Elemental composition of ancient Japanese bones

Excavated bones (rib) obtained from 50 sites in Japan were measured by ICP atomic emission spectrometry and atomic absorption spectrometry for concentration of 19 elements, including Al, B, Ca, Cd, Cr, Co, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, Ni, P, Pb, Sr, Ti, V and Zn. One hundred and forty-one specimens were classified into five groups according to Japanese prehistoric and historic eras (Jomon, Yayoi, Kofun, Kamakura and Muromachi, and Edo). The elements, with concentrations which showed no significant change with era were Al, B and Cr. Average concentrations of Ca were in the range 2-2.5 X 10(-1) g g-1 and those of P ranged from 1.1 to 1.3 X 10(-1) g g-1, indicating a well-preserved bone mineral matrix. The Ca/P ratio (mol/mol) was lowest in the Edo group--1.48 as compared with 1.54-1.66 in the other groups. Among the elements which showed changes with era were Pb, Fe, Co and Mn, all of which showed remarkably elevated concentrations in the Edo group. In addition to this unique elemental composition of Edo bones, samples from the Kofun era showed a completely different composition from those of other periods, i.e. they had the highest concentrations of Cd, Zn and Mg, and the lowest concentrations of Cu, K, Ni and Sr. The cause of the elevated Pb concentration in Edo bones is discussed in relation to human activities which may have led to environmental Pb pollution.     

The efficiency of oxidation ponds at the Kraft pulp and paper mill at Webuye in Kenya

Two streams of wastewater from the Kraft Pulp and Paper Mills at Webuye are released from the pulping, bleaching and paper pressing departments. One stream is made up of clear wastewater and the second is made up of turbid wastewater. The wastewaters from the mills are treated using oxidation ponds, after which the treated wastewater is discharged into the River Nzoia. The wastewater was analysed for Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb. Zn, Ca, K, Mg and Na. The results are that the concentrations of Ca and Na significantly increased in the treated wastewater. The concentrations of Cd, Pb, Zn, K and Mg also increased in the treated wastewater, though not significantly. The concentrations of Cr, Cu and Ni decreased in the treated wastewater but not significantly. Mass loadings of the metals discharged into River Nzoia were calculated. It was found that the mean mass loading of two metals (Ca and Na) significantly increased in the treated wastewater. Five metals (Cd, Pb, Zn, K and Mg) increased in the treated wastewater although not significantly. Three metals (Cr, Cu and Ni) decreased in the treated wastewater but the decrease was not significant. The concentrations of Cd, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn were all above the limits set by EC for drinking water. These findings pose serious questions of the effectiveness of oxidation ponds system to safeguard the receptor against pollutants from the pulp and paper industry at Webuye.     

Concentrations of heavy metals and plant nutrients in water, sediments and aquatic macrophytes of anthropogenic lakes (former open cut brown coal mines) differing in stage of acidification.

Concentration of heavy metals (Al, Ba, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sr, V and Zn) as well as macronutrients (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S) were measured in water, bottom sediments and plants from anthropogenic lakes in West Poland. The collected plants were: Phragmites australis, Potamogeton natans, Iris pseudoacorus, Juncus effusus, Drepanocladus aduncus, Juncus bulbosus, Phalaris arundinacea, Carex remota and Calamagrostis epigeios. Two reference lakes were sampled for Nymphaea alba, Phragmites australis, Schoenoplectus lacustris, Typha angustifolia and Polygonum hydropiper. These plants contained elevated levels of Cd, Co, Cr, Cu and Mn, and part of the plants contained in addition elevated levels of Mn, Fe, Pb, Ni and Zn. Analyses of water indicated pollution with sulfates, Cd, Co, Ni. Zn, Pb and Cu, and bottom sediments indicated that some of the examined lakes were polluted with Cd, Co and Cr. Strong positive correlations were found between concentrations of Co in water and in plants and between Zn in sediments and plants, indicating the potential of plants for pollution monitoring for this metal. Heavy metal accumulation seemed to be directly associated with the exclusion of Ca and Mg.     

