Quantitative determination of selected heavy metals and micronutrients in branded dairy products sold in Nigeria using atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS)

Quantitative analysis of heavy metals and nutrients in food helps indicate the safety and quality of food for final consumers. The present study was conducted to assess the presence of heavy metals (arsenic, copper, mercury, chromium, and lead) and the nutritional value of calcium in branded milk and yogurt to evaluate health risks for consumers. Ten (10) samples of branded milk and dairy products manufactured in Nigeria were purchased. The metal contents of the samples were determined using atomic absorption spectroscopy. The concentrations of calcium in the milk samples were between 9.33 ± 0.0023 and 18 ± 0.0071 ppm and were detected in all samples. Arsenic concentrations ranged from 0.45 ± 0.00042 to 2.48 ± 0.00064 ppm in eight branded samples but were undetected in two samples. Chromium levels were undetected in most samples, except for two with concentrations of 0.12±0.00049 ppm and 0.23±0.00021 ppm, respectively. Copper ranged from 0.032±0.00021 ppm to 0.129±0.00021 ppm in six samples. Mercury levels were detected in six samples at a concentration of 1.0±1.0 ppm. Lead concentrations ranged from 0.15±0.00064 to 0.29±0.00028 ppm in three samples. The study found heavy metals above the ideal concentration in branded milk and dairy products in Nigeria, highlighting the need for quality control measures during production to prevent contamination.

Evaluation of the heavy metals tolerant UV rays treated bacteria isolated from anthropogenic sites of Chambal region, India

Industrial waste is released into the environment and leads to various types of heavy metal, which are toxic, mutagenic and carcinogenic in nature. Heavy metals are not biodegradable but accumulated by living organisms and cause diseases at even low concentrations. In this study, we selected four anthropogenic sites from Chambal region, isolated bacteria and investigated its heavy metal removal capability. The bacteria was isolated and identified as Escherichia coli (Ag-5), on the basis of biochemical and 16S rRNA gene sequence. Among the five (cadmium, cobalt, lead, nickel and zinc) heavy metals studied, Ni2+ has been observed to be highly toxic with minimum inhibitory concentration score of 200 ppm. E. coli could tolerate Zn2+ (300 ppm), Cd2+ (400 ppm), Co2+ (400 ppm) and Pb+2 (500 ppm). Heavy metal tolerance capability was also evaluated by UV rays treated E. coli (Ag-5) isolate and compared with wild strain Ag-5. The result indicated that the tolerance capability was enhanced by UV rays treated bacterial isolate as compared to wild strain with respect to all tested heavy metals. Atomic absorption spectroscopy results revealed that wild strain removed 78.2% cadmium nitrate, while UV rays 30 and 60 s. exposed strain removed 85.9 and 83% cadmium nitrate. Wild strain removed 64.4% nickel chloride, while UV rays 30 and 60 s exposed strain removed 66.9 and 74.5% nickel chloride. The results indicate that indigenous E. coli treated with UV rays could serve as heavy metal tolerant bacteria and utilized in bioremediation processes.

Assessment of Arsenic (As), Lead (Pb) and Chromium (Cr) Accumulation in Different Organs of Commercially Important Fish Species Collected from Chattogram Coastal Region of Bangladesh.

Aims: The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether there are any significant toxic effects of the widely exposed metals on different organs (gill, liver, kidney, and muscle) of some commercially important marine fish species (Herpodon nehereus, Pampus chinensis and Hilsa ilisha). Study Design: The collection of the samples was done from January to March 2018 from Bay of Bengal near Chattogram city of Bangladesh. The study is based on randomly collected samples from the intended sampling sites (Randomized Block Design) to ensure the evenness and unbiases of the collected samples. Methodology: Analyses were performed for metals such as arsenic (As), lead (Pb) and chromium (Cr) using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). During each month, five individuals each with three replications from the three targeted species were collected, with a total of 135 (45*3) fishes in the study period. Results: The concentrations of the metals found in the fishes varied in the following ranges: As: 0.029-0.071 ppm, Pb: 0.008-0.083 ppm and Cr: 0.0001-0.03 ppm. The obtained result revealed the highest concentrations of all three metals were recorded in H.nehereus fish. The organ wise lead concentration was recorded highest in kidneys and gills of examined fishes with significant variation in muscles and liver. The scenario depicted quite differently in case of chromium where concentration in gills was found to be the highest with insignificant variation in accumulation in other three organs. In case of Arsenic, kidneys and livers were the most exposed two organs in comparison to significant exposure to muscles and gills. The obtained values of arsenic accumulation were considered critical for human consumption as it was higher than the recommended values stated by WHO and FAO; but the concentration of lead and chromium were found to be safe for human consumption. The values recorded for lead were increasingly approached to the safety values. Conclusion: So, crucial steps should be taken regarding safety and environmentally friendly discharge of arsenic and lead; high levels of pollution will not only affect aquatic life but will also invite socio-economic disasters.

