Zn Values Research Articles

Health Risk Assessment of Metals in Antidiabetic Herbal Preparations: A Safety Screening.

The present study evaluates the human health risk of metals in locally consumed herbal preparations used to treat diabetes. Atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) was used after microwave-assisted digestion to mineralize the samples. Toxic metal assessment was done by adopting mathematical modeling for carcinogenic and noncarcinogenic risks in the exposed population and comparing the raw results with maximum residue limits (MRLs) set by regulatory authorities. Hazard quotient (HQ) values for Fe, Hg, Cu, Pb, and Zn were recorded above 1. Noncarcinogenic health risks remain in 29% of samples for Fe, 67% of samples for Hg, 17% of samples for Cu, 33% of samples for Pb, and 4% of samples for Zn. Hazard index (HI) values in 33% of samples were above 1. Carcinogenic risks for Pb, Cr, Cd, and Ni were higher than the acceptable limit (1 × 10-6). Carcinogenic health risks exist in 54% of samples for Pb, 58% of samples for Cr, 46% of samples for Cd, and 58% of samples for Ni. MRLs for metals were crossed in samples in varying degrees. This is a harrowing account and may put public health safety at risk. Considering these facts, there should be more investigation into toxic metals in other frequently marketed herbal drugs in the antidiabetic and other therapeutic classes. Pre- and postmarket monitoring strategies for the preparations should also be in place to ensure safe consumption.

Exploration of natural processes and anthropogenic inputs by Zn isotopes in suspended particulate matter: A case study from the Lancang River in Southwest China

River is an important pathway for the biogeochemical cycle of Zn. This study reports Zn concentration and δ66Zn composition for suspended particulate matter (SPM) from Lancang River basin in Southwest China, and explore the impact of natural processes and human activities on Zn cycle. The SPM samples have a much higher average Zn content (162 mg kg−1) than that of the upper crust (67.0 mg kg−1), but it is close to the value of the Pearl River (187 mg kg−1). The enrichment factor (EF) values of Zn in SPM range from 1.08 to 6.88, with an average of 2.15, which does not show significant pollution characteristics. The δ66Zn values in SPM range from −0.67‰ to +0.63‰, with an average of +0.13‰. The δ66Zn values showed positive correlation with Ca/Mg ratios while showed little correlation with Zn contents in SPM. It indicated that anthropogenic sources have limited influence on SPM, and the Zn isotope composition in SPM is more likely to be inherited from the weathered rocks materials and influenced by natural fractionation processes in river water. This result contributes to understanding of the geochemical cycling process of Zn and its environmental effects in water.

A STUDY REGARDING HEAVY METALS IN PERENNIAL GRASSES SPECIES HARVESTED FROM PERMANENT MEADOWS IN THE COPȘA MICĂ AREA, ROMANIA

Copșa Mică is one of the areas known, at national and international level, with a high level of pollution, even though metallurgical activities have been stopped. Heavy metals contamination of the environment is a worldwide concern. This study shows the content of heavy metals (Cd, Pb, Zn and Cu) in two species of perennial grass plants (Dactylis Glomerata L. and Festuca Rubra L.) from permanent meadows in the Copșa Mică area. The estimation of heavy metal content is based on a data set made in 17 points for Dactylis Glomerata L. and 19 points for Festuca Rubra L. harvested from permanent grasslands at different distances from the pollution source. For Dactylis Glomerata L. the Cd content varies between 0.05 mg/kg and 1.21 mg/kg, the Cu values were between 2.80 mg/kg and 5.55. The content of Pb and Zn recorded values between 0.15 mg/kg and 49.6 mg/kg and 34.7 mg/kg and 122 mg/kg, respectively. In Festuca Rubra L., Cd values are between 0.04 mg/kg and 3.07 mg/kg, Cu – 0.29 mg/kg and 7.53 mg/kg. Lead (Pb) and zinc (Zn) values ranged between 0.1 mg/kg and 27.5 mg/kg and 25.8 mg/kg and 131 mg/kg, respectively. The results of this study are important for the estimation of heavy metal accumulation in perennial grass species in permanent grasslands, which are consumed directly by animals and indirectly by the population.

