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Introduction: This study aimed to investigate the effects of chronic swimming exercise and vitamin E administration on elemental levels in the bone tissue of epileptic rats. Methods: Forty-eight rats were divided into six groups: Control, Swimming, Swimming + vitamin E, Swimming + Epilepsy, Swimming + Epilepsy + vitamin E, and Epilepsy. Vitamin E was administered to the animals chronically by gavage at a dose of 500 mg/kg every other day for 3 months. Epileptiform activity was induced with penicillin in animals 24 hours after the last vitamin E intake. The exercise program consisted of daily 30-minute swimming sessions. At the end of the treatment period, the levels of calcium, chromium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, lead, and zinc (µg/gram tissue) in bone tissue samples were measured using an atomic emission device. Results: The results showed that all epileptic groups had significantly lower bone chromium levels compared to the control groups (p<0.05). The epileptic, and epileptic swimming groups had the lowest levels of bone calcium, magnesium, and zinc (p<0.05). Vitamin E administration resulted in a significant increase in bone calcium, magnesium, and zinc levels in the epileptic swimming group with vitamin E compared to the epileptic and epileptic swimming groups. (p<0.05). Conclusion: The findings of the study show that the administration of vitamin E improves calcium, magnesium, and zinc metabolism in the deteriorated bone tissue of the epileptic rat model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coffee is one of the most popular non-alcoholic beverages, consumed as a raw material in different food sectors. The popularity of coffee is induced by its pleasant flavor, taste, and highly nutritious nature. However, the absorption of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) through preharvest, harvesting, and post-harvest stages makes it a potentially rich source. Essential elements are potentially toxic at a higher concentration than required for the human body to work. PTEs intake through food systems may lead to health risks, including mutagenicity, teratogenicity, carcinogenicity, and embryotoxic effects. Different analytical techniques such as spectroscopy, electromigration, and electrochemical. are used for PTEs content determination of coffee. Considering the importance of PTEs in human health and the worldwide popularity of coffee, their monitoring of coffee is crucial. Therefore, this study is aimed to investigate the classification, prevalence, and determination techniques of PTEs in different coffee types. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The works of literature evaluating the eco-environmental risks posed by metals in agricultural areas in developing countries remains limited. This study sought to evaluate the environmental and ecological risks posed by metals in the intensively cultivated areas of the Amik Plain as well as to determine the origins of the metals. For this purpose, 137 soil samples were taken from agricultural production areas of the Amik Plain, and 11 metals (Al, Fe, Ni, Pb, Co, Cr, Cu, Mn, Zn, Cd and As) were examined in the samples. As Ni had the highest average enrichment factor (EF) value (8.04) when compared with the other metals, the soils were found to be significantly enriched with Ni. The Pearson correlation analysis and principal component analysis showed that the Zn concentration was controlled by lithogenic sources, while the Ni, Pb, Cd, Cr and Cu concentrations were controlled by both anthropogenic and lithogenic sources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates heavy metals and naturally occurring radionuclide materials (NORM) possible presence and pollution rates in oil-based drilling fluids system used to drill an oil and gas well. It also estimates the health risks of the drilling crew due to their exposure to these substances. Measurements from Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS) revealed that, the concentrations of the metals present in the drilling mud samples varied significantly and decreased in the order of Zn > Al > Ni > Pb > Cr > Cu > As > Hg > Cd. Generally, amongst all the heavy metals considered, mud sample C had the highest heavy metal concentration when compared to samples A and B, respectively. When compared with the recommended maximum allowable limits, Cd and Ni were found to be higher than the International Reference Standard by factors of Cd (3 mg/kg) and Ni (50 mg/kg). The cancer risk obtained from this present study are 1.1 × 10−3 and 7.7 × 10−3 for the drilling crew, which is slightly above the acceptable risk range considered by the environmental and regulatory agencies. The concentrations of radioactive substances as obtained from analysis, show that K-40 is the dominant radionuclide in the samples with the highest value slightly twice the standard reference value. The concentrations of Ra-226 and Th-232 activity in the mud samples were found to be lower when compared with the International