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Ulva, a green seaweed, is gaining Interest for food applications due to its high content of protein and wellbalanced amino acid composition. However, protein extraction is necessary to reduce the ash content and increase the protein digestibility. In this study, pilot scale protein extraction from Ulva was obtained by a mechanical fractionation, creating a pulp and a juice. A second extraction of protein from the pulp was obtain after a pH shift to 8.5 and the proteins from the two juices were acid precipitated with and without a clearing step (decanting of the resulting juice). Extraction of protein from the whole biomass resulted in a higher content of crude protein (CP) (31.8-37.6 %), essential amino acids (EAA) (42.4%), and nitrogen digestibility (59.5-63.3%) than from the pulp (26.1-29.5 % CP of DM, 40.1-40.3 % EAA, 47.4±3.6 % nitrogen digestibility). Including the clearing step increased the protein content but not the nitrogen digestibility (59.5±4.8 % with clearing vs 63.3 ±3.4% without). None of the extractions induced cross-linked AA of concern. However, elements were concentrated, where concentrations of arsenic might limit the utilization in food. These results indicate that upscaling of the protein extraction from Ulva is promising, but further improvement regarding toxic elements and protein digestibility is necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to investigate grain quality and nutritional values of rice (Pokkali, a salt-tolerant cultivar; RD73, a new cultivar improved from KDML105 introgressed with Saltol QTL from Pokkali, and KDML105, a moderately salt-susceptible cultivar) grown under non-saline (0.04–0.87 dS/m) and slightly saline (1.08–4.83 dS/m) field conditions. The results revealed that salinity caused significant reduction in grain size but significant increments in reducing sugar and total protein contents in the grains. Nevertheless, the amounts of starch in the grains of KDML105 and Pokkali rice genotypes were unaffected by the stress. The starch granule size distribution was also unaffected by salinity. Interestingly, only starch from Pokkali was significantly diminished in amylose content, from 19.18% to 16.99%. Accordingly, parameters relating to starch gelatinization, retrogradation, and pasting properties of KDML105 and RD73 were unaffected by salinity; only Pokkali showed a significant increase in percentage of retrogradation along with a significant reduction in gelatinization enthalpy. In the saline field, total phenolic content and antioxidant capacity in the grains of all rice cultivars tended to increase, particularly in Pokkali. On average, essential element contents in grains from the saline-treated plants showed a 33%, 32%, 32%, 22%, 20%, 11%, and 10% increase in total P, N, K, Mg, Zn, Fe, and Ca content, respectively. Interestingly, total Fe content exhibited the greatest percentage of increments in KDML105 (187%). Taken together, cultivation of rice in the slightly saline field did not alter its eating and cooking qualities, while enhanced some nutritional properties such as proteins, minerals, and secondary metabolites like phenolic compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Leaf surface particulate matter (PM) is an optimal material for the environmental monitoring of urban green spaces Currently, most studies have looked at leaf surface PM, using only its mass concentration to investigate the dust retention capacity and mechanisms of different plant leaves. The elemental composition of leaf surface PM has been neglected as a reflection of the environment and its sources. Therefore, in this study, ten common plant species were selected from the Olympic Forest Park, an urban green space in Beijing, and the characteristics of leaf surface PM were analysed in depth in terms of mass concentration and elemental composition. The leaf surface PM mass concentration was first obtained by vacuum filtration (VF) method, and then the leaf surface PM attached to the filter membrane obtained from the previous step was used as experimental material to study its elemental composition using cold field emission scanning electron microscopy combined with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (FESEM-EDS). The results show that (1) In terms of mass concentration, were Hemerocallis fulva , Poa pratensis , Acorus calamus , Typha orientalis , and Phragmites communis had better dust retention capacity; (2) The five most important elements deposited on the leaf surface of plants in Beijing were C, O, Mg, Al, and Si, with a total of 26 elements detected; (3) The particulate matter retained on the leaf surface of plants in Beijing was classified as Geogenic particles (57.70%) > Anthropogenic particles (22.30%) > Biogenic particles (20.00%). The results at this stage are expected to promote the in-depth understanding of plant leaf remediation of PM. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • This paper discussed the chemical insights behind BW fast characterization method. • A novel dimensional reduction method with physical significance was proposed. • The performance of the novel dimensional reduction method was compared with PCA. • The fundamentals of the input spectra on the output characteristics were explored. The combination of machine learning and infrared spectroscopy was reported as effective for fast characterization of biomass and waste (BW). However, this characterization process is lack of interpretability towards its chemical insights, leading to less satisfactory recognition for its reliability. Accordingly, this paper aimed to explore the chemical insights of the machine learning models in the fast characterization process. A novel dimensional reduction method with significant physicochemical meanings was thus proposed, where the high loading spectral peaks of BW were selected as input features. Combined with functional groups attribution of these spectral peaks, the machine learning models established based on the dimensionally reduced spectral data could be explained with clear chemical insights. The performance of classification and regression models between the proposed dimensional reduction method and principal component analysis method was compared. The influence mechanism of each functional group on the characterization results were discussed. C H deformation, C C stretch & C O stretch and ketone/aldehyde C O stretch played essential roles in C, H/ LHV and O prediction, respectively. The results of this work demonstrated the theoretical fundamentals of the machine learning and spectroscopy based BW fast characterization method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The spatial heterogeneity of trace element geochemical backgrounds in surface soils poses a significant challenge for accuratly assessing the anthropogenic contributions to soil pollution. To evaluate the natural variation in trace element abundance, the composition and spatial distribution of 50 trace elements across 153 sites in the Hoh Xil Nature Reserve, a pristine region in western China, were determined. While the contents of the rare earth elements and heavy metal(loid)s closely mirror the composition of continental crust, moderate to extremely high spatial heterogeneity was found for these elements. The coefficients of variation (CV) indicate that 46 of the 50 trace elements display moderate to high spatial heterogeneity (10% < CV < 100%), while the remaining ones show extreme spatial heterogeneity (CV > 100%). Notably, the chalcophile elements exhibit particularly high spatial heterogeneity, and the spatial heterogeneity in trace element abundance increased with the geospatial scale of assessment. Normalization of the contents of trace elements with those of rock-forming element, Ti, under different geospatial scales reveals that the intrinsic crustal heterogenity in elemental abundance and the preferential enrichment or depletion of elements due to regional geological processes are the primary factors shaping the spatial viariation in their distribution in the pristine surface soils. The significant spatial heterogeneity in the distribution of trace elements and its fractal characteristics have important implications for evaluating the pollution of surface soils by trace elements and apportioning the contribution of anthropgenic activities based on subtraction of the regional background values. [Display omitted] • Trace elements in undisturbed soils showed moderate to extreme spatial heterogeneity. • The chalcophile elements exhibited particularly pronounced spatial heterogeneity. • Spatial heterogeneity of elements increased with the geospatial scale of evaluation. • The heterogeneity resulted from crustal non-uniformity and local geological processes. • Using local elemental background is crucial for assessing anthropogenic contributions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluates the durability of fly ash/slag-based geopolymer with limited ordinary Portland cement (OPC) content up to 6 %. The raw materials used are low-calcium fly ash (class F) and ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS). Variations in slag and OPC contents and the SiO 2 /Na 2 O ratio were employed to prepare fly ash/slag pastes. Pure OPC samples were also prepared. Physical appearance, weight, pH change, compressive strength, microstructural, and elemental composition analyses were conducted to investigate the samples under sulfate attack. The sulfate solution concentration considered in this study is fixed at 5 %. It was found that geopolymer samples showed a very minimal weight loss of up to 0.7 %, whereas OPC samples lost up to 2.5 % of their weight. Moreover, with 3 % and 6 % of OPC content in the geopolymer samples, there was an observed improvement in compressive strength by 6 %–16 % when compared to their control groups. The morphology of the hydrated products under sulfate attack at all ages with 3 % and 6 % of OPC content