Homology and heterogeneity of soil trace elements of coal power production bases in arid and semi-arid areas of Northwest China.

Coal power activities could cause regional fluctuations of trace elements, but the distribution information of these trace elements in arid and semi-arid areas is insufficient. In this study, the soil trace elements (As, B, Be, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Ga, Ge, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Sb, Sn, Sr, Ti, Tl, and Zn) of Ningdong Coal Power Production Base in China were monitored. Results showed that the concentrations of B, Tl, Mn, Pb, Cr, K, Cu, and Co exceeded background values. The maximum risk index reached 265.66, while the trace elements posed a cancer risk to children. Combining correlation analyses (CA), principal component analysis (PCA), and positive matrix factorization (PMF) techniques, it indicated that trace elements were mainly coming from coal combustion (34.15%), livestock farming (17.44%), traffic emissions (12.42%), and natural factors (35.99%). This study reveals the sources and potential ecological risks of soil trace elements in the Ningdong Coal and Power Production Base. It provides a scientific basis for developing targeted environmental management measures and reducing human health risks.

Trace mineral concentrations in Canadian beef calves at weaning.

Objective: To describe the copper and selenium statuses of beef calves at weaning. Animal: Calves (n = 1998) were sampled from 106 Canadian cow-calf herds in the fall of 2021. Procedure: Serum samples from calves were tested for copper, selenium, and molybdenum concentrations. Results: Although the percentages of calves classified as selenium deficient (< 0.025 ppm) were relatively low (0.5% western Canada, 3% eastern Canada), 53% of calves from western Canada and 77% of calves from eastern Canada were classified as having less than adequate selenium concentrations (< 0.08 ppm). Copper deficiency (< 0.5 ppm) was common in calves from both western (17%) and eastern (14%) Canada. High molybdenum concentrations (> 0.10 ppm) were identified in 6% of calves from western Canada and 7% of calves from eastern Canada. Conclusion: Selenium concentrations were higher in calves from western Canada than from those in eastern Canada (P < 0.001). Copper and molybdenum concentrations were not significantly different between western and eastern Canada. Less-than-adequate serum copper was the most common deficiency identified in Canadian beef calves at weaning. Clinical relevance: Trace minerals are important for immune system function in calves at weaning. Selenium concentrations in calves at weaning were lower than in cows from the same herds collected at pregnancy testing 2 y earlier. Copper deficiency was also identified, though less frequently than for mature cows. Supplementation programs for calves should be customized based on testing and recognize both regional and age differences in risk.

Concentrations d'oligo-éléments minéraux chez les veaux de boucherie canadiens au sevrage. Objectif: Décrire les statuts en cuivre et en sélénium des veaux de boucherie au sevrage. Animal: Des veaux (n = 1998) ont été échantillonnés dans 106 troupeaux de type vache-veau canadiens à l'automne 2021. Procédure: Des échantillons de sérum de veaux ont été testés pour déterminer les concentrations de cuivre, de sélénium et de molybdène. Résultats: Même si les pourcentages de veaux classés comme déficients en sélénium (< 0,025 ppm) étaient relativement faibles (0,5 % dans l'ouest du Canada, 3 % dans l'est du Canada), 53 % des veaux de l'ouest du Canada et 77 % des veaux de l'est du Canada étaient classés comme ayant moins des concentrations de sélénium moins qu'adéquates (< 0,08 ppm). Une carence en cuivre (< 0,5 ppm) était courante chez les veaux de l'ouest (17 %) et de l'est (14 %) du Canada. Des concentrations élevées de molybdène (> 0,10 ppm) ont été identifiées chez 6 % des veaux de l'ouest du Canada et 7 % des veaux de l'est du Canada. Conclusion: Les concentrations de sélénium étaient plus élevées chez les veaux de l'ouest du Canada que chez ceux de l'est du Canada (P < 0,001). Les concentrations de cuivre et de molybdène n'étaient pas significativement différentes entre l'ouest et l'est du Canada. Un taux de cuivre sérique nettement insuffisamment était la carence la plus courante identifiée chez les veaux de boucherie canadiens au sevrage. Pertinence clinique: Les oligo-éléments sont importants pour le fonctionnement du système immunitaire des veaux au sevrage. Les concentrations de sélénium chez les veaux au sevrage étaient inférieures à celles des vaches des mêmes troupeaux collectées lors des tests de gestation deux ans plus tôt. Des carences en cuivre ont également été identifiées, quoique moins fréquemment que chez les vaches matures. Les programmes de supplémentation pour les veaux doivent être personnalisés en fonction des tests et reconnaître les différences de risque selon la région et l'âge.(Traduit par Dr Serge Messier).