Effects of mine water discharge on river sediments: metal fate and behaviour, Upper Silesian Coal Basin

The study aims to characterise the changes in elemental composition in the river sediments of streams influenced by mine waters enriched with radionuclides. The study took place in the vicinity of Ostrava, a city located in a coal mining region in the Czech Republic, namely the Upper Silesian Coal Basin. River sediments and waters of the Karvinský potok and Stružka streams were investigated. Field measurements were made for ambient dose equivalent rate (ADER). Laboratory gamma spectrometry and X-ray fluorescence were used to determine the content of radionuclides and elemental composition in river sediments. Water samples were analysed for the content of major ions and radionuclides. The field ADER measurement proved elevated content of radionuclides with values exceeding 1,000 nSv/h in both streams. The discharged mine waters were Na–Cl type, containing an 226Ra (0.68–0.70 Bq/l) as a dominant radionuclide. Laboratory measurements of radionuclides in bottom sediments proved that the prevailing source of radiation are 226Ra and 232Th in both streams. The calculated enrichment factors showed extreme values for Sr, Cr, Pb, Zn, Cu, and Mo. The precipitation reactions forming Ca-minerals (calcite and aragonite), Fe-bearing minerals (hematite, goethite and amorphous Fe(OH)3) and hausmannite were found to be the primary geochemical process underway in the studied riverine systems. The correlation between elements and radionuclides demonstrated the significant role of geochemical barriers that lead to the precipitation of radionuclides from solution. The results show that the precipitation takes place preferentially in places where other waters enter the stream, or where recent organic matter is present.

NUTRIENT CONTENT OF QUAIL EGGS AS INFLUENCED BY DIETS ENHANCED WITH WATERLEAF MEAL

This study assessed the nutritive value of quail eggs as influenced by diets enhanced with waterleaf meal. Three diets tagged W0 (100% layer’s feed), W20 (80% layers’ feed plus 20% waterleaf) and W40 (60% layers’ feed plus 40% waterleaf) were used for this study. Ninety quails were used for the trial. They were divided into three groups of 30 birds each which were further divided into 10 birds per replicate. Each group was randomly allotted to the three diets in a Completely Randomized Design experiment which lasted 3 weeks. Three eggs per treatment per week or 9 eggs per group were collected for analysis of proximate composition, minerals, cholesterol and cholesterol fractions. Data was analysed using One-way Analysis of Variance in Statistical Package for Social Sciences. Tukey Post-Hoc test was used to separate significant means at 5% level of significance. Results show that percent DM, CP, EE, ash and NFE as well as GE (kcal/g) ranged from 28.16–28.39, 14.64–14.93, 10.23–10.39, 2.40–2.56, 0.67–0.74 and 1.97–1.99, respectively. The Na, K, Ca, P, Mg, Fe, Zn, Se, I, Cu and Mn values (mg/100g) ranged from 144.67–145.08, 138.78–139.04, 64.52–65.08, 178.68–179.13 and 78.48–79.35, 3.40–3.64, 0.47–0.54, 0.014–0.018, 0.88–0.94, 0.32–0.37 and 0.68–0.75, respectively. The contents for total cholesterol, HDL, LDL and VLDL (mg/100g), lipid peroxidation (MDA/g) and triglycerides (mg/100g) ranged from 871.70–986.37, 418.80–526.40, 238.50–347.67, 18.67– 19.40 13.66–14.53 and 75.15–195.77, respectively. There were significant differences (p

Assessment of Heavy Metals in Biscuit Samples Available in Iraqi Markets.

