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     

Elemental composition of commercial sea cucumbers (holothurians)

Toxic and essential elements in 11 different sea cucumber species were determined and compared with daily intake recommendations and maximum allowed levels. The contents of macro-elements contents in dried sea cucumber samples were found to be 25,000–152,000?mg?kg^–1 for Na, 4000–8600?mg?kg^?1 for Mg, 1100–5200?mg?kg^?1 for K, 15,000–68,000?mg?kg^?1 and 36,300–251,000?mg?kg^?1 for Cl. Trace element concentrations in dried sea cucumber samples were found to be 11–100?mg?kg^?1 for Zn, 41–660?mg?kg^?1 for Fe, 3–74?mg?kg^?1 for Cu, 1.1–16?mg?kg^?1 for Mn, 1.4–3.7?mg?kg^?1 for Se, 1.1–9.6?mg?kg^?1 for Cr, and 0.3–5.1?mg?kg^?1 for Ni. All sea cucumber species were rich sources of Na, Cl, Mg, Ca, Fe, Cu, Se and Cr for human consumption. Regarding contaminants, As, Cd and Pb concentrations in dried sea cucumbers were in the ranges of 1.1–6.1, 0.03–0.06 and 0.11–0.69?mg?kg^?1, respectively. Moreover, Hg values of 11 sea cucumbers were below the detection limit (0.01?mg?kg^?1).     

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.     

Essential elements and contaminants in tissues of commercial pelagic fish from the Eastern Mediterranean Sea

BACKGROUND: It is important to determine the concentrations of essential and non‐essential metals in fish for human health. The essential elements and contaminants (Pb and Cd) were determined seasonally in the muscle and liver of some pelagic fish species round herring (Etrumeus teres), chub mackerel (Scomber japonicus), golden grey mullet (Liza aurata) and Mediterranean horse mackerel (Trachurus mediterraneus) from the Iskenderun Bay, Eastern Mediterranean Sea. RESULTS: The Na, K, Ca and Mg were the most abundant elements in muscle and liver tissues. The Na, K, Ca and Mg concentrations in fish tissues were between 51.7 and 3426 mg kg^?1. Muscle accumulated the lowest levels of elements. Trace element and contaminant levels in muscle were highest in spring and summer. The Cu, Zn and Cr concentrations were highest in summer. The Ni, Mn and Fe concentrations were highest in spring. The maximum Pb concentrations in the muscle and liver of fish species was 0.39 and 0.80 mg kg^?1 in autumn. The maximum Cd concentration in the muscle of fish was 0.27 mg kg^?1 in spring and the maximum Cd concentration in the liver was 0.78 mg kg^?1 in summer. CONCLUSION: The Cr, Pb, Cd, Cu and Zn levels in muscle were found to be lower than permissible limits reported by various authorities. Estimated weekly and daily intake for Pb and Cd by consumption of fish muscle were far below the PTWI and PTDI values established by FAO/WHO. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry     

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 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%.     

Mineral contents of some aromatic plants,their growth soils and infusions

BACKGROUND: In this study, 18 kinds of medicinal plants were collected together with their soils from different regions of Turkey and their macro‐ and micro‐element and heavy metal contents were determined by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP‐AES). In soils, pH, electrical conductivity, carbonate (lime), organic matter, texture, P, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Cu, Mn, Zn and B were analysed. In plants and extracts, P, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Cu, Mn, Zn, B, Na, Al, Li, Pb, Ni, Cd, Co and Cr contents were determined. Also, correlations between soil and plant and between plant and extract were established. RESULTS: Element concentrations ranged between 0.11 and 5160 µg g^?1 in soil samples, between 0.14 and 54400 µg g^?1 in plant samples and between 0.039 and 22033 µg g^?1 in extract samples. While sage was rich in Fe (981.3 µg g^?1), basil was abundant in P (9.8 mg g^?1), K (54.4 mg g^?1), Ca (22.6 mg g^?1), Mg (3.1 mg g^?1) and Zn (46.05 µg g^?1) and mint was rich in Li (23.50 µg g^?1). Moreover, while high levels of P (4100.9 µg g^?1), K (22033 µg g^?1) and Mg (529.15 µg g^?1) were found in basil extract, Ca (5979.3 µg g^?1) was present at high concentration in marjoram leaf extract. Also, Fe (4.25 µg g^?1) and Zn (17.51 µg g^?1) were detected at high levels in lime flower and mint extracts respectively. CONCLUSION: It was concluded that aromatic plants are important sources of nutrients and essential elements. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry     

