Determination of toxic and essential elements in sunflower honey from Thrace Region,Turkey

The aim of this study was to determine the levels of copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni) and selenium (Se) in sunflower honeys obtained from Thrace Region of Turkey. Trace and toxic element determination was performed by atomic absorption spectrometry after microwave digestion. The accuracy of the method was checked by the standard reference material, NIST‐SRM 1515 Apple leaves. The maximum contents of trace and toxic elements in honey samples from Kesan (polluted area) were found as 0.46, 0.82, 1.98, 14.0, 9.86 μg kg^?1, 0.48 mg kg^?1, 137, 115 and 290 μg kg^?1 for Cu, Mn, Zn, Fe, Cd, Pb, Cr, Ni and Se, respectively.     

Trace elements in edible tissues of three shrimp species (Penaeus semisulcatus,Parapenaeus longirostris and Paleomon serratus)

Accumulation levels of trace elements in edible tissues of three shrimp species (Penaeus semisulcatus, Parapenaeus longirostris and Paleomon serratus) from the Gulf of Antalya, Turkey were investigated. Copper (Cu), cadmium (Cd), zinc (Zn), iron (Fe) and manganese (Mn) concentrations were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The lowest Cu (1.33 mg kg^?1) and Cd (0.23 mg kg^?1) and highest Mn (1.52 mg kg^?1) concentrations were found in P. longirostris, the lowest Zn (6.25 mg kg^?1), Fe (1.84 mg kg^?1) and Mn (0.25 mg kg^?1) concentrations in P. serratus and the highest Cu (6.19 mg kg^?1), Cd (2.36 mg kg^?1), Zn (30.84 mg kg^?1) and Fe (33.89 mg kg^?1) concentrations in P. semisulcatus. The Cd levels detected in P. semisulcatus and P. serratus were above legislative limits. Our results show that there were significant differences in trace element concentrations among the three shrimp species. The highest levels of the five trace elements investigated, with the exception of Mn, were found in edible tissue of P. semisulcatus. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry     

Variation in heavy metals and microelements in South African medicinal plants obtained from street markets

South African medicinal plants are traditionally harvested from a wide range of undisclosed locations by plant gatherers. Thus, there is a risk that plant material may be exposed to a variety of pollutants. The variation in five heavy metals (arsenic, cadmium, cobalt, nickel, and lead) and six essential elements (boron, copper, iron, manganese, molybdenum, and zinc) was determined in commonly used South African medicinal plants obtained from street markets. Elemental content was determined using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrophotometry. The reliability of the procedure was ensured by analysing a certified reference material. Medicinal plant samples contained arsenic and cadmium at levels exceeding the World Health Organization limits of 1 and 0.3 mg kg^?1 respectively. Lead and nickel were detected in all samples. Elevated iron and manganese levels were recorded in certain plant species. Multiple metal contamination of parts of medicinal plants gives grounds for concern. This study emphasizes the unsafe consequences of the South African practice of collecting medicinal plants from undisclosed locations and making these readily available to the public.     

Determination of metal contaminations in sea foods from Marmara,Aegean and Mediterranean seas: Twelve fish species

The concentrations of cadmium, cobalt, chromium, copper, iron, manganese, nickel, lead and zinc were determined by ICP-AES in muscles and livers of 12 fish species sampled from the Marmara, Aegean and Mediterranean seas of Turkey. Iron showed the highest levels in examined tissues of all fish species. Following Fe, Zn generally showed the second highest levels. Metal concentrations in edible parts of fish species were 0.02–0.37 mg kg⁻¹ for cadmium, 0.04–0.41 mg kg⁻¹ for cobalt, 0.04–1.75 mg kg⁻¹ for chromium, 0.32–6.48  mg kg⁻¹ for copper, 7.46–40.1 mg kg⁻¹ for iron, 0.10–0.99  mg kg⁻¹ for manganese, 0.02–3.97 mg kg⁻¹ for nickel, 0.33–0.86 mg kg⁻¹ for lead, 4.49–11.2 mg kg⁻¹ for zinc, respectively. All metal concentrations in livers were higher than those in muscles. In some stations, cadmium and chromium concentrations in both muscles and livers, and lead levels in livers of the examined species were higher than permissible safety levels for human uses.     

