Trace element storage capacity of sediments in dead Posidonia oceanica mat from a chronically contaminated marine ecosystem.

PubMed

Di Leonardo, Rossella; Mazzola, Antonio; Cundy, Andrew B; Tramati, Cecilia Doriana; Vizzini, Salvatrice

2017-01-01

Posidonia oceanica mat is considered a long-term bioindicator of contamination. Storage and sequestration of trace elements and organic carbon (C org ) were assessed in dead P. oceanica mat and bare sediments from a highly polluted coastal marine area (Augusta Bay, central Mediterranean). Sediment elemental composition and sources of organic matter have been altered since the 1950s. Dead P. oceanica mat displayed a greater ability to bury and store trace elements and C org than nearby bare sediments, acting as a long-term contaminant sink over the past 120 yr. Trace elements, probably associated with the mineral fraction, were stabilized and trapped despite die-off of the overlying P. oceanica meadow. Mat deposits registered historic contamination phases well, confirming their role as natural archives for recording trace element trends in marine coastal environments. This sediment typology is enriched with seagrass-derived refractory organic matter, which acts mainly as a diluent of trace elements. Bare sediments showed evidence of inwash of contaminated sediments via reworking; more rapid and irregular sediment accumulation; and, because of the high proportions of labile organic matter, a greater capacity to store trace elements. Through different processes, both sediment typologies represent a repository for chemicals and may pose a risk to the marine ecosystem as a secondary source of contaminants in the case of sediment dredging or erosion. Environ Toxicol Chem 2017;36:49-58. © 2016 SETAC. © 2016 SETAC.

Trace element and isotope geochemistry of Cretaceous-Tertiary boundary sediments: identification of extra-terrestrial and volcanic components

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Margolis, S. V.; Doehne, E. F.

1988-01-01

Trace element and stable isotope analyses were performed on a series of sediment samples crossing the Cretaceous-Tertiary (K-T) boundary from critical sections at Aumaya and Sopelano, Spain. The aim is to possibly distinguish extraterrestrial vs. volcanic or authigenic concentration of platinum group and other elements in K-T boundary transitional sediments. These sediments also have been shown to contain evidence for step-wise extinction of several groups of marine invertebrates, associated with negative oxygen and carbon isotope excursions occurring during the last million years of the Cretaceous. These isotope excursions have been interpreted to indicate major changes in ocean thermal regime, circulation, and ecosystems that may be related to multiple events during latest Cretaceous time. Results to date on the petrographic and geochemical analyses of the Late Cretaceous and Early Paleocene sediments indicate that diagenesis has obviously affected the trace element geochemistry and stable isotope compositions at Zumaya. Mineralogical and geochemical analysis of K-T boundary sediments at Zumaya suggest that a substantial fraction of anomalous trace elements in the boundary marl are present in specific mineral phases. Platinum and nickel grains perhaps represent the first direct evidence of siderophile-rich minerals at the boundary. The presence of spinels and Ni-rich particles as inclusions in aluminosilicate spherules from Zumaya suggests an original, non-diagenetic origin for the spherules. Similar spherules from southern Spain (Caravaca), show a strong marine authigenic overprint. This research represents a new approach in trying to directly identify the sedimentary mineral components that are responsible for the trace element concentrations associated with the K-T boundary.

Trace elements record complex histories in diogenites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Balta, J. B.; Beck, A. W.; McSween, H. Y.

2012-12-01

Diogenite meteorites are cumulate rocks composed mostly of orthopyroxene and chemically linked to eucrites (basaltic) and howardites (brecciated mixtures of diogenites and eucrites). Together, they represent the largest single family of achondrite meteorites delivered to Earth, and have been spectrally linked to the asteroid 4 Vesta, the largest remaining basaltic protoplanet. However, this spectral link is non-unique as many basaltic asteroids likely formed and were destroyed in the early solar system. Recent work suggested that Vesta may be an unlikely parent body for the diogenites based on correlations between trace elements and short-lived isotope decay products, which would be unlikely to survive on a body as large as Vesta due to its long cooling history [1]. Recent analyses of terrestrial and martian olivines have demonstrated that trace element spatial distributions can preserve evidence of their crystallization history even when major elements have been homogenized [2]. We have mapped minor elements including Cr, Al, and Ti in seemingly homogeneous diogenite orthopyroxenes and found a variety of previously unobserved textures. The pyroxenes in one sample (GRA 98108) are seemingly large grains of variable shapes and sizes, but the trace elements reveal internal grain boundaries between roughly-equal sized original subgrains, with equilibrated metamorphic triple junctions between them and trace element depletions at the boundaries. These trends suggest extraction of trace elements by a magma along those relict grain boundaries during a reheating event. Two other samples show evidence of fracturing and annealing, with trace element mobility within grains. One sample appears to have remained a closed system during annealing (MET 01084), while the other has interacted with a fluid or magma to move elements along annealed cracks (LEW 88679). These relict features establish that the history of diogenite pyroxenes is more complex than their homogeneous major element compositions imply. Many trace element analyses are performed using either bulk rock techniques or spot analyses, and these maps suggest those types of analyses likely sample variable trace element abundances even within otherwise homogeneous grains, rendering their results difficult to interpret. Consequently, the correlation discussed previously between trace elements and short lived isotopes has likely been impacted by post-magmatic alteration and cannot solely be used to argue that HED's cannot be derived from Vesta. Furthermore, these maps strengthen the HED-Vesta link by suggesting that the diogenites underwent an extended history of cooling, reheating, partial melting, impact fragmentation, fluid/melt migration, and finally re-annealing. These complicated steps are particularly noteworthy as the pyroxene cumulate layer on the asteroid Vesta should lie beneath the eucritic crust, implying that early impacts were able to penetrate that crust and affect the diogenite layers early in Vesta's history, most likely while the asteroid was still hot enough to allow for annealing and regrowth of fractured grains. [1] Schiller et al. (2011) [2] Milman-Barris et al. (2008)

Pixe analysis of trace elements in tissues of rats treated with anticonvulsants

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hurd, R. W.; Van Rinsvelt, H. A.; Kinyua, A. M.; O'Neill, M. P.; Wilder, B. J.; Houdayer, A.; Hinrichsen, P. F.

1987-04-01

Several lines of evidence implicate metals in epilepsy. Anticonvulsant drugs are noted to alter levels of metals in humans and animals. PIXE analysis was used to investigate effects of three anticonvulsant drugs on tissue and brain cortex trace elements. The content of zinc and copper was increased in liver and spleen of rats treated with anticonvulsants while selenium was decreased in cortex.

Trace element composition of Luna 24 Crisium VLT basalt

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Haskin, L. A.

1978-01-01

The origins of the individual particles analyzed from the Luna 24 core and the information they provide on the trace-element composition of Mare Crisium basalt are considered. Previous analyses of several Luna 24 soil fragments are reviewed. It is concluded that: (1) the average trace-element concentrations for 12 VLT basalt fragments are the best available estimates for bulk samples of Crisium VLT basalt; (2) there is weak evidence that the average Crisium basalt might have a small positive Eu anomaly relative to chondritic matter; (3) the soils contain components from sources other than the Crisium VLT basalt; and (4) there is no convincing information in concentrations of rare-earth elements, Co, Sc, FeO, or Na2O among the analyzed fragments to indicate more than one parent basalt.

Illustration and analysis of a coordinated approach to an effective forensic trace evidence capability.

PubMed

Stoney, David A; Stoney, Paul L

2015-08-01

An effective trace evidence capability is defined as one that exploits all useful particle types, chooses appropriate technologies to do so, and directly integrates the findings with case-specific problems. Limitations of current approaches inhibit the attainment of an effective capability and it has been strongly argued that a new approach to trace evidence analysis is essential. A hypothetical case example is presented to illustrate and analyze how forensic particle analysis can be used as a powerful practical tool in forensic investigations. The specifics in this example, including the casework investigation, laboratory analyses, and close professional interactions, provide focal points for subsequent analysis of how this outcome can be achieved. This leads to the specification of five key elements that are deemed necessary and sufficient for effective forensic particle analysis: (1) a dynamic forensic analytical approach, (2) concise and efficient protocols addressing particle combinations, (3) multidisciplinary capabilities of analysis and interpretation, (4) readily accessible external specialist resources, and (5) information integration and communication. A coordinating role, absent in current approaches to trace evidence analysis, is essential to achieving these elements. However, the level of expertise required for the coordinating role is readily attainable. Some additional laboratory protocols are also essential. However, none of these has greater staffing requirements than those routinely met by existing forensic trace evidence practitioners. The major challenges that remain are organizational acceptance, planning and implementation. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Quelccaya Ice Core Evidence of Widespread Atmospheric Pollution from Colonial Metallurgy after the Spanish Conquest of South America (1532 AD)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gabrielli, P.; Uglietti, C.; Cooke, C. A.; Thompson, L. G.

2014-12-01

A few ice core records recovered from remote arctic regions suggest a widespread impact of toxic trace elements (Pb, Cu, Sb, As and Bi) to the North Hemisphere atmosphere prior to the onset of the Industrial Revolution (1780s-1830s). In the Southern Hemisphere, evidence for preindustrial trace element emissions are, to date, limited to sediment cores recovered from lakes located within the immediate airshed of major metallurgical centers of South America. Thus it remains unresolved whether they could have had a larger scale impact. Here, we present an annually resolved ice core record of anthropogenic trace element deposition from the remote drilling site of the Quelccaya Ice Cap (Peru) that spans 793-1989 AD. During the pre-Inca period (i.e., prior to ~1450 AD) the deposition of trace elements was dominated by the fallout of aeolian dust from the deglaciated margins of the ice cap and of ash from occasional volcanic eruptions. In contrast, the ice core record indicates a clear anthropogenic signal emerging after the onset of large scale colonial mining and metallurgy (1532-1820 AD), ~300 years prior to the Industrial Revolution during the last part of the Little Ice Age. This shift was coincidental with a major technological transition for silver extraction (1572 AD), from lead-based smelting to mercury amalgamation, that initiated a major increase in ore mining and milling that likely resulted in an increase of metallic dust emissions. While atmospheric trace element deposition resulting from colonial metallurgy was certainly much larger than during the pre-Colonial period, trace element fallout during the Colonial era was still several factors lower than during the 20th century, when the construction of the trans-Andean railway and highways promoted a widespread societal and industrial development of South America.

Multielement analysis of Canadian wines by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and multivariate statistics.

PubMed

Taylor, Vivien F; Longerich, Henry P; Greenough, John D

2003-02-12

Trace element fingerprints were deciphered for wines from Canada's two major wine-producing regions, the Okanagan Valley and the Niagara Peninsula, for the purpose of examining differences in wine element composition with region of origin and identifying elements important to determining provenance. Analysis by ICP-MS allowed simultaneous determination of 34 trace elements in wine (Li, Be, Mg, Al, P, Cl, Ca, Ti, V, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Se, Br, Rb, Sr, Mo, Ag, Cd, Sb, I, Cs, Ba, La, Ce, Tl, Pb, Bi, Th, and U) at low levels of detection, and patterns in trace element concentrations were deciphered by multivariate statistical analysis. The two regions were discriminated with 100% accuracy using 10 of these elements. Differences in soil chemistry between the Niagara and Okanagan vineyards were evident, without a good correlation between soil and wine composition. The element Sr was found to be a good indicator of provenance and has been reported in fingerprinting studies of other regions.

Determination of Trace and Volatile Element Abundance Systematics of Lunar Pyroclastic Glasses 74220 and 15426 Using LA-ICP-MS

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

McIntosh, E. Carrie; Porrachia, Magali; McCubbin, Francis M.; Day, James M. D.

2017-01-01

Since their recognition as pyroclastic glasses generated by volcanic fire fountaining on the Moon, 74220 and 15426 have garnered significant scientific interest. Early studies recognized that the glasses were particularly enriched in volatile elements on their surfaces. More recently, detailed analyses of the interiors of the glasses, as well as of melt inclusions within olivine grains associated with the 74220 glass beads, have determined high H2O, F, Cl and S contents. Such elevated volatile contents seem at odds with evidence from moderately volatile elements (MVE), such as Zn and K, for a volatile- depleted Moon. In this study, we present initial results from an analytical campaign to study trace element abundances within the pyroclastic glass beads. We report trace element data determined by laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) for 15426 and 74220.

Forensic discrimination of copper wire using trace element concentrations.

PubMed

Dettman, Joshua R; Cassabaum, Alyssa A; Saunders, Christopher P; Snyder, Deanna L; Buscaglia, JoAnn

2014-08-19

Copper may be recovered as evidence in high-profile cases such as thefts and improvised explosive device incidents; comparison of copper samples from the crime scene and those associated with the subject of an investigation can provide probative associative evidence and investigative support. A solution-based inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry method for measuring trace element concentrations in high-purity copper was developed using standard reference materials. The method was evaluated for its ability to use trace element profiles to statistically discriminate between copper samples considering the precision of the measurement and manufacturing processes. The discriminating power was estimated by comparing samples chosen on the basis of the copper refining and production process to represent the within-source (samples expected to be similar) and between-source (samples expected to be different) variability using multivariate parametric- and empirical-based data simulation models with bootstrap resampling. If the false exclusion rate is set to 5%, >90% of the copper samples can be correctly determined to originate from different sources using a parametric-based model and >87% with an empirical-based approach. These results demonstrate the potential utility of the developed method for the comparison of copper samples encountered as forensic evidence.

Transmission of atmospherically derived trace elements through an undeveloped, forested Maryland watershed

USGS Publications Warehouse

Scudlark, J.R.; Rice, Karen C.; Conko, Kathryn M.; Bricker, Owen P.; Church, T.M.

2005-01-01

The transmission of atmospherically derived trace elements (Al, As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, Se, and Zn) was evaluated in a small, undeveloped, forested watershed located in north-central Maryland. Atmospheric input was determined for wet-only and vegetative throughfall components. Annual throughfall fluxes were significantly enriched over incident precipitation for most elements, although some elements exhibited evidence of canopy release (Mn) or preferential uptake (As, Cr, and Se). Stream export was gauged based on systematic sampling under varied flow regimes. Particle loading appears to contribute significantly to watershed export (> 10%) for only As, Pb, and Fe, and then only during large precipitation/runoff events. The degree of watershed transmission for each trace element was evaluated based on a comparison of total, net atmospheric input (throughfall) to stream export over an annual hydrologic cycle. This comparison indicates that the atmospheric input of some elements (Al, Cd, Ni, Zn) is effectively transmitted through the watershed, but other elements (Pb, As, Se, Fe, Cr, Cu) appear to be strongly sequestered, in the respective orders noted. Results suggest that precipitation and subsequent soil pH are the primary factors that determine the mobility of sequestered trace element phases.To further resolve primary atmospheric and secondary weathering components, the geochemical model NETPATH was applied. Results indicate that minerals dissolved include chlorite, plagioclase feldspar, epidote, and potassium feldspar; phases formed were kaolinite, pyrite, and silica. The model also indicates that weathering processes contribute negligible amounts of trace elements to stream export, indicative of the unreactive orthoquartzite bedrock lithology underlying the watershed. Thus, the stream export of trace elements primarily reflects atmospheric deposition to the local watershed.

Ion microprobe analyses of aluminous lunar glasses - A test of the 'rock type' hypothesis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Meyer, C., Jr.

1978-01-01

Previous soil survey investigations found that there are natural groupings of glass compositions in lunar soils and that the average major element composition of some of these groupings is the same at widely separated lunar landing sites. This led soil survey enthusiasts to promote the hypothesis that the average composition of glass groupings represents the composition of primary lunar 'rock types'. In this investigation the trace element composition of numerous aluminous glass particles was determined by the ion microprobe method as a test of the above mentioned 'rock type' hypothesis. It was found that within any grouping of aluminous lunar glasses by major element content, there is considerable scatter in the refractory trace element content. In addition, aluminous glasses grouped by major elements were found to have different average trace element contents at different sites (Apollo 15, 16 and Luna 20). This evidence argues that natural groupings in glass compositions are determined by regolith processes and may not represent the composition of primary lunar 'rock types'.

LA-ICP-MS trace element mapping: insights into the crystallisation history of a metamorphic garnet population

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

George, Freya; Gaidies, Fred

2017-04-01

In comparison to our understanding of major element zoning, relatively little is known about the incorporation of trace elements into metamorphic garnet. Given their extremely slow diffusivities and sensitivity to changing mineral assemblages, the analysis of the distribution of trace elements in garnet has the potential to yield a wealth of information pertaining to interfacial attachment mechanisms during garnet crystallisation, the mobility of trace elements in both garnet and the matrix, and trace element geochronology. Due to advances in the spatial resolution and analytical precision of modern microbeam techniques, small-scale trace element variations can increasingly be documented and used to inform models of metamorphic crystallisation. Laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) in particular, can be used to rapidly quantify a wide range of elemental masses as a series of laser rasters, producing large volumes of spatially constrained trace element data. In this study, we present LA-ICP-MS maps of trace element concentrations from numerous centrally-sectioned garnets representative of the crystal size-distribution of a single sample's population. The study sample originates from the garnet-grade Barrovian zone of the Lesser Himalayan Sequence in Sikkim, northeast India, and has been shown to have crystallised garnet within a single assemblage between 515 ˚C and 565˚C, with no evidence for accessory phase reaction over the duration of garnet growth. Previous models have indicated that the duration of garnet crystallisation was extremely rapid (<1 Myr), with negligible diffusional homogenisation of major divalent cations. Consequently, the trace element record likely documents the primary zonation generated during garnet growth. In spite of straightforward (i.e. concentrically-zoned) major element garnet zonation, trace elements maps are characterised by significant complexity and variability. Y and the heavy rare earth elements are strongly enriched in crystal cores, where there is overprinting of the observed internal fabric, and exhibit numerous concentric annuli towards crystal rims. Conversely, the medium rare earth elements (e.g. Gd, Eu and Sm) exhibit bowl-shaped zoning from core to rim, with no annuli, and core and rim compositions of the medium rare earth elements are the same throughout the population within crystals of differing size. Cr exhibits pronounced spiral zoning, and the average Cr content increases towards garnet rims. In all cases, spirals are centered on the geometric core of the crystals. These LA-ICP-MS maps highlight the complexity of garnet growth over a single prograde event, and indicate that there is still much to be learnt from the analysis of garnet using ever-improving analytical methods. We explore the potential causes of the variations in the distribution of trace elements in garnet, and assess how these zoning patterns may be used to refine our understanding of the intricacies of garnet crystallisation and the spatial and temporal degree of trace element equilibration during metamorphism.

Trace Elements in River Waters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gaillardet, J.; Viers, J.; Dupré, B.

2003-12-01

Trace elements are characterized by concentrations lower than 1 mg L-1 in natural waters. This means that trace elements are not considered when "total dissolved solids" are calculated in rivers, lakes, or groundwaters, because their combined mass is not significant compared to the sum of Na+, K+, Ca2+, Mg2+, H4SiO4, HCO3-, CO32-, SO42-, Cl-, and NO3-. Therefore, most of the elements, except about ten of them, occur at trace levels in natural waters. Being trace elements in natural waters does not necessarily qualify them as trace elements in rocks. For example, aluminum, iron, and titanium are major elements in rocks, but they occur as trace elements in waters, due to their low mobility at the Earth's surface. Conversely, trace elements in rocks such as chlorine and carbon are major elements in waters.The geochemistry of trace elements in river waters, like that of groundwater and seawater, is receiving increasing attention. This growing interest is clearly triggered by the technical advances made in the determination of concentrations at lower levels in water. In particular, the development of inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) has considerably improved our knowledge of trace-element levels in waters since the early 1990s. ICP-MS provides the capability of determining trace elements having isotopes of interest for geochemical dating or tracing, even where their dissolved concentrations are extremely low.The determination of trace elements in natural waters is motivated by a number of issues. Although rare, trace elements in natural systems can play a major role in hydrosystems. This is particularly evident for toxic elements such as aluminum, whose concentrations are related to the abundance of fish in rivers. Many trace elements have been exploited from natural accumulation sites and used over thousands of years by human activities. Trace elements are therefore highly sensitive indexes of human impact from local to global scale. Pollution impact studies require knowledge of the natural background concentrations and knowledge of pollutant behavior. For example, it is generally accepted that rare earth elements (REEs) in waters behave as good analogues for the actinides, whose natural levels are quite low and rarely measured. Water quality investigations have clearly been a stimulus for measurement of toxic heavy metals in order to understand their behavior in natural systems.From a more fundamental point of view, it is crucial to understand the behavior of trace elements in geological processes, in particular during chemical weathering and transport by waters. Trace elements are much more fractionated by weathering and transport processes than major elements, and these fractionations give clues for understanding the nature and intensity of the weathering+transport processes. This has not only applications for weathering studies or for the past mobilization and transport of elements to the ocean (potentially recorded in the sediments), but also for the possibility of better utilization of trace elements in the aqueous environment as an exploration tool.In this chapter, we have tried to review the recent literature on trace elements in rivers, in particular by incorporating the results derived from recent ICP-MS measurements. We have favored a "field approach" by focusing on studies of natural hydrosystems. The basic questions which we want to address are the following: What are the trace element levels in river waters? What controls their abundance in rivers and fractionation in the weathering+transport system? Are trace elements, like major elements in rivers, essentially controlled by source-rock abundances? What do we know about the chemical speciation of trace elements in water? To what extent do colloids and interaction with solids regulate processes of trace elements in river waters? Can we relate the geochemistry of trace elements in aquatic systems to the periodic table? And finally, are we able to satisfactorily model and predict the behavior of most of the trace elements in hydrosystems?An impressive literature has dealt with experimental works on aqueous complexation, uptake of trace elements by surface complexation (inorganic and organic), uptake by living organisms (bioaccumulation) that we have not reported here, except when the results of such studies directly explain natural data. As continental waters encompass a greater range of physical and chemical conditions, we focus on river waters and do not discuss trace elements in groundwaters, lakes, and the ocean. In lakes and in the ocean, the great importance of life processes in regulating trace elements is probably the major difference from rivers.Section 5.09.2 of this chapter reports data. We will review the present-day literature on trace elements in rivers to show that our knowledge is still poor. By comparing with the continental abundances, a global mobility index is calculated for each trace element. The spatial and temporal variability of trace-element concentrations in rivers will be shown to be important. In Section 5.09.3, sources of trace elements in river waters are indicated. We will point out the great diversity of sources and the importance of global anthropogenic contamination for a number of elements. The question of inorganic and organic speciation of trace elements in river water will then be addressed in Section 5.09.4, considering some general relationships between speciation and placement in the periodic table. In Section 5.09.5, we will show that studies on organic-rich rivers have led to an exploration of the "colloidal world" in rivers. Colloids are small particles, passing through the conventional filters used to separate dissolved and suspended loads in rivers. They appear as major carriers of trace elements in rivers and considerably complicate aqueous-speciation calculation. Finally, in Section 5.09.6, the significance of interactions between solutes and solid surfaces in river waters will be reviewed. Regulation by surfaces is of major importance for a great range of elements. Although for both colloids and surface interactions, some progress has been made, we are still far from a unified model that can accurately predict trace-element concentrations in natural water systems. This is mainly due to our poor physical description of natural colloids, surface site complexation, and their interaction with solutes.

Chemical studies of H chondrites. I - Mobile trace elements and gas retention ages

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lingner, David W.; Huston, Ted J.; Hutson, Melinda; Lipschutz, Michael E.

1987-01-01

Trends for 16 trace elements (Ag, As, Au, Bi, Cd, Co, Cs, Ga, In, K, Rb, Sb, Se, Te, Tl, and Zn), chosen to span a broad geochemical and thermal response range, in 44 H4-6 chondrites, differ widely from those in L4-6 chondrites. In particular, H chondrites classified as heavily shocked petrologically do not necessarily exhibit Ar-40 loss and vice versa. The clear-cut causal relationship between siderophile and mobile element loss with increasing late shock seen in L chondrites is not generally evident in the H group. H chondrite parent material experienced an early high temperature genetic episode that mobilized a substantial proportion of these trace elements so that later thermal episodes resulted in more subtle, collateral fractionations. Mildly shocked L chondrites escaped this early high temperature event, indicating that the two most numerous meteorite groups differ fundamentally in genetic history.

Trace element geochemistry (Li, Ba, Sr, and Rb) using Curiosity's ChemCam: early results for Gale crater from Bradbury Landing Site to Rocknest

USGS Publications Warehouse

Ollila, Ann M.; Newsom, Horton E.; Clark, Benton; Wiens, Roger C.; Cousin, Agnes; Blank, Jen G.; Mangold, Nicolas; Sautter, Violaine; Maurice, Sylvestre; Clegg, Samuel M.; Gasnault, Olivier; Forni, Olivier; Tokar, Robert; Lewin, Eric; Dyar, M. Darby; Lasue, Jeremie; Anderson, Ryan; McLennan, Scott M.; Bridges, John; Vaniman, Dave; Lanza, Nina; Fabre, Cecile; Melikechi, Noureddine; Perett, Glynis M.; Campbell, John L.; King, Penelope L.; Barraclough, Bruce; Delapp, Dorothea; Johnstone, Stephen; Meslin, Pierre-Yves; Rosen-Gooding, Anya; Williams, Josh

2014-01-01

The ChemCam instrument package on the Mars rover, Curiosity, provides new capabilities to probe the abundances of certain trace elements in the rocks and soils on Mars using the laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy technique. We focus on detecting and quantifying Li, Ba, Rb, and Sr in targets analyzed during the first 100 sols, from Bradbury Landing Site to Rocknest. Univariate peak area models and multivariate partial least squares models are presented. Li, detected for the first time directly on Mars, is generally low (100 ppm and >1000 ppm, respectively. These analysis locations tend to have high Si and alkali abundances, consistent with a feldspar composition. Together, these trace element observations provide possible evidence of magma differentiation and aqueous alteration.

Lunar Ferroan Anorthosite Petrogenesis: Clues from Trace Element Distributions in FAN Subgroups

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Floss, Christine; James, Odette B.; McGee, James J.; Crozaz, Ghislaine

1998-04-01

The rare earth elements (REE) and selected other trace elements were measured in plagioclase and pyroxene from nine samples of the lunar ferroan anorthosite (FAN) suite of rocks. Samples were selected from each of four FAN subgroups previously defined by James et al. (1989). Plagioclase compositions are homogeneous within each sample, but high- and low-Ca pyroxenes from lithic clasts typically have different REE abundances from their counterparts in the surrounding granulated matrices. Measured plagioclase/low-Ca pyroxene concentration ratios for the REE have steeper patterns than experimentally determined plagioclase/low-Ca pyroxene partition coefficients in most samples. Textural and trace element evidence suggest that, although subsolidus equilibration may be responsible for some of the discrepancy, plagioclase compositions in most samples have been largely unaffected by intermineral redistribution of the REE. The REE systematics of plagioclase from the four subgroups are broadly consistent with their derivation through crystallization from a single evolving magma. However, samples from some of the subgroups exhibit a decoupling of plagioclase and pyroxene compositions that probably reflects the complexities inherent in crystallization from a large-scale magmatic system. For example, two anorthosites with very magnesian mafic minerals have highly evolved trace element compositions; major element compositions in plagioclase also do not reflect the evolutionary sequence recorded by their REE compositions. Finally, a noritic anorthosite breccia with relatively ferroan mafic minerals contains several clasts with high and variable REE and other trace element abundances. Although plagioclase REE compositions are consistent with their derivation from a magma with a KREEPy trace element signature, very shallow REE patterns in the pyroxenes suggest the addition of a component enriched in the light REE.

Zebrafish in the sea of mineral (iron, zinc, and copper) metabolism

PubMed Central

Zhao, Lu; Xia, Zhidan; Wang, Fudi

2014-01-01

Iron, copper, zinc, and eight other minerals are classified as essential trace elements because they present in minute in vivo quantities and are essential for life. Because either excess or insufficient levels of trace elements can be detrimental to life (causing human diseases such as iron-deficiency anemia, hemochromatosis, Menkes syndrome and Wilson's disease), the endogenous levels of trace minerals must be tightly regulated. Many studies have demonstrated the existence of systems that maintain trace element homeostasis, and these systems are highly conserved in multiple species ranging from yeast to mice. As a model for studying trace mineral metabolism, the zebrafish is indispensable to researchers. Several large-scale mutagenesis screens have been performed in zebrafish, and these screens led to the identification of a series of metal transporters and the generation of several mutagenesis lines, providing an in-depth functional analysis at the system level. Moreover, because of their developmental advantages, zebrafish have also been used in mineral metabolism-related chemical screens and toxicology studies. Here, we systematically review the major findings of trace element homeostasis studies using the zebrafish model, with a focus on iron, zinc, copper, selenium, manganese, and iodine. We also provide a homology analysis of trace mineral transporters in fish, mice and humans. Finally, we discuss the evidence that zebrafish is an ideal experimental tool for uncovering novel mechanisms of trace mineral metabolism and for improving approaches to treat mineral imbalance-related diseases. PMID:24639652

Carbon Isotopic Heterogeneity of Graphite in the San Juan Mass of the Campo Del Cielo IAB Iron Meteorite

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Maruoka, T.; Kurat, G.; Zinner, E.; Varela, M. E.; Ametrano, S. J.

2003-01-01

The origin of IAB iron meteorites is still a matter of debate. It is generally believed that iron meteorites originated from molten cores in small planetesimals because the fractionation trend of trace elements (e.g., Ir, Ge, Ga, etc. vs. Ni) for most iron meteorites can be more or less explained by fractional crystallization from metal melts. However, this process cannot produce trace element characteristics of the IAB (and other) iron meteorites. To explain these trace element abundance patterns, several models have been proposed. Although most of these models require a high temperature, clear evidence has recently been obtained for a sub-solidus formation of IAB iron meteorites from noble gas analyses. Moreover, heterogeneous distributions of some trace elements in metal and other phases also suggest a low temperature origin of at least some IAB iron meteorites. Here we use the carbon isotopic compositions of graphite to constrain the origin of IAB iron meteorites. Our data confirm a possible low temperature origin of IAB iron meteorites.

New insights into trace elements deposition in the snow packs at remote alpine glaciers in the northern Tibetan Plateau, China.

PubMed

Dong, Zhiwen; Kang, Shichang; Qin, Xiang; Li, Xiaofei; Qin, Dahe; Ren, Jiawen

2015-10-01

Trace element pollution resulting from anthropogenic emissions is evident throughout most of the atmosphere and has the potential to create environmental and health risks. In this study we investigated trace element deposition in the snowpacks at two different locations in the northern Tibetan Plateau, including the Laohugou (LHG) and the Tanggula (TGL) glacier basins, and its related atmospheric pollution information in these glacier areas, mainly focusing on 18 trace elements (Li, Be, V, Cr, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Ga, Rb, Nb, Mo, Cd, Sb, Cs, Ba, Tl, and Pb). The results clearly demonstrate that pronounced increases of both concentrations and crustal enrichment factors (EFs) are observed in the snowpack at the TGL glacier basin compared to that of the LHG glacier basin, with the highest EFs for Sb and Zn in the TGL basin, whereas with the highest EFs for Sb and Cd in the LHG basin. Compared with other studies in the Tibetan Plateau and surrounding regions, trace element concentration showed gradually decreasing trend from Himalayan regions (southern Tibetan Plateau) to the TGL basin (central Tibetan Plateau), and to the LHG basin (northern Tibetan Plateau), which probably implied the significant influence of atmospheric trace element transport from south Asia to the central Tibetan Plateau. Moreover, EF calculations at two sites showed that most of the heavy metals (e.g., Cu, Zn, Mo, Cd, Sb, and Pb) were from anthropogenic sources and some other elements (e.g., Li, Rb, and Ba) were mainly originated from crustal sources. MODIS atmospheric optical depth (AOD) fields derived using the Deep Blue algorithm and CALIOP/CALIPSO transect showed significant influence of atmospheric pollutant transport from south Asia to the Tibetan Plateau, which probably caused the increased concentrations and EFs of trace element deposition in the snowpack on the TGL glacier basin. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Feasibility of the detection of trace elements in particulate matter using online High-Resolution Aerosol Mass Spectrometry

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Salcedo, D.; Laskin, Alexander; Shutthanandan, V.

The feasibility of using an online thermal-desorption electron-ionization high-resolution aerosol mass spectrometer (AMS) for the detection of particulate trace elements was investigated analyzing data from Mexico City obtained during the MILAGRO 2006 field campaign, where relatively high concentrations of trace elements have been reported. This potential application is of interest due to the real-time data provided by the AMS, its high sensitivity and time resolution, and the widespread availability and use of this instrument. High resolution mass spectral analysis, isotopic ratios, and ratios of different ions containing the same elements are used to constrain the chemical identity of the measuredmore » ions. The detection of Cu, Zn, As, Se, Sn, and Sb is reported. There was no convincing evidence for the detection of other trace elements commonly reported in PM. The elements detected tend to be those with lower melting and boiling points, as expected given the use of a vaporizer at 600oC in this instrument. Operation of the AMS vaporizer at higher temperatures is likely to improve trace element detection. The detection limit is estimated at approximately 0.3 ng m-3 for 5-min of data averaging. Concentration time series obtained from the AMS data were compared to concentration records determined from offline analysis of particle samples from the same times and locations by ICP (PM2.5) and PIXE (PM1.1 and PM0.3). The degree of correlation and agreement between the three instruments (AMS, ICP, and PIXE) varied depending on the element. The AMS shows promise for real-time detection of some trace elements, although additional work including laboratory calibrations with different chemical forms of these elements are needed to further develop this technique and to understand the differences with the ambient data from the other techniques. The trace elements peaked in the morning as expected for primary sources, and the many detected plumes suggest the presence of multiple point sources, probably industrial, in Mexico City which are variable in time and space, in agreement with previous studies.« less

Fluid-mediated mass transfer from a paleosubduction channel to its mantle wedge: Evidence from jadeitite and related rocks from the Guatemala Suture Zone

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Harlow, George E.; Flores, Kennet E.; Marschall, Horst R.

2016-08-01

Jadeitites in serpentinite mélanges are the product of crystallization from and/or metasomatism by aqueous fluids that transfer components from and within a subduction channel-the slab-mantle interaction volume-into discrete rock units, most commonly found within the serpentinized or serpentinizing portion of the channel or the overlying mantle rocks at high pressure (1 to > 2 GPa). Two serpentinite mélanges on either side of the Motagua fault system (MFS) of the Guatemala Suture Zone contain evidence of this process. Whole rock compositional analyses are reported here from 86 samples including jadeitites and the related rocks: omphacitites, albitites and mica rocks. The predominance of a single phase in most of these rocks is reflected in the major element compositions and aspects of the trace elements, such as REE abundances tracking Ca in clinopyroxene. Relative to N-MORB all samples show relative enrichments in the high field strength elements (HFSE) Hf, Zr, U, Th, and the LILE Ba and Cs, contrasted by depletions in K and in some cases Pb or Sr. Most jadeitites are also depleted in the highly compatible elements Cr, Sc and Ni despite their occurrence in serpentinite mélange; however, some omphacitite samples show the opposite. Trace elements in these jadeitite samples show a strong similarity with GLOSS (globally subducted oceanic sediment) and other terrigenous sediments in terms of their trace-element patterns, but are offset to lower abundances. Jadeitites thus incorporate a strong trace-element signature derived from sediments mixed with that from fluid derived from altered oceanic crust. Enrichment in the HFSE argues for mobility of these elements in aqueous fluids at high P/T conditions in the subduction channel and a remarkable lack of fractionation that might otherwise be expected from dissolution and fluid transport.

Cryptic trace-element alteration of Anorthosite, Stillwater complex, Montana

USGS Publications Warehouse

Czamanske, G.K.; Loferski, P.J.

1996-01-01

Evidence of cryptic alteration and correlations among K, Ba, and LREE concentrations indicate that a post-cumulus, low-density aqueous fluid phase significantly modified the trace-element contents of samples from Anorthosite zones I and II of the Stillwater Complex, Montana. Concentrations of Ba, Ca, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hf, K, Li, Mg, Mn, Na, Ni, Sc, Sr, Th, Zn, and the rare-earth elements (REE) were measured in whole rocks and plagioclase separates from five traverses across the two main plagioclase cumulate (anorthosite) zones and the contiguous cumulates of the Stillwater Complex in an attempt to better understand the origin and solidification of the anorthosites. However, nearly the entire observed compositional range for many trace elements can be duplicated at a single locality by discriminating between samples rich in oikocrystic pyroxene and those which are composed almost entirely of plagioclase and show anhedral-granular texture. Plagioclase separates with high trace-element contents were obtained from the pyroxene-poor samples, for which maps of K concentration show plagioclase grains to contain numerous fractures hosting a fine-grained, K-rich phase, presumed to be sericite. Secondary processes in layered intrusions have the potential to cause cryptic disturbance, and the utmost care must be taken to ensure that samples provide information about primary processes. Although plagioclase from Anorthosite zones I and II shows significant compositional variation, there are no systematic changes in the major- or trace-element compositions of plagioclase over as much as 630 m of anorthosite thickness or 18 km of strike length. Plagioclase in the two major anorthosite zones shows little distinction in trace-element concentrations from plagioclase in the cumulates immediately below, between, and above these zones.

Process tracing in political science: What's the story?

PubMed

Crasnow, Sharon

2017-04-01

Methodologists in political science have advocated for causal process tracing as a way of providing evidence for causal mechanisms. Recent analyses of the method have sought to provide more rigorous accounts of how it provides such evidence. These accounts have focused on the role of process tracing for causal inference and specifically on the way it can be used with case studies for testing hypotheses. While the analyses do provide an account of such testing, they pay little attention to the narrative elements of case studies. I argue that the role of narrative in case studies is not merely incidental. Narrative does cognitive work by both facilitating the consideration of alternative hypotheses and clarifying the relationship between evidence and explanation. I consider the use of process tracing in a particular case (the Fashoda Incident) in order to illustrate the role of narrative. I argue that process tracing contributes to knowledge production in ways that the current focus on inference tends to obscure. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Organic contaminants, trace and major elements, and nutrients in water and sediment sampled in response to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill

USGS Publications Warehouse

Nowell, Lisa H.; Ludtke, Amy S.; Mueller, David K.; Scott, Jonathon C.

2011-01-01

Considering all the information evaluated in this report, there were significant differences between pre-landfall and post-landfall samples for PAH concentrations in sediment. Pre-landfall and post-landfall samples did not differ significantly in concentrations or benchmark exceedances for most organics in water or trace elements in sediment. For trace elements in water, aquatic-life benchmarks were exceeded in almost 50 percent of samples, but the high and variable analytical reporting levels precluded statistical comparison of benchmark exceedances between sampling periods. Concentrations of several PAH compounds in sediment were significantly higher in post-landfall samples than pre-landfall samples, and five of seven sites with the largest differences in PAH concentrations also had diagnostic geochemical evidence of Deepwater Horizon Macondo-1 oil from Rosenbauer and others (2010).

Trace Element Study of H Chondrites: Evidence for Meteoroid Streams.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wolf, Stephen Frederic

1993-01-01

Multivariate statistical analyses, both linear discriminant analysis and logistic regression, of the volatile trace elemental concentrations in H4-6 chondrites reveal compositionally distinguishable subpopulations. Observed difference in volatile trace element composition between Antarctic and non-Antarctic H4-6 chondrites (Lipschutz and Samuels, 1991) can be explained by a compositionaily distinct subpopulation found in Victoria Land, Antarctica. This population of H4-6 chondrites is compositionally distinct from non-Antarctic H4-6 chondrites and from Antarctic H4 -6 chondrites from Queen Maud Land. Comparisons of Queen Maud Land H4-6 chondrites with non-Antarctic H4-6 chondrites do not give reason to believe that these two populations are distinguishable from each other on the basis of the ten volatile trace element concentrations measured. ANOVA indicates that these differences are not the result of trivial causes such as weathering and analytical bias. Thermoluminescence properties of these populations parallels the results of volatile trace element comparisons. Given the differences in terrestrial age between Victoria Land, Queen Maud Land, and modern H4-6 chondrite falls, these results are consistent with a variation in H4-6 chondrite flux on a 300 ky timescale. This conclusion requires the existence of co-orbital meteoroid streams. Statistical analyses of the volatile trace elemental concentrations in non-Antarctic modern falls of H4-6 chondrites also demonstrate that a group of 13 H4-6 chondrites, Cluster 1, selected exclusively for their distinct fall parameters (Dodd, 1992) is compositionally distinguishable from a control group of 45 non-Antarctic modern H4-6 chondrites on the basis of the ten volatile trace element concentrations measured. Model-independent randomization-simulations based on both linear discriminant analysis and logistic regression verify these results. While ANOVA identifies two possible causes for this difference, analytical bias and group classification, a test validation experiment verifies that group classification is the more significant cause of compositional difference between Cluster 1 and non-Cluster 1 modern H4-6 chondrite falls. Thermoluminescence properties of these populations parallels the results of volatile trace element comparisons. This suggests that these meteorites are fragments of a co-orbital meteorite stream derived from a single parent body.

Widespread pollution of the South American atmosphere predates the industrial revolution by 240 years

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Uglietti, Chiara; Gabrielli, Paolo; Cooke, Colin; Vallelonga, Paul; Thompson, Lonnie

2015-04-01

In the Southern Hemisphere, evidence for preindustrial atmospheric pollution is restricted to a few geological archives of low temporal resolution that record trace element deposition originating from past mining and metallurgical operations in South America. Therefore the timing and the spatial impact of these activities on the past atmosphere remain poorly constrained. Here we present an annually resolved ice-core record (793-1989 AD) from the high altitude drilling site of Quelccaya (Peru) that archives preindustrial and industrial variations in trace elements. During the pre-colonial period (i.e., pre-1532 AD), the deposition of trace elements was mainly dominated by the fallout of aeolian dust and of ash from occasional volcanic eruptions indicating that metallurgic production during the Inca Empire (1438-1532 AD) had a negligible impact on the South American atmosphere. In contrast, a widespread anthropogenic signal is evident after 1540 AD, which corresponds with the beginning of colonial mining and metallurgy in Peru and Bolivia, 240 years prior to the Industrial Revolution. This shift was due to a major technological transition for silver extraction in South America (1572 AD), from lead-based smelting to mercury amalgamation, which precipitated a massive increase in mining activities. However, deposition of toxic trace metals during the Colonial era was still several factors lower than 20th century pollution that was unprecedented over the entirety of human history.

Widespread pollution of the South American atmosphere predates the industrial revolution by 240 y.

PubMed

Uglietti, Chiara; Gabrielli, Paolo; Cooke, Colin A; Vallelonga, Paul; Thompson, Lonnie G

2015-02-24

In the Southern Hemisphere, evidence for preindustrial atmospheric pollution is restricted to a few geological archives of low temporal resolution that record trace element deposition originating from past mining and metallurgical operations in South America. Therefore, the timing and the spatial impact of these activities on the past atmosphere remain poorly constrained. Here we present an annually resolved ice core record (A.D. 793-1989) from the high-altitude drilling site of Quelccaya (Peru) that archives preindustrial and industrial variations in trace elements. During the precolonial period (i.e., pre-A.D. 1532), the deposition of trace elements was mainly dominated by the fallout of aeolian dust and of ash from occasional volcanic eruptions, indicating that metallurgic production during the Inca Empire (A.D. 1438-1532) had a negligible impact on the South American atmosphere. In contrast, a widespread anthropogenic signal is evident after around A.D. 1540, which corresponds with the beginning of colonial mining and metallurgy in Peru and Bolivia, ∼240 y before the Industrial Revolution. This shift was due to a major technological transition for silver extraction in South America (A.D. 1572), from lead-based smelting to mercury amalgamation, which precipitated a massive increase in mining activities. However, deposition of toxic trace metals during the Colonial era was still several factors lower than 20th century pollution that was unprecedented over the entirety of human history.

Signatures of Evolutionary Adaptation in Quantitative Trait Loci Influencing Trace Element Homeostasis in Liver

PubMed Central

Sabidó, Eduard; Bosch, Elena

2016-01-01

Essential trace elements possess vital functions at molecular, cellular, and physiological levels in health and disease, and they are tightly regulated in the human body. In order to assess variability and potential adaptive evolution of trace element homeostasis, we quantified 18 trace elements in 150 liver samples, together with the expression levels of 90 genes and abundances of 40 proteins involved in their homeostasis. Additionally, we genotyped 169 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNPs) in the same sample set. We detected significant associations for 8 protein quantitative trait loci (pQTL), 10 expression quantitative trait loci (eQTLs), and 15 micronutrient quantitative trait loci (nutriQTL). Six of these exceeded the false discovery rate cutoff and were related to essential trace elements: 1) one pQTL for GPX2 (rs10133290); 2) two previously described eQTLs for HFE (rs12346) and SELO (rs4838862) expression; and 3) three nutriQTLs: The pathogenic C282Y mutation at HFE affecting iron (rs1800562), and two SNPs within several clustered metallothionein genes determining selenium concentration (rs1811322 and rs904773). Within the complete set of significant QTLs (which involved 30 SNPs and 20 gene regions), we identified 12 SNPs with extreme patterns of population differentiation (FST values in the top 5% percentile in at least one HapMap population pair) and significant evidence for selective sweeps involving QTLs at GPX1, SELENBP1, GPX3, SLC30A9, and SLC39A8. Overall, this detailed study of various molecular phenotypes illustrates the role of regulatory variants in explaining differences in trace element homeostasis among populations and in the human adaptive response to environmental pressures related to micronutrients. PMID:26582562

Vertical distribution of trace-element concentrations and occurrence of metallurgical slag particles in accumulated bed sediments of Lake Roosevelt, Washington, September 2002

USGS Publications Warehouse

Cox, S.E.; Bell, P.R.; Lowther, J.S.; Van Metre, P.C.

2005-01-01

Sediment cores were collected from six locations in Lake Roosevelt to determine the vertical distributions of trace-element concentrations in the accumulated sediments of Lake Roosevelt. Elevated concentrations of arsenic, cadmium, copper, lead, mercury, and zinc occurred throughout much of the accumulated sediments. Concentrations varied greatly within the sediment core profiles, often covering a range of 5 to 10 fold. Trace-element concentrations typically were largest below the surficial sediments in the lower one-half of each profile, with generally decreasing concentrations from the 1964 horizon to the surface of the core. The trace-element profiles reflect changes in historical discharges of trace elements to the Columbia River by an upstream smelter. All samples analyzed exceeded clean-up guidelines adopted by the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation for cadmium, lead, and zinc and more than 70 percent of the samples exceeded cleanup guidelines for mercury, arsenic, and copper. Although 100 percent of the samples exceeded sediment guidelines for cadmium, lead, and zinc, surficial concentrations of arsenic, copper, and mercury in some cores were less than the sediment-quality guidelines. With the exception of copper, the trace-element profiles of the five cores collected along the pre-reservoir Columbia River channel typically showed trends of decreasing concentrations in sediments deposited after the 1964 time horizon. The decreasing concentrations of trace elements in the upper half of cores from along the pre-reservoir Columbia River showed a pattern of decreasing concentrations similar to reductions in trace-element loading in liquid effluent from an upstream smelter. Except for arsenic, trace-element concentrations typically were smaller at downstream reservoir locations along the pre-reservoir Columbia River. Trace-element concentration in sediments from the Spokane Arm of the reservoir showed distinct differences compared to the similarities observed in cores from along the pre-reservoir Columbia River. Particles of slag, which have physical and chemical characteristics of slag discharged to the Columbia River by a lead-zinc smelter upstream of the reservoir at Trail, British Columbia, were found in sediments of Lake Roosevelt. Slag particles are more common in the upstream reaches of the reservoir. The chemical composition of the interior matrix of slag collected from Lake Roosevelt closely approximated the reported elemental concentrations of fresh smelter slag, although evidence of slag weathering was observed. Exfoliation flakes were observed on the surface of weathered slag particles isolated from the core sediments. The concentrations of zinc on the exposed surface of slag grains were smaller than concentrations on interior surfaces. Weathering rinds also were observed in the cross section of weathered slag grains, indicating that the glassy slag material was undergoing hydration and chemical weathering. Trace elements observed in accumulated sediments in the middle and lower reaches of the reservoir are more likely due to the input from liquid effluent discharges compared to slag discharges from the upstream smelter.

Marine Bioinorganic Chemistry: The Role of Trace Metals in the Oceanic Cycles of Major Nutrients

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Morel, F. M. M.; Milligan, A. J.; Saito, M. A.

2003-12-01

The bulk of living biomass is chiefly made up of only a dozen "major" elements - carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, phosphorus, sodium, potassium, chlorine, calcium, magnesium, sulfur (and silicon in diatoms) - whose proportions vary within a relatively narrow range in most organisms. A number of trace elements, particularly first row transition metals - manganese, iron, nickel, cobalt, copper, and zinc - are also "essential" for the growth of organisms. At the molecular level, the chemical mechanisms by which such elements function as active centers or structural factors in enzymes and by which they are accumulated and stored by organisms is the central topic of bioinorganic chemistry. At the scale of ocean basins, the interplay of physical, chemical, and biological processes that govern the cycling of biologically essential elements in seawater is the subject of marine biogeochemistry. For those interested in the growth of marine organisms, particularly in the one-half of the Earth's primary production contributed by marine phytoplankton, bioinorganic chemistry and marine biogeochemistry are critically linked by the extraordinary paucity of essential trace elements in surface seawater, which results from their biological utilization and incorporation in sinking organic matter. How marine organisms acquire elements that are present at nano- or picomolar concentrations in surface seawater; how they perform critical enzymatic functions when necessary metal cofactors are almost unavailable are the central topics of "marine bioinorganic chemistry." The central aim of this field is to elucidate at the molecular level the metal-dependent biological processes involved in the major biogeochemical cycles.By examining the solutions that emerged from the problems posed by the scarcity of essential trace elements, marine bioinorganic chemists bring to light hitherto unknown ways to take up or utilize trace elements, new molecules, and newer "essential" elements. Focusing on molecular mechanisms involved in such processes as inorganic carbon fixation, organic carbon respiration, or nitrogen transformation, they explain how the cycles of trace elements are critically linked to those of major nutrients such as carbon or nitrogen. But we have relatively little understanding of the binding molecules and the enzymes that mediate the biochemical role of trace metals in the marine environment. In this sense, this chapter is more a "preview" than a review of the field of marine bioinorganic chemistry. To exemplify the concepts and methods of this field, we have chosen to focus on one of its most important topics: the potentially limiting role of trace elements in primary marine production. As a result we center our discussion on particular subsets of organisms, biogeochemical cycles, and trace elements. Our chief actors are marine phytoplankton, particularly eukaryotes, while heterotrophic bacteria make only cameo appearances. The biogeochemical cycles that will serve as our plot are those of the elements involved in phytoplankton growth, the major algal nutrients - carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, and silicon - leaving aside, e.g., the interesting topic of the marine sulfur cycle. Seven trace metals provide the intrigue: manganese, iron, nickel, cobalt, copper, zinc, and cadmium. But several other trace elements such as selenium, vanadium, molybdenum, and tungsten (and, probably, others not yet identified) will assuredly add further twists in future episodes.We begin this chapter by discussing what we know of the concentrations of trace elements in marine microorganisms and of the relevant mechanisms and kinetics of trace-metal uptake. We then review the biochemical role of trace elements in the marine cycles of carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, and silicon. Using this information, we examine the evidence, emanating from both laboratory cultures and field measurements, relevant to the mechanisms and the extent of control by trace metals of marine biogeochemical cycles. Before concluding with a wistful glimpse of the future of marine bioinorganic chemistry we discuss briefly some paleoceanographic aspects of this new field: how the chemistry of the planet "Earth" - particularly the concentrations of trace elements in the oceans - has evolved since its origin, chiefly as a result of biological processes and how the evolution of life has, in turn, been affected by the availability of essential trace elements.

Alteration of Labile Trace Element Concentrations in Antarctic Meteorites by Weathering: A Five-Year Assessment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, M.-S.; Xiao, X.; Lipschutz, M. E.

1992-07-01

Numerous studies since 1987 demonstrate that, on average, Antarctic populations of specific meteorite groups differ from non-Antarctic falls. Some differences could conceivably reflect alteration during the meteorites' residence in Antarctica while others clearly are preterrestrial origin, predating fall on Earth. Concentrations of certain trace elements (Ag, Au, Bi, Cd, Co, Cs, Ga, In, Rb, Sb, Se, Te, Tl, Zn) determined by RNAA in 45 H4-6 chondrites first provided evidence for Antarctic/non-Antarctic meteorite population differences [1]. Most of these elements are thermally labile (easily lost during extended chondritic heating chondrites) so that their concentrations give important information on the thermal history of meteoritic material. Refractory elements cannot give such information. Factors possibly complicating establishment of compositional differences as preterrestrial--meteorite pairing, population reproducibility, analyst bias, and statistical modeling--are of demonstrated in consequence [1-4]. Indeed, compositional differences exist [3,4] between Antarctic meteorite populations (Victoria Land vs. Queen Maud Land) and among observed falls (Cluster 1 vs. other falls). Possibilities for meteorite compositional alteration during Antarctic weathering must be re-assessed as new data are obtained: here, we summarize the current status of this problem. 1. Highly weathered meteorites: Ten of our suite of trace elements have significantly lower mean concentrations (presumably because of leaching) in H5 chondrites of weathering types B/C and C, than in types A, A/B, and B [1]. Meteorites of types A to B-- whether exhibiting efflorescence or not--seem uncompromised [5]. 2. Antarctic meteorites of high weathering susceptibility: Carbonaceous chondrites and lunar meteorites are essentially unaltered by weathering. For example, data for LEW 90500 C(1?) chondrite reported here demonstrate that the 8 most volatile elements (Se, Cs, Te, Zn, Cd, Bi, Tl, In) have a mean Cl- normalized weight ratio of 0.585+-0.069. Other elements--even Rb, which should be easily transported in a phyllosilicate exposed to water--show no evidence for gain or loss in Antarctica. This is true also for 39 other Antarctic C2-6 chondrites [6]; 3 additional Cl-2 chondrites thermally metamorphosed in their parent bodies [7]; and lunar meteorites studied by us and others. Hydration effects are absent in these meteorites. 3. Eucrites exhibiting evidence for Ce transport: A pair of eucrite clast samples (EET 87503,23 interior and exterior), was previously studied by INAA yield REE data suggesting addition of LREE (except Ce) to the interior during Antarctic residence (Mittlefehldt, personal communication). The exterior/interior ratio for Ce, 1.1, is the same as the mean value for our RNAA trace element suite, 1.1+-0.5. Despite the large uncertainty of this ratio (reflecting the normally heterogeneous distribution of labile elements in eucrites--including falls [8]), results for EET 87503,23 are consistent with the interpretation that our suite of labile trace elements is unaffected by the process that affected REE other than Ce. Our elements are probably dispersed among many host sites, rather than being sited in a single host, like whitlockite. More RNAA measurements of additional eucrite pairs should be done to confirm this result. Further, a putative C3 clast exhibits no evidence for terrestrial alteration of RNAA elements, saponitic matrix, etc. even though REE have apparently been leached from basalts in its host eucrite, LEW 85300 [5]. After five years, numerous investigations confirm meteorite population differences consistent with the RNAA results. While Antarctic processes may have affected REE contents in some eucrites, at present no evidence exists for labile trace element transport into/out of interiors of meteorites of weathering types A to B. The absence of evidence is not evidence of absence, so continued vigilance remains necessary. Research supported by NASA grant NAG 9-48, aided by DOE grant DE-FG07-80ER10725J and NATO grant 0252/89. References: 1. Dennison J. E. and Lipschutz M. E. (1987) Geochim. Cosmochim. Acta 51, 741-754. 2. Lipschutz M. E. and Samuels S. M. (1991) Geochim. Cosmochim. Acta 55, 19-34. 3. Wolf S. F. and Lipschutz M. E. (1992) Lunar Planet. Sci. (abstract) XXIII, 1545-1546. 4. Wolf S. F. and Lipschutz M. E. (abstract), this conference. 5. Zolensky M. E., Hewins R. H., Mittlefehldt D. W., Lindstrom M. M., Xiao X., and Lipschutz M. E. (1992) Meteoritics, submitted. 6. Xiao X. and Lipschutz M. E. (1992) J. Geophys. Res. Planets, in press. 7. Paul R. L. and Lipschutz M. E. (1989) Z. Naturf. 44a, 978-987. 8. Paul R. L. and Lipschutz M. E. (1990) Geochim. Cosmochim. Acta 54, 3185-3195.

Atmospheric pollution for trace elements in the remote high-altitude atmosphere in central Asia as recorded in snow from Mt. Qomolangma (Everest) of the Himalayas.

PubMed

Lee, Khanghyun; Hur, Soon Do; Hou, Shugui; Hong, Sungmin; Qin, Xiang; Ren, Jiawen; Liu, Yapping; Rosman, Kevin J R; Barbante, Carlo; Boutron, Claude F

2008-10-01

A series of 42 snow samples covering over a one-year period from the fall of 2004 to the summer of 2005 were collected from a 2.1-m snow pit at a high-altitude site on the northeastern slope of Mt. Everest. These samples were analyzed for Al, V, Cr, Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Rb, Sr, Cd, Sb, Pb, and Bi in order to characterize the relative contributions from anthropogenic and natural sources to the fallout of these elements in central Himalayas. Our data were also considered in the context of monsoon versus non-monsoon seasons. The mean concentrations of the majority of the elements were determined to be at the pg g(-1) level with a strong variation in concentration with snow depth. While the mean concentrations of most of the elements were significantly higher during the non-monsoon season than during the monsoon season, considerable variability in the trace element inputs to the snow was observed during both periods. Cu, Zn, As, Cd, Sb, and Bi displayed high crustal enrichment factors (EFc) in most samples, while Cr, Ni, Rb, and Pb show high EFc values in some of the samples. Our data indicate that anthropogenic inputs are potentially important for these elements in the remote high-altitude atmosphere in the central Himalayas. The relationship between the EFc of each element and the Al concentration indicates that a dominant input of anthropogenic trace elements occurs during both the monsoon and non-monsoon seasons, when crustal contribution is relatively minor. Finally, a comparison of the trace element fallout fluxes calculated in our samples with those recently obtained at Mont Blanc, Greenland, and Antarctica provides direct evidence for a geographical gradient of the atmospheric pollution with trace elements on a global scale.

Comparison of trace element concentrations in livers of diseased, emaciated and non-diseased southern sea otters from the California coast

USGS Publications Warehouse

Kannan, K.; Agusa, T.; Perrotta, E.; Thomas, N.J.; Tanabe, S.

2006-01-01

Infectious diseases have been implicated as a cause of high rates of adult mortality in southern sea otters. Exposure to environmental contaminants can compromise the immuno-competence of animals, predisposing them to infectious diseases. In addition to organic pollutants, certain trace elements can modulate the immune system in marine mammals. Nevertheless, reports of occurrence of trace elements, including toxic heavy metals, in sea otters are not available. In this study, concentrations of 20 trace elements (V, Cr, Mn, Co, Cu, Zn, Rb, Sr, Mo, Ag, Cd, In, Sn, Sb, Cs, Ba, Hg, Tl, Pb, and Bi) were measured in livers of southern sea otters found dead along the central California coast (n = 80) from 1992 to 2002. Hepatic concentrations of trace elements were compared among sea otters that died from infectious diseases (n = 27), those that died from non-infectious causes (n = 26), and otters that died in emaciated condition with no evidence of another cause of death (n = 27). Concentrations of essential elements in sea otters varied within an order of magnitude, whereas concentrations of non-essential elements varied by two to five orders of magnitude. Hepatic concentrations of Cu and Cd were 10- to 100-fold higher in the sea otters in this study than concentrations reported for any other marine mammal species. Concentrations of Mn, Co, Zn, and Cd were elevated in the diseased and emaciated sea otters relative to the non-diseased sea otters. Elevated concentrations of essential elements such as Mn, Zn, and Co in the diseased/emaciated sea otters suggest that induction of synthesis of metallothionein and superoxide dismutase (SOD) enzyme is occurring in these animals, as a means of protecting the cells from oxidative stress-related injuries. Trace element profiles in diseased and emaciated sea otters suggest that oxidative stress mediates the perturbation of essential-element concentrations. Elevated concentrations of toxic metals such as Cd, in addition to several other organic pollutants, may contribute to oxidative stress-meditated effects in sea otters.

Widespread pollution of the South American atmosphere predates the industrial revolution by 240 y

PubMed Central

Uglietti, Chiara; Gabrielli, Paolo; Cooke, Colin A.; Vallelonga, Paul; Thompson, Lonnie G.

2015-01-01

In the Southern Hemisphere, evidence for preindustrial atmospheric pollution is restricted to a few geological archives of low temporal resolution that record trace element deposition originating from past mining and metallurgical operations in South America. Therefore, the timing and the spatial impact of these activities on the past atmosphere remain poorly constrained. Here we present an annually resolved ice core record (A.D. 793–1989) from the high-altitude drilling site of Quelccaya (Peru) that archives preindustrial and industrial variations in trace elements. During the precolonial period (i.e., pre-A.D. 1532), the deposition of trace elements was mainly dominated by the fallout of aeolian dust and of ash from occasional volcanic eruptions, indicating that metallurgic production during the Inca Empire (A.D. 1438−1532) had a negligible impact on the South American atmosphere. In contrast, a widespread anthropogenic signal is evident after around A.D. 1540, which corresponds with the beginning of colonial mining and metallurgy in Peru and Bolivia, ∼240 y before the Industrial Revolution. This shift was due to a major technological transition for silver extraction in South America (A.D. 1572), from lead-based smelting to mercury amalgamation, which precipitated a massive increase in mining activities. However, deposition of toxic trace metals during the Colonial era was still several factors lower than 20th century pollution that was unprecedented over the entirety of human history. PMID:25675506

Quantitative Analysis of Trace Element Impurity Levels in Some Gem-Quality Diamonds

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McNeill, J. C.; Klein-Bendavid, O.; Pearson, D. G.; Nowell, G. M.; Ottley, C. J.; Chinn, I.; Malarkey, J.

2009-05-01

Perhaps the most important information required to understand the origin of diamonds is the nature of the fluid that they crystallise from. Constraining the identity of the diamond-forming fluid for high purity gem diamonds is hampered by analytical challenges because of the very low analyte levels involved. Here we use a new ultra- low blank 'off-line' laser ablation method coupled to sector-field ICPMS for the quantitative analysis of fluid-poor gem diamonds. Ten diamonds comprised of both E- and P-type parageneses, from the Premier Mine, South Africa, were analysed for trace element abundances. We assume that the elemental signatures arise from low densities of sub-microscopic fluid inclusions that are analogous to the much higher densities of fluid inclusions commonly found within fluid-rich diamonds exhibiting fibrous growth. Repeatability of multiple (>20) blanks yielded consistently low values so that using the current procedure our limits of quantitation (10-ã blank) are <1pg for most trace elements, except for Sr, Zr, Ba, from 2-9pg and Pb ~30pg. Trace element patterns of the Premier diamond suite show enrichment of LREE over HREE. Abundances broadly decrease with increasing elemental compatibility. As a suite the chondrite normalised diamond patterns show negative Sr, Zr, Ti and Y anomalies and positive U, and Pb anomalies. All sample abundances are very depleted relative to chondrites (0.1 to 0.001X ch). HREE range from 0.1 to 1ppb as do Y, Nb, Cs. Other lighter elements vary from 2-30ppb. Pb reaches several ppb and Ti ranges from ppb values up to 2ppm. No significant difference were observed between the trace element systematics of the eclogitic and peridotitic diamonds. Overall, these initial data have inter-element fractionation patterns similar to those evident from fluid-rich fibrous diamonds and can be sued to infer that both types of diamond-forming fluids share a common origin.

Trace element analysis of human urine collected after administration of Gd-based MRI contrast agents: characterizing spectral interferences using inorganic mass spectrometry

PubMed Central

Steuerwald, Amy J.; Parsons, Patrick J.; Arnason, John G.; Chen, Zhen; Peterson, C. Matthew; Louis, Germaine M. Buck

2013-01-01

Analysis of human urine is commonly used in biomonitoring studies to assess exposure to essential (e.g., Cu, Zn, Se) and non-essential (Pb, Cd, Pt) trace elements. These data are also used in epidemiological studies to evaluate potential associations between trace element exposure and various health outcomes within a population. Today most trace element analyses are typically performed using quadrupole-based inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (Q-ICP-MS). However, there is always the potential for spectral interferences with Q-ICP-MS instrumentation, especially when analyzing human specimens that may contain medications and other exogenous substances. Moreover, such xenobiotics may be unknown to the investigators. In a recent study focusing on environmental exposures and endometriosis: Endometriosis: Natural History, Diagnosis, and Outcomes (ENDO Study), urine specimens (n=619) were collected from participating women upon enrollment into the study or prior to surgery or pelvic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and analyzed for 21 trace elements by Q-ICP-MS. Here we report on some anomalous results observed for Se and Pt with elevated concentrations up to several orders of magnitude greater than what might be expected based on established reference intervals. Further investigations using Sector Field (SF-) ICP-MS instrumentation led to identification of doubly charged and polyatomic gadolinium (Gd) species traced to a Gd-based contrast agent that was administered to some subjects just prior to urine collection. Specifically, interferences from Gd2+ and several minor polyatomics were identified as interferences on all of the major isotopes of Se including 74Se, 76Se, 77Se, 78Se, 80Se, and 82Se. While trace amounts of Pt were present in the urine, a number of Gd-containing polyatomic species were also evident as major interferences on all isotopes of Pt (190Pt, 192Pt, 194Pt, 195Pt, 196Pt, and 198Pt), including Gd-chlorides, Gd-argides, and Gd-oxides. These observations underscore the importance of considering potential isobaric interferences when interpreting unusual trace element results for clinical specimens. PMID:27397951

Comparison of essential and toxic elements in esophagus, lung, mouth and urinary bladder male cancer patients with related to controls.

PubMed

Kazi, Tasneem Gul; Wadhwa, Sham Kumar; Afridi, Hassan Imran; Talpur, Farah Naz; Tuzen, Mustafa; Baig, Jameel Ahmed

2015-05-01

There is a compelling evidence in support of negative associations between essential trace and toxic elements in different types of cancer. The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship between carcinogenic (As, Cd, Ni) and anti-carcinogenic (Se, Zn) trace elements in scalp hair samples of different male cancerous patients (esophagus, lung, mouth, and urinary bladder). For comparative purposes, the scalp hair samples of healthy males of the same age group (ranged 35-65 years) as controls were analyzed. Both controls and patients have the same socioeconomic status, localities, dietary habits, and smoking locally made cigarette. The scalp hair samples were oxidized by 65% nitric acid: 30% hydrogen peroxide (2:1) ratio in microwave oven followed by atomic absorption spectrometry. The validity and accuracy of the methodology were checked using certified reference material of human hair BCR 397. The mean concentrations of As, Cd, and Ni were found to be significantly higher in scalp hair samples of patients having different cancers as compared to the controls, while reverse results were obtained in the case of Se and Zn levels (p < 0.01). The study revealed that the carcinogenic processes are significantly affecting the trace elements burden and mutual interaction of essential trace and toxic elements in the cancerous patients.

Intertidal geothermal hot springs as a source of trace elements to the coastal zone: A case study from Bahía Concepción, Gulf of California.

PubMed

Leal-Acosta, María Luisa; Shumilin, Evgueni; Mirlean, Nicolai; Baturina, Elena Lounejeva; Sánchez-Rodríguez, Ignacio; Delgadillo-Hinojosa, Francisco; Borges-Souza, José

2018-03-01

We investigated the influence of the intertidal geothermal hot spring (GHS) on the biogeochemistry of trace elements in Santispac Bight, Bahía Concepción (Gulf of California). The geothermal fluids were enriched in As and Hg mainly in ionic form. The suspended particulate matter of the GHS had elevated enrichment factor (EF) >1 of As, Bi, Cd, Co, Cu, Mn, Mo, Sb, Sn, Sr, Ti, U and Zn. The sediment core from GHS1 had high concentration of As, Hg, C org , S, V, Mo, and U and the extremely high EF of these elements at 8cm of the core. The maximum bioaccumulation of As and Hg was in seaweeds Sargassum sinicola collected near the GHS2. The results confirm the input of trace elements to the coastal zone in Bahía Concepción from geothermal fluids and the evident modification of the chemical composition of the adjacent marine environment. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Trace element fluxes during the last 100 years in sediment near a nuclear power plant

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bojórquez-Sánchez, S.; Marmolejo-Rodríguez, A. J.; Ruiz-Fernández, A. C.; Sánchez-González, A.; Sánchez-Cabeza, J. A.; Bojórquez-Leyva, H.; Pérez-Bernal, L. H.

2017-11-01

The Salada coastal lagoon is located in Veracruz (Mexico) near the Laguna Verde Nuclear Power Plant (LVNPP). Currently, the lagoon receives the cooling waters used in the LVNPP. To evaluate the fluxes and mobilization of trace elements due to human activities in the area, two sediment cores from the coastal flood plains of Salada Lagoon were analysed. Cores were collected using PVC tubes. Sediments cores were analysed every centimetre for dating (210Pb by alpha detector) and trace metal analysis using ICP-Mass Spectrometry. The dating of both sediment cores covers the period from 1900 to 2013, which includes the construction of the LVNPP (1970's). The Normalized Enrichment Factor shows enrichment of Ag, As and Cr in both sediment cores. These enrichments correspond to the extent of mining activity (which reached a maximum in the 1900's) and to the geological setting of the coastal zone. The profiles of the element fluxes in both sediment cores reflected the construction and operation of the LVNPP; however, the elements content did not show evidence of pollution coming from the LVNPP.

Evaluation of Trace Elements and Their Relationship with Growth and Development of Young Children.

PubMed

Cao, Jia; Gao, Zhenyan; Yan, Jin; Li, Minming; Su, Jia; Xu, Jian; Yan, Chong-Huai

2016-06-01

This study was conducted to assess the levels of trace elements and their relationship with growth and development of children in Shanghai, China, to offer scientific evidence for supplementing trace elements in children. A stratified, clustered, random sampling method was used in the study. Blood samples were taken from 2141 Shanghai children from 0 to 6.0 years old, and the concentrations of zinc (Zn), calcium (Ca), iron (Fe), copper (Cu), and magnesium (Mg) were measured using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Nutritional status was determined and Z-scores of anthropometric parameters, such as height for age (HFA), weight for age (WFA), and body mass index (BMI) were calculated, indicated by HAZ, WAZ, and BMIZ, respectively. The overall median blood levels of Zn, Ca, Fe, Cu, and Mg were 8.83, 79.02, 9.49, 1.04, and 15.45 mg/L, respectively. Fe, Cu, and Mg increased with age and Zn, Fe, and Cu differed by sex. HAZ and WAZ were positively correlated with Zn (r (2) = 0.072 and 0.053, respectively; P < 0.05). Trace elements were significantly related to children's growth and development. Dietary supplementation and screening of nutritional states are potential solutions to improve children's growth and development.

Petroleum formation during serpentinization: the evidence of trace elements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Szatmari, P.; Fonseca, T. C.; Miekeley, N. F.

2002-05-01

An organic source of petroleum formation is well attested by many biomarkers. This need not, however, exclude contribution from inorganic sources. During serpentinization, in the absence of free oxygen, oxidation of bivalent Fe to magnetite breaks up the water molecule, generating hydrogen and creating one of the most reducing environments near the Earth's surface (Janecky & Seyfried, 1986). Szatmari (1989) proposed that some petroleum forms at plate boundaries by Fischer-Tropsch-type synthesis over serpentinizing peridotites and suggested that Ni, an element rare in the continental crust but important in both petroleum and the mantle, may be indicative of such a source. Recently, Holm and Charlou (2001) observed hydrocarbon formation by Fischer-Tropsch-type synthesis over serpentinizing peridotites of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. To test whether the relative amounts of other trace elements in petroleum are in agreement with a serpentinizing source, we analyzed by internally coupled plasma-mass spectroscopy (ICP-MS) 22 trace elements in 68 oils sampled in seven sedimentary basins throughout Brazil. We found that trace elements in the oils correlate well with mantle peridotites and reflects the process of hydrothermal serpentinization during continental breakup. Four groups may be distinguished. In serpentinites, trace elements of the first group, Ti, Cr, Mn, and Fe, are largely retained in low-solubility magnetite and other spinels formed during serpentinization or inherited from the original peridotites. In the oils, when normalized to mantle peridotites, these elements are at relatively low levels, about 10,000 times less than their abundances in mantle peridotites, reflecting their low availability from stable minerals. In contrast, trace elements of the second group, which includes V, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Ga, Rb, Sr, Y, Ba, La, Ce, and Nd, pass during serpentinization mostly into serpentine minerals or solution. In the oils, when normalized to mantle peridotites, these elements are at higher levels than those of the first group, about 300 times less than their abundances in mantle peridotites, reflecting their higher availability during serpentinization. Within both groups, trace metal ratios and A/(A+B) type proportionalities in the oils are close to mantle peridotites. V behaves somewhat differently: in lacustrine sequences V contents in the oils are low and the ratios of V to other elements of the second group are mantle-like, whereas in marine sequences V and its ratios to other trace elements rise by orders of magnitude. Trace elements commonly enriched in formation fluids and hydrothermal brines (Rb, Sr, Ba, Cu, Zn), when normalized to mantle peridotites, are enriched in the oils by about 0.5 order of magnitude relative to other elements of the second group. The third group of elements includes S, Mo, and As. These elements occur in the oils at abundances similar to sea water and are, when normalized to mantle peridotites and Ni, enriched in the oils by several orders of magnitude, indicating sea water reacting with peridotites during sepentinization as their possible source. Finally trace elements of the fourth group, such as Pb and Ag, are enriched in the oils by several orders of magnitude relative to both mantle peridotites and sea water and were presumably mobilized from shales by hydrothermal fluids. References:Holm, N.G. and Charlou, J.L., 2001, EPSL 191, 1-8. Janecky, D.R. and Seyfried, W.E., 1986, Geochim. Cosmochim. Acta 50, 1357-1378. Szatmari, P., 1989, AAPG Bull. 73, 989-998.

Distribution and mobility of selenium and other trace elements in shallow groundwater of the western San Joaquin Valley, California

USGS Publications Warehouse

Deverel, S.J.; Milliard, S.P.

1988-01-01

Samples of shallow groundwater that underlies much of the irrigated area in the western San Joaquin Valley, CA, were analyzed for various major ions and trace elements, including selenium. Concentrations of the major ions generally were similar for groundwater collected in the two primary geologic zones - the alluvial fan and basin trough. Selenium concentrations are significantly (α = 0.05) higher in the groundwater of the alluvial-fan zone than in that of the basin-trough zone. The concentrations of oxyanion trace elements were significantly correlated (α = 0.05) with groundwater salinity, but the correlations between selenium and salinity and between molybdenum and salinity were significantly different (α = 0.05) in the alluvial-fan geologic zone compared with those in the basin-trough geologic zone. The evidence suggests that the main factors affecting selenium concentrations in the shallow groundwater are the degree of groundwater salinity and the geologic source of the alluvial soil material.

Sources of volatiles in basalts from the Galapagos Archipelago: deep and shallow evidence

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Peterson, M. E.; Saal, A. E.; Hauri, E. H.; Werner, R.; Hauff, S. F.; Kurz, M. D.; Geist, D.; Harpp, K. S.

2010-12-01

The study of volatiles (H2O, CO2, F, S, and Cl) is important because volatiles assert a strong influence on mantle melting and magma crystallization, as well as on the viscosity and rheology of the mantle. Despite this importance, there have been a minimal number of volatile studies done on magmas from the four main mantle sources that define the end member compositions of the Galapagos lavas. For this reason, we here present new volatile concentrations of 89 submarine glass chips from dredges collected across the archipelago during the SONNE SO158, PLUM02, AHA-NEMO, and DRIFT04 cruises. All samples, with the exception of six, were collected at depths greater than 1000m. Major elements (E-probe), and volatile and trace elements (SIMS), are analyzed on the same glass chip, using 4 chips per sample, to better represent natural and analytical variation. Trace element contents reveal three main compositional groups: an enriched group typical of OIB, a group with intermediate compositions, and a group with a depleted trace element composition similar to MORB. The absolute ranges of volatile contents for all three compositional groups are .098-1.15wt% for H2O, 10.7-193.7 ppm for CO2, 61.4-806.5 ppm for F, 715.8-1599.2 ppm for S and 3.8-493.3 for Cl. The effect of degassing, sulfide saturation and assimilation of hydrothermally altered material must be understood before using the volatile content of submarine glasses to establish the primary volatile concentration of basalts and their mantle sources. CO2 has a low solubility in basaltic melts causing it to extensively degas. Based on the CO2/Nb ratio, we estimate the extent of degassing for the Galapagos lavas to range from approximately undegassed to 90% degassed. We demonstrate that 98% of the samples are sulfur undersaturated. Therefore, sulfur will behave as a moderately incompatible element during magmatic processes. Finally, we evaluate the effect of assimilation of hydrothermally altered material on the volatile content of the lavas. This process is evident when volatile/refractory element ratios are compared to the trace elements indicative of interaction between melt and the oceanic lithosphere such as a positive Sr anomaly (Sr*) in a primitive mantle normalized diagram. This is indicative of the interaction of basaltic melts with plagioclase cumulates. For the Galapagos depleted submarine glasses, we find a positive correlation between Sr* and all volatile/refractory element ratios suggesting significant volatile input from melt-lithosphere interaction. These samples, due to their low trace element concentrations, readily show the alteration signature, thus making the establishment of their primitive volatile content difficult. As a result, we will present the primary volatile concentrations for the trace element intermediate and enriched groups after careful consideration for degassing, sulfide saturation, and assimilation of hydrothermally altered material.

Assessing man-induced environmental changes in the Sepetiba Bay (Southeastern Brazil) with geochemical and satellite data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Araújo, Daniel Ferreira; Peres, Lucas G. M.; Yepez, Santiago; Mulholland, Daniel S.; Machado, Wilson; Tonhá, Myller; Garnier, Jérémie

2017-10-01

The Sepetiba Bay, Southeastern Brazil, has undergone intense environmental changes due to anthropogenic influence. This work aims to: (i) evaluate the changes in the drainage landscape use over the last decades, (ii) identify new and past punctual and diffuse anthropogenic sources and assess risks of man-induced disturbances of the coastal zones of Sepetiba. A multivariate statistics approach on the sediment's elemental geochemical dataset discriminated three groups: the electroplating waste-affected elements (As, Cd, Pb, Cu and Zn), terrigenous elements (Si, K, Ti, Al and Fe), and biogenic and carbonate-derived elements (Ca, Mg, Mn, P, Ni, and Cr). Sediment core profiles of trace elements evidence records of former environmental impacts from old metallurgical wastes. Analysis of two Landsat images from 30 years ago and 2015 reveals a decrease in the mangrove area of nearly 26%. The ongoing suppression of mangroves could enhance the release of trace elements into the Sepetiba Bay, increasing the risks to human and biota health.

Magma Chamber of the 26.5 ka Oruanui Eruption, Taupo Volcano, New Zealand

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Y.; Anderson, A. T.; Wilson, C. J.; Davis, A. M.

2004-12-01

We have investigated melt inclusions and their host quartz crystals from the Bishop-Tuff-sized 26.5 ka Oruanui eruption at Taupo volcano, New Zealand. Compositions (major and trace elements, H2O and CO2) of melt inclusions and cathodoluminescence (CL) images of quartz were obtained for eight individual pumices from early, middle and late depositional units. All melt inclusions are high-silica weakly peraluminous rhyolites. Melt inclusions for different eruptive phases have similar ranges of H2O contents (3.8-5.2 wt %), but late-erupted samples have higher CO2 contents (mostly > 140 ppm). A positive correlation between CO2 and compatible trace elements such as Sr suggests that crystallization and melt entrapment occurred under gas-saturated conditions. Trace elements variations in melt inclusions are consistent with fractionation of 30-40 wt % crystals (plagioclase+quartz+pyroxene+amphibole). Crystal contents in pumices, trace-element contents in melt inclusions, and CL zoning patterns of quartz show no correlation with eruptive phases, suggesting that the Oruanui magma was well mixed before eruption. Some Oruanui quartz crystals contain distinctive CL zonings with a jagged ('restitic') core mantled by a black CL zone. Trace element variations in melt inclusions in the 'restitic' cores are consistent with fractionation of Ba-bearing minerals such as sanidine and/or biotite, both of which are rare or absent in rocks erupted from Taupo volcanic center. The above evidence suggests that Oruanui rhyolite is generated by assimilation of previous intruded rocks or country rocks, differentiated by crystal fractionation, and then mixed prior to eruption. Despite the differences in trace element and volatile contents, and crystal assemblages, both Bishop Tuff and Oruanui magmas involve crystal fractionation as one of the main differentiation mechanisms during their evolution. However, there are pronounced differences in the pre-eruptive stratification of the two chambers, which may reflect the tectonic settings, eruption rates, and ages of the systems.

Trace element analyses of fluid-bearing diamonds from Jwaneng, Botswana

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schrauder, Marcus; Koeberl, Christian; Navon, Oded

1996-12-01

Fibrous diamonds from Botswana contain abundant micro-inclusions, which represent syngenetic mantle fluids under high pressure. The major element composition of the fluids within individual diamonds was found to be uniform, but a significant compositional variation exists between different diamond specimens. The composition of the fluids varies between a carbonatitic and a hydrous endmember. To constrain the composition of fluids in the mantle, the trace element contents of thirteen micro-inclusion-bearing fibrous diamonds from Botswana was studied using neutron activation analysis. The concentrations of incompatible elements (including K, Na, Br, Rb, Sr, Zr, Cs, Ba, Hf, Ta, Th, U, and the LREEs) in the fluids are higher than those of mantle-derived rocks and melt inclusions. The compatible elements (e.g., Cr, Co, Ni) have abundances that are similar to those of the primitive mantle. The concentrations of most trace elements decrease by a factor of two from the carbonate-rich fluids to the hydrous fluids. Several models may explain the observed elemental variations. Minerals in equilibrium with the fluid were most likely enriched in incompatible elements, which does not agree with derivation of the fluids by partial melting of common peridotites or eclogites. Fractional crystallization of a kimberlite-like magma at depth may yield carbonatitic fluids with low mg numbers (atomic ratio [Mg/(Mg+Fe)]) and high trace element contents. Fractionation of carbonates and additional phases (e.g., rutile, apatite, zircon) may, in general, explain the concentrations of incompatible elements in the fluids, which preferably partition into these phases. Alternatively, mixing of fluids with compositions similar to those of the two endmembers may explain the observed variation of the elemental contents. The fluids in fibrous diamonds might have equilibrated with mineral inclusions in eclogitic diamonds, while peridotitic diamonds do not show evidence of interaction with these fluids. The chemical composition of the fluids in fibrous diamonds indicates that, at p, T conditions that are characteristic for diamond formation, carbonatitic and hydrous fluids are efficient carriers of incompatible elements.

Closure and ratio correlation analysis of lunar chemical and grain size data

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Butler, J. C.

1976-01-01

Major element and major element plus trace element analyses were selected from the lunar data base for Apollo 11, 12 and 15 basalt and regolith samples. Summary statistics for each of the six data sets were compiled, and the effects of closure on the Pearson product moment correlation coefficient were investigated using the Chayes and Kruskal approximation procedure. In general, there are two types of closure effects evident in these data sets: negative correlations of intermediate size which are solely the result of closure, and correlations of small absolute value which depart significantly from their expected closure correlations which are of intermediate size. It is shown that a positive closure correlation will arise only when the product of the coefficients of variation is very small (less than 0.01 for most data sets) and, in general, trace elements in the lunar data sets exhibit relatively large coefficients of variation.

A factor influence study of trace element bioaccumulation in moss bags.

PubMed

Cesa, M; Campisi, B; Bizzotto, A; Ferraro, C; Fumagalli, F; Nimis, P L

2008-10-01

Moss bags of Rhynchostegium riparioides were exposed to different water concentrations of 11 trace elements under laboratory conditions, according to a saturated fractional factorial design (67 treated combinations), with the aim of measuring (1) element uptake and (2) the main effects and first-order interactions of influent factors. Bioaccumulation was directly proportional to water concentration, but the uptake ratio (ranging from 10(2) to 10(5)) also depended on the concentration of other metals. The highest uptake ratios were observed for Al, Cu, Cr, Hg, and Pb. The multiple regression model showed that interactions among elements exist and induce both antagonism (Fe is the most frequent competitor) and synergism (Cr exerts a great influence on Pb and Zn uptake). Interactions might be relatively strong (as for As, Cr, and Pb) or weak (Cd and Hg). This evidence should be taken into consideration in biomonitoring surveys of industrial sites, where effluents release more than one contaminant.

Trace element distribution in waters of the northern catchment area of Lake Linneret, northern Israel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sandler, A.; Brenner, I. B.; Halicz, L.

1988-02-01

Waters of the northern watershed of Lake Kineret, sampled during the period 1978 1983, were analyzed for their major and trace element contents. The trace element concentrations of the major water sources of the watershed (the Dan and Banias springs) represent background values. After emergence, the waters are subjected to human activity. In crossing the populated and cultivated Hula Basin in man-made canals, the major and trace element contents increase. In comparison to the trace element concentrations, those of the major elements have narrow ranges and small temporal fluctuations. Trace element concentrations varied by 3 orders of magnitude, and temporal variations were large but not neccessarily seasonal. Point sources of trace elements were urban effluents, fish pond wastes, and peat soil drainage. The trace element concentrations decrease in the waters of the last segment of the Jordan River. All measured trace elements were below the criteria levels established by regulatory agencies. Several, however, were of the same order of magnitude. Addition of wastes from enhanced recycling, and morphologic modification of the final course of the Jordan River could result in increase in the trace element concentrations in the water.

The occurrence of trace elements in bed sediment collected from areas of varying land use and potential effects on stream macroinvertebrates in the conterminous western United States, Alaska, and Hawaii, 1992-2000

USGS Publications Warehouse

Paul, Angela P.; Paretti, Nicholas V.; MacCoy, Dorene E.; Brasher, Anne M.D.

2012-01-01

As part of the National Water-Quality Assessment Program of the U.S. Geological Survey, this study examines the occurrence of nine trace elements in bed sediment of varying mineralogy and land use and assesses the possible effects of these trace elements on aquatic-macroinvertebrate community structure. Samples of bed sediment and macroinvertebrates were collected from 154 streams at sites representative of undeveloped, agricultural, urban, mined, or mixed land-use areas and 12 intermediate-scale ecoregions within the conterminous western United States, Alaska, and Hawaii from 1992 to 2000. The nine trace elements evaluated during this study—arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), nickel (Ni), selenium (Se), and zinc (Zn)—were selected on the basis of potential ecologic significance and availability of sediment-quality guidelines. At most sites, the occurrence of these trace elements in bed sediment was at concentrations consistent with natural geochemical abundance, and the lowest concentrations were in bed-sediment samples collected from streams in undeveloped and agricultural areas. With the exception of Zn at sampling sites influenced by historic mining-related activities, median concentrations of all nine trace elements in bed sediment collected from sites representative of the five general land-use areas were below concentrations predicted to be harmful to aquatic macroinvertebrates. The highest concentrations of As, Cd, Pb, and Zn were in bed sediment collected from mined areas. Median concentrations of Cu and Ni in bed sediment were similarly enriched in areas of mining, urban, and mixed land use. Concentrations of Cr and Ni appear to originate largely from geologic sources, especially in the western coastal states (California, Oregon, and Washington), Alaska, and Hawaii. In these areas, naturally high concentrations of Cr and Ni can exceed concentrations that may adversely affect aquatic macroinvertebrates. Generally, Hg concentrations were below the sediment-quality guideline for this trace element but appeared elevated in urbanized areas and at sites contaminated by historic mining practices. Lastly, although there was no distinctive pattern in Se concentrations with land use, median bed-sediment concentrations were slightly elevated in urbanized areas.Macroinvertebrate community structure was influenced by topographic, geologic, climatic, and in-stream characteristics. To account for inherent distribution patterns resulting from these influences, samples of macroinvertebrates were stratified by ecoregion to assess the influence of trace elements on community structure. Cumulative toxic units (CTUs) were used to evaluate gradients in trace-element concentrations in mixture. Correlation analyses among the trace elements under different land-use conditions indicate that trace-element mixtures vary among bed sediment and can have a marked influence on CTU composition. Macroinvertebrate response to bed-sediment trace-element exposure was evident only at the most highly contaminated sites, notably at sites classified as contaminated by the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) as a result of historic mining activities. Results of this study agree with the findings of other studies evaluating trace-element exposure to in-stream macroinvertebrate community structure in that generally lower richness metrics and taxa dominance occur in streams where high trace-element enrichment occurs; however, not all streams in all areas have the same characterizing taxa. In the mountain and xeric ecosystems, the mayfly, Baetis sp.; the Diptera, Simulium sp.; caddisflies in the family Hydropsychiidae; midges in the family Orthocladiinae; and the worms belonging to Turbellaria and Naididae all demonstrated resilience to trace-element exposure and, in some cases, possible changes in physical habitat within stream ecosystems. The taxa characteristics within the Ozark Highland ecoregion were different than other ecoregions as evidenced by generally more diverse mayfly populations. In addition, Baetis sp. was common and dominated many of the mayfly populations found in the Rocky Mountain streams within the Mountain Southern Rockies and Mountain Northern Rockies ecoregions; however, within the Ozark Highland ecoregion, Tricorythodes sp. appeared to be more common than Baetis sp.

