Selenium in soils,spermatophytes and bryophytes around a Zn-Pb smelter,New South Wales,Australia

Blood and serum samples from 372 15-year-old adolescents were collected in two cities in Sweden and analyzed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The objective was to (1) determine the levels of 13 elements in blood and serum from the teenagers; and (2) for each element, investigate the correlation between the concentrations in blood and serum. The concentrations in blood and serum were generally in line with that usually reported for the essential elements Co, Cu, Zn and Se, and generally low for the 'non-essential' elements Cd, Hg, Pb. The median concentrations were in blood and serum, respectively: of Co 0.31 and 0.48 microg/l, Cu 0.92 and 1.0 mg/l, Zn 6.1 and 0.99 mg/l, Se 110 and 100 microg/l, Rb 2.8 and 0.24 mg/l, Hg 1.1 and 0.44 microg/l, Pb 16 and 0.33 microg/l. The median concentration of W in blood was <0.2 microg/l (below the detection limit) and in serum 0.087 microg/l. The median concentrations of Cd, Rh, Pd, Pt and Tl were below the detection limits. Statistically significant correlations were found between the concentrations in blood and serum for Co, Cu, Zn, Se, Rb, W, Hg and Pb. The levels presented in this study constitute baseline levels or levels generally not exceeded in adolescents for 13 elements, including essential, ubiquitous toxic, and rare elements.     

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.     

Trace metals and their source in the catchment of the high altitude Lake Respomuso, Central Pyrenees

Lake Respomuso is a dammed lake of glacial origin at 2200 m altitude in the Central Pyrenees. This study investigated the source of a number of trace elements (As, Cd, Co, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn) in its catchment and their possible link to the local geology. Altogether 24 sediment and 29 water samples were collected from all major streams feeding the lake. The sediments were analysed for trace elements, major mineral components, minerals and organic matter whilst water samples were analysed for dissolved metal concentrations.The trace element levels in the catchment sediment and water were relatively high compared to other similar altitude sites, with concentrations in the headwaters being generally higher than in the lower basin because of the source being concentrated in these areas. The principal component analysis revealed that the source of sediment-bound trace elements in the Lake Respomuso catchment is geogenic, and originated possibly in the sulphide minerals from slate formations.Except at one site, none of the water samples exceeded the WHO drinking water guideline for arsenic. Arsenic in water was significantly correlated with its concentration in the sediments, possibly due to the oxidation of arsenic bearing minerals. The dissolved concentrations of all other trace elements were generally lower than the WHO drinking water guide values and they were not related to their sediment concentrations.The As, Cd, Ni contents in sediment from several catchment streams exceeded their sediment quality thresholds. This geogenic source may pose risk to the stability of fragile local biodiversity and to the wider environment in the valley bellow particularly if the metals are mobilised, possibly due to environmental change.     

Effects of low-dose cadmium exposure on biological examinations

We conducted an epidemiological study to investigate the effects of low-dose cadmium (Cd) exposure on human health in a specific area of a town in Japan where low Cd concentration was detected in rice. We compared clinical findings, urinary and whole blood Cd concentrations, and indicators of renal dysfunction between the polluted area and the control area. The study employed 44 men and 54 women from the polluted area and 21 men and 29 women from the control area. In urine analysis, as indicators of Cd exposure and possible related renal dysfunction, Cd, beta(2)-microglobulin (beta(2)-MG), alpha(1)-microglobulin (alpha(1)-MG), N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase (NAG), total protein, inorganic phosphorus, lysozyme and creatinine were quantitatively measured. In blood analysis, serum IP and creatinine and whole blood Cd were measured. No case of renal dysfunction due to Cd exposure was confirmed. However, both the urinary and whole blood Cd of the polluted area were significantly higher than those of the control area for both sexes. Urinary beta(2)-MG did not differ between the two areas. For women, urinary alpha(1)-MG was significantly higher in the polluted area than in the control area. In correlation analysis, beta(2)-MG, alpha(1)-MG and NAG, were positively correlated with both of urinary and whole blood Cd for men and women in the polluted area except for between urinary beta(2)-MG and urinary Cd for men. In the control area, the sole positive correlation observed was between urinary beta(2)-MG and whole blood Cd for men. We then examined the determinants of variations of parameters in urinary and blood tests. Potential determinants were age, sex, body mass index, an indicator of smoking habits (cigarette index) and the index of estimated Cd intake from rice (Cd-rice-index). Cd-rice-index was expressed as the product of Cd concentrations in homegrown rice multiplied by daily frequency multiplied by duration (years) of residence in the polluted area. In multiple regression analysis, whole blood Cd was independently associated with Cd-rice-index, age and gender. Variations in whole blood Cd accounted for a substantial portion of the variations in urinary Cd, although they were less influential in older individuals. Whole blood Cd was the sole independent variable related to variations in urinary beta(2)-MG. Cd-rice-index accounted for a portion of the variance in urinary NAG, while age was a more powerful determinant. It was thus revealed that the consumption of homegrown rice polluted with Cd in low concentration resulted in an elevation of whole blood Cd level and consequent increase in urinary Cd level. However, it was not clearly elucidated that the excretion of urinary low-molecular microglobulins could increase significantly in response to slight elevation of Cd body load.     

