Ion-pair vortex assisted liquid phase micro-extraction coupled with UV-visible spectrophotometry for the determination of mesalazine in pharmaceutical formulations.

This study demonstrates an effective, simple, and selective method for monitoring mesalazine in pharmaceutical formulations using liquid phase micro-extraction (LPME) and spectrophotometry. Combining LPME with spectrophotometry is an efficient method for analysing various compounds in different matrices. This method is based on extracting the ion-pair formed between the blue indophenol produced by the oxidative reaction of mesalazine and syringic acid in an alkaline medium and a quaternary ammonium salt into a micro-volume of organic solvent. The experimental parameters influencing LPME performance, such as the type and concentration of the quaternary ammonium ion salt and the type and volume of the extractant solvent, were optimised for optimal detection. The linear range and the limit of detection for measuring red species in pharmaceutical formulations were determined to be 0.005-0.080 µg/mL-1 and 0.003 µg/mL-1, respectively, with a relative standard deviation of 4-6%. The method had a preconcentration factor of 50 at 520nm, making it highly efficient and reliable for monitoring mesalazine in pharmaceutical formulations.

Evaluating the health risks of heavy metal pollution in dust storms in the city of Erbil in the Kurdistan region of Iraq.

This study examined the heavy metal content in dust storm samples from Erbil, Iraq, along with four other locations. Using ICP-MS, Cd, Ni, Cr, Hg, Pb, Zn, Mn, Cu, Co, Fe and As were determined. The health risks due to exposure to these metals through ingestion, inhalation and dermal contact were assessed for both adults and children. Non-carcinogenic risks were evaluated using the hazard quotient (HQ) and hazard index (HI). Children faced a cumulative risk with HQ > 0.2 for As and Cr and HI > 1. The carcinogenic risk was measured using the carcinogenic risk factor (CRF), which fell below 10-6, indicating low cancer risk. However, children had a higher cancer risk (10-4 to 10-6) for As. The pollution indices revealed varying pollution levels from unpolluted to moderately polluted in the studied areas. Overall, this study highlights potential health risks associated with heavy metal exposure during dust storms, particularly for children, and emphasises the importance of addressing these concerns to safeguard public health.