Evaluation of trace metal and polychlorinated biphenyl levels in tea brands of different origin commercialized in Italy

The objectives of this study were to investigate the trace element (Hg, Cd, Pb, Cu, Zn, Ni, Fe, Cr and Se) and polychlorinated biphenyl (PCBs) content of several commercially available brands of green and black tea marketed in Italy. The concentrations these chemicals were found to be variable and largely dependent upon the type and brand of analysed tea. The most abundant element among the essential elements was Fe, followed by Zn, Cu, Se, Ni and Cr, whereas Pb was the predominant among the tested nonessential elements followed by Hg and Cd. Assessment based on several available guidelines showed that element content were low, except for Hg and Ni. The PCBs concentrations were generally low, with a homologue profile dominated by low-chlorinated congeners, namely three- and tetra-PCBs accounting for more than 60% of the total residue. Apart from trace elements, this is the first study documenting in detail the concentrations and congener distribution of PCBs in tea samples of different origin.     

Relative in vitro affinity of hepatic metallothionein for metals

The ability of selected metals (Ag, Al, As, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Mg, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Tl and V) to displace Zn from Zn-metallothionein (Zn-MT) was quantitated. Of the metals tested Cd had the highest affinity for MT, with 1.33 microM displacing 50% of the 65Zn bound to MT (EC50), followed by Pb (1.46 microM), Cu (1.93 microM), Hg (3.93 microM), Zn (8.06 microM), Ag (10.4 microM), Ni (474 microM) and Co (880 microM). As, Ca and Mo had a limited ability to displace Zn from MT while Al, Cr, Fe, Mg, Mn, Tl and V had no effect on Zn binding even at 1.0 mM.     

Distribution and ecological assessment of heavy metals in surface sediments of the East Lake, China

Concentrations and risk assessment of chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), arsenic (As), lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd) and mercury (Hg) were investigated in 106 samples of surface sediments from the East Lake, China in this study. The mean concentration of Zn was highest among the eight heavy metals (225 mg kg^?1), followed by As (191 mg kg^?1), Cr (145 mg kg^?1), Cu (55 mg kg^?1), Ni (27.1 mg kg^?1), Pb (7.93 mg kg^?1), Cd (0.94 mg kg^?1) and Hg (0.21 mg kg^?1). Niuchao Hu was less polluted by heavy metals compare to the other four lakelets of the East Lake. The correlations among these heavy metals and the results of principal component analysis indicated that the distribution of Cd, Pb and Hg was related to anthropogenic activities, whereas Cu, As and Cr were affected by the parent rocks. Zinc and Ni were influenced both by anthropogenic activities and parent rocks. Based on the Sediment Quality Guidelines, the results of toxicity assessment indicated that adverse effects caused by Cr and As would be expected frequently. Nickel, Zn, Cd and Hg may cause adverse effects occasionally and Cu and Pb may cause toxicity infrequently. Arsenic was found to have the highest acute toxicity by toxic units (TUs), followed by Cr, Ni, Zn, Hg, Cu, Cd and Pb. The potential ecological risk index analysis indicated that As, Cd and Hg had considerable or high ecological risk, whereas Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn and Pb had low ecological risk. The potential ecological risk index (RI) of the heavy metals in the surface sediments of East Lake was 483, indicating considerable ecological risk. Close attention should be paid to pollution of the heavy metals in East Lake, China.     

The essential and toxic elements in tissues of six commercial demersal fish from Eastern Mediterranean Sea

