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This study presents novel insights into the occurrence of phthalate esters (PAEs) in tea samples consumed in Turkey. Employing multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode with precursor-product ion transitions, quantitative and qualitative analyses of PAEs were conducted using an LC-MS/MS system. A dispersive solid-phase extraction (dSPE) technique was utilized to determine the PAE contents in the tea samples. The limit of detection for all PAEs ranged from 0.350 to 1.882 ng/mL, while the limit of quantification ranged from 1.165 to 6.273 ng/mL. Moreover, strong correlations were observed with R2 values exceeding 0.996 for all PAEs, indicating robustness. Recovery studies demonstrated satisfactory results, falling within the range of 92.20% to 97.24%, indicating effective retrieval. The relative standard deviation values for the target PAEs ranged from 3.22% to 5.54%. The study findings indicate that PAE levels in the tea samples generally comply with permissible limits set by EU regulations, except for DBP (1807.70±1478.86 ng/mL). Notably, DBP and DINP (941.44±852.80 ng/mL) were identified as the predominant plasticizers in the tea samples. Health risk assessment, conducted through hazard quotient and hazard index calculations across various age groups, consistently yielded values below 1 for DEP, DEHP, DINP, BBP, and DBP, suggesting minimal non-carcinogenic health risks associated with tea consumption across all age groups. Furthermore, the intake of individual phthalate esters, including DEP, DEHP, DINP, BBP, and DBP, remained below acceptable daily limits defined by the EFSA. Although some tea products exhibited slightly elevated PAE levels, overall, the study emphasizes the importance of continuous monitoring and regulations to ensure the safety of packaged tea and mitigate potential long-term exposure risks linked to PAEs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was aimed to examine scent compounds of its new extraction products and to compare the essential oil efficiency and quality of hydrodistillation in two H. italicum [Corsica-France (CF) and Čitluk-Bosnia Herzegovina (CBH)] ecotypes grown for the first time in Türkiye. The floral scent components of immortelle flowers were determined by solid phase microextraction (HS-SPME/GC–MS) method. While ß -himachalene and α -pinene were the main floral compounds of the fresh flowers for the CBH, neryl acetate and 1,8-cineole for the CF. The essential oil content of the CF and CBH was 0.38 and 0.15%, respectively. The essential oil compounds of the CBH consisted of ar- curcumene (25.57%), α- pinene (13.66%) and neryl acetate (12.90%), and the CF consisted of neryl acetate (56.08%) and 1,8-cineole (7.60%). The highest concrete (1.30%) and absolute (76.5%) yields were obtained from the CF. As with the essential oil, the main component of the CF concrete is neryl acetate (52.46%) and the CBH concrete is ar- curcumene (16.96%). But the hydrocarbons were higher in the concretes than in the essential oil. While obtaining the absolute from the concrete, the hydrocarbon compounds were separated and the volatile components of both absolutes showed similarity to the essential oil. This similarity increases the potential of preferring the lower cost absolute instead of the high cost immortelle oil. Considering the potential to be used directly in perfume and cosmetic formulations when the undesirable properties of absolutes (such as color and waxy structures) are removed, it is expected that the findings of the present study will contribute to this. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antibiotics are among the most common medicine groups since they are used to treat infectious diseases, as nutritional supplements in livestock breeding, and for preservation in the food industry. Turkey is among the highest antibiotic consumers in the world. In the present study, the most popular 14 antibiotics available in Turkey were monitored in one hospital sewage and two urban wastewater treatment plant influents and effluents seasonally in Istanbul province, the largest metropolitan center in Turkey. The present research aimed to develop a robust analytical method to determine 14 antibiotics, including six chemical groups, in environmental matrices which are considered significant antibiotic pollution sources, namely hospital sewage and urban wastewater. Solid-phase extraction (SPE) and UPLC-MS/MS analysis parameters included optimized column temperature, eluent, mobile phase, and flow rate. Three SPE cartridges were employed in recovery studies. The antibiotic recovery rates varied between 40 and 100%, and all analytes were identified within 3 min with UPLC-MS/MS under optimal conditions. It was determined that method detection limits (MDLs) varied between 0.07 and 2.72 µg/L for the antibiotics. In all seasons, the highest beta-lactam group antibiotic concentrations were identified in hospital sewage. The season with the greatest variety of antibiotics in urban wastewater was spring. Clarithromycin and ciprofloxacin were the antibiotics determined at the highest concentration in the influent and effluent of the wastewater treatment plant in all seasons. This study showed that the most widely used beta-lactam group antibiotics were found in high amounts in hospital sewage wastewater but in low concentrations in the treatment plants, and hence, it is seen that the degradability of beta-lactam group antibiotics was high. The presence of clarithromycin, ciprofloxacin, lincomycin, levofloxacin, and trimethoprim antibiotics in hospital sewage in higher amounts and also in inlet and outlet of wastewater treatment plants proves that those are resistant antibiotics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The gardening of ornamental plants comes back to ancient times (Urartians). Nowadays the gardening of ornamental plants is done worldwide as in the Van provinces of Türkiye. Old and traditional gardens can be seen in different regions of this province naturally. Among these plants, Rosa laxa Retzius var. harputense T. Baytop (Kişmiri rose), is an exotic plant coming from Central Asia. Kişmiri rose has semi-double and miniature flowers and blooms for about five months in the ecological conditions of Van. It has not only highly decorative but also has a light, pleasant, and enthusiastic fragrance. As far as we know there is no previously published on the volatile profile of Rosa laxa Retz var. harputense (Kişmiri rose). For this purpose, in this study, "Headspace Solid Phase Micro Extraction Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry" (HS/SPME/GC/MS) was applied for the detection of volatile compounds of Kişmiri rose flowers. A total of 31 compounds of Kişmiri rose were identified and quantified using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS). Among these identified compounds, phenyl ethyl alcohol (26.59%), cis-3-hexenyl acetate (18.573%) was detected as the major