Studies on the Characteristic of Element Contents in the Dominant Plant Species of the Three gorges Region in China

The characteristics of the contents of 20 elements (Al, Fe, Mn, Ca, Mg, K, S, Si, P, Cd, Cu, Zn, Ti, Ni, Sr, Mo, Na, B, Cr, V) in 16 plant species collected from the Three Gorges Region in China were investigated. The average contents of Ca, K and Mg were higher than 1 000 μg·g-1, that of Al, P, Si, Fe, S and Mn ranged between 100—1 000 μg·g-1 and Ti, Cu, Ni, Cr, Mo, Cd and V were less than 10 μg·g- 1. The level of Na content was less than that of the reported. The main character of the element contents was of the Ca> K type. The contents of P, S, Ca and K in different plant samples showed a normal distribution pattern, while Al and Mn showed a elements lognormal distribution pattern. Plant species differed greatly in the element contents. On analyzing the coefficient of variation (C. V., % ), Al, Mn, Mg, Ni, Sr and Fe had higher C.V., while the C.V. of K, S, P, Cr, Cd and Cu was less than 60%, and Cu had the lowest C.V. The correlations between Al and Fe, Al and Ti, Al and Cr, A1 and V, Cd and Sr, Cd and Mo, Fe and V, Zn and Cr, Ni and Sr, Mg and Ni, Mo and Sr, Ca and Sr, Cr and Mo, Na and Mg, Na and P, P and S were statistically significant in different plant species. The classification of the 16 plant species and 20 dements by two-way indicator species analysis (TWINSPAN) method may suggest the difference in dement contents of the different plant species.     

Trace and mineral elements in royal jelly and homeostatic effects

Royal jelly from Apis mellifera is a highly active natural biological substance and is probably one of the most interesting raw substances in natural product chemistry. Trace elements play a key role in the biomedical activities associated with royal jelly, as these elements have a multitude of known and unknown biological functions. For this reason concentrations of 28 trace (Al, Ba, Sr, Bi, Cd, Hg, Pb, Sn, Te, Tl, W, Sb, Cr, Ni, Ti, V, Co, Mo) and mineral (P, S, Ca, Mg, K, Na, Zn, Fe, Cu, Mn) elements were systematically investigated in botanically and geologically defined royal jelly samples. In addition, concentrations of 14 trace elements were measured in the associated honey samples--honey being the precursor of royal jelly. Concentrations of K, Na, Mg, Ca, P, S, Cu, Fe, Zn, Al, Ba and Sr in royal jelly were determined by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES), while concentrations of Bi, Cd, Hg, Pb, Sn, Te, Tl, W, Sb, Cr, Mn, Ni, Ti, V, Co and Mo in royal jelly were determined by double focusing magnetic sector field inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (SF-ICP-MS). In the honey samples, trace and mineral element concentrations strongly depended on botanical and geological origin, and substantial variation was found. In contrast, the concentrations of trace and mineral elements were highly constant in the associated royal jelly samples. The most important results were the homeostatic adjustments of trace and mineral element concentrations in royal jelly. This effect was evidently produced in the endocrine glands of nurse bees, which are adapted for needs of bee larvae. In conclusion, this research yielded a surprising and completely new finding--that royal jelly, as a form of lactation on the insect level, shows the same homeostatic adjustment as mammalian and human breast milk.     

Elemental profile of cerebrospinal fluid in patients with Parkinson''s disease

To ascertain the potential role of chemical elements (namely, Al, Ba, Be, Bi, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Li, Mg, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Sb, Si, Sn, Sr, Tl, V, W, Zn and Zr) as markers in the Parkinson's disease (PD), the elemental concentration of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of 42 patients with PD and 20 age-matched controls was assessed. Analyses were performed by Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectrometry (ICP-AES) and Sector Field Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (SF-ICP-MS). Significantly lower levels of Co, Cr, Fe, Pb, Si and Sn were observed in the CSF of PD patients compared with those in controls, with a percentage of depletion up to 50% for Cr and Pb. No such variations were detected for all the other elements. Results suggested that Pb, Cr, Fe were the most suitable elements to distinguish between normality and PD. Different cut-off concentrations for these elements could be tentatively proposed as a predictive tool for the PD condition.     