Arsenic and other elements in hair, nails, and skin-scales of arsenic victims in West Bengal, India

For the first time, biological tissues (hair, nails, and skin-scales) of arsenic victims from an arsenic affected area of West Bengal (WB), India were analyzed for trace elements. Analysis was carried out by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) for 10 elements (As, Se, Hg, Zn, Pb, Ni, Cd, Mn, Cu, and Fe). A microwave digester was used for digestion of the tissue samples. To validate the method, certified reference materials--human hair (GBW 07601) and bovine muscle (CRM 8414)--were analyzed for all elements. The W test was used to study the normal/log normal distribution for each element in the tissue samples. For hair (n=44) and nails (n=33), all elements show log-normal distribution. For skin-scale samples (n=11), data are not sufficient to provide the information about the trend. Geometric mean, standard error, and range for each element were presented and compared with literature values for other populations. This study reveals the higher levels of toxic elements As, Mn, Pb, and Ni in the tissue samples compared with available values in the literature. The elevated levels of these toxic metals in the tissues may be due to exposure of these elements through drinking water and food. The correlations of Mn and Ni with other essential elements, e.g. Fe, Cu, Zn, suggest that Mn and Ni may substitute for those elements in hair, nails, and skin-scales. However, correlation represents the relation between two elements only and does not take into consideration of the presence of other elements. Principle component analysis was applied to explain the behavior among the elements present in hair and nails. This study reveals that in the arsenic-affected areas of WB, the concentrations of other toxic elements in drinking water and foodstuff should be monitored to evaluate the arsenic poisoning.     

Heavy metals in drinking waters from Mount Amiata (Tuscany, Italy). Possible risks from arsenic for public health in the Province of Siena

Concentrations of As, Al and some heavy metals (V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd, Pb) were measured in drinking waters from Siena and Grosseto districts, South Tuscany, Italy. The analysis, performed mostly by electrothermal activated atomic absorption spectroscopy equipped with graphite furnace, and in some cases high-resolution inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, indicated that concentrations of the elements were generally far below the maximum allowed concentration (MAC). However, the concentration of As in some of the waters at sources or at the terminals of the water webs was relatively high (largest value, 14.4(2) microg/l) when compared to the MAC(As) value (10 microg/l, December 25, 2003; Italian Law). Relatively high concentrations of some metals had been detected in a few samples from the ends of the distribution webs, when compared to values at sources. These effects are probably due to leaching from metal pipes. A general 'metal index' (MI) for drinking water, which takes into account possible additive effects of N heavy metals on the human health that helps to quickly evaluate the overall quality of drinking waters, is introduced in this paper as MI=?(i=1,N)[C(i)/(MAC)(i)]. Samples from Ermicciolo spring and Siena water web had MI values of 1.1 and 1.3, respectively, showing that the quality of drinking water in town is somewhat worse than that at one of the main sources, at least regarding the 12 elements taken into account.     

Accumulation of trace elements in the fruiting bodies of macrofungi in the Krusné Hory Mountains Czechoslovakia

The concentrations of some trace elements (Pb, Cd, Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn, Co, Ni) were determined in fruiting bodies of 20 fungal species from seven families (order Agaricales, Basidiomycetes) growing in the Krusné Hory Mountains, Czechoslovakia, where the air pollution is characterized as moderate. Samples were collected from three stands: a spruce forest, the waterlogged margin of a peat bog, and the peat bog itself. The biomass of fruiting bodies of all macrofungi was determined simultaneously. The trace element concentrations varied among trophic groups of fungi: saprophytic species (S) and those parasitic on Sphagnum (Sph) exhibited the highest concentrations, while wood-decomposing (Wd) species displayed the lowest. Several species mycorrhizal with spruce (Ms), such as Amanita umbrinolutea, Russula ochroleuca, and Xerocomus badius, also attained higher concentrations than were found for other mycorrhizal fungi. The trace element concentrations were higher in the caps than in the stems of the fungi. The fraction of trace metals retained by the biomass of fruiting bodies of fungi with respect to annual fallout is estimated at 1 0/00. Factors affecting fungal uptake of trace elements are discussed.     