Elevated lead concentrations in Japanese ribs of the Edo era (300-120 BP)

Nineteen elements (Al, B, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, Ni, P, Pb, Sr, Ti, V and Zn) were analyzed in excavated bone (rib) of the Edo era (a Japanese historical era, 300-120 BP (before present] from different burial conditions in Tokyo, and in contemporary Japanese bone (rib) obtained from autopsy cases. The elemental composition of the excavated bones varied according to their burial conditions. The concentration of soil-related elements such as Fe, Mn, Co and Ti in the bone was lowest in the samples in the "wooden coffin in a stone room", next lowest in the "funeral urn with mud", and highest in the "wooden coffin full of mud". The Pb concentration was higher in excavated bones than in contemporary bones and much higher, by as much as several tens micrograms/g, in the bones in the "wooden coffin in a stone room" and in the "funeral urn with mud". These results strongly support the notion that Japanese in the city of Edo were highly polluted by environmental lead.     

Levels of essential and toxic elements in Porphyra columbina and Ulva sp. from San Jorge Gulf, Patagonia Argentina

Baseline concentration levels of As, B, Ca, Cd, Cr, Cu, Co, Fe, Mg, Mn, Mo, Ni, P, Pb, Se, V, and Zn were determined for Porphyra columbina and Ulva sp. collected from three locations along San Jorge Gulf, in Patagonia Argentina. Elements were quantified by inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry, with the exception of lead and cadmium in some samples which were determined by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry. Three stations with different exposure degree to human activities, Bahía Solano, the mouth of Arroyo La Mata stream and Punta Maqueda, were selected as sampling points. The results showed a wide range of metal retention capacity between the two studied species. Regarding the levels of pollutants found in the researched sites, Punta Maqueda seemed to be less influenced by anthropogenic activities than the other two sites except for Cd. Taking into account their toxicities seasonal variations in Pb and Cd levels were studied in both algae in Punta Maqueda. Maximum concentrations of Cd (9.8 microg g(-1) dry wt.) were observed in P. columbina during winter, and maximum levels of Pb (0.82 microg g(-1) dry wt.) were detected in Ulva sp. during summer. Legislative and health safety aspects were evaluated for Cd and Pb.     

Sex- and age-related variation in elemental concentrations of contemporary Japanese ribs

Twenty elements (Al, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, Ni, P, Pb, Sr, Ti, V, Zn, C and N) in 42 Japanese ribs (forensic medical autopsy cases) were determined using inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES), atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) and carbon and nitrogen analysis to examine sex- and age-related variation in the concentrations of these elements. Bone Fe and Pb concentrations were significantly higher, while P concentrations were lower in males. Elements which showed age-related variation were Ca, P, Al, Fe, Mg, Na, Pb and Zn. Of these, Al, Fe, Pb and Zn linearly accumulate in bone with advancing age. The elements Na and Mg showed the lowest and highest concentrations in the youngest age group (0-19 years), respectively, and reached plateau levels in older age groups. The Ca and P concentrations were highest in the 20-39-year age group, gradually decreasing throughout older age groups, indicating that osteoporotic bone loss occurs in the older subjects. In addition, the results of correlation analysis indicated that the organic matter content of the bone, represented by C or N concentration, was a factor which contributed to the elemental variation of the bone.     