Are Metals Accumulated in Human Hair Affected by Naturally Occurring Asbestos Fiber Contamination? A Case Study from a Rural Area of China

Little is known about the link between metals accumulated in human and asbestos fiber contamination in the environment. Therefore, hair samples of 368 subjects (128 males and 240 females) from a rural area contaminated by crocidolite asbestos fibers were collected to investigate the distributions of 17 metals accumulated in human. The results showed that the mean concentrations of As, Al, Ba, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Mg, Mn, Mo, Na, Ni, Pb, Sr, and Zn in hair of the total subjects were 0.23, 23.36, 4.33, 0.11, 0.05, 0.70, 10.53, 29.74, 0.37, 241.57, 3.52, 0.08, 153.21, 0.72, 4.26, 10.96, and 113.35 mg/kg, respectively. Moreover, approximately 86.14, 52.17, 73.91, 85.05, 80.98, 74.46, and 53.80 % of the hair samples of the total subjects contained much higher concentrations of Al, Ba, Fe, Mg, Mn, Na, and Sr compared with the highest reference values, respectively. The mean concentrations of the determined metals (except for As, Co, Cr, Hg, and Mo) significantly varied among different age groups for both male and females. The results of correlation analysis and cluster analysis revealed that strong correlations were found between Al, Fe, Zn, Mg, and Na accumulated in human from the study area. These might suggest that Al, Ba, Fe, Mg, Mn, Na, and Sr were significantly derived from contamination of crocidolite asbestos fibers. Zn, Mg, and Na might also originate from diet. However, Cd, Mo, Co, As, Cr, Hg, Ni, Mn, Pb, and Ba accumulated in human seemed to be mainly derived from soil. It can be concluded that metals accumulated in human hair have a link with asbestos fiber contamination in the environment.     

Quantification of 26 metals in human urine samples using ICP-MSMS in a random sample collective of an occupational and environmental health care center in Aachen,Germany

Despite several studies on metal exposure in the general population, the knowledge on the background burden of distinct metals is still sparse (e.g. Cu, In, Mn, Pb, Sn, Sr, Ta, Te). While up to date reference values exist for 16 distinct metals as Biological Reference Value (BAR) or the 95th percentile for Al, As, Ba, Be, Cd, Co, Cr, Hg, Li, Mo, Ni, Pt, Sb, Se, Tl and U respectively, the background burden of the general population for the remaining elements is unknown or yet no matter of scientific counselling. We established and validated an inductively coupled plasma triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (ICP-MSMS) human biomonitoring method (HBM), that enabled us to determine 26 metals in urine. Al, As, Ba, Be, Cd, Co, Cu, Ga, Gd, Hg, In, Li, Mo, Ni, Pb, Sb, Se, Sn, Sr, Ta, Te, Tl, V and Zn were analyzed. The method was applied to 88 urine samples collected in the ambulance of the Institute for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine (IASU) Aachen, Germany. Patients from two major metal processing companies (steel and copper) and a more heterogenous group of occupational exposed and non-exposed persons were defined and distinguished. HBM data from about 88, in general occupationally unexposed persons against certain metals served as a collective representing the general population in first approximation. For these the 95th percentiles are reported. Significant differences of urinary metal concentrations of the employees of the two metal processing companies compared to the third group were observed among others for Cu, Cr, Ni, Mn and are discussed, thus demonstrating the usefulness of the method for both environmental and occupational purposes.     