shows considerably denser matrices than the control groups with no OPC content. When the available soluble silica provided by sodium silicate increased, it revealed positive improvements in the compressive strength and the formation of the final products under a sulfate environment. • Microstructural properties and reaction products analyzed extensively. • Elemental compositions and gel phase development examined in detail. • Higher silica content improves strength in sulfate-rich environments. • OPC incorporation increases microstructure density, enhancing durability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper we present the scheme for quantification of local elemental composition by micro-XRF in thin tissue slices. The proposed procedure involves simultaneous determination of the geometry factor and the primary spectrum distribution from the measurement of set of the thin film calibrations standards. The procedure has been applied for the commercial M4 Tornado Plus spectrometer by Bruker. The quantification of the thin tissue slice has been performed as well. • Instrumental parameters and physical properties of sample can be useful in quantitative XRF. • Sample areal mass can be obtain with use scattered radiation of tube anode material. • Using the effective energy approximation significantly simplifies the analysis. • The proposed model for the thin tissue slice quantification works well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A refined evaluation approach is proposed for the properties of CDT soil particles. • 25 sub-groups of individual particles from 14 mm to less than 0.8 μm are separated. • The properties of constituent particles have a function of particle size. • The characteristics of constituent particles determine the bulk behaviors of soil. • Particle-based and clay-based indexes can quantify the rock weathering degree. This paper presents a refined approach for evaluating the geometrical, physical, and chemical properties of weathered soil particles and illustrates it with a completely decomposed tuff (CDT) soil. This refined evaluation approach consists of two parts. Part I separates soil into 25 sub-groups of gravel, sand, silt, and clay particles from 14 mm to less than 0.0008 mm by washing and sieving. Part II applies laboratory tests to examine the refined geometrical, physical, and chemical properties of each sub-group of materials. These laboratory tests include the dynamic and static image analysis for particle shape evaluation, the Atterberg limits test for plasticity evaluation, the falling head permeability test for hydraulic conductivity evaluation, the energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer (EDS) test and X-ray fluorescence spectrometer (XRF) test for elemental composition evaluation, and the X-ray diffractometer (XRD) test for mineral composition evaluation. The quantitative results of these refined properties of the soil materials can be expressed as a function of the particle size. The characteristics of each sub-group of particles together determine the properties of the soil mixture. This refined evaluation approach provides a new insight for examining the properties of weathered soils and their weathering degrees. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the PM 10 pollution in the central Indo−Gangetic plain (IGP) of India from February 2018 to December 2019, revealing an annual average PM 10 concentration of 193±65 μg m−³. Seasonal concentrations peaked in winter season followed by summer, post-monsoon and monsoon seasons. WD−XRF identifying 35 elements, including major elements like Si, Al, Ca, and Fe, which contributed 18% to PM 10 concentrations. The enrichment factor analysis indicates that the Rb, Sr, and Na originate from natural sources, while Fe, Al, Mn, K, Ca, Mg, and Zr have both natural and anthropogenic sources. The remaining elements are primarily of anthropogenic origin. Source apportionment through Principal Component Analysis (PCA) revealed the six key PM 10 sources: mixed type (dust+biomass burning, 42%), vehicular (24%), industrial (15%), combustion (7%), agricultural activities (6%), and fossil fuel combustion (6%). Local sources from the northwest (NW) and west (W) directions were dominant, with smaller contributions from trans-boundary regions like Afghanistan and Pakistan. Health risk assessments highlighted non-carcinogenic risks from Mn for adults and children, with additional risks from Al and Cr for children, and carcinogenic risks from Cr for adults. The risk of Al, Cr and Mn in Varanasi are likely driven by combustion related activities, as Cr and Mn in PM 10 are commonly associated with industrial and vehicular emission sources. • A total of 34 elements analysed in PM 10 which contributes 18% of PM 10 mass concentration. • The dominant sources of elements in PM 10 were dust & biomass burning (42%), vehicular emissions (24%), industrial emissions (15%). • Significant carcinogenic risks associated with Cr over Central IGP. • Mn posed non-carcinogenic risks in adults and children. • The elements Al and Cr were carcinogenic for children over Central IGP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studying the changes in organic matter and characteristic pollutants during the treatment of penicillin-containing pharmaceutical wastewater, which can be reflected by changes in dissolved organic matter (DOM), is crucial for improving the effectiveness of wastewater treatment units and systems. Herein, water quality indicators, spectroscopic methods, and Fourier-transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry were utilized to characterize the general molecular compositions and specific molecular changes in DOM during the treatment of typical penicillin-containing pharmaceutical wastewater, including in each of the influent, physicochemical treatment, biological treatment, oxidation treatment, and effluent stages. The influent exhibited a high organic matter content (concentration of dissolved organic carbon >10,000 mg·L−1), its DOM mainly contained protein- and lignin-like substances composed of CHON and CHONS molecules, and the relative intensity (RI) of penicillin was extremely high (RI = 0.220). Compared with the influent, the abundance of CHON and CHONS molecules detected after physicochemical treatment decreased by 70.3 % and 62.5 %, respectively, and the RI of penicillin decreased by 85.5 %. Biological treatment caused substantial changes in DOM components through oxidation, dealkylation, and denitrification reactions, accounting for 36.8 %, 28.9 %, and 14.8 % of the total identified reactions, respectively. Additionally, lignin-like substances were generated in large quantities, the overall humification level significantly increased, and the RI value increased for the penicillin intermediate, 6-aminopenicillanic acid (6-APA). Oxidation treatment effectively removed phosphorus-containing substances and some lignin-like substances produced by biological treatment; however, it was not effective in removing characteristic pollutants such as 6-APA. Such characteristic substances continued to be present in the effluent, and the DOM mainly contained protein- and humus-like substances, accounting for 30.8 % and 47.3 %, respectively. The study findings reveal the changes in organic matter and characteristic pollutants during the treatment of penicillin-containing wastewater from the perspective of the general molecular composition and specific molecular changes in DOM, providing support for further exploration of wastewater treatment mechanisms and improvements in treatment unit efficiency. [Display omitted] • Spectroscopic methods and FT-ICR MS analyzed DOM characteristic changes during wastewater treatment process. • DOM in the influent was mainly composed of protein- and lignin-like substances. • Lignin-like substances and CHONS molecules were produced after biological treatment. • Biological treatment and advanced oxidation treatment were difficult to remove sulfur-containing DOM molecules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The applicability of biochar derived from Aesculus turbinata seed shell (SAT-BC) was investigated for triclosan removal, which is extensively used in personal care products and causes endocrine disorders. The seed shells were pyrolyzed at 300°C-700°C, and their physico-chemical properties and triclosan adsorption capacities were analyzed. The increase in pyrolysis temperature from 300°C to 700°C decreased the O/C and H/C of SAT-BC from 0.205 to 0.130 and from 0.071 to 0.021, respectively. SAT-BC at 300°C (SAT-300) presented a higher triclosan adsorption capacity than that of SAT-BC pyrolyzed at other temperatures. Adsorption equilibrium was achieved at a reaction time of 6 h, and the pseudo-second-order model better fit the triclosan adsorption by SAT-300. The equilibrium adsorption data was best represented by the Freundlich isotherm model, and the maximum adsorption capacity was estimated to be 49.4 mg/g. The enthalpy and entropy change during triclosan adsorption by SAT-BC were 22.2 kJ/mol and 67.9 J/K·mol, respectively, indicating that the triclosan adsorption absorbed energy and increased the randomness during the processes. The increase of solution pH from 3 to 11 decreased triclosan adsorption from 33.0 to 7.4 mg/g, and a sharp drop in adsorption amount (23.5-14.6 mg/g) was observed between solutions pH 7 and 9. Increasing the SAT-300 dose from 1.7 to 10.0 g/L decreased the triclosan adsorption per unit mass of adsorbent, but increased the removal percentage; 8.3 g/L of the adsorbent dose removed more than 90% of triclosan. The biowaste turbinate seed shell pyrolyzed at 300°C can be potentially used for triclosan adsorption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• What evidence an expert considers becomes explicit using a Bayesian network. • Example on how to construct Bayes network for soil casework is given. • Constructing Bayesian networks for soil casework provides