The essential elements and contaminants (Pb and Cd) were determined seasonally in the muscle and liver of six demersal fish species Sparus aurata, Chelidonichthys lucernus, Upeneus molluccensis, Solea solea, Merluccius merluccius and Saurida undosquamis from the ?skenderun Bay, Eastern Mediterranean Sea. The concentrations in muscles of fish species were 474–1534 mg/kg for Na, 574–3374 mg/kg for K, 72.7–496 m/kg Ca, 94.1–210 mg/kg for Mg. Muscle accumulated the lowest levels of elements. Trace element and contaminant levels in muscle were highest in the spring and winter. The Cu and Ni concentrations were highest in the winter. The Zn, Cr and Fe concentrations were highest in the spring. The maximum Pb concentrations in the muscle and liver of fish species was 0.58 and 0.89 mg/kg (wet wt) in the autumn. The maximum Cd concentration in the muscle and liver tissues of fish was 0.20 mg/kg and 0.63 mg/kg (wet wt) in the winter. The Cr, Pb, Cd, Cu and Zn levels in muscle were found to be lower than permissible limits. Estimated weekly and daily intake for Pb and Cd was far below the PTWI and PTDI values. The consumption of these species from this region is not problem on human health.     

Speciation and distribution characteristics of heavy metals and pollution assessments in the sediments of Nashina Lake,Heilongjiang, China

Sediment core samples from Nashina Lake, Heilongjiang, China were collected using a gravity sampler. The cores were sliced horizontally at 1 cm each to determine the particle size, total concentrations and speciation of Cd, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn. Total concentrations of heavy metals were extracted using an acid mixture (containing hydro fluoric acid, nitric acid, and sulphuric acid) and analyzed using an inductively coupled plasma spectrometry. A sequential extraction procedure was employed to separate chemical species. Analysis of results indicate that the concentrations of heavy metals in the sediments of Nashina Lake in descending order are Mn, Cr, Zn, Pb, Ni, Cu, and Cd. The ratios of the average concentrations of four heavy metals (e.g.Cr, Cu, Ni, Zn) to their background values were >1; and those of Mn, Cd, and Pb were >1. Moreover, some toxic metals were mainly distributed in bioavailable fractions. For instance, both Cd and Mn were typically found in Acid-extractable species or Fe–Mn oxide species, and thus can be easily remobilized and enter the food chain. Finally, the analysis of geo-accumulation index showed that anthropogenic pollution levels of Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Zn were low, but those of Pb and Cd were at the moderate level. As both Pb and Cd are toxic metals, it is highly necessary to prohibit their transformation and accumulation in the sediments.     

Concentrations and human health implications of heavy metals in wild aquatic organisms captured from the core area of Daya Bay’s Fishery Resource Reserve,South China Sea

Heavy metal concentrations in edible organisms from the core area of Daya Bay’s Fishery Resource Reserve, South China Sea, were determined. Samples of 14 crustacean, fish, and shellfish species were collected and analyzed. The As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb, and Zn concentrations were 0.18–1.16, 0.002–0.919, 0.40–2.85, 0.07–4.10, 0.004–0.055, 0.14–1.19, 0.014–0.070, and 4.57–15.94 μg/g wet weight, respectively. The As concentrations were higher than the Chinese maximum permissible levels in all of the fish and shellfish species and two crustacean species, indicating that consumption of these wild species by humans may pose health risks. However, calculations of the health risks posed to humans indicated that no significant adverse health effects would be associated with consuming these species.     

中药马齿苋的微量元素测定

本文报道用原子吸收分光光度法及等离子体发射光谱法测定马齿苋中二十一种微量元素的结果。     

Dose-response effects of various metal ions on rat liver metallothionein,glutathione, heme oxygenase,and cytochrome P-450