Genetic aspects of the interrelation between alkaloids and chemical elements in Atropa belladonna L. and Glaucium flavum Grantz. plants

The variability of the contents of tropane and isoquinoline alkaloids, ashes, Na, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn, Co, Mo, Cr, Al, Ba, V, Ni, Sr, Cd, Pb, J, and Ag was studied in individual plants of the industrial population of belladonna (Atropa belladonna L.) and yellow horned poppy (Glaucium flavum Crantz.). Numerous linear and nonlinear correlations of isoquinoline and tropane alkaloids with ashes and mineral elements were revealed by means of correlation and regression analyses. Alkaline earth elements (especially Sr and Ba) were shown to have a major role in the regulation of tropane alkaloid accumulation in belladonna leaves. K and Ni were of particular importance in the aerial part of yellow horned poppy. These elements at the suboptimal concentrations were most favorable for isoquinoline alkaloid accumulation in yellow horned poppy. Analytical mathematical models were derived for the regulation of alkaloid metabolism in test plants by some mineral elements (Ba, Mg, Al, Sr, Ni, Mn, and K). Our results indicate that the interrelation between alkaloids and elements in these plants is genetically determined.     

Twenty-eight element concentrations in mane hair samples of adult riding horses determined by particle-induced X-ray emission

The concentrations of 28 elements (Al, Br, Ca, Cl, Co, Cu, Cr, Fe, Ga, Hg, K, Mg, Mn, Mo, Na, Nb, Ni, P, Pb, Rb, S, Se, Si, Sr, Ti, V, Y, and Zn) were measured in mane hair by the particle-induced X-ray emission method. Except for Br, Cl, K, S, and P, the trace element concentrations in mane hair of horses are similar to literature values for human hair. The values obtained are not dependent on the horse's age, breed, and sex and could be used as reference values in the assessment of diseases and nutritional status in equines.     

Controlling Factors and Pollution Assessment of Potentially Toxic Elements in Topsoils of the Issyk-Kul Lake Region,Central Asia

The Issyk-Kul Lake region is well known for its magnificent scenery and unique scientific significance. With multivariable statistical methods, the contents of several geochemical elements (Fe, Mn, V, Zn, Cr, Co, Ni, Cu, As, Mo, Cd, Sb, Tl, Pb, and Hg) and total organic matter of 61 topsoil samples were analyzed, and then, the results were used to assess the environmental factors controlling the concentrations of potentially toxic elements (PTE) in the region. The results showed that most of the elements including Fe, Mn, V, Cr, Co, Ni, Cu, As, and Sb reflected the natural state, but several PTE (Zn, Mo, Hg, Cd, Pb, and Tl) had been influenced by anthropogenic factors. Among these, Zn, Mo, Hg, and Cd were significantly correlated with the organic matter content, which suggests that agricultural soils will accumulate more PTE. From the calculations for the human risk assessment of anthropogenically derived PTE (Zn, Mo, Hg, Cd, Pb, and Tl), the risks for ingestion in this region were found to be higher than those for inhalation and dermal absorption; however, the results also suggested there are no non-carcinogenic risks for all anthropogenically influenced PTE in the current state.     

奉节脐橙不同器官元素含量分布特征

对奉节脐橙果、叶、干、根中的必需大量元素 (N、K、Ca、Mg、P、S)、微量元素 (Fe、Mn、Cu、Zn、B、Mo)、有益元素 (Si、Co、F、Se、Ni、Sr)、有毒有害元素 (Hg、As、Cr、Cd、Pb、Sb、Bi)的分布特征进行分析 ,结果表明 :果、叶、干、根对各元素的吸收与富集特征具有明显的规律性 ,如叶、干、根中大量元素含量次序均为 Ca>N>K>Mg,叶、干、根中微量元素含量均有 Fe>Mn>Zn>Cu>Mo的规律 ,根、干、叶中有益微量元素含量次序均为 Si>Sr>F>Ni>Co>Se,叶、干、根中有毒有害元素含量次序均有 Pb>As>Sb >Hg的规律 ;在脐橙各器官中 ,叶是大量元素与有毒有害元素最富集的器官 ,根则是有益元素最富集的器官 ,有毒有害元素的 Cr、微量元素的 Mn、Fe、Mo也以根最为富集 ,干则是上述元素最不富集的器官 ,所有元素中 ,仅 Zn在干中最富集 ;大量元素 (除 N外 )、微量元素、有益元素在脐橙各器官的分配含量与地壳土壤背景值的分异含量趋势基本一致 ,土壤背景是这三类元素的主要控制因素。但有毒有害元素的分配形式则明显受人类活动的影响     

