Scientific Literature

To refine your search, enter keywords in more than one field. By default, results are listed by the most recent year.

      


« previous page    Displaying Results 21 - 40 of 893    next page »


New Analytical Strategy for Bioaccessibility Evaluation of Bromine and Iodine from Edible Seaweeds

Date: 2023
Authors: Scaglioni, PT;Balbinot, FP;Rondan, FS;Novo, DLR;Silva, AA;Mesko, MF;
References: Journal of agricultural and food chemistry ~ ~
Keywords/Products: Meinhard;
A strategy for determining the bioaccessibility of bromine and iodine from edible seaweeds was proposed for the first time using microwave-induced combustion (MIC) and ion chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (IC-MS) after in vitro digestion. The concentrations of bromine and iodine in edible seaweeds using the proposed methods (MIC and IC-MS) were not statistically different from those using MIC and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (p > 0.05). Trueness was assessed by recovery experiments (101-110%, relative standard deviation <10%). Following an in vitro digestion protocol, MIC was proposed as sample preparation for bioaccessible and residual fractions. Using this strategy, the mass balance totaled from 97 to 111%. No statistical difference (p > 0.05) was observed between the total concentration of bromine or iodine and their concentration in bioaccessible and residual fractions for three edible seaweed species, indicating full analyte quantification in the fractions.

Comparison and Intercorrelation of Various Bentonite Products for Oenological Properties, Elemental Compositions, Volatile Compounds and Organoleptic Attributes of White Wine

Date: 2023
Authors: Rakonczás, N;Kállai, Z;Kovács, B;Antal, G;Szabó, S;Holb, IJ;
References: Foods (Basel, Switzerland) 12 ~
Keywords/Products: Concentric;Concentric nebulizer;iCAP;ICP;ICP-OES;Meinhard;
Bentonite fining is one of the generally applied wine-making technological elements that may seriously affect wine components. The aim of this study was (i) to investigate the effect of 21 bentonite products on eight oenological parameters, 19 elements, 21 volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and 10 organoleptic properties of white wine; and (ii) to quantify intercorrelations among the parameters separately for each of the four quality attributes. Among oenological parameters, sugar, acidity, malic-, lactic-, citric acid and total phenol contents were significant among several bentonite products. The amounts of elements were the lowest in the control wine treatments (with exceptions of, e.g., Ni and Cu); and these values were significantly different from several bentonite products. The relative presence of the VOCs was above 100% for most VOCs, but it was below 100% for 1-propanol, 4-amino-1,5-pentandioic acid and butane-dioic acid, and diethyl ester in all treatments. For organoleptic parameters, the values of clearness, colour, flavour intensity and taste persistency was the lowest in the control wine treatment, while the values of flavour character, flavour quality, taste intensity, taste character, and overall harmony were the highest for the bentonite products of AP, EBE, M-SA, EBE, EBE, respectively. Results of correlation and factor analyses showed strong intercorrelative effects of bentonite fining on the four quality attributes. In conclusion, this study can help in the proper choice of a specific bentonite product in relation to complexity effects of bentonite fining.

Determination by ICP-MS of Essential and Toxic Trace Elements in Gums and Carrageenans Used as Food Additives Commercially Available in the Portuguese Market

Date: 2023
Authors: Azevedo, R;Oliveira, A;Almeida, A;Gomes, L;
References: Foods 12 1408
Keywords/Products: Concentric;Concentric Quartz Nebulizer;iCAP;ICP;ICP-MS;Meinhard;Quartz Nebulizer;Thermo;
Gums and carrageenans are food additives widely used in food preparations to improve texture and as viscosifiers. Although they are typically added in small amounts, nowadays people tend to use more and more pre-prepared food. In this work, the content of a wide panel of trace elements in commercial products were analyzed. Carrageenans and gums (n = 13) were purchased in the Portuguese market and were from European suppliers. Samples were solubilized by closed-vessel microwave-assisted acid digestion and analyzed by ICP-MS. Globally, the content of essential trace elements decreased in the following order: Fe (on average, on the order of several tens of µg/g) > Mn > Zn > Cr > Cu > Co > Se > Mo (typically < 0.1 µg/g), while the content of non-essential/toxic trace elements decreased in the following order: Al > Sr > Rb > As > Li > Cd > Pb > Hg. The consumption of these food additives can significantly contribute to the daily requirements of some essential trace elements, namely Cr and Mo. The toxic trace elements Cd, As, Pb, and Hg were below the EU regulatory limits in all analyzed samples. Additional research is needed to define the potential risk of introducing toxic trace elements into food products through the use of these additives.

