Study of seasonal variation and source characteristic of PM10 of Shanghai urban atmosphere using PIXE

This study is a one-year monitoring of the inhalable particulate matter (PM10) of Shanghai (from January 2006 to December 2006) to study PM10 pollution. Proton-induced X-ray emission (PIXE) was used to investigate the chemical elements in Shanghai PM10. The study finds seasonal variation in both mass concentration and of chemical elements in PM10. The results of the enrichment factor show that the chemical elements in the inhalable particles could be divided into two categories, soil elements from earth crust and anthropogenic pollution elements. The high enrichment factors suggest that anthropogenic activities were the dominant source for elements such as S, Cu, Cl, Zn, Pb and Br. Strong correlation of K, Ca, Fe and Ti, from factor analysis, indicates these elements coming from earth crust or soil, S, Zn and Pb from industrial pollution and/or traffic and Cl from coal combustion.     

Trace and major elements in serum of patients with chronic myelogenous leukemia

Summary Major and trace elements were determined in serum of patients with chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) using total reflection X-ray fluorescence induced by synchrotron radiation (SRTXRF). CML affects 1 to 2 people per 100,000 and accounts for 7-20% cases of leukemia. It was possible to determine the concentrations of the following elements: P, S, Cl, K, Ca, Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, Br and Rb. Using analysis of variance (ANOVA) it was observed that the contents of the P, S, Ca, Cr, Mn, Fe, Cu and Rb elements differed significantly at a = 0.05 between groups of healthy subjects and CML patients and also genders (males and females).     

Element profiles of onion producing districts in Japan, as determined using INAA and PGA

We carried out instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) as well as k ₀-based prompt gamma-ray analysis (k ₀-PGA) to measure the amount of the elements in onions and studied whether the onions collected from different sites can be categorized based on the elemental concentration profile. Six elements (Na, Mg, Cl, K, Ca, Mn) and 3 elements (B, S, Cl) were measured by INAA and PGA in the onions grown in two districts, Hokkaido and Saga, in Japan, respectively. After principal component analysis, it was found that Cl was an important element to feature the producing districts of onions.     

Elemental content of erythrocytes from patients undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG) surgery using PIXE analysis

Summary This on-going study was conducted on erythrocytes to further establish the content of elements of blood fractions from patients undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG) surgery. As the quality and quantity of elements in these samples were unknown, proton induced X-ray emission (PIXE) analysis was chosen for its multi-elemental analysis capabilities on small mass samples. Previous work demonstrated the detection of several elements using PIXE analysis and that the elemental concentrations of S, Cl, Ca and Fe were worthy of note. It is indicated that continuing analysis of these cell fractions may be significant in the study of trace element metabolism as it provides insight into understanding mechanisms for preventative, diagnostic and therapeutic purposes and hence a patient's state of health. The analysis of erythrocytes was conducted at pre, during and post-operative timepoints to investigate the changes that occur during and post-surgical intervention. Elements Na, Mg, Si, P, S, Cl, K, Ca, Fe, Cu, Zn, Br and Rb were detected in erythrocytes at all surgery timepoints and from normalized graphs, elements S, K and Fe revealed that the changes in concentration through surgery followed an almost identical pattern. It is anticipated that statistical correlation and interpretation of data may provide, in the long-term, information that could have an impact on the patients' rate of recovery or appropriate aftercare.     

Elemental concentration analysis in brain structures from young,adult and old Wistar rats by total reflection X-ray fluorescence with synchrotron radiation

