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Placental levels of essential and non-essential trace element in relation to neonatal weight in Northwestern Spain: application of generalized additive models
Date: 2023Authors: 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: 2023Authors: 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: 2023Authors: 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: 2023Authors: 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: 2023Authors: 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: 2023Authors: 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: 2023Authors: 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: 2023Authors: 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: 2023Authors: 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: 2023Authors: 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: 2023Authors: 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: 2023Authors: 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: 2023Authors: 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: 2023Authors: 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: 2023Authors: 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.
Human urinary and blood toxicokinetics of beryllium after accidental exposure
Date: 2023Authors: Hiller, J;Naglav-Hansen, D;Drexler, H;Göen, T;
References: Journal of trace elements in medicine and biology : organ of the Society for Minerals and Trace Elements (GMS) 76 127125
Keywords/Products: ICP;ICP-MS;Meinhard;NexION;
Beryllium is known to have adverse health effects and is classified as carcinogenic to humans. However, data on systemic beryllium exposure in humans are rare and especially human toxicokinetics are largely uncharted. As such, the first reported multi-annual course of blood and urine concentrations after a high exposure scenario provides important new insights.For a medical follow-up biomonitoring samples were collected for 56 months from a male subject after an accidental and multi-faceted high exposure. Sampling started on day 2 post-exposure for urine and day 147 for blood. The samples were analyzed by inductively coupled mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and plotted longitudinally as a function of time. Terminal half-lives were calculated assuming a first-order elimination process.Both matrices showed highly increased initial concentrations (about 100-fold), despite the 147-day delay in blood sampling, and a marked decline over time. In urine, a two-phase excretion process was suspected based on the longitudinal data. Calculations gave terminal half-lives of 117.5 days and 666.5 days for phases 1 and 2, respectively. Blood kinetics called for a terminal half-life of 103.5 days. Elimination kinetics in blood and urine were comparable, simultaneously gathered samples showed an excellent correlation (R² = 0.985).The long-term follow-up after a high initial exposure to beryllium provides the first detailed insights into the elimination course of systemically available beryllium in humans. Conform kinetics of beryllium in urine and blood and the strong correlation between both parameters indicate high data validity and support the good representation of the current systemically available beryllium by urine and blood concentration in humans. The relatively long terminal half-lives in both matrices suggest a possible accumulation in humans in case of repeated exposures.
Soil Heavy Metal Absorption Potential of Azolla pinnata and Lemna gibba with Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi in Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Farming
Date: 2023Authors: Herath, B;Bamunuarachchige, C;Stephenson, S;Elgorban, A;Asad, S;Kumla, J;Suwannarach, N;Karunarathna, S;Yapa, P;
References: Sustainability 15 4320
Keywords/Products: Concentric;ICP;ICP-MS;Meinhard;
This study assessed the potential uptake of soil-contaminated heavy metals by Azolla pinnata and Lemna gibba in combination with and without arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) in traditional and improved rice varieties. Total levels of cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), and arsenic (As) in soil, rice roots, shoots, grains, A. pinnata, and L. gibba were estimated using ICP-MS. The percentage colonization in AMF-inoculated and AMF-uninoculated rice varied from 1.13-30.67% and 1.33-5.42%, respectively. These findings suggested that AMF provide protection to rice plants against the combined toxicity of Cd, As, Pb, and Hg in rice field soil. The combined interaction of AMF, organic fertilizer, and A. pinnata decreased heavy metal accumulation in rice roots, shoots, and grains in both tested varieties. The intake and subsequent accumulation of Cd, As, Pb, and Hg in the rice grains differed significantly (p < 0.05) between the two rice varieties. Furthermore, it was revealed that the AMF-inoculated rice plants reduced the translocation of heavy metals from root to shoot. Therefore, it can be concluded that heavy metal absorption and accumulation in rice can be reduced by the application of AMF, organic fertilizer, and A. pinnata together in rice farming.
The relationship between dissolved radon and other geochemical parameters in Campi Flegrei volcanic aquifer (Southern Italy): A follow-up study
Date: 2023Authors: Ebrahimi, P;Guarino, A;Allocca, V;Caliro, S;Cicchella, D;Albanese, S;
References: Applied Geochemistry 151 105607
Keywords/Products: Glass Nebulizer;ICP;ICP-OES;Meinhard;TDS;
Campi Flegrei is one of the most active volcanic areas in the world and assessing the potential proxies of volcanic-related phenomena is critical. Therefore, the spatial distribution of radon and carbon dioxide in groundwater and the statistical relationships between the dissolved gases and other variables deserve further attention. Compositional data analysis (CoDA) was proposed at the end of the last century and further developed in the last decades for reliable data mining, but its potential has not been fully explored for characterization of the groundwater aquifers affected by hydrothermal activity. Based on a prospecting campaign mainly aimed at the determination of both radon and carbon dioxide in Campi Flegrei groundwater, this article explores the spatial patterns of these gases in the local aquifer system and uses a CoDA approach to extract the relevant information and to determine the meaningful geochemical associations. The results show that the spatial distribution of both dissolved gases corresponds to the hydrothermal system. The logratio transformed CO2 (aq) distinguishes bicarbonate-rich groundwater better than the raw values. Principal component analysis reveals two associations: A1) C a 2 + , M g 2 + , K + , S O 4 2 ? , H C O 3 ? + C O 2 and pH; and A2) N a + , C l ? , As, B, Li, Rn, TDS and T. It highlights that the groundwater composition is generally influenced by two main factors: (1) meteoric water, which is modified by CO2?rich magmatic gases in some cases; and (2) hydrothermal fluid and/or seawater. The results are in agreement with the literature and application of CoDA is recommended in future investigations because the study area is highly populated and considering the compositional nature of geochemical data might help mitigate the volcanic hazard at Campi Flegrei.
