Elemental characterisation of strawberry grown in Islamabad by <Emphasis Type="Italic">k</Emphasis><Subscript>0</Subscript>-instrumental neutron activation analysis and atomic absorption spectrophotometry and its dietary assessment

Mineral contents of strawberry, collected from different farms of Islamabad were analysed by semi-absolute k ₀-instrumental neutron activation analysis and atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The samples were irradiated at two research reactors located in Pakistan Institute of Nuclear Science & Technology (PINSTECH), Islamabad. The analytical methodologies were validated by analysing reference materials, IAEA-336 (lichen) and IAEA-V-10 (hay powder). In all the samples, a total of 26 elements were quantified, among them 16 elements (Ca, Cd, Cl, Co, Cr, Cs, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, Pb, Ru, Sc, Sr and Zn) were found in all the samples. The determined elemental concentrations in strawberry were compared with the reported values from other countries. In comparison with the mineral contents of other fruits, strawberry stands best source of Mn and the second most important source of K after banana. Intake of trace metals through this source was calculated and it was found that strawberry provides Mn (1.95–3.68 mg/kg), Cr (19.2–46.3 × 10⁻³ mg/kg), Fe (3.45–8.72 mg/kg), K (1,520–1,670 mg/kg) and Mg (100–220 mg/kg), which forms 26, 19, 14, 7 and 7% of the recommended dietary allowances for the respective metals. The daily intake of Cd and Pb were compared with the provisional tolerable weekly intake defined by FAO/WHO.     

Assessment of metal contamination in an urban drainage system (using water and tilapia, Oreochromis spp.) in view of human health effect. A case study of some selected communities in Cape Coast township in Ghana

This research work aimed at studying the metal content of water and tilapia fish sample, Oreochromis spp., from a wastewater-fed pond around the University of Cape Coast community using instrumental neutron activation analysis. The metals studied were Al, As, Ca, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, V and Zn. In the water samples the order of elemental concentrations at sampling point 1, in ??g/g, was K (75.96?±?0.92), Na (18.52?±?0.35), Al (6.00?±?0.89), Mn (3.28?±?0.44), As (3.08?±?0.40), Mg (1.56?±?0.17), Ca (0.70?±?0.08), Cu (0.54?±?0.08) and V (0.04?±?0.01). Co, Cr, Fe and Zn were below detection limits of INAA. The order of elemental concentrations in the water at point 2 was as follows: Na (4.99?±?0.14), K (4.82?±?0.89), Mn (4.40?±?0.53), Mg (2.92?±?0.37), Al (1.98?±?0.21), As (0.69?±?0.10), Ca (0.24?±?0.07) and V (0.23?±?0.06) with Co, Cr, Cu, Fe and Zn falling below the detection limit of INAA. The concentrations recorded for Al, As, Cu and Mn in the water samples were all above WHO permissible limits. The mean levels of heavy metals in the soft tissue of tilapia was of the order: K?>?Mg?>?Fe?>?Ca?>?Na?>?Al?>?Mn?>?Zn?>?V?>?Cu?>?Cr?>?Co. Arsenic was below detection limit. The transfer factor values calculated for the metals Al, Ca, K, Mg, Mn, Na and V were all greater than one indicating movement of metals from the water column to the tilapia species. The hazard index (HI) calculated for Al, Fe, Mn and V suggested possible occurrence of adverse health effects (HI?>?1) where as the HI value obtained for Cr, Cu and Zn (i.e., HI?<?1) suggested unlikely adverse effects occurring.     

Accumulation of selected metals in the fruits of medicinal plants grown in urban environment of Islamabad,Pakistan

The present study is based on the measurement of selected metals (Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, Pb, Sr and Zn) in the fruits of eight medicinal plants (Carrisa opeca, Phyllanthus emblica, Solanum nigrum, Zizyphus nummularia, Zizyphus mauritiana, Physalis minima, Opuntia dillenii and Phoenix dactylifera) and relevant soil samples by atomic absorption spectrometry. Highest average concentrations of Cu (14.4 mg/kg), Cr (19.0 mg/kg), and Zn (125 mg/kg) were found in the fruits of P. minima, C. opeca and Z. nummularia, respectively, while O. dillenii showed the elevated mean levels of Cd (3.49 mg/kg), Sr (61.4 mg/kg), Mg (0.21%), Ca (6.62%) and Mn (44.6 mg/kg). However, highest average levels of Pb (41.7 mg/kg) and Co (38.4 mg/kg) were found in Z. mauritiana. Overall, most of the fruit samples showed higher contributions of Ca and Mg, followed by Fe, Zn, Co and Pb. In the case of soil samples, highest concentration was observed for Ca, followed by Fe, Mg, Mn and Sr, while lowest concentration was shown by Cd. Bioaccumulation factors exhibited significantly higher accumulation of Co (0.813–1.829) and Pb (0.060–2.350) from the soil to the fruits. Principal component analysis revealed significant anthropogenic contributions of Pb, Fe and Co in the fruit samples. Contamination factors and enrichment factors of Cd and Pb in the soil indicated very high contamination and extreme enrichment of these metals.     