Daily intake of heavy metals by infants through milk and milk products

Concentrations of the essential elements Zn and Cu and potentially toxic elements Pb and Cd in different milk samples and baby food materials were measured, primarily to assess whether the intakes comply with recommended desired levels for essential and permissible levels for toxic elements. The geometric mean concentrations of Pb, Cd, Cu and Zn in different types of milk were found to vary from 1.70 to 3.35, 0.07 to 0.10, 43.2 to 195 and 1772 to 4230 micrograms/l, while the same in different baby foods had values from 39.5 to 77.7, 0.45 to 17.7, 1106.3 to 3157.3 and 9367 to 34,592 micrograms/kg, respectively. The concentration of Cd was found to be very low (0.1 microgram/l) and fairly constant in all types of milk. The lead content in cow milk was observed to be lowest even in comparison with breast milk. Concentrations of all these metals are approximately one order of magnitude higher in baby food products than those observed in different types of milk owing to higher fat content. The infant baby food Amul Spray contains low concentrations of toxic (Pb and Cd) and high concentrations of essential (Cu and Zn) elements. The daily intakes of Pb, Cd, Cu and Zn by infants through milk and baby foods marketed in Mumbai city have also been estimated. The daily intakes of Pb (1.1 micrograms/kg) and Cd (0.01 microgram/kg) for infants through baby foods are well below the recommended tolerable levels of 3.57 micrograms/kg and 0.8-1.0 microgram/kg, respectively. Similarly the daily intake levels of essential elements are also significantly lower than the recommended desirable levels of 3-5 mg and 0.5-1.0 mg for Zn and Cu, respectively. Milk from an Indian mother also does not provide adequate levels of essential elements to the infants and children.     

Mineralogy and geochemistry of donax shells along the mediterranean coast of Egypt

Donax is an edible and very popular seafood along the Mediterranean coast of Egypt. A lot of pockets composed of empty Donax shells are on the shoreline among many areas along the coast. Some major (Ba, Ca), minor (Mg and Sr) and trace (Al, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Sb and Zn) elements were determined in the Donax shells as a carbonate source. In addition, Cd, Pb, Cu and Zn were measured in both the soft tissue and the sediment as well.     

A comparison of native and transplanted Fontinalis antipyretica Hedw. as biomonitors of water polluted with heavy metals

Native and transplanted mosses of the species Fontinalis antipyretica were studied to assess their capacity as biomonitors of heavy metals. Assays were carried out with transplanted mosses (sampled from an unpolluted control stream) exposed for 60 days to five streams polluted with heavy metals. At the same time, native mosses were collected from the exposure sites. Concentrations of N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S, Fe, Al, Ba, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, V, and Zn were determined in the mosses (native and transplants), stream waters, and sediments of both exposure and control sites. The results showed that the transplanted mosses accumulated significantly more Al, Cr, Cu, Pb, V, and Zn than the native mosses. The concentrations of Co and Mn in all streams were significantly higher in the native mosses.     

Determination of mineral and trace elements in some medicinal herbs and their infusions consumed in Turkey

Fourteen mineral and trace elements (Al, Ba, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sr and Zn) were determined in the herbs and their infusions consumed for medical purposes in Turkey such as chamomile (Matricaria chammomile L.), fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), linden (Tilia vulgaris), nettle (Urtica dioical), rosehip (Fr.Rosa caninae), sage (Salvia officinalis) and senna tea (Cassia anqustifolia). Microwave digestion procedure was applied under optimized conditions for dissolution of medicinal herbs. Element concentrations in the medicinal herbs and their infusions were determined by FAAS and ICP-AES. The accuracy and precision were verified against a GBW 07605 Poplar leaves and Tea certified reference material. The mineral and trace element content of medicinal herbs and their infusions showed a wide variability. However, distribution of the elements in the infusions is not high and it is nil especially for Cd, Co, Cr and Pb.     

Element levels in birch and spruce wood ashes: green energy?

Production of wood ash has increased strongly in the last ten years due to the increasing popularity of renewable and CO(2)-neutral heat and energy production via wood burning. Wood ashes are rich in many essential plant nutrients. In addition they are alkaline. The idea of using the waste ash as fertiliser in forests is appealing. However, wood is also known for its ability to strongly enrich certain heavy metals from the underlying soils, e.g. Cd, without any anthropogenic input. Concentrations of 26 chemical elements (Ag, As, Au, B, Ba, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, K, La, Mg, Mn, Mo, Na, Ni, P, Pb, S, Sb, Sr, Ti, and Zn) in 40 samples each of birch and spruce wood ashes collected along a 120 km long transect in southern Norway are reported. The observed maximum concentrations are 1.3 wt.% Pb, 4.4 wt.% Zn and 203 mg/kg Cd in birch wood ashes. Wood ashes can thus contain very high heavy metal concentrations. Spreading wood ashes in a forest is a major anthropogenic interference with the natural biogeochemical cycles. As with the use of sewage sludge in agriculture the use of wood ashes in forests clearly needs regulation.     