ones. According to the obtained results, it is concluded that our species has also a Chinese origin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) contain two or more benzene rings and are categorized as general environmentally harmful pollutants. PAHs occur because of various combustion and pyrolysis processes with different environmental and anthropogenic sources. The Kizilirmak River is one of the major important water sources used for drinking water and irrigation purposes in Turkey. There are important industrial facilities around the river and PAH pollution is important in terms of environmental health. This study was carried out to determine the residues of PAHs in water and sediment samples according to month and to identify the pollution sources. Thus, water and sediment samples were collected from five different stations in the Kirikkale basin of the Kizilirmak River every 15 days for a year. In this way, 120 water and 120 sediment samples were collected over a year and analyzed in terms of 16 priority PAHs according to the Environmental Protection Agency. The monthly average of the water and sediment samples was calculated. Analyses were carried out with high-performance liquid chromatography based on solid phase extraction. GC–MS was used for confirmation. Acenaphthene, acenaphthylene, benzo[b]fluoranthene, benzo[a]pyrene, indeno[1,2,3-cd]pyrene, and dibenzo[a,h]anthracene were not found in the water samples. The total PAH levels in water and sediment were detected in the range of 0.04 to 1.545 μg/L and 43.15–386.115 μg/kg, respectively. PAHs found in water and sediment samples had pyrogenic and petrogenic origin and pollution changed significantly between autumn and winter. As a result, precautions should be taken in terms of preventing environmental pollution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to determine the potential of red wine production from the Kösetevek grape variety (Vitis Vinifera L.) cultivated in Elazig province of Turkey and to define the characteristics of Kösetevek wines. To determine the grapes for wine production quality, the general composition, phenolic compounds, aroma compounds and sensory analysis of the wines were carried out. Aroma compounds were performed by solid-phase extraction (SPE) and then analyzed by gas chromatography (GC) along with gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Results showed that the red wines obtained from Kösetevek grapes consisted of 50 aroma compounds for 2014 vintages and 49 aroma compounds for 2015 vintages. Esters were the main components contributing to the Kösetevek wine aroma along with ethyl hydrogen succinate and ethyl–4–hydroxy butanoate. The amount of total phenolic compounds, total anthocyanin, and the tannin in Kösetevek wines were found to be between 3705.45 and 3015.63 mg/L, 554.25–502.35 mg/L, and 4.5–3.95 g/L at 2014–2015 vintages, respectively. As to sensory evaluation, Kösetevek wines were characterized as a deep purple color, middle to high body, and rich in red fruit (cherries, plums), and dried fruit odors. This study has provided enological properties and aroma characterization of Kösetevek wines. The results of the study showed that Kösetevek wines could be considered as an alternative to other wines obtained from native grape varieties of the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Satureja L. is an important genus of the Lamiaceae family, a total of 15 species, including 5 endemic in Turkey (16 taxa) are represented. The material of the study, Satureja cuneifolia Ten. In the vegetation periods of 2019-2020, they were collected from Antalya province (Akseki district Sarıhacılar Yamaç location) in two different vegetation periods (pre-flowering and flowering period). By using solid phase micro extraction technique (SPME), 53 different volatile components were determined in Satureja cuneifolia. P-Cymene (8.93% -14.07%), γ-Terpinene (23.37% -15.96%). %), Thymol (10.22% -15.92%) and Carvacrol (10.98% -14.45%) were identified as the main components by gas chromatography mass spectroscopy (GC-MS). The results showed that volatile compunds mostly consist of monoterpene hydrocarbons classes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to determine the level after preconcentration of trace heavy metals ions using drinking fountain water (20 points) in Kırklareli province by flame atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The method is based on the adsorption of nickel(Ni), lead(Pb) and cadmium(Cd) on quercetin loaded on granular activated carbon. In this study, the effectiveness of variabilities including solution pH, the amount of the ligand and solid phase, the condition of eluting solutions and sample volume on the recoveries of metals were optimized. Under the optimal experimental conditions, the preconcentration factor, detection limit, linear range and relative standard deviation (RSD%) of Ni, Pb, and Cd were investigated. RSDs were found below 5%. Further, the accuracy of the proposed method was also checked by the analysis of certified reference material NIST-SRM-1643e. Eventually, the recommended method was successfully implemented for the analysis of the Ni, Pb, and Cd in environmental water samples. The concentrations of Pb, Ni, and Cd in the waters ranged from 11.0 to 187 μg L–1 for Pb, 14.3 to 56.8 μg L–1 for Ni and 1.21 to 8.90 μg L–1 for Cd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pharmaceutical pollution has gained attention with the development of analytical technology. The occurrence of 91 pharmaceutically active compounds from variety of drug groups including pain killers, antimicrobials, cardiovascular drugs, hypolipidemic drugs, central nervous system drugs, and stimulants was investigated in Ceyhan River, Turkey. Pharmaceutically active compounds were examined at 9 stations, seasonally during the periods of September 2013–August 2014. For the pharmaceutically active compound analysis, solid phase extraction (SPE) method was used and measured by using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Highest measured pharmaceutically active compound concentration was caffeine (4880.00 ng/L). Other high concentrated pharmaceuticals were diazepam (374.00 ng/L), gabapentin (355.00 ng/L), lidocaine (48.70 ng/L), etodolac (47.35 ng/L), metoprolol (43.60 ng/L), carbamazepine (24.25 ng/L), diclofenac (17.60 ng/L), and fluconazole (15.95 ng/L). Carbamazepine and lidocaine were the most frequently detected pharmaceutics in the river water. The results of risk assessment shows that risk quotient values (RQs) is lower than 0.01, except sertraline, which means that most of the detected pharmaceutically active compounds pose no environmental risk to aquatic environment in Ceyhan River. However, it is not possible to give precise information about the effects of all detected pharmaceutically active compounds when they behave together in the aquatic environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, preconcentration and separation of Cu(II) and