Minor and trace elements in different honey types produced in Siena County (Italy)

The concentrations of 23 chemical elements (Al, As, Ba, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, K, Mg, Mn, Na, Ni, Pb, Sb, Se, Sr, Th, Tl, U, Zn) were determined in 51 honey samples of different botanical origin produced in Siena County (Italy). K, Ca, Na and Mg were the most abundant elements, with mean contents of 1195, 257, 96.6 and 56.7 mg/kg, respectively. The Fe, Zn and Sr contents generally ranged from 1 to 5 mg/kg. Except for Ba, Cu, Mn and Ni, the trace element contents were below 100 μg/kg. The analytical data indicated a good level of quality of the honeys, especially with regard to the concentrations of toxic trace elements, such as As, Cd, Pb and Sb, and suggested a significant influence of the botanical origin on the element composition. Some local geological and geochemical features also seemed to affect the chemistry of the honey.     

Trace element content of fish feed and bluegill sunfish (Lepomis macrochirus) from aquaculture and wild source in Missouri

Trace element content of fish feed and bluegill sunfish muscles (Lepomis macrochirus) from aquaculture and natural pond in Missouri were determined using the inductively coupled-plasma optical emission spectrometer (ICP-OES) and the direct mercury analyzer (DMA). Dietary intake rates of trace elements were estimated. Dogfish muscle (DORM-2) and lobster hepatopancreas (TORT-2) reference standards were used in trace element recovery and method validations. The average elemental concentrations (mg/kg diet, dry wt.) of fish feed were: As 1.81, Cd 2.37, Co 0.10, Cr 1.42, Cu 8.0, Fe 404, Mn 35.9, Ni 0.51, Pb 9.16, Se 1.71, Sn 20.7, V 0.09, Zn 118 and Hg 0.07. The mean elemental concentrations (μg/kg wet wt.) in bluegill muscles from both aquaculture and wild (in parenthesis) sources were: As 0.36 (0.06), Cd 0.28 (0.01), Co 0.0 (0.0), Cr 0.52 (0.05), Cu 0.38 (0.18), Fe 17.5 (2.43), Mn 0.18 (0.24), Ni 0.18 (0.04), Pb 1.03 (0.04), Se 0.34 (0.30), Sn 0.66 (0.42), V 0.02 (0.01), Zn 6.97 (9.13) and Hg 0.06 (0.24). Kruskal–Wallis chi square indicated significant differences in As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Ni, Pb, Sn, V, Zn and Hg (P < 0.001), Se (P < 0.01) and Mn (P < 0.05) across the sampling locations. Dietary intake rates, estimated from weekly consumption of 228 g of aquaculture and wild bluegills, posed no health risks for approximately 85% of all samples.     

Metal concentration of wild edible mushrooms in Soguksu National Park in Turkey

Twelve varieties of fruiting bodies of wild edible mushrooms collected in 2002 from Soguksu National Park, Ankara, Turkey were analysed for Pb, Cd, Zn, Fe, Mn, Cu, Cr, Ni, and Co contents by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). Dried samples were dissolved by microwave digestion. The contents of trace metals in the mushroom samples were found in the ranges: 0.7–4.2, 0.31–54.2, 29–146, 138–1714, 10–77, 6–187, not detected–21.6, 0.7–4.2 and not detected–5.2 mg kg⁻¹ for Pb, Cd, Zn, Fe, Mn, Cu, Cr, Ni and Co, respectively. The levels of Pb and Cd analysed in all edible mushroom samples except Agaricus arvensis and Ramaria obtusissima for Cd were found to be lower than the legal limits.     

Elemental analysis of instant soups and seasoning mixtures by ICP–OES

A method for the determination of Na, K, Ca, Mg, P, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn levels in high saline food products (instant soups and seasoning mixtures) using ICP–OES was developed. The results of the direct determination with multi-elemental water standards were compared with the internal standardisation, the standard addition methods and the allowable limits of the above mentioned elements in food. The method was shown to be sensitive with limits of detection: Na 1.50, K 12, Ca 0.32, Mg 0.13, P 1.1, Cd 0.16, Cr 0.21, Cu 0.32, Fe 0.30, Mn 0.17, Ni 0.42, Pb 2.1 and Zn 0.21 (in mg kg⁻¹). The method exhibited RSD 2–8%.     

