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Paper-based carbon working electrodes were modified with mercury or bismuth films for the determination of trace metals in aqueous solutions. Both modification procedures were optimized in terms of selectivity and sensitivity for the determination of different heavy metals, aiming their simultaneous determination. Cd (II), Pb (II) and In (III) could be quantified with both films. However, Cu (II) could not be determined with bismuth films. The modification with mercury films led to the most sensitive method, with linear ranges between 0.1 and 10 µg/mL and limits of detection of 0.4, 0.1, 0.04 and 0.2 µg/mL for Cd (II), Pb (II), In (III) and Cu (II), respectively. Nevertheless, the bismuth film was a more sustainable alternative to mercury. Tap-water samples were analyzed for the determination of metals by standard addition methodology with good accuracy, by using a low-cost and easily disposable paper-based electrochemical platform. This system demonstrated its usefulness for monitoring heavy metals in water., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

An essential requirement for colorimetric paper-sensor is to allow the target analytes (heavy metal ions) to access the chromophore while maintaining strong chromophore immobilization on the porous substrate surface. This work evaluates the selection of sensitive chromophores (dithizone, 1-(2-pyridylazo) 2-naphthol and 4-(2-pyridylazo)-resorcinol) and their immobilization strategies on paper sensors. Dithizone (DTz) are capable of producing a significant color transition at unadjusted pH, observed by UV-Vis absorption spectroscopy and visible recognition. After immobilizing DTz on a paper substrate (cellulose acetate/chitosan substrate), the DTz-paper sensor showed a distinctive color change from blue-green to peach-pink upon reaction with Pb 2+ ions, and the color intensity was proportional to the metal concentration. Quantitative analysis using RGB (R:Red; G:Green; B:Blue) plots showed that increasing DTz concentration on the CA/CS paper sensor increases the difference in total color intensity (∆I T ) and the difference in red code intensity (∆I R ). This is due to the formation of more DTz-Pb 2+ complexes on the CA/CS paper substrate. The CA/CS paper strips immobilized with 100 ppm DTz showed practical potential for rapid detection of heavy metal ions. The DTz-CA/CS paper sensor showed significant color change when detecting spiked heavy metals ions (0.1 ppm Pb 2+ , 2.0 ppm Zn 2+ , and 0.2 ppm Cu 2+ ) in river water samples that prepared at the maximum permissible limit for industrial effluent in Malaysia., (© 2022. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

The deposition of trace elements around a pulp and paper industry in Morelia, Mexico, was evaluated using two lichen species as biomonitors. Samples of the foliose lichen Flavopunctelia praesignis and the fruticose lichen Usnea ceratina were collected in two remote areas and transplanted at different distances and directions from the pollution source. Lichen samples were exposed for 4 months (1) around the industrial area and (2) in their native habitats (control sites). We investigated the bioaccumulation of 11 trace elements in lichen thalli, and we compared the response of the two lichen species. To identify possible common sources, we evaluated the relationships between trace elements by correlations and cluster analyses. Our results showed that Cd was a good tracer for air pollution from the pulp and paper mills. In samples of Usnea ceratina exposed around the industrial area, Cd was significantly higher than in the remote area. Within the study area, trace element contents increase with the distance from the source, and they showed high depositions in the direction of prevailing winds. Moreover, we were able to detect groups of elements with similar behavior and common origins. Our results indicated that Flavopunctelia praesignis showed a higher capacity to accumulate trace elements than Usnea ceratina., (© 2022. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.)

All human beings need healthy nutrition to grow, so the lack or excess of low-amount elements causes diseases in humans, for this reason, it is essential to know the presence of elements in food. Arak aluminum production factory is located next to Chogha village, so it is necessary to study the effects of this factory and other industries in the region on its agricultural products. In this study, the content of 11 elements was determined: aluminum, bromine, calcium, chlorine, iron, magnesium, manganese, potassium, sodium, scandium, and zinc in crops as wheat, barley, peas, beans and alfalfa prepared from the village of Chogha in the Arak region by neutron activation analysis, as well as 3 other elements, including arsenic, lead, and cadmium were determined by inductively coupled plasma analysis. Magnesium concentration from 1310 to 3970, manganese from 15.2 to 66.3, sodium from 14.2 to 1490, aluminum from 5.72 to 914, chlorine from 364 to 12000, calcium from 413 to 29600, bromine from 0.23 to 14.50, potassium from 4740 to 14700, iron from 10.1 to 1310.0, scandium from 0.033 to 4.02, zinc from 27.7 to 96.7, arsenic from 0.000 to 0.021, lead from 0.000 to 0.003 and cadmium from 0.00 to 0.02 mg/kg. The results show that the concentration of chlorine, manganese, magnesium, iron, sodium, aluminum, bromine, calcium, scandium, zinc, and lead in alfalfa, the concentration of potassium in pinto beans, the concentration of cadmium in barley, and the concentration of arsenic in wheat are higher than another analyzed sample.

Introduction: Micronutrients (vitamins and trace elements) are essential to all nutrition. For children and neonates who are dependent upon nutrition support therapies for growth and development, the prescribed regimen must supply all essential components. This paper aims to facilitate interpretation of existing clinical guidelines into practical approaches for the provision of micronutrients in pediatric parenteral nutrition., Methods: An international, interdisciplinary expert panel was convened to review recent evidence-based guidelines and published literature to develop consensus-based recommendations on practical micronutrient provision in pediatric parenteral nutrition., Results: The guidelines and evidence have been interpreted as answers to 10 commonly asked questions around the practical principles for provision and monitoring of micronutrients in pediatric patients., Conclusion: Micronutrients are an essential part of all parenteral nutrition and should be included in the pediatric nutrition therapy care plan., (© 2020 The Authors. Journal of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition.)