new research avenues. • Evaluation at activity level requires more transfer/persistence/recovery studies. Forensic soil comparisons can be of high evidential value in a forensic case, but become complex when multiple methods and factors are considered. Bayesian networks are well suited to support forensic practitioners in complex casework. This study discusses the structure of a Bayesian network, elaborates on the in- and output data and evaluates two examples, one using source level propositions and one using activity level propositions. These examples can be applied as a template to construct a case specific network and can be used to assess sensitivity of the target output to different factors and identify avenues for research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Mineralogical and elemental analyses provide data for soil discrimination. • Mineral and element markers are identified for soils from different parts of China. • Soil geolocation tracing can be accomplished by mineralogical and elemental data. One of the key tasks of soil analysis in forensic sciences is to provide information about its diversities and geolocation. In fact, soil analysis is relevant for forensic geologists. In this study, a total of 80 soil samples were collected from eight Chinese cities (10 samples per city). Different minerals and their relative percentages were analyzed by the X-ray diffraction (XRD) method. In addition, the relative amounts of montmorillonite, kaolinite, amphibole, feldspar, calcite, and dolomite provided information about the origin of a soil, either if it came from a northern or southern city of China. The oxide weight percentages of 10 elements of Al 2 O 3 , SiO 2, Fe 2 O 3 , K 2 O, Na 2 O, MgO, CaO, P 2 O 5 , MnO, and TiO 2 were also obtained by using X-ray fluorescence (XRF) from the 80 soil samples. Moreover, principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical clustering analysis (HCA) methods were performed for dimensionality reduction, elemental marker identification and soils classification to the city they came from purposes. The eighty soils analyzed in this study could be tracked correctly to their city of origin. The K-Nearest Neighbors (KNN) model was done to evaluate the prediction ability based on the soil elemental composition, and it was confirmed by cross validation methods. The results demonstrated that mineralogical and elemental composition can provide powerful information for soil discrimination and source tracing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metallic elemental analyses are needed to complete food composition databases, in which humans consume food to obtain energy and be able to do everyday work. The study aimed to investigate the concentrations of some metals (K, Al, Fe, Cu, Cd, and Pb) in teff and barley samples using flame atomic absorption spectroscopy (FAAS) techniques. The samples, weighing 0.5 grams each, were subjected to wet digestions using a mixture ratio of 7:3(vol/vol) of HNO 3 to H 2 O 2 reagents at 90°c for 3:00 h under optimal conditions. The reagents were used to digest food samples for the presence of specific metallic elements. Flame Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (FAAS) was used to analyze the mineral contents of the digested samples. The results demonstrated that the relative concentrations obtained in these cereal crops are different from one another. The concentration of metallic elements in mg/kg of K (2709.6±3.3), Al (952.3±4.2), Fe (320.9±4.8), Cu (25.3±3.2), Pb (ND) and Cd (ND) for red teff, K (3053.7±1.6), Al (1095.2±4.2), Fe (271.6±4.8), Cu (60.1±3.2), Pb (ND) and Cd (ND) for white teff while K (4333.3±3.2), Al (2595.2±4.2), Fe (74.0±0.00), Cu (10.5±1.8), Pb (ND) and Cd (ND) for barley. The high content of potassium and aluminum metallic elements was found in barley cereals. The results of this study will be useful in enriching the database of Ethiopian cereals as foods, advancing the knowledge of cereals and deepening the scientific understanding of the cereals. • Concentration of chemical elements in barely and teff seeds. • Comparing the levels of the concentration of chemical elements metals in teff and barely seeds with the literature values. • Checking detection limit of the cereals with FAO/WHO standard value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Nitophyllum punctatum contains calcium, magnesium, potassium, and iron. • N. punctatum inhibit NO production and suppresses pro-inflammatory cytokines. • N. punctatum extract prevents EMS-induced genotoxicity in onion roots. • N. punctatum is a promising source of anti-inflammatory and anti-genotoxic compounds. Marine algae are important sources of nutritionally and pharmacologically important products. Here in the study, nutritional composition and biological activities of a marine red algae Nitophyllum punctatum were assessed. The present study aimed to analyze the nutritional composition and biological effects of the N. punctatum. The marine algae N. punctatum was collected, shade dried and extracted using Soxhelet apparatus. The elemental composition was estimated using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy; the anti-inflammatory effect was determined using Raw 264.7 macrophages. Genotoxicity was assessed by standard methods using Allium cepa root model. The elemental composition analysis revealed the presence of essential minerals such as calcium, magnesium, potassium, and iron, indicating the potential nutritional value of the algae. The extract demonstrated significant inhibition of Nitric oxide (NO) production and downregulated the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α and IL-6, suggesting its potential as an anti-inflammatory agent. Furthermore, the anti-genotoxic potential of the methanol extract was evaluated using the Allium cepa model, a well-established system for assessing genotoxicity. Onion root tips were treated with various concentrations of the extract, and the chromosomal changes were performed as indicators of genotoxicity. Results indicated a protective effect against Ethyl methyl sulfonate (EMS) induced genotoxicity in onion roots. The findings suggest that the methanol extract of N. punctatum possesses potent anti-inflammatory and anti-genotoxic properties, which may be attributed to the presence of bioactive compounds. The study highlights the potential pharmacological importance of N. punctatum as a source of natural compounds with anti-inflammatory and anti-genotoxic activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Site elevation is a crucial driver for mangrove restoration, and litter production restoration is a significantly important target of mangrove restoration, but little attention has been paid to impact of site elevation on the production and elemental composition of litter in the restored mangrove forests. This study compared the production and elemental composition of mangrove litter at the three intertidal elevations, to explore impacts of site elevation on the production and elemental composition of mangrove litter. Compared with the upper elevation site, significantly lower annual litter production was found at the lower elevation site. Leaf litter was the main component of litter, up to 60.49% of total litter production at the upper elevation site, while reproductive materials (flower and fruit) were the key part of litter and accounted for 50.80% (the lower elevation site) and 57.02% (the middle elevation site) of total litter production. As site elevation decreased, element stocks within total litter decreased by approximately 65.39% (organic carbon), 65.17% (total nitrogen) and 63.66% (total phosphorus), respectively, which was attributed more to element stocks within leaf litter instead of element stocks within the other litter. Results showed that site elevation decreases resulted in decreased litter production, altered composition percentages of litter production, and reduced element stocks within total litter. In the future mangrove restoration projects, it is advisable to prioritize upper elevation (above local mean level) for promoting litter production. • The decreases in site elevation decreased mangrove litter production. • Lower element stocks in the total litter were found at the lower elevation site. • Upper elevation should be selected in the future mangrove restoration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the high preservation of the loess series and the availability of coastal outcrop sections loess cover of Western Ciscaucasia has ample opportunities for spatial paleogeographical reconstructions for the Middle and Late Pleistocene. Currently, the level of knowledge on the structure and composition of the loess-paleosol sequences of Western Ciscaucasia remains unequal. The Azov coast is studied in more detail in comparison with the inner part of the region. The structure and composition of the loess-paleosol sequences of different parts of Western Ciscaucasia (the Sea of Azov coast and western macroslope of the Stavropol Upland) for the Middle and Late Pleistocene are compared. Comparison of the key sections are based on litho- and pedostratigraphy, magnetic susceptibility, grain size, elemental and mineral composition, and luminescence dating. Recent results of luminescence dating allowed correcting the structure of the Mezin pedocomplex (S1). It was found out that this pedocomplex includes three phases of soil formation (S1SS1, S1SS2, S1SS3), which approximately correspond to the warm stages of marine isotope stage 5 (MIS 5) – 5a, 5c, 5e. In all sections, a clear trend towards an increase in the accumulation rates over the last three climatic macrocycles is observed. The last interglacial-glacial macrocycle (MISs 2–5) is characterized by the most significant increase in average accumulation rates, which were ∼1.8 times higher compared to MISs 6–7 and ∼2.3 times higher than during the MISs 8–9. A likely reason for the regional increase in the average dust