Atmospheric pollution for trace elements in the remote high-altitude atmosphere in central Asia as recorded in snow from Mt. Qomolangma (Everest) of the Himalayas

A series of 42 snow samples covering over a one-year period from the fall of 2004 to the summer of 2005 were collected from a 2.1-m snow pit at a high-altitude site on the northeastern slope of Mt. Everest. These samples were analyzed for Al, V, Cr, Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Rb, Sr, Cd, Sb, Pb, and Bi in order to characterize the relative contributions from anthropogenic and natural sources to the fallout of these elements in central Himalayas. Our data were also considered in the context of monsoon versus non-monsoon seasons. The mean concentrations of the majority of the elements were determined to be at the pg g(-1) level with a strong variation in concentration with snow depth. While the mean concentrations of most of the elements were significantly higher during the non-monsoon season than during the monsoon season, considerable variability in the trace element inputs to the snow was observed during both periods. Cu, Zn, As, Cd, Sb, and Bi displayed high crustal enrichment factors (EF(c)) in most samples, while Cr, Ni, Rb, and Pb show high EF(c) values in some of the samples. Our data indicate that anthropogenic inputs are potentially important for these elements in the remote high-altitude atmosphere in the central Himalayas. The relationship between the EF(c) of each element and the Al concentration indicates that a dominant input of anthropogenic trace elements occurs during both the monsoon and non-monsoon seasons, when crustal contribution is relatively minor. Finally, a comparison of the trace element fallout fluxes calculated in our samples with those recently obtained at Mont Blanc, Greenland, and Antarctica provides direct evidence for a geographical gradient of the atmospheric pollution with trace elements on a global scale.     

Biomonitoring of the adverse effects induced by the chronic exposure to lead and cadmium on kidney function: usefulness of alpha-glutathione S-transferase

A successful prevention of renal diseases induced by occupational exposure to lead (Pb) and/or cadmium (Cd) largely relies on the capability to detect nephrotoxic effects at a stage when they are still reversible or at least not yet compromising renal function. Hence, the aim of this cross-sectional study was to evaluate the usefulness of a set of early biological markers of oxidative stress or nephrotoxicity for the biomonitoring of workers occupationally exposed to Pb and/or Cd in a non-ferrous metal smelter, and gender, age, socioeconomic status, smoking habits, and drug use-matched control individuals. In exposed subjects, mean levels of Pb in blood and urine were also 387.1+/-99.1 microg Pb/L (1.868+/-0.478 micromol Pb/L) and 217.7+/-117.7 microg Pb/g creatinine (1.051+/-0.568 micromol Pb/g creatinine), and mean levels of Cd in blood and urine were 3.26+/-2.11 microg Cd/L (0.029+/-0.019 micromol Cd/L) and 2.51+/-1.89 microg Cd/g creatinine (0.022+/-0.017 micromol Cd/g creatinine), suggesting thereby relatively low occupational exposure levels. Statistically significant variations in zinc protoporphyrin, malondialdehyde, retinol binding protein, alpha-glutathione S-transferase, and urinary protein levels were reported between the two groups, and were closely correlated with Pb and/or Cd exposure levels. Variations in alphaGST levels were closely associated with Pb exposure. Taken together, these results suggest the use of alpha-glutathione S-transferase excretion in urine as a hallmark of early changes in the proximal tubular integrity.     

Human biokinetic data and a new compartmental model of zirconium--a tracer study with enriched stable isotopes

Biokinetic models describing the uptake, distribution and excretion of trace elements are an essential tool in nutrition, toxicology, or internal dosimetry of radionuclides. Zirconium, especially its radioisotope ⁹⁵Zr, is relevant to radiation protection due to its production in uranium fission and neutron activation of nuclear fuel cladding material. We present a comprehensive set of human data from a tracer study with stable isotopes of zirconium. The data are used to refine a biokinetic model of zirconium.Six female and seven male healthy adult volunteers participated in the study. It includes 16 complete double tracer investigations with oral ingestion and intravenous injection, and seven supplemental investigations. Tracer concentrations were measured in blood plasma and urine collected up to 100 d after tracer administration. The four data sets (two chemical tracer forms in plasma and urine) each encompass 105-240 measured concentration values above detection limits.Total fractional absorption of ingested zirconium was found to be 0.001 for zirconium in citrate-buffered drinking solution and 0.007 for zirconium oxalate solution.Biokinetic models were developed based on the linear first-order kinetic compartmental model approach used by the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP). The main differences of the optimized systemic model of zirconium to the current ICRP model are (1) recycling into the transfer compartment made necessary by the observed tracer clearance from plasma, (2) different parameters related to fractional absorption for each form of the ingested tracer, and (3) a physiologically based excretion pathway to urine.The study considerably expands the knowledge on the biokinetics of zirconium, which was until now dominated by data from animal studies. The proposed systemic model improves the existing ICRP model, yet is based on the same principles and fits well into the ICRP radiation protection approach.     

Trace element accumulation in Pseudevernia furfuracea (L.) Zopf exposed in Italy's so called Triangle of Death

Trace element accumulation in the lichen Pseudevernia furfuracea (L.) Zopf was studied in the district of Acerra (province of Naples, southern Italy), one of the points forming Italy's Triangle of Death. P. furfuracea thalli, collected from Mt. Faito (province of Naples), were transplanted and exposed in bags at different sites in Acerra district, classified into three different site types (urban, rural and industrial). We aimed to test the hypothesis that P. furfuracea, when transplanted in the district of Acerra, would respond to air pollution accumulating trace elements and that element concentrations in the exposed lichens were different in relation to the three different environments, characterised by different pollution sources. Samples were exposed for six months, periodically collected and examined by ICP MS spectrometer assays to measure concentrations of 10 trace elements (Al, As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Pb, V and Zn). The exposed samples showed increases in concentrations of all the examined elements; the trace element concentrations were evaluated by calculating exposed to control (EC) ratios, for each site and each trace element, to better understand the accumulation rates. EC ratios were evaluated after 3 and 6 month exposures, at the end of spring and summer respectively: 6 month EC values were the highest. The urban sites showed EC ratios generally higher than industrial and rural; the most accumulated elements were Pb and Cu (at the urban sites), Cu and Zn (at the industrial sites), and Cu and As (at the rural sites). The chemical data were then processed using a multivariate approach (ordination, PCA) to better understand environmental gradients. Bioaccumulation data and PCA analysis showed the sampling sites separated by different trace element abundance. Trace element abundance patterns in the three site types are discussed in relation to the land use and the pollution sources.     

Speciation of selected trace elements in three Ethiopian Rift Valley Lakes (Koka, Ziway, and Awassa) and their major inflows

The Ethiopian Rift Valley Lakes (ERVLs) are water resources which have considerable environmental, economic and cultural importance. However, there is an increasing concern that increasing human activities around these lakes and their main inflows can result in increased contamination of these water bodies. Information on total concentrations of some trace elements is available for these lakes and their inflows; however, data on the trace element speciation is lacking. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the low molecular mass (LMM) trace element species and also, evaluate the influence of flooding episodes on the LMM trace element fractions. At-site size and charge fractionation system was used for sampling of water from the lakes Koka, Ziway and Awassa and their main inflows during the dry and wet seasons. The results showed that chromium (Cr), manganese (Mn), cobalt (Co), nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), and lead (Pb) in Lake Koka and its inflows as well as in Lake Ziway were predominantly present as HMM (high molecular mass, i.e., > 10 kDa) forms, while arsenic (As), selenium (Se), cadmium (Cd) were more mobile during the dry season. In Lake Awassa, all except Cr and Mn were predominantly found as LMM species (low molecular mass, i.e. < 10 kDa) which can be attributed to the high concentrations of LMM DOC (dissolved organic carbon). During the wet season, results from the Lake Koka and its inflows showed that all trace elements were predominantly associated with HMM forms such as colloids and particles, demonstrating that the mobility of elements was reduced during the wet season. The colloidal fraction of elements such as Cr, Ni, and Cd was also correlated with dissolved Fe. As the concentration of LMM trace element species are very low, the mobility, biological uptake and the potential environmental impact should be low.     