Chemical characterisation of Nephrops norvegicus from Portuguese coast

BACKGROUND: Among seafood products, crustaceans are an important group owing to their nutritional benefits and high market value. The aim of this study was to evaluate the proximate composition as well as essential and non‐essential elements in the edible muscle of Nephrops norvegicus (Norway lobster). RESULTS: The studied crustacean showed a high protein level of about 210 g kg^?1 and a mineral level of about 24 g kg^?1. The pattern for the elements studied was Cl > Na > K > P > S > Ca > Mg > Br > Fe > Sr ≈ Zn > Cu > Mn > Rb > Se > Ni > Cr. Regarding non‐essential elements, the average total Hg content was 0.40 mg kg^?1, but two samples exceeded the legal limit set by the European Union (EU) for Hg in crustaceans (0.50 mg kg^?1). The levels of Pb and Cd found in all samples were below the EU limits (0.50 mg kg^?1 for both metals). CONCLUSION: Nephrops norvegicus is a good source of protein and contains most minerals at levels sufficient to satisfy the dietary reference intake. The amounts of Pb and Cd are not a concern. Hg levels indicate some contamination; however, taking into account the type of consumption of this species, it can be concluded that this does not represent a risk in terms of the human diet. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry     

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.     

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     

Measurement and analysis of mineral and heavy metal components in grape cultivars by inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometer (ICP-OES)

Mineral and heavy metal in grape flesh of different cultivars were measured by inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometer. Eight grape varieties including four wine grapes (Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Cabernet Gernischt) and four table grapes (Muscat, Red Globe, Vitis labruscana Kyoho, Milk grape) from China??s main grape planting region, Changli, Hebei province were investigated. Concentrations of calcium (Ca), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), manganese (Mn), sodium (Na), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb) and zinc (Zn) were measured. All the parameters investigated in this study significantly changed depending on the cultivar. The minor and heavy metal levels for grape were determined between 5.68 and 15.11?mg/kg Cr, 6.56 and 19.85?mg/kg Cu, 96.79 and 172.15?mg/kg Fe, 6.54 and 25.23?mg/kg Mn, 3.70 and 5.89?mg/kg Ni, 0 and 1.64?mg/kg Pb and 4.29 and 13.44?mg/kg Zn. K ranged from 7,622.87 to 15,276.51?mg/kg and Na concentration ranged from 8,932.82 to 54,343.4?mg/kg. Cadmium was not detected at all.     

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.     

Survey and risk assessment of trace elements in foods from Taiwan containing red mould rice (Monascus) by ICP-MS

The concentrations of seven trace elements (As, Cd, Cr, Pb, Se, Cu and Zn) in 93 red mould rice (Monascus) food samples in Taipei, Taiwan, were determined by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) after wet digestion. The results, calculated in mg?kg^?1 (wet weight) for each sample, revealed the general scenario of food safety in Taiwan: As (0.005–12.04), Cd (<0.0005–2.22), Cr (0.014–6.95), Cu (0.012–8.70), Pb (0.001–0.64), Se (<0.001–1.29) and Zn (0.020–67.02). Three food samples were identified with As concentrations higher than regulatory limits: a dietary supplement sample and a seaweed sample with As concentrations that exceeded the limit of Taiwan's health food standard of 2?mg?kg^?1, and a canned eel sample with an As concentration that exceeded the limit of Canada's fish standard of 3.5?mg?kg^?1. This study suggests that the estimated intakes of these seven trace elements from the consumption of foods containing Monascus pose little risk, as the trace element contents in the majority of samples were lower than the permissible/tolerable intakes per week according to the guidelines recommended by the Food and Agricultural Organization/World Health Organization (FAO/WHO). Moreover, their concentrations in foods containing Monascus differ widely for different food varieties, suggesting that external contaminants and raw materials are the main sources of trace elements. This study shows that ICP-MS is a simple method proposed for the determination of As, Cd, Cr, Pb, Se, Cu, and Zn in foods containing Monascus.     