Baby foods contain these toxic heavy metals which occur naturally or from pollution in the environment. The purpose of this research is to investigate the concentration of heavy metals in the biscuit samples that are commonly used in Iraq as food babies. The concentrations of three metals viz zinc (Zn), lead (Pb), and cadmium (Cd) are measured using atomic absorption spectroscopy (Buck Scientific/USA, 210 VGA). Health risk parameters such as Estimated Daily Intake (EDI), Target Hazard Quotients (THQ), Hazard Index (HI), and Carcinogenic Risk (CR), are determined. The average values of the concentrations of Zn, Pb, and Cd in these samples of biscuits are 0.584 ± 0.099 mg/kg, 0.066 ± 0.008 mg/kg, and 0.205 ± 0.011 mg/kg, respectively, while the average values of HI and CR × 10-6 for all samples are 0.768 ± 0.040 and 1.94 ± 0.25, respectively. On the basis of comparing these elements, the study finds that the average value of Zn is dominating with the highest concentration, followed by Cd, and Pb. This is relied on the statistical examination that revealed a weak correlation and no significance (p > 0.05) in the amounts of these heavy metals in all samples. The concentrations of Cd, in seven samples, are relatively higher than their permissible limits according to FAO/WHO (0.2 mg/kg). Conversely, the concentrations of Zn and Pb are lower than their permissible limits which was 9.4 mg/kg and 0.3 mg/kg, respectively. The values of health risk parameters for Zn, Pb, and Cd for all samples do not surpass their permissible intake limits according to FAO/WHO, Therefore, it is concluded that the overall estimated healthy risk, due to the heavy metals, is safe since it is within the permissible limits; thus, there are no concerns for a baby who consume biscuit consistently daily.

Redox conditions across the Upper Cambrian of eastern Laurentia: Implications from geochemical proxies

The lower part of the Martin Point section (∼ 110 m - rhythmites) spans the uppermost Shallow Bay and lowermost Green Point formations (uppermost Franconian–lowermost Trempealeauan) of the Cow Head Group (western Newfoundland, Canada). It records two post-SPICE (Steptoean Positive Carbon Isotope Excursion) events marked by negative δ13Ccarb excursions (NL1 and NL2) that were also documented in South China. The petrographic and chemical screening of the investigated carbonate samples proves the preservation of at least near-primary geochemical signatures. The proxies of weathering (e.g., Mn, Fe, Al, and ∑REE), bioproductivity (e.g., δ13Corg, TOC, P, Ni, Zn, and Cu), and paleoredox (e.g., Cr, Th/U, Ce/Ce*) have been utilized to reconstruct the paleoenvironmental conditions during the post-SPICE events. The TOC, P, Ni, Cu, Cr, ∑REE, Mn, Fe, and U Ca-normalized profiles exhibit a positive pulse at the base of NL2 (upper negative δ13Ccarb excursion), followed by a drop. This might have resulted from shoaling organic-rich anoxic waters into an oxygenated shallow environment during transgression, which led to a negative shift in the δ13Ccarb and a decrease in TOC contents as well as an increase in the δ13Corg. The correlated enrichment in Zn and δ15Norg values and the Ce/Ce* around unity are consistent with the shoaling scenario. A similar scenario seems to be consistent with NL1 (lower negative δ13Ccarb excursion) although the lower resolution of correlated proxy variations makes the interpretations based on a few points and to be therefore taken with caution.

Toxic risk evaluation of effluents from a swine biodigester in the plant models Lactuca sativa and Allium cepa.

Pig farming is recognized as an activity with great polluting potential. The aim was to investigate possible environmental risks of effluents from the stabilization pond (SP) and the raw effluent (RE) from the biodigestion process of swine residues, in different concentrations in the models Lactuca sativa and Allium cepa. Seeds were germinated in different dilutions, 100% (C1), 50% (C2), 25% (C3), 12.5% (C4), 6.25% (C5), 3.12% (C6), 0.78% (C7), and 0.39% (C8). Distilled water was used as the negative control (CN) and trifluralin (0.84 g/L-1) as the positive control. Germination (GR), root growth (RG), cell cycle, and oxidative stress (OS) were analyzed. To assess OS, the activity of the enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione S-transferase (GST) and the quantification of glutathione (GSH) and lipid peroxidation (LPO) were analyzed. Data were submitted to ANOVA (one way), followed by the Kruskal-Wallis mean test (P ≤ 0.05). Chemical analysis showed high values of Cu, Fe, Mn, and Zn. Dilutions (C1, C2, C3 RE) and (C1 and C2 SP) inhibited GR and RG of L. sativa and A. cepa than other concentrations. The mitotic index showed a reduction in C5 (RE), C6, and C7 (SP) of L. sativa and C3 and C4 (SP) of A. cepa in relation to CN and higher frequencies of chromosomal alterations. Regarding the OS, only the concentrations of SP treatment showed statistical difference in relation to the NC: in L. sativa model, GSH at (C5 and C8) concentrations and LPO (C7); in A. cepa model, SOD (C3 and C4), GST (C4, C5 and C6), GSH (C5 and C8), and CAT (C3 and C7). The alterations in metabolism are possibly related to the metals, such as zinc and copper, observed in high amounts in the raw waste. The results allowed us to conclude that the raw and stabilization pond effluents offer environmental risks, requiring caution and monitoring in the use of these effluents.