Assessment of vitamin and trace element status (VTE) is important in the clinical management of the sick child. In this position paper, we present the various assessment methods available to the clinical practitioner, and critically discuss pitfalls with interpretation of their results. There are 4 main approaches to assess the VTE body status of an individual patient including clinical examination, dietary assessment, and measurement of direct and indirect biomarkers of VTE in biological samples. Clinical signs of VTE deficiencies usually present only when body stores are substantially depleted and are often difficult to detect or differentiate from other nonnutrient-related causes. In isolation, dietary assessment of micronutrients can be inaccurate and imprecise, in disease and in individual patient assessment but may be useful to complement findings from other VTE assessment methods. Use of biomarkers is the most common approach to assess VTE status in routine practice but in the presence of systemic inflammatory response and in the absence of appropriate paediatric reference intervals, interpretation of biomarker results might be challenging and potentially mislead clinical practice. The use of a multimodal approach, including clinical examination, dietary assessment, and laboratory biomarkers is proposed as the optimal way to ascertain the VTE status of individual patients. In the presence of acute inflammatory conditions, VTE measurements in plasma should be replaced by biomarkers not affected by systemic inflammatory response or delayed until inflammatory state is resolved.

In this work, a novel calibration approach for minor and trace element quantification in LA-ICP-MS imaging of biological tissues is presented. Droplets of aqueous standard solutions are deposited onto pre-cut pieces of filter paper, allowed to dry, and sputtered with a thin gold layer for use as pseudo-internal standard. Analysis of the standards using LA-ICP-MS is performed using radial line-scans across the filters. In contrast to conventionally used preparation of matrix-matched tissue standards, the dried-droplet approach offers a variety of advantages: The standards are easy to prepare, no characterization of the standards using acid digestion is required, no handling of biological materials is necessary, and the concentration range, as well the number of investigated analytes is almost unlimited. The proposed quantification method has been verified using homogenized tissue standards with known analyte concentrations before being applied to a human malignant mesothelioma biopsy from a patient who had not received any chemotherapeutic treatment. Elemental distribution images were acquired at a lateral resolution of 40 μm per pixel, limits of detection ranging from 0.1 μg g(-1) (Mn, Ni, Cu, Zn) to 13.2 μg g(-1) (K) were reached., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

The use of reference solutions dispersed on filter paper discs is proposed for the first time as an external calibration strategy for matrix matching and determination of As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sr, V and Zn in plants by laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS). The procedure is based on the use of filter paper discs as support for aqueous reference solutions, which are further evaporated, resulting in solid standards with concentrations up to 250 μg g(-1) of each element. The use of filter paper for calibration is proposed as matrix matched standards due to the similarities of this material with botanical samples, regarding to carbon concentration and its distribution through both matrices. These characteristics allowed the use of (13)C as internal standard (IS) during the analysis by LA-ICP-MS. In this way, parameters as analyte signal normalization with (13)C, carrier gas flow rate, laser energy, spot size, and calibration range were monitored. The calibration procedure using solution deposition on filter paper discs resulted in precision improvement when (13)C was used as IS. The method precision was calculated by the analysis of a certified reference material (CRM) of botanical matrix, considering the RSD obtained for 5 line scans and was lower than 20%. Accuracy of LA-ICP-MS determinations were evaluated by analysis of four CRM pellets of botanical composition, as well as by comparison with results obtained by ICP-MS using solution nebulization after microwave assisted digestion. Plant samples of unknown elemental composition were analyzed by the proposed LA method and good agreement were obtained with results of solution analysis. Limits of detection (LOD) established for LA-ICP-MS were obtained by the ablation of 10 lines on the filter paper disc containing 40 μL of 5% HNO3 (v v(-1)) as calibration blank. Values ranged from 0.05 to 0.81  μg g(-1). Overall, the use of filter paper as support for dried aqueous standards showed to be a useful strategy for calibration and plant analysis by LA-ICP-MS., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Porous pots were used to mimic, on a laboratory scale, an industrial activated sludge plant from a thermomechanical pulp and news print paper mill. Trace metal additions of Ca, Co, Cu, Fe(III), and Mg were found to improve chemical oxygen demand removal from 82% to 86 to 87%. Copper (0.1 to 1.0 mg/L) was also found to be beneficial in significantly inhibiting the growth of filamentous bacteria, contributing to a reduction of 20 to 45% in sludge volume index (SVI) with improved settle ability and decreased bulking. However, at levels of 1.0 mg/L and higher, the concentration of Cu in the porous pot effluent would potentially exceed guidelines for receiving waters. The fate and impact of Cu was affected by the presence of other trace metals, in particular Mg and Ca. The addition of Mg or Ca along with 0.5 mg/L Cu increased the amount of Cu in the aqueous phase to levels that would potentially exceed government environmental guidelines. Calcium addition was also found to inhibit the effect of Cu in reducing filamentous bacteria and SVI.

Trace elements have a significant effect on biochemical reactions and therefore the presence of optimum levels of trace elements is essential for bioreactor performances. In this study, the effects of five trace elements on biomethane production have been investigated. Experimental studies have been carried out with multiple batch reactors at 15 day HRT and mesophilic temperatures. The optimum concentrations for each of the trace elements Fe, Cu, Ni, Co and Mg were found as 5, 0.5, 0.5, 0.5 and 100 mg/L, respectively. Among tested trace elements, Cu was the one which provided the highest biomethane production. Cu addition was resulted in a 46 % increase in biomethane production followed by Co with 24 %. The biomethane production rate for these two trace elements was 191.70 and 110.77 ml CH4/g COD, respectively. Optimum levels for Ni, Fe and Mg increased biomethane production rate by approximately 14.3, 10 and 17 % compared to control groups, respectively. Because the exact amount of trace element requirement for each industry/reactor is different, specific case studies should be performed for each application. These results could be used as initial trace element concentrations for further continuous studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thermal paper finds its extensive use in the modern day life and could act as a vital piece of physical evidence carrying latent fingermarks. A large number of citations are available in literature suggesting various techniques to develop these marks but all are suffering with one or the other drawbacks such as complex and cumbersome procedure, pre- or post-treatment, background coloration and efficiency to develop aged fingermarks. In present study, a very simple and novel method involving iodine fuming has been suggested to develop fingermarks which were not only permanent but also without any background coloration. The suggested method does not involve any pre- or post-treatment of the substrate and was able to develop very old fingermarks (upto >1 year). In this study an attempt has been made to explain the reaction mechanism of the process. In case of different types of thermal papers, presence of different substituents on leuco dye (lactone ring) structure resulted in development of different colored fingermarks upon reaction with iodine. Sebaceous material laden marks have been found to be more intensely developed as compared to eccrine marks, and the difference was more pronounced in case of aged fingermarks.