Trace elements in fish from Taihu Lake, China: levels, associated risks, and trophic transfer.

PubMed

Hao, Ying; Chen, Liang; Zhang, Xiaolan; Zhang, Dongping; Zhang, Xinyu; Yu, Yingxin; Fu, Jiamo

2013-04-01

Concentrations of eight trace elements [iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), chromium (Cr), mercury (Hg), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), and arsenic (As)] were measured in a total of 198 samples covering 24 fish species collected from Taihu Lake, China, in September 2009. The trace elements were detected in all samples, and the total mean concentrations ranged from 18.2 to 215.8 μg/g dw (dry weight). The concentrations of the trace elements followed the sequence of Zn>Fe>Mn>Cr>As>Hg>Pb>Cd. The measured trace element concentrations in fish from Taihu Lake were similar to or lower than the reported values in fish around the world. The metal pollution index was used to compare the total trace element accumulation levels among various species. Toxabramis swinhonis (1.606) accumulated the highest level of the total trace elements, and Saurogobio dabryi (0.315) contained the lowest. The concentrations of human non-essential trace elements (Hg, Cd, Pb, and As) were lower than the allowable maximum levels in fish in China and the European Union. The relationships between the trace element concentrations and the δ(15)N values of fish species were used to investigate the trophic transfer potential of the trace elements. Of the trace elements, Hg might be biomagnified through the food chain in Taihu Lake if the significant level of p-value was set at 0.1. No biomagnification and biodilution were observed for other trace elements. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Trace elements in shells of common gastropods in the near vicinity of a natural CO2 vent: no evidence of pH-dependent contamination

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McClintock, J. B.; Amsler, C. D.; Amsler, M. O.; Duquette, A.; Angus, R. A.; Hall-Spencer, J. M.; Milazzo, M.

2014-04-01

There is concern that the use of natural volcanic CO2 vents as analogs for studies of the impacts of ocean acidification on marine organisms are biased due to physiochemical influences other than seawater pH alone. One issue that has been raised is whether potentially harmful trace elements in sediments that are rendered more soluble and labile in low pH environments are made more bioavailable, and sequestered in the local flora and fauna at harmful levels. In order to evaluate this hypothesis, we analyzed the concentrations of trace elements in shells (an established proxy for tissues) of four species of gastropods (two limpets, a topshell and a whelk) collected from three sites in Levante Bay, Vulcano Island. Each sampling site increased in distance from the primary CO2 vent and thus represented low, moderate, and ambient seawater pH conditions. Concentrations of As, Cd, Co, Cr, Hg, Mo, Ni, Pb, and V measured in shells using ICP-OES were below detection thresholds for all four gastropod species at all three sites. However, there were measurable concentrations of Sr, Mn, and U in the shells of the limpets Patella caerulea, P. rustica, and the snail Osilinus turbinatus, and similarly, Sr, Mn, U, and also Zn in the shells of the whelk Hexaplex trunculus. Levels of these elements were within the ranges measured in gastropod shells in non-polluted environments, and with the exception of U in the shells of P. caerulea, where the concentration was significantly lower at the collecting site closest to the vent (low pH site), there were no site-specific spatial differences in concentrations for any of the trace elements in shells. Thus trace element enhancement in sediments in low-pH environments was not reflected in greater bioaccumulations of potentially harmful elements in the shells of common gastropods.

Recycling of trace elements required for humans in CELSS.

PubMed

Ashida, A

1994-11-01

Recycle of complete nourishment necessary for human should be constructed in CELSS (Controlled Ecological Life Support Systems). Essential elements necessary for human support are categorized as major elements, semi-major elements and trace elements. Recently, trace elements have been identified from considerations of local diseases, food additive problems, pollution problems and adult diseases, consisting of Fe, Zn, Cu, Se, Co, F, Si, Mn, Cr, I, As, Mo, Ni, V, Sn, Li, Br, Cd, Pb, B. A review of the biogeochemical history of the earth's biosphere and the physiological nature of humans and plants explains some of the requirements. A possible route for intake of trace elements is considered that trace elements are dissolved in some chemical form in water, absorbed by plants through their roots and then transfered to human as foods. There may be a possibility that living things absorb some trace elements from atmosphere. Management and recycling of trace elements in CELSS is discussed.

Recycling of trace elements required for humans in CELSS

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ashida, A.

1994-11-01

Recycle of complete nourishment necessary for human should be constructed in CELSS (Controlled Ecological Life Support Systems). Essential elements necessary for human support are categorized as major elements, semi-major elements and trace elements. Recently, trace elements have been identified from considerations of local diseases, food additive problems, pollution problems and adult diseases, consisting of Fe, Zn, Cu, Se, Co, F, Si, Mn, Cr, I, As, Mo, Ni, V, Sn, Li, Br, Cd, Pb, B. A review of the biogeochemical history of the earth's biosphere and the physiological nature of humans and plants explains some of the requirements. A possible route for intake of trace elements is considered that trace elements are dissolved in some chemical form in water, absorbed by plants through their roots and then transfered to human as foods. There may be a posibility that living things absorb some trace elements from atmosphere. Management and recycling of trace elements in CELSS is discussed.

The role of the seagrass Posidonia oceanica in the cycling of trace elements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sanz-Lázaro, C.; Malea, P.; Apostolaki, E. T.; Kalantzi, I.; Marín, A.; Karakassis, I.

2012-03-01

The aim of this work was to study the role of the seagrass Posidonia oceanica on the cycling of a wide set of trace elements (Ag, As, Ba, Bi, Cd, Co, Cr, Cs, Cu, Fe, Ga, Li, Mn, Ni, Pb, Rb, Sr, Tl, V and Zn). We measured the concentration of these trace elements in the different compartments of P. oceanica (leaves, rhizomes, roots and epibiota) in a non-polluted seagrass meadow representative of the Mediterranean and calculated the annual budget from a mass balance. We provide novel data on accumulation dynamics of many trace elements in P. oceanica compartments and demonstrate that trace element accumulation patterns are mainly determined by plant compartment rather than by temporal variability. Epibiota was the compartment which showed the greatest concentrations for most trace elements. Thus, they constitute a key compartment when estimating trace element transfer to higher trophic levels by P. oceanica. For most trace elements, translocation seemed to be low and acropetal. Zn, Cd, Sr and Rb were the trace elements that showed the highest release rate through decomposition of plant detritus, while Cs, Tl and Bi the lowest. P. oceanica acts as a sink of potentially toxic trace elements (Ni, Cr, As and Ag), which can be sequestered, decreasing their bioavailability. P. oceanica may have a relevant role in the cycling of trace elements in the Mediterranean.

The role of the seagrass Posidonia oceanica in the cycling of trace elements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sanz-Lázaro, C.; Malea, P.; Apostolaki, E. T.; Kalantzi, I.; Marín, A.; Karakassis, I.

2012-07-01

The aim of this study was to investigate the role of the seagrass Posidonia oceanica on the cycling of a wide set of trace elements (Ag, As, Ba, Bi, Cd, Co, Cr, Cs, Cu, Fe, Ga, Li, Mn, Ni, Pb, Rb, Sr, Tl, V and Zn). We measured the concentration of these trace elements in different compartments of P. oceanica (leaves, rhizomes, roots and epiphytes) in a non-polluted seagrass meadow representative of the Mediterranean and calculated the annual budget from a mass balance. We provide novel data on accumulation dynamics of many trace elements in P. oceanica compartments and demonstrate that trace element accumulation patterns are mainly determined by plant compartment rather than by temporal variability. Epiphytes were the compartment, which showed the greatest concentrations for most trace elements. Thus, they constitute a key compartment when estimating trace element transfer to higher trophic levels by P. oceanica. Trace element translocation in P. oceanica seemed to be low and acropetal in most cases. Zn, Cd, Sr and Rb were the trace elements that showed the highest release rate through decomposition of plant detritus, while Cs, Tl and Bi showed the lowest. P. oceanica acts as a sink of potentially toxic trace elements (Ni, Cr, As and Ag), which can be sequestered, decreasing their bioavailability. P. oceanica may have a relevant role in the cycling of trace elements in the Mediterranean.

Trace Elements and Healthcare: A Bioinformatics Perspective.

PubMed

Zhang, Yan

2017-01-01

Biological trace elements are essential for human health. Imbalance in trace element metabolism and homeostasis may play an important role in a variety of diseases and disorders. While the majority of previous researches focused on experimental verification of genes involved in trace element metabolism and those encoding trace element-dependent proteins, bioinformatics study on trace elements is relatively rare and still at the starting stage. This chapter offers an overview of recent progress in bioinformatics analyses of trace element utilization, metabolism, and function, especially comparative genomics of several important metals. The relationship between individual elements and several diseases based on recent large-scale systematic studies such as genome-wide association studies and case-control studies is discussed. Lastly, developments of ionomics and its recent application in human health are also introduced.

On the incorporation of trace elements into human hair measured with micro-PIXE

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bos, A. J. J.; Van Der Stap, C. C. A. H.; Valković, V.; Vis, R. D.; Verheul, H.

1984-04-01

A study has been made on the incorporation of trace elements into human hair by measuring concentration distributions across hair diameters of selected samples using the Amsterdam proton microbeam. Because hair is considered as a recording filament, reflecting metabolic changes over a period of time, a hair of a young mother was plucked 4 months after delivery of her first child. No change in the Zn and Cu concentrations correlated with the period of gestation was observed. A strong increase of Ca in the distal end must be attributed to outside contamination. From a study of a hair root, including the root sheaths, it is found that the method of incorporation of sulfur (minor element) differs strikingly from the behaviour of the trace elements Zn, Cu, Fe and Ca. The Zn and Cu distributions provide evidence of a, not yet reported, transversal transcellular input route, in which the root sheaths play an important role. From the results it is deduced that Zn and Cu seem to be distributed homogeneously by nature, while Fe, present at a high level in the root sheaths, seems to be peaked by nature on the periphery. The results are discussed against the background of the range of values of concentrations of certain elements found in the literature.

Atmospheric transport of trace elements and nutrients to the oceans

PubMed Central

Chance, R.

2016-01-01

This paper reviews atmospheric inputs of trace elements and nutrients to the oceans in the context of the GEOTRACES programme and provides new data from two Atlantic GEOTRACES cruises. We consider the deposition of nitrogen to the oceans, which is now dominated by anthropogenic emissions, the deposition of mineral dust and related trace elements, and the deposition of other trace elements which have a mixture of anthropogenic and dust sources. We then consider the solubility (as a surrogate for bioavailability) of the various elements. We consider briefly the sources, atmospheric transport and transformations of these elements and how this results in strong spatial deposition gradients. Solubility of the trace elements also varies systematically between elements, reflecting their sources and cycling, and for some trace elements there are also systematic gradients in solubility related to dust loading. Together, these effects create strong spatial gradients in the inputs of bioavailable trace elements to the oceans, and we are only just beginning to understand how these affect ocean biogeochemistry. This article is part of the themed issue ‘Biological and climatic impacts of ocean trace element chemistry’. PMID:29035252

The role of plant-associated bacteria in the mobilization and phytoextraction of trace elements in contaminated soils

PubMed Central

Sessitsch, Angela; Kuffner, Melanie; Kidd, Petra; Vangronsveld, Jaco; Wenzel, Walter W.; Fallmann, Katharina; Puschenreiter, Markus

2013-01-01

Phytoextraction makes use of trace element-accumulating plants that concentrate the pollutants in their tissues. Pollutants can be then removed by harvesting plants. The success of phytoextraction depends on trace element availability to the roots and the ability of the plant to intercept, take up, and accumulate trace elements in shoots. Current phytoextraction practises either employ hyperaccumulators or fast-growing high biomass plants; the phytoextraction process may be enhanced by soil amendments that increase trace element availability in the soil. This review will focus on the role of plant-associated bacteria to enhance trace element availability in the rhizosphere. We report on the kind of bacteria typically found in association with trace element – tolerating or – accumulating plants and discuss how they can contribute to improve trace element uptake by plants and thus the efficiency and rate of phytoextraction. This enhanced trace element uptake can be attributed to a microbial modification of the absorptive properties of the roots such as increasing the root length and surface area and numbers of root hairs, or by increasing the plant availability of trace elements in the rhizosphere and the subsequent translocation to shoots via beneficial effects on plant growth, trace element complexation and alleviation of phytotoxicity. An analysis of data from literature shows that effects of bacterial inoculation on phytoextraction efficiency are currently inconsistent. Some key processes in plant–bacteria interactions and colonization by inoculated strains still need to be unravelled more in detail to allow full-scale application of bacteria assisted phytoremediation of trace element contaminated soils. PMID:23645938

The role of plant-associated bacteria in the mobilization and phytoextraction of trace elements in contaminated soils.

PubMed

Sessitsch, Angela; Kuffner, Melanie; Kidd, Petra; Vangronsveld, Jaco; Wenzel, Walter W; Fallmann, Katharina; Puschenreiter, Markus

2013-05-01

Phytoextraction makes use of trace element-accumulating plants that concentrate the pollutants in their tissues. Pollutants can be then removed by harvesting plants. The success of phytoextraction depends on trace element availability to the roots and the ability of the plant to intercept, take up, and accumulate trace elements in shoots. Current phytoextraction practises either employ hyperaccumulators or fast-growing high biomass plants; the phytoextraction process may be enhanced by soil amendments that increase trace element availability in the soil. This review will focus on the role of plant-associated bacteria to enhance trace element availability in the rhizosphere. We report on the kind of bacteria typically found in association with trace element - tolerating or - accumulating plants and discuss how they can contribute to improve trace element uptake by plants and thus the efficiency and rate of phytoextraction. This enhanced trace element uptake can be attributed to a microbial modification of the absorptive properties of the roots such as increasing the root length and surface area and numbers of root hairs, or by increasing the plant availability of trace elements in the rhizosphere and the subsequent translocation to shoots via beneficial effects on plant growth, trace element complexation and alleviation of phytotoxicity. An analysis of data from literature shows that effects of bacterial inoculation on phytoextraction efficiency are currently inconsistent. Some key processes in plant-bacteria interactions and colonization by inoculated strains still need to be unravelled more in detail to allow full-scale application of bacteria assisted phytoremediation of trace element contaminated soils.

Evidence for a single impact at the Cretaceous-Tertiary boundary from trace elements

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gilmour, Iain; Anders, Edward

1988-01-01

Not only meteoritic elements (Ir, Ni, Au, Pt metals), but also some patently non-meteoritic elements (As, Sb) are enriched at the K-T boundary. Eight enriched elements at 7 K-T sites were compared and it was found that: All have fairly constant proportions to Ir and Kilauea (invoked as an example of a volcanic source of Ir by opponents of the impact theory) has too little of 7 of these 8 elements to account for the boundary enrichments. The distribution of trace elements at the K-T boundary was reexamined using data from 11 sites for which comprehensive are available. The meteoritic component can be assessed by first normalizing the data to Ir, the most obviously extraterrestrial element, and then to Cl chondrites. The double normalization reduces the concentration range from 11 decades to 5 and also facilitates the identification of meteoritic elements. At sites where trace elements were analyzed in sub-divided samples of boundary clay, namely, Caravaca (SP), Stevns Klint (DK), Flaxbourne River (NZ) and Woodside Creek (NZ), Sb, As and Zn are well correlated with Ir across the boundary implying a common deposition mechanism. Elemental carbon is also enriched by up to 10,000 x in boundary clay from 5 K-T sides and is correlated with Ir across the boundary at Woodside Creek. While biomass would appear to be the primary fuel source for this carbon a contribution from a fossil fuel source may be necessary in order to account for the observed C abundance.

Oxygen isotope and trace element evidence for three-stage petrogenesis of the youngest episode (260-79 ka) of Yellowstone rhyolitic volcanism

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Loewen, Matthew W.; Bindeman, Ilya N.

2015-10-01

We report the first high-precision δ18O analyses of glass, δ18O of minerals, and trace element concentrations in glass and minerals for the 260-79 ka Central Plateau Member (CPM) rhyolites of Yellowstone, a >350 km3 cumulative volume of lavas erupted inside of 630 ka Lava Creek Tuff (LCT) caldera. The glass analyses of these crystal-poor rhyolites provide direct characterization of the melt and its evolution through time. The δ18Oglass values are low and mostly homogeneous (4.5 ± 0.14 ‰) within and in between lavas that erupted in four different temporal episodes during 200 ka of CPM volcanism with a slight shift to lower δ18O in the youngest episode (Pitchstone Plateau). These values are lower than Yellowstone basalts (5.7-6 ‰), LCT (5.5 ‰), pre-, and extracaldera rhyolites (~7-8 ‰), but higher than the earliest 550-450 ka post-LCT rhyolites (1-2 ‰). The glass δ18O value is coupled with new clinopyroxene analyses and previously reported zircon analyses to calculate oxygen isotope equilibration temperatures. Clinopyroxene records >900 °C near-liquidus temperatures, while zircon records temperatures <850 °C similar to zircon saturation temperature estimates. Trace element concentrations in the same glass analyzed for oxygen isotopes show evidence for temporal decreases in Ti, Sr, Ba, and Eu—related to Fe-Ti oxide and sanidine (±quartz) crystallization control, while other trace elements remain similar or are enriched through time. The slight temporal increase in glass Zr concentrations may reflect similar or higher temperature magmas (via zircon saturation) through time, while previosuly reported temperature decreases (e.g., Ti-in-quartz) might reflect changing Ti concentrations with progressive melt evolution. Multiple analyses of glass across single samples and in profiles across lava flow surfaces document trace element heterogeneity with compatible behavior of all analyzed elements except Rb, Nb, and U. These new data provide evidence for a three-stage geochemical evolution of these most recent Yellowstone rhyolites: (1) repeated batch melting events at the base of a homogenized low-δ18O intracaldera fill resulting in liquidus rhyolite melt and a refractory residue that sequesters feldspar-compatible elements over time. This melting may be triggered by conductive "hot plate" heating by basaltic magma intruding beneath the Yellowstone caldera resulting in contact rhyolitic melt that crystallizes early clinopyroxene and/or sanidine at high temperature. (2) Heterogeneity within individual samples and across flows reflects crystallization of these melts during preeruptive storage of magma at at lower, zircon-saturated temperatures. Compatible behavior and variations of most trace elements within individual lava flows are the result of sanidine, quartz, Fe-Ti oxide, zircon, and chevkinite crystallization at this stage. (3) Internal mixing immediately prior to and/or during eruption disrupts, these compositional gradients in each parental magma body that are preserved as melt domains distributed throughout the lava flows. These results based on the most recent and best-preserved volcanic products from the Yellowstone volcanic system provide new insight into the multiple stages required to generate highly fractionated hot spot and rift-related rhyolites. Our proposed model differs from previous interpretations that extreme Sr and Ba depletion result from long-term crystallization of a single magma body—instead we suggest that punctuated batch melting events generated a sanidine-rich refractory residue and a melt source region progressively depleted in Sr and Ba.

Trace element mobility at the slab-mantle interface: constraints from "hybrid

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Marocchi, M.; Tropper, P.; Mair, V.; Bargossi, G. M.; Hermann, J.

2009-04-01

Subduction mélanges and hybrid rocks are considered, together with mafic rocks, metasediments and serpentinite as an important volatile-bearing portion of subducting slabs (cf. Spandler et al., 2008 and references therein; Miller et al., 2009). In particular, metasomatic rocks occurring in exhumed HP mélanges have recently attracted growing interest for two main reasons: i) metasomatic rocks forming at the interface between ultramafic and crustal rocks of subducting slabs constitute new bulk compositions which can affect the redistribution of major and trace elements and modify the composition of slab fluids moving to the mantle wedge and ii) these mineral assemblages, consisting mainly of hydrous phases can potentially store and transport water at great depth in subduction zones. Ultramafic rocks belonging to the Hochwart peridotite (Ulten Zone, central-eastern Italian Alps) preserve a series of metasomatic mineral zones generated by infiltration of hydrous fluids/melts, which occurred at the gneiss-peridotite interface (Tumiati et al., 2007; Marocchi et al., 2009). The peridotite body of Mt. Hochwart represents an almost unique occurrence where subduction-related mantle metasomatism can be studied on an outcrop scale. The ultramafic body consists of metaperidotites exposed as a hectometre-size lens along a steep gully, associated to monomineralic zones that developed at the contact between the peridotite body and the garnet-bearing gneiss country rocks. The formation of the metasomatic zones composed exclusively of hydrous phases involved extensive H2O-metasomatism as already documented for the Ulten peridotites (Scambelluri et al., 2006; Marocchi et al., 2007). Whole-rock geochemistry and trace element composition of hydrous phases (phlogopite and amphibole) in different metasomatic zones indicate mobility of many elements, including elements such as Ta, which are considered to have scarce mobility in fluids. Trace element composition of accessory minerals in the phlogopite-rich zone suggests that the trace element signature of subduction zone fluids may be fractionated in this zone. The progressive depletion in some trace elements (LREE and LILE) and enrichment in Li from the gneiss towards the peridotite suggests a strong influence of bulk composition on the trace element budget of hydrous minerals. Since these metasomatic zones can be representative of the processes occurring at the slab-mantle interface, we can infer that metasomatic reactions between slab-derived fluids and ultramafic mantle wedge will follow a specific series of reactions and create mineral zones similar to those observed in this study. Despite the mobility of many elements, in the trace element profiles for amphibole and phlogopite across the different zones, we observe a rapid decrease even of the "fluid mobile" element contents within the reaction zone. With the exception of Li, we assist to an abrupt decrease of most of trace element concentrations going towards the peridotite side contact. Thus, according to the present study, it is not likely that the "crustal trace element signature" (i.e. LILE and LREE-enriched) could be able to travel far into the mantle. Our results further favour the evidence that the primary composition of subduction zone fluids reaching the source region of arc magmas is substantially modified by metasomatic reactions occurring in the mantle wedge. Furthermore, we underline that metasomatic rocks such as those observed at Mt. Hochwart are potentially able to transport H2O and other trace elements to greater depths in subduction zones. References: Marocchi M, Hermann J, Morten L (2007)-Lithos 99: 85-104. Marocchi M, Mair V, Tropper P, Bargossi GM (2009)-Mineral Petrol, in press Miller DP, Marschall RH, Schumacher JC (2009)- Lithos 107: 53-67. Scambelluri M, Hermann J, Morten L, Rampone E (2006)- Contrib Mineral Petrol 151:372-394. Spandler CJ, Hermann J, Faure K, Mavrogenes JA, Arculus RJ (2008)- Contrib Mineral Petrol 155: 181-198. Tumiati S, Godard G, Martin S, Klőtzli U, Monticelli D (2007)- Lithos 94: 148-167.

Trace Elements and Carbon and Nitrogen Stable Isotopes in Organisms from a Tropical Coastal Lagoon

PubMed Central

van Hattum, B.; de Boer, J.; van Bodegom, P. M.; Rezende, C. E.; Salomons, W.

2010-01-01

Trace elements (Fe, Mn, Al, Zn, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, Cd, Hg, and As) and stable isotope ratios (δ13C and δ15N) were analyzed in sediments, invertebrates, and fishes from a tropical coastal lagoon influenced by iron ore mining and processing activities to assess the differences in trace element accumulation patterns among species and to investigate relations with trophic levels of the organisms involved. Overall significant negative relations between trophic level (given by 15N) and trace element concentrations in gastropods and crustaceans showed differences in internal controls of trace element accumulation among the species of different trophic positions, leading to trace element dilution. Generally, no significant relation between δ15N and trace element concentrations was observed among fish species, probably due to omnivory in a number of species as well as fast growth. Trace element accumulation was observed in the fish tissues, with higher levels of most trace elements found in liver compared with muscle and gill. Levels of Fe, Mn, Al, and Hg in invertebrates, and Fe and Cu in fish livers, were comparable with levels in organisms and tissues from other contaminated areas. Trace element levels in fish muscle were below the international safety baseline standards for human consumption. PMID:20217062

Trace elements and carbon and nitrogen stable isotopes in organisms from a tropical coastal lagoon.

PubMed

Pereira, A A; van Hattum, B; de Boer, J; van Bodegom, P M; Rezende, C E; Salomons, W

2010-10-01

Trace elements (Fe, Mn, Al, Zn, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, Cd, Hg, and As) and stable isotope ratios (delta(13)C and delta(15)N) were analyzed in sediments, invertebrates, and fishes from a tropical coastal lagoon influenced by iron ore mining and processing activities to assess the differences in trace element accumulation patterns among species and to investigate relations with trophic levels of the organisms involved. Overall significant negative relations between trophic level (given by (15)N) and trace element concentrations in gastropods and crustaceans showed differences in internal controls of trace element accumulation among the species of different trophic positions, leading to trace element dilution. Generally, no significant relation between delta(15)N and trace element concentrations was observed among fish species, probably due to omnivory in a number of species as well as fast growth. Trace element accumulation was observed in the fish tissues, with higher levels of most trace elements found in liver compared with muscle and gill. Levels of Fe, Mn, Al, and Hg in invertebrates, and Fe and Cu in fish livers, were comparable with levels in organisms and tissues from other contaminated areas. Trace element levels in fish muscle were below the international safety baseline standards for human consumption.

Mineralogy, petrology, and trace element geochemistry of the Johnstown meteorite - A brecciated orthopyroxenite with siderophile and REE-rich components

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Floran, R. J.; Prinz, M.; Hlava, P. F.; Keil, K.; Spettel, B.; Waenke, H.

1981-01-01

The compositional and petrologic characteristics of the Johnstown meteorite show it to contain uncontaminated and unbrecciated orthopyroxenite clasts of cumulative origin that (1) must have undergone subsolidus recrystalization, (2) are parental to the brecciated matrix, and (3) show no evidence of a xenolithic, meteoritic contribution to the matrix except for contamination by the projectile which crushed it on impact. The trapped liquid was not introduced in the impact process. The variability of such trace elements as the light rare earth elements, and the presence of plagioclase and olivine in only one of the thin sections studied, demonstrates the heterogeneity of coarse-grained diogenites on a millimeter scale and the difficulty of obtaining representative samples of such meteorites. The data presented indicate that this meteorite is a monominct breccia.

Surface-water-quality assessment of the Yakima River basin in Washington; spatial and temporal distribution of trace elements in water, sediment, and aquatic biota, 1987-91; with a section on geology

USGS Publications Warehouse

Fuhrer, Gregory J.; Cain, Daniel J.; McKenzie, Stuart W.; Rinella, Joseph F.; Crawford, J. Kent; Skach, Kenneth A.; Hornberger, Michelle I.; Gannett, Marshall W.

1999-01-01

The report describes the distribution of trace elements in sediment, water, and aquatic biota in the Yakima River basin, Washington. Trace elements were determined from streambed sediment, suspended sediment, filtered and unfiltered water samples, aquatic insects, clams, fish livers, and fish fillets between 1987 and 1991. The distribution of trace elements in these media was related to local geology and anthropogenic sources. Additionally, annual and instantaneous loads were estimated for trace elements associated with suspended sediment and trace elements in filtered water samples. Trace elements also were screened against U.S. Environmental Protection Agency guidelines established for the protection of human health and aquatic life.

The benefit of using chemical analysis in understanding archaeological glass. Case-study: Roman black glass

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cosyns, P.; Cagno, S.; Janssens, K.; Nys, K.

LA-ICP-MS is a well acquainted technique for the quantification of a wide range of minor and trace elements present in the glass matrix. The benefit to understand the changes in technological processes or the added value in assessing the provenance and chronology of the raw glass material is however rarely discussed. By selecting a set of 197 Roman black glass artifacts dating between the 1st and 5th century AD we aimed to contribute to this issue. The obtained data on the production of glass artifacts helps better understand the constantly evolving patterns in glass consumption throughout the Roman imperial period. The key trace elements linked with the sand generally show the use of Levantine and Egyptian raw glass to produce black glass artifacts and result in well defined clusters. These indications are evidence for the use of different raw glasses in the Roman Empire and therefore featuring the work of diverse workshops over time. Specific trace elements such as copper, cobalt and lead reflect the application of recycling glass in Roman times.

Trace Elements in Manganese Minerals as Potential Biosignatures on Mars

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lanza, N.; Clegg, S. M.; Cousin, A.; Forni, O.; Kirk, M. F.; Lamm, S. N.; Ollila, A.; Wiens, R. C.

2017-12-01

Observations from the Curiosity rover in Gale crater, Mars have shown the presence of high abundances of manganese (>3 wt% MnO) within sedimentary rocks throughout the traverse. Such high Mn abundances point to the past presence of abundant liquid water and strongly oxidizing conditions. On Earth, these types of environments are almost always habitable and are frequently inhabited by microbes. Given its close association with life and habitable environments on Earth, manganese has long been considered a potential biosignature for Mars. However, high concentrations of martian Mn have only recently been observed. In addition to the observations in Gale crater, high abundances of Mn have also been observed in Endeavor crater by the Opportunity rover and in the paired martian meteorites NWA 7034 and 7533 (`Black Beauty'), suggesting that Mn deposits may be more widespread on Mars than previously thought. The goal of this work is to determine whether there are unique signatures from rover payload instruments that can distinguish Mn-rich deposits as biogenic in origin (i.e., produced by life) from abiogenic Mn deposits. Importantly, Mn-oxides are known to scavenge trace metals from water because of their surface charge properties. We hypothesize that the presence and abundance of specific trace elements are the critical, distinguishing evidence for identifying the biogenic origin of Mn-bearing materials. A suite of natural rocks containing Mn-rich minerals with a range of Mn redox states was selected for analysis with laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS). Samples with a biogenic origin had mixed valence redox states between Mn3+ and Mn4+ as inferred by mineralogy. Trace elements Ba, Li, Sr, and Rb were quantified and the presence or absence of Zn and Cu was ascertained by examining key LIBS peaks. Results show that samples with a known microbial origin had moderate Mn abundances >30 wt% MnO and higher Li and Ba. These results suggest that high Mn abundance alone is not sufficient evidence of a biosignatures. However, the presence of trace elements may help to infer the redox state of Mn, which may in turn point to samples that are more likely to have a biogenic origin.

A new perspective of using sequential extraction: To predict the deficiency of trace elements during anaerobic digestion.

PubMed

Cai, Yafan; Wang, Jungang; Zhao, Yubin; Zhao, Xiaoling; Zheng, Zehui; Wen, Boting; Cui, Zongjun; Wang, Xiaofen

2018-09-01

Trace elements were commonly used as additives to facilitate anaerobic digestion. However, their addition is often blind because of the complexity of reaction conditions, which has impeded their widespread application. Therefore, this study was conducted to evaluate deficiencies in trace elements during anaerobic digestion by establishing relationships between changes in trace element bioavailability (the degree to which elements are available for interaction with biological systems) and digestion performance. To accomplish this, two batch experiments were conducted. In the first, sequential extraction was used to detect changes in trace element fractions and then to evaluate trace element bioavailability in the whole digestion cycle. In the second batch experiment, trace elements (Co, Fe, Cu, Zn, Mn, Mo and Se) were added to the reaction system at three concentrations (low, medium and high) and their effects were monitored. The results showed that sequential extraction was a suitable method for assessment of the bioavailability of trace elements (appropriate coefficient of variation and recovery rate). The results revealed that Se had the highest (44.2%-70.9%) bioavailability, while Fe had the lowest (1.7%-3.0%). A lack of trace elements was not directly related to their absolute bioavailability, but was instead associated with changes in their bioavailability throughout the digestion cycle. Trace elements were insufficient when their bioavailability was steady or increased over the digestion cycle. These results indicate that changes in trace element bioavailability during the digestion cycle can be used to predict their deficiency. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Trace element profiles of the sea anemone Anemonia viridis living nearby a natural CO2 vent

PubMed Central

Borell, Esther M.; Fine, Maoz; Shaked, Yeala

2014-01-01

Ocean acidification (OA) is not an isolated threat, but acts in concert with other impacts on ecosystems and species. Coastal marine invertebrates will have to face the synergistic interactions of OA with other global and local stressors. One local factor, common in coastal environments, is trace element contamination. CO2 vent sites are extensively studied in the context of OA and are often considered analogous to the oceans in the next few decades. The CO2 vent found at Levante Bay (Vulcano, NE Sicily, Italy) also releases high concentrations of trace elements to its surrounding seawater, and is therefore a unique site to examine the effects of long-term exposure of nearby organisms to high pCO2 and trace element enrichment in situ. The sea anemone Anemonia viridis is prevalent next to the Vulcano vent and does not show signs of trace element poisoning/stress. The aim of our study was to compare A. viridis trace element profiles and compartmentalization between high pCO2 and control environments. Rather than examining whole anemone tissue, we analyzed two different body compartments—the pedal disc and the tentacles, and also examined the distribution of trace elements in the tentacles between the animal and the symbiotic algae. We found dramatic changes in trace element tissue concentrations between the high pCO2/high trace element and control sites, with strong accumulation of iron, lead, copper and cobalt, but decreased concentrations of cadmium, zinc and arsenic proximate to the vent. The pedal disc contained substantially more trace elements than the anemone’s tentacles, suggesting the pedal disc may serve as a detoxification/storage site for excess trace elements. Within the tentacles, the various trace elements displayed different partitioning patterns between animal tissue and algal symbionts. At both sites iron was found primarily in the algae, whereas cadmium, zinc and arsenic were primarily found in the animal tissue. Our data suggests that A. viridis regulates its internal trace element concentrations by compartmentalization and excretion and that these features contribute to its resilience and potential success at the trace element-rich high pCO2 vent. PMID:25250210

Major element, trace element, nutrient, and radionuclide mobility in a mining by-product-amended soil.

PubMed

Douglas, G; Adeney, J; Johnston, K; Wendling, L; Coleman, S

2012-01-01

This study investigates the use of a mineral processing by-product, neutralized used acid (NUA), primarily composed of gypsum and Fe-oxyhydroxide, as a soil amendment. A 1489-d turf farm field trial assessed nutrient, trace element, and radionuclide mobility of a soil amended with ∼5% by mass to a depth of 15 cm of NUA. Average PO-P fluxes collected as subsoil leachates were 0.7 and 26.6 kg ha yr for NUA-amended and control sites, respectively, equating to a 97% reduction in PO-P loss after 434 kg P ha was applied. Total nitrogen fluxes in NUA-amended soil leachates were similarly reduced by 82%. Incorporation of NUA conferred major changes in leachate geochemistry with a diverse suite of trace elements depleted within NUA-amended leachates. Gypsum dissolution from NUA resulted in an increase from under- to oversaturation of the soil leachates for a range of Fe- and Ca-minerals including calcite and ferrihydrite, many of which have a well-documented ability to assimilate PO-P and trace elements. Isotopic analysis indicated little Pb addition from NUA. Both Sr and Nd isotope results revealed that NUA and added fertilizer became an important source of Ca to leachate and turf biomass. The NUA-amended soils retained a range of U-Th series radionuclides, with little evidence of transfer to soil leachate or turf biomass. Calculated radioactivity dose rates indicate only a small increment due to NUA amendment. With increased nutrient, trace element, and solute retention, and increased productivity, a range of potential agronomic benefits may be conferred by NUA amendment of soils, in addition to the potential to limit offsite nutrient loss and eutrophication. Copyright © by the American Society of Agronomy, Crop Science Society of America, and Soil Science Society of America, Inc.

Environmental hazard assessment of contaminated soils in Antarctica: Using a structured tier 1 approach to inform decision-making.

PubMed

Pereira, Joana Luísa; Pereira, Patrícia; Padeiro, Ana; Gonçalves, Fernando; Amaro, Eduardo; Leppe, Marcelo; Verkulich, Sergey; Hughes, Kevin A; Peter, Hans-Ulrich; Canário, João

2017-01-01

Generally, Antarctica is considered to be an untouched area of the planet; however, the region's ecosystems have been subject to increased human pressure for at least the past half-century. This study assessed soils of Fildes Peninsula, where trace element pollution is thought to prevail. Four soil samples were collected from different locations and assessed following tier 1 methodologies for chemical and ecotoxicological lines of evidence (LoE) used in typical soil Environmental Risk Assessment (ERA). Trace element quantification was run on soil samples and sequential extracts, and elutriates were used to address their ecotoxicity using a standard ecotoxicological battery. The highest levels of trace elements were found for Cr, Cu, Ni and Zn, which were well above baseline levels in two sites located near previously identified contamination sources. Trace element concentrations in soils were compared with soil quality guidelines to estimate the contribution of the chemical LoE for integrated risk calculations; risk was found high, above 0.5 for all samples. Total concentrations in soil were consistent with corresponding sequentially extracted percentages, with Cu and Zn being the most bioavailable elements. Bacteria did not respond consistently to the elutriate samples and cladocerans did not respond at all. In contrast, the growth of microalgae and macrophytes was significantly impaired by elutriates of all soil samples, consistently to estimated trace element concentrations in the elutriate matrix. These results translated into lower risk values for the ecotoxicological compared to the chemical LoE. Nevertheless, integrated risk calculations generated either an immediate recommendation for further analysis to better understand the hazardous potential of the tested soils or showed that the soils could not adequately sustain natural ecosystem functions. This study suggests that the soil ecosystem in Fildes has been inadequately protected and supports previous claims on the need to reinforce protection measures and remediation activities. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Lu-Hf, in-situ Sr and Pb isotope and trace element systematics for mantle eclogites from the Diavik diamond mine: Evidence for Paleoproterozoic subduction beneath the Slave craton, Canada

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schmidberger, Stefanie S.; Simonetti, Antonio; Heaman, Larry M.; Creaser, Robert A.; Whiteford, Sean

2007-02-01

Lu-Hf, Sm-Nd and in-situ clinopyroxene Sr and Pb isotope systematics, and mineral major and in-situ trace element compositions were obtained for a suite of non-diamond and diamond-bearing eclogites from the Diavik kimberlites (A154; 55 Ma old), Slave craton (Canada). Temperature estimates of last equilibration in the lithosphere for the non-diamond-bearing Diavik eclogites define two groups; low-temperature (800-1050 °C) and high-temperature eclogites (1100-1300 °C). Most diamond-eclogites indicate temperatures similar to those of the high-temperature eclogites. Isotopic and major and trace element systematics for the non-diamond- and diamond-bearing eclogites indicate overlapping chemical compositions suggesting similar rock formational histories. Calculated whole rock major and trace element abundances using chemical and modal abundances for constituent minerals exhibit broad similarities with mafic cumulates from ophiolite sequences. Most importantly the calculated whole rock eclogite compositions display positive Sr and Eu anomalies, typically interpreted as the result of plagioclase accumulation in cumulate rocks of oceanic crust sequences. Initial whole rock Hf isotopic values and in-situ Sr isotope data from clinopyroxene grains provide evidence that the eclogites were derived from precursor rocks with depleted mantle isotope characteristics. These combined results support the interpretation that the eclogites from Diavik represent remnants of subducted oceanic crust. Lu-Hf isotope systematics indicate that the oceanic protolith for the eclogites formed in the Paleoproterozoic at ˜ 2.1 Ga, which is in agreement with the in-situ Pb isotope data from clinopyroxene. This result also corroborates the ˜ 2.1 Ga Lu-Hf model ages recorded by mantle zircons from eclogite found within the Jericho kimberlite in the northern Slave Province (˜ 200 km northwest of Diavik). The results from both studies indicate a link between eclogite formation and Paleoproterozoic subduction of oceanic lithosphere along the present-day western margin of the Archean Slave craton.

The peculiar geochemical signatures of São Miguel (Azores) lavas: Metasomatised or recycled mantle sources?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Beier, Christoph; Stracke, Andreas; Haase, Karsten M.

2007-07-01

The island of São Miguel, Azores consists of four large volcanic systems that exhibit a large systematic intra-island Sr-Nd-Pb-Hf isotope and trace element variability. The westernmost Sete Cidades volcano has moderately enriched Sr-Nd-Pb-Hf isotope ratios. In contrast, lavas from the easternmost Nordeste volcano have unusually high Sr and Pb and low Nd and Hf isotope ratios suggesting a long-term evolution with high Rb/Sr, U/Pb, Th/Pb, Th/U and low Sm/Nd and Lu/Hf parent-daughter ratios. They have trace element concentrations similar to those of the HIMU islands, with the exception of notably higher alkali element (Cs, Rb, K, Ba) and Th concentrations. The time-integrated parent-daughter element evolution of both the Sete Cidades and Nordeste source matches the incompatibility sequence commonly observed during mantle melting and consequently suggests that the mantle source enrichment is caused by a basaltic melt, either as a metasomatic agent or as recycled oceanic crust. Our calculations show that a metasomatic model involving a small degree basaltic melt is able to explain the isotopic enrichment but, invariably, produces far too enriched trace element signatures. We therefore favour a simple recycling model. The trace element and isotopic signatures of the Sete Cidades lavas are consistent with the presence of ancient recycled oceanic crust that has experienced some Pb loss during sub-arc alteration. The coherent correlation of the parent-daughter ratios (e.g. Rb/Sr, Th/U, U/Pb) and incompatible element ratios (e.g. Nb/Zr, Ba/Rb, La/Nb) with the isotope ratios in lavas from the entire island suggest that the Sete Cidades and Nordeste source share a similar genetic origin. The more enriched trace element and isotopic variations of Nordeste can be reproduced by recycled oceanic crust in the Nordeste source that contains small amounts of evolved lavas (˜ 1-2%), possibly from a subducted seamount. The rare occurrence of enriched source signatures comparable to Nordeste may be taken as circumstantial evidence that stirring processes in the Earth's mantle are not able to homogenise material within the size of seamounts over timescales of mantle recycling.

Trace elements as quantitative probes of differentiation processes in planetary interiors

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Drake, M. J.

1980-01-01

The characteristic trace element signature that each mineral in the source region imparts on the magma constitutes the conceptual basis for trace element modeling. It is shown that abundances of trace elements in extrusive igneous rocks may be used as petrological and geochemical probes of the source regions of the rocks if differentiation processes, partition coefficients, phase equilibria, and initial concentrations in the source region are known. Although compatible and incompatible trace elements are useful in modeling, the present review focuses primarily on examples involving the rare-earth elements.

Parenteral trace element provision: recent clinical research and practical conclusions

PubMed Central

Stehle, P; Stoffel-Wagner, B; Kuhn, K S

2016-01-01

The aim of this systematic review (PubMed, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed and Cochrane, www.cochrane.org; last entry 31 December 2014) was to present data from recent clinical studies investigating parenteral trace element provision in adult patients and to draw conclusions for clinical practice. Important physiological functions in human metabolism are known for nine trace elements: selenium, zinc, copper, manganese, chromium, iron, molybdenum, iodine and fluoride. Lack of, or an insufficient supply of, these trace elements in nutrition therapy over a prolonged period is associated with trace element deprivation, which may lead to a deterioration of existing clinical symptoms and/or the development of characteristic malnutrition syndromes. Therefore, all parenteral nutrition prescriptions should include a daily dose of trace elements. To avoid trace element deprivation or imbalances, physiological doses are recommended. PMID:27049031

Trace Elements Characteristic Based on ICP-AES and the Correlation of Flavonoids from Sparganii rhizoma.

PubMed

Wang, Xinsheng; Wu, Yanfang; Wu, Chengying; Wu, Qinan; Niu, Qingshan

2018-04-01

The aim of the present work was to investigate the trace elements and the correlation with flavonoids from Sparganii rhizoma. The ICP-AES and ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy were employed to analyze trace elements and flavonoids. The concentrations of trace elements and flavonoids were calculated using standard curve. The content of flavonoids was expressed as rutin equivalents. The cluster analysis was applied to evaluate geographical features of S. rhizoma from different geographical regions. The correlation analysis was used to obtain the relationship between the trace elements and flavonoids. The results indicated that the 15 trace elements were measured and the K, Ca, Mg, Na, Mn, Al, Cu, and Zn are rich in Sparganii rhizome. The different producing regions samples were classified into four groups. There was a weak relationship between trace elements and flavonoids.

Trace Elements in Ovaries: Measurement and Physiology.

PubMed

Ceko, Melanie J; O'Leary, Sean; Harris, Hugh H; Hummitzsch, Katja; Rodgers, Raymond J

2016-04-01

Traditionally, research in the field of trace element biology and human and animal health has largely depended on epidemiological methods to demonstrate involvement in biological processes. These studies were typically followed by trace element supplementation trials or attempts at identification of the biochemical pathways involved. With the discovery of biological molecules that contain the trace elements, such as matrix metalloproteinases containing zinc (Zn), cytochrome P450 enzymes containing iron (Fe), and selenoproteins containing selenium (Se), much of the current research focuses on these molecules, and, hence, only indirectly on trace elements themselves. This review focuses largely on two synchrotron-based x-ray techniques: X-ray absorption spectroscopy and x-ray fluorescence imaging that can be used to identify the in situ speciation and distribution of trace elements in tissues, using our recent studies of bovine ovaries, where the distribution of Fe, Se, Zn, and bromine were determined. It also discusses the value of other techniques, such as inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, used to garner information about the concentrations and elemental state of the trace elements. These applications to measure trace elemental distributions in bovine ovaries at high resolutions provide new insights into possible roles for trace elements in the ovary. © 2016 by the Society for the Study of Reproduction, Inc.

A study of the impact of moist-heat and dry-heat treatment processes on hazardous trace elements migration in food waste.

PubMed

Chen, Ting; Jin, Yiying; Qiu, Xiaopeng; Chen, Xin

2015-03-01

Using laboratory experiments, the authors investigated the impact of dry-heat and moist-heat treatment processes on hazardous trace elements (As, Hg, Cd, Cr, and Pb) in food waste and explored their distribution patterns for three waste components: oil, aqueous, and solid components. The results indicated that an insignificant reduction of hazardous trace elements in heat-treated waste-0.61-14.29% after moist-heat treatment and 4.53-12.25% after dry-heat treatment-and a significant reduction in hazardous trace elements (except for Hg without external addition) after centrifugal dehydration (P < 0.5). Moreover, after heat treatment, over 90% of the hazardous trace elements in the waste were detected in the aqueous and solid components, whereas only a trace amount of hazardous trace elements was detected in the oil component (<0.01%). In addition, results indicated that heat treatment process did not significantly reduce the concentration of hazardous trace elements in food waste, but the separation process for solid and aqueous components, such as centrifugal dehydration, could reduce the risk considerably. Finally, combined with the separation technology for solid and liquid components, dry-heat treatment is superior to moist-heat treatment on the removal of external water-soluble ionic hazardous trace elements. An insignificant reduction of hazardous trace elements in heat-treated waste showed that heat treatment does not reduce trace elements contamination in food waste considerably, whereas the separation process for solid and aqueous components, such as centrifugal dehydration, could reduce the risk significantly. Moreover, combined with the separation technology for solid and liquid components, dry-heat treatment is superior to moist-heat treatment for the removal of external water-soluble ionic hazardous trace elements, by exploring distribution patterns of trace elements in three waste components: oil, aqueous, and solid components.

Corticosterone levels in relation to trace element contamination along an urbanization gradient in the common blackbird (Turdus merula).

PubMed

Meillère, Alizée; Brischoux, François; Bustamante, Paco; Michaud, Bruno; Parenteau, Charline; Marciau, Coline; Angelier, Frédéric

2016-10-01

In a rapidly urbanizing world, trace element pollution may represent a threat to human health and wildlife, and it is therefore crucial to assess both exposition levels and associated effects of trace element contamination on urban vertebrates. In this study, we investigated the impact of urbanization on trace element contamination and stress physiology in a wild bird species, the common blackbird (Turdus merula), along an urbanization gradient (from rural to moderately urbanized areas). Specifically, we described the contamination levels of blackbirds by 4 non-essential (Ag, Cd, Hg, Pb) and 9 essential trace elements (As, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Se, Zn), and explored the putative disrupting effects of the non-essential element contamination on corticosterone levels (a hormonal proxy for environmental challenges). We found that non-essential trace element burden (Cd and Pb specifically) increased with increasing urbanization, indicating a significant trace element contamination even in medium sized cities and suburban areas. Interestingly, the increased feather non-essential trace element concentrations were also associated with elevated feather corticosterone levels, suggesting that urbanization probably constrains birds and that this effect may be mediated by trace element contamination. Future experimental studies are now required to disentangle the influence of multiple urban-related constraints on corticosterone levels and to specifically test the influence of each of these trace elements on corticosterone secretion. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

A Method for Assessing the Retention of Trace Elements in Human Body Using Neural Network Technology

PubMed Central

Ragimov, Aligejdar; Faizullin, Rashat; Valiev, Vsevolod

2017-01-01

Models that describe the trace element status formation in the human organism are essential for a correction of micromineral (trace elements) deficiency. A direct trace element retention assessment in the body is difficult due to the many internal mechanisms. The trace element retention is determined by the amount and the ratio of incoming and excreted substance. So, the concentration of trace elements in drinking water characterizes the intake, whereas the element concentration in urine characterizes the excretion. This system can be interpreted as three interrelated elements that are in equilibrium. Since many relationships in the system are not known, the use of standard mathematical models is difficult. The artificial neural network use is suitable for constructing a model in the best way because it can take into account all dependencies in the system implicitly and process inaccurate and incomplete data. We created several neural network models to describe the retentions of trace elements in the human body. On the model basis, we can calculate the microelement levels in the body, knowing the trace element levels in drinking water and urine. These results can be used in health care to provide the population with safe drinking water. PMID:29065586

Assessment of trace element impacts on agricultural use of water from the Dan River following the Eden coal ash release.

PubMed

Hesterberg, Dean; Polizzotto, Matthew L; Crozier, Carl; Austin, Robert E

2016-04-01

Catastrophic events require rapid, scientifically sound decision making to mitigate impacts on human welfare and the environment. The objective of this study was to analyze potential impacts of coal ash-derived trace elements on agriculture following a 35,000-tonne release of coal ash into the Dan River at the Duke Energy Steam Station in Eden, North Carolina. We performed scenario calculations to assess the potential for excessive trace element loading to soils via irrigation and flooding with Dan River water, uptake of trace elements by crops, and livestock consumption of trace elements via drinking water. Concentrations of 13 trace elements measured in Dan River water samples within 4 km of the release site declined sharply after the release and were equivalent within 5 d to measurements taken upriver. Mass-balance calculations based on estimates of soil trace-element concentrations and the nominal river water concentrations indicated that irrigation or flooding with 25 cm of Dan River water would increase soil concentrations of all trace elements by less than 0.5%. Calculations of potential increases of trace elements in corn grain and silage, fescue, and tobacco leaves suggested that As, Cr, Se, Sr, and V were elements of most concern. Concentrations of trace elements measured in river water following the ash release never exceeded adopted standards for livestock drinking water. Based on our analyses, we present guidelines for safe usage of Dan River water to diminish negative impacts of trace elements on soils and crop production. In general, the approach we describe here may serve as a basis for rapid assessment of environmental and agricultural risks associated with any similar types of releases that arise in the future. © 2015 SETAC.

Trace elements in seminal plasma of men from infertile couples.

PubMed

Guzikowski, Wojciech; Szynkowska, Małgorzata I; Motak-Pochrzęst, Hanna; Pawlaczyk, Aleksandra; Sypniewski, Stanisław

2015-06-19

An analysis of lead, zinc, cadmium and other trace elements in semen of men from infertile couples was performed to determine the association between abnormal semen parameters and enviromental or occupational exposure to some trace metals. Presence of manganese, cobalt, nickel, copper, zinc, molybdenum, cadmium, tin and lead was measured in seminal plasma of 34 men from infertile couples using spectrometry with time-of-flight analysis. Correlations among sperm parameters and trace metals were determined using cluster analysis and Pearson's correlation coefficient. Abnormally high concentrations of lead, cadmium, zinc and cobalt were found in 23 seminal plasma of men from infertile couples. The most consistent evidence was determined for an association between high cadmium concentration in seminal plasma and sperm count, motility and morphology below reference limits (p < 0.01). A correlation of significantly increased tin level and reduced sperm count in semen of men with limited fertility potential was observed (p = 0.04). In our study we observed a correlation of tin level with sperm count in semen of men with limited fertility potential.

New Perspectives on the Essential Trace Elements.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Frieden, Earl

1985-01-01

Provides a comprehensive overview of the 19 essential trace elements, examining: the concept of essentiality; evolution of these elements; possible future essential elements; the lanthanides and actinides; how essential trace elements work; the metalloenzymes; the nonmetals; iodine and the thyroid hormones; and antagonism among these elements. (JN)

Trace element contaminants in mineral fertilizers used in Iran.

PubMed

Latifi, Zahra; Jalali, Mohsen

2018-05-25

The application of mineral fertilizers which have contaminants of trace elements may impose concern regarding the entry and toxic accumulation of these elements in agro-ecosystems. In this study, 57 mineral fertilizers (nitrogen, potassium, phosphate, and compound fertilizers) distributed in Iran were analyzed for their contents of Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, Zn, and Fe. The results revealed that the contents of these trace elements varied considerably depending on the type of the element and the fertilizer. Among these elements, Fe displayed the highest average content, whereas Cd showed the lowest. Generally, the trace element contents in P-containing fertilizers were higher than those in nitrogen and potassium fertilizers. The mean values of trace elements (mg kg -1 ) in P-containing fertilizers were 4.0 (Cd), 5.5 (Co), 35.7 (Cr), 24.4 (Cu), 272 (Mn), 14.3 (Ni), 6.0 (Pb), 226 (Zn), and 2532 (Fe). Comparing trace element contents to limit values set by the German Fertilizer Ordinance showed that the mean contents of potentially toxic trace elements, such as Cd and Pb, were lower than their limit values in all groups of fertilizers. On the other hand, while a number of fertilizers contained a high content of some essential trace elements, particularly Fe, they were not labeled as such.

Analysis of trace metals in water by inductively coupled plasma emission spectrometry using sodium dibenzyldithiocarbamate for preconcentration

USGS Publications Warehouse

Smith, C.L.; Motooka, J.M.; Willson, W.R.

1984-01-01

Since concentrations of trace elements in most natural waters seldom exceed the ??g/L level, analysis of trace elements in natural waters by inductively coupled plasma emission spectrometry (ICP) requires a preconcentration procedure. The elements Ag, Bi, Cd, Co, Cu, Fe, Mo, Ni, Pb, Sn, V, W, and Zn were separated and concentrated from 500 mL of water by coprecipitating them with sodium dibenzyldithiocarbamate (NaDBDTC) using nickel or silver as a carrier. The precipitated trace elements were collected on a membrane filter, redissolved from the filter with hot nitric and hydrochloric acids, and analyzed using ICP. Recoveries for all the trace elements except tungsten exceeded 80%. Coprecipitation of trace elements with NaDBDTC eliminated the use of difficult-to-inject organic solvents, and NaDBDTC coprecipitated a wider array of trace elements than ammoniumpyrrolidinedithiocarbamate (APDC), another commonly used coprecipitate.

Syringe filtration methods for examining dissolved and colloidal trace element distributions in remote field locations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Shiller, Alan M.

2003-01-01

It is well-established that sampling and sample processing can easily introduce contamination into dissolved trace element samples if precautions are not taken. However, work in remote locations sometimes precludes bringing bulky clean lab equipment into the field and likewise may make timely transport of samples to the lab for processing impossible. Straightforward syringe filtration methods are described here for collecting small quantities (15 mL) of 0.45- and 0.02-microm filtered river water in an uncontaminated manner. These filtration methods take advantage of recent advances in analytical capabilities that require only small amounts of waterfor analysis of a suite of dissolved trace elements. Filter clogging and solute rejection artifacts appear to be minimal, although some adsorption of metals and organics does affect the first approximately 10 mL of water passing through the filters. Overall the methods are clean, easy to use, and provide reproducible representations of the dissolved and colloidal fractions of trace elements in river waters. Furthermore, sample processing materials can be prepared well in advance in a clean lab and transported cleanly and compactly to the field. Application of these methods is illustrated with data from remote locations in the Rocky Mountains and along the Yukon River. Evidence from field flow fractionation suggests that the 0.02-microm filters may provide a practical cutoff to distinguish metals associated with small inorganic and organic complexes from those associated with silicate and oxide colloids.

Asthenospheric and lithospheric sources for Mesozoic dolerites from Liberia (Africa): trace element and isotopic evidence

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dupuy, C.; Marsh, J.; Dostal, J.; Michard, A.; Testa, S.

1988-01-01

Combined elemental, and Sr and Nd isotopic data are presented for Mesozoic dolerite dikes of Liberia (Africa) which are related to the initial stage of opening of the Atlantic Ocean. The large scatter of both trace element and isotopic data allows the identification of five groups of dolerites which cannot be related to each other by simple processes of mineral fractionation from a common source. On the contrary, the observed chemical and isotopic variation within some dolerites (Groups I and II) may result either from variable degrees of melting of an isotopically heterogeneous source or mixing between enriched and depleted oceanic type mantle. For the other dolerites (Groups III-V) mixing with a third mantle source with more radiogenic Sr and with element ratios characteristic of subduction environments is suggested. This third source is probably the subcontinental lithospheric mantle. Finally, no significant modification by interaction with continental crust is apparent in most of the analyzed samples.

Linking trace element variations with macronutrients and major cations in marine mussels Mytilus edulis and Perna viridis.

PubMed

Liu, Fengjie; Wang, Wen-Xiong

2015-09-01

Marine mussels have long been used as biomonitors of contamination of trace elements, but little is known about whether variation in tissue trace elements is significantly associated with those of macronutrients and major cations. The authors examined the variability of macronutrients and major cations and their potential relationships with bioaccumulation of trace elements. The authors analyzed the concentrations of macronutrients (C, N, P, S), major cations (Na, Mg, K, Ca), and trace elements (Al, V, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Se, Mo, Cd, Ba, Pb) in the whole soft tissues of marine mussels Mytilus edulis and Perna viridis collected globally from 21 sites. The results showed that 12% to 84% of the variances in the trace elements was associated with major cations, and the tissue concentration of major cations such as Na and Mg in mussels was a good proxy for ambient seawater concentrations of the major cations. Specifically, bioaccumulation of most of the trace elements was significantly associated with major cations, and the relationships of major cations with trace cations and trace oxyanions were totally opposite. Furthermore, 14% to 69% of the variances in the trace elements were significantly associated with macronutrients. Notably, more than half of the variance in the tissue concentrations of As, Cd, V, Ba, and Pb was explained by the variance in macronutrients in one or both species. Because the tissue macronutrient concentrations were strongly associated with animal growth and reproduction, the observed coupling relationships indicated that these biological processes strongly influenced the bioaccumulation of some trace elements. The present study indicated that simultaneous quantification of macronutrients and major cations with trace elements can improve the interpretation of biomonitoring data. © 2015 SETAC.

Trace element evidence for a laterally inhomogeneous moon

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jovanovic, S.; Reed, G. W., Jr.

1978-01-01

A number of trace element interrelationships support the concept of a laterally inhomogeneous moon based originally on Clr/P2O5 ratios. The correspondence between Clr/P2O3 and Rb/Sr ratios in basalts are of special interest since the isotropic evolution of the latter pair of elements relates to the earliest history of the moon. This implies the times when the Clr/P2O5 relationships were established. The early magma ocean is conjectured to have been made up of non-intermixing seas resulting either from large convection cells or large body accretion. These mutually exclusive regions could be lunar geological provinces. It is proposed that the diversity of basalts from the Apollo 17 site is related to the lateral inhomogeneity of the moon. Ca/Na ratios in basalts show a trend which parallels that of Ru/Os and in a corresponding fashion may serve as a depth indicator.

Assessment of trace elements, POPs, (210)Po and stable isotopes ((15)N and (13)C) in a rare filter-feeding shark: The megamouth.

PubMed

Moura, Jailson Fulgencio de; Merico, Agostino; Montone, Rosalinda Carmela; Silva, Josilene; Seixas, Tércia Guedes; Godoy, José Marcus de Oliveira; Saint'Pierre, Tatiana Dillenburg; Hauser-Davis, Rachel Ann; Di Beneditto, Ana Paula Madeira; Reis, Estéfane Cardinot; Tavares, Davi Castro; Lemos, Leila Soledade; Siciliano, Salvatore

2015-06-15

With less than 60 records being reported worldwide, the megamouth (Megachasma pelagios) is today one of the least known shark species inhabiting our oceans. Therefore, information concerning the biology and ecology of this enigmatic organism is very scarce and limited to feeding behaviour and preferred habitat. The present work reports new data on the concentrations of trace elements, organic mercury, POPs and (210)Po in hepatic and muscular tissues of a specimen found stranded in the southeastern coast of Brazil. Additionally, we provide new evidence based on stable isotope analysis (δ(15)N and δ(13)C) confirming the preference for the pelagic habitat and the zooplanktivorous feeding behaviour of the megamouth. These results are consistent with the low concentrations of organic pollutant compounds and other elements measured in our samples. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Elemental composition of human teeth with emphasis on trace constituents: a review

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Sachs, W H

Literature covered by the current review is based on a search of Chemical Abstracts, 1917 through 1975. Early studies, pre-dating 1940, are referenced primarily for historical interest. Emphasis is on the micro-constituents of human teeth, those present at concentrations less than a few tenths of a percent by weight. Within this category of data, we have been primarily concerned with the radiochemically stable nuclides. The important relationship between caries and trace elements is covered only insofar as carious teeth exhibit properties with respect to trace element composition that differ from normal teeth. Having made these disclaimers, we note that anmore » attempt has been made to cover the literature exhaustively; although some important results have undoubtedly been overlooked. It is our hope, however, that sufficient material has been included in this review to facilitate further recovery of data by interested individuals. In Chapter 1, analytical techniques that have been employed in this field are briefly presented; discussion centers on problems associated with preparation of specimens for analysis. Chapter 2 is devoted to topical coverage of data on the inorganic composition of teeth. An element-by-element tabulation of concentration data is provided, our statistical analysis of selected data explained, and evidence concerning several major factors thought to influence dental composition evaluated. These include provenance, age, sex, distribution, and tooth type/intermouth variation.« less

Organic contaminants, trace and major elements, and nutrients in water and sediment sampled in response to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill

USGS Publications Warehouse

Nowell, Lisa H.; Ludtke, Amy S.; Mueller, David K.; Scott, Jonathon C.

2012-01-01

Beach water and sediment samples were collected along the Gulf of Mexico coast to assess differences in contaminant concentrations before and after landfall of Macondo-1 well oil released into the Gulf of Mexico from the sinking of the British Petroleum Corporation's Deepwater Horizon drilling platform. Samples were collected at 70 coastal sites between May 7 and July 7, 2010, to document baseline, or "pre-landfall" conditions. A subset of 48 sites was resampled during October 4 to 14, 2010, after oil had made landfall on the Gulf of Mexico coast, called the "post-landfall" sampling period, to determine if actionable concentrations of oil were present along shorelines. Few organic contaminants were detected in water; their detection frequencies generally were low and similar in pre-landfall and post-landfall samples. Only one organic contaminant--toluene--had significantly higher concentrations in post-landfall than pre-landfall water samples. No water samples exceeded any human-health benchmarks, and only one post-landfall water sample exceeded an aquatic-life benchmark--the toxic-unit benchmark for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) mixtures. In sediment, concentrations of 3 parent PAHs and 17 alkylated PAH groups were significantly higher in post-landfall samples than pre-landfall samples. One pre-landfall sample from Texas exceeded the sediment toxic-unit benchmark for PAH mixtures; this site was not sampled during the post-landfall period. Empirical upper screening-value benchmarks for PAHs in sediment were exceeded at 37 percent of post-landfall samples and 22 percent of pre-landfall samples, but there was no significant difference in the proportion of samples exceeding benchmarks between paired pre-landfall and post-landfall samples. Seven sites had the largest concentration differences between post-landfall and pre-landfall samples for 15 alkylated PAHs. Five of these seven sites, located in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama, had diagnostic geochemical evidence of Macondo-1 oil in post-landfall sediments and tarballs. For trace and major elements in water, analytical reporting levels for several elements were high and variable. No human-health benchmarks were exceeded, although these were available for only two elements. Aquatic-life benchmarks for trace elements were exceeded in 47 percent of water samples overall. The elements responsible for the most exceedances in post-landfall samples were boron, copper, and manganese. Benchmark exceedances in water could be substantially underestimated because some samples had reporting levels higher than the applicable benchmarks (such as cobalt, copper, lead and zinc) and some elements (such as boron and vanadium) were analyzed in samples from only one sampling period. For trace elements in whole sediment, empirical upper screening-value benchmarks were exceeded in 57 percent of post-landfall samples and 40 percent of pre-landfall samples, but there was no significant difference in the proportion of samples exceeding benchmarks between paired pre-landfall and post-landfall samples. Benchmark exceedance frequencies could be conservatively high because they are based on measurements of total trace-element concentrations in sediment. In the less than 63-micrometer sediment fraction, one or more trace or major elements were anthropogenically enriched relative to national baseline values for U.S. streams for all sediment samples except one. Sixteen percent of sediment samples exceeded upper screening-value benchmarks for, and were enriched in, one or more of the following elements: barium, vanadium, aluminum, manganese, arsenic, chromium, and cobalt. These samples were evenly divided between the sampling periods. Aquatic-life benchmarks were frequently exceeded along the Gulf of Mexico coast by trace elements in both water and sediment and by PAHs in sediment. For the most part, however, significant differences between pre-landfall and post-landfall samples were limited to concentrations of PAHs in sediment. At five sites along the coast, the higher post-landfall concentrations of PAHs were associated with diagnostic geochemical evidence of Deepwater Horizon Macondo-1 oil.

[Proposal of new trace elements classification to be used in nutrition, oligotherapy and other therapeutics strategies].

PubMed

Ramírez Hernández, Javier; Bonete Pérez, María José; Martínez Espinosa, Rosa María

2014-12-17

1) to propose a new classification of the trace elements based on a study of the recently reported research; 2) to offer detailed and actualized information about trace elements. the analysis of the research results recently reported reveals that the advances of the molecular analysis techniques point out the importance of certain trace elements in human health. A detailed analysis of the catalytic function related to several elements not considered essential o probably essentials up to now is also offered. To perform the integral analysis of the enzymes containing trace elements informatics tools have been used. Actualized information about physiological role, kinetics, metabolism, dietetic sources and factors promoting trace elements scarcity or toxicity is also presented. Oligotherapy uses catalytic active trace elements with therapeutic proposals. The new trace element classification here presented will be of high interest for different professional sectors: doctors and other professions related to medicine; nutritionist, pharmaceutics, etc. Using this new classification and approaches, new therapeutic strategies could be designed to mitigate symptomatology related to several pathologies, particularly carential and metabolic diseases. Copyright AULA MEDICA EDICIONES 2014. Published by AULA MEDICA. All rights reserved.

Trace elements have limited utility for studying migratory connectivity in shorebirds that winter in Argentina

USGS Publications Warehouse

Torres-Dowdall, J.; Farmer, A.H.; Abril, M.; Bucher, E.H.; Ridley, I.

2010-01-01

Trace-element analysis has been suggested as a tool for the study of migratory connectivity because (1) trace-element abundance varies spatially in the environment, (2) trace elements are assimilated into animals' tissues through the diet, and (3) current technology permits the analysis of multiple trace elements in a small tissue sample, allowing the simultaneous exploration of several elements. We explored the potential of trace elements (B, Na, Mg, Al, Si, P, S, K, Ca, Ti, Cr, Mn, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Sr, Cs, Hg, Tl, Pb, Bi, Th, and U) to clarify the migratory connectivity of shorebirds that breed in North America and winter in southern South America. We collected 66 recently replaced secondary feathers from Red Knots (Calidris canutus) at three sites in Patagonia and 76 from White-rumped Sandpipers (C. fuscicollis) at nine sites across Argentina. There were significant differences in trace-element abundance in shorebird feathers grown at different nonbreeding sites, and annual variability within a site was small compared to variability among sites. Across Argentina, there was no large-scale gradient in trace elements. The lack of such a gradient restricts the application of this technique to questions concerning the origin of shorebirds to a small number of discrete sites. Furthermore, our results including three additional species, the Pectoral Sandpiper (C. melanotos), Wilson's Phalarope (Phalaropus tricolor), and Collared Plover (Charadrius collaris), suggest that trace-element profiles change as feathers age. Temporal instability of trace-element values could undermine their application to the study of migratory connectivity in shorebirds. ?? The Cooper Ornithological Society 2010.

Trace-element evidence for the origin of desert varnish by direct aqueous atmospheric deposition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Thiagarajan, Nivedita; Aeolus Lee, Cin-Ty

2004-07-01

Smooth rock surfaces in arid environments are often covered with a thin coating of Fe-Mn oxyhydroxides known as desert varnish. It is debated whether such varnish is formed (a) by slow diagenesis of dust particles deposited on rock surfaces, (b) by leaching from the underlying rock substrate, or (c) by direct deposition of dissolved constituents in the atmosphere. Varnishes collected from smooth rock surfaces in the Mojave Desert and Death Valley, California are shown here to have highly enriched and fractionated trace-element abundances relative to upper continental crust (UCC). They are highly enriched in Co, Ni, Pb and the rare-earth elements (REEs). In particular, they have anomalously high Ce/La and low Y/Ho ratios. These features can only be explained by preferential scavenging of Co, Ni, Pb and the REEs by Fe-Mn oxyhydroxides in an aqueous environment. High field strength elements (HFSEs: Zr, Hf, Ta, Nb, Th), however, show only small enrichments despite the fact that these elements should also be strongly scavenged by Fe-Mn oxyhydroxides. This suggests that their lack of enrichment is a feature inherited from a solution initially poor in HFSEs. The first two scenarios for varnish formation can be ruled out as follows. The high enrichment factors of Fe, Mn and many trace elements cannot be generated by mass loss associated with post-depositional diagenesis of dust particles because such a process predicts only a small increase in concentration. In addition, the highly fractionated abundance patterns of particle reactive element pairs (e.g., Ce/La and Y/Ho) rules out leaching of the rock substrate. This is because if leaching were to occur, varnishes would grow from the inside to the outside, and thus any particle-reactive trace element leached from the substrate would be quantitatively sequestered in the Fe-Mn oxyhydroxide layers, prohibiting any significant elemental fractionations. One remaining possibility is that the Fe, Mn and trace metals in varnish are derived from leaching of dust particles entrained in rain or fog droplets either in the atmosphere or during wet atmospheric deposition. The high trace metal enrichment factors require that most of the dust was physically removed before or during varnish formation. The remaining aqueous counterpart would be depleted in HFSEs and Th relative to the REEs, Co, Ni and Pb because the former are more insoluble and hence largely retained in the removed dust fraction. The high Ce/La ratios suggest that precipitation of trace metals may have been governed by equilibrium partitioning in an excess of wet atmospheric deposition. If varnishes are indeed derived from wet atmospheric deposition, they may provide a record of the aqueous component of atmospheric dust inputs to various environments.

Trace elements in agroecosystems and impacts on the environment.

PubMed

He, Zhenli L; Yang, Xiaoe E; Stoffella, Peter J

2005-01-01

Trace elements mean elements present at low concentrations (mg kg-1 or less) in agroecosystems. Some trace elements, including copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), iron (Fe), molybdenum (Mo), and boron (B) are essential to plant growth and are called micronutrients. Except for B, these elements are also heavy metals, and are toxic to plants at high concentrations. Some trace elements, such as cobalt (Co) and selenium (Se), are not essential to plant growth but are required by animals and human beings. Other trace elements such as cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni), mercury (Hg), and arsenic (As) have toxic effects on living organisms and are often considered as contaminants. Trace elements in an agroecosystem are either inherited from soil parent materials or inputs through human activities. Soil contamination with heavy metals and toxic elements due to parent materials or point sources often occurs in a limited area and is easy to identify. Repeated use of metal-enriched chemicals, fertilizers, and organic amendments such as sewage sludge as well as wastewater may cause contamination at a large scale. A good example is the increased concentration of Cu and Zn in soils under long-term production of citrus and other fruit crops. Many chemical processes are involved in the transformation of trace elements in soils, but precipitation-dissolution, adsorption-desorption, and complexation are the most important processes controlling bioavailability and mobility of trace elements in soils. Both deficiency and toxicity of trace elements occur in agroecosystems. Application of trace elements in fertilizers is effective in correcting micronutrient deficiencies for crop production, whereas remediation of soils contaminated with metals is still costly and difficult although phytoremediation appears promising as a cost-effective approach. Soil microorganisms are the first living organisms subjected to the impacts of metal contamination. Being responsive and sensitive, changes in microbial biomass, activity, and community structure as a result of increased metal concentration in soil may be used as indicators of soil contamination or soil environmental quality. Future research needs to focus on the balance of trace elements in an agroecosystem, elaboration of soil chemical and biochemical parameters that can be used to diagnose soil contamination with or deficiency in trace elements, and quantification of trace metal transport from an agroecosystem to the environment.

Geochemical evidence for African dust and volcanic ash inputs to terra rossa soils on carbonate reef terraces, northern Jamaica, West Indies

USGS Publications Warehouse

Muhs, D.R.; Budahn, J.R.

2009-01-01

The origin of red or reddish-brown, clay-rich, "terra rossa" soils on limestone has been debated for decades. A traditional qualitative explanation for their formation has been the accumulation of insoluble residues as the limestone is progressively dissolved over time. However, this mode of formation often requires unrealistic or impossible amounts of carbonate dissolution. Therefore, where this mechanism is not viable and where local fluvial or colluvial inputs can be ruled out, an external source or sources must be involved in soil formation. On the north coast of the Caribbean island of Jamaica, we studied a sequence of terra rossa soils developed on emergent limestones thought to be of Quaternary age. The soils become progressively thicker, redder, more Fe- and Al-rich and Si-poor with elevation. Furthermore, although kaolinite is found in all the soils, the highest and oldest soils also contain boehmite. Major and trace element geochemistry shows that the host limestones and local igneous rocks are not likely source materials for the soils. Other trace elements, including the rare earth elements (REE), show that tephra from Central American volcanoes is not a likely source either. However, trace element geochemistry shows that airborne dust from Africa plus tephra from the Lesser Antilles island arc are possible source materials for the clay-rich soils. A third, as yet unidentified, source may also contribute to the soils. We hypothesize that older, more chemically mature Jamaican bauxites may have had a similar origin. The results add to the growing body of evidence of the importance of multiple parent materials, including far-traveled dust, to soil genesis.

The volcanic-plutonic connection unveiled

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hartung, E.; Caricchi, L.; Floess, D.; Wallis, S.; Harayama, S.

2017-12-01

Are upper crustal plutons solidified magma bodies or residues from extracted and erupted liquids? This remains one of the key questions to address to understand the construction and eruption of upper crustal magmatic systems. We have investigated the Takidani Pluton and contemporaneous volcanic deposits (Nyukawa PFD, Chayano Tuff and Ebisutoge PD) distributed around this crustal intrusion to understand whether they were sourced from this pluton. The Takidani Pluton is a good candidate because it contains petrographic and geochemical evidences for residual melt extraction, and pressure quenching associated with eruptive activity (Hartung et al., 2017). We analysed major and trace element concentrations of 18 plagioclase phenocrysts (core to rim) from the Takidani Pluton and Nyukawa-Chayano-Ebisutoge eruptions. Major elements were first analysed using an electron microprobe and trace elements were subsequently determined by laser ablation inductively coupled mass spectrometry in the same spot. Plagioclase chemistry shows that the Chayano and Ebisutoge rhyolitic deposits are not petrogenetically related to either the Takidani Pluton or the Nyukawa PFD. However, plagioclase of the Nyukawa PDF and the Takidani Pluton show indistinguishable REE patterns suggesting a common source domain for plagioclase from the two units. Ebisutoge plagioclase grains commonly contain xenocrystic cores that have major and trace element compositions comparable to the plagioclase grains observed in the Takidani Pluton and Nyukawa PFD. Our data show that the Nyukawa and Takidani plagioclase are geochemically indistinguishable, suggesting that the Takidani pluton was the magma reservoir that fed this large eruptive unit (400 km3, Oikawa, 2003). The Ebisutoge magma was not extracted directly from the pluton, but interacted with Takidani-Nyukawa when it was still molten. We have no evidence to suggest that the Takidani Pluton was the source of either the Chayano Tuff or the Ebisutoge PD.

Grain-size distribution and selected major and trace element concentrations in bed-sediment cores from the Lower Granite Reservoir and Snake and Clearwater Rivers, eastern Washington and northern Idaho, 2010

USGS Publications Warehouse

Braun, Christopher L.; Wilson, Jennifer T.; Van Metre, Peter C.; Weakland, Rhonda J.; Fosness, Ryan L.; Williams, Marshall L.

2012-01-01

Fifty subsamples from 15 cores were analyzed for major and trace elements. Concentrations of trace elements were low, with respect to sediment quality guidelines, in most cores. Typically, major and trace element concentrations were lower in the subsamples collected from the Snake River compared to those collected from the Clearwater River, the confluence of the Snake and Clearwater Rivers, and Lower Granite Reservoir. Generally, lower concentrations of major and trace elements were associated with coarser sediments (larger than 0.0625 millimeter) and higher concentrations of major and trace elements were associated with finer sediments (smaller than 0.0625 millimeter).

Practical applications of trace minerals for dairy cattle.

PubMed

Overton, T R; Yasui, T

2014-02-01

Trace minerals have critical roles in the key interrelated systems of immune function, oxidative metabolism, and energy metabolism in ruminants. To date, the primary trace elements of interest in diets for dairy cattle have included Zn, Cu, Mn, and Se although data also support potentially important roles of Cr, Co, and Fe in diets. Trace minerals such as Zn, Cu, Mn, and Se are essential with classically defined roles as components of key antioxidant enzymes and proteins. Available evidence indicates that these trace minerals can modulate aspects of oxidative metabolism and immune function in dairy cattle, particularly during the transition period and early lactation. Chromium has been shown to influence both immune function and energy metabolism of cattle; dairy cows fed Cr during the transition period and early lactation have evidence of improved immune function, increased milk production, and decreased cytological endometritis. Factors that complicate trace mineral nutrition at the farm level include the existence of a large number of antagonisms affecting bioavailability of individual trace minerals and uncertainty in terms of requirements under all physiological and management conditions; therefore, determining the optimum level and source of trace minerals under each specific situation continues to be a challenge. Typical factorial approaches to determine requirements for dairy cattle do not account for nuances in biological function observed with supplementation with various forms and amounts of trace minerals. Trace mineral nutrition modulates production, health, and reproduction in cattle although both formal meta-analysis and informal survey of the literature reveal substantial heterogeneity of response in these outcome variables. The industry has largely moved away from oxide-based programs toward sulfate-based programs; however, some evidence favors shifting supplementation strategies further toward more bioavailable forms of inorganic and organic trace minerals. Furthermore, opportunities for specific modulation of aspects of health, milk production, and reproduction through supplementation strategies for diets of transition dairy cows are attractive because of the known dynamics of energy metabolism, immune function, and oxidative metabolism during this timeframe.

Nuclear microscopy in trace-element biology — from cellular studies to the clinic

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lindh, Ulf

1993-05-01

The concentration and distribution of trace and major elements in cells are of great interest in cell biology. PIXE can provide elemental concentrations in the bulk of cells or organelles as other bulk techniques such as atomic absorption spectrophotometry and nuclear activation analysis. Supplementary information, perhaps more exciting, on the intracellular distributions of trace elements can be provided using nuclear microscopy. Intracellular distributions of trace elements in normal and malignant cells are presented. The toxicity of mercury and cadmium can be prevented by supplementation of the essential trace element selenium. Some results from an experimental animal model are discussed. The intercellular distribution of major and trace elements in isolated blood cells, as revealed by nuclear microscopy, provides useful clinical information. Examples are given concerning inflammatory connective-tissue diseases and the chronic fatigue syndrome.

Trace elements quantified by the APXS on Mars

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gellert, R.; Berger, J. A.; Boyd, N.; O'Connell-Cooper, C.; Desouza, E.; Thompson, L. M.; VanBommel, S.; Yen, A.

2017-12-01

The APXS accurately quantifies many trace elements within the dime-sized sample: Ni, Cu, Zn, Ga, Ge, Pb, Br, Se, As, and Y with 20 ppm detection limit (DL) and Rb, Sr, Zr, Co, Cr, and Mn with 200 ppm DL. Together with the major and minor elements, this gives important constraints for a variety of formation processes of the investigated soils, floats or extensive bedrock on Mars. The global soil, found at all rover landing sites, was used to define an average Mars value for Ni, Zn, Cr and Mn, with a consistent value of Fe/Mn 50 for soils and igneous rocks. All other APXS trace elements are below DL. Strong enrichments or depletions can both give evidence for the formation processes and link together groups of rocks and indicate their common diagenetic origin. Felsic rocks at Gale and Gusev have Cr, Ni and Zn far below soil, indicating their likely igneous origin. Further, similarly low values are found in elevated silica samples in the Murray Fm. at Gale where these elements have been mobilized and leached by fluids. High Sr and Ga was found in the host rock surrounding the Garden City vein system, which contains also high Ge, Mn and Cu, indicating mobilization in high temperature and/or acidic fluids after the Murray was lithified. The fracture fill sample Stephen at Windjana is high in Zn, Co and Cu. Germanium is enriched in the Murray Fm with very consistent values of about 100 ppm over many kilometers and 200 meters elevation, similar to perviously found bedrock at Yellowknife Bay and Windjana in Gale. Zinc is highly elevated but changes significantly with elevation in Murray, often correlated with Fe/Mn, possibly indicating changing redox conditions. Pb and Se are highly enriched at Pahrump (150, 75 ppm, resp.), drop first to low values and increase again uphill towards HematiteRidge. Nodules found at Pahrump show striking evidence for (Mg, Ni)-sulfates with Nickel up to 4% in the sulfates. All together these trends might indicate hydrothermal activity. The MER APXS instruments with somewhat higher DL found similar patterns. Elevated Ge was found at Home plate, Gusev crater, and at the rim of Endeavour crater at Meridiani Planum. Together with detailed investigations of SNC meteorites, the APXS detected trace elements supplement the bulk chemistry significantly and allow new insights into the formation processes encountered on Mars

Factors affecting trace element content in periurban market garden subsoil in Yunnan Province, China.

PubMed

Zu, Yanqun; Bock, Laurent; Schvartz, Christian; Colinet, Gilles; Li, Yuan

2011-01-01

Field investigations were conducted to measure subsoil trace element content and factors influencing content in an intensive periurban market garden in Chenggong County, Yunnan Province, South-West China. The area was divided into three different geomorphological units: specifically, mountain (M), transition (T) and lacustrine (L). Mean trace element content in subsoil were determined for Pb (58.2 mg/kg), Cd (0.89 mg/kg), Cu (129.2 mg/kg), and Zn (97.0 mg/kg). Strong significant relationships between trace element content in topsoil and subsoil were observed. Both Pb and Zn were accumulated in topsoil (RTS (ratio of mean trace element in topsoil to subsoil) of Pb and Zn > or =1.0) and Cd and Cu in subsoil (RTS of Cd and Cu < or = 1.0). Subsoil trace element content was related to relief, stoniness, soil color, clay content, and cation exchange capacity. Except for 7.5 YR (yellow-red) color, trace element content increased with color intensity from brown to reddish brown. Significant positive relationships were observed between Fe content and that of Pb and Cu. Trace element content in mountain unit subsoil was higher than in transition and lacustrine units (M > T > L), except for Cu (T > M > L). Mean trace element content in calcareous subsoil was higher than in sandstone and shale. Mean trace element content in clay texture subsoil was higher than in sandy and sandy loam subsoil, and higher Cu and Zn content in subsoil with few mottles. It is possible to model Pb, Cd, Cu, and Zn distribution in subsoil physico-chemical characteristics to help improve agricultural practice.

Trace elements at the intersection of marine biological and geochemical evolution

USGS Publications Warehouse

Robbins, Leslie J.; Lalonde, Stefan V.; Planavsky, Noah J.; Partin, Camille A.; Reinhard, Christopher T.; Kendall, Brian; Scott, Clinton T.; Hardisty, Dalton S.; Gill, Benjamin C.; Alessi, Daniel S.; Dupont, Christopher L.; Saito, Mak A.; Crowe, Sean A.; Poulton, Simon W.; Bekker, Andrey; Lyons, Timothy W.; Konhauser, Kurt O.

2016-01-01

Life requires a wide variety of bioessential trace elements to act as structural components and reactive centers in metalloenzymes. These requirements differ between organisms and have evolved over geological time, likely guided in some part by environmental conditions. Until recently, most of what was understood regarding trace element concentrations in the Precambrian oceans was inferred by extrapolation, geochemical modeling, and/or genomic studies. However, in the past decade, the increasing availability of trace element and isotopic data for sedimentary rocks of all ages has yielded new, and potentially more direct, insights into secular changes in seawater composition – and ultimately the evolution of the marine biosphere. Compiled records of many bioessential trace elements (including Ni, Mo, P, Zn, Co, Cr, Se, and I) provide new insight into how trace element abundance in Earth's ancient oceans may have been linked to biological evolution. Several of these trace elements display redox-sensitive behavior, while others are redox-sensitive but not bioessential (e.g., Cr, U). Their temporal trends in sedimentary archives provide useful constraints on changes in atmosphere-ocean redox conditions that are linked to biological evolution, for example, the activity of oxygen-producing, photosynthetic cyanobacteria. In this review, we summarize available Precambrian trace element proxy data, and discuss how temporal trends in the seawater concentrations of specific trace elements may be linked to the evolution of both simple and complex life. We also examine several biologically relevant and/or redox-sensitive trace elements that have yet to be fully examined in the sedimentary rock record (e.g., Cu, Cd, W) and suggest several directions for future studies.

Trace element exposure of whooper swans (Cygnus cygnus) wintering in a marine lagoon (Swan Lake), northern China.

PubMed

Wang, Feng; Xu, Shaochun; Zhou, Yi; Wang, Pengmei; Zhang, Xiaomei

2017-06-30

Trace element poisoning remains a great threat to various waterfowl and waterbirds throughout the world. In this study, we determined the trace element exposure of herbivorous whooper swans (Cygnus cygnus) wintering in Swan Lake (Rongcheng), an important swan protection area in northern China. A total of 70 samples including abiotic factors (seawater, sediments), food sources (seagrass, macroalgae), feathers and feces of whooper swans were collected from the marine lagoon during the winters of 2014/2015 and 2015/2016. Concentrations of Cu, Zn, Pb, Cr, Cd, Hg and As were determined to investigate the trace element exposure of whooper swans wintering in the area. Results showed that there was an increasing trend in sediment trace element concentrations, compared with historical data. The trace element concentrations in swan feces most closely resembled those of Zostera marina leaves, especially for Cd and Cr. The Zn and Hg concentrations in the swan feces (49.57 and 0.01mg/kg, respectively) were lower than the minimum values reported in the literature for other waterfowls, waterbirds and terrestrial birds. However, the concentrations of the other five trace elements fell within the lower and mediate range of values reported for birds across the world. These results suggest that the whooper swans wintering in Swan Lake, Rongcheng are not suffering severe trace element exposure; however, with the increasing input of trace elements to the lagoon, severe adverse impacts may occur in the future, and we therefore suggest that the input of trace elements to this area should be curbed. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Evolution of the Campanian Ignimbrite Magmatic System II: Trace Element and Th Isotopic Evidence for Open-System Processes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bohrson, W. A.; Spera, F. J.; Fowler, S.; Belkin, H.; de Vivo, B.

2005-12-01

The Campanian Ignimbrite, a large volume (~200 km3 DRE) trachytic to phonolitic ignimbrite was deposited at ~39.3 ka and represents the largest of a number of highly explosive volcanic events in the region near Naples, Italy. Thermodynamic modeling of the major element evolution using the MELTS algorithm (see companion contribution by Fowler et al.) provides detailed information about the identity of and changes in proportions of solids along the liquid line of descent during isobaric fractional crystallization. We have derived trace element mass balance equations that explicitly accommodate changing mineral-melt bulk distribution coefficients during crystallization and also simultaneously satisfy energy and major element mass conservation. Although major element patterns are reasonably modeled assuming closed system fractional crystallization, modeling of trace elements that represent a range of behaviors (e.g. Zr, Nb, Th, U, Rb, Sm, Sr) yields trends for closed system fractionation that are distinct from those observed. These results suggest open-system processes were also important in the evolution of the Campanian magmatic system. Th isotope data yield an apparent isochron that is ~20 kyr younger than the age of the deposit, and age-corrected Th isotope data indicate that the magma body was an open-system at the time of eruption. Because open-system processes can profoundly change isotopic characteristics of a magma body, these results illustrate that it is critical to understand the contribution that open-system processes make to silicic magma bodies prior to assigning relevance to age or timescale information derived from isotope systematics. Fluid-magma interaction has been proposed as a mechanism to change isotopic and elemental characteristics of magma bodies, but an evaluation of the mass and thermal constraints on such a process suggest large-scale fluid-melt interaction at liquidus temperatures is unlikely. In the case of the magma body associated with the Campanian Ignimbrite, the most likely source of open-system signatures is assimilation of partial melts of compositionally heterogeneous basement composed of older cumulates and intrusive equivalents of volcanic activity within the Campanian region. Additional trace element modeling, explicitly evaluating the mass and energy balance effects that fluid, solids, and melt have on trace element evolution, will further elucidate the contributions of open vs. closed system processes within the Campanian magma body.