Synthesis of novel ZnIn0.2Ga1.8O4/CaIn2S4 composite material with S-scheme heterojunction for efficient photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants and hydrogen evolution

Semiconductor photocatalysts that can both photocatalytic evolve hydrogen from water and degrade organic pollutants are very important to solve the problem of energy shortage and environmental pollution. The S-scheme ZnIn0.2Ga1.8O4/CaIn2S4 complex was successfully synthesized using sol–gel and oil bath methods. Characterization technique indicates that chrysanthemum-shaped CaIn2S4 is anchored on the surface of irregular nanoparticles ZnIn0.2Ga1.8O4, forming a closely packed heterostructure. The bandgap values of CaIn2S4 and Zn(In0.1Ga0.9)2O4 were determined as 2.11 eV and 3.61 eV, respectively. Under visible-light irradiation, the ZnIn0.2Ga1.8O4/CaIn2S4-1(ZC-1) photocatalyst exhibited superior performance in degrading an organic pollutant (RhB) and generating hydrogen compared to ZnGa2O4, ZnIn0.2Ga1.8O4, and CaIn2S4 alone. The photocatalytic degradation of RhB using ZC-1 was 1.7, 1.31, and 1.14 times higher than that of ZnGa2O4, ZnIn0.2Ga1.8O4, and CaIn2S4, respectively. Moreover, the photocatalytic hydrogen evolution rate of ZC-1 was 5.8, 3.7, and 13 times higher than that of ZnGa2O4, ZnIn0.2Ga1.8O4, and CaIn2S4, respectively. The formation of S-type heterojunctions in the composite photocatalysts was confirmed through free radical trapping and electron paramagnetic resonance tests, further enhancing hydrogen production and organic pollutant degradation. This study presents a novel approach for developing ZnGa2O4-based composite photocatalysts with S-scheme heterojunctions to address energy shortage and environmental pollution in the future.

Seed quality of stored soybean (Glycine max) seeds as influenced by packaging materials and storage conditions

A lab experiment was carried out to study the Seed quality of stored soybean (Glycine max) seeds as influenced by packaging materials and storage conditions. Soybean seeds (JS-335) were stored in different packaging materials viz., gunny bags and high-density polythene bags and vacuum-packed bags stored at room temperature (25 ± 2º C) and cold storage (4 ± 1º C) for a period of 18 months during 2020-21. The treatments having six combinations and consisting of different containers viz., gunny bags, high-density polythene bags, and vacuum-packed bags were replicated four times in both cold and ambient storage conditions in a completely randomized design. The results of the study revealed that the seed quality parameters viz., Seed germination, moisture content and electrical conductivity, seedling length, SVI, and seed physiological parameters such as mineral content (Cu, Mn, Zn and Mn) values were higher in vacuum-packed seeds than gunny, HDPE bags for soybean seeds stored under cold storage compared to room temperature throughout the storage period. Among the containers, the seeds stored in vacuum-packed bags maintained the seed quality and seed physiological parameters with least deterioration compared to seeds stored in gunny bags and high-density polythene bags.

The Spatial Distribution and Influencing Factors of Heavy Metals in Soil in Xinjiang, China

Heavy metal pollution has been a problem of concern in soil ecology in recent decades. This study investigated the spatial distribution of heavy metals and their pollution levels in the soil of Xinjiang, based on the data of heavy metals published in the literature in the past five years, by using a geostatistical method, pollution index method, and geographic information system (GIS)-based spatial analysis. Additionally, the effects of five economic development indicators, such as population and industrial activities on the accumulation of heavy metals in soil, were explored by correlation analysis. The results showed that the average contents of Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn in the soils were 2.858, 1.062, 1.194, 1.159, 1.192, and 1.086 times higher than the background values in Xinjiang, respectively. The semi-variance functions indicated that the Cd and Pb block gold coefficients of soils were greater than 25% and less than 50%, with an obvious spatial correlation. The spatial patterns showed that the high values of Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn were mainly distributed in Karamay, Changji, Tacheng, and Kashi areas, with an overall decreasing trend from north to south, and the pollution index showed that the pollution of heavy metal Cd in soil was the most serious. Furthermore, Karamay, Changji, and Kashi areas were at heavy pollution levels. Correlation analysis showed that heavy metal Pb in the soil was significantly positively correlated with the agricultural GDP in Xinjiang, while Cd was correlated significantly and positively with comprehensive energy consumption and more significantly with industrial GDP. Thus, this study could provide a scientific basis for local evaluation of soil environmental quality and prevention and control of soil heavy metal pollution, which is of great significance for understanding the impact of human activities.