Adult male rats received ip injections of the maximum tolerable dose (MTD; μmol/kg/day, in parentheses following metal), or a fraction thereof, of Hg (5), Cd (20), Se (25), Ag (65), Cu (75), Co (100), Ni (120), Zn (200), Mn (250), Fe (300), Pb (400), or Cr (400) 36 and 12 hr before sacrifice. MTDs were estimated from previous studies, and at least three serial dilutions ($\text{1}\text{2}$, $\text{1}\text{4}$, $\text{1}\text{8}$, etc.) of the MTDs were tested for each metal. The effects of metal treatment on hepatic heme oxygenase activity (HO), cytochrome P-450, reduced glutathione (GSH) and metallothionein (MT), and renal MT and GSH were determined. Nine metals increased HO at the MTD, but only Cd, Se, Mn, and Pb increased HO at lower doses. These four metals plus Ag and Cr depressed cytochrome P-450 levels at the MTD, but only Cd, Mn, and Pb depressed cytochrome P-450 at a lower dose. Se increased hepatic GSH at the two highest doses, but all other metals had little or no effect. Kidney GSH was increased by all metals except Cd, Ag, Cu, and Cr, to a maximum level of only 150% of control (Pb). Cd and Zn induced hepatic MT in a dose-related manner to 420 and 580% of control, respectively. On a molar basis, Cd was about eight times more potent than Zn in increasing hepatic MT concentration. Hg, Ni, Mn, Fe, Pb, and Cr also significantly increased hepatic MT, but only to 150–200% of control. Pb had a slight but significant effect on hepatic MT at all doses down to 1/16th the MTD. This effect of PB, as well as other metals having a small effect on MT, may be the result of the effects of stress on MT rather than the metal ion per se. Renal MT was effectively induced by Hg, Cd, Cu, Ni, Zn, and Pb. Relatively small amounts of Hg (0.62 μmol/kg/day) significantly increased renal MT when compared to the minimum effective dose of Cd (10 μmol/kg/day) or Zn (50 μmol/kg/day). In conclusion, metals have a number of effects on potential hepatic and renal biochemical defense mechanisms. Most of the metals lacked specificity, affecting a number but not all of the parameters examined. However, of the 12 metals examined, Zn was the most selective in that it produced marked increases in MT and little or no effect on the other parameters, whereas Cd had the broadest effect, altering all parameters except GSH.     

Metals contamination in sediment and their bioaccumulation in plants and three fish species from freshwater ecosystem

In this research, accumulation of Fe, Zn, Ni, Cr, Cu and Cd were determined in sediments, different tissue of plants and fish from Al Hawizah wetland southwest of Iran. Bioavailability and translocation factor were calculated in fish and plants. Results showed that mean concentration of Fe (16090.69?mg/kg) and Ni are higher in sediment. Bioavailability factor of all the elements in different tissues of three fish species were lower than one. Fe, Zn and Ni have the most BAF in Phragmites australis and Typha latifolia. In Phragmites australis, translocation factor for Zn was higher than one.     

Trace element concentration and its risk assessment in common kilka (Clupeonella cultriventris caspia Bordin, 1904) from southern basin of Caspian Sea

This study evaluated the extent of metal levels of zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and mercury (Hg) in edible muscles of common kilka at Babolsar and Amirabad coastal regions from the southern basin of Caspian Sea. These values were compared with the WHO and the UNFAO safety standards regarding the amount of the abovementioned heavy metals in fish tissues (mg/kg w.w.). Results showed that Zn concentrations were highest among the trace elements examined, while concentrations of Hg were generally the lowest in the analyzed tissues. In the other hand, the accumulation of these elements was not significantly different between coastal regions (p?>?0.05). While accumulation of Cu and Mn at edible muscles of Clupeonella cultriventris were significant difference between two coastal regions (p??Cu?>?Cr?>?Cd?>?Ni?>?Mn?>?Pb?>?Hg. Furthermore, Pearson correlation revealed that Zn, Cu, Mn, Ni, Cr, Pb, Cd and Hg in edible muscles of C. cultriventris were not significantly correlated in length (R^2?<^?0.50; p?>?0.05), but it was significantly correlated in weight (p?C. cultriventris consumption.     

