Toxic and micronutrient elements in organic,brown and polished rice in Brazil

Concentration levels of As, Cd, Hg, Pb, Tl, Sn, Sb Co, Cu, Mn, Se, Zn, Cr, Ni and Mo in different types of rice cultivated in irrigated fields in Brazil were evaluated. Arsenic, Cd, Pb, Zn, Mn and Cu were found in higher concentrations in brown rice samples, suggesting the prevalence of these elements in the bran. Meanwhile, lower concentrations of Pb, Mo, Cr, Se and Co were found in parboiled rice. Organic rice did not differ of cultivated conventionally rice. Thallium, Hg and Sb were not detected in any rice sample whose limits of detection were 0.7 μg kg^?1, 2.5 μg kg^?1 and 8 μg kg^?1, respectively. The concentrations of the investigated elements were compared with those reported for polished rice and brown rice from other countries, unveiling concentrations in general at the same level for rice produced at non-contaminated sites.     

Heavy metals in vegetables sold in the local market in Jordan

Heavy metals (As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn) in various vegetables (cabbage, green onion, lettuce, parsley, rocket, spinach, carrot, onion, potato and cauliflower) from the market in Jordan were measured using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn ranged from 0.009–0.275 mg kg^?1 wet weight, 0.004–0.060 mg kg^?1, 0.003–0.401 mg kg^?1, 0.105–3.51 mg kg^?1, 0.15–1.15 mg kg^?1, 0.93–14.39 mg kg^?1, 0.044–0.702 mg kg^?1, 0.072–0.289 mg kg^?1 and 2.23–6.65 mg kg^?1, respectively. Parsley, followed by spinach, contained the highest concentration of heavy metals. Onion contained high levels of toxic heavy metals. The content of Cu in parsley and spinach and Pb in onion exceeded the Codex limits. However, the daily intake of heavy metals from the tested vegetables was lower than the maximum limits for allowable intake.     

Assessment of Heavy Metals in Mukunuwenna (Alternanthera Sessilis) Collected from Production and Market Sites in and Around Colombo District,Sri Lanka

The present study was conducted to evaluate the levels of trace metals (Ni, Cd, Cr, Pb and Cu) in Mukunuwenna (Alternanthera sessilis) samples randomly collected from the production and market sites located in and around Colombo District, Sri Lanka, using the Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry. Significant differences in heavy metal concentrations were observed between both the production sites and market sites (P<0.05). Heavy metal accumulations in Mukunuwenna tested were higher at the market sites than at the crop production sites. The average concentrations (mg kg^-1) of heavy metals in Mukunuwenna samples collected from the production sites were estimated as Ni (6.48±6.74), Cd (0.20±0.11), Cr (3.36±2.76), Pb (2.96±2.16) and Cu (11.85±7.51). The mean concentrations (mg kg^-1) of Ni, Cd, Cr, Pb and Cu in Mukunuwenna samples collected from different marketing sites were reported as 7.90±5.98, 0.25±0.18, 4.09±3.36, 3.63±3.65, 13.05±5.15 respectively. The highest contaminated field and market samples were reported from the Kolonnawa area. The samples collected from the market sites were subjected to three processing treatments (raw, cooked and stir-fried) and analyzed for heavy metals, in order to find out the effect of food processing techniques on reducing the heavy metal contaminations of Mukunuwenna samples. The average levels (mg kg^-1) of metals detected in raw, cooked and stir-fried Mukunuwenna samples were as follows: Ni (2.20±1.04, 1.77±0.84, 1.46±1.03), Cd (0.19±0.11, 0.12±0.07, 0.10±0.06), Cr (2.37±1.58, 2.27±1.57, 2.20±1.54), Pb (0.26±0.39, 0.22±0.34, 0.21±0.34) and Cu (9.59±4.48, 8.29±3.35, 7.45±3.72). The results showed no significant differences in heavy metal contents among three processing methods (P<0.05). Therefore, the type of processing method has a minimal effect on reducing the heavy metal contents of Mukunuwenna samples.     

