Evaluation of metal pollution in fish and water collected from Gorgan coast of the Caspian Sea, Iran.

In this study, concentrations of zinc, chromium, cadmium and lead were determined in water and three species of fish sampled from 10 selected stations along Gorgan coast using atomic absorption spectrophotometery, summer 2009. Mean lead levels in water and fish samples (119.50 ± 22.24 µg/L and 113.80 ± 33.11 µg/kg) were significantly higher than that of cadmium and chromium (p < 0.05). Cyprinus carpio had highest metals content than Mugila auratus and Rutilus frisikutum. The evaluated metals values in water collected from Gomishan wetland (Pb, Cd, Cr and Zn values are 145.31 ± 35.32, 120.46 ± 11.44, 96.47 ± 6.05 and 82.02 ± 34.37 µg/L, respectively) were higher than the other sampling sites. The result is consistent with the findings accessed by evaluation of the metals in fish specimens. The metals concentrations in the fish and water samples were below the recommended limits. But, elevating levels of metals in water and fish made a serious concern about ecosystem and food chain contamination.

Preconcentration-separation of Co2+, Ni2+, Cu2+ and Cd2+ in real samples by solid phase extraction of a calix[4] resorcinarene modified Amberlite XAD-16 resin.

A new method is described for the simultaneous preconcentration of trace metal ions. The method is based on the adsorption of Co(2+), Ni(2+), Cu(2+) and Cd(2+) ions on 2,4,6,8-tetra(2-hydroxyphenyl)-1,3,5,7(1,3)tetrabenzenzcyclooctaphane-14,16,34,36,54, 56,74,76-octol (salicylaldehyde calix[4] resorcinarenes) (new resorcinarenes derivative) modified on Amberlite XAD-16. The adsorbed analyte ions were eluted with 6 mL 3M HCl in acetone solution, which then were determined by atomic absorption spectroscopy. The influences of the analytical parameters including pH, ligand amount and solid phase ingredient, eluting solution conditions and sample volume were investigated. Common coexisting ions did not interfere with the separation and determination. The preconcentration factor is 208. The sorbent exhibited excellent stability and its sorption capacity under optimum conditions has been found to be more than 60 microg of ions per gram of sorbent. The relative standard deviation under optimum conditions is lower than 4.10%. The accuracy of the method was estimated by using different real samples.

Toxic effects of cobalt chloride on hematological factors of common carp (Cyprinus carpio).

In this study, we investigate the toxic effects of cobalt chloride on some hematological factors of the carp Cyprinus carpio, such as white blood cell count, red blood cell count, hemoglobin, hematocrit, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration. At first, LC50 of cobalt in C. carpio was measured during 96 h after exposure. Also, physicochemical parameters of water including pH, dissolved oxygen, viscosity, temperature, and conductivity were monitored, continuously. The results showed that LC50 values of cobalt in C. carpio were 327 and 328 mg/L in two replicates, respectively. Then, the changes in some hematological factors in the five treatment groups placed under concentration of 100, 200, 300, 400, and 500 mg/L cobalt were compared with the control group. Based on hematological tests conducted in this research, exposure of carp to 500- and 300-mg/L concentrations of cobalt in 48 h showed significant difference (p<0.05) in white blood cell count. The concentration of 500 mg/L cobalt in 24 h showed a significant difference in the amount of hemoglobin, number of red blood cells, and hematocrit level as compared with the control group. The concentration of 100 mg/L cobalt in 48 h did not show a significant difference in comparison with the control group (p>0.05). Also, the concentration of 500 mg/L cobalt in 24 h showed a significant difference in the amount of mean corpuscular volume and mean corpuscular hemoglobin as compared with the control group and other treatments. Also, the percentage of mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration in a concentration of 200 mg/L cobalt in 24 h showed a significant difference as compared with the control group and other treatments.

Development of a selective and sensitive flotation method for determination of trace amounts of cobalt, nickel, copper and iron in environmental samples.

A simple, selective and rapid flotation method for the separation-preconcentration of trace amounts of cobalt, nickel, iron and copper ions using phenyl 2-pyridyl ketone oxime (PPKO) has been developed prior to their flame atomic absorption spectrometric determinations. The influence of pH, amount of PPKO as collector, type and amount of eluting agent, type and amount of surfactant as floating agent and ionic strength was evaluated on the recoveries of analytes. The influences of the concomitant ions on the recoveries of the analyte ions were also examined. The enrichment factor was 93. The detection limits based on 3 sigma for Cu, Ni, Co and Fe were 0.7, 0.7, 0.8, and 0.7 ng mL(-1), respectively. The method has been successfully applied for determination of trace amounts of ions in various real samples.

Multiple idiopathic apical root resorption: a case report.

AIM: To report a rare case of multiple idiopathic apical root resorption in an adult male. SUMMARY: A 27-year-old male with no history of medical or dental disorders was referred by his family dentist for evaluation of extreme root resorption involving the apical region of most of his teeth. A complete haematological investigation was conducted and all the results were within the normal range. Mobility of the teeth was physiologic and no abnormal periodontal pockets were observed. A diagnosis of multiple idiopathic apical root resorption was made. KEY LEARNING POINTS: *Apical root resorption of multiple teeth can be related to no specific aetiology and is known as idiopathic apical root resorption. *It is mostly seen in young adult males; maxillary teeth are more frequently involved. *No preventive or therapeutic regimen is known and monitoring accompanied by periodontal maintenance is recommended.