Nuclear analytical techniques used to study the trace element content of Centaurium erythraea Rafn, a medicinal plant species from sites with different pollution loads in Lower Silesia (SW Poland).

Centaurium erythraea (Gentianaceae) is a medicinal plant species with therapeutic potential officially listed in the pharmacopoeias of many European, Asian and American countries. It has had many uses in natural medicine since ancient times and it is collected mostly from wild populations. The aim of this study is to investigate the trace element composition of C. erythraea using instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA). The results of the performed investigations show that INAA has proved to be an efficient analytical technique for the determination of trace elements in medicinal plants. The studied plant contains elements important to the human diet and metabolism that are needed for growth, development and the prevention and curing of disease. A comparison with the reference levels of elements for plants shows that the concentrations of most elements in C. erythraea collected from all types of sites exceed those regarded as the reference. Compared to the values of the elements in C. erythraea from rural areas (LP), the concentrations of most of the investigated elements in C. erythraea collected from the lignite basin, urban areas and in the vicinity of the A4 highway (MP) were significantly higher. The results obtained can be used for control and monitoring in the production of pharmaceuticals based on natural medical plants.

Levels and distribution of chemical elements in house dust from the area of an abandoned Pb-Zn smelter in North Macedonia.

The content of 41 chemical elements (Ag, Al, As, Au, Ba, Br, Ca, Cd, Ce, Co, Cr, Cs, Cu, Fe, Hf, In, K, La, Li, Mg, Mn, Mo, Na, Nd, Ni, P, Pb, Rb, Sb, Sc, Se, Sm, Sr, Tb, Th, Ti, Tm, U, V, W, and Zn) was determined in attic dust, household dust and soil samples collected from 33 houses in the area of the town of Veles, North Macedonia. Silver, Cd, Cu, Li, P, and, Pb were analyzed by inductively coupled plasma - atomic emission spectrometry while the other elements were analyzed by neutron activation analysis. The study area has been continuously exposed to high amounts of potentially toxic elements due to the emission from an abandoned Pb-Zn smelter plant. In this study, attic and household dust together with soil samples collected from the yards of the houses were used to assess the level of historical and present air contamination by potentially toxic elements. It was found that the contents of Ag, As, Cd, Cu, In, Pb, Sb, Se, and, Zn in dust samples represented an anthropogenic association of elements, with very high contents in samples collected from the town of Veles, which is close to the Pb-Zn smelter, compared with those collected from the mountainous area.

Status of the Coastal Marine Environment in the Southern Red Sea, Yemen, as Reflected by Elements Accumulated in the Skeletons of Scleractinian (Stony) Corals.

The purpose of this study was to assess the level of anthropogenic contamination as well as to collect more data concerning the mineral composition of scleractinian corals from Southern Red Sea, Hodeidah Governorate, Yemen. The mass fractions of 31 elements were determined in the skeleton of nine coral colonies collected in the vicinity of the south-western coast of Yemen. All measurements were conducted by Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis (INAA). The final results concerning the distribution of considered elements were comparable and, in some cases, inferior to those reported worldwide. The determined mass fractions of V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, and Zn as Presumably Contaminating Elements (PCE) together with the mass fractions of the same elements previously reported in the literature regarding Red Sea Pleistocene corals permitted calculating the individual Contamination Factor (CF) and collective Pollution Load Index (PLI). In spite of high mass fraction values of Mn and Fe in only a few coral colonies, for all investigated places, the PLI values corresponding to studied areas were less than unit, suggesting the investigated areas could be considered as uncontaminated.

Monitoring of air pollutants using plants and co-located soil-Egypt: characteristics, pollution, and toxicity impact.