Concentrations of selected metals in candies and chocolates consumed in southern Nigeria

Results are presented for the determination of levels of Ca, Cd, Ni, Cr, Cu, Pb, Mn, Zn Fe, Co and Mg in candies and chocolates consumed in southern Nigeria. Mean concentrations of metals in both confectionaries ranged 7.7–1405.2?µg/g¹ for Ca, <0.001–0.2?µg/g for Cd, 1.4–7.9?µg/g for Ni, 0.4–3.0?µg/g for Cr, <0.08–2.3?µg/g for Pb, 0.4–12.6?µg/g for Mn, 0.6–8.0?µg/g for Zn, 1.7–12.3?µg/g for Fe, <0.05–1.49?µg/g for Co, and 8.4–576.1µg/g for Mg. The data showed that that these metals are not present at harmful levels. Concentrations of nickel and chromium were slightly elevated but were comparable to levels reported in similar food items elsewhere in the world.     

A survey of selected essential and heavy metals in milk from different regions of Egypt using ICP-AES

The aim of this paper was to assess the content of selected essential metals (Fe, Zn, Cu and Cr) and some heavy metals (Pb and Cd) in raw cow's milk collected from different Egyptian areas during different periods of one year (January–February, May–June and September–October 2009). Twenty-one samples of raw milk were analysed using inductively coupled plasma–atomic emission spectrometry for quantitative determination. The highest metal accumulation levels for Cd, Cr, Fe and Cu are found in milk samples collected from Shubra, while samples from Menofia and Tanash are high in Pb and Zn, respectively. On the other hand, the highest metal accumulation levels were during January–February for Cd, Cr and Zn. In the period of May–June, the content of Pb, Cu and Fe were the highest, while the samples during the September–October period are characterised by the lowest metal content.     

Heavy metal content in different types of smoked meat in Serbia

Concentrations of Fe, Cu, Ni, Cr, Pb, Mn, Zn and Cd in pork, beef, turkey and chicken samples were determined using inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). The mean concentration ranges in milligrams per 100?g of the studied metals in all samples were 0.6924–1.2154 for Fe, 0.6492–0.9831 for Cu, 0.0012–0.0027 for Pb, 0.041–0.0510 for Ni, 0.1186–0.1481 for Mn, 0.7257–5.2726 for Zn and 0.0042–0.0050 for Cd. The levels of analysed elements were in accordance with European standards for all metals except for manganese in all samples and for nickel in a certain number of samples. Zn level in beef was significantly higher compared to other samples, and Pb and Cd were found in concentrations well below the recommended daily intake.     

Distribution pattern of eight heavy metals in the outer and inner tissues of ten commonly used vegetables

This study reports the distribution of eight heavy metals (Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Hg, Mn, Ni, and Pb) in the outer and inner tissues of ten different vegetables from the Qassim region of Saudi Arabia. The oven-dried (65°C, 48 h) vegetable samples were subjected to microwave acid digestion before heavy metals analysis using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry. The results showed that Co, Cd, and Pb were absent in the outer tissues of all the vegetables, whereas these elements were detected in the inner tissues of some vegetables in the ranges of 0.01–0.23 mg/kg wet weight, 0.03–0.42 mg/kg, and 0.02–3.44 mg/kg, respectively. The traces of Hg (1.83–3.59 μg/kg) were noticed in the outer tissues of all the samples; however, it was not detected in the inner tissues of vegetables. The variable distribution of heavy metals in different vegetables is influenced by several factors, including exposure route, physicochemical properties of heavy metals, species of crops, cultivation strategy, soil type, and growing conditions. In conclusion, although the representative samples of vegetables used in this study contained safe levels of Cd, Co, Ni, and Pb, higher than recommended upper limits of Cr, Cu, and Mn were observed in some vegetables. These findings suggested that regular monitoring of heavy metals in vegetables is important to safeguard consumers.     