Genetic aspects of the interrelation between alkaloids and chemical elements in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Atropa belladonna</Emphasis> L. and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Glaucium flavum</Emphasis> Crantz. Plants

The variability of the contents of tropane and isoquinoline alkaloids, ashes, Na, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn, Co, Mo, Cr, Al, Ba, V, Ni, Sr, Cd, Pb, J, and Ag was studied in individual plants of the industrial population of belladonna (Atropa belladonna L.) and yellow horned poppy (Glaucium flavum Crantz.). Numerous linear and nonlinear correlations of isoquinoline and tropane alkaloids with ashes and mineral elements were revealed by means of correlation and regression analyses. Alkaline earth elements (especially Sr and Ba) were shown to have a major role in the regulation of tropane alkaloid accumulation in belladonna leaves. K and Ni were of particular importance in the aerial part of yellow horned poppy. These elements at the suboptimal concentrations were most favorable for isoquinoline alkaloid accumulation in yellow horned poppy. Analytical mathematical models were derived for the regulation of alkaloid metabolism in test plants by some mineral elements (Ba, Mg, Al, Sr, Ni, Mn, and K). Our results indicate that the interrelation between alkaloids and elements in these plants is genetically determined.     

Significance of Trace Element Profile of Blood of Persons with Multiple Caries versus Sound Teeth

In order to determine any possible relation between chemical composition of a person’s blood to formation of dental caries, whole blood was analyzed for 35 inorganic elements (Si, Al, Fe, Ca, Mg, K, Mn, Ti, P, Li, Be, B, V, Cr, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Sr, Y, Nb, Mo, Ag, Cd, Sn, Sb, Ba, La, Ce, W, Pb, Bi, Zr, and F) in the 15 people having sound teeth as well as an equal number of those having multiple caries. The results showed the absence of 13 elements (Si, Al, Mn, Ti, Be, Co, As, Y, Cd, Ba, La, Ce, and Zr) in the blood of both groups. Of the remaining 22 elements, the results of only seven elements (Fe, P, B, V, Sr, Sn, and F) were significantly different between the two groups. The most remarkable finding of this study was significantly decreased amount of phosphorus, strontium, and fluorine and perhaps increased boron in the blood of persons with caries.     

Influence of the coat color on the trace elemental status measured by particle-induced x-ray emission in horse hair

The influence of hair color on the trace elemental status in horse's hair has been studied. A current analytical technique such as particle-induced X-ray emission (PIXE) used in this study has provided reliable, rapid, easy, and relatively inexpensive diagnostic methods. Twenty-eight elements (Al, Br, Ca, Cl, Co, Cu, Cr, Fe, Ga, Hg, K, Mg, Mn, Mo, Na, Nb, Ni, P, Pb, Rb, S, Se, Si, Sr, Ti, V, Y, and Zn) in mane hair were detected by the PIXE method. The gray hair contains significantly greter amounts of Cu, Ti, and Zn, and lower amounts of Br, Ca, Se, and Sr than those in other colored horse hairs (p<0.05). Those results measured in the horse's hair were similar to those found in human and dog hair. When interpreting a result, it should be kept in mind that hair color, especially gray hair, influences the concentrations of some elements in horse hair.     