The present work was conducted to evaluate the air quality in terms of inorganic pollutants and toxicity impact using two evergreen tree leaves, Eucalyptus globulus Labill (E. globulus) and Ficus microcarpa L.f., Suppl. Pl. 442 (1782) (F. microcarpa) as biomonitors. Thirty tree leaves and an equal number of co-located soil samples from different regions of Egypt (urban Greater Cairo Metropolitan (GC) and rural Menoufia Governorate (MG)) were collected. The concentrations of 34 and 40 elements were determined using instrumental neutron activation analysis (INNA) and atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) in tree leaves and soils, respectively. Bivariate and multivariate statistical analyses were implemented. The air pollution was assessed using enrichment factor, pollution load index, potential ecological risk, and risk index. In addition, human and ecotoxicity were evaluated based on the ReCiPe method. The mean concentration values of the obtained elements in tree leave in urban Greater Cairo and rural Menoufia Governorate show that the major elements are slightly higher in F. microcarpa than in E. globulus. Likewise, the mean values of elements in soil from GC and MG show no significant difference except for major elements (Fe, Al, Mg, K, Na, and Ti) in MG. The normalized concentrations of tree leave and soil show that the accumulated elements by F. macrocarpa are slightly higher than in E. globulus in GC and MG. While in terms of the investigated area, the concentrations of elements in MG are considerably higher than in GC. Pollution load index (PLI) spatial distribution over investigated areas showed that despite high population density, heavy traffic, and urban pollution, the Cairo samples exhibit significantly lower values as compared to those from Menoufia, which is most likely due to the uncontrolled industrial and domestic waste disposal outside Cairo. Potential ecological risk (PER) was significant for As in soil and for As and Cd in tree species. Human toxicity shows higher values in urban locations. Contrariwise, in the terrestrial ecotoxicity aspect, the rural locations are much higher than in urban ones.

The Influence of Manganese on Growth Processes of Hordeum L. (Poaceae) Seedlings.

Manganese, as one of the xenobionts, belongs to the group of heavy metals, which, in high concentrations, can negatively affect the development of plants. In small concentrations, it is necessary for plants for normal growth and development. It is present in soils and is available to plants to varying degrees. In acidic soils, it often acts as a toxic element, and plants do not develop well and can even die. Screening major crops for manganese tolerance is essential. Based on the analysis of the collection of barley (Hordeum L., Poaceae), the N.I. Vavilov All-Russian Institute of Plant Genetic Resources (VIR) presented data that manganese-tolerant varieties and samples are concentrated in western and northern countries with a wide distribution of soils with low pH levels and high contents of mobile manganese. It follows from the diagnostic results that the maximum number of barley genotypes resistant to manganese is concentrated in Sweden, Finland, the northwestern and northern regions of the CIS countries, and the Russian Federation. In most cases, the samples tolerant to Al showed resistance to Mn as well, which is of great interest for further study of the mechanisms of plant resistance to these stressors. As a rule, samples from the northern territories-zones of distribution of acidic soils-were highly resistant. In this case, the role of the species belonging to the sample was leveled out. The highlighted areas (Scandinavia (Finland, Sweden), northern and northwestern regions of Russia, Belarus, and the Baltic countries) are sources of germplasm valuable for selection for acid resistance of barley.

A review of major and trace elements in Nile River and Western Red Sea sediments: An approach of geochemistry, pollution, and associated hazards.

The present review was conducted to highlight the major and trace elemental composition in surface sediments from the Nile River and Egyptian Red Sea coastal areas in terms of provenance, concentrations, pollution indices, and health hazards. Health hazard due to the exposure to selected elements via inhalation, ingestion, and dermal contact was calculated. The samples were subjected to neutron activation analysis. Bivariate and multivariate statistical analysis was employed. Significant amounts of V, Cr, and Zr are observed in Nile sediments. Whereas, considerable concentrations of Br and Ca were found in marine sediments. The concentrations of the other elements are in line with the corresponding values in upper continental crust. The outcomes of the pollution indices show some localized polluted sites (Helwan, Cairo, and Delta) in Nile sediments. Likewise, in Abu Ghusun area in marine ones. Overall, the hazard index of the investigated elements in the Nile and marine sediments for both studied age criteria is higher than the tolerable values (1 × 10-6 - 1 × 10-4).

Characterization of Trace Elements in Atmospheric Deposition Studied by Moss Biomonitoring in Georgia.