Neutron activation analysis of Ca,Cl, K,Mg, Mn,Na, P,and Sr contents in the crowns of human permanent teeth

The effect of age and gender on chemical element contents in intact crowns of permanent teeth of 84 apparently healthy 15–55 year old women (n = 38) and men (n = 46) was investigated. Mass fractions of Ca, Cl, K, Mg, Mn, Na, P, and Sr in crowns were determined by instrumental neutron activation analysis using short-lived radionuclides. Mean values (M ± SΕΜ) for female and male combined were (on dry weight basis): 350 ± 5 g/kg, 2920 ± 150 mg/kg, 839 ± 80 mg/kg, 4880 ± 240 mg/kg, 3.20 ± 0.30 mg/kg, 6240 ± 140 mg/kg, 181 ± 4 g/kg, and 293 ± 24 mg/kg respectively. A statistically significant decrease of Sr (P ≤ 0.01) and increase of Na (P ≤ 0.01) content in the tooth crowns with age was found for women. Sex-related comparison did not show any differences.     

Application of INAA in the assessment of selected elements in cancellous bone of human iliac crest

The effect of age and sex was investigated on the concentration of chemical elements in intact cancellous bone of iliac crest of 74 relatively healthy, 15–55 years old women (n = 29) and men (n = 45). Concentrations of Ca, Cl, K, Mg, Mn, Na, P, and Sr in bone samples were determined by instrumental neutron activation analysis using short-lived radionuclides. Mean values (M±S.E.M.) of the mass fraction of the investigated elements (on dry weight basis) for female and male all together were: 127±4 g/kg, 1620±80 mg/kg, 1310±70 mg/kg, 1550±50 mg/kg, <0.32±0.02 mg/kg, 4240±110 mg/kg, 61.8±1.8 g/kg, and 235±18 mg/kg, respectively. The statistically significant (≤0.05) decrease of Ca, Mg, and P concentrations in the iliac cancellous bone with age was found only for women. Sex-related comparison has shown that the mean values of Mg mass fractions in male bone samples were less than in female ones.     

INAA of essential micronutrients in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Terminalia arjuna</Emphasis> bark powder: a versatile heart tonic

Five bark powder samples of Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna) having different origins including two commercial brands were analyzed for 8 minor (Al, Na, K, Mg, Ca, P, Cl, Fe) and 19 trace (As, Ba, Br, Co, Cr, Cs, Cu, Eu, Hg, La, Mn, Rb, Sb, Sc, Sm, Sr, Th, V, Zn) elements by INAA. Also concentrations of Ni, Cd and Pb were determined by AAS and of Sn by ICP-MS. Arjuna bark powder is enriched in Ca (34.1 ± 10.6 mg/g), Mg (5.41 ± 1.93 mg/g), K (5.87 ± 2.18 mg/g), Cl (4.0 ± 2.2 mg/g) and Fe (2.99 ± 1.77 mg/g) with significant amounts of Cr (6.9 ± 4.0 μg/g), Mn (75.5 ± 24.8 μg/g), Sr (114 ± 69 μg/g) and Zn (11.9 ± 8.9 μg/g). Several toxic elements such as As (78.6 ± 19.9 ng/g), Cd (5.60 ± 9.04 μg/g), Hg (69 ± 41 ng/g) and Pb (5.0 ± 3.5 μg/g) were also detected.     

Coated wire thorium ion selective electrode: Part II

Thorium ion selective coated wire electrode (Th-ISE) developed in this laboratory was investigated for interference from most likely impurity ions like Fe(III), U(VI), Ca(II) and Mg(II) and corresponding selective coefficient were obtained. The Th-ISE electrode was also used for the end point detection of Th-EDTA titration for Th determination in the range of 3–6 mg and the accuracy and the precision of the results obtained was within ±0.5%.     

Study of Softening Hard Water Using Pistacia Vera Shell As Adsorbent for Calcium And Magnesium Removal

In Indonesia, the use of ground water is increases. It contains minerals, especially calcium and magnesium, at high concentration. This causes problems such as the crust on household appliances and higher use of soap for washing. Shell of Pistacia vera l. were study as an adsorbent of Ca and Mg in the matrix artificial hard water. Pistacia v. shell were dried and crushed into powder form. A batch experiment with various parameters was used in this research. Optimum adsorption conditions is at pH 8 and the weight of Pistacia v. shell is 1.5 g. Adsorption capacity of Ca and Mg, respectively 2.41 and 2.19 mg/g. Based on the research results, it can be concluded that the Pistacia v. shell is a very potential as a biodegradable, easy and inexpensive bioadsorbent to adsorb Ca and Mg.     

Trace elements in Variegated Bolete (Suillus variegatus) fungi

Metallic elements such as Ag, Al, Ba, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, Ni, Pb, Rb, Sr, and Zn were determined using ICP-OES in a representative set of fifteen fruiting bodies of the edible fungus Suillus variegatus. Fruiting bodies were collected from unpolluted areas near the village of Lubichowo of the Bory Tucholskie forest complex in northern Poland in 2007?C2008. The caps were richer in Ag, Al, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, K,Mg, Ni, Rb, and Zn, and the stipes in Ba, Ca, Mn, Na, Pb, and Sr. Cobalt concentration in the caps and stipes was similar. In the caps, the content of the elements decreased in the order (mg per kg of dry weight): K 29000 ± 3700, Fe 1600 ± 80, Mg 990 ± 110, Rb 320 ± 86, Zn 90 ± 19, Ca 75 ± 34, Al 68 ± 32, Na 40 ± 18, Cu 19 ± 7, Mn 13 ± 7, Cd 1.0 ± 0.5, Ni 0.64 ± 0.32, Ag 0.40 ± 0.20, Cr 0.33 ± 0.06, Pb 0.20 ± 0.17, Ba 0.19 ± 0.11, Sr 0.15 ± 0.09, and Co 0.070 ± 0.050. Apparently, S. variegatus collected from background areas are relatively low in Pb and Cd and so are suitable for human consumption.     

Fast sequential multi-element determination of Ca,Mg, K,Cu, Fe,Mn and Zn for foliar diagnosis using high-resolution continuum source flame atomic absorption spectrometry: Feasibility of secondary lines,side pixel registration and least-squares background correction

The fast sequential multi-element determination of Ca, Mg, K, Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn in plant tissues by high-resolution continuum source flame atomic absorption spectrometry is proposed. For this, the main lines for Cu (324.754 nm), Fe (248.327 nm), Mn (279.482 nm) and Zn (213.857 nm) were selected, and the secondary lines for Ca (239.856 nm), Mg (202.582 nm) and K (404.414 nm) were evaluated. The side pixel registration approach was studied to reduce sensitivity and extend the linear working range for Mg by measuring at wings (202.576 nm; 202.577 nm; 202.578 nm; 202.580 nm; 202.585 nm; 202.586 nm; 202.587 nm; 202.588 nm) of the secondary line. The interference caused by NO bands on Zn at 213.857 nm was removed using the least-squares background correction. Using the main lines for Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn, secondary lines for Ca and K, and line wing at 202.588 nm for Mg, and 5 mL min^− 1 sample flow-rate, calibration curves in the 0.1–0.5 mg L^− 1 Cu, 0.5–4.0 mg L^− 1 Fe, 0.5–4.0 mg L^− 1 Mn, 0.2–1.0 mg L^− 1 Zn, 10.0–100.0 mg L^− 1 Ca, 5.0–40.0 mg L^− 1 Mg and 50.0–250.0 mg L^− 1 K ranges were consistently obtained. Accuracy and precision were evaluated after analysis of five plant standard reference materials. Results were in agreement at a 95% confidence level (paired t-test) with certified values. The proposed method was applied to digests of sugar-cane leaves and results were close to those obtained by line-source flame atomic absorption spectrometry. Recoveries of Ca, Mg, K, Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn in the 89–103%, 84–107%, 87–103%, 85–105%, 92–106%, 91–114%, 96–114% intervals, respectively, were obtained. The limits of detection were 0.6 mg L^− 1 Ca, 0.4 mg L^− 1 Mg, 0.4 mg L^− 1 K, 7.7 µg L^− 1 Cu, 7.7 µg L^− 1 Fe, 1.5 µg L^− 1 Mn and 5.9 µg L^− 1 Zn.     

Green and highly extraction of phenolic compounds and antioxidant capacity from kinkeliba (Combretum micranthum G. Don) by natural deep eutectic solvents (NADESs) using maceration,ultrasound-assisted extraction and homogenate-assisted extraction

Kinkeliba (C. micranthum) is a tropical plant widely used for its tremendous phytochemicals and biological activities. In the present study, three green carboxylic acid-based natural deep eutectic solvents (NADESs) were used to assess the extraction of phenolic compounds in terms of total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), individual phenolic compounds and antioxidant capacity (DPPH and FRAP assays) from dried C. micranthum leaves. For the synthesis of NADESs choline chloride was used as hydrogen bond acceptors (HBA) in combination with lactic acid (ChLa), acetic acid (ChAa) and tartaric acid (ChTa) as hydrogen bond donors (HBDs). The conventional solvents including distilled water, pure methanol and pure ethanol were used for comparison. Three extraction methods including maceration extraction (ME), homogenate-assisted extraction (HAE) and ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) were tested to determine the best extraction conditions. The solvents combined with the extraction methods were successfully applied for the recovery of phenolic compounds from C. micranthum leaves. ChLa exhibited the highest performance giving the TPC (21.12 ± 0.13–23.62 ± 0.58 mg GAE/g, followed by ChAc (15.49 ± 0.13–18.85 ± 0.39 mg GAE/g), water (17.08 ± 0.32–18.13 ± 0.13 mg GAE/g), ChTa (14.49 ± 0.26–17.44 ± 0.19 mg GAE/g), methanol (7.46 ± 0.45–11.64 ± 0.32 mg GAE/g) and ethanol (2.88 ± 0.39–4.60 ± 0.39 mg GAE/g), respectively. For TFC, ChLa (4.38 ± 0.09–5.01 ± 0.09 mg ECE/g) was the most prominent solvent, followed by ChAc (2.84 ± 0.04–5.01 ± 0.36 mg ECE/g), methanol (1.93 ± 053–4.85 ± 0.04 mg ECE/g), ethanol (1.49 ± 0.36–4.16 ± 0.04 mg ECE/g), ChTa (1.09 ± 0.04–3.22 ± 0.13 mg ECE/g) and water (1.15 ± 0.04–1.37 ± 0.44 mg ECE/g), respectively. The acidic NADESs especially ChLa and ChAa exhibited the best efficiencies compared to the conventional solvents. Furthermore, UAE and HAE provided good extraction efficiency in a short extraction time (30 min) in terms of the TPC, TFC, individual phenolic compounds and the antioxidant capacity compared to ME which gave a similar yield with 12 h of extraction time. Principal component analysis (PCA) showed that C. micranthum extracts could clearly be discriminated in terms of phytochemical compounds and antioxidant capacity and UAE, HAE or ME combined with ChLa ChAc or ChTa were the best choices to higher extraction efficiency.     

Toxic and essential element concentrations in different honey types

The physicochemical parameters (free acidity, moisture content, sucrose content, hydroxymethylfurfural, reducing sugars, electrical conductivity, diastase activity and water-insoluble content), elements (Cu, Fe, Zn, Mn, Cr, Co, Ni, Se, K, Na, Ca, Mg) and heavy metal/metalloid concentrations (Cd, Hg, Pb and As) of 84 honeys (linden, multifloral, honeydew and acacia) from Serbia, were analyzed using ICP-MS. Concerning the physicochemical parameters, all tested honeys were found to meet European Legislation (EC Directive 2001/110). Potassium was the major element, ranging between 943.9 ± 538.6 mg/kg and 2563 ± 1817 mg/kg. Statistical analysis showed significant differences in the concentrations of Zn, Mn, Co and Na between the honeys. Selenium and Hg levels were below the limits of detection. Positive correlations were found between electrical conductivity and most of the elements. The present study showed that Serbian honey examined were of good quality according to its physicochemical parameters and met safety criteria concerning the concentrations of Cd, Hg, Pb and As.     