Trace metal concentrations in distilled alcoholic beverages and liquors in Nigeria

The concentrations of 12 metals (Cd, Pb, Ni, Cr, Cu, Co, Fe, Mn, Zn, Ca, Mg and K) in 13 classes of alcoholic beverages were determined by atomic spectrometry after HNO₃/H₂O₂ digestion. The mean concentrations of metals (µg mL^?1) in these alcoholic beverages varied in the ranges 0.01–0.04, 0.02–0.24, 0.04–0.13, 0.01–0.28, 0.01–0.77, <0.001–0.12, 0.28–1.48, 0.004–0.33, 0.10–1.02, 1.43–162.86, 0.26–25.46 and 0.49–322.58 for Cd, Pb, Ni, Cr, Cu, Co, Fe, Mn, Zn, Ca, Mg and K respectively. The concentrations of metals found in these particular alcoholic beverages were below the International Statutory Limits for metals in alcoholic beverages. The estimated daily intake of the metals based on a per capita consumption of 3.6 L per annum pure alcohol was <3% of the tolerable daily intake of each metal. The individual and combined target hazard quotients of the metals were <1, indicating no long‐term health concerns from the consumption of these alcoholic beverages based on their metal content alone. Copyright © 2014 The Institute of Brewing & Distilling     

Metal levels in Trachurus trachurus and Cyprinus carpio in Turkey

Concentrations of five toxic metals were determined in two fish species from Turkish cities during 2010–2011. The obtained lead concentrations for all of the studied Trachurus trachurus (mean 777 μg kg^?1) and Cyprinus carpio (mean 439 μg kg^?1) samples were found to be higher than the maximum level (ML) of 300 μg kg^?1, while Cd concentrations in the same samples were lower than the ML. Mean chromium (501 μg kg^?1), Ni (272 μg kg^?1) and Cu (785 μg kg^?1) concentrations in T. trachurus were significantly higher than in C. carpio (336 μg Cr kg^?1, 229 μg Ni kg^?1 and 394 μg Cu kg^?1), similar to those of Pb and Cd. Measured Pb concentrations in T. trachurus tissues are significantly higher than the ML, while those of Cd in both T. trachurus and C. carpio species were lower than the ML values.     

The effects of sex and seasonality on the metal levels of different muscle tissues of mature Atlantic blue crabs (Callinectes sapidus) in Mersin Bay,north‐eastern mediterranean

The objective of this study was to determine the seasonal and sexual effects on metal levels of lump crabmeat (LCM) and chela crabmeat (CCM) of mature Atlantic blue crabs, Callinectes sapidus, caught in the Mersin Bay, the north‐eastern Mediterranean. The findings indicated that the annual ranges of metal levels in the LCM of Atlantic blue crab were as follows: 0.44–0.61 μg Cd g^?1, 0.30–0.60 μg Cr g^?1, 0.24–0.52 μg Pb g^?1, 9.72–43.70 μg Cu g^?1, 39.52–97.26 μg Zn g^?1, 11.97–32.48 μg Fe g^?1. The annual range of metal levels in the CCM of Atlantic blue crab were as follows: 0.52–1.07 μg Cd g^?1, 0.24–0.61 μg Cr g^?1, 0.28–0.56 μg Pb g^?1, 22.17–68.09 μg Cu g^?1, 93.92–175.21 μg Zn g^?1, 8.81–19.47 μg Fe g^?1. Cd, Cu, Zn levels in CCM of Atlantic blue crabs were higher than in LCM, whereas Fe levels were found lower (P < 0.05). Fe metal specifically accumulated in LCM, and Cd, Cu and Zn metals accumulated in CCM. Metals such as Cu, Zn and Fe showed seasonal variations. It was found out that Cu, Zn and Fe levels of muscle tissues of the Atlantic blue crab in spring and summer seasons were higher than in autumn and winter seasons.     