Heavy Metals and Related Trace Elements.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Leland, Harry V.; And Others

1978-01-01

Presents a literature review of heavy metals and related trace elements in the environment, covering publications of 1976-77. This review includes: (1) trace treatment in natural water and in sediments; and (2) bioaccumulation and toxicity of trace elements. A list of 466 references is presented. (HM)

Meteoritic trace element toxification and the terminal Mesozoic mass extinction

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Dickson, S.M.; Erickson, D.J. III

1985-01-01

Calculations of trace element fluxes to the earth associated with 5 and 10 kilometer diameter Cl chondrites and iron meteorites are presented. The data indicate that the masses of certain trace elements contained in the bolide, such as Fe, Co, Ni, Cr, Pb, and Cu, are as large as or larger than the world ocean burden. The authors believe that this pulse of trace elements was of sufficient magnitude to perturb the biogeochemical cycles operative 65 million years ago, a probably time of meteorite impact. Geochemical anomalies in Cretaceous-Tertiary boundary sediments suggest that elevated concentrations of trace elements may havemore » persisted for thousands of years in the ocean. Through direct exposure and bioaccumulation, many trophic levels of the global food chain, including that of the dinosaurs, would have been adversely affected by these meteoritic trace elements. The trace element toxification hypothesis may account for the selective extinction of both marine and terrestrial species in the enigmatic terminal Mesozoic event.« less

Trace-Element Evidence for an Aqueous Atmospheric Origin of Desert Varnish: implications for the aqueous atmospheric input flux into the ocean

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Thiagarajan, N.; Lee, C.

2003-12-01

Desert varnish is a slow-growing dark patina commonly found on rock surfaces in arid environments. Varnishes consist of about 30% Mn and Fe oxides accompanied by oxides of Si, Al, Mg, K and Ca, which occur primarily in the form of clays. Although it is generally agreed that varnishes have an atmospheric origin, their exact formation mechanism remains highly debated. Two endmember hypotheses are gradual accumulation of wind-blown dust followed by diagenesis, and direct chemical precipitation of dissolved elements from atmospheric aerosols. To rule out one of these hypotheses, we investigated the trace-element systematics of varnishes, in particular, focusing on those elements that have contrasting solubilities in aqueous environments. If our trace element analyses are consistent with the varnishes being derived from dissolved atmospheric constituents then the data can be used to quantify the paleofluxes of the soluble fraction of atmospheric aerosols to various depositional environments. For example, this will have implications for the transport of metals to the ocean that are immediately biologically available. We collected varnishes deposited on smooth basaltic lava flow surfaces in the Cima Volcanic Field (Mojave Desert) and in Death Valley, California. The chosen lava flows retain original flow surface structure and are topographical highs; the effects of erosion are hence minimal. Varnishes were scraped off with a quartz rod to minimize trace element contamination and the trace element compositions were then determined by ICP-MS using an external synthetic standard for calibration. Our analyses show that the rare-earth elements (REEs), Co, Ni, and Pb are enriched 1.5 to 10 times relative to the upper continental crust (UCC) and that Nb, Ti, Ta, Hf, Th, Rb and Cs are depleted to varying degrees relative to UCC and the REEs. These fractionations can be explained by their differing chemical behaviors in aqueous environments. The extreme depletion in Rb and Cs reflect their high solubilities and tendency to be progressively leached out by rain water. Nb, Ti, Ta, Hf and Th are present only in detrital concentrations, reflecting their high insolublities and their probable depletion in the Fe- and Mn-rich components of the varnish. Co, Ni, Pb and Ce are soluble but readily coprecipitate with Mn oxides hence their 10-fold enrichments. Enrichments caused by diagenesis of dust accreted on the varnish substrate cannot achieve the 10-fold enrichments of some elements observed here, indicating that the aqueous component must be derived directly from the atmosphere. Remarkably, we find that ferro-manganese crusts produced by hydrogenous processes in the marine environment have trace-element abundance patterns nearly identical to those of varnishes. Relative to the upper continental crust, they are enriched in REEs, Co, Ni, and Pb, depleted in Nb, Ti, Ta, Hf, Th, Rb and Cs and are anomalously high in Ce. These unexpected similarities provide additional evidence that desert varnishes represent the direct precipitation of aqueous components in the atmosphere. It may be possible to estimate the aqueous atmospheric input of such trace elements as the REEs into the ocean. For example, multiplying the Nd/Fe and Nd/Mn ratios of the varnishes by estimates of modern day Fe and Mn wet deposition inputs to the ocean yields an oceanic input of 4 to 15 x 107 moles of Nd/year. This is slightly larger than the amount of dissolved Nd entering the oceans each year (2.4 x 106 moles/yr) via rivers, hence, there is a significant atmospheric input of REEs into the ocean in aqueous form.

Selenium and trace element mobility affected by periodic displacement of stratification in the Great Salt Lake, Utah

USGS Publications Warehouse

Beisner, K.; Naftz, D.L.; Johnson, W.P.; Diaz, X.

2009-01-01

The Great Salt Lake (GSL) is a unique ecosystem in which trace element activity cannot be characterized by standard geochemical parameters due to the high salinity. Movement of selenium and other trace elements present in the lake bed sediments of GSL may occur due to periodic stratification displacement events or lake bed exposure. The water column of GSL is complicated by the presence of a chemocline persistent over annual to decadal time scales. The water below the chemocline is referred to as the deep brine layer (DBL), has a high salinity (16.5 to 22.9%) and is anoxic. The upper brine layer (UBL) resides above the chemocline, has lower salinity (12.6 to 14.7%) and is oxic. Displacement of the DBL may involve trace element movement within the water column due to changes in redox potential. Evidence of stratification displacement in the water column has been observed at two fixed stations on the lake by monitoring vertical water temperature profiles with horizontal and vertical velocity profiles. Stratification displacement events occur over periods of 12 to 24 h and are associated with strong wind events that can produce seiches within the water column. In addition to displacement events, the DBL shrinks and expands in response to changes in the lake surface area over a period of months. Laboratory tests simulating the observed sediment re-suspension were conducted over daily, weekly and monthly time scales to understand the effect of placing anoxic bottom sediments in contact with oxic water, and the associated effect of trace element desorption and (or) dissolution. Results from the laboratory simulations indicate that a small percentage (1%) of selenium associated with anoxic bottom sediments is periodically solubilized into the UBL where it potentially can be incorporated into the biota utilizing the oxic part of GSL.

Origins of strandline duricrusts around the Makgadikgadi Pans (Botswana Kalahari) as deduced from their chemical and isotope composition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ringrose, S.; Harris, C.; Huntsman-Mapila, P.; Vink, B. W.; Diskins, S.; Vanderpost, C.; Matheson, W.

2009-07-01

Trace elements together with some O and C isotope analysis were undertaken on duricrust strandline deposits in the palaeo-Makgadikgadi sub-basin (PMSB) to provide insight into palaeo-climatic conditions through the interpretation of calcrete, silcrete-calcrete intergrade and silcrete deposits. Trace element content and relative abundance suggest that the duricrust origins are associated with the long-term weathering of the Karoo Large Igneous Province which underlies the PMSB. This work shows that duricrust origins are related to Ca 2+ and Si (and associated trace elements) being transported mainly through the groundwater and then subsequently precipitated at different strandline elevations over time. Local groundwater feeding in towards the pan margin and accumulating in near-neutral pan-marginal pools, appears to facilitate Si concentration and permeation of pre-existing calcretes. The silica precipitates as the pH drops when renewed freshwater enters the pools. Hence the inferred palaeo-climatic regime for silcretisation may be similar to that occurring in Botswana at present being dry semi-arid with low seasonal rainfall. In contrast the extensive calcrete precipitation in the strandlines results from abundant Ca 2+ in adjacent waters which appear to be derived from both local and regional sources. The arrival of Ca 2+ from regional sources (shown by trace element evidence) infers heavy rainfall in the upper catchment suggesting a major humid event followed by regional drying. Palaeo-climatic inferences suggest the juxtaposition of major humid events interspersed with more normal semi-arid palaeo-climates with an exception obtained from isotope data, of drier and cooler conditions than usual for the region around 80-90 000 years ago. Whereas trace element data can greatly assist in the interpretation of complex deposits such as duricrusts, care should be taken over the use of particular ratios (such as Yb/Gd ratio) which may produce spurious results.

Diagenesis of fossil coral skeletons: Correlation between trace elements, textures, and [sup 234]U/[sup 238]U

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Bar-Matthews, M.; Wasserburg, G.J.; Chen, J.H.

1993-01-01

A comparative study of Pleistocene fossil coral skeletons and of modern coral skeletons was carried out using petrographic and trace element analyses on a suite of Pleistocene samples that had previously been studied from [sup 234]U, [sup 230]Th, and U-[sup 230]Th ages (Chen et al. 1991). Evidence of a range of diagenetic changes can be recognized by optical (OM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Using an electron microprobe and SEM, concentrations of Na, S, Sr, and Mg were measured. No other trace elements were detected. Na, S, and Mg contents of the matrix, the fibrous micropores, and radiating needles aremore » highly variable and well correlated. High concentrations of Na, S, and Mg were found in modern living corals with lower concentrations in fossil corals and fibrous micropores, and the lowest value in the radiating needles. The reason for the correlations of Na, S, and Mg and crystal chemistry and the response to diagenesis of these trace elements is not understood. The average concentrations of Na, S, and Mg for each sample, when plotted against the whole coral initial [delta][sup 234]U, are generally correlated (Chen et al., 1991). As all these diagenetic changes involve the recystallization and deposition of aragonite, the authors infer that the geologic site of diagenesis both for forming the secondary aragonitic phases and for the enhancement of the [sup 234]U content in the fossil corals was the marine environment. It is possible that the textural and Na, S, and Mg trace element contents of fossil corals be used to ascertain the reliability of fossil coral skeletons for U-[sup 230]Th dating. The basic problem of identifying a priori unaltered coral skeletons for [sup 230]Th dating is not yet resolved. 64 refs., 16 figs., 5 tabs.« less

Orthopyroxene as a recorder of primitive achondrite petrogenesis: Major-, minor-, and trace-element systematics of orthopyroxene in Lodran. [Abstract only

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Papike, J. J.; Spilde, M. N.; Fowler, G. W.; Shearer, C. K.

1994-01-01

Considerable attention has been paid recently to the primitive achondrites because they may form a link between chondrites and more differentiated achondrite meteorites. A recent paper by Miyamoto and Takeda addresses the thermal history of lodranites Yamato 74357 and MAC 88177 as inferred from chemical zoning of pyroxene and olivine determined by electron microprobe analyses. Their results suggested that interstitial melt was present and then extracted. We have taken the analysis of Lodran-type meteorites one step further by incorporating the techniques of Electromagnetic Pulse/Wavelength Dispersive Spectroscopy (EMP/WDS) compositional imaging and scanning ion mass spectroscopy (SIMS) analysis. Orthopyroxene in Lodran is strongly zoned in CaO, Al2O3, TiO2, and Cr2O3 within the last 10-30 microns from the grain boundaries. The rims are reversely zoned in Mg-Fe, exhibiting Mg enrichment, and compositions change from a fairly uniform Wo3En94 within the grains to Wo1En96 at the rims. CaO drops from 1.6 to 0.6 wt% and Al2O3, TiO2, and Cr2O3 exhibit similar depletions. MnO is fairly uniform throughout the grains at around 0.5 wt%. Olivine is also reversely zoned with respect to not only grain boundaries but also to fractures within the grains, giving many olivine grains a complex, patchy zoning pattern. Some of the core-rim trace-element systematics for orthopyroxene are illustrated. Because of the rather narrow zoned rims in Lodran orthopyroxene and the low trace-element abundances, it is difficult to clearly resolve the trace-element systematics. Nevertheless it is evident that the cores are enriched in the incompatible trace elements Ce, Nd, Dy, Er, Yb, Y, and Zr relative to the rims.

Effect of silicon on trace element partitioning in iron-bearing metallic melts

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chabot, Nancy L.; Safko, Trevor M.; McDonough, William F.

2010-08-01

Despite the fact that Si is considered a potentially important metalloid in planetary systems, little is known about the effect of Si in metallic melts on trace element partitioning behavior. Previous studies have established the effects of S, C, and P, nonmetals, through solid metal/liquid metal experiments in the corresponding Fe binary systems, but the Fe-Si system is not appropriate for similar experiments because of the high solubility of Si in solid metal. In this work, we present the results from 0.1MPa experiments with two coexisting immiscible metallic liquids in the Fe-S-Si system. By leveraging the extensive available knowledge about the effect of S on trace element partitioning behavior, we explore the effect of Si. Results for 22 trace elements are presented. Strong Si avoidance behavior is demonstrated by As, Au, Ga, Ge, Sb, Sn, and Zn. Iridium, Os, Pt, Re, Ru, and W exhibit weak Si avoidance tendencies. Silicon appears to have no significant effect on the partitioning behaviors of Ag, Co, Cu, Cr, Ni, Pd, and V, all of which had similar partition coefficients over a wide range of Si liquid concentrations from Si-free to 13 wt%. The only elements in our experiments to show evidence of a potentially weak attraction to Si were Mo and Rh. Applications of the newly determined effects of Si to problems in planetary science indicate that (1) The elements Ni, Co, Mo, and W, which are commonly used in planetary differentiation models, are minimally affected by the presence of Si in the metal, especially in comparison to other effects such as from oxygen fugacity. 2) Reduced enstatite-rich meteorites may record a chemical signature due to Si in the metallic melts during partial melting, and if so, elements identified by this study as having strong Si avoidance may offer unique insight into unraveling the history of these meteorites.

Trace element abundances in major minerals of Late Permian coals from southwestern Guizhou province, China

USGS Publications Warehouse

Zhang, Jiahua; Ren, D.; Zheng, C.; Zeng, R.; Chou, C.-L.; Liu, J.

2002-01-01

Fourteen samples of minerals were separated by handpicking from Late Permian coals in southwestern Guizhou province, China. These 14 minerals were nodular pyrite, massive recrystallized pyrite, pyrite deposited from low-temperature hydrothermal fluid and from ground water; clay minerals; and calcite deposited from low-temperature hydrothermal fluid and from ground water. The mineralogy, elemental composition, and distribution of 33 elements in these samples were studied by optical microscopy, scanning electron microscope equipped with energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometer (SEM-EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD), cold-vapor atomic absorption spectrometry (CV-AAS), atomic fluorescence spectrometry (AFS), inductively coupled-plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), and ion-selective electrode (ISE). The results show that various minerals in coal contain variable amounts of trace elements. Clay minerals have high concentrations of Ba, Be, Cs, F, Ga, Nb, Rb, Th, U, and Zr. Quartz has little contribution to the concentration of trace elements in bulk coal. Arsenic, Mn, and Sr are in high concentrations in calcite. Pyrite has high concentrations of As, Cd, Hg, Mo, Sb, Se, Tl, and Zn. Different genetic types of calcite in coal can accumulate different trace elements; for example Ba, Co, Cr, Hg, Ni, Rb, Sn, Sr, and Zn are in higher concentrations in calcite deposited from low-temperature hydrothermal fluid than in that deposited from ground water. Furthermore, the concentrations of some trace elements are quite variable in pyrite; different genetic types of pyrites (Py-A, B, C, D) have different concentrations of trace elements, and the concentrations of trace elements are also different in pyrite of low-temperature hydrothermal origin collected from different locations. The study shows that elemental concentration is rather uniform in a pyrite vein. There are many micron and submicron mosaic pyrites in a pyrite vein, which is enriched in some trace elements, such as As and Mo. The content of trace element in pyrite vein depends upon the content of mosaic pyrite and of trace elements in it. Many environmentally sensitive trace elements are mainly contained in the minerals in coal, and hence the physical coal cleaning techniques can remove minerals from coal and decrease the emissions of potentially hazardous trace elements. ?? 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.

Detection of environmental impacts of shrimp farming through multiple lines of evidence.

PubMed

Hatje, Vanessa; de Souza, Manuel M; Ribeiro, Luisa F; Eça, Gilmara F; Barros, Francisco

2016-12-01

In order to evaluate the impact of semi-intensive shrimp farming, comparisons between Control and Impact areas were made based on multiple lines of evidence using an asymmetrical design. Water and sediment samples were collected in four shrimp farms located in Todos os Santos Bay, Bahia, Brazil. Nutrients, trace elements and macrobenthic assemblages were evaluated using uni- and multivariate analyzes. Significant differences were observed between Impact and Control areas for the water column dataset (i.e., ancillary variables, SPM, dissolved nutrients and major and trace elements in SPM), whereas no significant differences were observed for the chemistry of sediments. Macrobenthic assemblages were negatively affected by shrimp farm activities. Impacted sites presented the lowest abundance, richness and different structure of macrofaunal benthic assemblages. Farms clearly produced negative impacts in the Todos os Santos Bay. This conclusion was only possible to be reached through the use of multiple lines of evidence. Chemistry and benthic assemblages data combined produced a better description of the quality and impacts of the evaluated environments. Different conclusions would have been reached if chemistry and ecology results were studied separately vs. together. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Trace elemental analysis of human breast cancerous blood by advanced PC-WDXRF technique

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Singh, Ranjit; Kainth, Harpreet Singh; Prasher, Puneet; Singh, Tejbir

2018-03-01

The objective of this work is to quantify the trace elements of healthy and non-healthy blood samples by using advanced polychromatic source based wavelength dispersive X-ray fluorescence (PC-WDXRF) technique. The imbalances in trace elements present in the human blood directly or indirectly lead to the carcinogenic process. The trace elements 11Na, 12Mg, 15P, 16S, 17Cl, 19K, 20Ca, 26Fe, 29Cu and 30Zn are identified and their concentrations are estimated. The experimental results clearly discuss the variation and role of various trace elements present in the non-healthy blood samples relative to the healthy blood samples. These results establish future guidelines to probe the possible roles of essential trace elements in the breast carcinogenic processes. The instrumental sensitivity and detection limits for measuring the elements in the atomic range 11 ≤ Z ≤ 30 have also been discussed in the present work.

INAA Application for Trace Element Determination in Biological Reference Material

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Atmodjo, D. P. D.; Kurniawati, S.; Lestiani, D. D.; Adventini, N.

2017-06-01

Trace element determination in biological samples is often used in the study of health and toxicology. Determination change to its essentiality and toxicity of trace element require an accurate determination method, which implies that a good Quality Control (QC) procedure should be performed. In this study, QC for trace element determination in biological samples was applied by analyzing the Standard Reference Material (SRM) Bovine muscle 8414 NIST using Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis (INAA). Three selected trace element such as Fe, Zn, and Se were determined. Accuracy of the elements showed as %recovery and precision as %coefficient of variance (%CV). The result showed that %recovery of Fe, Zn, and Se were in the range between 99.4-107%, 92.7-103%, and 91.9-112%, respectively, whereas %CV were 2.92, 3.70, and 5.37%, respectively. These results showed that INAA method is precise and accurate for trace element determination in biological matrices.

Alterations of Hair and Nail Content of Selected Trace Elements in Nonoccupationally Exposed Patients with Chronic Depression from Different Geographical Regions

PubMed Central

Liao, Kuan-Yung; Liao, Heng-Hsin; Niziński, Przemysław; Momčilović, Berislav; Jabłońska-Czapla, Magdalena; Prystupa, Andrzej; Sak, Jarosław J.; Kocjan, Ryszard

2017-01-01

The aim of this study was to determine if altered levels of selected trace elements manifest themselves during chronic depression. To identify elements strongly associated with chronic depression, relationships between the elemental contents of hair and nails and the interelement correlations were checked. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and ion chromatography were used to evaluate the contents of Zn, Cu, Co, Pb, Mn, and Fe in hair and nail samples from a total of 415 subjects (295 patients and 120 healthy volunteers). The study included logistic regression models to predict the probability of chronic depression. To investigate possible intercorrelations among the studied elements, the scaled principal component analysis was used. The research has revealed differences in TE levels in the group of depressed men and women in comparison to the healthy subjects. Statistically significant differences in both hair and nails contents of several elements were observed. Our study also provides strong evidence that the intermediary metabolism of certain elements is age- and gender-dependent. Zn, Mn, Pb, and Fe contents in hair/nails seem to be strongly associated with chronic depression. We found no statistically significant residence-related differences in the contents of studied elements in nonoccupationally exposed patients and healthy subjects. PMID:28386550

Alterations of Hair and Nail Content of Selected Trace Elements in Nonoccupationally Exposed Patients with Chronic Depression from Different Geographical Regions.

PubMed

Błażewicz, Anna; Liao, Kuan-Yung; Liao, Heng-Hsin; Niziński, Przemysław; Komsta, Łukasz; Momčilović, Berislav; Jabłońska-Czapla, Magdalena; Michalski, Rajmund; Prystupa, Andrzej; Sak, Jarosław J; Kocjan, Ryszard

2017-01-01

The aim of this study was to determine if altered levels of selected trace elements manifest themselves during chronic depression. To identify elements strongly associated with chronic depression, relationships between the elemental contents of hair and nails and the interelement correlations were checked. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and ion chromatography were used to evaluate the contents of Zn, Cu, Co, Pb, Mn, and Fe in hair and nail samples from a total of 415 subjects (295 patients and 120 healthy volunteers). The study included logistic regression models to predict the probability of chronic depression. To investigate possible intercorrelations among the studied elements, the scaled principal component analysis was used. The research has revealed differences in TE levels in the group of depressed men and women in comparison to the healthy subjects. Statistically significant differences in both hair and nails contents of several elements were observed. Our study also provides strong evidence that the intermediary metabolism of certain elements is age- and gender-dependent. Zn, Mn, Pb, and Fe contents in hair/nails seem to be strongly associated with chronic depression. We found no statistically significant residence-related differences in the contents of studied elements in nonoccupationally exposed patients and healthy subjects.

Multiple Mechanisms of Transient Heating Events in the Protoplanetary Disk: Evidence from Precursors of Chondrules and Igneous Ca,Al-Rich Inclusions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Krot, A. N.; Nagashima, K.; Libourel, G.; Miller, K. E.

2017-02-01

Here we review the mineralogy, petrography, O-isotope compositions, and trace element abundances of precursors of chondrules and igneous CAIs which provide important constraints on the mechanisms of transient heating events in the protoplanetary disk.

New insights into trace element wet deposition in the Himalayas: amounts, seasonal patterns, and implications.

PubMed

Cong, Zhiyuan; Kang, Shichang; Zhang, Yulan; Gao, Shaopeng; Wang, Zhongyan; Liu, Bin; Wan, Xin

2015-02-01

Our research provides the first complete year-long dataset of wet deposition of trace elements in the high Himalayas based on a total of 42 wet deposition events on the northern slope of Mt. Qomolangma (Everest). Except for typical crustal elements (Al, Fe, and Mn), the concentration level of most trace elements (Sc, V, Cr, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Mo, Cd, Sn, Cs, Pb, Bi, and U) are generally comparable to those preserved in snow pits and ice cores from the nearby East Rongbuk Glacier. Cadmium was the element most affected by anthropogenic emissions. No pronounced seasonal variations are observed for most trace elements despite different transport pathways. In our study, the composition of wet precipitation reflects a regional background condition and is not clearly related to specific source regions. For the trace element record from ice cores and snow pits in the Himalayas, it could be deduced that the pronounced seasonal patterns were caused by the dry deposition of trace elements (aerosols) during their long exposure to the atmosphere after precipitation events. Our findings are of value for the understanding of the trace element deposition mechanisms in the Himalayas.

Distribution of arsenic, selenium, and other trace elements in high pyrite Appalachian coals: evidence for multiple episodes of pyrite formation

USGS Publications Warehouse

Diehl, S.F.; Goldhaber, M.B.; Koenig, A.E.; Lowers, H.A.; Ruppert, L.F.

2012-01-01

Pennsylvanian coals in the Appalachian Basin host pyrite that is locally enriched in potentially toxic trace elements such as As, Se, Hg, Pb, and Ni. A comparison of pyrite-rich coals from northwestern Alabama, eastern Kentucky, and West Virginia reveals differences in concentrations and mode of occurrence of trace elements in pyrite. Pyrite occurs as framboids, dendrites, or in massive crystalline form in cell lumens or crosscutting veins. Metal concentrations in pyrite vary over all scales, from microscopic to mine to regional, because trace elements are inhomogeneously distributed in the different morphological forms of pyrite, and in the multiple generations of sulfide mineral precipitates. Early diagenetic framboidal pyrite is usually depleted in As, Se, and Hg, and enriched in Pb and Ni, compared to other pyrite forms. In dendritic pyrite, maps of As distribution show a chemical gradient from As-rich centers to As-poor distal branches, whereas Se concentrations are highest at the distal edges of the branches. Massive crystalline pyrite that fills veins is composed of several generations of sulfide minerals. Pyrite in late-stage veins commonly exhibits As-rich growth zones, indicating a probable epigenetic hydrothermal origin. Selenium is concentrated at the distal edges of veins. A positive correlation of As and Se in pyrite veins from Kentucky coals, and of As and Hg in pyrite-filled veins from Alabama coals, suggests coprecipitation of these elements from the same fluid. In the Kentucky coal samples (n = 18), As and Se contents in pyrite-filled veins average 4200 ppm and 200 ppm, respectively. In Alabama coal samples, As in pyrite-filled veins averages 2700 ppm (n = 34), whereas As in pyrite-filled cellular structures averages 6470 ppm (n = 35). In these same Alabama samples, Se averages 80 ppm in pyrite-filled veins, but was below the detection limit in cell structures. In samples of West Virginia massive pyrite, As averages 1700 ppm, and Se averages 270 ppm (n = 24). The highest concentration of Hg (≤ 102 ppm) is in Alabama pyrite veins. Improved detailed descriptions of sulfide morphology, sulfide mineral paragenesis, and trace-element concentration and distribution allow more informed predictions of: (1) the relative rate of release of trace elements during weathering of pyrite in coals, and (2) the relative effectiveness of various coal-cleaning procedures of removing pyrite. For example, trace element-rich pyrite has been shown to be more soluble than stoichiometric pyrite, and fragile fine-grained pyrite forms such as dendrites and framboids are more susceptible to dissolution and disaggregation but less amenable to removal during coal cleaning.

Petrology and In Situ Trace Element Chemistry of a Suite of R Chondrites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mittlefehldt, D. W.; Peng, Z. X.; Torrano, Z. A.

2015-01-01

Rumuruti (R) chondrites are characterized by low chondrule/matrix modal ratios, high oxidation state, small mean chondrule size, abundant sulfides and low metal contents, and are of petrologic types 3 to 6 [1, 2]. LAP 04840 (R5, [3]) and MIL 11207 (R6), contain the high-T hydrous phases amphibole and mica [3, 4]; not all equilibrated R chondrites contain these [2]. R chondrites thus can provide evidence on whether there are compositional effects caused by high-T, high-fluid metamorphism of nebular materials. We are investigating a suite of R chondrites of diverse petrologic grades to further understand the nature of the metamorphic processes that engendered them [5]. We report on our petrological studies, plus preliminary in situ analyses of trace elements in amphibole-bearing R chondrites.

Trace element and petrologic clues to the formation of forsterite-bearing Ca-Al-rich inclusions in the Allende meteorite

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wark, D. A.; Boynton, W. V.; Keays, R. R.; Palme, H.

1987-03-01

This work presents new trace element and petrographic data for three forsterite-bearing, Ca-Al-rich inclusions from the Allende meteorite: TE, 818a, and 110-A. Such inclusions form a continuum with Type B1 and B2 Ca-Al-rich inclusions (CAIs), and the authors refer to them as "Type B3" CAIs. Textures, mineral chemistries, crystal-chemically fractionated REE patterns, and other properties suggest that Type B3 crystallized from partly molten evaporative residues. They also present evidence that 818a was strongly re-heated and modified in the nebula after its initial crystallization: it consists of a core of coarse-grained Ti-Al-pyroxene (Tpx), forsterite, spinel and metal grains and a thick, surrounding mantle of melilite.

The effect of tissue structure and soil chemistry on trace element uptake in fossils

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hinz, Emily A.; Kohn, Matthew J.

2010-06-01

Trace element profiles for common divalent cations (Sr, Zn, Ba), rare-earth elements (REE), Y, U, and Th were measured in fossil bones and teeth from the c. 25 ka Merrell locality, Montana, USA, by using laser-ablation ICP-MS. Multiple traverses in teeth were transformed into 2-D trace element maps for visualizing structural influences on trace element uptake. Trace element compositions of different soils from the fossil site were also analyzed by solution ICP-MS, employing progressive leaches that included distilled H 2O, 0.1 M acetic acid, and microwave digestion in concentrated HCl-HNO 3. In teeth, trace element uptake in enamel is 2-4 orders of magnitude slower than in dentine, forming an effective trace element barrier. Uptake in dentine parallel to the dentine-enamel interface is enhanced by at least 2 orders of magnitude compared to transverse, causing trace element "plumes" down the tooth core. In bone, U, Ba and Sr are nearly homogeneous, implying diffusivities ˜5 orders of magnitude faster than in enamel and virtually complete equilibration with host soils. In contrast all REE show strong depletions inward, with stepwise linear segments in log-normal or inverse complementary error function plots; these data require a multi-medium diffusion model, with about 2 orders of magnitude difference in slowest vs. fastest diffusivities. Differences in REE diffusivities in bone (slow) vs. dentine (fast) reflect different partition coefficients ( Kd's). Although acid leaches and bulk digestion of soils yield comparable fossil-soil Kd's among different elements, natural solutions are expected to be neutral to slightly basic. Distilled H 2O leachates instead reveal radically different Kd's in bone for REE than for U-Sr-Ba, suggest orders of magnitude lower effective diffusivities for REE, and readily explain steep vs. flat profiles for REE vs. U-Sr-Ba, respectively. Differences among REE Kd's and diffusivities may explain inward changes in Ce anomalies. Acid washes and bulk soil compositions yield misleading Kd's for many trace elements, especially the REE, and H 2O-leaches are preferred. Patterns of trace element distributions indicate diagenetic alteration at all scales, including enamel, and challenge the use of trace elements in paleodietary studies.

A Global Overview of Exposure Levels and Biological Effects of Trace Elements in Penguins.

PubMed

Espejo, Winfred; Celis, José E; GonzÃlez-Acuña, Daniel; Banegas, Andiranel; Barra, Ricardo; Chiang, Gustavo

2018-01-01

Trace elements are chemical contaminants that can be present almost anywhere on the planet. The study of trace elements in biotic matrices is a topic of great relevance for the implications that it can have on wildlife and human health. Penguins are very useful, since they live exclusively in the Southern Hemisphere and represent about 90% of the biomass of birds of the Southern Ocean. The levels of trace elements (dry weight) in different biotic matrices of penguins were reviewed here. Maps of trace element records in penguins were included. Data on exposure and effects of trace elements in penguins were collected from the literature. The most reported trace elements in penguins are aluminum, arsenic, cadmium, lead, mercury, copper, zinc, and manganese. Trace elements have been measured in 11 of the 18 species of penguins. The most studied biotic matrices are feathers and excreta. Most of the studies have been performed in Antarctica and subantarctic Islands. Little is known about the interaction among metals, which could provide better knowledge about certain mechanisms of detoxification in penguins. Future studies of trace elements in penguins must incorporate other metals such as vanadium, cobalt, nickel, and chromium. Data of metals in the species such as Eudyptes pachyrhynchus, Eudyptes moseleyi, Eudyptes sclateri, Eudyptes robustus, Eudyptes schlegeli, Spheniscus demersus, Spheniscus mendiculus, and Megadyptes antipodes are urged. It is important to correlate levels of metals in different biotic matrices with the effects on different species and in different geographic locations.

Trace element supplementation in the biogas production from wheat stillage--optimization of metal dosing.

PubMed

Schmidt, Thomas; Nelles, Michael; Scholwin, Frank; Pröter, Jürgen

2014-09-01

A trace element dosing strategy for the anaerobic digestion of wheat stillage was developed in this study. Mesophilic CSTR reactors were operated with the sulfuric substrate wheat stillage in some cases under trace element deficiency. After supplementing trace elements during the start-up, one of the elements of Fe, Ni, Co, Mo, and W were depleted in one digester while still augmenting the other elements to determine minimum requirements for each element. The depletion of Fe and Ni resulted in a rapid accumulation of volatile fatty acids while Co and W seem to have a long-term effect. Based on the results it was possible to reduce the dosing of trace elements, which is positive with reference to economic and environmental aspects. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Loess as an environmental archive of atmospheric trace element deposition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Blazina, T.; Winkel, L. H.

2013-12-01

Environmental archives such as ice cores, lake sediment cores, and peat cores have been used extensively to reconstruct past atmospheric deposition of trace elements. These records have provided information about how anthropogenic activities such as mining and fossil fuel combustion have disturbed the natural cycles of various atmospherically transported trace elements (e.g. Pb, Hg and Se). While these records are invaluable for tracing human impacts on such trace elements, they often provide limited information about the long term natural cycles of these elements. An assumption of these records is that the observed variations in trace element input, prior to any assumed anthropogenic perturbations, represent the full range of natural variations. However, records such as those mentioned above which extend back to a maximum of ~400kyr may not capture the potentially large variations of trace element input occurring over millions of years. Windblown loess sediments, often representing atmospheric deposition over time scales >1Ma, are the most widely distributed terrestrial sediments on Earth. These deposits have been used extensively to reconstruct continental climate variability throughout the Quaternary and late Neogene periods. In addition to being a valuable record of continental climate change, loess deposits may represent a long term environmental archive of atmospheric trace element deposition and may be combined with paleoclimate records to elucidate how fluctuations in climate have impacted the natural cycle of such elements. Our research uses the loess-paleosol deposits on the Chinese Loess Plateau (CLP) to quantify how atmospheric deposition of trace elements has fluctuated in central China over the past 6.8Ma. The CLP has been used extensively to reconstruct past changes of East Asian monsoon system (EAM). We present a suite of trace element concentration records (e.g. Pb, Hg, and Se) from the CLP which exemplifies how loess deposits can be used as an environmental archive to reconstruct long term natural variations in atmospheric trace element input. By comparing paleomonsoon proxy data with geochemical data we can directly correlate variations in atmospheric trace element input to fluctuations in the EAM. For example we are able to link Se input into the CLP to EAM derived precipitation. In interglacial climatic periods from 2.3-1.56Ma and 1.50-1.29Ma, we find very strong positive correlations between Se concentration and the summer monsoon index, a proxy for effective precipitation. In later interglacial periods from 1.26-0.83Ma and 0.78-0.16Ma, we find dust input plays a greater role. Our findings demonstrate that the CLP is a valuable environmental archive of atmospheric trace element deposition and suggest that other loess deposits worldwide may serve as useful records for investigating long term natural variations in atmospheric trace element cycling.

Serum Concentrations of Trace Elements in Patients with Tuberculosis and Its Association with Treatment Outcome

PubMed Central

Choi, Rihwa; Kim, Hyoung-Tae; Lim, Yaeji; Kim, Min-Ji; Kwon, O Jung; Jeon, Kyeongman; Park, Hye Yun; Jeong, Byeong-Ho; Koh, Won-Jung; Lee, Soo-Youn

2015-01-01

Deficiencies in essential trace elements are associated with impaired immunity in tuberculosis infection. However, the trace element concentrations in the serum of Korean patients with tuberculosis have not yet been investigated. This study aimed to compare the serum trace element concentrations of Korean adult patients with tuberculosis with noninfected controls and to assess the impact of serum trace element concentration on clinical outcome after antituberculosis treatment. The serum concentrations of four trace elements in 141 consecutively recruited patients with tuberculosis and 79 controls were analyzed by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. Demographic characteristics were also analyzed. Serum cobalt and copper concentrations were significantly higher in patients with tuberculosis compared with controls, while zinc and selenium concentrations were significantly lower (p < 0.01). Moreover, serum selenium and zinc concentrations were positively correlated (ρ = 0.41, p < 0.05). A high serum copper concentration was associated with a worse clinical outcome, as assessed after one month of antituberculosis therapy. Specifically, culture-positive patients had higher serum copper concentrations than culture-negative patients (p < 0.05). Patients with tuberculosis had altered serum trace element concentrations. Further research is needed to elucidate the roles of individual trace elements and to determine their clinical impact on patients with tuberculosis. PMID:26197334

[Contents of ten trace elements in Epimedium acuminatum Franch. and its different processed products].

PubMed

Chen, H L; Wang, J K; Ren, Y Q; Wu, Z Y

2001-03-01

Determine and compare the contents of ten trace elements in crude E. acuminatum and its three different processed products. Using flame atomic absorption spectrometry. The ten trace elements were found in both the crude drug and its three processed products, and in terms of contents some of the trace elements in all the three processed products are higher than those in the crude drug. According to the trace element contents, the three processed products of E. acuminatum have their own advantages. It is thus suggested that thoroughgoing clinical and experimental researches be performed anew for the long-shelved processing methods.

Using laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) to characterize copper, zinc and mercury along grizzly bear hair providing estimate of diet.

PubMed

Noël, Marie; Christensen, Jennie R; Spence, Jody; Robbins, Charles T

2015-10-01

We enhanced an existing technique, laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS), to function as a non-lethal tool in the temporal characterization of trace element exposure in wild mammals. Mercury (Hg), copper (Cu), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) were analyzed along the hair of captive and wild grizzly bears (Ursus arctos horribilis). Laser parameters were optimized (consecutive 2000 μm line scans along the middle line of the hair at a speed of 50 μm/s; spot size=30 μm) for consistent ablation of the hair. A pressed pellet of reference material DOLT-2 and sulfur were used as external and internal standards, respectively. Our newly adapted method passed the quality control tests with strong correlations between trace element concentrations obtained using LA-ICP-MS and those obtained with regular solution-ICP-MS (r(2)=0.92, 0.98, 0.63, 0.57, 0.99 and 0.90 for Hg, Fe, Cu, Zn, Cd and Pb, respectively). Cross-correlation analyses revealed good reproducibility between trace element patterns obtained from hair collected from the same bear. One exception was Cd for which external contamination was observed resulting in poor reproducibility. In order to validate the method, we used LA-ICP-MS on the hair of five captive grizzly bears fed known and varying amounts of cutthroat trout over a period of 33 days. Trace element patterns along the hair revealed strong Hg, Cu and Zn signals coinciding with fish consumption. Accordingly, significant correlations between Hg, Cu, and Zn in the hair and Hg, Cu, and Zn intake were evident and we were able to develop accumulation models for each of these elements. While the use of LA-ICP-MS for the monitoring of trace elements in wildlife is in its infancy, this study highlights the robustness and applicability of this newly adapted method. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The Effects of Various Amendments on Trace Element Stabilization in Acidic, Neutral, and Alkali Soil with Similar Pollution Index

PubMed Central

Kim, Min-Suk; Min, Hyun-Gi; Lee, Sang-Hwan; Kim, Jeong-Gyu

2016-01-01

Many studies have examined the application of soil amendments, including pH change-induced immobilizers, adsorbents, and organic materials, for soil remediation. This study evaluated the effects of various amendments on trace element stabilization and phytotoxicity, depending on the initial soil pH in acid, neutral, and alkali conditions. As in all types of soils, Fe and Ca were well stabilized on adsorption sites. There was an effect from pH control or adsorption mechanisms on the stabilization of cationic trace elements from inorganic amendments in acidic and neutral soil. Furthermore, acid mine drainage sludge has shown great potential for stabilizing most trace elements. In a phytotoxicity test, the ratio of the bioavailable fraction to the pseudo-total fraction significantly affected the uptake of trace elements by bok choy. While inorganic amendments efficiently decreased the bioavailability of trace elements, significant effects from organic amendments were not noticeable due to the short-term cultivation period. Therefore, the application of organic amendments for stabilizing trace elements in agricultural soil requires further study. PMID:27835687

Assessment of trace element contamination of urban surface soil at informal industrial sites in a low-income country.

PubMed

Kanda, Artwell; Ncube, France; Hwende, Tamuka; Makumbe, Peter

2018-05-29

Trace elements released by human activity are ubiquitously detected in surface soil. The trace element contamination statuses of 20 sampling stations at two busy informal industrial sites of Harare city, Zimbabwe, were evaluated using geochemical indices. Spectrophotometric determinations of concentrations of trace elements in surface soil indicated generally higher values than the reference site and the average upper earth's crust. High contamination factors were observed for trace elements across sampling stations at Gazaland and Siyaso informal industrial sites. Concentrations exhibited heterogeneous distribution of trace elements in surface soil varying with the nature of activity at a sampling station. The pollution load index and degree of contamination suggested highly contaminated surface soil with Cd, Cu and Pb particularly where the following activities were done: (1) welding, (2) automobile maintenance and (3) waste dumping. These results may be very important to reduce soil contamination. Paving surfaces may help to reduce dispersal of trace elements deposited on surface soil to other stations and minimise human exposure via inhalation and contact.

Risk assessment of trace elements in cultured freshwater fishes from Jiangxi province, China.

PubMed

Zhang, Li; Zhang, Dawen; Wei, Yihua; Luo, Linguan; Dai, Tingcan

2014-04-01

The levels of trace elements (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Ni, Pb, Se, and Zn) in eight species of cultured freshwater fishes from Jiangxi province were determined by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectroscopy. All the studied trace element levels in fish muscles from Jiangxi province did not exceed Chinese national standard and European Union standard, and they were often lower than previous studies. The calculated target hazard quotient values for all the studied trace elements in fish samples were much less than 1, suggesting that the studied trace elements in fish muscles from Jiangxi province had not pose obvious health hazards to consumers. As and Cd concentrations in northern snakehead were much higher than that in other fishes, demonstrating that this fish species could be valuable as a bioindicator of As and Cd in environmental surveys. In addition, the highest concentrations of Fe, Zn, and moderate contents of other essential trace elements in crucian carp indicated that crucian carp could be a good nutrient source of essential trace elements for human health.

The Effects of Various Amendments on Trace Element Stabilization in Acidic, Neutral, and Alkali Soil with Similar Pollution Index.

PubMed

Kim, Min-Suk; Min, Hyun-Gi; Lee, Sang-Hwan; Kim, Jeong-Gyu

2016-01-01

Many studies have examined the application of soil amendments, including pH change-induced immobilizers, adsorbents, and organic materials, for soil remediation. This study evaluated the effects of various amendments on trace element stabilization and phytotoxicity, depending on the initial soil pH in acid, neutral, and alkali conditions. As in all types of soils, Fe and Ca were well stabilized on adsorption sites. There was an effect from pH control or adsorption mechanisms on the stabilization of cationic trace elements from inorganic amendments in acidic and neutral soil. Furthermore, acid mine drainage sludge has shown great potential for stabilizing most trace elements. In a phytotoxicity test, the ratio of the bioavailable fraction to the pseudo-total fraction significantly affected the uptake of trace elements by bok choy. While inorganic amendments efficiently decreased the bioavailability of trace elements, significant effects from organic amendments were not noticeable due to the short-term cultivation period. Therefore, the application of organic amendments for stabilizing trace elements in agricultural soil requires further study.

Origin of enormous trace metal enrichments in weathering mantles of Jurassic carbonates: evidence from Sr, Nd and Pb isotopes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hissler, C.; Stille, P.; Juilleret, J.; Iffly, J.; Perrone, T.; Morvan, G.

2013-12-01

Weathering mantels are widespread worldwide and include lateritic, sandy and kaolinite-rich saprolites and residuals of partially dissolved carbonate rocks. These old regolith systems have a complex history of formation and may present a polycyclic evolution due to successive geological and pedogenetic processes that affected the profile. Until now, only few studies highlighted the unusual content of associated trace elements in this type of weathering mantle. For instance, these enrichments can represent about five times the content of the underlying Bajocian to Oxfordian limestone/marl complexes, which have been relatively poorly studied compared to weathering mantle developed on magmatic bedrocks. Up to now, neither soil, nor saprolite formation has to our knowledge been geochemically elucidated. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine more closely the soil forming dynamics and the relationship of the chemical soil composition to potential sources (saprolite, Bajocian silty marls and limestones, atmospheric particles deposition...). Of special interest has also been the origin of trace metals and the processes causing their enrichments. Especially Rare Earth Element (REE) distribution patterns and Sr, Nd and Pb isotope ratios are particularly well suited to identify trace element migration, to recognize origin and mixing processes and, in addition, to decipher possible anthropogenic and/or "natural" atmosphere-derived contributions to the soil. Moreover, leaching experiments shall help to identify mobile phases in the soil system. This may inform on the stability of trace elements and especially on their behaviour in these Fe-enriched carbonate systems. Trace metal migration and enrichments were studied on a cambisol developing on an underlying Jurassic limestone. The base is strongly enriched among others in rare earth elements (ΣREE: 2640ppm) or redox-sensitive elements such as Fe (44 wt.%), V (920ppm), Cr (700ppm), Zn (550ppm), As (260ppm), Co (45ppm) and Cd (2.4ppm). The underlying limestone and marl show, compared to average world carbonates, enrichments in the same elements and trace element distribution patterns similar to the soil suggesting their close genetic relationship. Pb, Sr and Nd isotope data allow to identify three principal components in the soil: a silicate-rich phase at close to the surface, a strongly trace metal enriched component at the bottom of the soil profile and an anthropogenic, atmosphere- derived component detected in the soil leachates. The isotopic mixing curves defined by the soil samples point to the close genetic connection between upper and lowermost soil horizons. The Nd isotopic composition of the leachates of all soil horizons are in contrast to the untreated soil and residual soil samples very homogeneous suggesting that the leachable phases of the upper and lower soil horizons are genetically connected. The downward migration of the trace metals is stopped at this soil level due to the presence of important secondary calcite precipitations, smectite and Fe-oxide accumulations. Mass balance calculations indicate that the enrichment process goes along with a volume increase relative to the bottom soil horizons.

Methods for detecting the mobility of trace elements during medium-temperature pyrolysis

USGS Publications Warehouse

Shiley, R.H.; Konopka, K.L.; Cahill, R.A.; Hinckley, C.C.; Smith, Gerard V.; Twardowska, H.; Saporoschenko, Mykola

1983-01-01

The mobility (volatility) of trace elements in coal during pyrolysis has been studied for distances of up to 40 cm between the coal and the trace element collector, which was graphite or a baffled solvent trap. Nineteen elements not previously recorded as mobile were detected. ?? 1983.

The role of high-energy synchrotron radiation in biomedical trace element research

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Pounds, J.G.; Long, G.J.; Kwiatek, W.M.

1987-01-01

This paper will present the results of an investigation of the distribution of essential elements in the normal hepatic lobule. the liver is the organ responsible for metabolism and storage of most trace elements. Although parenchymal hepatocytes are rather uniform histologically, morphometry, histochemistry, immunohistochemistry, and microdissection with microchemical investigations have revealed marked heterogeneity on a functional and biochemical level. Hepatocytes from the periportal and perivenous zones of the liver parrenchyma differ in oxidative energy metabolism, glucose uptake and output, unreagenesis, biotransformation, bile acid secretion, and palsma protein synthesis and secretion. Although trace elements are intimately involved in the regulation andmore » maintenance of these functions, little is known regarding the heterogeneity of trace element localization of the liver parenchyma. Histochemical techniques for trace elements generally give high spatial resolution, but lack specificity and stoichiometry. Microdissection has been of marginal usefulness for trace element analyses due to the very small size of the dissected parenchyma. The characteristics of the high-energy x-ray microscope provide an effective approach for elucidating the trace element content of these small biological structures or regions. 5 refs., 1 fig., 1 tab.« less

The influence of carbon, sulfur, and silicon on trace element partitioning in iron alloys

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Han, J.; Van Orman, J. A.; Crispin, K. L.; Ash, R. D.

2014-12-01

Non-metallic light elements are important constituents of planetary cores and have a strong influence on the partitioning behavior of trace elements. Planetary cores may contain a wide range of non-metallic light elements, including H, N, S, P, Si, and C. Under highly reducing conditions, such as those that are thought to have pertained during the formation of Mercury's core, Si and C, in addition to sulfur, may be particularly important constituents. Each of these elements may strongly effect and have a different impact on the partitioning behavior of trace elements but their combined effects on trace element partitioning have not been quantified. We investigated the partitioning behavior of more than 25 siderophile trace elements within the Fe-S-C-Si system with varying concentrations of C, S, and Si. The experiments were performed under pressures varying from 1 atm to 2 GPa and temperatures ranging from 1200˚C to 1450˚C. All experiments produced immiscible liquids, one enriched in Si and C, and the other predominantly FeS. We found some highly siderophile elements including Os, Ru, Ir, and Re are much more enriched in Fe-Si-C phase than in Fe-S phase, whereas other trace elements like V, Co, Ag, Hf, and Pb are enriched in S-rich phase. However, not all the trace elements enriched in Fe-Si-C phase are repelled by sulfur. Elements like Re and Ru could have different partitioning trends if sulfur concentration in S-rich phase rises. The partitioning behavior of these trace elements could enhance our understanding of the differentiation of Mercury's core under oxygen-poor conditions.

Maternal transfer of trace elements in the Atlantic horseshoe crab (Limulus polyphemus).

PubMed

Bakker, Aaron K; Dutton, Jessica; Sclafani, Matthew; Santangelo, Nicholas

2017-01-01

The maternal transfer of trace elements is a process by which offspring may accumulate trace elements from their maternal parent. Although maternal transfer has been assessed in many vertebrates, there is little understanding of this process in invertebrate species. This study investigated the maternal transfer of 13 trace elements (Ag, As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Mn, Ni, Pb, Se, and Zn) in Atlantic horseshoe crab (Limulus polyphemus) eggs and compared concentrations to those in adult leg and gill tissue. For the majority of individuals, all trace elements were transferred, with the exception of Cr, from the female to the eggs. The greatest concentrations on average transferred to egg tissue were Zn (140 µg/g), Cu (47.8 µg/g), and Fe (38.6 µg/g) for essential elements and As (10.9 µg/g) and Ag (1.23 µg/g) for nonessential elements. For elements that were maternally transferred, correlation analyses were run to assess if the concentration in the eggs were similar to that of adult tissue that is completely internalized (leg) or a boundary to the external environment (gill). Positive correlations between egg and leg tissue were found for As, Hg, Se, Mn, Pb, and Ni. Mercury, Mn, Ni, and Se were the only elements correlated between egg and gill tissue. Although, many trace elements were in low concentration in the eggs, we speculate that the higher transfer of essential elements is related to their potential benefit during early development versus nonessential trace elements, which are known to be toxic. We conclude that maternal transfer as a source of trace elements to horseshoe crabs should not be overlooked and warrants further investigation.

Remediation using trace element humate surfactant

DOEpatents

Riddle, Catherine Lynn; Taylor, Steven Cheney; Bruhn, Debra Fox

2016-08-30

A method of remediation at a remediation site having one or more undesirable conditions in which one or more soil characteristics, preferably soil pH and/or elemental concentrations, are measured at a remediation site. A trace element humate surfactant composition is prepared comprising a humate solution, element solution and at least one surfactant. The prepared trace element humate surfactant composition is then dispensed onto the remediation site whereby the trace element humate surfactant composition will reduce the amount of undesirable compounds by promoting growth of native species activity. By promoting native species activity, remediation occurs quickly and environmental impact is minimal.

Distribution and environmental assessment of trace elements contamination of water, sediments and flora from Douro River estuary, Portugal.

PubMed

Ribeiro, C; Couto, C; Ribeiro, A R; Maia, A S; Santos, M; Tiritan, M E; Pinto, E; Almeida, A A

2018-10-15

The present study evaluated the content and distribution of several trace elements (Li, Be, Al, V, Cr, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Se, Mo, Ag, Cd, Sb, Ba, Tl, Pb, and U) in the Douro River estuary. For that, three matrices were collected (water, sediments and native local flora) to assess the extent of contamination by these elements in this estuarine ecosystem. Results showed their occurrence in estuarine water and sediments, but significant differences were recorded on the concentration levels and pattern of distribution among both matrices and sampling points. Generally, the levels of trace elements were higher in the sediments than in the respective estuarine water. Nonetheless, no correlation among trace elements was determined between water and sediments, except for Cd. Al was the trace element found at highest concentration at both sediments and water followed by Zn. Pollution indices such as geo-accumulation (I geo ), enrichment factor (EF) and contamination factor (CF) were determined to understand the levels and sources of trace elements pollution. I geo showed strong contamination by anthropogenic activities for Li, Al, V, Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn, Ba and Pb at all sampling points while EF and CF demonstrated severe enrichment and contamination by Se, Sb and Pb. Levels of trace elements were compared to acceptable values for aquatic organisms and Sediment Quality Guidelines. The concentration of some trace elements, namely Al, Pb and Cu, were higher than those considered acceptable, with potential negative impact on local living organisms. Nevertheless, permissible values for all trace elements are still not available, demonstrating that further studies are needed in order to have a complete assessment of environmental risk. Furthermore, the occurrence and possible accumulation of trace elements by local plant species and macroalgae were investigated as well as their potential use as bioindicators of local pollution and for phytoremediation purposes. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Constraints on the bioavailability of trace elements to terrestrial fauna at mining and smelting sites

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Pastorok, R.; Schoof, R.; LaTier, A.

1995-12-31

At mining and smelting sites, the bioavailability of waste-related trace elements to terrestrial wildlife is limited by mineralogy of the waste material and the geochemistry of the waste-soil mixture. For example, encapsulation of trace elements in inert mineral matrices limits the assimilation of particle-associated trace elements that are ingested by wildlife. The bioavailability of arsenic, cadmium, copper, lead, silver, and zinc at mining and smelting sites in Oklahoma and Montana was evaluated based on analysis of waste material, soil chemistry, and concentrations of trace elements in whole-body samples of key food web species. Concentrations of trace elements were generally elevatedmore » relative to reference area values for selected species of vegetation, insects, spiders, and small mammals. Soil-to-tissue bioconcentration factors derived from field data at these sites were generally low (< 1), with the exception of cadmium in vegetation. For all of the trace elements evaluated, wildlife exposure models indicate that the potential for transfer of contaminants to wildlife species of public concern and high trophic-level predators is limited. Moreover, laboratory feeding experiments conducted with cadmium and lead indicate that the assimilation of waste-related trace elements by mammals is relatively low (24--47 percent for lead in blood and bone; 22--44 percent for cadmium in kidney). The relatively low bioavailability of trace elements at mining and smelting sites should be considered when estimating exposure of ecological receptors and when deriving soil cleanup criteria based on measured or modeled ecological risk.« less

Assessment of serum trace elements and electrolytes in children with childhood and atypical autism.

PubMed

Skalny, Anatoly V; Simashkova, Natalia V; Klyushnik, Tatiana P; Grabeklis, Andrei R; Radysh, Ivan V; Skalnaya, Margarita G; Nikonorov, Alexandr A; Tinkov, Alexey A

2017-09-01

The existing data demonstrate a significant interrelation between ASD and essential and toxic trace elements status of the organism. However, data on trace element homeostasis in particular ASD forms are insufficient. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to assess the level of trace elements and electrolytes in serum of children with childhood and atypical autism. A total of 48 children with ASD (24 with childhood and 24 with atypical autism) and age- and sex-adjusted controls were examined. Serum trace elements and electrolytes were assessed using inductively-coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The obtained data demonstrate that children with ASD unspecified are characterized by significantly lower Ni, Cr, and Se levels as compared to the age- and sex-matched controls. At the same time, significantly decreased serum Ni and Se concentrations were detected in patients with childhood autism. In turn, children with atypical autism were characterized by more variable serum trace element spectrum. In particular, atypical autism is associated with lower serum Al, As, Ni, Cr, Mn, and Se levels in comparison to the control values. Moreover, Al and Mn concentration in this group was also lower than that in childhood autism patients. Generally, the obtained data demonstrate lower levels of both essential and toxic trace elements in atypical autism group, being indicative of profound alteration of trace elements metabolism. However, further detailed metabolic studies are required to reveal critical differences in metabolic pathways being responsible for difference in trace element status and clinical course of the disease. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

Urban and industrial contribution to trace elements in the atmosphere as measured in holm oak bark

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Drava, Giuliana; Brignole, Daniele; Giordani, Paolo; Minganti, Vincenzo

2016-11-01

The concentrations of As, Cd, Co, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, V and Zn were measured by ICP-OES in samples of bark of the holm oak (Quercus ilex L.) collected from trees in different urban environments (residential and mixed residential/industrial). The use of tree bark as a bioindicator makes it easy to create maps that can provide detailed data on the levels and on the spatial distribution of each trace element. For most of the elements considered (As, Co, Fe, Mn, Ni, V and Zn), the concentrations in the industrial sites are about twice (from 1.9 to 2.8 times higher) of those in the residential area. Arsenic, Fe and Zn show the highest concentrations near a steel plant (operational until 2005), but for the other elements it is not possible to identify any localized source, as evident from the maps. In areas where urban pollution is summed up by the impact of industrial activities, the population is exposed to significantly higher amounts of some metals than people living in residential areas.

[Determination of Trace Elements in Marine Cetaceans by ICP-MS and Health Risk Assessment].

PubMed

Ding, Yu-long; Ning, Xi; Gui, Duan; Mo, Hui; Li, Yu-sen; Wu, Yu-ping

2015-09-01

The liver, kidney and muscle samples from seven cetaceans were digested by microwave digestion, and trace elements amounts of V, Cd, Cu, Zn, As, Cr, Ni, Mn, Se, Hg and Pb were determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), and the health risk assessment for Zn, Cu, Cd, Hg, Se in the liver was conducted. The results of international lobster hepatopancreas standard (TORT-2) showed acceptable agreement with the certified values, and the relative standard deviation (RSD) of eleven kinds of trace elements were less than 3.54%, showing that the method is suitable for the determination of trace elements in cetaceans. The experimental results indicated that different tissues and organs of the dolphins had different trace elements, presenting the tissue specificity. There is a certain inter-species difference among different dolphins about the bioaccumulation ability of the trace elements. The distribution of trace elements in whales presented a certain regularity: the contents of most elements in liver, kidney were much higher than the contents of muscle tissues, Cu, Mn, Hg, Se, and Zn exhibit the higher concentrations in liver, while Cd was mainly accumulated in kidney. And according to the health risk assessment in liver, the exceeding standardrate of selenium and copper in seven kinds of whales was 100%, suggesting that these whales were suffering the contamination of trace elements. The experimental results is instructive to the study of trace elements in cetaceans, while this is the first report for the concentrations in organs of Striped dolphin, Bottlenose dolphin, Fraser's Dolphin and Risso's dolphin in China, it may provide us valuable data for the conservation of cetaceans.

Selected elements in major minerals from bituminous coal as determined by INAA: Implications for removing environmentally sensitive elements from coal

USGS Publications Warehouse

Palmer, C.A.; Lyons, P.C.

1996-01-01

The four most abundant minerals generally found in Euramerican bituminous coals are quartz, kaolinite, illite and pyrite. These four minerals were isolated by density separation and handpicking from bituminous coal samples collected in the Ruhr Basin, Germany and the Appalachian basin, U.S.A. Trace-element concentrations of relatively pure (??? 99+%) separates of major minerals from these coals were determined directly by using instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA). As expected, quartz contributes little to the trace-element mass balance. Illite generally has higher trace-element concentrations than kaolinite, but, for the concentrates analyzed in this study, Hf, Ta, W, Th and U are in lower concentrations in illite than in kaolinite. Pyrite has higher concentrations of chalcophile elements (e.g., As and Se) and is considerably lower in lithophile elements as compared to kaolinite and illite. Our study provides a direct and sensitive method of determining trace-element relationships with minerals in coal. Mass-balance calculations suggest that the trace-element content of coal can be explained mainly by three major minerals: pyrite, kaolinite and illite. This conclusion indicates that the size and textural relationships of these major coal minerals may be a more important consideration as to whether coal cleaning can effectively remove the most environmentally sensitive trace elements in coal than what trace minerals are present.

Origin and distribution of trace elements in high-elevation precipitation in southern China.

PubMed

Zhou, Jie; Wang, Yan; Yue, Taixing; Li, Yuhua; Wai, Ka-Ming; Wang, Wenxing

2012-09-01

During a 2009 investigation of the transport and deposition of trace elements in southern China, 37 event-based precipitation samples were collected at an observatory on Mount Heng, China (1,269 m asl). Concentrations of trace elements were analyzed using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry and the wet deposition fluxes were established. A combination of techniques including enrichment factor analysis, principal component analysis, and back trajectory models were used to identify pollutant sources. Trace element concentrations at Mount Heng were among the highest with respect to measured values reported elsewhere. All elements were of non-marine origin. The elements Pb, As, Cu, Se, and Cd were anthropogenic, while Fe, Cr, V, Ba, Mn, and Ni were of mixed crustal/anthropogenic origin. The crustal and anthropogenic contributions of trace elements were 12.8 % (0.9 ~ 17.4 %) and 87.2 % (82.6 ~ 99.1 %), with the maximum crustal fraction being 17.4 % for Fe. Coal combustion, soil and road dust, metallurgical processes, and industrial activities contributed to the element composition. Summit precipitation events were primarily distant in origin. Medium- to long-range transport of trace elements from the Yangtze River Delta and northern China played an important role in wet deposition at Mount Heng, while air masses from south or southeast of the station were generally low in trace element concentrations.

Trends in Trace Element Fractionation Between Foraminiferal Species and the Role of Biomineralization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Reichart, G. J.; Nooijer, L. D.; Geerken, E.; Mezger, E.; van Dijk, I. V.; Daemmer, L. K.

2017-12-01

Reconstructions of past climate and environments are largely based on stable isotopes and trace element concentrations measured on fossil foraminiferal calcite. Their element and isotope composition roughly reflects seawater composition and physical conditions, which in turn, are related to paleoceanographic parameters. More recently, attempts are being made to infer ranges in environmental parameters using the observed differences in the composition within individual tests. Remarkably, inter-species differences in trace element incorporation are well-correlated over a wide range of environmental conditions. This is particularly remarkable knowing that different environmental factors influence incorporation of these elements at various magnitudes. Most likely the complex biomineralization of foraminifera potentially offsets trace elements similarly at all these scales and also between different species. This suggests that at least parts of the mechanisms underlying foraminiferal biomineralization are similar for all species, which in turn provides important clues on the cellular mechanisms operating during calcification. Moreover, the systematics in trace element partitioning between species could potentially provide important clues for unravelling past changes in trace element composition of the ancient ocean.

Aging and walnut-rich diet supplementation affects the expression of immediate-early genes in critical brain regions

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Emerging evidence indicates a direct link between age-associated changes in epigenetic mechanisms and onset of neurodegenerative diseases, and that these genomic modulations are directly affected by diet. Diets deficient in folate, choline and methionine, or the trace elements zinc and selenium, are...

Effects of aging and walnut diet on DNA methylation and expression of immediate-early genes in critical brain regions

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Emerging evidence indicates a direct link between age-associated changes in epigenetic mechanisms and onset of neurodegenerative diseases, and that these genomic modulations are directly affected by the diet. Diets deficient in folate, choline and methionine, or the trace elements zinc and selenium,...

Carbonates of the Gunflint Banded Iron Formation as Analogs of Martian Carbonates

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pun, A.; Papike, J. J.; Shearer, C. K.

2001-01-01

Terrestrial iron formations preserve remnants of life on Earth and may serve as analogs for identifying evidence of biologic activity in martian rocks. We report on the petrography, mineralogy and trace-element abundances of carbonates of the Gunflint banded iron formation. Additional information is contained in the original extended abstract.

Responses of trace elements to aerobic maximal exercise in elite sportsmen.

PubMed

Otag, Aynur; Hazar, Muhsin; Otag, Ilhan; Gürkan, Alper Cenk; Okan, Ilyas

2014-02-21

Trace elements are chemical elements needed in minute quantities for the proper growth, development, and physiology of the organism. In biochemistry, a trace element is also referred to as a micronutrient. Trace elements, such as nickel, cadmium, aluminum, silver, chromium, molybdenum, germanium, tin, titanium, tungsten, scandium, are found naturally in the environment and human exposure derives from a variety of sources, including air, drinking water and food. The Purpose of this study was investigated the effect of aerobic maximal intensity endurance exercise on serum trace elements as well-trained individuals of 28 wrestlers (age (year) 19.64±1.13, weight (Kg) 70.07 ± 15.69, height (cm) 176.97 ± 6.69) during and after a 2000 meter Ergometer test protocol was used to perform aerobic (75 %) maximal endurance exercise. Trace element serum levels were analyzed from blood samples taken before, immediately after and one hour after the exercise. While an increase was detected in Chromium (Cr), Nickel (Ni), Molybdenum (Mo) and Titanium (Ti) serum levels immediately after the exercise, a decrease was detected in Aluminum (Al), Scandium (Sc) and Tungsten (W) serum levels. Except for aluminum, the trace elements we worked on showed statistically meaningful responses (P < 0.05 and P < 0.001). According to the responses of trace elements to the exercise showed us the selection and application of the convenient sport is important not only in terms of sportsman performance but also in terms of future healthy life plans and clinically.

Resolving the potential mantle reservoirs that influence volcanism in the West Antarctic Rift System

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maletic, E. L.; Darrah, T.

2017-12-01

Lithospheric extension and magmatism are key characteristics of active continental rift zones and are often associated with long-lasting alkaline magmatic provinces. In these settings, a relationship between lithospheric extension and mantle plumes is often assumed for the forces leading to rift evolution and the existence of a plume is commonly inferred, but typically only extension is supported by geological evidence. A prime example of long-lasting magmatism associated with an extensive area of continental rifting is the West Antarctic Rift System (WARS), a 2000 km long zone of ongoing extension within the Antarctic plate. The WARS consists of high alkaline silica-undersaturated igneous rocks with enrichments in light rare earth elements (LREEs). The majority of previous geochemical work on WARS volcanism has focused on bulk classification, modal mineralogy, major element composition, trace element chemistry, and radiogenic isotopes (e.g., Sr, Nd, and Pb isotopes), but very few studies have evaluated volatile composition of volcanics from this region. Previous explanations for WARS volcanism have hypothesized a plume beneath Marie Byrd Land, decompression melting of a fossilized plume head, decompression melting of a stratified mantle source, and mixing of recycled oceanic crust with one or more enriched mantle sources from the deep mantle, though researchers are yet to reach a consensus. Unlike trace elements and radiogenic isotopes which can be recycled between the crust and mantle and which are commonly controlled by degrees of partial melting and prior melt differentiation, noble gases are present in low concentrations and chemically inert, allowing them to serve as reliable tracers of volatile sources and subsurface processes. Here, we present preliminary noble gas isotope (e.g., 3He/4He, CO2/3He, CH4/3He, 40Ar/36Ar, 40Ar*/4He) data for a suite of lava samples from across the WARS. By coupling major and trace element chemistry with noble gas elemental and isotopic composition and other volatiles from a suite of volcanic rocks in the WARS, we can better constrain a magmatic source and provide geological evidence that could support or oppose the existence of a mantle plume, HIMU plume, or deconvolve mantle-lithosphere interactions.

Linking the occurrence of cutaneous opportunistic fungal invaders with elemental concentrations in false killer whale (Pseudorca crassidens) skin.

PubMed

Mouton, Marnel; Przybylowicz, Wojciech; Mesjasz-Przybylowicz, Jolanta; Postma, Ferdinand; Thornton, Meredith; Archer, Edward; Botha, Alfred

2015-10-01

Cetaceans, occupying the top levels in marine food chains, are vulnerable to elevated levels of potentially toxic trace elements, such as aluminium (Al), mercury (Hg) and nickel (Ni). Negative effects associated with these toxic metals include infection by opportunistic microbial invaders. To corroborate the link between the presence of cutaneous fungal invaders and trace element levels, skin samples from 40 stranded false killer whales (FKWs) were analysed using culture techniques and inductively coupled plasma-mass spectroscopy. Twenty-two skin samples yielded 18 clinically relevant fungal species. While evidence for bioaccumulation of Hg in the skin of the FKWs was observed, a strong link was found to exist between the occurrence of opportunistic fungal invaders and higher Al : Se and Al : Zn ratios. This study provides indications that elevated levels of some toxic metals, such as Al, contribute to immunotoxicity rendering FKWs susceptible to colonization by cutaneous opportunistic fungal invaders. © 2015 Society for Applied Microbiology and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Genesis of Augite-Bearing Ureilites: Evidence From LA-ICP-MS Analyses of Pyroxenes and Olivine

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Herrin, J. S.; Lee, C-T. A.; Mittlefehldt, D. W.

2008-01-01

Ureilites are ultramafic achondrites composed primarily of coarse-grained low-Ca pyroxene and olivine with interstitial carbonaceous material, but a number of them contain augite [1]. Ureilites are considered to be restites after partial melting of a chondritic precursor, although at least some augite-bearing ureilites may be partially cumulate [1, 2]. In this scenario, the augite is a cumulus phase derived from a melt that infiltrated a restite composed of typical ureilite material (olivine+low-Ca pyroxene) [2]. To test this hypothesis, we examined the major and trace element compositions of silicate minerals in select augite-bearing ureilites with differing mg#. Polished thick sections of the augite-bearing ureilites ALH 84136 , EET 87511, EET 96293, LEW 88201, and META78008 and augite-free typical ureilite EET 90019 were examined by EPMA for major and minor elements and laser ablation ICP-MS (LA-ICP-MS) for trace elements, REE in particular. Although EET 87511 is reported to contain augite, the polished section that we obtained did not.

Assessing the risks of trace elements in environmental materials under selected greenhouse vegetable production systems of China.

PubMed

Chen, Yong; Huang, Biao; Hu, Wenyou; Weindorf, David C; Liu, Xiaoxiao; Niedermann, Silvana

2014-02-01

The risk assessment of trace elements of different environmental media in conventional and organic greenhouse vegetable production systems (CGVPS and OGVPS) can reveal the influence of different farming philosophy on the trace element accumulations and their effects on human health. These provide important basic data for the environmental protection and human health. This paper presents trace element accumulation characteristics of different land uses; reveals the difference of soil trace element accumulation both with and without consideration of background levels; compares the trace element uptake by main vegetables; and assesses the trace element risks of soils, vegetables, waters and agricultural inputs, using two selected greenhouse vegetable systems in Nanjing, China as examples. Results showed that greenhouse vegetable fields contained significant accumulations of Zn in CGVPS relative to rice-wheat rotation fields, open vegetable fields, and geochemical background levels, and this was the case for organic matter in OGVPS. The comparative analysis of the soil medium in two systems with consideration of geochemical background levels and evaluation of the geo-accumulation pollution index achieved a more reasonable comparison and accurate assessment relative to the direct comparison analysis and the evaluation of the Nemerow pollution index, respectively. According to the Chinese food safety standards and the value of the target hazard quotient or hazard index, trace element contents of vegetables were safe for local residents in both systems. However, the spatial distribution of the estimated hazard index for producers still presented certain specific hotspots which may cause potential risk for human health in CGVPS. The water was mainly influenced by nitrogen, especially for CGVPS, while the potential risk of Cd and Cu pollution came from sediments in OGVPS. The main inputs for trace elements were fertilizers which were relatively safe based on relevant standards; but excess application caused trace element accumulations in the environmental media. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Trace elements in natural azurite pigments found in illuminated manuscript leaves investigated by synchrotron x-ray fluorescence and diffraction mapping

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Smieska, Louisa M.; Mullett, Ruth; Ferri, Laurent; Woll, Arthur R.

2017-07-01

We present trace-element and composition analysis of azurite pigments in six illuminated manuscript leaves, dating from the thirteenth to sixteenth century, using synchrotron-based, large-area x-ray fluorescence (SR-XRF) and diffraction (SR-XRD) mapping. SR-XRF mapping reveals several trace elements correlated with azurite, including arsenic, zirconium, antimony, barium, and bismuth, that appear in multiple manuscripts but were not always detected by point XRF. Within some manuscript leaves, variations in the concentration of trace elements associated with azurite coincide with distinct regions of the illuminations, suggesting systematic differences in azurite preparation or purification. Variations of the trace element concentrations in azurite are greater among different manuscript leaves than the variations within each individual leaf, suggesting the possibility that such impurities reflect distinct mineralogical/geologic sources. SR-XRD maps collected simultaneously with the SR-XRF maps confirm the identification of azurite regions and are consistent with impurities found in natural mineral sources of azurite. In general, our results suggest the feasibility of using azurite trace element analysis for provenance studies of illuminated manuscript fragments, and demonstrate the value of XRF mapping in non-destructive determination of trace element concentrations within a single pigment.

Co-digestion of manure and industrial waste--The effects of trace element addition.

PubMed

Nordell, Erik; Nilsson, Britt; Nilsson Påledal, Sören; Karisalmi, Kaisa; Moestedt, Jan

2016-01-01

Manure is one of the most common substrates for biogas production. Manure from dairy- and swine animals are often considered to stabilize the biogas process by contributing nutrients and trace elements needed for the biogas process. In this study two lab-scale reactors were used to evaluate the effects of trace element addition during co-digestion of manure from swine- and dairy animals with industrial waste. The substrate used contained high background concentrations of both cobalt and nickel, which are considered to be the most important trace elements. In the reactor receiving additional trace elements, the volatile fatty acids (VFA) concentration was 89% lower than in the control reactor. The lower VFA concentration contributed to a more digested digestate, and thus lower methane emissions in the subsequent storage. Also, the biogas production rate increased with 24% and the biogas production yield with 10%, both as a result of the additional trace elements at high organic loading rates. All in all, even though 50% of the feedstock consisted of manure, trace element addition resulted in multiple positive effects and a more reliable process with stable and high yield. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Trace elements in dialysis.

PubMed

Filler, Guido; Felder, Sarah

2014-08-01

In end-stage chronic kidney disease (CKD), pediatric nephrologists must consider the homeostasis of the multiple water-soluble ions that are influenced by renal replacement therapy (RRT). While certain ions such as potassium and calcium are closely monitored, little is known about the handling of trace elements in pediatric dialysis. RRT may lead to accumulation of toxic trace elements, either due to insufficient elimination or due to contamination, or to excessive removal of essential trace elements. However, trace elements are not routinely monitored in dialysis patients and no mechanism for these deficits or toxicities has been established. This review summarizes the handling of trace elements, with particular attention to pediatric data. The best data describe lead and indicate that there is a higher prevalence of elevated lead (Pb, atomic number 82) levels in children on RRT when compared to adults. Lead is particularly toxic in neurodevelopment and lead levels should therefore be monitored. Monitoring of zinc (Zn, atomic number 30) and selenium (Se, atomic number 34) may be indicated in the monitoring of all pediatric dialysis patients to reduce morbidity from deficiency. Prospective studies evaluating the impact of abnormal trace elements and the possible therapeutic value of intervention are required.

Determination of trace elements and their concentrations in clay balls: problem of geophagia practice in Ghana.

PubMed

Arhin, Emmanuel; Zango, Musah S

2017-02-01

Ten samples of 100 g weight were subsampled from 1400 g of the clay balls from which the contained trace element levels were determined by X-ray fluorescence technique. The results of trace elements in the clay balls were calibrated using certified reference materials "MAJMON" and "BH-1." The results showed elevated concentrations but with different concentration levels in the regions, particularly with arsenic, chromium, cobalt, Cs, Zr and La. These trace elements contained in the clay balls are known to be hazardous to human health. Thence the relatively high concentrations of these listed trace elements in clay balls in the three regions, namely Ashanti, Upper East and Volta, which are widely sold in markets in Ghana, could present negative health impact on consumers if consumed at 70 g per day or more and on regular basis. On the basis of these, the study concludes an investigation to establish breakeven range for trace element concentrations in the clay balls as it has been able to demonstrate the uneven and elevated values in them. The standardized safe ranges of trace elements will make the practice safer for the people that ingest clay balls in Ghana.

Trace-element concentrations in streambed sediment across the conterminous United States

USGS Publications Warehouse

Rice, Karen C.

1999-01-01

Trace-element concentrations in 541 streambed-sediment samples collected from 20 study areas across the conterminous United States were examined as part of the National Water-Quality Assessment Program of the U.S. Geological Survey. Sediment samples were sieved and the <63-μm fraction was retained for determination of total concentrations of trace elements. Aluminum, iron, titanium, and organic carbon were weakly or not at all correlated with the nine trace elements examined:  arsenic, cadmium, chromium, copper, lead, mercury, nickel, selenium, and zinc. Four different methods of accounting for background/baseline concentrations were examined; however, normalization was not required because field sieving removed most of the background differences between samples. The sum of concentrations of trace elements characteristic of urban settings - copper, mercury, lead, and zinc - was well correlated with population density, nationwide. Median concentrations of seven trace elements (all nine examined except arsenic and selenium) were enriched in samples collected from urban settings relative to agricultural or forested settings. Forty-nine percent of the sites sampled in urban settings had concentrations of one or more trace elements that exceeded levels at which adverse biological effects could occur in aquatic biota.

Soluble trace elements and total mercury in Arctic Alaskan snow

USGS Publications Warehouse

Snyder-Conn, E.; Garbarino, J.R.; Hoffman, G.L.; Oelkers, A.

1997-01-01

Ultraclean field and laboratory procedures were used to examine trace element concentrations in northern Alaskan snow. Sixteen soluble trace elements and total mercury were determined in snow core samples representing the annual snowfall deposited during the 1993-94 season at two sites in the Prudhoe Bay oil field and nine sites in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (Arctic NWR). Results indicate there were two distinct point sources for trace elements in the Prudhoe Bay oil field - a source associated with oil and gas production and a source associated with municipal solid-waste incineration. Soluble trace element concentrations measured in snow from the Arctic NWR resembled concentrations of trace elements measured elsewhere in the Arctic using clean sample-collection and processing techniques and were consistent with deposition resulting from widespread arctic atmospheric contamination. With the exception of elements associated with sea salts, there were no orographic or east-west trends observed in the Arctic NWR data, nor were there any detectable influences from the Prudhoe Bay oil field, probably because of the predominant easterly and northeasterly winds on the North Slope of Alaska. However, regression analysis on latitude suggested significant south-to-north increases in selected trace element concentrations, many of which appear unrelated to the sea salt contribution.

The effects of trace element content on pyrite oxidation rates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gregory, D. D.; Lyons, T.; Cliff, J. B.; Perea, D. E.; Johnson, A.; Romaniello, S. J.; Large, R. R.

2017-12-01

Pyrite acts as both an important source and sink for many different metals and metalloids in the environment, including many that are toxic. Oxidation of pyrite can release these elements while at the same time producing significant amounts of sulfuric acid. Such issues are common in the vicinity of abandoned mines and smelters, but, as pyrite is a common accessory mineral in many different lithologies, significant pyrite oxidation can occur whenever pyritic rocks are exposed to oxygenated water or the atmosphere. Accelerated exposure to oxygen can occur during deforestation, fracking for petroleum, and construction projects. Geochemical models for pyrite oxidation can help us develop strategies to mitigate these deleterious effects. An important component of these models is an accurate pyrite oxidation rate; however, current pyrite oxidation rates have been determined using relatively pure pyrite. Natural pyrite is rarely pure and has a wide range of trace element concentrations that may affect the oxidation rate. Furthermore, the position of trace elements within the mineral lattice can also affect the oxidation rate. For example, elements such as Ni and Co, which substitute into the pyrite lattice, are thought to stabilize the lattice and thus prevent pyrite oxidation. Alternatively, trace elements that are held within inclusions of other minerals could form a galvanic cell with the surrounding pyrite, thus enhancing pyrite oxidation rates. In this study, we present preliminary analyses from three different pyrite oxidation experiments each using natural pyrite with different trace element compositions. These results show that the pyrite with the highest trace element concentration has approximately an order of magnitude higher oxidation rate compared to the lowest trace element sample. To further elucidate the mechanisms, we employed microanalytical techniques to investigate how the trace elements are held within the pyrite. LA-ICPMS was used to determine the variability of trace element content from the pyrite samples. These data were then used to select areas of interest for NanoSIMS analyses, which in turn was used to select areas for TEM and APT. These analyses show that the trace element content of pyrite can be highly variable, which may significantly affect the rate of pyrite oxidation.

Concentrations of selected trace elements in fish tissue and streambed sediment in the Clark Fork-Pend Oreille and Spokane River basins, Washington, Idaho, and Montana, 1998

USGS Publications Warehouse

Maret, Terry R.; Skinner, K.D.

2000-01-01

Fish tissue and bed sediment samples were collected from 16 stream sites in the Northern Rockies Intermontane Basins study area in 1998 as part of the U.S. Geological Survey National Water-Quality Assessment Program. Bed sediment samples were analyzed for 45 trace elements, and fish livers and sportfish fillets were analyzed for 22 elements to characterize the occurrence and distribution of these elements in relation to stream characteristics and land use activities. Nine trace elements of environmental concern—arsenic, cadmium, chromium, copper, lead, mercury, nickel, selenium, and zinc—were detected in bed sediment, but not all of these elements were detected in fish tissue. Trace-element concentrations were highest in bed sediment samples collected at sites downstream from significant natural mineral deposits and (or) mining activities. Arsenic, cadmium, copper, lead, mercury, and zinc in bed sediment at some sites were elevated relative to national median concentrations, and some concentrations were at levels that can adversely affect aquatic biota. Although trace-element concentrations in bed sediment exceeded various guidelines, no concentrations in sportfish fillets exceeded U.S. Environmental Protection Agency screening values for the protection of human health. Correlations between most trace-element concentrations in bed sediment and fish tissue (liver and fillet) were not significant (r0.05). Concentrations of arsenic, cadmium, copper, lead, mercury, nickel, selenium, and zinc in bed sediment were significantly correlated (r=0.53 to 0.88, p2=0.95 and 0.99, p<0.001) that corresponded to trace-element enrichment categories. These strong relations warrant further study using mine density as an explanatory variable to predict trace-element concentrations in bed sediment.

Development of continental lithospheric mantle as reflected in the chemistry of the Mesozoic Appalachian Tholeiites, U.S.A.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pegram, William J.

1990-03-01

Geochemical analyses of dikes, sills, and volcanic rocks of the Mesozoic Appalachian Tholeiite (MAT) Province of the easternmost United States provide evidence that continental tholeiites are derived from continental lithospheric mantle sources that are genetically and geochronologically related to the overlying continental crust. Nineteen olivine tholeiites and sixteen quartz tholeiites from the length of this province, associated in space and time with the last opening of the Atlantic, display significant isotopic heterogeneity: initial ɛ Nd = +3.8 to -5.7; initial 87Sr/ 86Sr= 0.7044-0.7072; 206Pb/ 204Pb= 17.49-19.14; 207Pb/ 204Pb= 15.55-15.65; 208Pb/ 204Pb= 37.24-39.11. In Pb sbnd Pb space, the MAT define a linear array displaced above the field for MORB and thus resemble oceanic basalts with DUPAL Pb isotopic traits. A regression of this array yields a secondary Pb sbnd Pb isochron age of ≈ 1000 Ma (μ 1 = 8.26), similar to Sm/Nd isochrons from the southern half of the province and to the radiometric age of the Grenville crust underlying easternmost North America. The MAT exhibit significant trace element ratio heterogeneity (e.g., Sm/Nd= 0.226-0.327) and have trace element traits similar to convergent margin magmas [e.g., depletions of Nb and Ti relative to the rare earth elements on normalized trace element incompatibility diagrams, Ba/Nb ratios (19-75) that are significantly greater than those of MORB, and low TiO 2 (0.39-0.69%)]. Geochemical and geological considerations very strongly suggest that the MAT were not significantly contaminated during ascent through the continental crust. Further, isotope and trace element variations are not consistent with the involvement of contemporaneous MORB or OIB components. Rather, the materials that control the MAT incompatible element chemistry were derived from subcontinental lithospheric mantle. Thus: (1) the MAT/arc magma trace element similarities; (2) the Pb sbnd Pb and Sm/Nd isochron ages; and (3) the need for a method of introducing an ancient (> 2-3 Ga) Pb component into subcontinental mantle that cannot be much older than 1 Ga leads to a model whereby the MAT were generated by the melting of sediment-contaminated arc mantle that was incorporated into the continental lithosphere during arc activity preceding the Grenville Orogeny (≈ 1000 Ma).

Trace Elements in Marine Sediment and Organisms in the Gulf of Thailand

PubMed Central

Worakhunpiset, Suwalee

2018-01-01

This review summarizes the findings from studies of trace element levels in marine sediment and organisms in the Gulf of Thailand. Spatial and temporal variations in trace element concentrations were observed. Although trace element contamination levels were low, the increased urbanization and agricultural and industrial activities may adversely affect ecosystems and human health. The periodic monitoring of marine environments is recommended in order to minimize human health risks from the consumption of contaminated marine organisms. PMID:29677146

Traffic-related trace elements in soils along six highway segments on the Tibetan Plateau: Influence factors and spatial variation.

PubMed

Wang, Guanxing; Zeng, Chen; Zhang, Fan; Zhang, Yili; Scott, Christopher A; Yan, Xuedong

2017-03-01

The accumulation of traffic-related trace elements in soil as the result of anthropogenic activities raises serious concerns about environmental pollution and public health. Traffic is the main source of trace elements in roadside soil on the Tibetan Plateau, an area otherwise devoid of industrial emissions. Indeed, the rapid development of tourism and transportation in this region means it is becoming increasingly important to identify the accumulation levels, influence distance, spatial distribution, and other relevant factors influencing trace elements. In this study, 229 soil samples along six segments of the major transportation routes on the Tibetan Plateau (highways G214, S308, and G109), were collected for analysis of eight trace elements (Cr, Co, Ni, As, Cu, Zn, Cd, and Pb). The results of statistical analyses showed that of the eight trace elements in soils, Cu, Zn, Cd, and Pb were primarily derived from traffic. The relationship between the trace element accumulation levels and the distance from the roadside followed an exponential decline, with the exception of Segment 3, the only unpaved gravel road studied. In addition, the distance of influence from the roadside varied by trace element and segment, ranging from 16m to 144m. Background values for each segment were different because of soil heterogeneity, while a number of other potential influencing factors (including traffic volume, road surface material, roadside distance, land cover, terrain, and altitude) all had significant effects on trace-element concentrations. Overall, however, concentrations along most of the road segments investigated were at, or below, levels defined as low on the Nemero Synthesis index. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Evolution of trace elements in the planetary boundary layer in southern China: Effects of dust storms and aerosol-cloud interactions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Tao; Wang, Yan; Zhou, Jie; Wang, Tao; Ding, Aijun; Nie, Wei; Xue, Likun; Wang, Xinfeng; Wang, Wenxing

2017-03-01

Aerosols and cloud water were analyzed at a mountaintop in the planetary boundary layer in southern China during March-May 2009, when two Asian dust storms occurred, to investigate the effects of aerosol-cloud interactions (ACIs) on chemical evolution of atmospheric trace elements. Fe, Al, and Zn predominated in both coarse and fine aerosols, followed by high concentrations of toxic Pb, As, and Cd. Most of these aerosol trace elements, which were affected by dust storms, exhibited various increases in concentrations but consistent decreases in solubility. Zn, Fe, Al, and Pb were the most abundant trace elements in cloud water. The trace element concentrations exhibited logarithmic inverse relationships with the cloud liquid water content and were found highly pH dependent with minimum concentrations at the threshold of pH 5.0. The calculation of Visual MINTEQ model showed that 80.7-96.3% of Fe(II), Zn(II), Pb(II), and Cu(II) existed in divalent free ions, while 71.7% of Fe(III) and 71.5% of Al(III) were complexed by oxalate and fluoride, respectively. ACIs could markedly change the speciation distributions of trace elements in cloud water by pH modification. The in-cloud scavenging of aerosol trace elements likely reached a peak after the first 2-3 h of cloud processing, with scavenging ratios between 0.12 for Cr and 0.57 for Pb. The increases of the trace element solubility (4-33%) were determined in both in-cloud aerosols and postcloud aerosols. These results indicated the significant importance of aerosol-cloud interactions to the evolution of trace elements during the first several cloud condensation/evaporation cycles.

Trace element concentrations in liver of 16 species of cetaceans stranded on Pacific Islands from 1997 through 2013

PubMed Central

Hansen, Angela M. K.; Bryan, Colleen E.; West, Kristi; Jensen, Brenda A.

