Element contents in leaves of four plant species (birch, mountain ash, fern and spruce) along anthropogenic and geogenic concentration gradients

Forty samples each of leaves of birch (Betula pubescens Ehrh.), European mountain ash (Sorbus aucuparia (L.)) and bracken fern (Pteridium aquilinum (L.) Kuhn) as well as spruce needles (Picea abies (L.) Karsten) were collected along a 120 km south-north transect running through Norway's largest city, Oslo. Concentrations of 25 chemical elements (Ag, 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) as well as loss on ignition for the 4 sample materials are reported. The decline of input of sea spray with distance from the coast, geology, pH and anthropogenic contamination all played a role for the observed element concentrations in the leaves. Although growing under exactly the same natural conditions each plant species displayed quite unique uptake characteristics. Plant-species dependency and individual differences in the reaction of the plant leaves to different element sources make the investigated species of very limited value as bioindicators of anthropogenic activities. Anthropogenic contamination influences plant-leaf element content within a limited distance ( approximately 20 km) from the source.     

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.     

Metals contained and leached from rubber granulates used in synthetic turf areas

The aim of this study was to quantify metals contained in and leached from different types of rubber granulates used in synthetic turf areas. To investigate the total content of metals, ca 0.5 g of material was added with HNO₃, HF and HClO₄ and microwave digested with power increasing from 250 W to 600 W. Leachates were prepared by extraction of about 5.0 g of material at room temperature for 24 h in an acidic environment (pH 5). Leaching with deionized water was also performed for comparison. Aluminium, As, Ba, Be, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Hg, Fe, Li, Mg, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Rb, Sb, Se, Sn, Sr, Tl, V, W and Zn were quantified by high-resolution inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (HR-ICP-MS) and ICP optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES).Results indicated that the developed method was accurate and precise for the multi-element characterization of rubber granulates and leachates. The total amount and the amount leached during the acidic test varied from metal to metal and from granulate to granulate. The highest median values were found for Zn (10,229 mg/kg), Al (755 mg/kg), Mg (456 mg/kg), Fe (305 mg/kg), followed by Pb, Ba, Co, Cu and Sr. The other elements were present at few units of mg/kg. The highest leaching was observed for Zn (2300 μg/l) and Mg (2500 μg/l), followed by Fe, Sr, Al, Mn and Ba. Little As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Li, Mo, Ni, Pb, Rb, Sb and V leached, and Be, Hg, Se, Sn, Tl and W were below quantification limits. Data obtained were compared with the maximum tolerable amounts reported for similar materials, and only the concentration of Zn (total and leached) exceeded the expected values.     

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.     

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.     

Environmental health criteria 15: Tin and organotin compounds. A preliminary review: Published under the joint sponsorship of the United Nations Environment Programme and the World Health Organization,Geneva, World Health Organization, 1980 (ISBN 92 4 154075 3), 109 pp. Price: Sw. Fr. 7.00. (French edition in preparation.)

Sporocarps of three species of Ascomycota and ten species of Basidiomycota were collected from abandoned uranium mill tailings. On these sites some natural colonisation by vegetation had occurred in the last 20 years. The existing vegetation provides some circumstantial evidence for mycorrhizal associations with Pinus strobus, Populus balsamifera, P. tremuliodes, and Salix sp. A new record for Helvella corium in Ontario requires confirmation.For twelve fungal collections, representing three different tailings sites, analysis of elemental composition by neutron activation was carried out, Al, Ba, Ca, Mg, Mn and Na. Fungal concentrations of these elements were for the most part much higher than previously published values; however, the respective substrate values were also higher than values for most soils. Concentration factors rarely exceeded unity. When collections were compared, concentration factors (c.f.) for Mn were consistently higher than c.f.'s for Ba, Al or Mg, with the single exception of Ba in the ascomycete Sepultaria on Madawaska site which had a concentration factor of 1.3.The possible significance of the findings for revegetation of uranium tailings, and for fungal tolerance of high mineral substrates is considered.     

