Metal concentrations in tissues of the Black Sea fish Mugil auratus from Sinop-Icliman,Turkey

Levels of five heavy metals [copper (Cu), lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr) and nickel (Ni)] were evaluated in liver and muscle tissues of fish (Mugil auratus) collected from the Black Sea at Sinop-Icliman, Turkey. Sampling and analysis methods are described. Variations of heavy metal concentrations with seasons are discussed. Cr and Ni concentrations were below the limits of detection (< 0.05 and 0.1 microg/g dry weight) in all tissues and seasons. Cu, Pb and Cd were detected within these limits, as microg/kg dry weight, in liver tissue: 0.49-1.30, 0.60-1.21 and 0.15-0.50, and in muscle tissue: 0.30-1.00, 0.57-1.12 and 0.10-0.40, respectively. Cu, Pb and Cd concentrations in these tissues were elevated and the highest heavy metal concentrations were found in the liver. While Cu, Pb and Cd concentrations were highest in fish tissues collected in August 2000, the lowest concentrations of these metals were observed in fish tissues collected in May 2000. Pb had the highest level observed in fish tissues. According to the Turkish Food Codex Regulation's residue limits, the cadmium level determined in fish tissues was high (0.1 microg/g) and the lead level, especially in liver tissue, was high in August (1 microg/g), while other metals (Cu, Cr and Ni) were within the maximum residue limits.     

Concentrations and solubility of selected trace metals in leaf and bagged black teas commercialized in Poland

The objective of this study was to determine the concentrations of heavy metals in bagged and leaf black teas of the same brand and evaluate the percentage transfer of metals to tea infusion to assess the consumer exposure. Ten leaf black teas and 10 bagged black teas of the same brand available in Poland were analyzed for Zn, Mn, Cd, Pb, Ni, Co, Cr, Al, and Fe concentrations both in dry material and their infusion. The bagged teas contained higher amounts of Pb, Mn, Fe, Ni, Al, and Cr compared with leaf teas of the same brand, whereas the infusions of bagged tea contained higher levels of Mn, Ni, Al, and Cr compared with leaf tea infusions. Generally, the most abundant trace metals in both types of tea were Al and Mn. There was a wide variation in percentage transfer of elements from the dry tea materials to the infusions. The solubility of Ni and Mn was the highest, whereas Fe was insoluble and only a small portion of this metal content may leach into infusion. With respect to the acceptable daily intake of metals, the infusions of both bagged and leaf teas analyzed were found to be safe for human consumption.     

Evaluation of some pollutant levels in conventionally and organically farmed potato tubers and their risks to human health

A total of 144 kg of potato tuber samples, representing two different types of farming production [e.g., conventional (C) and organic (O)], were collected from different locations in Giza governorate (Egypt), and subjected to pesticide residue and heavy metal analyses. Residues of some organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), such as HCB and heptachlor as well as some organophosphorus pesticides (OPPs), such as methamidophos, thiometon, profenofos, phorate and pirimiphos-methyl were found in a number of samples at concentration levels exceeding their MRLs. The majority of the analyzed samples contained detectable concentrations of Zn, Cu, Mn, Fe, Cd, Pb, Cr, Ni and Co. Specifically, Pb and Fe were found in a number of samples at concentrations exceeding their MLs. Contamination among the two types of potatoes varied from a season to another and contamination of C potatoes was nearly 2 times that of O potatoes either by pesticides or heavy metals. Estimation of dietary intake of pesticides and heavy metals by potatoes revealed that only phorate residues either in conventional or organic potatoes may pose risks to human health. None of the studied heavy metals showed to cause dietary intake risks to human health. The study shed light to the problem of multi toxicants in potatoes.     

A study on metals content in patients with colorectal polyps

Data on metals involvement in colorectal polyps are scarce and fragmentary. The aim of this study was to examine whether the level of metals could be associated with risk of colorectal polyp development. The concentration of 15 chemical elements (Al, Ba, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg Mg, Mn, Pb, Se, Sr, and Zn) in 17 colorectal biopsies of healthy individuals, in 15 polypotic and corresponding nonpolypotic biopsies taken from the same individual, was evaluated. Concentration in polyps of metals such as Al, Ca, Mg, Mn, Pb, Sr, and Zn was unchanged both in unpaired and paired samples; elements such as Ba, Cd, and Hg were significantly lower and Fe was significantly higher both in individual and paired tissues. Cobalt, Cr, and Cu were significantly different only between polyps and the adjacent normal tissue area; Se showed a significant accumulation comparing polyps versus healthy tissues. The difference found in some elements between polyps and a control tissue provides an indication about the role of essential and nonessential elements in the early stage (polyps) in the colon carcinogenic process and encourages further studies to confirm the involvement of such elements in neoplastic processes.     