2016-01-01

The impacts of anthropogenic contaminants on marine ecosystems are a concern worldwide. Anthropogenic activities can enrich trace elements in marine biota to concentrations that may negatively impact organism health. Exposure to elevated concentrations of trace elements is considered a contributing factor in marine mammal population declines. Hawai'i is an increasingly important geographic location for global monitoring, yet trace element concentrations have not been quantified in Hawaiian cetaceans, and there is little trace element data for Pacific cetaceans. This study measured trace elements (Cr, Mn, Cu, Zn, As, Se, Sr, Cd, Sn, Hg, and Pb) in liver of 16 species of cetaceans that stranded on U.S. Pacific Islands from 1997–2013, using high resolution inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (HR-ICP-MS) (n = 31), and direct mercury analysis atomic absorption spectrometry (DMA-AAS) (n = 43). Concentration ranges (µg/g wet mass fraction) for non-essential trace elements such as Cd (0.0031–58.93) and Hg (0.0062–1571.75) were much greater than essential trace elements such as Mn (0.590–17.31) and Zn (14.72–245.38). Differences were found among age classes in Cu, Zn, Hg, and Se concentrations. The highest concentrations of Se, Cd, Sn, Hg, and Pb were found in one adult female false killer whale (Pseudorca crassidens) at concentrations that are known to affect health in marine mammals. The results of this study establish initial trace element concentration ranges for Pacific cetaceans in the Hawaiian Islands region, provide insights into contaminant exposure of these marine mammals, and contribute to a greater understanding of anthropogenic impacts in the Pacific Ocean. PMID:26283019

Trace Element Concentrations in Liver of 16 Species of Cetaceans Stranded on Pacific Islands from 1997 through 2013.

PubMed

Hansen, Angela M K; Bryan, Colleen E; West, Kristi; Jensen, Brenda A

2016-01-01

The impacts of anthropogenic contaminants on marine ecosystems are a concern worldwide. Anthropogenic activities can enrich trace elements in marine biota to concentrations that may negatively impact organism health. Exposure to elevated concentrations of trace elements is considered a contributing factor in marine mammal population declines. Hawai'i is an increasingly important geographic location for global monitoring, yet trace element concentrations have not been quantified in Hawaiian cetaceans, and there is little trace element data for Pacific cetaceans. This study measured trace elements (Cr, Mn, Cu, Zn, As, Se, Sr, Cd, Sn, Hg, and Pb) in liver of 16 species of cetaceans that stranded on U.S. Pacific Islands from 1997 to 2013, using high resolution inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (HR-ICP-MS) (n = 31), and direct mercury analysis atomic absorption spectrometry (DMA-AAS) (n = 43). Concentration ranges (μg/g wet mass fraction) for non-essential trace elements, such as Cd (0.0031-58.93) and Hg (0.0062-1571.75) were much greater than essential trace elements, such as Mn (0.590-17.31) and Zn (14.72-245.38). Differences were found among age classes in Cu, Zn, Hg, and Se concentrations. The highest concentrations of Se, Cd, Sn, Hg, and Pb were found in one adult female false killer whale (Pseudorca crassidens) at concentrations that are known to affect health in marine mammals. The results of this study establish initial trace element concentration ranges for Pacific cetaceans in the Hawaiian Islands region, provide insights into contaminant exposure of these marine mammals, and contribute to a greater understanding of anthropogenic impacts in the Pacific Ocean.

Trace Elements Affect Methanogenic Activity and Diversity in Enrichments from Subsurface Coal Bed Produced Water

PubMed Central

Ünal, Burcu; Perry, Verlin Ryan; Sheth, Mili; Gomez-Alvarez, Vicente; Chin, Kuk-Jeong; Nüsslein, Klaus

2012-01-01

Microbial methane from coal beds accounts for a significant and growing percentage of natural gas worldwide. Our knowledge of physical and geochemical factors regulating methanogenesis is still in its infancy. We hypothesized that in these closed systems, trace elements (as micronutrients) are a limiting factor for methanogenic growth and activity. Trace elements are essential components of enzymes or cofactors of metabolic pathways associated with methanogenesis. This study examined the effects of eight trace elements (iron, nickel, cobalt, molybdenum, zinc, manganese, boron, and copper) on methane production, on mcrA transcript levels, and on methanogenic community structure in enrichment cultures obtained from coal bed methane (CBM) well produced water samples from the Powder River Basin, Wyoming. Methane production was shown to be limited both by a lack of additional trace elements as well as by the addition of an overly concentrated trace element mixture. Addition of trace elements at concentrations optimized for standard media enhanced methane production by 37%. After 7 days of incubation, the levels of mcrA transcripts in enrichment cultures with trace element amendment were much higher than in cultures without amendment. Transcript levels of mcrA correlated positively with elevated rates of methane production in supplemented enrichments (R2 = 0.95). Metabolically active methanogens, identified by clone sequences of mcrA mRNA retrieved from enrichment cultures, were closely related to Methanobacterium subterraneum and Methanobacterium formicicum. Enrichment cultures were dominated by M. subterraneum and had slightly higher predicted methanogenic richness, but less diversity than enrichment cultures without amendments. These results suggest that varying concentrations of trace elements in produced water from different subsurface coal wells may cause changing levels of CBM production and alter the composition of the active methanogenic community. PMID:22590465

Combined organic and inorganic geochemical reconstruction of paleodepositional conditions of a Pliocene sapropel from the eastern Mediterranean Sea

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rinna, J.; Warning, B.; Meyers, P. A.; Brumsack, H.-J.; Rullkötter, J.

2002-06-01

Layers of organic-carbon-rich sapropels in the sediment record of the Mediterranean Sea give evidence of repetitive changes in regional Plio-Pleistocene climate. Results from biomarker molecule and major and trace element analyses of closely spaced samples are used to reconstruct the conditions leading to deposition of a Pliocene sapropel at Ocean Drilling Program (ODP) Site 969 on the Mediterranean Ridge. Organic carbon concentrations increase from 0.2% outside the sapropel and peak to more than 30% within it. Major and trace elemental composition and biomarker-derived parameters indicate elevated productivity, depletion of water-column dissolved-oxygen content, and changes in sediment provenance in response to climatic changes. Budgets of rhenium, thallium, and other trace metals indicate that deep-water exchange between the Mediterranean subbasins and the Atlantic Ocean was not completely interrupted during sapropel formation. Enrichment factors of redox-sensitive and sulfide-forming trace metals as well as the presence of isorenieratene derivatives and high stanol/sterol ratios point to an extended zone of anoxic water masses. Depth profiles of biomarker compositions (sterols, long-chain alkenones, alkandiols and -ketols, fatty acids) indicate great floral diversity during deposition of a single sapropel and highlight the sensitive response of the marine community to variable environmental conditions. Changes in water mass circulation and eolian transport can be reconstructed by use of both lithogenic elements and average chain lengths of n-alkanes (ACL index).

Trace Elements in Parenteral Nutrition: Considerations for the Prescribing Clinician

PubMed Central

Jin, Jennifer; Mulesa, Leanne; Carrilero Rouillet, Mariana

2017-01-01

Trace elements (TEs) are an essential component of parenteral nutrition (PN). Over the last few decades, there has been increased experience with PN, and with this knowledge more information about the management of trace elements has become available. There is increasing awareness of the effects of deficiencies and toxicities of certain trace elements. Despite this heightened awareness, much is still unknown in terms of trace element monitoring, the accuracy of different assays, and current TE contamination of solutions. The supplementation of TEs is a complex and important part of the PN prescription. Understanding the role of different disease states and the need for reduced or increased doses is essential. Given the heterogeneity of the PN patients, supplementation should be individualized. PMID:28452962

Trace elements in parenteral nutrition: a practical guide for dosage and monitoring for adult patients.

PubMed

Fessler, Theresa A

2013-12-01

Parenteral nutrition (PN) is a life-sustaining therapy for hundreds of thousands of people who have severe impairment of gastrointestinal function. Trace elements are a small but very important part of PN that can be overlooked during busy practice. Serious complications can result from trace element deficiencies and toxicities, and this is especially problematic during times of product shortages. Practical information on parenteral trace element use can be gleaned from case reports, some retrospective studies, and very few randomized controlled trials. A general knowledge of trace element metabolism and excretion, deficiency and toxicity symptoms, products, optimal dosages, and strategies for supplementation, restriction, and monitoring will equip practitioners to provide optimal care for their patients who depend on PN.

Trace Elements in Parenteral Nutrition: Considerations for the Prescribing Clinician.

PubMed

Jin, Jennifer; Mulesa, Leanne; Carrilero Rouillet, Mariana

2017-04-28

Trace elements (TEs) are an essential component of parenteral nutrition (PN). Over the last few decades, there has been increased experience with PN, and with this knowledge more information about the management of trace elements has become available. There is increasing awareness of the effects of deficiencies and toxicities of certain trace elements. Despite this heightened awareness, much is still unknown in terms of trace element monitoring, the accuracy of different assays, and current TE contamination of solutions. The supplementation of TEs is a complex and important part of the PN prescription. Understanding the role of different disease states and the need for reduced or increased doses is essential. Given the heterogeneity of the PN patients, supplementation should be individualized.

Profiles of non-essential trace elements in ewe and goat milk and their yoghurt, Torba yoghurt and whey.

PubMed

Sanal, Hasan; Güler, Zehra; Park, Young W

2011-01-01

The objectives of this study were to determine the profiles of non-essential trace elements in ewes' and goats' milk and manufactured products, such as yoghurt, torba yoghurt and whey, as well as changes in trace element content during Torba yoghurt-making processes. Concentrations of non-essential trace elements in ewe (Awassi) and goat (Damascus) milk and their yoghurt, torba yoghurt and whey were quantitatively determined by simultaneous inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometer (ICP-OES), after microwave digestion. Aluminium, antimony, arsenic, boron, beryllium, cadmium, nickel, lead, silver, titanium, thallium and vanadium were determined for both types of milk and their products. Barium was not detected in goats' milk or their products. Among all trace elements, boron was the most abundant and beryllium was least present in milk and the manufactured products. The results showed that goats' and ewes' milk and their manufactured products may be a source of 13 non-essential trace elements.

Geological occurrence response to trace elemental migration in coal liquefaction based on SPSS: take no. 11 coalbed in Antaibao mine for example

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xia, Xiaohong; Qin, Yong; Yang, Weifeng

2013-03-01

Coal liquefaction is an adoptable method to transfer the solid fossil energy into liquid oil in large scale, but the dirty material in which will migrate to different step of liquefaction. The migration rule of some trace elements is response to the react activity of macerals in coal and the geological occurrence of the element nature of itself. In this paper, from the SPSS data correlation analysis and hierarchical clustering dendrogram about the trace elements with macerals respond to coal liquefaction yield, it shows the trace elements in No.11 Antaibao coal seam originated from some of lithophile and sulphophle elements. Correlation coefficient between liquefaction yield of three organic macerals and migration of the elements in liquefaction residue indicated that the lithophile are easy to transfer to residue, while sulphophle are apt to in the liquid products. The activated macerals are response to sulphophle trace elements. The conclusion is useful to the coal blending and environmental effects on coal direct liquefaction.

Variation in Macro and Trace Elements in Progression of Type 2 Diabetes

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Macro elements are the minerals of which the body needs more amounts and are more important than any other elements. Trace elements constitute a minute part of the living tissues and have various metabolic characteristics and functions. Trace elements participate in tissue and cellular and subcellular functions; these include immune regulation by humoral and cellular mechanisms, nerve conduction, muscle contractions, membrane potential regulations, and mitochondrial activity and enzyme reactions. The status of micronutrients such as iron and vanadium is higher in type 2 diabetes. The calcium, magnesium, sodium, chromium, cobalt, iodine, iron, selenium, manganese, and zinc seem to be low in type 2 diabetes while elements such as potassium and copper have no effect. In this review, we emphasized the status of macro and trace elements in type 2 diabetes and its advantages or disadvantages; this helps to understand the mechanism, progression, and prevention of type 2 diabetes due to the lack and deficiency of different macro and trace elements. PMID:25162051

Petrography and trace element signatures in silicates and Fe-Ti-oxides from the Lanjiahuoshan deposit, Panzhihua layered intrusion, Southwest China

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gao, Wenyuan; Ciobanu, Cristiana L.; Cook, Nigel J.; Huang, Fei; Meng, Lin; Gao, Shang

2017-12-01

Permian mafic-ultramafic layered intrusions in the central part of the Emeishan Large Igneous Province (ELIP), Southwestern China, host Fe-Ti-V-oxide ores that have features which distinguish them from other large layered intrusion-hosted deposits. The origin of these ores is highly debated. Careful petrographic examination, whole rock analysis, electron probe microanalysis, and measurement and mapping of trace element concentrations by laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry in all major and minor minerals (clinopyroxene, plagioclase, olivine, amphibole, titanomagnetite, ilmenite, pleonaste and pyrrhotite) has been undertaken on samples from the Lanjiahuoshan deposit, representing the Middle, Lower and Marginal Zone of the Panzhihua intrusion. Features are documented that impact on interpretation of intrusion petrology and with implications for genesis of the Fe-Ti-V-oxide ores. Firstly, there is evidence, as symplectites between clinopyroxene and plagioclase, for introduction of complex secondary melts. Secondly, reaction between a late hydrothermal fluid and clinopyroxene is recognized, which has led to formation of hydrated minerals (pargasite, phlogopite), as well as a potassium metasomatic event, postdating intrusion solidification, which led to formation of K-feldspar. Lastly, partitioning of trace elements between titanomagnetite and silicates needs to consider scavenging of metals by ilmenite (Mn, Sc, Zr, Nb, Sn, Hf and Ta) and sulfides, as well as the marked partitioning of Co, Ni, Zn, Ga, As and Sb into spinels exsolved from titanomagnetite. The role of these less abundant phases may have been understated in previous studies, highlighting the importance of petrographic examination of complex silicate-oxide-sulfide assemblages, as well as the need for a holistic approach to trace element analysis, acknowledging all minerals within the assemblage.

Thermally metamorphosed carbonaceous chondrites from data for thermally mobile trace elements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Ming-Sheng; Lipschutz, Michael E.

1998-11-01

We report RNAA data for U, Co, Au, Sb, Ga, Rb, Cs, Se, Ag, Te, Zn, In, Bi, Tl and Cd (ordered by increasing ease of vaporization and loss from Murchison CM2 chondrite during open-system heating) in 9 Antarctic C2 and C3 chondrites. These meteorites exhibit properties (obtained by reflectance spectroscopy, oxygen isotope mass spectrometry and/or mineralogy-petrology) suggesting thermal metamorphism in their parent bodies. Five of these (Asuka 881655, Yamato (Y) 793495, Y-790992, PCA 91008 and Y-86789, paired with Y-86720) exhibit significant depletion of the most thermally-mobile 1-5 trace elements consistent with open-system loss during extended parent body heating under conditions duplicated by week-long heating of Murchison C2 chondrite heated at 500-700 deg C in a low pressure (initially 10-5 atm) H atmosphere. From earlier data, three other C3 chondrites - Allan Hills (ALH) 81003, ALH 85003 and Lewis Cliffs 85332 - show significant Cd depletion. Nine additional C2 and C3 chondrites show no evidence of mobile trace element depletion - including Y-793321, which by all other criteria was mildly metamorphosed thermally. Either metamorphism of these nine occurred under closed conditions and/or alteration took place under such mild conditions that even Cd could not be lost. The RNAA data suggest that 10 of the 46 Antarctic carbonaceous chondrites (including 4 of 37 from Victoria Land and 6 of 9 from Queen Maud Land) exhibit open-system loss of at least some thermally mobile trace elements by heating in their parent bodies while none of the 25 non-Antarctic falls experienced this. These results are consistent with the idea that the Antarctic sampling of near-Earth material differs from that being sampled today.

Alleviation of environmental risks associated with severely contaminated mine tailings using amendments: Modeling of trace element speciation, solubility, and plant accumulation.

PubMed

Pardo, Tania; Bes, Cleménce; Bernal, Maria Pilar; Clemente, Rafael

2016-11-01

Tailings are considered one of the most relevant sources of contamination associated with mining activities. Phytostabilization of mine spoils may need the application of the adequate combination of amendments to facilitate plant establishment and reduce their environmental impact. Two pot experiments were set up to assess the capability of 2 inorganic materials (calcium carbonate and a red mud derivate, ViroBind TM ), alone or in combination with organic amendments, for the stabilization of highly acidic trace element-contaminated mine tailings using Atriplex halimus. The effects of the treatments on tailings and porewater physico-chemical properties and trace-element accumulation by the plants, as well as the processes governing trace elements speciation and solubility in soil solution and their bioavailability were modeled. The application of the amendments increased tailings pH and decreased (>99%) trace elements solubility in porewater, but also changed the speciation of soluble Cd, Cu, and Pb. All the treatments made A. halimus growth in the tailings possible; organic amendments increased plant biomass and nutritional status, and reduced trace-element accumulation in the plants. Tailings amendments modified trace-element speciation in porewater (favoring the formation of chlorides and/or organo-metallic forms) and their solubility and plant uptake, which were found to be mainly governed by tailing/porewater pH, electrical conductivity, and organic carbon content, as well as soluble/available trace-element concentrations. Environ Toxicol Chem 2016;35:2874-2884. © 2016 SETAC. © 2016 SETAC.

The geographic distribution of trace elements in the environment: the REGARDS study.

PubMed

Rembert, Nicole; He, Ka; Judd, Suzanne E; McClure, Leslie A

2017-02-01

Research on trace elements and the effects of their ingestion on human health is often seen in scientific literature. However, little research has been done on the distribution of trace elements in the environment and their impact on health. This paper examines what characteristics among participants in the Reasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) study are associated with levels of environmental exposure to arsenic, magnesium, mercury, and selenium. Demographic information from REGARDS participants was combined with trace element concentration data from the US Geochemical Survey (USGS). Each trace element was characterized as either low (magnesium and selenium) or high (arsenic and mercury) exposure. Associations between demographic characteristics and trace element concentrations were analyzed with unadjusted and adjusted logistic regression models. Individuals who reside in the Stroke Belt have lower odds of high exposure (4th quartile) to arsenic (OR 0.33, CI 0.31, 0.35) and increased exposure to mercury (OR 0.65, CI 0.62, 0.70) than those living outside of these areas, while the odds of low exposure to trace element concentrations were increased for magnesium (OR 5.48, CI 5.05, 5.95) and selenium (OR 2.37, CI 2.22, 2.54). We found an association between levels of trace elements in the environment and geographic region of residence, among other factors. Future studies are needed to further examine this association and determine whether or not these differences may be related to geographic variation in disease.

Level of minerals and trace elements in the urine of the participants of mountain ultra-marathon race.

PubMed

Jablan, Jasna; Inić, Suzana; Stosnach, Hagen; Hadžiabdić, Maja Ortner; Vujić, Lovorka; Domijan, Ana-Marija

2017-05-01

The aim of the present study was to explore impact of endurance exercise on urinary level of minerals and trace elements as well as on some oxidative stress and biochemical parameters. Urine samples were collected from participants (n=21) of mountain ultra-marathon race (53km; Medvednica, Zagreb, Croatia), before (baseline value), immediately after, 12h and 24h after the race. In urine samples level of minerals (Ca, P, K and Na) and trace elements (Se, Zn, Mn, Cu, Fe and Co) were assessed using the bench top Total reflection X-ray Fluorescence (TXRF) spectrometer. Oxidative stress was determined as level of malondialdehyde (MDA). Immediately after the race level of minerals, trace elements, MDA, creatinine, ketones, erythrocytes and specific gravity increased compared to their baseline value. In 24h follow-up trace elements involved in antioxidant defence, MDA and biochemical parameters returned to their baseline values, Cu and Co remained increased as after the race, Fe and K tended to return to baseline values while Ca, P and Na continued to increase. Mountain ultra-marathon resulted in alteration of physiologically important minerals and trace elements that for some minerals and trace elements persist, indicating their involvement in recovery processes. However, due to their loss in urine, level of minerals and trace elements in athletes participating in endurance exercise should be monitored. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

Seasonal Dynamics of Trace Elements in Tidal Salt Marsh Soils as Affected by the Flow-Sediment Regulation Regime

PubMed Central

Bai, Junhong; Xiao, Rong; Zhao, Qingqing; Lu, Qiongqiong; Wang, Junjing; Reddy, K. Ramesh

2014-01-01

Soil profiles were collected in three salt marshes with different plant species (i.e. Phragmites australis, Tamarix chinensis and Suaeda salsa) in the Yellow River Delta (YRD) of China during three seasons (summer and fall of 2007 and the following spring of 2008) after the flow-sediment regulation regime. Total elemental contents of As, Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn were determined using inductively coupled plasma atomic absorption spectrometry to investigate temporal variations in trace elements in soil profiles of the three salt marshes, assess the enrichment levels and ecological risks of these trace elements in three sampling seasons and identify their influencing factors. Trace elements did not change significantly along soil profiles at each site in each sampling season. The highest value for each sampling site was observed in summer and the lowest one in fall. Soils in both P. australis and S. salsa wetlands tended to have higher trace element levels than those in T. chinensis wetland. Compared to other elements, both Cd and As had higher enrichment factors exceeding moderate enrichment levels. However, the toxic unit (TU) values of these trace elements did not exceed probable effect levels. Correlation analysis showed that these trace elements were closely linked to soil properties such as moisture, sulfur, salinity, soil organic matter, soil texture and pH values. Principal component analysis showed that the sampling season affected by the flow-sediment regulation regime was the dominant factor influencing the distribution patterns of these trace elements in soils, and plant community type was another important factor. The findings of this study could contribute to wetland conservation and management in coastal regions affected by the hydrological engineering. PMID:25216278

Final report of the SIM.QM-S8 supplementary comparison, trace metals in drinking water

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Lu; Nadeau, Kenny; Gedara Pihillagawa, Indu; Meija, Juris; Mester, Zoltan; Napoli, Romina; Pérez Zambra, Ramiro; Ferreira, Elizabeth; Alejandro Ahumada Forigua, Diego; Abella Gamba, Johanna Paola

2018-01-01

After completing a supplementary comparison SIM.QM-S7, the National Metrology Institute of Colombia (NMIC) requested to National Research Council of Canada (NRC) a subsequent bilateral comparison, because INMC considered that its results in SIM.QM-S7 unrepresentative of its standards. In this context, NRC agreed to coordinate this bilateral comparison with the aim of demonstrating the measurement capabilities of trace elements in fresh water. Participants included NMIC and LATU. No measurement method was prescribed by the coordinating laboratory. Therefore, NMIs used measurement methods of their choice. However, the majority of NMIs/DIs used ICP-MS. This SIM.QM-S8 Supplementary Comparison provides NMIs with the needed evidence for CMC claims for trace elements in fresh waters and similar matrices. Main text To reach the main text of this paper, click on Final Report. Note that this text is that which appears in Appendix B of the BIPM key comparison database kcdb.bipm.org/. The final report has been peer-reviewed and approved for publication by the CCQM, according to the provisions of the CIPM Mutual Recognition Arrangement (CIPM MRA).

Fluid-rock interaction during a large earthquake recorded in fault gouge: A case study of the Nojima fault, Japan

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bian, D.; Lin, A.

2016-12-01

Distinguishing the seismic ruptures during the earthquake from a lot of fractures in borehole core is very important to understand rupture processes and seismic efficiency. In particular, a great earthquake like the 1995 Mw 7.2 Kobe earthquake, but again, evidence has been limited to the grain size analysis and the color of fault gouge. In the past two decades, increasing geological evidence has emerged that seismic faults and shear zones within the middle to upper crust play a crucial role in controlling the architectures of crustal fluid migration. Rock-fluid interactions along seismogenic faults give us a chance to find the seismic ruptures from the same event. Recently, a new project of "Drilling into Fault Damage Zone" has being conducted by Kyoto University on the Nojima Fault again after 20 years of the 1995 Kobe earthquake for an integrated multidisciplinary study on the assessment of activity of active faults involving active tectonics, geochemistry and geochronology of active fault zones. In this work, we report on the signature of slip plane inside the Nojima Fault associated with individual earthquakes on the basis of trace element and isotope analyses. Trace element concentrations and 87Sr/86Sr ratios of fault gouge and host rocks were determined by an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICP-MS) and thermal ionization mass spectrometry (TIMS). Samples were collected from two trenches and an outcrop of Nojima Fault which. Based on the geochemical result, we interpret these geochemical results in terms of fluid-rock interactions recorded in fault friction during earthquake. The trace-element enrichment pattern of the slip plane can be explained by fluid-rock interactions at high temperature. It also can help us find the main coseismic fault slipping plane inside the thick fault gouge zone.

Trace Element and Cu Isotopic Tracers of Subsurface Flow and Transport in Wastewater Irrigated Soils

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Carte, J.; Fantle, M. S.

2017-12-01

An understanding of subsurface flow paths is critical for quantifying the fate of contaminants in wastewater irrigation systems. This study investigates the subsurface flow of wastewater by quantifying the distribution of trace contaminants in wastewater irrigated soils. Soil samples were collected from the upper 1m of two wetlands at Penn State University's wastewater irrigation site, at which all effluent from the University's wastewater treatment plant has been sprayed since 1983. Major and trace element and Cu isotopic composition were determined for these samples, in addition to wastewater effluent and bedrock samples. The upper 20 cm of each wetland shows an enrichment of Bi, Cd, Cr, Cu, Mo, Ni, Pb, and Zn concentrations relative to deep (>1m) soils at the site by a factor of 1.7-3.5. Each wetland also has a subsurface clay rich horizon with Bi, Cu, Li, Ni, Pb, and Zn concentrations enriched by a factor of 1.4 to 5 relative to deep soils. These subsurface horizons directly underlie intervals that could facilitate preferential effluent flow: a gravel layer in one wetland, and a silty loam with visible mottling, an indication of dynamic water saturation, in the other. Trace metal concentrations in other horizons from both wetlands fall in the range of the deep soils. Significant variability in Cu isotopic composition is present in soils from both wetlands, with δ65Cu values ranging from 0.74‰ to 5.09‰. Soil δ65Cu correlates well with Cu concentrations, with lighter δ65Cu associated with higher concentrations. The Cu isotopic composition of the zones of metal enrichment are comparable to the ostensible average wastewater effluent δ65Cu value (0.61‰), while other horizons have considerably heavier δ65Cu values. We hypothesize that wastewater is the source of the metal enrichments, as each of the enriched elements are present as contaminants in wastewater, and the enrichments are located in clay-rich horizons conducive to trace metal immobilization due to adsorption. This hypothesis will be further tested by modeling with the reactive transport code CrunchTope. This study provides evidence that trace element and isotopic composition of soils can be useful tracers of subsurface hydrologic pathways and elemental fate and transport.

Progress of pharmacogenomic research related to minerals and trace elements.

PubMed

Zeng, Mei-Zi; Tang, Jie; Liu, Zhao-Qian; Zhou, Hong-Hao; Zhang, Wei

2015-10-01

Pharmacogenomics explores the variations in both the benefits and the adverse effects of a drug among patients in a target population by analyzing genomic profiles of individual patients. Minerals and trace elements, which can be found in human tissues and maintain normal physiological functions, are also in the focus of pharmacogenomic research. Single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) affect the metabolism, disposition and efficacy of minerals and trace elements in humans, resulting in changes of body function. This review describes some of the recent progress in pharmacogenomic research related to minerals and trace elements.

Toxic effects of trace elements on newborns and their birth outcomes.

PubMed

Tang, Mengling; Xu, Chenye; Lin, Nan; Yin, Shanshan; Zhang, Yongli; Yu, Xinwei; Liu, Weiping

2016-04-15

Some trace elements are essential for newborns, their deficiency may cause abnormal biological functions, whereas excessive intakes due to environmental contamination may create adverse health effects. This study was conducted to measure the levels of selected trace elements in Chinese fish consumers by assessing their essentiality and toxicity via colostrum intake in newborns, and evaluated the effects of these trace elements on birth outcomes. Trace elements in umbilical cord serum and colostrum of the studied population were relatively high compared with other populations. The geometric means (GM) of estimated daily intake (EDI, mgday(-1)) of the trace elements were in the safe ranges for infant Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs) recommended by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA). When using total dietary intake (TDI, mgkg(-1)bwday(-1)), zinc (Zn) (0.880mgkg(-1)bwday(-1)) and selenium (Se) (6.39×10(-3)mgkg(-1)bwday(-1)) were above the Reference Doses (RfD), set by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Multivariable linear regression analyses showed that Se was negatively correlated with birth outcomes. Our findings suggested that overloading of trace elements due to environmental contamination may contribute to negative birth outcomes. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

TRACE ELEMENT ANALYSES OF URANIUM MATERIALS

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Beals, D; Charles Shick, C

The Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL) has developed an analytical method to measure many trace elements in a variety of uranium materials at the high part-per-billion (ppb) to low part-per-million (ppm) levels using matrix removal and analysis by quadrapole ICP-MS. Over 35 elements were measured in uranium oxides, acetate, ore and metal. Replicate analyses of samples did provide precise results however none of the materials was certified for trace element content thus no measure of the accuracy could be made. The DOE New Brunswick Laboratory (NBL) does provide a Certified Reference Material (CRM) that has provisional values for a seriesmore » of trace elements. The NBL CRM were purchased and analyzed to determine the accuracy of the method for the analysis of trace elements in uranium oxide. These results are presented and discussed in the following paper.« less

The Pasamonte unequilibrated eucrite: Pyroxene REE systematic and major-, minor-, and trace-element zoning. [Abstract only

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pun, A.; Papike, J. J.

1994-01-01

We are evaluating the trace-element concentrations in the pyroxenes of Pasamonte. Pasamonte is a characteristic member of the main group eucrites, and has recently been redescribed as a polymict eucrite. Our Pasamonte sample contained eucritic clasts with textures ranging from subophitic to moderately coarse-grained. This study concentrates on pyroxenes from an unequilibrated, coarse-grained eucrite clast. Major-, minor-, and trace-element analyses were measured for zoned pyroxenes in the eucritic clast of Pasamonte. The major- and minor-element zoning traverses were measured using the JEOL 733 electron probe with an Oxford-Link imaging/analysis system. Complemenatry trace elements were then measured for the core and rim of each of the grains by SIMS. The trace elements analyzed consisted of eight REE, Sr, Y, and Zr. These analyses were performed on a Cameca 4f ion probe. The results of the CI chondrite normalized (average CI trace-element analyses for several grains and the major- and minor-element zoning patterns from a single pyroxene grain are given. The Eu abundance in the cores of the pyroxenes represents the detection limit and therefore the (-Eu) anomaly is a minimum. Major- and minor-element patterns are typical for igneous zoning. Pyroxene cores are Mg enriched, whereas the rims are enriched in Fe and Ca. Also, Ti and Mn are found to increase, while Cr and Al generally decrease in core-to-rim traverses. The cores of the pyroxenes are more depleted in the Rare Earth Elements (REE) than the rims. Using the minor- and trace-element concentrations of bulk Pasamonte and the minor- and trace-element concentrations from the cores of the pyroxenes in Pasamonte measured in this study, we calculated partition coefficients between pyroxene and melt. This calculation assumes that bulk Pasamonte is representative of a melt composition.

Reduced trace element concentrations in fast-growing juvenile Atlantic salmon in natural streams.

PubMed

Ward, Darren M; Nislow, Keith H; Chen, Celia Y; Folt, Carol L

2010-05-01

To assess the effect of rapid individual growth on trace element concentrations in fish, we measured concentrations of seven trace elements (As, Cd, Cs, Hg, Pb, Se, Zn) in stream-dwelling Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) from 15 sites encompassing a 10-fold range in salmon growth. All salmon were hatched under uniform conditions, released into streams, and sampled approximately 120 days later for trace element analysis. For most elements, element concentrations in salmon tracked those in their prey. Fast-growing salmon had lower concentrations of all elements than slow growers, after accounting for prey concentrations. This pattern held for essential and nonessential elements, as well as elements that accumulate from food and those that can accumulate from water. At the sites with the fastest salmon growth, trace element concentrations in salmon were 37% (Cs) to 86% (Pb) lower than at sites where growth was suppressed. Given that concentrations were generally below levels harmful to salmon and that the pattern was consistent across all elements, we suggest that dilution of elements in larger biomass led to lower concentrations in fast-growing fish. Streams that foster rapid, efficient fish growth may produce fish with lower concentrations of elements potentially toxic for human and wildlife consumers.

Assessment of trace elements levels in patients with Type 2 diabetes using multivariate statistical analysis.

PubMed

Badran, M; Morsy, R; Soliman, H; Elnimr, T

2016-01-01

The trace elements metabolism has been reported to possess specific roles in the pathogenesis and progress of diabetes mellitus. Due to the continuous increase in the population of patients with Type 2 diabetes (T2D), this study aims to assess the levels and inter-relationships of fast blood glucose (FBG) and serum trace elements in Type 2 diabetic patients. This study was conducted on 40 Egyptian Type 2 diabetic patients and 36 healthy volunteers (Hospital of Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt). The blood serum was digested and then used to determine the levels of 24 trace elements using an inductive coupled plasma mass spectroscopy (ICP-MS). Multivariate statistical analysis depended on correlation coefficient, cluster analysis (CA) and principal component analysis (PCA), were used to analysis the data. The results exhibited significant changes in FBG and eight of trace elements, Zn, Cu, Se, Fe, Mn, Cr, Mg, and As, levels in the blood serum of Type 2 diabetic patients relative to those of healthy controls. The statistical analyses using multivariate statistical techniques were obvious in the reduction of the experimental variables, and grouping the trace elements in patients into three clusters. The application of PCA revealed a distinct difference in associations of trace elements and their clustering patterns in control and patients group in particular for Mg, Fe, Cu, and Zn that appeared to be the most crucial factors which related with Type 2 diabetes. Therefore, on the basis of this study, the contributors of trace elements content in Type 2 diabetic patients can be determine and specify with correlation relationship and multivariate statistical analysis, which confirm that the alteration of some essential trace metals may play a role in the development of diabetes mellitus. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

Geochemistry of environmentally sensitive trace elements in Permian coals from the Huainan coalfield, Anhui, China

USGS Publications Warehouse

Chen, J.; Liu, Gaisheng; Jiang, M.; Chou, C.-L.; Li, H.; Wu, B.; Zheng, Lingyun; Jiang, D.

2011-01-01

To study the geochemical characteristics of 11 environmentally sensitive trace elements in the coals of the Permian Period from the Huainan coalfield, Anhui province, China, borehole samples of 336 coals, two partings, and four roof and floor mudstones were collected from mineable coal seams. Major elements and selected trace elements were determined by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES), inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), and hydride generation atomic absorption spectrometry (HAAS). The depositional environment, abundances, distribution, and modes of occurrence of trace elements were investigated. Results show that clay and carbonate minerals are the principal inorganic constituents in the coals. A lower deltaic plain, where fluvial channel systems developed successively, was the likely depositional environment of the Permian coals in the Huainan coalfield. All major elements have wider variation ranges than those of Chinese coals except for Mg and Fe. The contents of Cr, Co, Ni, and Se are higher than their averages for Chinese coals and world coals. Vertical variations of trace elements in different formations are not significant except for B and Ba. Certain roof and partings are distinctly higher in trace elements than underlying coal bench samples. The modes of occurrence of trace elements vary in different coal seams as a result of different coal-forming environments. Vanadium, Cr, and Th are associated with aluminosilicate minerals, Ba with carbonate minerals, and Cu, Zn, As, Se, and Pb mainly with sulfide minerals. ?? 2011 Elsevier B.V.

Trace elements in ocean ridge basalts

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kay, R. W.; Hubbard, N. J.

1978-01-01

A study is made of the trace elements found in ocean ridge basalts. General assumptions regarding melting behavior, trace element fractionation, and alteration effects are presented. Data on the trace elements are grouped according to refractory lithophile elements, refractory siderophile elements, and volatile metals. Variations in ocean ridge basalt chemistry are noted both for regional and temporal characteristics. Ocean ridge basalts are compared to other terrestrial basalts, such as those having La/Yb ratios greater than those of chondrites, and those having La/Yb ratios less than those of chondrites. It is found that (1) as compared to solar or chondrite ratios, ocean ridge basalts have low ratios of large, highly-charged elements to smaller less highly-charged elements, (2) ocean ridge basalts exhibit low ratios of volatile to nonvolatile elements, and (3) the transition metals Cr through Zn in ocean ridge basalts are not fractionated more than a factor of 2 or 3 from the chondritic abundance ratios.

Identification of water-quality trends using sediment cores from Dillon Reservoir, Summit County, Colorado

USGS Publications Warehouse

Greve, Adrienne I.; Spahr, Norman E.; Van Metre, Peter C.; Wilson, Jennifer T.

2001-01-01

Since the construction of Dillon Reservoir, in Summit County, Colorado, in 1963, its drainage area has been the site of rapid urban development and the continued influence of historical mining. In an effort to assess changes in water quality within the drainage area, sediment cores were collected from Dillon Reservoir in 1997. The sediment cores were analyzed for pesticides, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and trace elements. Pesticides, PCBs, and PAHs were used to determine the effects of urban development, and trace elements were used to identify mining contributions. Water-quality and streambed-sediment samples, collected at the mouth of three streams that drain into Dillon Reservoir, were analyzed for trace elements. Of the 14 pesticides and 3 PCBs for which the sediment samples were analyzed, only 2 pesticides were detected. Low amounts of dichloro-diphenyldichloroethylene (DDE) and dichloro-diphenyldichloroethane (DDD), metabolites of dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT), were found at core depths of 5 centimeters and below 15 centimeters in a core collected near the dam. The longest core, which was collected near the dam, spanned the entire sedimentation history of the reservoir. Concentrations of total combustion PAH and the ratio of fluoranthene to pyrene in the core sample decreased with core depth and increased over time. This relation is likely due to growth in residential and tourist populations in the region. Comparisons between core samples gathered in each arm of the reservoir showed the highest PAH concentrations were found in the Tenmile Creek arm, the only arm that has an urban area on its shores, the town of Frisco. All PAH concentrations, except the pyrene concentration in one segment in the core near the dam and acenaphthylene concentrations in the tops of three cores taken in the reservoir arms, were below Canadian interim freshwater sediment-quality guidelines. Concentrations of arsenic, cadmium, chromium, copper, lead, and zinc in sediment samples from Dillon Reservoir exceeded the Canadian interim freshwater sediment-quality guidelines. Copper, iron, lithium, nickel, scandium, titanium, and vanadium concentrations in sediment samples decreased over time. Other elements, while no trend was evident, displayed concentration spikes in the down-core profiles, indicating loads entering the reservoir may have been larger than they were in 1997. The highest concentrations of copper, lead, manganese, mercury, and zinc were detected during the late 1970's and early 1980's. Elevated concentrations of trace elements in sediment in Dillon Reservoir likely resulted from historical mining in the drainage area. The downward trend identified for copper, iron, lithium, nickel, scandium, titanium, and vanadium may be due in part to restoration efforts in mining-affected areas and a decrease in active mining in the Dillon Reservoir watershed. Although many trace-element core-sediment concentrations exceeded the Canadian probable effect level for freshwater lakes, under current limnological conditions, the high core-sediment concentrations do not adversely affect water quality in Dillon Reservoir. The trace-element concentrations in the reservoir water column meet the standards established by the Colorado Water Quality Control Commission. Although many trace-element core-sediment concentrations exceeded the Canadian probable effect level for freshwater lakes, under current limnological conditions, the high core-sediment concentrations do not adversely affect water quality in Dillon Reservoir. The trace-element concentrations in the reservoir water column meet the standards established by the Colorado Water Quality Control Commission.

Anatomy of a cluster IDP. Part 2: Noble gas abundances, trace element geochemistry, isotopic abundances, and trace organic chemistry of several fragments from L2008#5

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Thomas, K. L.; Clemett, S. J.; Flynn, G. J.; Keller, L. P.; Mckay, David S.; Messenger, S.; Nier, A. O.; Schlutter, D. J.; Sutton, S. R.; Walker, R. M.

1994-01-01

The topics discussed include the following: noble gas content and release temperatures; trace element abundances; heating summary of cluster fragments; isotopic measurements; and trace organic chemistry.

Trace-element measurements in atmospheric biomonitors—A look at the relative performance of INAA and PIXE on olive-tree bark

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pacheco, Adriano M. G.; Freitas, Maria do Carmo; Reis, Miguel A.

2003-06-01

As part of an ongoing evaluation of its suitability for atmospheric biomonitoring, bark from olive trees ( Olea europaea Linn.) has been collected and searched for trace elements by means of two nuclear-analytical techniques—instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) and proton-induced X-ray emission (PIXE). The sampling for the present study was carried out across two separate sections of an established grid for air-quality surveys in mainland Portugal. The dual location comprises 58 collection sites—littoral-north (29 sites) and littoral-centre (29 sites). Both techniques are intrinsically accurate and may be seen to complement each other in the way that, as a whole, they yield 46 elements, with an overlap of 16 elements. Among the latter, this paper focuses on four of them and looks into their joint determination. Descriptive statistics for soil-related Al and Ti, and for sea-related Cl and Br, show results for each element to be fairly comparable. The degree of association between elemental patterns by either technique, as seen through nonparametric tests (Kendall's RK), is outstanding. No statistical evidence (Wilcoxon's T) for relative bias in correlated samples—consistently higher or lower results by one technique—could be found as well. As far as this study goes, INAA and PIXE may be used interchangeably for determining the present elements in olive-tree bark.

A Synopsis of Technical Issues of Concern for Monitoring Trace Elements in Highway and Urban Runoff

USGS Publications Warehouse

Breault, Robert F.; Granato, Gregory E.

2000-01-01

Trace elements, which are regulated for aquatic life protection, are a primary concern in highway- and urban-runoff studies because stormwater runoff may transport these constituents from the land surface to receiving waters. Many of these trace elements are essential for biological activity and become detrimental only when geologic or anthropogenic sources exceed concentrations beyond ranges typical of the natural environment. The Federal Highway Administration and State Transportation Agencies are concerned about the potential effects of highway runoff on the watershed scale and for the management and protection of watersheds. Transportation agencies need information that is documented as valid, current, and scientifically defensible to support planning and management decisions. There are many technical issues of concern for monitoring trace elements; therefore, trace-element data commonly are considered suspect, and the responsibility to provide data-quality information to support the validity of reported results rests with the data-collection agency. Paved surfaces are fundamentally different physically, hydraulically, and chemically from the natural surfaces typical of most freshwater systems that have been the focus of many traceelement- monitoring studies. Existing scientific conceptions of the behavior of trace elements in the environment are based largely upon research on natural systems, rather than on systems typical of pavement runoff. Additionally, the logistics of stormwater sampling are difficult because of the great uncertainty in the occurrence and magnitude of storm events. Therefore, trace-element monitoring programs may be enhanced if monitoring and sampling programs are automated. Automation would standardize the process and provide a continuous record of the variations in flow and water-quality characteristics. Great care is required to collect and process samples in a manner that will minimize potential contamination or attenuation of trace elements and other sources of bias and variability in the sampling process. Trace elements have both natural and anthropogenic sources that may affect the sampling process, including the sample-collection and handling materials used in many trace-element monitoring studies. Trace elements also react with these materials within the timescales typical for collection, processing and analysis of runoff samples. To study the characteristics and potential effects of trace elements in highway and urban runoff, investigators typically sample one or more operationally defined matrixes including: whole water, dissolved (filtered water), suspended sediment, bottom sediment, biological tissue, and contaminant sources. The sampling and analysis of each of these sample matrixes can provide specific information about the occurrence and distribution of trace elements in runoff and receiving waters. There are, however, technical concerns specific to each matrix that must be understood and addressed through use of proper collection and processing protocols. Valid protocols are designed to minimize inherent problems and to maximize the accuracy, precision, comparability, and representativeness of data collected. Documentation, including information about monitoring protocols, quality assurance and quality control efforts, and ancillary data also is necessary to establish data quality. This documentation is especially important for evaluation of historical traceelement monitoring data, because trace-element monitoring protocols and analysis methods have been constantly changing over the past 30 years.

Trace element emissions from spontaneous combustion of gob piles in coal mines, Shanxi, China

USGS Publications Warehouse

Zhao, Y.; Zhang, Jiahua; Chou, C.-L.; Li, Y.; Wang, Z.; Ge, Y.; Zheng, C.

2008-01-01

The emissions of potentially hazardous trace elements from spontaneous combustion of gob piles from coal mining in Shanxi Province, China, have been studied. More than ninety samples of solid waste from gob piles in Shanxi were collected and the contents of twenty potentially hazardous trace elements (Be, F, V, Cr, Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Se, Mo, Cd, Sn, Sb, Hg, Tl, Pb, Th, and U) in these samples were determined. Trace element contents in solid waste samples showed wide ranges. As compared with the upper continental crust, the solid waste samples are significantly enriched in Se (20x) and Tl (12x) and are moderately enriched in F, As, Mo, Sn, Sb, Hg, Th, and U (2-5x). The solid waste samples are depleted in V, Cr, Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, and Zn. The solid waste samples are enriched in F, V, Mn, Cr, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Sb, Th, and U as compared with the Shanxi coals. Most trace elements are higher in the clinker than in the unburnt solid waste except F, Sn, and Hg. Trace element abundances are related to the ash content and composition of the samples. The content of F is negatively correlated with the ash content, while Pb is positively correlated with the ash. The concentrations of As, Mn, Zn, and Cd are highly positively correlated with Fe2O3 in the solid waste. The As content increases with increasing sulfur content in the solid waste. The trace element emissions are calculated for mass balance. The emission factors of trace elements during the spontaneous combustion of the gobs are determined and the trace element concentrations in the flue gas from the spontaneous combustion of solid waste are calculated. More than a half of F, Se, Hg and Pb are released to the atmosphere during spontaneous combustion. Some trace element concentrations in flue gas are higher than the national emission standards. Thus, gob piles from coal mining pose a serious environmental problem. ?? 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Trace element contamination in feather and tissue samples from Anna’s hummingbirds

USGS Publications Warehouse

Mikoni, Nicole A.; Poppenga, Robert H.; Ackerman, Joshua T.; Foley, Janet E.; Hazlehurst, Jenny; Purdin, Güthrum; Aston, Linda; Hargrave, Sabine; Jelks, Karen; Tell, Lisa A.

2017-01-01

Trace element contamination (17 elements; Be, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Se, Mo, Cd, Ba, Hg, Tl, and Pb) of live (feather samples only) and deceased (feather and tissue samples) Anna's hummingbirds (Calypte anna) was evaluated. Samples were analyzed using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS; 17 elements) and atomic absorption spectrophotometry (Hg only). Mean plus one standard deviation (SD) was considered the benchmark, and concentrations above the mean + 1 SD were considered elevated above normal. Contour feathers were sampled from live birds of varying age, sex, and California locations. In order to reduce thermal impacts, minimal feathers were taken from live birds, therefore a novel method was developed for preparation of low mass feather samples for ICP-MS analysis. The study found that the novel feather preparation method enabled small mass feather samples to be analyzed for trace elements using ICP-MS. For feather samples from live birds, all trace elements, with the exception of beryllium, had concentrations above the mean + 1 SD. Important risk factors for elevated trace element concentrations in feathers of live birds were age for iron, zinc, and arsenic, and location for iron, manganese, zinc, and selenium. For samples from deceased birds, ICP-MS results from body and tail feathers were correlated for Fe, Zn, and Pb, and feather concentrations were correlated with renal (Fe, Zn, Pb) or hepatic (Hg) tissue concentrations. Results for AA spectrophotometry analyzed samples from deceased birds further supported the ICP-MS findings where a strong correlation between mercury concentrations in feather and tissue (pectoral muscle) samples was found. These study results support that sampling feathers from live free-ranging hummingbirds might be a useful, non-lethal sampling method for evaluating trace element exposure and provides a sampling alternative since their small body size limits traditional sampling of blood and tissues. The results from this study provide a benchmark for the distribution of trace element concentrations in feather and tissue samples from hummingbirds and suggests a reference mark for exceeding normal. Lastly, pollinating avian species are minimally represented in the literature as bioindicators for environmental trace element contamination. Given that trace elements can move through food chains by a variety of routes, our study indicates that hummingbirds are possible bioindicators of environmental trace element contamination.

Rare earth element distributions in the West Pacific: Trace element sources and conservative vs. non-conservative behavior

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Behrens, Melanie K.; Pahnke, Katharina; Paffrath, Ronja; Schnetger, Bernhard; Brumsack, Hans-Jürgen

2018-03-01

Recent studies suggest that transport and water mass mixing may play a dominant role in controlling the distribution of dissolved rare earth element concentrations ([REE]) at least in parts of the North and South Atlantic and the Pacific Southern Ocean. Here we report vertically and spatially high-resolution profiles of dissolved REE concentrations ([REE]) along a NW-SE transect in the West Pacific and examine the processes affecting the [REE] distributions in this area. Surface water REE patterns reveal sources of trace element (TE) input near South Korea and in the tropical equatorial West Pacific. Positive europium anomalies and middle REE enrichments in surface and subsurface waters are indicative of TE input from volcanic islands and fingerprint in detail small-scale equatorial zonal eastward transport of TEs to the iron-limited tropical East Pacific. The low [REE] of North and South Pacific Tropical Waters and Antarctic Intermediate Water are a long-range (i.e., preformed) laterally advected signal, whereas increasing [REE] with depth within North Pacific Intermediate Water result from release from particles. Optimum multiparameter analysis of deep to bottom waters indicates a dominant control of lateral transport and mixing on [REE] at the depth of Lower Circumpolar Deep Water (≥3000 m water depth; ∼75-100% explained by water mass mixing), allowing the northward tracing of LCDW to ∼28°N in the Northwest Pacific. In contrast, scavenging in the hydrothermal plumes of the Lau Basin and Tonga-Fiji area at 1500-2000 m water depth leads to [REE] deficits (∼40-60% removal) and marked REE fractionation in the tropical West Pacific. Overall, our data provide evidence for active trace element input both near South Korea and Papua New Guinea, and for a strong lateral transport component in the distribution of dissolved REEs in large parts of the West Pacific.

Evaluation of trace element status of organic dairy cattle.

PubMed

Orjales, I; Herrero-Latorre, C; Miranda, M; Rey-Crespo, F; Rodríguez-Bermúdez, R; López-Alonso, M

2018-06-01

The present study aimed to evaluate trace mineral status of organic dairy herds in northern Spain and the sources of minerals in different types of feed. Blood samples from organic and conventional dairy cattle and feed samples from the respective farms were analysed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry to determine the concentrations of the essential trace elements (cobalt (Co), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), iodine (I), manganese (Mn), molybdenum (Mo), nickel (Ni), selenium (Se) and zinc (Zn)) and toxic trace elements (arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg) and lead (Pb)). Overall, no differences between organic and conventional farms were detected in serum concentrations of essential and toxic trace elements (except for higher concentrations of Cd on the organic farms), although a high level of inter-farm variation was detected in the organic systems, indicating that organic production greatly depends on the specific local conditions. The dietary concentrations of the essential trace elements I, Cu, Se and Zn were significantly higher in the conventional than in the organic systems, which can be attributed to the high concentration of these minerals in the concentrate feed. No differences in the concentrations of trace minerals were found in the other types of feed. Multivariate chemometric analysis was conducted to determine the contribution of different feed sources to the trace element status of the cattle. Concentrate samples were mainly associated with Co, Cu, I, Se and Zn (i.e. with the elements supplemented in this type of feed). However, pasture and grass silage were associated with soil-derived elements (As, Cr, Fe and Pb) which cattle may thus ingest during grazing.

Dietary exposure estimates of twenty-one trace elements from a Total Diet Study carried out in Pavia, Northern Italy.

PubMed

Turconi, Giovanna; Minoia, Claudio; Ronchi, Anna; Roggi, Carla

2009-04-01

The significant role of trace elements in human health is well documented. Trace elements are those compounds that need to be present in the human diet to maintain normal physiological functions. However, some microelements may become harmful at high levels of exposure, or, on the other hand, may give rise to malnutrition, when their exposure is too low. The aim of the present study was to provide a reliable estimate of the dietary exposure of twenty-one trace elements in a Northern Italian area. For this purpose, trace element analyses were undertaken on total diet samples collected from a university cafeteria in Pavia, Northern Italy. The average daily exposure for the adult people was calculated on the basis of food consumption frequency, portion size and trace element levels in foodstuffs. The mean exposure values satisfy the Italian RDA for all the essential trace elements, except for Fe exposure in females, and are well below the Provisional Tolerable Daily Intake for all the toxic compounds, showing that the probability of dietary exposure to health risks is overall small. As far as Fe exposure is concerned, a potential risk of anaemia in the female adult population should be considered, then studies aimed at evaluating the Fe nutritional status of adult Italian women should be addressed. In conclusion, while not excluding the possibility that the daily exposure determined in the present study may not be representative of the population as a whole, this study provides a good estimate of the Italian adult consumer exposure to twenty-one trace elements.

The effect of pasteurization on trace elements in donor breast milk.

PubMed

Mohd-Taufek, N; Cartwright, D; Davies, M; Hewavitharana, A K; Koorts, P; McConachy, H; Shaw, P N; Sumner, R; Whitfield, K

2016-10-01

Premature infants often receive pasteurized donor human milk when mothers are unable to provide their own milk. This study aims to establish the effect of the pasteurization process on a range of trace elements in donor milk. Breast milk was collected from 16 mothers donating to the milk bank at the Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital. Samples were divided into pre- and post-pasteurization aliquots and were Holder pasteurized. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry was used to analyze the trace elements zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), selenium (Se), manganese (Mn), iodine (I), iron (Fe), molybdenum (Mo) and bromine (Br). Differences in trace elements pre- and post-pasteurization were analyzed. No significant differences were found between the trace elements tested pre- and post-pasteurization, except for Fe (P<0.05). The median (interquartile range, 25 to 75%; μg l(-1)) of trace elements for pre- and post- pasteurization aliquots were-Zn: 1639 (888-4508), 1743 (878-4143), Cu: 360 (258-571), 367 (253-531), Se: 12.34 (11.73-17.60), 12.62 (11.94-16.64), Mn: (1.48 (1.01-1.75), 1.49 (1.11-1.75), I (153 (94-189), 158 (93-183), Fe (211 (171-277), 194 (153-253), Mo (1.46 (0.37-2.99), 1.42 (0.29-3.73) and Br (1066 (834-1443), 989 (902-1396). Pasteurization had minimal effect on several trace elements in donor breast milk but high levels of inter-donor variability of trace elements were observed. The observed decrease in the iron content of pasteurized donor milk is, however, unlikely to be clinically relevant.

Chemical analysis and geochemical associations in Devonian black shale core samples from Martin County, Kentucky; Carroll and Washington counties, Ohio; Wise County, Virginia; and Overton County, Tennessee

USGS Publications Warehouse

Leventhal, Joel S.

1979-01-01

Core samples from Devonian shales from five localities in the Appalachian Basin have been analyzed for major, minor, and trace constituents. The contents of major elements are rather similar; however, the minor constituents, organic C, S, PO4, and CO3, show variations by a factor of 10. Trace elements Mo, Ni, Cu, V, Co, U, Zn, Hg, As, and Mn show variations that can be related graphically and statistically to the minor constituents. Down-hole plots show the relationships most clearly. Mn is associated with CO3 content, the other trace elements are strongly Controlled by organic C. Amounts of organic C are generally in the range of 3-6 percent, and S is in the range of 2-5 percent. Trace-element amounts show the following general ranges (ppm, parts per million)- Co, 20-40; Cu,40-70; U, 10-40; As, 20-40, V, 150-300; Ni, 80-150; high values are as much as twice these values. The organic C was probably the concentrating agent, whereas the organic C and sulfide S created an environment for preservation or immobilization of trace elements. Closely spaced samples showing an abrupt transition in color from black to gray and gray to black shale show similar effects of trace-element changes, that is, black shale contains enhanced amounts of organic C and trace elements. Ratios of trace elements to organic C or sulfide S were relatively constant even though deposition rates varied from 10 to 300 meters in 5 million years.

Study on elemental fingerprint of traditional marine Chinese medicine oysters from Jiaozhou Bay, China

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zheng, Yongjun; Zheng, Kang; Li, Yantuan

2012-09-01

In order to investigate the relationship between the trace elements and the characteristics of the oysters, we analyzed the trace elements present in the germplasm of oysters from different producing areas in the Jiaozhou Bay. The element fingerprints were established to reflect the elemental characteristics of the oysters. Concentration patterns of the elements were deciphered by principle component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA). The six regions were discriminated with accuracy using HCA and PCA based on the concentration of 16 trace elements. The elements were viewed as characteristic elements of the oysters and the fingerprints of these elements could be used to distinguish the quality of the oysters.

The Phosphoria Formation at the Hot Springs Mine in Southeast Idaho; a source of selenium and other trace elements to surface water, ground water, vegetation, and biota

USGS Publications Warehouse

Piper, David Z.; Skorupa, J.P.; Presser, T.S.; Hardy, M.A.; Hamilton, S.J.; Huebner, M.; Gulbrandsen, R.A.

2000-01-01

Major-element oxides and trace elements in the Phosphoria Formation at the Hot Springs Mine, Idaho were determined by a series of techniques. In this report, we examine the distribution of trace elements between the different solid components aluminosilicates, apatite, organic matter, opal, calcite, and dolomite that largely make up the rocks. High concentrations of several trace elements throughout the deposit, for example, As, Cd, Se, Tl, and U, at this and previously examined sites have raised concern about their introduction into the environment via weathering and the degree to which mining and the disposal of mined waste rock from this deposit might be accelerating that process. The question addressed here is how might the partitioning of trace elements between these solid host components influence the introduction of trace elements into ground water, surface water, and eventually biota, via weathering? In the case of Se, it is partitioned into components that are quite labile under the oxidizing conditions of subaerial weathering. As a result, it is widely distributed throughout the environment. Its concentration exceeds the level of concern for protection of wildlife at virtually every trophic level.

HUMAN SCALP HAIR: AN ENVIRONMENTAL EXPOSURE INDEX FOR TRACE ELEMENTS. I. FIFTEEN TRACE ELEMENTS IN NEW YORK, N.Y. (1971-72)

EPA Science Inventory

Previous studies have revealed that hair trace element concentrations can reflect exposure in cases of frank poisoning and deficiency. Correlations have been found also in some populations living in regions where metallurgic processes are conducted. This study reports significant...

HUMAN SCALP HAIR: AN ENVIRONMENTAL EXPOSURE INDEX FOR TRACE ELEMENTS. II. SEVENTEEN TRACE ELEMENTS IN FOUR NEW JERSEY COMMUNITIES (1972)

EPA Science Inventory

Seventeen trace elements - arsenic (As), barium (Ba), boron (B), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), Iron (Fe), lead (Pb), lithium (Li), manganese (Mn), mercury (Hg), nickle (Ni), selenium (Se), silver (Ag), tin (Sn), vanadium (V), and zinc (Zn) - were measured in human sca...

Measurement of Trace Elements During the Development and Immune Response of Heliothis virescens Larvae

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

While many studies have examined the effect of microbial infections on the status of trace elements in mammalian tissues, similar studies have not been performed in insects. We used inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) to quantify changes in trace elements of Mg, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn and ...

Transport of dissolved trace elements in surface runoff and leachate from a coastal plain soil after poultry litter application

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

The application of poultry (Gallus gallus domesticus) litter to agricultural soils may exacerbate losses of trace elements in runoff water, an emerging concern to water quality. We evaluated trace elements (arsenic, cadmium, copper, lead, manganese, mercury, selenium and zinc) in surface runoff and ...

[Measurement of the status of trace elements in cattle using liver biopsy samples].

PubMed

Ouweltjes, W; de Zeeuw, A C; Moen, A; Counotte, G H M

2007-02-01

Serum, plasma, or urine samples are usually used for the measurement of the trace elements copper; zinc, iron, selenium, because these samples are easy to obtain; however; these samples are not always appropriate. For example, it is not possible to measure molybdenum, the major antagonist of copper; in blood or urine. Therefore measurement of trace elements in liver tissue is considered the gold standard. For the assessment of selenium the method of choice remains determination of glutathion peroxidase in erythrocytes and for the assessment of magnesium determination of magnesium in urine. We determined the accuracy and repeatability of measuring trace elements in liver biopsies and whole liver homogenates. The levels of trace elements measured were similar in both preparations (92% agreement). Liver biopsy in live animals is a relatively simple procedure but not common in The Netherlands. Reference levels of trace elements, classified as too low, low, adequate, high, and too high, were established on the basis of our research and information in the literature. In a second study we investigated the practical aspects of obtaining liver tissue samples and their use. Samples were collected from cattle on a commercial dairy farm. Liver biopsy provided additional information to that obtained from serum and urine samples. We prepared a biopsy protocol and a test package, which we tested on 14 farms where an imbalance of trace minerals was suspected. Biopsy samples taken from 4 to 6 animals revealed extreme levels of trace elements.

Transport and distribution of trace elements and other selected inorganic constituents by suspended particulates in the Salton Sea Basin, California, 2001

USGS Publications Warehouse

LeBlanc, L.A.; Schroeder, R.A.

2008-01-01

In order to examine the transport of contaminants associated with river-derived suspended particles in the Salton Sea, California, large volume water samples were collected in transects established along the three major rivers emptying into the Salton Sea in fall 2001. Rivers in this area carry significant aqueous and particulate contaminant loads derived from irrigation water associated with the extensive agricultural activity, as well as wastewater from small and large municipalities. A variety of inorganic constituents, including trace metals, nutrients, and organic carbon were analyzed on suspended material isolated from water samples collected at upriver, near-shore, and off-shore sites established on the Alamo, New, and Whitewater rivers. Concentration patterns showed expected trends, with river-borne metals becoming diluted by organic-rich algal particles of lacustrine origin in off-shore stations. More soluble metals, such as cadmium, copper, and zinc showed a more even distribution between sites in the rivers and off-shore in the lake basin. General distributional trends of trace elements between particulate and aqueous forms were discerned by combining metal concentration data for particulates from this study with historical aqueous metals data. Highly insoluble trace metals, such as iron and aluminum, occurred almost entirely in the particulate phase, while major cations and approximately 95% of selenium were transported in the soluble phase. Evidence for greater reducing conditions in the New compared to the Alamo River was provided by the greater proportion of reduced (soluble) manganese in the New River. Evidence of bioconcentration of selenium and arsenic within the lake by algae was provided by calculating "enrichment" concentration ratios from metal concentrations on the algal-derived particulate samples and the off-shore sites. ?? 2008 Springer Science+Business Media B.V.

Trace elements are associated with urinary 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine level: a case study of college students in Guangzhou, China.

PubMed

Lu, Shaoyou; Ren, Lu; Fang, Jianzhang; Ji, Jiajia; Liu, Guihua; Zhang, Jianqing; Zhang, Huimin; Luo, Ruorong; Lin, Kai; Fan, Ruifang

2016-05-01

Many trace heavy elements are carcinogenic and increase the incidence of cancer. However, a comprehensive study of the correlation between multiple trace elements and DNA oxidative damage is still lacking. The aim of this study is to investigate the relationships between the body burden of multiple trace elements and DNA oxidative stress in college students in Guangzhou, China. Seventeen trace elements in urine samples were determined by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Urinary 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), a biomarker of DNA oxidative stress, was also measured using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometer (LC-MS/MS). The concentrations of six essential elements including manganese (Mn), copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), selenium (Se), strontium (Sr), and molybdenum (Mo), and five non-essential elements including arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), aluminum (Al), stibium (Sb), and thallium (Tl), were found to be significantly correlated with urinary 8-OHdG levels. Moreover, urinary levels of Ni, Se, Mo, As, Sr, and Tl were strongly significantly correlated with 8-OHdG (P < 0.01) concentration. Environmental exposure and dietary intake of these trace elements may play important roles in DNA oxidative damage in the population of Guangzhou, China.

Vitamins and Microelement Bioavailability in Different Stages of Chronic Kidney Disease.

PubMed

Jankowska, Magdalena; Rutkowski, Bolesław; Dębska-Ślizień, Alicja

2017-03-15

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) predisposes one to either deficiency or toxic excess of different micronutrients. The knowledge on micronutrients-specifically water-soluble vitamins and trace elements-in CKD is very limited. Consequently, current guidelines and recommendations are mostly based on expert opinions or poor-quality evidence. Abnormalities of micronutrient resources in CKD develop for several reasons. Dietary restrictions and anorexia lead to an insufficient micronutrient intake, while diuretics use and renal replacement therapy lead to their excessive losses. Absorption is unpredictable, and metabolism impaired. Better understanding of the micronutrient needs of CKD patients could have an impact on many complications linked to vitamin and trace element disorders, including high mortality, increased risk of atherosclerosis, inflammation, oxidative stress, anemia, polyneuropathy, encephalopathy, weakness and fragility, muscle cramps, bone disease, depression, or insomnia. Here, we summarize the up-to-date knowledge on micronutrient resources in different stages of CKD, and share our experience with the assessment of micronutrient status.

Clinopyroxene precursors to amphibole sponge in arc crust

PubMed Central

Smith, Daniel J.

2014-01-01

The formation of amphibole cumulates beneath arc volcanoes is a key control on magma geochemistry, and generates a hydrous lower crust. Despite being widely inferred from trace element geochemistry as a major lower crustal phase, amphibole is neither abundant nor common as a phenocryst phase in arc lavas and erupted pyroclasts, prompting some authors to refer to it as a ‘cryptic’ fractionating phase. This study provides evidence that amphibole develops by evolved melts overprinting earlier clinopyroxene—a near-ubiquitous mineral in arc magmas. Reaction-replacement of clinopyroxene ultimately forms granoblastic amphibole lithologies. Reaction-replacement amphiboles have more primitive trace element chemistry (for example, lower concentrations of incompatible Pb) than amphibole phenocrysts, but still have chemistries suitable for producing La/Yb and Dy/Yb ‘amphibole sponge’ signatures. Amphibole can fractionate cryptically as reactions between melt and mush in lower crustal ‘hot zones’ produce amphibole-rich assemblages, without significant nucleation and growth of amphibole phenocrysts. PMID:25002269

Diel cycling of trace elements in streams draining mineralized areas: a review

USGS Publications Warehouse

Gammons, Christopher H.; Nimick, David A.; Parker, Stephen R.

2015-01-01

Many trace elements exhibit persistent diel, or 24-h, concentration cycles in streams draining mineralized areas. These cycles can be caused by various physical and biogeochemical mechanisms including streamflow variation, photosynthesis and respiration, as well as reactions involving photochemistry, adsorption and desorption, mineral precipitation and dissolution, and plant assimilation. Iron is the primary trace element that exhibits diel cycling in acidic streams. In contrast, many cationic and anionic trace elements exhibit diel cycling in near-neutral and alkaline streams. Maximum reported changes in concentration for these diel cycles have been as much as a factor of 10 (988% change in Zn concentration over a 24-h period). Thus, monitoring and scientific studies must account for diel trace-element cycling to ensure that water-quality data collected in streams appropriately represent the conditions intended to be studied.

Total-reflection X-ray fluorescence studies of trace elements in biomedical samples

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kubala-Kukuś, A.; Braziewicz, J.; Pajek, M.

2004-08-01

Application of the total-reflection X-ray fluorescence (TXRF) analysis in the studies of trace element contents in biomedical samples is discussed in the following aspects: (i) a nature of trace element concentration distributions, (ii) censoring approach to the detection limits, and (iii) a comparison of two sets of censored data. The paper summarizes the recent results achieved in this topics, in particular, the lognormal, or more general logstable, nature of concentration distribution of trace elements, the random left-censoring and the Kaplan-Meier approach accounting for detection limits and, finally, the application of the logrank test to compare the censored concentrations measured for two groups. These new aspects, which are of importance for applications of the TXRF in different fields, are discussed here in the context of TXRF studies of trace element in various samples of medical interest.

Metasomatic Reaction Zones as Monitors of Trace Element Transfer at the Slab-Mantle Interface: the Case of the Hochwart Peridotite (Ulten Zone, Italy)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Marocchi, M.; Hermann, J.; Bargossi, G. M.; Mair, V.; Morten, L.

2006-12-01

Ultramafic blocks belonging to the Hochwart peridotite outcrop (Ulten Zone, Italian Alps) preserve a series of metasomatic mineral zones generated by infiltration of Si-rich hydrous fluids which occurred at the gneiss- peridotite interface. The age of the high pressure metamorphism for the Hochwart complex has been constrained at 330 Ma (Tumiati et al., 2003, EPSL, 210, 509-526). The country rocks are stromatic gneisses consisting mainly of quartz, K-feldspar, garnet, kyanite, biotite and muscovite. The ultramafic body consists of strongly serpentinized metaperidotites which are exposed as a hectometre-size lens along a steep gully, associated to monomineralic zones that developed at the contact between the peridotite body and the garnet gneiss country rocks. The composition of the metasomatic zones has been investigated in detail and records an order of metasomatic zoning formed by phlogopite-rich to tremolite-anthophyllite-rich rocks going from the host gneiss towards the peridotite. In some cases, the ultramafics fade into the gneisses developing serpentine and talc which has replaced, presumably at lower temperatures, the serpentine matrix and occurs in association with chlorite. Phlogopite aggregates (phlogopitite) with accessory minerals (quartz + zircon + apatite) and metabasic pods (phlogopite and hornblende) also occur. Black tourmaline (schorl-dravite solid solution) has been found for the first time in the contact near the phlogopite zone, suggesting an external addition of elements (boron and fluorine) to the system at high temperature. The formation of the metasomatic zones composed exclusively of hydrous phases must have involved extensive H2O-metasomatism as already documented for the Ulten peridotites. The source for these fluids can be a system of trondhjemitic-pegmatitic dikes cutting the peridotite that would have channelled aqueous fluids into the ultramafic rocks. Whole-rock geochemistry and trace element (LA ICP-MS) composition of hydrous phases (phlogopite and amphibole) in different metasomatic zones indicate mobility of many elements, including elements such as Ta which are considered to have scarce mobility in fluids. Trace element composition of accessory minerals in the phlogopite-rich zone suggests that the trace element signature of subduction zone fluids may be fractionated in this zone. The progressive depletion in some trace elements (LREE) and enrichment in LILE and Li from the peridotite towards the gneiss suggests a strong influence of bulk composition on the trace element budget of hydrous minerals. Since the ultramafic blocks can be representative of metasomatic processes occurring at the slab-mantle interface, we can infer that metasomatic reactions between slab-derived fluids and ultramafic mantle wedge will follow a specific series of reactions, creating mineral zonation similar to those observed in this study. Our results further favour the evidence that the primary composition of subduction zone fluids is modified substantially by metasomatic reactions occurring in the mantle wedge.

N-MORB crust beneath Fuerteventura in the easternmost part of the Canary Islands: evidence from gabbroic xenoliths

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Neumann, Else-Ragnhild; Vannucci, Riccardo; Tiepolo, Massimo

2005-09-01

Gabbro xenoliths reported in this paper were collected in northern Fuerteventura, the Canary Island located closest to the coast of Africa. The xenoliths are very fresh and consist of Ti-Al-poor clinopyroxene + plagioclase (An87-67) + olivine (Fo72-86) ± orthopyroxene. Clinopyroxene and orthopyroxene are constantly and markedly depleted in light rare earth elements (LREE) relative to heavy REE (HREE), as expected for cumulus minerals formed from highly refractory N-MORB-type melts. In contrast, whole-rock Primordial Mantle-normalized trace element patterns range from mildly S-shaped (mildly depleted in Pr-Sm relative to both the strongly incompatible elements Rb-La and the HREE) to enriched. Estimates show that the trace element compositions of the rocks and their minerals are compatible with formation as N-MORB gabbro cumulates, which have been infiltrated at various extents (≤1% to >5%) by enriched alkali basaltic melts. The enriched material is mainly concentrated along grain boundaries and cracks through mineral grains, suggesting that the infiltration is relatively recent, and is thus associated with the Canary Islands magmatism. Our data contradict the hypothesis that a mantle plume was present in this area during the opening of the Atlantic Ocean. No evidence of continental material that might reflect attenuated continental crust in the area has been found. Gabbro xenoliths with REE and trace element compositions similar to those exhibited by the Fuerteventura gabbros are also found among gabbro xenoliths from the islands of La Palma (western Canary Islands) and Lanzarote. The compositions of the most depleted samples from these islands are closely similar, implying that there was no significant change in chemistry during the early stages of formation of the Atlantic oceanic crust in this area. Strongly depleted gabbros similar to those collected in Fuerteventura have also been retrieved in the MARK area along the central Mid-Atlantic Ridge. The presence of N-MORB oceanic crust beneath Fuerteventura implies that the continent-ocean transition in the Canary Islands area must be relatively sharp, in contrast to the situation both further north along the coast of Morocco, and along the Iberian peninsula.

Atmospheric Deposition of Trace Elements in Ombrotrophic Peat as a Result of Anthropic Activities

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fabio Lourençato, Lucio; Cabral Teixeira, Daniel; Vieira Silva-Filho, Emmanoel

2014-05-01

Ombrotrophic peat can be defined as a soil rich in organic matter, formed from the partial decomposition of vegetable organic material in a humid and anoxic environment, where the accumulation of material is necessarily faster than the decomposition. From the physical-chemical point of view, it is a porous and highly polar material with high adsorption capacity and cation exchange. The high ability of trace elements to undergo complexation by humic substances happens due to the presence of large amounts of oxygenated functional groups in these substances. Since the beginning of industrialization human activities have scattered a large amount of trace elements in the environment. Soil contamination by atmospheric deposition can be expressed as a sum of site contamination by past/present human activities and atmospheric long-range transport of trace elements. Ombrotrophic peat records can provide valuable information about the entries of trace metals into the atmosphere and that are subsequently deposited on the soil. These trace elements are toxic, non-biodegradable and accumulate in the food chain, even in relatively low quantities. Thus studies on the increase of trace elements in the environment due to human activities are necessary, particularly in the southern hemisphere, where these data are scarce. The aims of this study is to evaluate the concentrations of mercury in ombrotrophic peat altomontanas coming from atmospheric deposition. The study is conducted in the Itatiaia National Park, Brazilian conservation unit, situated between the southeastern state of Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo and Minas Gerais. An ombrotrophic peat core is being sampled in altitude (1980m), to measure the trace elements concentrations of this material. As it is conservation area, the trace elements found in the samples is mainly from atmospheric deposition, since in Brazil don't exist significant lithology of trace elements. The samples are characterized by organic matter content which is determined by calcination and pH. For the determination of mercury, an aliquot of 10 mL of sample with 5 mL of the reducing agent 2 % SnCl2, purged with air by atomic absorption spectrophotometry by cold vapor, EAAVF is being used. The determination of other trace elements (Zn, Cd and Pb) is analyzed by flame atomic absorption spectroscopy (FAAS).

Investigation of the roles of trace elements during hepatitis C virus infection using protein-protein interactions and a shortest path algorithm.

PubMed

Zhu, LiuCun; Chen, XiJia; Kong, Xiangyin; Cai, Yu-Dong

2016-11-01

Hepatitis is a type of infectious disease that induces inflammation of the liver without pinpointing a particular pathogen or pathogenesis. Type C hepatitis, as a type of hepatitis, has been reported to induce cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma within a very short amount of time. It is a great threat to human health. Some studies have revealed that trace elements are associated with infection with and immune rejection against hepatitis C virus (HCV). However, the mechanism underlying this phenomenon is still unclear. In this study, we aimed to expand our knowledge of this phenomenon by designing a computational method to identify genes that may be related to both HCV and trace element metabolic processes. The searching procedure included three stages. First, a shortest path algorithm was applied to a large network, constructed by protein-protein interactions, to identify potential genes of interest. Second, a permutation test was executed to exclude false discoveries. Finally, some rules based on the betweenness and associations between candidate genes and HCV and trace elements were built to select core genes among the remaining genes. 12 lists of genes, corresponding to 12 types of trace elements, were obtained. These genes are deemed to be associated with HCV infection and trace elements metabolism. The analyses indicate that some genes may be related to both HCV and trace element metabolic processes, further confirming the associations between HCV and trace elements. The method was further tested on another set of HCV genes, the results indicate that this method is quite robustness. The newly found genes may partially reveal unknown mechanisms between HCV infection and trace element metabolism. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled "System Genetics" Guest Editor: Dr. Yudong Cai and Dr. Tao Huang. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Open-water and under-ice seasonal variations in trace element content and physicochemical associations in fluvial bed sediment.

PubMed

Doig, Lorne E; Carr, Meghan K; Meissner, Anna G N; Jardine, Tim D; Jones, Paul D; Bharadwaj, Lalita; Lindenschmidt, Karl-Erich

2017-11-01

Across the circumpolar world, intensive anthropogenic activities in the southern reaches of many large, northward-flowing rivers can cause sediment contamination in the downstream depositional environment. The influence of ice cover on concentrations of inorganic contaminants in bed sediment (i.e., sediment quality) is unknown in these rivers, where winter is the dominant season. A geomorphic response unit approach was used to select hydraulically diverse sampling sites across a northern test-case system, the Slave River and delta (Northwest Territories, Canada). Surface sediment samples (top 1 cm) were collected from 6 predefined geomorphic response units (12 sites) to assess the relationships between bed sediment physicochemistry (particle size distribution and total organic carbon content) and trace element content (mercury and 18 other trace elements) during open-water conditions. A subset of sites was resampled under-ice to assess the influence of season on these relationships and on total trace element content. Concentrations of the majority of trace elements were strongly correlated with percent fines and proxies for grain size (aluminum and iron), with similar trace element grain size/grain size proxy relationships between seasons. However, finer materials were deposited under ice with associated increases in sediment total organic carbon content and the concentrations of most trace elements investigated. The geomorphic response unit approach was effective at identifying diverse hydrological environments for sampling prior to field operations. Our data demonstrate the need for under-ice sampling to confirm year-round consistency in trace element-geochemical relationships in fluvial systems and to define the upper extremes of these relationships. Whether contaminated or not, under-ice bed sediment can represent a "worst-case" scenario in terms of trace element concentrations and exposure for sediment-associated organisms in northern fluvial systems. Environ Toxicol Chem 2017;36:2916-2924. © 2017 SETAC. © 2017 SETAC.

Reconnaissance of Soil, Ground Water, and Plant Contamination at an Abandoned Oilfield-Service Site near Shawnee, Oklahoma, 2005-2006

USGS Publications Warehouse

Mashburn, Shana L.; Smith, S. Jerrod

2007-01-01

The U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the Absentee Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma, began a reconnaissance study of a site in Pottawatomie County, Oklahoma, in 2005 by testing soil, shallow ground water, and plant material for the presence of trace elements and semivolatile organic compounds. Chemical analysis of plant material at the site was investigated as a preliminary tool to determine the extent of contamination at the site. Thirty soil samples were collected from 15 soil cores during October 2005 and analyzed for trace elements and semivolatile organic compounds. Five small-diameter, polyvinyl-chloride-cased wells were installed and ground-water samples were collected during December 2005 and May 2006 and analyzed for trace elements and semivolatile organic compounds. Thirty Johnsongrass samples and 16 Coralberry samples were collected during September 2005 and analyzed for 53 constituents, including trace elements. Results of the soil, ground-water, and plant data indicate that the areas of trace element and semivolatile organic compound contamination are located in the shallow (A-horizon) soils near the threading barn. Most of the trace-element concentrations in the soils on the study site were either similar to or less than trace-element concentrations in background soils. Several trace elements and semivolatile organic compounds exceeded the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 6, Human Health Medium-Specific Screening Levels 2007 for Tap Water, Residential Soils, Industrial Indoor Soils, and Industrial Outdoor Soils. There was little or no correlation between the plant and soil sample concentrations and the plant and ground-water concentrations based on the current sample size and study design. The lack of correlation between trace-element concentrations in plants and soils, and plants and ground water indicate that plant sampling was not useful as a preliminary tool to assess contamination at the study site.

A reconnaissance for signs of a Mississippi Valley-type lead-zinc mineralizing system on the eastern flank of the Rutbah Uplift, Anbar Province, Iraq

USGS Publications Warehouse

Hayes, Timothy S.; Mustafa, Mazin; Bennet, Thair

2014-01-01

Reconnaissance field visits and rock sampling were conducted at eight geologically selected locations within Mesozoic rocks on the eastern flank of the Rutbah Uplift, Anbar Province, western Iraq, in an attempt to determine if these rocks have been affected by a Mississippi Valley-Type (MVT) lead-zinc mineralizing system. Samples subsequently were studied by carbonate mineral staining, transmitted and reflected light petrology, and scanning electron microscopy with semi-quantitative energy dispersive elemental analyses. Single samples were studied by each, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry analyses of trace elements and fluid inclusion microthermometry. Permissive evidence indicates that there has been a MVT system present, but none of the evidence is considered definitive.

PIXE analysis of ancient Chinese Qing dynasty porcelain

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cheng, Huansheng; He, Wenquan; Tang, Jiayong; Yang, Fujia; Wang, Jianhua

1996-09-01

The major and minor chemical compositions and trace element content of white glaze made in Qing dynasty at kuan kiln have been determined by PIXE. Experimental results show that trace element contents RbSrZr are useful to distinguish the place of production of ancient porcelain. In the porcelain from different kilns situated in a same province, the trace element contents can be different from each other. Determining and comparing the major and minor compositions and trace elemental concentrations in white glaze by PIXE technique, we can distinguish a precious Qing dynasty porcelain made at kuan kiln from a fake.

Water-quality assessment of part of the Upper Mississippi River Basin, Minnesota and Wisconsin: Trace elements in streambed sediment and fish livers, 1995-96

USGS Publications Warehouse

Kroening, Sharon E.; Fallon, James D.; Lee, Kathy E.

2000-01-01

In fish livers, all of the trace elements analyzed were detected except antimony, beryllium, cobalt, and uranium. Trace element concentrations in fish livers generally did not show any pronounced patterns. Ranges for concentrations of arsenic, cadmium, chromium, copper, lead, mercury, nickel, selenium, and zinc were similar to those measured in 20 other NAWQA studies across the United States. Cadmium concentrations in fish livers were moderately correlated to fish length and weight. There were no relations between trace element concentrations in fish livers and streambed sediment.

The effect of acidified sample storage time on the determination of trace element concentration in ice cores by ICP-SFMS

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Uglietti, C.; Gabrielli, P.; Lutton, A.; Olesik, J.; Thompson, L. G.

2012-12-01

Trace elements in micro-particles entrapped in ice cores are a valuable proxy of past climate and environmental variations. Inductively coupled plasma sector field mass spectrometry (ICP-SFMS) is generally recognized as a sensitive and accurate technique for the quantification of ultra-trace element concentrations in ice cores. Usually, ICP-SFMS analyses of ice core samples are performed by melting and acidifying aliquots. Acidification is important to transfer trace elements from particles into solution by partial and/or complete dissolution. Only elements in solution and in sufficiently small particles will be vaporized and converted to elemental ions in the plasma for detection by ICP-SFMS. However, experimental results indicate that differences in acidified sample storage time at room temperature may lead to the recovery of different trace element fractions. Moreover, different lithologies of the relatively abundant crustal material entrapped in the ice matrix could also influence the fraction of trace elements that are converted into elemental ions in the plasma. These factors might affect the determination of trace elements concentrations in ice core samples and hamper the comparison of results obtained from ice cores from different locations and/or epochs. In order to monitor the transfer of elements from particles into solution in acidified melted ice core samples during storage, a test was performed on sections from nine ice cores retrieved from low latitude drilling sites around the world. When compared to ice cores from polar regions, these samples are characterized by a relative high content of micro-particles that may leach trace elements into solution differently. Of the nine ice cores, five are from the Tibetan Plateau (Dasuopu, Guliya, Naimonanyi, Puruogangri and Dunde), two from the Andes (Quelccaya and Huascaran), one from Africa (Kilimanjaro) and one from the Eastern Alps (Ortles). These samples were decontaminated by triple rinsing, melted and stored in pre-cleaned low-density polyethylene bottles, and kept frozen until acidification (2% v/v ultra-pure HNO3). Determination of twenty trace elements (Ag, Al, As, Bi, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, Pb, Rb, Sb, Sn, Ti, Tl, U, V, and Zn) was repeated at different times after acidification using the same aliquot. Analyses show a mean increase of 40-50% in trace element concentration in all the samples during the first 15 days of storage after acidification, except Al, Fe, V and Cr, which show a larger increase (90-100%). After 15 days the trace element concentrations reach generally stable values (with small increases within measurement uncertainty), except for the Naimonanyi and Kilimanjaro samples which continue to increase. In contrast, Ag concentration decreases after one week, likely due to its low stability in the acidified solution that may depend on the Cl- concentration. We froze the samples 43 days after the acidification. After two weeks the samples were melted and re-analyzed by ICP-SFMS in two different laboratories as an inter-calibration exercise. The results show a good correspondence between the measured concentrations determined by the two instruments and a consistent additional increase of 20-30% of measured trace element concentrations in almost all samples.

Detailed history of atmospheric trace elements from the Quelccaya ice core (Southern Peru) during the last 1200 years

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Uglietti, C.; Gabrielli, P.; Thompson, L. G.

2013-12-01

The recent increase in trace element concentrations, for example Cr, Cu, Zn, Ag, Pb, Bi, and U, in polar snow and ice has provided compelling evidence of a hemispheric change in atmospheric composition since the nineteenth century. This change has been concomitant with the expansion of the Industrial Revolution and points towards an anthropogenic source of trace elements in the atmosphere. There are very few low latitude trace element ice core records and these are believed to be sensitive to perturbations of regional significance. To date, these records have not been used to document a preindustrial anthropogenic impact on atmospheric composition at low latitudes. Ice cores retrieved from the tropical Andes are particularly interesting because they have the potential to reveal detailed information about the evolution and environmental consequences of mineral exploitation related to the Pre Inca Civilizations, the Inca Empire (1438-1533 AD) and the subsequent Spanish invasion and dominance (1532-1833 AD). The chemical record preserved in the ice of the Quelccaya ice cap (southern Peruvian Andes) offers the exceptional opportunity to geochemically constrain the composition of the tropical atmosphere at high resolution over the last ~1200 years. Quantification of twenty trace elements (Ag, Al, As, Bi, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, Pb, Rb, Sb, Sn, Ti, Tl, U, V, and Zn) was performed by ICP-SFMS over 105 m of the Quelccaya North Dome core (5600 m asl, 128.57 m) by analyzing 2450 samples. This provides the first atmospheric trace element record in South America spanning continuously and at high resolution for the time period between 1990 and 790 AD. Ag, As, Bi, Cd, Cr, Co, Cu, Mn, Mo, Sb, Sn, Pb and Zn show increases in concentration and crustal enrichment factor starting at different times between 1450 and 1550 AD, in concomitance with the expansions of the Inca Empire and, subsequently, the Spanish Empire well before the inception of the Industrial Revolution. This indicates that there have been additional anthropogenic sources that have impacted the South American atmosphere during the past ~550 years. Furthermore, As, Bi and Pb record shows, the two most significant increases have occurred in the 20th century, one beginning in ~1905 AD and peaking in the 1920s and the second beginning in ~1955 AD and peaking in the 1970s. Comparison with other trace element records from Greenland and Antarctica reveals concomitant peaks of different amplitude in Pb concentration and crustal enrichment factor, possibly pointing to an unexpected larger than regional scale significance for the Quelccaya ice core record during the last century. In conclusion, the Quelccaya ice core indicates that societal and industrial development influenced the atmospheric composition in South America, from different large scale sources, during the last ~550 years. This is the first time that a low latitude ice core record has been used to reconstruct pre-industrial anthropogenic forcing on the atmosphere.

Aluminum, iron, lead, cadmium, copper, zinc, chromium, magnesium, strontium, and calcium content in bone of end-stage renal failure patients.

PubMed

D'Haese, P C; Couttenye, M M; Lamberts, L V; Elseviers, M M; Goodman, W G; Schrooten, I; Cabrera, W E; De Broe, M E

1999-09-01

Little is known about trace metal alterations in the bones of dialysis patients or whether particular types of renal osteodystrophy are associated with either increased or decreased skeletal concentrations of trace elements. Because these patients are at risk for alterations of trace elements as well as for morbidity from skeletal disorders, we measured trace elements in bone of patients with end-stage renal disease. We analyzed bone biopsies of 100 end-stage renal failure patients enrolled in a hemodialysis program. The trace metal contents of bone biopsies with histological features of either osteomalacia, adynamic bone disease, mixed lesion, normal histology, or hyperparathyroidism were compared with each other and with the trace metal contents of bone of subjects with normal renal function. Trace metals were measured by atomic absorption spectrometry. The concentrations of aluminum, chromium, and cadmium were increased in bone of end-stage renal failure patients. Comparing the trace metal/calcium ratio, significantly higher values were found for the bone chromium/calcium, aluminum/calcium, zinc/calcium, magnesium/calcium, and strontium/calcium ratios. Among types of renal osteodystrophy, increased bone aluminum, lead, and strontium concentrations and strontium/calcium and aluminum/calcium ratios were found in dialysis patients with osteomalacia vs the other types of renal osteodystrophy considered as one group. Moreover, the concentrations of several trace elements in bone were significantly correlated with each other. Bone aluminum was correlated with the time on dialysis, whereas bone iron, aluminum, magnesium, and strontium tended to be associated with patient age. Bone trace metal concentrations did not depend on vitamin D intake nor on the patients' gender. The concentration of several trace elements in bone of end-stage renal failure patients is disturbed, and some of the trace metals under study might share pathways of absorption, distribution, and accumulation. The clinical significance of the increased/decreased concentrations of several trace elements other than aluminum in bone of dialysis patients deserves further investigation.

Trace element levels and cognitive function in rural elderly Chinese.