Bioaccumulation and health risk assessment of trace elements in Tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus) from selected inland water bodies.

The presence of toxic trace elements (TEs) has resulted in a worldwide deterioration in freshwater ecosystem quality. This study aimed to analyze the distribution of TEs, including chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni), arsenic (As), mercury (Hg), cadmium (Cd), and lead (Pb), in water, sediment, and organs of Tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus) collected from selected inland water bodies in Tamil Nadu, India. The water samples exhibited a range of concentrations for TEs: Cr varied from 0.014 to 5.193 µg/L, Ni ranged from 0.283 to 11.133 µg/L, As ranged from 0.503 to 1.519 µg/L, Cd from 0.001 to 0.616 µg/L, and Pb ranged from non-detectable (ND) to 6.103 µg/L. The concentrations of TEs in sediment were found to vary within the following ranges: 5.259 to 32.621 mg/kg for Cr, 1.932 to 30.487 mg/kg for Ni, 0.129 to 0.563 mg/kg for As, 0.003 to 0.011 mg/kg for Cd, ND to 0.003 mg/kg for Hg, and 0.404 to 1.575 mg/kg for Pb. The study found that the accumulation pattern of TE in fishes across all selected areas was liver > bone > gill > muscle. The organs had TE concentrations of Cr (ND-0.769 mg/kg), Ni (ND-1.053 mg/kg), As (0.002-0.080 mg/kg), Pb (ND-0.411 mg/kg), and Hg (ND-0.067 mg/kg), which was below the maximum residual limit prescribed by EC and FSSAI. The bioconcentration factor (BCF) of TEs exhibited a greater magnitude in comparison with the biota-sediment accumulation factor due to the higher concentration of TEs in fish and lower level in water. The assessment of both carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks suggests that the consumption of Tilapia from the study region does not pose any significant risks.

Risk assessment of trace elements in vegetables grown in river Yamuna floodplain in Delhi.

Urban agriculture is common in fertile river floodplains of many developing countries. However, there is a risk of contamination in highly polluted regions. This study quantifies health risks associated with the consumption of vegetables grown in the floodplain of the urban river 'Yamuna' in the highly polluted yet data-scarce megacity Delhi, India. Six trace elements are analyzed in five kinds of vegetable samples. Soil samples from the cultivation area are also analyzed for elemental contamination. Ni, Mn, and Co are observed to be higher in leafy vegetables than others. Fruit and inflorescence vegetables are found to have higher concentrations of Cr, Pb, and Zn as compared to root vegetables. Transfer Factor indicates that Cr and Co have the highest and least mobility, respectively. Vegetable Pollution Index indicates that contamination levels follow as Cr > Ni > Pb > Zn. Higher Metal Pollution Index of leafy and inflorescence vegetables than root and fruit vegetables indicate that atmospheric deposition is the predominant source. Principal Component Analysis indicates that Pb and Cr have similar sources and patterns in accumulation. Among the analyzed vegetables, radish may pose a non-carcinogenic risk to the age group of 1-5 year. Carcinogenic risk is found to be potentially high due to Ni and Cr accumulation. Consumption of leafy vegetables was found to have relatively less risk than other vegetables due to lower Cr accumulation. Remediation of Cr and Ni in floodplain soil and regular monitoring of elemental contamination is a priority.

Serum concentrations of selenium, copper, and zinc in neonatal foals: Influence of failure of passive transfer and age-related changes.