Pb(II) ions by using Fe3O4@SiO2@Bacillus pumilis before their determinations by flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS) were investigated. The thermophilic Bacillus pumilis were isolated from Meyremderesi spring, Şırnak, Turkey. Effects of important parameters such as pH, adsorbent amount, eluent type, concentration and volume of eluent and sample volume on magnetic solid phase extraction (MSPE) were examined in details. The preconcentration factors for Cu(II) and Pb(II) ions were calculated as 30 and 40, respectively. The accuracy of the proposed extraction procedure was validated analysing certificated reference materials and addition – recovery tests. The concentration of copper and lead were determined in water samples from Turkey by Flame AAS after application developed preconcentration-separation method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is rather difficult to determine simultaneously more than one drug from different biological samples and to interpret the clinical picture in the case of multiple drug abuse. All mentioned drugs are life-threatening solely and the risk is becoming higher when they are used together. In this study, a gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) method was developed and validated for the simultaneous detection and quantification of amphetamine (AMP), 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) and cocaine in serum sample. The analytes were extracted by solid-phase extraction (SPE) cartridges, derivated with heptafluorobutyric anhydride at 60°C for 30 min and analyzed by GC-MS. Correlation coefficient values were found satisfactory. Linearity ranged from 1 to 20 µg/mL for all three substances. After acceptable results were obtained from calibration solutions, the study was conducted to observe matrix-match calibration and linearity parameters. Extraction efficiency of the method was observed in two concentrations spiked to serum matrix (5 and 10 µg/mL) and found over 80% for three illicit drugs. Precision, accuracy, stability evaluation were appropriate as well. The validated analytical method was applied to an authentic sample which obtained from a patient administered to emergency room. The patient was suspected in regard to multi-drug use of stimulants and serum sample was analyzed by the presented method and AMP, MDMA and cocaine use was determined with concentrations of 0.45, 1.03 and 1.98 mg/mL in blood respectively. The developed method proved capable of quantifying simultaneous AMP, MDMA and cocaine use proposed in this study. Multidrug abuse is not a novel phenomenon but has to be determined as soon as possible by forensic toxicology laboratories because of potential severe health risks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, conducted between 2015 and 2017, 49 different volatile components were identified from Phlomis rigida Labill that was reaped from Gölcük highland located on Konya Seydişehir-Bozkır road and Phlomis monocephala P.H.Davis that was reaped from Mersin Silifke Bahçederesi Village in Turkey at three different periods (pre-flowering, flowering and post-flowering) through gas chromatography mass spectroscopy (GC-MS) after solid phase micro extraction (SPME). The main components of Phlomis rigida were found to be (E)-2-Hexenal (9.21%), β-Caryophyllene (60.23%) and Germacrene D (9.76%). The main components of Phlomis monocephala were found to be α-Pinene (15.59%), (E)-β-Farnesene (17.69%) and Germacrene D (18.92%). It was concluded that reaping P. rigida and P. monocephala species during the flowering period was important for the yield of volatile components. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this research, changes in volatile compounds of olive oil were investigated in terms of cultivar, harvest year, and geographic regions (Mediterranean, Aegean, Southeastern Anatolia, Marmara, and Black Sea) were investigated. Volatile compounds of olive oils were extracted by using solid-phase microextraction (SPME) method and were identified with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. A total of 59 volatile compounds from seven different chemical groups including aldehydes, ketones, hydrocarbons, alcohols, esters, terpenes, and furans were identified. Aldehydes were detected as the major group in all geographic regions. Among aldehydes, trans-2-hexenal was found to be relatively higher. Alcohols and esters were determined as other important compounds. While many volatile compounds were affected by olive cultivar factor, this factor had no significant effect on esters. Principal component analysis showed that volatile compounds could play an important role in the separation of regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) of six coniferous tree barks ( A. nordmanniana , P. brutia , P. orientalis , P. pinaster , P. sylvestris , C. libani ) and nine deciduous tree barks ( E. globulus, R. pseudoacacia , Q. pontica, A. glutinosa, C. sativa, F. orientalis , P. tremula, C. equisetifolia and A. dealbata ) were analyzed by the solid phase micro extraction (SPME) method with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-FID/MS). The SPME-GC-FID/MS analysis revealed 96 VOCs in the coniferous samples and 83 VOCs in the deciduous samples. Monoterpene hydrocarbon components of the coniferous barks were the main constituent within the ratios of 14.8%, 31.4%, 39.3%, 40.4%, 26.6% and 51.3% area, respectively. Limonene (1.2%, 6.0%, 8.2%, 28.8%, 4.9% and 4.7%, respectively) was the major monoterpene component of the VOCs of the coniferous tree barks. The major VOC constituents of the deciduous tree barks were sesquiterpene hydrocarbons (57.8%, 52.6%, 96.8%, 64.7%, 35.6%, 16.2%, 99.0%, 53.4% and 54.3%, respectively) and allo-aromadendrene in E. globulus (45.9%), aromadendrene in R. pseudoacacia , Q. pontica, A. glutinosa, P. tremula, C. equisetifolia and A. dealbata (45.7%, 81.5%, 44.8%, 93.8%, 28.3%, and 43.1%, respectively), hexanal in C. sativa (39.4%), and hexanoic acid ethyl ester in F. orientalis (32.4%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The presence, bioconcentration, and health risk via seafood consumption of 11 pharmaceutical compounds belonging to different therapeutic groups (anti-inflammatory, antiepileptic, lipid regulators, and hormones) were investigated in the muscle tissues of fish and the meat of shrimp in the Sea of Marmara. Six biota species (Merlangius merlangus, Trachurus meditterraneus, Serranus hepatus, Pomatomus saltatrix, Parapenaeus longirostris, Spratus sprattus) were collected from the five stations in October and April 2019. Ultrasonic extraction method followed by solid phase extraction was used for extraction of pharmaceutical compounds from biota samples and then analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography. Of the 11 compounds, 10 were detected in biota species. Ibuprofen was the most frequently detected pharmaceutical in the biota tissues at high concentrations (<3.0–1225 ng/g, dw). The other widely