From the utilization point of view, it is notable that the total element concentrations in the precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC) waste were significantly lower than the maximal allowable heavy metal concentrations for fertilizers used in agriculture and in forestry, set on the basis of the EU and Finnish legislation. The easily soluble Ca concentration of 168.5g kg(-1) (d.w.) in PCC waste was 105 times higher than the typical value of 1.6g kg(-1) (d.w.) in the coarse mineral soil in Finland indicates that the PCC waste is a potential agent for soil remediation and for improving soil fertility if it is used as fertilizer. According to a five-stage sequential extraction procedure, the highest concentrations of most of the elements occurred either in HF+HNO3+HCl or H2O2+CH3COONH4 fraction. This means that the major part of the elements retained in the PCC waste are not easy to extract (leach) under conditions normally found in nature. This is beneficial since, if inorganic materials and by-products are utilized in earth construction, the content of harmful compounds must be low and the harmful components must be tightly bound to the matrix.

Questioned documents analysis includes: handwriting comparison, analysis of the ink and the printer used in the production of the documents, and the physical and chemical characterization of the cellulosic substrate (paper) of the documents. In many situations in life, for financial, social, and personal concerns, we depend on different documents. Therefore, over time, various analytical methods have been developed in order to determine their authenticity, source, and age or to differentiate various papers. In this study a quantitative analytical method for the determination of eight trace level chemical elements (Al, Ba, Fe, Mg, Mn, Pb, Sr, Zn) from document paper samples using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) was validated and applied. The evaluation of the performance parameters of the method (applicability, fitness for purpose, linearity, working range, limit of detection and limit of quantification, sensitivity, accuracy, and precision) was accomplished. An overview of the validation parameters are presented and discussed in detail.

A survey of 32 paper and board materials intended for food contact has been undertaken. Sample composition was analysed to identify chemicals with a potential to migrate to foods. Representative materials covering a range of uses such as aqueous and fatty foods, and use at ambient and elevated temperatures, were obtained from industry. The samples were examined in their unfinished state, even where the final form would have included lamination to plastics, printing, or other treatments. A comprehensive and systematic analytical approach was applied which included determination of volatiles by headspace GC-MS, extraction using water, ethanol and chloroform with subsequent analysis by GC-MS and HPLC, and multi-element screening by ICP-MS. The solvent extracts were also weighed to determine the total amount of material available for migration. A large number of volatile substances were identified with alkyl and aryl aldehydes predominating in the majority of samples. Substances identified in solvent extracts included 2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxytoluene (BHT), di-tert-butylphenol, benzophenone, 4,4'-bis(dimethyl amino) benzophenone (Michler's ketone), triphenyl methane, bicyclohexylphenylphenanthrene carboxylic acid (and its methyl ester) and abietic acid. Levels of these substances were however generally below 1 mg/kg paper. Of the inorganic elements, arsenic and mercury were not detected above the limits of determination of 1.8 and 0.4 mg/kg respectively in any of the 10 samples examined. Cadmium was detected in teabag tissue and in unbleached Kraft paper at 0.3 mg/kg. Chromium was present in seven samples at 1.1-7.8 mg/kg, whilst lead was present in nine of the 10 samples at levels ranging from 0.3 to 5.9 mg/kg.

Collection of biological fluids on clinical filter papers shows important advantages from a logistic point of view, although analysis of these specimens is far from straightforward. Concerning urine analysis, and particularly when direct trace elemental analysis by laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICPMS) is aimed at, several problems arise, such as lack of sensitivity or different distribution of the analytes on the filter paper, rendering obtaining reliable quantitative results quite difficult. In this paper, a novel approach for urine collection is proposed, which circumvents many of these problems. This methodology consists on the use of precut filter paper discs where large amounts of sample can be retained upon a single deposition. This provides higher amounts of the target analytes and, thus, sufficient sensitivity, and allows addition of an adequate internal standard at the clinical lab prior to analysis, therefore making it suitable for a strategy based on unsupervised sample collection and ulterior analysis at referral centers. On the basis of this sampling methodology, an analytical method was developed for the direct determination of several elements in urine (Be, Bi, Cd, Co, Cu, Ni, Sb, Sn, Tl, Pb, and V) at the low μg L(-1) level by means of LA-ICPMS. The method developed provides good results in terms of accuracy and LODs (≤1 μg L(-1) for most of the analytes tested), with a precision in the range of 15%, fit-for-purpose for clinical control analysis.

Integrated kraft pulp and paper mill wastewater was characterized before (influent) and after (effluent) the activated sludge process by microfiltration (8, 3, 0.45 and 0.22 microm) and ultrafiltration (100, 50, 30 and 3 kDa) into different size fractions. Wood extractives, lignin, suspended solids and certain trace elements were determined in each fraction. Forty four percent of the resin and fatty acids in the influent (12.8 mg/L) occurred in particles (>0.45 microm), 20% as colloids (0.45 microm-3 kDa) and 36% in the <3 kDa fraction. The corresponding values for sterols (1.5 mg/L) were 5, 46 and 49%. In the effluent, resin and fatty acids (1.45 mg/L) and sterols (0.26 mg/L) were mainly present in the <3 kDa fraction, as well as a small proportion in particles. beta-sitosterol was present in particles in the effluent (88+/-50 microg/L). Lignin in the influent was mainly in the colloidal and <3 kDa fractions, whereas in the effluent it was mainly in the <3 kDa fraction. Thus the decrease of lignin in the biological treatment was concentrated on the colloidal fraction. In the influent, Mn, Zn and Si were mainly present in the <3 kDa fraction, whereas a significant proportion of Fe and Al were found also in the particle and colloidal fractions. In the effluent, Fe and Al were mainly present in the colloidal fraction; in contrast, Mn, Zn and Si were mainly in the <3 kDa fraction. The results indicated that the release of certain compounds and elements into the environment could be significantly decreased or even prevented simply by employing microfiltration as a final treatment step or by enhancing particle removal in the secondary clarifier.