Methodological evaluation of urinary mercury detection using Zeeman atomic absorption mercury analyzer / 中国比较医学杂志

Objective To evaluate the method for detection of urinary mercury using a Zeeman atomic absorption mercury analyzer and to provide a reference for selecting a convenient method for mercury detection in experiments and clinical diagnoses. Methods Urinary mercury was detected by Zeeman atomic absorption spectroscopy (ZAAS) and hydride generation atomic absorption spectrometry (HG-AAS), and the detection limit, accuracy, precision and consistency of the two methods were compared. Results The Data collected by ZAAS and HG-AAS showed a good linear relationship in the range of 0 -1000 ng/mL (ZASS, R2 =1. 0000) and 0 -20 ng/mL (HG-AAS, R2 =0. 9990). The detection limits of ZAAS was 0. 156 ng/mL and that of HG-AAS was 1. 593 ng/mL, indicating that ZAAS is more sensitive. The recovery rate of standard addition of ZAAS was between 97. 5％ and 103. 2％, and that of HG-AAS was between 95. 6％ and 104. 5％. After measurement of 10 ng/mL and 100 ng/mL mercury standard solutions repeated for 10 times, the relative standard deviation (RSD) of ZAAS was 0. 30％ and 0. 36％ respectively, and the RSD of HG-AAS was 2. 82％ and 1. 11％, respectively. The accuracy and precision of both the two method met the standards of GBZ/T 210. 5-2008, and the precision of ZAAS was better. A total of 30 urine samples were measured by these two methods. The results were compared with paired-samples t-test and showed a non-significant difference (P ＞ 0. 05), indicating a high consistency of these two method (R2 =0. 9961). Conclusions ZAAS is a convenient and accurate method for the detection of urinary mercury, with a relatively low detection limit and better precision.

Quantitative Analysis of Trace Elements in Sound and Carious Enamel of Primary and Permanent Dentitions.

Aims: Quantitative assessment of trace elements in enamel of sound and carious permanent and deciduous teeth, and evaluation of correlation between the presence of caries and trace elements Study Design: Using powdered enamel from extracted primary and permanent human dentitions and graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Place and Duration of Study: Faculty of Dentistry and clinical Dentistry section of the Jordan University Hospital, between October 2014 and May 2015. Methodology: Forty extracted human deciduous and permanent dentitions were collected from patients attended the dental surgery and pedodontic departments of the Jordan University Hospital. After proper cleaning and drying, four groups of ten teeth each from which enamel samples were collected in four containers labelled as, sound permanent, carious permanent, sound primary, and carious primary enamel. In each group the corresponding teeth were mechanically ground using a different bur; the grinding was within the enamel layer and without exposing dentine. The powdered enamel samples were acid-digested and transferred to liquid solutions in order to measure their content of heavy metal ions by means of Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (GFAAS). Results: Eight trace elements were detected, namely, Cu, Pb, Sr, Fe, Mn, Zn, Al, and Se and their concentrations were estimated in all four enamel samples. The concentrations of Sr, Cu, and Fe were significantly higher in sound than in carious enamel of primary and permanent teeth. The concentrations of Al, Mn, and Se were significantly higher in carious than in sound enamel of primary and permanent teeth. Zn and Pb demonstrated comparable concentrations in carious and normal enamel of primary and permanent teeth. Conclusions: In the light of the obtained results, it could be concluded that Sr, Cu, and Fe function as cariostatic elements and there presence enhances caries resistance of primary and permanent teeth, whereas, the presence of Al, Mn, and Se is associated with caries.