Short-term variability of dissolved trace element concentrations in the Marne and Seine rivers near Paris

The concentrations of dissolved trace elements (Li, B, Mn, Cu, As, Rb, Sr, Mo, Cd, Ba, Pb) in the Marne and Seine rivers in the Paris urban area were monitored over a 2-year period. The resulting data indicated moderate contamination of waters by the most toxic elements (Cu, As, Cd and Pb). The River Marne upstream and the River Seine downstream of the city of Paris displayed similar concentrations. However higher fluxes of trace elements were observed in the Seine than in the Marne due to their different discharges. Li, B, Rb, Sr and Ba concentrations were correlated with river discharge and concentrations were higher during high river flow. This was interpreted as a dilution by discharge from a major natural or anthropogenic source. Mn, Cu, Mo, Cd and Pb concentrations were not correlated with discharge. Dissolved Mn, Cu and Cd increased rapidly in summer, whereas the concentration of Mo decreased. These variations were attributed to redox processes. During summer when the dissolved oxygen concentrations decrease, Mn, Cu, Cd and Pb are released into solution whereas Mo is immobilised. Like metals, variations in arsenic contents were not linked with discharge. Its similarity with phosphate distribution suggests similar controls involving phytoplankton uptake and release from sediments through organic matter mineralization.     

Concentrations and leachability of chemical elements in estuarine sulfur-rich sediments, W. Finland

Concentrations, distributions and mobility of chemical elements were investigated in reduced sulfur-rich estuarine sediments located in western Finland. The main objective was to determine the possible extent of metal leaching when dredged masses of these sulfur-rich sediments are dumped on the land and thus exposed to air. When dredged, the reduced sulfur in the sediments oxidises resulting in a lowering of pH, which in turn is expected to leach metals. The study area is an artificial lake claimed from the Botnian sea in 1962. In this lake, several mass-kills of fish have occurred, believed partly to be due to dredging. Two sediment samples (0-50 and 50-100 cm) were taken from 39 sampling points in the lake. These samples were leached in aqua regia (2:2:2 HNO3/HCl/H2O1) and analysed for Fe, Al, Mg, Ca, K, P, Na, Mn, Zn, Ba, V, Sr, Cr, Ni, Cu, Co, As, Pb, B, Mo and Cd with ICP-AES. Sulfur and organic carbon were analysed with Leco. In a controlled laboratory experiment, the sediments were allowed to oxidise for 1 year while moisturised with deionised water every month. The pH and conductivity were determined in the beginning of the experiment (reduced state) and in the end (oxidised state). In the supernatants in the oxidised states the amount of leached metals (Na, Al, Mn, Zn, Sr, Co, Ni, Cu, Cd, Cr, Pb, U, Li, Rb and As) were determined with ICP-MS. The sediments were found to contain low levels of toxic metals but, as expected, high concentrations of sulfur. In the experiment, pH was lowered (down to 3.0) and the conductivity increased in all samples due to oxidation and release of metal ions. The extent of leaching varied between 0.03% for As and 12.3% for Na. Critical pH values, at which high amounts of metals begin to leach, were obtained graphically. These values varied between 4.8 (Ni) and 3.3 (Cr). Not all elements were controlled by pH, e.g. Mn correlated well with its aqua regia leachable concentration. In a planned dredging operation in the area some 23,300 t (10,500 m3) (dry wt.) of sediments will be dredged. The amounts of metals likely to be leached, according to the results from this study, are as follows (kg): Al (1710), Mn (1230), Zn (59), Sr (39), Co (13), Ni (12), Cu (2) and less than 1 kg of Cd-Cr-As-Pb.     

Metal concentrations in a shallow groundwater aquifer underneath petrochemical complex

Duplicate groundwater samples were collected from 104 monitoring wells (piezometers) from shallow aquifers underneath an industrial city in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. Concentrations of Al, As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Ti, V, Zn, Ca, Mg, K, Na, Cl, SO₄, alkalinity, salinity, total dissolved salts, and pH were determined in these samples. Analysis of variance showed significantly (p < 0.05) wide variations in the concentrations of the above parameters. The contour maps of metal concentrations indicated that these variations were related to important landmarks in the study area. The results of correlation analyses suggest that geographical as well as chemical factors may influence metal distribution in the groundwater samples. To investigate the geographical effects, the analytical data were normalized (element/Cl ratios were calculated) for chemical variability. As expected, contour mapping of the ratio data of element/Cl of Na, Ca, Mg, K, SO₄, alkalinity, salinity, total dissolved salts, and Sr vary in a relatively small range and did not show a particular geographical trend. The groundwater sample from the industrial-dust area contained higher ratios between concentrations of Cl and Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, and Zn. These observations clearly suggest an extraneous contamination source, probably industrial dust, in the area. Another geographical area where metal (As, Cd, Cu, Mo, Ni, Ti,and V)/Cl ratios were found to be large was in the vicinity of an oil-refinery. Groundwater samples collected from the vicinity of a fertilizer plant and green-belt area contained relatively higher ratios of Al, Cd, Cr, Co, and Ni. The results of this study suggest that leachate from the industrial dust, leakage from the oil refinery and fertilizer plant, and drainage of irrigation water are some of the important pollution sources in the industrial city.     