Volumetric absorptive micro-sampling (VAMS) has emerged as a simple and safe tool for collecting and storing blood samples in clinical and bioanalytical fields. This study presents a novel method for determining essential and non-essential trace elements (As, Be, Cd, Cs, Cu, Fe, Mg, P, Pb, S, Sb, Se, Tl, V, U) in VAMS-collected blood samples using microwave-assisted digestion with diluted acid as sample preparation method and an inductively coupled plasma triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (ICP-QQQ) as determination technique. While certain elements posed challenges due to VAMS tip background issues (Al, Ti, Cr, Mn, Co, Ni, Sn, Mo, Ba), the method demonstrated high precision and accuracy for the targeted analytes. It was demonstrated that 4.5 mol L -1 HNO 3 plus 100 µL H 2 O 2 30% (w/w) was suitable for an efficiency of digestion for further elemental determination using micro-analysis (spending less than 300 µL analytical solution) by ICP-QQQ, given that the residual carbon content (RCC) after the digestion procedure was lower than 5%. All the results higher than limit of quantification (LOQ) were in agreement with reference values for all analytes. Accuracy was assessed through reference material analysis and recovery tests using spiked samples. Moreover, suitable agreements (p > 0.05) between this method (VAMS-M) and the comparative method (liquid sampling method) were obtained for all analytes >LOQ. Furthermore, all results >LOQ showed good precision according to precision requirements (Horwitz equation). In this way, with the use of dilute acid, low dilution factor (30-fold), and excellent digestion efficiency (>95%), the proposed method was able to achieve an excellent detection limit, precision, and accuracy for 15 elements: As, Be, Cd, Cs, Cu, Fe, Mg, P, Pb, S, Sb, Se, Tl, V, and U using ICP-MS/MS, without the need for matrix-matched calibration curves. This research showcases an innovative analytical approach using VAMS for blood samples, offering biosafety, practicality, sensitivity, versatility, and robustness. This method contributes to the advancement of trace element analysis in biomedical research and clinical applications., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH, DE part of Springer Nature.)

The parenteral multivitamin preparations that are commercially available in the United States (U.S.) meet the requirements for most patients who receive parenteral nutrition (PN). However, a separate parenteral vitamin D preparation (cholecalciferol or ergocalciferol) should be made available for treatment of patients with vitamin D deficiency unresponsive to oral vitamin D supplementation. Carnitine is commercially available and should be routinely added to neonatal PN formulations. Choline should also be routinely added to adult and pediatric PN formulations; however, a commercially available parenteral product needs to be developed. The parenteral multi-trace element (TE) preparations that are commercially available in the U.S. require significant modifications. Single-entity trace element products can be used to meet individual patient needs when the multiple-element products are inappropriate (see Summary/A.S.P.E.N. Recommendations section for details of these proposed modifications).