Assessment of reference values for elements in human hair of urban schoolboys

Hair samples of youngsters (3–15 years of age) from several urban areas of Rome were analyzed to determine the content of 19 minor and trace elements with the aim of assessing Reference Values (RVs). Thirteen essential elements were taken into account, Ca, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, Mo, Ni, P, Se, V and Zn. On the other hand, Al, As, Cd, Pb, Sr and Ti were also evaluated on the basis of their potential toxicity. Procedures were developed for the collection, storage and pre-analytical treatment of samples. Measurements were performed by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry. Subgroups were formed according to age and sex. Significant differences were found for certain elements depending on age and sex. This was the case, e.g., for Ca which showed a mean value of 336 mg/kg for males and of 537 mg/kg for females. The sex-dependent pattern for this element was also apparent when the three age subgroups of 3–6, 7–10 and 11–15 years were compared. The overall RVs obtained (mg/kg) are as follows Al, 10.2; As, 0.09; Ca, 450; Cd, 0.23; Co, 0.67; Cr, 0.99; Cu, 22.1; Fe, 19.0; Mg, 28.0; Mn, 0.35; Mo, 0.43; Ni, 1.49; P, 195; Pb, 7.11; Se, 0.77; Sr, 1.20; Ti, 0.79; V, 1.22; and Zn 150.     

Trace element composition of Ural licorice Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch. (Fabaceae Family)

The trace element composition of the subsurface (roots and rhizomes), overground (leaves and stems), and reproductive (bean valves) organs of Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch. was determined by synchrotron radiation X-ray fluorescence analysis (SRXFA). Concentrations of Ti, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Se, Br, Rb, Sr, Y, Zr, Nb, Mo, Hg, Pb, Bi, Th, and U were measured. The data obtained were used to estimate the distribution of some elements in samples of various organs of licorice. Glycyrrhiza uralensis is an accumulator of Fe, Mn, Cu, and Co.     

Determination of trace elements in aerosol samples by Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis

Two nuclear techniques, Energy-Dispersive X-Ray Fluorescence Analysis (EDXRF) and Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis (INAA), were used to analyze aerosol samples collected in the city of São Paulo, Brazil. Na, Cl, Mn, V, Al, Sm, Mo, W, La, As, Br, Sb, K, Ba, Se, Th, Cr, Rb, Ca, Fe, Ce, and Sc were determined by INAA, and Al, Si, P, S, Cl, K, Ca, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, Ga, As, Se, Br, Rb, Sr, Hg, and Pb were determined by EDXRF. A preliminary identification of the main source of the atmospheric aerosol was performed based on enrichment factor and correlation coefficient calculations.

     

Surface sediment composition in an inundated opencast sulphur mine (Piaseczno reservoir, Southern Poland)

The chemical characteristics of the surface sediment (0–5 cm) in a lake which formed in an opencast sulphur mine have been analysed. Generally, the concentration of major elements (N, P, S, Ca, K, Mg, Cl, Fe, Si, and Al) and trace elements (Ag, As, Ba, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Ga, Hg, I, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Rb, Sr, Ti, Y, and Zn) in the lake sediment reflected the natural regional background. The sediment was characterised by low amounts of organic matter (LOI ca. 5%). MANOVA indicated that the concentrations of 60% of the elements differed significantly between transects and 32% with respect to depths, whereas the seasonal differentiations were not found. The relationships between the studied elements calculated using factor analysis and correlation matrix are discussed. The bottom sediment show considerable heterogeneity, which is probably connected to their allochthonous origins and the young age of the lake.     