Interplay Effects in the Co-Doping of ZnO Nanowires with Al and Ga Using Chemical Bath Deposition

Date: 2023
Authors: Baillard, A;Appert, E;Weber, M;Jacob, V;Roussel, H;Rapenne, L;Chaix-Pluchery, O;Consonni, V;
References: Inorganic chemistry 62 1165-1177
Keywords/Products: Meinhard;Type C;
The simultaneous co-doping of ZnO nanowires grown by chemical bath deposition is of high interest for a large number of engineering devices, but the process conditions required and the resulting physicochemical processes are still largely unknown. Herein, we show that the simultaneous co-doping of ZnO nanowires with Al and Ga following the addition of Al(NO3)3 and Ga(NO3)3 in the chemical bath operates in a narrow range of conditions in the high-pH region, where the adsorption processes of respective Al(OH)4- and Ga(OH4)- complexes on the positively charged m-plane sidewalls are driven by attractive electrostatic forces. The structural morphology and properties of ZnO nanowires are significantly affected by the co-doping and mainly governed by the effect of Al(III) species. The incorporation processes of Al and Ga dopants are characterized by significant interplay effects, and the amount of incorporated Ga dopants into ZnO nanowires is found to be larger than the amount of incorporated Al dopants owing to energetic considerations. The Al and Ga dopants are located in the bulk of ZnO nanowires, but a part of Al and Ga lies on their surfaces, their incorporation processes in the bulk being enhanced by thermal annealing under oxygen atmosphere. Eventually, the Al and Ga dopants directly affect the incorporation of hydrogen-related defects, notably by annihilating the formation of VZn-nH defect complexes. These findings present an efficient strategy to proceed with the co-doping of ZnO nanowires grown by chemical bath deposition, opening perspectives to control their electronic structure properties with a higher precision.

In vitro gastrointestinal digestion and bioavailability of lithium from processed lithiated and nonlithiated white Agaricus bisporus mushrooms

Date: 2023
Authors: Pankavec, S;Falandysz, J;Eun, H;Bara?kiewicz, D;Fernandes, AR;
References: Bipolar disorders ~ ~
Keywords/Products: Concentric;Concentric nebulizer;Meinhard;
In order to avoid side effects of lithium doses in some patients, some commonly cultivated mushroom species including A. bisporus have been successfully lithiated, with the potential to provide more acceptable sources of Li. This study assessed the in vitro release (potential bioaccessibility) and possible intake of Li using the action of artificial gastrointestinal juices on lithiated and nonlithiated (control) button mushrooms (Agaricus bisporus) that were subjected to certain modes of culinary processing.In the in vitro release study, mushrooms were processed using a number of routinely used domestic treatments including rehydrating dried mushrooms, blanching and blanching followed by pickling of fresh or frozen mushrooms. The in vitro digestion procedure used artificial gastrointestinal juices in a two-stage methodology that was adapted from 'The Bioaccessibility Research Group of Europe' method. The Li concentrations were determined using an inductively coupled argon plasma-dynamic reactive cell-mass spectrometer.Lithium was found to be more bioaccessible from caps of lithiated mushrooms compared with nonlithiated. Releases from the caps and stipes of blanched or blanched and then pickled mushrooms through gastric digestion ranged from 32?±?2 to 50?±?1% relative to the dried product and was lower for gastrointestinal digestion, which ranged from 16?±?1 to 20?±?1%.Losses of Li sustained through blanching or blanching followed by pickling of fresh mushrooms (41-87% wet weight) combined with limited accessibility during gastrointestinal release (16-55%) result in much lower bioavailability of the dose from lithiated products. A 300-g meal would provide <5% of the Li (6 mg) required for potential preventative treatments, such as reducing suicide rates and lowering dementia risk.