PubMed

Gao, Sujuan; Jin, Yinlong; Unverzagt, Frederick W; Ma, Feng; Hall, Kathleen S; Murrell, Jill R; Cheng, Yibin; Shen, Jianzhao; Ying, Bo; Ji, Rongdi; Matesan, Janetta; Liang, Chaoke; Hendrie, Hugh C

2008-06-01

Trace elements are involved in metabolic processes and oxidation-reduction reactions in the central nervous system and could have a possible effect on cognitive function. The relationship between trace elements measured in individual biological samples and cognitive function in an elderly population had not been investigated extensively. The participant population is part of a large cohort study of 2000 rural elderly Chinese persons. Six cognitive assessment tests were used to evaluate cognitive function in this population, and a composite score was created to represent global cognitive function. Trace element levels of aluminum, calcium, cadmium, copper, iron, lead, and zinc were analyzed in plasma samples of 188 individuals who were randomly selected and consented to donating fasting blood. Analysis of covariance models were used to assess the association between each trace element and the composite cognitive score adjusting for demographics, medical history of chronic diseases, and the apolipoprotein E (APOE) genotype. Three trace elements-calcium, cadmium, and copper-were found to be significantly related to the composite cognitive score. Increasing plasma calcium level was associated with higher cognitive score (p <.0001). Increasing cadmium and copper, in contrast, were significantly associated with lower composite score (p =.0044 and p =.0121, respectively). Other trace elements did not show significant association with the composite cognitive score. Our results suggest that calcium, cadmium, and copper may be associated with cognitive function in the elderly population.

Epidemiology of trace elements deficiencies in Belgian beef and dairy cattle herds.

PubMed

Guyot, Hugues; Saegerman, Claude; Lebreton, Pascal; Sandersen, Charlotte; Rollin, Frédéric

2009-01-01

Selenium (Se), iodine (I), zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) deficiencies in cattle have been reported in Europe. These deficiencies are often associated with diseases. The aim of the study was to assess trace element status in Belgian cattle herds showing pathologies and to compare them to healthy cattle herds. Eighty-two beef herds with pathologies, 11 healthy beef herds, 65 dairy herds with pathologies and 20 healthy dairy herds were studied during barn period. Blood and/or milk samples were taken in healthy animals. Plasma Zn, Cu, inorganic I (PII) and activity of glutathione peroxidase in erythrocytes (GPX) were assayed. In milk, I concentration was measured. Data about pathologies and nutrition in the herds were collected. According to defined thresholds, it appeared that a large proportion of deficient herds belonged to "sick" group of herds. This conclusion was supported by the mean value of trace elements and by the fact that a majority of individual values of trace elements was below the threshold. Dairy herds had mean values of trace elements higher than beef herds. More concentrates and minerals were used in healthy herds versus "sick" herds. These feed supplements were also used more often in dairy herds, compared to beef herds. Trace elements deficiencies are present in cattle herds in Belgium and are linked to diseases. Nutrition plays a major role in the trace elements status.

Long-term anaerobic digestion of food waste stabilized by trace elements

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Zhang Lei, E-mail: wxzyfx@yahoo.com; Jahng, Deokjin, E-mail: djahng@mju.ac.kr

Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Korean food waste was found to contain low level of trace elements. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Stable anaerobic digestion of food waste was achieved by adding trace elements. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Iron played an important role in anaerobic digestion of food waste. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Cobalt addition further enhanced the process performance in the presence of iron. - Abstract: The purpose of this study was to examine if long-term anaerobic digestion of food waste in a semi-continuous single-stage reactor could be stabilized by supplementing trace elements. Contrary to the failure of anaerobic digestion of food waste alone, stable anaerobic digestion of food waste was achievedmore » for 368 days by supplementing trace elements. Under the conditions of OLR (organic loading rates) of 2.19-6.64 g VS (volatile solid)/L day and 20-30 days of HRT (hydraulic retention time), a high methane yield (352-450 mL CH{sub 4}/g VS{sub added}) was obtained, and no significant accumulation of volatile fatty acids was observed. The subsequent investigation on effects of individual trace elements (Co, Fe, Mo and Ni) showed that iron was essential for maintaining stable methane production. These results proved that the food waste used in this study was deficient in trace elements.« less

The role of sample preparation in interpretation of trace element concentration variability in moss bioindication studies

USGS Publications Warehouse

Migaszewski, Z.M.; Lamothe, P.J.; Crock, J.G.; Galuszka, A.; Dolegowska, S.

2011-01-01

Trace element concentrations in plant bioindicators are often determined to assess the quality of the environment. Instrumental methods used for trace element determination require digestion of samples. There are different methods of sample preparation for trace element analysis, and the selection of the best method should be fitted for the purpose of a study. Our hypothesis is that the method of sample preparation is important for interpretation of the results. Here we compare the results of 36 element determinations performed by ICP-MS on ashed and on acid-digested (HNO3, H2O2) samples of two moss species (Hylocomium splendens and Pleurozium schreberi) collected in Alaska and in south-central Poland. We found that dry ashing of the moss samples prior to analysis resulted in considerably lower detection limits of all the elements examined. We also show that this sample preparation technique facilitated the determination of interregional and interspecies differences in the chemistry of trace elements. Compared to the Polish mosses, the Alaskan mosses displayed more positive correlations of the major rock-forming elements with ash content, reflecting those elements' geogenic origin. Of the two moss species, P. schreberi from both Alaska and Poland was also highlighted by a larger number of positive element pair correlations. The cluster analysis suggests that the more uniform element distribution pattern of the Polish mosses primarily reflects regional air pollution sources. Our study has shown that the method of sample preparation is an important factor in statistical interpretation of the results of trace element determinations. ?? 2010 Springer-Verlag.

Evidence for contrasting accumulation pattern of cadmium in relation to other elements in Senilia senilis and Tagelus adansoni from the Bijagós archipelago, Guinea-Bissau.

PubMed

Catry, Teresa; Figueira, Paula; Carvalho, Lina; Monteiro, Rui; Coelho, Pedro; Lourenço, Pedro Miguel; Catry, Paulo; Tchantchalam, Quintino; Catry, Inês; Botelho, Maria J; Pereira, Eduarda; Granadeiro, José Pedro; Vale, Carlos

2017-11-01

Shellfish harvesting in intertidal areas is a widespread and economically important activity in many countries across West Africa. However, in some areas, there is virtually no information concerning the levels of contaminants (and other elements related to nutritional aspects) in the harvested species. We collected sediments and several individuals of the West African bloody cockle Senilia senilis and of the razor clam Tagelus adansoni during the dry season of 2015 nearby three islands in the Bijagós archipelago, Guinea-Bissau. Aluminium, Ca, Fe, Mg, As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn were determined in sediments and whole soft tissues of the two bivalves. Sediments showed uniformly low trace element concentrations, pointing to an ecosystem with low levels of trace element contamination. T. adansoni presented higher concentrations of most elements than S. senilis, with the exception of Cd that showed up to 40 times higher values in S. senilis than in T. adansoni from the same sites. Furthermore, Cd concentrations (25±8.7 mg kg -1 , dw) in S. senilis are clearly above the maximum level established for human consumption. Future studies should clarify whether biological factors are the major responsible for this unusual situation.

Using column experiments to examine transport of As and other trace elements released from poultry litter: Implications for trace element mobility in agricultural watersheds.

PubMed

Oyewumi, Oluyinka; Schreiber, Madeline E

2017-08-01

Trace elements are added to poultry feed to control infection and improve weight gain. However, the fate of these trace elements in poultry litter is poorly understood. Because poultry litter is applied as fertilizer in many agricultural regions, evaluation of the environmental processes that influence the mobility of litter-derived trace elements is critical for predicting if trace elements are retained in soil or released to water. This study examined the effect of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) in poultry litter leachate on the fate and transport of litter-derived elements (As, Cu, P and Zn) using laboratory column experiments with soil collected from the Delmarva Peninsula (Mid-Atlantic, USA), a region of intense poultry production. Results of the experiments showed that DOC enhanced the mobility of all of the studied elements. However, despite the increased mobility, 60-70% of Zn, As and P mass was retained within the soil. In contrast, almost all of the Cu was mobilized in the litter leachate experiments, with very little retention in soil. Overall, our results demonstrate that the mobility of As, Cu, Zn and P in soils which receive poultry litter application is strongly influenced by both litter leachate composition, specifically organic acids, and adsorption to soil. Results have implications for understanding fate and transport of trace elements released from litter application to soil water and groundwater, which can affect both human health and the environment. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Iron mineral structure, reactivity, and isotopic composition in a South Pacific Gyre ferromanganese nodule over 4 Ma

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Marcus, Matthew A.; Edwards, Katrina J.; Gueguen, Bleuenn

Deep-sea ferromanganese nodules accumulate trace elements from seawater and underlying sediment porewaters during the growth of concentric mineral layers over millions of years. These trace elements have the potential to record past ocean geochemical conditions. The goal of this study was to determine whether Fe mineral alteration occurs and how the speciation of trace elements responds to alteration over ~3.7Ma of marine ferromanganese nodule (MFN) formation, a timeline constrained by estimates from 9 Be/ 10 Be concentrations in the nodule material. We determined Fe-bearing phases and Fe isotope composition in a South Pacific Gyre (SPG) nodule. Specifically, the distribution patternsmore » and speciation of trace element uptake by these Fe phases were investigated. The time interval covered by the growth of our sample of the nodule was derived from 9 Be/ 10 Be accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS). The composition and distribution of major and trace elements were mapped at various spatial scales, using micro-X-ray fluorescence (μXRF), electron microprobe analysis (EMPA), and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Fe phases were characterized by micro-extended X-ray absorption fine structure (μEXAFS) spectroscopy and micro-X-ray diffraction (μXRD). Speciation of Ti and V, associated with Fe, was measured using micro-X-ray absorption near edge structure (μXANES) spectroscopy. Iron isotope composition (δ 56/54 Fe) in subsamples of 1-3mm increments along the radius of the nodule was determined with multiple-collector ICP-MS (MC-ICP-MS). The SPG nodule formed through primarily hydrogeneous inputs at a rate of 4.0±0.4mm/Ma. The nodule exhibited a high diversity of Fe mineral phases: feroxyhite (δ-FeOOH), goethite (α-FeOOH), lepidocrocite (γ-FeOOH), and poorly ordered ferrihydrite-like phases. These findings provide evidence that Fe oxyhydroxides within the nodule undergo alteration to more stable phases over millions of years. Trace Ti and V were spatially correlated with Fe and found to be adsorbed to Fe-bearing minerals. Ti/Fe and V/Fe ratios, and Ti and V speciation, did not vary along the nodule radius. The δ 56/54 Fe values, when averaged over sample increments representing 0.25-0.75Ma, were homogeneous within uncertainty along the nodule radius, at -0.12±0.07‰ (2sd, n=10). Our results indicate that the Fe isotope composition of the nodule remained constant during nodule growth and that mineral alteration did not affect the primary Fe isotope composition of the nodule. Furthermore, the average δ 56/54 Fe value of -0.12‰ we find is consistent with Fe sourced from continental eolian particles (dust). Despite mineral alteration, the trace element partitioning of Ti and V, and Fe isotope composition, do not appear to change within the sensitivity of our measurements. These findings suggest that Fe oxyhydroxides within hydrogenetic ferromanganese nodules are out of geochemical contact with seawater once they are covered by subsequent concentric mineral layers. Even though Fe-bearing minerals are altered, trace element ratios, speciation and Fe isotope composition are preserved within the nodule.« less

Iron mineral structure, reactivity, and isotopic composition in a South Pacific Gyre ferromanganese nodule over 4 Ma

DOE PAGES

Marcus, Matthew A.; Edwards, Katrina J.; Gueguen, Bleuenn; ...

2015-09-05

Deep-sea ferromanganese nodules accumulate trace elements from seawater and underlying sediment porewaters during the growth of concentric mineral layers over millions of years. These trace elements have the potential to record past ocean geochemical conditions. The goal of this study was to determine whether Fe mineral alteration occurs and how the speciation of trace elements responds to alteration over ~3.7Ma of marine ferromanganese nodule (MFN) formation, a timeline constrained by estimates from 9 Be/ 10 Be concentrations in the nodule material. We determined Fe-bearing phases and Fe isotope composition in a South Pacific Gyre (SPG) nodule. Specifically, the distribution patternsmore » and speciation of trace element uptake by these Fe phases were investigated. The time interval covered by the growth of our sample of the nodule was derived from 9 Be/ 10 Be accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS). The composition and distribution of major and trace elements were mapped at various spatial scales, using micro-X-ray fluorescence (μXRF), electron microprobe analysis (EMPA), and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Fe phases were characterized by micro-extended X-ray absorption fine structure (μEXAFS) spectroscopy and micro-X-ray diffraction (μXRD). Speciation of Ti and V, associated with Fe, was measured using micro-X-ray absorption near edge structure (μXANES) spectroscopy. Iron isotope composition (δ 56/54 Fe) in subsamples of 1-3mm increments along the radius of the nodule was determined with multiple-collector ICP-MS (MC-ICP-MS). The SPG nodule formed through primarily hydrogeneous inputs at a rate of 4.0±0.4mm/Ma. The nodule exhibited a high diversity of Fe mineral phases: feroxyhite (δ-FeOOH), goethite (α-FeOOH), lepidocrocite (γ-FeOOH), and poorly ordered ferrihydrite-like phases. These findings provide evidence that Fe oxyhydroxides within the nodule undergo alteration to more stable phases over millions of years. Trace Ti and V were spatially correlated with Fe and found to be adsorbed to Fe-bearing minerals. Ti/Fe and V/Fe ratios, and Ti and V speciation, did not vary along the nodule radius. The δ 56/54 Fe values, when averaged over sample increments representing 0.25-0.75Ma, were homogeneous within uncertainty along the nodule radius, at -0.12±0.07‰ (2sd, n=10). Our results indicate that the Fe isotope composition of the nodule remained constant during nodule growth and that mineral alteration did not affect the primary Fe isotope composition of the nodule. Furthermore, the average δ 56/54 Fe value of -0.12‰ we find is consistent with Fe sourced from continental eolian particles (dust). Despite mineral alteration, the trace element partitioning of Ti and V, and Fe isotope composition, do not appear to change within the sensitivity of our measurements. These findings suggest that Fe oxyhydroxides within hydrogenetic ferromanganese nodules are out of geochemical contact with seawater once they are covered by subsequent concentric mineral layers. Even though Fe-bearing minerals are altered, trace element ratios, speciation and Fe isotope composition are preserved within the nodule.« less

Influences of organic matter and calcification rate on trace elements in aragonitic estuarine bivalve shells

USGS Publications Warehouse

Takesue, R.K.; Bacon, C.R.; Thompson, J.K.

2008-01-01

A suite of elements (B, Na, Mg, S, K, Ca, V, Mn, Cr, Sr, and Ba) was measured in aragonitic shells of the estuarine bivalve Corbula amurensis, the Asian clam, using the Sensitive High-Resolution Ion MicroProbe with Reverse Geometry (SHRIMP RG). Our initial intent was to explore potential geochemical proxy relationships between shell chemistry and salinity (freshwater inflow) in northern San Francisco Bay (SFB). In the course of this study we observed variations in shell trace element to calcium ([M]/Ca) ratios that could only be attributed to internal biological processes. This paper discusses the nature and sources of internal trace element variability in C. amurensis shells related to the shell organic fraction and shell calcification rates. The average organic content of whole C. amurensis shells is 19%. After treating whole powdered shells with an oxidative cleaning procedure to remove organic matter, shells contained on average 33% less total Mg and 78% less total Mn. Within our analytical uncertainty, Sr and Ba contents were unchanged by the removal of organic matter. These results show that aragonitic C. amurensis shells have a large component of non-lattice-bound Mg and Mn that probably contribute to the dissimilarity of [M]/Ca profiles among five same-sized shells. Non-lattice-bound trace elements could complicate the development and application of geochemical proxy relationships in bivalve shells. Because B, Ba and Sr occur exclusively in shell aragonite, they are good candidates for external proxy relationships. [M]/Ca ratios were significantly different in prismatic and nacreous aragonite and in two valves of the same shell that had different crystal growth rates. Some part of these differences can be attributed to non-lattice-bound trace elements associated with the organic fraction. The differences in [M]/Ca ratios were also consistent with the calcification rate-dependent ion transport model developed by Carr?? et al. [Carr?? M., Bentaleb I., Bruguier O., Ordinola E., Barrett N. T. and Fontugne M. (2006) Calcification rate influence on trace element concentrations in aragonitic bivalve shells: evidences and mechanisms. Geochim. Cosmochim. Acta 70, 4906-4920] which predicts that [M]/Ca ratios increase as calcification rates increase and Ca2+ channel specificity decreases. This result, in combination with the possibility that there were ontogenetic variations in growth rates among individuals younger than 2 years, underscores the need to develop an independent age model for C. amurensis shells. If growth-rate effects on lattice-bound [M]/Ca ratios can be constrained, it may yet be possible to develop high-resolution geochemical proxies for external solution chemistry in low-salinity regions of SFB.

Origins of diamond-forming fluids: An isotopic and trace element study of diamonds and silicates from diamondiferous xenoliths

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Laiginhas, Fernando; Pearson, D. Graham; McNeill, John; Gurney, John; Nowell, Geoff; Ottley, Chris

2010-05-01

While there is increasing understanding of the age of formation and nature of "gem" diamonds, significant debate revolves around the nature of the fluids/melts from which they form. Stable C and N isotopes have been shown to be highly variable and yet the role of subduction-related fluids remains strongly debated. Recent studies on fibrous diamonds have yielded new trace and major element data (e.g., Weiss et al., 2009) that, together with new radiogenic isotope data (Klein BenDavid et al., 2010) indicate such diamonds grow from fluids that comprise mixtures of hydrous silicic, hydrous saline and carbonatitic fluids, derived from different source components of asthenospheric and lithospheric origin. However, until now such data has been lacking from gem diamonds. Using a new laser-based technique (McNeill et al., 2009), we have analysed a suite of diamonds plus co-existing host silicates from several diamondiferous xenoliths (6 harzburgites, 1 eclogite) from the Finsch and Newlands kimberlites in order to try to understand the fluid compositions that produce gem diamonds and better understand their effects of their mantle wall rocks. Diamonds from the xenoliths show a wide variety of trace element enrichment levels. While the eclogitic diamond shows similar trace element systematics to some of the harzburgitic diamonds there are significant differences within the harzburgitic diamonds from different xenoliths, with those from Finsch being significantly enriched in Ba, Sr and Pb relative to other elements. Nd isotope data on the host silicates is variable and dominantly unradiogenic, indicative of long-term enrichment typically associated with the source of some diamond-forming fluids. We will present Sr isotopic data on host silicates and diamond fluids to constrain whether the "gem" diamonds require the complex sources of fluids that characterise the growth of fibrous diamonds. 1) Y. Weiss, R. Kessel, W.L. Griffin, I. Kiflawi, O. Klein-BenDavid, D.R. Bell, J.W. Harris and O. Navon (2009). A new model for the evolution of diamond-forming fluids: Evidence from microinclusion-bearing diamonds from Kankan, Guinea. Lithos 112, Supp. 2: 660-674. 2) O. Klein-BenDavid, D.G. Pearson, G.M. Nowell, C. Ottley, J.C.R. McNeill, P. Cartigny (2010). Mixed fluid sources involved in diamond growth constrained by Sr-Nd-Pb-C-N isotopes and trace elements. EPSL 289, 1-2: 123-133. 3) J. McNeill, D.G. Pearson, O. Klein-BenDavid, G.M. Nowell, C.J. Ottley and I. Chinn (2009). Quantitative analysis of trace element concentrations in some gem-quality diamonds. J. Phys.: Condens. Matter 21: 364207 (13pp).

HUMAN SCALP HAIR: AN ENVIRONMENTAL EXPOSURE INDEX FOR TRACE ELEMENTS. III. SEVENTEEN TRACE ELEMENTS IN BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA AND CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA (1972)

EPA Science Inventory

Seventeen trace elements - arsenic (As), barium (Ba), boron, (B), cadmium, (Cd), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), Iron (Fe), lead (Pb), lithium (Li), manganese (Mn), mercury (Hg), nickel (Ni), selenium (Se), silver (Ag), tin (Sn), vanadium (V), and Zinc (Zn) - were measured in human s...

Estimating bioaccessibility of trace elements in particles suspended in the Athabasca River using sequential extraction.

PubMed

Javed, Muhammad Babar; Shotyk, William

2018-05-10

Employing protocols developed for polar snow and ice, water samples were collected upstream, midstream and downstream of open pit bitumen mines and upgraders along the Lower Athabasca River (AR). The purpose was to: i) estimate the bioaccessibility of trace elements associated with particulate matter in the AR using sequential extraction, and ii) determine whether their forms have been measurably impacted by industrial activities. Of the trace metals known to be enriched in bitumen (V, Ni, Mo and Re), a substantial proportion of V (78-93%) and Ni (35-81%) was found in the residual fraction representing stable minerals. In contrast, Mo and Re were partitioned mainly into more reactive forms (water soluble, acid extractable, reducible and oxidisable). Comparing the non-residual fractions in upstream versus downstream sites, only water soluble Re was significantly (P = 0.005) greater downstream of industry. In respect to the potentially toxic chalcophile elements (Cu, Pb and Tl), no measurable change was observed in Cu and Pb distribution in upstream versus downstream sites. Only residual Tl was found at upstream and midstream sites, whereas a significant proportion of Tl was also present in the reducible fraction in downstream sites. Overall, a greater proportion of trace metals in the residual fraction at midstream sites appears to be due to inputs of atmospheric dust, clearly evident in microscopic images: energy dispersive spectroscopy and x-ray diffraction analyses showed that these particles were predominantly silicates, which are assumed to have limited bioaccessibility. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Trace elements in major marketed marine bivalves from six northern coastal cities of China: concentrations and risk assessment for human health.

PubMed

Li, Peimiao; Gao, Xuelu

2014-11-01

One hundred and fifty nine samples of nine edible bivalve species (Argopecten irradians, Chlamys farreri, Crassostrea virginica, Lasaea nipponica, Meretrix meretrix, Mytilus edulis, Ruditapes philippinarum, Scapharca subcrenata and Sinonovacula constricta) were randomly collected from eight local seafood markets in six big cities (Dalian, Qingdao, Rizhao, Weifang, Weihai and Yantai) in the northern coastal areas of China for the investigation of trace element contamination. As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Pb and Zn were quantified. The risk of these trace elements to humans through bivalve consumption was then assessed. Results indicated that the concentrations of most of the studied trace element varied significantly with species: the average concentration of Cu in C. virginica was an order of magnitude higher than that in the remaining species; the average concentration of Zn was also highest in C. virginica; the average concentration of As, Cd and Pb was highest in R. philippinarum, C. farreri and A. irradians, respectively. Spatial differences in the concentrations of elements were generally less than those of interspecies, yet some elements such as Cr and Hg in the samples from different cities showed a significant difference in concentrations for some bivalve species. Trace element concentrations in edible tissues followed the order of Zn>Cu>As>Cd>Cr>Pb>Hg generally. Statistical analysis (one-way ANOVA) indicated that different species examined showed different bioaccumulation of trace elements. There were significant correlations between the concentrations of some elements. The calculated hazard quotients indicated in general that there was no obvious health risk from the intake of trace elements through bivalve consumption. But care must be taken considering the increasing amount of seafood consumption. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Active Moss Biomonitoring of Atmospheric Trace Element Deposition in Belgrade Urban Area using ENAA and AAS

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Anicic, M.; Tasic, M.; Tomasevic, M.

2007-11-26

Active biomonitoring of air quality in Belgrade, Serbia, was performed using the moss Sphagnum girgensohnii. Moss bags were exposed in parallel with and without irrigation respectively for four consecutive 3-month periods at three urban sites. Twenty-nine elements were determined in the exposed moss samples by ENAA and three (Cu, Cd, and Pb) by AAS. The relative accumulation factor (RAF) was greater than 1 for the majority of elements. Elements such as Cl, K, Rb and Cs, however, leached from the moss tissue during the exposure time. For all exposure periods, higher uptake in the irrigated moss bags was evident formore » Al, Cr, Fe, Cu, Zn, Sr, Pb, and Cd.« less

Are there different requirements for trace elements in eumelanin- and pheomelanin-based color production? A case study of two passerine species.

PubMed

Zduniak, Piotr; Surmacki, Adrian; Erciyas-Yavuz, Kiraz; Chudzińska, Maria; Barałkiewicz, Danuta

2014-09-01

Melanin is the most common pigment in animal integuments including bird plumage. It has been shown that several trace elements may play roles in the production and signaling function of melanin-colored plumage. We investigated coloration and content of various metal elements in the rectrices of two insectivorous passerines, Common Redstarts (Phoenicurus phoenicurus) and Blackcaps (Sylvia atricapilla), which have eumelanin- and pheomelanin-based coloration, respectively. We hypothesized that 1) the two species would differ in concentrations of metals important in melanin synthesis (Ca, Fe, Cu, Zn), 2) differences in metal concentration levels would be related to feather coloration. Our study confirmed the first prediction and provides the first evidence that selected elements may play a greater role in pheomelanin than in eumelanin synthesis. Concentrations of three elements considered as important in melanin synthesis (Ca, Fe, Zn) were 52% to 93% higher in rusty colored Common Redstart feathers compared to the dark gray Blackcap feathers. However, element concentrations were not correlated with feather coloration or sex in either species. Our study suggests that, of the two melanin forms, pheomelanin synthesis may bear higher costs associated with the acquisition of specific elements or limited elements may create trade-offs between ornamentation and other physiological functions. Our findings warrant further investigations designed to better understand the roles of macro- and microelements in the synthesis of both forms of melanin. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Geochemistry of ultramafic xenoliths from Kapfenstein, Austria: evidence for a variety of upper mantle processes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kurat, G.; Palme, H.; Spettel, B.; Baddenhausen, Hildegard; Hofmeister, H.; Palme, Christl; Wänke, H.

1980-01-01

Major, minor, and trace element contents have been determined in seven ultramafic xenoliths, the host basanite, and some mineral separates from xenoliths from Kapfenstein, Austria. Most of the xenoliths represent residues after extraction of different amounts of basaltic liquid. Within the sequence Iherzolite to harzburgite contents of Al, Ca, Ti, Na, Sc, V, Cr and the HREE decrease systematically with increasing Mg/Fe and decreasing Yb/Sc. Although all samples are depleted in highly incompatible elements, the less depleted end of our suite very closely approaches the chondritic Yb/Sc ratio and consequently the primitive upper mantle composition. Chromium behaved as a non-refractory element. Consequently it should have higher abundances in basalts than observed, suggesting that most basalts experienced Cr fractionation by chromite separation during ascent. Several processes have been active in addition to partial melting within the upper mantle beneath Kapfenstein: (1) a hornblendite has been identified as wet alkali-basaltic mobilisate; (2) an amphibole Iherzolite is the product of alkali-basalt metasomatism of a common depleted Iherzolite; (3) two amphibole Iherzolites contain evidence for rather pure water metasomatism of normal depleted Iherzolites; (4) a garnet-spinel websterite was a tholeiitic liquid trapped within the upper mantle and which suffered a subsequent partial melting event (partial remobilization of a mobilisate). (5) Abundances of highly incompatible elements are generally very irregular, indicating contamination of upper mantle rocks by percolating liquids (in the mantle). Weathering is an important source of contamination: e.g. U mobilization by percolating groundwater. Contamination of the xenoliths by the host basanite liquid can only amount to approximately 5.5 × 10 -4 parts. Distributions of minor and trace elements between different minerals apparently reflect equilibrium and vary with equilibration temperature.

The occurrence and distribution of selected trace elements in the upper Rio Grande and tributaries in Colorado and Northern New Mexico

USGS Publications Warehouse

Taylor, Howard E.; Antweiler, Ronald C.; Roth, D.A.; Brinton, T.I.; Peart, D.B.; Healy, D.F.

2001-01-01

Two sampling trips were undertaken in 1994 to determine the distribution of trace elements in the Upper Rio Grande and several of its tributaries. Water discharges decreased in the main stem of the Rio Grande from June to September, whereas dissolved concentrations of trace elements generally increased. This is attributed to dilution of base flow from snowmelt runoff in the June samples. Of the three major mining districts (Creede, Summitville, and Red River) in the Upper Rio Grande drainage basin, only the Creede District appears to impact the Rio Grande in a significant manner, with both waters and sediments having elevated concentrations of some trace elements considerably downriver. For example, dissolved zinc concentrations upriver of Willow Creek, which primarily drains the Creede District, were about 2-3 μg/L; immediately downstream of the Willow Creek confluence, concentrations were above 20 μg/L; and elevated concentrations occurred in the Rio Grande for the next 100 km. The Red River District does not significantly impact the Upper Rio Grande for most trace elements. Because of current water management practices, it is difficult to assess the impact of the Summitville District on the Upper Rio Grande. There are, however, large increases in many dissolved trace element concentrations as the Rio Grande passes through the San Luis Valley, coincident with elevated concentrations of those same trace elements in tributaries. Among these elements are As, B, Cr, Li, Mn, Mo, Ni, Sr, U, and V. None of the trace elements exceeded U.S. EPA primary drinking water standards in either survey, with the exception of cadmium in Willow Creek. Secondary drinking water standards were frequently violated, especially in tributaries draining areas where mining has occurred. Dissolved zinc (in Willow Creek in both June and September) was the only element that exceeded the EPA Water Quality Criteria for aquatic life of 120 μg/L.

Trace elements contamination and human health risk assessment in drinking water from Shenzhen, China.

PubMed

Lu, Shao-You; Zhang, Hui-Min; Sojinu, Samuel O; Liu, Gui-Hua; Zhang, Jian-Qing; Ni, Hong-Gang

2015-01-01

The levels of seven essential trace elements (Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Se, and Mo) and six non-essential trace elements (Cr, As, Cd, Sb, Hg, and Pb) in a total of 89 drinking water samples collected in Shenzhen, China were determined using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) in the present study. Both the essential and non-essential trace elements were frequently detectable in the different kinds of drinking waters assessed. Remarkable temporal and spatial variations were observed among most of the trace elements in the tap water collected from two tap water treatment plants. Meanwhile, potential human health risk from these non-essential trace elements in the drinking water for local residents was also assessed. The median values of cancer risks associated with exposure to carcinogenic metals via drinking water consumption were estimated to be 6.1 × 10(-7), 2.1 × 10(-8), and 2.5 × 10(-7) for As, Cd, and Cr, respectively; the median values of incremental lifetime for non-cancer risks were estimated to be 6.1 × 10(-6), 4.4 × 10(-5), and 2.2 × 10(-5) for Hg, Pb, and Sb, respectively. The median value of total incremental lifetime health risk induced by the six non-essential trace elements for the population was 3.5 × 10(-5), indicating that the potential health risks from non-carcinogenic trace elements in drinking water also require some attention. Sensitivity analysis indicates that the most important factor for health risk assessment should be the levels of heavy metal in drinking water.

Distribution of trace elements in the coastal sea sediments of Maslinica Bay, Croatia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mikulic, Nenad; Orescanin, Visnja; Elez, Loris; Pavicic, Ljiljana; Pezelj, Durdica; Lovrencic, Ivanka; Lulic, Stipe

2008-02-01

Spatial distributions of trace elements in the coastal sea sediments and water of Maslinica Bay (Southern Adriatic), Croatia and possible changes in marine flora and foraminifera communities due to pollution were investigated. Macro, micro and trace elements’ distributions in five granulometric fractions were determined for each sediment sample. Bulk sediment samples were also subjected to leaching tests. Elemental concentrations in sediments, sediment extracts and seawater were measured by source excited energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF). Concentrations of the elements Cr, Cu, Zn, and Pb in bulk sediment samples taken in the Maslinica Bay were from 2.1 to over six times enriched when compared with the background level determined for coarse grained carbonate sediments. A low degree of trace elements leaching determined for bulk sediments pointed to strong bonding of trace elements to sediment mineral phases. The analyses of marine flora pointed to higher eutrophication, which disturbs the balance between communities and natural habitats.

Long-term anaerobic digestion of food waste stabilized by trace elements.

PubMed

Zhang, Lei; Jahng, Deokjin

2012-08-01

The purpose of this study was to examine if long-term anaerobic digestion of food waste in a semi-continuous single-stage reactor could be stabilized by supplementing trace elements. Contrary to the failure of anaerobic digestion of food waste alone, stable anaerobic digestion of food waste was achieved for 368 days by supplementing trace elements. Under the conditions of OLR (organic loading rates) of 2.19-6.64 g VS (volatile solid)/L day and 20-30 days of HRT (hydraulic retention time), a high methane yield (352-450 mL CH(4)/g VS(added)) was obtained, and no significant accumulation of volatile fatty acids was observed. The subsequent investigation on effects of individual trace elements (Co, Fe, Mo and Ni) showed that iron was essential for maintaining stable methane production. These results proved that the food waste used in this study was deficient in trace elements. Copyright © 2012. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Concentrations of mercury and other trace elements in walleye, smallmouth bass, and rainbow trout in Franklin D. Roosevelt Lake and the upper Columbia River, Washington, 1994

USGS Publications Warehouse

Munn, M.D.; Cox, S.E.; Dean, C.J.

1995-01-01

Three species of sportfish--walleye, smallmouth bass, and rainbow trout--were collected from Franklin D. Roosevelt Lake and the upstream reach of the Columbia River within the state of Washington, to determine the concentrations of mercury and other selected trace elements in fish tissue. Concentrations of total mercury in walleye fillets ranged from 0.11 to 0.44 milligram per kilogram, with the higher concentrations in the larger fish. Fillets of smallmouth bass and rainbow trout also contained mercury, but generally at lower concentrations. Other selected trace elements were found in fillet samples, but the concentrations were generally low depending on species and the specific trace element. The trace elements cadmium, copper, lead, and zinc were found in liver tissue of these same species with zinc consistently present in the highest concentration.

Benthic foraminifera as bio-indicators of trace element pollution in the heavily contaminated Santa Gilla lagoon (Cagliari, Italy).

PubMed

Frontalini, Fabrizio; Buosi, Carla; Da Pelo, Stefania; Coccioni, Rodolfo; Cherchi, Antonietta; Bucci, Carla

2009-06-01

In order to assess the response of benthic foraminifera to trace element pollution, a study of benthic foraminiferal assemblages was carried out into sediment samples collected from the Santa Gilla lagoon (Sardinia, Italy). The lagoon has been contaminated by industrial waste, mainly trace elements, as well as by agricultural and domestic effluent. The analysis of surficial sediment shows enrichment in trace elements, including Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb and Zn. Biotic and abiotic data, analyzed with multivariate techniques of statistical analysis, reveal a distinct separation of both the highly polluted and less polluted sampling sites. The innermost part of the lagoon, comprising the industrial complex at Macchiareddu, is exposed to a high load of trace elements which are probably enhanced by their accumulation in the finer sediment fraction. This area reveals lower diversity and higher percentages of abnormalities when compared to the outermost part of the lagoon.

Temperature and Gravity Dependence of Trace Element Abundances in Hot DA White Dwarfs (94-EUVE-094)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Finley, David S.

1998-01-01

EUV spectroscopy has shown that DA white dwarfs hotter than about 45,000 K may contain trace heavy elements, while those hotter than about 50,000 K almost always have significant abundances of trace heavy elements. One of our continuing challenges is to identify and determine the abundances of these trace constituents, and then to relate the observed abundance patterns to the present conditions and previous evolutionary histories of the hot DA white dwarfs.

Deformation Enhanced Recrystallization of Titanite: Insight from the Western Gneiss Region Ultrahigh-Pressure Terrane

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gordon, S. M.; Reddy, S. M.; Blatchford, H.; Whitney, D. L.; Kirkland, C. L.; Teyssier, C.; Evans, N. J.; McDonald, B.

2017-12-01

Titanite readily recrystallizes due to metamorphism, deformation, and/or fluids making it an ideal chronometer for tracking the exhumation of high-grade rocks. The Western Gneiss Region (WGR), Norway, is a giant UHP terrane exhumed as a fairly coherent slab. Parts of the WGR underwent little deformation during exhumation; however, meters-scale shear zones, located across the WGR, deformed over a range of pressures, from (U)HP to amphibolite facies. Titanite from quartzofeldpathic gneiss within, directly adjacent to, and 300 m away from a mylonitic shear zone within the southern WGR have been analyzed to track exhumation and investigate effects of deformation on recrystallization and trace-element mobility. EBSD was used to characterize the microstructural evolution of the gneisses, and trace-element concentrations and timing of recrystallization were estimated by split-stream LA-ICPMS. Titanite grain size decreases from outside (>200) to inside (<75 µm) the shear zone. Gneiss in and directly adjacent to the shear zone contain partially to completely recrystallized grains, with 207-corrected 206Pb/238U ages of <405 Ma. Gneiss within the shear zone shows a greater percentage of recrystallized grains. EBSD data indicate that some titanite comprises multiple subgrains within an optically coherent single grain. Subgrains in titanite cores show evidence of inherited radiogenic Pb, whereas subgrains in rims and tails of deformed sigma grains were recrystallized. In a gneiss directly adjacent to the shear zone, optically coherent grains are zoned, with increasing Sr and decreasing Zr from core to rim; titanite subgrains within the shear-zone gneiss are too small to analyze. In comparison, titanite from the gneiss outside the shear zone does not show any internal microstructures or evidence for Scandian recrystallization and has low U and high 204Pb. These results show that most trace elements are unaffected by deformation of titanite; however, Pb is mobile. Deformation thus plays an important role in resetting U-Pb systematics and allows the timing of shear zone development to be linked to the early stages of eclogite exhumation at ca. 405 Ma. Atom-probe analyses of adjacent subgrains, one that has recrystallized and one with an inherited age, will provide insight into trace-element mobility on the nm-scale.

Deformation Enhanced Recrystallization of Titanite: Insight from the Western Gneiss Region Ultrahigh-Pressure Terrane

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gordon, S. M.; Reddy, S. M.; Blatchford, H.; Whitney, D. L.; Kirkland, C. L.; Teyssier, C.; Evans, N. J.; McDonald, B.

2016-12-01

Titanite readily recrystallizes due to metamorphism, deformation, and/or fluids making it an ideal chronometer for tracking the exhumation of high-grade rocks. The Western Gneiss Region (WGR), Norway, is a giant UHP terrane exhumed as a fairly coherent slab. Parts of the WGR underwent little deformation during exhumation; however, meters-scale shear zones, located across the WGR, deformed over a range of pressures, from (U)HP to amphibolite facies. Titanite from quartzofeldpathic gneiss within, directly adjacent to, and 300 m away from a mylonitic shear zone within the southern WGR have been analyzed to track exhumation and investigate effects of deformation on recrystallization and trace-element mobility. EBSD was used to characterize the microstructural evolution of the gneisses, and trace-element concentrations and timing of recrystallization were estimated by split-stream LA-ICPMS. Titanite grain size decreases from outside (>200) to inside (<75 µm) the shear zone. Gneiss in and directly adjacent to the shear zone contain partially to completely recrystallized grains, with 207-corrected 206Pb/238U ages of <405 Ma. Gneiss within the shear zone shows a greater percentage of recrystallized grains. EBSD data indicate that some titanite comprises multiple subgrains within an optically coherent single grain. Subgrains in titanite cores show evidence of inherited radiogenic Pb, whereas subgrains in rims and tails of deformed sigma grains were recrystallized. In a gneiss directly adjacent to the shear zone, optically coherent grains are zoned, with increasing Sr and decreasing Zr from core to rim; titanite subgrains within the shear-zone gneiss are too small to analyze. In comparison, titanite from the gneiss outside the shear zone does not show any internal microstructures or evidence for Scandian recrystallization and has low U and high 204Pb. These results show that most trace elements are unaffected by deformation of titanite; however, Pb is mobile. Deformation thus plays an important role in resetting U-Pb systematics and allows the timing of shear zone development to be linked to the early stages of eclogite exhumation at ca. 405 Ma. Atom-probe analyses of adjacent subgrains, one that has recrystallized and one with an inherited age, will provide insight into trace-element mobility on the nm-scale.

Trace elements in urban and suburban rainfall, Mersin, Northeastern Mediterranean

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Özsoy, Türkan; Örnektekin, Sermin

2009-10-01

Spatial/temporal variabilities of rainwater constituents are examined based on soluble/insoluble trace elements, pH and electrical conductivity measurements in rainfall sampled during December 2003-May 2005 at two urban and two suburban sites in Mersin, an industrialized city of 850,000 inhabitants on the southern coast of Turkey. In the analyses, backward air mass trajectories for rainy days were used in addition to factor analyses, enrichment factors, phase distributions and correlations between trace elements. The pH varied from 4.8 to 8.5 with an average value of 6.2, reflecting a mainly alkaline regime. Mean concentrations of trace elements collected from urban and suburban sites are spatially variable. Based on the overall data, total concentrations of trace elements were ordered as Ca > Na > Fe > Al > Mg > K > Zn > Mn > Sr > Pb > Ni > Cr > Ba > Cu > Co > Cd. Mainly terrigeneous (Ca, Fe, Al) and, to a lesser extent, sea salt particles (Na, Mg) were shown to be the major source of trace elements. Excluding major cations, the solubilities of trace elements were found to be ordered as Sr > Zn > Ba > Mn > Cu > Ni > Cr > Fe > Al, confirming the lower solubility of crustal elements. Cd, Co and Pb were excluded from the above evaluation because of the low numbers of soluble samples allowing quantitative measurements. The solubilities of Al, Fe, Mn and particularly of Ni were found to be considerably lower than those reported for various sites around the world, most likely due to the effect of pH. During the entire sampling period, a total of 28 dust transport episodes associated with 31 red rain events were identified. Extremely high mean concentration ratios of Al (8.2), Fe (14.4) and Mn (13.1) were observed in red rain, compared to normal rain. The degree of this enhancement displayed a decrease from crustal to anthropogenic origin elements and the lowest enhancements were found for anthropogenic origin elements of Zn and Cd (both having a ratio of 1.1). Aerosol dust was found to be the main source of almost all analyzed elements in Mersin precipitation, regardless that they are crustal or anthropic derived elements. The magnitude of crustal source contribution to trace element budget of precipitation was at its highest levels for crustal originated elements, most probably due to much higher scavenging ratios of crustal elements compared to anthropogenic ones.

A geochemical study of the winonaites: Evidence for limited partial melting and constraints on the precursor composition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hunt, Alison C.; Benedix, Gretchen K.; Hammond, Samantha J.; Bland, Philip A.; Rehkämper, Mark; Kreissig, Katharina; Strekopytov, Stanislav

2017-02-01

The winonaites are primitive achondrites which are associated with the IAB iron meteorites. Textural evidence implies heating to at least the Fe, Ni-FeS cotectic, but previous geochemical studies are ambiguous about the extent of silicate melting in these samples. Oxygen isotope evidence indicates that the precursor material may be related to the carbonaceous chondrites. Here we analysed a suite of winonaites for modal mineralogy and bulk major- and trace-element chemistry in order to assess the extent of thermal processing as well as constrain the precursor composition of the winonaite-IAB parent asteroid. Modal mineralogy and geochemical data are presented for eight winonaites. Textural analysis reveals that, for our sub-set of samples, all except the most primitive winonaite (Northwest Africa 1463) reached the Fe, Ni-FeS cotectic. However, only one (Tierra Blanca) shows geochemical evidence for silicate melting processes. Tierra Blanca is interpreted as a residue of small-degree silicate melting. Our sample of Winona shows geochemical evidence for extensive terrestrial weathering. All other winonaites studied here (Fortuna, Queen Alexander Range 94535, Hammadah al Hamra 193, Pontlyfni and NWA 1463) have chondritic major-element ratios and flat CI-normalised bulk rare-earth element patterns, suggesting that most of the winonaites did not reach the silicate melting temperature. The majority of winonaites were therefore heated to a narrow temperature range of between ∼1220 (the Fe, Ni-FeS cotectic temperature) and ∼1370 K (the basaltic partial melting temperature). Silicate inclusions in the IAB irons demonstrate partial melting did occur in some parts of the parent body (Ruzicka and Hutson, 2010), thereby implying heterogeneous heat distribution within this asteroid. Together, this indicates that melting was the result of internal heating by short-lived radionuclides. The brecciated nature of the winonaites suggests that the parent body was later disrupted by a catastrophic impact, which allowed the preservation of the largely unmelted winonaites. Despite major-element similarities to both ordinary and enstatite chondrites, trace-element analysis suggests the winonaite parent body had a carbonaceous chondrite-like precursor composition. The parent body of the winonaites was volatile-depleted relative to CI, but enriched compared to the other carbonaceous classes. The closest match are the CM chondrites; however, the specific precursor is not sampled in current meteorite collections.

Association of glass fragments by their trace elemental content using ICP-MS and LA-ICP-MS in the analysis scheme

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Almirall, Jose R.; Montero, Shirly; Furton, Kenneth G.

2002-08-01

The importance of glass as evidence of association between a crime event and a suspect has been recognized for some time. Glass is a fragile material that is often found at the scenes of crimes such as burglaries, hit-and-run accidents and violent crime offenses. The physical and chemical properties of glass can be used to differentiate between possible sources and as evidence of association between two fragments of glass thought to originate from the same source. Refractive index (RI) comparisons have been used for this purpose but due to the improved control over glass manufacturing processes, RI values often cannot differentiate glasses, even if the glass originates from different sources. Elemental analysis methods such as NAA, XRF, ICP-AES, and Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) have also been used for the comparison of trace elemental compositions and these techniques have been shown to provide an improvement in the discrimination of glass fragments over RI comparisons alone. The multi-element capability and the sensitivity of ICP-MS combined with the simplified sample introduction of laser ablation prior to ion detection provides for an excellent and relatively non-destructive technique for elemental analysis of glass fragments. The methodology for solution analysis (digestion procedure) and solid sample analysis (laser ablation) of glass is reported and the analytical results are compared. An isotope dilution method is also reported as a high precision technique for elemental analysis of glass fragments. The optimum sampling parameters for laser ablation, for semi-quantitative analysis and element ratio comparisons are also presented. Finally, the results of a case involving the breaking of 15 vehicle windows in an airport parking lot and the association of a suspect to the breakings by the glass fragments found on his person are also presented.

Trace elements in animal-based food from Shanghai markets and associated human daily intake and uptake estimation considering bioaccessibility.

PubMed

Lei, Bingli; Chen, Liang; Hao, Ying; Cao, Tiehua; Zhang, Xinyu; Yu, Yingxin; Fu, Jiamo

2013-10-01

The concentrations of four human essential trace elements [iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), chromium (Cr)] and non-essential elements [cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), arsenic (As), and mercury (Hg)] in eighteen animal-based foods including meat, fish, and shellfish collected from markets in Shanghai, China, were analyzed, and the associated human daily intake and uptake considering bioaccessibility were estimated. The mean concentration ranges for eight trace elements measured in the foods were 3.98-131µgg(-1) for Fe, 0.437-18.5µgg(-1) for Mn, 5.47-53.8µgg(-1) for Zn, none detected-0.101µgg(-1) for Cr, 2.88×10(-4)-2.48×10(-2)µgg(-1) for Cd, 1.18×10(-3)-0.747µgg(-1) for Pb, none detected-0.498µgg(-1) for As, and 8.98×10(-4)-6.52×10(-2)µgg(-1) for Hg. The highest mean concentrations of four human essential elements were all found in shellfish. For all the trace elements, the observed mean concentrations are mostly in agreement with the reported values around the world. The total daily intake of trace elements via ingestion of animal-based food via an average Shanghai resident was estimated as 7371µgd(-1) for the human essential elements and 13.0µgd(-1) for the human non-essential elements, but the uptake decreased to 4826µgd(-1) and 6.90µgd(-1), respectively, after trace element bioaccessibility was considered. Livestock and fish for human essential and non-essential elements, respectively, were the main contributor, no matter whether the bioaccessibility was considered or not. Risk estimations showed that the intake and uptake of a signal trace element for an average Shanghai resident via ingestion animal-based foods from Shanghai markets do not exceed the recommended dietary allowance values; consequently, a health risk situation is not indicated. Copyright © 2013. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Trace-element patterns of fibrous and monocrystalline diamonds: Insights into mantle fluids

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rege, S.; Griffin, W. L.; Pearson, N. J.; Araujo, D.; Zedgenizov, D.; O'Reilly, S. Y.

2010-08-01

During their growth diamonds may trap micron-scale inclusions of the fluids from which they grew, and these "time capsules" provide insights into the metasomatic processes that have modified the subcontinental lithospheric mantle. LAM-ICPMS analysis of trace elements in > 500 fibrous and monocrystalline diamonds worldwide has been used to understand the nature of these fluids. Analyses of fibrous diamonds define two general types of pattern, a "fibrous-high" (FH) one with high contents of LREE, Ba and K, and a "fibrous-low" (FL) pattern characterized by depletion in LREE/MREE, Ba and K, negative anomalies in Sr and Y, and subchondritic Zr/Hf and Nb/Ta. Both types may be found in fibrous diamonds from single deposits, and in three Yakutian pipes some diamonds show abrupt transitions from inclusion-rich cores with FH patterns to clearer rims with FL patterns. Most monocrystalline diamonds show FL-type patterns, but some have patterns that resemble those of FH fibrous diamonds. Peridotitic and eclogitic monocrystalline diamonds may show either patterns with relatively flat REE, or patterns with more strongly depleted LREE. Kimberlites that contain peridotitic diamonds with "high" patterns also contain eclogitic diamonds with "high" patterns. Strong similarities in the patterns of these two groups of diamonds may suggest high fluid/rock ratios. Many diamonds of the "superdeep" paragenesis have trace-element patterns similar to those of other monocrystalline diamonds. This may be evidence that the trace-element compositions of deep-seated fluids are generally similar to those that form diamonds in the subcontinental lithospheric mantle. The element fractionations observed between the FH and FL patterns are consistent with the immiscible separation of a silicic fluid from a carbonatite-silicate fluid, leaving a residual carbonatitic fluid strongly enriched in LREE, Ba and alkalies. This model would suggest that most monocrystalline diamonds crystallized from the more silicic fraction. Comparison with studies of single fluid inclusions in fibrous diamonds suggests that the FH patterns reflect trapped inclusions of high-Mg and low-Mg carbonatitic high-density fluids. In terms of the rock-forming elements, the fluids that precipitated the rims of some fibrous diamonds (FL pattern) and most monocrystalline diamonds are broadly similar to some hydro-silicic high-density fluids found in fibrous diamonds. However, there are still significant differences between the trace-element patterns of most monocrystalline diamonds and known high-density fluids, and further research is required to understand the formation and growth of these diamonds.

Trace elements and radionuclides in palm oil, soil, water, and leaves from oil palm plantations: A review.

PubMed

Olafisoye, O B; Oguntibeju, O O; Osibote, O A

2017-05-03

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

Nutritional Aspects of Essential Trace Elements in Oral Health and Disease: An Extensive Review

PubMed Central

Hussain, Mohsina

2016-01-01

Human body requires certain essential elements in small quantities and their absence or excess may result in severe malfunctioning of the body and even death in extreme cases because these essential trace elements directly influence the metabolic and physiologic processes of the organism. Rapid urbanization and economic development have resulted in drastic changes in diets with developing preference towards refined diet and nutritionally deprived junk food. Poor nutrition can lead to reduced immunity, augmented vulnerability to various oral and systemic diseases, impaired physical and mental growth, and reduced efficiency. Diet and nutrition affect oral health in a variety of ways with influence on craniofacial development and growth and maintenance of dental and oral soft tissues. Oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMD) are treated with antioxidants containing essential trace elements like selenium but even increased dietary intake of trace elements like copper could lead to oral submucous fibrosis. The deficiency or excess of other trace elements like iodine, iron, zinc, and so forth has a profound effect on the body and such conditions are often diagnosed through their early oral manifestations. This review appraises the biological functions of significant trace elements and their role in preservation of oral health and progression of various oral diseases. PMID:27433374

Trace element partitioning between ionic crystal and liquid

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tsang, T.; Philpotts, J. A.; Yin, L.

1978-01-01

The partitioning of trace elements between ionic crystals and the melt has been correlated with lattice energy of the host. The solid-liquid partition coefficient has been expressed in terms of the difference in relative ionic radius of the trace element and the homogeneous and heterogeneous strain of the host lattice. Predictions based on this model appear to be in general agreement with data for alkali nitrates and for rare-earth elements in natural garnet phenocrysts.

Phytoaccumulation of trace elements by wetland plants. 2: Water hyacinth

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Zhu, Y.L.; Zayed, A.M.; Qian, J.H.

Wetland plants are being used successfully for the phytoremediation of trace elements in natural and constructed wetlands. This study demonstrates the potential of water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes), an aquatic floating plant, for the phytoremediation of six trace elements. The ability of water hyacinth to take up and translocate six trace elements--As(V), Cd(II), Cr(VI), Cu(II), Ni(II), and Se(VI)--was studied under controlled conditions. Water hyacinth accumulated Cd and Cr best, Se and Cu at moderate levels, and was a poor accumulator of As and Ni. The highest levels of Cd found in shoots and roots were 371 and 6103 mg kg[sup [minus]1]more » dry wt., respectively, and those of Cr were 119 and 32951 mg kg[sup [minus]1] dry wt, respectively. Cadmium, Cr, Cu, Ni, and As were more highly accumulated in roots than in shoots. In contrast, Se was accumulated more in shoots than in roots at most external concentrations. Water hyacinth had high trace element bioconcentration factors when supplied with low external concentrations of all six elements, particularly Cd, Cr, and Cu. Therefore, water hyacinth will be very efficient at phytoextracting trace elements from wastewater containing low concentrations of these elements. The authors conclude that water hyacinth is a promising candidate for phytoremediation of wastewater polluted with Cd, Cr, Cu, and Se.« less

Trace element analysis of soil type collected from the Manjung and central Perak

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Azman, Muhammad Azfar; Hamzah, Suhaimi; Rahman, Shamsiah Abdul; Elias, Md Suhaimi; Abdullah, Nazaratul Ashifa; Hashim, Azian; Shukor, Shakirah Abd; Kamaruddin, Ahmad Hasnulhadi Che

2015-04-01

Trace elements in soils primarily originated from their parent materials. Parents' material is the underlying geological material that has been undergone different types of chemical weathering and leaching processes. Soil trace elements concentrations may be increases as a result of continuous input from various human activities, including power generation, agriculture, mining and manufacturing. This paper describes the Neutron Activation Analysis (NAA) method used for the determination of trace elements concentrations in part per million (ppm) present in the terrestrial environment soil in Perak. The data may indicate any contamination of trace elements contributed from human activities in the area. The enrichment factors were used to check if there any contamination due to the human activities (power plants, agricultural, mining, etc.) otherwise the values would serve as a baseline data for future study. The samples were collected from 27 locations of different soil series in the area at two different depths: the top soil (0-15cm) and the sub soil (15-30cm). The collected soil samples were air dried at 60°C and passed through 2 µm sieve. Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis (NAA) has been used for the determination of trace elements. Samples were activated in the Nuclear Malaysia TRIGA Mark II reactor followed by gamma spectrometric analysis. By activating the stable elements in the samples, the elements can be determined from the intensities of gamma energies emitted by the respected radionuclides.

Seasonal variations of trace elements in precipitation at the largest city in Tibet, Lhasa

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guo, Junming; Kang, Shichang; Huang, Jie; Zhang, Qianggong; Tripathee, Lekhendra; Sillanpää, Mika

2015-02-01

Precipitation samples were collected from March 2010 to August 2012 at an urban site in Lhasa, the capital and largest city of Tibet. The volume weighted mean (VWM) concentrations of 17 trace elements in precipitation were higher during the non-monsoon season than in the monsoon season, but inverse seasonal variations occurred for wet deposition fluxes of most of the trace elements. Concentrations for most of trace elements were negatively correlated with precipitation amount, indicating that below-cloud scavenging of trace elements was an important mechanism contributing to wet deposition of these elements. The elements Al, Sc, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Mn, Ni, and U displayed low crustal enrichment factors (EFs), whereas Co, Cu, Zn, As, Cd Sn, Pb, and Bi showed high EF values in precipitation, suggesting that anthropogenic activities might be important contributors of these elements at Lhasa. However, this present work indicates a much lower anthropogenic emission at Lhasa than in seriously polluted regions. Our study will not only provide insights for assessing the current status of the atmospheric environment in Lhasa but also enhance our understanding for updating the baseline for environmental protection over the Tibetan Plateau.

The abundance and relative volatility of refractory trace elements in Allende Ca,Al-rich inclusions - Implications for chemical and physical processes in the solar nebula

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kornacki, Alan S.; Fegley, Bruce, Jr.

1986-01-01

The relative volatilities of lithophile refractory trace elements (LRTE) were determined using calculated 50-percent condensation temperatures. Then, the refractory trace-element abundances were measured in about 100 Allende inclusions. The abundance patterns found in Allende Ca,Al-rich inclusions (CAIs) and ultrarefractory inclusions were used to empirically modify the calculated LRTE volatility sequence. In addition, the importance of crystal-chemical effects, diffusion constraints, and grain transport for the origin of the trace-element chemistry of Allende CAIs (which have important implications for chemical and physical processes in the solar nebula) is discussed.

Nanometer-sized materials for solid-phase extraction of trace elements.

PubMed

Hu, Bin; He, Man; Chen, Beibei

2015-04-01

This review presents a comprehensive update on the state-of-the-art of nanometer-sized materials in solid-phase extraction (SPE) of trace elements followed by atomic-spectrometry detection. Zero-dimensional nanomaterials (fullerene), one-dimensional nanomaterials (carbon nanotubes, inorganic nanotubes, and nanowires), two-dimensional nanomaterials (nanofibers), and three-dimensional nanomaterials (nanoparticles, mesoporous nanoparticles, magnetic nanoparticles, and dendrimers) for SPE are discussed, with their application for trace-element analysis and their speciation in different matrices. A variety of other novel SPE sorbents, including restricted-access sorbents, ion-imprinted polymers, and metal-organic frameworks, are also discussed, although their applications in trace-element analysis are relatively scarce so far.

Trace elements geochemistry of fractured basement aquifer in southern Malawi: A case of Blantyre rural

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mapoma, Harold Wilson Tumwitike; Xie, Xianjun; Nyirenda, Mathews Tananga; Zhang, Liping; Kaonga, Chikumbusko Chiziwa; Mbewe, Rex

2017-07-01

In this study, twenty one (21) trace elements in the basement complex groundwater of Blantyre district, Malawi were analyzed. The majority of the analyzed trace elements in the water were within the standards set by World Health Organization (WHO) and Malawi Standards Board (MSB). But, iron (Fe) (BH16 and 21), manganese (Mn) (BH01) and selenium (Se) (BH02, 13, 18, 19 and 20) were higher than the WHO and MSB standards. Factor analysis (FA) revealed up to five significant factors which accounted for 87.4% of the variance. Factor 1, 2 and 3 suggest evaporite dissolution and silicate weathering processes while the fourth factor may explain carbonate dissolution and pH influence on trace element geochemistry of the studied groundwater samples. According to PHREEQC computed saturation indices, dissolution, precipitation and rock-water-interaction control the levels of trace elements in this aquifer. Elevated concentrations of Fe, Mn and Se in certain boreholes are due to the geology of the aquifer and probable redox status of groundwater. From PHREEQC speciation results, variations in trace element species were observed. Based on this study, boreholes need constant monitoring and assessment for human consumption to avoid health related issues.

The Elemental Composition of Demospongiae from the Red Sea, Gulf of Aqaba

PubMed Central

Mayzel, Boaz; Aizenberg, Joanna; Ilan, Micha

2014-01-01

Trace elements are vital for the growth and development of all organisms. Little is known about the elemental content and trace metal biology of Red Sea demosponges. This study establishes an initial database of sponge elemental content. It provides the necessary foundation for further research of the mechanisms used by sponges to regulate the uptake, accumulation, and storage of metals. The metal content of 16 common sponge species was determined using ICP measurements. A combination of statistical methods was used to determine the correlations between the metals and detect species with significantly high or low concentrations of these metals. Bioaccumulation factors were calculated to compare sponge metal content to local sediment. Theonella swinhoei contained an extremely high concentration of arsenic and barium, much higher (at least 200 times) than all other species and local sediment. Hyrtios erecta had significantly higher concentration of Al, Cr, Fe, Mn, Ti and V than all other species. This is due to sediment accumulation and inclusion in the skeleton fibers of this sponge species. Suberites clavatus was found to contain significantly higher concentration of Cd, Co, Ni and Zn than all other species and local sediment, indicating active accumulation of these metals. It also has the second highest Fe concentration, but without the comparably high concentrations of Al, Mn and Ti that are evident in H. erecta and in local sediment. These differences indicate active uptake and accumulation of Fe in S. clavatus, this was also noted in Niphates rowi. A significantly higher B concentration was found in Crella cyatophora compared to all other species. These results indicate specific roles of trace elements in certain sponge species that deserve further analysis. They also serve as a baseline to monitor the effects of anthropogenic disturbances on Eilat's coral reefs. PMID:24759635

Kinetic determinations of trace element bioaccumulation in the mussel Mytilus edulis

USGS Publications Warehouse

Wang, W.-X.; Fisher, N.S.; Luoma, S.N.

1996-01-01

Laboratory experiments employing radiotracer methodology were conducted to determine the assimilation efficiencies from ingested natural seston, the influx rates from the dissolved phase and the efflux rates of 6 trace elements (Ag, Am, Cd, Co, Se and Zn) in the mussel Mytilus edulis. A kinetic model was then employed to predict trace element concentration in mussel tissues in 2 locations for which mussel and environmental data are well described: South San Francisco Bay (California, USA) and Long Island Sound (New York, USA). Assimilation efficiencies from natural seston ranged from 5 to 18% for Ag, 0.6 to 1% for Am, 8 to 20% for Cd, 12 to 16% for Co, 28 to 34% for Se, and 32 to 41% for Zn. Differences in chlorophyll a concentration in ingested natural seston did not have significant impact on the assimilation of Am, Co, Se and Zn. The influx rate of elements from the dissolved phase increased with the dissolved concentration, conforming to Freundlich adsorption isotherms. The calculated dissolved uptake rate constant was greatest for Ag, followed by Zn > Am = Cd > Co > Se. The estimated absorption efficiency from the dissolved phase was 1.53% for Ag, 0.34% for Am, 0.31% for Cd, 0.11% for Co, 0.03% for Se and 0.89% for Zn. Salinity had an inverse effect on the influx rate from the dissolved phase and dissolved organic carbon concentration had no significant effect on trace element uptake. The calculated efflux rate constants for all elements ranged from 1.0 to 3.0% d-1. The route of trace element uptake (food vs dissolved) and the duration of exposure to dissolved trace elements (12 h vs 6 d) did not significantly influence trace element efflux rates. A model which used the experimentally determined influx and efflux rates for each of the trace elements, following exposure from ingested food and from water, predicted concentrations of Ag, Cd, Se and Zn in mussels that were directly comparable to actual tissue concentrations independently measured in the 2 reference sites in national monitoring programs. Sensitivity analysis indicated that the total suspended solids load, which can affect mussel feeding activity, assimilation, and trace element concentration in the dissolved and particulate phases, can significantly influence metal bioaccumulation for particle-reactive elements such as Ag and Am. For all metals, concentrations in mussels are proportionately related to total metal load in the water column and their assimilation efficiency from ingested particles. Further, the model predicted that over 96% of Se in mussels is obtained from ingested food, under conditions typical of coastal waters. For Ag, Am, Cd, Co and Zn, the relative contribution from the dissolved phase decreases significantly with increasing trace element partition coefficients for suspended particles and the assimilation efficiency in mussels of ingested trace elements; values range between 33 and 67% for Ag, 5 and 17% for Am, 47 and 82% for Cd, 4 and 30% for Co, and 17 and 51% for Zn.

Phoneme restoration and empirical coverage of interactive activation and adaptive resonance models of human speech processing

PubMed Central

Magnuson, James S.

2015-01-01

Grossberg and Kazerounian [(2011). J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 130, 440–460] present a model of sequence representation for spoken word recognition, the cARTWORD model, which simulates essential aspects of phoneme restoration. Grossberg and Kazerounian also include simulations with the TRACE model presented by McClelland and Elman [(1986). Cognit. Psychol. 18, 1–86] that seem to indicate that TRACE cannot simulate phoneme restoration. Grossberg and Kazerounian also claim cARTWORD should be preferred to TRACE because of TRACE's implausible approach to sequence representation (reduplication of time-specific units) and use of non-modulatory feedback (i.e., without position-specific bottom-up support). This paper responds to Grossberg and Kazerounian first with TRACE simulations that account for phoneme restoration when appropriately constructed noise is used (and with minor changes to TRACE phoneme definitions), then reviews the case for reduplicated units and feedback as implemented in TRACE, as well as TRACE's broad and deep coverage of empirical data. Finally, it is argued that cARTWORD is not comparable to TRACE because cARTWORD cannot represent sequences with repeated elements, has only been implemented with small phoneme and lexical inventories, and has been applied to only one phenomenon (phoneme restoration). Without evidence that cARTWORD captures a similar range and detail of human spoken language processing as alternative models, it is premature to prefer cARTWORD to TRACE. PMID:25786959

Co-occurrence profiles of trace elements in potable water systems: a case study.

PubMed

Andra, Syam S; Makris, Konstantinos C; Charisiadis, Pantelis; Costa, Costas N

2014-11-01

Potable water samples (N = 74) from 19 zip code locations in a region of Greece were profiled for 13 trace elements composition using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The primary objective was to monitor the drinking water quality, while the primary focus was to find novel associations in trace elements occurrence that may further shed light on common links in their occurrence and fate in the pipe scales and corrosion products observed in urban drinking water distribution systems. Except for arsenic at two locations and in six samples, rest of the analyzed elements was below maximum contaminant levels, for which regulatory values are available. Further, we attempted to hierarchically cluster trace elements based on their covariances resulting in two groups; one with arsenic, antimony, zinc, cadmium, and copper and the second with the rest of the elements. The grouping trends were partially explained by elements' similar chemical activities in water, underscoring their potential for co-accumulation and co-mobilization phenomena from pipe scales into finished water. Profiling patterns of trace elements in finished water could be indicative of their load on pipe scales and corrosion products, with a corresponding risk of episodic contaminant release. Speculation was made on the role of disinfectants and disinfection byproducts in mobilizing chemically similar trace elements of human health interest from pipe scales to tap water. It is warranted that further studies may eventually prove useful to water regulators from incorporating the acquired knowledge in the drinking water safety plans.

A simple model for closure temperature of a trace element in cooling bi-mineralic systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liang, Yan

2015-09-01

Closure temperature is defined as the lower temperature limit at which the element of interest effectively ceases diffusive exchange with its surrounding medium during cooling. Here we generalize the classic equation of Dodson (1973) for cooling mono-mineralic systems to cooling bi-mineralic aggregates by considering diffusive exchange of a trace element between the two minerals in a closed system. We present a simple analytical model that includes key parameters affecting the closure temperature of a trace element in cooling bi-mineralic systems: cooling rate, temperature-dependent diffusion coefficients for the trace element in the two minerals, temperature-dependent partition coefficient of the trace element between the two minerals, effective grain sizes of the two minerals, and volume proportions of the minerals in the system. We show that closure temperatures of a trace element in cooling bi-mineralic systems are bounded by the closure temperatures of the trace element in the two mono-mineralic systems and that our generalized model reduces to Dodson's equation when one of the mineral serves as "an effective infinite" reservoir to the other mineral. Application to closure temperatures of REE in orthopyroxene and clinopyroxene bi-mineralic systems highlights the importance of REE diffusion and partitioning in the pyroxenes as well as clinopyroxene modal abundance and grain size in the systems. Closure temperatures for REE in two-pyroxene bearing equigranular rocks are controlled primarily by diffusion in orthopyroxene unless the modal abundance of clinopyroxene is very small. This has important bearings on the interpretation of temperatures derived from the REE-in-two-pyroxene thermometer.

Trace elements in hazardous mineral fibres.

PubMed

Bloise, Andrea; Barca, Donatella; Gualtieri, Alessandro Francesco; Pollastri, Simone; Belluso, Elena

2016-09-01

Both occupational and environmental exposure to asbestos-mineral fibres can be associated with lung diseases. The pathogenic effects are related to the dimension, biopersistence and chemical composition of the fibres. In addition to the major mineral elements, mineral fibres contain trace elements and their content may play a role in fibre toxicity. To shed light on the role of trace elements in asbestos carcinogenesis, knowledge on their concentration in asbestos-mineral fibres is mandatory. It is possible that trace elements play a synergetic factor in the pathogenesis of diseases caused by the inhalation of mineral fibres. In this paper, the concentration levels of trace elements from three chrysotile samples, four amphibole asbestos samples (UICC amosite, UICC anthophyllite, UICC crocidolite and tremolite) and fibrous erionite from Jersey, Nevada (USA) were determined using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). For all samples, the following trace elements were measured: Li, Be, Sc, V, Cr, Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Rb, Sr, Y, Sb, Cs, Ba, La, Pb, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, Lu, Th, U. Their distribution in the various mineral species is thoroughly discussed. The obtained results indicate that the amount of trace metals such as Mn, Cr, Co, Ni, Cu and Zn is higher in anthophyllite and chrysotile samples, whereas the amount of rare earth elements (REE) is higher in erionite and tremolite samples. The results of this work can be useful to the pathologists and biochemists who use asbestos minerals and fibrous erionite in-vitro studies as positive cyto- and geno-toxic standard references. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Phytoaccumulation of trace elements by wetland plants: 3. Uptake and accumulation of ten trace elements by twelve plant species

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Qian, J.H.; Zayed, A.; Zhu, Y.L.

1999-10-01

Interest is increasing in using wetland plants in constructed wetlands to remove toxic elements from polluted wastewater. To identify those wetland plants that hyperaccumulate trace elements, 12 plant species were tested for their efficiency to bioconcentrate 10 potentially toxic trace elements including As, b, Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb, Mn, Hg, Ni, and Se. Individual plants were grown under carefully controlled conditions and supplied with 1 mg L{sup {minus}1} of each trace element individually for 10 d. Except B, all elements accumulated to much higher concentrations in roots than in shoots. Highest shoot tissue concentrations (mg kg{sup {minus}1} DW) of themore » various trace elements were attained by the following species: umbrella plant (Cyperus alternifolius L.) for Mn (198) and Cr (44); water zinnia (Wedelia trilobata Hitchc.) for Cd (148) and Ni (80); smartweed (Polygonum hydropiperoides Michx.) for Cu (95) and Pb (64); water lettuce (Pistia stratiotes L.) for Hg (92), As (34), and Se (39); and mare's tail (hippuris vulgaris L.) for B (1132). Whereas, the following species attained the highest root tissue concentrations (mg kg{sup {minus}1} DW); stripped rush (Baumia rubiginosa) for Mn (1683); parrot's feather (Myriophyllum brasiliense Camb.) for Cd (1426) and Ni (1077); water lettuce for Cu (1038), Hg (1217), and As (177); smartweed for Cr (2980) and Pb (1882); mare's tail for B (1277); and monkey flower (Mimulus guttatus Fisch.) for Se (384). From a phytoremediation perspective, smartweed was probably the best plant species for trace element removal from wastewater due to its faster growth and higher plant density.« less

Sequential patterns of essential trace elements composition in Gracilaria verrucosa and its generated products

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Izzati, Munifatul; Haryanti, Sri; Parman, Sarjana

2018-05-01

Gracilaria widely known as a source of essential trace elements. However this red seaweeds also has great potential for being developed into commercial products. This study examined the sequential pattern of essential trace elements composition in fresh Gracilaria verrucosa and a selection of its generated products, nemely extracted agar, Gracilaria salt and Gracilaria residue. The sample was collected from a brackish water pond, located in north part Semarang, Central Java. The collected sample was then dried under the sun, and subsequently processed into aformentioned generated products. The Gracilaria salt was obtain by soaking the sun dried Gracilaria overnight in fresh water overnight. The resulted salt solution was then boiled leaving crystal salt. Extracted agar was obtained with alkali agar extraction method. The rest of remaining material was considered as Gracilaria residue. The entire process was repeated 3 times. The compositin of trace elements was examined using ICP-MS Spectrometry. Collected data was then analyzed by ANOVA single factor. Resulting sequential pattern of its essential trace elements composition was compared. A regular table salt was used as controls. Resuts from this study revealed that Gracilaria verrucosa and its all generated products all have similarly patterned the composition of essential trace elements, where Mn>Zn>Cu>Mo. Additionally this pattern is similar to different subspecies of Gracilaria from different location and and different season. However, Gracilaria salt has distinctly different pattern of sequential essential trace elements composition compared to table salt.

Mixed fluid sources involved in diamond growth constrained by Sr-Nd-Pb-C-N isotopes and trace elements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Klein-BenDavid, Ofra; Pearson, D. Graham; Nowell, Geoff M.; Ottley, Chris; McNeill, John C. R.; Cartigny, Pierre

2010-01-01

Sub-micrometer inclusions in diamonds carry high-density fluids (HDF) from which the host diamonds have precipitated. The chemistry of these fluids is our best opportunity of characterizing the diamond-forming environment. The trace element patterns of diamond fluids vary within a limited range and are similar to those of carbonatitic/kimberlitic melts that originate from beneath the lithospheric mantle. A convecting mantle origin for the fluid is also implied by C isotopic compositions and by a preliminary Sr isotopic study (Akagi, T., Masuda, A., 1988. Isotopic and elemental evidence for a relationship between kimberlite and Zaire cubic diamonds. Nature 336, 665-667.). Nevertheless, the major element chemistry of HDFs is very different from that of kimberlites and carbonatites, varying widely and being characterized by extreme K enrichment (up to ˜ 39 wt.% on a water and carbonate free basis) and high volatile contents. The broad spectrum of major element compositions in diamond-forming fluids has been related to fluid-rock interaction and to immiscibility processes. Elemental signatures can be easily modified by a variety of mantle processes whereas radiogenic isotopes give a clear fingerprint of the time-integrated evolution of the fluid source region. Here we present the results of the first multi radiogenic-isotope (Sr, Nd, Pb) and trace element study on fluid-rich diamonds, implemented using a newly developed off-line laser sampling technique. The data are combined with N and C isotope analysis of the diamond matrix to better understand the possible sources of fluid involved in the formation of these diamonds. Sr isotope ratios vary significantly within single diamonds. The highly varied but unsupported Sr isotope ratios cannot be explained by immiscibility processes or fluid-mineral elemental fractionations occurring at the time of diamond growth. Our results demonstrate the clear involvement of a mixed fluid, with one component originating from ancient incompatible element-enriched parts of the lithospheric mantle while the trigger for releasing this fluid source was probably carbonatitic/kimberlitic melts derived from greater depths. We suggest that phlogopite mica was an integral part of the enriched lithospheric fluid source and that breakdown of this mica releases K and radiogenic Sr into a fluid phase. The resulting fluids operate as a major metasomatic agent in the sub-continental lithospheric mantle as reflected by the isotopic composition and trace element patterns of G10 garnets.

Early Diagenesis of Trace Elements in Modern Fjord Sediments of the High Arctic

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Herbert, L.; Riedinger, N.; Aller, R. C.; Jørgensen, B. B.; Wehrmann, L.

2017-12-01

Marine sediments are critical repositories for elements that are only available at trace concentrations in seawater, such as Fe, Mn, Co, Ni, As, Mo, and U. The behavior of these trace elements in the sediment is governed by a dynamic interplay of diagenetic reactions involving organic carbon, Fe and Mn oxides, and sulfur phases. In the Arctic fjords of Svalbard, glacial meltwater delivers large amounts of reactive Fe and Mn oxides to the sediment, while organic carbon is deposited episodically and diluted by lithogenic material. These conditions result in pronounced Fe and Mn cycling, which in turn drives other diagenetic processes such as rapid sulfide oxidation. These conditions make the Svalbard fjords ideal sites for investigating trace element diagenesis because they allow resolution of the interconnections between Fe and Mn dynamics and trace element cycling. In August 2016, we collected sediment cores from three Svalbard fjords and analyzed trace elements in the pore water and solid sediment over the top meter. Initial results reveal the dynamic nature of these fjords, which are dominated by non-steady state processes and episodic events such as meltwater pulses and phytoplankton blooms. Within this system, the distribution of As appears to be strongly linked to the Fe cycle, while Co and Ni follow Mn; thus, these three elements may be released from the sediment through diffusion and bioturbation along with Fe and Mn. The pore water profiles of U and Mo indicate removal processes that are independent from Fe or Mn, and which are rather unexpected given the apparent diagenetic conditions. Our results will help elucidate the processes controlling trace element cycling in a dynamic, glacially impacted environment and will ultimately contribute to our understanding of the role of fjords in the biogeochemical cycling of trace elements in a rapidly changing Arctic Ocean.

Trace element diffusion and kinetic fractionation in wet rhyolitic melt

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Holycross, Megan E.; Watson, E. Bruce

2018-07-01

Piston-cylinder experiments were run to determine the chemical diffusivities of 21 trace elements (Sc, V, Y, Zr, Nb, La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Yb, Lu, Hf, Th and U) in hydrous rhyolitic melts at 1 GPa pressure and temperatures from 850 to 1250 °C. Diffusion couple glasses were doped with trace elements in low concentrations to characterize the diffusivities of all cations in a single experiment. Laser ablation ICP-MS was used to evaluate the trace element concentration gradients that developed in the silicate glasses. All calculated diffusion coefficients correspond to the temperature dependence D = D0exp(-Ea/RT). Rhyolite liquids contained either ∼4.1 wt% or ∼6.2 wt% dissolved H2O; separate Arrhenius relationships are produced for each melt composition. Trace element diffusivities in the melt with 6.2 wt% H2O are roughly two times higher than those in the less hydrous melt. Calculated trace element diffusion coefficients cover nearly two orders of magnitude at a given temperature. The high field strength elements are the slowest diffusers, followed by the transition metals and heavy rare earth elements. The light rare earth elements have the fastest diffusion rates in hydrous rhyolitic melt. The measured diffusion coefficients range down to values sufficiently low to preclude diffusive homogenization over geochemically realistic time scales in some cases. The substantial differences in the diffusivities of individual cations may result in fractionated trace element signatures in rhyolite melt pockets. A simple model is used to explore the potential for kinetic fractionation of REE during growth of an apatite crystal in a diffusive boundary layer locally saturated in P2O5. The faster-diffusing light REE are more efficiently transported away from the crystal interface than the slower-moving heavy REE. Diffusion effects will enrich the melt boundary layer in slow-moving HREE relative to the faster LREE. The kinetic fractionation of REE in the melt growth medium will result in a precipitated apatite crystal with a disequilibrium trace element composition.

Dynamics of trace elements in shallow groundwater of an agricultural land in the northeast of Mexico

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mora, Abrahan; Mahlknecht, Jürgen; Hernández-Antonio, Arturo

2017-04-01

The citrus zone located in northeastern Mexico covers an area of 8000 km2 and produces 10% of the Mexican citrus production. The aquifer system of this zone constitutes the major source of water for drinking and irrigation purposes for local population and provides base flows to surface water supplied to the city of Monterrey ( 4.5 million inhabitants). Although the study area is near the recharge zones, several works have reported nitrate pollution in shallow groundwater of this agricultural area, mainly due to animal manure and human waste produced by infiltration of urban sewers and septic tanks. Thus, the goals of this work were to assess the dynamics of selected trace elements in this aquifer system and determine if the trace element content in groundwater poses a threat to the population living in the area. Thirty-nine shallow water wells were sampled in 2010. These water samples were filtered through 0,45 µm pore size membranes and preserved with nitric acid for storage. The concentrations of Cd, Cs, Cu, Mo, Pb, Rb, Si, Ti, U, Y, and Zn were measured by ICP-MS. Also, sulfate concentrations were measured by ion chromatography in unacidified samples. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) performed in the data set show five principal components (PC). PC1 includes elements derived from silicate weathering, such as Si and Ti. The relationship found between Mo and U with sulfates in PC2 indicates that both elements show a high mobility in groundwater. Indeed, the concentrations of sulfate, Mo and U are increased as groundwater moves eastward. PC3 includes the alkali trace elements (Rb and Cs), indicating that both elements could be derived from the same source of origin. PC4 represents the heavy trace elements (Cd and Pb) whereas PC5 includes divalent trace elements such as Zn and Cu. None of the water samples showed trace element concentrations higher than the guideline values for drinking water proposed by the World Health Organization, which indicates that the analyzed trace elements in groundwater do not pose any significant threat to the population living in this area.

Chemical composition of rocks and soils at Taurus-Littrow

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rose, H. J., Jr.; Cuttitta, F.; Berman, S.; Brown, F. W.; Carron, M. K.; Christian, R. P.; Dwornik, E. J.; Greenland, L. P.

1974-01-01

Seventeen soils and seven rock samples were analyzed for major elements, minor elements, and trace elements. Unlike the soils at previous Apollo sites, which showed little difference in composition at each collection area, the soils at Taurus-Littrow vary widely. Three soil types are evident, representative of (1) the light mantle at the South Massif, (2) the dark mantle in the valley, and (3) the surface material at the North Massif. The dark-mantle soils are chemically similar to those at Tranquillitatis. Basalt samples from the dark mantle are chemically similar although they range from fine to coarse grained. It is suggested that they originated from the same source but crystallized at varying depths from the surface.

Platinum group elements in a 3.5 Ga nickel-iron occurrence - Possible evidence of a deep mantle origin

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tredoux, Marian; Hart, Rodger J.; Lindsay, Nicholas M.; De Wit, Maarten J.; Armstrong, Richard A.

1989-01-01

This paper reports the results of new field observations and the geochemical analyses for the area of the Bon Accord (BA) (the Kaapvaal craton, South Africa) Ni-Fe deposit, with particular consideration given to the trace element, platinum-group element, and isotopic (Pb, Nd, and Os) compositions. On the basis of these data, an interpretation of BA is suggested, according to which the BA deposit is a siderophile-rich heterogeneity remaining in the deep mantle after a process of incomplete core formation. The implications of such a model for the study of core-mantle segregation and the geochemistry of the lowermost mantle are discussed.

Dual Functions of Perirhinal Cortex in Fear Conditioning

PubMed Central

Kent, Brianne A.; Brown, Thomas H.

2012-01-01

The present review examines the role of perirhinal cortex (PRC) in Pavlovian fear conditioning. The focus is on rats, partly because so much is known, behaviorally and neurobiologically, about fear conditioning in these animals. In addition, the neuroanatomy and neurophysiology of rat PRC have been described in considerable detail at the cellular and systems levels. The evidence suggests that PRC can serve at least two types of mnemonic functions in Pavlovian fear conditioning. The first function, termed "stimulus unitization," refers to the ability to treat two or more separate items or stimulus elements as a single entity. Supporting evidence for this perceptual function comes from studies of context conditioning as well as delay conditioning to discontinuous auditory cues. In a delay paradigm, the conditional stimulus (CS) and unconditional stimulus (US) overlap temporally and co-terminate. The second PRC function entails a type of "transient memory." Supporting evidence comes from studies of trace cue conditioning, where there is a temporal gap or trace interval between the CS offset and the US onset. For learning to occur, there must be a transient CS representation during the trace interval. We advance a novel neurophysiological mechanism for this transient representation. These two hypothesized functions of PRC are consistent with inferences based on non-aversive forms of learning. PMID:22903623

Trace Elements and Health

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Pettyjohn, Wayne A.

1972-01-01

Summarizes the effects of arsenic, lead, zinc, mercury, and cadmium on human health, indicates the sources of the elements in water, and considers the possibility of students in high schools analyzing water for trace amounts of the elements. (AL)

Trace Element Levels and Cognitive Function in Rural Elderly Chinese

PubMed Central

Gao, Sujuan; Jin, Yinlong; Unverzagt, Frederick W.; Ma, Feng; Hall, Kathleen S.; Murrell, Jill R.; Cheng, Yibin; Shen, Jianzhao; Ying, Bo; Ji, Rongdi; Matesan, Janetta; Liang, Chaoke; Hendrie, Hugh C.

2009-01-01

Background Trace elements are involved in metabolic processes and oxidation-reduction reactions in the central nervous system and could have a possible effect on cognitive function. The relationship between trace elements measured in individual biological samples and cognitive function in an elderly population had not been investigated extensively. Methods The participant population is part of a large cohort study of 2000 rural elderly Chinese persons. Six cognitive assessment tests were used to evaluate cognitive function in this population, and a composite score was created to represent global cognitive function. Trace element levels of aluminum, calcium, cadmium, copper, iron, lead, and zinc were analyzed in plasma samples of 188 individuals who were randomly selected and consented to donating fasting blood. Analysis of covariance models were used to assess the association between each trace element and the composite cognitive score adjusting for demographics, medical history of chronic diseases, and the apolipoprotein E (APOE) genotype. Results Three trace elements—calcium, cadmium, and copper—were found to be significantly related to the composite cognitive score. Increasing plasma calcium level was associated with higher cognitive score (p < .0001). Increasing cadmium and copper, in contrast, were significantly associated with lower composite score (p = .0044 and p = .0121, respectively). Other trace elements did not show significant association with the composite cognitive score. Conclusions Our results suggest that calcium, cadmium, and copper may be associated with cognitive function in the elderly population. PMID:18559640

Transport of trace metals in runoff from soil and pond ash feedlot surfaces

USGS Publications Warehouse

Vogel, J.R.; Gilley, J.E.; Cottrell, G.L.; Woodbury, B.L.; Berry, E.D.; Eigenbert, R.A.

2011-01-01

The use of pond ash (fly ash that has been placed in evaporative ponds for storage and subsequently dewatered) for feedlot surfaces provides a drier environment for livestock and furnishes economic benefits. However, pond ash is known to have high concentrations of trace elements, and the runoff water-quality effects of feedlot surfaces amended with pond ash are not well defined. For this study, two experimental units (plots) were established in eight feedlot pens. Four of the pens contained unamended soil surfaces, and the remaining four pens had pond-ash amended surfaces. Before each test, unconsolidated surface material was removed from four of the plots for each of the amendment treatments, resulting in eight unamended plots and eight pond-ash amended plots. Concentrations for 23 trace elements were measured in cattle feedlot surface material and in the runoff water from three simulated rainfall events. Trace element concentrations in surface material and runoff did not differ between surface consolidation treatments. Amending the feedlot surface material with pond ash resulted in a significant increase in concentration for 14 of the 17 trace elements. Runoff concentrations for 21 trace elements were affected by pond-ash amendment. Sixteen of 21 trace element concentrations that differed significantly were greater in runoff from unamended soil surfaces. Concentrations in runoff were significantly correlated with concentrations in feedlot surface material for boron, manganese, molybdenum, selenium, and uranium.

Occurrence and distribution of trace elements in snow, streams, and streambed sediments, Cape Krusenstern National Monument, Alaska, 2002-2003

USGS Publications Warehouse

Brabets, Timothy P.

2004-01-01

Cape Krusenstern National Monument is located in Northwest Alaska. In 1985, an exchange of lands and interests in lands between the Northwest Alaska Native Association and the United States resulted in a 100-year transportation system easement for 19,747 acres in the monument. A road was then constructed along the easement from the Red Dog Mine, a large zinc concentrate producer and located northeast of the monument, through the monument to the coast and a port facility. Each year approximately 1.3 million tonnes of zinc and lead concentrate are transported from the Red Dog Mine via this access road. Concern about the possible deposition of cadmium, lead, zinc and other trace elements in the monument was the basis of a cooperative project with the National Park Service. Concentrations of dissolved cadmium, dissolved lead, and dissolved zinc from 28 snow samples from a 28 mile by 16 mile grid were below drinking water standards. In the particulate phase, approximately 25 percent of the samples analyzed for these trace elements were higher than the typical range found in Alaska soils. Boxplots of concentrations of these trace elements, both in the dissolved and particulate phase, indicate higher concentrations north of the access road, most likely due to the prevailing southeast wind. The waters of four streams sampled in Cape Krusenstern National Monument are classified as calcium bicarbonate. Trace-element concentrations from these streams were below drinking water standards. Median concentrations of 39 trace elements from streambed sediments collected from 29 sites are similar to the median concentrations of trace elements from the U.S. Geological Survey?s National Water-Quality Assessment database. Statistical differences were noted between trace-element concentrations of cadmium, lead, and zinc at sites along the access road and sites north and south of the access road; concentrations along the access road being higher than north or south of the road. When normalized to 1 percent organic carbon, the concentrations of these trace elements are not expected to be toxic to aquatic life when compared to criteria established by the Canadian government and other recent research.

[Analysis of primary elemental speciation distribution in mungbean during enzymatic hydrolization].

PubMed

Li, Ji-Hua; Huang, Mao-Fang; Zhu, De-Ming; Zheng, Wei-Wan; Zhong, Ye-Jun

2009-03-01

In the present paper, trace elements contents of cuprum, zincum, manganese and ferrum in mungbean and their primary speciation distribution during enzymatic hydrolization were investigated with ICP-AES OPTIMA 5300DV plasma emission spectroscopy. The trace elements were separated into two forms, i.e. dissolvable form and particulate form, by cellulose membrane with 0.45 microm of pore diameter. All the samples were digested by strong acid (perchloric acid and nitric acid with 1 : 4 ratio ). The parameters of primary speciations of the four elements were calculated and discussed. The results showed: (1) Contents of cuprum, zincum, manganese and ferrum in mungbean were 12.77, 31.26, 18.14 and 69.38 microg x g(-1) (of dry matter), respectively. Different treatment resulted in different elemental formulation in product, indicating that more attention should be paid to the trace elements pattern when producing mungbean beverage with different processes. (2) Extraction rates of cuprum, zincum, manganese and ferrum in extract were 68.84%, 51.84%, 63.97% and 30.40% with enzymatic treatments and 36.22%, 17.58%, 7.85% and 22.99% with boil treatment, respectively. Both boil and enzymatic treatments led to poor elemental extraction rates, which proved that it was necessary to take deep enzymatic hydrolysis treatment in mungbean beverage process as the trace element utilization rate was concerned. (3) Amylase, protease and cellulose showed different extraction effectiveness of the four trace elements. Generally, protease exhibited highest efficiency for the four elements extraction. All of the four trace elements were mostly in dissolvable form in all hydrolysates and soup. (4) Relative standard deviations and recovery yields are within 0.12%-0.90% (n = 11) and 98.6%-101.4%, respectively. The analysis method in this paper proved to be accurate.

Risk assessment of trace metals in an extreme environment sediment: shallow, hypersaline, alkaline, and industrial Lake Acıgöl, Denizli, Turkey.

PubMed

Budakoglu, Murat; Karaman, Muhittin; Kumral, Mustafa; Zeytuncu, Bihter; Doner, Zeynep; Yildirim, Demet Kiran; Taşdelen, Suat; Bülbül, Ali; Gumus, Lokman

2018-02-23

The major and trace element component of 48 recent sediment samples in three distinct intervals (0-10, 10-20, and 20-30 cm) from Lake Acıgöl is described to present the current contamination levels and grift structure of detrital and evaporate mineral patterns of these sediments in this extreme saline environment. The spatial and vertical concentrations of major oxides were not uniform in the each subsurface interval. However, similar spatial distribution patterns were observed for some major element couples, due mainly to the detrital and evaporate origin of these elements. A sequential extraction procedure including five distinct steps was also performed to determine the different bonds of trace elements in the < 60-μ particulate size of recent sediments. Eleven trace elements (Ni, Fe, Cd, Pb, Cu, Zn, As, Co, Cr, Al and Mn) in nine surface and subsurface sediment samples were analyzed with chemical partitioning procedures to determine the trace element percentage loads in these different sequential extraction phases. The obtained accuracy values via comparison of the bulk trace metal loads with the total loads of five extraction steps were satisfying for the Ni, Fe, Cd, Zn, and Co. While, bulk analysis results of the Cu, Ni, and V elements have good correlation with total organic matter, organic fraction of sequential extraction characterized by Cu, As, Cd, and Pb. Shallow Lake Acıgöl sediment is characteristic with two different redox layer a) oxic upper level sediments, where trace metals are mobilized, b) reduced subsurface level, where the trace metals are precipitated.

Igneous fractionation and subsolidus equilibration of diogenite meteorites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mittlefehldt, David W.

1993-01-01

Diogenites are coarse-grained orthopyroxenite breccias of remarkably uniform major element composition. Most diogenites contain homogeneous pyroxene fragments up to 5 cm across of Wo2En74Fs24 composition. Common minor constituents are chromite, olivine, trolite and metal, while silica, plagioclase, merrillite and diopside are trace phases. Diogenites are generally believed to be cumulates from the eucrite parent body, although their relationship with eucrites remains obscure. It has been suggested that some diogenites are residues after partial melting. I have performed EMPA and INAA for major, minor and trace elements on most diogenites, concentrating on coarse-grained mineral and lithic clasts in order to elucidate their igneous formation and subsequent metamorphic history. Major element compositions of diogenites are decoupled from minor and trace element compositions; the latter record an igneous fractionation sequence that is not preserved in the former. Low equilibration temperatures indicate that major element diffusion continued long after crystallization. Diffusion coefficients for trivalent and tetravalent elements in pyroxene are lower than those of divalent elements. Therefore, major element compositions of diogenites may represent means of unknown portions of a cumulate homogenized by diffusion, while minor and trace elements still yield information on their igneous history. The scale of major element equilibration is unknown, but is likely to be on the order of a few cm. Therefore, the diogenite precursors may have consisted largely of cm-sized, igneously zoned orthopyroxene grains, which were subsequently annealed during slow cooling, obliterating major element zoning but preserving minor and trace incompatible element zoning.

Potential health and environmental effects of trace elements and radionuclides from increased coal utilization.

PubMed Central

Van Hook, R I

1979-01-01

This report addresses the effects of coal-derived trace and radioactive elements. A summary of our current understanding of health and environmental effects of trace and radioactive elements released during coal mining, cleaning, combustion, and ash disposal is presented. Physical and biological transport phenomena which are important in determining organism exposure are also discussed. Biological concentration and transformation as well as synergistic and antagonistic actions among trace contaminants are discussed in terms of their importance in mobility, persistence, availability, and ultimate toxicity. The consequences of implementing the President's National Energy Plan are considered in terms of the impact of the NEP in 1985 and 2000 on the potential effects of trace and radioactive elements from the coal fuel cycle. Areas of needed research are identified in specific recommendations. PMID:540619

The novel approach to the biomonitor survey using one- and two-dimensional Kohonen networks.

PubMed

Deljanin, Isidora; Antanasijević, Davor; Urošević, Mira Aničić; Tomašević, Milica; Perić-Grujić, Aleksandra; Ristić, Mirjana

2015-10-01

To compare the applicability of the leaves of horse chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum) and linden (Tilia spp.) as biomonitors of trace element concentrations, a coupled approach of one- and two-dimensional Kohonen networks was applied for the first time. The self-organizing networks (SONs) and the self-organizing maps (SOMs) were applied on the database obtained for the element accumulation (Cr, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, Pb, V, As, Cd) and the SOM for the Pb isotopes in the leaves for a multiyear period (2002-2006). A. hippocastanum seems to be a more appropriate biomonitor since it showed more consistent results in the analysis of trace elements and Pb isotopes. The SOM proved to be a suitable and sensitive tool for assessing differences in trace element concentrations and for the Pb isotopic composition in leaves of different species. In addition, the SON provided more clear data on seasonal and temporal accumulation of trace elements in the leaves and could be recommended complementary to the SOM analysis of trace elements in biomonitoring studies.

Multielement extraction system for the determination of 18 trace elements in geochemical samples

USGS Publications Warehouse

Clark, J.R.; Viets, J.G.

1981-01-01

A Methyl isobutyl ketone-Amine synerGistic Iodide Complex (MAGIC) extraction system has been developed for use in geochemical exploration which separates a maximum number of trace elements from interfering matrices. Extraction curves for 18 of these trace elements are presented: Pd, Pt, Cu, Ag, Au, Zn, Cd, Hg, Ga, In, Tl, Sa, Pb, As, Sb, Bi, Se, and Te. The acid normality of the aqueous phase controls the extraction into the organic phase, and each of these 18 elements has a broad range of HCl normality over which H is quantitatively extracted, making H possible to determine all 18 trace elements from a single sample digestion or leach solution. The extract can be analyzed directly by flame atomic absorption or inductively coupled plasma emission spectroscopy. Most of these 18 elements can be determined by Nameless atomic absorption after special treatment of the organic extract.

Mantle End-Members: The Trace Element Perspective

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Willbold, M.; Stracke, A.; Hofmann, A. W.

2004-12-01

On the basis of their isotopic composition, ocean island basalts (OIB) have been classified into three to four end-members; HIMU with the most radiogenic Pb isotope ratios of OIB and Enriched Mantle 1 and 2 (EM1, EM2) with less radiogenic but variable Pb isotope and highly radiogenic Sr isotope signatures. It has also been argued that each of these isotopic families has common trace element characteristics that distinguish them from one another and so substantiated this classification. Here, we present new high-precision trace element data for samples from St. Helena, Tristan da Cunha and Gough in the Atlantic Ocean. The overall data-set is augmented by OIB data from the GEOROC database and includes data from all major isotopic families (HIMU: St. Helena, Mangaia, Tubuai, and Rururtu; EM1: Tristan da Cunha, Gough, Pitcairn; and EM2: Samoa, Marquesas, and Society). For each locality we use only islands defining the most extreme isotopic compositions. The entire data-set has been screened to exclude altered and highly differentiated samples. HIMU basalts have a very uniform trace element composition. Compared to HIMU-type basalts, EM-type basalts are enriched in Rb, Ba, and K, and depleted in U, Nb, and Ta, relative to La. Different EM-type OIBs from the same isotopic family (EM1 or EM2), have distinct trace element characteristics that can ultimately only be caused by different source compositions. For example, Ba/Th ratios in samples from both Tristan da Cunha (EM1) and Samoa (EM2) are similarly high (ca. 110) whereas Ba/Th ratios in samples from Pitcairn (EM1) and Society (EM2) samples are consistently lower (ca. 70). Thus on the basis of their trace element composition, EM-type OIB cannot be classified into EM1 and EM2 type basalts, nor can any other grouping be identified. The remarkably uniform isotopic and trace element composition of HIMU-type basalts suggests derivation from a single common source reservoir, most likely subduction-modified oceanic crust. Although there are some trace element characteristics common to all EM-type basalts, which distinguish them from HIMU-type basalts (e.g. uniformly high Th/U ratios of 4.7 ± 0.3, and enrichment in Cs-U), each suite of EM-type basalts has unique trace element signatures that distinguish them from any other suite of EM-type basalts. This is especially obvious when comparing the trace element composition of EM basalts from one isotopic family, for example EM1-type basalts from Tristan, Gough and Pitcairn. Consequently, the trace element systematics of EM-type basalts suggest that there are many different EM-type sources, whereas the isotopic composition of EM-type basalts suggest derivation from two broadly similar sources, i.e. EM1 and EM2. The large variability in subducting sediments with respect to both parent-daughter (e.g. Rb/Sr, Sm/Nd, U/Pb, Th/Pb,...) and other trace element ratios makes it unlikely that there are reproducible mixtures of sediments leading to two different isotopic evolution paths (EM1 and EM2) while preserving a range of incompatible element contents for each isotopic family, as would be required to reconcile the isotopic and trace element characteristics of EM-type basalts. Although this does not a priori argue against sediments as possible source components for OIB, it does argue against two distinct groups of sediments as EM1 and EM2 sources. Further characterization of sources with the same general origin (e.g. a certain type of crust or lithosphere) or identification of processes leading to reservoirs with similar parent-daughter ratio characteristics but different incompatible trace element contents could resolve the apparent conundrum.

Factors to consider for trace element deposition biomonitoring surveys with lichen transplants

USGS Publications Warehouse

Ayrault, S.; Clochiatti, R.; Carrot, F.; Daudin, L.; Bennett, J.P.

2007-01-01

A trace element deposition biomonitoring experiment with transplants of the fruticose lichen Evernia prunastri was developed, aimed at monitoring the effects of different exposure parameters (exposure orientation and direct rain) and to the elements Ti, V, Cr, Co, Cu, Zn, Rb, Cd, Sb and Pb. Accumulations were observed for most of the elements, confirming the ability of Evernia transplants for atmospheric metal deposition monitoring. The accumulation trends were mainly affected by the exposure orientation and slightly less so by the protection from rain. The zonation of the trace elements inside the thallus was also studied. It was concluded that trace element concentrations were not homogeneous in Evernia, thus imposing some cautions on the sampling approach. A nuclear microprobe analysis of an E. prunastri transplanted thallus in thin cross-sections concluded that the trace elements were mainly concentrated on the cortex of the thallus, except Zn, Ca and K which were also present in the internal layers. The size of the particles deposited or entrapped on the cortex surface averaged 7????m. A list of key parameters to ensure the comparability of surveys aiming at observing temporal or spatial deposition variation is presented. ?? 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

An analysis of human exposure to trace elements from deliberate soil ingestion and associated health risks.

PubMed

Ngole-Jeme, Veronica M; Ekosse, Georges-Ive E; Songca, Sandile P

2018-01-01

Fifty-seven samples of soils commonly ingested in South Africa, Swaziland, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and Togo were analyzed for the concentrations of arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), cobalt (Co), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), lead (Pb), manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni), and zinc (Zn) and their bioaccessibility in the human gastrointestinal tract. Bioaccessibility values were used to calculate daily intake, and hazard quotient of each trace element, and chronic hazard index (CHI) of each sample. Carcinogenic risk associated with As and Ni exposure were also calculated. Mean pseudo-total concentrations of trace elements in all samples were 7.2, 83.3, 77.1, 15.4, 28.6, 24.9, 56.1, 2.8, and 26.5 mg/kg for As, Cr, Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd, and Pb, respectively. Percent bioaccessibility of Pb (13-49%) and Zn (38-56%) were highest among trace elements studied. Average daily intake values were lower than their respective reference doses for ell elements except for Pb in selected samples. Samples from DRC presented the highest health risks associated with trace element exposure with most of the samples having CHI values between 0.5 and 1.0. Some samples had higher than unacceptable values of carcinogenic risk associated with As and Ni exposure. Results indicate low trace element exposure risk from ingesting most of the soil samples.

Improving Biomethane Production and Mass Bioconversion of Corn Stover Anaerobic Digestion by Adding NaOH Pretreatment and Trace Elements

PubMed Central

Liu, ChunMei; Yuan, HaiRong; Zou, DeXun; Liu, YanPing; Zhu, BaoNing; Li, XiuJin

2015-01-01

This research applied sodium hydroxide (NaOH) pretreatment and trace elements to improve biomethane production when using corn stover for anaerobic digestion. Full-factor experimental tests identified the best combination of trace elements with the NaOH pretreatment, indicating that the best combination was with 1.0, 0.4, and 0.4 mg·L−1·d−1 of elements Fe, Co, and Ni, respectively. The cumulative biomethane production adding NaOH pretreatment and trace elements was 11,367 mL; total solid bioconversion rate was 55.7%, which was 41.8%–62.2% higher than with NaOH-pretreatment alone and 22.2%–56.3% higher than with untreated corn stover. The best combination was obtained 5–9 days shorter than T90 and maintained good system operation stability. Only a fraction of the trace elements in the best combination was present in the resulting solution; more than 85% of the total amounts added were transferred into the solid fraction. Adding 0.897 g of Fe, 0.389 g of Co, and 0.349 g of Ni satisfied anaerobic digestion needs and enhanced biological activity at the beginning of the operation. The results showed that NaOH pretreatment and adding trace elements improve corn stover biodegradability and enhance biomethane production. PMID:26137469

Trace element analysis of soil type collected from the Manjung and central Perak

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Azman, Muhammad Azfar, E-mail: m-azfar@nuclearmalaysia.gov.my; Hamzah, Suhaimi; Rahman, Shamsiah Abdul

2015-04-29

Trace elements in soils primarily originated from their parent materials. Parents’ material is the underlying geological material that has been undergone different types of chemical weathering and leaching processes. Soil trace elements concentrations may be increases as a result of continuous input from various human activities, including power generation, agriculture, mining and manufacturing. This paper describes the Neutron Activation Analysis (NAA) method used for the determination of trace elements concentrations in part per million (ppm) present in the terrestrial environment soil in Perak. The data may indicate any contamination of trace elements contributed from human activities in the area. Themore » enrichment factors were used to check if there any contamination due to the human activities (power plants, agricultural, mining, etc.) otherwise the values would serve as a baseline data for future study. The samples were collected from 27 locations of different soil series in the area at two different depths: the top soil (0-15cm) and the sub soil (15-30cm). The collected soil samples were air dried at 60°C and passed through 2 µm sieve. Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis (NAA) has been used for the determination of trace elements. Samples were activated in the Nuclear Malaysia TRIGA Mark II reactor followed by gamma spectrometric analysis. By activating the stable elements in the samples, the elements can be determined from the intensities of gamma energies emitted by the respected radionuclides.« less

New Hafnium Isotope and Trace Element Constraints on the Role of a Plume in Genesis of the Eastern Snake River Plain Basalts, Idaho

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Taylor, R. D.; Reid, M. R.; Blichert-Toft, J.

2009-12-01

Bimodal volcanism associated with the eastern Snake River Plain (ESRP)-Yellowstone Plateau province has persisted since approximately 16 Ma. A time-transgressive track of rhyolitic eruptions which young progressively to the east and parallel the motion of the North American plate are overlain by younger basalts with no age progression. Interpretations for the origin of these basalts range from a thermo-chemical mantle plume to incipient melting of the shallow upper mantle, and remain controversial. The enigmatic ESRP basalts are characterized by high 3He/4He, diagnostic of a plume source, but also by lithophile radiogenic isotope signatures that are more enriched than expected for plume-derived OIBs. These features could possibly be caused by isotopic decoupling associated with shallow melting of a hybridized upper mantle, or derivation from an atypical mantle plume, or both by way of mixing. New Hf isotope and trace element data further constrain potential sources for the ESRP basalts. Their Hf isotopic signatures (ɛHf = +0.1 to -5.8) are moderately enriched and consistently fall above or in the upper part of the field of OIBs, with similar Nd isotope signatures (ɛNd = -2.0 to -5.8), indicating a source with high time-integrated Lu/Hf compared with Sm/Nd. The isotopic compositions of the basalts lie between those of Archean SCML and a more depleted end-member source, suggestive of contributions from at least two sources. The grouping of isotopic characteristics is compact compared to other regional volcanism, implying that the hybridization process is highly reproducible within the ESRP. Minor localized differences in isotopic composition may signify local variations in the relative proportions of the end-members. Trace element patterns also support genesis of the ESRP basalts from an enriched source. Our data detect evidence of deeper contributions derived from the garnet-stability field, and a greater affinity of the trace element signatures to plume sources than to sources in the mantle lithosphere. The Hf isotope and trace element characteristics of the ESRP basalts thus support a model of derivation from a deep mantle plume with additional melt contributions and isotopic overprinting from SCML.

Addition of granular activated carbon and trace elements to favor volatile fatty acid consumption during anaerobic digestion of food waste.

PubMed

Capson-Tojo, Gabriel; Moscoviz, Roman; Ruiz, Diane; Santa-Catalina, Gaëlle; Trably, Eric; Rouez, Maxime; Crest, Marion; Steyer, Jean-Philippe; Bernet, Nicolas; Delgenès, Jean-Philippe; Escudié, Renaud

2018-07-01

The effect of supplementing granular activated carbon and trace elements on the anaerobic digestion performance of consecutive batch reactors treating food waste was investigated. The results from the first batch suggest that addition of activated carbon favored biomass acclimation, improving acetic acid consumption and enhancing methane production. Adding trace elements allowed a faster consumption of propionic acid. A second batch proved that a synergy existed when activated carbon and trace elements were supplemented simultaneously. The degradation kinetics of propionate oxidation were particularly improved, reducing significantly the batch duration and improving the average methane productivities. Addition of activated carbon favored the growth of archaea and syntrophic bacteria, suggesting that interactions between these microorganisms were enhanced. Interestingly, microbial analyses showed that hydrogenotrophic methanogens were predominant. This study shows for the first time that addition of granular activated carbon and trace elements may be a feasible solution to stabilize food waste anaerobic digestion. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Gull-derived trace elements trigger small-scale contamination in a remote Mediterranean nature reserve.

PubMed

Signa, Geraldina; Mazzola, Antonio; Tramati, Cecilia Doriana; Vizzini, Salvatrice

2013-09-15

The role of a yellow-legged gull (Larus michahellis) small colony in conveying trace elements (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, THg, V, Zn) was assessed in a Mediterranean nature reserve (Marinello ponds) at various spatial and temporal scales. Trace element concentrations in guano were high and seasonally variable. In contrast, contamination in the ponds was not influenced by season but showed strong spatial variability among ponds, according to the different guano input. Biogenic enrichment factor B confirmed the role of gulls in the release of trace elements through guano subsidies. In addition, comparing trace element pond concentrations to the US NOAA's SQGs, As, Cu and Ni showed contamination levels associated with possible negative biological effects. Thus, this study reflects the need to take seabirds into account as key factors influencing ecological processes and contamination levels even in remote areas, especially around the Mediterranean, where these birds are abundant but overlooked. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Rare earth elements minimal harvest year variation facilitates robust geographical origin discrimination: The case of PDO "Fava Santorinis".

PubMed

Drivelos, Spiros A; Danezis, Georgios P; Haroutounian, Serkos A; Georgiou, Constantinos A

2016-12-15

This study examines the trace and rare earth elemental (REE) fingerprint variations of PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) "Fava Santorinis" over three consecutive harvesting years (2011-2013). Classification of samples in harvesting years was studied by performing discriminant analysis (DA), k nearest neighbours (κ-NN), partial least squares (PLS) analysis and probabilistic neural networks (PNN) using rare earth elements and trace metals determined using ICP-MS. DA performed better than κ-NN, producing 100% discrimination using trace elements and 79% using REEs. PLS was found to be superior to PNN, achieving 99% and 90% classification for trace and REEs, respectively, while PNN achieved 96% and 71% classification for trace and REEs, respectively. The information obtained using REEs did not enhance classification, indicating that REEs vary minimally per harvesting year, providing robust geographical origin discrimination. The results show that seasonal patterns can occur in the elemental composition of "Fava Santorinis", probably reflecting seasonality of climate. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Use of sediment-trace element geochemical models for the identification of local fluvial baseline concentrations

USGS Publications Warehouse

Horowitz, A.J.; Elrick, K.A.; Demas, C.R.; Demcheck, D.K.

1991-01-01

Studies have demonstrated the utility of fluvial bed sediment chemical data in assesing local water-quality conditions. However, establishing local background trace element levels can be difficult. Reference to published average concentrations or the use of dated cores are often of little use in small areas of diverse local petrology, geology, land use, or hydrology. An alternative approach entails the construction of a series of sediment-trace element predictive models based on data from environmentally diverse but unaffected areas. Predicted values could provide a measure of local background concentrations and comparison with actual measured concentrations could identify elevated trace elements and affected sites. Such a model set was developed from surface bed sediments collected nationwide in the United States. Tests of the models in a small Louisiana basin indicated that they could be used to establish local trace element background levels, but required recalibration to account for local geochemical conditions outside the range of samples used to generate the nationwide models.

Genome-Wide RNAi Ionomics Screen Reveals New Genes and Regulation of Human Trace Element Metabolism

PubMed Central

Malinouski, Mikalai; Hasan, Nesrin M.; Zhang, Yan; Seravalli, Javier; Lin, Jie; Avanesov, Andrei; Lutsenko, Svetlana; Gladyshev, Vadim N.

2017-01-01

Trace elements are essential for human metabolism and dysregulation of their homeostasis is associated with numerous disorders. Here we characterize mechanisms that regulate trace elements in human cells by designing and performing a genome-wide high-throughput siRNA/ionomics screen, and examining top hits in cellular and biochemical assays. The screen reveals high stability of the ionomes, especially the zinc ionome, and yields known regulators and novel candidates. We further uncover fundamental differences in the regulation of different trace elements. Specifically, selenium levels are controlled through the selenocysteine machinery and expression of abundant selenoproteins; copper balance is affected by lipid metabolism and requires machinery involved in protein trafficking and posttranslational modifications; and the iron levels are influenced by iron import and expression of the iron/heme-containing enzymes. Our approach can be applied to a variety of disease models and/or nutritional conditions, and the generated dataset opens new directions for studies of human trace element metabolism. PMID:24522796

Topical index and bibliography of U.S. Geological Survey Trace Elements and related reports

USGS Publications Warehouse

Curtis, Diane; Houser, Shirley S.

1952-01-01

Part 1, the topical index, lists the titles of reports prepared from 1941 to December 1952, in conjunction with the Geological Survey's program of uranium and other elements of related interest. It includes not only completed Trace Elements reports and those now in preparation, but also Survey publications, publications by Survey personnel in scientific journals, and open-fie releases. The titles are grouped topically under the headings listed in the table of contents. Entries in each category are listed alphabetically, by author, and numbered consecutively. Many of the reports have been cross-indexed, where appropriate. The classification of the Trace Elements reports, insofar as it is known, has been indicated after the title of the report. The classification of some of the earlier Trace Elements reports is uncertain. The Geological Survey does not have additional copies of most of the reports listed, but copies of some of the completed reports can be loaned on request to organizations officially cooperating with the Atomic Energy Commission. Many Trace Elements reports have been made available to the public, either by open-file release, reproduction by Technical Information Service, Oak Ridge (referred to as TIS), by publication as a Geological Survey circular or bulletin or by a publication in a scientific journal. This information is given, following the title of the report. If the abstract of a Trace Element report has been published in Nuclear Science Abstracts, it is noted by the initials NSA following the title of the report. Part 2 is a reference guide to information on the Trace Elements program that is available to the public. This information is categorized according to the type of publication or release.

Contributions of trace elements to the sea by small uncontaminated rivers: Effects of a water reservoir and a wastewater treatment plant.

PubMed

Álvarez-Vázquez, Miguel Ángel; Prego, Ricardo; Caetano, Miguel; De Uña-Álvarez, Elena; Doval, Maryló; Calvo, Susana; Vale, Carlos

2017-07-01

Trace element contributions from small rivers to estuaries is an issue barely addressed in the literature. In this work, freshwater flowing into the Ria of Cedeira (NW Iberian Peninsula) was studied during a hydrological year through the input from three rivers, one considered uncontaminated (the Das-Mestas River), a second affected by urban treated wastewater discharges (the Condomiñas River), and the third containing a water reservoir for urban supply (the Forcadas River). With the objective of assessing the possible influence of human pressure, the annual yields for selected trace elements (Al, Fe, As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Mn, Mo, Ni and Pb) were estimated and compared by normalizing by basin surface. Both dissolved and particulate transported elements were considered. After the data treatment and analysis it can be highlighted that: (i) the Das Mestas River is suitable to be included between the short European pristine baseline of small rivers, at least regarding the transported trace elements; (ii) natural enrichments were identified associated to the lithology of the basin in the Das-Mestas River (i.e. As) and in the Condomiñas River (i.e. Co, Cr and Ni); this fact highlights the importance of considering the local background for a proper assessment; (iii) the impoundment in the Forcadas River is related with a general decrease, even depletion, of the particulate and dissolved transported trace elements, except Mn; (iv) the discharge of sewage to the Condomiñas River is increasing the inputs to the ria of some trace elements in the particulate phase (i.e. Al, Cu and Pb). Both observed human-induced changes can be regarded as typical disturbances of trace element contributions from small rivers to estuaries. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Sampling strategy and analysis of trace element concentrations by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry on medieval human bones--the concept of chemical life history.

PubMed

Skytte, Lilian; Rasmussen, Kaare Lund

2013-07-30

Medieval human bones have the potential to reveal diet, mobility and treatment of diseases in the past. During the last two decades trace element chemistry has been used extensively in archaeometric investigations revealing such data. Many studies have reported the trace element inventory in only one sample from each skeleton - usually from the femur or a tooth. It cannot a priori be assumed that all bones or teeth in a skeleton will have the same trace element concentrations. Six different bone and teeth samples from each individual were carefully decontaminated by mechanical means. Following dissolution of ca. 20 mg sample in nitric acid and hydrogen peroxide the assays were performed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICPMS) with quadropole detection. We describe the precise sampling technique as well as the analytical methods and parameters used for the ICPMS analysis. The places of sampling in the human skeleton did exhibit varying trace element concentrations. Although the samples are contaminated by Fe, Mn and Al from the surrounding soil where the bones have been residing for more than 500 years, other trace elements are intact within the bones. It is shown that the elemental ratios Sr/Ca and Ba/Ca can be used as indicators of provenance. The differences in trace element concentrations can be interpreted as indications of varying diet and provenance as a function of time in the life of the individual - a concept which can be termed chemical life history. A few examples of the results of such analyses are shown, which contains information about provenance and diagenesis. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Assessment of Energetic Compounds, Semi-volatile Organic Compounds, and Trace Elements in Streambed Sediment and Stream Water from Streams Draining Munitions Firing Points and Impact Areas, Fort Riley, Kansas, 2007-08

USGS Publications Warehouse

Coiner, R.L.; Pope, L.M.; Mehl, H.E.

2010-01-01

An assessment of energetic compounds (explosive and propellant residues) and associated semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs) and trace elements in streambed sediment and stream water from streams draining munitions firing points and impact areas at Fort Riley, northeast Kansas, was performed during 2007-08 by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) in cooperation with the U.S. Army. Streambed sediment from 16 sampling sites and stream-water samples from 5 sites were collected at or near Fort Riley and analyzed for as many as 17 energetic compounds, 65 SVOCs, and 27 trace elements. None of the energetic compounds or SVOCs were detected in streambed sediment collected from sites within the Fort Riley Military Reservation. This may indicate that these compounds either are not transported from dispersal areas or that analytical methods are not sensitive enough to detect the small concentrations that may be transported. Concentrations of munitions-associated trace elements did not exceed sediment-quality guidelines recommended by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) and are not indicative of contamination of streambed sediment at selected streambed sampling sites, at least in regards to movement from dispersal areas. Analytical results of stream-water samples provided little evidence of contamination by energetic compounds, SVOCs, or associated trace elements. Perchlorate was detected in 19 of 20 stream-water samples at concentrations ranging from an estimated 0.057 to an estimated 0.236 ug/L (micrograms per liter) with a median concentration of an estimated 0.114 ug/L, substantially less than the USEPA Interim Health Advisory criterion (15 ug/L), and is in the range of documented background concentrations. Because of these small concentrations and possible natural sources (precipitation and groundwater), it is likely that the occurrence of perchlorate in stream water is naturally occurring, although a definitive identification of the source of perchlorate in stream water at Fort Riley is difficult. The only SVOCs detected in stream-water samples were bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate and di-n-butyl phthalate but at concentrations substantially less than the most stringent aquatic-life criteria established by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment. All trace element concentrations in stream-water samples were less than the most stringent aquatic-life criteria. The implication of these stream-water results is that contamination arising from firing-range activities, if it exists, is so small as to be nondetectable with current analytical methods or is not distinguishable from background concentrations for constituents that also are naturally occurring. Overall, the munitions-related constituents analyzed in streambed sediment and stream water, when detected, were at concentrations that were less than regulatory criteria

Marine chemistry of the permian phosphoria formation and basin, Southeast Idaho

USGS Publications Warehouse

Piper, D.Z.

2001-01-01

Major components in the Meade Peak Member of the Phosphoria Formation are apatite, dolomite, calcite, organic matter, and biogenic silica-a marine fraction; and aluminosilicate quartz debris-a terrigenous fraction. Samples from Enoch Valley, in southeast Idaho, have major element oxide abundances of Al2O3, Fe2O3, K2O, and TiO2 that closely approach the composition of the world shale average. Factor analysis further identifies the partitioning of several trace elements-Ba, Ga, Li, Sc, and Th and, at other sites in southeast Idaho and western Wyoming, B, Co, Cs, Hf, Rb, and Ta-totally into this fraction. Trace elements that fail to show such correlations or factor loadings include Ag, As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Mo, Ni, Se, the rare earth elements (REE), U, V, and Zn. Their terrigenous contribution is determined from minimum values of trace elements versus the terrigenous fraction. These minima too define trace element concentrations in the terrigenous fraction that approximately equal their concentrations in the world shale average. The marine fraction of trace elements represents the difference between the bulk trace element content of a sample and the terrigenous contribution. Of the trace elements enriched above a terrigenous contribution, Ag, Cr, Cu, Mo, and Se show strong loadings on the factor with an organic matter loading and U and the REE on the factor with a strong apatite loading. Cd, Ni, V, and Zn do not show a strong correlation with any of the marine components but are, nonetheless, strongly enriched above a terrigenous contribution. Interelement relationships between the trace elements identify two seawater sources-planktonic debris and basinal bottom water. Relationships between Cd, Cu, Mo, Zn, and possibly Ni and Se suggest a solely biogenic source. Their accumulation rates, and that of PO3-4, further identify the level of primary productivity as having been moderate and the residence time of water in the basin at 4.5 yr. Enrichments of Cr, U, V, and the REE, above both terrigenous and biogenic contributions, define bottom-water redox conditions as having been oxygen depleted, that is, denitrifying but not sulfate reducing.

New Developments in Hard X-ray Fluorescence Microscopy for In-situ Investigations of Trace Element Distributions in Aqueous Systems of Soil Colloids

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gleber, Sophie-Charlotte; Weinhausen, Britta; Köster, Sarah; Ward, Jesse; Vine, David; Finney, Lydia; Vogt, Stefan

2013-10-01

The distribution, binding and release of trace elements on soil colloids determine matter transport through the soil matrix, and necessitates an aqueous environment and short length and time scales for their study. However, not many microscopy techniques allow for that. We previously showed hard x-ray fluorescence microscopy capabilities to image aqueous colloidal soil samples [1]. As this technique provides attogram sensitivity for transition elements like Cu, Zn, and other geochemically relevant trace elements at sub micrometer spatial resolution (currently down to 150 nm at 2-ID-E [2]; below 50nm at Bionanoprobe, cf. G.Woloschak et al, this volume) combined with the capability to penetrate tens of micrometer of water, it is ideally suited for imaging the elemental content of soil colloids. To address the question of binding and release processes of trace elements on the surface of soil colloids, we developed a microfluidics based XRF flow cytometer, and expanded the applied methods of hard x-ray fluorescence microscopy towards three dimensional imaging. Here, we show (a) the 2-D imaged distributions of Si, K and Fe on soil colloids of Pseudogley samples; (b) how the trace element distribution is a dynamic, pH-dependent process; and (c) x-ray tomographic applications to render the trace elemental distributions in 3-D. We conclude that the approach presented here shows the remarkable potential to image and quantitate elemental distributions from samles within their natural aqueous microenvironment, particularly important in the environmental, medical, and biological sciences.

Trace Elements in Bed Sediments and Biota from Streams in the Santee River Basin and Coastal Drainages, North and South Carolina, 1995-97

Treesearch

Thomas A. Abrahamsen

1999-01-01

Bed-sediment and tissue samples were collected and analyzed for the presence of trace elements from 25 sites in the Santee River Basin and coastal drainages study area during 1995-97 as part of the U.S. Geological Survey's National Water-Quality Assessment Program, Sediment trace-element priority-pollutant concentrations were compared among streams draining water-...

Evaluating Crustal Contamination Effects On The Lithophile Trace Element Budget Of Shergottites, NWA 856 As A Test Case

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Brandon, A. D.; Ferdous, J.; Peslier, A. H.

2017-01-01

The issue of whether crustal contamination has affected the lithophile trace element budget of shergottites has been a point of contention for decades. The evaluation has focused on the enriched shergottite compositions as an outcome of crustal contamination of mantle-derived parent magmas or, alternatively, the compositions of these stones reflect an incompatible trace element (ITE) enriched mantle source.

Application of major and trace elements as well as boron isotopes for tracing hydrochemical processes: the case of Trifilia coastal karst aquifer, Greece

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Panagopoulos, G.

2009-09-01

The Trifilia karst aquifer presents a complex hydrochemical character due to the intricate geochemical processes that take place in the area. Their discernment was achieved by using the chemical analyses of major, trace elements and boron isotopes. Major ion composition indicates mixing between seawater and freshwater is occurring. Five hydrochemical zones corresponding to five respective groundwater types were distinguished, in which the chemical composition of groundwater is influenced mainly due to the different salinization grade of the aquifer. The relatively increased temperature of the aquifer indicates the presence of hydrothermal waters. Boron isotopes and trace elements indicate that the intruding seawater has been hydrothermally altered, as it is shown by the δ11B depleted signature and the increased concentrations of Li and Sr. Trace elements analyses showed that the groundwater is enriched in various metallic elements, which derive from the solid hydrocarbons (bitumens), contained in the carbonate sediments of the Tripolis zone. The concentration of these trace elements depends on the redox environment. Thus, in reductive conditions As, Mn, Co and NH4 concentrations are high, in oxidized conditions the V, Se, Mo, Tl and U concentration increases while Ni is not redox sensitive and present high concentration in both environments.

Essential trace elements and antioxidant status in relation to severity of HIV in Nigerian patients.

PubMed

Olaniyi, J A; Arinola, O G

2007-01-01

This study was designed to determine the plasma levels of some antioxidants and trace elements in three severity groups of HIV patients compared with non-HIV-infected controls. The plasma levels of antioxidants (total antioxidant, albumin, bilirubin and uric acid) and trace elements (Mg, Fe, Zn, Mn, Cu, Cr, Cd and Se) were estimated spectrophotometrically in controls and patients with CD4 counts of <200; 200-499 and > or =500 cells/microl. Uric acid and Zn were significantly higher, while vitamin E and all the trace elements (except Zn) were significantly lower in HIV-infected patients compared to healthy controls. The highest level of uric acid was observed in those with CD4 counts of <200 cells/microl. All the trace elements (except Zn) were higher in HIV subjects with a CD4 count of 200-499 cells/microl compared to >500 cells/microl. Only uric acid and Zn showed significant correlation with CD4 count. Based on the results of this study, we recommend routine assessment and appropriate supplementation of antioxidants/trace elements in HIV subjects. This supplementation is hoped to strengthen the immune system and reduce the adverse consequences of HIV- related oxidative stress. Copyright 2007 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Using lead isotopes and trace element records from two contrasting Lake Tanganyika sediment cores to assess watershed – Lake exchange

USGS Publications Warehouse

Odigie, Kingsley; Cohen, A.D.; Swarzenski, Peter W.; Flegal, R

2014-01-01

Lead isotopic and trace element records of two contrasting sediment cores were examined to reconstruct historic, industrial contaminant inputs to Lake Tanganyika, Africa. Observed fluxes of Co, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn in age-dated sediments collected from the lake varied both spatially and temporally over the past two to four centuries. The fluxes of trace elements were lower (up to 10-fold) at a mid-lake site (MC1) than at a nearshore site (LT-98-58), which is directly downstream from the Kahama and Nyasanga River watersheds and adjacent to the relatively pristine Gombe Stream National Park. Trace element fluxes at that nearshore site did not measurably change over the last two centuries (1815–1998), while the distal, mid-lake site exhibited substantial changes in the fluxes of trace elements – likely caused by changes in land use – over that period. For example, the flux of Pb increased by ∼300% from 1871 to 1991. That apparent accelerated weathering and detrital mobilization of lithogenic trace elements was further evidenced by (i) positive correlations (r = 0.77–0.99, p < 0.05) between the fluxes of Co, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn and those of iron (Fe) at both sites, (ii) positive correlations (r = 0.82–0.98, p < 0.01, n = 9) between the fluxes of elements (Al, Co, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn) and the mass accumulation rates at the offshore site, (iii) the low enrichment factors (EF < 5) of those trace elements, and (iv) the temporal consistencies of the isotopic composition of Pb in the sediment. These measurements indicate that accelerated weathering, rather than industrialization, accounts for most of the increases in trace element fluxes to Lake Tanganyika in spite of the development of mining and smelting operations within the lake’s watershed over the past century. The data also indicate that the mid-lake site is a much more sensitive and useful recorder of environmental changes than the nearshore site. Furthermore, the lead isotopic compositions of sediment at the sites differed spatially, indicating that the Pb (and other trace elements by association) originated from different natural sources at the two locations.

Trace element abundance determinations by Synchrotron X Ray Fluorescence (SXRF) on returned comet nucleus mineral grains

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Flynn, G. J.; Sutton, S. R.

1989-01-01

Trace element analyses were performed on bulk cosmic dust particles by Proton Induced X Ray Emission (PIXE) and Synchrotron X Ray Fluorescence (SXRF). When present at or near chondritic abundances the trace elements K, Ti, Cr, Mn, Cu, Zn, Ga, Ge, Se, and Br are presently detectable by SXRF in particles of 20 micron diameter. Improvements to the SXRF analysis facility at the National Synchrotron Light Source presently underway should increase the range of detectable elements and permit the analysis of smaller samples. In addition the Advanced Photon Source will be commissioned at Argonne National Laboratory in 1995. This 7 to 8 GeV positron storage ring, specifically designed for high-energy undulator and wiggler insertion devices, will be an ideal source for an x ray microprobe with one micron spatial resolution and better than 100 ppb elemental sensitivity for most elements. Thus trace element analysis of individual micron-sized grains should be possible by the time of the comet nucleus sample return mission.

The impact of lifestyle factors on age-related differences in hair trace element content in pregnant women in the third trimester.

PubMed

Skalny, Anatoly V; Tinkov, Alexey A; Voronina, Irina; Terekhina, Olga; Skalnaya, Margarita G; Bohan, Tatiana G; Agarkova, Lyubov A; Kovas, Yulia

2018-01-01

Trace elements play a significant role in the regulation of human reproduction, while advanced age may have a significant impact on trace element metabolism. The objective of the present study was to assess the impact of lifestyle factors on age-related differences in hair trace element content in pregnant women in the third trimester. A total of 124 pregnant women aged 20–29 (n = 72) and 30–39 (n = 52) were ex- amined. Scalp hair trace element content was assessed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry at NexION 300D (Perkin Elmer, USA) after microwave digestion. The results showed that the elder pregnant women had 36% (p = 0.009), 14% (p = 0.045), and 45% (p = 0.044) lower hair Zn, V, and Cd content, and 16% (p = 0.044) higher hair B levels – in comparison to the respective younger group values. Multiple regression analysis demonstrated that the age of the women had a significant influence on hair V and Zn levels. B content was also significantly influenced by age at first intercourse, smoking status, and specific dietary habits. None of the lifestyle factors were associated with hair Cd content in pregnant women. Hair V levels were also affected by following a special diet. Interestingly, alcohol intake did not have a significant impact on hair trace element content. These data indicate that lifestyle factors have a significant influence on age-related changes in hair trace elements during pregnancy that may impact the outcome of pregnancy.

Mapping Fifteen Trace Elements in Human Seminal Plasma and Sperm DNA.

PubMed

Ali, Sazan; Chaspoul, Florence; Anderson, Loundou; Bergé-Lefranc, David; Achard, Vincent; Perrin, Jeanne; Gallice, Philippe; Guichaoua, Marie

2017-02-01

Studies suggest a relationship between semen quality and the concentration of trace elements in serum or seminal plasma. However, trace elements may be linked to DNA and capable of altering the gene expression patterns. Thus, trace element interactions with DNA may contribute to the mechanisms for a trans-generational reproductive effect. We developed an analytical method to determine the amount of trace elements bound to the sperm DNA, and to estimate their affinity for the sperm DNA by the ratio: R = Log [metal concentration in the sperm DNA/metal concentration in seminal plasma]. We then analyzed the concentrations of 15 trace elements (Al, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Ti, V, Zn, As, Sb, and Se) in the seminal plasma and the sperm DNA in 64 normal and 30 abnormal semen specimens with Inductively Coupled Plasma/Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). This study showed all trace elements were detected in the seminal plasma and only metals were detected in the sperm DNA. There was no correlation between the metals' concentrations in the seminal plasma and the sperm DNA. Al had the highest affinity for DNA followed by Pb and Cd. This strong affinity is consistent with the known mutagenic effects of these metals. The lowest affinity was observed for Zn and Ti. We observed a significant increase of Al linked to the sperm DNA of patients with oligozoospermia and teratozoospermia. Al's reproductive toxicity might be due to Al linked to DNA, by altering spermatogenesis and expression patterns of genes involved in the function of reproduction.

Enhanced analgesic effects of tramadol and common trace element coadministration in mice.

PubMed

Alexa, Teodora; Marza, Aurelia; Voloseniuc, Tudor; Tamba, Bogdan

2015-10-01

Chronic pain is managed mostly by the daily administration of analgesics. Tramadol is one of the most commonly used drugs, marketed in combination with coanalgesics for enhanced effect. Trace elements are frequent ingredients in dietary supplements and may enhance tramadol's analgesic effect either through synergic mechanisms or through analgesic effects of their own. Swiss Weber male mice were divided into nine groups and were treated with a combination of the trace elements Mg, Mn, and Zn in three different doses and a fixed dose of tramadol. Two groups served as positive (tramadol alone) and negative (saline) controls. Nociceptive assessment by tail-flick (TF) and hot-plate (HP) tests was performed at baseline and at 15, 30, 45, and 60 min after intraperitoneal administration. Response latencies were recorded and compared with the aid of ANOVA testing. All three trace elements enhanced tramadol's analgesic effect, as assessed by TF and HP test latencies. Coadministration of these trace elements led to an increase of approximately 30% in the average pain inhibition compared with the tramadol-alone group. The most effective doses were 0.6 mg/kg b.w. for Zn, 75 mg/kg b.w. for Mg, and 7.2 mg/kg b.w. for Mn. Associating trace elements such as Zn, Mg, and Mn with the standard administration of tramadol increases the drug's analgesic effect, most likely a consequence of their synergic action. These findings impact current analgesic treatment because the addition of these trace elements may reduce the tramadol dose required to obtain analgesia. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Trace elements in stormflow, ash, and burned soil following the 2009 station fire in southern California

USGS Publications Warehouse

Burton, Carmen; Hoefen, Todd M.; Plumlee, Geoffrey S.; Baumberger, Katherine L.; Backlin, Adam R.; Gallegos, Elizabeth; Fisher, Robert N.

2016-01-01

Most research on the effects of wildfires on stream water quality has focused on suspended sediment and nutrients in streams and water bodies, and relatively little research has examined the effects of wildfires on trace elements. The purpose of this study was two-fold: 1) to determine the effect of the 2009 Station Fire in the Angeles National Forest northeast of Los Angeles, CA on trace element concentrations in streams, and 2) compare trace elements in post-fire stormflow water quality to criteria for aquatic life to determine if trace elements reached concentrations that can harm aquatic life. Pre-storm and stormflow water-quality samples were collected in streams located inside and outside of the burn area of the Station Fire. Ash and burned soil samples were collected from several locations within the perimeter of the Station Fire. Filtered concentrations of Fe, Mn, and Hg and total concentrations of most trace elements in storm samples were elevated as a result of the Station Fire. In contrast, filtered concentrations of Cu, Pb, Ni, and Se and total concentrations of Cu were elevated primarily due to storms and not the Station Fire. Total concentrations of Se and Zn were elevated as a result of both storms and the Station Fire. Suspended sediment in stormflows following the Station Fire was an important transport mechanism for trace elements. Cu, Pb, and Zn primarily originate from ash in the suspended sediment. Fe primarily originates from burned soil in the suspended sediment. As, Mn, and Ni originate from both ash and burned soil. Filtered concentrations of trace elements in stormwater samples affected by the Station Fire did not reach levels that were greater than criteria established for aquatic life. Total concentrations for Fe, Pb, Ni, and Zn were detected at concentrations above criteria established for aquatic life.

Trace Elements in Stormflow, Ash, and Burned Soil following the 2009 Station Fire in Southern California

PubMed Central

Burton, Carmen A.; Hoefen, Todd M.; Plumlee, Geoffrey S.; Baumberger, Katherine L.; Backlin, Adam R.; Gallegos, Elizabeth; Fisher, Robert N.

2016-01-01

Most research on the effects of wildfires on stream water quality has focused on suspended sediment and nutrients in streams and water bodies, and relatively little research has examined the effects of wildfires on trace elements. The purpose of this study was two-fold: 1) to determine the effect of the 2009 Station Fire in the Angeles National Forest northeast of Los Angeles, CA on trace element concentrations in streams, and 2) compare trace elements in post-fire stormflow water quality to criteria for aquatic life to determine if trace elements reached concentrations that can harm aquatic life. Pre-storm and stormflow water-quality samples were collected in streams located inside and outside of the burn area of the Station Fire. Ash and burned soil samples were collected from several locations within the perimeter of the Station Fire. Filtered concentrations of Fe, Mn, and Hg and total concentrations of most trace elements in storm samples were elevated as a result of the Station Fire. In contrast, filtered concentrations of Cu, Pb, Ni, and Se and total concentrations of Cu were elevated primarily due to storms and not the Station Fire. Total concentrations of Se and Zn were elevated as a result of both storms and the Station Fire. Suspended sediment in stormflows following the Station Fire was an important transport mechanism for trace elements. Cu, Pb, and Zn primarily originate from ash in the suspended sediment. Fe primarily originates from burned soil in the suspended sediment. As, Mn, and Ni originate from both ash and burned soil. Filtered concentrations of trace elements in stormwater samples affected by the Station Fire did not reach levels that were greater than criteria established for aquatic life. Total concentrations for Fe, Pb, Ni, and Zn were detected at concentrations above criteria established for aquatic life. PMID:27144270

U.S. Geological Survey Trace Elements and related reports through 1953

USGS Publications Warehouse

Wallace, Jane H.; Blatcher, Virginia K.; Smith, Harriet B.

1954-01-01

This report combines and brings up-to-date the information previously given in Trace Elements Investigations Report 325, "Numerical list of U.S. Geological Survey Trace Elements Reports to April 30, 1953," and Trace Elements Investigations Report 301, "Topical index and bibliography of U.S. Geological Survey Trace Elements and related reports." Part I is a numerical list of U.S. Geological Survey Trace Elements Investigations and Memorandum reports. It supersedes TEI-325. This part lists not only reports (followed by a date) that have been transmitted to the U.S. Atomic Energy Commission, but also reports in preparation (followed by an asterisk) for which tentative titles were available on December 31, 1953. Reports that have been published are indicated by the abbreviation of the medium of publication. (See also part II.) Part II is a reference guide to Trace Elements and related reports that are available to the public; this part supersedes Part 2 of the TEI-301 (published as Geological survey Circular 281). These reports are grouped according to the type of publication or release. Abstracts published in Nuclear Science Abstracts are not included in Part II, although certain TEI and TEM reports, the abstracts of which have been published in NSA, are so indicated in Part I. Publications in process on December 31, 1953, are designated by an asterisk. Part III is a finding list of states, areas, and subjects. It is based on information derived mostly from the titles of reports and, where titles are of a general nature, from a cursory review of the reports. This list is not a complete index of the information given in Trace Elements and related reports, but is designed to find subjects of major interest. Because of the numerous entries for Colorado and Utah, information has been listed by counties and, where possible, by subject under these states. Other states have county listings only if a county is included in the title of a report; otherwise, areas may be listed separately under the state. Major subjects are listed separately in the index and also where appropriate under states. Analytical methods and subjects related to analytical research are listed under Analytical Methods and Research, but not separately throughout the index. Most mineralogic studies are included under the heading Mineralogy, but are not necessarily listed according to location. Part IV is a finding list of authors. The words “with” and “and” are used to indicate seniority of authorship. For example, a listing of Jones and Brown indicates that Jones is the senior author. A listing of Jones with Brown indicates that Brown is the senior author. In both parts III and IV all Trace Elements reports are listed, as well as other related reports that have not been issued as Trace Elements reports. The following standard abbreviations have been used: TEI, Trace Elements Investigations report; TEM, Trace Elements Memorandum report; P, Professional Paper; B, Bulletin; C, Circular; J, Journal; OF, open file; TIS, Technical Information Service release; NSA, Nuclear Science Abstracts; QM, Quadrangle Map Series; and OM, Oil and Gas map or Mineral Investigations map or report.

Lithospheric heterogeneity beneath the EARS interpreted from major and trace element analyses of mafic rocks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hamblock, J.; Anthony, E.; Omenda, P.; Chesley, J.

2003-04-01

We report chemical analyses for tholeiites from the axial region of the EARS and tholeiites and basanites from the Chyulu Hills Volcanic Province (CHVP), located on the SE flank of the Kenya Rift. The purpose of the study is to: i) explore contrasts in lithospheric composition from the axial region, where seismic velocities imply high temperatures and presence of melt at shallow depths, to the flanks, where geophysical studies indicate thick lithosphere and a zone of partial melt centered under the CHVP (Ritter and Kaspar, 1997, Tectonophysics 278, 149-169). ii) investigate plume components and plume-lithosphere interactions in the different settings. This study complements the characterization of lithosphere along the axis of the Rift by MacDonald et al. (2001, J. Petrol. 42, 877-900) and the study of temporal evolution of the CHVP by Späth et al. (2001, J. Petrol. 42, 765-787). Basanites within the CHVP are similar to OIB in their trace-element patterns, but with a pronounced negative K-anomaly. Späth et al. attribute this anomaly to melting of a lithospheric mantle source containing amphibole. They postulate, based on radiogenic isotopes (Sr, Pb, Nd), recent metasomatism due to interaction of the lithosphere with the EARS plume. High La/Yb suggests a source within the garnet-peridotite field. Tholeiites from the CHVP are distinct in trace-element chemistry from basanites, with flatter multi-element patterns and generally lower elemental concentrations. The CHVP tholeiites have La/Yb indicative of a spinel peridotite source. The role of crustal contamination for tholeiites remains open; however, substantial evidence exists for lithospheric heterogeneity beneath the CHVP. Axial lavas show similar elemental behavior as the CHVP: basanites have negative K-anomalies (MacDonald et al., 2001), whereas tholeiites do not. Tholeiites have flat multi-element patterns with low overall concentrations, similar to those from the CHVP, with one significant difference tholeiites from the axial region have variable and high concentrations of Ba, K, and Ta, which may represent a more pervasive plume component. The Mg-number of lavas from the axial region are significantly lower than lavas in the CHVP, suggesting greater degrees of crystal fractionation and potentially longer residence times in crustal magma chambers. In conclusion, evidence exists in both areas for lithospheric mantle heterogeneity, but in both areas the elemental signature is highly correlated to silica saturation. For a given group of lavas of similar silica saturation, the elemental patterns are similar from the axis to the flank. This observation implies that there are not strong lateral contrasts in lithospheric composition across the EARS.

Investigation of trace elements in ancient pottery from Jenini, Brong Ahafo region, Ghana by INAA and Compton suppression spectrometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nyarko, B. J. B.; Bredwa-Mensah, Y.; Serfor-Armah, Y.; Dampare, S. B.; Akaho, E. H. K.; Osae, S.; Perbi, A.; Chatt, A.

2007-10-01

Concentrations of trace elements in ancient pottery excavated from Jenini in the Brong Ahafo region of Ghana were determined using instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) in conjunction with both conventional and Compton suppression counting. Jenini was a slave Camp of Samory Toure during the indigenous slavery and the Trans-Atlantic slave trade. Pottery fragments found during the excavation of the grave tombs of the slaves who died in the slave camps were analysed. In all, 26 trace elements were determined in 40 pottery fragments. These elemental concentrations were processed using multivariate statistical methods, cluster, factor and discriminant analyses in order to determine similarities and correlation between the various samples. The suitability of the two counting systems for determination of trace elements in pottery objects has been evaluated.

Environmental influence on trace element levels in human hair

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Limic, N.; Valkovic, V.

1986-12-01

Trace element content of human hair depends on many factors. It has been shown by a large number of investigators that environmental factors play an important role. Elements from air particulates, water, shampoo or other media get incorporated into the hair structure. Here a model is proposed in which different contributions to trace element levels in human hair are factorized and the environmental contribution to the radial and longitudinal concentration profiles can be calculated. With the proper understanding of environmental contamination, hair analysis has better chances of being used as a diagnostic tool.

Trace element biomonitoring using mosses in urban areas affected by mud volcanoes around Mt. Etna. The case of the Salinelle, Italy.

PubMed

Bonanno, Giuseppe; Lo Giudice, Rosa; Pavone, Pietro

2012-08-01

Trace element impact was assessed using mosses in a densely inhabited area affected by mud volcanoes. Such volcanoes, locally called Salinelle, are phenomena that occur around Mt. Etna (Sicily, Italy) and are interpreted as the surface outflow of a hydrothermal system located below Mt. Etna, releasing sedimentary fluids (hydrocarbons and NaCl brines) along with magmatic gases (mainly CO(2) and He). To date, scarce data are available about the presence of trace elements, and no biomonitoring campaigns are reported about the cumulative effects of such emissions. In this study, concentrations of Al, As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Mn, Ni, Pb, V, and Zn were detected in the moss Bryum argenteum, in soil and water. Results showed that the trace element contribution of the Salinelle to the general pollution was significant for Al, Mn, Ni, and Zn. The comparison of trace concentrations in mosses from Salinelle and Etna showed that the mud volcanoes release a greater amount of Al and Mn, whereas similar values of Ni were found. Natural emissions of trace elements could be hazardous in human settlements, in particular, the Salinelle seem to play an important role in environmental pollution.

Intercropping with white lupin (Lupinus albus L.); a promising tool for phytoremediation and phytomining research

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wiche, Oliver; Székely, Balazs; Moschner, Christin; Heilmeier, Hermann

2015-04-01

In recent studies root-soil interactions of white lupine (Lupinus albus L.) have drawn special attention to researchers due to its particularly high potential to increase bioavailability of phosphorous (P) and trace nutrients in soils. In mixed cultures, white lupine has the ability to mobilize P and trace nutrients in soil in excess of its own need and make this excess available for other intercropped companion species. While improved acquisition of P and improved yield parameters have mostly been documented in cereal-lupine intercrops, compared to sole crops, only a few recent studies have evidenced similar effects for trace elements e.g. Fe, Zn and Mn. In this preliminary study we tried to obtain more information about the mobilization of trace elements due to intercropping under field conditions. We hypothesize, that processes that lead to a better acquisition of trace nutrients might also affect other trace elements what could be useful for phytoremediation and phytomining research. Here we report the results of a semi-field experiment were we investigated the effects of an intercropping of white lupine with oat (Avena sativa L.) on the concentrations of trace metals in shoots of oat. We investigated the effects on 12 trace elements, including 4 elements with relevance for plant nutrition (P, Fe, Mn, Zn) and 8 trace elements, belonging to the group of metalloids, lanthanides and actinides with high relevance in phytoremediation (Cd, Pb Th, U) and phytomining research (Sc, La, Nd, Ge). The experiment was carried out on a semi-field lysimer at the off-site soil recycling and remediation center in Hirschfeld (Saxony, Germany). To test the intercropping-dependent mobilization of trace metals in soil and enhanced uptake of elements by oat, white lupine and oat were cultivated on 20 plots (4 m² each) in monocultures and mixed cultures and two different white lupin /oat-ratios (11% and 33%, respectively) applying various treatments. The geometrical arrangement of plots was randomized and every treatment was fivefold replicated. Soil solution was collected weekly with plastic suction cups. Concentrations of trace metals in shoots of oat and soil solution were measured with ICP-MS. As a result, we found that both, concentrations of trace elements in oat plants, as well as the mobility of P and trace metals in soil solution was increased by an intercropping with white lupine. Mixed culture of oat with 11% white lupin significantly increased the concentrations of the trace nutrients Fe, Mn and Zn, as well as the concentrations of the trace metals Pb, La, Nd, Sc, Th and U in tissues of oat. Surprisingly, mixed cultures with 33 % white lupin did not significantly affect trace metal concentrations in oat, what might be the consequence of an increasing competition of roots of white lupin and oat for nutrients and trace metals. In conclusion we found that mixed cultures of white lupin with cereals might be a powerful tool for enhanced phytoremediation and phytomining. However, processes involved in the physiochemical mechanism of element uptake as affected by the oat/white lupin co-cultivation remain unknown and further studies on this topic are planned. These studies have been carried out in the framework of the PhytoGerm project, financed by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research, Germany. The authors are grateful to students and laboratory assistants contributing in the field work and sample preparation.

In Situ Trace Element Measurements on Roda and the Origin of Diogenites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mittlefehldt, David W.; Herrin, J. S.

2011-01-01

The origin of diogenites remains poorly understood. A recent model interprets many diogenites to have been formed from melts that were derived by remelting initial magma ocean cumulates, and these penultimate parent melts were then contaminated by melts derived from remelting of the basaltic (eucritic) crust to form the ultimate diogenite parent melts [1] (hereafter the remelting model). This is a very complicated petrogenesis that has profound implications for the geological evolution of 4 Vesta if correct. This model was developed based on trace element analyses of bulk rock samples that had been leached in acids to remove phosphates; the compositions of the residues were interpreted to be close to those of cumulus orthopyroxenes plagioclase, chromite and olivine [1]. In situ measurements of phases in diogenites can be used to test this model. We have begun a campaign of laser ablation ICP-MS of orthopyroxene grains in diogenites for this purpose. Here we report our first results on one diogenite, Roda. We have determined a suite of trace lithophile elements on nine, mm-sized pyroxene grains separated from Roda that have previously been studied [2, 3]. A key observation supporting the remelting model is the very low Eu/Eu* of leached residues; values too low to represent orthopyroxene that crystallized from melts with chondritic Sm/Eu and Gd/Eu [1]. (Eu* = Eu interpolated from REE diagrams.) Crustal remelts have low Sm/Eu and Gd/Eu, and orthopyroxenes that crystallized from parent melts contaminated by them would have very low Eu/Eu* [1]. Roda grains have Eu/Eu* of 0.243 to 0.026; the latter a value lower than any measured on bulk diogenite leached residues (0.041) [1]. There is a general negative correlation between Eu/Eu* and some incompatible elements (Zr, Nb, Hf), but not others (LREE). This appears inconsistent with the remelting model as it would suggest an evolving parent melt with La de-creasing as Zr increased and Eu/Eu* decreased. Grain R-15 includes trace-element-rich trapped melt phases [2, 3]. This grain has the highest Eu/Eu* and LREE contents, indicating that the trapped melt had a high Eu/Eu*. Thus, our first data on one diogenite do not provide support for the remelting model [1]. Roda is unusual in that its orthopyroxene grains show wide ranges in trace element contents [4]. Previous in situ REE analyses of grain R-15 did not reveal evidence for subsolidus equilibration with trace-element-rich trapped melt phases, and led to the suggestion that Roda may be polymict, with different grains representing different lithologies of diverse compositions [3]. Thus, based on our results on Roda, it is perhaps premature to abandon the remelting model. In situ measurements on a suite of diogenites is planned to further address this issue.

Sources and controls for the mobility of arsenic in oxidizing groundwaters from loess-type sediments in arid/semi-arid dry climates - evidence from the Chaco-Pampean plain (Argentina).

PubMed

Nicolli, Hugo B; Bundschuh, Jochen; García, Jorge W; Falcón, Carlos M; Jean, Jiin-Shuh

2010-11-01

In oxidizing aquifers, arsenic (As) mobilization from sediments into groundwater is controlled by pH-dependent As desorption from and dissolution of mineral phases. If climate is dry, then the process of evaporative concentration contributes further to the total concentration of dissolved As. In this paper the principal As mobility controls under these conditions have been demonstrated for Salí River alluvial basin in NW Argentina (Tucumán Province; 7000 km(2)), which is representative for other basins or areas of the predominantly semi-arid Chaco-Pampean plain (1,000,000 km(2)) which is one of the world's largest regions affected by high As concentrations in groundwater. Detailed hydrogeochemical studies have been performed in the Salí River basin where 85 groundwater samples from shallow aquifers (42 samples), deep samples (26 samples) and artesian aquifers (17 samples) have been collected. Arsenic concentrations range from 11.4 to 1660 μg L(-1) leaving 100% of the investigated waters above the provisional WHO guideline value of 10 μg L(-1). A strong positive correlation among As, F, and V in shallow groundwaters was found. The correlations among those trace elements and U, B and Mo have less significance. High pH (up to 9.2) and high bicarbonate (HCO(3)) concentrations favour leaching from pyroclastic materials, including volcanic glass which is present to 20-25% in the loess-type aquifer sediments and yield higher trace element concentrations in groundwater from shallow aquifers compared to deep and artesian aquifers. The significant increase in minor and trace element concentrations and salinity in shallow aquifers is related to strong evaporation under semi-arid climatic conditions. Sorption of As and associated minor and trace elements (F, U, B, Mo and V) onto the surface of Fe-, Al- and Mn-oxides and oxi-hydroxides, restricts the mobilization of these elements into groundwater. Nevertheless, this does not hold in the case of the shallow unconfined groundwaters with high pH and high concentrations of potential competitors for adsorption sites (HCO(3), V, P, etc.). Under these geochemical conditions, desorption of the above mentioned anions and oxyanions occurs as a key process for As mobilization, resulting in an increase of minor and trace element concentrations. These geochemical processes that control the concentrations of dissolved As and other trace elements and which determine the groundwater quality especially in the shallow aquifers, are comparable to other areas with high As concentrations in groundwater of oxidizing aquifers and semi-arid or arid climate, which are found in many parts of the world, such as the western sectors of the USA, Mexico, northern Chile, Turkey, Mongolia, central and northern China, and central and northwestern Argentina. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

[Contents of macromineral and trace elements in spirulina (Arthrospira platensis) from France, Chad, Togo, Niger, Mali, Burkina-Faso and Central African Republic].

PubMed

Vicat, Jean-Paul; Doumnang Mbaigane, Jean-Claude; Bellion, Yves

2014-01-01

Data on mineral elements in spirulinas being limited, we analyzed macrominerals and trace elements of samples from France and Africa. Spirulinas cultivated in France have a composition in macromineral elements similar to those of the literature. The entire contents of trace elements are low. Unlike marine cyanobacteria, they do not concentrate rare-earth elements. Spirulina harvested in Chad has high levels in macrominerals and trace elements, due to traditional drying and harvesting methods. Rare-earth element levels are attributed to this pollution and not to their concentration in spirulinas, because rare-earth element normalized profiles of spirulina are strictly parallel to those of ouadis mud and very different from those of ouadis water. Despite the sometimes high content of total As, normal water consumption in Chad presents no health problems. Spirulinas grown in Togo, Niger, Mali, Burkina-Faso and Central African Republic have chemical compositions similar to those of Chad spirulinas, but with a lower content of macromineral and trace elements, reflecting a lower mineral pollution. Rare-earth element normalized patterns dismiss an aeolian pollution and the pollution is rather of pedological origin. They show no toxicity problem except spirulinas from Burkina-Faso, whose Pb content is too high. The variability of composition of spirulinas can be largely attributed to the mineral pollution of the samples. Significant levels of rare-earth elements sometimes found in the literature reflect this pollution. Copyright © 2013 Académie des sciences. Published by Elsevier SAS. All rights reserved.

Analysis of high-purity germanium dioxide by ETV-ICP-AES with preliminary concentration of trace elements.

PubMed

Medvedev, Nickolay S; Shaverina, Anastasiya V; Tsygankova, Alphiya R; Saprykin, Anatoly I

2016-08-01

The paper presents a combined technique of germanium dioxide analysis by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES) with preconcentration of trace elements by distilling off matrix and electrothermal (ETV) introduction of the trace elements concentrate into the ICP. Evaluation of metrological characteristics of the developed technique of high-purity germanium dioxide analysis was performed. The limits of detection (LODs) for 25 trace elements ranged from 0.05 to 20ng/g. The accuracy of proposed technique is confirmed by "added-found" («or spiking») experiment and comparing the results of ETV-ICP-AES and ICP-AES analysis of high purity germanium dioxide samples. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

A soil sampling reference site: the challenge in defining reference material for sampling.

PubMed

de Zorzi, Paolo; Barbizzi, Sabrina; Belli, Maria; Fajgelj, Ales; Jacimovic, Radojko; Jeran, Zvonka; Sansone, Umberto; van der Perk, Marcel

2008-11-01

In the frame of the international SOILSAMP project, funded and coordinated by the Italian Environmental Protection Agency, an agricultural area was established as a reference site suitable for performing soil sampling inter-comparison exercises. The reference site was characterized for trace element content in soil, in terms of the spatial and temporal variability of their mass fraction. Considering that the behaviour of long-lived radionuclides in soil can be expected to be similar to that of some stable trace elements and that the distribution of these trace elements in soil can simulate the distribution of radionuclides, the reference site characterised in term of trace elements, can be also used to compare the soil sampling strategies developed for radionuclide investigations.

Pituitary gland levels of mercury, selenium, iron, and zinc in an Alzheimer`s disease study

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Cornett, C.R.; Markesbery, W.R.; Wekstein, D.R.

1996-12-31

Mercury, iron, selenium, and zinc imbalances have been observed in comparisons between Alzheimer`s disease (AD) and control subject brains. Analyses of the pituitary gland have demonstrated that this organ retains relatively high concentrations of trace elements, including mercury, iron, and zinc. Our previous work has shown that the pituitary glands of AD and control subjects are typically higher in these trace elements than brain samples from the same subject. Instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) was used to compare the pituitary trace element levels of AD and control subjects. This study also describes the intrasubject relationships of brain trace element levelsmore » to those in the pituitary gland of AD and control subjects.« less

Passive degassing at Nyiragongo (D.R. Congo) and Etna (Italy) volcanoes: the chemical characterization of the emissions and assessment of their uptake of trace elements emissions on the local environment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Calabrese, Sergio; Scaglione, Sarah; Milazzo, Silvia; D'Alessandro, Walter; Bobrowski, Nicole; Giuffrida, Giovanni; Tedesco, Dario; Parello, Francesco

2014-05-01

Volcanoes are well known as an impressive large natural source of trace elements into the troposphere. Among others, Etna (Italy) and Nyiragongo (D.R. Congo), two noteworthy emitters on Earth, are two stratovolcanoes located in different geological settings, both characterized by persistent passive degassing from their summit craters. Here, we present some results on trace element composition in volcanic plume emissions, atmospheric bulk deposition (rainwater) and their uptake of the surrounding vegetation, with the aim to compare and identify differences and similarities between this these two volcanoes. Volcanic emissions were sampled by using active filter-pack for acid gases (sulfur and halogens) and specific teflon filters for particulates (major and trace elements). The impact of the volcanogenic deposition in the surrounding of the crater rims was investigated by using different sampling techniques: bulk rain collectors gauges were used to collect atmospheric bulk deposition, and biomonitoring technique was carried out to collect gases and particulates by using endemic plant species. Concentrations of major and trace elements of volcanic plume emissions (gases and particulates) were obtained by elution and microwave digestion of the collected filters: sulfur and halogens were determined by ion chromatography and ICP-MS, and untreated filters for particulate were acid digested and analysed by ICP-OES and ICP-MS. Rain water and plant samples were also analysed for major and trace elements by using ICP-OES and ICP-MS. In total 55 elements were determined. The estimates of the trace element fluxes confirm that Etna and Nyiragongo are large sources of metals to the atmosphere, especially considering their persistent state of passive degassing. In general, chemical composition of the volcanic aerosol particles of both volcanoes is characterized by two main components: one is related to the silicic component produced by magma bursting and fragmentation, enriching the plume in Si, Al, Fe, Ti, Mg, Ca, Na, K and other trace elements like Ni, Cr, Co, Th and U; another one components, is dominated by volatile trace elements (As, Bi, Cd, Cu, Hg, Se, Te, Tl) related to the gas volatile phase (H2O, CO2, SO2, HCl, HF) and transported to the atmosphere mainly as hydro-soluble salts and/or in gaseous form in some cases. The large amount of emitted trace elements have a strong impact on the close surrounding of both volcanoes. This is clearly reflected by in the chemical composition of rain water collected at the summit areas both for Etna and Nyiragongo. In fact, rain water samples have low pH values (<2) and high concentrations of dissolved toxic metals. Moreover, the biomonitoring results highlight that bioaccumulation of trace elements is extremely high in the proximity of the crater rim and decreases with the distance from the active craters. In particular, we found a good correlation between volatile elements (Tl, As, Bi, Cd, Se, Cu) concentrations in the leaves of Senecio species collected in on both volcanoes, showing a clear influence of volcanic deposition.

Peat Bog Archives: from human history, vegetation change and Holocene climate, to atmospheric dusts and trace elements of natural and anthropogenic origin

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shotyk, William

2010-05-01

For at least two centuries, peat has been recognized as an excellent archive of environmental change. William Rennie (1807), for example, interpreted stratigraphic changes in Scottish bogs not only in terms of natural changes in paleoclimate, but was also able to identify environmental changes induced by humans, namely deforestation and the hydrological impacts which result from such activities. The use of bogs as archives of climate change in the early 20th century was accelerated by studies of fossil plant remains such as those by Lewis in Scotland, and by systematic investigations of pollen grains pioneered by von Post in Sweden. In Denmark, Glob outlined the remarkably well-preserved remains of bog bodies and associated artefacts (of cloth, wood, ceramic and metal) in Danish bogs. In Britain, Godwin provided an introduction to the use of bogs as archives of human history, vegetation change, and Holocene climate, with a more recent survey provided by Charman. Recent decades have provided many mineralogical studies of peat and there is growing evidence that many silicate minerals, whether derived from the surrounding watershed or the atmosphere (soil-derived dusts and particles emitted from volcanoes), also are well preserved in anoxic peatland waters. Similarly, geochemical studies have shown that a long list of trace metals, of both natural and anthropogenic origin, also are remarkably well preserved in peat bogs. Thus, there is growing evidence that ombrotrophic (ie 'rain-fed') peat bogs are reliable archives of atmospheric deposition of a wide range of trace elements, including conservative, lithogenic metals such as Al, Sc, Ti, Y, Zr, Hf and the REE, but also the potentially toxic Class B, or 'heavy metals' such as Cu, Ag, Hg, Pb, Sb and Tl. When high quality measurements of these elements is combined with accurate radiometric age dating, it becomes possible to create high resolution reconstructions of atmospheric soil dust fluxes, ancient and modern metal pollution, and Holocene climate change.

Trace Element Analysis of Biological Samples.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Veillon, Claude

1986-01-01

Reviews background of atomic absorption spectrometry techniques. Discusses problems encountered and precautions to be taken in determining trace elements in the parts-per-billion concentration range and below. Concentrates on determining chromium in biological samples by graphite furnace atomic absorption. Considers other elements, matrices, and…

Trace elements in streambed sediments of small subtropical streams on O'ahu, Hawai'i: Results from the USGS NAWQA program

USGS Publications Warehouse

De Carlo, E. H.; Tomlinson, M.S.; Anthony, S.S.

2005-01-01

Data are presented for trace element concentrations determined in the <63 ??m fraction of streambed sediment samples collected at 24 sites on the island of O'ahu, Hawai'i. Sampling sites were classified as urban, agricultural, mixed (urban/agricultural), or forested based on their dominant land use, although the mixed land use at selected sampling sites consisted of either urban and agricultural or forested and agricultural land uses. Forest dominated sites were used as reference sites for calculating enrichment factors. Trace element concentrations were compared to concentrations from studies conducted in the conterminous United States using identical methods and to aquatic-life guidelines provided by the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment. A variety of elements including Pb, Cr, Cu and Zn exceeded the aquatic-life guidelines in selected samples. All of the Cr and Zn values and 16 of 24 Cu values exceeded their respective guidelines. The potential toxicity of elements exceeding guidelines, however, should be considered in the context of strong enrichments of selected trace elements attributable to source rocks in Hawai'i, as well as in the context of the abundance of fine-grained sediment in the streambed of O'ahu streams. Statistical methods including cluster analysis, Kruskal-Wallis non-parametric test, correlation analysis, and principal component analysis (PCA) were used to evaluate differences and elucidate relationships between trace elements and sites. Overall, trace element distributions and abundances can be correlated to three principal sources of elements. These include basaltic rocks of the volcanic edifice (Fe, Al, Ni, Co, Cr, V and Cu), carbonate/seawater derived elements (Mg, Ca, Na and Sr), and elements enriched owing to anthropogenic activity (P, Sn, Cd, Sn, Ba and Pb). Anthropogenic enrichment gradients were observed for Ba, Cd, Pb, Sn and Zn in the four streams in which sediments were collected upstream and downstream. The findings of this study are generally similar to but differ slightly from previous work on sediments and suspended particulate matter in streams, from two urban watersheds of O'ahu, Hawai'i. Inter-element associations in the latter were often stronger and indicated a mixture of anthropogenic, agricultural and basaltic sources of trace elements. Some elements fell into different statistical categories in the two studies, owing in part to differences in study design and the hydrogeological constraints on the respective study areas.

Trace element bias in the use of CO2 vents as analogues for low pH environments: Implications for contamination levels in acidified oceans

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vizzini, S.; Di Leonardo, R.; Costa, V.; Tramati, C. D.; Luzzu, F.; Mazzola, A.

2013-12-01

Research into the effects of ocean acidification on marine ecosystems has increasingly focused on natural CO2 vents, although their intrinsic environmental complexity means observations from these areas may not relate exclusively to pH gradients. In order to assess trace element levels and distribution in the Levante Bay (Vulcano Island, NE Sicily, Italy) and its suitability for studying biological effects of pH decline, Ba, Fe and trace elements (As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Hg, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, V and Zn) in sediment were analysed from 7 transects. Where present, Cymodocea nodosa leaves and epiphytes were also analysed. At the spatial scale of the bay, trace element concentrations in sediments and biota showed wide variability, possibly related to both input from fluid emissions and seawater physico-chemical variables (i.e. pH and Eh), which may considerably affect the solubility and bioavailability of potentially harmful trace elements. According to two pollution indices (MSPI: Marine Sediment Pollution Index and SQG-Q: Sediment Quality Guideline Quotient), the bay can be considered to be affected by low contamination with moderate potential for adverse biological effects, especially in the area between about 150 and 350 m from the primary vent, where localized detrimental effects on biota may occur. Generally, biological samples showed concentrations that were comparable with the lower values of seagrass ranges. The overall results of this study support the complex spatial dynamics of trace elements in the CO2 vent studied, which are constrained by both direct input from the vent and/or biogeochemical processes affecting element precipitation at the sediment-seawater interface. Consequently, great caution should be used when relating biological changes along pH gradients to the unifactorial effect of pH only, as interactions with concurrent, multiple stressors, including trace element enrichments, may occur. This finding has implications for the use of CO2 vents as analogues in ocean acidification research. They should be considered more appropriately as analogues for low pH environments with non-negligible trace element contamination which, in a scenario of continuous increase in anthropogenic pollution, may be very common.

Nitrogen isotope and trace metal analyses from the Mingolsheim core (Germany): Evidence for redox variations across the Triassic-Jurassic boundary

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Quan, Tracy M.; van de Schootbrugge, Bas; Field, M. Paul; Rosenthal, Yair; Falkowski, Paul G.

2008-06-01

The Triassic-Jurassic (T-J) boundary was one of the largest but least understood mass extinction events in the Phanerozoic. We measured bulk organic nitrogen and carbon isotopes and trace metal concentrations from a core near Mingolsheim (Germany) to infer paleoenvironmental conditions associated with this event. Poorly fossiliferous claystones across the boundary have relatively low δ15N values and low concentrations of redox-sensitive elements, characteristic of an oxic environment with significant terrestrial input. The Early Jurassic features enrichment in δ15N coincident with high redox-sensitive element concentrations, indicating an increase in water column denitrification and decreased oxygen concentrations. These redox state variations are concordant with shifts in abundance and species composition in terrestrial and marine microflora. We propose that the mass extinction at the T-J boundary was caused by a series of events resulting in a long period of stratification, deep-water hypoxia, and denitrification in this region of the Tethys Ocean basin.

Differential Effects of Ocean Acidification on Coral Calcification: Insights from Geochemistry.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Holcomb, M.; Decarlo, T. M.; Venn, A.; Tambutte, E.; Gaetani, G. A.; Tambutte, S.; Allemand, D.; McCulloch, M. T.

2014-12-01

Although ocean acidification is expected to negatively impact calcifying animals due to the formation of CaCO3 becoming less favorable, experimental evidence is mixed. Corals have received considerable attention in this regard; laboratory culture experiments show there to be a wide array of calcification responses to acidification. Here we will show how relationships for the incorporation of various trace elements and boron isotopes into synthetic aragonite can be used to reconstruct carbonate chemistry at the site of calcification. In turn the chemistry at the site of calcification can be determined under different ocean acidification scenarios and differences in the chemistry at the site of calcification linked to different calcification responses to acidification. Importantly we will show that the pH of the calcifying fluid alone is insufficient to estimate calcification responses, thus a multi-proxy approach using multiple trace elements and isotopes is required to understand how the site of calcification is affected by ocean acidification.

Trace elements in sediments, blue spotted tilapia Oreochromis leucostictus (Trewavas, 1933) and its parasite Contracaecum multipapillatum from Lake Naivasha, Kenya, including a comprehensive health risk analysis.

PubMed

Otachi, Elick O; Körner, Wilfried; Avenant-Oldewage, Annemariè; Fellner-Frank, Christine; Jirsa, Franz

2014-06-01

This study presents the distribution of 15 major and trace elements in sediments and fish and their pericardial parasites from Lake Naivasha, Kenya. The lake is one of the few freshwater lakes in the Great Rift Valley and is under strong anthropogenic pressure mainly due to agricultural activities. Its fish provide a valuable protein source for approximately 100,000 people in the area. Fish and their parasites have been acknowledged as indicators of environmental quality due to their accumulation potential for both essential and nonessential trace elements. A total of 34 specimens of the blue spotted tilapia Oreochromis leucostictus and pooled samples of their pericardial parasite, the anisakid nematode Contracaecum multipapillatum (larvae 3), were examined. Element concentrations were determined by inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) and graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GF-AAS). The concentrations of elements in the sediments reflected the geology of the area and did not point to pollution: none of the investigated trace elements, including Pb, Cd, Cu, and Zn, showed elevated values. In contrast, concentrations in the fish muscle were elevated for Li, Sr, Cd, and Zn, with high target hazard quotients (THQ > 0.1) indicating a potential health risk to the consumers of this fish. Fish liver showed significantly higher concentrations of the trace elements Fe, Mn, Cd, and Cu compared to the muscle and C. multipapillatum. In the parasite, Zn had the highest concentration, but the worms only minimally accumulated trace elements in relation to their fish host.

Rapid screening of heavy metals and trace elements in environmental samples using portable X-ray fluorescence spectrometer, A comparative study

PubMed Central

McComb, Jacqueline Q.; Rogers, Christian; Han, Fengxiang X.; Tchounwou, Paul B.

2014-01-01

With industrialization, great amounts of trace elements and heavy metals have been excavated and released on the surface of the earth and dissipated into the environments. Rapid screening technology for detecting major and trace elements as well as heavy metals in variety of environmental samples is most desired. The objectives of this study were to determine the detection limits, accuracy, repeatability and efficiency of a X-ray fluorescence spectrometer (Niton XRF analyzer) in comparison with the traditional analytical methods, inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometer (ICP-OES) and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometer (ICP-MS) in screening of major and trace elements of environmental samples including estuary soils and sediments, contaminated soils, and biological samples. XRF is a fast and non-destructive method in measuring the total concentration of multi--elements simultaneously. Contrary to ICP-OES and ICP-MS, XRF analyzer is characterized by the limited preparation required for solid samples, non-destructive analysis, increased total speed and high throughout, the decreased production of hazardous waste and the low running costs as well as multi-elemental determination and portability in the fields. The current comparative study demonstrates that XRF is a good rapid non-destructive method for contaminated soils, sediments and biological samples containing higher concentrations of major and trace elements. Unfortunately, XRF does not have sensitive detection limits of most major and trace elements as ICP-OES or ICP-MS but it may serve as a rapid screening tool for locating hot spots of uncontaminated field soils and sediments. PMID:25861136

Growth and elemental content of two tree species growing on abandoned coal fly ash basins. [Liquidambar styraciflua L. ; Platanus occidentalis

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Carlson, C.L.; Adriano, D.C.

Differences in aboveground tissue concentrations of trace elements were assessed for sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua L.) and sycamore (Plantanus occidentalis L.) growing on two abandoned coal fly ash basins and a control soil. The wet basin (pH = 5.58) had originally received precipitator ash in an ash-water slurry, while the dry basin (pH = 8.26) had received both precipitator and bottom ash in dry form. In general, trees from the wet basin exhibited elevated trace element concentrations in comparison to the controls, while the dry basin trees exhibited reduced concentrations. On eof the most striking differenced in elemental concentrations among themore » ash basin and control trees was observed for Mn, with the control trees exhibiting concentrations orders of magnitude greater than the ash basin trees. Differences in foliar trace element concentrations among the sites can generally be explained by differences in substrate trace element concentrations and/or substrate pH. While trees from the wet ash basin generally had the highest trace element concentrations, these trees also attained the greatest height and diameter growth, suggesting that the elevated trace element concentrations in the wet basin substrate are not limiting the establishment of these two species. The greater height and diameter growth of the wet basin trees is presumably a result of the greater water-holding capacity of the substrate on this site. Differences in growth and tissue concentrations between sweetgum and sycamore highlight the importance of using more than one species when assessing metal toxicity or deficiency on a given substrate.« less

Analysis of obsidian from moho cay, belize: new evidence on classic maya trade routes.

PubMed

Healy, P F; McKillop, H I; Walsh, B

1984-07-27

Trace element analysis of obsidian artifacts from Moho Cay, Belize, reveals that the obsidian derives primarily from the El Chayal outcrop in highland Guatemala and not from the Ixtepeque source. This is contrary to the widely accepted obsidian trade route model for Classic Maya civilization and suggests that Classic Maya obsidian trade was a more complex economic phenomenon than has been recognized.

Chemometric evaluation of concentrations of trace elements in intervertebral disc tissue in patient with degenerative disc disease.

PubMed

Kubaszewski, Łukasz; Zioła-Frankowska, Anetta; Gasik, Zuzanna; Frankowski, Marcin; Dąbrowski, Mikołaj; Molisak, Bartłomiej; Kaczmarczyk, Jacek; Gasik, Robert

2017-12-23

The work is designed to uncover the pattern of mutual relation among trace elements and epidemiological data in the degenerated intervertebral disk tissue in humans. Hitherto the reason of the degenerative process is not fully understood. Trace elements are the basic components of the biological compound related both its metabolism as well as environmental exposure. The relation pattern among elements occurs gives new perspective in solving the cause of the disease. We have analysed trace elements content in the 30 intervertebral disc from 22 patients with degenerative disc disease. The concentrations of Al, Cu, Cd, Mo, Ni and Pb were determined with Atomic Absorption Spectrometry. To analyse the multidimentional relation between trace element concentration and epidemiological data the chemometric analysis was applied. The similarity have been shown in occurrence of following pairs: Cd-Mo as well as Mg-Zn. The second pair was correlated with Pb concentration. Pb levels are observed to be competitive to Cu concentration. Cd concentration was related to Zn and Mg deficiency. No single but rather cluster of epidemiological data show observable influence on the TE tissue variance. Zn and Cu was related to the male sex. Operation with orthopedic implants were related to combined Al, Mo and Zn concentration. This is the first chemometric analysis of trace elements in disk tissue. It shows multidimentional relations that are missed by the classical statistic. The analysis shows significant relation. The nature of the relations is the basis for further metabolic and environmental research.

Intranasal instillation of iron oxide nanoparticles induces inflammation and perturbation of trace elements and neurotransmitters, but not behavioral impairment in rats.

PubMed

Askri, Dalel; Ouni, Souhir; Galai, Said; Arnaud, Josiane; Chovelon, Benoit; Lehmann, Sylvia G; Sturm, Nathalie; Sakly, Mohsen; Sève, Michel; Amara, Salem

2018-06-01

Over the last decades, engineered nanomaterials have been widely used in various applications due to their interesting properties. Among them, iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) are used as theranostic agents for cancer, and also as contrast agents in magnetic resonance imaging. With the increasing production and use of these IONPs, there is an evident raise of IONP exposure and subsequently a higher risk of adverse outcome for humans and the environment. In this work, we aimed to investigate the effects of sub-acute IONP exposure on Wistar rat, particularly (i) on the emotional and learning/memory behavior, (ii) on the hematological and biochemical parameters, (iii) on the neurotransmitter content, and (vi) on the trace element homeostasis. Rats were treated during seven consecutive days by intranasal instillations at a dose of 10 mg/kg body weight. The mean body weight increased significantly in IONP-exposed rats. Moreover, several hematological parameters were normal in treated rats except the platelet count which was increased. The biochemical study revealed that phosphatase alkaline level decreased in IONP-exposed rats, but no changes were observed for the other hepatic enzymes (ALT and AST) levels. The trace element homeostasis was slightly modulated by IONP exposure. Sub-acute intranasal exposure to IONPs increased dopamine and norepinephrine levels in rat brain; however, it did not affect the emotional behavior, the anxiety index, and the learning/memory capacities of rats.

Effect of hereditary haemochromatosis genotypes and iron overload on other trace elements.

PubMed

Beckett, Jeffrey M; Ball, Madeleine J

2013-02-01

Hereditary haemochromatosis is a common genetic disorder involving dysregulation of iron absorption. There is some evidence to suggest that abnormal iron absorption and metabolism may influence the status of other important trace elements. In this study, the effect of abnormal HFE genotypes and associated iron overload on the status of other trace elements was examined. Dietary data and blood samples were collected from 199 subjects (mean age = 55.4 years; range = 21-81 years). Dietary intakes, serum selenium, copper and zinc concentrations and related antioxidant enzymes (glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase) in subjects with normal HFE genotype (n = 118) were compared to those with abnormal HFE genotype, with both normal iron status (n = 42) and iron overload (n = 39). For most dietary and biochemical variables measured, there were no significant differences between study groups. Red cell GPx was significantly higher in male subjects with normal genotypes and normal iron status compared to those with abnormal genotypes and normal iron status (P = 0.03) or iron overload (P = 0.001). Red cell GPx was also highest in normal women and significantly lower in the abnormal genotype and normal iron group (P = 0.016), but not in the iron overload group (P = 0.078). Although it may not be possible to exclude a small effect between the genotype groups on RBC GPx, overall, haemochromatosis genotypes or iron overload did not appear to have a significant effect on selenium, copper or zinc status.