Trace elements are important components to increase biomethane production performance. Their reactor-specific required concentrations should be determined for each application. In this study, the effects of trace element addition on biogas and biomethane production in an anaerobic reactor treating paper industry wastewater were investigated. The study was conducted by operating multiple batch reactors and using the Box–Behnken experiment design method. The biogas and biomethane responses (R2 values) were 0.9506 and 0.9374, respectively, indicating that the Box–Behnken model was significant. While influent COD and VSS were 2594 ± 180.8 and 2885 ± 16.45 mg/L, optimum Fe, Cu, Ni, Co, and Mg concentrations were 196.8, 0.01, 1.30, 1.31, and 50.63 mg/L, respectively. For biogas and biomethane production, 11 ± 0.27% and 18 ± 0.45% increases were observed in reactors with trace elements added, compared to the control, respectively. Biogas and biomethane production rates were also monitored with 15-day kinetic studies. From day 9 to 15, the reactor with trace elements added became superior to the control group by means of daily biogas and biomethane production. The microbial community of the reactor biomass was investigated with 16S V3–V4 rRNA targeted metagenomic analysis and the dominant species was Methanosaeta thermophila (an acetate utilizing bacteria) with a rate of 38.05%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over time, the risk assessment of dermal exposure to pollutants in print paper products has received considerable attention. Most studies have focused on organic pollutants, especially bisphenol A (BPA). However, little is known about the levels of trace elements in print paper products, despite the knowledge that these elements are components of printing inks and toners. This study was aimed at determining the concentrations of trace elements in 5 types of paper products, namely bulletins, magazines, special events program booklets, handbills, and newspapers. The average daily intake (ADI) of each element was subsequently estimated through dermal exposure to the papers. The detection frequency of the elements of interest was high (nearly 100%) in most paper products, with the exception of chromium, whose detection was low. In contrast, Ag was not detected in any sample. The levels of the elements in the paper products were low and comparable to those found in other personal and consumer products with the potential for skin contact. The range values of estimated ADIs were 1.70–3.90E-08, 2.30–18.2E-10, 2.60–16.4E-09, 3.65–5.75E-08, 1.29–4.38E-08, 6.23–15.6E-10, 1.51–2.80E-10, 1.43–9.16E-09, 0.00–9.47E-09, and 4.68–220E-08 mg/kg bw/day for Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Cd, Pb, Cr and Fe respectively. These values were well below the dermal standard reference doses (R f D) for each element. The present results indicate that dermal exposure to trace elements from print paper products was low and does not pose significant risks for toxic (non-carcinogenic) effects on humans. • Previous efforts have focused on the risk assessment of organic contaminants in print paper products. • Limited attention accorded to risk assessment of trace elements in print paper products • Human dermal exposure to trace elements via print paper products was low • Exposure to trace elements via print paper products has low risks of non-carcinogenic events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sewage sludge/biosolids are by-wastes of municipal and industrial wastewater treatment. As sources of nutrients (C, N, P) they are widely used in intensive farming where large supplementation of organic matter to maintain fertility and enhance crop yields is needed. However, according to the report of European Commission published in 2010, only 39% of produced sewage sludge is recycled into agriculture in the European Union. This situation occurs mainly due to the fact, that the sewage sludge may contain a dangerous volume of different contaminants. For over decades, a great deal of attention has been focused on total concentration of few heavy metals and pathogenic bacteria Salmonella and Escherichia coli. The Sewage Sludge Directive (86/278/EEC) regulates the allowable limits of Zn, Cu, Ni, Pb, Cd, Cr and Hg and pathogens and allows for recovery of sludge on land under defined sanitary and environmentally sound conditions. In this paper, a review on quality of sewage sludge based on the publications after 2010 has been presented. Nowadays there are several papers focusing on new serious threats to human health and ecosystem occurring in sewage sludge - both chemicals (such as toxic trace elements - Se, Ag, Ti; nanoparticles; polyaromatic hydrocarbons; polychlorinated biphenyl; perfluorinated surfactants, polycyclic musks, siloxanes, pesticides, phenols, sweeteners, personal care products, pharmaceuticals, benzotriazoles) and biological traits (Legionella, Yersinia, Escherichia coli O157:H7)., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Appalachian (eastern USA) coal surface mines fracture geologic materials, causing release of both major ions and trace elements to water via accelerated weathering. When elevated above natural background, trace elements in streams may produce adverse effects on biota via direct exposure from water and sediment and via dietary exposure in food sources. Other studies have found elevated water concentrations of multiple trace elements in Appalachia's mining-influenced streams. Except for Se, trace-element concentrations in abiotic and biotic media of Appalachian mining-influenced streams are less well known. We analyzed environmental media of headwater streams receiving alkaline waters from Appalachian coal mines for eight trace elements (Al, As, Cd, Cu, Ni, Sr, V, and Zn) and assessed the potential consequent ecological risks. Streamwater, particulate media (sediment, biofilm, leaf detritus), and benthic macroinvertebrates (primary consumers, secondary consumers, crayfish) were sampled from six mining-influenced and three reference streams during low-flow conditions in two seasons. Dissolved Cu, Ni, and Sr were higher in mining-influenced streams than in reference streams; Ni, Sr, and Zn in fine sediments and Ni in macroinvertebrates were also elevated relative to reference-stream levels in samples from mining-influenced streams. Seasonal ratios of mining-influenced stream concentrations to maximum concentrations in reference streams also demonstrated mining-influenced increases for several elements in multiple media. In most media, concentrations of several elements including Ni were correlated positively. All water-column dissolved concentrations were below protective levels, but fine-sediment concentrations of Ni approached or exceeded threshold-effect concentrations in several streams. Further study is warranted for several elements (Cd, Ni, and Zn in biofilms, and V in macroinvertebrates) that approached or exceeded previously established dietary-risk levels. Environ Toxicol Chem 2023;42:2651-2665. © 2023 SETAC., (© 2023 SETAC.)

The processed forms of milk, branded liquid, and power milk available in Dhaka city, the capital of Bangladesh, were investigated for essential and trace metal/metalloids regarding nutritional and human health risk aspects. For this, the potential nutritional contribution, estimated daily intake (EDI) and non-carcinogenic risk for six different life stages with male and female categories, as well as the carcinogenic risk for children and adults of both genders, were addressed. In total, 46 branded liquid and powder milk samples were considered for this analysis employing atomic absorption spectroscopy. The concentration of essential elements showed the trends of K > Ca > Na > Mg > Fe > Zn > Mn > Cu and K > Ca > Na > Mg > Fe > Cu > Mn > Zn for liquid and powder milk samples, respectively, but the potentially hazardous one showed the same trends (Cr > Pb > Hg > As > Cd) for both items. Except for Cr, Hg, and Fe, the elemental compositions of both milk categories differed considerably (< 0.05). Compared to the threshold values for milk samples (liquid and powder), Fe (19% and 27%), Mn (100% and 63%), Cu (0% and 23%), Zn (94% and 0%), Pb (25% and 13%), and Cr (0% and 3%) showed above the permissible limits. The nutrient input was the highest for Ca (27.2% and 18.7%), followed by Mg, K, and Na. The EDI of studied elements was within the daily permissible limit in both the milk category (except age group (≤ 3) and the female category). The non-carcinogenic risk assessment showed that the age groups ≤ 3 for liquid milk and ≤ 3 and 3 < X ≤ 14 with female categories for powder milk exceeded the threshold level (> 1) in the case of Cr, Cd, As, Zn, and Mn. The probable carcinogenic risks indicated an unacceptable risk level (< 1.00E-04) for the ingestion of Cr through powder milk samples for children in male and female categories. Finally, it believes that green cow farming practices and green milk processing technology, as well as continuous monitoring of toxic metals, can limit the ultimate risk worldwide., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature B.V.)