Biogeochemical cycles for the chemical elements in Nymphaea odorata ait. and the aphid Rhopalosiphum nymphaeae (L.) living in Linsley Pond

A hydrogeochemical study to determine the abundance of the chemical elements in the water of Linsley Pond, North Branford, Conn., U.S.A., was initiated in 1965. As the investigation progressed, it became clear that the aquatic macrophytes, associated sediments, and the soils and rocks of the basin had to be examined chemically in order to elucidate the biogeochemical cycle of the elements in the water. This aspect of the study concerns the elemental chemical composition of Nymphaea odorata Ait. and the aphid Rhopalosiphum nymphaeae (L.) feeding on its leaves. Thirty-five elements were detected in the water but fifty-four were found in this water-lily and its aphid. Those not encountered in lake water concentrated twenty-fold were Cs, Sc, Y, La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Gd, Dy, Er, Yb, Ge, Zr, Hf, Th, As, Nb and Se. The water-lily, the aphid, the lake sediment and the soils and rocks of the basin all contained detectable quantities of the rare earths, though beyond Sm only those of even atomic number were encountered. The aphids contained more Na, Li, Cs, Ba, Zn, Al, Ga, Si, Ge, Pb, Ti, Hf, P, Bi, S, Se, Cr, Mo, I, Fe, Co, Ni, Mn, Y, La, Ce, Pr and Sm than the leaves upon which they feed. The water-lily leaves contain more Ag, Ca, Mg, Cd, Hg, B, Sn, Zr, Th, Cl, Br, Nd and Sc than the aphids. The amount of Be, Gd, Dy, Er, Yb, K, Rb, Cu, Sr, As, V and F is essentially the same in the insects as in the leaves which support them. Pertinent comparative data from other sources are also presented.     

Human placenta as a 'dual' biomarker for monitoring fetal and maternal environment with special reference to potentially toxic trace elements. Part 2: essential minor, trace and other (non-essential) elements in human placenta.

A survey of elemental composition of the human placenta was undertaken to evaluate reference values for minor and trace elements (essential and non-essential). The new data collection was narrowed down to results generated between the period of 1975-2000, since analytical methodology was becoming increasingly reliable with time for many elements. The search revealed the following results (microg/g, based on wet weight): Ca = 770; Cl = 1900; K = 1685; Mg = 100; Na = 360; P = 1700; and S = 350. However, Na, P and S need further confirmation. For a group of essential trace elements following average values were evaluated (microg/g, based on wet weight): Co = 0.007; Cr = 0.03; Cu = 0.9; Fe = 69; I = 0.005; Mn = 0.08; Mo = 0.02; Se = 0.2; and Zn = 10. However, the iodine value needs further confirmation. In addition, information values have been identified for a number of so-called non-essential elements such as Ag, Au, B, Ba, Br, Cs, F, La, Rb, Sb, Sc, Si, Sn, Sr, Ti, V and W. The survey results for toxic trace elements As, Cd, Hg, Ni and Pb are discussed in part 3 of this paper along with placenta as a biomonitor for toxic trace elements.     

Drinking water quality in the Ethiopian section of the East African Rift Valley I--data and health aspects