Background: An adequate supply of trace elements is very important for equine neonates, as deficiencies can lead to health problems and even death. Objective: This study investigated serum concentrations of selenium (Se), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn) in neonatal foals up to the 8th day of life. The influences of disease, age, and failure of passive transfer (FPT) on these concentrations were analyzed. Animals and procedure: Serum concentrations of Se, Cu, and Zn were determined from blood samples of 93 foals by means of inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The foals were divided into 2 groups based on health status: clinically sick (n = 51) and clinically healthy (n = 42). The latter group was further divided into foals with FPT (n = 20) and those without (n = 22). Results: Mean serum concentrations for Se, Cu, and Zn were 60 ± 40 µg/L, 0.25 ± 0.22 mg/L, and 605 ± 285 µg/L, respectively. A significant influence of age on serum Cu concentration was observed (P < 0.0001). No differences were observed between any of the serum concentrations in clinically sick and clinically healthy foals on the 1st day of life. The FPT status was not associated with reduced serum concentrations of Se, Cu, or Zn. Conclusion and clinical relevance: It is not necessary to supplement trace elements in all foals with FPT.

Concentrations sériques de sélénium, de cuivre et de zinc chez les poulains nouveau-nés : influence de l'échec du transfert passif et des changements liés à l'âge. Contexte: Un apport suffisant en oligo-éléments est très important pour les nouveau-nés équins, car des carences peuvent entraîner des problèmes de santé, voire la mort. Objectif: Cette étude a examiné les concentrations sériques de sélénium (Se), de cuivre (Cu) et de zinc (Zn) chez les poulains nouveau-nés jusqu'au 8ème jour de vie. Les influences de maladies, de l'âge et de l'échec du transfert passif (FPT) sur ces concentrations ont été analysées. Animaux et procédure: Les concentrations sériques de Se, Cu et Zn ont été déterminées à partir d'échantillons de sang de 93 poulains au moyen d'une spectrométrie de masse à plasma à couplage inductif. Les poulains ont été divisés en 2 groupes en fonction de leur état de santé: cliniquement malades (n = 51) et cliniquement sains (n = 42). Ce dernier groupe a été divisé en poulains avec FPT (n = 20) et ceux sans (n = 22). Résultats: Les concentrations sériques moyennes de Se, Cu et Zn étaient respectivement de 60 ± 40 µg/L, 0,25 ± 0,22 mg/L et 605 ± 285 µg/L. Une influence significative de l'âge sur la concentration sérique de Cu a été observée (P < 0,0001). Aucune différence n'a été observée entre les concentrations sériques chez les poulains cliniquement malades et cliniquement sains au premier jour de leur vie. Le statut FPT n'était pas associé à une réduction des concentrations sériques de Se, Cu ou Zn. Conclusion et pertinence clinique: Il n'est pas nécessaire de supplémenter tous les poulains en oligo-éléments avec FPT.(Traduit par Dr Serge Messier).

Effect of prostaglandin alone and in combination with trace minerals on the follicular and luteal dynamics, estrus response and pregnancy in sub-estrus buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis).