Variation in essential,trace and toxic elemental contents in Murraya koenigii – A spice and medicinal herb from different Indian states

Curry leaves (Murraya koenigii), collected from 19 different Indian states, were analyzed for six minor (Ca, Cl, K, Mg, Na and P) and 20 trace (As, Ba, Br, Ce, Co, Cr, Cs, Cu, Fe, Hg, La, Mn, Rb, Sb, Sc, Se, Sr, Th, V and Zn) elements by instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA). In addition, Ni, Cd and Pb were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS). Most elements vary over a wide range, depending on geo-environmental factors and local soil characteristics. Fe, Mn, Na, K, Rb, Se and P vary by a factor of 3–5 whereas Br, Cs, Sc, Th and Zn vary by an order of magnitude. Leaves collected from the southern zone were enriched in K, Mg, Mn, Cl and P but depleted in Se. However, leaves from the northern zone were particularly enriched in Ca whereas those from the western zone were enriched in Zn. Concentrations of most elements from the eastern zone were on par with the mean values. Cr, Fe, Cu, V and Zn are known to play an important role in the maintenance of normoglycemia by activating β-cells of pancreas. Percent contributions of diabetically important elements from curry leaves were 1–2% of daily dietary intake (DDI) but are likely to be in bioavailable form thus making them effective for treatment of diabetes. Rb and Cs are linearly correlated (r = 0.93) as their salts enhance the absorption of insulin in the lower respiratory tract by breakdown of glucose. Inorganic elements may remain complexed with organic ligands.     

Contribution to the study of avocado honeys by their mineral contents using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry

Avocado honey samples were analyzed by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometric. First, the botanical origin of the honeys was confirmed by melissopalynological analysis. Twenty-four minerals were quantified for each honey sample. The elements Al, Ba, Ca, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Li, Mg, Mn, Na, Ni, P, Pb, S, Se, Si and Zn were detected in all samples; seven elements were very abundant (Ca, K, Mg, Na, P, S and Si), six were not abundant (Al, Cu, Fe, Li and Zn) and 11 were trace elements (As, Ba, Cd, Co, Cr, Mo, Ni, Mo, Pb, Se, Sr and V).     

Heavy metal levels in two fish species Leuciscus cephalus and Lepomis gibbosus

The concentrations of heavy metals (Cd, Co, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, Zn) were measured in muscle, gill and liver of two fish species (Leuciscus cephalus and Lepomis gibbosus) caught from Saricay, South-West Anatolia. Levels of metals varied depending on different tissues in species. The mean concentrations (μg g⁻¹ wet weight) of heavy metals in tissues of Leucis cephalus were as follows: Cd: 0.010–0.084, Co: nd–0.131, Cu: 0.193–2.611, Fe: 4.240–172.000, Mn: 0.112–24.230, Pb: 0.068–0.874, Zn: 6.350–28.550, and in tissues of Lepomis gibbosus were as follows; Cd: 0.008–0.082, Co: nd–0.233, Cu: 0.065–4.360, Fe: 11.200–125.000, Mn: nd–12.434, Pb: 0.070–0.920, Zn: 6.540–16.064. Ni was not determined in all organs studied.     

Element concentrations in shell of Pinctada margaritifera from French Polynesia and evaluation for using as a food supplement

Element concentrations in shell of Pinctada margaritifera (black-lip pearl oyster) from Manihi, French Polynesia, were measured with Inductively Coupled Plasma – Atomic Emission Spectrometry (ICP-AES). The respective average concentrations were: calcium (Ca) 396.4 mg/g, sodium (Na) 5.536 mg/g, magnesium (Mg) 2.136 mg/g, strontium (Sr) 890.6 ppm, iron (Fe) 67.89 ppm, aluminum (Al) 45.74 ppm, phosphorus (P) 27.19 ppm, boron (B) 12.17 ppm, manganese (Mn) 2.308 ppm, copper (Cu) 1.050 ppm, zinc (Zn) 0.7180 ppm; and nickel (Ni), chromium (Cr), mercury (Hg), arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), and vanadium (V) were below detection limits with ICP-AES.     

Mineral and trace metal levels in some cheese collected from Turkey

Concentrations of elements (Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, Pb, Cr, Ni, Na, K, Ca and Mg) in cheese samples were analyzed using flame and graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry after microwave digestion. The order of levels of the elements in the samples was determined to be Na > Ca > K > Mg > Zn > Fe > Pb > Mn > Cr > Ni. The concentration ranges in the samples were found to be 4.1–12.5, 0.28–1.1, 8.8–13.2, 0.10–0.27, 0.14,–1.2, 0.02–0.62, 0.18–0.34, 3957–6558, 305–362, 3473–4556 and 28.9–127 μg/g for iron, manganese, zinc, copper, lead, chromium, nickel, sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium, respectively. High trace metal and mineral accumulation levels in the samples were found in Van otlu cheese for Fe, Ordu çerkez cheese for Na, Kayseri çömlek cheese for Mn, Pb, Çeçil cheese for Zn, Kars ka?ar cheese for Cu, Cr, Tokat cheese for Ni, Ca and Erzincan tulum cheese for K, Mg, respectively.     