Elements in rice on the Swedish market: Part 2. Chromium,copper, iron,manganese, platinum,rubidium, selenium and zinc

A survey of the levels of some essential and non-essential trace elements in different types of rice available on the Swedish retail market was carried out in 2001–03. The types of rice included long and short grain, brown, white, and parboiled white. The mean levels found were: chromium (Cr)?=?0.008 mg kg^?1, copper (Cu)?=?1.9 mg kg^?1, iron (Fe)?=?4.7 mg kg^?1, manganese (Mn)?=?16 mg kg^?1, platinum (Pt)?<?0.0003 mg kg^?1, rubidium (Rb)?=?3.3 mg kg^?1, selenium (Se) =0.1 mg kg^?1; and zinc (Zn)?=?15 mg kg^?1. Inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) was used for the determination of Pt, Rb, and Se, after acid digestion. All other elements were determined using atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) after dry ashing. Intake calculations were performed and it was concluded that rice may contribute considerably to the daily requirements of the essential elements Cu, Fe, Mn, Se, and Zn if rice consumption is high. The levels of some elements, e.g. Fe and Mn, were significantly higher in brown compared with white rice.     

Varietal variation and correlation of trace metal levels with ‚catechins’︁ and caffeine in Sri Lanka tea

Trace elements, phosphorus, ?catechins’? and caffeine levels in different varieties of Sri Lanka tea have been determined. The range and mean of zinc, copper, iron, lead and cadmium in 73 tea samples were as follows: zinc 22.5–62.5 and 35.0 μug g^?1, copper 10.0–25.0 and 17.8 μug g^?1, iron 40.0–185.0 and 128.1 μug g^?1, lead 0.188–0.561 and 0.426 μug g^?1, cadmium 0.156–0.380 and 0.239 μug g^?1. Significant differences in zinc, iron, lead and cadmium were observed among tea varieties grown at different elevations in Sri Lanka. These levels were also compared with results obtained with samples from other countries. The phosphorus content in ?black tea’? showed correlations with trace metal levels in the order lead>zinc>iron>copper>cadmium. Positive correlation with levels of ?catechins’? were more significant with zinc and cadmium. Caffeine levels were found to be significantly correlated with lead and zinc in ?black tea’?. Studies of translocation of trace metals from soil have involved analysis of various parts of the tea shoot and supporting soil.     

Comparative study of the mineral composition of several varieties of potatoes (Solanum tuberosum L.) from different countries cultivated in Canary Islands (Spain)

Potatoes are a basic component of human diets worldwide being an excellent source of minerals linked the maintenance of health. Contents of calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), potassium (K), sodium (Na), cupper (Cu), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), nickel (Ni) and chromium (Cr) in seventy‐four fresh potato samples from different varieties consumed in Tenerife Island (Canary Islands, Spain) were determined by flame atomic absorption spetrometry (FAAS). The mean concentrations were 60.1 mg kg^?1, 222 mg kg^?1, 5047 mg kg^?1, 125 mg kg^?1, 1.69 mg kg^?1, 8 mg kg^?1, 1.70 mg kg^?1, 3.88 mg kg^?1, 62.7 μg kg^?1 and 19.9 μg kg^?1 for Ca, Mg, K, Na, Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn, Ni and Cr, respectively. The varieties of local potatoes presented higher mineral contents than imported potatoes. Potassium presented the highest contents in all varieties of potatoes. Iron was the most abundant microelement. Local potatoes offer greater nutritional contributions to the recommended intakes than imported varieties. Within the macrominerals, the highest contribution to the intakes was observed for K, while Fe was the trace element with the largest contribution to the proposed intake.     