accumulation rate was the directional increase in climate aridity. The patterns of the spatial distribution of the loess thickness and material composition indicate that the main source of aeolian dust is situated in the east. We suppose that the main sources of dust are sand masses of the alluvial plains of Lover Volga, Terek, Kuma and Kura rivers in the Caspian lowland. The Lower Don sandy province is reconstructed to be a secondary source. Dust is blown from the sandy terraces of the Don, and in the past - from the Don deltas, during the period when the Sea of Azov dried up. • The main sources of dust forming the loess of the Ciscaucasia were the large sandy massifs in the Caspian lowland. • Secondary (local) sources of dust - sand massifs on the Don terraces and in the past on the delta, during the period of drying up of the Azov Sea. • In the interval of MIS 5, three paleosols were identified in a number of loess sections. • A directed increase in the rate of dust accumulation was established over the last three interglacial-glacial macrocycles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Magnetite is typomorphic, and its crystal textures and chemical fingerprint form unique signatures that can be used to determine sediment provenance. Determination of the provenance of sediments in the upper Yangtze River is critical for understanding its evolution and the uplift of the Tibetan Plateau. In this study, petrographic analysis and electron-probe microanalysis (EPMA) of 800 detrital magnetite grains were performed to differentiate the provenance of sediments within the mainstream and major tributaries of the upper Yangtze River catchment. Chemical analyses show that the elemental composition of magnetite grains shows pronounced variations among the different sections of the mainstream and tributaries. Based on the observed chemical fingerprints, we infer that the source rocks control the elemental composition of magnetite grains. The magnetite contribution is closely related to the tectonics, climate, and erosion of parent rocks within different drainage basins. Magnetite from the trunk stream of the Jinsha River is found to be a significant contributor to the upper Yangtze River. Magnetite grains of the upper Jinsha River are primarily derived from source areas composed of silicic plutonic rocks and ophiolite lithologies that crop out on the SE Tibetan Plateau. Magnetite grains within the sands of the lower Jinshajiang sediments are characterized by high concentrations of Ti, Mg, Cr, Al, and Mn, and are derived from the widely distributed Emeishan flood basalts and Pan-Xi layered basic–ultrabasic igneous rocks. This source is also a major contributor of magnetite to the upper Yangtze River, and the parent rock distributed in this region is of typomorphic significance to the development of the Yangtze River. The origin of magnetite grains in the tributaries depends on the parent rocks distributed in their catchments. In summary, the presence of detrital magnetite grains provides valuable information for discriminating the provenance of sediments in the upper Yangtze River drainage basins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The knowledge of the geographical origin of food is related to the consumer's safety and usually aggregates market value to the product. One way to identify the geographical origin of foodstuff is through the determination of geochemical markers. The aim of this work is to determine the elemental composition of the mate tealeaves (Ilex paraguariensis) and identify possible elements which could be considered as geochemical markers. To that end, packaged tealeaves from nine different South American regions were analyzed by Particle-Induced X-Ray Emission. Moreover, tealeaves of a particular brand manufactured and packed in Brazil and commercialized in Brazil and Uruguay were analyzed as well. Results showed that Mg, Al, Si, P, S, Cl, K, Ca, Ti, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, Br, Rb, Sr and Ba are present in the mate tealeaves. Considering the average concentrations of the elements from each region, there are significant differences among the regions for all elements but S. Multivariate statistical analysis indicates that the variability of the elements could be used to characterize the provenance of Ilex paraguariensis. Some elements such as Mg, Cu, Sr, Mn and Ni are correlated, which could be used to identify the geographical origin of this product. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It has been reported that the concentrations of minerals in wines can be used to discriminate their geographical origin. However, some winemaking techniques may also affect the mineral concentration of the final product. In this study, we examined the effects of various winemaking techniques, including (i) fining, (ii) aging with oak tips, (iii) maceration with grape skins, (iv) chaptalization and acidification, and (v) yeast nutrient addition for alcohol fermentation, on the concentration of 18 minerals (Li, B, Na, Mg, Si, P, S, K, Ca, Mn, Co, Ni, Ga, Rb, Sr, Mo, Ba and Pb) in a total of 154 wine samples using grapes from different production areas. Among the various winemaking techniques, maceration with grape skin had the largest effect on mineral content, significantly changing the concentrations of 17 or 18 elements (B, Na, Mg, Si, P, S, K, Ca, Mn, Co, Ni, Ga, Rb, Sr, Mo, Ba and Pb). Fining treatment using bentonites had the second largest effect, altering the concentrations of 14 elements (Li, B, Na, Si, P, S, Ca, Co, Ga, Rb, Sr, Mo, Ba and Pb). However, in principal component analysis using all data (n = 154), the wine samples were clearly clustered according to grapes used in the experiments rather than the winemaking technique. In conclusion, some winemaking techniques significantly altered the concentration of some minerals in wine; however, the principal factor influencing wine mineral composition seems to be its geographical origin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Three types of pyrite were identified in the Maoping MVT Pb-Zn deposit. • Sulfur for Py1 and Py2 originated from sulfates by thermochemical reduction. • Sulfur for Py3 originated from bacterial sulfate reduction. • Fluid mixing of metal-bearing basin brine and fluid containing reduced sulfur was responsible for ore formation. The SYG (Sichuan–Yunnan–Guizhou) area is one of the most economically significant Mississippi Valley Type (MVT) ore provinces, providing approximately 27 % of the Pb–Zn resources in China. The Pb-Zn deposits in this region are renowned for their high grade, and the Maoping deposit with 20.3 % Pb-Zn grade is one prime example. However, the mechanism of such high-grade mineralization remains unclear, and pyrite may record valuable ore-forming information before and during Pb-Zn mineralization. Based on field geology and petrography, three hydrothermal stages were identified in the Maoping deposit: dolomite–pyrite vein (stage I), dolomite–sphalerite–galena vein (stage II), and calcite vein (stage III). Three types of pyrite are recognized: Py1 and Py2 occur in stage I, and Py3 is closely associated with sphalerite and galena in stage II. Py1 exhibits the highest concentrations of S, Pb, Sb, Cu, Co, Ni, V, Ag, Mn, Se, and Mo, and Py3 shows the highest Fe and As contents but the lowest levels of S, Pb, Sb, Cr, Ti, Co, Ni, Mn, and Mo. The element composition of Py2 shows transitional characteristics between those of Py1 and Py3. The Co and Ni contents gradually decrease from Py1 through Py2 to Py3, while their ratios remain within the range of 0.1–1.0. Compared with Py1 and Py2, Py3 exhibits suddenly elevated As levels and apparent acicular structures, indicating that a rapidly precipitating environment was likely triggered by an abrupt temperature decrease. Py1 exhibits δ34S values of 19.7–21.5 ‰, followed by Py2 between 18.6 and 21.1 ‰; both indicate that the sulfur was sourced from sulfates by thermochemical sulfate reduction (TSR). In contrast, Py3 exhibits lower δ34S values ranging from 7.5 to 11.0 ‰, potentially attributed to bacterial sulfate reduction (BSR). The differences in mineral structure, element composition, and sulfur isotopes among the three pyrite types indicate the involvement of two distinct fluids: metal-bearing basin brine and fluid containing reduced sulfur. The former was derived from basin brine that extracted ore metals (Pb2+ and Zn2+) from host sedimentary piles. The latter originated from carbonate strata in the Maoping area containing reduced sulfur formed by BSR. We propose that the ore-bearing basin brine reacted with organic matter in the wallrock through TSR to generate Py1 and Py2 in stage I and then mixed with the positioned fluid containing reduced sulfur via BSR to precipitate Py3, sphalerite, and galena in stage II. Hence, fluid mixing is the primary ore-forming mechanism and effectively accounts for the high-grade Pb–Zn ores in the Maoping deposit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The CUO has systemic vertical variations in mineral assemblages and pitchblende geochemistry. • The vertical variations were caused by the ascent of deep oxidizing fluid and decreased upwardly during U mineralization. • REE of pitchblende could be used to guide deep uranium exploration. The Changjiang uranium (U) orefield in northern Guangdong (South China) contains several important granite-related uranium deposits, including the Mianhuakeng deposit. The hydrothermal evolution and mineralization mechanism of the deposit remain unclear, and hence in this study we analyzed the mineral compositional variations of pitchblende from different elevation (−300 to −50 m) in the orebody at Mianhuakeng deposit. The results indicate that with decreasing depth, the hydrothermal mineral assemblage changes from a reducing one (pitchblende, pyrite, and chlorite) to a moderately oxidizing one (pitchblende, coffinite, hematite, and goethite). The contents of U, Sr, ∑REE, U/Th, and