Elemental and Cu-Zn isotopic compositions of two bolete mushrooms grown on contrasting substrates
Date: 2023Authors: Andronikov, A;Andronikova, I;Sebek, O;Martinkova, E;Stepanova, M;Vitkova, H;Antalova, E;
References: Applied Geochemistry 150 105594
Keywords/Products: Agilent;Concentric;Glass Nebulizer;Meinhard;
We studied elemental and Cu-Zn isotopic compositions of Boletus edulis and Xerocomus chrysenteron mushroom samples collected from three small catchments underlain by contrasting bedrock (leucogranite, amphibolite, and serpentinite). Elements such as Ag, P, K, Zn, S, Cd, and Rb are significantly enriched in the mushroom's fruiting bodies relative to the substrate. All analyzed elements are distributed unevenly within the fruiting bodies, with the cap and sporophore generally containing higher amounts of trace elements. Overall, the studied samples of the B. edulis more efficiently accumulate nutrients and minerals than the X. chrysenteron samples. Concentration of most trace elements in mushrooms is not site-dependent with the exception of Ca, Rb, Ti, Ba and Sr. Isotopic composition of mushrooms is characterized by higher uptake of heavier isotopes of Zn (?66Znstipe-soil = 0.48-0.77‰) for the both species, lighter isotopes of Cu (?65Custipe-soil = ?0.73 to ?1.52‰) for B. edulis, and heavier Cu isotopes (?65Custipe-soil = +0.37 to +0.43‰) for X. chrysenteron. The B. edulis samples are characterized by (?65Custipe > ?65Cucap > ?65Cusporophore) and (?66Znstipe > ?66Zncap > ?66Znsporophore) within-mushroom isotope distribution schemes, whereas the X. chrysenteron samples display different Cu (?65Custipe < ?65Cucap > ?65Cusporophore) and Zn (?66Znstipe > ?66Zncap < ?66Znsporophore) isotope distribution schemes. Changes in fungal isotopic signatures relative to the substrate and within the fruiting body suggest that both fungi species fractionate Cu and Zn isotopes with significantly pronounced differences between the species.
Heavy metals in unrecorded Albanian rakia: A pilot study on a potential public health risk
Date: 2023Authors: Muhollari, T;Sz?cs, S;Sajtos, Z;McKee, M;Baranyai, E;Ádány, R;Pál, L;
References: Heliyon 9 e13717
Keywords/Products: Agilent;ICP;Meinhard;sample introduction;
Unrecorded alcohol has been linked to illness above and beyond that caused by ethanol alone because of the presence of toxic contaminants. While it can be found in all countries, consumption is high in Albania, where it is frequently consumed as a fruit brandy known as rakia. Among the contaminants identified previously in such products, metals including lead have been detected at levels posing a risk to health but there is little information on their presence in rakia. To fill this gap, we measured the level of ethanol and 24 elements among them toxic metals in 30 Albanian rakia samples. We found that 63.3% of rakia samples had ethanol concentration above 40% v/v. We also showed that there was a significant difference between the measured [mean: 46.7% v/v, interquartile range (IQR): 43.4-52.1% v/v] and reported (mean: 18.9% v/v, IQR: 17.0-20.0% v/v) concentrations of ethanol in rakia. Among the metals detected, aluminium, copper, iron, manganese, lead, and zinc were present in rakia samples at concentrations ranging between 0.013 and 0.866 mg/l of pure alcohol (pa), 0.025-31.629 mg/l of pa, 0.004-1.173 mg/l of pa, 0.185-45.244 mg/l of pa, 0.044-1.337 mg/l of pa, and 0.004-10.156 mg/l of pa, respectively. Copper and lead were found to be the greatest concern posing a potential public health risk. Although the estimated daily intake of these heavy metals from unrecorded rakia was below their toxicological threshold, the concentrations of lead and copper exceeded their limit value of 0.2 and 2.0 mg/l of pa specified for spirits in 33% and 90% of samples, respectively. Therefore, the possibility of adverse health effects cannot be excluded completely. Our findings highlight the need for action by policymakers against the risks posed by these products in Albania.