Levels of essential and non-essential metals in leaves of the tea plant (Camellia sinensis L.) and soil of Wushwush farms,Ethiopia

Five tea clones of the Camellia assamica variety grown in Wushwush tea plantation farms, Ethiopia, were analyzed for their contents of essential, non-essential and toxic metals (K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn, Na, Cd and Pb) by atomic absorption flame emission spectroscopy. Both the tea leaves and the soils of the study farms showed similar accumulation patterns in their contents of the studied macronutrients. Among the macronutrient metals, K was the most abundant element in the tea leaves (17.7–24.8 mg/g) and the soils (7.14–9.73 mg/g). Mn was the predominant micronutrient heavy metal in the tea leaf tissues ranging between 501 and 1281 mg/kg. Level of Fe (29.6–100 mg/kg) in the leaf tissue was found to be the second most abundant micronutrient next to Mn whereas concentrations of Cu and Co were relatively lower both in the soil and tea samples. The toxic heavy metals Pb and Cd in the leaf tissues were present at levels too low to be detected by the analytical technique used in this study. The soils were found to be acidic (pH 5.04–5.49) with high organic matter (5.48–6.02%). Fe was the most abundant metal followed by Mn, Na and Zn in the soils. Unlike the tea leaves, the soils were found to contain traces of the toxic metal, Cd (0.02–1.10 mg/kg). The levels of most of the metals determined in this study compared well with those reported for tea leaves from some other parts of the world.     

Trace element content of Boletus tomentipes mushroom collected from Yunnan,China

The contents of As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Mg, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn in eleven fruiting bodies of Boletus tomentipes were determined. The results showed the values of the studied elements decreased in the order: Mg (208–279 mg kg⁻¹) > Fe (106–137 mg kg⁻¹) > Mn (29.5–46.8. mg kg⁻¹) > Zn (18.7–23.1 mg kg⁻¹), > Cu (11.4–15.8 mg kg⁻¹) > Cr (3.36–4.78 mg kg⁻¹) > Pb (1.38–3.88 mg kg⁻¹) > Ni (1.68–3.01 mg kg⁻¹) > Cd (0.16–0.32 mg kg⁻¹) > As (0.10–0.24 mg kg⁻¹) > Hg (<0.06 mg kg⁻¹).     

Elemental analysis of nutritional preparations by inductively coupled plasma mass and optical emission spectrometry

This paper reports the development and using of ICP-MS and ICP-OES methods for determination of major, minor and trace elements in multivitamin preparations and dietary supplements and, based on results, their classification using multivariate statistical methods.The method was optimised and evaluated with the use of “in-house” reference material, commercial reference materials and spiked samples. Macroelements (Na, K, Ca, Mg, P), microelements (Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn, Se, Cr), toxic elements (As, Cd, Pb, Ni, V) and a whole series of other elements (e.g. REEs, Ti, Au, Pt, Pd, etc.) were detected with excellent limits of detection as well as other procedure parameters suitable for the purpose of the elemental analysis.As for physiologically significant elements, contents were found as follows (mg kg⁻¹): Ca 560-196,000, Mg 308-70,300, Na 289-74,000, K from undetectable to 28,200, Cu 28-1460, P from undetectable to 217,000, Zn 2.1-25,000, Fe 115-39,400, Mn 28-1860, Cr 0.486-26.6, Mo 0.0418-9.88, and Se 0.395-161. It was found out, if compared with recommended daily intakes, that maximally 50% Ca, 37% Mg, 3% K, 20% P, 14% Na, 100% Cu, 160% Mn, 190% Fe, 120% Zn, 24% Cr, 29% Mo and 79% Se can be obtained from one dose. Extreme samples presenting a possible health risk (Ni content nearly 200 mg kg⁻¹) were indicated. Most of the remaining elements (e.g. REEs) were analysed in order to get reference values for nutritional preparation.     