Toxic and essential elements in five tree nuts from Hangzhou market,China

In this study, a total of 35 tree nut samples of walnut, pecan, pine seed, hickory nut and torreya were obtained from 5 farm product markets in Hangzhou, China, and investigated for essential (Cr, Mn, Fe, Mo, Cu, Zn, Se and Sr) and toxic (Al, As, Cd and Pb) elements by inductively coupled plasma–mass spectroscopy. Mean elemental concentrations of different tree nuts were in the following ranges: Cr 0.26–0.78 mg kg^–1, Mn 42.1–174 mg kg^–1, Fe 33.7–43.9 mg kg^–1, Mo 0.11–0.48 mg kg^–1, Cu 10.3–17.6 mg kg^–1, Zn 21.6–56.1 mg kg^–1, Se 0.015–0.051 mg kg^–1, Al 1.44–37.6 mg kg^–1, As 0.0062–0.047 mg kg^–1, Cd 0.016–0.18 mg kg^–1 and Pb 0.0069–0.029 mg kg^–1. The estimated provisional tolerable daily intake of Al, As, Cd and Pb was much lower than the provisional tolerable daily intake.     

冀东典型蔬菜种植区设施土壤重金属特征

目的探究冀东典型蔬菜种植区(唐山市和承德市)设施土壤重金属特征。方法对设施大棚进行调查并采集表层土壤样品,检测其重金属,即镉(Cd)、汞(Hg)、砷(As)、铅(Pb)、铬(Cr)、铜(Cu)、锌(Zn)含量,并依据HJ/T 333—2006《温室蔬菜产地环境质量评价标准》进行了土壤质量评价。结果除As外,其他重金属均超过河北省土壤背景值(国家环境保护局),最高为Hg,为背景值的3.46倍。Cd与棚龄呈显著负相关关系(P<0.05)。从地理分布来看,Hg呈现西高东低的分布特征,而As、Pb则呈现南高北低的分布特征。从重金属单项质量指数来看,Cd、Hg、As、Cr、Zn均未超标;Cu、Pb超标率分别为7.37%和22.11%,属轻度污染。从重金属综合质量指数看,3.16%的土壤为超标土壤,属轻度污染,超标率较高的区县为隆化县、乐亭县、滦平县、宽城县和滦南县,重金属综合质量指数与土壤pH呈极显著负相关关系(P<0.01)。结论冀东典型蔬菜种植区设施土壤存在Cu、Pb的轻度污染现象,后续需要对蔬菜中的Cu、Pb进行调查以评估蔬菜产品的安全性。     

<Emphasis Type="SmallCaps">l</Emphasis>-Cysteine Functionalized Silica Gel as an Efficient Adsorbent for the Determination of Heavy Metals in Foods by ICP-MS

A novel l-cysteine functionalized silica gel adsorbent (SG-Cys) was successfully synthesized and characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra and elemental analysis. An efficient method for simultaneous determination of heavy metals [V (V), Cr (VI), Cu (II), As (V), Cd (II), and Pb (II)] was developed by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) coupled with pre-concentration with the prepared SG-Cys adsorbent. The experimental parameters, including the solution pH, sample flow rate, eluent volume, eluent type, and concentration, have been systematically optimized to obtain higher enrichment factors of target ions. Under the optimum conditions, the enrichment factors of V (V), Cr (VI), Cu (II), As (V), Cd (II), and Pb (II) reached 123, 100, 86, 106, 97, and 94, respectively, and the detection limits were as low as 1.8–3.7 ng L^?1. The proposed method has been applied to the determination of trace heavy metals in water, rice, wheat, corn, and tea samples, which exhibited a satisfactory recovery in the range of 90.6–106.0 %.     