Metal content and distribution in fenugreek cultivated in Pakistan

The metal contents in 42 fenugreek samples, cultivated in various agricultural areas of Pakistan, were determined using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The concentrations of the metals—Cu, Mn, Cd, Ni, Co, Cr, Pb, Zn, Fe, Na and K—were found to be higher than those reported earlier. Particularly, the samples cultivated near the major industrial cities showed significantly higher levels of almost all the metals investigated in this study. The high concentration ranges of toxic metals, such as Cd 1·0–2·8, Pb 2·5–3·4, and Cr 17–19·8 mg kg^?1, in a fairly large number of samples suggest a possible increase of the overall intake of these metals to potentially harmful levels.     

Effect of cellulase/glucanase/xylanase (Roxazyme G2) enzymes combination on nutrients utilisation of vegetable meal (Amaranthus cruentus) fed as sole dietary protein source in rat assay

Amaranthus cruentus vegetable meal (ACVM) had 23% crude protein. Ca, Na, K, Mg and Fe were abundant at 2.0 g kg^?1, 7.1 g kg^?1, 4.8 g kg^?1, 2.5 g kg^?1, 1109 mg kg^?1, respectively. P‐phosporous, oxalates and tannins were noticeable. Lysine, methionine and cystine were limiting. Weight gain for rats on the reference (casein) diet 2 at 6.30 g ±2.87 was highest (P < 0.05) followed by diet 6 (12% ACVM with enzyme supplementation) at 5.01 g ±2.42. Feed intakes were similar (P > 0.05) for rats on the reference diet and for rats on 10% and 12% with/without enzyme supplementation ranging from 42.90 g ± 4.52 in reference diet to 45.12 g ± 3.64. Nitrogen retention was highest for rats on reference diet but similar (P > 0.05) to rats on 12% enzyme supplemented diet at 0.53 ± 1.12 and 0.53 ± 2.10, respectively. Other investigated protein evaluation parameters revealed similar results among rats kept on reference diet and the rats on ACVM based diets with enzyme supplementations. Enzyme supplementation had a complimentary role in ACVM nutrition in rat trial.     

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.     

Fatty Acid Profile and Selected Chemical Contaminants in Yellowfin Tuna From the Arabian Sea

Fresh yellowfin tuna (n = 110) collected for a period of one year was analyzed for chemical composition, fatty acids, nutrients, and toxic metals. The mean values of investigated minerals were 892, 2834, 0.81, 6.61, 0.38, 11.0, 0.94, 0.59, 0.71, 0.53, and 0.29 mg kg^–1 for Na, K, Cu, Zn, Mn, Fe, Ni, Co, Cr, Sr, and V, respectively. Average Cd, Pb and Hg levels were 0.016, 0.029 and 0.137 mg kg^?1, respectively. The average concentrations of saturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated fatty acids were 196.56, 84.8, and 218 mg 100g^–1, respectively. Yellowfin tuna contained higher DHA (148.2 mg 100g^–1) than EPA (29.3 mg 100 g^–1). A meal with 100 g of this species provides 48.6 and 71.05% of the required daily level of protein and EPA+DHA, respectively. Yellowfin tuna showed low thrombogenic (0.27) and atherogenic (0.43) potential and the value obtained for h/H index (1.97) indicates that regular intake of yellowfin tuna may bring hypocholesterolemic effect. All contaminants in the studied fish were either undetectable or present at very low levels when compared to the United States Food and Drug Administration (USFDA), Food and Agriculture Organization/World Health Organization (FAO/WHO), and European Union regulatory standards and yellowfin tuna would be one of the best options for people who frequently consume tuna fish to get sufficient EPA+DHA and essential elements.     