The present work was conducted to obtain and highlight the first comprehensive baseline data on atmospheric deposition of trace elements and to evaluate the air quality in Georgia. A total of 120 moss samples were collected over accessible territories in Georgia in the period from 2014 to 2017. Hylocomium splendens (Hedw.) Schimp., Hypnum cupressiforme (Hedw.), and Pleurozium schreberi (Brid.) Mitt. moss species were analyzed by two complementary analytical techniques: instrumental neutron activation analysis and atomic absorption spectrometry. Concentrations of 41 elements in mg/kg were determined. The concentrations were compared with the corresponding values in the literature and are in a good agreement, except for the concentration of Mg, Al, K, Ca, Ti, and Fe, which were higher than those reported for other countries. The principal component and discriminant analyses were implemented to extract information about the similar geochemical features and to decipher the provenance of the studied elements. The analysis showed that a considerable association of crustal elements and the provenance of elements can be considered as a mixture of geogenic and anthropogenic sources. In addition, the influence of different latitudinal climate zones on the distribution of elements in the atmospheric deposition was observed. The enrichment factor shows considerable values for Th and Zr. The spatial distribution of the pollution load index identifies four zones (#12, 38, 53, and 64). The potential ecological risk index and the risk index were calculated and it does not pose significant risk except As and Cd. The data obtained can be used as the first dataset of metal characterization of air pollution in Georgia.

Major and Trace Element Content of Tribulus terrestris L. Wildlife Plants.

The genus Tribulus L. (Zygophyllaceae) includes 12 species, the most important of which is Tribulus terrestris L. This annual herb grows in temperate and tropical climates, and has a rich chemical composition of biologically active substances and chemical elements. Medicinal plants, and the phytopreparations obtained from them, are becoming more and more popular in world practice as they are used to successfully treat human diseases. Their therapeutic effect is due to the presence in them, of a variety of natural compounds and biologically important trace elements, especially in higher concentrations present in higher doses. T. terrestris is becoming more and more popular for the treatment of diseases of the human genital area and sexual dysfunctions. The elemental content in the tissues of leaf, flower, and fruit of T. terrestris was determined by using multi-element instrumental epithermal neutron activation analysis. For the first time, 26 essential and trace elements were observed in the plant species collected in Russia (from cultivated) and China (wild growing). It was confirmed that the elemental composition of T. terrestris grass varies depending on the habitat (geographic zones). The place of growth affects the accumulation of elements by the plant.

The Moss Biomonitoring Method and Neutron Activation Analysis in Assessing Pollution by Trace Elements in Selected Polish National Parks.

The concentrations of trace elements in feather moss Pleurozium schreberi (Brid.) Mitt. were used to indicate the relative levels of air pollution by trace elements in Polish national parks. Pleurozium schreberi was collected from nine national parks. The highest concentrations were recorded in the moss samples from the southern and most industrialised part of the country; the lowest from northern and north-eastern Poland. A comparison of data obtained from Polish national parks in the 1970s and 1990s showed a significant decrease in the concentrations of heavy metals. In the linear covariability estimation, the t quantile approach was used for multi-element comparison. A number of positive covariabilities were observed. This is a result of anthropogenic activity and the geochemical characteristics of the local environment, including crust composition to which soil composition is related. The statistical approach of t quantile to study common relationships between element concentrations can be used in the interpretation of biomonitoring research results in similar studies.

Moss biomonitoring and air pollution modelling on a regional scale: delayed reflection of industrial pollution in moss in a heavily polluted region?

A passive biomonitoring survey using terrestrial mosses was performed in a heavily polluted industrial region on the border between Czechia and Poland in a regular grid of 41 sampling points. The concentrations of 38 elements were determined in the moss samples, using Neutron Activation Analysis (NAA). Simultaneously, air pollution modelling was performed using the Czech reference methodology Symos'97 for the year of the sampling (2015) and 3 years prior (2012) in order to compare the results of both the approaches and evaluate the credibility of the moss biomonitoring method. The NAA results were transformed according to the principles of compositional data analysis and assessed using hierarchical clustering on principal components. The resulting clusters were compared with the results of air pollution modelling using one-way analysis of variance. The association of determined clusters with the pollution from industrial sources was confirmed only for the results of the 2012 modelling. This validates the complementarity of the air pollution modelling and the moss biomonitoring, ascertains the moss biomonitoring as a valid method for long-term pollution assessment and confirms one of the fundamentals of moss biomonitoring, the reflection of the atmospheric conditions prevailing in the period before the sampling.

The Recovery of Soybean Plants after Short-Term Cadmium Stress.

BACKGROUND: Cadmium is a non-essential heavy metal, which is toxic even in relatively low concentrations. Although the mechanisms of Cd toxicity are well documented, there is limited information concerning the recovery of plants after exposure to this metal. METHODS: The present study describes the recovery of soybean plants treated for 48 h with Cd at two concentrations: 10 and 25 mg/L. In the frame of the study the growth, cell viability, level of membrane damage makers, mineral content, photosynthesis parameters, and global methylation level have been assessed directly after Cd treatment and/or after 7 days of growth in optimal conditions. RESULTS: The results show that exposure to Cd leads to the development of toxicity symptoms such as growth inhibition, increased cell mortality, and membrane damage. After a recovery period of 7 days, the exposed plants showed no differences in relation to the control in all analyzed parameters, with an exception of a slight reduction in root length and changed content of potassium, magnesium, and manganese. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate that soybean plants are able to efficiently recover even after relatively severe Cd stress. On the other hand, previous exposure to Cd stress modulated their mineral uptake.

Dataset of elemental compositions and pollution indices of soil and sediments: Nile River and delta -Egypt.

This data is the first comprehensive baseline data on the geochemical composition of soil and sediments along the Nile River and Delta in Egypt that was subjected and analyzed by instrumental neutron activation analysis INAA. These data supported the research articles that were done to evaluate the elemental compositions and pollution sources in 176 sampling locations through 133 soil and 43 sediments samples along the Egyptian section of the Nile River and Delta - Egypt. "Geochemistry of sediments and surface soils from the Nile delta and lower Nile valley studied by epithermal neutron activation analysis" Arafa [1], "Major and trace element distribution in soil and sediments from the Egyptian central Nile valley" Badawy [2], and "Assessment of industrial contamination of agricultural soil adjacent to Sadat city, Egypt" Badawy [3]. The samples were analyzed by means of instrumental neutron activation analysis INAA and the concentrations in mg/kg of 28 major and trace elements are obtained. The quality control of the analytical measurements was carried out using different certified reference materials. Multivariate statistical analyses were applied. A total of eight individual and complex pollution indices were calculated in terms of the quantification of pollution extent and selection of the proper index based on the method and purpose of calculations. The spatial distribution of pollution load index PLI was mapped using GIS-technology. The normalized concentrations of the determined elements show no significant difference between soil and sediments concentrations and this, however, may be explained by the fact that origin of soil mainly is the sediments. To a clear extent, the concentrations of Ti (8017, 9672 mg/kg), V (124, 143 mg/kg), Cr (126, 160 mg/kg), and Zr (296, 318 mg/kg) are observed to be high in soil and sediments, respectively relative to other elements. Zr/Sc ratio shows a reduced sedimentary recycling and this may be explained by the tremendous influence of Aswan High Dam in preventing sediments supply from Ethiopian Highlights. Eventually, the pollution indices prove their suitability for assessing the individual and integrative contamination and show that there is no overall contamination. However, there are some contaminated localities mainly in Delta and mostly due to the dense population and anthropogenic activities. The data can be used as a raw data for constructing the first ecological atlas and evaluation of the ecological situation in terms of geochemistry and pollution.

Investigations of the Atmospheric Deposition of Major and Trace Elements in Western Tajikistan by Using the Hylocomium splendens Moss as Bioindicators.

The study was performed in a mountainous area of approximately 7000 sq. km of Western Tajikistan, i.e., Turkestan, Zeravshan, Hissar, and Karateghin ridges that are characterized by complex geological settings. Moss biomonitoring was used to assess the concentration level of trace and major elements in atmospheric deposition of the study area. Hylocomium splendens (Hedw.) Schimp. moss was used as biomonitor in this study. 43 major and trace-elements were determined by Epithermal Neutron Activation (ENAA) and Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS). GIS maps of the 43 elements showed that the distribution of Mo, Cd, REE, Th, and U could be most probably associated with the Odjuk pegmatite field. Zr, Hf, and W contents are significantly increased in the vicinity of the Sarbo River washout while Cr, Co, Ni, and As showed a maximum content near Kanchoch gold field. The global pollution index based on the local content of presumed pollutants Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Cd, Sb, and Pb in some places exceeded the threshold limits for a pristine, unpolluted environment. At the same time, the distribution of incompatible Sc, La, Yb, and Th suggested for the airborne material deposited on mosses a continental component, enriched in few places in felsic components.