Therapies for early avascular necrosis of the femoral head：core decompression with quadratus femoris implantation is better than core decompression with bone paste implantation / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND:Core decompression may provide insufficient support for the subchondral bone in the treatment of early avascular necrosis of the femoral head and increase the risk of fracture and colapse. Quadratus femoris implantation cannot only provide good biological support, but also promote the revascularization at necrotic regions, thus repairing the necrosis of femoral head. OBJECTIVE: To compare the clinical effects of core decompression with bone paste implantation and core decompression with quadratus femoris implantation on early and middle-stage avascular necrosis of the femoral head. METHODS:Eighty-three patients with early avascular necrosis of the femoral head (92 hips) admitted at the Department of Orthopedics, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, China, from January 2009 to January 2012 were enroled and divided into groups of core decompression with bone paste implantation (46 cases, 49 hips) and core decompression with quadratus femoris implantation (37 cases, 43 hips) that were respectively injected with bone meal and autogenous bone and osteoinductive materials. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Al involved patients were folowed up. After 1 year of treatment, Harris scores in the two groups were both increased (P < 0.05). But the Harris score of core decompression with bone paste implantation group was lower than that of core decompression with quadratus femoris implantation group (P < 0.05). After 3 years of treatment, X-ray scores in the core decompression with quadratus femoris implantation group were significantly higher than those in the core decompression with bone paste implantation group (P < 0.05). These findings indicate that compared with core decompression with bone paste implantation, core decompression with quadratus femoris implantation is better to prevent femoral head colapse, improve hip function and delay the process of osteonecrosis of the femoral head.

Isolation, Characterization and Protein Profiling of Lead Resistant Bacteria.

Aims: To isolate lead resistant bacteria from industrial effluent and characterize them by biochemical tests, effect of physical and chemicals factors on their growth and protein profiling of the isolates on with or without metal stress. Study Design: Cross-sectional study of related research articles and papers. Place and Duration of Study: Samples were collected from effluent water of Indian Iron and Steel Company (IISCO), Burnpur, West Bengal, India and studied at The Department of Biotechnology, The University of Burdwan. West Bengal, India, between September 2010 and June 2011. Methodology: Isolation of the isolates was done by pour plating the diluted effluent water onto the metal (Lead acetate) containing agar plates. The basic characterization of the isolates was done on the basis of morphological, physical, biochemical and antibiogram tests. Quantification of metal absorption was determined by Atomic absorption Spectrophotometric analysis. Protein expressions of the isolates on metal stress were studied by SDS-PAGE. Results: Two bacterial isolates namely PbrB1 and PbrB2 were isolated; they showed resistance to lead up to 6mM Lead (Lead acetate) and also to different antibiotics. They are able to ferment different sugars even in presence of low concentration of metals. Their protein profiling by SDS-PAGE shows different expressions of proteins upon metal stress. Conclusion: The isolates can be utilized to bioremediate lead from contaminated environment and further study of molecular mechanisms underlying lead accumulation process can be studied.

Bioaccumulation of zinc in crops and its contribution to Zn intake by Cuban population / Bioacumulación de zinc en cultivos y su contribución a la ingestión de Zn por la población cubana

Zinc content and Zn bioaccumulation in crops (rice and some vegetables and condiments) cultivated in 18 Cuban urban and suburban areas are reported. Zinc content in food and the corresponding farming soil samples was determined by X-Ray Fluorescence analysis and by Atomic Absorption spectrometry. The quality of the analysis was verified using the Certified Reference Materials IAEA 393 «Algae¼, MA-B-3/TM «Fish Tissue Lyophilised¼, IAEA V-10 «Hay¼ and IAEA Soil-7. The obtained results show rice, of the studied crops, as the major Zn bioaccumulator and important Zn source in Cuban human diet.

Se reportan los contenidos de zinc y su bioacumulación en cultivos (arroz, vegetales y condimentos) procedentes de 18 áreas de agricultura urbana y suburbana. El contenido de zinc en los alimentos, así como en sus correspondientes suelos de cultivo, fue determinado por Fluorescencia de Rayos X y por Espectrometría de Absorción Atómica. La calidad del estudio se verificó mediante el análisis de los Materiales de Referencia Certificados IAEA 393 «Algae¼, MA-B-3/TM «Fish Tissue Lyophilised¼, IAEA V-10 «Hay¼ e IAEA Soil-7. Los resultados mostraron al arroz, de los cultivos estudiados, como el cultivo de mayor bioacumulación de zinc y como fuente importante de Zn en la dieta de nuestra población.