Trace metals and water chemistry of forest lakes in northern Sweden

To study the influence of airborne pollutants on water quality, water samples were taken from 59 forest lakes in northern Sweden along a section of about 1000 km in length. Determinations were made of pH, water colour, conductivity, major ions, nitrogen and phosphorus, as well as the metals Fe, Mn, Al, Zn, Cu, Pb, Cd, Ni, Cr, Co, As and V.The lake waters were generally soft, with low levels of electrolytes. The pH values increased and the sulphate concentrations decreased from south to north. The lakes in the southern parts of the area showed evidence of increased deposition of acidifying substances, shown by higher Ca + Mg/alkalinity ratio.A geographical distribution pattern was observed from Zn and to some extent also for Pb and Cd, with the highest concentrations in the south. However, pH and water colour were of major importance for the distribution of trace metals. Mn, Al and Zn were negatively correlated to pH and Fe, Mn, Al, Pb and As were positively correlated to water colour. A multiple regression analysis showed that the distribution of Fe was influenced mainly by water colour, Zn mainly by pH, while Mn and Al were influenced both by pH and colour. Some of the lakes were sampled both in winter and summer and the concentration of metals was found to be around two-fold higher in winter than in summer.     

Elemental chemistry of four lichen species from the Apostle Islands,Wisconsin, 1987, 1995 and 2001

Four lichen species sampled three times over a 15-year time span at four of the Apostle Islands, Wisconsin were analyzed for 16 chemical elements in order to determine time trends and spatial patterns. Factor analyses of the data revealed that elements associated with soils (Al, Cr, Fe, Na, Ni and S) have increased over the study period, while nutrient and pollutant elements (Cu, K, P, Pb and Zn) have decreased. Four other elements (Ca, Cd, Mg and Mn) were unchanged over time. Cladina rangiferina, a terricolous species, contained the lowest concentrations of all elements, while the corticolous species Evernia mesomorpha was highest in soil elements, Hypogymnia physodes was highest in Ca, Cd, Mg and Mn, and Parmelia sulcata was highest in the nutritional elements. Lichens on islands within 3-4 km of the mainland were highest in soil elements, which decreased with distance from the mainland. Elements that were 18-43% greater on the nearest islands were significantly different between near and far islands. Eight elements (Al, Ca, Cd, K, Mg, Mn, P and S) exceeded enrichment levels for Hypogymnia physodes, suggesting possible contamination problems for this species. Although Pb has decreased significantly over the time period, other elements have increased in the lichens while decreasing in the atmosphere, suggesting that accumulation in the environment is continuing.     

The effect of graded doses of cadmium on lead,zinc and copper content of target and indicator organs in rats

Eleven groups of inbred Wistar rats, five males and five females in each group, received graded doses of CdCl₂, from 0–25 ppm, in the drinking water from conception until sacrifice at the age of ten weeks. The Pb, Zn and Cu levels of various indicators and target organs were recorded by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Cd concentrations above 5 ppm caused a significant increase in Zn content of kidneys, liver, spleen, heart and adrenal glands in most of the experimental groups, and in addition a significant positive correlation between Cd and Zn in the same tissues. With concentrations above 10 ppm, Zn contents of epiphyses and diaphyses decreased significantly, and through all groups there was a significant negative correlation between Zn and Cd in diaphysis. This local Zn deficit may cause a retarded growth of long bones. Cd supply resulted in a significant decrease in Zn content of incisors and molars, but did not significantly affect the Cu content. Neither were Zn nor Cu concentrations in hair affected. Cd supply led to a significantly increased storage of Cu in liver, spleen, heart and skeletal muscle and a positive correlation between Cd and Cu content in the same tissues. Cd administration caused a significant decrease of Pb concentrations in molars, hair, kidney cortex, heart, skeletal muscle and adrenal glands in several of the experimental groups, and also a significant negative correlation between Pb and Cd content of molars, hair, kidney cortex, liver and heart. This can be a result of decreased uptake, increased excretion or changes in the distribution pattern of Pb.     