Bioaccumulation of zinc in rice (oryza sativa l.) from River Swat, Panjkora, And Kabul Pakistan

Ecosystem contamination with heavy metals lead to the bioaccumulation of these elements in crops. Rice, a significant component of the human diet, can bioaccumulate heavy metals and is of public health concerns. Therefore, the current research aimed to investigate the bioaccumulation of the heavy metal zinc in several rice varieties from three rivers in Pakistan's Malakand Division. The Highest Zn concentration of 91.58± 6.25 mg kg−1 dry weight was observed in rice roots of China Basmati variety grown across River Swat, while the highest Zn concentration of 60.06 ± 4.41 mg kg−1 dry weight was observed in the stem of Mota Chawal on River Kabul. In a site-wise comparison of both River Swat and Kabul, the Zn concentrations in the stem of Sara Sela rice on River Panjkora were 55.5±4.37, showing significant differences among different sites on the rivers. Similarly, comparing metal concentrations in different rice varieties generally did not show significant differences between the varieties. Zn concentrations in rice were higher in the Swat River than in the rest in all cases. Bioaccumulation factor (BAF) values for Zn were in the order of soil > roots > stem > leaves > grains for River Swat and Kabul. In contrast, for River Panjkora Zn concentration, the order was soil > stem > root > grains> leaves, respectively. Zn absorption by rice in the form of ions or particles generally affects plant phenotypic, physiological, and molecular development; hence, it must be considered in present varieties for the future.

Macro and Micronutrient Status under Different Land Use Types in the University of Benin

This experiment was conducted to ascertain the macro and micronutrient status of soils under different land uses: Arable, Fallow, Residential, and Silvicultural land. Three different sites were carefully selected for each land use (replicates). Auger points were taken at 0-15 cm and 15-30 cm depths for each location, and samples were collected for laboratory analysis. Parameters measured included pH, TOC, TN, Av. P, K, Ca, Mg, Na, S-SO4, B, Cl, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, Zn, and soil particle contents. Results showed that pH in the top 15 cm ranged from very slightly acidic in silviculture and arable land to moderately acidic in fallow land, while residential land was neutral. pH, TOC, N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Na, and sand content all had their highest values in the topsoil (0-15 cm), except at the pH depth (15-30 cm) of Residential and Silvicultural land, K at Silviculture, and Clay contents. At the 0-15 cm depth, arable land had the highest significant (p<0.05) values of boron, manganese, and molybdenum and recorded the least value of Fe (258.7 mg/kg). Residential area had the highest values of Cl, Cu, Fe, and Zn (20.93 mg/kg). Silvicultural land had the highest values of B and the least significant (p<0.05) values of Cl, Mn, and Zn at 0-15 cm. While in the 15-30 cm depth, B, Cl, and Cu contents did not differ significantly across land uses. Fe and Zn recorded their highest significant values in residential, while Mn and Mo had their highest values in the arable land.

Eisenia fetida'nın İstiridye Mantarı Atığı ve Demlenmiş Çay Atığı ile beslenmesinin vermikomposttaki gelişimi ve bazı besin maddeleri üzerine etkilerinin belirlenmesi