Trace elements in moose (Alces alces) found dead in Northwestern Minnesota, USA

The moose (Alces alces) population in bog and forest areas of Northwestern Minnesota has declined for more than 25 years, and more recently the decline is throughout Northwestern Minnesota. Both deficiencies and elevations in trace elements have been linked to the health of moose worldwide. The objective of this study was to evaluate whether trace element toxicity or deficiency may have contributed to the decline of moose in Northwestern Minnesota. Livers of 81 moose found dead in Northwestern Minnesota in 1998 and 1999 were analyzed for trace elements. With the exception of selenium (Se) and copper (Cu), trace elements were not at toxic or deficient levels based on criteria set for cattle. Selenium concentrations in moose livers based on criteria set for cattle were deficient in 3.7% of livers and at a chronic toxicity level in 16% of livers. Copper concentrations based on criteria set for cattle were deficient in 39.5% of livers, marginally deficient in 29.5% of livers and adequate in 31% of livers. Moose from agricultural areas had higher concentrations, on average, of Cd, Cu, Mo and Se in their livers than moose from bog and forest areas. Older moose had higher concentrations of Cd and Zn, and lower concentrations of Cu than younger moose. Copper deficiency, which has been associated with population declines of moose in Alaska and Sweden, may be a factor contributing to the decline of moose in Northwestern Minnesota.     

Establishing baseline levels of trace elements in blood and skin of bottlenose dolphins in Sarasota Bay, Florida: implications for non-invasive monitoring

Several major unusual mortality events occurring in recent years have increased the level of concern for the health of bottlenose dolphin populations along the United States Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico coasts. Trace element concentrations were examined in a population of free-ranging dolphins in Sarasota Bay, Florida, in order to develop a benchmark for future comparisons within and between populations. Whole blood (n=51) and skin (n=40) samples were collected through capture and release health assessment events during 2002-2004. Samples were analyzed for Al, V, Cr, Mn, Cu, Zn, As, Se, Rb, Sr, Mo, Cd, and Pb by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICPMS) and Hg via atomic fluorescence spectrometry (AFS). Trace element concentrations (wet mass) in skin were 2 to 45 times greater than blood, except Cu was approximately 1.5 times higher in blood. Statistically strong correlations (p<0.05) were found for V, As, Se, Rb, Sr, and Hg between blood and skin demonstrating that these tissues can be used as effective non-lethal monitoring tools. The strongest correlation was established for Hg (r=0.9689) and concentrations in both blood and skin were above the threshold at which detrimental effects are observed in other vertebrate species. Female dolphins had significantly greater Hg concentrations in blood and skin and Pb concentrations in skin, relative to males. Calves exhibited significantly lower V, As, and Hg concentrations in blood and V and Hg concentrations in skin, relative to other age classes. Rubidium and Cu concentrations in skin were greatest in subadults and calves, respectively. In blood, V, Zn, and As concentrations were significantly greater in winter, relative to summer, and the opposite trend was observed for Rb and Sr concentrations. In skin, Cu and Zn concentrations were significantly greater in winter, relative to summer, and the opposite trend was observed for Mn, Rb, Cd, and Pb concentrations. The baseline concentrations and trends established in this study will serve as a benchmark for comparison and aid in sampling design for future monitoring of this population and other coastal bottlenose dolphin populations.     

Measurements of daily urinary uranium excretion in German peacekeeping personnel and residents of the Kosovo region to assess potential intakes of depleted uranium (DU)

Following the end of the Kosovo conflict, in June 1999, a study was instigated to evaluate whether there was a cause for concern of health risk from depleted uranium (DU) to German peacekeeping personnel serving in the Balkans. In addition, the investigations were extended to residents of Kosovo and southern Serbia, who lived in areas where DU ammunitions were deployed. In order to assess a possible DU intake, both the urinary uranium excretion of volunteer residents and water samples were collected and analysed using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). More than 1300 urine samples from peacekeeping personnel and unexposed controls of different genders and age were analysed to determine uranium excretion parameters. The urine measurements for 113 unexposed subjects revealed a daily uranium excretion rate with a geometric mean of 13.9 ng/d (geometric standard deviation (GSD)=2.17). The analysis of 1228 urine samples from the peacekeeping personnel resulted in a geometric mean of 12.8 ng/d (GSD=2.60). It follows that both unexposed controls and peacekeeping personnel excreted similar amounts of uranium. Inter-subject variation in uranium excretion was high and no significant age-specific differences were found. The second part of the study monitored 24 h urine samples provided by selected residents of Kosovo and adjacent regions of Serbia compared to controls from Munich, Germany. Total uranium and isotope ratios were measured in order to determine DU content. (235)U/(238)U ratios were within +/-0.3% of the natural value, and (236)U/(238)U was less than 2 x 10(-7), indicating no significant DU in any of the urine samples provided, despite total uranium excretion being relatively high in some cases. Measurements of ground and tap water samples from regions where DU munitions were deployed did not show any contamination with DU, except in one sample. It is concluded that both peacekeeping personnel and residents serving or living in the Balkans, respectively, were not exposed to significant amounts of DU.     