Sub-estrus is a condition when buffaloes do not display behavioural estrus signs, despite being in estrus and causes a delay in conception and increases the service period. The present study describes the effect of synthetic prostaglandin (PGF2α) alone and in combination with trace minerals on the follicular and corpus luteum (CL) dynamics, serum estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P4) concentration correlating estrus response and pregnancy outcome in sub-estrus buffaloes during the breeding season. A total of 50 sub-estrus buffaloes, identified through ultrasonography (USG) examination, were randomly allocated into three groups, viz. T1 (Synthetic PGF2α, Inj. Cloprostenol 500 µg, i.m, n = 17), T2 (Synthetic PGF2α + Trace mineral supplementation, Inj. Stimvet 1 mL/100 kg body weight, i.m., n = 17) and control (untreated; n = 16). Following treatment, 100% of sub-estrus buffaloes were induced estrus in the T1 and T2 groups, while only 18.75% were induced in the control. The CL diameter and serum P4 concentration were significantly lower at post-treatment, whereas the pre-ovulatory follicle (POF) size and serum E2 concentration were significantly higher in the T1 and T2 groups as compared to the control (p < .05). The buffaloes of the T2 group had a greater proportion of moderate intensities estrus than those of T1. Moreover, the proportion of buffaloes conceived in the T1 and T2 were 41.2% and 52.95%, respectively. The larger POF diameter and higher serum E2 concentration were associated with intense intensity estrus and higher conception rate (66.7%) in sub-estrus buffaloes. Similarly, CL regression rate, POF size and serum E2 concentration were relatively higher in the buffaloes conceived as compared to those not conceived. It is concluded that synthetic PGF2α in combination with trace minerals induces moderate to intense intensities estrus in a greater proportion of sub-estrus buffaloes and increases the conception rate during the breeding season. Moreover, behavioural estrus attributes correlating follicle and luteal morphometry, serum E2 and P4 concentration could be used to optimise the breeding time for augmenting the conception rate in sub-estrus buffaloes.

Assessment of macro, trace and toxic element intake from rice: differences between cultivars, pigmented and non-pigmented rice.

Pigmented and non-pigmented rice varieties (grown in different areas) were collected in China, Yunnan, to investigate the content of macro-, trace elements and potentially toxic elements (PTEs), and to assess the health risk associated with dietary intake. The order of elemental concentrations in rice was Mn > Zn > Fe > Cu > Se for trace elements, P > K > Mg > Ca > Na for macro elements, and Cr > As > Cd for PTEs. Rice with a high concentration of essential elements also associated with a high content of PTEs. In addition, higher content of Cr, Mn and Na were found in pigmented rice. The health risk assessment showed that the daily intake of all elements was below the tolerable limit (UL). Moreover the intake of Fe, Zn and Se was far from sufficient for the nutrient requirement. The PTEs in rice dominated the health risk. Of concern is that this rice consumption is likely to contribute to carcinogenic risks in the long term and that adults are at higher health risk from pigmented rice compared to non-pigmented rice. This study confirms that the lack of essential micronutrients in rice and the health risk associated with rice diets should remain a concern.

Association between serum mineral levels and reproductive performance in primiparous dairy cows during the peripartum period.

To the best of the authors' knowledge, no study has previously investigated whether the concentration of minerals is related to reproductive outcomes in primiparous cows. For this reason, two objectives were set in the present study: (i) to assess serum mineral levels, macrominerals, and trace elements during the transition period (period of high nutritional requirements) in primiparous cows, considering reproductive efficiency, and (ii) to address if the serum mineral levels of primiparous cows are related to reproductive efficiency. Blood samples were taken (i) one month before calving, (ii) one week before calving, (iii) one week postpartum, and (iv) one month postpartum. At the beginning and the end of the study, a body condition score (BCS) was assigned to each lactating cow with no clinical signs of disease. The difference between one month before and one month after calving was the body condition loss (ΔBCS). Optimal prepartum concentrations of K and Cl were associated with fewer days open and a shorter interval calving. Furthermore, macrominerals in the serum decreased immediately after calving (one week) but recovered at one month postpartum. In contrast, the highest concentration of trace elements was found at one week postpartum. Primiparous cows with higher postpartum Se, Mn, Co, and Mo concentrations exhibited better reproductive efficiency, and the concentrations of trace elements in serum were correlated with interval calving and the number of inseminations. Finally, primiparous cows with a greater ΔBCS (at least one point) in period 4 exhibited both a longer calving interval and a greater number of days open. In summary, this study showed, for the first time in primiparous cows, that the concentration of some serum minerals not only plays a crucial role during the transition period but is also related to crucial reproductive parameters, such as interval calving and days open.

Exploring the Causal Effects of Mineral Metabolism Disorders on Telomere and Mitochondrial DNA: A Bidirectional Two-Sample Mendelian Randomization Analysis.