Recycling of domestic wastes into products with economic value can provide great benefits to environmental protection and sustainable environmental management. The aim of this study is to determine the effects of feeding Eisenia fetida with oyster mushroom waste and brewed tea waste on the growth it and some nutrients in fertilizer. For this ppurpose, three different growing media including Oyster mushroom waste (100%) (T1), Oyster mushroom waste (50%) + 50% brewed tea waste (50%) (T2), Oyster mushroom waste (25%) + (75%) (T3) brewed tea waste were used in the experiments. The research was carried out in plastic containers with a width of 40 cm x 40 cm length x 20 cm in accordance with the randomized plot design in three repetitions. The changes of some nutrients in solid and liquid vermicompost obtained from different quality nutrient media were made by Anova and Variance analysis and multiple comparisons between the nutrient media were made by Duncan test. As a result of the study, the number of worms in all growing media decreased over time. The highest reduction was 31.10% in oyster mushroom media (25%) + brewed tea waste (75%) in the nutrient medium. As a result of the study, the highest Ca, Na, K, Mg values were found in untreated Oyster mushroom (control) waste, while the highest Fe value was found in solid vermicompost obtained from oyster mushrooms (100%) in T1. The highest Zn value was obtained from solid vermicompost obtained from the mixture of OM (50%) + BTW (50%) in treatment T2. The highest Cu and Mn values were found in the solid vermicompost obtained from the OM (25%) +BTW (75%) mixture in T3, and the changes were statistically significant. The highest Ca, Mg, Na, Cu, Zn, and K values in vermiwash obtained from different nutrient media were found in liquid vermicompost produced from OM (100%) (T4). The highest Mn values were found in T5, while the highest Fe was found in T6. It was determined that the changes in Ca, Zn, Mn and Mg values in liquid vermicompost obtained from different media were statistically significant (P

Ecological Risk Evaluation of Heavy Metals in Soils near a Water Dam in Baljurashi, KSA, and Their Accumulation in Dodonaea viscosa

Soil’s contamination with heavy metals is a serious issue, and assessing their levels, regulating their sources, and finding cost-effective technology to limit their toxic effect and soil cleanup are of high priority. The focus of this study was to find out the extent of priority hazard heavy metal contamination in soils close to the Al-Janabeen water reservoir dam in Baljurashi, KSA, and the extent of their accumulation in the Dodonaea viscosa Tacq plant. Soil and plant samples were analyzed for heavy metal concentration using inductively coupled plasma spectroscopy (ICPS). Quantitative single and integrated contamination indices were used to characterize and evaluate the degree of heavy metal contamination in soils. The biological concentration factor (BCF) and the translocation factor (TF) were utilized to determine the extent of transfer and accumulation of heavy metals in the D. viscosa plant. Soil analysis showed the presence of Mn, Cu, Zn, Co, Cr, and Pb among the prioritized heavy metals with Cu, Zn, and Pb values being higher than those in natural background levels. The mean concentration order was Fe > Mn > Zn > Cu > Pb > Cr > Ni > Cr > Co. The single contamination indices’ quantification indicated marked contamination due to Mn, Zn, Cu, Co, Cr, and Pb elements. While integrated contamination factors’ computation showed low ecological risk due to accumulative metals of concern, Nemerow’s index (NI) showed that Cu, Zn, and Pb were the three most abundant pollutants in the examined soils. Analysis of plant parts showed the presence of Mn, Cu, Ni, Zn, Co, Cr, Cd, and Pb at varying quantities in various plant sections. Both BCF and TF factors were less than one, indicating that the D. viscosa plant was limited in its ability to phytoextract and accumulate the metals from the soil. This study suggests more research to locate suitable native plants for phytoremediation and soil cleaning is required in addition to the appropriate planning and management of landfills in order to ensure agricultural sustainability.

Ecotoxicological and Potential Health Risk Assess-ment in Dimna Canal, Interlinking Lentic and Lo-tic Ecosystem in Jamshedpur, India

Abstract: Heavy and Trace Elements (HTEs) pollution is a serious menace to the ecosystem. These elements are ubiquitous that can bioaccumulate and biomagnify in the food chain. This study aimed to assess the HTE pollution on different trophic level of an aquatic food chain of Dimna canal interlinking a lentic (Dimna Lake) and a lotic (Subarnarekha River) ecosystem. In this study, water, sediments, and biotic samples of molluscs (Limnaea stagnalis) and fish (Channa punctatus) were collected and analysed in an ICP-MS for six HTEs (Cu, Pb, Zn, As, CD and Cr). Then, the health risk to human through the consumption of L. stagnalis and C. Punctatus was calculated using the Target Hazard Quotient (THQ) and Hazard Index (HI). It is observed that the average level of Pb (12.96 µg/L) and Cd (3.83µg/L) in water is higher than the limit prescribed by WHO, 2004. In sediment, the average level of Zn (118.14 µg/g) and Cd (0.43 µg/g) is higher than the average shale value of the earth's crust. The higher value of Pb, Cd and Zn in the canal ecosystem may be due to the discharge of chemical, primer etc. from industries as well bricks industry. In mollusc (L. stagnalis), the average levels of HTEs are the highest in comparison to limits prescribed by FAO (1983) and account for 82.74 µg of Cu per g, 20.09 µg of Pb per g, 530.49 µg of Zn per g, and 0.86 µg of Cd per g. In edible fish (C.punctatus) parts, level of As (2.41 µg/g) and Cd (0.66 µg/g) are higher than the FAO limits. Mollusc, being the primary consumer of the aquatic food chain, accumulates more HTE than that of fish; hence mollusc can be used as a potential bioindicator. THQ values of metals due to consumption of mollusc and fish show that As contributes almost 50 % in HI. Also, among the population of two age groups (adult and children); children are found more susceptible to HTE exposure. Hence, regular monitoring and assessment are required for aquatic ecosystems for the safeguard of human health.

Quantitative determination of macro and micro elements and heavy metals accumulated in wild fruits analyzed by ICP-OES method.

The moisture amounts of wild fruits ranged from 51.07 (rosehip) to 88.49% (raspberry (yellow)). Wild strawberry generally contained the highest amounts of P, K and Ca. In addition, the highest Mg result was recorded in wild strawberry, fig and rosehip fruits. P and K amounts of wild edible fruits were recorded between 385mg/kg (blackberry) and 2538mg/kg (fig) to 6114 (medlar) and 18,613mg/kg (wild strawberry), respectively. Depending on the fruit variety and type, the microelements found in the highest amounts were Zn, Cu, Mn and B. Fe resultss of fruits were reported at very low levels. Fe results of wild edible fruits changed between 0.21 (apple) and 1.32mg/kg ((fig). Zn and Cu values of wild edible fruits were recorded between 1.39 (apple) and 16.4mg/kg (fig) to 1.54 (apple) and 18.4mg/kg (wild strawberry), respectively. Cu contents of raspberry (red), raspberry (yellow), blackberry, jujube and medlar fruits were found to be very close to each other. Arsenic (As) contents of wild fruits were recorded to be higher than those of other elements. In addition, some fruits have high heavy metal contents. The heavy metal found in the highest amounts in fruits was As, followed in descending order by Ali Ba, Se, Ni and Pb. The high As content of these fruits is likely due to the As content of the soil where the plants are grown and its contamination with As-rich industrial waste. While As contents of edible wild fruits are detected between 4.21 (rosehip) and 65.7 (wild strawberry), Al results of fruits were reported between 0.03 (rosehip) and 16.0μg/g (mulberry (white)).

Assessment of Heavy Metals Contamination and Potential Ecological Risk in Surface Sediments of the El Bey Wadi, Tunisia

ABSTRACT Sebkhat Soliman included in the Ramsar Convention is a wetland of international importance. This area is of great ecological interest considering the quality and the richness of the flora and the diversity of the avifauna. This site receives a large amount of water through the EL Bey River. In order to assess the levels of contamination, concentrations of six heavy metals, including Cr, Cu, Pb, Ni, Mn, and Zn, were examined in 25 surface sediment samples from El Bey Wadi. These concentrations, which were expressed in mg/kg of dry weight, showed that Pb ranged from 5.52 to 41.66, Zn from 26.94 to 1471.89, Cu from 91.97 to 260.05, Ni from 9.35 to 140.45, Cr from 25. It’s important to note that the highest metal concentrations have been found in site 5 which is frequently exposed to local industrial pollutant sources and in sites that are frequently inundated by river water that is carrying away industrial waste from the cities of Grombalia and Bou-Argoub. The mean EF values for Cu, Mn and Ni were between 3 and 5 in the sediments of the El Bey River, suggesting moderate enrichment, while the mean EF values for Pb, Zn and Cr indicating respectively moderate to severe enrichment and very severe enrichment. CF values for Cr, Cu and Zn were > 6 in sediments taken from the fifth site, which denotes a very high contamination by these metals. At site 5, PLI value (4.09), reflecting that its sediment is heavily polluted. Hierarchical cluster analysis-based complementary statistical methods have demonstrated that Mn is lithogenic and other analyzed metals are anthropogenic.

