Direct atomic absorption spectrometry determination of arsenic,cadmium, copper,manganese, lead and zinc in vegetable oil and fat samples with graphite filter furnace atomizer

The article presents the results of optimization of operation parameters, investigation of analytical characteristics and the abilities of a graphite filter-furnace (FF) atomizer for the direct electrothermal atomic absorption spectroscopy (ET AAS) determination of trace amounts of Mn, As, Pb, Cu, Cd and Zn in some vegetable oils and fats. The effect of pyrolysis and atomization temperatures of the graphite FF atomizer on atomic absorbance values of the listed elements at their evaporation from some organic solutions in the presence of a Pd-Mg chemical modifier (CM) was investigated. For the ET AAS determination of As, Pb, Cd and Zn with Pd-Mg CM, the temperature of the graphite FF atomizer for the pyrolysis step can be raised by 250–350 °C. This mode allows to eliminate the background absorption, to increase the sensitivity of the elements to be analyzed and to enhance the total content of vegetable oils or fats in organic solutions up to 0.5 g mL⁻¹. The obtained limits of quantification for Mn, As, Pb, Cu, Cd and Zn were 0.002, 0.004, 0.004, 0.002, 0.0008, 0.0004 mg kg⁻¹, respectively. The relative standard deviation (RSD) varied between ∼3 and 8% and the time of one element determination did not exceed ∼3–5 min. The reliability of the proposed method was checked using the reference method. A paired Student's t-test showed no significant difference between the results obtained by both methods on a 95% confidence level.     

Investigation of differentiation of metal contents of Agaricus bisporus,Lentinula edodes and Pleurotus ostreatus sold commercially in Poland between 2009 and 2017

Agaricus bisporus, Pleurotus ostreatus and Lentinula edodes are the most commercially important mushroom species cultivated for human consumption. This study compared the content of major elements (ME) and trace elements (TE) in fruiting bodies of these three mushrooms available on the Polish market between 2009 and 2017. It demonstrates that the studied mushrooms, particularly A. bisporus, can be a valuable source of macro- and micro-nutrients such as K, P, Cu, Fe and Se (means: 28,500; 6150; 14.3; 49.3 and 2.59 mg kg dry weoght, respectively) and contain a beneficial Na/K ratio (1:76). The mushrooms were not found to contain increased levels of toxic metals with the ominous exception of As, levels of which were found to be elevated.     

Assessment of trace metals in foodstuffs grown around the vicinity of industries in Bangladesh

In the present study, we investigated the levels of chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) in eight groups of foods, namely, cereals, pulses, vegetables, fruit, fish, meat, eggs and milk. The range of Cr, Ni, Cu, As, Cd and Pb in the foodstuffs was 0.18–4.8, 0.008–10, 0.47–22, 0.003–0.98, 0.0003–0.85 and 0.005–3.7 mg/kg fw, respectively. The daily intakes (EDIs) of Cr, Ni, As, Cd and Pb were higher than the maximum tolerable daily intake (MTDI), indicating their potential sources from dietary intake. The combined metal hazard quotients (∑HQs) from rice, fruit, vegetables and fish were higher than 1, meaning that metals may pose a considerable risk to local inhabitants due to consumption of these four food items. From the human health point of view, this study showed that the studied foods were not safe for the local inhabitants, and potential risk cannot be neglected for regular or excessive consumers.     

Human exposure in Italy to lead,cadmium and mercury through fish and seafood product consumption from Eastern Central Atlantic Fishing Area

The presence of cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb) and mercury (Hg) was investigated in fish and seafood products collected from the FAO Major Fishing Area 34, Eastern Central Atlantic. Samples were purchased from different retail outlets in Italy. Samples were selected so as to assess human exposure through diet. Metals were detected by Q-ICP-MS and Hg-AAS. All the metal concentrations detected were largely below the maximum levels (MLs) established by the European Union. The exposure assessment was undertaken by matching the concentration of Cd, Pb and total Hg in fish and other seafood products selected purposed according to Italian consumption data. The estimated weekly intakes (EWIs) for the evaluated elements related to the consumption of fish and other seafood products by the median of the Italian total population accounted for 14%, 2% and 14% of the standard tolerable weekly intake (TWI) for Cd and Hg as well as the provisional tolerable weekly intake (PTWI) for Pb, respectively.     