Heavy Metal Atmospheric Deposition Study in Moscow Region, Russia.

The air quality in north-eastern part of Moscow region was evaluated by trace metals atmospheric deposition using moss Pleurozium schreberi as bioindicator. Thirty six elements were determined in analyzed samples by Neutron activation analysis and Atomic absorption spectrometry. Principal component analysis was used to identify and characterize different pollution sources. Maps showing the geographical distribution of the factor scores were built using ArcGis software. Median values of the elements studied were compared with data obtained for other regions in Russia. The present survey showed that industrial activity, thermal power plants and transport still have the largest anthropogenic impact on air pollution in studied region.

Assessment of anthropogenic and geogenic impacts on marine sediments along the coastal areas of Egyptian Red Sea.

The present study was conducted to assess the possible impacts of human activities and naturally occurring on the marine sediments, to test for anomalous enrichments in metals. A total of 32 marine sediments samples collected from 12 coastal areas of the Egyptian Red Sea analyzed using different analytical techniques. The analysis explored 43 elements for the marine sediments. Principal component analysis and multivariate statistics were implemented on the data. The extent of pollution was quantified for selected 6 pollutants using the geoaccumulation indices (Igeo), enrichment factor (EF), metal pollution index (MPI), contamination factor (Cf), and degree of contamination factor (Cd). The associated risk using potential ecological risk factor (PER), and risk index (RI) was calculated. The data was interpolated using ArcGIS technology to construct the spatial distribution maps of the selected 6 pollutants along the coastal areas of the Egyptian Red Sea. The data was normalized and the peak values were observed for Ca (13.6%) >Na (1.9%) > Mg (1.6%) >Br (41.1 ppm). The obtained findings were compared with other local and regional data shows that the metal enrichment in studied areas is in line and anomalous enrichments in metals were not evidenced. Even though out of 12 studied areas 2 areas viz., Sharam El-Bahari in the middle of the coast and downwards to the southern Marsa Hemira area found to have peak values of metals, however still show a good agreement with results with other data. Moderate enriched sediments with Cr were noticed. It could be stated that comparison of the gained data from this study with others clearly indicates that nearly the metal concentrations were in the natural unpolluted sediments range.

Environmental radioactivity of soils and sediments: Egyptian sector of the Nile valley.

The activity concentrations of natural 40K, 232Th, and 238U in 89 soil and 84 sediment samples collected over the entire Egyptian Nile River basin including the Nile delta are reported based on the results of epithermal neutron activation analysis. The average activity concentrations of 40K, 232Th, and 238U equal to 15.3 ± 6.6, 15.6 ± 11.1 and 220 ± 31 Bq/kg, respectively, are significantly lower than those reported for the Upper Continental Crust, World Average Sediments as well as World Average Soils, suggesting the presence of a considerable portion of mafic material, most probably originating from the Ethiopian High Plateau. Their average activity concentrations are statistically the same in soil and sediments, indicating that the Nile sediments and soil material are of the same origin. The main goal of this study was not only to estimate the radiological hazards but also to show the influence of sedimentary material transportable by the Blue Nile from the Ethiopian High Plateau. The different hazard indices like the radium equivalent, gamma index, external hazard as well as the internal hazard show a low radiological exposure either on direct contact or if local mud bricks are used in the construction of dwellings.

Zinc removal from model solution and wastewater by Arthrospira (Spirulina) Platensis biomass.

The biosorption of zinc from model solution as well as wastewater by Arthrospira (Spirulina) platensis biomass was studied. Adsorption capacity of the biosorbent was investigated as a function of contact time between adsorbent and zinc, the initial metals and sorbent concentration, pH value, and temperature. The ability of Arthrospira biomass for zinc biosorption exhibited a maximum at the pH range 4-8. Equilibrium data fitted well with the Langmuir model as well as the Freundlich model with maximum adsorption capacity of 7.1 mg/g. The pseudo second-order model was found to correlate well with the experimental data. Different thermodynamic parameters, ΔG°, ΔH° and ΔS° were evaluated and it has been found that the sorption was feasible, spontaneous, and endothermic in nature. The process of zinc removal from industrial effluent was studied at different time of sorbat-sorbent interaction and different sorbent dosage. Maximum zinc removal (83%) was obtained at sorbent concentration 60 g/L during 1-h experiment. The results indicate that Arthrospira platensis biomass could be effectively used for zinc removal from industrial effluents.