The knowledge of the spatial distribution and the local concentration of trace elements in tissues are of great importance since trace elements are involved in a number of metabolic and physiological processes in the human body, and their deficiency and excess may lead to different metabolic disorders. In this way, the main goal of this work is to compare the elemental concentration in different brain structures, namely temporal cortex, entorhinal cortex, visual cortex and hippocampus, from Wistar female rats (n = 15) with different ages: 2, 8 and 48 weeks. The measurements were performed at the Synchrotron Light Brazilian Laboratory, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil. In the entorhinal cortex, the following elements decreased with age: Zn, S, Cl, K, Ca and Br. In the temporal cortex, Ca, Fe and Br levels increased with aging and on the other hand, P, S, Cl, K and Rb levels decreased with aging. In the visual cortex almost all the elements decreased with aging: Cl, Ca, Fe, Ni and Zn. In the hippocampus, in turn, most of the elements identified, increased with aging: Al, P, S, K, Fe, Cu, Zn and Rb. The increase of Fe with aging in the hippocampus is an important fact that will be studied, since it is involved in oxidative stress. It is believed that oxidative stress is the one of the main causes responsible for neuronal death in Parkinson's disease.     

Trace and major elements in atmospheric deposition in Debrecen city

A qualitative and quantitative analysis of atmospheric deposition samples has been carried out by XRF method in Debrecen city over a long period. Seasonal variations in the fluxes of 14 elements such as Si, S, Cl, K, Ca, Ti, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, Br, Sr, Zr and Pb have been determined. Ca, Si and S elements had the greatest yearly average flux compared to other elements. The atmospheric deposition of most of the elements have higher values in summer than in winter season. Results are compared with literature data.     

Multielement determination in river-water of Sepetiba Bay tributaries (Brazil) by total reflection X-ray fluorescence using synchrotron radiation

Summary Trace elements were determined in the surface waters of tributaries of the Sepetiba Bay, Brazil (Piraquê, Itá, S?o Francisco, Guarda, Guandu Mirim, Vala do Sangue and Engenho Novo rivers) by total reflection X-ray fluorescence using synchrotron radiation (SRTXRF). Eighteen trace elements could be determined in the dissolved and the suspended particulate phases: Al, Si, P, S, Cl, K, Ca, Ti, Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, Br, Rb, Sr and Pb. The elemental concentration values were compared to the values recommended by the Brazilian legislation.     

The toxic effect of aluminium in vines

The split-root technique was used to study the effect of varying the growth media on the elemental content of nutrient elements in the roots of grape vines. The varieties 2-1 (R99 x Jacquez) and Sauvignon blanc (Vitis vinifera) were grown in Hoagland water culture with and without added aluminium. The elemental concentrations of Mg, Al, Si, P. S, Cl, K and Ca in the dried roots were determined by PIXE. Roots grown in Al-rich media were deficient in Mg and Ca, but enriched in Al. There was a correlation between Al and Si but the uptake differed in the two varieties.     

Sorption of europium on a MX-80 bentonite sample: experimental and modelling results

The EDXRF technique offers simultaneous detection and determination of multiple trace elements in F₃ generation seed of Cicer arietinum L. plant, developed from irradiated group of 0.05, 0.10, 0.15 kGy and 0.20 kGy using ⁶⁰Co gamma source (0.12 kGy/h). The accumulations of elements in edible seeds were significantly different (p ≤ 0.05) in different absorbed dose. Out of 14 elementals (S, Cl, K, P, Ca, V, Mn, Fe, Co, Cu, Zn, Rb, Sr and Cd), the accumulations of K, P, Ca, S, Cu, Zn, Mn, Fe, Cd, Rb, Sr and Cl were increased in seed with in the dose range of 0.15–0.20 kGy, except V and Co. Also, the yielding potentials of seeds were increased with in the dose range of 0.15–0.20 kGy.     

Eu3+在碱土金属卤磷酸盐中的格位对称性及电荷迁移态

在254nm紫外光激发下研究了Eu~(3+)在Sr_3Ca_2(PO_4)_3Cl基质中的发光光谱.以Eu~(3+)为结构探针测定了Eu~(3+)所处晶格的点对称性.研究了M_5(PO_4)_3X(M=Ca,Sr,Ba;X=F,Cl,Br)基质组成改变对Eu~(3+)电荷迁移态的影响,以及温度对Ca_5(PO_4)_3Cl:Eu~(3+)发光强度的影响.     