Potentially toxic constituents in traditional medicines remain a concern due to health risks posed to consumers. Thirty-six traditional medicines (TM) consisting of 14 Indian Ayurvedic Medicines, 11 Chinese Traditional Medicines and eleven Ghanaian Traditional Medicines were evaluated using Total Reflection X-ray Fluorescence Spectrometer (T-XRF) after microwave assisted acid digestion. Physiologically Based Extraction Test (PBET) was used to obtain bioaccessible elemental concentrations. Merck XVI multi-element standard were used to evaluate the accuracy of the analytical method. The concentrations of the elements were quantified in (mg kg -1 ): Cr (0.01-698), Mn (0.01-1140), Fe (15-73300), Ni (1-1340), Cu (3-8160), Zn (0.01-224). The greatest bioaccessible concentrations of arsenic was 0.80 mg kg -1 and 0.44 mg kg -1 in the gastric and intestinal phases respectively. In order to evaluate the human health risks from ingesting these TM, the Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) was calculated for each medicine based on element-specific bioaccessibility-adjusted concentrations and results compared with the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) Reference Dose (RfD) limits. The Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) values for risks were within the USEPA RfD. Hazard quotients (HQ) of TM were < 1, meaning elemental concentrations do not pose non-carcinogenic risks to adult consumers. In summary the methods applied in the study gives a new insight on human health risks of potentially toxic and essential micronutrients elements in TM., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature B.V.)

The importance of environmental quality for global social and ecological development, including soil degradation, cannot be overstated. Trace elements dispersed in the environment due to anthropogenic or geogenic activities can result in ecotoxicological impacts, negatively influencing environmental quality. The reference values for soil quality concerning trace elements are primarily based on geological, geomorphological, and pedological patterns. However, intrinsic geological factors may diverge some concentration levels from established norms. Therefore, conducting comprehensive surveys of environmental quality reference values becomes imperative, incorporating geological, geomorphological, and pedological patterns. A deeper understanding of the distribution of these elements is also required. Multivariate analysis proves crucial in compartmentalizing the most relevant factors, particularly in regions marked by bimodal magmatism arising from post-collisional distensional processes, such as the Santa Angélica intrusive suite in southeast Brazil. This study collected soil samples from pastures and natural grasslands with minimal anthropogenic intervention at two depths. These samples underwent various chemical and physical analyses. Statistical techniques such as correlation analysis, principal component analysis, hierarchical clustering, and geostatistics were utilized to interpret the data. The analysis revealed a correlation between the clay fraction and trace elements, demonstrating that clustering is an effective methodology for ascertaining landscape distribution patterns of these components. When compared to quality reference values, it was observed that most soil content levels exceeded both global and local standards. This study suggests that the presence of barium (Ba) in the soil might be due to the isomorphic replacement of feldspathic minerals in acidic and intermediate rocks, whereas molybdenum (Mo) seems to be associated with soils in the domain of porphyritic allanite granite. However, additional research is warranted to determine the concentration factor of Mo in this scenario accurately., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.)

Nickel and zinc are both bio-essential micronutrients with a nutrient-like distribution in the modern ocean, but show key differences in their biological functions and geochemical behavior. Eukaryotic phytoplankton, and especially diatoms, have high Zn quotas, whereas cyanobacteria generally require relatively more Ni. Secular changes in the relative availability of these micronutrients may, therefore, have affected the evolution and diversification of phytoplankton. In this study, we use a large compilation of Ni and Zn concentration data for Phanerozoic sediments to evaluate long-term changes in Ni and Zn availability and possible links to phytoplankton evolution. Modern data suggest that organic-rich sediments capture the dissolved deep ocean Ni/Zn ratio, regardless of local depositional conditions. We use this observation to constrain Ni/Zn ratios for past oceans, based on data from the sedimentary record. This record highlights long-term changes in the relative availability of these micronutrients that can be linked to the (bio)geochemical conditions on the Earth's surface. Early Palaeozoic oceans were likely relatively Ni rich, with sedimentary Ni/Zn ratios for this interval mostly being around ~1 or higher. A comparison with Phanerozoic strontium-, carbon-, and sulfur-isotopic records suggests that the late Palaeozoic decrease in sulfidic conditions and increase in hydrothermal inputs and organic-carbon burial rates caused a shift towards more Zn-rich conditions. Mesozoic and Cenozoic sediments show relatively Zn-rich oceans for these time intervals, with sedimentary Ni/Zn ratios mostly being around ~1 or lower. These observations imply that the diversification of the dominant groups of modern eukaryotic phytoplankton occurred in relatively Zn-rich oceans and that these organisms still carry this signature in their stoichiometries. However, the Phanerozoic transition to a more Zn-rich ocean pre-dates the origin and diversification of modern eukaryotes and, therefore, this transition was likely not the main direct cause for eukaryotic diversification in the Mesozoic and Cenozoic Eras., (© 2022 The Authors. Geobiology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