Trace metal concentrations are higher in cartilage than in bones of scaup and pochard wintering in Poland

Bones and cartilage of two species of diving ducks: the scaup Aythya marila (n=24) and the pochard A. ferina (n=24) were studied. Scaup is protected in Poland where it spends only the winter, while pochard is a game bird, abundant and breeding in Poland. In winter, the two species form large flocks off the southern coast of the Baltic, particularly in the Szczecin Lagoon where they were collected for this study. The bones and cartilage (trachea) were assayed for concentrations (dry weight-based) of three essential metals: iron (Fe), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn); concentrations of the two toxic metals: lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) were assayed as well. These hard tissues of the two species showed the following order of metal concentrations Zn>Fe>Pb>Cu>Cd. In scaup and pochard bones, the respective geometric mean concentrations of Zn, Fe, Pb, Cu, and Cd were 94.4 and 102.0; 20.2 and 24.7; 6.2 and 9.6; 0.19 and 0.26; 0.114 and 0.162 mg/kg. The levels of all the metals in cartilage (Zn 149.1 and 165.8; Fe 58.4 and 116.3; Pb 10.6 and 14.9; Cu 1.41 and 3.31; Cd 0.144 and 0.175 mg/kg, respectively) were higher than in the bones of A. marila and A. ferina. However, statistically significant differences were found in respect to the essential metals only (Zn, Fe, Cu). The inter-species comparisons showed the two species to differ in their cartilage concentrations of Fe, Cu, Zn, and Cd and in their bone concentrations of Pb and Cd. In each case, the pochard exhibited higher concentrations of metals. This study showed distinct differences between trace element accumulation by two heavily mineralised avian body parts: leg bones (tarsometatarsus) and cartilage (trachea). The results are in agreement with data reported by other workers who analysed trace metals in cartilaginous and bone components of the femoral head in homoiotherm vertebrates, including humans. Therefore it is important that intra- and inter-species comparisons of hard biological components be based on corresponding body parts, and that relevant biochemical and ecotoxicological research be pursued.     

The influence of a city on element contents of a terrestrial moss (Hylocomium splendens)

Forty terrestrial moss (Hylocomium splendens) samples were collected along a 120-km-long south-north transect running through Norway's largest city Oslo. Concentrations of 29 chemical elements (Ag, Al, Au, Ba, Bi, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, K, La, Mg, Mn, Mo, Na, Ni, P, Pb, Pt, S, Sb, Sr, Th, Ti, and Zn) and values for loss on ignition (475 degrees C) are reported. Silver (Ag), Al, Au, Bi, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mo, Ni, Pb, Pt, Sb, Th, Ti, and Zn all show a characteristic Oslo peak when element concentrations are plotted against location of the sample site along the transect. Gold (Au) and Pt show the greatest relative enrichment of all elements in the city (ca. 10x "background"). Titanium (Ti), which is related to local minerogenic dust rather than anthropogenic emissions, shows a significant peak in Oslo. Loss on ignition, a measure of the amount of organic material in a sample, shows a negative peak in Oslo and at sites close to a known dust source. Input of fine dust thus appears to dominate many of the observed element concentrations in moss. The concentrations of Na are clearly influenced by the input of marine aerosols and show decreasing concentrations from south (near Oslo Fjord) to north (inland). The major plant nutrients Ca, K, Mg, P and S, as well as Hg, are the few elements displaying no spatial dependency along the transect. Element concentrations reach background variation levels at a distance of 20-40 km from the city centre.     

Kidney and liver levels of some major, minor and trace elements in two Ontario communities

The contents of Ag, As, Ba, Be, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, K, Mg, Mn, Mo, Na, Ni, P, Pb, Se, Sr, Th, Ti and Zn in 143 autopsied liver and kidney specimens from two Ontario communities (Kingston and Ottawa) were determined using the techniques of inductively-coupled plasma--atomic emission spectrometry, and electrothermal atomization--atomic absorption spectrometry coupled with hydride evolution (As, Se), reduction--aeration (Hg), or solvent extraction (Pb). The majority of samples came from individuals older than 50 y. In general, the data for the various elements were independent of age or sex but showed some dependence on location for elements such as Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, P, Se and Zn. Despite these differences the elemental values of the liver and kidney samples from both the communities were within the normal range.     