detected compounds were fenoprofen (<3.6–323 ng/g, dw), gemfibrozil (<3.2–480 ng/g, dw), 17α-ethynylestradiol (<2.0–462 ng/g, dw), and carbamazepine (<7.6–222 ng/g, dw). The bioconcentration factors of the selected pharmaceuticals calculated in various aquatic organisms ranged from 9 to 2324 L/kg. The estimated daily intakes of anti-inflammatories, antiepileptics, lipid regulators, and hormones via seafood consumption were 0.37–568, 1.1–324, 8.5–197, 3–340 ng/kg bw. Day, respectively. Based on hazard quotients, estrone, 17β-estradiol, and 17α-ethynylestradiol may pose a health risk to humans through the consumption of this seafood. [Display omitted] • Pharmaceutical levels were quantified in biota in a semi-enclosed sea. • Ibuprofen, gemfibrozil, and 17α-ethynylestradiol were frequently detected. • Based on bioconcentration factors, ibuprofen is potentially bioaccumulative. • Estrone and 17α-ethynylestradiol may pose a health risks for humans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lead, cadmium, nickel, manganese, cobalt and copper contents of some play dough, face and finger paint samples were determined by using a new solid phase extraction method which has been developed by using multi-walled carbon nanotube with patent blue (V) sodium salt to selectively separate and preconcentrate these metal ions. Flame atomic absorption spectrometry was used to determine the metal ions. Analytical parameters affecting the complex formation and solid phase extraction performance such as pH, the amount of ligand and volume of sample solution were investigated. The recoveries of the studied metal ions were not affected by the foreign ions. Analytes were recovered quantitatively at pH 5.5 and with a nitric acid of 2 mol L −1 as eluent. Analysis of a certified reference material was performed to validate the method before applying it to determine the metal ions in the real samples. Detection limits were found to be as Pb(II): 7.71 μg L −1 , Cu(II): 1.43 μg L −1 , Cd(III): 0.21 μg L −1 , Mn(II): 0.47 μg L −1 , Ni(II): 3.52 μg L −1 and Co(II): 1.96 μg L −1 . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The volatile component composition of leaves and flowers for Ballota nigra subsp. anatolica P.H. Davis that were collected between 2015 and 2016 from Çamlıca provice of Kütahya city during three different vegetation periods as pre-bloom, bloom and post flowering were determined by gas chromatography mass spectroscopy (GC-MS) after solid phase micro extraction (SPME). 59 different volatile oil components were determined of Ballota nigra subsp. anatolica. As main components, Hexenal (17.60%), germacrene D (6.70%) and β-caryophyllene (8.80%) were found during pre-blooming period, also Hexenal (21.16%), germacrene D (7.77%) and β-caryophyllene (10.03%) in blooming period and Hexenal (15.88%), germacrene D (7.60%) and β-caryophyllene (9.48%) in post-flowering period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a solid phase micro extraction (SPME) method with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was used for analysis of volatile compounds in flowers and bulbs of three Ornithogalum species. The samples of flowers and bulbs of Ornithogalum sigmoideum, Ornithogalum orthophyllum, Ornithogalum oligophyllum was separately analyzed by SPME-GC-MS. A comparison of volatile compounds was made between species and the parts studied. A total of 70 compounds were identified and different volatile compounds were determined in distinct parts of the species. The major volatile organic compound of the flowers of O. sigmoideum and O. ornithogalum was furan (54.5% and 57.0% respectively). For O. oligophyllum the major volatile organic compound was nonanal (19.2%). Analyses revealed that SPME-GC-MS method is appropriate for the analysis of volatile compounds of Ornithogalum species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The contamination level of four EU marker polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in some cereal-derived products was surveyed in this study. Thirty-eight samples, 20 bread and 18 breakfast cereals, were purchased from retail shops and local markets of East Black sea region in Turkey. The samples were analysed for four EU marker PAHs, using ultrasonic extraction, solid-phase extraction (SPE) clean up and stable-isotope dilution gas chromatography with mass-spectrometric (GC/MS) detection. The method was validated with the parameters linearity, accuracy, precision, limit of detection (LOD), limit of quantitation (LOQ) and uncertainty. Total content of the four PAHs in bread varied from 0.19 to 0.46 µg kg−1and in breakfast cereals from 0.10 to 0.87 µg kg−1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mihalic is a hard, brined and quite salty cheese. In this study, selected physical, chemical, and sensory properties of 15 Mihalic cheese samples (matured more than six months) in vacuum packaging were investigated using representative samples collected from its major production area in northwestern Turkey. Aroma-active compounds were analyzed by solid phase microextraction and determined by gas chromatography-olfactometry. Average dry matter and fat contents of the cheese were 60.4 and 27.4 g/100 g cheese, respectively. Significant differences were observed among the cheese samples for hardness, adhesiveness, chewiness, and gumminess. Sulfurous, free fatty acids, and barny/animal were major sensory descriptors for the cheese. Methional (boiled potato), (E,E)-2,4-nonadienal (fatty, stale), diacetyl (buttery), 1-octen-3-one (mushroom), ethyl butyrate (sweet, bubble gum), and butyric acid (rancid) were common aroma-active compounds found in Mihalic cheese. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Acrylamide is a heat-generated food toxicant, which exists in various foodstuffs such as potato chips, biscuits, and coffee. It has been demonstrated that acrylamide possesses some neurotoxic and carcinogenic effects and is classified in Group 2A as a probable carcinogen to humans by International Agency for Research on Cancer. The aim of this study was to develop a rapid, robust, and sensitive high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method and indicate acrylamide levels of some traditional and nontraditional foods consumed in Turkey. Acrylamide content of samples was determined using HPLC coupled to photodiode array detection. Acrylamide and methacrylamide (internal standard) were separated using an ODS-3 reversed phase column in isocratic elution mode. The mobile phase (acetonitrile: water, 2:98, v/v) was pumped at 0.5 mL/min flow rate and the analytes were detected at 200 nm wavelength within 15 min. Samples were prepared by utilizing Oasis HLB (Waters) solid phase extraction cartridges for clean-up and analyzed with no further preconcentration steps. As a result, it was observed that the amount of acrylamide in traditional Turkish foods was found to be relatively low in many of the samples, especially in desserts although they are exposed to heat in their