Placental levels of essential and non-essential trace element in relation to neonatal weight in Northwestern Spain: application of generalized additive models

Date: 2023
Authors: Álvarez-Silvares, E;Fernández-Cruz, T;Bermudez-González, M;Rubio-Cid, P;Almeida, A;Pinto, E;Seoane-Pillado, T;Martínez-Carballo, E;
References: Environmental science and pollution research international ~ ~
Keywords/Products: iCAP;ICP;ICP-MS;Meinhard;Quartz Nebulizer;Thermo;
Adequate gestational progression depends to a great extent on placental development, which can modify maternal and neonatal outcomes. Any environmental toxicant, including metals, with the capacity to affect the placenta can alter the development of the pregnancy and its outcome. The objective of this study was to correlate the placenta levels of 14 essential and non-essential elements with neonatal weight. We examined relationships between placental concentrations of arsenic, cadmium, cobalt, copper, mercury, lithium, manganese, molybdenum, nickel, lead, rubidium, selenium, strontium, and zinc from 79 low obstetric risk pregnant women in Ourense (Northwestern Spain, 42°20'12.1?N 7°51.844'O) with neonatal weight. We tested associations between placental metal concentrations and neonatal weight by conducting multivariable linear regressions using generalized linear models (GLM) and generalized additive models (GAM). While placental Co (p?=?0.03) and Sr (p?=?0.048) concentrations were associated with higher neonatal weight, concentrations of Li (p?=?0.027), Mo (p?=?0.049), and Se (p?=?0.02) in the placenta were associated with lower newborn weight. Our findings suggest that the concentration of some metals in the placenta may affect fetal growth.

Translocation of elements and fractionation of Mg, Cu, Zn, and Cd stable isotopes in a penny bun mushroom (Boletus edulis) from western Czech Republic

Date: 2023
Authors: Andronikov, AV;Andronikova, IE;Martinkova, E;Sebek, O;Stepanova, M;
References: Environmental science and pollution research international ~ ~
Keywords/Products: Agilent;Concentric;Glass Nebulizer;Meinhard;
Boletus edulis mushroom behaved as an accumulating biosystem with respect to Ag, Rb, Zn, and K. The mushroom was not an efficient accumulator of toxic As, Pb, and Cr, but Se and Cd displayed much higher concentrations in the mushroom than in the substrate samples. Other elements were bioexclusive. Different elements had different within-mushroom mobilities. The highest mobilities were displayed by Zn and Ag, and the lowest by Ti. The mushroom's fruiting body preferentially took up lighter Mg, Cu, and Cd isotopes (?26MgFB-soil?=??-0.75‰; ?65CuFB-soil?=??-0.96‰; ?114CdFB-soil?=??-0.63‰), and the heavier 66Zn isotope (?66ZnFB-soil?=?0.92‰). Positive within-mushroom Zn isotope fractionation resulted in accumulation of the heavier 66Zn (?66Zncap-stipe?=?0.12‰) in the mushroom's upper parts. Cadmium displayed virtually no within-mushroom isotope fractionation. Different parts of the fruiting body fractionated Mg and Cu isotopes differently. The middle part of the stipe (3-6 cm) was strongly depleted in the heavier 26 Mg with respect to the 0-3 cm (?26Mgstipe(3-6)-stipe(0-3)?=??-0.73‰) and 6-9 cm (?26Mgstipe(6-9)-stipe(3-6)?=?0.28‰) sections. The same stipe part was strongly enriched in the heavier 65Cu with respect to the 0-3 cm (?65Custipe(3-6)-stipe(0-3)?=?0.63‰) and 6-9 cm (?65Custipe(6-9)-stipe(3-6)?=??-0.42‰) sections. An overall tendency for the upper mushroom's parts to accumulate heavier isotopes was noted for Mg (?26Mgcap-stipe?=?0.20‰), Zn (?66Zncap-stipe?=?0.12‰), and Cd (?114Cdcap-stipe?=?0.04‰), whereas Cu showed the opposite trend (?65Cucap-stipe?=??-0.08‰).