Elemental analysis of the frontal lobe of “normal” brain tissue and that affected by Alzheimer's disease

Normal brain tissue and brain tissue affected by Alzheimer's disease has been taken from the frontal lobe of both hemispheres and their elemental compositions in terms of major, minor and trace elements compared. Brain samples were obtained from the MRC Alzheimer's Disease Brain Bank, London. 25 samples were taken from 18 individuals (5 males and 13 females) of mean age 79.9±7.3 years with pathologically confirmed Alzheimer'sdisease and 26 samples from 15 individuals (8 males and 7 females) of mean age 71.8±13.0 years with no pathological signs of Alzheimer's disease (normals). The elemental concentration of the samples were determined by the techniques of Rutherford backscattering (RBS) analysis, particle induced X-ray emission (PIXE) analysis and instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA). Na, Mg, Al, Cl, K, Sc, Fe, Zn, Se, Br, Rb and Cs were detected by INAA and significant differences in concentrations were found between concentrations in normal and Alzheimer tissue for the elements. Na, Cl, K, Se, Br and Rb, P, S, Cl, K, Ca, Fe, Zn and Cd were detected by PIXE analysis and significant differences found for the elements P, S, Cl, K and Ca.     

Elemental concentration in the cortex and hippocampus of Wistar rats by X-ray total reflection fluorescence with synchrotron radiation

Summary The study of trace element levels is of great importance due to their relevance in agingand several neurodegenerative diseases. This work compares the elemental concentrations in different postnatal ages and between the temporal cortex, entorhinal cortex and hippocampus from Wistar rats, using X-ray total reflection fluorescence with synchrotron radiation. Ten elements were determined in brain samples: Ti, Cr, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, (at trace level) and P, S, Cl and K (at major levels). The elements that increased with aging in cortical areas were: S, K, Fe, Cu and Zn. Ca and Zn levels decreased with advancing age in the hippocampus. In addition to this, Ti, Mn and Fe levels were more conspicuous in the entorhinal cortex.     

Certified reference materials (CRMs 398 and 399) for the quality control of major element determination in freshwater

Analyses of freshwater are routinely performed by a number of organisations to monitor the levels of major elements. In order to improve and control the quality of such determinations, the Community Bureau of Reference (BCR) has organised a certification campaign to produce two reference materials (CRM 398, low element content and CRM 399, high element content) certified for their contents of Al, Ca, Cl, Fe, Mg, Mn, K, Na, P and S. These materials were carefully prepared (addition of the elements mentioned in the form of ammonium salts or nitrates to silica free deionised water) and their homogeneity and long term stability were verified. This paper presents the certification work performed.     

The analysis of air particulate deposits using 2 MeV protons

Particle-induced X-ray emission (PIXE) analysis of the lighter elements in time-resolved air particulate deposits has been carried out. Minimum detection limits have been determined for 1.0, 2.0 and 3.5 MeVprotons. Quantitative PIXE analysis results, obtained with 2 MeV protons, are given for temporal variations in the elemental concentrations of Na, Al, Si, S, Cl, K, Ca and Fe. Rutherford backscattering (RBS) spectra were taken simultaneously with the PIXE spectra to provide information on lead concentrations and deposit thicknesses. The experimental problems associated with the quantitative analysis of light elements on cellulose acetate filters are described. The relationship between these results and meteorological data is discussed.     

Kinetics of element profile pattern during life cycle stage of morning-glory

We present the kinetics of seven element profiles, macroscopic elements, Na, Mg, Cl, K and Ca, as well as Al and Br, in every tissue of morningglory (Ipomoea nil L. c.v. Murasaki), from seedling to flowering stage. Barriers for the elements were formed even in the same tissue during different growing phases. Most of Na and Al remained in root tissue, showing the first barrier to the upper part of the plant. During the juvenile phase, the tissues lower than cotyledon stored the elements, especially Ca and Mg. The barrier at cotyledon did not disappear completely until seed ripening stage, except for K. Generally, late developing stem showed lower accumulation of the elements, which seemed to regulate the inflow of Mg, Ca, Cl and Br into flowering tissue. The concentrations of K, Ca, Cl and Br in leaf were kept constant in spite of twice or three times higher concentration of these elements in leaf petiole. After flowering, selective element accumulation was observed during seed development, where most of the elements were accumulated into seed wall, not in seed. Higher concentration of the elements in elder leaf, which falls into ground and will be reused as plant nutrient, might reflect the recycling system of the elements in plants.     