Reference Level. Also, the X-ray diffraction analysis helped to identify 16 very important/useful minerals in the three mud samples under consideration. The higher elemental concentrations of potassium and aluminum silicate found in sample C can be credited to the elevated heavy metal-content found in the mud samples. Significantly, these exposure risks found in this present study indicate that the potential health risks due to radiological activities may not pose short – but long-term risks to the drillers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study focused on levels of selected heavy metals (Pb, Zn, and Cu) in sewage sludge, soil, and in lettuce and cabbage grown on sewage sludge amended soil. Also, the effect of sewage sludge on soil properties (pH, soil organic matter, and soil conductivity) was studied. Three treatments were used based on nitrogen application rates of the sewage sludge: 100, 150, and 200 kg N/ha for lettuce while 160, 210, and 260 kg N/ha for cabbage. A pot experiment was conducted with pots arranged in a completely randomized design and under local climatic conditions. The study revealed that soil organic matter content and conductivity increased significantly with increasing nitrogen application rates. Levels of heavy metals in the soil increased significantly with increasing application rates. The controls for both plants recorded the lowest heavy metal uptake. Cabbage had an uptake of 0.48 ± 0.13, 1.36 ± 0.23, and 2.60 ± 0.29 mg/kg for Pb, Zn, and Cu, respectively, while lettuce had 0.34 ± 0.19, 1.35 ± 0.31, and 2.30 ± 0.14 mg/kg uptake for Pb, Zn, and Cu, respectively. Highest metal uptake was recorded at the highest application rate in both plants (0.66 ± 0.17, 2.66 ± 0.09, and 4.33 ± 0.14 mg/kg for Pb, Zn, and Cu, respectively, for cabbage and 0.54 ± 0.01, 2.24 ± 0.17, and 3.88 ± 0.19 mg/kg of Pb, Zn, and Cu, respectively, for lettuce). The uptake of Zn and Cu was significant, while Pb uptake was insignificant for both plants. Yields increased significantly with increasing application rates. The study provides information on yield enhancement resulting from cultivating plants on soil amended with sewage sludge and the associated health risk implication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main purpose of this study was to identify the concentrations of naturally occurring radionuclides (226Ra, 232Th and 40K) and some metals (Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, Pb and Cd) in tooth samples collected from humans living in the Rize province of Turkey. It was found that the activity concentrations ranged from 8.1 to 114.51 Bq kg−1 for 226Ra, from 10.44 to 97.3 Bq kg−1 for 232Th and from 14.53 to 489.27 Bq kg−1 for 40K. The mean activity concentration values of 226Ra and 232Th in tooth samples were higher than the average world values for bones. Furthermore, when the metal concentrations were examined, there was no regular increase or decrease according to age or sex. The results of the metal analysis on the tooth samples were compared with the results of similar studies and were generally found to be consistent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present work studied the pH, organic carbon, phosphorus (P), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), and heavy metals Cu, Cr, Co and Pb in roadside agricultural soils of Jalandhar environs of Punjab, India. A total of 120 samples in triplicates were collected from different sites for assessment of heavy metal pollution. The mean values of Cu, Cr, Co and Pb were found below the permissible limits of Indian and Swedish soil limits. Principal component analysis (PCA) showed that heavy metals have different sources of origin. The results of contamination factor (CF), geoaccumulation index (Igeo), degree of contamination (Cd) and potential ecological risk index (RI) showed low contamination and ecological risks of heavy metals in roadside agricultural soils, respectively. The maps of spatial analysis indicated that northern region of the study area is more polluted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The determination of Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Na, Zn, and Pb by inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry (ICP OES) was performed on dry matter and decoctions of the medicinal plants Cordia salicifolia, Chiococca alba (L.) Hitchc., and Echites peltata used as an appetite suppressant and diuretic in Brazil. The accuracy of the measurements was analyzed by the spike recovery test. Results showed that the concentration of these seven metals (Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Na, and Zn) in dry plant samples is below the oral concentration of elemental impurities established by the United States Pharmacopoeia Convention (USP). However, there are no concentration limits for Fe, Na, and Zn established by the USP in drug substances and excipients. Levels higher than the recommended value by the USP were observed for Pb and the lowest for Cd, Co, Cr, and Cu, both in dried plant samples and their