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-AES/ICP-MS测定西藏和河南产藏红花中主要金属元素及重金属含量(英文)

建立了ICP-AES/ICP-MS测定西藏和河南产藏红花中19种元素含量的方法。19种元素包括主要元素Ca、Fe、Mg、P、Sr、Al、Mn、Zn、V、Cr、Se、Co、Ni、Mo和重金属As、Cu、Cd、Hg、Pb。对于所测元素,标准曲线的相关系数>0.9938,方法的相对标准偏差RSD<5.25%。结果表明,ICP-AES/ICP-MS可用于藏红花质量控制,并为西藏和河南产藏红花中元素的含量测定提供了方法。     

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.     

Heavy metals in soil, vegetables and fruits in the endemic upper gastrointestinal cancer region of Turkey

The environmental exposure to heavy metals is a well-known risk factor for cancer. We investigated levels of seven different heavy metals, (Co, Cd, Pb, Zn, Mn, Ni and Cu) in soil, fruit and vegetable samples of Van region in Eastern Turkey where upper gastrointestinal (GI) cancers are endemic. Heavy metal contents of the samples were determined by flame atomic absorption spectrometer. Four heavy metals (Cd, Pb, Cu and Co) were present in 2- to 50-fold higher concentrations whereas zinc levels were present in 40-fold lower concentrations in soil. The fruit and vegetable samples were found to contain 3.5- to 340-fold higher amounts of the six heavy metals (Co, Cd, Pb, Mn, Ni and Cu) tested. The volcanic soil, fruit and vegetable samples contain potentially carcinogenic heavy metals in such a high levels that these elements could be related to the high prevalence of upper GI cancer rates in Van region.     

Accumulation of chromium and nickel metals in lung tumors from lung cancer patients in Taiwan

Metallic carcinogenicity is generally thought to generate of free radicals, and thus some metals were reported to play a role in lung tumorigenesis. In order to verify the role of heavy metals in the development of Taiwanese lung cancer, a case-control study was conducted to compare heavy metal contents between 60 tumor and 42 normal lung tissues surgically resected from lung cancer and noncancer patients. The tissue concentration of heavy metals, including cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), cobalt (Co), lead (Pb), and nickel (Ni), was measured using by atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS). Our results indicated that Cr and Ni contents in lung tumors of lung cancer patients were significantly higher than those in normal lung tissue of noncancer controls, but Co content was markedly lower in lung tumors. Additionally, Pb content in lung tumors was associated with nodal involvement, and Co amounts in squamous-cell carcinomas were relatively higher than those in adenocarcinomas. Data suggest that accumulation of Cr and Ni in lung tumors may play a role, at least in part, in the development of lung cancer in Taiwan.     

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.     

Heavy metal concentrations in timberline trees of eastern Tibetan Plateau

Concentrations of 14 heavy metals (Ag, As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Hg, Mo, Ni, Pb, Sb, Tl, V, and Zn) in needles, twigs, bark and xylem of spruce and fir collected at the timberline of eight sites along the Hengduan Mountains, eastern Tibetan Plateau, are reported. Twigs had the highest concentration for most of elements, while xylem had the lowest concentration. The connections between elements in twigs were much richer than other organ/tissues. Pb, Ni, As, Sb, Co, Cd, Hg, Cr and Tl which are partly through anthropogenic sources and brought in by monsoon, have been accumulated in twigs and needles by wet or dry deposition in south and east sites where are within or near pollutant sources. Under moderate pollution situation, vegetation are able to adjust the nutrient element (Cu and Zn) cycle rate, thus maintain a stable concentration level. Seldom V, Ag, and Mo are from external anthropogenic sources. Needles and twigs can be used as biomonitors for ecosystem environment when needles can simply distinguish the origin of elements and twigs are more sensitive to extra heavy metal input.     