Comparison Study on Determination of Trace Element Content in Peach Pulp between Wet Digestion Method and Carbonize Acid Dissolution Method / 世界科学技术-中医药现代化

This study was aimed to determine trace elements in Peach pulp . The wet digestion method and car-bonize acid dissolution method were applied to digest the sample, and flame atomic absorption spectroscopy was used to determine the content of trace elements (Fe, Cu, Mn) in Peach pulp . The results showed that the content is not consistent among different pretreatment methods. However, the metalion content among these three methods are in the order of Fe > Mn > Cu, with the average recovery rate between 92.6% and 119.6%. The RSD is less than 2.86%. It was concluded that this method is with high accuracy and stability as well as reliable accurate re-sults. It also proved that Peach pulp . is rich in Fe, Cu and Mn. It provides some useful information for further pharmacological study of Peach pulp .

Determinación sérica de cobre, cinc y relación sérica CU/ZN en pacientes con artritis reumatoide / Determination serum copper, zinc and serum ratio Cu / Zn in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

El presente estudio tiene por objetivo comparar los niveles séricos de cobre (Cu), cinc (Zn) y el cociente molar Cu/Zn en 129 pacientes con artritis reumatoide (RA), en 94 individuos sanos como grupo control (GC) y 21 pacientes con enfermedades reumáticas no artríticas (NER), como la fibromialgia, espondilitis anquilosante entre otras. Las concentraciones séricas de Cu y Zn fueron analizadas por espectroscopía de absorción atómica en llama acoplada a un sistema de inyección en flujo continuo (EAA/FIA). Los resultados muestran un incremento significativo (p<0,05), del cobre sérico en los pacientes con AR en comparación con los otros grupos (NER y GC), este aumento fue directamente proporcional a la actividad inflamatoria de la enfermedad. El nivel medio de cinc sérico mostró una disminución progresiva. Asimismo, el detrimento sérico del cinc está relacionado con la evolución de la enfermedad o la pérdida de capacidad funcional del paciente con los niveles alterados de cobre observados en pacientes con AR activo y en etapa temprana de la enfermedad (p<0,05). Los cocientes molares de Cu/Zn fueron de 1,88; 1,14 y 1,18 para la AR, GC, y NER, respectivamente, demostrando que su modificación es más notoria que evaluar cada oligoelemento por separado. Estos hallazgos sugieren que existe una redistribución tanto del cobre como del cinc en muchos compartimientos del cuerpo, como respuesta inflamatoria. Por lo que niveles séricos de Cu, Zn y Cu/Zn molar puede ser un criterio valioso para la evaluación clínica y posiblemente, para el estudio y seguimiento de los pacientes con AR.

The aim of this study was to measure the serum levels of copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) in 129 patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), in 94 healthy subjects (HS) and in 21 patients with non-rheumatic diseases (NRD) such as osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, and ankylosing spondylitis. Serum concentrations of Cu and Zn were measured by flow injection analysis/flame atomic absorption spectroscopy (FIA/FAAS). The Cu/Zn molar ratio in serum also was evaluated in these patients. The result shown that the average concentration of serum copper in patients with RA was significantly increased (p <0.05), on comparing with other patients. This increase was directly proportional to staging or disease progression while zinc concentration was significantly lower in patients with RA, but no differences were found between the stages of the disease. The values of Cu/Zn ratio were 1.88, 1.14 and 1.18, for AR, HS, and NRD patients, respectively. In conclusion, in patients with RA serum copper tend to increase and serum Zn tend to decrease and Cu/Zn molar ratio increases significantly (p<0.05). In conclusion, our results suggest that serum Cu, Zn and Cu/Zn molar ratio could be valuable criteria for clinical evaluation and possibly follow-up study of patients with RA.