decoctions. In the decoctions prepared from these plants were found elements such as Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Na, Zn, and Pb. In the decoction prepared from 40 g C. salicifolia leaves and 40 g C. alba wood, the content of Cd is above the oral daily exposure value set by the USP. Hazard index (HI) for decoctions prepared from these plants exceeded the threshold (1). Given the uncertainties associated with the estimates of toxicity values and exposure factors, futures researches should address the possible toxicity in humans. Uncontrolled selling and long-term ingestion of medicinal plants can cause toxicity and interfere with the effect of drugs. Limited knowledge on the interaction potential of medicinal plants poses a challenge and public health problem in Brazil and other countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Corbicula fluminea serves as traditional food to the local people in Kelantan, Malaysia. Concerns regarding river contamination, smoking method, and associated adverse effects on public health had been increasing. Hence, this study aims to measure the level of heavy metals (Cd, Cu, Mn, Pb, and Zn) and assess human health risk in C. fluminea consumption at Kelantan. Heavy-metal analysis was done using flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry, while human health risk was assessed using provisional tolerable weekly intake (PTWI), target hazard quotient (THQ), and hazard index (HI). The estimated weekly intake (EWI) for all metals was found within PTWI, while THQ for Cd, Cu, Mn, Pb, and Zn was 0.12, 0.06, 0.04, 0.41, and 0.03, respectively. The HI was calculated at 0.61 which is less than 1, considered as the safe consumption level. Therefore, C. fluminea consumption in this study was found safe from the health risk of noncarcinogenic effect over a lifetime. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While exposure to air contaminants from metal arc welding at workplaces has been intensively investigated over the last five decades, other hot work processes, such as flame and plasma cutting, air carbon arc gouging, and surface grinding have not received as much attention. Exposures to particulate matter (PM) during selected hot work processes, such as metal active gas (MAG) and manual metal arc (MMA) welding, flame and plasma cutting, air carbon arc gouging, and surface grinding were measured. Respirable, inhalable, and "total" fractions of the PM were collected with different air samplers in the workers' breathing zone. Concentrations of PM, chromium (Cr), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), molybdenum (Mo), nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), and lead (Pb) were determined in the samples by using gravimetric analysis and plasma-based analytical atomic spectrometry techniques. Bio-accessibility of the elements was investigated by using a synthetic lung lining fluid (Hatch´s solution) for the leaching of soluble metal compounds in the collected samples. Short term (15–75 min) workplace air concentrations of PM, Cr, Fe, Mn, Ni and Cu in the workers´ breathing zone during hot work processes were found to be high compared to the current 8-hr time-weighted average (TWA) exposure limit values (ELVs) in use in many countries. The short-term median concentrations of PM during the different hot work processes varied between 6.0 and 88.7 mg m−3 and between 15.1 and 193 mg m−3 in the respirable and inhalable fractions, respectively. The highest median concentration of Fe (107 mg m−3) and Mn (28.7 mg m−3) was found in the inhalable fraction during plasma cutting and air carbon arc gouging, respectively. More than 40% of the inhalable PM generated during flame and plasma cutting, air carbon arc gouging and surface grinding was present in the respirable fraction. There was large variation in the bio-accessibility of the elements in PM collected during the different hot work processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: There is no sufficient data that evaluate heavy metal content in cosmetic products in Jordan as well as Sudan and Syria. This study aims to assess metal levels which include Cadmium (Cd), Chromium (Cr), Copper (Cu), Nickel (Ni), and Lead (Pb) in cosmetic products. These elements have draft limits because they are identified as potential impurities and are known to be toxic. This study aims to provide information to the population that may be beneficial to public health. Study Design: Samples were collected from different brands obtained from markets in Jordan, Sudan, and Syria. Some of the selected cosmetic products were eyeliner, eye pencil, mascara, lipstick, powder, face cream, body cream, sun block, Vaseline, and the traditional eye cosmetic (kohl). The heavy metal content in these samples were determined by atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS). Based on analysis of variance analysis, a significant difference in heavy metal levels was found for samples obtained from Jordanian and Sudanese markets. Methods: The acid digestion method used in this study