Accumulation and distribution of cadmium and lead in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) grown in contaminated soils from the oasis, north-west China

BACKGROUND: Crops grown in soils contaminated by heavy metals are an important avenue for toxic metals entering the human food chain. The objectives of our study were to investigate the accumulation and distribution of cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) in wheat plants cultivated in arid soils spiked with different doses of heavy metal, as well as bioavailability of these metals in the contaminated arid soils from the oasis, north‐west China. RESULTS: The concentrations of Cd in the roots of wheat plants were about 5, 14 and 8 times higher than those in the shoots, shells and grains, respectively. The concentrations of Pb in the roots were about 23, 76 and 683 times higher than those in the shoots, shells and grains, respectively. Grains contained 11–14% and 0.1–0.2% of Cd and Pb found in roots of wheat plants. The bioconcentration factor (BCF) is the ratio of metal concentration in plant tissues and metal concentration in their rooted soils. The average BCF of Cd and Pb in grains was 0.6270 and 0.0007. Cd and Pb contents in different parts of wheat plants mainly correlated with the bound‐to‐carbonate metal fractions in contaminated arid soils. CONCLUSION: The preliminary study indicated that Cd and Pb were predominantly accumulated and distributed in wheat roots and shoots, and only a small proportion of these metals can reach the grains. The carbonate fractions mainly contributed to Cd and Pb bioavailability in contaminated arid soils. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry     

蔬菜水果重金属膳食暴露评估中风险权重的确定方法

以天津塘沽地区居民日常食用的蔬菜和水果为研究对象,使用微波消解对样品进行消化,用电感耦合等离 子体质谱对样品中Cr、As、Cd、Hg、Pb 5 种重金属含量进行检测,结果表明蔬菜和水果部分样品存在重金属含量 超标情况,其中蔬菜Pb和水果Pb超标率均高于10%。为精确评估各种重金属对于膳食风险的贡献率,引入层次分析 法确定各元素的风险权重。应用暴露评估法和目标风险系数（target hazard quotient,THQ）将风险量化,结合THQ 值和各元素超标情况使用层次分析法计算各重金属元素风险权重。结果表明,平均暴露水平下5 种元素的风险权重 为Cr 0.141 1、As 0.157 0、Cd 0.341 1、Hg 0.040 4、Pb 0.320 4,风险等级Cd、Pb＞As、Cr＞Hg,确定了不同重金 属基于摄入量和超标情况的膳食风险贡献率,为食品中多元危害物风险评价提供了一种方法。     

Statistical study of the influence of fungicide treatments (mancozeb,zoxamide and copper oxychloride) on heavy metal concentrations in Sicilian red wine

The aim was to assess the influence of mancozeb, zoxamide and copper oxychloride fungicide treatments on Mn, Zn, Cu, Cd and Pb concentrations in Sicilian red wines, grapes, marcs and grape stalks. The experimentation was carried out over two crop years: 2003 and 2004. Trace metals analysis was performed by derivative stripping chronopotentiometry, which allowed detection of concentrations lower than 1 ng g^?1. The data obtained gave evidence that the levels of Mn and Zn in wines from plots treated with zoxamide–mancozeb were about threefold higher than those observed in the control. Wines treated with Cu oxychloride had a significant increase in Cu(II) concentrations with respect to the control; in particular, samples from 2004 showed a 50% increase in Cu levels. Furthermore, as shown in a previous paper, the fungicides treatments studied led to a moderate increase in Pb(II) and Cd(II) levels in treated samples with respect to the control. Wines from 2004 had higher Cu and Pb amounts than wines from 2003; but the concentrations of all the other metals were similar. Statistical analysis of the data by linear discriminant analysis (LDA) and the Kruskal–Wallis test confirmed that both zoxamide–mancozeb treatments and copper oxychloride treatments exerted a significant influence on Mn(II), Zn(II) Cu(II), Pb(II) and Cd(II) concentrations in wines, grapes, marcs and grape stalks samples from both the studied vintages.     

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.     