Research of binding reaction mechanism for adenosine in traditional Chinese medicine with serum albumin / 中国药学杂志

OBJECTIVE: To study the binding mechanism between adenosine (Ade), an active component of some traditional Chinese medicines, and human serum albumin (USA). METHODS: The binding constant K and binding sites n were obtained by using fluorescence and UV absorption spectroscopy. In addition, the reaction mechanism was discussed. The energy transfer parameters of the reaction system were determined as was the effect of Ade on HSA's conformation on the basis of Fōrster theory. The binding reaction model of HSA with Ade was constructed through molecular simulation and compared with the experiment results. RESULTS: Ade could bind HSA to form static complex. The binding constant (K) was 1.39 × 10 L3 · mol-1 and binding sites (n) was 0.94. The binding distance r between Ade and HSA was very short, which indicated the phenomenon of energy transfer. Ade changed the hydrophobic environment of the binding domain in HSA and caused certain changes for micro area conformation. Computer molecular docking technology showed that the interactions of Ade with HSA were mainly hydrophobic interaction and hydrogen bonding between purine ring of Ade and amino acid residues of HSA. CONCLUSION: The theoretical calculation and experiment results were in consistency, which provided certain reference for the study of pharmacological mechanism for the active ingredient of some traditional Chinese medicines, adenosine. Copyright 2012 by the Chinese Pharmaceutical Association.

Biomonitoreo de la contaminación atmosférica en La Habana durante la campaña 2004-2005 / Biomonitoring of the atmospheric pollution in Havana during 2004-2005 survey

RESUMEN Para evaluar la calidad del aire en La Habana se utilizó como bioindicador una especie de liquen epífi to (physcia alba sp.) que crece sobre Palma real (Roystonea regia). Se colectó un total de 225 muestras de líquenes en 181 sitios seleccionados de acuerdo con las condiciones de contaminación por tráfi co y actividades industriales. Se determinaron las concentraciones de 15 elementos (Na, Mg, Al, Ca, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Sr, Cd and Pb), empleando espectrofotometría de absorción atómica, fluorescencia de rayos X por refl exión total y voltametría de redisolución anódica. Se aplicaron métodos estadísticos (componentes principales) a los resultados analíticos y se obtuvieron y seleccionaron varios factores. Por último se presentan mapas con los perfiles de distribución elementales y de factores y su posible correlación con distintas fuentes de contaminación.

ABSTRACT An epiphytic lichen (physcia alba sp.) grown over Royal Palm (Roystonea regia) tree was used as bioindicator of air quality in Havana City. A total of 225 lichen samples were collected in 181 selected sites according to traffic and industrial conditions. The concentrations of 15 elements (Na, Mg, Al, Ca, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Sr, Cd and Pb) were determined by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry, Total Reflection X-Ray Fluorescence and Anodic Stripping Voltammetry. Principal Component Analysis was applied to analytical results and some factors were obtained. Finally, maps with lichen elemental contents and factors’ patterns are presented. Several possible pollution sources were identified.

Characterization of erythrosine B binding to bovine serum albumin and bilirubin displacement.

The interaction of erythrosine B (ErB), a commonly used dye for coloring foods and drinks, with bovine serum albumin (BSA) was investigated both in the absence and presence of bilirubin (BR) using absorption and absorption difference spectroscopy. ErB binding to BSA was reflected from a significant red shift of 11 nm in the absorption maximum of ErB (527 nm) with the change in absorbance at λmax. Analysis of absorption difference spectroscopic titration results of BSA with increasing concentrations of ErB using Benesi-Hildebrand equation gave the association constant, K as 6.9 104 M-1. BR displacing action of ErB was revealed by a significant blue shift in the absorption maximum, accompanied by a decrease in absorbance difference at λmax in the difference spectrum of BR-BSA complex upon addition of increasing concentrations of ErB. This was further substantiated by fluorescence spectroscopy, as addition of increasing concentrations of ErB to BR-BSA complex caused a significant decrease in fluorescence at 510 nm. The results suggest that ErB binds to a site in the vicinity of BR binding site on BSA. Therefore, intake of ErB may increase the risk of hyperbilirubinemia in the healthy subjects.

Determination of Sodium Content in Danshen Injection by Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy / 中国中医药信息杂志

Objective To determine the total sodium in Danshen for injection.Methods Flame atomic absorption spectroscopy was used to determine the total sodium in Danshen for injection.Results The calibration curves were linear in the range of 0.5～10 mg/L for sodium chloride.The average recovery rates of sodium chloride were 101.8%,RSD=1.60%.Conclusion This method was found to be simple,quick and accurate for simultaneous determination of sodium in Danshen for injection.