Separation of strontium from calcium by the use of sodium hydroxide and its application for the determination of long-term background activity concentrations of <Superscript>90</Superscript>Sr in 100 km area around Kozloduy Nuclear Power Plant (Bulgaria)

The method for the determination of ⁹⁰Sr which employs sodium hydroxide for the separation of strontium from calcium was further improved introducing the use of elevated temperatures. The results from 11-year study of background activity concentrations of ⁹⁰Sr in different environmental objects in 100 km zone around Kozloduy Nuclear Power Plant (Bulgaria) are presented as an application of the analytical method. The measured mean values are as follows: air precipitation − 0.0015±0.0009 Bq(m^2.d), tap water − 0.0017±0.0012 Bq/L, soil − 1.90±1.26 Bq/kg, grass − 1.54±0.80 Bq/kg, milk − 0.023±0.012 Bq/L and for the Danube river: water − 0.0046±0.0026 Bq/L, bottom sediments − 0.64±0.60 Bq/kg, algae − 1.99±1.56 Bq/kg. The calculated transfer coefficients (soil-grass) are in the range of 0.33–0.84. Between 2 and 5 times reduction in actual background activities of ⁹⁰Sr is observed compared to 1972–1974.     

Synthesis and Ameliorative Effect of Isatin–Mesalamine Conjugates on Acetic Acid‐induced Colitis in Rats

A series of new isatin–mesalamine conjugates ( 9a – g ) were synthesized via conjugation of isatin ( 3a ) and its derivatives ( 3b – 3d , 4 , 5 , and 6 ) with mesalamine ( 7 ) by using chloroacetyl chloride as a bifunctional linker. Compounds 3a – 3d were prepared by employing Sandmeyer reaction. Compounds 4 , 5 , and 6 were obtained from isatin ( 3a ) via previously reported methods. The synthesized compounds were characterized by IR, mass, ¹H NMR, and ¹³C NMR spectral techniques. Synthesized compounds ( 3a – d , 4 , 5 , 6 , and 9a – g ) were evaluated for in vitro antioxidant activity by DPPH assay method using ascorbic acid as standard. Hybrids 9b (IC₅₀ = 368.6 ± 3.5 μM) and 9f (IC₅₀ = 335.1 ± 2.9 μM) showed better antioxidant activity than its parent compounds such as 3a (IC₅₀ = 556.8 ± 2.9 μM), 5 (IC₅₀ = 511.9 ± 3.6 μM), and 7 (IC₅₀ = 768.9 ± 2.7 μM). Acetic acid‐induced ulcerative colitis in rat model was chosen to examine the antioxidant potential of the synthesized hybrids ( 9b and 9f ) in the amelioration of ulcerative colitis. Colonic myeloperoxidase and malondialdehyde enzymes were used as biomarkers of anti‐ulcerative colitis activity. In the present study, hybrids 9b and 9f reduced the levels of colonic myeloperoxidase and malondialdehyde enzymes significantly (p < 0.05) when compared with control (colitic), at a dose (0.03 mM/12.5 mg/kg b.w. p.o.) (50%) less than that of its parent moieties mesalamine (0.16 mM/25 mg/kg) and isatin (0.16 mM/25 mg/kg). Thus, the molecular hybridization was proved to be significant in enhancing the activity of hybrids 9b and 9f by reducing the dose.     

Determination of total iron in fresh waters using flow injection with potassium permanganate chemiluminescence detection

A flow injection method is described for the determination of iron in fresh water based on potassium permanganate chemiluminescence detection via oxidation of formaldehyde in aqueous hydrochloric acid. Total iron concentrations are determined after reducing Fe(III) to Fe(II) using hydroxylamine hydrochloride. The detection limit (three standard deviations of blank) is 1.0 nM, with a sample throughput of 120 h⁻¹. The calibration graph was linear over the range (2–10) × 10⁻⁷ M (r ² = 0.9985) with relative standard deviations (n = 5) in the range 1.0–2.3%. The effect of interfering cations (Ca(II), Mg(II), Zn(II), Ni(II), Co(II), Fe(III), Mn(II), Pb(II), and Cu(II)) and common anions (Cl⁻, SO ₄ ²⁻ , PO ₄ ³⁻ , NO ₃ ⁻ , NO ₂ ⁻ , I⁻, F⁻, and SO ₃ ²⁻ ) was studied at their maximum admissible concentrations in fresh water. The method was applied to fresh-water samples from the Quetta Valley, and the results obtained (0.04 ± 0.001–0.11 ± 0.01 mg/L Fe(II)) were in reasonable agreement with those obtained using the spectrophotometric reference method (0.05 ± 0.01–0.12 ± 0.02 mg/L Fe(II)). The text was submitted by the authors in English.     