Elemental Composition of Various Sour Cherry and Table Grape Cultivars Using Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectrometry Method (ICP-OES)

Three sour cherry and three table grape cultivars were analyzed using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry. The elements: Na, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Cu, Zn, Mn, Cr, Cd, Co, Pb, and Ni were detected in all samples; four elements are very abundant (K, Na, Ca, and Mg), and four are not abundant (Cu, Fe, Mn, and Zn). Five of them are trace elements (Cr, Cd, Co, Pb, and Ni) at <0.1 mg/kg. Among the 13 elements analyzed, potassium was the most abundant element distributed throughout all categories of fruits. Iron was the predominant minor element constituents. Manganese concentration was the highest in table grape cultivars. The accuracy of the results was evaluated by spike recovery tests. Analysis of variance was used to establish the metals with significant difference in mean content between the cultivars from sour cherries and between table grapes. Principal component analysis was used to evaluate the distribution of metals.     

微波消解-ICP-MS测定石阡苔茶中17种矿物质元素

建立微波消解-电感耦合等离子体质谱(ICP-MS)法测定石阡苔茶中Na、Mg、K、Ca、Cr、Mn、Fe、Co、Cu、Zn、As、Se 、Mo、Cd、Sb、Hg、Pb等17种矿物质元素。结果表明,17种元素在0～1 000 ng/mL范围内呈良好的线性关系(R≥0.999 0),检出限为0.001～23.720 ng/mL,加标回收率为91.63%～104.45%,相对标准偏差(RSD)为1.26%～5.34%,精密度试验结果RSD值为0.002%～8.450%,该方法快速简单、准确、灵敏度高,能满足石阡苔茶中17种矿物质元素的检测需求。石阡苔茶样品中K元素含量最高,其次是Ca元素,必需微量元素含量从大到小顺序为：Fe、Zn、Cu、Cr、Co、Se、Mo。Hg、Pb、Cd、As 4种重金属元素含量均符合国家标准和农业部行业标准。     

Simultaneous application of dissolution/precipitation and surface complexation/surface precipitation modeling to contaminant leaching

This paper discusses the modeling of anion and cation leaching from complex matrixes such as weathered steel slag. The novelty of the method is its simultaneous application of the theoretical models for solubility, competitive sorption, and surface precipitation phenomena to a complex system. Selective chemical extractions, pH dependent leaching experiments, and geochemical modeling were used to investigate the thermodynamic equilibrium of 12 ions (As, Ca, Cr, Ba, SO4, Mg, Cd, Cu, Mo, Pb, V, and Zn) with aqueous complexes, soluble solids, and sorptive surfaces in the presence of 12 background analytes (Al, Cl, Co, Fe, K, Mn, Na, Ni, Hg, NO3, CO3, and Ba). Modeling results show that surface complexation and surface precipitation reactions limit the aqueous concentrations of Cd, Zn, and Pb in an environment where Ca, Mg, Si, and CO3 dissolve from soluble solids and compete for sorption sites. The leaching of SO4, Cr, As, Si, Ca, and Mg appears to be controlled by corresponding soluble solids.     

Concentrations and bioconcentration factors of minerals in yellow-cracking bolete (xerocomus subtomentosus) mushroom collected in noteć forest, poland

Abstract: Yellow‐cracking Bolete (Xerocomus subtomentosus) mushrooms and soil were collected from Note? Forest–a large forested enclave in western part of Poland. Mercury was determined by cold vapour atomic absorption spectroscopy and the other elements by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy. K, P, and Mg were particularly abundant, with mean values of 46000, 8400, and 1100 mg/kg dry weight (dw) in caps followed by Na, Rb, Zn, and Ca with mean concentrations of 580, 350, 200, and 170 mg/kg dw, respectively. In descending order, the mean concentrations of Fe, Al, Cu, and Mn were 52, 49, 46, and 14 mg/kg dw, while the mean for the remaining elements was around 1.0 mg/kg dw or less. The elements such as Ca, Cu, Hg, K, Mg, Na, P, Rb, Zn, Ag, Cd, and Ni were accumulated (with bioconcentration factor (BCF) > 1), while Al, Ba, Fe, Mn, Sr, Co, Cr, and Pb were excluded (BCF < 1) in the fruiting bodies. The Pb and Cd content did not exceed the maximum levels set by the EU for cultivated mushrooms. Mercury in a conventional meal (300 g) portion of Yellow‐cracking Bolete was far below the provisionally tolerable weekly intake of 0.004 mg/kg body weight (bw) as reevaluated recently by WHO. Practical Application: The method presented in this study allows one to determine the content of 20 elements (Ag, Al, Ba, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, K, Mg, Mn, Na, Ni, P, Pb, Rb, Sr, and Zn) in caps and stipes of Yellow‐cracking Bolete (Xerocomus subtomentosus) mushrooms and soil samples collected from Poland. This study has revealed that the total Cd, Hg, and Pb dose provided to human body due to consumption of Yellow‐cracking Bolete does not pose threat to a consumer's health.     