Dried blood spot analysis for elements of nutritional concern as demonstrated in studies of Galápagos land iguanas (Conolophus species)

BackgroundDried blood spot (DBS) technology is valuable in providing simple means of storing blood samples from wildlife with small blood volumes. Methods designed for heavy metal analysis on DBS become more useful if extended to elements of nutritional significance. Purpose(1) Development of procedures for measuring Mn, Fe, Co, Cu, Zn, Se and Mo in DBS; (2) use the designed methods in health assessments of Galápagos land iguanas (Conolophus species). ProceduresElements were measured by inductively coupled plasma/mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) following acid digestion of whole blood or DBS from the same animal for direct comparison. Study animals comprised free-ranging iguanas from separate islands in the Galápagos archipelago. Main FindingsDBS spikes (Mn, Fe, Co, Cu, Zn, Se and Mo) demonstrated accuracy to ∼100 ppb; reporting limits were set there except for Fe and Zn which were set at 1000 ppb. Plasma samples – generally preferable for nutritional element diagnostics – were submitted from Galápagos land iguanas along with DBS as part of a large-scale health assessment. In plasma versus DBS concentration comparisons, Fe, Cu, Se and Mn correlated well with R^2 values of 0.799, 0.818, 0.896 and 0.899, respectively, and slopes ranging 0.88 – 1.3. Co and Zn showed greater scatter. Mo had insufficient points above its reporting limit and offered advantages for toxicity assessments. Bland-Altman diagrams showed flat scatter between 2x standard deviation boundaries with no undue trends except for Mn which had few points above its reporting limit. Bias, defined as the average difference [DBS – plasma] divided by the average value, was relatively low throughout, with values of − 19.3 % (Fe), − 48.7 % (Co), − 19.6 % (Cu), − 6.9 % (Zn), − 21.4 % (Se) and + 40.7 % (Mn). Normal distribution assessment of iguana Cu, Zn, Se and Fe plasma values showed unanticipated divergences between two species. ConclusionsThe DBS approach for nutritional element analysis offers a suitable methodology for determining crucial elements Mn, Fe, Co, Cu, Zn, Se, and Mo in veterinary samples. Analyses of samples from Conolophus species revealed interesting divergences particularly for Cu, Zn, Se and Fe, elements generally associated with defense against oxidative stress.

Evaluation of pollution with some heavy metals for soils and plants of agricultural Locations in Basrah province

To Evaluate the state of pollution with heavy metals (Zn, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb), ten Locations with different chemical and physical properties were selected from the agricultural Locations of Basrah province: 1/Al-Qurna, 2/Al-Madina, 3/Al-Dair, 4/Al-Haritha, and 5/Karmat Ali (University). ), 6/ Al-Tanuma, 7/ Abu Al-Khasib, 8/ Al-Siba, 9/ Al-Faw and 10/ Al-Zubayr (Al-Burjisiya station) and a site was chosen for comparison, where soil samples were collected from agricultural Locations close to the source of pollution, while plant samples were collected from near and far from the source Pollution and the necessary analyzes were Carried out for the study. The results showed an increase in the concentration of total heavy metals in the soils of most of the study Locations, and they were polluted compared to the comparison treatment. The soils of most agricultural Locations exceeded the internationally permissible limits. The results indicated that the total average concentration of lead, Nickel, copper, chromium and zinc in the Hartha area (the fourth site) was 615.88, 165.55, 390.40, 48.45, 465.83 mg kg-1 soil sequentially, which is higher compared to the average concentration in other agricultural sites, as well as the concentrations of heavy metals increased (Pb, Ni, Cu, Cr, Zn) in plants grown in locations close from the source of pollution. The concentrations of these elements decreased in plants far from the source of pollution. It is noted that the pollution factor (CF) values of Pb and Zn in all study Locations ranged from moderate contamination to very high contamination. Keywords: PLI, pollution Factor (CF), oil installations, soil pollution, plant pollution.