Arsenic in Mining Areas: Environmental Contamination Routes

Date: 2023
Authors: Faria, MCDS;Hott, RC;Santos, MJD;Santos, MS;Andrade, TG;Bomfeti, CA;Rocha, BA;Barbosa, F;Rodrigues, JL;
References: International journal of environmental research and public health 20 ~
Keywords/Products: Meinhard;
The emission and accumulation of toxic elements such as arsenic in various environmental compartments have become increasingly frequent primarily due to anthropogenic actions such as those observed in agricultural, industrial, and mining activities. An example of environmental arsenic contamination in Brazil exists in the city of Paracatu, MG, due to the operation of a gold mine. The aim of this work is to evaluate the routes and effects of arsenic contamination in environmental compartments (air, water, and soil) and environmental organisms (fish and vegetables) from mining regions as well as the trophic transfer of the element for a risk assessment of the population. In this study, high levels of arsenic were found in the waters of the Rico stream ranging from 4.05 µg/L during the summer season to 72.4 µg/L during the winter season. Moreover, the highest As concentration was 1.668 mg kg-1 in soil samples, which are influenced by seasonal variation and by proximity to the gold mine. Inorganic and organic arsenic species were found above the allowed limit in biological samples, indicating the transfer of arsenic found in the environment and demonstrating a great risk to the population exposed to this area. This study demonstrates the importance of environmental monitoring to diagnose contamination and encourage the search for new interventions and risk assessments for the population.

Artisanal Gem Mining in Brazil: A Source of Genotoxicity and Exposure to Toxic Elements

Date: 2023
Authors: Santos, APR;Silva, LZ;Freire, BM;da Silva Faria, MC;Batista, BL;Rocha, BA;Barbosa, F;Rodrigues, JL;
References: International journal of environmental research and public health 20 ~
Keywords/Products: Meinhard;
Environmental and occupational exposure to toxic metals has led many people around the world to have serious health problems. Mining activities contribute to an increased risk of exposure to these elements. In this work, a study of environmental biomonitoring and routes of exposure to toxic metals in a region of artisanal mining was performed. This study was carried out in the district of Taquaral de Minas, located in the Jequitinhonha Valley in the state of Minas Gerais. The valley is one of the wealthiest and highest gem-producing areas in Brazil. Five artisanal mines were sampled (Bode, Pirineu, Pinheira, Lajedo, and Marmita). Several potentially toxic metals (Be, Zn, Mn, Ba Cd, Hg, and U) were investigated in the soils and dust over the rocks and the soils. Samples from 22 individuals occupationally exposed and 17 unexposed persons, who formed the reference group, were analyzed for trace elements by an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer. The genotoxicity was evaluated by the micronucleus test in buccal mucosa epithelial cells, where the following changes were scored: micronuclei (MN) binucleate (BN) cells and kariolytic (KL) cells. The MN test showed significantly increased frequencies in all alterations of exposed individuals compared to the controls (p < 0.05, Student's t-test). The urine analysis showed levels of Cr, Ni Ba, Pb, and As in the blood, which were higher than the ATSDR recommended levels. The association between the MN test and the trace element concentrations found in the blood and urine was significant (p < 0.05). The higher the number of years of working, the higher the concentrations in the blood were, due to chronic exposure. The results of the present study indicate environmental contamination and a potential risk to the health of miners, suggesting an intervention.