Cadmium and lead contamination in vegetables collected from industrial,traffic and rural areas in Bursa Province,Turkey

Cadmium and lead contamination of vegetables produced in rural areas of Bursa Province, Turkey, was found to be less contaminated than vegetables grown close to heavy traffic and industrial activities. The highest levels of cadmium and lead were found in lettuce; the lowest levels in vegetables were found in leeks. The lead levels in spinach grown in traffic areas were at least twofold higher than those found in industrial areas. For other vegetables, the results from industrial and traffic areas were almost identical. Lettuce grown in traffic areas had the highest amount of cadmium (0.81 ± 0.25 mg kg^?1) and lead (1.59 ± 0.45 mg kg^?1), whilst leeks grown in rural areas had the lowest levels of lead (0.10 ± 0.03 mg kg^?1) and cadmium (0.05 ± 0.01 mg kg^?1) compared with other vegetables. This study shows that people and animals living in the same area in Bursa are always exposed to metallic pollution and in turn the consumption of contaminated vegetables could lead to increased dietary intake.     

Iodine content of cooked and processed fish in Turkey

This study evaluates the effects of different cooking (grilling, frying and steaming) and processing (smoking, salting, marinating and drying) methods on iodine contents of valuable marine and freshwater fish species commonly consumed in Turkey. The highest mean iodine content of cooked fish was determined to be 3.760 mg kg^?1, 2.788 mg kg^?1, 5.831 mg kg^?1 and 6.161 mg kg^?1 in grilled anchovy, horse mackerel, Atlantic Bonito and whiting, 0.914 mg kg^?1, 1.452 mg kg^?1, 3.106 mg kg^?1 in steamed bluefish, red mullet. The highest mean iodine content of processed fish was determined to be 2.149 mg kg^?1 in smoked mackerel, 0.701 mg kg^?1 in salted Bonito, 1.128 mg kg^?1 in dried horse mackerel and 7.283 mg kg^?1 in marinated anchovy. This iodine values are also above the Upper Tolerable Nutrient Level of 100–150 μg day^?1 iodine.     

Influence of organic selenium supplementation on the accumulation of toxic and essential trace elements involved in the antioxidant system of chicken

The aim of the study was to investigate the interactions between selenium (Se) and various trace elements, both toxic and essential, involved in the antioxidant system. A total of 128?day-old chicks (Gallus gallus, broilers) were used to investigate the effect of Se yeast supplementation on the accumulation of cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu) iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn). There were four replicates of four dietary treatments: T1 (basal diet with no added Se, analyzed to contain 0.21?mg?kg^?1), T2 (T1 with 0.15?mg?kg^?1 Se added), T3 (T1 with 0.3?mg?kg^?1 Se) and T4 (T1 with 3.0?mg?kg^?1 Se). At week 4 and 6, two chickens per replicate pen were sacrificed for whole blood, breast muscle and liver sampling. Samples were analyzed by ICP–MS. Supplementation with Se-yeast, not only increased Se concentration but also reduced Cd concentration in the tissues. Selenium was negatively correlated with Cd and positively correlated with Zn, Cu and Fe. Cadmium was negatively correlated with Zn and Cu. Zinc was positively correlated with Cu. Iron was negatively correlated with Cu and uncorrelated with Zn and Cd. The balance between Se, Cu, Fe and Zn is important for proper antioxidant defense since they are an integral part of various antioxidant enzymes.     

Trace element levels in honeys from different regions of Turkey

A survey of 25 honey samples from different botanical origin, collected all over the Turkey was conducted to assess their trace element contents. The aim of this study was to determine the levels of cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), chromium (Cr), zinc (Zn), aluminium (Al) and selenium (Se) in honey samples from different regions of Turkey. Trace element contents were determined by a flame and graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry technique after dry-ashing, microwave digestion and wet-digestion. The accuracy of the method was corrected by the standard reference material, NIST-SRM 1515 Apple leaves. The contents of trace elements in honey samples were in the range of 0.23–2.41 μg g⁻¹, 0.32–4.56 μg g⁻¹, 1.1–12.7 μg g⁻¹, 1.8–10.2 μg g⁻¹, 8.4–105.8 μg kg⁻¹, 2.6–29.9 μg kg⁻¹, 2.4–37.9 μg kg⁻¹, 0.9–17.9 μg kg⁻¹, 83–325 μg kg⁻¹ and 38–113 μg kg⁻¹ for Cu, Mn, Zn, Fe, Pb, Ni, Cr, Cd, Al and Se, respectively. Iron was the most abundant element while cadmium was the lowest element in the Turkish honeys surveyed. The results showed that trace element concentrations in the honeys from different regions were generally correlated with the degree of trace element contamination of the environment.     