Isotopic and trace element characteristics of an unusual refractory inclusion from Essebi

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Deloule, E.; Kennedy, A. K.; Hutcheon, I. D.; Elgoresy, A.

1993-01-01

The isotopic and chemical properties of Ca-Al-rich inclusions (CAI) provide important clues to the early solar nebula environment. While the abundances of refractory major and trace elements are similar to those expected for high temperature condensates, the variety of textural, chemical, and isotopic signatures indicate most CAI experienced complex, multi-stage histories involving repeated episodes of condensation, evaporation, and metamorphism. Evidence of multiple processes is especially apparent in an unusual refractory inclusion from Essebi (URIE) described by El Goresy et al. The melilite (mel)-rich core of URIE contains polygonal framboids of spinel (sp) and hibonite (hb) or sp and fassaite (fas) and is surrounded by a rim sequence consisting of five layers. In contrast to rims on Allende, the mineralogy of the URIE rim layers becomes increasingly refractory from the core outwards, ending in a layer of spinel-Al2O3 solid solution + Sc-rich fassaite. The chemical and mineralogical features of URIE are inconsistent with crystallization from a homogeneous melt, and El Goresy et al. proposed a multi-step history involving condensation of sp + hb and aggregation into framboids, capture of framboids by a refractory silicate melt droplet, condensation of rim layers, and alteration of mel to calcite and feldspathoid. The PANURGE ion probe was used to investigate the isotopic and trace element characteristics of URIE to develop a more complete picture of the multiple processes leading to formation and metamorphism.

Modelling the petrogenesis of high Rb/Sr silicic magmas

USGS Publications Warehouse

Halliday, A.N.; Davidson, J.P.; Hildreth, W.; Holden, P.

1991-01-01

Rhyolites can be highly evolved with Sr contents as low as 0.1 ppm and Rb Sr > 2,000. In contrast, granite batholiths are commonly comprised of rocks with Rb Sr 100. Mass-balance modelling of source compositions, differentiation and contamination using the trace-element geochemistry of granites are therefore commonly in error because of the failure to account for evolved differentiates that may have been erupted from the system. Rhyolitic magmas with very low Sr concentrations (???1 ppm) cannot be explained by any partial melting models involving typical crustal source compositions. The only plausible mechanism for the production of such rhyolites is Rayleigh fractional crystallization involving substantial volumes of cumulates. A variety of methods for modelling the differentiation of magmas with extremely high Rb/Sr is discussed. In each case it is concluded that the bulk partition coefficients for Sr have to be large. In the simplest models, the bulk DSr of the most evolved types is modelled as > 50. Evidence from phenocryst/glass/whole-rock concentrations supports high Sr partition coefficients in feldspars from high silica rhyolites. However, the low modal abundance of plagioclase commonly observed in such rocks is difficult to reconcile with such simple fractionation models of the observed trace-element trends. In certain cases, this may be because the apparent trace-element trend defined by the suite of cognetic rhyolites is the product of different batches of magma with separate differentiation histories accumulating in the magma chamber roof zone. ?? 1991.

Optimizing detector geometry for trace element mapping by X-ray fluorescence.

PubMed

Sun, Yue; Gleber, Sophie-Charlotte; Jacobsen, Chris; Kirz, Janos; Vogt, Stefan

2015-05-01

Trace metals play critical roles in a variety of systems, ranging from cells to photovoltaics. X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) microscopy using X-ray excitation provides one of the highest sensitivities available for imaging the distribution of trace metals at sub-100 nm resolution. With the growing availability and increasing performance of synchrotron light source based instruments and X-ray nanofocusing optics, and with improvements in energy-dispersive XRF detectors, what are the factors that limit trace element detectability? To address this question, we describe an analytical model for the total signal incident on XRF detectors with various geometries, including the spectral response of energy dispersive detectors. This model agrees well with experimentally recorded X-ray fluorescence spectra, and involves much shorter calculation times than with Monte Carlo simulations. With such a model, one can estimate the signal when a trace element is illuminated with an X-ray beam, and when just the surrounding non-fluorescent material is illuminated. From this signal difference, a contrast parameter can be calculated and this can in turn be used to calculate the signal-to-noise ratio (S/N) for detecting a certain elemental concentration. We apply this model to the detection of trace amounts of zinc in biological materials, and to the detection of small quantities of arsenic in semiconductors. We conclude that increased detector collection solid angle is (nearly) always advantageous even when considering the scattered signal. However, given the choice between a smaller detector at 90° to the beam versus a larger detector at 180° (in a backscatter-like geometry), the 90° detector is better for trace element detection in thick samples, while the larger detector in 180° geometry is better suited to trace element detection in thin samples. Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Optimizing detector geometry for trace element mapping by X-ray fluorescence

PubMed Central

Sun, Yue; Gleber, Sophie-Charlotte; Jacobsen, Chris; Kirz, Janos; Vogt, Stefan

2016-01-01

Trace metals play critical roles in a variety of systems, ranging from cells to photovoltaics. X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) microscopy using X-ray excitation provides one of the highest sensitivities available for imaging the distribution of trace metals at sub-100 nm resolution. With the growing availability and increasing performance of synchrotron light source based instruments and X-ray nanofocusing optics, and with improvements in energy-dispersive XRF detectors, what are the factors that limit trace element detectability? To address this question, we describe an analytical model for the total signal incident on XRF detectors with various geometries, including the spectral response of energy dispersive detectors. This model agrees well with experimentally recorded X-ray fluorescence spectra, and involves much shorter calculation times than with Monte Carlo simulations. With such a model, one can estimate the signal when a trace element is illuminated with an X-ray beam, and when just the surrounding non-fluorescent material is illuminated. From this signal difference, a contrast parameter can be calculated and this can in turn be used to calculate the signal-to-noise ratio (S/N) for detecting a certain elemental concentration. We apply this model to the detection of trace amounts of zinc in biological materials, and to the detection of small quantities of arsenic in semiconductors. We conclude that increased detector collection solid angle is (nearly) always advantageous even when considering the scattered signal. However, given the choice between a smaller detector at 90° to the beam versus a larger detector at 180° (in a backscatter-like geometry), the 90° detector is better for trace element detection in thick samples, while the larger detector in 180° geometry is better suited to trace element detection in thin samples. PMID:25600825

Optimizing detector geometry for trace element mapping by X-ray fluorescence

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Sun, Yue; Gleber, Sophie-Charlotte; Jacobsen, Chris

Trace metals play critical roles in a variety of systems, ranging from cells to photovoltaics. X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) microscopy using X-ray excitation provides one of the highest sensitivities available for imaging the distribution of trace metals at sub-100 nm resolution. With the growing availability and increasing performance of synchrotron light source based instruments and X-ray nanofocusing optics, and with improvements in energy-dispersive XRF detectors, what are the factors that limit trace element detectability? To address this question, we describe an analytical model for the total signal incident on XRF detectors with various geometries, including the spectral response of energy dispersivemore » detectors. This model agrees well with experimentally recorded X-ray fluorescence spectra, and involves much shorter calculation times than with Monte Carlo simulations. With such a model, one can estimate the signal when a trace element is illuminated with an X-ray beam, and when just the surrounding non-fluorescent material is illuminated. From this signal difference, a contrast parameter can be calculated and this can in turn be used to calculate the signal-to-noise ratio (S/N) for detecting a certain elemental concentration. We apply this model to the detection of trace amounts of zinc in biological materials, and to the detection of small quantities of arsenic in semiconductors. We conclude that increased detector collection solid angle is (nearly) always advantageous even when considering the scattered signal. However, given the choice between a smaller detector at 90° to the beam versus a larger detector at 180° (in a backscatter-like geometry), the 90° detector is better for trace element detection in thick samples, while the larger detector in 180° geometry is better suited to trace element detection in thin samples.« less

Concentration of trace elements on branded cigarette in Malaysia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Azman, Muhammad Azfar; Yasir, Muhamad Samudi; Rahman, Irman Abdul; Hamzah, Suhaimi; Rahman, Shamsiah Abdul; Elias, Md Suhaimi; Abdullah, Nazaratul Ashifa; Hashim, Azian; Shukor, Shakirah Abd

2016-01-01

Tobacco is a plant that is used as a recreational drug since the beginning of its use by the Native Americans. Now with the development of the tobacco industry, smoking has become a norm for the public in Malaysia. Trace elements in plants are mostly due to the uptake processes from the soils into the roots of the plants. The concentration of the elements may also be influenced by the elements contained in the water and also fertilizers. This paper aim to analyze the concentration of the trace elements contained in the branded cigarettes sold in Malaysia by utilizing the neutron activation analysis. The tobaccos were taken out from the cigarettes. The collected samples were air dried and passed through 2 mm sieve. Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis (NAA) has been used for the determination of trace elements. Samples were activated in the Nuclear Malaysia Triga Mark II reactor with a neutron flux of 2.0 x 1012 n cm-2 s-1. The samples then were analyzed using ORTEC Gamma Spectrometer a co-axial n-type HPGe detector with resolution of 2.0 keV at 1332 keV and relative efficiency of 20%. The data obtained could help in assessing the concentration of the trace elements that complying with the standard limitation dose proposed by World Health Organization (WHO).

Horizontal and vertical variability of soil properties in a trace element contaminated area

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Burgos, Pilar; Madejón, Engracia; Pérez-de-Mora, Alfredo; Cabrera, Francisco

2008-02-01

The spatial distribution of some soil chemical properties and trace element contents of a plot affected by the Aznalcóllar mine spill were investigated using statistical and geostatistical methods to assess the extent of soil contamination. Total and EDTA-extractable soil trace element concentrations and total S content showed great variability and high coefficients of variation in the three examined depths. Soil in the plot was found to be significantly contaminated by As, Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn within a wide range of pH. Total trace element concentrations at all depths (0-60 cm) were much higher than background values of non-affected soil, indicating that despite the clean-up operations, the concentration of trace elements in the experimental plot was still high. The spatial distribution of the different variables was estimated by kriging to design contour maps. These maps allowed the identification of specific zones with high metal concentrations and low pH values corresponding to spots of residual sludge. Moreover, kriged maps showed distinct spatial distribution and hence different behaviour for the elements considered. This information may be applied to optimise remediation strategies in highly and moderately contaminated areas.

Geochemistry of zircons from basic rocks of the Korosten anorthosite-mangerite-charnockite-granite complex, north-western region of the Ukrainian Shield

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shumlyanskyy, Leonid; Belousova, Elena; Petrenko, Oksana

2017-09-01

The concentrations of 26 trace elements have been determined by laser ablation ICP-MS in zircons from four samples of basic rocks of the Korosten anorthosite-mangerite-charnockite-granite plutonic complex, the Ukrainian Shield. Zircons from the Fedorivka and Torchyn gabbroic intrusions and Volynsky anorthosite massif have distinctive abundances of many trace elements (REE, Sr, Y, Mn, Th). Zircons from the gabbroic massifs are unusually enriched in trace elements, while zircons from pegmatites in anorthosite are relatively depleted in trace elements. High concentrations of trace elements in zircons from gabbroic intrusions can be explained by their crystallization from residual interstitial melts enriched in incompatible elements. The zircons studied demonstrate a wide range of Ti concentrations, which reflects their temperature of crystallization: the zircons most enriched in Ti, from mafic pegmatites of the Horbuliv quarry (20-40 ppm), have the highest temperature of crystallization (845 ± 40 °C). Lower (720-770 °C) temperatures of zircon crystallization in gabbroic rocks are explained by its crystallization from the latest portions of the interstitial melt or by simultaneous crystallization of ilmenite. The Ce anomaly in zircons correlates with the degree of oxidation of the coexisting ilmenite.

Ion microprobe mass analysis of plagioclase from 'non-mare' lunar samples

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Meyer, C., Jr.; Anderson, D. H.; Bradley, J. G.

1974-01-01

The ion microprobe was used to measure the composition and distribution of trace elements in lunar plagioclase, and these analyses are used as criteria in determining the possible origins of some nonmare lunar samples. The Apollo 16 samples with metaclastic texture and high-bulk trace-element contents contain plagioclase clasts with extremely low trace-element contents. These plagioclase inclusions represent unequilibrated relicts of anorthositic, noritic, or troctolitic rocks that have been intermixed as a rock flour into the KREEP-rich matrix of these samples. All of the plagioclase-rich inclusions which were analyzed in the KREEP-rich Apollo 14 breccias were found to be rich in trace elements. This does not seem to be consistent with the interpretation that the Apollo 14 samples represent a pre-Imbrium regolith, because such an ancient regolith should have contained many plagioclase clasts with low trace-element contents more typical of plagioclase from the pre-Imbrium crust. Ion-microprobe analyses for Ba and Sr in large plagioclase phenocrysts in 14310 and 68415 are consistent with the bulk compositions of these rocks and with the known distribution coefficients for these elements. The distribution coefficient for Li (basaltic liquid/plagioclase) was measured to be about 2.

Trace elemental analysis of bituminuos coals using the Heidelberg proton microprobe

USGS Publications Warehouse

Chen, J.R.; Kneis, H.; Martin, B.; Nobiling, R.; Traxel, K.; Chao, E.C.T.; Minkin, J.A.

1981-01-01

Trace elements in coal can occur as components of either the organic constituents (macerals) or the inorganic constituents (minerals). Studies of the concentrations and distribution of the trace elements are vital to understanding the geochemical millieu in which the coal was formed and in evaluating the attempts to recover rare but technologically valuable metals. In addition, information on the trace element concentrations is important in predicting the environmental impact of burning particular coals, as many countries move toward greater utilization of coal reserves for energy production. Traditionally, the optical and the electron microscopes and more recently the electron microprobe have been used in studying the components of coal. The proton-induced X-ray emission (PIXE) microprobe offers a new complementary approach with an order of magnitude or more better minimum detection limit. We present the first measurements with a PIXE microprobe of the trace element concentrations of bituminous coal samples. Elemental analyses of the coal macerals-vitrinite, exinite, and inertinite-are discussed for three coal samples from the Eastern U.S.A., three samples from the Western U.S.A., and one sample from the Peoples Republic of China. ?? 1981.

Evolving magma storage conditions beneath Mount St. Helens inferred from chemical variations in melt inclusions from the 1980-1986 and current (2004-2006) eruptions: Chapter 33 in A volcano rekindled: the renewed eruption of Mount St. Helens, 2004-2006

USGS Publications Warehouse

Blundy, Jon; Cashman, Katharine V.; Berlo, Kim; Sherrod, David R.; Scott, William E.; Stauffer, Peter H.

2008-01-01

O contents, consistent with magma extraction from shallow depths. Highly enriched Li in melt inclusions suggests that vapor transport of Li is a characteristic feature of Mount St. Helens. Melt inclusions from the current eruption have subtly different trace-element chemistry from all but one of the 1980-86 melt inclusions, with steeper rareearth-element (REE) patterns and low U, Th, and high-fieldstrength elements (HFSE), indicating addition of a new melt component to the magma system. It is anticipated that increasing involvement of the new melt component will be evident as the current eruption proceeds.

Origin of cratonic lithospheric mantle roots: A geochemical study of peridotites from the North Atlantic Craton, West Greenland

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wittig, N.; Pearson, D. G.; Webb, M.; Ottley, C. J.; Irvine, G. J.; Kopylova, M.; Jensen, S. M.; Nowell, G. M.

2008-09-01

A critical examination of the extent to which geodynamic information on the initial mantle depletion and accretion event(s) is preserved in kimberlite-borne cratonic SCLM peridotite xenoliths is attempted by using new major and trace element data of whole-rock peridotites ( n = 55) sampled across the North Atlantic Craton (NAC; West Greenland). We also present additional whole-rock trace element data of mantle xenoliths from Somerset Island, the Slave and Kaapvaal cratons for comparison. Peridotites comprising the West Greenland SCLM are distinctly more olivine-rich and orthopyroxene-poor than most other cratonic peridotites, in particular those from the Kaapvaal craton. The West Greenland peridotites have higher Mg/Si but lower Al/Si, Al 2O 3 and CaO than cratonic mantle from the Kaapvaal Craton. We suggest that the more orthopyroxene depleted, harzburgite to dunite character of the NAC peridotites reflects more of the original melting history than peridotites from other cratons and in that sense may be more typical of cratonic lithosphere compositions prior to extensive modification. Despite this, some modal and cryptic metasomatism has clearly taken place in the West Greenland lithosphere. The insensitivity of major elements to pressure of melting at high degrees of melt extraction combined with the ease with which these elements may be changed by modal metasomatism mean that we cannot confidently constrain the depth of melting of peridotites using this approach. Mildly incompatible trace elements offer much more promise in terms of providing geodynamic information about the original Archean melting regime. The very low, systematically varying heavy REE abundances in NAC whole-rock peridotites and in peridotites from all other cratons where high-quality data are available provide ubiquitous evidence for a shallow melting regime in the absence of, or to the exhaustion of garnet. This finding explicitly excludes large extents of deep (iso- and polybaric) melting, which results in high initial garnet abundances and increasing heavy REE abundances. This evidence renders models that invoke large plume-like melting environments redundant in explaining SCLM formation and suggests broadly modern plate tectonic environments are responsible for the depletion of cratonic SCLM. A combination of the shallow melting environment and uniformly high levels of depletion indicate that melting to form the NAC lithosphere and that of other cratons probably took place in a subduction-zone environment.

Spatial and temporal variability of trace element concentrations in an urban subtropical watershed, Honolulu, Hawaii

USGS Publications Warehouse

Heinen, De Carlo E.; Anthony, S.S.

2002-01-01

Trace metal concentrations in soils and in stream and estuarine sediments from a subtropical urban watershed in Hawaii are presented. The results are placed in the context of historical studies of environmental quality (water, soils, and sediment) in Hawaii to elucidate sources of trace elements and the processes responsible for their distribution. This work builds on earlier studies on sediments of Ala Wai Canal of urban Honolulu by examining spatial and temporal variations in the trace elements throughout the watershed. Natural processes and anthropogenic activity in urban Honolulu contribute to spatial and temporal variations of trace element concentrations throughout the watershed. Enrichment of trace elements in watershed soils result, in some cases, from contributions attributed to the weathering of volcanic rocks, as well as to a more variable anthropogenic input that reflects changes in land use in Honolulu. Varying concentrations of As, Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn in sediments reflect about 60 a of anthropogenic activity in Honolulu. Land use has a strong impact on the spatial distribution and abundance of selected trace elements in soils and stream sediments. As noted in continental US settings, the phasing out of Pb-alkyl fuel additives has decreased Pb inputs to recently deposited estuarine sediments. Yet, a substantial historical anthropogenic Pb inventory remains in soils of the watershed and erosion of surface soils continues to contribute to its enrichment in estuarine sediments. Concentrations of other elements (e.g., Cu, Zn, Cd), however, have not decreased with time, suggesting continued active inputs. Concentrations of Ba, Co, Cr, Ni, V and U, although elevated in some cases, typically reflect greater proportions attributed to natural sources rather than anthropogenic input. ?? 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.

Potential role of peroxisome proliferator activated receptor gamma activation on serum visfatin and trace elements in high fat diet induced type 2 diabetes mellitus.

PubMed

Tabassum, Arshia; Zaidi, Syeda Nuzhat Fatima; Yasmeen, Kausar; Mahboob, Tabassum

2018-07-15

Electrolytes and trace elements dysregulation play an important role in the progression of obesity and diabetes complications. The present study was designed to evaluate the insulin sensitizing effects of peroxisomes proliferators activated receptor gamma (PPAR-γ) agonist on trace elements in obesity induced type 2 diabetes mellitus and correlate with serum visfatin. Wistar rats were categorized into five groups. Group I served as control; Group II fed on high fat diet (HFD); Group III fed on HFD and treated with rosiglitazone (3 mg/kg) for 7 days; Group IV were T2DM rats induce by HFD and low dose of streptozotocin (i.p. 35 mg/kg); Group V was T2DM rats treated with rosiglitazone (3 mg/kg) for 7 days. Serum and tissues electrolytes levels and renal, hepatic and cardiac tissues trace elements were estimated by flame photometer and atomic absorption spectroscopy. Serum visfatin was estimated by ELISA. Pearson correlations were analyzed among fasting blood glucose (FBG), serum visfatin and tissues trace elements. Results of the current study showed hyponatremia, hyperkalemia, hypomagnesemia and hypercalcemia in HFD and T2DM groups. HFD and T2DM also showed elevated copper and iron levels; however, zinc and selenium levels were decreased. Rosiglitazone treatment increased the insulin sensitization and altered these changes. A Strong association was observed among FBG, serum visfatin and trace elements levels of HFD and T2DM. Obesity and diabetes mellitus disturbed visfatin, electrolytes and trace elements homeostasis. Rosiglitazone treatment restored these changes. The results of the study could serve as a basis for further studies for the prevention of diabetic complications. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Major and trace elements in igneous rocks from Apollo 15.

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Helmke, P. A.; Blanchard, D. P.; Haskin, L. A.; Telander, K.; Weiss, C.; Jacobs, J. W.

1973-01-01

The concentrations of major and trace elements have been determined in igneous rocks from Apollo 15. All materials analyzed have typical depletions of Eu except for minerals separated from sample 15085. Four samples have concentrations of trace elements that are similar to those of KREEP. The samples of mare basalt from Apollo 15 have higher concentrations of FeO, MgO, Mn, and Cr and lower concentrations of CaO, Na2O, K2O, and rare-earth elements (REE) as compared to the samples of mare basalt from Apollos 11, 12, and 14. The samples can be divided into two groups on the basis of their normative compositions. One group is quartz normative and has low concentrations of FeO while the other is olivine normative and has high concentrations of FeO. The trace element data indicate that the samples of olivine normative basalt could be from different portions of a single lava flow.

Trace elements in coal. Environmental and health significance

USGS Publications Warehouse

Finkelman, R.B.

1999-01-01

Trace elements can have profound adverse effects on the health of people burning coal in homes or living near coal deposits, coal mines, and coal- burning power plants. Trace elements such as arsenic emitted from coal- burning power plants in Europe and Asia have been shown to cause severe health problems. Perhaps the most widespread health problems are caused by domestic coal combustion in developing countries where millions of people suffer from fluorosis and thousands from arsenism. Better knowledge of coal quality characteristics may help to reduce some of these health problems. For example, information on concentrations and distributions of potentially toxic elements in coal may help delineate areas of a coal deposit to be avoided. Information on the modes of occurrence of these elements and the textural relations of the minerals in coal may help to predict the behavior of the potentially toxic trace metals during coal cleaning, combustion, weathering, and leaching.

Trace elements study of high purity nanocrystalline silicon carbide (3C-SiC) using k0-INAA method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huseynov, Elchin; Jazbec, Anze

2017-07-01

Silicon carbide (3C-SiC) nanoparticles have been irradiated by neutron flux (2×1013 n·cm-2·s-1) at TRIGA Mark II type research reactor. After neutron irradiation, the radioisotopes of trace elements in the nanocrystalline 3C-SiC were studied as time functions. The identification of isotopes which significantly increased the activity of the samples as a result of neutron radiation was carried out. Nanocrystalline 3C-SiC are synthesized by standard laser technique and the purity of samples was determined by the k0-based Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis (k0-INAA) method. Trace elements concentration in the 3C-SiC nanoparticles were determined by the radionuclides of appropriate elements. The trace element isotopes concentration have been calculated in percentage according to k0-INAA method.

Concentrations of selected trace elements in mineral and spring bottled waters on the Serbian market.

PubMed

Ristić, M; Popović, I; Pocajt, V; Antanasijević, D; Perić-Grujić, A

2011-01-01

Eight selected trace elements, which are generally included in regulations, were analyzed in 23 types of bottled waters. Ten mineral and seven spring bottled waters were from the Serbian market and six mineral bottled waters were obtained in different EU countries. For the purpose of comparison, selected tap waters were also analyzed. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) was used for the analysis of trace elements (arsenic, cadmium, copper, manganese, nickel, lead and antimony). Results were compared with the Serbian regulations for bottled water, EU regulations and guideline values set by the World Health Organization for drinking water. With few exceptions, the trace element levels of most bottled waters were below the guideline values. However, a higher content of antimony was observed in waters from polyethylene terephthalate (PET) containers, indicating a potential leaching of this element from the plastic packaging.

Information Summary, Area of Concern: Grand Calumet River, Indiana

DTIC Science & Technology

1991-03-01

Indiana Harbor and Adjacent Lake Michigan (Source Rl, Table 4) 10 Concentrations of 26 Major, Minor and Trace Elements in Sediments from Indiana Harbor...2 Dec 84 (Source R39, Table 2) 68 Concentrations of Major, Minor , and Trace Elements in Fish and Crayfish from Indiana Harbor and Adjacent Lake...Table 21b) 71 Catch per Unit Effort in Crayfish Traps (Source Rl, Table 21c) 72 Concentratiors of Major, Minor , and Trace Elements in Periphyton and

Raccoons (Procyon lotor) as Sentinels of Trace Element Contamination and Physiological Effects of Exposure to Coal Fly Ash

DOE PAGES

Hernandez, Felipe; Oldenkamp, Ricki E.; Webster, Sarah; ...

2016-12-08

Anthropogenic pollutants disrupt global biodiversity, and terrestrial sentinels of pollution can provide a warning system for ecosystem-wide contamination. This study sought to assess whether raccoons (Procyon lotor) are sentinels of local exposure to trace element contaminants at a coal fly ash site and whether exposure resulted in health impairment or changes in the intestinal helminth communities. We compared trace element accumulation and the impact on health responses and intestinal helminth communities of raccoons inhabiting contaminated and reference sites of the U.S. Department of Energy’s Savannah River Site (South Carolina, USA). Data on morphometry, hematology, histopathology, helminth community and abundance, andmore » liver trace element burdens were collected from 15 raccoons captured adjacent to a coal fly ash basin and 11 raccoons from a comparable uncontaminated site nearby. Of eight trace elements analyzed, Cu, As, Se, and Pb were elevated in raccoons from the contaminated site. Raccoons from the contaminated site harbored higher helminth abundance than animals from the reference site and that abundance was positively associated with increased Cu concentrations. While we found changes in hematology associated with increased Se exposure, we did not find physiological or histological changes associated with higher levels of contaminants. Our results suggest that raccoons and their intestinal helminths act as sentinels of trace elements in the environment associated with coal fly ash contamination.« less

Seasonal Cyclicity in Trace Elements and Stable Isotopes of Modern Horse Enamel.

PubMed

de Winter, Niels J; Snoeck, Christophe; Claeys, Philippe

2016-01-01

The study of stable isotopes in fossil bioapatite has yielded useful results and has shown that bioapatites are able to faithfully record paleo-environmental and paleo-climatic parameters from archeological to geological timescales. In an effort to establish new proxies for the study of bioapatites, intra-tooth records of enamel carbonate stable isotope ratios from a modern horse are compared with trace element profiles measured using laboratory micro X-Ray Fluorescence scanning. Using known patterns of tooth eruption and the relationship between stable oxygen isotopes and local temperature seasonality, an age model is constructed that links records from six cheek upper right teeth from the second premolar to the third molar. When plotted on this age model, the trace element ratios from horse tooth enamel show a seasonal pattern with a small shift in phase compared to stable oxygen isotope ratios. While stable oxygen and carbon isotopes in tooth enamel are forced respectively by the state of the hydrological cycle and the animal's diet, we argue that the seasonal signal in trace elements reflects seasonal changes in dust intake and diet of the animal. The latter explanation is in agreement with seasonal changes observed in carbon isotopes of the same teeth. This external forcing of trace element composition in mammal tooth enamel implies that trace element ratios may be used as proxies for seasonal changes in paleo-environment and paleo-diet.

Seasonal Cyclicity in Trace Elements and Stable Isotopes of Modern Horse Enamel

PubMed Central

Snoeck, Christophe; Claeys, Philippe

2016-01-01

The study of stable isotopes in fossil bioapatite has yielded useful results and has shown that bioapatites are able to faithfully record paleo-environmental and paleo-climatic parameters from archeological to geological timescales. In an effort to establish new proxies for the study of bioapatites, intra-tooth records of enamel carbonate stable isotope ratios from a modern horse are compared with trace element profiles measured using laboratory micro X-Ray Fluorescence scanning. Using known patterns of tooth eruption and the relationship between stable oxygen isotopes and local temperature seasonality, an age model is constructed that links records from six cheek upper right teeth from the second premolar to the third molar. When plotted on this age model, the trace element ratios from horse tooth enamel show a seasonal pattern with a small shift in phase compared to stable oxygen isotope ratios. While stable oxygen and carbon isotopes in tooth enamel are forced respectively by the state of the hydrological cycle and the animal’s diet, we argue that the seasonal signal in trace elements reflects seasonal changes in dust intake and diet of the animal. The latter explanation is in agreement with seasonal changes observed in carbon isotopes of the same teeth. This external forcing of trace element composition in mammal tooth enamel implies that trace element ratios may be used as proxies for seasonal changes in paleo-environment and paleo-diet. PMID:27875538

Connecting pigment composition and dissolved trace elements to phytoplankton population in the southern Benguela Upwelling zone (St. Helena Bay)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Das, Supriyo Kumar; Routh, Joyanto; Roychoudhury, Alakendra N.; Veldhuis, Marcel J. W.; Ismail, Hassan E.

2017-12-01

Rich in upwelled nutrients, the Southern Benguela is one of the most productive ecosystems in the world ocean. However, despite its ecological significance the role of trace elements influencing phytoplankton population in the Southern Benguela Upwelling System (SBUS) has not been thoroughly investigated. Here, we report pigment composition, macronutrients (nitrate, phosphate and silicate) and concentrations of dissolved Cd, Co, Fe and Zn during late austral summer and winter seasons in 2004 to understand the relationship between the selected trace elements and phytoplankton biomass in St. Helena Bay (SHB), which falls within the southern boundary of the SBUS. Chlorophyll a concentrations indicate higher phytoplankton biomass associated with high primary production during late summer in SHB where high diatom population is inferred from the presence of fucoxanthin. Diminished phytoplankton biomass and a shift from diatoms to dinoflagellates as the dominant phytoplankton taxa are indicated by diagnostic pigments during late winter. Dissolved trace elements (Cd, Co and Zn) and macronutrients play a significant role in phytoplankton biomass, and their distribution is affected by biological uptake and export of trace elements. Continuous uptake of Zn by diatoms may cause an onset of Zn depletion leading to a period of extended diatom proliferation during late summer. Furthermore, the transition from diatom to dinoflagellate dominated phytoplankton population is most likely facilitated by depletion of trace elements (Cd and Co) in the water column.

Raccoons (Procyon lotor) as Sentinels of Trace Element Contamination and Physiological Effects of Exposure to Coal Fly Ash

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Hernandez, Felipe; Oldenkamp, Ricki E.; Webster, Sarah

Anthropogenic pollutants disrupt global biodiversity, and terrestrial sentinels of pollution can provide a warning system for ecosystem-wide contamination. This study sought to assess whether raccoons (Procyon lotor) are sentinels of local exposure to trace element contaminants at a coal fly ash site and whether exposure resulted in health impairment or changes in the intestinal helminth communities. We compared trace element accumulation and the impact on health responses and intestinal helminth communities of raccoons inhabiting contaminated and reference sites of the U.S. Department of Energy’s Savannah River Site (South Carolina, USA). Data on morphometry, hematology, histopathology, helminth community and abundance, andmore » liver trace element burdens were collected from 15 raccoons captured adjacent to a coal fly ash basin and 11 raccoons from a comparable uncontaminated site nearby. Of eight trace elements analyzed, Cu, As, Se, and Pb were elevated in raccoons from the contaminated site. Raccoons from the contaminated site harbored higher helminth abundance than animals from the reference site and that abundance was positively associated with increased Cu concentrations. While we found changes in hematology associated with increased Se exposure, we did not find physiological or histological changes associated with higher levels of contaminants. Our results suggest that raccoons and their intestinal helminths act as sentinels of trace elements in the environment associated with coal fly ash contamination.« less

[Determination of trace heavy metal elements in cortex Phellodendron chinense by ICP-MS after microwave-assisted digestion].

PubMed

Kou, Xing-Ming; Xu, Min; Gu, Yong-Zuo

2007-06-01

An inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) for determination of the contents of 8 trace heavy metal elements in cortex Phellodendron chinense after microwave-assisted digestion of the sample has been developed. The accuracy of the method was evaluated by the analysis of corresponding trace heavy metal elements in standard reference materials (GBW 07604 and GBW 07605). By applying the proposed method, the contents of 8 trace heavy metal elements in cortex Phellodendron chinense cultivated in different areas (in Bazhong, Yibin and Yingjing, respectively) of Sichuan and different growth period (6, 8 and 10 years of samples from Yingjing) were determined. The relative standard deviation (RSD) is in the range of 3.2%-17.8% and the recoveries of standard addition are in the range of 70%-120%. The results of the study indicate that the proposed method has the advantages of simplicity, speediness and sensitivity. It is suitable for the determination of the contents of 8 trace heavy metal elements in cortex Phellodendron chinense. The results also show that the concentrations of 4 harmful trace heavy metal elements As, Cd, Hg and Pb in cortex Phellodendron chinense are all lower than the limits of Chinese Pharmacopoeia and Green Trade Standard for Importing and Exporting Medicinal Plant and Preparation. Therefore, the cortex Phellodendron chinense is fit for use as medicine and export.

Trace element geochemistry of Archean volcanic rocks

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jahn, B.-M.; Shih, C.-Y.; Murthy, V. R.

1974-01-01

The K, Rb, Sr, Ba and rare-earth-element contents of some Archean volcanic rocks from the Vermilion greenstone belt, northeast Minnesota, were determined by the isotopic dilution method. The characteristics of trace element abundances, supported by the field occurrences and major element chemistry, suggest that these volcanic rocks were formed in an ancient island arc system.

Al-26, Pu-244, Ti-50, REE, and trace element abundances in hibonite grains from CM and CV meteorites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fahey, A. J.; Mckeegan, K. D.; Zinner, E.; Goswami, J. N.

1987-01-01

Hibonites from the CM meteorites Murchison, Murray, and Cold Bokkeveld, and hibonites and Ti-rich pyroxene from the CV chondrite Allende are studied. Electron microprobe measurements of major element concentrations and track and ion probe measurements of Mg and Ti isotopic ratios, rare earth elements (REEs), and trace element abundances are analyzed. Correlations between isotopic anomalies in Ti, Al-26, Pu-244, and Mg-26(asterisk) are examined. Ti isotopic anomalies are compared with REE and trace element abundance patterns. Reasons for the lack of Al-26 in the hibonites are investigated and discussed. It is observed that there is no correlation between the Ti isotopic compositions, and the presence of Mg-26(asterisk), Pu-244, and REE and trace element patterns in individual hibonite samples. The data reveal that hibonites are not interstellar dust grains but formed on a short time scale and in localized regions of the early solar system.

Trace element partitioning during the retorting of Julia Creek oil shale

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Patterson, J.H.; Dale, L.S.; Chapman, J.f.

1987-05-01

A bulk sample of oil shale from the Julia Creek deposit in Queensland was retorted under Fischer assay conditions at temperatures ranging from 250 to 550 /sup 0/C. The distributions of the trace elements detected in the shale oil and retort water were determined at each temperature. Oil distillation commenced at 300 /sup 0/C and was essentially complete at 500 /sup 0/C. A number of trace elements were progressively mobilized with increasing retort temperature up to 450 /sup 0/C. The following trace elements partitioned mainly to the oil: vanadium, arsenic, selenium, iron, nickel, titanium, copper, cobalt, and aluminum. Elements thatmore » also partitioned to the retort waters included arsenic, selenium, chlorine, and bromine. Element mobilization is considered to be caused by the volatilization of organometallic compounds, sulfide minerals, and sodium halides present in the oil shale. The results have important implications for shale oil refining and for the disposal of retort waters. 22 references, 5 tables.« less

Phytostabilization of semiarid soils residually contaminated with trace elements using by-products: sustainability and risks.

PubMed

Pérez-de-Mora, Alfredo; Madejón, Paula; Burgos, Pilar; Cabrera, Francisco; Lepp, Nicholas W; Madejón, Engracia

2011-10-01

We investigated the efficiency of various by-products (sugarbeet lime, biosolid compost and leonardite), based on single or repeated applications to field plots, on the establishment of a vegetation cover compatible with a stabilization strategy on a multi-element (As, Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn) contaminated soil 4-6 years after initial amendment applications. Results indicate that the need for re-treatment is amendment- and element-dependent; in some cases, a single application may reduce trace element concentrations in above-ground biomass and enhance the establishment of a healthy vegetation cover. Amendment performance as evaluated by % cover, biomass and number of colonizing taxa differs; however, changes in plant community composition are not necessarily amendment-specific. Although the translocation of trace elements to the plant biotic compartment is greater in re-vegetated areas, overall loss of trace elements due to soil erosion and plant uptake is usually smaller compared to that in bare soil. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Use of an ultra-clean sampling technique with inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry to determine trace-element concentrations in water from the Kirkwood-Cohansey Aquifer system, coastal plain, New Jersey

USGS Publications Warehouse

Ivahnenko, Tamara; Szabo, Zoltan; Hall, G.S.

1996-01-01

Water samples were collected during 1993 from 22 public supply wells screened in the Kirkwood-Cohansey aquifer system; concentrations of 18 trace elements were determined primarily by using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) techniques, though graphite furnace atomic adsorption, hydride generation, and cold- vapor flameless atomic adsorption techniques were used for thallium, arsenic, and mercury, respectively, at the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) National Water Quality Laboratory (NWQL). In addition, laboratory measurements of alkalinity and turbidity were made. The ground-water samples were collected by using ultra-clean sampling protocols developed by the USGS for collecting ground-water samples in areas with water containing low concentrations of trace elements. This technique is based on recently gained experience in sampling surface water for these elements. Field parameters (water temperature, specific conductance, pH, and dissolved-oxygen concentration) were monitored prior to sample collection. Three equipment blanks were collected to ensure that low-level trace-element contamination did not occur during sample collection. One split sample and a commercially- prepared reference standard were submitted to the NWQL o evaluate laboratory precision and accuracy, respectively. Trace-element concentrations in 10 sample splits and one equipment blank were also determined at the Rutgers University Chemistry Department laboratory. Results of the ICP-MS analyses and cold vapor flameless atomic absorption indicated that five trace elements-- cobalt, copper, lead, mercury, and nickel--were detectable in low concentrations (<0.1-29 mg/L) in most of the samples from the 22 wells, and four elements--aluminum, barium, manganese and zinc--were detected in higher concentrations than the other elements (30-710 mg/L for aluminum; 4-180 mg/L for barium, manganese, and zinc). The remaining nine trace elements were present in concentrations consistently lower than the minimum reporting limit. Turbidity was low (less than 1 nephelometric turbidity unit (NTU)), indicating that the trace-element concentrations were present in the dissolved phase and ideally would be reproducible in the absence of highly variable concentrations of particulates. The concentration of lead in one sample exceeded the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) action level of 15 mg/L; concentrations ranged from <1 to 16 mg/L. Mercury was frequently detected; concentrations ranged from <0.1 to 1.1 mg/L but did not exceed the USEPA maximum contaminant level. Results of analyses of the equipment blanks indicated that samples collected by using the new ultra-clean sampling protocols were free of low-level (< 1mg/L) trace-element contamination. The analysis of the split sample sent to the NWQL had a difference of 5 percent or less for all constituents except aluminum, for which the analysis had a difference of 10 percent. Results of ICP-MS analyses of split water samples sent to the Rutgers University Chemistry Department laboratory were, in general, in good agreement (within 10 percent) with those of the NWQL. Results of the analysis of the commercial standard agreed (within 5 percent) with the known concentrations of the trace elements. The quality-assurance data (three blanks, one split sample, and one standard), although not statistically evaluated because of the small data set, indicate that the measured trace-element concentrations are precise and accurate and that the samples were free of contamination at the microgram-per-liter level of contamination.

Vertical distribution of major, minor and trace elements in sediments from mud volcanoes of the Gulf of Cadiz: evidence of Cd, As and Ba fronts in upper layers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Carvalho, Lina; Monteiro, Rui; Figueira, Paula; Mieiro, Cláudia; Almeida, Joana; Pereira, Eduarda; Magalhães, Vítor; Pinheiro, Luís; Vale, Carlos

2018-01-01

Mud volcanoes are feature of the coastal margins where anaerobic oxidation of methane triggers geochemical signals. Elemental composition, percentage of fine particles and loss on ignition were determined in sediment layers of eleven gravity cores retrieved from four mud volcanoes (Sagres, Bonjardim, Soloviev and Porto) and three undefined structures located on the deep Portuguese margin of the Gulf of Cadiz. Calcium was positively correlated to Sr and inversely to Al as well as to most of the trace elements. Vertical profiles of Ba, Cd and As concentrations, and their ratios to Al, in Porto and Soloviev showed pronounced enhancements in the top 50-cm depth. Sub-surface enhancements were less pronounced in other mud volcanoes and were absent in sediments from the structures. These profiles were interpreted as diagenetic enrichments related to the anaerobic oxidation of methane originated from upward methane-rich fluxes. The observed barium fronts were most likely caused by the presence of barite which precipitated at the sulphate-methane transition zone. Cd and As enrichments have probably resulted from successive dissolution/precipitation of sulphides in response to vertical shifts of redox boundaries.

Determination of minor and trace elements in aromatic spices by micro-wave assisted digestion and inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry.

PubMed

Khan, Naeem; Choi, Ji Yeon; Nho, Eun Yeong; Jamila, Nargis; Habte, Girum; Hong, Joon Ho; Hwang, In Min; Kim, Kyong Su

2014-09-01

This study aimed at analyzing the concentrations of 23 minor and trace elements in aromatic spices by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), after wet digestion by microwave system. The analytical method was validated by linearity, detection limits, precision, accuracy and recovery experiments, obtaining satisfactory values in all cases. Results indicated the presence of variable amounts of both minor and trace elements in the selected aromatic spices. Manganese was high in cinnamon (879.8 μg/g) followed by cardamom (758.1 μg/g) and clove (649.9 μg/g), strontium and zinc were high in ajwain (489.9 μg/g and 84.95 μg/g, respectively), while copper was high in mango powder (77.68 μg/g). On the whole some of the minor and essential trace elements were found to have good nutritional contribution in accordance to RDA. The levels of toxic trace elements, including As, Cd, and Pb were very low and did not found to pose any threat to consumers. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Selenium deficiency risk predicted to increase under future climate change

PubMed Central

Jones, Gerrad D.; Droz, Boris; Greve, Peter; Gottschalk, Pia; Poffet, Deyan; McGrath, Steve P.; Seneviratne, Sonia I.; Smith, Pete; Winkel, Lenny H. E.

2017-01-01

Deficiencies of micronutrients, including essential trace elements, affect up to 3 billion people worldwide. The dietary availability of trace elements is determined largely by their soil concentrations. Until now, the mechanisms governing soil concentrations have been evaluated in small-scale studies, which identify soil physicochemical properties as governing variables. However, global concentrations of trace elements and the factors controlling their distributions are virtually unknown. We used 33,241 soil data points to model recent (1980–1999) global distributions of Selenium (Se), an essential trace element that is required for humans. Worldwide, up to one in seven people have been estimated to have low dietary Se intake. Contrary to small-scale studies, soil Se concentrations were dominated by climate–soil interactions. Using moderate climate-change scenarios for 2080–2099, we predicted that changes in climate and soil organic carbon content will lead to overall decreased soil Se concentrations, particularly in agricultural areas; these decreases could increase the prevalence of Se deficiency. The importance of climate–soil interactions to Se distributions suggests that other trace elements with similar retention mechanisms will be similarly affected by climate change. PMID:28223487

Selenium deficiency risk predicted to increase under future climate change.

PubMed

Jones, Gerrad D; Droz, Boris; Greve, Peter; Gottschalk, Pia; Poffet, Deyan; McGrath, Steve P; Seneviratne, Sonia I; Smith, Pete; Winkel, Lenny H E

2017-03-14

Deficiencies of micronutrients, including essential trace elements, affect up to 3 billion people worldwide. The dietary availability of trace elements is determined largely by their soil concentrations. Until now, the mechanisms governing soil concentrations have been evaluated in small-scale studies, which identify soil physicochemical properties as governing variables. However, global concentrations of trace elements and the factors controlling their distributions are virtually unknown. We used 33,241 soil data points to model recent (1980-1999) global distributions of Selenium (Se), an essential trace element that is required for humans. Worldwide, up to one in seven people have been estimated to have low dietary Se intake. Contrary to small-scale studies, soil Se concentrations were dominated by climate-soil interactions. Using moderate climate-change scenarios for 2080-2099, we predicted that changes in climate and soil organic carbon content will lead to overall decreased soil Se concentrations, particularly in agricultural areas; these decreases could increase the prevalence of Se deficiency. The importance of climate-soil interactions to Se distributions suggests that other trace elements with similar retention mechanisms will be similarly affected by climate change.

Trace elements and oxidative stress levels in the blood of painters in Lagos, Nigeria: occupational survey and health concern.

PubMed

Awodele, Olufunsho; Akinyede, Akin; Babawale, Omotola Opeyemi; Coker, Herbert A Babatunde; Akintonwa, Alade

2013-06-01

Adverse effects attributed to exposure to paints are currently a concern because of the continued widespread use of paint containing trace elements. Thus, occupational survey amongst painters in Lagos and determination of trace elements and oxidative stress parameters were carried out. Descriptive cross-sectional survey was done using a standardized questionnaire to obtain job safety-related information. Forty-eight percent of the painters were aware of hazards associated with painting and 52 % of these workers were aware of the necessary precautionary measures during painting. There were no significant differences (p ≥ 0.05) between the levels of trace elements in the blood of painters and the control subjects. However, there was a significance increase (p ≤ 0.0001) in the level of malondialdehyde and a decrease (p ≤ 0.001) in the levels of reduced glutathione, superoxide dismutase, and catalase of the painters compared to the control. An increase in oxidative stress parameters may not only be due to trace element concentrations, but also the painters' exposure to some petrochemical solvents during mixing of paints.

Infrared trace element detection system

DOEpatents

Bien, F.; Bernstein, L.S.; Matthew, M.W.

1988-11-15

An infrared trace element detection system includes an optical cell into which the sample fluid to be examined is introduced and removed. Also introduced into the optical cell is a sample beam of infrared radiation in a first wavelength band which is significantly absorbed by the trace element and a second wavelength band which is not significantly absorbed by the trace element for passage through the optical cell through the sample fluid. The output intensities of the sample beam of radiation are selectively detected in the first and second wavelength bands. The intensities of a reference beam of the radiation are similarly detected in the first and second wavelength bands. The sensed output intensity of the sample beam in one of the first and second wavelength bands is normalized with respect to the other and similarly, the intensity of the reference beam of radiation in one of the first and second wavelength bands is normalized with respect to the other. The normalized sample beam intensity and normalized reference beam intensity are then compared to provide a signal from which the amount of trace element in the sample fluid can be determined. 11 figs.

Age-related differences in hair trace elements: a cross-sectional study in Orenburg, Russia.

PubMed

Skalnaya, Margarita G; Tinkov, Alexey A; Demidov, Vasily A; Serebryansky, Eugeny P; Nikonorov, Alexandr A; Skalny, Anatoly V

2016-09-01

Age-related differences in the trace element content of hair have been reported. However, some discrepancies in the data exist. The primary objective of this study was to estimate the change in hair trace elements content in relation to age. Six hundred and eighteen women and 438 men aged from 10-59 years took part in the current cross-sectional study. Hair Cr, Mn, Ni, Si, Al, As, Be, Cd and Pb tended to decrease with age in the female sample, whereas hair Cu, Fe, I, Se, Li and Sn were characterised by an age-associated increase. Hair levels of Cr, Cu, I, Mn, Ni, Si and Al in men decreased with age, whereas hair Co, Fe, Se, Cd, Li and Pb content tended to increase. Hair mercury increased in association with age in men and in women, whereas hair vanadium was characterised by a significant decrease in both sexes. The difference in hair trace element content between men and women decreased with age. These data suggest that age-related differences in trace element status may have a direct implication in the ageing process.

Infrared trace element detection system

DOEpatents

Bien, Fritz; Bernstein, Lawrence S.; Matthew, Michael W.

1988-01-01

An infrared trace element detection system including an optical cell into which the sample fluid to be examined is introduced and removed. Also introduced into the optical cell is a sample beam of infrared radiation in a first wavelength band which is significantly absorbed by the trace element and a second wavelength band which is not significantly absorbed by the trace element for passage through the optical cell through the sample fluid. The output intensities of the sample beam of radiation are selectively detected in the first and second wavelength bands. The intensities of a reference beam of the radiation are similarly detected in the first and second wavelength bands. The sensed output intensity of the sample beam in one of the first and second wavelength bands is normalized with respect to the other and similarly, the intensity of the reference beam of radiation in one of the first and second wavelength bands is normalized with respect to the other. The normalized sample beam intensity and normalized reference beam intensity are then compared to provide a signal from which the amount of trace element in the sample fluid can be determined.

Komatiites and nickel sulfide ores of the Black Swan area, Yilgarn Craton, Western Australia. 3: Komatiite geochemistry, and implications for ore forming processes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Barnes, Stephen J.; Hill, Robin E. T.; Evans, Noreen J.

2004-11-01

The Black Swan komatiite sequence is a package of dominantly olivine-rich cumulates with lesser volumes of spinifex textured rocks, interpreted as a section through an extensive komatiite lava flow field. The sequence hosts a number of nickel sulfide orebodies, including the Silver Swan massive shoot and the Cygnet and Black Swan disseminated orebodies. A large body of whole rock analyses on komatiitic rocks from the Black Swan area has been filtered for metasomatic effects. With the exception of mobile elements such as Ca and alkalis, most samples retain residual igneous geochemistry, and can be modelled predominantly by fractionation and accumulation of olivine. Whole rock MgO FeO relationships imply a relatively restricted range of olivine compositions, more primitive than the olivine which would have been in equilibrium with the transporting komatiite lavas, and together with textural data indicate that much of the cumulus olivine in the sequence was transported. Flow top compositions show evidence for chromite saturation, but the cumulates are deficient in accumulated chromite. Chromite compositions are typical of those found in compound flow-facies komatiites, and are distinct from those in komatiitic dunite bodies. Incompatible trace element abundances show three superimposed influences: control by the relative proportion of olivine to liquid; a signature of crustal contamination and an overprint of metasomatic introduction of LREE, Zr and Th. This overprint is most evident in cumulates, and relatively insignificant in the spinifex rocks. Platinum and palladium behaved as incompatible elements and are negatively correlated with MgO. They show no evidence for wholesale depletion due to sulfide extraction, which was evidently restricted to specific lava tubes or pathways. The lack of correspondence between PGE depletion and contamination by siliceous material implies that contamination alone is insufficient to generate S-saturation and ore formation in the absence of sulfide in the assimilant. Contamination signatures in spinifex-textured rocks may be a guide to Ni-sulfide mineralisation, but are not entirely reliable in the absence of other evidence. The widespread vesicularity of the sequence may be attributable to assimilated water rather than to primary mantle-derived volatiles, and cannot be taken as evidence for primary volatile-rich magmas. The characteristic signature of the Black Swan Succession is the presence of highly localised disseminated sulfide within a sequence showing more widespread evidence for crustal contamination and interaction with its immediate substrate. This has important implications for the applicability of trace element geochemistry in exploration for komatiite-hosted nickel deposits.

Influence of trace elements on dental enamel properties: A review.

PubMed

Qamar, Zeeshan; Haji Abdul Rahim, Zubaidah Binti; Chew, Hooi Pin; Fatima, Tayyaba

2017-01-01

Dental enamel, an avascular, irreparable, outermost and protective layer of the human clinical crown has a potential to withstand the physico-chemical effects and forces. These properties are being regulated by a unique association among elements occurring in the crystallites setup of human dental enamel. Calcium and phosphate are the major components (hydroxyapatite) in addition to some trace elements which have a profound effect on enamel. The current review was planned to determine the aptitude of various trace elements to substitute and their influence on human dental enamel in terms of physical and chemical properties.

What do the trace metal contents of urine and toenail samples from Qatar׳s farm workers bioindicate?

PubMed

Kuiper, Nora; Rowell, Candace; Nriagu, Jerome; Shomar, Basem

2014-05-01

Qatar׳s farm workers provide a unique population for exposure study: they are young, healthy males. This study combined trace element profiles in urine and toenail with survey information from 239 farm workers to assess the extent to which the biomarkers provide complementary exposure information. Urinary Mo levels (average=114 µg/L) were elevated; average urinary values (µg/L) for all other elements were: V (1.02), Cr (0.55), Mn (2.15), Fe (34.1), Co (0.47), Ni (2.95), Cu (15.0), As (47.8), Se (25.7), Cd (1.09), Ba (22.5), Pb (2.50) and U (0.15). Average toenail concentrations (mg/kg) were: Mn (2.48), Cu (4.43), As (0.26), Se (0.58), Mo (0.07), Cd (0.03), Ba (1.00), Pb (0.51) and U (0.02). No significant association was found between corresponding elements in urine and toenails. Elemental profiles suggest groundwater (with the exception of Mo) and soil-dust-crop exposure pathways cannot account for elemental variations. The main factors moderating trace element contents are related to depuration processes involving participants׳ trace element body burden prior to work in Qatar, and interactions of trace element metabolic cycles which over-ride the exposure footprint. Toenail and urine need to be carefully validated before reliable use as biomarkers of exposure in general populations for most elements in the study. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Posterior Cord Syndrome and Trace Elements Deficiency as an Uncommon Presentation of Common Variable Immunodeficiency

PubMed Central

dos Santos Mota, Ananda; Morais Monteiro, Priscila; Carvalho, Angela Cristina Gouvêa; Fernandes Diniz, Barbara; Gemal Lanzieri, Pedro; Carneiro Ramos, Ricardo; Mocarzel, Luis Otavio

2017-01-01

Diarrhea is one of the most common symptoms in common variable immunodeficiency, but neurologic manifestations are rare. We presented a 50-year-old woman with recurrent diarrhea and severe weight loss that developed a posterior cord syndrome. Endoscopy found a duodenal villous blunting, intraepithelial lymphocytosis, and lack of plasma cells and magnetic resonance imaging of the spine was normal. Laboratory assays confirmed common variable immunodeficiency syndrome and showed low levels of trace elements (copper and zinc). Treatment was initiated with parenteral replacement of trace elements and intravenous human immunoglobulin and the patient improved clinically. In conclusion, physicians must be aware that gastrointestinal and neurologic disorders may be related to each other and remember to request trace elements laboratory assessment. PMID:28356913

In Situ Trace Element Analysis of an Allende Type B1 CAI: EK-459-5-1

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jeffcoat, C. R.; Kerekgyarto, A.; Lapen, T. J.; Andreasen, R.; Righter, M.; Ross, D. K.

2014-01-01

Variations in refractory major and trace element composition of calcium, aluminum-rich inclusions (CAIs) provide constraints on physical and chemical conditions and processes in the earliest stages of the Solar System. Previous work indicates that CAIs have experienced complex histories involving, in many cases, multiple episodes of condensation, evaporation, and partial melting. We have analyzed major and trace element abundances in two core to rim transects of the melilite mantle as well as interior major phases of a Type B1 CAI (EK-459-5-1) from Allende by electron probe micro-analyzer (EPMA) and laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) to investigate the behavior of key trace elements with a primary focus on the REEs Tm and Yb.

Assessment of some potential harmful trace elements (PHTEs) in the borehole water of Greater Giyani, Limpopo Province, South Africa: possible implications for human health.

PubMed

Munyangane, Portia; Mouri, Hassina; Kramers, Jan

2017-10-01

The present investigation was conducted in order to evaluate the occurrence and distribution patterns of some potentially harmful trace elements in the borehole water of the Greater Giyani area, Limpopo, South Africa, and their possible implications on human health. Twenty-nine borehole water samples were collected in the dry season (July/August 2012) and another 27 samples from the same localities in the wet season (March 2013) from the study area. The samples were analysed for trace elements arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), selenium (Se), and lead (Pb) using the inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry technique. The average concentrations of As, Cd, Cr, Se, and Pb were 11.3, 0.3, 33.1, 7.1, and 6.0 µg/L in the dry season and 11.0, 0.3, 28.3, 4.2, and 6.6 µg/L in the wet season, respectively. There was evidence of seasonal fluctuations in concentrations of all analysed elements except for As, though Cd and Pb displayed low concentrations (<0.2 and <6.0 µg/L, respectively) in almost all sampled boreholes. Se and Cr concentrations slightly exceed the South African National Standard permissible limits for safe drinking water in few boreholes. A total of four boreholes exceeded the water quality guideline for As with two of these boreholes containing five times more As than the prescribed limit. The spatial distribution patterns of elevated As closely correlate with the underlying geology. The findings of this investigation have important implications for human health of the communities drinking from the affected boreholes.

Application of multivariate analysis to investigate the trace element contamination in top soil of coal mining district in Jorong, South Kalimantan, Indonesia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pujiwati, Arie; Nakamura, K.; Watanabe, N.; Komai, T.

2018-02-01

Multivariate analysis is applied to investigate geochemistry of several trace elements in top soils and their relation with the contamination source as the influence of coal mines in Jorong, South Kalimantan. Total concentration of Cd, V, Co, Ni, Cr, Zn, As, Pb, Sb, Cu and Ba was determined in 20 soil samples by the bulk analysis. Pearson correlation is applied to specify the linear correlation among the elements. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Cluster Analysis (CA) were applied to observe the classification of trace elements and contamination sources. The results suggest that contamination loading is contributed by Cr, Cu, Ni, Zn, As, and Pb. The elemental loading mostly affects the non-coal mining area, for instances the area near settlement and agricultural land use. Moreover, the contamination source is classified into the areas that are influenced by the coal mining activity, the agricultural types, and the river mixing zone. Multivariate analysis could elucidate the elemental loading and the contamination sources of trace elements in the vicinity of coal mine area.

Re-187-Os-187, Pt-190-Os-186 Isotopic and Highly Siderophile Element Systematics of Group IVA Irons

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Walker, R. J.; McCoy, T. J.; Schulte, R. F.; McDonough, W. F.; Ash, R. D.

2005-01-01

We have recently completed Re-187-Os-187 and Pt-190-Os-186 isotopic and elemental studies of the two largest magmatic iron meteorite groups, IIAB and IIIAB [1]. These studies revealed closed-system behavior of both isotopic systems, but complex trace element behavior for Re, Pt and Os in group IIIAB. Here we examine isotopic and trace elemental systematics of group IVA irons. The IVA irons are not as extensively fractionated as IIAB and IIIAB and their apparently less complex crystallization history may make for more robust interpretation of the relative partitioning behavior of Re, Pt and Os, as well as the other highly siderophile elements (HSE) measured here; Pd, Ru and Ir [e.g. 2]. An additional goal of our continuing research plan for iron meteorites is to assess the possibility of relating certain ungrouped irons with major groups via trace element modeling. Here, the isotopic and trace element systematics of the ungrouped irons Nedagolla and EET 83230 are compared with the IVA irons.

Trace Elemental Characterization of Chalk Dust and Their Associated Health Risk Assessment.

PubMed

Maruthi, Y A; Ramprasad, S; Lakshmana Das, N

2017-02-01

It is evident that chalk produces dust on use, i.e., particulate matter, which will alter the air quality of classrooms and can cause health hazards in teachers. The possible causes for health effects of chalk dust on teachers are still unclear. Hence, the aim of this study is to estimate the concentration of trace elements (Al, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Si, Pb) in chalk dust collected from classrooms by using ICP-MS. Both suspended and settled chalk dust was collected from selected classrooms. Suspended chalk dust was collected with PM2.5 filter paper using fine dust sampler, and settled chalk dust was collected by placing petriplates at a distance of 3 m from the board for a duration period of 30 min. Scanning electron microscopy images of chalk dust were taken up. Potential health risk analysis was also assessed. Results showed that Al, Fe, and Mn are in higher concentration (>1000 μg kg -1 ) in both settled and suspended chalk dust. Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, and Ni were beyond the minimal risk levels in both settled and suspended chalk dust. There are no minimal risk levels for the elements Al, Si, and Pb. The concentration of trace elements in suspended chalk dust was higher than that in settled chalk dust. The SEM images of PM2.5 filter papers (suspended chalk dust) showed that all pores of the sampled filter papers are clogged with chalk dust. The few SEM images of the settled chalk dust showed fibrous shape which is associated with good-quality chalk whereas others showed circular and more aggregated nature of chalk dust from low-quality chalk from which the dust production will be very high. As observed from the result that the trace elements concentration was high in the suspended chalk dust, the fact can be correlated with the SEM images which have shown high density of absorbed chalk dust. With reference to human health risk, dermal exposure was the main route of exposure followed by inhalation and ingestion. Al (aluminum), Fe (iron), Si (silicon), and Mn (manganese) are the major contributors for the non-carcinogenic effects. For all the elements, the carcinogenic effect calculated (LADD) is within the global acceptable limit (10 -6 -10 -4 ).

Geochemical Composition of Volcanic Rocks from the May 2003 Eruption of Anatahan Volcano, Mariana Islands

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wade, J. A.; Plank, T.; Stern, R.; Hilton, D.; Fischer, T. P.; Moore, R.; Trusdell, F.; Sako, M.

2003-12-01

The first historical eruption of Anatahan volcano began on May 10, 2003, from the easternmost of the island's two craters. Samples of tephra, scoria, and bombs, collected in May by a MARGINS-supported rapid-response team, were analyzed for 34 trace elements by solution ICP-MS at Boston University and Sr-Nd-Pb isotopic composition at the University of Texas-Dallas. The new eruptive materials can be compared with an extensive suite of pre-existing volcanics (basalts through dacites) from Anatahan sampled by the USGS in 1990 and 1992, and analyzed by XRF and INAA. While most Mariana volcanoes erupt basalts and basaltic andesites, Anatahan is unusual for erupting a wide range of compositions, from basalt to dacite, and thus provides the best opportunity for addressing questions of magma evolution in this classic island arc. The newly erupted scoria and pumice are andesites and dacites that are among the most silicic materials erupted in the northern Mariana islands. The recent eruptives are highly homogeneous; 13 samples vary by only 3-5% relative standard deviation for incompatible trace elements. Isotopic compositions (0.703450 +/- 2 87Sr/86Sr and 18.806 +/- 5 206Pb/204Pb) are within the range of previously measured samples from Anatahan and other volcanic centers in the Marianas. The combined dataset for Anatahan defines virtually a single liquid line of descent. This is consistent with nearly-parallel REE patterns, and small variations in the ratios of the most incompatible trace elements (e.g., Th/Rb varies by <10% over the entire fractionation trend). Low values of Th/La and Th/Zr in Anatahan volcanics provide evidence against partial melting of crustal material as a source of the silicic magmas, as these ratios are highly senstive to apatite- and zircon- saturated crustal melts. Instead, the basalts, andesites and dacites of Anatahan appear to be related predominantly by crystal fractionation with little evidence for assimilation of crustal melts. The new data can also be used to make new inferences as to the source characteristics of Anatahan magma. Trace element ratios Th/La and Sm/La distinguish island-to-island differences in the subducted sediment components incorporated into the Mariana arc magmas. Most Mariana volcanics plot on a mixing line between depleted mantle and the bulk subducting sediment Th/La (0.14). Anatahan, however, mixes to slightly higher Th/La (0.16), which could be caused by the shallow loss of the top 50 m of the sedimentary column (pelagic clay) during subduction.

Mapping trace element distribution in fossil teeth and bone with LA-ICP-MS

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hinz, E. A.; Kohn, M. J.

2009-12-01

Trace element profiles were measured in fossil bones and teeth from the late Pleistocene (c. 25 ka) Merrell locality, Montana, USA, by using laser-ablation ICP-MS. Laser-ablation ICP-MS can collect element counts along predefined tracks on a sample’s surface using a constant ablation speed allowing for rapid spatial sampling of element distribution. Key elements analyzed included common divalent cations (e.g. Sr, Zn, Ba), a suite of REE (La, Ce, Nd, Sm, Eu, Yb), and U, in addition to Ca for composition normalization and standardization. In teeth, characteristic diffusion penetration distances for all trace elements are at least a factor of 4 greater in traverses parallel to the dentine-enamel interface (parallel to the growth axis of the tooth) than perpendicular to the interface. Multiple parallel traverses in sections parallel and perpendicular to the tooth growth axis were transformed into trace element maps, and illustrate greater uptake of all trace elements along the central axis of dentine compared to areas closer to enamel, or within the enamel itself. Traverses in bone extending from the external surface, through the thickness of cortical bone and several mm into trabecular bone show major differences in trace element uptake compared to teeth: U and Sr are homogeneous, whereas all REE show a kinked profile with high concentrations on outer surfaces that decrease by several orders of magnitude within a few mm inward. The Eu anomaly increases uniformly from the outer edge of bone inward, whereas the Ce anomaly decreases slightly. These observations point to major structural anisotropies in trace element transport and uptake during fossilization, yet transport and uptake of U and REE are not resolvably different. In contrast, transport and uptake of U in bone must proceed orders of magnitude faster than REE as U is homogeneous whereas REE exhibit strong gradients. The kinked REE profiles in bone unequivocally indicate differential transport rates, consistent with a double-medium diffusion model in which microdomains with slow diffusivities are bounded by fast-diffusing pathways.

Copper and Zinc Deficiency in a Patient Receiving Long-Term Parenteral Nutrition During a Shortage of Parenteral Trace Element Products.

PubMed

Palm, Eric; Dotson, Bryan

2015-11-01

Drug shortages in the United States, including parenteral nutrition (PN) components, have been common in recent years and can adversely affect patient care. Here we report a case of copper and zinc deficiency in a patient receiving PN during a shortage of parenteral trace element products. The management of the patient's deficiencies, including the use of an imported parenteral multi-trace element product, is described. © 2014 American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition.

An optimized chronology for a stalagmite using seasonal trace element cycles from Shihua Cave, Beijing, North China

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ban, F.; Baker, A.; Marjo, C.; Duan, W.; Li, X.; Coleborn, K.; Akter, R.; Nagra, G.

2017-12-01

Stalagmites play an increasingly important role in the paleoclimatic reconstruction from seasonal to orbital timescales. One of the important reasons is that 230Th-dating can provide an absolute age enabling more accurate knowledge of the stalagmite growth. Additionally, annual trace element and optical layers can provide complementary method for determining a precise age and seasonal resolution. The trace elements of a stalagmite (XMG) in Beijing Shihua Cave, which is located in the East Asian monsoon region, were analyzed by laser ablation ICP-MS and compared with stalagmite laminae. The results show that: (1) the polished section of the topmost 4 mm of stalagmite XMG has obvious bi-optical layers (fluorescence and visible light) under a conventional transmission microscope. In the rest of the sample laminae are not observed using this method. (2) The variations of P/Ca, Sr/Ca, Ba/Ca, U/Ca and Mg/Ca show seasonal cycles throughout the sample. Sr/Ca is inversely correlated to P/Ca, and its peaks correspond with the (non-fluorescing) white layers, which deposit in late winter and spring when the climate is dry. The peaks of P/Ca match closely with the (fluorescing) opaque layers, because P is a soil-derived element which increases in the high rainfall monsoon period. (3) The PCA of the five trace elements showed that the cycles of PC1 could represent the annual cycle. This stalagmite was deposited over 148 ± 4 years through peak counting and the cycles of PC1 correspond well with the annual layers. Trace element cyclicity as shown by PC1 can increase the accuracy of stalagmite dating, especially in the absence of obvious laminae. The trace elements can be used as the marker of seasonal changes in a strongly contrasting wet-dry monsoon climate regime. Keywords: high-precision dating; LA-ICP-MS; stalagmite; trace elements; seasonal cycles; Shihua Cave

Evaluation of frictional melting on the basis of trace element analyses of fault rocks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ishikawa, T.; Ujiie, K.

2016-12-01

Pseudotachylytes (solidified frictional melts produced during seismic slip) found in exhumed accretionary complexes are considered to have formed originally at seismogenic depths, and help our understanding of the dynamics of earthquake faulting in subduction zones. The frictional melting should affect rock chemistry. Actually, major element compositions of unaltered pseudotachylyte matrix in the Shimanto accretionary complex are reported to be similar to that of illite, implying disequilibrium melting in the slip zone (Ujiie et al., 2007). Bulk-rock trace element analyses of the pseudotachylyte-bearing fault rocks also revealed their shift to the clay-mineral-like compositions (Honda et al., 2011). Toward better understanding of the frictional melting using chemical means, we carried out detailed major and trace element analyses for pseudotachylyte-bearing dark veins and surrounding host rocks from the Mugi area of the Shimanto accretionary complex (Ujiie et al., 2007). About one milligram each of samples was collected from a rock chip along the microstructure by using the PC-controlled micro-drilling apparatus, and then analyzed by ICP-MS. Host rocks showed a series of compositional trends controlled by mixing of detrital sedimentary components. Unaltered part of the pseudotachylyte vein, on the other hand, showed striking enrichment of fluid-immobile trace elements, consistent with selective melting of fine-grained, clay-rich matrix of the fault rock. Importantly, completely altered parts of the dark veins exhibit essentially the same characteristics as the unaltered part, indicating that the trace element composition of the pseudotachylyte is well preserved even after considerable alteration in the later stages. These results demonstrate that trace element and structural analyses are useful to detect preexistence of pseudotachylytes resulting from selective frictional melting of clay minerals. It has been controversial that pseudotachylytes are rarely formed or rarely preserved. Trace element analyses on clay-rich localized slipping zones shed light on this topic. References: Ujiie et al. (2007) J. Struct. Geol. 29, 599-613; Honda et al. (2011) GRL 38, L06310.

[Distribution Characteristics and Source Analysis of Dustfall Trace Elements During Winter in Beijing].

PubMed

Xiong, Qiu-lin; Zhao, Wen-ji; Guo, Xiao-yu; Chen, Fan-tao; Shu, Tong-tong; Zheng, Xiao-xia; Zhao, Wen-hui

2015-08-01

The dustfall content is one of the evaluation indexes of atmospheric pollution. Trace elements especially heavy metals in dustfall can lead to risks to ecological environment and human health. In order to study the distribution characteristics of trace elements, heavy metals pollution and their sources in winter atmospheric dust, 49 dustfall samples were collected in Beijing City and nearby during November 2013 to March 2014. Then the contents (mass percentages) of 40 trace elements were measured by Elan DRC It type inductively coupled plasma mass (ICP-MS). Test results showed that more than half of the trace elements in the dust were less than 10 mg x kg(-1); about a quarter were between 10-100 mg x kg-1); while 7 elements (Pb, Zr, Cr, Cu, Zn, Sr and Ba) were more than 100 mg x kg(-1). The contents of Pb, Cu, Zn, Bi, Cd and Mo of winter dustfall in Beijing city.were respectively 4.18, 4.66, 5.35, 6.31, 6.62, and 8.62 times as high as those of corresponding elements in the surface soil in the same period, which went beyond the soil background values by more than 300% . The contribution of human activities to dustfall trace heavy metals content in Beijing city was larger than that in the surrounding region. Then sources analysis of dustfall and its 20 main trace elements (Cd, Mo, Nb, Ga, Co, Y, Nd, Li, La, Ni, Rb, V, Ce, Pb, Zr, Cr, Cu, Zn, Sr, Ba) was conducted through a multi-method analysis, including Pearson correlation analysis, Kendall correlation coefficient analysis and principal component analysis. Research results indicated that sources of winter dustfall in Beijing city were mainly composed of the earth's crust sources (including road dust, construction dust and remote transmission of dust) and the burning of fossil fuels (vehicle emissions, coal combustion, biomass combustion and industrial processes).

Distribution and solubility limits of trace elements in hydrothermal black smoker sulfides: An in-situ LA-ICP-MS study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wohlgemuth-Ueberwasser, Cora C.; Viljoen, Fanus; Petersen, Sven; Vorster, Clarisa

2015-06-01

The key for understanding the trace metal inventory of currently explored VHMS deposits lies in the understanding of trace element distribution during the formation of these deposits on the seafloor. Recrystallization processes already occurring at the seafloor might liberate trace elements to later hydrothermal alteration and removement. To investigate the distribution and redistribution of trace elements we analyzed sulfide minerals from 27 black smoker samples derived from three different seafloor hydrothermal fields: the ultramafic-hosted Logatchev hydrothermal field on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, the basaltic-hosted Turtle Pits field on the mid-atlantic ridge, and the felsic-hosted PACMANUS field in the Manus basin (Papua New Guinea). The sulfide samples were analyzed by mineral liberation analyser for the modal abundances of sulfide minerals, by electron microprobe for major elements and by laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry for As, Sb, Se, Te, and Au. The samples consist predominantly of chalcopyrite, sphalerite, pyrite, galena and minor isocubanite as well as inclusions of tetrahedrite-tennantite. Laser ablation spectra were used to evaluate the solubility limits of trace elements in different sulfide minerals at different textures. The solubility of As, Sb, and Au in pyrite decreases with increasing degree of recrystallization. When solubility limits are reached these elements occur as inclusions in the different sulfide phases or they are expelled from the mineral phase. Most ancient VHMS deposits represent felsic or bimodal felsic compositions. Samples from the felsic-hosted PACMANUS hydrothermal field at the Pual ridge (Papua New Guinea) show high concentrations of Pb, As, Sb, Bi, Hg, and Te, which is likely the result of an additional trace element contribution derived from magmatic volatiles. Co-precipitating pyrite and chalcopyrite are characterized by equal contents of Te, while chalcopyrite that replaced pyrite (presumably during black smoker growth) is enriched in Te relative to pyrite. These higher Te concentrations may be related to higher fluid temperature.

Bags with oven-dried moss for the active monitoring of airborne trace elements in urban areas.

PubMed

Giordano, S; Adamo, P; Monaci, F; Pittao, E; Tretiach, M; Bargagli, R

2009-10-01

To define a harmonized methodology for the use of moss and lichen bags as active monitoring devices of airborne trace elements in urban areas, we evaluated the element accumulation in bags exposed in Naples in different spring weather conditions for 6- and 12-weeks. Three different pre-exposure treatments were applied to moss and lichen materials: water-washing, acid-washing and oven-drying. During the different exposure periods in the Naples urban environment the moss accumulated always higher amounts of elements (except Hg) than lichens and the element accumulation increased during wetter weather and higher PM(10) conditions. The oven pre-treatment did not substantially modify the morphology and element composition of moss and the exposure in bags of this material for 6-weeks was sufficient to detect the pattern of airborne trace elements.

Water-quality assessment of the Rio Grande Valley, Colorado, New Mexico and Texas; organic compounds and trace elements in bed sediment and fish tissue, 1992-93

USGS Publications Warehouse

Carter, L.F.; Anderholm, S.K.

1997-01-01

The occurrence and distribution of contaminants in aquatic systems are major components of the National Water-Quality Assessment (NAWQA) Program. Bed-sediment samples were collected at 18 sites in the Rio Grande Valley study unit between September 1992 and March 1993 to characterize the geographic distribution of organic compounds, including chlorinated insecticides, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB's), and other chlorinated hydrocarbons, and also trace elements. Two-millimeter-size- fraction sediment was analyzed for organic compounds and less than 63-micron-size-fraction sediment was analyzed for trace elements. Concentrations of p,p'-DDE were detected in 33 percent of the bed-sediment samples. With the exception of DDT-related compounds, no other organochlorine insecticides or polychlorinated biphenyls were detected in samples of bed sediment. Whole-body fish samples were collected at 11 of the bed- sediment sites and analyzed for organic compounds. Organic compounds were reported more frequently in samples of fish, and more types of organic compounds were found in whole-body fish samples than in bed-sediment samples. Concentrations of p,p'-DDE were detected in 91 percent of whole-body fish samples. Polychlorinated biphenyls, cis-chlordane, trans-chlordane, trans- nonachlor, and hexachlorobenzene were other organic compounds detected in whole-body samples of fish from at least one site. Because of the extent of mineralized areas in the Rio Grande Basin arsenic, cadmium, copper, lead, mercury, selenium, and zinc concentrations in bed-sediment samples could represent natural conditions at most sites. However, a combination of natural conditions and human activities appears to be associated with elevated trace-element concentrations in the bed-sediment sample from the site Rio Grande near Creede, Colorado, because this sample exceeded the background trace-element concentrations calculated for this study. Fish-liver samples were collected at 12 of the bed-sediment sites and analyzed for trace elements. Certain trace elements were detected at higher concentrations in fish-liver samples than in bed-sediment samples from the same site. Both bed-sediment and fish-tissue samples are necessary for a complete environmental assessment of the occurrence and distribution of trace elements.

Reference Values of 14 Serum Trace Elements for Pregnant Chinese Women: A Cross-Sectional Study in the China Nutrition and Health Survey 2010-2012.

PubMed

Liu, Xiaobing; Zhang, Yu; Piao, Jianhua; Mao, Deqian; Li, Yajie; Li, Weidong; Yang, Lichen; Yang, Xiaoguang

2017-03-21

The development of reference values of trace elements is recognized as a fundamental prerequisite for the assessment of trace element nutritional status and health risks. In this study, a total of 1400 pregnant women aged 27.0 ± 4.5 years were randomly selected from the China Nutrition and Health Survey 2010-2012 (CNHS 2010-2012). The concentrations of 14 serum trace elements were determined by high-resolution inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Reference values were calculated covering the central 95% reference intervals (P2.5-P97.5) after excluding outliers by Dixon's test. The overall reference values of serum trace elements were 131.5 (55.8-265.0 μg/dL for iron (Fe), 195.5 (107.0-362.4) μg/dL for copper (Cu), 74.0 (51.8-111.3) μg/dL for zinc (Zn), 22.3 (14.0-62.0) μg/dL for rubidium (Rb), 72.2 (39.9-111.6) μg/L for selenium (Se), 45.9 (23.8-104.3) μg/L for strontium (Sr), 1.8 (1.2-3.6) μg/L for molybdenum (Mo), 2.4 (1.2-8.4) μg/L for manganese (Mn), 1.9 (0.6-9.0) ng/L for lead (Pb), 1.1 (0.3-5.6) ng/L for arsenic (As), 835.6 (219.8-4287.7) ng/L for chromium (Cr), 337.9 (57.0-1130.0) ng/L for cobalt (Co), 193.2 (23.6-2323.1) ng/L for vanadium (V), and 133.7 (72.1-595.1) ng/L for cadmium (Cd). Furthermore, some significant differences in serum trace element reference values were observed between different groupings of age intervals, residences, anthropometric status, and duration of pregnancy. We found that serum Fe, Zn, and Se concentrations significantly decreased, whereas serum Cu, Sr, and Co concentrations elevated progressively compared with reference values of 14 serum trace elements in pregnant Chinese women. The reference values of serum trace elements established could play a key role in the following nutritional status and health risk assessment.

Trace elements in groundwater used for water supply in Latvia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Retike, Inga; Kalvans, Andis; Babre, Alise; Kalvane, Gunta; Popovs, Konrads

2014-05-01

Latvia is rich with groundwater resources of various chemical composition and groundwater is the main drinking source. Groundwater quality can be easily affected by pollution or overexploitation, therefore drinking water quality is an issue of high importance. Here the first attempt is made to evaluate the vast data base of trace element concentrations in groundwater collected by Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre. Data sources here range from National monitoring programs to groundwater resources prospecting and research projects. First available historical records are from early 1960, whose quality is impossible to test. More recent systematic research has been focused on the agricultural impact on groundwater quality (Levins and Gosk, 2007). This research was mainly limited to Quaternary aquifer. Monitoring of trace elements arsenic, cadmium and lead was included in National groundwater monitoring program of Latvia in 2008 and 2009, but due to lack of funding the monitoring was suspended until 2013. As a result there are no comprehensive baseline studies regarding the trace elements concentration in groundwater. The aim of this study is to determine natural major and trace element concentration in aquifers mainly used for water supply in Latvia and to compare the results with EU potable water standards. A new overview of artesian groundwater quality will be useful for national and regional planning documents. Initial few characteristic traits of trace element concentration have been identified. For example, elevated fluorine, strontium and lithium content can be mainly associated with gypsum dissolution, but the highest barium concentrations are found in groundwaters with low sulphate content. The groundwater composition data including trace element concentrations originating from heterogeneous sources will be processed and analyzed as a part of a newly developed geologic and hydrogeological data management and modeling system with working name "GeoVipum". This study is supported by the European Social Fund project Nr.2013/0054/2DP/2.1.1.1.0/13/APIA/VIAA/007 in Latvia and European Social Fund Mobilitas grant No MJD309 in Estonia. Reference: Levins I., Gosk, E. 2007. Trace elements in groundwater as indicators of anthropogenic impact. Environmental Geology, 55, 285-290.

Trace elements and rare earth elements in wet deposition of Lijiang, Mt. Yulong region, southeastern edge of the Tibetan Plateau.

PubMed

Guo, Junming; Kang, Shichang; Huang, Jie; Sillanpää, Mika; Niu, Hewen; Sun, Xuejun; He, Yuanqing; Wang, Shijing; Tripathee, Lekhendra

2017-02-01

In order to investigate the compositions and wet deposition fluxes of trace elements and rare earth elements (REEs) in the precipitation of the southeastern edge of the Tibetan Plateau, 38 precipitation samples were collected from March to August in 2012 in an urban site of Lijiang city in the Mt. Yulong region. The concentrations of most trace elements and REEs were higher during the non-monsoon season than during the monsoon season, indicating that the lower concentrations of trace elements and REEs observed during monsoon had been influenced by the dilution effect of increased precipitation. The concentrations of trace elements in the precipitation of Lijiang city were slightly higher than those observed in remote sites of the Tibetan Plateau but much lower than those observed in the metropolises of China, indicating that the atmospheric environment of Lijiang city was less influenced by anthropogenic emissions, and, as a consequence, the air quality was still relatively good. However, the results of enrichment factor and principal component analysis revealed that some anthropogenic activities (e.g., the increasing traffic emissions from the rapid development of tourism) were most likely important contributors to trace elements, while the regional/local crustal sources rather than anthropogenic activities were the predominant contributors to the REEs in the wet deposition of Lijiang city. Our study was relevant not only for assessing the current status of the atmospheric environment in the Mt. Yulong region, but also for specific management actions to be implemented for the control of atmospheric inputs and the health of the environment for the future. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Trace element accumulation in hawksbill turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata) and green turtles (Chelonia mydas) from Yaeyama Islands, Japan.

PubMed

Anan, Y; Kunito, T; Watanabe, I; Sakai, H; Tanabe, S

2001-12-01

Concentrations of 18 trace elements (V, Cr, Mn, Co, Cu, Zn, Se, Rb, Sr, Zr, Mo, Ag, Cd, Sb, Ba, Hg, Tl, and Pb) were determined in the liver, kidney, and muscle of green turtles (Chelonia mydas) and hawksbill turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata) from Yaeyama Islands, Okinawa, Japan. Accumulation features of trace elements in the three tissues were similar between green and hawksbill turtles. No gender differences in trace element accumulation in liver and kidney were found for most of the elements. Significant growth-dependent variations were found in concentrations of some elements in tissues of green and hawksbill turtles. Significant negative correlations (p < 0.05) were found between standard carapace length (SCL) and the concentrations of Cu, Zn, and Se in the kidney and V in muscle of green turtles and Mn in the liver, Rb and Ag in kidney, and Hg in muscle of hawksbill turtles. Concentrations of Sr, Mo, Ag, Sb, and Tl in the liver, Sb in kidney, and Sb and Ba in muscle of green turtles and Se and Hg in the liver and Co, Se, and Hg in kidney of hawksbill turtles increased with an increase in SCL (p < 0.05). Green and hawksbill turtles accumulated extremely high concentrations of Cu in the liver and Cd in kidney, whereas the levels of Hg in liver were low in comparison with those of other higher-trophic-level marine animals. High accumulation of Ag in the liver of green turtles was also observed. To evaluate the trophic transfer of trace elements, concentrations of trace elements were determined in stomach contents of green and hawksbill turtles. A remarkably high trophic transfer coefficient was found for Ag and Cd in green turtles and for Cd and Hg in hawksbill turtles.

Biodiversity of mineral nutrient and trace element accumulation in Arabidopsis thaliana

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

In order to grow on soils that vary widely in chemical composition, plants have evolved mechanisms for regulating the elemental composition of their tissues to balance the mineral nutrient and trace element bioavailability in the soil with the requirements of the plant for growth and development. T...

Estimated Loads of Suspended Sediment and Selected Trace Elements Transported through Milltown Reservoir in the Upper Clark Fork Basin, Montana, Water Years 2004-07

USGS Publications Warehouse

Lambing, John H.; Sando, Steven K.

2008-01-01

The purpose of this report is to present estimated daily and annual loads of suspended sediment and selected trace elements for water years 2004-07 at two sites upstream and one site downstream from Milltown Reservoir. Milltown Reservoir is a National Priorities List Superfund site in the upper Clark Fork basin of western Montana where sediments enriched in trace elements from historical mining and ore processing have been deposited since the construction of Milltown Dam in 1907. The estimated loads were used to quantify annual net gains and losses (mass balance) of suspended sediment and trace elements within Milltown Reservoir before and after June 1, 2006, which was the start of Stage 1 of a permanent drawdown of the reservoir in preparation for removal of Milltown Dam. This study was done in cooperation with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Daily loads of suspended sediment were estimated for water years 2004-07 by using either high-frequency sampling as part of daily sediment monitoring or regression equations relating suspended-sediment discharge to streamflow. Daily loads of unfiltered-recoverable arsenic, cadmium, copper, iron, lead, manganese, and zinc were estimated by using regression equations relating trace-element discharge to suspended-sediment discharge. Regression equations were developed from data for eriodic water-quality samples collected during water years 2004-07. The equations were applied to daily records of either streamflow or suspended-sediment discharge to produce estimated daily loads. Variations in daily suspended-sediment and trace-element loads generally coincided with variations in streamflow. For most of the period before June 1, 2006, differences in daily loads transported to and from Milltown Reservoir were minor or indicated small amounts of deposition; however, losses of suspended sediment and trace elements from the reservoir occurred during temporary drawdowns in July-August 2004 and October-December 2005. After the start of Stage 1 of the permanent drawdown on June 1, 2006, losses of suspended sediment and trace elements from the reservoir persisted for all streamflow conditions during the entire interval of the Stage 1 drawdown (June 1, 2006-September 30, 2007) within the study period. Estimated daily loads of suspended sediment and trace elements were summed for each year to produce estimated annual loads used to determine the annual net gains (deposition) or losses (erosion) of each constituent within Milltown Reservoir during water years 2004-07. During water year 2004, there was an annual net gain of suspended sediment in the reservoir. The annual net gains and losses of trace elements were inconsistent in water year 2004, with gains occurring for arsenic ad iron, but losses occurring for cadmium, copper, lead, manganese, and zinc. In water year 2005, there were annual net gains of suspended sediment and all the trace elements within the reservoir. In water year 2006, there were annual net losses of all constituents from the reservoir, likely as the result of sediment erosion from the reservoir during both a temporary drawdown in October-December 2005 and Stage 1 of the permanent drawdown that continued after June 1, 2006. In water year 2007, when the Stage 1 drawdown was in effect for the entire year, there were large annual net losses of suspended sediment and trace elements from the reservoir. The annual net losses of constituents from Milltown Reservoir in water year 2007 were the largest of any year during the 2004-07 study period. In water year 2007, the annual net loss of suspended sediment from the reservoir was 130,000 tons, which was more than double (about 222 percent) the combined inflow to the reservoir. The largest annual net losses of trace elements in water year 2007, in percent of the combined inflow to the reservoir, occurred for cadmium, copper, lead, and zinc-about 190 percent for cadmium, 170 percent for copper, 150 percent for lead, and 238 p

Epidemiology: second-rate science?

PubMed

Parascandola, M

1998-01-01

In recent years epidemiology has come under increasing criticism in regulatory and public arenas for being "unscientific." The tobacco industry has taken advantage of this, insisting for decades that evidence linking cigarettes and lung cancer falls short of proof. Moreover, many epidemiologists remain unduly skeptical and self-conscious about the status of their own causal claims. This situation persists in part because of a widespread belief that only the laboratory can provide evidence sufficient for scientific proof. Adherents of this view erroneously believe that there is no element of uncertainty or inductive inference in the "direct observation" of the laboratory researcher and that epidemiology provides mere "circumstantial" evidence. The historical roots of this attitude can be traced to philosopher John Stuart Mill and physiologist Claude Bernard and their influence on modern experimental thinking. The author uses the debate over cigarettes and lung cancer to examine ideas of proof in medical science and public health, concluding that inductive inference from a limited sample to a larger population is an element in all empirical science.

Solid-phase extraction microfluidic devices for matrix removal in trace element assay of actinide materials

DOE PAGES

Gao, Jun; Manard, Benjamin Thomas; Castro, Alonso; ...