Speciation of selenium in fresh and cooked commonly consumed fish in Thailand

Date: 2023
Authors: Singhato, A;Judprasong, K;Sridonpai, P;Laitip, N;Ornthai, N;Yafa, C;
References: Journal of Food Composition and Analysis 120 105303
Keywords/Products: Meinhard;
Fish are an important protein source commonly consumed by the Thai people due to their ready availability and affordability in local markets. Fish are also good sources of selenium (Se), an essential trace element that plays a key role in human health. This study investigated the ten most commonly consumed freshwater and marine fish in Thailand in terms of their chemical forms of Se as prepared fresh, boiled, or fried. Organic forms of Se including selenomethionine (SeMet) and selenocystine (SeCys2) as well as the inorganic forms of selenate (Se[VI]) and selenite (Se[IV]) were assessed using High-Performance Liquid Chromatograph coupled with Plasma Triple Quadrupole Mass Spectrometry. All fish species had Se(VI) and Se(IV) below the limit of detection. For fresh fish, mixed results indicated the major forms were SeMet and SeCys2. However for boiled and fried fish, SeMet was the major Se form. Fresh and fried longtail tuna were significantly higher in SeMet compared to the other fish (p < 0.05). Boiled short-bodied mackerel was significantly higher in SeMet compared to the other fish (p < 0.05). For SeCys2, fresh giant sea perch and fresh Indo-pacific Spanish mackerel, boiled short-bodied mackerel, fried striped snakehead, and fried Indo-pacific Spanish mackerel had significantly higher SeCys2 concentrations compared to the other fish using the same cooking methods (p < 0.05). Overall, therefore, most fish species commonly consumed in Thailand contained organic Se (SeMet and/or SeCys2) as the major form of Se.

Assessment of horticultural products whose crops allow the use of copper-based pesticides by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry

Date: 2023
Authors: dos Santos, L;Barata-Silva, C;Neto, S;Magalhães, C;Pereira, R;Malheiros, J;da Silva, A;do Couto Jacob, S;
References: Journal of Food Composition and Analysis 119 105272
Keywords/Products: Meinhard;
Copper is present in the environment and animals at low levels and is considered an essential microelement for all living organisms, but in high amounts, it is considered toxic. The study's objective was to evaluate the concentration of Cu in different horticultural products marketed in Rio de Janeiro city by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry. The method provides sensitivity, precision, and accuracy appropriate to assess exposure to Cu due to its intake through vegetable consumption in Rio de Janeiro city. There is no significant statistical difference between Cu concentration in fruits (1.2 ± 0.4 mg kg-1) and non-leaf vegetables (0.9 ± 0.4 mg kg-1). The Cu concentration was lower in the root, tuber, and bulb samples (0.7 ± 0.4 mg kg-1). All samples allowed by law to use copper-containing pesticides presented concentrations below the limits established by Brazilian regulation. Despite these results, it is crucial to ensure the continuity of Cu monitoring in horticultural products, in order to prevent harm to human health.

Geographical and botanical differentiation of Mediterranean prickly pear using specific chemical markers

Date: 2023
Authors: Louppis, A;Constantinou, M;Kontominas, M;Blando, F;Stamatakos, G;
References: Journal of Food Composition and Analysis 119 105219
Keywords/Products: ICP;ICP-MS;Meinhard;Perkin Elmer;Type C;
The aim of the present study was to differentiate Mediterranean prickly pear according to geographical origin and Cypriot prickly pear according to botanical origin based on individual vitamins, antioxidants and mineral content combined with chemometrics. Seventy-four prickly pear samples were collected during the harvest periods 2019 and 2020 from Cyprus, Greece, Italy and Spain. Likewise, 43 prickly pear samples were collected from three different Cypriot cultivars (yellow, red and spineless) during the same harvest periods. UPLC-MS/MS was used to determine individual vitamins and antioxidants; ICP-MS was used to determine minerals and UV spectrophotometry was used to determine total antioxidants and antioxidant activities. Classification rate based on the cross validation method was 86.5% according to geographical origin using 24 chemical markers and 90.7% according to botanical origin using 14 chemical markers. Satisfactory differentiation of geographical and botanical origin of prickly pear was achieved using analytical data including specific chemical markers in combination with chemometrics.