Combined toxicity of heavy metal mixtures in liver cells

With rapid industrialization, China is now facing great challenges in heavy metal contamination in the environment. Human exposure to heavy metals through air, water and food commonly involves a mixture consisting of multiple heavy metals. In this study, eight common heavy metals (Pb, Cd, Hg, Cu, Zn, Mn, Cr, Ni) that cause environmental contamination were selected to investigate the combined toxicity of different heavy metal mixtures in HL7702 cells. Toxicity (24 h LC₅₀) of each individual metal on the cells ranked Hg > Cr = Cd > Cu > Zn > Ni > Mn > Pb; toxicity of the different mixtures ranked: M5 > M3PbHgCd > M5+Mn > M5+Cu > M2CdNi > M4A > M8‐Mn > M8 > M5+Zn > M4B > M8‐Cr > M8‐Zn > M8‐Cu > M8‐Pb > M8‐Cd > M8‐Hg > M8‐Ni > M3PbHgNi > M3CuZnMn. The cytotoxicity data of individual metals were successfully used to build the additive models of two‐ to eight‐component metal mixtures. The comparison between additive model and combination model or partly additive model was useful to evaluate the combined effects in mixture. Synergistic, antagonistic or additive effects of the toxicity were observed in different mixtures. These results suggest that the combined effects should be considered in the risk assessment of heavy metal co‐exposure, and more comprehensive investigations on the combined effects of different heavy metal mixtures are needed in the future. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

不同产地当归中金属微量元素的比较研究

目的：对不同产地当归中金属微量元素的含量进行初步的比较研究。方法：样品经微波消解后,以铟（In）元素为内标,利用电感耦合等离子体质谱（ICP-MS）测定不同产地的当归中Be、B、A l、V、Cr、Mn、Fe、Co、N i、Cu、Zn、As、Se、Cd、Ba、Hg和Pb等17种微量金属元素的含量。结果：该方法对各元素的检测线为0.003~2.478 ng/g,加样回收率为82.3%~112.2%,标准物质杨树叶的测定值与标示量基本吻合。结论：所建立的方法快捷,准确、灵敏度高,可以用于测定当归中金属的微量元素的含量,不同产地的当归其所含金属微量元素有很大不同,如某地产的当归有些元素含量明显高于其他地方。     

Heavy metal concentration in muscle of pike (Esox lucius Linnaeus, 1758) from Anzali international wetland,southwest of the Caspian Sea and their consumption risk assessment

This study evaluated the concentrations of nine heavy metals in muscle specimens of pike (Esox lucius Linnaeus, 1758) from four sites of southwest of the Caspian Sea: Shijan, Abkenar, Hendakhale and Siakeshim. The potential human health risks due to consumption of pike have been assessed by estimated average daily intake (EDI) and target hazard quotient (THQ) of metals. In particular, Cu, Zn, Cd, Pb, Hg, As, Ni, Co and Mn were quantified in the edible tissue of specimens by AAS determination. The average metal concentrations of Cu, Zn, Cd, Pb, Hg, As, Ni, Co and Mn measured in this study were 1.12?±?0.264, 5.37?±?0.702, 0.058?±?0.023, 0.20?±?0.035, 0.005?±?0.002, 0.17?±?0.047, 0.33?±?0.062, 0.28?±?0.034 and 0.20?±?0.035?μg/g w wt, respectively. Our results demonstrate the consumption of muscle of pike for adult and children as less than 1, hence residents of these regions will not be exposed to significant health risks.     

ICP-MS法测定结核丸中的12种微量元素

目的了解市售中成药重金属有害元素的真实状况,为中成药质量安全控制提供依据。方法采用ICP-MS法测定用药周期较长的结核丸中的12种微量元素含量。结果结核丸中镉Cd、砷As、铬Cr、铜Cu、锡Sn、铅Pb、锑Sb、镍Ni、银Ag、锰Mn、钡Ba、锌Zn元素均有检出,其中有害元素镉、砷、铬、铜、铅的含量均在现行规定的中药材的安全范围内。结论结核丸中镉、砷、铬、铜、铅5种有害元素的含量均能达到《中国药典》2010版对中药材的限量要求(铅≤5.0、镉≤0.3、铜≤20.0μg/g,砷的限量范围为2.0～10.0μg/g铬每人每天的安全摄入量为50～200μg),锡、银、锑、镍等有害元素暂无国家限量标准,但结核丸中含量均较低。     

Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry determination of metals in honeybee venom

Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) technique was used to analyze the contamination of selected 20 metals in 32 samples of honeybee venom and to demonstrate differences in the content of these elements. Among the analyzed metal microelements (Al, Co, Cu, Zn, Mn, Mo, B, V, Sr and Ni), macro-elements (Ca, Mg, K and Na) and toxic metals (As, Ba, Pb, Cd, Sb and Cr) were identified. The presented results showed that the metal levels in honeybee venom are much lower than the tolerable upper intake levels for the elements. Also the toxic metal contamination is much lower than the permissible levels for drugs established by the United States Pharmacopeia and the European Pharmacopeia. As opposed to the pharmacopeial tests for metals, a multi-element ICP-MS method has been developed. In order to confirm data obtained, the following steps and parameters were taken into account for the validation of the method: calibration verification, recovery, accuracy, precision, detection limit (LOD), quantitation limit (LOQ), spectral and matrix interference and comparison between ICP-MS and GFAAS (graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry) for Mn. All steps of validation proved the accuracy of the results. This is most likely the first study in which the metal content in honeybee venom was evaluated by ICP-MS.     

