Investigation of arsenic contamination in groundwater using hydride generation atomic absorption spectrometry.

The validated hydride generation atomic absorption spectrometry (HG-AAS) method has been used to investigate total arsenic in groundwater. Under optimal experimental conditions, the concentration of arsenic in groundwater can be analysed in the range of 0.5 to 50 µg/L, with a method detection limit of 0.15 µg/L. Its recovery in the field is from 96.3 to 99.8%, with high repeatability. The method was used to observe the total arsenic pollution in groundwater collected in Phu Tho Province, Vietnam. A total of 364 groundwater samples were analysed. The results showed that arsenic pollution was significant, with 15.93% of the samples higher than the maximum permissible level of arsenic. About 20.69% of the contaminated samples had a total arsenic ten times higher (100 µg/L) than the maximum permissible level of arsenic. The pollution source was also considered by comparing the arsenic level in the groundwater with arsenic in the surface water in the same areas. Thus, the use of the high-accuracy and sensitive method, HG-AAS, supplies valuable data on groundwater pollution for water resources management and environmental protection.

Study on the Effect of a Mixture of Hippocampus kuda Extract and Panax Ginseng on Testosterone Content and Semen Quality in Experimental Rats.

<b>Background and Objective:</b> <i>Hippocampus kuda</i> and ginseng are commonly known for male sexual function mainly for their potency and libido enhancement effects, however, no study was reported that incorporates these fluids. This study aimed at the extraction of these two ingredients to understand the synergistic effect of increasing testosterone content and semen quality was studied in this article. <b>Materials and Methods:</b> After extracting and creating extracts of <i>Hippocampus kuda</i> and ginseng, a 1:1 extract was mixed to create a mixture of both ingredients. <b>Results:</b> The results obtained from this study confirmed that alcohol extracts from <i>Hippocampus kuda</i> and Panax ginseng have a positive effect on testosterone content and semen quality. In particular, the combination of extracts from these two ingredients significantly improves testosterone content and semen quality compared with using extracts separately. <b>Conclusion:</b> High-extract mixture extracted by alcohol from <i>Hippocampus kuda</i> and Panax ginseng at the rate of 1/1 showed a superior effect in increasing testosterone content and semen quality compared to the extract of each material. A high extract mixture used at a dosage of 240 mg/100 g body weight/day is suitable for increasing the testosterone content, increasing sperm density, increasing the survival rate of spermatozoa and reducing the rate of malformed sperm in real rats experience.