Trace metals in the bones of scaup ducks (Aythya marila L.) wintering in Gdańsk Bay, Baltic Sea, 1982-83 and 1983-84

The concentrations of Fe, Zn, Mn, Cu, Pb, Cd, Co, Ni, Cr and Ag in 88 samples of various bones and five samples of trachea prepared from scaup ducks (Aythya marila L.) have been determined. With the exception of lead, no significant sex-related differences were observed for the concentration of metals. However, there were significant differences in the concentrations of most metals for different bones.     

Trace element concentrations in hair of healthy Chinese centenarians

Trace element concentrations, as indicators of micronutrient status of healthy centenarians, have not been widely analyzed. This study aimed to assess trace element concentrations in the hair of healthy centenarians. The effects of gender and age on element concentrations were also investigated. Eleven trace elements (Al, Ba, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mo, Pb, Se, Sr and Zn) in the scalp hair of 107 healthy Chinese centenarians were examined. The overall reference values (RVs) in mg/kg for the hair concentrations of trace elements in centenarians were as follows: Al, 14.95; Ba, 2.68; Cd, 0.06; Cr, 0.59; Cu, 6.21); Fe, 19.37; Mo, 0.50; Pb, 4.64; Se, 0.37; Sr, 4.84; and Zn, 154.37. Data analysis found that only Cu and Zn concentrations show a normal distribution, and there is no significant difference between males and females in any element except Zn. However, the levels of Al, Cd, Cr, Fe, Mo, Pb decrease and the levels of Ba, Cu, Se, Sr, Zn increase with age in the centenarian cohort. Results also revealed that sufficient Zn and Se concentrations as well as low exposure to heavy metals pollution contribute to the longevity of centenarians. The results imply the possibility of manipulating trace element concentrations, especially Zn and Se concentrations in tissues, as a means for therapeutic modality in geriatric disease.     

Comparison of the element composition in several plant species and their substrate from a 1500000-km2 area in Northern Europe.

Leaves of 9 different plant species (terrestrial moss represented by: Hylocomium splendens and Pleurozium schreberi; and 7 species of vascular plants: blueberry, Vaccinium myrtillus; cowberry, Vaccinium titis-idaea; crowberry, Empetrum nigrum; birch, Betula pubescens; willow, Salix spp.; pine, Pinus sylvestris and spruce, Picea abies) have been collected from up to 9 catchments (size 14-50 km2) spread over a 1500000 km2 area in Northern Europe. Soil samples were taken of the O-horizon and of the C-horizon at each plant sample site. All samples were analysed for 38 elements (Ag, Al, As, B, Ba, Be, Bi, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, K, Li, Mg, Mn, Mo, Na, Ni, P, Pb, Rb, S, Sb, Sc, Se, Si, Sn, Sr, Th, Tl, U, V, Y, Zn and Zr) by ICP-MS, ICP-AES or CV-AAS (for Hg-analysis) techniques. The concentrations of some elements vary significantly between different plants (e.g. Cd, V, Co, Pb, Ba and Y). Other elements show surprisingly similar levels in all plants (e.g. Rb, S, Cu, K, Ca, P and Mg). Each group of plants (moss, shrubs, deciduous and conifers) shows a common behaviour for some elements. Each plant accumulates or excludes some selected elements. Compared to the C-horizon, a number of elements (S, K, B, Ca, P and Mn) are clearly enriched in plants. Elements showing very low plant/C-horizon ratios (e.g. Zr, Th, U, Y, Fe, Li and Al) can be used as an indicator of minerogenic dust. The plant/O-horizon and O-horizon/C-horizon ratios show that some elements are accumulated in the O-horizon (e.g. Pb, Bi, As, Ag, Sb). Airborne organic material attached to the leaves can thus, result in high values of these elements without any pollution source.