The aim of this study was to assess the causal relationships between mineral metabolism disorders, representative of trace elements, and key aging biomarkers: telomere length (TL) and mitochondrial DNA copy number (mtDNA-CN). Utilizing bidirectional Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis in combination with the two-stage least squares (2SLS) method, we explored the causal relationships between mineral metabolism disorders and these aging indicators. Sensitivity analysis can be used to determine the reliability and robustness of the research results. The results confirmed that a positive causal relationship was observed between mineral metabolism disorders and TL (p < 0.05), while the causal relationship with mtDNA-CN was not significant (p > 0.05). Focusing on subgroup analyses of specific minerals, our findings indicated a distinct positive causal relationship between iron metabolism disorders and both TL and mtDNA-CN (p < 0.05). In contrast, disorders in magnesium and phosphorus metabolism did not exhibit significant causal effects on either aging biomarker (p > 0.05). Moreover, reverse MR analysis did not reveal any significant causal effects of TL and mtDNA-CN on mineral metabolism disorders (p > 0.05). The combination of 2SLS with MR analysis further reinforced the positive causal relationship between iron levels and both TL and mtDNA-CN (p < 0.05). Notably, the sensitivity analysis did not indicate significant pleiotropy or heterogeneity within these causal relationships (p > 0.05). These findings highlight the pivotal role of iron metabolism in cellular aging, particularly in regulating TL and sustaining mtDNA-CN, offering new insights into how mineral metabolism disorders influence aging biomarkers. Our research underscores the importance of trace element balance, especially regarding iron intake, in combating the aging process. This provides a potential strategy for slowing aging through the adjustment of trace element intake, laying the groundwork for future research into the relationship between trace elements and healthy aging.

Dissolved trace elements and nutrients in the North Sea-a current baseline.

Primary production is an important driver of marine carbon storage. Besides the major nutrient elements nitrogen, phosphorus, and silicon, primary production also depends on the availability of nutrient-type metals (e.g., Cu, Fe, Mo) and the absence of toxicologically relevant metals (e.g., Ni, Pb). Especially in coastal oceans, carbon storage and export to the open ocean is highly variable and influenced by anthropogenic eutrophication and pollution. To model future changes in coastal carbon storage processes, a solid baseline of nutrient and metal concentrations is crucial. The North Sea is an important shelf sea, influenced by riverine, atmospheric, Baltic Sea, and North Atlantic inputs. We measured the concentrations of dissolved nutrients (NH4+, NO3-, PO43-, and SiO44-) and 26 metals in 337 water samples from various depths within the entire North Sea and Skagerrak. A principal component analysis enabled us to categorize the analytes into three groups according to their predominant behavior: tracers for seawater (e.g., Mo, U, V), recycling (e.g., NO3-, PO43-, SiO44-), and riverine or anthropogenic input (e.g., Ni, Cu, Gd). The results further indicate an increasing P-limitation and increasing anthropogenic gadolinium input into the German Bight.

LLL 44-1 Micronutrients in clinical nutrition: Trace elements.

BACKGROUND: Trace elements are an essential component of metabolism and medical nutrition therapy, with key roles in metabolic pathways, antioxidation, and immunity, which the present course aims at summarizing. RESULTS: Medical nutrition therapy includes the provision of all essential trace elements. The clinical essential issues are summarized for Copper, Iron, Selenium, Zinc, Iodine, Chromium, Molybdenum, and Manganese: the optimal analytical techniques are presented. The delivery of all these elements occurs nearly automatically when the patient is fed with enteral nutrition, but always requires separate prescription in case of parenteral nutrition. Isolated deficiencies may occur, and some patients have increased requirements, therefore a regular monitoring is required. The clinicians should always consider the impact of inflammation on blood levels, mostly lowering them even in absence of deficiency. CONCLUSION: This text summarises the most relevant clinical manifestations of trace element depletion and deficiency, the difficulties in assessing status, and makes practical recommendations for provision for enteral and parenteral nutrition.

Concentrations of Bioelements (Zn, Cu, Fe, Cr, Mg, Mn) in Serum and Bone Tissue of Aging Men Undergoing Hip Arthroplasty: Implications for Erectile Dysfunction.

