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.     

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.     

Fluoride levels in various black tea,herbal and fruit infusions consumed in Turkey

The fluoride contents were determined by ion-selective electrode in 26 black tea samples originally produced in Turkey, Sri Lanka, India and Kenya, and in 14 herbal and seven fruit infusions originated from Turkey. Fluoride content in black tea infusions ranged from 0.57 to 3.72 mg/L after 5 min of brewing. Higher fluoride levels were found in black teas originated from Turkey when compared with teas originated from Sri Lanka. Moreover higher fluoride levels were determined in black tea bags compared with granular and stick-shaped black teas. However, herbal and fruit infusions were characterized by low values of fluoride (0.02–0.04 mg/L) after 5 min of brewing and increasing brewing time to 10 min caused only slight increases in some infusions. As a result, consuming tea infusions prepared from some black tea available in Turkish market, especially black tea bags, in large quantities may lead to exposion to a high amount of fluoride which may cause dental fluorosis. Although fruit and herbal infusions are safer to consume their fluoride contents are too low for caries prevention. In countries such as Turkey where tea is traditionally consumed, the fluoride concentration and daily safety precautions should be indicated on tea products.     

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.     

Trace metal concentration in different Indian tobacco products and related health implications

Concentrations of seven heavy metals, viz. Cd, Ni, Pb, Cr, Cu, Fe and Zn were determined in 30 samples of various brands of five different tobacco product types easily available in Indian markets. Three product types cigarettes, cigars and biri (tobacco rolled in dry leaf and smoked without filter) are consumed by smoking while chewing tobacco and snuff are consumed by chewing and sniffing, respectively. The metal content showed smoking and non-smoking type, brand and element specific variations. In the non-smoking type, chewing tobacco samples contained more heavy metals compared to snuff samples. Biri showed minimum metal content compared to cigarettes and cigars among the smoking types. This could be due to the metal enrichment during both chemical and physical processing in finished product; biri being the most raw and cheap product. The intra brand variations also indicate the same as the processing technologies are exclusive and different for each brand. The results are nearly comparable to the existing data with limited exceptions. We suggest that the smoke and ash produced could be significant contributor to metal load in the soil, air and water systems in addition to the adverse human health effects via direct tobacco consumption.     

The analysis of heavy metals content in herbal infusions

The content of 8 heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn) was evaluated in infusions prepared from 13 different herbal compositions commercially available in drug or herbal stores. The mixtures were produced by a Polish manufacturer ??Herbapol??. The concentration of heavy metals was determined using flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS). In the herbal infusions Mn was found in the highest concentration varying from 3.03 to 129.01 mg/kg. The element of the lowest content was Cd in the range of 0.024?C0.153 mg/kg. According to interquartile ranges the concentrations of studied heavy metals in infusions decreased in the following descending order: Mn>Fe>Zn>Cu>Ni>Cr>Pb>Cd. Cluster analysis allowed for the division of herbal infusions into groups described by comparable levels of heavy metals. In water extracts made from Urosan, Nervosan, Infektoten and Cholagoga, distinctive levels of Mn, Fe and Cr were determined. According to WHO regulations, the concentrations of the elements did not exceed the allowable limits.     

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.     

Comparison of dry, wet and microwave digestion methods for the multi element determination in some dried fruit samples by ICP-OES

The aim of this study was used to investigate the level of trace metals (Ba, Pb, Cd, Mn, Cr, Co, Ni, Cu, Mn, Zn, Sr and Fe) in some dried fruits (Prunus domestica L., Ficus carica L., Morus alba L., Vitis vinifera L., Prunus armeniaca L., and Malus domestica) samples from Turkey. Trace elements were determined by ICP-OES after dry, wet and microwave digestion methods in dried fruit samples. Validation of the proposed method was carried out by using a NIST-SRM 1515-Apple Leaves certified reference material. Element concentrations in dried fruit samples were 0.33–1.77 (Ba), 0.12–0.54 (Cd), 0.25–1.03 (Co), 0.45–2.30 (Cr), 0.43–2.74 (Cu), 0.56–4.87 (Mn), 0.61–2.54 (Ni), 0.40–2.14 (Pb), 2.16–6.54 (Zn), 0.83–12.02 (Al), 11.82–40.80 (Fe) and 0.16–6.34 (Sr) μg/g. The analytical parameters show that the microwave oven digestion procedure provided best results as compared to the wet and dry digestion procedures. The results were compared with the literature values.     