Cadmium,lead and some other trace elements in Larch Bolete mushrooms (Suillus grevillei) (Klotzsch) Sing., collected from the same site over two years

The aim of this study was to examine the status of some trace metals accumulated in the flesh of Suillus grevillei mushrooms collected from the same site over two successive years. Total Ag, Al, Ba, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, Ni, P, Pb, Rb, Sr and Zn contents of fruiting bodies were determined by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES) with ultrasonic cross-flow nebuliser. A difference (p < 0.05) was found in the contents of Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Na, Ni, Pb, Rb and Sr in caps and Fe, Na, P and Rb (p < 0.05) in stipes (Ag, Cd, Co, Cr, Ni and Pb were not determined in stipes). Natural fluctuations in trace elements’ content of Suillus grevillei collected from the same site over time is a variable that needs to be considered when assessing minerals’ nutritional status of mushrooms.     

ICP-MS analysis of a series of metals (Namely: Mg,Cr, Co,Ni, Fe,Cu, Zn,Sn, Cd and Pb) in black and green olive samples from Bursa,Turkey

Ninety-two black and green table olive samples from the Bursa, Turkey were analyzed. The olives were sampled from 56 brands, four processing methods and three packing types. The concentration of Mg, Cr, Co, Ni, Fe, Cu, Zn, Sn, Cd and Pb were measured by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). While the most concentrated element was Mg (125.11 ± 5.02), Co (0.09 ± 0.01) had the lowest concentration in tested olive samples. The levels of the ten metals studied are within safe limits. The data here obtained will be valuable in complementing available food composition data, and estimating dietary intakes of heavy metals in Turkey. The metals Mg, Fe, Zn, Sn and Pb presented significant differences (p < 0.05) in content between two types, hence processing method, brand and packing material must influence their content.     

Determination of mineral contents of semimembranosus muscle and liver from pure and crossbred pigs in Vojvodina (northern Serbia)

The content of phosphorous (P), potassium (K), sodium (Na), magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca), zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), copper (Cu) and manganese (Mn) was investigated in the M. semimembranosus and liver of 69 pigs from 10 different genetic lines, produced in Vojvodina (northern Serbia). Phosphorous was determined by the standard spectrophotometric method. Metals were determined by the flame atomic absorption spectrometry after mineralisation by dry ashing. The difference in the mineral content among the different genetic lines of pigs, reared under the same conditions, was not significant (P > 0.05) in the analysed muscle and liver tissues. The order of the minerals in the meat samples and their content ranges in mg/100 g was K (214–328, on average 280) > P (200–263, on average 225) > Na (39.0–82.7, on average 59.8) > Mg (24.4–29.4, on average 26.6) > Ca (9.8–15.5, on average 11.8) > Zn (2.30–3.29, on average 2.70) > Fe (1.00–2.79, on average 1.42) > Cu (0.18–0.49, on average 0.32) > Mn (0.018–0.038, on average 0.025). Likewise, the order of the minerals in the liver samples and their content ranges in mg/100 g was P (336–448, on average 383) > K (156–306, on average 217) > Na (56.1–126.3, on average 82.2) > Mg (20.8–36.6, on average 25.7) > Ca (15.9–31.1, on average 20.4) > Fe (16.65–30.93, on average 21.78) > Zn (6.32–15.99, on average 9.82) > Cu (0.72–3.06, on average 1.61) > Mn (0.23–0.51, on average 0.35). A higher content of K and Mg was found in the muscle than in the liver tissue, with a highly significant difference for K (P < 0.001). The contents of P, Na, Ca, Zn, Fe, Cu and Mn were significantly higher (P < 0.001) in the liver tissue than those in the muscle tissue. The Vojvodian pork meat showed higher Cu and Mn contents, while the Vojvodian pork liver showed a higher Ca content compared with the values found in other countries.     

Effects of divalent cations on Halobacterium salinarum cell aggregation

Ca(2+) was found to be essential for initiating Halobacterium salinarum CCM 2090 cell aggregation. The floc formed from such aggregation could easily be dissociated without cellular lysis by sodium citrate. Cr(2+), Mn(2+), Fe(3+), Co(2+), Ni(2+), Cu(2+), and Zn(2+) could replace Ca(2+). However, Mg(2+), Sr(2+), Mo(2+), Cd(2+), Sn(2+), Hg(2+), and Pb(2+) induced no flocculation of cells of this halophilic archaeon. Mg(2+) acted antagonistically against Ca(2+)-induced aggregation. Such aggregation might be directly caused by the interaction of Ca(2+) and aggregation factors from 55 degrees C-treated cell extract.