电感耦合等离子体质谱法测定不同批次良附丸中17种无机元素的含量

目的：测定不同批次良附丸中17种无机元素的含量。方法：采用微波消解法对样品进行处理,电感耦合等离子体质谱法（ICP-MS）测定中药成方制剂良附丸中无机元素含量。结果：不同批次良附丸中Na、Mg、K、Ca、Mn、Cr、Fe、Ni、Cu、Zn、As、Se、Sr、Mo、Cd、Pb、Hg平均含量（mg·kg^-1）分别为741.57,1214.16,12157.06,99.83,185.46,2.85,678.00,3.00,4.49,27.93,0.47,0.09,6.56,0.10,0.11,1.32,0.02。结论：良附丸中富含Fe、Mn、Zn、Cu等人体必需的微量元素,含有少量Ni、Se等人体必需的微量元素,Pb、Cd、Hg、As等有害元素的含量在限度范围内,不同批次的无机元素含量差异较小,为进一步研究无机元素与其药效间的内在关联奠定了基础。     

Comparison of Eleven Heavy Metals in Moringa Oleifera Lam. Products

Eleven heavy metals in various products of Moringa oleifera were analyzed to determine eleven heavy metals (Al, As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Pb, Mn, Hg, Ni, and Zn) using Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry. The products of M. oleifera were purchased in Nakhon Pathom, Thailand. All products were digested with nitric acid solution before determining the concentrations of heavy metals. The recoveries of all heavy metals were found to be in the range of 99.89-103.05%. Several criteria such as linearity, limits of detection, limits of quantification, specificity, precision under repeatability conditions and intermediate precision reproducibility were evaluated. Results indicate that this method could be used in the laboratory for determination of eleven heavy metals in M. oleifera products with acceptable analytical performance. The results of analysis showed that the highest concentrations of As, Cr, Hg, and Mn were found in tea leaves while the highest concentrations of Al, Cd, Cu, Fe, Ni, Pb, and Zn were found in leaf capsules. Continuous monitoring of heavy metals in M. oleifera products is crucial for consumer health.     

Effects of certain mono-, di- and trivalent metal cations on the K+-stimulated p-Nitrophenyl phosphatase in rat brain

The effects of certain monovalent (Ag+1 and Li+1), divalent (Hg+2, Cu+2, Zn+2, Co+2, Fe+2, Pb+2, Mn+2, Sn+2, Ni+2, and Se+2) and trivalent (Fe+3, As+3, and Al+3) metals on a mitochondrial preparation of K+-stimulated-p-nitrophenyl phosphatase (K+-PNPPase) from rat brain were studied. Except for salts of Ni+2, Se+2 and Li+1, which irrespective of concentration failed to produce 50% inhibition, all of the metals examined were found to be potent inhibitors of the enzyme with 150 values of 0.24 microM for Ag+1 among the monovalent, 0.70, 30, 37, 38, 47, 60, 62, 490 and 850 microM for Hg+2, Cu+2, Cd+2, Zn+2, Co+2, Fe+2, Pb+2, Mn+2 and Sn+2, respectively, among the divalents and 100, 550 and 870 microM for Fe+3, As+3, and AL+3 respectively, among the trivalents. Salts of silver and mercury were the most toxic for this enzyme. All metals showed concentration dependent inhibition except lithium. The order of their potency was Ag+1 greater than Hg+2 greater than Cu+2 greater than Cd+2 greater than Zn+2 greater than Co+2 greater than Fe+2 greater than Pb+2 greater than Fe+3 greater than Mn+2 greater than As+3 greater than Sn+2 greater than Al+3 greater than Ni+2 greater than Se+2 greater than Li+1.     

Concentration of Metallothionein in Major Organs of Rats after Administration of Various Metals

Concentration of Metallothionein in Major Organs of Rats afterAdministration of Various Metals. WAALKES, M. P., AND KLAASSEN,C. D. (1985) Fundam. Appl. Toxicol. 5, 473–477. The effectof various metals (Cd, Cr, Fe, Pb, Mn, Hg, Ni, Zn) at maximumtolerated doses on metallothionein (MT) concentrations in majororgans (brain, heart, intestine, kidney, liver, lung, pancreas,spleen, stomach, and testes) of rats was measured by the Cd-radioassaytechnique. Zn produced the most dramatic changes in MT, increasingconcentrations 260-, 86-, 44-, and 14-fold over control forpancreas, intestine, liver, and kidney, respectively. Zn increasedMT in every organ examined except brain. Cd was also effectivein increasing MT levels, elevating concentrations in all organsexcept brain and testes. Testes was the only organ in whicha metal decreased MT levels, where Cd produced a 90% decrease.Cr, Fe, Pb, and Mn increased MT concentrations only in hepatictissue, while Hg and Ni increased MT in liver, kidney, and pancreas.Results indicate that Zn is the most effective inducer of MTsynthesis in several tissues and that liver appears to be themost responsive organ to increased MT synthesis following exposureto a number of metals     