Heat-assisted slurry sampling GFAAS method for determination of lead in food standard reference materials

A valid method based on heat-assisted slurry sampling graphic furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (HASS-GFAAS) was developed for the accurate determination of trace Pb in food standard reference materials (SRMs). The HASS technique significantly improved Pb recovery and precision compared to conventional slurry sampling techniques. The optimized HASS procedure was performed as follows: first, the sample (particle size ≤ 150 μm) was diluted with 0.05% (v/v) Triton X-100 containing 2% HNO₃ and 1% H₂O₂ followed by heating for 20 min at 120 °C on a heating block. Next, the obtained slurry was sonicated in an autosampler cup, and finally, the slurry was introduced into a graphite tube and analyzed by the GFAAS with a Pb electrodeless discharge lamp (EDL). Calibration with aqueous standard solutions was used for Pb determination in food samples. The characteristic mass and limit of detection for Pb based on the integrated absorbance for a 2% (m/v) sample were 12 ± 0.6 pg and 0.003 mg kg⁻¹, respectively. The accuracy (95.1–102% recovery) and good precision (0.1–3.6%) of this procedure are illustrated by the results obtained for the 12 food reference materials. The proposed method is suitable for determination of trace Pb in solid food samples.     

应用ICP-MS与AAS测定食品中铅、镉、铜方法研究及比较

目的:建立微波消解、电感耦合等离子体质谱法(ICP-MS)同时测定食品中微量元素的方法,并与国标法原子吸收分光光度法(AAS)进行了比较。方法:应用微波消解进行样品前处理,使用电感耦合等离子体质谱与原子吸收分光光度计分别测定三十余种食品中铅、镉、铜含量。结果:线性相关系数均大于三个9,方法的精密度均小于8.0%,国家标准物质:小麦粉(GBW08503b)、杨树叶(GBW08513)、贻贝(GBW08571)测定值均在标准值范围内,两种方法的测定值基本吻合。结论:ICP-MS法3种元素可同时分析,抗干扰强,但仪器成本高;AAS法每一元素需分别测定,测定周期较长,干扰较大,特别是高盐样品需稀释后测定,但仪器成本低,普及率高。     

Investigation of heavy metal concentrations in some Turkish wines

Research studies analysing heavy metal or trace elements in Turkish wines is scarce. This study was designed to fill this gap, analysing 43 wines produced in 4 different regions in Turkey. A total of 37 red and 6 white wines produced from various grapes from 2006 to 2008 in Marmara, Aegean, Central Anatolia and Eastern Anatolia regions were studied. Wines were analyzed for Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd and Pb using atomic absorption spectrometer equipped (AAS) with electrothermal atomization unit (ET). Average results for red and white wines, respectively, were: Cr, 38.6 and 29.4 μg/L; Mn, 697 and 101 μg/L; Fe, 1.7 and 0.7 mg/L; Co, 6.3 and 0.5 μg/L; Ni, 134 and 573 μg/L; Cu, 131 and 158 μg/L; Zn, 389 and 2099 μg/L; Cd, 2.8 (red wine; white wine results were under limit of detection); Pb, 6.3 (red wine; white wine results were under limit of detection). These results were interpreted for grape types and regions. Accuracy was tested with standard addition method. Recoveries ranged from 96% to 107% after standard addition. Cr, Fe and Mn in red wines were higher in comparison to white wines, whereas white wines were higher in Ni and Zn. Non-essential Cd and Pb concentrations were very low in both red and white wines. Comparison with literature shows all heavy metal concentrations in the analyzed Turkish wines to be below the limits designated by World Health Organization.     

Spectrophotometric method for determination of aluminium content in water and beverage samples employing flow-batch sequential injection system

A sensitive, precise and reliable flow-batch method for the determination of aluminium (Al) was developed using a sequential injection-monosegmented flow system incorporating a mixing chamber unit. Eriochrome cyanine R (ECR) was used as a chromogenic reagent in the presence of N,N-dodecyltrimethylammonium bromide (DTAB). The Al-ECR complex at pH 6 gave a maximum absorption at 584 nm. In-line single standard calibration and a standard addition procedure were developed employing the monosegmented flow technique. Under the optimum conditions, a linear calibration graph in the range of 0.0075–0.625 mg L⁻¹ Al was obtained with limits of detection and quantitation of 0.0020 and 0.0070 mg L⁻¹, respectively. Relative standard deviations were 0.8 and 1.3% for 0.010 and 0.025 mg L⁻¹ Al (n = 11), respectively. A sample throughput of 24 h⁻¹ using an in-line standard calibration approach and 6 h⁻¹ using four standard addition levels was achieved. The developed system was successfully applied to water samples and beverage samples. The results agreed well with those obtained from the ICP-AES method. Good recoveries between 85 and 104% were obtained.     