Drinking water samples were collected throughout the Ethiopian part of the Rift Valley, separated into water drawn from deep wells (deeper than 60 m), shallow wells (<60 m deep), hot springs (T>36 degrees C), springs (T<32 degrees C) and rivers. A total of 138 samples were analysed for 70 parameters (Ag, Al, As, B, Ba, Be, Bi, Br, Ca, Cd, Ce, Cl, Co, Cr, Cs, Cu, Dy, Er, Eu, F, Fe, Ga, Gd, Ge, Hf, Hg, Ho, I, In, K, La, Li, Lu, Mg, Mn, Mo, Na, Nb, Nd, Ni, NO(2), NO(3), Pb, Pr, Rb, Sb, Se, Si, Sm, Sn, SO(4), Sr, Ta, Tb, Te, Th, Ti, Tl, Tm, U, V, W, Y, Yb, Zn, Zr, temperature, pH, conductivity and alkalinity) with ion chromatography (anions), spectrometry (ICP-OES and ICP-MS, cations) and parameter-specific (e.g. titration) techniques. In terms of European water directives and WHO guidelines, 86% of all wells yield water that fails to pass the quality standards set for drinking water. The most problematic element is fluoride (F), for which 33% of all samples returned values above 1.5 mg/l and up to 11.6 mg/l. The incidence of dental and skeletal fluorosis is well documented in the Rift Valley. Another problematic element may be uranium (U)-47% of all wells yield water with concentrations above the newly suggested WHO maximum acceptable concentration (MAC) of 2 microg/l. Fortunately, only 7% of the collected samples are above the 10 microg/l EU-MAC for As in drinking water.     

ICP-MS法测定不同品种黑莓果实中矿质元素含量

采用微波消解,ICP-MS法分析美洲黑莓、高大黑莓、无刺黑莓、葡萄叶莓、榆叶黑莓、裂叶黑莓、沙黑莓、甜黑莓、扬基莓、罗甘莓等10种不同品种黑莓果实中18种矿质元素Al、Ba、Ca、Co、Cr、Cu、Fe、K、Li、Mg、Mn、Mo、Na、Ni、P、Pb、S和Zn的含量,并应用聚类分析方法对测定结果进行分析。结果表明:该方法的相对标准偏差在1. 2%～4. 9%(n=3)之间,加标回收率在96. 1%～101. 7%之间。不同品种的黑莓中K、P、S、Ca、Mg,Na含量较高; Fe、Mn、Zn含量次之;有潜在生理毒性的元素Al、Cr、Pb的含量较低。从聚类树状图上可知,10种黑莓可聚类为2类。裂叶黑莓和扬基莓、葡萄叶莓和沙黑莓、甜黑莓和罗甘莓均表现出较高的相似性,都可聚为一类,这显示其品质的稳定性。此结果为实现黑莓的合理营养施肥和优质高效生产提供理论依据和技术支持。     

Bioavailability of heavy metals and their effects on the midgut cells of a phytopaghous insect inhabiting volcanic environments

Organisms living in volcanic environments are chronically exposed to metals, either as particles or associated with gases, from volcanic emissions, being therefore potential sentinels of the effects derived from such exposure. Concentrations of Ca, Cd, Cu, Mg, Mn, Pb, Rb, and Zn were measured in soil, grass (Lolium perenne), and larvae of Pseudaletia uninpuncta captured in sites exposed and non-exposed to volcanic activity. The midgut epithelial cell morphometry and apoptosis of P. unipuncta larvae were also analyzed. Larvae from the site with volcanic activity showed higher levels of Cu, Mn, Rb and Zn. Metals such as Pb, Cd and Mg levels of P. unipuncta larvae were similar between sites. Apoptosis was higher in cells from digestive epithelium of larvae exposed to volcanic activity. Soils and grass not exposed to volcanic activity showed higher levels for most of the analyzed elements with the exception of Rb. Such result when compared with metal levels of larvae may reveal that bioavailability of elements differs between sites. The higher levels of Cd, Zn and Mg in soils and grass from the site with no volcanic activity are probably related to the severe artificial fertilization in the studied pastures. Such result, when compared with metal levels of larvae, suggest that the bioavailability of metals differs between sites.     

Chemical and ecological effects of contaminated tunnel wash water runoff to a small Norwegian stream