preparation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The objective of this study was to determine volatile compounds in green tea powders produced from a clone of two different teas (Camellia sinensis (L.) O. Kuntze) grown under different shade levels and harvested in two consecutive shooting periods. Both hydrodistillation and solid phase microextraction (SPME) methods were comparatively performed to identify maximum number and amount of volatile compounds. SPME method enables the identification of the greatest number of volatile compounds which principally comprise limonene, α-terpineol and heptanal. A few specific volatile compounds were identified for differentiation of green tea samples depending on the treatments, such as, heptanal in 1st shooting period, ethyl benzene, xylene and benzenacetal for 2nd shooting period, and phytol and tridecane for shading treatments. The treatments were significantly clustered either as tea clones or shooting period by the volatile compounds i.e. linalool, α-terpineol, 3-methylbutanal, 2-methylbutanal and p-cresol, 2,6-di-tert-buthyl determined in hydrodistillation method and tridecane, heptanal, linalool, nonanal, hexanal, α-terpineol, 1-pentanol, pentanal, dimethylsulfide, 2,2,4-trimethylhexane, limonene and 1-hexanol in SPME method as shown by principal component analysis (PCA). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Pitaya is one of the most preferred and produced tropical fruit species recently introduced to the Mediterrranean region in Turkey. Due to its nutritional fruits with high economic value, the popularity of pitaya increases steadily in Turkey as an alternative crop. No detailed nutritional analysis has been undertaken in Turkey so far on fruits of the pitaya species. In this study, we determined and compared some nutritional parameters in fruit flesh of two pitaya (dragon fruit) species (Hylocereus polyrhizus: Siyam and Hylocereus undatus: Vietnam Jaina) grown in the Adana province located in the eastern Mediterranean region in Turkey. The individual sugars, antioxidant activity, total phenolic content, phenolic compounds and volatiles were determined for the first time in Turkey on two pitaya species. The results showed that total phenol content and antioxidant capacity are notably higher in red-fleshed fruits than white-fleshed ones and the predominant phenolic compound in fruits of both species was quercetin. The total sugar content and most of the phenolic compounds in fruits of two pitaya species were similar. A total of 51 volatile compounds were detected by using two Solid Phase Micro Extraction (SPME) fibers, coupled with Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) techniques, and more volatile compounds were presented in the white-fleshed species. Total phenolic content (TPC) of the red-fleshed and white-fleshed pitaya species were 16.66 and 17.11 mg GAE/100 g FW (fresh weight). This study provides a first look at the biochemical comparison of red-fleshed and white-fleshed pitaya species introduced and cultivated in Turkey. The results also showed, for the first time, the biochemical content and the potential health benefit of Hylocereus grown in different agroecological conditions, providing important information for pitaya researchers and application perspective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The occurrence of 14 mostly used pharmaceuticals from different classes (antibiotics, β-blockers, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and stimulant) and hormones in surface water in Istanbul, Turkey was investigated in this study. An important drinking water source, Buyukcekmece Lake and main rivers flowing into the lake were selected for the monitoring of the compounds. Sampling was conducted five different times in a year in order to observe seasonal changes. A rapid, robust and sensitive method using solid phase extraction and ultra-performance liquid chromatograph coupled with triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometer was established for quantification of both pharmaceuticals and hormones. Limit of quantifications were between 0.5 and 1.1ngL−1. Recoveries were between 72–119% and 61–98% for ultra-pure water and for surface water, respectively. All selected compounds were detected at least once in the samples. Some pharmaceuticals were detected as high as a few of micrograms per liter levels in the rivers. Most frequently detected compounds were caffeine and antibiotics (amoxicillin, ciprofloxacin, erythromycin and sulfamethoxazole). Synthetic hormone (17α-ethynylestradiol) was detected only 4times corresponding least detected compound in whole sampling period. Field data confirms that amoxicillin is more prone to degradation with respect to other antibiotics. Estrone and 17-β estradiol are converted to estriol by natural processes in surface water. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Surface sediments from 12 different locations of the Istanbul Strait and Marmara Sea, Turkey were analysed for five antibiotics belonging to two different groups of widely used pharmaceuticals, tetracyclines (TCs) and fluoroquinolones (FQs), by solid-phase extraction and high performance liquid chromatography. These two groups of antibiotics, mainly used to prevent or treat illness for humans as well as for animals, are frequently detected in the effluent of municipal sewage plants, in the aquatic environments and in soils after being spread by liquid manure. The results of analysis revealed that measured concentrations of individual antibiotics were significantly different depending on sampling location. Chlortetracycline (CTC) was not detected in any of the samples. High concentrations were mainly found in urbanized regions of the Strait. The concentrations of the two tetracyclines ranged from not detectable to 27.3 μg kg−1 in freeze-dried marine sediments. Comparable results were obtained for the two fluoroquinolones with concentration levels from 1.3 μg kg−1 up 34.1 μg kg−1. This study is the first attempt to show the contamination degree of the Istanbul Strait sediments by emerging contaminants. Particular concern should be given concerning their potential side effects caused by the frequent consumption of mussels and fishes captured in the Istanbul Strait. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

In this study pesticide residues were analyzed in honey samples from Isparta. Pesticides were analyzed with gas chromatography-nitrogen phosphorus detector after solid phase extraction (SPE). 10 pesticide residues were measured in twenty honey samples. In GC/NPD, the detection limits were between 0.50-3.50 ng/g for the studied pesticides, recoveries ranged from 84.4 to 90.8% in samples. Chlorpyrifos (0.024 ng/g), diazinon (0.021 ng/g), ethion (0.046 ng/g), cypermethrin (0.021 ng/g), deltamethrin (0,019 ng/g) and malathion (0,020 ng/g) residues were found in honey samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Effects of vacuum packaging and frozen storage were studied on the formation of free fatty acids (FFAs), volatile compounds and microbial counts of Motal cheese samples stored for a period of 180 days. The FFA concentration of Motal cheese samples increased throughout the storage period of 180 days. However, the FFA contents of samples stored at —18 °C showed considerably lower values than those of the samples stored at 4 °C. Palmitic (C16:0) and oleic (C18:1) acids were the most abundant FFAs in all the treatments. The volatile compounds detected by headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME) profile of Motal cheese consisted of 16 esters, 10 acids, 6 ketones, 4 alcohols, 3 aldehydes, styrene, p-cresol and m-cresol. Results showed that storage at —18 °C can limit the excessive volatile compound formation. Samples stored at 4°C with vacuum packaging showed comparatively high concentration of esters, ketones and alcohols. Samples stored without vacuum packaging at 4°C showed 2-nonanone as the most abundant volatile compound toward the end of storage period. Storage at 4°C under vacuum packaging decreased the mold—yeast counts of samples. Frozen storage could be a suitable method for storing the Motal cheese. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Abstract: Heterocyclic aromatic amines (HCAs) in meatballs ready to eat and sold in restaurants in Turkey were determined. A solid phase extraction method was used to isolate HCAs from meatballs. Various HCAs analysed by ultra fast liquid chromatography (UFLC) were varying levels of 2-amino-3-methylimidazo[4,5-f]quinoline (IQ) (up to 1.59ng/g), 2-amino-3-methylimidazo[4,5-f]quinoxaline (IQx) (up to 3.81ng/g), 2-amino-3,4-dimethylimidazo[4,5-f]quinoline (MeIQ) (up to 0.66ng/g), 2-amino-3,8-dimethylimidazo[4,5-f]quinoxaline (MeIQx) (not detected or not quantified), 2-amino-3,4,8-trimethylimidazo[4,5-f]quinoxaline (4,8-DiMeIQx) (not detected or not quantified), 2-amino-3,7,8-trimethylimidazo[4,5-f]quinoxaline (7,8-DiMeIQx) (up to 0.43ng/g), 2-amino-1-methyl-6-phenylimidazo[4,5-b] pyridine (PhIP) (up to 1.93ng/g), 2-amino-9H-pyrido[2,3-b]indole (AαC) (up to 0.35ng/g), and 2-amino-3-methyl-9H-pyrido[2,3-b]indole (MeAαC) (up to 0.43ng/g) in cooked meatballs which are consumed in Turkey. Overall average of total HCA amount was 5.54ng/g. The present study is to prove that HCAs can be isolated in a very short time (5min) by using UFLC. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Volatile compounds and flavor characteristics of Uzun, Kirmizi, Halebi, Siirt ve Ohadi varieties of fresh pistachio nuts cultivated in the Pistachionut Research Institute located in Gaziantep, Turkey were investigated by using Solid Phase Micro Extraction/Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectroscopy (SPME/GC/MS) and sensory flavor profile analysis techniques. Major volatile compounds of the fresh pistachio nuts were detected as α-pinene (15.53-48.57%), α-terpinolene (1.66-23.06%), limonene (3.15-30.04%), and β-myrcene (3.50-8.95%), respectively. Sensory flavor profile analysis (FPA) techniques demonstrated the common descriptors for fresh pistachio nuts as fresh hazelnut, fresh walnut, fresh apricot kernel, pine, wet wood, green, sour, sweet, bitter, astringent, milky, and oily. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A new chelating resin, covalently linked 1,6-bis(2-carboxy aldehyde phenoxy)butane with the Amberlite XAD-16 was synthesized and used for preconcentration of Cu(II) and Cd(II) prior to their determination by flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS). It was characterized by elemental analyses and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR). Cu(II) and Cd(II) ions were quantitatively preconcentrated on minicolumn loaded with synthesised resin at pH 4.00 and 6.00, respectively. They were eluated with 5mL of 0.5molL−1 HCl. Recoveries of Cu(II) and Cd(II) were found to be 100±2.15, 100±1.40 (N =5), the limits of detection of Cu(II) and Cd(II) in the determination by FAAS (3s, N =20) were found to be 0.33 and 1.19μgL−1, respectively. The effect of foreign ions on the recovery has been investigated. The proposed method has been applied for the determination of Cu(II) and Cd(II) ions to the real samples collected from Tigris river water in Diyarbakır and Elazığ cities in Turkey. Standard addition method and analysis of the certified reference material (NCS-DC 73350) was employed to check the accuracy of the method. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The levels of 16 organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in surface water in Mid-Black Sea Region in Turkey were investigated to evaluate their potential pollution and risks. The analysis of OCPs extracted by C-18 solid phase extract was performed using Fisions Mega II Series gas chromatograph coupled by electron capture detector. Surface water samples have been collected seasonally from ten rivers for a period of 1 year. The most commonly encountered OCPs in surface water were the isomers of hexachlorocyclohexane, dieldrin, p,p-DDD, and heptachlor epoxide. In some cases the concentrations detected were higher than the qualitative target levels set by the European Union, especially for δ-hexachlorocyclohexane. The concentration levels found are lower than the EU maximum acceptable concentration of 0.10 μg/l for all compounds examined, except for δ-HCH in two samples (0.2505 μg l in the S-5 and 0.2046 μg l in the S-10). The occurrence of these compounds in Mid-Black Sea Region surface waters can be attributed to intense agricultural activity as well as to transboundary pollution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A simple and effective method is presented for the separation and preconcentration of Th(IV), Ti(IV), Fe(III), Pb(II) and Cr(III) by solid phase extraction on 2-nitroso-1-naphthol impregnated MCI GEL CHP20P resin prior to their inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometric determinations. The influence of analytical parameters including pH of the aqueous solution, flow rates of sample and eluent solutions and sample volume on the quantitative recoveries of analyte ions was investigated. Matrix effects caused by the presence of alkali, earth alkali and some metal ions in the analyzed solutions were investigated. The presented solid phase extraction method was applied to BCR-144R Sewage Sludge (domestic origin), BCR-141R Calcareous Loam Soil, NIST 1568a Rice Flour and NIST 1577b Bovine Liver certified reference materials (CRMs) for the determination of analyte ions and the results were in good agreement with the certified values. The separation procedure presented was also applied to the various natural water samples collected from Turkey with satisfactory results. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Urban atmospheric environment contains many trace organic pollutants that are related to the incomplete fuel combustion in domestic heating, industrial plants and automobile traffic. Removal of these pollutants from the atmosphere takes place through wet and dry deposition as well as chemical transformations. In this study, concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in wet deposition samples were determined at an urban site of Turkey. Wet and dry deposition samples were collected using Andersen Rain Sampler. The sampler was modified accordingly for the collection of organic pollutants. Collected samples were preconcentrated by using solid phase extraction (SPE) disks and consecutively analyzed by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). Among the 13 compounds quantified in this study, anthracene, fluoranthene, and pyrene were found more frequently and at elevated concentrations (202, 271 and 260 ng L-1 mean concentrations, respectively). Concentrations of PAHs were found to be high in winter period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The majority of cannabinoid users prefer to consume cannabinoids like they smoking cigarettes. • Type of synthetic cannabinoid in " Bonsai " was detected. • The dose dependent accumulation increased in the lungs of rats exposed acutely to "Bonsai" • They are also likely to have kidney damage. • Sensitive analytical methods and an extraction procedure were developed and validated. • These methods can be implemented in forensic and clinical toxicology laboratories. Synthetic cannabinoids (SCs) are the most rapidly growing class of recreational designer drugs. Illicit drug manufacturers began to produce herbal smoking materials under a variety of brands names, e.g. "Spice, K2, Bonsai, Yucatan Fire". They were appeared on the European market in 2008. In this study, types of SCs in the herbal product sold as " Bonsai " in Turkey were determined and the identification of these substances in biological samples collected from rats depending on the inhalation of different amounts of plant material were aimed. To determine the SC species in the content of the plant product, analysis was performed via gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Liquid-liquid extraction methods were utilized for blood and organ samples, while solid-phase extraction with β-glucuronidase enzyme treatment was applied for urine sample preparation. The relationship between the amount of burned plant and the amount of SCs accumulated in the blood, urine and organ samples of rats exposed to the plant product by inhalation was examined by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. AB-FUBINACA and 5F-NPB-22 were detected in the herbal product. A significant correlation was found between the amount of herbal product inhaled and the prevalence of SCs, especially in lung tissues while no SCs were detected in the blood and urine samples of rats. There is currently no study on biological samples of individuals exposed to herbal products containing SCs by inhalation. Regarding the findings obtained in this study, the overall increase in the amounts of herbal product inhaled was demonstrated to pose a potential risk to humans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Illicit drugs, alcohol and tobacco consumptions were monitored in Istanbul during 2019 • Samples were collected for four periods simultaneously from 14 treatment plants • Cannabis was the most consumed illicit drug with 3607.0 mg/1000inh/day consumption • Cannabis, methamphetamine, and heroin uses were remarkable compare to other metropolis • First study to analyze drugs in wastewater in Istanbul with 20 million population Wastewater-based drug monitoring is a complementary tool that has been used worldwide in recent years, and many cities have periodically reported monitoring results. However, this study is the first to analyze drugs in wastewater in a single city with a high population during four periods simultaneously from 14 treatment plants. The aim was to estimate the consumption of conventional illicit drugs [amphetamine (AMP), methamphetamine (METH), 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), cannabis, cocaine, and heroin], tobacco, and alcohol in 2019 for quarterly periods in Istanbul city, which has a population of almost 20 million, to aid in implementing evidence-based measures. Additionally, the seasonal variations among the 14 wastewater treatment plants and their weekday/weekend comparison of drug use patterns and consumption per substance were examined. Solid phase extraction was followed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry and a previously validated method was enhanced by adding new parameters (morphine, cotinine, and ethyl sulfate), and satisfactory results were obtained. In this study, alcohol, nicotine, and cannabis had the highest estimated per capita consumption with mean values of 29655.3 mL/1000 inh/day, 5507.6 mg/1000 inh/day and 3607.0 mg/1000 inh/day, respectively. These results were followed by heroin and cocaine consumption with mean values of 557.0 and 200.9 mg/1000 inh/day, respectively, whereas AMP-type stimulants had the lowest values among the targeted substances. METH and cannabis were also highly consumed drugs when compared with the results of other metropolitan cities, whereas heroin consumption was remarkably high owing to Turkey's location on a possible heroin trafficking route. Because Istanbul is the business center of the country and has the potential to attract tourists in all four seasons, meaningful seasonal consumption differences were not observed for all substances. Image, graphical abstract [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alcohol and tobacco are the most frequently consumed substances in the world. Both are significantly associated with the increasing number of different diseases. Thus, monitoring nicotine and alcohol use is vital for public health planning and intervention strategies. This study aimed to calculate estimates of alcohol and nicotine use in 11 cities of Turkey using wastewater-based epidemiology. In 2019, daily composite wastewater samples from 18 wastewater treatment plants were collected for a week per season. The 24-h composite samples were collected via auto-samplers. Sample preparation for wastewater samples collected was done using liquid-liquid extraction and solid-phase extraction. Nicotine and ethyl sulfate (EtS) were analyzed using validated liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method. The estimated average nicotine consumption was 2.84 mg/p/day, and the average alcohol consumption was 3.46 ± 1.83 ml/p/day. The highest nicotine consumption was observed in Kayseri city; the highest alcohol consumption was calculated for Mersin city. In this study, the cigarette and alcohol consumption estimate obtained by wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) was found to be higher than the Turkey Tobacco and Alcohol Market Regulatory Authority report. To our knowledge, this study is the most comprehensive one so far applied using WBE for 11 cities in Turkey and evaluates alcohol and nicotine use together., (© 2020 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.)