微波消解等离子体质谱法测定各类食品中痕量汞、镉、铅、砷准确性探讨

目的 建立微波消解-电感耦合等离子体质谱法（ICP-MS）准确测定各类食品中痕量汞、镉、铅、砷的分析方法。方法 采用微波消解法处理样品,ICP-MS测定以^72Ge、^103Rh、^185Re作为内标消除非质谱干扰,八极杆碰撞池（ORS^3）消除质谱干扰。结果 采用本方法测定汞、镉、铅、砷的定量限分别为0.05、0.05、0.40、0.40μg/L;在定量限附近测定的回收率和相对标准偏差分别为：100.0%、90.0%、96.0%、112.0%和7.6%、8.0%、11.8%、6.2%。结论 采用ICP-MS法准确测定食品中痕量有害元素的关键点及控制措施,适用于食品安全风险监测大批量样品的分析。     

Synthesis and characterization of functionalized silica with 3,6-ditia-1,8-octanediol for the preconcentration and determination of lead in milk employing multicommuted flow system coupled to FAAS

Novel functionalized silica, containing 3,6-dithia-1,8-octanediol (Si-DIO), was synthesized and characterized by infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) of ¹³C and ²⁹Si. The Si-DIO was used to pre-concentrate and determine the amount of Pb(II) in milk samples employing a multicommuted flow system coupled to flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS). For the adsorption process, a pre-concentration minicolumn with 100 mg of Si-DIO, a solution of 0.005 mg L⁻¹ Pb(II) at pH 9.0 and HNO₃ as the eluent was used, obtaining an enrichment factor of 28 times with retention efficiency higher than 99%. The Pb(II) ion, using the multicommuted flow system coupled to FAAS, showed a linear response between 0.005 and 20.0 mg L⁻¹; a linear coefficient where r = 0.9939 and n = 7; a detection limit estimated at 0.001 mg L⁻¹ and a relative standard deviation of 3.8% (n = 50). Fifty pre-concentrations runs were tested in the minicolumn without significant variation in the analytical signal. The proposal system showed analytical applicability to determine Pb(II) ion in milk samples, presenting recovery of 90.7–102.5%.     

Variability of elements and nutritional value of spiny-cheek crayfish (Faxonius limosus,Rafinesque, 1817): Variability of elements and nutritional value of F. limosus

Spiny-cheek crayfish (Faxonius limosus, Rafinesque, 1817) females and males were examined as an alternative source of highly valuable material currently sought by the food industry. The aim of the study was to assess the profiles of 14 macro- and microelements (Al, Ca, Cd, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Na, Ni, P, Pb, Se, Si, Zn) in the meat, exoskeleton and eggs (females) of crayfish collected in the spring and autumn seasons in the Lake Sominko (Poland). The content of heavy metals was analysed, and the degree of their accumulation in crayfish tissues was determined. The profile of the investigated elements in the tested samples was variable depending on the body part, sex of individuals and season of sample collection. A portion of crayfish abdomen meat or eggs (100 g) is particularly rich in P (41.5–73.9 %) of daily requirement), Zn (14.1–38.5 %), Mg (7.9–21.5 %), K (3.3–13.1 %) and Na (4.6–7.7 %) and small quantities of Ca (0.8–2.5 %) and Al (0.9–4.7 %). The study confirmed that consumption of crayfish meat is toxicologically safe and nutritionally complete.     

电感耦合等离子体质谱法测定苦丁茶中的铅、镉、砷、汞和铬

目的利用电感耦合等离子体质谱(ICP-MS)技术建立一种同时检测苦丁茶中铅、镉、砷、汞和铬的方法。方法采用硝酸-过氧化氢混合酸为消解溶剂,样品经微波处理后,应用ICP-MS法同时测定样液中的铅、镉、砷、汞和铬的含量。分别选用锗、铟、铋为内标元素,以校正实验过程中仪器信号的漂移和样品的基体效应。采用校准方程75As=-3.13220×40Ar37Cl对砷的检测结果进行校正。结果铅、镉、砷、汞和铬的线性相关系数均>0.999,方法检出限为0.003 mg/kg^0.007 mg/kg,方法精密度为3.1%~18.4%,加标回收率为88.2%~113.4%,标准物质菠菜(GBW10015)和绿茶(GBW10052)的检测结果与参考值相符合。结论本法快速简便,准确度和精密度均符合检测要求,适用于苦丁茶中铅、镉、砷、汞和铬的测定。     