火焰原子吸收光谱法测定附子中微量元素的含量

目的:建立以空气-乙炔火焰原子吸收光谱法测定附子中铜(Cu)、铁(Fe)、锰(Mn)、铅(Pb)、镉(Cd)、铬(Cr)、锌(Zn)、镍(Ni)、钙(Ca)、镁(Mg)10种微量元素含量的方法。方法:样品经硝酸-高氯酸(4∶1)浸泡,置电热板上140℃消解处理。结果:测得各线性范围(μg·mL-1):Cu为0～3.0,Fe为0～4.0,Mn为0～1.0,Pb为0～5.0,Cd为0～0.25,Cr为0～4.0,Zn为0～2.0,Ni为0～5.0,Ca为0～4.0,Mg为0～4.0;相关系数均>0.9926;回收率在100.11%～102.62%之间;方法精密度的RSD在0.16%～2.2%之间。结论:该方法适合中药附子的Cu、Fe、Mn、Pb、Cd、Cr、Zn、Ni、Ca、Mg的含量测定,可为进一步研究附子中微量元素与其临床疗效关系提供有益依据。     

Potential ecological risk of heavy metals and metalloid in the sediments of Wuyuer River basin,Heilongjiang Province,China

The spatial distribution, sources, and potential ecological risk of heavy metals and metalloid were evaluated in sediments of the Wuyuer River and its tributaries. Metal and metalloid concentrations and chemical speciation (Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, Cd, As, Zn and Hg) in 187 surface sediment samples were measured using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Metals and metalloid in the sediments of the Wuyuer River were greater than the background values of the Songnen Plain, and mean heavy metal concentrations were greater in downstream segments of the river than in upstream segments. Speciation results indicated that Cd was chemically mobile and Cu, Pb, Zn, Cr, and Ni were potentially bioavailable. Mercury and As existed mainly in the residual fraction. Hakanson’s potential risk index indicated that the total potential ecological risk of these elements was moderate in the Wuyuer River. Among the selected metals and metalloid, Hg and Cd were the most potentially toxic and mainly distributed near the cities of Keshan, Yi’an and Fuyü. Because the speciation of Cd in the river sediments is highly bioavailable, the concentrations of Cd should be closely monitored. This research provides managers with information needed to better regulate the environment of the Wuyuer River.     

Assessment of environmental contamination using feathers of Bubulcus ibis L., as a biomonitor of heavy metal pollution, Pakistan

Concentrations of metals such as Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Li, Mg, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn were analyzed in the feathers of cattle egret (Bubulcus ibis) from three breeding colonies in the Punjab province, Pakistan. The mean concentrations of Ca, Cd, Fe, Pb and Mn were significantly different between the three study sites (River Chenab, River Ravi and Rawal Lake Reservoir). The mean concentrations of Ca, Cd, Fe and Mn were significantly greater at the River Chenab heronry and Cr, Co, Zn, and Pb concentrations at the River Ravi heronry. The feathers of cattle egrets collected from the Rawal Lake Reservoir heronry were least contaminated. Multivariate statistical methods viz., Factor Analysis based on Principal Component Analysis (FA/PCA); Hierarchical Cluster analyses (HACA), and Correlation Analyses identified relatively similar associations of metals and their sources of input. Metals such as Ca, Mg, and K were related with natural input from parent rock material whereas trace metals viz., Cu, Cd, Co, Pb, Ni, and Zn were associated mainly with anthropogenic processes. Metals such as Fe, Mn, and Li were either correlated with natural input or with anthropogenic activities. Concentration of heavy metals such as Cd, Pb, and Cr were well above the threshold level that can cause adverse effects in birds and pose menace to the cattle egrets population in Pakistan. The study suggested that the feathers of cattle egret could be used as a bio-monitor of the local heavy metals contamination.     