土鳖虫药材无机元素的测定及其药用质量考察

目的 考察土鳖虫药材无机元素类别与含量状况.方法 对样品进行性状和理化鉴别检验;采用ICP-OES法和ICP-MS法分别测定虫体和食物团中Na、Al、Mg、K、Ca、Mn、Fe、Cu、Zn、Cr、Ni、As、Cd、Pb 14种元素的含量.结果 土鳖虫药材含有较多无机成分,其中Al、K及部分重金属及有害元素含量偏高,并且体腔食物团中无机元素含量普遍高于虫体.结论 土鳖虫药材质量堪忧,应注意药用安全.     

Investigation of heavy metal contents in infusion tea samples of Iran

The current study aimed to determine the concentrations of five heavy metals in samples of infused tea from teas available in Iran. Eighty-one samples were divided into the three groups of bulk, packed, and tea bag samples. The investigation was performed using the inductively coupled plasma-optic emission spectrometry technique. The estimated daily intake of heavy metals was compared with the allowable daily intake (ADI), and the means were compared with the limits allowed by national Iranian standards. Results showed that infusion time had no effect on heavy metal content, except for Pb in bulk samples, and all means were within standard limits. Monitoring heavy metal content is still very important, because these metals are present in soils due to increased industrial activity and the use of pesticides and fertilizers.     

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。     

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.     

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.     

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.     

Particle size distribution of heavy metals in the urban air of Seoul,Korea

Atmospheric particulate matters (A.P.M.) were collected on quartz-fiber filters from March 1985 to May 1986, using the Andersen high-volume air sampler and contents of six heavy metals (Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn, Pb, Ni) in the A.P.M. were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. These heavy metals were divided into the three groups with respect to their particle size distribution. Fe and Mn were mainly associated with coarse particles (diameter >2.0 μm), but Pb and Ni were related fine particles (diameter <2.0 μm). Cu and Zn had mixed size distributions in both of them. In the seasonal variation of heavy metals, the contents of Fe and Mn in spring and Ni and Pb in winter were higher than any other season. There were high mutual correlation between Fe and Mn in coarse particles, and between Pb and Ni in fine particles.     

Safety evaluation of metal exposure from commonly used moisturizing and skin-lightening creams in Nigeria

The concentrations of ten metals (Cd, Pb, Ni, Cr, Cu, Co, Fe, Mn, Zn and Al) were measured in some commonly used moisturizing and skin-lightening creams in Nigeria with a view to providing information on the risk of exposure to metals from the use of these products. The metal concentrations in these products were measured by atomic absorption spectrometry after acid digestion of the samples. The measured concentrations of metals in the skin moisturizing creams ranged from <0.15 to 6.3 μg/g Cd, <0.02 to 17.5 μg/g Cu, 2.25 to 6.25 μg/g Cr, <0.25 to 124.3 μg/g Al, 0.2 to 7.3 μg/g Pb, <0.03 to 10.7 μg/g Ni, 17.3 to 372.0 μg/g Zn, <0.02 to 1.0 μg/g Co, 17.75 to 28.8 μg/g Mn, <0.1 to 89.8 μg/g Fe while the concentrations of metals in the skin-lightening products ranged from <0.15 to 16.5 μg/g Cd, <0.02 to 10.0 μg/g Cu, 4.25 to 8.0 μg/g Cr, <0.25 to 128.0 μg/g Al, 0.5 to 4.5 μg/g Pb, <0.03 to 1.65 μg/g Ni, 24.7 to 267.5 μg/g Zn, <0.02 to 2.5 μg/g for Co, 19.3 to 31.8 μg/g Mn, 9.5 to 211.63 μg/g Fe. In a significant number (>93%) of the samples investigated the concentrations of Pb, Cd, Ni and Co were below the specified limit, or the maximal limit for impurities in colour additives in cosmetics for external use. However, Cr was found at concentrations above the allergenic limit of 1 μg/g. The results also showed that skin-lightening creams contained higher concentrations of the studied metals than the moisturizing creams, except for Ni, which indicates that persons who uses skin-lightening creams in preference to moisturizing ones, are exposed to higher concentrations of metals.     