Modelling spatial patterns of correlations between concentrations of heavy metals in mosses and atmospheric deposition in 2010 across Europe.

BACKGROUND: This paper aims to investigate the correlations between the concentrations of nine heavy metals in moss and atmospheric deposition within ecological land classes covering Europe. Additionally, it is examined to what extent the statistical relations are affected by the land use around the moss sampling sites. Based on moss data collected in 2010/2011 throughout Europe and data on total atmospheric deposition modelled by two chemical transport models (EMEP MSC-E, LOTOS-EUROS), correlation coefficients between concentrations of heavy metals in moss and in modelled atmospheric deposition were specified for spatial subsamples defined by ecological land classes of Europe (ELCE) as a spatial reference system. Linear discriminant analysis (LDA) and logistic regression (LR) were then used to separate moss sampling sites regarding their contribution to the strength of correlation considering the areal percentage of urban, agricultural and forestry land use around the sampling location. After verification LDA models by LR, LDA models were used to transform spatial information on the land use to maps of potential correlation levels, applicable for future network planning in the European Moss Survey. RESULTS: Correlations between concentrations of heavy metals in moss and in modelled atmospheric deposition were found to be specific for elements and ELCE units. Land use around the sampling sites mainly influences the correlation level. Small radiuses around the sampling sites examined (5 km) are more relevant for Cd, Cu, Ni, and Zn, while the areal percentage of urban and agricultural land use within large radiuses (75-100 km) is more relevant for As, Cr, Hg, Pb, and V. Most valid LDA models pattern with error rates of < 40% were found for As, Cr, Cu, Hg, Pb, and V. Land use-dependent predictions of spatial patterns split up Europe into investigation areas revealing potentially high (= above-average) or low (= below-average) correlation coefficients. CONCLUSIONS: LDA is an eligible method identifying and ranking boundary conditions of correlations between atmospheric deposition and respective concentrations of heavy metals in moss and related mapping considering the influence of the land use around moss sampling sites.

Determination of element composition and extraterrestrial material occurrence in moss and lichen samples from King George Island (Antarctica) using reactor neutron activation analysis and SEM microscopy.

Seven lichens (Usnea antarctica and U. aurantiacoatra) and nine moss samples (Sanionia uncinata) collected in King George Island were analyzed using instrumental neutron activation analysis, and concentration of major and trace elements was calculated. For some elements, the concentrations observed in moss samples were higher than corresponding values reported from other sites in the Antarctica, but in the lichens, these were in the same range of concentrations. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and statistical analysis showed large influence of volcanic-origin particles. Also, the interplanetary cosmic particles (ICP) were observed in investigated samples, as mosses and lichens are good collectors of ICP and micrometeorites.

Origin and spatial distribution of metals in moss samples in Albania: A hotspot of heavy metal contamination in Europe.

This study presents the spatial distribution of 37 elements in 48 moss samples collected over the whole territory of Albania and provides information on sources and factors controlling the concentrations of elements in the moss. High variations of trace metals indicate that the concentrations of elements are affected by different factors. Relations between the elements in moss, geochemical interpretation of the data, and secondary effects such as redox conditions generated from local soil and/or long distance atmospheric transport of the pollutants are discussed. Zr normalized data, and the ratios of different elements are calculated to assess the origin of elements present in the current moss samples with respect to different geogenic and anthropogenic inputs. Factor analysis (FA) is used to identify the most probable sources of the elements. Four dominant factors are identified, i.e. natural contamination; dust emission from local mining operations; atmospheric transport of contaminants from local and long distance sources; and contributions from air borne marine salts. Mineral particle dust from local emission sources is classified as the most important factor affecting the atmospheric deposition of elements accumulated in the current moss samples. The open slag dumps of mining operation in Albania is probably the main factor contributing to high contents of Cr, Ni, Fe, Ti and Al in the moss. Enrichment factors (EF) were calculated to clarify whether the elements in the present moss samples mainly originate from atmospheric deposition and/or local substrate materials.