2017-02-02

Advances in sample nebulization and injection technology have significantly reduced the volume of solution required for trace impurity analysis in plutonium and uranium materials. Correspondingly, we have designed and tested a novel chip-based microfluidic platform, containing a 100-µL or 20-µL solid-phase microextraction column, packed by centrifugation, which supports nuclear material mass and solution volume reductions of 90% or more compared to standard methods. Quantitative recovery of 28 trace elements in uranium was demonstrated using a UTEVA chromatographic resin column, and trace element recovery from thorium (a surrogate for plutonium) was similarly demonstrated using anion exchange resin AG MP-1. Of ninemore » materials tested, compatibility of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polypropylene (PP), and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) chips with the strong nitric acid media was highest. Finally, the microcolumns can be incorporated into a variety of devices and systems, and can be loaded with other solid-phase resins for trace element assay in high-purity metals.« less

Solid-phase extraction microfluidic devices for matrix removal in trace element assay of actinide materials

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Gao, Jun; Manard, Benjamin Thomas; Castro, Alonso

Advances in sample nebulization and injection technology have significantly reduced the volume of solution required for trace impurity analysis in plutonium and uranium materials. Correspondingly, we have designed and tested a novel chip-based microfluidic platform, containing a 100-µL or 20-µL solid-phase microextraction column, packed by centrifugation, which supports nuclear material mass and solution volume reductions of 90% or more compared to standard methods. Quantitative recovery of 28 trace elements in uranium was demonstrated using a UTEVA chromatographic resin column, and trace element recovery from thorium (a surrogate for plutonium) was similarly demonstrated using anion exchange resin AG MP-1. Of ninemore » materials tested, compatibility of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polypropylene (PP), and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) chips with the strong nitric acid media was highest. Finally, the microcolumns can be incorporated into a variety of devices and systems, and can be loaded with other solid-phase resins for trace element assay in high-purity metals.« less

Multivariate statistical analysis to characterize/discriminate between anthropogenic and geogenic trace elements occurrence in the Campania Plain, Southern Italy.

PubMed

Busico, Gianluigi; Cuoco, Emilio; Kazakis, Nerantzis; Colombani, Nicolò; Mastrocicco, Micòl; Tedesco, Dario; Voudouris, Konstantinos

2018-03-01

Shallow aquifers are the most accessible reservoirs of potable groundwater; nevertheless, they are also prone to various sources of pollution and it is usually difficult to distinguish between human and natural sources at the watershed scale. The area chosen for this study (the Campania Plain) is characterized by high spatial heterogeneities both in geochemical features and in hydraulic properties. Groundwater mineralization is driven by many processes such as, geothermal activity, weathering of volcanic products and intense human activities. In such a landscape, multivariate statistical analysis has been used to differentiate among the main hydrochemical processes occurring in the area, using three different approaches of factor analysis: (i) major elements, (ii) trace elements, (iii) both major and trace elements. The elaboration of the factor analysis approaches has revealed seven distinct hydrogeochemical processes: i) Salinization (Cl - , Na + ); ii) Carbonate rocks dissolution; iii) Anthropogenic inputs (NO 3 - , SO 4 2- , U, V); iv) Reducing conditions (Fe 2+ , Mn 2+ ); v) Heavy metals contamination (Cr and Ni); vi) Geothermal fluids influence (Li + ); and vii) Volcanic products contribution (As, Rb). Results from this study highlight the need to separately apply factor analysis when a large data set of trace elements is available. In fact, the impact of geothermal fluids in the shallow aquifer was identified from the application of the factor analysis using only trace elements. This study also reveals that the factor analysis of major and trace elements can differentiate between anthropogenic and geogenic sources of pollution in intensively exploited aquifers. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Trace element reference values in tissues from inhabitants of the European Community. III. The control of preanalytical factors in the biomonitoring of trace elements in biological fluids.

PubMed

Minoia, C; Pietra, R; Sabbioni, E; Ronchi, A; Gatti, A; Cavalleri, A; Manzo, L

1992-06-09

In the context of a programme concerning the determination of trace elements in body fluids and tissues to establish trace element reference values, research has been undertaken on the control of preanalytical factors in order to develop sufficiently accurate and precise guidelines to be applied in routine work by using techniques such as graphite furnace atomic absorption spectroscopy (GFAAS). Aspects investigated are related to the risk of contamination during blood collection and the use of anticoagulants; the risk of losses during storage and freeze-drying as well as the possible risk of contamination arising from trace elements in airborne particulates of the laboratory environment. For the analysis of Al, Ba, Cd, Co, Cr, Mn, Mo, Ni, Sb, W, V and Zn in blood, Teflon cannula is the method of choice. The anticoagulants do not introduce disturbing contaminations of Rb, Se, Zn, while contaminations were observed for Co, Cr, Mn. Radiotracers in 'metabolized form' (radiolabelled rat or rabbit tissues from animals administered with radioisotopes) show that samples stored for 1 month at -20 degrees C have no significant trace metal losses. Strict ambient air quality standard has to be respected (continuous monitoring) due to the possibility of element contaminations inside the laboratory. The use of matrix modifiers could represent a toxicological risk to the operators. Critical factors should be considered ('metal sheets') for each element in each matrix. For instance 27 factors for Cr in serum have been suggested.

Trace elements in Zn Pb Ag deposits and related stream sediments, Brooks Range Alaska, with implications for Tl as a pathfinder element

USGS Publications Warehouse

Graham, G.E.; Kelley, K.D.; Slack, J.F.; Koenig, A.E.

2009-01-01

The Zn-Pb-Ag metallogenic province of the western and central Brooks Range, Alaska, contains two distinct but mineralogically similar deposit types: shale-hosted massive sulphide (SHMS) and smaller vein-breccia occurrences. Recent investigations of the Red Dog and Anarraaq SHMS deposits demonstrated that these deposits are characterized by high trace-element concentrations of As, Ge, Sb and Tl. This paper examines geochemistry of additional SHMS deposits (Drenchwater and Su-Lik) to determine which trace elements are ubiquitously elevated in all SHMS deposits. Data from several vein-breccia occurrences are also presented to see if trace-element concentrations can distinguish SHMS deposits from vein-breccia occurrences. Whole-rock geochemical data indicate that Tl is the most consistently and highly concentrated characteristic trace element in SHMS deposits relative to regional unmineralized rock samples. Laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) analyses of pyrite and sphalerite indicate that Tl is concentrated in pyrite in SHMS. Stream sediment data from the Drenchwater and Su-Lik SHMS show that high Tl concentrations are more broadly distributed proximal to known or suspected mineralization than As, Sb, Zn and Pb anomalies. This broader distribution of Tl in whole-rock and particularly stream sediment samples increases the footprint of exposed and shallowly buried SHMS mineralization. High Tl concentrations also distinguish SHMS mineralization from the vein-breccia deposits, as the latter lack high concentrations of Tl but can otherwise have similar trace-element signatures to SHMS deposits. ?? 2009 AAG/Geological Society of London.

Arthrophycus in the Silurian of Alabama (USA) and the problem of compound trace fossils

USGS Publications Warehouse

Rindsberg, Andrew K.; Martin, A.J.

2003-01-01

Arthrophycus brongniartii (Harlan, 1832) is common in marginal-marine deposits in the Silurian Red Mountain Formation of Alabama. The ichnospecies, the second to be named in North America, is revived and emended after long disuse. Transitional forms to Rusophycus isp. and other morphologic evidence indicate that the maker of Arthrophycus was an arthropod, perhaps a trinucleine (raphiophorid?) trilobite. Interconnection of Arthrophycus and Nereites biserialis, as well as intergradation of Arthrophycus with Cruziana aff. quadrata, Phycodes flabellum, and Asterosoma ludwigae, indicate that these Red Mountain trace fossils were made by the same species of arthropod. Possible relationships with Arthrophycus alleghaniensis (Harlan, 1831) in the Silurian belt from Ontario to Tennessee are also explored. Ichnofamily Arthrophycidae Schimper, 1879 is emended. The ichnofamily is interpreted as chiefly the work of arthropods. Arthrophycus and other trace fossils from the Silurian of Alabama constitute a test case to build criteria for recognizing the members of complexes of trace fossils. In general, criteria such as interconnection of different forms, intergradation among unconnected forms, similarity of size, similarity of morphologic elements, and co-occurrence should be examined in order to determine the biologic and ethologic interrelationships of trace fossils. ?? 2003 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.

Determination of trace elements in epiphytic lichens from Bandar Baru Bangi, Selangor using INAA method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Khairudin, Nurshafiq Ezam; Siong, Khoo Kok; Siong, Wee Boon

2014-02-01

Lichens have been used as effective biomonitors of atmospheric pollutants as they can take up nutrients and pollutants directly from the atmosphere. In this study, trace element contents in epiphytic lichens were determined using INAA method. Samples were collected from 7 sampling locations around Bandar Baru Bangi, Selangor. The elements detected were As (1.73+0.85 mg/kg), Ce (3.65+1.91 mg/kg), Co (0.29+0.12 mg/kg), Cr (5.92+3.54 mg/kg), Cs (0.92+0.25 mg/kg), Eu (0.03+0.02 mg/kg), Fe (1280+760 mg/kg), Hf (0.37+0.18 mg/kg), La (1.52+0.89 mg/kg), Rb (27.7+4.8 mg/kg), Sc (0.33+0.19 mg/kg), Sm (0.28+0.16 mg/kg), Th (1.21+0.62 mg/kg) and Zn (116+27 mg/kg). Comparisons were then made between the elemental concentrations obtained and the baseline data from literature. Results showed that most of the elements were within the concentration range of the baseline data. Enrichment factors (EF) of the trace element in lichens showed that most of the elements were within the range of the baseline data except for As which was found to be slightly enriched (EF: 13.2 - 28.5). Regression analysis indicated significant correlation (p<0.05) with Sc for most of the elements which signifies crustal input except for Cs and Rb. The poor correlations of Cs and Rb with Sc may be due to the mobility of these elements. In summary, trace element data obtained using INAA were very useful and demonstrated that lichens were suitable biomonitors for identifying potential trace element pollutants in ambient air around the sampling area.

Trace elements in feed, manure, and manured soils.

PubMed

Sheppard, S C; Sanipelli, B

2012-01-01

Modern animal feeds often include nutritional mineral supplements, especially elements such as Cu, P, Se, and Zn. Other sources of trace elements also occur in livestock systems, such as pharmaceutical use of As and Zn to control gut flora, Bi in dairy for mastitis control, and Cu as hoof dips. Additionally, potential exists for inadvertent inclusion of trace elements in feeds or manures. There is concern about long-term accumulation of trace elements in manured soil that may even exceed guideline "safe" concentrations. This project measured ∼60 elements in 124 manure samples from broiler, layer, turkey, swine grower, swine nursery, sow, dairy, and beef operations. The corresponding feeds were also analyzed. In general, concentrations in manure were two- to fivefold higher than those in feed: the manure/feed concentration ratios were relatively consistent for all the animal-essential elements and were numerically similar for many of the non-nutrient elements. To confirm the potential for accumulation in soil, total trace element concentrations were measured in the profiles of 10 manured and 10 adjacent unmanured soils. Concentrations of several elements were found to be elevated in the manured soils, with Zn (and P) the most common. One soil from a dairy standing yard had concentrations of B that exceeded soil health guideline concentrations. Given that the Cu/P and Zn/P ratios found in manure were greater than typically reported in harvested crop materials, these elements will accumulate in soil even if manure application rates are managed to prevent accumulation of P in soil. Copyright © by the American Society of Agronomy, Crop Science Society of America, and Soil Science Society of America, Inc.

A history of violence: Insights into post-accretionary heating in carbonaceous chondrites from volatile element abundances, Zn isotopes and water contents

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mahan, Brandon; Moynier, Frédéric; Beck, Pierre; Pringle, Emily A.; Siebert, Julien

2018-01-01

Carbonaceous chondrites (CCs) may have been the carriers of water, volatile and moderately volatile elements to Earth. Investigating the abundances of these elements, their relative volatility, and isotopes of state-change tracer elements such as Zn, and linking these observations to water contents, provide vital information on the processes that govern the abundances and isotopic signatures of these species in CCs and other planetary bodies. Here we report Zn isotopic data for 28 CCs (20 CM, 6 CR, 1 C2-ung, and 1 CV3), as well as trace element data for Zn, In, Sn, Tl, Pb, and Bi in 16 samples (8 CM, 6 CR, 1 C2-ung, and 1 CV3), that display a range of elemental abundances from case-normative to intensely depleted. We use these data, water content data from literature and Zn isotopes to investigate volatile depletions and to discern between closed and open system heating. Trace element data have been used to construct relative volatility scales among the elements for the CM and CR chondrites. From least volatile to most, the scale in CM chondrites is Pb-Sn-Bi-In-Zn-Tl, and for CR chondrites it is Tl-Zn-Sn-Pb-Bi-In. These observations suggest that heated CM and CR chondrites underwent volatile loss under different conditions to one another and to that of the solar nebula, e.g. differing oxygen fugacities. Furthermore, the most water and volatile depleted samples are highly enriched in the heavy isotopes of Zn. Taken together, these lines of evidence strongly indicate that heated CM and CR chondrites incurred open system heating, stripping them of water and volatiles concomitantly, during post-accretionary shock impact(s).

Trace elements in lake sediments measured by the PIXE technique

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gatti, Luciana V.; Mozeto, Antônio A.; Artaxo, Paulo

1999-04-01

Lakes are ecosystems where there is a great potential of metal accumulation in sediments due to their depositional characteristics. Total concentration of trace elements was measured on a 50 cm long sediment core from the Infernão Lake, that is an oxbow lake of the Moji-Guaçu River basin, in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. Dating of the core shows up to 180 yrs old sediment layers. The use of the PIXE technique for elemental analysis avoids the traditional acid digestion procedure common in other techniques. The multielemental characteristic of PIXE allows a simultaneous determination of about 20 elements in the sediment samples, such as, Al, Si, P, S, Cl, K, Ca, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, Rb, Sr, Zr, Ba, and Pb. Average values for the elemental composition were found to be similar to the bulk crustal composition. The lake flooding pattern strongly influences the time series of the elemental profiles. Factor analysis of the elemental variability shows five factors. Two of the factors represent the mineralogical matrix, and others represent the organic component, a factor with lead, and another loaded with chromium. The mineralogical component consists of elements such as, Fe, Al, V, Ti, Mn, Ni, K, Zr, Sr, Cu and Zn. The variability of Si is explained by two distinct factors, because it is influenced by two different sources, aluminum-silicates and quartz, and the effect of inundation are different for each other. The organic matter is strongly associated with calcium, and also bounded with S, Zn, Cu and P. Lead and chromium appears as separated factors, although it is not clear the evidences for their anthropogenic origin. The techniques developed for sample preparation and PIXE analysis was proven as advantageous and provided very good reproducibility and accuracy.

Distribution and sources of particulate mercury and other trace elements in PM2.5 and PM10 atop Mount Tai, China.

PubMed

Qie, Guanghao; Wang, Yan; Wu, Chen; Mao, Huiting; Zhang, Ping; Li, Tao; Li, Yaxin; Talbot, Robert; Hou, Chenxiao; Yue, Taixing

2018-06-01

The concentrations of particulate mercury (PHg) and other trace elements in PM 2.5 and PM 10 in the atmosphere were measured at the summit of Mount Tai during the time period of 15 June - 11 August 2015. The average PHg concentrations were 83.33 ± 119.1 pg/m 3 for PM 2.5 and 174.92 ± 210.5 pg/m 3 for PM 10 . Average concentrations for other trace elements, including Al, Ca, Fe, K, Mg, Na, Pb, As, Se, Cu, Cd, Cr, V, Mo, Co, Ag, Ba, Mn, Zn and Ni ranged from 0.06 ng/m 3 (Ag) to 354.33 ng/m 3 (Ca) in PM 2.5 and 0.11 ng/m 3 (Co) to 592.66 ng/m 3 (Ca) in PM 10 . The average concentrations of PHg were higher than those at other domestic mountain sites and cities in other counties, lower than those at domestic city sites. Other trace elements showed concentrations lower than those at the domestic mountain sites. Due possibly to increased control of emissions and the proportion of new energy, the PHg and trace element concentrations decreased, but the PHg showed concentrations higher than those at the Mountain sites, this showed that the reasons was not only severely affected by anthropogenic emissions, but also associated with other sources. The concentration changed trend of the main trace elements indicated that PHg, trace elements and particle matters present positive correlation and fine particulate matter has a greater surface area which was conductive to adsorption of Hg and trace elements to particles. On June 19, June 27 and July 6, according to the peak of mercury and trace elements, we can predict the potential sources of these three days. The results of principal component analysis (PCA) suggested that, crustal dust, coal combustion, and vehicle emissions were the main emission sources of PHg and other trace elements in Mount Tai. The 24-h backward trajectories and potential source contribution function (PSCF) analysis revealed that air masses arriving at Mount Tai were mainly affected by Shandong province. Mount Tai was subjected to five main airflow trajectories. Clusters 1, 2, 3, and 5 represented four pathways for local and regional sources and cluster 4 originated long-distance transportation. Central Shandong was the main source regions of PHg, Pb, Se, As, Cu and Cd. Southeastern and northwestern Shandong province and northern Jiangsu province were the most polluted source regions of Mn, Zn, and Ni. The crustal elements Fe and Ca had similar distributions of potential source regions, suggested by the highest PSCF values in southeastern Shandong and northern Jiangsu. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Metabolism and tissue distribution of trace elements in broiler chickens' fed diets containing deficient and plethoric levels of copper, manganese, and zinc.

PubMed

Mondal, Sovik; Haldar, Sudipto; Saha, Pinaki; Ghosh, Tapan Kumar

2010-11-01

Supplementation of broiler diets with copper, manganese, and zinc at levels higher than that stipulated by the National Research Council 1994 reportedly improved live weight, feed conversion, and cured leg abnormality supposedly caused by inadequate intake of Mn and Zn. The objective of the study was to ascertain the effects of plethoric supplementation of copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), and zinc (Zn) on performance and metabolic responses in broiler chickens. The study also aimed to discriminate the responses of the birds when the mineral elements were supplemented either in an inorganic or in an organic form. Cobb 400 broiler chickens (1-day old, n = 300) were assigned to three dietary treatments each containing nine replicates with ten birds for 39 days. The treatments included a control in which the diet was devoid of supplemental trace elements and treatments supplemented with an inorganic trace element premix (ITM) and supplemented with a combination of the inorganic and an organic trace element premix (OTM). The ITM contained (per kilogram) copper, 15 g; iron, 90 g; manganese, 90 g; zinc, 80 g (all as sulfated salts); iodine (as potassium iodide), 2 g; and selenium (as sodium selenite), 0.3 g. The OTM on the other hand, contained copper, 2.5 g; iron, 15 g; manganese, 15 g; zinc, 13.33 g; and chromium, 0.226 g (all as protein chelates). Plethoric supplementation of trace elements improved live weight gain and feed/gain ratio (p < 0.05). Leg abnormality developed in the 16% of the control group of birds but not in the supplemented group. Metabolizability of dry matter, organic matter, and protein was higher (p < 0.01) in the ITM and OTM groups. Excretion of Cu, Fe, and Zn decreased (p < 0.1) due to supplementation of the trace elements leading to increased apparent absorption of the said mineral elements (p < 0.01). Concentration of the concerned trace elements in serum, liver, and composite muscle samples was higher (p < 0.05) in the ITM and OTM dietary groups indicating an increased deposition of the said mineral elements due to supplementation. Although the study revealed subtle difference between the inorganic and organic mineral premixes with regards to the parameters mentioned above, it became apparent that it is possible to reduce excretion of these trace elements by a judicious escalation in the level of supplementation. The results of the present investigation further revealed that the trace mineral requirement of broiler chickens suggested by the National Research Council may not be optimum to support the maximum growth potential of the high yielding strains, and it is reasonable to consider a review of the current NRC recommendations to meet the needs of the modern birds.

Predicting Water Quality Problems Associated with Coal Fly Ash Disposal Facilities Using a Trace Element Partitioning Study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bhattacharyya, S.; Donahoe, R. J.; Graham, E. Y.

2006-12-01

For much of the U.S., coal-fired power plants are the most important source of electricity for domestic and industrial use. Large quantities of fly ash and other coal combustion by-products are produced every year, the majority of which is impounded in lagoons and landfills located throughout the country. Many older fly ash disposal facilities are unlined and have been closed for decades. Fly ash often contains high concentrations of toxic trace elements such as arsenic, boron, chromium, molybdenum, nickel, selenium, lead, strontium and vanadium. Trace elements present in coal fly ash are of potential concern due to their toxicity, high mobility in the environment and low drinking water MCL values. Concern about the potential release of these toxic elements into the environment due to leaching of fly ash by acid rain, groundwater or acid mine drainage has prompted the EPA to develop national standards under the subtitle D of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) to regulate ash disposal in landfills and surface impoundments. An attempt is made to predict the leaching of toxic elements into the environment by studying trace element partitioning in coal fly ash. A seven step sequential chemical extraction procedure (SCEP) modified from Filgueiras et al. (2002) is used to determine the trace element partitioning in seven coal fly ash samples collected directly from electric power plants. Five fly ash samples were derived from Eastern Bituminous coal, one derived from Western Sub-bituminous coal and the other derived from Northern Lignite. The sequential chemical extraction procedure gives valuable information on the association of trace elements: 1) soluble fraction, 2) exchangeable fraction, 3) acid soluble fraction, 4) easily reducible fraction, 5) moderately reducible fraction, 6) poorly reducible fraction and 7) oxidizable organics/sulfide fraction. The trace element partitioning varies with the composition of coal fly ash which is influenced by the type of coal burned. Preliminary studies show that in some fly ash samples, significant amounts of As, B, Mo, Se, Sr and V are associated with the soluble and exchangeable fraction, and thus would be highly mobile in the environment. Lead, on the other hand, is mainly associated with the amorphous Fe and Mn oxide fractions and would be highly immobile in oxidizing conditions, but mobile in reducing conditions. Ni and Cr show different associations in different fly ash samples. In most fly ash samples, significant amounts of the trace elements are associated with more stable fractions that do not threaten the environment. The study of trace element partitioning in coal fly ash thus helps us to predict their leaching behavior under various conditions.

Concentration of trace elements on branded cigarette in Malaysia

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Azman, Muhammad Azfar, E-mail: m-azfar@nuclearmalaysia.gov.my; Hamzah, Suhaimi; Rahman, Shamsiah Abdul

Tobacco is a plant that is used as a recreational drug since the beginning of its use by the Native Americans. Now with the development of the tobacco industry, smoking has become a norm for the public in Malaysia. Trace elements in plants are mostly due to the uptake processes from the soils into the roots of the plants. The concentration of the elements may also be influenced by the elements contained in the water and also fertilizers. This paper aim to analyze the concentration of the trace elements contained in the branded cigarettes sold in Malaysia by utilizing themore » neutron activation analysis. The tobaccos were taken out from the cigarettes. The collected samples were air dried and passed through 2 mm sieve. Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis (NAA) has been used for the determination of trace elements. Samples were activated in the Nuclear Malaysia Triga Mark II reactor with a neutron flux of 2.0 x 10{sup 12} n cm{sup -2} s{sup -1}. The samples then were analyzed using ORTEC Gamma Spectrometer a co-axial n-type HPGe detector with resolution of 2.0 keV at 1332 keV and relative efficiency of 20%. The data obtained could help in assessing the concentration of the trace elements that complying with the standard limitation dose proposed by World Health Organization (WHO)« less

Atmospheric wet deposition of trace elements to a suburban environment, Reston, Virginia, USA

USGS Publications Warehouse

Conko, Kathryn M.; Rice, Karen C.; Kennedy, Margaret M.

2004-01-01

Wet deposition from a suburban area in Reston, Virginia was collected during 1998 and analyzed to assess the anion and trace-element concentrations and depositions. Suburban Reston, approximately 26 km west of Washington, DC, is densely populated and heavily developed. Wet deposition was collected bi-weekly in an automated collector using trace-element clean sampling and analytical techniques. The annual volume-weighted concentrations of As, Cd, and Pb were similar to those previously reported for a remote site on Catoctin Mt., Maryland (70 km northwest), which indicated a regional signal for these elements. The concentrations and depositions of Cu and Zn at the suburban site were nearly double those at remote sites because of the influence of local vehicular traffic. The 1998 average annual wet deposition (μg m−2 yr−1) was calculated for Al (52,000), As (94), Cd (54), Cr (160), Cu (700), Fe (23,000), Mn (2000), Ni (240), Pb (440), V (430), and Zn (4100). The average annual wet deposition (meq m−2 yr−1) was calculated for H+ (74), Cl− (8.5), NO3− (33), and SO42− (70). Analysis of digested total trace-element concentrations in a subset of samples showed that the refractory elements in suburban precipitation comprised a larger portion of the total deposition of trace elements than in remote areas.

Is trace element concentration correlated to parasite abundance? A case study in a population of the green frog Pelophylax synkl. hispanicus from the Neto River (Calabria, southern Italy).

PubMed

De Donato, Carlo; Barca, Donatella; Milazzo, Concetta; Santoro, Raffaella; Giglio, Gianni; Tripepi, Sandro; Sperone, Emilio

2017-06-01

Bioaccumulation of 13 trace elements in the livers of 38 Pelophylax sinkl. hispanicus (Ranidae) and its helminth communities were studied and compared among three sites, each with a different degree of pollution along River Neto (south Italy) during September, 2014. Trace element concentrations in water and liver were measured using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. For most elements, the highest concentration was recorded in the frogs inhabiting the third site, the one with the highest degree of pollution. The trend of trace element concentration in the liver can be represented as follows: Cu > Zn > Mn > Se > Cr. Concentrations of some elements in water and liver samples were significantly different among the three sites and this is evidenced by the bioaccumulation in the frogs. Four species of helminths, all belonging to Nematoda, were found: Rhabdias sp., Oswaldocruzia filiformis (Goeze, 1782), Cosmocerca ornata (Dujarden, 1845), Seuratascaris numidica (Seurat, 1917). The parasite survey presents an important difference of prevalence and average number of helminths in frogs between the three sites. Correlating parasitological and ecotoxicological data showed a strong positive correlation between prevalence and number of parasites with some trace elements such as Mn, Co, Ni, As, Se, and Cd.

The Asian clam Corbicula fluminea as a biomonitor of trace element contamination: Accounting for different sources of variation using an hierarchical linear model

USGS Publications Warehouse

Shoults-Wilson, W. A.; Peterson, J.T.; Unrine, J.M.; Rickard, J.; Black, M.C.

2009-01-01

In the present study, specimens of the invasive clam, Corbicula fluminea, were collected above and below possible sources of potentially toxic trace elements (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Pb, and Zn) in the Altamaha River system (Georgia, USA). Bioaccumulation of these elements was quantified, along with environmental (water and sediment) concentrations. Hierarchical linear models were used to account for variability in tissue concentrations related to environmental (site water chemistry and sediment characteristics) and individual (growth metrics) variables while identifying the strongest relations between these variables and trace element accumulation. The present study found significantly elevated concentrations of Cd, Cu, and Hg downstream of the outfall of kaolin-processing facilities, Zn downstream of a tire cording facility, and Cr downstream of both a nuclear power plant and a paper pulp mill. Models of the present study indicated that variation in trace element accumulation was linked to distance upstream from the estuary, dissolved oxygen, percentage of silt and clay in the sediment, elemental concentrations in sediment, shell length, and bivalve condition index. By explicitly modeling environmental variability, the Hierarchical linear modeling procedure allowed the identification of sites showing increased accumulation of trace elements that may have been caused by human activity. Hierarchical linear modeling is a useful tool for accounting for environmental and individual sources of variation in bioaccumulation studies. ?? 2009 SETAC.

Whole rock and discrete pyrite geochemistry as complementary tracers of ancient ocean chemistry: An example from the Neoproterozoic Doushantuo Formation, China

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gregory, Daniel D.; Lyons, Timothy W.; Large, Ross R.; Jiang, Ganqing; Stepanov, Aleksandr S.; Diamond, Charles W.; Figueroa, Maria C.; Olin, Paul

2017-11-01

The trace element content of pyrite is a recently developed proxy for metal abundance in paleo-oceans. Previous studies have shown that the results broadly match those of whole rock studies through geologic time. However, no detailed study has evaluated the more traditional proxies for ocean chemistry for comparison to pyrite trace element data from the same samples. In this study we compare pyrite trace element data from 14 samples from the Wuhe section of the Ediacaran-age Doushantuo Formation, south China, measured by laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry with new and existing whole rock trace element concentrations; total organic carbon; Fe mineral speciation; S isotope ratios; and pyrite textural relationships. This approach allows for comparison of data for individual trace elements within the broader environmental context defined by the other chemical parameters. The results for discrete pyrite analyses show that several chalcophile and siderophile elements (Ag, Sb, Se, Pb, Cd, Te, Bi, Mo, Ni, and Au) vary among the samples with patterns that mirror those of the independent whole rock data. A comparison with existing databases for sedimentary and hydrothermal pyrite allows us to discriminate between signatures of changing ocean conditions and those of known hydrothermal sources. In the case of the Wuhe samples, the observed patterns for trace element variation point to primary marine controls rather than higher temperature processes. Specifically, our new data are consistent with previous arguments for pulses of redox sensitive trace elements interpreted to be due to marine oxygenation against a backdrop of mostly O2-poor conditions in the Ediacaran ocean-with important implications for the availability of bioessential elements. The agreement between the pyrite and whole rock data supports the use of trace element content of pyrite as a tracer of ocean chemistry in ways that complement existing approaches, while also opening additional windows of opportunity. For example, unlike the potential vulnerability of whole rock data to secondary alteration, the pyrite record may survive greenschist facies metamorphism. Furthermore, early-formed pyrite can be identified through textural relationships as a proxy of primary marine chemistry even in the presence of hydrothermal overprints on whole rock chemistry via secondary fluids. Finally, pyrite analyses may allow for the possibility of more quantitative interpretations of the ancient ocean once the elemental partitioning between the mineral and host fluids are better constrained. Collectively, these advances can greatly increase the number of basins that may be investigated for early ocean chemistry, especially those of Precambrian age.

Source Identification and Apportionment of Trace Elements in Soils in the Yangtze River Delta, China.

PubMed

Shao, Shuai; Hu, Bifeng; Fu, Zhiyi; Wang, Jiayu; Lou, Ge; Zhou, Yue; Jin, Bin; Li, Yan; Shi, Zhou

2018-06-12

Trace elements pollution has attracted a lot of attention worldwide. However, it is difficult to identify and apportion the sources of multiple element pollutants over large areas because of the considerable spatial complexity and variability in the distribution of trace elements in soil. In this study, we collected total of 2051 topsoil (0⁻20 cm) samples, and analyzed the general pollution status of soils from the Yangtze River Delta, Southeast China. We applied principal component analysis (PCA), a finite mixture distribution model (FMDM), and geostatistical tools to identify and quantitatively apportion the sources of seven kinds of trace elements (chromium (Cr), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), nickel (Ni), and arsenic (As)) in soil. The PCA results indicated that the trace elements in soil in the study area were mainly from natural, multi-pollutant and industrial sources. The FMDM also fitted three sub log-normal distributions. The results from the two models were quite similar: Cr, As, and Ni were mainly from natural sources caused by parent material weathering; Cd, Cu, and Zu were mainly from mixed sources, with a considerable portion from anthropogenic activities such as traffic pollutants, domestic garbage, and agricultural inputs, and Hg was mainly from industrial wastes and pollutants.

Developing a Trace Element Biosignature for Early Earth and Mars

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gangidine, A.; Czaja, A. D.; Havig, J.

2018-04-01

Due to metamorphism and diagenesis, determining the biogenicity of ancient fossils is difficult and often contentious. Using trace element concentrations, we propose a novel biosignature independent from organic and morphological preservation.

Trace element concentrations in surface estuarine and marine sediments along the Mississippi Gulf Coast following Hurricane Katrina.

PubMed

Warren, Crystal; Duzgoren-Aydin, Nurdan S; Weston, James; Willett, Kristine L

2012-01-01

Hurricanes are relatively frequent ecological disturbances that may cause potentially long-term impacts to the coastal environment. Hurricane Katrina hit the Mississippi Gulf Coast in August 2005, and caused a storm surge with the potential to change the trace element content of coastal surface sediments. In this study, surface estuarine and marine sediments were collected monthly following the storm from ten sites along the Mississippi Gulf Coast (Mobile Bay, Grand Bay Bayous Heron and Cumbest, Pascagoula, Ocean Springs, Biloxi Gulf, Back Biloxi Bay, Gulfport Gulf, Gulfport Courthouse Rd, and Gulfport Marina). Concentrations of V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Zn, As, Cd, and Pb were measured by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry to evaluate their temporal and spatial variations in the year following Hurricane Katrina. Sediments were characterized by pH, particle size distribution and total carbon and nitrogen content. Trace element contents of the sediments were determined in both <2 mm and <63 μm grain size fractions. Results revealed no significant temporal and spatial variability in trace element concentrations, in either size fraction. Potential ecological risk of the sediments was assessed by using NOAA SQuiRTs' guideline values; most concentrations remained below probable adverse effects guidelines to marine organisms suggesting that trace elements redistributed by Hurricane Katrina would not cause an adverse impact on resident organisms. Instead, the concentrations of trace elements were site-dependent, with specific contaminants relating to the use of the area prior to Hurricane Katrina.

The content of trace element iron is a key factor for competition between anaerobic ammonium oxidation and methane-dependent denitrification processes.

PubMed

Lu, Yong-Ze; Fu, Liang; Li, Na; Ding, Jing; Bai, Ya-Nan; Samaras, Petros; Zeng, Raymond Jianxiong

2018-05-01

Coupling of anaerobic ammonium oxidation (Anammox) with denitrifying anaerobic methane oxidation (DAMO) is a sustainable pathway for nitrogen removal and reducing methane emissions from wastewater treatment processes. However, studies on the competitive relation between Anammox bacteria and DAMO bacteria are limited. Here, we investigated the effects of variations in the contents of trace element iron on Anammox and DAMO microorganisms. The short-term results indicated that optimal concentrations of iron, which obviously stimulated the activity of Amammox bacteria, DAMO bacteria and DAMO archaea, were 80, 20, and 80 μM, respectively. The activity of Amammox bacteria increased more significant than DAMO bacteria with increasing contents of trace element iron. After long-term incubation with high content of trace element iron of 160 μM in the medium, Candidatus Brocadia (Amammox bacteria) outcompeted Candidatus Methylomirabilis oxyfera (DAMO bacteria), and ANME-2d (DAMO archaea) remarkably increased in number and dominated the co-culture systems (64.5%). Meanwhile, with further addition of iron, the removal rate of ammonium and nitrate increased by 13.6 and 9.2 times, respectively, when compared with that noted in the control. As far as we know, this study is the first to explore the important role of trace element iron contents in the competition between Anammox bacteria and DAMO bacteria and further enrichment of DAMO archaea by regulating the contents of trace element iron. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Trace element abundances of high-MgO glasses from Kilauea, Mauna Loa and Haleakala volcanoes, Hawaii

USGS Publications Warehouse

Wagner, T.P.; Clague, D.A.; Hauri, E.H.; Grove, T.L.

1998-01-01

We performed an ion-microprobe study of eleven high-MgO (6.7-14.8 wt%) tholeiite glasses from the Hawaiian volcanoes Kilauea, Mauna Loa and Haleakala. We determined the rare earth (RE), high field strength, and other selected trace element abundances of these glasses, and used the data to establish their relationship to typical Hawaiian shield tholeiite and to infer characteristics of their source. The glasses have trace element abundance characteristics generally similar to those of typical shield tholeiites, e.g. L(light)REE/H(heavy)REE(C1) > 1. The Kilauea and Mauna Loa glasses, however, display trace and major element characteristics that cross geochemical discriminants observed between Kilauea and Mauna Loa shield lavas. The glasses contain a blend of these discriminating chemical characteristics, and are not exactly like the typical shield lavas from either volcano. The production of these hybrid magmas likely requires a complexly zoned source, rather than two unique sources. When corrected for olivine fractionation, the glass data show correlations between CaO concentration and incompatible trace element abundances, indicating that CaO may behave incompatibly during melting of the tholeiite source. Furthermore, the tholeiite source must contain residual garnet and clinopyroxene to account for the variation in trace element abundances of the Kilauea glasses. Inversion modeling indicates that the Kilauea source is flat relative to C1 chondrites, and has a higher bulk distribution coefficient for the HREE than the LREE.

Organochlorine compounds and trace elements in fish tissue and ancillary data for the Connecticut, Housatonic, and Thames river basins study unit, 1992-94

USGS Publications Warehouse

Coles, J.F.

1996-01-01

Concentrations of organochlorine compounds and trace elements were assayed in fish tissue collected from the Connecticut, Housatonic, and Thames River Basins Study Unit, 1992-94. These data were collected to determine the occurrence and distribution of organochlorine compounds and trace elements in the study unit. Ancillary data included are land-use categories by percentage of the sampling-site basins and the size, gender, and age of the individual fish collected for this study. Concentrations of 28 organochlorine compounds in composited whole fish samples were measured at 32 sites, and concentrations of 22 trace elements in composited fish liver samples were measured at 14 of the 32 sites. Most frequently detected organochlorines were DDT related compounds at 31 sites, total PCBs at 28 sites, and chlordane related compounds at 25 sites. Concentrations of total PCBs in fish tissue were generally higher at the large river sites than at the smaller tributary sites. Concentrations of chlordane-related compounds in fish tissue were higher at sites from more urbanized basins than at sites from predominately agriculture and forested basins. Concentrations of the DDT related compounds were undifferentiated among sites comprising different land uses. Trace elements detected at all 14 sites included boron, copper, iron, manganese, molybdenum, selenium, and zinc. Trace elements detected at 10 or more sites included arsenic, mercury, silver, strontium, and vanadium. Antimony, beryllium, and uranium were not detected at any site.

Official Methods for the Determination of Minerals and Trace Elements in Infant Formula and Milk Products: A Review.

PubMed

Poitevin, Eric

2016-01-01

The minerals and trace elements that account for about 4% of total human body mass serve as materials and regulators in numerous biological activities in body structure building. Infant formula and milk products are important sources of endogenic and added minerals and trace elements and hence, must comply with regulatory as well as nutritional and safety requirements. In addition, reliable analytical data are necessary to support product content and innovation, health claims, or declaration and specific safety issues. Adequate analytical platforms and methods must be implemented to demonstrate both the compliance and safety assessment of all declared and regulated minerals and trace elements, especially trace-element contaminant surveillance. The first part of this paper presents general information on the mineral composition of infant formula and milk products and their regulatory status. In the second part, a survey describes the main techniques and related current official methods determining minerals and trace elements in infant formula and milk products applied for by various international organizations (AOAC INTERNATIONAL, the International Organization for Standardization, the International Dairy Federation, and the European Committe for Standardization). The third part summarizes method officialization activities by Stakeholder Panels on Infant Formula and Adult Nutritionals and Stakeholder Panel on Strategic Food Analytical Methods. The final part covers a general discussion focusing on analytical gaps and future trends in inorganic analysis that have been applied for in infant formula and milk-based products.

A Prospective Study of Serum Trace Elements in Healthy Korean Pregnant Women

PubMed Central

Choi, Rihwa; Sun, Jiyu; Yoo, Heejin; Kim, Seonwoo; Cho, Yoon Young; Kim, Hye Jeong; Kim, Sun Wook; Chung, Jae Hoon; Oh, Soo-young; Lee, Soo-Youn

2016-01-01

This prospective study sought to investigate serum levels of trace elements (cobalt, copper, zinc, and selenium) and to assess their effects on pregnancy and neonatal outcomes. Serum levels of trace elements in 245 Korean pregnant women (median gestational age at delivery was 39 + 4 weeks and interquartile range was 38 + 4–40 + 1 weeks) were compared with those of 527 general adults and those of previous studies in other ethnic groups. Pregnancy and neonatal outcomes including gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, neonatal birth weight, and congenital abnormalities were assessed. The median serum trace element concentrations of all pregnant women were: cobalt: 0.39 μg/L (interquartile range, IQR 0.29–0.53), copper: 165.0 μg/dL (IQR 144.0–187.0), zinc: 57.0 μg/dL (IQR 50.0–64.0), and selenium: 94.0 μg/L (IQR 87.0–101.0). Serum cobalt and copper concentrations were higher in pregnant women than in the general population, whereas zinc and selenium levels were lower (p < 0.01). Concentrations of all four trace elements varied significantly during the three trimesters (p < 0.05), and seasonal variation was found in copper, zinc, and selenium, but was not observed for cobalt. The prevalence of preeclampsia was significantly lower with high copper (p = 0.03). Trace element levels varied by pregnancy trimester and season, and alteration in copper status during pregnancy might influence pregnancy outcomes such as preeclampsia. PMID:27886083

A Prospective Study of Serum Trace Elements in Healthy Korean Pregnant Women.

PubMed

Choi, Rihwa; Sun, Jiyu; Yoo, Heejin; Kim, Seonwoo; Cho, Yoon Young; Kim, Hye Jeong; Kim, Sun Wook; Chung, Jae Hoon; Oh, Soo-Young; Lee, Soo-Youn

2016-11-23

This prospective study sought to investigate serum levels of trace elements (cobalt, copper, zinc, and selenium) and to assess their effects on pregnancy and neonatal outcomes. Serum levels of trace elements in 245 Korean pregnant women (median gestational age at delivery was 39 + 4 weeks and interquartile range was 38 + 4-40 + 1 weeks) were compared with those of 527 general adults and those of previous studies in other ethnic groups. Pregnancy and neonatal outcomes including gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, neonatal birth weight, and congenital abnormalities were assessed. The median serum trace element concentrations of all pregnant women were: cobalt: 0.39 μg/L (interquartile range, IQR 0.29-0.53), copper: 165.0 μg/dL (IQR 144.0-187.0), zinc: 57.0 μg/dL (IQR 50.0-64.0), and selenium: 94.0 μg/L (IQR 87.0-101.0). Serum cobalt and copper concentrations were higher in pregnant women than in the general population, whereas zinc and selenium levels were lower ( p < 0.01). Concentrations of all four trace elements varied significantly during the three trimesters ( p < 0.05), and seasonal variation was found in copper, zinc, and selenium, but was not observed for cobalt. The prevalence of preeclampsia was significantly lower with high copper ( p = 0.03). Trace element levels varied by pregnancy trimester and season, and alteration in copper status during pregnancy might influence pregnancy outcomes such as preeclampsia.

Weathering of the New Albany Shale, Kentucky: II. Redistribution of minor and trace elements

USGS Publications Warehouse

Tuttle, M.L.W.; Breit, G.N.; Goldhaber, M.B.

2009-01-01

During weathering, elements enriched in black shale are dispersed in the environment by aqueous and mechanical transport. Here a unique evaluation of the differential release, transport, and fate of Fe and 15 trace elements during progressive weathering of the Devonian New Albany Shale in Kentucky is presented. Results of chemical analyses along a weathering profile (unweathered through progressively weathered shale to soil) describe the chemically distinct pathways of the trace elements and the rate that elements are transferred into the broader, local environment. Trace elements enriched in the unweathered shale are in massive or framboidal pyrite, minor sphalerite, CuS and NiS phases, organic matter and clay minerals. These phases are subject to varying degrees and rates of alteration along the profile. Cadmium, Co, Mn, Ni, and Zn are removed from weathered shale during sulfide-mineral oxidation and transported primarily in aqueous solution. The aqueous fluxes for these trace elements range from 0.1 g/ha/a (Cd) to 44 g/ha/a (Mn). When hydrologic and climatic conditions are favorable, solutions seep to surface exposures, evaporate, and form Fe-sulfate efflorescent salts rich in these elements. Elements that remain dissolved in the low pH (<4) streams and groundwater draining New Albany Shale watersheds become fixed by reactions that increase pH. Neutralization of the weathering solution in local streams results in elements being adsorbed and precipitated onto sediment surfaces, resulting in trace element anomalies. Other elements are strongly adsorbed or structurally bound to solid phases during weathering. Copper and U initially are concentrated in weathering solutions, but become fixed to modern plant litter in soil formed on New Albany Shale. Molybdenum, Pb, Sb, and Se are released from sulfide minerals and organic matter by oxidation and accumulate in Fe-oxyhydroxide clay coatings that concentrate in surface soil during illuviation. Chromium, Ti, and V are strongly correlated with clay abundance and considered to be in the structure of illitic clay. Illite undergoes minimal alteration during weathering and is concentrated during illuvial processes. Arsenic concentration increases across the weathering profile and is associated with the succession of secondary Fe(III) minerals that form with progressive weathering. Detrital fluxes of particle-bound trace elements range from 0.1 g/ha/a (Sb) to 8 g/ha/a (Mo). Although many of the elements are concentrated in the stream sediments, changes in pH and redox conditions along the sediment transport path could facilitate their release for aqueous transport.

Discrimination of microbiological samples using femtosecond laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Baudelet, Matthieu; Yu, Jin; Bossu, Myriam; Jovelet, Julien; Wolf, Jean-Pierre; Amodeo, Tanguy; Fréjafon, Emeric; Laloi, Patrick

2006-10-01

Using femtosecond laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy, the authors have analyzed five different species of bacterium. Line emissions from six trace mineral elements, Na, Mg, P, K, Ca, and Fe, have been clearly detected. Their intensities correspond to relative concentrations of these elements contained in the analyzed samples. The authors demonstrate that the concentration profile of trace elements allows unambiguous discrimination of different bacteria. Quantitative differentiation has been made by representing bacteria in a six-dimension hyperspace with each of its axis representing a detected trace element. In such hyperspace, representative points of different species of bacterium are gathered in different and distinct volumes.

Biological forcing controls the chemistry of reef-building coral skeleton

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Meibom, Anders; Mostefaoui, Smail; Cuif, Jean-Pierre; Dauphin, Yannicke; Houlbreque, Fanny; Dunbar, Robert; Constantz, Brent

2007-01-01

We present analyses of major elements C and Ca and trace elements N, S, Mg and Sr in a Porites sp. exoskeleton with a spatial resolution better than ˜150 nm. Trace element variations are evaluated directly against the ultra-structure of the skeleton and are ascribed to dynamic biological forcing. Individual growth layers in the bulk fibrous aragonite skeleton form on sub-daily timescales. Magnesium concentration variations are dramatically correlated with the growth layers, but are uncorrelated with Sr concentration variations. Observed (sub)seasonal relationships between water temperature and skeletal trace-element chemistry are secondary, mediated by sensitive biological processes to which classical thermodynamic formalism does not apply.

Evidence for chemically heterogeneous Arctic mantle beneath the Gakkel Ridge

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

D'Errico, Megan E.; Warren, Jessica M.; Godard, Marguerite

2016-02-01

Ultraslow spreading at mid-ocean ridges limits melting due to on-axis conductive cooling, leading to the prediction that peridotites from these ridges are relatively fertile. To test this, we examined abyssal peridotites from the Gakkel Ridge, the slowest spreading ridge in the global ocean ridge system. Major and trace element concentrations in pyroxene and olivine minerals are reported for 14 dredged abyssal peridotite samples from the Sparsely Magmatic (SMZ) and Eastern Volcanic (EVZ) Zones. We observe large compositional variations among peridotites from the same dredge and among dredges in close proximity to each other. Modeling of lherzolite trace element compositions indicates varying degrees of non-modal fractional mantle melting, whereas most harzburgite samples require open-system melting involving interaction with a percolating melt. All peridotite chemistry suggests significant melting that would generate a thick crust, which is inconsistent with geophysical observations at Gakkel Ridge. The refractory harzburgites and thin overlying oceanic crust are best explained by low present-day melting of a previously melted heterogeneous mantle. Observed peridotite compositional variations and evidence for melt infiltration demonstrates that fertile mantle components are present and co-existing with infertile mantle components. Melt generated in the Gakkel mantle becomes trapped on short length-scales, which produces selective enrichments in very incompatible rare earth elements. Melt migration and extraction may be significantly controlled by the thick lithosphere induced by cooling at such slow spreading rates. We propose the heterogeneous mantle that exists beneath Gakkel Ridge is the consequence of ancient melting, combined with subsequent melt percolation and entrapment.

Trace elements release from volcanic ash to seawater. Natural concentrations in Central Mediterranean sea

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Randazzo, L. A.; Censi, P.; Saiano, F.; Zuddas, P.; Aricò, P.; Mazzola, S.

2009-04-01

Distributions and concentrations of many minor and trace elements in epicontinental basins, as Mediterranean Sea, are mainly driven to atmospheric fallout from surroundings. This mechanism supplies an estimated yearly flux of about 1000 kg km-2 of terrigenous matter of different nature on the whole Mediterranean basin. Dissolution of these materials and processes occurring at solid-liquid interface along the water column drive the distributions of many trace elements as V, Cr, Mn, Co, Cu, and Pb with contents ranging from pmol l-1 (Co, Cd, Pb) to nmol l-1 scale in Mediterranean seawater, with some local differences in the basin. The unwinding of an oceanographic cruise in the coastal waters of Ionian Sea during the Etna's eruptive activity in summer 2001 led to the almost unique chance to test the effects of large delivery of volcanic ash to a coastal sea water system through the analyses of distribution of selected trace elements along several seawater columns. The collection of these waters and their analyses about V, Cr, Mn, Co, Cu, and Pb contents evidenced trace element concentrations were always higher (about 1 order of magnitude at least) than those measured concentrations in the recent past in Mediterranean seawater, apart from Pb. Progressive increase of concentrations of some elements with depth, sometimes changing in a "conservative" behaviour without any clear reason and the observed higher concentrations required an investigation about interaction processes occurring at solid-liquid interface between volcanic ash and seawater along water columns. This investigation involving kinetic evaluation of trace element leaching to seawater, was carried out during a 6 months time period under laboratory conditions. X-ray investigations, SEM-EDS observations and analyses on freshly-erupted volcanic ash evidenced formation of alteration clay minerals onto glass fraction surfaces. Chemical analyses carried out on coexisting liquid phase demonstrated that trace element leaching occurs through a first quick followed by a slow second step that attaints to an apparent equilibrium after 6 months. Amplitude of kinetic rate constant measured for SiO2 release during the first step and behaviour of Ti/Si and Cr/Si rations in primary volcanic minerals, glass fraction and leaching solutions during the first 1 month stage of the experimental interaction allowed to demonstrate that trace element release mainly occurs from glassy materials and Ti-rich magnetite.

Functional role of inorganic trace elements in angiogenesis-Part II: Cr, Si, Zn, Cu, and S.

PubMed

Saghiri, Mohammad Ali; Asatourian, Armen; Orangi, Jafar; Sorenson, Christine M; Sheibani, Nader

2015-10-01

Trace elements play critical roles in angiogenesis events. The effects of nitrogen, iron, selenium, phosphorus, gold, and calcium were discussed in part I. In part II, we evaluated the effect of chromium, silicon, zinc, copper, and sulfur on different aspects of angiogenesis, with critical roles in healing and regeneration processes, and undeniable roles in tumor growth and cancer therapy. This review is the second of series that serves as an overview of the role of inorganic elements in regulation of angiogenesis and vascular function. The methods of exposure, structure, mechanism, and potential activity of these trace elements are briefly discussed. An electronic search was performed on the role of these trace elements in angiogenesis from January 2005 to April 2014. The recent aspects of the relationship between five different trace elements and their role in regulation of angiogenesis, and homeostasis of pro- and anti-angiogenic factors were assessed. Many studies have investigated the effects and importance of these elements in angiogenesis events. Both stimulatory and inhibitory effects on angiogenesis are observed for the evaluated elements. Chromium can promote angiogenesis in pathological manners. Silicon as silica nanoparticles is anti-angiogenic, while in calcium silicate extracts and bioactive silicate glasses promote angiogenesis. Zinc is an anti-angiogenic agent acting on important genes and growth factors. Copper and sulfur compositions have pro-angiogenic functions by activating pro-angiogenic growth factors and promoting endothelial cells migration, growth, and tube formation. Thus, utilization of these elements may provide a unique opportunity to modulate angiogenesis under various setting. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Restriction by APOBEC3 proteins of endogenous retroviruses with an extracellular life cycle: ex vivo effects and in vivo "traces" on the murine IAPE and human HERV-K elements

PubMed Central

Esnault, Cécile; Priet, Stéphane; Ribet, David; Heidmann, Odile; Heidmann, Thierry

2008-01-01

Background APOBEC3 cytosine deaminases have been demonstrated to restrict infectivity of a series of retroviruses, with different efficiencies depending on the retrovirus. In addition, APOBEC3 proteins can severely restrict the intracellular transposition of a series of retroelements with a strictly intracellular life cycle, including the murine IAP and MusD LTR-retrotransposons. Results Here we show that the IAPE element, which is the infectious progenitor of the strictly intracellular IAP elements, and the infectious human endogenous retrovirus HERV-K are restricted by both murine and human APOBEC3 proteins in an ex vivo assay for infectivity, with evidence in most cases of strand-specific G-to-A editing of the proviruses, with the expected signatures. In silico analysis of the naturally occurring genomic copies of the corresponding endogenous elements performed on the mouse and human genomes discloses "traces" of APOBEC3-editing, with the specific signature of the murine APOBEC3 and human APOBEC3G enzymes, respectively, and to a variable extent depending on the family member. Conclusion These results indicate that the IAPE and HERV-K elements, which can only replicate via an extracellular infection cycle, have been restricted at the time of their entry, amplification and integration into their target host genomes by definite APOBEC3 proteins, most probably acting in evolution to limit the mutagenic effect of these endogenized extracellular parasites. PMID:18702815

Fractionation of trace elements in agricultural soils using ultrasound assisted sequential extraction prior to inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometric determination.

PubMed

Matong, Joseph M; Nyaba, Luthando; Nomngongo, Philiswa N

2016-07-01

The main objectives of this study were to determine the concentration of fourteen trace elements and to investigate their distribution as well as a contamination levels in selected agricultural soils. An ultrasonic assisted sequential extraction procedure derived from three-step BCR method was used for fractionation of trace elements. The total concentration of trace elements in soil samples was obtained by total digestion method in soil samples with aqua regia. The results of the extractable fractions revealed that most of the target trace elements can be transferred to the human being through the food chain, thus leading to serious human health. Enrichment factor (EF), geo-accumulation index (Igeo), contamination factor (CF), risk assessment code (RAC) and individual contamination factors (ICF) were used to assess the environmental impacts of trace metals in soil samples. The EF revealed that Cd was enriched by 3.1-7.2 (except in Soil 1). The Igeo results showed that the soils in the study area was moderately contaminated with Fe, and heavily to extremely polluted with Cd. The soil samples from the unplanted field was found to have highest contamination factor for Cd and lowest for Pb. Soil 3 showed a high risk for Tl and Cd with RAC values of greater than or equal to 50%. In addition, Fe, Ni, Cu, V, As, Mo (except Soil 2), Sb and Pb posed low environmental risk. The modified BCR sequential extraction method provided more information about mobility and environmental implication of studied trace elements in the study area. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The effect of melt composition on the partitioning of trace elements between titanite and silicate melt

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Prowatke, S.; Klemme, S.

2003-04-01

The aim of this study is to systematically investigate the influence of melt composition on the partitioning of trace elements between titanite and different silicate melts. Titanite was chosen because of its important role as an accessory mineral, particularly with regard to intermediate to silicic alkaline and calc-alkaline magmas [e.g. 1] and of its relative constant mineral composition over a wide range of bulk compositions. Experiments at atmospheric pressure were performed at temperatures between 1150°C and 1050°C. Bulk compositions were chosen to represent a basaltic andesite (SH3 - 53% SiO2), a dacite (SH2 - 65 SiO2) and a rhyolite (SH1 - 71% SiO2). Furthermore, two additional experimental series were conducted to investigate the effect of Al-Na and the Na-K ratio of melts on partitioning. Starting materials consisted of glasses that were doped with 23 trace elements including some selected rare earth elements (La, Ce, Pr, Sm, Gd, Lu), high field strength elements (Zr, Hf, Nb, Ta) and large ion lithophile elements (Cs, Rb, Ba) and Th and U. The experimental run products were analysed for trace elements using secondary ion mass spectrometry at Heidelberg University. Preliminary results indicate a strong effect of melt composition on trace element partition coefficients. Partition coefficients for rare-earth elements uniformly show a convex-upward shape [2, 3], since titanite accommodates the middle rare-earth elements more readily than the light rare-earth elements or the heavy rare-earth elements. Partition coefficients for the rare-earth elements follow a parabolic trend when plotted against ionic radius. The shape of the parabola is very similar for all studied bulk compositions, the position of the parabola, however, is strongly dependent on bulk composition. For example, isothermal rare-earth element partition coefficients (such as La) are incompatible (D<1) in alkali-rich silicate melts and strongly compatible (D>>1) in alkali-poor melt compositions. From our experimental data we present an model that combines the influence of the crystal lattice on partitioning with the effect of melt composition on trace element partition coefficients. [1] Nakada, S. (1991) Am. Mineral. 76: 548-560 [2] Green, T.H. and Pearson, N.J. (1986) Chem. Geol. 55: 105-119 [3] Tiepolo, M.; Oberti, R. and Vannucci, R. (2002) Chem. Geol. 191: 105-119

Investigating Planetesimal Evolution by Experiments with Fe-Ni Metallic Melts: Light Element Composition Effects on Trace Element Partitioning Behavior

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chabot, N. L.

2017-12-01

As planetesimals were heated up in the early Solar System, the formation of Fe-Ni metallic melts was a common occurrence. During planetesimal differentiation, the denser Fe-Ni metallic melts separated from the less dense silicate components, though some meteorites suggest that their parent bodies only experienced partial differentiation. If the Fe-Ni metallic melts did form a central metallic core, the core eventually crystallized to a solid, some of which we sample as iron meteorites. In all of these planetesimal evolution processes, the composition of the Fe-Ni metallic melt influenced the process and the resulting trace element chemical signatures. In particular, the metallic melt's "light element" composition, those elements present in the metallic melt in a significant concentration but with lower atomic masses than Fe, can strongly affect trace element partitioning. Experimental studies have provided critical data to determine the effects of light elements in Fe-Ni metallic melts on trace element partitioning behavior. Here I focus on combining numerous experimental results to identify trace elements that provide unique insight into constraining the light element composition of early Solar System Fe-Ni metallic melts. Experimental studies have been conducted at 1 atm in a variety of Fe-Ni systems to investigate the effects of light elements on trace element partitioning behavior. A frequent experimental examination of the effects of light elements in metallic systems involves producing run products with coexisting solid metal and liquid metal phases. Such solid-metal-liquid-metal experiments have been conducted in the Fe-Ni binary system as well as Fe-Ni systems with S, P, and C. Experiments with O-bearing or Si-bearing Fe-Ni metallic melts do not lend themselves to experiments with coexisting solid metal and liquid metal phases, due to the phase diagrams of these elements, but experiments with two immiscible Fe-Ni metallic melts have provided insight into the qualitative effects of O and Si relative to the well-determined effects of S. Together, these experimental studies provide a robust dataset to identify key elements that are predicted to produce distinct chemical signatures as a function of different Fe-Ni metallic melt compositions during planetesimal evolution processes.

Total reflection X-ray fluorescence as a convenient tool for determination of trace elements in microscale gasoline and diesel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Airui; Jin, Axiang; Wang, Hai; Wang, Xiaokang; Zha, Pengfei; Wang, Meiling; Song, Xiaoping; Gao, Sitian

2018-03-01

Quantitative determination of trace elements like S, Fe, Cu, Mn and Pb in gasoline and S in diesel is of great importance due to the growing concerns over air pollution, human health and engine failure caused by utilization of gasoline and diesel with these harmful elements. A method of total reflection X-ray fluorescence (TXRF) was developed to measure these harmful trace elements in gasoline and diesel. A variety of factors to affect measurement results, including TXRF parameters, microwave-assisted digestion conditions and internal standard element and its addition, were examined to optimize these experimental procedures. The hydrophobic treatment of the surface of quartz reflectors to support the analyte with neutral silicone solutions could prepare thin films of gasoline and diesel digestion solutions for subsequent TXRF analysis. The proposed method shows good potential and reliability to determine the content of harmful trace elements in gasoline and diesel with high sensitivity and accuracy without drawing different standard calibration curves, and can be easily employed to screen gasoline and diesel in routine quality control and assurance.

Association of Serum Concentration of Different Trace Elements with Biomarkers of Systemic Oxidant Status in Dairy Cattle.

PubMed

Abuelo, Angel; Hernandez, Joaquín; Alves-Nores, Víctor; Benedito, José L; Castillo, Cristina

2016-12-01

There has been some recent criticism about the reliability of the assays commonly used to measure oxidant status in cattle, because some recent publications suggested that the concentration of different trace elements influences the results of these assays. The aim of this study was to test the correlation in 502 bovine serum samples between the concentration of several trace elements (Br, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, I, Mn, Mo, Ni, Se, Sr, V and Zn) and markers of oxidant status (reactive oxygen species (ROS) and total serum antioxidant capacity (SAC)). The Oxidative Stress index (OSi) was also calculated as ROS/SAC. Some significant correlations were found, although weak (|ρ| < 0.50). Therefore, the relationships observed might be attributed to the different pro- and antioxidant effect of the different elements rather than to the assays detecting these elements instead of the oxidised molecules or total antioxidant potential, respectively. The OSi was poorly correlated (|ρ| ≤ 0.36) with the concentration of the studied trace elements, and therefore, its use is recommended to assess shifts in the systemic redox balance.

Some potential hazardous trace elements contamination and their ecological risk in sediments of western Chaohu Lake, China.

PubMed

Zheng, Liu-Gen; Liu, Gui-Jian; Kang, Yu; Yang, Ren-Kang

2010-07-01

The Chaohu is one of the largest five freshwater lakes in China. It provides freshwater for agriculture, life, and part of industry. The quality of water becomes worst and worst due to the toxic matter. In this study, we collected the samples from the sedimentary mud in the lake. The distribution of some potential hazardous trace elements (Cu, Ni, Cr, As, Pb, Cd, and Hg) in the sediments of western Chaohu Lake, has been determined and studied, and the enrichment factors, the index of geoaccumulation, and potential ecological risk were analyzed and calculated. The results show that: the levels of selected potential hazardous trace element vary from different sampling sites and significant anthropogenic impact of Pb and Cd occur in sediments. The contamination rank of Pb and Cd are moderate, and Pb has a light potential ecological risk, but Cd is heavy. The total potential ecological risk of the selected hazardous trace elements in this study in Chaohu Lake is moderate. Cluster and correlation analysis indicate that the selected potential hazardous trace element pollutant has different source and co-contamination also occur in sediments.

Should bioactive trace elements not recognized as essential, but with beneficial health effects, have intake recommendations.

PubMed

Nielsen, Forrest H

2014-10-01

Today, most nutritionists do not consider a trace element essential unless it has a defined biochemical function in higher animals or humans. As a result, even though it has been found that trace elements such as boron and silicon have beneficial bioactivity in higher animals and humans, they generally receive limited attention or mention when dietary guidelines or intake recommendations are formulated. Recently, the possibility of providing dietary intake recommendations such as an adequate intake (AI) for some bioactive food components (e.g., flavonoids) has been discussed. Boron, chromium, nickel, and silicon are bioactive food components that provide beneficial health effects by plausible mechanisms of action in nutritional and supra nutritional amounts, and thus should be included in the discussions. Although the science base may not be considered adequate for establishing AIs, a significant number of findings suggest that statements about these trace elements should be included when dietary intake guidance is formulated. An appropriate recommendation may be that diets should include foods that would provide trace elements not currently recognized as essential in amounts shown to reduce the risk of chronic disease and/or promote health and well-being. Published by Elsevier GmbH.

Trace and major element levels in rats after oral administration of diesel and biodiesel derived from opium poppy (Papaver somniferum L.) seeds.

PubMed

Aksoy, Laçine; Sözbilir, Nalan Bayşu

2015-10-01

The study investigated the toxic effects of diesel and biodiesel derived from opium poppy (Papaver somniferum L.) oil seeds on the trace and major elements in kidney, lung, liver, and serum of rats. By the end of 21 days, trace and major element concentrations in kidney, lung, and liver tissues and the serum were measured using inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy. We observed that trace and major element levels in kidney, lung, and liver tissues and the serum changed. Especially, important differences were detected in trace and major element concentrations in kidney and lung tissues. In kidney tissue, the concentration differences of calcium, sodium, and zinc (Zn) were found between diesel and biodiesel groups. In lung tissue, the concentration differences of cadmium, lithium, magnesium, manganese, and Zn were found between diesel and biodiesel groups. Among the significant findings, Zn concentration in serum and liver tissue of diesel and biodiesel were different from control (p < 0.05). However, the metal levels of biodiesel group were similar to control group. Due to lesser toxicity of biodiesel, it could be considered as an alternate fuel. © The Author(s) 2013.

PM2.5 in Urban and Rural Nursery Schools in Upper Silesia, Poland: Trace Elements Analysis.

PubMed

Mainka, Anna; Zajusz-Zubek, Elwira; Kaczmarek, Konrad

2015-07-14

Indoor air quality (IAQ) in nursery schools is an emerging public health challenge. Particular attention should be paid to younger children, because they are more vulnerable to air pollution than older children. Among air pollutants, fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is of the greatest interest mainly due to its strong association with acute and chronic effects on children's health. In this paper, we present concentrations of PM2.5 and the composition of its trace elements at naturally ventilated nursery schools located in the area of Gliwice, Poland. The nursery schools were selected to characterize areas with different degrees of urbanization and traffic densities during the winter and spring seasons. The results indicate there is a problem with elevated concentrations of PM2.5 inside the examined classrooms. The children's exposure to trace elements was different based on localization and season. PM2.5 concentration and its trace element composition have been studied using correlation coefficients between the different trace elements, the enrichment factor (EF) and principal component analysis (PCA). PCA allowed the identification of the three components: anthropogenic and geogenic sources (37.2%), soil dust contaminated by sewage sludge dumping (18.6%) and vehicular emissions (19.5%).

Diagenesis of fossil coral skeletons: Correlation between trace elements, textures, and 234U /238U

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bar-Matthews, M.; Wasserburg, G. J.; Chen, J. H.

1993-01-01

A comparative study of Pleistocene fossil coral skeletons and of modern coral skeletons was carried out using petrographie and trace element analyses on a suite of Pleistocene samples that had previously been studied for 234U, 230Th, and U- 230Th ages ( CHEN et al. 1991). Evidence of a range of diagenetic changes can be recognized by optical (OM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The normal texture exhibited by modern corals under OM consists of fine needles of aragonite forming a radial-fibrous pattern around a central dark line (center of calcification). This pattern can also be seen in many fossil corals. In most cases, the central dark line partially disappears during diagenesis, the radialfibrous pattern is obscured, and there is a distinct coarsening of the radial fabric of aragonite to unoriented platy or equant aragonite crystals. SEM images show diagenetic textures ranging from dense structureless images of the coralline matrix, with sharp boundaries at the septa walls, to the development of (1) a patchy distribution of dissolution micropores partially filled with aragonite fibers in the matrix, (2)aragonite needles coming from selvages in the septa walls which radiate into the septa voids. Using an electron microprobe and SEM, concentrations of Na, S, Sr, and Mg were measured. No other trace elements were detected. Na, S, and Mg contents of the matrix, the fibrous micropores, and radiating needles are highly variable and well correlated. High concentrations of Na, S, and Mg were found in modern living corals with lower concentrations in fossil corals and fibrous micropores, and the lowest value in the radiating needles. The reason for the correlations of Na, S, and Mg and crystal chemistry and the response to diagenesis of these trace elements is not understood. The average concentrations of Na, S, and Mg for each sample, when plotted against the whole coral initial δ 234U, are generally correlated ( CHEN et al., 1991). As all these diagenetic changes involve the recrystallization and deposition of aragonite, we infer that the geologic site of diagenesis both for forming the secondary aragonitic phases and for the enhancement of the 234U content in the fossil corals was the marine environment. It is possible that the textural and Na, S, and Mg trace element contents of fossil corals be used to ascertain the reliability of fossil coral skeletons for U- 230Th dating. The basic problem of identifying a priori unaltered coral skeletons for 230Th dating is not yet resolved.

High H2O/Ce of K-rich MORB from Lena Trough and Gakkel Ridge, Arctic Ocean

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Snow, J. E.; Feig, S. T.

2014-12-01

Lena Trough in the Arctic ocean is the oblique spreading continuation of Gakkel Ridge through the Fram Strait (eg Snow et al. 2011). Extreme trace element and isotopic compositions seen in Lena Trough basalt appear to be the enriched end member dominating the geochemistry of the Western Volcanic Zone of the Western Gakkel Ridge as traced by Pb isotopes, K2O/TiO2, Ba/Nb and other isotopic, major and trace element indicators of mixing (Nauret et al., 2011). This is in contrast to neighboring Gakkel Ridge which has been spreading for 50-60 million years. Basalts from Lena Trough also show a pure MORB noble gas signature (Nauret et al., 2010) and peridotites show no evidence of ancient components in their Os isotopes (Lassiter, et al., in press). The major and trace element compositions of the basalts, however are very distinct from MORB, being far more potassic than all but a single locality on the SW Indian Ridge. We determined H2O and trace element composiitions of a suite of 17 basalt glasses from the Central Lena Trough (CLT) and the Gakkel Western Volcanic Zone, including many of those previously analyzed by Nauret et al. (2012). The Western Gakkel glasses have high H2O/Ce for MORB (>300) suggesting a water rich source consistent with the idea that the northernmost Atlantic mantle is enriched in water (Michael et al., 1995). They are within the range of Eastern Gakkel host glasses determined by Wanless et al, 2013. The Lena Trough (CLT) glasses are very rich in water for MORB (>1% H2O) and are among the highest H2O/Ce (>400) ever measured in MORB aside from melt inclusions in olivine. Mantle melting dynamics and melt evolution cannot account for the H2O/Ce variations in MORB, as these elements have similar behavior during melting and crustal evolution. Interestingly, the H2O/K2O ratios in the basalts are only around 1. This is because the K2O levels in the CLT glasses are very high as well relative to REE. The absolutely linear relationship between H2O and K2O/TiO2 in Lena and Gakkel basalts shows that water systematics in these rocks are completely governed by source composition, with little or no modification by mantle melting dynamics or crystal fractionation. The geochemical influence of the WVZ enriched mantle source declines with distance from Lena Trough along Gakkel Ridge.

Laser ablation ICP-MS profiling and semiquantitative determination of trace element concentrations in desert tortoise shells: documenting the uptake of elemental toxicants.

PubMed

Seltzer, Michaeld; Berry, Kristinh

2005-03-01

The outer keratin layer (scute) of desert tortoise shells consists of incrementally grown laminae in which various bioaccumulated trace elements are sequestered during scute deposition. Laser ablation ICP-MS examination of laminae in scutes of dead tortoises revealed patterns of trace elemental distribution from which the chronology of elemental uptake can be inferred. These patterns may be of pathologic significance in the case of elemental toxicants such as arsenic, which has been linked to both shell and respiratory diseases. Laser ablation transects, performed along the lateral surfaces of sectioned scutes, offered the most successful means of avoiding exogenous contamination that was present on the scute exterior. Semiquantitative determination of elemental concentrations was achieved using sulfur, a keratin matrix element, as an internal standard. The results presented here highlight the potential of laser ablation ICP-MS as a diagnostic tool for investigating toxic element uptake as it pertains to tortoise morbidity and mortality.

Laser ablation ICP-MS profiling and semiquantitative determination of trace element concentrations in desert tortoise shells: Documenting the uptake of elemental toxicants

USGS Publications Warehouse

Seltzer, M.D.; Berry, K.H.

2005-01-01

The outer keratin layer (scute) of desert tortoise shells consists of incrementally grown laminae in which various bioaccumulated trace elements are sequestered during scute deposition. Laser ablation ICP-MS examination of laminae in scutes of dead tortoises revealed patterns of trace elemental distribution from which the chronology of elemental uptake can be inferred. These patterns may be of pathologic significance in the case of elemental toxicants such as arsenic, which has been linked to both shell and respiratory diseases. Laser ablation transects, performed along the lateral surfaces of sectioned scutes, offered the most successful means of avoiding exogenous contamination that was present on the scute exterior. Semiquantitative determination of elemental concentrations was achieved using sulfur, a keratin matrix element, as an internal standard. The results presented here highlight the potential of laser ablation ICP-MS as a diagnostic tool for investigating toxic element uptake as it pertains to tortoise morbidity and mortality.

Elemental composition of four farmed fish produced in Portugal.

PubMed

Lourenço, Helena M; Afonso, Cláudia; Anacleto, Patrícia; Martins, Maria F; Nunes, Maria L; Lino, Ana R

2012-11-01

Farmed gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata), European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax), rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) and turbot (Psetta maxima) produced in Portugal were analysed in order to characterize their elemental composition. Atomic absorption (flame and cold vapour) and molecular absorption spectrometry techniques were used to determine all the studied elements. Similar patterns of macro, trace and ultra trace elements were observed for all fish species. The main elements were potassium (K), sodium (Na), phosphorus (P), magnesium (Mg) and calcium (Ca), followed by zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), copper (Cu), chromium (Cr), manganese (Mn) and nickel (Ni). Cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg) and lead (Pb) concentrations, obtained in this study, allow concluding that these species do not present a hazard for human consumption. In addition, they contain almost all essential elements at concentrations sufficient to suit the dietary reference intake. Nevertheless, P. maxima nutritious trace element content is relatively low compared with the other three species.

Ca-,Al-rich inclusions in the unique chondrite ALH85085 - Petrology, chemistry, and isotopic compositions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kimura, Makoto; El-Goresy, Ahmed; Palme, Herbert; Zinner, Ernst

1993-01-01

A comprehensive study is performed for the Ca-,Al-rich inclusions (CAIs) in the unique chondrite ALH85085. The ALH85085 inclusions are smaller (5-80 microns) and more refractory than their counterparts in carbonaceous chondrites. The study includes 42 inclusions for petrography and mineralogy, 15 for bulk major and minor element chemical composition, six for Mg-Al isotopic systematics, 10 for Ca isotopes, nine for Ti isotopes, and six for trace element abundances. In addition, oxygen-isotopic compositions were determined in minerals from a single inclusion. No correlation is found between mineralogy, major element chemistry, and trace element abundances. It is further shown that the high-temperature geochemical behavior of ultrarefractory trace elements is decoupled from that of the major elements Ca and Ti (Ti is correlated with the relatively volatile elements Nb and Yb) implying that perovskite is of only minor importance as carrier of ultrarefractories.

Synchrotron-induced X-ray fluorescence from rat bone and lumber vertebra of different age groups

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rao, Donepudi V.; Swapna, Medasani; Cesareo, Roberto; Brunetti, Antonio; Akatsuka, Tako; Yuasa, Tetsuya; Takeda, Tohoru; Tromba, Giuliana; Gigante, Giovanni E.

2009-02-01

The fluorescence spectra from rat bones of different age groups (8, 56 and 78 weeks) and lumber vertebra were measured with 8, 10 and 12 keV synchrotron X-rays. We have utilized the new hard X-ray micro-spectroscopy beamline facility, X27A, available at NSLS with a primary beam spot size of the order of ˜10 μm. With this spatial resolution and high flux throughput, X-ray fluorescent intensities for Ca and other trace elements were measured using a liquid-nitrogen-cooled 13-element energy-dispersive high-purity germanium detector. Regarding the lumber vertebra, we acquired the fluorescence spectra from the left, right and middle portions and calcium accumulation was evaluated and compared with the other samples. We have identified the major trace elements of Ca, Ni, Fe and Zn and minor trace elements of Ti, Cr and Mn in the sample. The percentage of scattered radiation and trace element contributions from these samples were highlighted at different energies.

Simultaneous cryo X-ray ptychographic and fluorescence microscopy of green algae

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Deng, Junjing; Vine, David J.; Chen, Si

Trace metals play important roles in normal and in disease-causing biological functions. X-ray fluorescence microscopy reveals trace elements with no dependence on binding affinities (unlike with visible light fluorophores) and with improved sensitivity relative to electron probes. However, X-ray fluorescence is not very sensitive for showing the light elements that comprise the majority of cellular material. Here we show that X-ray ptychography can be combined with fluorescence to image both cellular structure and trace element distribution in frozen-hydrated cells at cryogenic temperatures, with high structural and chemical fidelity. Ptychographic reconstruction algorithms deliver phase and absorption contrast images at a resolutionmore » beyond that of the illuminating lens or beam size. Using 5.2-keV X-rays, we have obtained sub-30-nm resolution structural images and ~90-nm-resolution fluorescence images of several elements in frozen-hydrated green algae. Finally, this combined approach offers a way to study the role of trace elements in their structural context.« less

Simultaneous cryo X-ray ptychographic and fluorescence microscopy of green algae

DOE PAGES

Deng, Junjing; Vine, David J.; Chen, Si; ...

2015-02-24

Trace metals play important roles in normal and in disease-causing biological functions. X-ray fluorescence microscopy reveals trace elements with no dependence on binding affinities (unlike with visible light fluorophores) and with improved sensitivity relative to electron probes. However, X-ray fluorescence is not very sensitive for showing the light elements that comprise the majority of cellular material. Here we show that X-ray ptychography can be combined with fluorescence to image both cellular structure and trace element distribution in frozen-hydrated cells at cryogenic temperatures, with high structural and chemical fidelity. Ptychographic reconstruction algorithms deliver phase and absorption contrast images at a resolutionmore » beyond that of the illuminating lens or beam size. Using 5.2-keV X-rays, we have obtained sub-30-nm resolution structural images and ~90-nm-resolution fluorescence images of several elements in frozen-hydrated green algae. Finally, this combined approach offers a way to study the role of trace elements in their structural context.« less

Simultaneous cryo X-ray ptychographic and fluorescence microscopy of green algae

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Deng, Junjing; Vine, David J.; Chen, Si

Trace metals play important roles in normal and in disease-causing biological functions. X-ray fluorescence microscopy reveals trace elements with no dependence on binding affinities (unlike with visible light fluorophores) and with improved sensitivity relative to electron probes. However, X-ray fluorescence is not very sensitive for showing the light elements that comprise the majority of cellular material. Here we show that X-ray ptychography can be combined with fluorescence to image both cellular structure and trace element distribution in frozen-hydrated cells at cryogenic temperatures, with high structural and chemical fidelity. Ptychographic reconstruction algorithms deliver phase and absorption contrast images at a resolutionmore » beyond that of the illuminating lens or beam size. Using 5.2-keV X-rays, we have obtained sub-30-nm resolution structural images and similar to 90-nm-resolution fluorescence images of several elements in frozen-hydrated green algae. This combined approach offers a way to study the role of trace elements in their structural context.« less

Lead theft--a study of the "uniqueness" of lead from church roofs.

PubMed

Bond, John W; Hainsworth, Sarah V; Lau, Tien L

2013-07-01

In the United Kingdom, theft of lead is common, particularly from churches and other public buildings with lead roofs. To assess the potential to distinguish lead from different sources, 41 samples of lead from 24 church roofs in Northamptonshire, U.K, have been analyzed for relative abundance of trace elements and isotopes of lead using X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, respectively. XRF revealed the overall presence of 12 trace elements with the four most abundant, calcium, phosphorus, silicon, and sulfur, showing a large weight percentage standard error of the mean of all samples suggesting variation in the weight percentage of these elements between different church roofs. Multiple samples from the same roofs, but different lead sheets, showed much lower weight percentage standard errors of the mean suggesting similar trace element concentrations. Lead isotope ratios were similar for all samples. Factors likely to affect the occurrence of these trace elements are discussed. © 2013 American Academy of Forensic Sciences.

How Certain Trace Elements Behave.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Zingaro, Ralph A.

1979-01-01

Fluorine, selenium, tin, and arsenic are among the trace elements occurring in the environment which are considered. Emphasis is given to developing a qualitative survey of the extent and kinds of metal transformations and their resultant effects. (CS)

Decadal trends in atmospheric deposition in a high elevation station: Effects of climate and pollution on the long-range flux of metals and trace elements over SW Europe

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Camarero, Lluís; Bacardit, Montserrat; de Diego, Alberto; Arana, Gorka

2017-10-01

Atmospheric deposition collected at remote, high elevation stations is representative of long-range transport of elements. Here we present time-series of Al, Fe, Ti, Mn, Zn, Ni, Cu, As, Cd and Pb deposition sampled in the Central Pyrenees at 2240 m a.s.l, representative of the fluxes of these elements over South West Europe. Trace element deposition did not show a simple trend. Rather, there was statistical evidence of several underlying factors governing the variability of the time-series recorded: seasonal cycles, trends, the effects of the amount of precipitation, climate-controlled export of dust, and changes in anthropogenic emissions. Overall, there were three main modes of variation in deposition. The first mode was related to North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO), and affected Al, Fe, Ti, Mn and Pb. We interpret this as changes in the dust export from Northern Africa under the different meteorological conditions that the NAO index indicates. The second mode was an upward trend related to a rise in the frequency of precipitation events (that also lead to an increase in the amount). More frequent events might cause a higher efficiency in the scavenging of aerosols. As, Cu and Ni responded to this. And finally, the third mode of variation was related to changes in anthropogenic emissions of Pb and Zn.

Heavy metal and trace elements in riparian vegetation and macrophytes associated with lacustrine systems in Northern Patagonia Andean Range.

PubMed

Juárez, Andrea; Arribére, María A; Arcagni, Marina; Williams, Natalia; Rizzo, Andrea; Ribeiro Guevara, Sergio

2016-09-01

Vegetation associated with lacustrine systems in Northern Patagonia was studied for heavy metal and trace element contents, regarding their elemental contribution to these aquatic ecosystems. The research focused on native species and exotic vascular plant Salix spp. potential for absorbing heavy metals and trace elements. The native species studied were riparian Amomyrtus luma, Austrocedrus chilensis, Chusquea culeou, Desfontainia fulgens, Escallonia rubra, Gaultheria mucronata, Lomatia hirsuta, Luma apiculata, Maytenus boaria, Myrceugenia exsucca, Nothofagus antarctica, Nothofagus dombeyi, Schinus patagonicus, and Weinmannia trichosperma, and macrophytes Hydrocotyle chamaemorus, Isöetes chubutiana, Galium sp., Myriophyllum quitense, Nitella sp. (algae), Potamogeton linguatus, Ranunculus sp., and Schoenoplectus californicus. Fresh leaves were analyzed as well as leaves decomposing within the aquatic bodies, collected from lakes Futalaufquen and Rivadavia (Los Alerces National Park), and lakes Moreno and Nahuel Huapi (Nahuel Huapi National Park). The elements studied were heavy metals Ag, As, Cd, Hg, and U, major elements Ca, K, and Fe, and trace elements Ba, Br, Co, Cr, Cs, Hf, Na, Rb, Se, Sr, and Zn. Geochemical tracers La and Sm were also determined to evaluate contamination of the biological tissues by geological particulate (sediment, soil, dust) and to implement concentration corrections.

Conversion of the trace elements Zn, Cd, and Pb in the combustion of near-Moscow coals

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

E.V. Samuilov; L.N. Lebedeva; L.S. Pokrovskaya

A model for the conversion of trace elements in the combustion of near-Moscow coals based on a complex approach combining the capabilities of geochemistry, chemical thermodynamics, phase analysis, and chemical kinetics is proposed. The conversion of the trace elements Zn, Cd, and Pb as the constituents of near-Moscow coal in the flow of coal combustion products along the line of the P-59 boiler at the Ryazanskaya Thermal Power Plant was calculated. Experimental data were used in the development of the model and in calculations.

Trace elements in magnetite as petrogenetic indicators

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dare, Sarah A. S.; Barnes, Sarah-Jane; Beaudoin, Georges; Méric, Julien; Boutroy, Emilie; Potvin-Doucet, Christophe

2014-10-01

We have characterized the distribution of 25 trace elements in magnetite (Mg, Al, Si, P, Ca, Sc, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Ga, Ge, Y, Zr, Nb, Mo, Sn, Hf, Ta, W, and Pb), using laser ablation ICP-MS and electron microprobe, from a variety of magmatic and hydrothermal ore-forming environments and compared them with data from the literature. We propose a new multielement diagram, normalized to bulk continental crust, designed to emphasize the partitioning behavior of trace elements between magnetite, the melt/fluid, and co-crystallizing phases. The normalized pattern of magnetite reflects the composition of the melt/fluid, which in both magmatic and hydrothermal systems varies with temperature. Thus, it is possible to distinguish magnetite formed at different degrees of crystal fractionation in both silicate and sulfide melts. The crystallization of ilmenite or sulfide before magnetite is recorded as a marked depletion in Ti or Cu, respectively. The chemical signature of hydrothermal magnetite is distinct being depleted in elements that are relatively immobile during alteration and commonly enriched in elements that are highly incompatible into magnetite (e.g., Si and Ca). Magnetite formed from low-temperature fluids has the lowest overall abundance of trace elements due to their lower solubility. Chemical zonation of magnetite is rare but occurs in some hydrothermal deposits where laser mapping reveals oscillatory zoning, which records the changing conditions and composition of the fluid during magnetite growth. This new way of plotting all 25 trace elements on 1 diagram, normalized to bulk continental crust and elements in order of compatibility into magnetite, provides a tool to help understand the processes that control partitioning of a full suit of trace elements in magnetite and aid discrimination of magnetite formed in different environments. It has applications in both petrogenetic and provenance studies, such as in the exploration of ore deposits and in sedimentology.

Relationships between carapace sizes and plasma major and trace element status in captive hawksbill sea turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata).

PubMed

Suzuki, Kazuyuki; Noda, Jun; Yanagisawa, Makio; Kawazu, Isao; Sera, Kouichiro; Fukui, Daisuke; Asakawa, Mitsuhiko; Yokota, Hiroshi

2012-12-01

The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationships between carapace parameters as indicators of age and plasma elements in 25 captive hawksbill sea turtles. Particle-induced X-ray emission allowed detection of 23 trace and major elements. There were significant but weak correlations between the virtual carapace surface area and plasma bromide (r = -0.552, P<0.01), phosphorus (r = 0.547, P<0.01), lead (r =-0.434, P<0.05) and strontium (r = 0.599, P<0.01), while there were no significant correlations with other elements. These results suggest that major and trace plasma elements in captive sea turtles show almost no variation with carapace parameters, suggesting that the increase in plasma elements seen in wild sea turtles might be the result of marine pollution.

Optimizing detector geometry for trace element mapping by X-ray fluorescence

DOE PAGES

Sun, Yue; Gleber, Sophie -Charlotte; Jacobsen, Chris; ...

2015-01-01

We report that trace metals play critical roles in a variety of systems, ranging from cells to photovoltaics. X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) microscopy using X-ray excitation provides one of the highest sensitivities available for imaging the distribution of trace metals at sub-100 nm resolution. With the growing availability and increasing performance of synchrotron light source based instruments and X-ray nanofocusing optics, and with improvements in energy-dispersive XRF detectors, what are the factors that limit trace element detectability? To address this question, we describe an analytical model for the total signal incident on XRF detectors with various geometries, including the spectral responsemore » of energy dispersive detectors. This model agrees well with experimentally recorded X-ray fluorescence spectra, and involves much shorter calculation times than with Monte Carlo simulations. With such a model, one can estimate the signal when a trace element is illuminated with an X-ray beam, and when just the surrounding non-fluorescent material is illuminated. From this signal difference, a contrast parameter can be calculated and this can in turn be used to calculate the signal-to-noise ratio (S/N) for detecting a certain elemental concentration. We apply this model to the detection of trace amounts of zinc in biological materials, and to the detection of small quantities of arsenic in semiconductors. In conclusion, we conclude that increased detector collection solid angle is (nearly) always advantageous even when considering the scattered signal. However, given the choice between a smaller detector at 90° to the beam versus a larger detector at 180° (in a backscatter-like geometry), the 90° detector is better for trace element detection in thick samples, while the larger detector in 180° geometry is better suited to trace element detection in thin samples.« less

Optimizing detector geometry for trace element mapping by X-ray fluorescence

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Sun, Yue; Gleber, Sophie -Charlotte; Jacobsen, Chris

We report that trace metals play critical roles in a variety of systems, ranging from cells to photovoltaics. X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) microscopy using X-ray excitation provides one of the highest sensitivities available for imaging the distribution of trace metals at sub-100 nm resolution. With the growing availability and increasing performance of synchrotron light source based instruments and X-ray nanofocusing optics, and with improvements in energy-dispersive XRF detectors, what are the factors that limit trace element detectability? To address this question, we describe an analytical model for the total signal incident on XRF detectors with various geometries, including the spectral responsemore » of energy dispersive detectors. This model agrees well with experimentally recorded X-ray fluorescence spectra, and involves much shorter calculation times than with Monte Carlo simulations. With such a model, one can estimate the signal when a trace element is illuminated with an X-ray beam, and when just the surrounding non-fluorescent material is illuminated. From this signal difference, a contrast parameter can be calculated and this can in turn be used to calculate the signal-to-noise ratio (S/N) for detecting a certain elemental concentration. We apply this model to the detection of trace amounts of zinc in biological materials, and to the detection of small quantities of arsenic in semiconductors. In conclusion, we conclude that increased detector collection solid angle is (nearly) always advantageous even when considering the scattered signal. However, given the choice between a smaller detector at 90° to the beam versus a larger detector at 180° (in a backscatter-like geometry), the 90° detector is better for trace element detection in thick samples, while the larger detector in 180° geometry is better suited to trace element detection in thin samples.« less