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。     

Inadvertent metal loading of critically ill patients with acute renal failure by human albumin solution infusion therapy

Recent reports on the metal contamination of human albumin solutions (HAS) have raised concern about possible medical implications. Large amounts of HAS are infused to premature babies with respiratory distress syndrome, patients with plasmapheresis treatment or acute renal failure. For assessment of the risk of metal loading in patients with acute renal failure, commercially available HAS were analyzed for aluminium, nickel, chromium, manganese, cobalt, zinc, copper, cadmium, lead, and mercury. A considerable contamination of HAS was found for Al, Ni, Cr, Mn, and in part for Co. Additionally, the influence of 3 weeks of daily HAS infusion on metal blood levels was studied in 8 critically ill patients with acute renal failure, protein catabolism, ventilator therapy and hemodialysis treatment. Since most metals are primarily eliminated with the urine, these patients seemed to be at high risk for metal loading. In all patients, a considerable increase in the blood concentrations of Al, Ni, Cr, and in some patients of Mn and Co was found. In addition, the daily dose of Al, Ni, Cr, Mn, and Co by HAS was calculated for the 21st day after start of HAS infusion. In most patients, the dose of Al, Ni, and Cr considerably exceeded (up to a factor of 10) the average daily metal dose absorbed from the diet by healthy subjects. The increase in Mn and Co blood levels, despite a low dose of Mn and Co with the daily HAS infusion, was most likely caused by depletion of Mn and Co tissue stores due to the catabolic state of the patients. The contamination of HAS probably originated from the use of aluminum hydroxide and from contact of plasma with stainless steel surfaces during the Cohn fractionation process. The high extent of contamination of HAS with Al, Ni and Cr cannot be accepted since it is already technically feasible to produce HAS with metal concentrations comparable to the normal serum level range.     

Assessment of fluoride concentration and daily intake by human from tea and herbal infusions.

The fluoride content in infusions of commercially available black, green, oolong, pu-erh and white teas was determined by ion-selective electrode. Herbal infusions as well as instant tea and ready-to-drink tea beverages were also examined. It is found that brewing time (5, 10 and 30 min) does increase the fluoride content, which in infusions of black tea (5 min brewing) was higher than that in the other types of tea, with contents ranging between 0.32 and 4.54 mg/l for black tea to 0.37-0.54 mg/l for white tea and with even lower values for herbal tea infusions of 0.02-0.09 mg/l. On the basis of the results obtained, the daily intake of fluoride provided from tea and herbal beverages was estimated for an adult person and for children in comparison with the Polish SAI (Safe and Adequate Daily Intake) of fluoride which is strictly attributable to ADI (Acceptable Daily Intake). The fluoride intake resulted from the regular consumption of black tea infusions was raised as compared to the other types of teas as well as herbal teas. For adult and children tea drinkers consuming five cups of black tea per day the intake of fluoride will be in the range of 8.0-303% and 12-303% of the SAI, respectively. People are often exposed to multiple sources of fluoride, such as in food, water, air and excessive use of toothpaste. The control of tea quality is important to protect human against too high uptake of this element from black tea, which is the most popular beverage. Excessive intake of fluoride with black tea, especially in the regions with its high level in the drinking water, increases the risk of dental fluorosis in children during the years of tooth development. The long-term exposure to large amounts of fluoride can lead to potentially skeletal fluorosis (WHO, 1984).