Toxic Elemental Impurities in Herbal Weight Loss Supplements; A Study Using ICP-OES Microwave-Assisted Digestion

Date: 2023
Authors: Al-Thani, G;Ibrahim, AE;Alomairi, M;Salman, BI;Hegazy, MM;Al-Harrasi, A;El Deeb, S;
References: Toxics 11 ~
Keywords/Products: ICP;ICP-OES;Meinhard;
The tendency of using weight loss herbal preparations is continuously increasing, especially for the widespread consumption of junk food that is characterized by high calories. Weight loss herbal preparations are considered a type of food supplement product, and, as such, the regulations governing their quality control might be minimal. These products could be locally formulated in any country or internationally imported. Being non-controlled products, the herbal weight-loss products may contain high levels of elemental impurities that might exceed the permissible ranges. Moreover, these products contribute to the total daily intake (TDI) of such elements, which might represent concerns about their potential toxicological danger. In this research, the elemental contents in such products were investigated. The inductively coupled plasma with optical emission spectrometer (ICP-OES) was used to determine the levels of 15 elemental contents, namely, Na, K, Ca, Mg, Al, Cu, Fe, Li, Mn, As, Co, Cr, Cd, Ni and Pb. The results showed that seven micro-elements, namely Cd, Co, Ni, Cr, Pb, Li and Cu, were either not detectable or at a concentration much lower than their tolerable limits. However, all studied macro-elements (Na, K, Ca and Mg), together with Fe, were found at considerable, yet safe levels. On the other hand, Mn, Al and As contents showed perturbing levels in some of the studied products. Finally, a conclusion was highlighted for the necessity for stricter surveillance of such herbal products.

Serum Iodine and Bromine in Chronic Hemodialysis Patients-An Observational Study in a Cohort of Portuguese Patients

Date: 2023
Authors: Novakova, G;Bonev, P;Duro, M;Azevedo, R;Couto, C;Pinto, E;Almeida, A;
References: Toxics 11 ~
Keywords/Products: Concentric;Concentric nebulizer;iCAP;ICP;ICP-MS;Meinhard;Thermo;
Background: Patients on chronic hemodialysis therapy are at high risk of disturbances in trace element status due to both the underlying disease and the hemodialysis process itself. Data on iodine and bromine levels in these patients are scarce. Methods: Using an ICP-MS analytical procedure, serum iodine and bromine levels were determined in a cohort (n = 57) of end-stage renal disease patients on chronic hemodialysis. The results were compared with those of a control group (n = 59). Results: Hemodialysis patients presented serum iodine levels within the normal range, slightly lower than in controls, but without reaching a statistically significant difference (67.6 ± 17.1 µg/L vs. 72.2 ± 14.8 µg/L; p = 0.1252). In contrast, serum bromine levels were much lower in patients (1086 ± 244 µg/L vs. 4137 ± 770 µg/L; p < 0.0001), at values only about 26% of the values observed in controls. Conclusions: Hemodialysis patients had normal serum iodine levels, but highly decreased serum bromine levels. The clinical significance of this finding requires further investigation, but it may be associated with sleep disturbances and fatigue that affect hemodialysis patients.