LREE/HREE ratios in the pitchblende decrease (whereas the Cu-Pb-Zn-Ni-Co-Sc-Rb contents increase) progressively with decreasing depth. Also, Ce anomaly (Ce/Ce*) changes from positive to negative, and Eu anomaly (Eu/Eu*) becomes more negative with decreasing depth. We interpreted such vertical variations to be caused by the ascent of deep, mid-to-high temperature, highly-oxidizing ore-forming fluid, which was reduced by early-stage reducing minerals in the wallrock, a process that also formed the mineralization at Changjiang. In addition, the pitchblende REE distribution patterns and Eu/Eu* at depth (−300 m) resemble those of the Zhuguang pluton, indicating that the ore-forming materials were originated from the U-bearing granite wallrocks. Therefore, the Ce/Ce* and Eu/Eu* variations of pitchblende can be used to guide deep uranium ore exploration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The apple cultivar, known for its adaptability and diverse varieties, has been extensively utilized for cider production, particularly in climatically suitable regions. Cider, an age-old alcoholic beverage derived from fermenting apple juice, is gaining popularity, especially among younger generations. Despite this trend, comprehensive knowledge regarding the toxicological profile of ciders remains limited, leaving room for potential chemical contaminants from raw ingredients or production methods. To address this gap, we conducted an unprecedented study analyzing sixty-eight cider samples from the Spanish market, encompassing both traditional ciders and newly developed apple-based flavored drinks referred to as "ciders." Our investigation focused on pesticide residues, elemental profiles, and mycotoxin residues. In a groundbreaking approach, our study integrated the analysis of 225 pesticide residues, 50 Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs), 11 mycotoxins (AFB1, AFB2, AFG1, AFG2, DON, FB1, FB2, H-2, HT-2, OTA, PAT, and ZEN), and a total of 50 elements. Pesticide residues were identified using GCMSMS and LCMSMS, elemental composition determined via ICPMS, and mycotoxins analyzed using LCMSMS. The significance of our research lies in addressing the dearth of toxicological analyses of ciders, despite their burgeoning global consumption and production. For pesticide residues and elemental composition, our results underwent statistical processing, revealing distinct differences between the elemental profiles of traditional ciders and "ciders." Additionally, disparities were observed between cider and other low-alcohol fermented beverages like wines and beers. Concentrations of most pesticide residues and elements in the cider samples were deemed non-toxic, falling below allowable limits established by international organizations for other beverages such as water or wine. However, certain elements, notably Br and Pb in traditional ciders, raised potential concerns. Our findings underscore the necessity of establishing regulatory limits for pesticide residues, potentially hazardous elements, and mycotoxins in cider, a regulatory framework currently lacking on a global scale. • Knowledge about the toxicological profile of ciders is rather scarce. • 68 ciders were analyzed for pesticides, mycotoxins, POPs and elemental composition. • The concentrations of pesticides, POPs and mycotoxins can be considered as safe. • Some elements in traditional ciders were potentially problematic, including Br and Pb. • MRLs for pesticides, toxic elements and mycotoxins should be set for cider. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sulfidation is considered as one of the most important environmental transformation processes of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), which affects their transport, uptake and toxicity. Herein, based on the hollow fiber flow-field flow fractionation coupled with triple quadrupole inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (HF5-ICP-QQQ), we developed an efficient approach to accurately characterize the sulfidation process of AgNPs in aquatic solutions. HF5 could efficiently remove interferential ions and separate nanoparticles with different sizes online, and ICP-QQQ could accurately detect S element through monitoring 32S16O+ in mass shift mode. By the proposed method, two kinds of AgNPs, citrate-coated AgNPs and PVP-coated AgNPs, were selected as models to trace their transfer behaviors during the sulfidation. The results showed once AgNPs were exposed to Na 2 S solution, the overlapping fractograms of 32S16O+ and 107Ag+ were rapidly detected by HF5-ICP-QQQ to indicate the co-presence of Ag and S, and thus confirming the production of Ag 2 S and AgNPs underwent a rapid sulfidation process. There were substantial differences in the influence of the two coated agents on the stability of the particles under the conditions examined. In the presence of sulfide, PVP-coated AgNPs could maintain initial size distribution with higher stability, while the size distribution of citrate-coated AgNPs changed considerably. The developed HF5-ICP-QQQ method provides a reliable tool to identify and characterize the transformation process of AgNPs in aquatic solution, which contributed to a deeper understanding of the environmental fate and behavior of AgNPs with different coating. [Display omitted] • A HF5-based device was developed to and characterize the sulfidation process of AgNPs. • The overlapping fractograms of 32S16O+ and 107Ag + by HF5-ICP-QQQ indicated the production of Ag 2 S. • During the sulfidation process, PVP-AgNPs exhibited higher stability than citrate-AgNPs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Minerals are important not only for better plant growth and development but also for human and animal nutrition. It is known that east and west Gojam in the Amhara region and east and west Shoa areas in the Oromia region Ethiopia's most teff growing areas. However, there is no information on the mineral content and nutritional worth of Teff Sire district, Arsi zone, Ethiopia. Since ICP OES is a powerful technique to examine elemental compositions even in lower concentration, it is used in this work to investigate the elemental composition of red teff samples. The elemental compositions of red Teff grain samples were determined using ICP-OES from three sites: S1, S2, and S3 of Sire district, Arsi zone, Ethiopia. Wet digestion of the teff samples was carried out by weighing 0.5 g red teff sample and digested with 8 ml HNO 3 and 2 ml H 2 O 2 (30%) for 3:00 h at a temperature of 100 ℃ on hot plate. The investigations of method validation, limit of detection and limit of quantification were also carried out. The average amount of elements in red teff sample obtained as 172–280 mg/kg Fe , 13–76 mg/kg Mn , 8.2–8.5 mg/kg Cu , 24–26 mg/kg Zn, and toxic trace elements 0.12–0.29 mg/kg Pb and 0.15–0.22 mg/kg Cd. The limit of detection found in ranges from 0.21 mg Kg−1 to 10.44 mg Kg−1 whereas quantification limit resulted in 0.7 mg Kg−1 to 34.8 mg Kg−1 for the metals under consideration. The method was validated by its linear range in the concentration range of 0.028–1.4 ppm or 0.056–2.8 ppm and excellent recovery result was achieved in the range of 90–120%. This study aimed to investigate the mineral content in red teff cultivated in Ethiopia specifically Arsi zone by using ICP OES. From the obtained results, Iron was the first abundant essential element in red teff compared to Mn, Cu and Zn. The level of trace elements: Cd and Pb in the samples slightly above the acceptable limit, possibly due to agricultural practices like usage of fertilizers, pesticides, and other industrial products. Overall, this red teff elemental composition information contributes to the nutrition database and food safety in Ethiopia and beyond. • Elemental composition analysis was done by using ICP OES technique. • Ethiopian Red teff sample was taken from Sire District, Arsi zone which wasn't studied before. • Iron (Fe) was obtained as the highest abundant element in Red Teff followed by Manganese, Zinc, Copper and Nickel. • The Recovery test, Method detection limit and Quantification limit also investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant cultivation as an intermediate crop ensures the improvement of soil and water quality. Acquiring additional biomass from areas that remain without vegetation during the winter season allows for increasing its potential, which can be used for energy purposes. This work presents the results of physico-chemical properties analyses of six plant species grown as crops: beans (Vicia fabia equina), field pea (Pisum sativum subsp. arvense), white mustard (Sinapis alba), serradella (Ornithopus sativus Brot.), common agrinomy (Agrimonia eupatoria L.), rye (Secale cereale). Plant material was obtained from experience conducted in laboratory conditions. Plants were grown in glass vases according to the root exudate recirculating system. The obtained biomass was subjected to the assessment of the content of basic and trace elements as well as the technical analysis of energy parameters. On the basis of the obtained research results, it was found that species of forecrop plants, irrespective of the method of cultivation, may constitute an additional source of biomass intended also for energy purposes. • The energetic and physicochemical properties of six forecrop species are presented. • Plants biomass and its ballast had large variability for chemical composition. • The fertilization level affects on properties of the studied biomass. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We studied the size distribution of ions (Cl−, NO 3 −, SO 4 =, Na+, NH 4 +, K+, Mg++, Ca++) and elements (As, Ba, Cd, Co, Cs, Cu, Fe, Li, Mn, Ni, Pb, Rb, Sb, Se, Sn, Sr, Ti, Tl, V, Zn) during the winter and summer seasons of seven consecutive years (2008–2014) in an area of the Po Valley (Northern Italy) characterised by industrial, agricultural and urban settings. The study included the collection and analysis of 41 series of size-segregated samples (MOUDI sampler, 10 stages, cut sizes from 0.18 to 18 μm). Ions were analysed by ion chromatography; elemental analysis was carried out by ICP-MS, by applying a chemical fractionation method able to increase the selectivity of PM source tracers. Our results indicate that important winter/summer variations occurred in both the concentration and size distribution of most PM components. These variations were explained in terms of variations in the strength of the prevailing sources of each component. The contribution of biomass burning for domestic heating was highlighted by the well-known tracer K+ but also by the soluble fraction of Rb, Cs and Li. Biomass burning contribution to atmospheric PM was mostly contained in the fine fraction, with a broad size-distribution from 0.18 to 1.8 μm. This source also appreciably increased the concentration of other elements in fine PM (As, Cd, Co, Mn, Pb, Sb, Sn). A few PM components (tracers of sea-spray, brake lining and some industries) did not show marked seasonal variations in concentration and size distribution. However, during winter, for brake lining and industry tracers we observed an upward shift in the dimension of fine particles and a downward shift in the dimension of coarse particles, due to the ageing of the air masses. Image 1 • The concentration and size distribution of PM components show seasonal variations. • Combination of size and elemental fractionation improves the selectivity of tracers. • K+ and the extracted fraction of Rb, Cs and Li are good tracers of biomass burning. • The concentration of several toxic elements is influenced by biomass burning. • We observe changes in particle dimensions resulting from ageing of the air masses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract In this study, a method of simultaneous dual mass detection for single cell analysis by quadrupole-based ICP-MS (ICP-QMS) is proposed. The method shows potential for use in quantitative investigations of nanoparticle association and elemental composition of cells. Dual mass detection had been attempted in the analysis of two-element core-shell nanoparticles and in isotope dilution analysis. In this method the detector switches between two selected masses during the analysis. Dual mass mode eliminates the discrepancies in signal that can occur due to sample instability or fluctuation in sample uptake when two masses are analysed sequentially by conventional single cell analysis (SP mode). Preliminary tests showed that using an Mg spike as marker of cells in dual mass mode was feasible for the quantification of cells. The method showed good linearity and a reproducible detection rate, and the results were comparable to the SP mode. The approach was then employed with algal cells exposed to silver nanoparticles (AgNP), to study on the Ag-associated cells and AgNP by monitoring the Ag and Mg signal in one analytical run. Finally, Mg and Mn were detected, and then quantified using the same approach to evaluate the elemental composition and correlation between different elements of the exposed cells. It is believed that this dual mass approach can extend the capability of ICP-QMS for multi-elemental detection at the single cell level, representing an enormous potential for size characterization, quantification and elemental composition evaluation in single cell (particle) analysis. Graphical abstract Image 1 Highlights • Alternative approach for multi-element single cell analysis using quadrupole-based ICP-MS. • Dual mass mode of SC-ICP-MS for quantification and evaluation of Ag association in algal cells. • Dual mass mode of SC-ICP-MS for elemental composition investigation of algal cells after AgNP exposure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Both stable isotope ratio and content of carbon (C), hydrogen (H), oxygen (O), nitrogen (N), and sulfur (S) were employed to evaluate the possibility of geographical origin discrimination for onions grown in different regions in Korea. Significantly different elemental compositions were found in H, N, and S compositions, which might be related to different agricultural practices. The stable isotope ratio of C, H, O, N, and S was significantly different among classified regional groups. A linear discriminant analysis relatively well discriminated onions produced from different regional groups based on stable isotope and elemental composition data. Better discrimination of geographical origin of onions was achieved by combining groups located at similar latitude. Inclusion of the ratio of elemental compositions such as H/C and C/N improved the discriminative power for determining geographical origin of onions. Further distinct geographical differentiation of onion origin can be achieved by additional multi-elemental analysis. Highlights • Stable isotope ratio of C, H, O, N, and S in onions was significantly different. • Linear discriminant analysis well discriminated onions from different regions. • Inclusion of elemental composition ratio improved discriminative power. • Distinct geographical differentiation of onions can be achieved by multi-elemental analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Water-soluble organic compounds (WSOCs) are a complex mixture of organic components with a variety of chemicals structures that may have significant impacts on the formation process and health hazards of atmospheric fine particles. In this study, the molecular characteristics of WSOCs in PM 2.5 were investigated using ultrahigh resolution mass spectrometry. In total 7389 compounds in PM 2.5 water extracts were identified, including CHO±, CHOS±, CHON±, CHONS±, CH+, CHS+, CHN+ and CHNS+ species. CHO± and CHON± were the major components in PM 2.5 water extracts. S-containing compounds detected in both ionization modes were observed with distinct molecular characteristics. Selective partitioning of WSOCs between PM 2.5 water extracts and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS, log D PDMS = 0.51–3.87) coating phases was found, which was significantly correlated with molecular characteristic (i.e. double-bond equivalent, number of O and H atoms, O/C ratios, and aromaticity equivalent). The extent of accumulation for negatively charged compounds was generally lower, which related to the existence of polar functional groups, such as hydroxyl, carboxyl, nitrate, and sulfate, as observed by MS/MS fragmentation analysis. Graphical abstract Unlabelled Image Highlights • Elemental composition characteristics of water-soluble organic compounds in PM2.5. • Estimation of WSOC partitioning behaviors by stir bar sorptive extraction. • Multifunctional losses from biogenic SOA molecular observed by MS/MS analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Spatial and temporal changes can cause differences in the health effects of PM 2.5. • The genotoxicity of the PM 2.5 was more evident in the winter at the urban region. • Genotoxicity correlated with PM 2.5 mass, Ti, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Sb, Ba, and Pb. • The cytotoxicity was higher at the urban region in the winter. Even though the outdoor air pollution and its major component Particulate Matter (PM) are recently classified as human carcinogen, attempts to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of PM toxicity are still crucial and continuing with in vitro approaches in various environmental circumstances. Present study investigated the genotoxicity (Comet assay) and the cytotoxicity (lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) leakage and the water-soluble tetrazolium (WST-1) assays) of 30 daily PM 2.5 samples collected in the Kütahya province, to address their daily variability in effects with season (i.e. winter versus summer) and location (i.e. rural versus urban) using A549 human lung cancer epithelial cell line, as well as in relation to their chemical composition, specifically trace elements, organic carbon (OC) and elemental carbon (EC). The genotoxicity, measured by the percentage tail intensity (TI), of the daily PM 2.5 samples at the traffic dense urban station was higher than that of the rural site for 80% of the parallel days. The genotoxicity was significant in the winter at the urban and in the summer at the rural site. Cytotoxicity was the highest for the winter urban samples. The PM 2.5 mass, OC, and EC concentrations were not correlated to DNA damage, while there were correlations with Mn, Fe, Cu and Ba at the rural PM 2.5 samples, and Mn, Co and Ni at the urban samples, respectively. The present study is confirming that the complex composition of PM 2.5 originating from spatial and temporal changes can cause differences in the health effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract This study investigated the elemental composition of PM 10 collected in a polar environment (Ny-Ålesund, Norwegian Arctic), to identify its sources and to understand the effects of short- and long-range transport processes. Natural (crustal and marine) and anthropogenic Arctic PM sources were identified, and specific emission sources were recognised by means of Principal Component Analysis and Hierarchical Cluster Analysis: airborne pollution deriving from ship fuels, local vehicle (non-exhaust) and continental emissions (e.g. incinerators or industries) were the main sources of anthropogenic elements. The results obtained so far from samples collected during four successive spring-summer sampling campaigns (2010–2013) show a remarkable seasonal trend for most of the investigated elements. For both geogenic and anthropogenic elements, concentrations are generally higher in March and April, when the ground is almost entirely covered by snow and ice, suggesting that long-range transport processes might be taking place. On the other hand, the concentrations of anthropogenic metals related to ship emissions (i.e. Co, Ni and V) peak in late spring and summer, when the marine traffic in the fjord is generally