Cleaning and washing of road tunnels are routinely performed and large volumes of contaminated wash water are often discharged into nearby recipients. In the present study, traffic related contaminants were quantified in tunnel wash water (the Nordby tunnel, Norway) discharged from a sedimentation pond to a nearby small stream, Årungselva. In situ size and charge fractionation techniques were applied to quantify traffic related metal species, while PAHs were quantified in total samples. All metals and several PAHs appeared at elevated concentrations in the discharged wash water compared with concentrations measured in Årungselva upstream the pond outlet, and to concentrations measured in the pond outlet before the tunnel wash event. In addition, several contaminants (e.g. Cu, Pb, Zn, fluoranthene, pyrene) exceeded their corresponding EQS. PAH and metals like Al, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe and Pb were associated with particles and colloids, while As, Ca, K, Mg, Mo, Ni, Sb and Zn were more associated with low molecular mass species (< 10 kDa). Calculated enrichment factors revealed that many of the metals were derived from anthropogenic sources, originating most likely from wear of tires (Zn), brakes (Cu and Sb), and from road salt (Na and Cl). The enrichment factors for Al, Ba, Ca, Cr, Fe, K, Mg and Ni were low, suggesting a crustal origin, e.g. asphalt wear. Based on calculated PAH ratios, PAH seemed to originate from a mixture of sources such as wear from tires, asphalt and combustion. Finally, historical fish length measurement data indicates that the fish population in the receiving stream Årungselva may have been adversely influenced by the chemical perturbations in runoffs originating from the nearby roads and tunnels during the years, as the growth in summer old sea trout (Salmo trutta L.) in downstream sections of the stream is significantly reduced compared to the upstream sections.     

Deposition of airborne elements from Sembule steel mill surveyed by moss analysis

The local contamination of airborne elements caused by the Sembule steel works was studied by the analysis of Mg, Ca, Fe, Ni, Pb and Cd accumulated in transplanted moss. The concentrations of heavy metals (Fe, Ni, Pb, Cd) and other elements (Mg, Ca) were determined in soil, moss and water collected in the vicinity of Sembule steel mill. Comparison of elemental ratios indicate that there is contamination by heavy metals around this area. Accumulation coefficients have been applied to moss, soil and water data in an attempt to work out the contribution of these elements to water via soil and air. In evaluating Fe, Ni, Pb and Cd contents of river water and soil, a distinction was made between the amounts which are taken up from soil and those reaching the water as air depositions (as measured by use of moss). The calculations indicate that soil contributes 79.4, 96.3, 23.3, 0.50, 14.6 and 30.6 percent of Mg, Ca, Cd, Pb, Ni and Fe, respectively, whereas air deposition contributes 20.6, 3.73, 76.7, 99.5, 85.4 and 69.4 percent, respectively.     

Application of waste ashes to agricultural land--effect of incineration temperature on chemical characteristics

Incineration is one of the most important methods of municipal waste disposal. During incineration, various reactions of composition and decomposition may occur; the physical and chemical properties of municipal wastes may change to a great extent. In the present study, 15 samples, including food scraps (FS), animal wastes (AW) and sewage sludges (SS) were collected from various places in Japan, incineration treatments at 500 degrees C, 850 degrees C and 1000 degrees C were conducted in laboratory, and pH, EC, P content, various P forms, anions and soluble metals were determined. The results indicated that average pH increased by 1.09, 1.84, 2.27 and EC decreased by 4.6, 4.6, 5.6 ds m(-1) at 500 degrees C, 850 degrees C, 1000 degrees C, respectively, pH increased in the sequence of AM > SS > FS, and the decrease rate of EC was in the order of FS > SS > AM. Compared with no treatment (NT), water-soluble P decreased greatly at all three temperatures; available P increased at 500 degrees C, but decreased to the original level at 850 degrees C and 1000 degrees C; the amount of Ca-P, Fe-P and Al-P decreased and residual insoluble P increased greatly at 850 degrees C and 1000 degrees C; no significant change of total P was found at all three temperatures. However, water-soluble HPO4(2-) and Cl- decreased greatly, the decrease ratio of Cl- was in the sequence of SS > FS > AM at 500 degrees C, and FS > SS > AM at 850 degrees C and 1000 degrees C; no significant difference was found for HPO4(2-) among all three treatment temperatures; water-soluble SO4(2-) decreased at 1000 degrees C, but there was no significant change at 500 degrees C and 850 degrees C. Moreover, water-soluble Na, Mg, K, Ti, Mn, Fe, Ga, Cd, Zn, Ba, Pb, Sr, W and 0.1 M HNO3 soluble Al, K, Cr, Mn, Fe, Zn, Sr, Ba, Pb, Be, Ga, Rb, Cd, Sn, Sb, Ta, Tl, Bi, Na, Co, Ni, Sc, Cs decreased, but water-soluble Ca, Cr, Co, Ni and 0.1 M HNO3 soluble Cu, Ca, V, Mo, W, Th, U, Hf increased at 500 degrees C, 850 degrees C or 1000 degrees C.     