Concentration of essential and non-essential elements and carcinogenic / non-carcinogenic health risk assessment of commercial bee pollens from Turkey

BackgroundBee pollen, known as a natural super-food with valuable nutritional ingredients, is regarded as a good indicator of ecotoxic substances, such as potentially toxic elements (PTEs). Therefore, this study aims to examine the concentrations of selected PTEs (Al, As, Ba, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Mg, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Se, Sn, Sr, V, Zn) in bee pollen purchased from online markets in Turkey and perform a health risk assessment to identify the potential risk to consumers.MethodsThe quantitative analyses were conducted by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES).ResultsThe mean values of essential PTEs in decreasing content order were Mg > Fe > Zn > Mn > Cu > Ni > Se > Cr > Mo >Co = V. Regarding the results of the study, daily consumption (40 g for adult or 20 g for children) of commercial bee pollen can recompense 20–35 % of daily Cu, Mn, Se requirements for children, adults, pregnant, and breastfeeding women. The decreasing content order of non-essential elements was Al > Sn > Sr > Ba > Pb > As. Cadmium and Hg concentrations were below the detection limits in all the samples. In terms of food and public health; detection of the PTEs concentrations is necessary to assess the quality and safety of bee pollen before consumption. According to the carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risk assessments; commercial pollen consumption does not pose a health risk to either children or adults for the PTEs monitored in this study.ConclusionWe conclude that bee pollen is an ideal indicator for the monitoring of environmental pollution of PTEs and also a valuable source of essential elements. This study highlights the need to develop standards that regulate acceptable concentrations of PTEs.     

Comparison of Trace Elements in the Scalp Hair of Malignant and Benign Breast Lesions Versus Healthy Women

Trace elements including Al, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, Ni, Pb, Sb, Sr, and Zn were analyzed in the scalp hair samples of women with malignant breast lesions, women with benign breast lesions, and healthy donors using atomic absorption spectrophotometric method. In the scalp hair of malignant-tumor patients, the highest average concentration was shown by Ca (1,187 μg/g), followed by Na (655 μg/g), Mg (478 μg/g), Zn (391 μg/g), Sr (152 μg/g), Fe (114 μg/g), and K (89.8), while in the case of benign-tumor patients, the average estimated element levels were 1,522, 1,093, 572, 457, 217, 80.4, and 74.7 μg/g, respectively. Most of the elements exhibited non-normal distribution evidenced by large spread, standard error, and skewness values. Mean concentrations of Ca (634 μg/g), Zn (206 μg/g), Mg (162 μg/g), Fe (129 μg/g), and Na (82.1 μg/g) were noteworthy in the scalp hair of healthy women. Average levels of Na, Sr, K, Cd, Co, Pb, Mg, Ca, Zn, Ni, Sb, and Mn were revealed to be significantly higher in the hair of malignant and benign patients compared to the healthy women; however, Fe, Cu, Al, and Cr were not significantly different in the scalp hair of the three groups. The quartile distributions of Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, K, Mg, Mn, Na, Ni, Pb, Sb, and Sr revealed maximum spread in the scalp hair of malignant and benign groups; nevertheless, Al, Cu, Fe, and Zn exhibited almost comparable quartile levels in the three groups. Strong correlation coefficients were found between Fe and Cd, Al and Na, Mn and Sr, Co and Cr, Cd and Cr, Pb and K, Pb and Mn, Cu and Na, and Al and Fe in the scalp hair of malignant-tumor patients, while Fe and K, Cd and Co, Na and Co, and Cr and Pb showed strong correlations in the scalp hair of benign-tumor patients, both of which were significantly different compared with the healthy subjects. Multivariate cluster analysis also revealed divergent clustering of the elements in the scalp hair of malignant and benign patients in comparison with the healthy women.     

Comparison of the toxicity of heavy metals to cabbage growth

Summary Cabbage plants were grown for 55 days with a nutrient solution containing 1 and 10 ppm of V, Cr(III), Cr(VI), Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd, Hg(I), orHg(II). A comparison of the plant growth and chemical analysis revealed that Cr(VI), Cu, Cd, and Hg(II) in the solution are most toxic to the plant growth (hence detrimental to the cabbage-head formation) and Mn, Fe, and Zn are less toxic than other heavy metals, and that Mn, Zn, Co, Ni, and Cd and translocated into all the plant organs while V, Cr(III), Cr(VI), Fe, Cu, Hg(I), and Hg(II) are accumulated in the roots.