TUNA FISH (T-30) – A new proficiency testing material for the determination of As and Hg in seafood

The quality of the aquatic and marine environment can be monitored by the determination of pollutants in organisms living in this environment. Certified reference materials and well-organised proficiency tests are powerful means of ensuring a constant level of quality and verifying the correct application of standardised methods. The preparation of a tuna fish proficiency testing material for the evaluation of quality of As and Hg monitoring in seafood is described. Preparation and characterisation of the material as well as studies on its homogeneity and stability are described. Concentrations of 3.4 ± 0.2 mg/kg total arsenic and 2.91 ± 0.09 mg/kg total mercury have been determined as target values. Moreover indicative values for some trace elements (Cd, Cu, Ni, Pb, Sr) and some major constituents (Al, Br, C, Ca, Cl, Fe, H, K, Mg, N, Na, P, S, Si, Zn) have also been measured.     

牡蛎、缢蛏和菲律宾蛤仔中微量元素的分析研究

采用硝酸-高氯酸法消解样品,应用ICP—AES法测定了牡蛎、缢蛏和菲律宾蛤仔中Ca、Co、Cr、Cu、Fe、Mg、Mn、Ni、Se、Sr、V和Zn共12种微量元素。实验结果表明,3种贝类中均含有大量的Ca、Cu、Fe、Mn、Zn、Mg,还含有Co、Cr、Ni、Se、Sr和V等对人体有益的微量元素,是营养价值较高的海产品,可以作为人体补充微量元素的重要来源。     

Direct Determination of the Total Concentrations of Magnesium,Calcium, Manganese,and Iron in Addition to their Chemical and Physical Fractions in Dark Honeys

The present work demonstrates a very simple and rapid method for the reliable determination of total concentrations of Mg, Ca, Mn, and Fe in dark honeys by means of flame atomic absorption spectrometry without any special sample pretreatment except for dissolution in water. An analytical scheme for the partitioning of Mg, Ca, Mn, and Fe in analyzed honeys was proposed as well. For a complementary evaluation of fractionation patterns for studied metals, a two linked column solid phase extraction procedure with a nonionic adsorbing resin Amberlite XAD-16 and a strong cation exchange resin Dowex 50 W × 8–200 in addition to an ultrafiltration procedure with five membranes having molecular weight cut-offs of 5, 10, 30, 50, and 100 kDa were used. In the course of the fractionation analysis, it was found that the most dominant group of species is the one containing cationic forms of metals bound to low molecular weight (<5 kDa, 5–10 kDa) natural honey bioligands and is mostly the case of simple ions and labile species of Mg, Ca, Mn, and Fe. Correspondingly, the contribution of the cationic fraction for these metals in analyzed dark honeys was up to 96% (Mg), 95% (Ca), 90% (Mn), and 86% (Fe). A significant contribution of the hydrophobic fraction was also established; it was maximally 10, 18, 20, and 25% for Mg, Ca, Mn, and Fe, respectively.     

TUNA FISH (T-30) – A new proficiency testing material for the determination of As and Hg in seafood

The quality of the aquatic and marine environment can be monitored by the determination of pollutants in organisms living in this environment. Certified reference materials and well-organised proficiency tests are powerful means of ensuring a constant level of quality and verifying the correct application of standardised methods. The preparation of a tuna fish proficiency testing material for the evaluation of quality of As and Hg monitoring in seafood is described. Preparation and characterisation of the material as well as studies on its homogeneity and stability are described. Concentrations of 3.4 ± 0.2 mg/kg total arsenic and 2.91 ± 0.09 mg/kg total mercury have been determined as target values. Moreover indicative values for some trace elements (Cd, Cu, Ni, Pb, Sr) and some major constituents (Al, Br, C, Ca, Cl, Fe, H, K, Mg, N, Na, P, S, Si, Zn) have also been measured. Received: 29 November 1996 / Revised: 17 February 1997 / Accepted: 22 February 1997     

INAA application in the age dynamics assessment of Br,Ca, Cl,K, Mg,Mn, and Na content in the normal human prostate

The effect of age on chemical element contents in intact prostate of 64 apparently healthy 13–60 years old men was investigated by neutron activation analysis with high resolution spectrometry of short-lived radionuclides. Mean values (M ± SΕΜ) for content (mg/kg, dry weight basis) of chemical elements were: Br–31.6 ± 3.2, Ca–2150 ± 160, Cl–12670 ± 675, K–12010 ± 400, Mg–1150 ± 75, Mn–1.56 ± 0.09, and Na–10520 ± 340, respectively. A tendency of age-related increase in Ca content and decrease in Mn content was observed.