higher. For most of the analytes, the four campaigns were not significantly different; therefore, in the studied period, the composition of PM 10 in Ny-Ålesund did not vary remarkably. Finally, the behaviour of Rare Earth Elements was discussed in terms of parent material mineralogy. Graphical abstract Image 1 Highlights • Natural (geogenic and marine) and anthropogenic PM 10 sources were identified. • Anthropic element concentrations show a seasonal trend with maxima in spring. • Airborne pollution from ship emissions was occasionally registered in summer. • Anthropogenic element concentrations did not change over the examined years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Atmospheric particulates were sampled in Hefei City, China from October 2016 to January 2017 to compare chemical compositions and sources of PM 2.5 (particle size smaller than 2.5 μm) and PM 10 (particle size smaller than 10 μm). The mean levels of PM 2.5 and PM 10 were 81 and 109 μg/m3, which are higher than the health threshold levels regulated by national and international standards. During the sampling period, AQI (Air Quality Index) was strongly correlated with PM 2.5 (Pearson's coefficient r = 0.94) rather than PM 10 concentrations. The PM 2.5 /PM 10 ratios were approximately 0.7, revealing the characteristics of fine particle pollution. Pollution elements (S, Zn, Cu and Pb) took up a large proportion of the composition and had high enrichment factors of 437, 385, 20 and 53, respectively, in PM 10. Coal combustion and high-tech manufacture industry discharges were suggested to be the main pollution sources of both PM 2.5 and PM 10. The PM 2.5 /PM 10 ratios of anthropogenic element concentrations were much higher than ratios of earth crust element. As compared to PM 10 , S and Pb in PM 2.5 had larger EFs, indicating that pollution elements were predominantly enriched in PM 2.5. Furthermore, a paired sample t -test confirmed similar sources of PM 2.5 and PM 10. Our study provides basic database to evaluate the heavy metal pollution status of atmospheric particulates in Chinese cities. Highlights • PM in Hefei showed severe level of pollution arising from industry and fuel burning. • PM 2.5 than PM 10 were identified as prime carriers of atmospheric pollutants. • The correlation analysis, cluster analysis and paired t -test were used. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Sorting strategies based on source, physical and chemical properties were compared. • The gasification efficiency of sorted RMSW was 40.89% higher than that of unsorted. • The yield of syngas can be increased by 37.14% after waste sorting. • The emission of CO 2 can be reduced by 81 t·per year after waste sorting. • Elemental composition based sorting method benefited to efficient gasification. Gasification is a promising way to convert residual municipal solid waste (RMSW) to high-valued syngas. Waste sorting is helpful to alleviate the heterogeneity problem of waste on gasification. This paper aimed to search for an optimal sorting strategy and evaluate the influence of waste sorting on downstream gasification. A sorting strategy based on elemental composition was proposed and compared with common source and density based strategies. The results validated the enhancement of waste sorting on RMSW gasification, where the elemental composition based strategy showed optimal gasification. The yield of syngas, cold gas efficiency, the lower heating value of syngas and H 2 /CO were increased by 37.14 %, 38.95 %, 2.18 % and 8.81 %, respectively. It also showed a good effect on the improvement of air gasification compared with the literature, especially for H 2 /CO. This paper also discussed the economic and environmental potential of the elemental composition based sorting method. The waste sorting can help increase 29,250 RMB/year and reduce CO 2 emission by 81 t/year. This method has potential for industrial application. It is suggested that further fast elemental composition characterization technologies and intelligent sorting equipment can be developed. Limitations and future perspectives were discussed from gasification simulation models, more energy utilization technologies, the underlying logic of waste sorting and sustainability evaluation. It is hoped that this work can provide insightful fundamentals to their applications in RMSW sorting, thus benefiting resource recovery and circular economy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • EDXRF is a non-destructive method to analyse amyloid samples and provide useful information on elemental composition. • Correlations related to the levels of potassium (K), calcium (Ca), arsenic (As), and iron (Fe) were obtained using EDXRF. • Arsenic mostly present in amyloidogenic tissue samples using EDXRF. Trace and minor elements play crucial roles in a variety of biological processes, including amyloid fibrils formation. Mechanisms include activation or inhibition of enzymatic reactions, competition between elements and metal proteins for binding positions, also changes to the permeability of cellular membranes. These may influence carcinogenic processes, with trace and minor element concentrations in normal and amyloid tissues potentially aiding in cancer diagnosis and etiology. With the analytical capability of the spectroscopic technique X-ray fluorescence (XRF), this can be used to detect and quantify the presence of elements in amyloid characterization, two of the trace elements known to be associated with amyloid fibrils. In present work, involving samples from a total of 22 subjects, samples of normal and amyloid-containing tissues of heart, kidney, thyroid, and other tissue organs were obtained, analyzed via energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF). The elemental distribution of potassium (K), calcium (Ca), arsenic (As), and iron (Fe) was examined in both normal and amyloidogenic tissues using perpetual thin slices. In amyloidogenic tissues the levels of K, Ca, and Fe were found to be less than in corresponding normal tissues. Moreover, the presence of As was only observed in amyloidogenic samples; in a few cases in which there was an absence of As, amyloid samples were found to contain Fe. Analysis of arsenic in amyloid plaques has previously been difficult, often producing contradictory results. Using the present EDXRF facility we could distinguish between amyloidogenic and normal samples, with potential correlations in respect of the presence or concentration of specific elements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The producer of paralytic shellfish toxin (PST), Alexandrium catenella , is one of the main generators of HABs in the coasts of Chile. Its presence produces ecological and economic damage, directly affecting filter-feeding organisms, and indirectly to other organism through the trophic chain. The objective of this research was to identify the effect of a toxic diet on the energetic and reproductive parameters of the carnivorous snail Chorus giganteus. Two groups of snails were used, one fed with toxic prey (bivalves fed with A. catenella), and the other fed with non-toxic prey. Both treatments were maintained under these conditions for 63 days, then, elemental composition (C, N) and energy content were estimated, and fecundity parameters were analyzed. The results indicate that snails fed with toxic prey had a lower percentage of C and C/N ratio. The energy content was significantly lower in intoxicated snails. Regarding fecundity parameters, a higher number of egg-masses were produced by toxic snails, however, only 62% of these showed embryonic development, with 57% hatching success. A negative relationship was identified between the mean PST concentration, quantified in snails, and the number of egg-masses produced per aquarium. In the aquarium where the snails had highest average PST concentration (1200 ± 820 μg STX.2HCL eq. Kg−1) there was no oviposition, while egg-masses were only produced by snails in aquaria where the average concentration did not exceed 360 ± 160 μg STX.2HCL eq. Kg−1. It is likely that, with low levels of accumulated PST, C. giganteus activates its oviposition process as a response to toxin-induced stress, generating a higher energy expenditure supported by a redirection of its reserves. However, when the intoxication presents higher levels, the reproductive process could be inhibited, similar to what has been identified in other molluscs. • Ingestion of paralytic shellfish toxin reduces the energy content in marine snail. • Gastropods with low levels of saxitoxin increase their fecundity. • Paralytic shellfish toxin effect on gastropods fecundity depends on its concentration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• In Ap horizons of arable Luvisols, colloids control the aggregation of small soil microaggregates (<20 μm) in wet-dry cycles. • The presence of <450 nm colloids favored the formation of 1–40 μm soil microaggregates. • In absence of <1 μm colloids, >40 μm soil micro- and macroaggregates were preferentially formed. • The particle size is decisive for the aggregate formation under the current experimental condition. In the hierarchical model of soil aggregates, small soil microaggregates (small SMA; <20 μm) are often considered to be fundamental building units at the micron scale. Below which, soil colloids (<1 µm) have recently been proposed as binding agents of (micro)aggregates. However, the way in which soil colloids contribute to the formation and stability of soil micro- and macroaggregates remains largely unknown. For clarification, we evaluated potential impacts of the colloidal content, particularly the <450 nm colloids, on the aggregation of small SMA. Free water stable small SMA and <450 nm colloids were isolated from Ap-horizons of Stagnic Luvisols under different management (cropped and bare fallow). The size-resolved elemental composition of the <450 nm colloids was analyzed by asymmetric flow field-flow fractionation in combination