, which will be evaluated by computed tomography. Newly developed analytical methods based on ICP-MS will be applied to metal-based biomarker research in oncology. In the study the comparison of the total concentration of selected trace elements, the proportion of free Cu and Cu bound to Cp and the isotopic ratio of 65Cu/63Cu in serum samples from healthy volunteers and cancer patients will be conducted to provide the foundation for the development of a BTC cancer screening methodology and the data on their usability as a potential predictive biomarker for BTCs of response to systemic therapy.

The incidence of upper respiratory infections in children is related to the concentration of vanadium in indoor dust aggregates.

It has been reported that the disease-initiated and disease-mediated effects of aerosol pollutants can be related to concentration, site of deposition, duration of exposure, as well as the specific chemical composition of pollutants. To investigate the microelemental composition of dust aggregates in primary schools of Vilnius and determine trace elements related to acute upper respiratory infections among 6-to 11-year-old children. Microelemental analysis of aerosol pollution was performed using dust samples collected in the classrooms of 11 primary schools in Vilnius from 2016 to 2020. Sites included areas of its natural accumulation behind the radiator heaters and from the surface of high cupboards. The concentrations of heavy metals (Pb, W, Sb, Sn, Zr, Zn, Cu, Ni, Mn, Cr, V, and As) in dust samples were analyzed using a SPECTRO XEPOS spectrometer. The annual incidence rates of respiratory diseases in children of each school were calculated based on data from medical records. The mean annual incidence of physician-diagnosed acute upper respiratory infections (J00-J06 according to ICD-10A) among younger school-age children was between 25.1 and 71.3% per school. A significant correlation was found between vanadium concentration and the number of episodes of acute upper respiratory infections during each study year from 2016 to 2020. The lowest was r = 0.67 (p = 0.024), and the highest was r = 0.82 (p = 0.002). The concentration of vanadium in the samples of dust aggregates varied from 12.7 to 52.1 parts per million (ppm). No significant correlations between the other trace elements and the incidence of upper respiratory infections were found, which could be caused by a small number of study schools and relatively low concentrations of other heavy metals found in the samples of indoor dust aggregates. A significant and replicable correlation was found between the concentration of vanadium in the samples of natural dust aggregates collected in primary schools and the incidence of acute upper respiratory infections in children. Monitoring the concentration of heavy metals in the indoor environment can be an important instrument for the prevention and control of respiratory morbidity in children.

WITHDRAWN: Trace metals translocation from soil to plants: Health risk assessment via consumption of vegetables in the urban sprawl of a developing country

The study was conducted at 15 locations around the thermal power plant of Patuakhali district at the coastal area of Bangladesh to determine trace elements in vegetable and assess risk of toxicity. Eight vegetables, namely, tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.), radish (Raphanus raphanistrum L.), bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), brinjal (Solanum melongena L.), bottle gourd (Lagenaria siceraria L.), red amaranth (Amaranthus cruentus L.), arum (Arum maculatum L.) and lady's finger (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) were analyzed for nine trace metals (Cr, Ni, Cu, As, Cd, Pb, Fe, Mn and Zn) to assess contamination load of trace elements in agricultural soil, and health risks posed from vegetable consumption. The mean concentrations of Cr, Cr, Ni, Cu, As, Cd, Pb, Fe, Mn, and Zn in soil were 16.6, 14.8, 5.8, 1.3, 0.72, 9.7, 55261, 456.1, and 105.8 mg/kg, respectively. Average concentrations of As, Cd, and Pb in vegetable species were higher than the maximum allowable concentration (MAC), indicating vegetables species were contaminated by these elements and may pose potential risk to human. Fe, Mn, Zn, Cr, Cu, Pb, and As in soil and vegetables of the study area may arise from anthropogenic activities. The present study suggests that surface soil used for vegetables production should be continuously monitored to check the transfer of toxic metals into the vegetables to minimize the adverse health impacts on consumers and potential threats to food safety.

Rapid Determination of Calcium, Iron, and Zinc in Gluconate Oral Solutions by Solution Cathode Glow Discharge – Atomic Emission Spectroscopy (SCGD-AES)

A novel solution cathode glow discharge atomic emission spectroscopy (SCGD-AES) system coupled with simplified sample preparation was developed for determining Ca, Fe, and Zn in gluconate oral solution. The preparation of the oral solution only involves diluting 1 g of the sample 100-fold and acidification with HNO3 to a concentration of 0.1 mol L−1. The preparation of each solution requires less than 5 min. Five oral solutions containing Ca, Fe, and Zn were analyzed. The results indicate that the optimal parameters are HNO3 of pH 1.0 as the electrolyte, a sample flow rate of 2.05 mL min−1, and a discharge current of 65 mA. The detection limits (DLs) of Ca, Fe, and Zn were 58.64, 64.29, and 15.92 µg L−1. The analyses by SCGD-AES for Ca, Fe, and Zn using direct dilution are in agreement with the values by ICP-OES and SCGD-AES with digestion. A t-test was conducted on the oral liquid samples, revealing that the majority of the obtained p-values exceeded .05. In addition, SCGD-AES reduces the time, energy, and quantity of concentrated HNO3 compared with previous studies, and the measurement time of each oral liquid sample was less than 2 min. These findings demonstrate the use of SCGD-AES as an expedited and dependable method for the determination of trace elements in health food products.