Wastewater-based epidemiology is a well-established and complementary approach for monitoring illicit drug use in the general population. In this study, amphetamine (AMP), methamphetamine (METH), 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), cocaine (COC) (from benzoylecgonine), and cannabis (from THC-COOH) consumption levels were investigated for the first time in Turkey (Istanbul). A solid-phase extraction method was applied to influent wastewater samples collected from two districts, Beyoglu and Catalca. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) analysis was conducted with electrospray ionization in positive mode. Calibration curves were acquired in linear form with >0.999 correlation coefficients. Limit of detection levels were measured as 0.91-151 ng/L, and limit of quantitation levels were in the range of 3 to 500 ng/L. Solid-phase extraction recovery and repeatability experiments were achieved by spiking the mix solution to different concentrations (50, 250, 750 ng/L) in 50 mL tap water and wastewater (500, 1000 ng/L) samples in six replicates. The method was optimized, and recoveries were found to be over 80% for all six substances with up to 11.9% relative standard deviation. According to the real sample results, cannabis was found to be the most abused illicit substance among the analytes. The mean consumptions of the two districts, including seven consecutive days for AMP, METH, MDMA, COC, and cannabis, were found to be 27.2, 322, 331, 385, and 1224 mg/day/1000 inhabitants, respectively. In this presented study, all targeted compounds were analyzed simultaneously with the same analytical conditions. To the best of our knowledge, this report is the first to present illicit drug consumption data from Istanbul., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

In the present study, we investigated the distribution of 17β-estradiol (E2), 17α-ethynylestradiol (EE2), alkylphenol ethoxylates (APEs) and organochlorine pesticides (DDE/DDT) in water and sediment samples in the Eastern Anatolia of Turkey, Lake Van, which is the largest soda lake in the world. The procedure consisted of solid phase extraction performed with OASIS HLB cartridges followed by non-competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). The endocrine disrupting compounds E2, EE2, and DDT/DDE were detected in most of the lake samples with mean concentrations of 0.996 ± 0.304, 0.050 ± 0.022, and 0.749 ± 0.658 ng/L in water, respectively. Mean concentrations of E2, EE2 and DDT/DDE in sediment were 0.098 ± 0.053, 0.091 ± 0.072, and 1.281 ± 0.754 ng/g, respectively. APEs were not measured in the sediment samples. The EDCs levels in surface water and sediment samples were lower than that of other countries. The EDCs were also found in effluent and influent municipal sewage samples. Van city municipal wastewater treatment plant has no removal efficiency for EDCs.

A new preconcentration method was developed for the determination of trace amounts of Cu(II), Fe(III), Pb(II), Ni(II), and Cd(II) on a double-walled carbon nanotube disk. 4-(2-Thiazolylazo) resorcinol was used as a complexing reagent. The effects of parameters, including pH of the solutions, amounts of complexing reagent, eluent type, sample volume, flow rates of solutions, and matrix ions were examined for quantitative recoveries of the studied analyte ions. The retained metal ions were eluted by 2 M HNO3. The LOD values for the analytes were in the range of 0.7-4.4 microg/mL. Natural water samples and standard reference materials were analyzed by the presented method.

A method for the preconcentration of some transition elements at trace level was proposed using a column filled with Amberlite XAD-2000 resin. Metal ions were adsorbed on XAD-2000 as their diethyldithiocarbamate chelates, then analytes retained on the resin were eluted by 1 mol L(-1) nitric acid in acetone and determined by flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS). The influences of some analytical parameters including pH of sample solution, ligand amount, the type, concentration and volume of elution solution, flow rates of the sample and eluent solutions, adsorption capacity of the resin and sample volume on the preconcentration efficiency have been investigated. The influences of some matrix elements were also examined. The detection limit (N=20, 3 sigma) for Mn(II), Fe(II), Co(II), Cu(II), Cd(II), Zn(II), Pb(II) and Ni(II) were found as 0.20, 0.35, 0.25, 0.20, 0.20, 0.15, 0.45 and 0.25 microg L(-1), respectively. The validation of the procedure was carried out by analysis of certified reference materials. The proposed method was applied to natural waters and kale vegetable (Brassica oleracea var. acephala).