Levels of Heavy Metals in Grapevine Soil and Leaf Samples in Response to Seasonal Change and Farming Practice in the Cape Winelands

Date: 2023
Authors: Mahlungulu, A;Kambizi, L;Akinpelu, EA;Nchu, F;
References: Toxics 11 ~
Keywords/Products: ICP;ICP-MS;Meinhard;
Heavy metal toxicity is a major threat to the health of both humans and ecosystems. Toxic levels of heavy metals in food crops, such as grapes, can have devastating effects on plant health and the market value of the produce. Two important factors that may influence the prevalence of heavy metals in grapevines are seasonal change and farming practices. The objectives of this study were (i) to conduct a detailed pioneer screening of heavy metal levels in soils and grapevine leaf tissues in selected wine farms and (ii) to study the influence of season and farming on heavy metal levels in soils and grapevine leaf tissues. Soil and grapevine leaf samples were collected from demarcated areas in selected vineyards in the Cape Winelands region of South Africa. The sampling was conducted in winter and summer from the same sites. The soil and leaf samples were analysed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) techniques. The pooled data from the farms practising conventional or organic farming showed that seasonal variation had no significant effect (DF = 1, 22; p > 0.05) on the heavy metal contents in the soil. When the soil data from the winter and summer months were compared separately or pooled, the influence of agricultural practice was well-pronounced in As (DF = 1, 22, or 46; p < 0.05) and Cu (DF = 1, 22, or 46; p <0.05). The agricultural practice greatly influenced (DF = 1, 22; p< 0.05) Cu, As, Cr, and Hg uptake, with little effect on Ni, Co, Cd, and Hg leaf contents. Generally, the heavy metals studied (Cr, Co, Ni, Zn, As, Cd, Hg, and Pb) were substantially below the maximum permitted levels in plant and soil samples, per the recommendations of the WHO and Er indices, respectively. However, moderate contamination of the soils was recorded for Cr, Ni, Zn, and Pb. Remarkably, the Cu levels in the organic vineyard soils were significantly higher than in the conventional vineyards. Furthermore, based on the Igeo index, Cu occurred at moderate to heavy contamination levels.

Seasonal Variations in the Trace Elements and Mineral Profiles of the Bivalve Species, Mytilus galloprovincialis, Chamelea gallina and Donax trunculus, and Human Health Risk Assessment

Date: 2023
Authors: Peycheva, K;Panayotova, V;Stancheva, R;Merdzhanova, A;Dobreva, D;Parrino, V;Cicero, N;Fazio, F;Licata, P;
References: Toxics 11 319
Keywords/Products: Concentric;ICP;ICP-OES;Meinhard;Optima;Perkin Elmer;Type C;
This study aimed to provide data on selected toxic (Cd, Pb and Ni), essential (Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn) and microelement (Na, K, Ca and Mg) concentrations in edible tissues of the Mediterranean mussel (Mytilus galloprovincialis), striped venus clam (Chamelea gallina) and the wedge clam (Donax trunculus). Samples were collected from the Black Sea (Bulgaria) four times over, a period of one year (2022). In comparison with the maximum permissible levels set by the EU and USFDA, all elemental concentration found in the bivalve species were lower than the prescribed limits. An estimation of the dietary metal intake through calculation of the target hazard quotients (THQ), hazard index (HI) and target risk (TR) was performed. The target hazard quotient (THQ) for individual metal and HI for combined metals were lower than 1, indicating no health risk for consumers due to the intake of either individual element or combined ones. The target risk value for toxic inorganic Pb and Cr was below 10?6, indicating no carcinogenic risk. According to these results, the consumption of these bivalve species is completely safe for human health.

Fluorine-selective post-plasma chemical ionization for enhanced elemental detection of fluorochemicals

Date: 2023
Authors: Tanen, J;White, S;Ha, D;Jorabchi, K;
References: Journal of Analytical Atomic Spectrometry ~ ~
Keywords/Products: Aerosol;HEN;Meinhard;
Post-plasma chemical ionization using Sc-based reagent ions improves the robustness of elemental F detection while maintaining high sensitivity.

Precise determination of 204Pb-based isotopic ratios in environmental samples by quadrupole inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry

Date: 2023
Authors: Grotti, M;Vecchio, M;Gobbato, D;Mataloni, M;Ardini, F;
References: Journal of Analytical Atomic Spectrometry ~ ~
Keywords/Products: Glass Nebulizer;ICP;ICP-MS;Meinhard;sample introduction;
Precise and accurate measurement of 204Pb-based isotopic ratios by quadrupole ICP-MS at the part-per-billion concentration level was achieved.