ICP-MS法测定双黄连注射液中微量元素的含量

目的:建立双黄连注射液微量元素的测定方法,并对其所含微量元素进行含量测定。方法:样品经微波消解后,利用电感耦合等离子体质谱(ICP-MS)测定双黄连注射液中Be、B、Al、V、Cr、Mn、Fe、Co、Ni、Cu、Zn、As、Cd、Ba、Hg、Ti、Pb等17种微量元素的含量。结果:有毒金属元素Cu、Cd、Hg、Pb、As含量均符合美国药品和功能性食品的标准,微量元素中B、Al、Fe等元素含量相对较高。结论:所建立的测定方法快捷、准确、灵敏度高,可以用于双黄连注射液的微量元素的含量测定,并为其质量控制研究提供了一定的参考依据。     

Using an Integrated Approach to Assess the Sediment Quality of an Mediterranean Lagoon,the Bizerte Lagoon (Tunisia)

The present study investigates the quality of surface sediments from the Bizerte lagoon (North Tunisia) using an integrated approach including chemical contaminant analysis, bioassays and sediment quality guidelines (SQGs). Sediment samples were collected at 9 sites and analyzed for eight heavy metals (Hg, Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb, Zn, Ni, Fe and Mn). PAHs, PCBs, OCPs were measured previously in the same sediment samples. Our results indicated that the highest concentrations of metals were found near urban areas due to the municipial and industrial wastewater discharges. Sediment pollution assessment was carried out using geoaccumulation index and enrichment factor, which indicate a widespread pollution by Cd, Pb, Ni and Zn in the studied sediments. For bioassays, aqueous and organic extracts were used to assess toxicity and genotoxicity in sediments by using Microtox^® and SOS Chromotest, respectively. Toxicity levels were compared to metallic and organic pollutants contents. Our results highlight differences in the pattern of responses between the different assays and show no correlation with all the studied contaminants, emphasizing the influence of other contaminants not analyzed in the present study. Based on SQGs, the results of toxicity assessment indicated that adverse effects caused by Ni and Zn would be expected frequently. Nickel was found to have the highest predicted acute toxicity, followed by Zn, Pb, Cd, Cu and Cr. There was no significant relationship between sediment toxicity calculated from heavy metal concentrations (SQG approach) and those measured with bioassays. These findings support the use of integrated approachs for evaluating the environmental risks of sediments.     

Hypothermia and hypometabolism: sensitive indices of whole-body toxicity following exposure to metallic salts in the mouse

To investigate the practicality of hypothermia and hypometabolism as sensitive indices of toxicity in the mouse, oxygen consumption was monitored continuously and body temperature was measured at 30 min postinjection following the intraperitoneal administration of various metal salts. Eleven metal ions were tested: Al3+, Cd2+, Co2+, Cr2+, Cu2+, Hg2+, Mg2+, Mn2+, Ni2+, Pb2+, and Zn2+. All metals induced dose-dependent reductions in both oxygen consumption (hypometabolism) and deep body (colonic) temperature. Comparative toxicity of the metal ions was evaluated by calculating the dose of metal ion in dimensions of mmol/kg body mass needed to reduce colonic temperature to 35 degrees C. The order of toxicity from lowest to highest was as follows: Cr less than Al less than Pb less than Mn less than Mg less than Zn less than Cu less than Co less than Ni less than Hg less than Cd. The threshold doses for reducing body temperature were less than 5% of the LD50 in 6 of the metals studied. Metal salts with relatively low LD50 doses such as Hg, Cd, and Ni were most efficacious in inducing hypothermia and hypometabolism. Moreover, there was a direct linear relationship between dose for inducing hypothermia or hypometabolism and the reported LD50. Hence, the hypothermia and hypometabolism test may prove to be a sensitive and rapid test for the evaluation of toxicity of environmental contaminants.