Geographic, seasonal and ontogenetic variation in cadmium and mercury concentrations in squid (Cephalopoda: Teuthoidea) from UK waters

Cadmium (Cd) and mercury (Hg) levels were measured in the tissue samples of two loliginid (Alloteuthis sp. and Loligo forbesi) and two ommastrephid (Todarodes sagittatus and Todaropsis eblanae) squid species collected from research cruise and fishery (market) samples in UK waters during 2004–05. Concentrations of Cd were generally higher in the ommastrephids, in all tissues except muscle. Hg concentrations were higher in T. sagittatus than in the loliginids. In L. forbesi, metal concentrations differed between tissues and also varied in relation to body size, geographic origin, and season. Cd levels decreased with increasing body size. This may be related to a shift in the diet with growth, since small L. forbesi feed on benthic invertebrates that have relatively high Cd concentrations, whereas larger individuals prey mainly on fish that have low Cd concentrations. Hg levels increased with body size, indicating its retention, and they were highest at the end of the spawning season and in squid from the English Channel and the Scottish West Coast. It is likely that the ambient concentration of Hg in seawater plays an important part in its accumulation in squid tissues. As it is a short-lived species, L. forbesi may therefore function as a bioindicator species for Hg contamination of the marine environment. Our results indicate that there is no significant danger to humans from consuming squid from UK waters.     

Application of classic epidemiological studies and proteomics in research of occupational and environmental exposure to lead,cadmium and arsenic

The metals/metaloids lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and arsenic (As) are among the leading toxic agents in the environment. They represent an important source of dangerous exposure in humans, particularly in industry workers. The most serious consequences of exposure to those heavy metals are cancers and cardiovascular diseases. In studies of human exposure to Pb, Cd, and As alone and in a mixture markers signaling the subtle, early lesions that occur in the human body are still lacking. It is appropriate to develop high throughput techniques and use non-invasive materials. The techniques currently used in classic epidemiological studies allow selection of single markers of changes of exposure to chronic low dose levels of metal/metaloids mixtures. However, application of proteomic techniques in such studies may allow the selection of new biomarkers of environmental and occupational exposure to heavy metals characterized by high sensitivity and specificity. As presented in our review paper, proteomic techniques in combination with appropriate statistical methods allow the selection of potential markers to estimate the changes in the human body when exposed to those heavy metals.     

Determination of trichothecenes and zearalenone in different corn (Zea mays) cultivars for human consumption in Poland

Contents of 11 trichothecenes of A and B types and zearalenone were determined in corn (Zea mays) samples by using a high performance liquid chromatography–electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (LC–ESI-MS/MS). The lowest LOD was found for T-2 triol with 0.2 μg/kg. The content of mycotoxins in corn grain was compared, depending on cultivar and storage space. Based on the results, it was found that the 12 different corn cultivars and mix contained 9 of the 12 mycotoxins under investigation. The mycotoxins found were deoxynivalenol, nivalenol, 3-acetyldeoxynivalenol, 15-acetyldeoxynivalenol, fusarenon X, neosolaniol, diacetoxyscirpenol, T-2 triol and zearalenone; T-2 tetraol, HT-2 and T-2 were not detected. DON was found to be a prevailing toxin of the highest concentration in almost all the studied samples. The most contaminated corn cultivar was Terada. Additional studies have shown differences in mycotoxins content in Delitop cultivar depending on the sample provider. This work presents the first complete and accurate survey carried out in Lower Silesia (southwestern Poland) on the presence of mycotoxins in corn and demonstrates how the examined region could be considered as suitable for the production of healthful corn products.     

Health risk assessment of zinc,chromium, and nickel from cow meat consumption in an urban Nigerian population

Background:

Meat consumption is increasingly becoming a larger part of diets worldwide. However, the bioaccumulation of toxic metals from anthropogenic pollution is a potential health risk to human health.

Objective:

To measure the daily intake of zinc, chromium, and nickel from cow meat consumption and assess the possible health risks in an urban population in Nigeria.