In vitro protein digestibility and mineral availability of green beans (Phaseolus vulgarisL) as influenced by variety and pod size

Three varieties of green beans (Cleo, Strike and Sentry) were harvested and sorted into four fractions according to pod size (diameter <7 mm; 7–8·5 mm; 8·6–10 mm and >10 mm). Ash content and dietary fibre increased significantly as pod size increased mainly in Cleo and Strike beans. Strike showed the highest fibre content (378·0 g kg⁻¹) but the lowest carbohydrate (364·6 g kg⁻¹) and ash (68·4 g kg⁻¹) values. Mean values for Fe and Mg content were higher in Cleo beans (70·9 and 27·1 mg kg⁻¹, respectively), Zn, Cu and Mg were higher in Strike beans (48·7 mg kg⁻¹, 22·4 mg kg⁻¹ and 3·15 g kg⁻¹, respectively) while Na and Ca values were maximum in Sentry (459·1 mg kg⁻¹ and 7·11 g kg⁻¹, respectively). Trypsin inhibitor was negatively related to in vitro protein digestibility but no relationship was found between this last parameter and phytic acid content. This antinutrient, together with dietary fibre, and a negative influence on in vitro mineral dialysability of green beans. © 1998 SCI     

Elemental Content and Total Antioxidant Activity of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Salvia fruticosa</Emphasis>

The determination of 18 elements (V, Cr, Cu, Co, Se, Sr, Sn, Sb, Ba, Bi, Pb, Cd, As, Ni, Mn, Fe, Mg and Zn) in leaves, flowers and the infusion from Salvia fruticosa, a sage grown in Greece, is described. For this purpose, flame atomic absorption spectrometry has been used for the determination of Fe, Mg, Zn and inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry has been used for the determination of V, Cr, Cu, Co, Se, Sr, Sn, Sb, Ba, Bi, Pb, Cd, As, Ni, Mn using ⁴⁵Sc ⁷²Ge, ¹¹⁵In and ²³²Th as internal standards. The elemental content was found to be in the range of 0.01 (Bi)-30.8 (Mn) mg/Kg (leaves), 0.30 (Bi)-39.1 (Mn) mg/Kg (flowers), 0.003 (Sb)-20.4 (Mn) mg/Kg (infusion) for V, Cr, Cu, Co, Se, Sr, Sn, Sb, Ba, Bi, Pb, Cd, As, Ni, Mn and in the range of 0.07 (Zn)-3.21 (Mg) g/kg (leaves) for Fe, Mg and Zn. The majority of the samples were collected from six sites in the island Crete and transplanted and grown in a model farm. Chemometric techniques were used to investigate the original site classification according to their elemental content, and it was proved that the initial cultivation sites were characterized by only five elements (Sb, V, Zn, Cd and Cr). The application of factor analysis revealed significant correlation between certain elements, denoting their common sources. In addition, the total antioxidant activity of the herbal preparation was determined by measuring the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging activity. Microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) was used to extract total antioxidants and the effect of temperature, time and solvent in the extraction efficiency was investigated. The determination of the antioxidant activity was based on the % inhibition of the absorbance signal of the radical DPPH at 515 nm, after the addition of herbal’s extract. The IC₅₀ values were found to be in the range of 10.6–40.1 mg/L.     

Radioactivity and heavy metal concentrations in food samples from Rize, Turkey

BACKGROUND: Rize in Turkey was contaminated by the Chernobyl accident in 1986. A comprehensive study was planned and carried out to determine the radioactivity levels and heavy metal concentrations in four food categories collected in Rize in 2008, 2009 and 2010. RESULTS: Tomato showed the highest concentration of ²³⁸U, at 9.43 ± 0.128 Bq kg^?1, whereas the lowest concentration of 0.20 ± 0.02 Bq kg^?1 was measured in aubergine samples. The highest concentration of ²³²Th was measured at 3.22 ± 0.29 Bq kg^?1 in grape samples. ⁴⁰K was found to contribute the highest activity in all the food samples. The highest activity concentration of ¹³⁷Cs was 10.20 ± 4.19 Bq kg^?1, for parsley. The average contribution range of each of the heavy metals to the dietary intake was 0.13–9.14, 0.27–34.63, 0.05–3.62, 0.11–14.97, 0.78–8.51 and 0.01–1.57 mg, respectively, for Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, Ni and As. CONCLUSION: The range of radioactivity levels in food samples of the present study is of no risk to public health. Heavy metal concentrations of Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, Ni and As obtained were far below the established values by FAO/WHO limits. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry