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In this study, the different fractions of Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn in the soil samples have been determined by means of BCR sequential extraction method which was developed by the European Bureau of Reference. The amounts of heavy metals which are taken by plants have been determined through DTPA (diethylene triamine pentaacetic acid) extraction method and the relationship between sequential extraction method and amounts of heavy metal taken by plants have been statistically analyzed. Flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS) has been employed to find out heavy metals extracted through BCR sequential extraction and DTPA method. In this study, it has been statistically found out that there is a strong relationship between heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Pb and Zn) except for Ni and Co which can be extracted through DTPA and F1 fraction (exchangeable and carbonateObound). It has also been seen that this relationship can provide significant information while interpreting heavy metal behaviors and available amounts. Besides, it has been observed that there is a statistical relationship between metal amount bound in F2 (FeOMn oxides bound) and F3 (organic matter and sulphure bound) fractions and metal amounts extractable through DTPA. It has also been seen that these relationships can provide information for heavy metals about their bioavailability in the long term. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic value of renal scintigraphic study in upper urinary tract obstructions in comparison with biochemical data that was obtained before and after percutaneous nephrostomy (PCN). Materials and methods: We included 30 patients (16 male and 14 female) with a mean age of 32.8 (range 5-65) years applying to our clinic between May 2004 and February 2006 with upper urinary tract obstruction. We classified patients' kidney as nonfunctioning and poor functioning, if they had 0-9% and 10-30% function respectively, according to renal diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid (DTPA) scintigraphy performed before PCN. After placing PCN catheter; urea, creatinine, density, and volume of the first 24-hour urine were recorded. After two weeks of follow-up, DTPA scintigraphy with diuretic was repeated. Urine biochemical and DTPA scintigraphy data obtained before and two weeks after PCN were compared. Results: DTPA scintigraphy indicated 11 of 30 kidneys as non-functioning and 19 as poor functioning. DTPA scintigraphy performed two weeks after PCN revealed 10 of 30 kidneys as non-functioning and 20 as poor functioning. Although these figures were similar, the renal function status of 5 patients changed. Conclusion: Although it is statistically insignificant, poor functioning upper urinary tract obstruction have a tendency to recover functionally; thus, nephrectomy should not be performed before trying PCN. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]