was based on procedures recommended by Nnorom et al. with some modifications as follows. (i) A weight of 2.0 g of cosmetic sample was dissolved in a mixture of 6 mL of high quality concentrated 69% nitric acid (HNO3; Merck, Darmstadt, Germany) and 4 mL of concentrated 37% hydrochloric acid (Scharlau, Spain) in a porcelain crucible and heated on a hotplate to near dryness. (ii) An aliquot of 15 mL HNO3 (1.00 M) was added to the digested sample and filtered through a Whatman No. 40 filter paper. (iii) The digested sample was transferred quantitatively into a 25 mL volumetric flask and then diluted with deionized water. (iv) Each digested sample was evaporated at 70 °C to about 1 mL and transferred into a polyethylene flask and diluted with 25 mL deionized water. (v) Blank was treated in the same procedure. Results: In Jordan the concentration ranges of heavy metals in the collected samples were: Cd (0.03-0.10 μg/g), Cr (0.0-1.00 μg/g), Cu (0.60-7.40 μg/g), Ni (0.50-3.60 μg/g), and Pb (0.30-15.4 μg/g). Whereas, in Sudanese market the concentration ranges were: Cd (0.01-0.15 μg/g), Cr (0.00-27.9 μg/g), Cu (0.60-10.10 μg/g), Ni (0.00-5.70 μg/g), and Pb (0.02-3.80 μg/g). Also, the concentration ranges of heavy metals in Syrian market were: Cd (0.04-0.056 μg/g), Cr (0.24-0.83 μg/g), Cu (0.61-1.27 μg/g), Ni (0.73-1.41 μg/g), and Pb (4.85-27.70 μg/g). Results revealed that kohl samples have the highest concentration of most of the studied metals, particularly Pb. Conclusions: Based on the results obtained, it is likely to conclude the following: (i) It is not possible to completely eliminate the presence of heavy metals from cosmetic products after manufacturing. However, the quality of the products can be improved by careful selection of raw materials, taking in consideration heavy metal levels. (ii) Heavy metal concentration in lipstick differs with different manufacturers' colors and shade. Statistically significant associations between Pb level and the cosmetic type were found. (iii) Heavy metals levels including Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, and Pb may impose risk in daily use and repeated application as well as in ingestion through the mouth even at concentration below the allowed limits. (iv) It is the manufacturers' responsibility to ensure that the finished cosmetic product contains the lowest levels possible of heavy metals. So it does not exceed the limits set by health authorities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbon-carbon and carbon-heteroatom coupling reactions are among the most important transformations in organic synthesis as they enable complex structures to be formed from readily available compounds under different routes and conditions. Several metal-catalyzed cross-coupling reactions have been developed creating many efficient methods accessible for the direct formation of new bonds between differently hybridized carbon atoms. During the last decade, much effort has been devoted towards improvement of the sustainability of these reactions, such as catalyst recovery and atom efficiency. Polyethylene glycol (PEG) can be used as a medium, as solid-liquid phase transfer catalyst, or even as a polymer support. PEG has been investigated in a wide variety of cross-coupling reactions either as an alternative solvent to the common organic solvents or as a support for catalyst, substrate, and ligand. In this review we will summarize the different roles of PEG in palladium- and copper-catalyzed cross-coupling reactions, with the focus on Heck, Suzuki-Miyaura, Sonogashira, Buchwald-Hartwig, Stille, Fukuyama, and homocoupling reactions. We will highlight the role of PEG, the preparation of PEGylated catalysts and substrates, and the importance for the reaction outcome and applicability. 1 Introduction 2 PEG in Heck Reactions 3 PEG in Homocoupling Reactions 4 PEG in Suzuki-Miyaura Reactions 5 PEG in Sonogashira Reactions 6 PEG in Buchwald-Hartwig Reactions 7 PEG in Stille Reactions 8 PEG in Fukuyama Reactions 9 PEG in Miscellaneous Cross-Coupling Routes 10 Conclusions [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Hair is a commonly used exposure biomarker for metals and other trace elements, but concern has been raised regarding its appropriateness for assessing the internal dose. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was to evaluate children's hair as biomarker of internal dose for toxic (As, Mn, Cd, Pb) and essential elements (Mg, Ca, Fe, Co, Cu, Zn, Se, Mo). METHODS: In 207 children (9-10 years of age), originating from a population-based cohort in rural Bangladesh, we measured concentrations of the selected elements in hair (2 cm closest to the scalp) using ICP-MS. We compared these with previously measured concentrations in erythrocytes, urine, and water. For a subset of children (n=19), we analyzed four consecutive 2 cm pieces of hair. RESULTS: There were strong associations between hair As and the other biomarkers (erythrocytes: rs=0.73, p<0.001; urine: rS=0.66, p<0.001); and water (rs=0.60, p<0.001); and there were significant correlations between Se in hair and erythrocytes (overall rs=0.38, p<0.001), and urine (rs=0.29, p<0.001). Hair Co and Mo showed weak correlations with concentrations in erythrocytes. Hair Mn was not associated with Mn in erythrocytes, urine, or water, and the geometric mean concentration increased almost five times from the 2 cm closest to the head to the 7th-8th cm (p<0.001). Also Mg, Ca, Co, Cd, and Pb increased from the scalp outward (>50% higher in 7th-8th cm compared with 1st-2nd cm, p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Hair was found to be a useful exposure biomarker of absorbed As and Se only. Of all measured elements, hair Mn seemed the least reflective of internal dose. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oil palm (Elaeisguineensis) is one of the most productive oil producing plant in the world. Crude palm oil is composed of triglycerides supplying the world's need of edible oils and fats. Palm oil also provides essential elements and antioxidants that are potential mediators of cellular functions. Experimental studies have demonstrated the toxicity of the accumulation of significant amounts of nonessential trace elements and radionuclides in palm oil that affects the health of consumers. It has been reported that uptake of trace elements and radionuclides from the oil palm tree may be from water and soil on the palm plantations. In the present review, an attempt was made to revise and access knowledge on the presence of some selected trace elements and radionuclides in palm oil, soil, water, and leaves from oil palm plantations based on the available facts and data. Existing reports show that the presence of nonessential trace elements and radionuclides in palm oil may be from natural or anthropogenic sources in the environment. However, the available literature is limited and further research need to be channeled to the investigation of trace elements and radionuclides in soil, water, leaves, and palm oil from oil palm plantations around the globe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zhangjiangkou Mangrove National Nature Reserve is a subtropical wetland ecosystem in southeast coast of China, which is of dense population and rapid development. The concentrations, sources, and pollution assessment of trace metals (Cu, Cd, Pb, Cr, Zn, As, and Hg) in surface sediment from 29 sites and the biota specimen were investigated for better ecological risk assessment and environmental management. The ranges of trace metals in mg/kg sediment were as follows: Cu (10.79–26.66), Cd (0.03–0.19), Pb (36.71–59.86), Cr (9.67–134.51), Zn (119.69–157.84), As (15.65–31.60), and Hg (0.00–0.08). The sequences of the bioaccumulation of studied metals are Zn > Cu > As > Cr > Pb > Cd > Hg with few exceptions. Cluster analysis and principal component analysis revealed that the trace metals in the studied area mainly derived from anthropogenic activities, such as industrial effluents, agricultural waste, and domestic sewage. Pollution load index and geoaccumulation index were calculated for trace metals in surface sediments, which indicated unpolluted status in general except Pb, Cr, and As. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Disposable screen-printed carbon arrays modified with gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) are described. The AuNP-modified screen-printed carbon arrays, designated as AuNP-SPCE arrays, were characterized by cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The AuNP-SPCE arrays display excellent electrocatalytic activity towards lead and copper. Two well-defined and fully resolved anodic stripping peaks, at 20 mV for Pb(II) and at 370 mV for Cu(II), both vs. Ag/AgCl, can be seen. Square wave anodic stripping voltammetry was used to simultaneously analyze Pb(II) and Cu(II) in their binary mixtures in tap water. The linear working range for Pb(II) extends from 10 μg.L to 100 μg.L with a sensitivity of 5.94 μA.μg.L.cm. The respective data for Cu(II) are a working range from 10 μg.L to 150 μg.L with a sensitivity of 3.52 μA.μg.L.cm. The limits of detection (based on 3× the baseline noise) are 2.1 ng.L and 1.4 ng.L, respectively. In our perception, this array is particularly attractive because Pb(II) and Cu(II) can be determined at rather low working potentials which makes the method fairly selective in that it is not significantly interfered by other electroactive species that require higher reduction potentials. [Figure not available: see fulltext.] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A three factor, three-level Box–Behnken experimental design combined with response surface modeling (RSM) and quadratic programming (QP) was employed for investigation of lead and copper removal from oil field brine by potential sorption method. Three independent variables (initial pH of solution ranging from 7 to 13, temperature ranging from 20 to 24°C, and reaction time ranging from 20 to 40 min) were selected and a second-order polynomial regression equation was then derived to predict responses. The output functions of RSM method were used as an objective function for maximizing average particle size (APS) and minimizing the lead and copper concentration in solution. The particle morphology and different phases of calcium carbonate particles precipitated from pure solution, synthetic solution, and oil field brine were observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and x-ray diffraction pattern (XRD) respectively. The pH = 12.68, reaction time = 27 min, and temperature = 24°C were obtained as an optimum condition. Lead and copper concentration in industrial oil field brine were reduced from 2.911 to 0.127 ppm (95.63% removal) and 0.476 to 0.025 ppm (94.74% removal), respectively, by experiment with optimal condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A glassy carbon electrode was modified with gold hierarchical dendrites (Au HDs) by one-step electrodeposition in the presence of cytosine, which plays an important role in the formation of the Au HDs. This approach is simple, fast, feasible, controllable, without any seed, template, or surfactant. The modified electrodes were used for the simultaneous determination of Pb and Cu by square wave stripping voltammetry. The peak currents show good linear relationship with concentrations of Pb and Cu in the range of 5.0 to 15.0 μM. The recoveries of the spiked water samples are in the range of 94.0 %-107.4 % for Pb and Cu, and their relative standard deviation are in the range of 2.7 %-4.3 % for Pb and Cu, respectively ( n = 3). [Figure not available: see fulltext.] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cordyceps sinensis ( C. sinensis ) is a famous and precious Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), while frequent reports of heavy metals, especially arsenic, exceeding standards in C. sinensis in recent years have raised concerns of its safety. Therefore, it is urgent for a research on heavy metals (Cu, Pb, As, Cd, Hg) in C. sinensis , of its bioaccessibility, dietary exposure estimation, arsenic speciation analysis and health risks assessment to human body. Methods: Three 30 g batches of mixed wild growth C. sinensis samples were collected from Qinghai Province and each batch were divided into three parts: the whole C. sinensis , the stroma and the caterpillar body. The in vitro gastrointestinal method was used to evaluate the bioaccessibility of the heavy metals in the samples. The arsenic speciation analysis in the in vitro gastrointestinal solutions and dilute nitric acid extracted solutions were conducted using high performance liquid chromatography–inductively coupled plasma mass (HPLC–ICP-MS) method. Finally, the target hazard quotient (THQ) developed by the US EPA (1989) was used to assess the health risks of heavy metals in C. sinensis. Results: The contents of Cu, Pb, Cd and Hg in the stroma were higher than those in the caterpillar body. In contrast, As was mainly found in the caterpillar body. In the whole C. sinensis , the average bio-accessibilities of Cu, Pb, As, Hg and Cd were 41.29, 40.11, 64.46, 18.91, and 81.14%, respectively. While in the caterpillar body, the corresponding bio-accessibilities values were 48.26, 42.92, 66.15, 12.86, 87.07%, respectively, and were 38.30, 30.53, 30.18, 7.46, and 82.30%, respectively in the stroma part. Different arsenic speciations of arsenite [As(III)], arsenate [As(V)] and trace amounts of methylarsonic acid [MMA] were detected. Of the total As, 8.69% was in inorganic form, which was also the major form of dissolved As. Among the extracted inorganic species, the concentrations of As(III) and As(V) were 0.56 ± 0.16 and 0.29 ± 0.06 mg kg−1, respectively. In the gastrointestinal solutions, only As(III) and As(V) could be detected; the sum content of the two species was 2.00–2.73%. The bioaccessibility target hazard quotient (BTHQ) values for Cu, Pb, As, Cd and Hg in C. sinensis were 0.0041, 0.0040, 0.5334, 0.0020 and 0.0005, respectively, all less than 1. Conclusion: None of the five heavy metals in C. sinensis can be 100% absorbed by human body. The content of arsenic in C. sinensis is high, but the strong toxic inorganic arsenic accounted for only 8.69%. The heavy metals in C. sinensis presented no obvious risks to human health in a reasonable taking way. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract. This study involved the investigation of heavy metal contents of 100 refined and an equal number of bakery refined table salt samples collected from the local markets of Lahore, Faisalabad and Gujranwala, Pakistan. Levels of lead, copper, cadmium and iron were estimated using an atomic absorption spectro-photometer. The results indicated a mean ± SD in μg/g levels in the refined table salt samples for lead (0.85±0.22), copper (1.37±0.25), cadmium (0.41±32) and iron (7.72±2.1). For bakery refined table salts values for same metals ranged 1.61±0.51, 2.07±1.2, 0.71±0.21 and 12.6±5.1, respectively. Obtained results were compared with the maximum limits recommendations for human consumption set by Codex Alimentarius Commission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]