with an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer and an organic carbon detector. To vary the colloidal content in small SMA, (1) suspensions containing different amounts of <450 nm colloids were added in small SMA, or (2) <1 µm colloids were removed from small SMA by centrifugation. In the maximum colloidal addition treatment, the mass ratios of added colloids to small SMA were 3.0 and 5.1 wt% for the cropped and bare fallow soil samples, respectively. Aggregation of small SMA with different colloidal amounts was performed in three successive wet-dry cycles. Afterwards, the size distribution of the resulting aggregates was measured by laser diffraction. Our results indicated that, in wet-dry cycles, colloids were important binding agents for the formation of SMA. Their presence, especially those <450 nm, was likely to support the formation of solid bridges during drying at particle contacts of 1–10 µm small SMA, favoring hereby SMA build-up in a relatively small size range of 1–40 µm. In contrast, the absence of <1 μm colloids in small SMA led to a preferential generation of relatively large aggregates in wet-dry cycles, i.e., typically with sizes >40 μm up to 1700 μm in maximum. Our study on aggregation in wet-dry cycles revealed that the colloidal content has a controlling effect on the size distribution of resulting aggregates by acting as a binding agent and provides hereby new insights into the evolvement of aggregate hierarchy in soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Green tides occurrence has increased in coral reefs, yet few reference values have been documented to support bloom management in these ecosystems. Here, we took advantage of recent Ulva green tides that occurred in New Caledonia to (i) identify the elements limiting the growth of Ulva spp. during these blooms; and (ii) validate the use of isotopic markers for identifying sources of nutrients that generated blooms. N/P ratios highlighted a stronger limitation of algae by phosphorus than by nitrogen on sites under oceanic influence, while the proportions of N and P were optimal for algal growth at sites where green tides occurred. Macroalgae highly exposed to sewage water was characterized by higher δ15N than macroalgae collected in areas exposed to synthetic inorganic fertilizers. From these results, we established a new set of threshold values for using δ15N in Ulva species as an indicator of nitrogen source type in coral reefs. • N/ P values were optimal for algal growth at sites where green tides occurred. • δ15N in Ulva spp. varied between areas exposed to different nutrient sources. • Similar trends in δ15N at area scales were found for Ulva spp. and Halimeda cylindracea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The worldwide restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic induced a radical change in urban air quality. The objective of this work was to study and understand the variation of PM coarse and PM 2.5 pollution besides other air quality (AQ) parameters in the city of Debrecen, Hungary from 2018 to 2022. To achieve this goal, we introduced an integrated approach that combines source apportionment by receptor modelling, trajectory-based statistical methods and takes into account local and regional meteorology. Concentration, elemental composition, and sources of atmospheric particulate matter (APM) were determined for four lockdown periods with varying levels of restrictions, two transition intervals and two relaxation periods in 2020-22, and they were compared to corresponding baseline values from 2018-19. The concentration, composition and sources of PM 2.5 , PM coarse showed strong seasonality. The main component of PM coarse was mineral dust (32%), while BC (15%), sulphate aerosols (19%) and mineral dust (13%) were the major constituents of PM 2.5. Source apportionment by Positive Matrix Factorization identified 8 sources on both size fractions: two types of soil, traffic, combustions, biomass burning, biogenic emission, sea salt, construction, roadworks, secondary sulphate. The relative contribution of sources did not change during the pandemic compared to the previous two years. However, considering the whole 2-year-long period affected by restrictions, a 20–25% reduction was detected in the concentrations and source contributions, apart from temporary sources like roadworks or sea salt episodes. The changed habits of the population could be traced in the evolution of APM. Before the pandemic, increased concentration of traffic related pollutants was characteristic of the school year, while in 2020-21 it was more typical in the summers, the relaxation periods. On the other hand, staying at home during lockdowns led to a significant increase in biomass burning from domestic heating in spring 2020 and 2021. By studying the individual lockdown and relaxation periods, we have shown that the evolution of APM pollution in relatively short, 2-3-month intervals was significantly influenced by local and regional meteorological parameters, the origin of air masses, desert dust episodes and periodic construction works. • Characterization of urban air pollutants during 4 lockdowns and 2 relaxation periods • A 20% reduction of PM and gaseous pollutants in average in the 2 years of COVID-19 • Variation of concentration, composition, and sources of PM 2.5 and PM coarse • Introduction of an integrated approach combining receptor modelling, trajectory statistical methods and local meteorology • Impact of long-range transport, meteorology and the change of emission in source regions is determined [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thermal kinetic heterogeneity of mixed residual waste (RW) is a serious problem leading to unsatisfactory efficiency and stability during energy utilization processes. This work proposed a thermal kinetic parameters based classification method of RW. Considering the significant relevance between kinetic parameters and elemental compositions, the latter were used as indicators to establish the sorting principle. The proximate analysis results and kinetic parameters among the new categories were analyzed, the kinetic heterogeneity reduction performance versus the traditional classification method was compared, and the working mechanism of the proposed classification method was discussed. Three new RW categories were obtained, and the composition and kinetic parameters among these new categories have significant difference (P < 0.05). The kinetic heterogeneity was reduced compared with the traditional classification method. The absolute value of Pearson correlation coefficient between elemental composition and kinetic parameters could reach 0.8, proving the mechanism of the new classification method. The study is hopeful to facilitate efficient energy utilization of RW. [Display omitted] • A thermal kinetic parameters based classification method of RW was proposed. • The performance, potential and mechanism of the proposed method were discussed. • Significant heterogeneity in kinetic parameters among the categories were observed. • The PCC between elemental composition of RW and kinetic parameters could reach 0.8. • The results are promising to enhance energy utilization efficiency of RW. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An environmentally friendly, resource-efficient substitute for the production of vegetative biomass and the bioactive components of medicinal plants is provided by novel biotechnology-based suspension cells cultured in bioreactors. Despite the cultured biomass is produced in the controlled conditions, it requires detailed chemical analysis and toxicological evaluation before being approved for human consumption. This study reports the results of biochemical, toxicological, and elemental composition analysis of the suspension cell culture of a medicinal species Panax japonicus (T. Nees) C.A. Mey. cultivated in a large-scale bioreactor system. For the scaling up the process of cultivation, the suspension culture was grown sequentially in a series of laboratory (20-L), pilot (75-L), and industrial (630-L) bioreactors. The biomass productivity of cell culture was comparable or higher than of wild plants or in vitro cultured hairy roots reported in the literature. The resulting cell biomass was analyzed for ginsenoside contents using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry (UHPLC–ESI–MS). For the elemental composition of cells, inductively coupled argon plasma mass spectrometry (ICP–MS) was used. In addition, the biomass was evaluated for acute toxicity and skin sensibilization effects on in vivo animal models. The analyses confirmed that suspension cells cultured in bioreactors accumulate a broad spectrum of ginsenosides and their malonylated derivatives at a total concentration of 7.54 % (w/w) based on dry weight and contain essential macro- (K, Ca, Mg, Na) and micro- (Zn, Mn, Fe, B, Al, Cu) elements in dietary-safe concentrations. Acute toxicity tests using the administered doses of 2000 and 5000 mg dry biomass per kg animal weight resulted in no changes in animal organ weights and no or minor changes in hematological and biochemical parameters of blood. No skin irritation or sensitizing effects were observed. Therefore, bioreactor cultivation of P. japonicus cell suspension is highly productive and provides a ginsenoside-rich and non-toxic cell biomass which is a potentially valuable component of functional foods, food additives, and natural health products. [Display omitted] • Panax japonicus is a medicinal ginseng used in functional foods and health products. • Cell culture is a sustainable approach for biomass and ginsenoside production. • Panax japonicus cell culture was produced in bioreactors of 20, 75 and 630 L. • Cell biomass contained essential macro- and microelements and 7.53 % of ginsenosides. • Cell biomass showed no toxicity on rats based on blood parameters and organ weight. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]