Study of photon interaction parameters in malignant and healthy breast tissues using experimentally determined trace elements

Study of photon interaction parameters in malignant and healthy breast tissues using experimentally determined trace elements

Determination of trace elements in titanium oxides by wavelength dispersive x‐ray fluorescence spectrometry (WD‐XRF)

AbstractTiO2 is used in a great variety of industries (foods, medicines, cosmetics, etc.). In food industry, although the use of TiO2 as additive was banned by EU in 2022, it is still authorized in medicinal products, and is allowed as food ingredient in US and Canada. Focusing on cosmetics, regulations state some forbidden elements (As, Cd, Ni, Hg, Sb, and Pb), and others allowed with a specific limit (Co, Cr, and Se). Most researches about TiO2 characterization are focused on the purity determination and no studies analyzing trace metals in this material have been found. Due to the potential impact of those trace elements on health and safety, a robust method for determining them in TiO2 is required. A methodology for the determination of As, Cd, Co, Cr, Hg, Ni, Pb, Sb, and Se at trace level in TiO2 by WD‐XRF has been developed. Sample was prepared as pressed pellets to achieve low limits required by regulations, and the best conditions were established using n‐butyl methacrylate as binder and plastic spatula to avoid Cr contamination coming from the stainless‐steel one. An in‐depth inquiry conducted to get calibration and validation standards revealed a lack of reference materials; therefore, additions of pure oxides of each element were made to high‐purity TiO2. Validation was performed by two means: analyzing synthetic standards prepared as stated and analyzing two commercial TiO2 by an independent method (ICP‐OES). The developed methodology was suitable to be used as control method to assess whether the materials meet the regulations, since time required to undertake the analysis is much less than other methods.

An overview of preconcentration techniques combined with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry for trace element determination in biological studies.

In the last decades, the determination of trace elements in biological materials has emerged as an important area of study because of its relevance to human health and the environment. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) has proven to be a powerful tool for trace element analysis, owing to its high sensitivity and ability to determine several elements in a single measurement. However, given the complex nature of biological matrices and the presence of elements, most of them at ultratrace levels, it becomes crucial to complement ICP-MS with preconcentration techniques to increase the sensitivity and selectivity of analytical methods. This article presents an exhaustive overview of liquid- and solid-phase preconcentration techniques used in combination with ICP-MS for trace element determination in different biological samples from 2000 to the present. An in-depth discussion of the advances on the application of state-of-the-art solvents and materials in trace element extraction and preconcentration is presented. Special attention is given to different strategies for elemental speciation analysis, employing both chromatographic and non-chromatographic techniques. The role of automation in these methodologies is also described. Finally, future trends and challenges related to this topic are discussed.

Determination of major and trace elements in silicate rock fused with lithium metaborate using laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry

A novel lithium metaborate fusion technique using a homemade fusion furnace and graphite crucibles was developed for the determination of major and trace elements in silicate rocks using LA-ICP-MS.

Comparison between Microwave Digestion and Conventional Open Digestion Method for Heavy Metals determination

In the present study a comparison between microwave assisted digestion and conventional wet acid open digestion system for dissolution of bivalve tissue samples was carried out. Sample matrix decomposition was done by using a mixture of concentrated nitric acid and hydrogen peroxide. The determination of trace elements (Zn, Co, Cu, Cd and Pb) in commercially popular bivalve species from two important fish landing centers in Mumbai was used for this purpose. The recovery of heavy metals after analysis was done using certified reference material TORT 2- Lobster hepatopancreas for both the digestion methods. The results of the present study indicate that microwave digestion system for heavy metal analysis is the preferred method for rapid and good quality results. It provides better recovery and precision for heavy metal analysis. The sample preparation step is much easier by microwave digestion system compared to conventional open digestion methods for heavy metal analysis. It is particularly ideal for trace metals like lead and cadmium as they are generally present in very small concentration in biological samples. In the current study microwave digestion proved to be better method than conventional open digestion method with rapid sample digestion process and least sample contamination problem.

Oral Findings, Salivary Copper, Magnesium, and Leptin in Type II Diabetic Patients in Relation to Oral Candida Species.