Iron and zinc biofortification and bioaccessibility in carrot ‘Dordogne’: Comparison between foliar applications of chelate and sulphate forms

Date: 2023
Authors: Buturi, C;Mauro, R;Fogliano, V;Leonardi, C;Giuffrida, F;
References: Scientia Horticulturae 312 111851
Keywords/Products: Concentric;Concentric nebulizer;Meinhard;
Hidden hunger is a worldwide problem, with iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) deficiency being the most common causes of mineral deficiency. Vegetable biofortification is an effective strategy to fight mineral deficiency, especially when commonly consumed vegetables are utilized, as in the case of carrots. This biofortification study aimed to investigate the response of the off-season carrot cv. Dordogne to different forms of foliar applications of Fe and Zn. The crop received four applications of both minerals, either in the form of inorganic salt (FeSO4 and ZnSO4) or chelated forms (Fe-DTPA and Zn-EDTA), at a concentration of 6 mM of these elements. FeSO4 was efficient in increasing the Fe concentration in carrots (by 52%), while Fe-DTPA caused no significant differences. Regarding Zn, both forms were effective in the biofortification, but Zn-EDTA proved to be more efficient in increasing root Zn concentration (+94%) than ZnSO4 (+57%). Bioaccessibility data, measured after in vitro digestion, showed that biofortified carrots with the chelated forms retained a full bioaccessibility of the minerals (around 100% as in control carrots). However, the sulfate-biofortified carrots showed reduced bioaccessibility values (60% and 80% for Fe and Zn, respectively). The results also showed an increase in dry matter, total nitrogen content and antioxidant activity in plants treated with Zn-EDTA. This trend paralleled the increase of polyphenols and total carotenoids content, suggesting the overall benefit of biofortification strategies conducted in the field. In conclusion, our study revealed that chelated forms of both minerals are preferable in the biofortification programs of carrots.

Investigating the Cellular Uptake of Model Nanoplastics by Single-Cell ICP-MS

Date: 2023
Authors: Cassano, D;Bogni, A;La Spina, R;Gilliland, D;Ponti, J;
References: Nanomaterials (Basel, Switzerland) 13 ~
Keywords/Products: Concentric;Concentric nebulizer;ICP;ICP-MS;Meinhard;
A synthetic route to producing gold-doped environmentally relevant nanoplastics and a method for the rapid and high-throughput qualitative investigation of their cellular interactions have been developed. Polyethylene (PE) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) nanoparticles, doped with ultrasmall gold nanoparticles, were synthesized via an oil-in-water emulsion technique as models for floating and sedimenting nanoplastics, respectively. Gold nanoparticles were chosen as a dopant as they are considered to be chemically stable, relatively easy to obtain, interference-free for elemental analysis, and suitable for bio-applications. The suitability of the doped particles for quick detection via inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), operating in single-cell mode (scICP-MS), was demonstrated. Specifically, the method was applied to the analysis of nanoplastics in sizes ranging from 50 to 350 nm, taking advantage of the low limit of detection of single-cell ICP-MS for gold nanoparticles. As an initial proof of concept, gold-doped PVC and PE nanoplastics were employed to quantify the interaction and uptake of nanoplastics by the RAW 264.7 mouse macrophage cell line, using scICP-MS and electron microscopy. Macrophages were chosen because their natural biological functions would make them likely to internalize nanoplastics and, thus, would produce samples to verify the test methodology. Finally, the method was applied to assess the uptake by CaCo-2 human intestinal cells, this being a more relevant model for humanexposure to those nanoplastics that are potentially available in the food chain. For both case studies, two concentrations of nanoplastics were employed to simulate both standard environmental conditions and exceptional circumstances, such as pollution hotspot areas.