Methods:

Dried meat samples were digested with 3 : 2HNO3 : HClO4 v/v. Zinc, chromium, and nickel concentrations were determined with atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Daily intakes of meat were obtained using a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ).

Results:

The estimated daily intakes (EDI) (μg/person/day) ranges were: zinc (10 496–13 459), chromium (310.90–393.73), and nickel (26.72–34.87). Estimated daily intake for zinc was 15–30% of provisional maximum tolerable daily intake (PMTDI) and for nickel it was 8–15% of tolerable daily intake (TDI).

Conclusion:

Chromium intakes were above recommended daily intake (RDI). Target hazard quotient (THQ) for nickel and zinc were within WHO/FAO limit. There was no evidence of possible health risk to consumers with regard to zinc and nickel. However, chromium intake should be of utmost concern, while disposal of tanning waste should be checked.     

Health risk assessment of zinc,chromium, and nickel from cow meat consumption in an urban Nigerian population

Abstract

Background:

Meat consumption is increasingly becoming a larger part of diets worldwide. However, the bioaccumulation of toxic metals from anthropogenic pollution is a potential health risk to human health.

Objective:

To measure the daily intake of zinc, chromium, and nickel from cow meat consumption and assess the possible health risks in an urban population in Nigeria.

Methods:

Dried meat samples were digested with 3 : 2HNO3 : HClO4 v/v. Zinc, chromium, and nickel concentrations were determined with atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Daily intakes of meat were obtained using a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ).

Results:

The estimated daily intakes (EDI) (μg/person/day) ranges were: zinc (10?496–13?459), chromium (310·90–393·73), and nickel (26·72–34·87). Estimated daily intake for zinc was 15–30% of provisional maximum tolerable daily intake (PMTDI) and for nickel it was 8–15% of tolerable daily intake (TDI).

Conclusion:

Chromium intakes were above recommended daily intake (RDI). Target hazard quotient (THQ) for nickel and zinc were within WHO/FAO limit. There was no evidence of possible health risk to consumers with regard to zinc and nickel. However, chromium intake should be of utmost concern, while disposal of tanning waste should be checked.     

An automated preconcentration system for the determination of manganese in food samples

In this work, an on-line automated system for the preconcentration and evaluation of manganese in food samples is proposed. The preconcentration of manganese ions is carried out using two mini-columns packed with 4-(5′-bromo-2′-thiazolylazo)orcinol (Br-TAO) loaded polyurethane foam. After a preconcentration step, a stream of hydrochloric acid is passed through the mini-column in order to transport the manganese directly to the flame atomic absorption spectrometer. The sample frequency was 60 h⁻¹ for a 60 s preconcentration time. The limit of detection and enrichment factor were 0.70 μg L⁻¹ and 17, respectively. The accuracy of the procedure was evaluated by analysis of biological reference materials (spinach leaves, tomato leaves and pine needles). The procedure was successfully applied for the evaluation of manganese in several food samples, such as corn, rice and cassava flour.     

Nutritional content,mercury, and trace element analyses of two skate (Rajidae) species in the Gulf of Alaska

Seafood is recognized as an important source of proteins and long chain omega-3 fatty acids. However, one of the primary concerns with seafood consumption is the level of heavy metals, particularly mercury, present in fish tissues, which may influence the demand of certain fishery products. We sampled muscle and liver tissues from 20 big (Beringraja binoculata) and 20 longnose (Raja rhina) skates collected near Kodiak and Cordova, Alaska, and analyzed their nutritional content (protein, moisture and lipid content and fatty acid profiles), heavy metal (mercury, arsenic, cadmium, lead) and trace element (selenium) load. Big and longnose skate muscle was composed of lean protein (14.7% ± 0.7% SD) with 1.2% (±0.4%) lipids and 83% (±0.8%) moisture. Skate livers were very high in lipids, between 52.5 and 57.5% and had high percentages of omega-3 fatty acids (30.2%). Mercury in these skates had mean levels of 0.21 mg/kg, lower than average levels found in Pacific halibut (Hippoglossus stenolepis). Overall, the risk/benefit ratio of consuming skate muscle was slightly positive (3.62%) based on the balance of mercury toxicity and omega-3 fatty acid benefits. Big skates were overall more beneficial to consume, and only longnose skates from Cordova had a negative risk/benefit ratio. These data can be used by the fishing industry to understand current and future market demands for skate products, and to be aware of any health concerns of consuming Gulf of Alaska skates.