The purpose of this study was to develop a biotechnological process to produce citric acid using paper residues from Urban Solid Waste (USW), like raw material. The selected microorganism to transform degraded cellulose from paper to produce citric acid was Aspergillus niger. The aerobic bioreaction was carried out in a heterogeneous bioreactor. The efficiency of the biotransformation in this study was measured under different operating conditions: 2 and 3 pH levels, 30 and 40 °C temperatures, and high and low concentrations of trace elements: Copper (Cu), Manganese (Mn) and Zinc (Zn). In optimized operation conditions from 20 g of waste paper the maximum citric acid amount obtained was 5.73 g l−1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper assesses the chemical transformation of surface waters in the southeastern part of the Khibiny Mountainous Massif after launching the Oleniy Ruchey apatite–nepheline ore deposit in 2012. The influence of the Oleniy Ruchey Mine was reflected in an increase in water mineralization (by an order of magnitude) and in a change in the basic ion ratios in water objects receiving runoff from mines, rock, and tailing dumps compared to the watercourses unaffected by the mining enterprise's activities. Natural hydrocarbonate–sodium water with a mineralization of 10 mg/L was transformed into the nitrate–sodium or sulfate–calcium water. The content of nitrogen group compounds in the Lake Komarinoe water, which receives wastewater from the tailing dumps over the ten-year history of the mining and processing plant, has increased by two orders of magnitude, and the nitrate became basic ion. The concentrations of other basic ions and mineralization in this lake increased by an order of magnitude, as the content of trace elements (Sr, F, Mo), which belong to the main rock-forming minerals of apatite–nepheline deposits. Compared to the background water bodies, the mine wastewaters have the elevated mineralization (up to 260 mg/L), pH value (up to 10), and a modified chemical composition. They are characterized by a hydrocarbonate–sodium composition with a large proportion of nitrates and sulfates. Mine wastewaters have elevated contents of nutrient compounds, organic matter, and some trace elements (Al, Fe, Sr, Cu, Mn, Zn, and Cr). It has been established that the geochemical modifications in the quality of surface water are locally developed, being typical of water bodies receiving wastewater from a mining enterprise, in contrast to metallurgical plants, the atmospheric emissions of which caused pollution over tens and hundreds km. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study reports the trace elemental and heavy metal (24 elements) levels in six (Capsicum frutescence L., Carica papaya L., Momordica charantia L., Moringa oleifera Lam., Musa sapientum L., and Solanum melongena L.) vegetables. The vegetable samples are collected from the three villages and are subjected to ICP-MS analysis, to test a group of 24 elements, viz., Li, Be, Al, Sc, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Ga, As, Se, Rb, Sr, Ag, Cd, Cs, Ba, TI, Rb, and U, for their levels. The obtained levels of each element were compared with the WHO/FAO permissible values. Out of the tested 24 elements, 16 elements may cause kidney problems and the remaining 8 (Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Se, Sr, and TI) may cause other health problems when they are in high concentration (FAO/WHO, 18; ATSDR, 19; Drake and Hazelwood in Ann Occup Hyg 49:575-585, 20; US EPA, 21; FAO/WHO, 22; Choudhury et al., 23; Food Safety and Standards, 24). The results reveal that Ba is in high concentration (2.51 times) in all the tested vegetable samples and Pb is in high concentration (1.28 times) in 11 vegetable samples; Ag and Fe are high in one vegetable sample each. Among the three locations highest Ba concentration is observed in S 1 (Capsicum) of L 2 followed by S 5 (Musa) and S 1 (Capsicum) of L 1 . The higher Pb concentration is present in S 1 (Capsicum) of L 3 followed by S 1 (Capsicum) of L 2 . The results reveal that out of the six vegetables tested, Capsicum shows high concentrations of Ba and Pb. The variation in the levels of trace elements and heavy metals with regard to location and vegetable samples may be due to soil and or due to groundwater., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.)

Mother's breast milk is a natural and complete food for infants but can be a main source of exposure to toxic pollutants. These pollutants can negatively affect the health of the infant. Therefore, conducting biomonitoring surveys is essential to evaluate such health effects in toxicological research. This study aimed to estimate the probable health risks for infants exposed to essential and non-essential trace elements through breast milk ingestion. This descriptive-analytical, cross-sectional study was performed on 90 breastfeeding mothers referred to the health centers in Mashhad, Iran in January 2021. The health risk assessments (carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risk) were estimated using chronic daily intake (CDI), hazard quotient (HQ), hazard index (HI), and lifetime carcinogenic risk (CR), which were recommended by the US Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA). The results of the HQ values of trace elements through ingestion exposure for arsenic (90%), copper (90%), zinc (40%), and iron (10%) exceeded the threshold of HQ, and arsenic (66.59%), copper (16.91%), and zinc (9.68%) and iron (4.57%) had the highest contribution to increasing the HI index. The average value of CR was 5. 08 × 10 -3 . Chromium and iron showed significant relationships (P<0.05) with education level and disease background in this study, and the concentration of chromium, iron, and zinc in the breast milk samples significantly changed during lactation stages (P<0.05). Overall, the risk of carcinogenicity through exposure to breast milk for infants was higher than the safety level of US EPA risk. Therefore, there could be a potential health risk of trace elements, particularly arsenic, copper, and zinc for infants in Mashhad, Iran through the consumption of mothers' breast milk. More efforts are required to control and reduce routes of receiving trace elements in breastfeeding mothers by the competent authorities., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

Trace metals in the environment are important pollutants affecting human health, particularly in urban areas worldwide. Phytoremediation as a nature-based solution (NBS) and environmentally friendly technology may decrease high concentrations of trace metals in urban soils, protecting public health (especially children) and contributing to urban sustainability. This study examined trace metal contamination of urban soils and trees in six cities in the Republic of Srpska (RS), Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) and investigated the potential of selected tree species for phytoremediation as a NBS for metal-polluted urban soils. Contamination of urban soils was assessed by quantifying the concentrations of 11 trace metals (B, Ba, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, and Zn). To estimate phytoremediation potential of urban tree species, concentration and bioconcentration factor of the 11 metals were quantified in leaves of three common and abundant tree species: Aesculus hippocastanum L. (horse chestnut), Platanus acerifolia Willd. (plane), and Tilia sp. (lime). The results showed that trace metal concentrations in leaf samples did not exceed toxicity threshold guideline values. Further assessments are needed to establish the true potential of the three species as NBS for urban soils., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

Coastal sedimentary systems are affected by continental and marine metal pollutant inputs associated with different hydrodynamic characteristics and geochemical processes. These include the formation of acid-volatile sulfides (AVS) within sediments, which affects metal bioavailability and associated aquatic biota toxicity risks. Physicochemical changes in these environments in the face of extreme natural or man-made environmental influences can dramatically alter metal bioavailability and toxicity through metal binding and immobilization as insoluble sulfides. Surface sediments from Guanabara Bay, river mouths, and two mangrove areas were collected, and AVS and simultaneously extracted metals Cd, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn and ΣSEM were determined to assess sediment quality. A severe eutrophication history favored AVS concentrations exceeding or close to the sum-SEM concentrations, demonstrating that AVS play an important role in making trace metals unavailable for assimilation by living organisms, mitigating the risks of contamination for the local biota. This eutrophication-driven sulfide accumulation may attenuate the sediment toxicity in sites heavily polluted by metals, while some fewer eutrophic sites became more exposed to metals in excess to AVS., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