Removal of heavy metals by conventional water treatment plants using poly aluminum chloride

In this study, trace heavy metals, such as aluminum (Al), barium (Ba), cadmium (Cd), cobalt (Co), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), magnesium (Mn), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), antimony (Sb), vanadium (V), and zinc (Zn) were investigated in the water of the Karun River that enters the water treatment plants (WTP1 and WTP2) in Ahvaz City, Iran. Removal efficiency of these heavy metals was assessed in various units of WTP1 and WTP2, as well. For this purpose, water samples were collected from four different points of the WTP1 and WTP2, namely, the influent (raw water, RW), the effluent of the clarifier (clarifier effluent, CE), and the effluent of the filter (filter effluent, FE). A total of 72 water samples were collected and analyzed for heavy metals using ICP-OES apparatus. The results indicated that all RW samples contain Ba, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, V, and Zn within the US EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs), except Al, Fe, Mn, and Sb that crossed the MCLs. High levels of Al (649.9 (±171.6) µg/L, 806.4 (±135.1) µg/L), Fe (484.95 (±127.05) µg/L, and 529.7 (±119.6) µg/L) were found in finished water of WTP1 and WTP2, respectively. Experimental results showed that level of all studied heavy metals except Al reduced in WTP1 and WTP2 effluent. From the observed data, it is found that effluent Al concentration was over influent Al concentration in both WTP1 and WTP2. It is concluded that using PACl as coagulant in WTP1 and WTP2 can increase concentration of aluminum.     

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.     

Chemical partitioning of fine particle-bound As,Cd, Cr,Ni, Co,Pb and assessment of associated cancer risk due to inhalation,ingestion and dermal exposure

The bioavailability and human health risks of As, Pb, Ni, Co, Cr and Cd in fine particulate matter (PM_2.5) at an urban site on a National highway in Agra, India were investigated. Inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometer was used for metal analysis in sequentially extracted samples to ascertain the highly mobile, reducible, bioavailable and immobile fractions of the metals. Cancer risk resulting from inhalation, dermal and ingestion exposure to each metal in these fractions was calculated according to US EPA models. The average mass concentration of PM_2.5 was 87.16?±?62.51?μg/m³. Cr, Ni and Pb were the most abundant metals. The results showed that Pb and Cr were higher in the mobile fraction. Cd and Co had high bioavailability. Ingestion is the major exposure pathway for all heavy metals except Cr to infants, children and adults followed by inhalation and dermal contact. The cumulative risk for Cr(VI) due to dermal and inhalation routes exceed the maximum acceptable limit for children of age 1–7?years, 8–15?years and adults when total concentration is considered, but the estimated risks are within the acceptable limit when the bioavailable, water soluble and mobile fraction are taken into account. Hence the study shows that children and adults living in the vicinity of this site are more susceptible, hence more attention should be paid to protect them from pollution hazards. The study indicates the importance of metal speciation in assessing associated human health risks.     

Trace elements in scalp hair of children living in differing environmental contexts in Sicily (Italy)

We present here data about trace elements in human scalp hair samples to test whether they are valuable to reflect environmental exposure and contamination by trace elements. The study compares contents of trace elements in scalp hair from a total of 336 children, aged 11-13 years old, living in various geographical areas of Sicily (southern Italy) characterized by differing environmental conditions. Nineteen elements (Al, As, Ba, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Li, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Rb, Sb, Se, Sr, U, V and Zn) were determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Coverage intervals (CI) formulated by the elemental composition of hair samples from the Palermo subjects were compared with the median content of hair from children living in the other study areas. Statistical analysis showed that Al, Ba, Sr and Zn concentrations differed significantly between gender, higher concentrations being observed in girls' hair. Children living close to the volcanic area had higher concentrations of As, Cr, Mn, Ni, Rb, Sb, U, V and Zn. Those living in an area with several old quarries had higher levels of Al, As, Pb, Rb and U. The hair of children living near the Pace del Mela industrial area contained higher levels of As, Ba, Mn, Pb, Rb, Sr and U. Linear discriminant analysis (LDA) between Palermo and the other sites allowed to better assess which variables contribute towards differentiating the groups. Our observations suggest that human hair can be used to monitor exposure to several metals, provided that sampling and analytical procedures, together with statistical treatment of data, are carried out according to standardized protocols.