Characterization and prediction by near-infrared reflectance of mineral composition of rocket (Eruca vesicaria subsp. sativa and Eruca vesicaria subsp. vesicaria)

BACKGROUND: Minerals are essential for human nutrition and must be obtained from our diet. Crucifer vegetables are a good source of these nutrients. Our objectives were to determine the genetic variability for mineral content and to evaluate the use of near‐infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS) for prediction of ashes and minerals among and within the rocket species Eruca vesicaria subsp. sativa and vesicaria. The minerals studied were iron (Fe), copper (Cu), sodium (Na), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), manganese (Mn) and zinc (Zn). RESULTS: The maximum mean values obtained for all the accessions (mean ± SE) were 235.5 ± 1.5 mg ashes kg^?1, 273.3 ± 4.2 mg Fe kg^?1, 18.1 ± 0.4 mg Cu kg^?1, 2.8 ± 0.1 g Na kg^?1, 71.6 ± 1.0 g K kg^?1, 64.6 ± 1.2 g Ca kg^?1, 6.8 ± 0.1 g mg kg^?1, 101.6 ± 1.2 mg Mn kg^?1, and 67.1 ± 0.4 mg Zn kg^?1 of dry weight. CONCLUSION: The statistical analysis showed significant differences for all the minerals, except Ca, for each accession studied individually and for accessions grouped within countries. The results indicate that NIRS can be used as a rapid screening method for determining total mineral, Fe, Na, K, and Zn in rocket. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry     

The European maximum level for cadmium in bovine kidneys is in Belgium only realistic for cattle up to 2 years of age

The effect of animal age on concentrations of cadmium, lead, arsenic, copper and zinc in bovine tissues (meat, kidney and liver) sampled from animals reared in contaminated areas or reference regions in Belgium was investigated. For cadmium concentrations in meat samples analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed an increasing trend with age. In addition, a significant positive linear relation (p < 0.05) was found between animal age and renal (R ² = 0.56) or hepatic (R ² = 0.39) cadmium levels. Lead concentrations in kidneys and liver also increased with age, but the effect was blurred, likely due to the internal remobilization of lead. For the other trace elements (arsenic, copper, zinc) no relationship could be found between their concentration in meat, kidneys or liver and animal age. Renal cadmium concentrations were predicted for bovines at different ages by using the slope of the linear regression equation, and by taking into account its 95% confidence interval. Calculations for 2-year-old animals from reference areas showed that in this group the European maximum level of 1 mg kg^?1 for cadmium in kidneys would be exceeded in zero to 5% of cases. If a general rejection percentage of maximum 5% would be desirable for kidneys sampled in the reference areas (according to the ALARA principle–‘as low as reasonably achievable’–of European Union policy), then (1) kidneys from animals older than 2 years from the reference areas should a priori not be considered suitable to be placed on the market, or (2) the maximum level for cadmium in kidneys should be increased to 3 mg kg^?1. The latter would bear negligible risks for the general population and the majority of high-level kidney consumers. On the other hand, bovine kidneys from the most contaminated areas are not suitable to be brought into the food chain because it is predicted that the maximum level is already exceeded by more than 5% of the 1-year-old animals.     

Heavy metal uptake from greenhouse border soils for edible vegetables

Six essential elements, cadmium and lead were determined in some horticultural species cultivated in greenhouse borders by atomic absorption spectrophotometry to evaluate the contribution of these vegetables to the daily intake of cadmium and lead in Spain. The existence of significant differences ( P <0.001) in the levels of metallic concentration found among the vegetable species has been proved, and the greater capacity of concentration of heavy metals, except copper, in green beans was observed. No statistically significant correlation ( P > 0.05) between the concentration of the soil and that of corresponding vegetable species was found. The heavy metal uptake from soil to plants is a function of the physical and chemical nature of the soil and is altered by innumerable environmental and human factors. If the mean levels of cadmium and lead (0.029 mg kg^?1 and 0.221 mg kg^?1 respectively) are taken into account, the daily intake contribution of these metals will be 1.4 μg day^?1 for cadmium and 11 μg day^?1 for lead.     