Study of the content of cadmium,chromium and lead in bivalve molluscs of the Pacific Ocean (Maule Region,Chile)

The concentration of Cd, Cr and Pb in the following species Ameghinomya antiqua, Aulacomya atra and Mytilus chilensis, bivalves from Iloca, Constitución and Pelluhue, coastal towns located in the Maule Region, Chile was determined. Representative tissue samples of each species were analysed by using atomic absorption spectroscopy with flame. Validation of methodology was carried out using a certified reference material (TORT-1). The ranges of concentrations found for Cd, Cr and Pb in the 3 species were, respectively, 0.21–4.32, 0.38–12.62 and 0.43–31.10 mg kg⁻¹ dry weight. In relation to the results obtained and the average of each individual metal in the different species of bivalves, Pb concentrations were found in higher levels rather than those of other metals reported by other authors in a similar work, this element constitutes a potential health hazard for the consumers of shellfish. The results were statistically evaluated for possible correlations in the content of metals in different species and in different sites of origin.     

The physicochemical characterization,equilibrium, and kinetics of heavy metal ions adsorption from aqueous solution by arrowhead plant (Sagittaria trifolia L.) stalk

The arrowhead plant stalk (APS) has been investigated as a novel biosorbent for removal of Cd(II), Pb(II), and Cr(III) ions from aqueous solution. The surface physicochemical properties favorable for metals adsorption were systematically characterized. The Langmuir isotherm fitted well with Cd(II) and Pb(II) adsorption process onto APS while Dubinin–Radushkevich model best described Cr(III) sorption. The maximal adsorption capacities of APS for Cd(II), Pb(II), and Cr(III) were up to 38.2, 97.1, and 23.5 mg·g^?1, respectively. The adsorption kinetic data of individual metal fitted the pseudo‐second order model best. The adsorption of Cd(II) was exothermic, whereas the Pb(II) and Cr(III) underwent endothermic reaction. Overall, this investigation indicated, for the first time, APS is a potentially efficient biosorbent applied in Cd(II), Pb(II), and Cr(III) adsorption. It is also helpful for further utilizing the abundant quantity of APS which were abandoned in dietary arrowhead processing.

Practical applications

The growing food industry around world generates large quantity of by‐products. The high value‐added utilization of food processing by‐products is one of the most important area in food industry. An attempt was made in present study to use the food by‐product, arrowhead plant stalk (APS), as a novel biosorbent for removing Cd(II), Pb(II), and Cr(III) ions. In present study, it was evidenced that the adsorption capacities of APS for Cd(II), Pb(II), and Cr(III) were obviously higher than those of most reported agricultural by‐products. This finding is significant for sustainable utilization of food crop arrowhead plant and elimination of environmental issues arising from the abandoned arrowhead plant stalk.     

西藏4地市糌粑中重金属含量分析与污染评价

通过调查西藏4地市（山南市、日喀则市、林芝市、拉萨市）不同磨制方式生产的糌粑中重金属砷（As）、镉（Cd）、铬（Cr）、铅（Pb）、汞（Hg）含量,并开展污染情况全面分析评价,以提高西藏各地市糌粑的质量安全水平,为加强质量安全监管提供可靠的数据支持。从西藏4地市分别采集不同模式生产的糌粑样品101个,使用电感耦合等离子体质谱法对糌粑样品中5种重金属进行检测分析与质量安全评价。101个糌粑样品中,按照糌粑质量分级标准综合污染指数进行评价,不同磨制方式生产糌粑中应用单因子污染指数、综合污染指数评价结果显示,电磨和水磨糌粑中的重金属As 、Cd 、Cr、Pb、Hg污染等级均属于安全。不同地市生产糌粑中单因子污染指数及综合污染指数评价结果显示,山南市糌粑中的重金属Pb污染等级属基本清洁,As 、Cd 、Cr、Hg污染等级均属安全;日喀则市糌粑中的重金属As污染等级属基本清洁,Cd 、Cr、Pb、Hg污染等级均属安全;林芝市糌粑中的重金属Pb污染等级属基本清洁,As 、Cd 、Cr、Hg污染等级均属安全;拉萨市糌粑中的重金属Pb、As 、Cd 、Cr、Hg污染等级均属安全;根据Nemerow综合污染等级评价4地市中的其他重金属综合污染指数等级均是安全。因此,西藏4地市糌粑中的重金属As 、Cd、Cr、Pb、Hg综合污染指数等级均是安全。