Type 2 diabetes is a condition in which the body becomes resistant to the effects of insulin, leading to reduced insulin production in the pancreas. It has genetic- and family-related risk factors that cannot be changed, along with modifiable lifestyle factors. The precise genetic causes of type 2 diabetes are still unknown. However, individuals can potentially slow or stop the progression of the condition by making dietary adjustments and increasing physical activity levels. Material and Methods. Forty-five type II diabetic patients in the study included participants between 40 and 60 years old, with a minimum duration of one year, as well as 45 healthy control subjects who were matched in terms of age and sex, and had no underlying systemic diseases. Oral examination is done for the symptoms including burning sensation, candidiasis, and a reduction in the production of saliva. The rate of saliva flow (in milliliters per minute) was measured in samples of saliva that were not stimulated. The salivary trace elements and levels of adipocytokines were evaluated using colorimetric and Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (ELISA) testing. The quantification of Candida colony numbers, an enrichment and culture approach, was used to achieve a concentration of 100,000 colony-forming units per milliliter (CFU/ml). The ShowNovo WG1 halimeter was used to measure volatile sulfur compounds in breath. The salivary glucose oxidase assay was conducted using a colorimetric technique, while the determination of trace elements was also performed using a colorimetric assay method. The diabetic group exhibited a significant increase in the number of Candida spp colonies due to elevated levels of glucose in the saliva (p > 0.05). However, the variables being examined, such as body mass index (BMI), burning mouth syndrome (BMS), salivary flow rate (SFR), salivary leptin, salivary copper, and salivary magnesium, did not exhibit any significant variations in quantities between the diabetic and healthy groups (p > 0.05). The data collected in this research aid in the creation of a preventative program for oral fungal infections in individuals with type 2 diabetes. The program utilizes saliva and its constituents.

Determination of Trace Elements in Some Beverages

Determination of Trace Elements in Some Beverages

Trace elements and the inflammatory process development: predictive possibilities

Introduction. Late diagnosis of inflammatory pathologies leads to increased risks of chronicization of the process, generalization, development of complications, and reduced effectiveness of therapy. Routine methods of clinical laboratory diagnostics often have diagnostic value at the stage of already developed disease with pronounced clinical manifestations. Determination of blood serum trace elements may have prognostic value in the diagnosis of inflammatory diseases. The trace elements most extensively studied in the context of inflammation and immune defense are copper and zinc. The aim of the study. The aim of the study was to investigate the prognostic significance of determining copper and zinc concentrations in serum in the diagnosis of inflammation. Material and methods. Concentrations of CRP, ferritin, ceruloplasmin, leukocytes, neutrophils, fibrinogen, copper, and zinc were determined in 1153 examined people aged 18 to 86 years. Serum trace elements were determined by ICP-MS method, the rest of the parameters were measured by standard methods. ROC analysis was used to evaluate the prognostic significance of serum copper and zinc measurements. Positive predictive value and negative predictive value were also calculated for the laboratory tests. Results. It was shown that serum copper concentration in both men and women can be used as a predictor of abnormalities of CRP, ceruloplasmin, and fibrinogen. By abnormalities in serum copper concentration, it is possible to predict increased leukocytes in men and women; decreased leukocytes in men; and increased neutrophil levels in men and women. The prognostic significance of the laboratory test for serum zinc was found in relation to the detection of ferritin deficiency in women and ceruloplasmin deficiency in men and women. Conclusion. The results obtained in the study suggest the possible use of serum copper and zinc laboratory tests for prognostic purposes.

Final report for SIM.QM-S12: supplementary comparison for trace elements in natural water

Main textThe SIM Supplementary Comparison SIM.QM-S12 for Trace Elements in Natural Water was undertaken to assess and demonstrate the analytical capabilities of national metrology institutes (NMIs) and designated institutes (DIs) of SIM members (or other regions) for the accurate determination of trace elements in natural water at µg/kg levels.Evidence of successful participation in formal, relevant international comparisons is needed to document calibration and measurement capability claims (CMCs) made by NMIs and DIs.Seventeen NMIs and DIs participated. Participants were requested to evaluate the mass fractions, expressed in µg/kg, of arsenic, cadmium, lead and antimony in a natural mineral groundwater that was spiked with the respective elements. A variety of instrumental techniques including inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), isotope dilution ICP-MS (ID-ICP-MS), inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES), electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry (ETAAS) and hydride generation flame atomic absorption spectrometry (HG-FAAS) were used by the participants for the determination.The NIST decision tree was used to assign the SCRV estimate for the proposed measurands and to calculate the degrees of equivalence of each national measurement standard following the IAWG Guidance on Using NIST Decision Tree for Comparison Reporting from 30 June 2023.Successful participation in SIM.QM-S12 demonstrates measurement for determination of elements in water matrices. Considering the IAWG Core Capability Matrix, this material falls into the matrix challenge called "Water/aqueous", which corresponds to the CCQM amount-of-substance category fresh water, and so will support CMCs for the metalloids and semi-metals at mass fraction levels below 50 µg/kg (As and Sb measurements) and transition elements at mass fraction levels below 50 µg/kg (except Hg) (for Cd and Pb measurements).To reach the main text of this paper, click on Final Report. Note that this text is that which appears in Appendix B of the BIPM key comparison database https://www.bipm.org/kcdb/.The final report has been peer-reviewed and approved for publication by the CCQM, according to the provisions of the CIPM Mutual Recognition Arrangement (CIPM MRA).

A comparison of calibration strategies for quantitative laser ablation ICP-mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) analysis of fused catalyst samples

Alternative calibration approaches relying on either aqueous standard solutions or a single solid standard measured under different LA settings, were evaluated in the context of quantitative LA-ICP-MS bulk analysis of fused catalyst samples.