Assessment of iron bioavailability from twenty elite late‐maturing tropical maize varieties using an in vitro digestion/Caco‐2 cell model

An in vitro digestion/Caco‐2 cell model was used to assess iron bioavailability of twenty elite late‐maturing tropical maize varieties grown in three diverse agroecologies in West and Central Africa (WCA). Kernel‐iron concentration of the varieties, averaged across locations, varied from 19.2 to 24.4 mg kg^?1, while mean kernel‐zinc concentration ranged between 19.4 and 24.6 mg kg^?1. Significant differences in iron bioavailability were observed among varieties, but the environment had no significant effect. Mean bioavailable iron ranged between 14% below and 43% above the reference control variety, TZB‐SR. Variety DMR‐LSR‐Y with the highest concentrations of kernel‐iron and ‐zinc of 24–25 mg kg^?1 across the three locations had a similar quantity of bioavailable iron as the reference control, TZB‐SR. In the long run this variety could be potentially effective in reducing iron deficiency because of its high kernel‐iron. The most promising varieties were Mid‐altitude STR synthetic and ACR91SUWAN‐1‐SRC1. They had kernel‐iron and ‐zinc levels of 22–24 mg kg^?1 and bioavailable iron 24–36% higher than the reference control, TZB‐SR. Additional research is necessary to determine if the increases in kernel‐iron concentration and bioavailable iron observed in this study can significantly improve the iron status of individuals in WCA at risk for iron deficiency. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry     

Effects of legume processing on calcium,iron and zinc contents and dialysabilities

Legumes are a good source of calcium, iron and zinc, but are also a source of phytates and dietary fibre components that can negatively affect the bioavailability of these minerals. To estimate the latter, an in vitro dialysis method can be applied that gives the dialysability of a mineral as an estimate of its availability for absorption. Calcium, iron and zinc contents and dialysabilities in three legumes (beans, chickpeas and lentils) and the effects of cooking treatments and industrial processing on these parameters were studied. Beans had the highest calcium content (1.54 g kg^?1 dry matter (DM)) and chickpeas the lowest iron content (46.9 mg kg^?1 DM), whilst the zinc contents were similar in all three raw legumes (33.7–36.9 mg kg^?1 DM). Traditional and microwave cooking reduced the mineral contents by 9.7–36.4% for calcium, 14.2–31% for iron and 11.1–28.9% for zinc. The dialysabilities of calcium with respect to the values for the raw products were also reduced by these cooking techniques. Industrially processed legumes had higher dialysabilities of calcium, iron and zinc than traditionally or microwave cooked legumes. © 2001 Society of Chemical Industry     

Trace elements in Canadian field peas: a grain safety assurance perspective

Canada is a significant exporter of field peas and, thus, issues of food safety are important in all grain and food products within the international marketplace. Environmental contaminants, such as trace elements, may be present in all foods and, as a result, international standards have been established for a number of toxic trace elements, such as cadmium, lead, mercury and arsenic, in raw food commodities and food products. The Canadian Grain Commission has undertaken a baseline study of various trace elements in Canadian peas to ensure compliance with international food safety legislation. Mean total cadmium content was found to be 0.023 mg kg^?1; arsenic and lead mean values were below the method limit of quantification of 0.050 mg kg^?1 and the total mean mercury level was below the quantification level of 0.002 mg kg^?1. All measured values in the study were below the maximum residue levels (MRLs) established by the FAO and WHO in the Codex Alimentarius. The mean total selenium content was 0.331 mg kg^?1, with 56% of the measured values exceeding the MRL established by the People's Republic of China (PRC) of 0.3 mg kg^?1. No Codex MRL has been established for selenium as it is regarded as an essential trace element for human health and the PRC is currently reviewing its MRL for selenium in light of this fact. For those parts of the world where selenium-deficiency is of nutritional concern, the higher level of selenium in Canadian peas and their products may be of nutritional benefit.     