Background: Erectile dysfunction (ED) stands out as one of the most prevalent sexual disorders in men, with its incidence progressively escalating with age. As delineated by the International Consultation Committee for Sexual Medicine on Definitions/Epidemiology/Risk Factors for Sexual Dysfunction, the prevalence of ED among men under 40 years is estimated to be within the range of 1-10%. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between the concentration of bioelements (Zn, Cu, Fe, Cr, Mg, and Mn) in the serum and bone tissue and the concentration of selected hormones in men with and without erectile dysfunction. Materials and methods: The retrospective cohort study included 152 men who underwent total hip arthroplasty for hip osteoarthritis at the Department of Orthopaedic Traumatology and Musculoskeletal Oncology at the Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin. Certain exclusion criteria were applied to ensure the integrity of the study. These included individuals with diabetes, a history of cancer, alcohol abuse, liver or kidney failure, New York Heart Association (NYHA) class III or IV heart failure, and those taking medications that affect bone metabolism, such as mineral supplements, neuroleptics, chemotherapeutic agents, immunosuppressants, corticosteroids, or antidepressants. Patients with hypogonadism or infertility were excluded from the study. Results: The study showed an association between bioT concentrations and Cu concentrations in both patients with and without erectile dysfunction. A correlation between bioactive testosterone and Cr concentrations was also observed in both groups. Patients with erectile dysfunction showed a relationship between bioT concentration and Zn concentration, TT concentration and Mn concentration, FT concentration and Zn concentration, and E2 concentration and Cr concentration. An analysis of elemental concentrations in bone tissue showed an association between FT and Mg and Mn concentrations, but only in patients with erectile dysfunction. In patients without erectile dysfunction, a correlation was observed between FT and Cu concentrations. A correlation was also observed between bioT concentrations and Mg, Mn, and Zn concentrations, but only in patients with erectile dysfunction. In patients without erectile dysfunction, a correlation was observed between bioT and Cu concentrations. Conclusions: Studying the relationship between the concentration of bioelements (Zn, Cu, Fe, Cr, Mg, and Mn) in the serum and bone tissue and the concentration of selected hormones in men may be important in explaining the etiology of the problem. The study of the concentration of Zn and Cu in bone tissue and serum showed that these two elements, regardless of the place of accumulation, may be related to the concentration of androgens in men.

Higher Concentrations of Essential Trace Elements in Women Undergoing IVF May Be Associated with Poor Reproductive Outcomes Following Single Euploid Embryo Transfer.

Essential trace elements are micronutrients whose deficiency has been associated with altered fertility and/or adverse pregnancy outcomes, while surplus may be toxic. The concentrations of eight essential trace elements were measured using inductively coupled mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and assessed with respect to clinical in vitro fertilization (IVF) outcomes in a population of 51 women undergoing IVF with intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), pre-implantation genetic screening for aneuploidy (PGT-A), and single frozen euploid embryo transfer (SET/FET). Specifically, copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), molybdenum, selenium, lithium, iron, chromium, and manganese were quantified in follicular fluid and whole blood collected the day of vaginal oocyte retrieval (VOR) and in urine collected the day of VOR and embryo transfer. We found that the whole blood Cu/Zn ratio was significantly associated with superior responses to ovarian stimulation. Conversely, the whole blood zinc and selenium concentrations were significantly associated with poor ovarian response outcomes. Higher levels of whole blood zinc and selenium, urinary selenium, lithium, and iron had significant negative associations with embryologic outcomes following IVF. Regarding clinical IVF outcomes, higher urinary molybdenum concentrations the day of VOR were associated with significantly lower odds of implantation and live birth, while higher urinary Cu/Mo ratios on the day of VOR were associated with significantly higher odds of implantation, clinical pregnancy, and live birth. Our results suggest that essential trace element levels may directly influence the IVF outcomes of Spanish patients, with selenium and molybdenum exerting negative effects and copper-related ratios exerting positive effects. Additional studies are warranted to confirm these relationships in other human populations.