Subcellular and body distributions of 17 trace elements in the variegated scallop Chlamys varia from the French coast of the Bay of Biscay

Seventeen elements were analysed in the organs and tissues of the variegated scallop Chlamys varia, from the Atlantic coast of France. Concentration levels were determined in scallops of different sizes sampled in contaminated (La Rochelle Bay) and clean (Re Island) sites. Greater concentrations of Ag, Al, Ce, Cr, La, Mo, Nd, Ti, and V were found in the digestive gland while As, Cd, Co, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn were the highest in the kidneys. In the digestive gland, most of the metals were found in the insoluble fraction while As, Co, Cd, Mo, Ni, and V appeared to be mostly bound to soluble compounds. Among tissues, the adductor muscle always displayed the lowest trace element concentrations. According to size, Ag and Cd showed significantly higher concentrations in larger individuals, while Co and Zn were higher in the smallest ones. According to the sampling area, most of the metals, Ag, Al, Ce, Co, Cu, La, Mn, Nd, Pb, and Zn, showed significantly higher concentrations in La Rochelle Bay compared to the Re Island, reflecting differing inputs from industrial, domestic and harbour activities. However, Cr, Mo, Ni, Ti, and V concentrations did not display significant differences between sites and As and Cd were significantly higher at the Re Island. This study highlighted the ability of the variegated scallop C. varia to concentrate numerous trace elements to high levels, even those reported as poorly bioavailable for marine biota, such as rare earth elements.     

Trophodynamics of mercury and other trace elements in a pelagic food chain from the Baltic Sea

Mercury (Hg) and 13 other trace elements (Al, Ti, V, Cr, Fe, Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Cd, and Pb) were measured in phytoplankton, zooplankton, mysis and herring in order to examine the trophodynamics in a well-studied pelagic food chain in the Baltic Sea. The fractionation of nitrogen isotopes (δ¹⁵N) was used to evaluate food web structure and to estimate the extent of trophic biomagnification of the various trace elements. Trophic magnification factors (TMFs) for each trace element were determined from the slope of the regression between trace element concentrations and δ¹⁵N. Calculated TMFs showed fundamental differences in the trophodynamics of the trace elements in the pelagic food chain studied. Concentrations of Al, Fe, Ni, Zn, Pb and Cd showed statistically significant decreases (TMF < 1) with increasing trophic levels and thus these trace elements tropically dilute or biodilute in this Baltic food chain. Cu, As, Cr, Mn, V, Ti and Co showed no significant relationships with trophic levels. Hg was unique among the trace elements studied in demonstrating a statistically significant increase (TMF > 1) in concentration with trophic level i.e. Hg biomagnifies in this Baltic food chain. The estimated TMF for Hg in this food chain was comparable to TMFs observed elsewhere for diverse food chains and locations.     

Reference values for elemental concentrations in some human samples of clinical interest: A preliminary evaluation

Over 60 investigators, some of them with an outstanding international reputation as analysts, were requested to identify reliable data from their countries for elemental concentrations in normal adult human samples of clinical interest by contributing their own data as well as screening the literature information. A set of samples consisting of whole blood and its components, urine, milk, liver and hair were chosen and considered for 15 elements of biological significance: Zn, Cu, Fe, Se, Mn, Pb, Cd, Hg, As, Mo, Cr, Co, I, Ni and F. The results partly cover over 40 countries from the global regions of Africa, Asia, Europe, North, South and Central America, Australia and New Zealand.This survey has been useful in demonstrating certain trends of trace element picture around the world, at least qualitatively. Both diet and environment have a strong influence on the distribution pattern of several elements such as As, Cd, Mn, Pb, Se and Zn. A limited comparison of the available information on soil status of different countries revealed interesting associations for elements such as Mn and Zn.Importantly, this study revealed that only a few countries were in a position to supply a reasonable amount of data on samples requested here. In particular, for a number of countries, reliable data for even very essential elements such as Cu, Zn and Fe were not available. In view of the nutritional importance of several elements the time is ripe for international organizations to intervene and help produce some reference data for selected global regions which lack data of any kind.     

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.