Mineral contents of 34 species of edible mushrooms growing wild in Turkey

Mineral contents of 34 species of wild mushrooms, growing particularly in the central Anatolia region in Turkey, were determined by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP‐AES). All mushrooms contained high amounts of Al, Ca, Fe, K, Mg and P. The highest potassium level was 45189.4 mg kg^?1 for the species Coprinus micaceus, whereas the lowest K content was 9973.8 mg kg^?1 in Polyporus squamosus. Among the wild mushrooms, the highest lead level was 5.4 mg kg^?1 in the species Helvella leucomelano. Iron contents of mushrooms were found in similarly small percentages in all the species analysed, ranging from 338.3 mg kg^?1 in Russula delica to 8994.71 mg kg^?1 in Helvella spadicea. Phosphorus content ranged from 2095.6 mg kg^?1 in Polyporus squamosus to 22799.0 mg kg^?1 in Helvella spadicea. Magnesium was found to be high, ranging from 458.1 mg kg^?1 in Rhizopogon luteolus to 4254.9 mg kg^?1 in Morchella esculenta. This study attempts to contribute to knowledge of the human nutritional properties of these mushroom species, and may be useful for the evaluation of dietary information. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry     

Heavy Metal in Edible Portions (Muscle and Skin) and Other Organs (Gill,Liver and Intestine) of Selected Freshwater Fish Species

In this study, the concentrations of copper, zinc, manganese, iron, cobalt, calcium, magnesium, nickel, lead, chrome and boron elements in muscle, gill, skin, intestine and liver of selected fish species (Rutilus rutilus, Carassius carassius, and Cyprinus carpio) from Porsuk Dam Lake/Turkey were determined. The element analyses were performed with inductive coupled plasma-optic emission spectroscopy following microwave digestion techniques. Metal accumulation levels of tissues and species were remarkably different. Concentrations of Ni, Pb, Cr and B in all tissues of the species were found to be below the detection limit (BDL) with ICP-OES. Irrespective of the fish species and tissues, the concentrations (mg kg^?1 wet weight) of the other matals varied in the following ranges: Cu, below detection limit (BDL)-17.15; Zn, 9.08–699.60; Mn, BDL-8.23; Fe, 4.42–137.17; Co, BDL-1.49; Ca, 144.40–14376.60 and Mg, 95.81–903.23. The metal levels in muscle of the species were found below the limits proposed by FAO, WHO, and Turkish Food Codes, and these are safe for human consumption. However, heavy metal accumulation in skin and liver of some species was as high as non-permitted limits.     

Cadmium, mercury, iron, copper, manganese and zinc in the liver and kidney of the Icelandic lamb

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the levels of cadmium, mercury, iron, copper, manganese and zinc in lamb liver and kidney from six areas in Iceland and to compare the results against aerial deposition data for the same elements obtained using moss as an indicator organism. The total number of samples was 96 for each organ. Cadmium was determined by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometry, mercury by coldvapour atomic absorption, and iron, copper, manganese and zinc by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrophotometry. Analysis of variance determined significance differences among means for areas, and Pearson's correlation coefficients were calculated to study correlation among trace elements in liver and kidney. The mean fresh weight concentrations in lamb liver and kidney respectively were 0.045 and 0.058mg kg -1 for cadmium, 0.009 and 0.012mgkg -1 for mercury, 141 and 52.7mgkg -1 for iron, 28.1 and 2.89mgkg -1 for copper, 4.01 and 1.13mgkg -1 for manganese and 48.7 and 25.2mgkg -1 for zinc. Concentrations of cadmium, mercury and copper in the liver and kidney of the Icelandic lamb were low compared with data from other countries. Iron concentrations in the organs, however, were high. No sample exceeded 46% of the proposed maximum level for cadmium in organs for human consumption in the EC. Cadmium, mercury, iron and copper in the liver and kidney differed significantly between areas. Deposition of cadmium and copper in moss was not a useful indicator in the evaluation of the susceptibility of the Icelandic lamb to accumulation of cadmium and cop per. However, iron levels in Icelandic lamb liver showed the same pattern as results for iron from the moss study. The cadmium and mercury levels of organs from lambs grazing in the vicinity of Mount Hekla a few months after its eruption did not indicate a significant contamination from volcanic activity.