Quantitative determination of selected elements in infant baby formulae and baby food cereals commercially available in Serbia using the ICP OES method.

The aim of this paper was the quantitative determination of some macro and trace elements, especially potentially toxic elements in the samples of infant baby formulae and baby food cereals commercially available in Serbia using the inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP OES) method. Among the macro elements, K is the most abundant in all infant formulae samples, followed by Ca, P, Na and Mg. On the other hand, the analysis of food cereals showed that P is presents in the highest contents, followed by K, Ca, Na, and Mg. Potentially toxic elements As, Pb, Hg, and Cd were not detected in any sample of infant formulae, while Cd was detected and quantified in cereal foods. Also, the calculated values of Estimated Tolerable Weekly Intake (ETWI) as well as the Estimated Tolerable Monthly Intake (ETMI) were lower than recommended values for a tolerable weekly intake (TWI) and provisional tolerable monthly intake (PTMI).

Occurrence of heavy metals coupled with elevated levels of essential elements in chocolates: Health risk assessment.

The presence of contaminants in cacao-derived products, especially in chocolates, has raised concerns regarding food safety and human health. The study assessed the concentration variation of 16 elements in 155 chocolate samples from the US market by cacao content and country of geographic origin. The study further examined the potential health risks posed by toxic metals and determined the contribution of essential elements to the Daily Recommended Intake (DRI), estimated based on an ounce (∼28.4 g) of daily chocolate consumption. Dark chocolates with ≥50 % cacao exhibited consecutively increasing mean levels from 1.2 to 391 µg/kg for U, Tl, Th, As, Pb, Se, Cd, and Co. Similarly, Ni, Sr, Cu, Mn, Zn, Fe, Ca, and Mg had mean concentrations from 4.0 to 1890 mg/kg. Dark chocolates sourced from Central and South America exhibited the highest mean levels of Cd, and South America samples also contained elevated Pb, whereas those from West Africa and Asia had low Cd and Pb, respectively. Cacao contents showed increasingly strong association with Cd, Co, Mn, Sr, Ni, Cu, Zn, and Mg (r = 0.60-0.84), and moderately with Se, Fe, As, and Tl (r = 0.35-0.49), indicating these elements are primarily derived from cacao beans. Weak association of cacao contents with Pb, Th, and U levels (r < 0.25), indicates post-harvest contaminations. Hazard Quotient (HQ) > 1 was found only for Cd in 4 dark chocolates, and Hazard Index (HI) > 1 for cumulative risk of Cd, Pb, Ni, As, and U was found in 33 dark chocolates, indicating potential non-carcinogenic risks for 15 kg children but none for 70 kg adults. Dark chocolate also substantially contributed to 47-95 % of the DRI of Cu for children and 50 % for adults. Dark chocolates also provided notable Fe, Mn, Mg, and Zn contributions to the DRI. These essential elements are recognized to reduce the bioavailability of toxic metals such as Cd, Pb, or Ni, thereby potentially lowering associated health risks. This study informs consumers, food industries, and regulatory agencies to target cacao origins or chocolate brands with lower toxic metal contents for food safety and minimizing adverse health effects.

Bioaccessibility and bioavailability of essential and potentially toxic trace elements in potato cultivars: A comprehensive nutritional evaluation.

Among the most consumed foods in the world is potato, which occupies the first place as a non-grain commodity, demonstrating the importance of its assessment concerning the population's food safety. In this study, the nutrients Ca, Mg, K, P, Cu, Mn, Fe, and Zn and the potentially toxic trace elements Cd, Cr, and Pb were evaluated considering their total contents, bioaccessible and bioavailable fractions in different potato cultivars, in an unpublished approach in the literature. The in vitro standard gastrointestinal digestion method (INFOGEST) and a model of the intestinal epithelial barrier using the Caco-2 cell line were applied for investigate the presence of metals in potato. For the macroelements, the bioaccessibility (% w/w) varied in the ranges: K (57-72 %), P (59-76 %), Mg (83-103 %), and Ca (30-123 %), whereas for the microelements were: Cu (27-74 %) and Mn (4.22-12.02, 60-119 %). The potentially of trace toxic elements, Cd and Pb, were found in 75 % of the samples, however, all the concentration values were below the maximum levels allowed of 0.10 µg/g. Chromium was determined only in potato peels and has no maximum established level. The bioaccessible and bioavailable fractions of Cd, Cr, and Pb were below the limits of quantification of the spectrometric methods (LOQ - µg/L: 0.063 Cd, 0.65 Cr, and 0.44 Pb). The potato samples were considered safe for consumption regarding the presence of potentially toxic trace elements, with a remarkable nutritional contribution.