Application of high Cu compost to Swiss chard and basil

A greenhouse container experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of high Cu compost on basil and Swiss chard productivity, and the accumulation of As, Ca, Fe, Hg, K, Mg, Na, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, S and Se in growth medium and plant tissue. The Cu content of the compost was over 1200 mg/kg, much higher than Canadian standards for type B compost quality. The treatments consisted of control soil (0% compost), and 20, 40 and 60% (by volume) of high Cu compost added to soil. All compost application treatments (20, 40 and 60%) resulted in increased dry matter yields in Swiss chard and basil. Addition of high Cu compost influenced basil plant development. Plants from the 20 and 40% treatments had higher numbers of buds and flowers. There were no differences between the control and 60% compost treatments with respect to flower initiation. Addition of 20, 40 and 60% compost to the soil resulted in increased EXCH fractions of Cu, but not of Mn and Zn. Compost additions resulted in increase in the HNO(3) extractable, CARB, FeMnOX, and in OM fractions of Cu, Mn and Zn in soils. Compost application increased soil pH and EC, soil HNO(3) extractable Ca, K, Mg, P, Na, B and Pb, but did not alter soil HNO(3) extractable Cd, Co, Cr, Mo, Ni, Se. Increased rates of compost application decreased tissue Ca in basil, tissue Na in both plants, increased tissue K, Mg in both plants, but, did not alter tissue P, Co, Cr, Mo, Ni of either plants, and B in basil. Tissue As, Hg, Pb, and Se from all treatments were under the detection limits of VGA-AAS (for As, Hg, Se) and ICP (for Pb). Compost additions altered basil oil chemical composition. Copper in the essential oil of basil was below 0.25 mg/l. In conclusion, the addition of high rates of relatively immature high Cu compost may not always increase Cu concentration in plants and in plant oils.     

Trace element reference values in tissues from inhabitants of the European Community. III. The control of preanalytical factors in the biomonitoring of trace elements in biological fluids.

In the context of a programme concerning the determination of trace elements in body fluids and tissues to establish trace element reference values, research has been undertaken on the control of preanalytical factors in order to develop sufficiently accurate and precise guidelines to be applied in routine work by using techniques such as graphite furnace atomic absorption spectroscopy (GFAAS). Aspects investigated are related to the risk of contamination during blood collection and the use of anticoagulants; the risk of losses during storage and freeze-drying as well as the possible risk of contamination arising from trace elements in airborne particulates of the laboratory environment. For the analysis of Al, Ba, Cd, Co, Cr, Mn, Mo, Ni, Sb, W, V and Zn in blood, Teflon cannula is the method of choice. The anticoagulants do not introduce disturbing contaminations of Rb, Se, Zn, while contaminations were observed for Co, Cr, Mn. Radiotracers in 'metabolized form' (radiolabelled rat or rabbit tissues from animals administered with radioisotopes) show that samples stored for 1 month at -20 degrees C have no significant trace metal losses. Strict ambient air quality standard has to be respected (continuous monitoring) due to the possibility of element contaminations inside the laboratory. The use of matrix modifiers could represent a toxicological risk to the operators. Critical factors should be considered ('metal sheets') for each element in each matrix. For instance 27 factors for Cr in serum have been suggested.     

Mn and Ni contents in soils of a qualified denomination of origin region: Rioja D.O.Ca,Spain

The distribution of Mn and Ni in soils of one of the most famous winegrowing regions of Spain, Rioja D.O.Ca (Denomination of origin, Spain's top category), was studied in detail according to its geographical location. There were background concentrations of 288.81 mg kg^?1 total Mn in the surface horizon and 296.06 mg kg^?1 in the subsoil; and a total Ni content of 17.89 mg kg^?1 in the surface horizon and 24.76 mg kg^?1 in the subsoil. The amounts of Mn bio- or phytoavailable were 5.28 mg kg^?1 in the upper horizon and 4.70 mg kg^?1 in the subsurface horizon; and for Ni bio- or phytoavailable, the amounts were 0.14 mg kg^?1 in the upper horizon and 0.13 mg kg^?1 in the deeper horizon. Spatial distribution patterns were established using GIS contour maps for the two elements, showing significant variations within and between the sites. The local contamination is generally associated with the quantities that are added to the soil or water from man-made sources such as industrial discharge and volatile emissions, sewage sludge, livestock wastes and other wastes.