Analysis of mineral nutrients status of whole plant and growth substratum of Phyllanthus niruri L., an anti-plasmodial herb using Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis

The mineral status of whole plant samples of Phyllanthus and its growth substratum was determined using Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis. A total of 11 elements were detected in both whole plant and soil samples with varying concentrations depending on area of collection as well plant or it soil substratum. Comparatively, the concentration of all the elements except Cl, Ca and Br was higher in the soil samples than the whole plant indicating that the plant obtained these elements from the growth substratum. For the plant samples, the concentration of tungsten (W) and arsenic (As) were below the detection limits while for the soil sample chlorine (Cl) and calcium (Ca) were below detection limits. Three of the elements namely Mg, Ca and K detected in the plant samples are macroelements and were therefore detected in higher concentrations in the plant samples. The element with the highest concentration was K and it ranged from 1,215.44 to 5,658.06 and 0.64 to 1.20 % in soil and whole plant samples respectively. Arsenic (As) is considered as a toxic element and its concentration below detection limits in the whole plant sample makes it pharmacologically safe for human consumption.     

Determination and geochemical significance of trace elements in Iraqi crude oils using instrumental neutron activation analysis

The trace-element composition of crude oil was studied using instrumental neutron activation techniques and a large-volume high-resolution Ge(Li) detector. A total of 29 elements were determined in oils representing the various producing formations of the Iraqi oil fields. These were: Al, Ar, As, Au, Br, Ca, Cl, Co, Cr, Cu, Eu, Fe, Ga, Hg, K, La, Mn, Mo, Na, Ni, Re, S, Sb, Sc, Se, Sm, V, W and Zn. The significance of these trace elements in the geochemical investigation of crude oil is discussed.     

A trace element study of commercial infant milk and cereal formulas

Three commercial infant milk formulas, one commercial infant cereal formula and one locally grown cereal used for infant feeding in Nigeria were analyzed for 17 trace elements, viz: Al, As, Br, Ca, Ce, Cl, Co, Cr, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, Rb, Sb, Se and Zn. The commercial milk formulas contain adequate amounts of Ca, Cl, Co, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na and Zn, the locally grown cereal contains adequate amounts of Co, K, Mg, Mn and Zn and low in Ca, Cl, Fe and Na while the commercial cereal has adequate amounts of Ca, Cl, Co, K, Mg, Na and Zn. None of the samples analyzed was found to contain any elements up to threshold toxicity limits of concentrations.     

Quality control in large sample analysis

To investigate the effects of lanthanum exposure on regional distribution of inorganic elements in rat brain. Wistar rats were exposed to lanthanum chloride through oral administration at 0, 0.1, 2, and 40 mg/kg concentration for 6 months. The elements such as Cl, K, Ca, Fe, Cu, and Zn were identified in the brain slices by synchrotron radiation X-ray fluorescence (SRXRF) analysis. Differences of brain elemental distributions were noticed. Cl, Ca, and Zn were primarily concentrated in hippocampus of the controls. With the increase of the lanthanum dosage, the Ca and Zn levels significantly decreased, while the Cu levels significantly elevated in cortex, hippocampus and thalamus. Our results suggest that subchronic lanthanum exposure in rats appears to change elemental distributions in brain.     

Analysis of fish samples for environmental monitoring and food safety assessment by synchrotron radiation total reflection X-ray fluorescence

Summary This study uses fishes as indicators of metal contamination in the Piracicaba Basin and also for evaluation of the risks to human health by the ingestion of fish contaminated by metals and other potentially toxic elements. Based on total reflection X-ray fluorescence analysis, Al, Si, P, S, Cl, K, Ca, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn and Ba were detected and evaluated in the muscle and viscus (liver, intestine and stomach) of fish collected in the Piracicaba River.