Assessment of trace and macroelement accumulation in cyprinid juveniles as bioindicators of aquatic pollution: effects of diets and habitat preferences.

Juveniles of three cyprinids with various diets and habitat preferences were collected from the Szamos River (Hungary) during a period of pollution in November 2013: the herbivorous, benthic nase (Chondrostoma nasus), the benthivorous, benthic barbel (Barbus barbus), and the omnivorous, pelagic chub (Squalius cephalus). Our study aimed to assess the accumulation of these elements across species with varying diets and habitat preferences, as well as their potential role in biomonitoring efforts. The Ca, K, Mg, Na, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Pb, Sr, and Zn concentration was analyzed in muscle, gills, and liver using MP-AES. The muscle and gill concentrations of Cr, Cu, Fe, and Zn increased with trophic level. At the same time, several differences were found among the trace element patterns related to habitat preferences. The trace elements, including Cd, Pb, and Zn, which exceeded threshold concentrations in the water, exhibited higher accumulations mainly in the muscle and gills of the pelagic chub. Furthermore, the elevated concentrations of trace elements in sediments (Cr, Cu, Mn) demonstrated higher accumulation in the benthic nase and barbel. Our findings show habitat preference as a key factor in juvenile bioindicator capability, advocating for the simultaneous use of pelagic and benthic juveniles to assess water and sediment pollution status.

Mapping soil trace metal distribution using remote sensing and multivariate analysis.

Trace metal soil contamination poses significant risks to human health and ecosystems, necessitating thorough investigation and management strategies. Researchers have increasingly utilized advanced techniques like remote sensing (RS), geographic information systems (GIS), geostatistical analysis, and multivariate analysis to address this issue. RS tools play a crucial role in collecting spectral data aiding in the analysis of trace metal distribution in soil. Spectroscopy offers an effective understanding of environmental contamination by analyzing trace metal distribution in soil. The spatial distribution of trace metals in soil has been a key focus of these studies, with factors influencing this distribution identified as soil type, pH levels, organic matter content, land use patterns, and concentrations of trace metals. While progress has been made, further research is needed to fully recognize the potential of integrated geospatial imaging spectroscopy and multivariate statistical analysis for assessing trace metal distribution in soils. Future directions include mapping multivariate results in GIS, identifying specific anthropogenic sources, analyzing temporal trends, and exploring alternative multivariate analysis tools. In conclusion, this review highlights the significance of integrated GIS and multivariate analysis in addressing trace metal contamination in soils, advocating for continued research to enhance assessment and management strategies.

Unlocking the elemental signature of European tea gardens: Implications for tea traceability.

This study presents a comprehensive analysis of the elemental profiles of tea leaves coming from plants grown in several European gardens, with a focus on the bioaccumulation of essential and potentially toxic trace elements in relation to processing and location of tea garden. Samples were collected from various gardens across Europe, including Portugal, the Azores, Germany, the Netherlands, and Switzerland. Elemental analysis was conducted on fresh tea leaves, dried leaves, and leaves processed for the production of green and black tea, along with soil samples from the root zones of tea plants. The results reveal no significant differences in elemental content based on the processing of tea leaves. However, distinct elemental profiles were observed among tea leaves of plants grown in gardens from different European regions. Utilizing chemometric and machine learning tools, the study highlights the potential of these elemental profiles for enhancing the traceability of tea products.