Toxic elements that pose a potential threat to human health are found as impurities in various cosmetic products. In this study, the inorganic profile of 19 elements (Li, B, Mg, Al, Cr, Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Se, Sr, Mo, Cd, Sb, Ba, Hg, and Pb) in 90 cosmetic products (lipsticks, lip glosses, lip pencils and eye shadows) were detected by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry after microwave acid digestion method and hazard indices (HI) of 9 toxic elements (Pb, Cd, Cr, Ni, Co, As, Hg, Sb, and Al) were calculated for the assessment of theoretical health risk. Satisfactory method performance parameters were found for each analyte. The results were compared with the maximum permissible limits set by regulatory agencies; 38 of 41 lip products (92.68%) and all eye shadows (n = 49) exceeded the established limits. The HI was found to be ≥ 1 in 82.76% of lip products for oral exposure, whereas HI was ≤ 1 for dermal exposure in all lip products (n = 41) and only one eye shadow sample was ≥ 1 (2.04%). Remarkable results were also detected for 19 elements in this study, which conducted a comprehensive inorganic profiling for the first time. Wide-range concentrations of Mg, Al, Ba, Mn, Cu, Zn, and Sr elements were remarkable. HI values were firstly brought out in this study, although Al, as a well-known toxic element, has not been listed in regulations yet. In conclusion, it is obviously seen that continuous monitoring of cosmetics is crucial not only for toxic elements but also for other essential or non-toxic elements to prevent consumers from long-term exposure., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.)

Objective: Using bivalves to indicate aquatic pollutants was favorable for discerning the negative effects of high levels of metal accumulation in tissue. We investigated the correlation between trace metal accumulation and the tissue oxidative response of two bivalves., Methods: The Asian green mussel Perna viridis and the blood cockle Tegillarca granosa were sampled along with seawater and sediments from three locations around Pattani Bay, Thailand. Accumulation of nine trace metals (cadmium, cobalt, copper, chromium, nickel, manganese, iron, zinc, and lead) in seawater, sediments, and tissue and the oxidative tissue response were evaluated. Metal bioaccumulation factor, biota-sediment accumulation factor, and histopathology were also indicated., Result: The present study found that P. viridis and T. granosa were macroconcentrators and bioaccumulative of cadmium, and their tissue accumulation of cadmium was strongly related to lipid peroxidation activation. Perna viridis exhibited a higher oxidative response than T. granosa, as indicated by malondialdehyde, catalase, and reduced glutathione levels., Conclusion: The present study indicated that P. viridis and T. granosa were macroconcentrators and bioaccumulative of cadmium, and their tissue accumulation of cadmium was strongly related to lipid peroxidation activation. Research has shown discernible negative effects of a high level of metal accumulation in tissue, and deformed and damaged tissues were present in the gills, digestive glands, intestines, and feet of P. viridis and T. granosa., (© 2023 American Fisheries Society.)

Strontium (Sr) is an element of toxicological concern due to its close chemical proximity to Ca. In this work, Sr in sea salts collected from China and South Korea was analyzed by laser‐induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS). The precision could be improved by using multiple filter‐paper sampling and intensity normalization using a weak Na I line as a reference signal. The analyte signal variation between filter‐paper pieces as well as that within a single filter‐paper piece could be corrected by the suggested method. The limit of detection of ~2 ppm and the precision of ~5% could be obtained. As a measure of accuracy, the root‐mean‐square error was estimated to be 9 ppm. The multiple filter‐paper sampling can be performed easily on the salt production sites and improves the LIBS analysis precision resulting to sufficient quantification capability for minor metallic elements in edible sea salt products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study on how trace metals enter the paper mill and how pulp ion exchange regulates where the trace elements go in the bleach plant in the U.S. The study uses the method of analysis of condition in a mill that had encountered a calcium oxalate scale and analyze the ion exchange, ion activity, and acid-base activity that affects ion concentrations of calcium and oxalate. The study reveals that the potential of hydrogen of 2.5 in the first chlorine dioxide bleach does not go lower and the use of chlorine dioxide generator should be avoided in any risk of barium sulfate scale.

The combustion of biomass and waste paper sludge in a fluidized bed is ecologically profitable. However, a large amount of by-product with high hydraulic reactivity is produced and is considered as wastes. Most of the time the waste paper fly ash (WPFA) goes to landfills, therefore new utilization methods are necessary. In some countries, the high content of metallic and metalloids trace elements (MMTE) in WPFA, more specifically Barium (Ba) and Lead (Pb) makes its valorization difficult. In this paper, the Lightweight Aggregates (LWA) was produced from WPFA by granulating with water in high-intensity granulator. Since WPFA is rich in CaO, the addition of water promotes rapid setting and hydration compared to other types of ash. In this study, different granulation parameters were investigated, such as the rotation modes between the steel pan and the impeller, the rotation speed of the steel pan, the granulation time, in order to improve the mass percentage of the targeted LWA (2–16 mm). In order to evolve the immobilization potential of Ba and Pb, a carbonation process was performed, exposing the manufactured LWA to pure carbon dioxide (CO 2) gas at laboratory scale. The physical, morphological, thermal and mechanical characterizations were performed on LWA for use in mortars, concretes or civil engineering constructions. Results have demonstrated the influence of the rotation mode between the steel pan and the on the distribution of WPFA inside the steel pan and the change in the growth rate of the granules can be observed. Increased density and improved compressive strength with low porosity and water absorption were also found in LWA after carbonation. This was due to the occurrence of both a carbonation reaction and a hydration reaction. Furthermore, the results of thermogravimetry and SEM-EDS confirmed the formation of hydrated phases (ettringite, carboaluminates), also the formation of calcite in the pores and the external surface of the LWA. Regarding environmental aspects, the results have revealed that Ba and Pb were well immobilized in the solid matrix after carbonation. [Display omitted] • LWA was manufactured from WPA without any agglomerating agents. • The physical-chemical properties of LWA were improved after carbonation. • The resulted LWA meet the requirements of NF EN -13,055-1. • The microstructure of LWA was studied before and after carbonation. • Influence of time, mode and rotation speed on the size of the manufactured LWA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]