Journal of trace elements and minerals最新文献

{"title":"Solanum lycopersicum exerts cardioprotective effects via reduced creatinine kinase myocardial band and ATPase activities in Wistar rats exposed to lead acetate","authors":"Olorunsola Israel Adeyomoye ,&nbsp;Olugbemi Tope Olaniyan ,&nbsp;Juliana Bunmi Adetunji ,&nbsp;Oluwaseun Charles Adetunji","doi":"10.1016/j.jtemin.2025.100253","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jtemin.2025.100253","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Lead exposure is a known risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, yet effective cardioprotective interventions remain inadequately explored. Despite existing research, there is limited clarity on potential natural therapies that can mitigate lead-induced cardiac damage.</div></div><div><h3>Objective</h3><div>This study investigates the cardioprotective effects of ethyl acetate extract of <em>Solanum lycopersicum</em> (EESL) in lead-exposed Wistar rats, providing insights into its therapeutic potential and relevance.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Fresh fruits of <em>Solanum lycopersicum</em> (tomatoes) were air-dried, ground, concentrated, and extracted using ethyl acetate. A portion of EESL was analyzed using GC–MS. Fifteen (15) male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to three groups (<em>n</em> = 5 per group): control (distilled water), lead acetate (0.5 mg.mL^-1), and lead acetate + EESL (5 mg.kg^-1). Lead acetate and EESL were administered via drinking water and oral gavage, respectively, for four weeks. Body weight and lead concentration were measured using a weighing scale and flame atomic absorption spectrometry, respectively. Antioxidants and cardiac biomarkers were assessed using spectrophotometry. Data were analyzed using ANOVA at a significance level of <em>p</em> &lt; 0.05.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Gas chromatography mass spectrometry identified 56 constituents, with 6-dehydroprogesterone (-9.3 kcal/mol) showing the highest docking affinity for the beta-adrenergic receptor. There was a significant increase in body weight in the lead acetate + EESL group compared to the lead acetate group. Lead concentration was significantly higher in the lead acetate group compared to the lead acetate + EESL group. SOD activity significantly increased in the lead acetate + EESL group, while CK-MB, Na⁺/K⁺ ATPase, and Ca²⁺ ATPase activities significantly decreased compared to the lead acetate group.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div><em>Solanum lycopersicum</em> ethyl acetate extract demonstrated cardioprotective effects by enhancing antioxidant activity and reducing cardiac injury markers in lead-exposed rats. However, the associated increase in body weight raises concerns about potential metabolic risks, warranting further investigation</div></div>","PeriodicalId":73997,"journal":{"name":"Journal of trace elements and minerals","volume":"13 ","pages":"Article 100253"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144296935","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Nanotoxicity unveiled: Evaluating exposure risks and assessing the impact of nanoparticles on human health","authors":"Rohit Kumar ,&nbsp;Akhilesh Kumar ,&nbsp;Sweety Bhardwaj ,&nbsp;Mohini Sikarwar ,&nbsp;Sonam Sriwastaw ,&nbsp;Gaurav Sharma ,&nbsp;Madhu Gupta","doi":"10.1016/j.jtemin.2025.100252","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jtemin.2025.100252","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Nanomaterials have been widely used across medical and health sciences due to their unique physicochemical characteristics, versatile functionalisation, and remarkable tissue penetration abilities. As nanotechnology continues to evolve, concerns regarding the potential toxicological effects of these materials are growing. Despite their promising biomedical applications, comprehensive safety data remains limited.</div></div><div><h3>Purpose</h3><div>This review details the physicochemical properties of the nanoparticles contributing to the development of potentially adverse effects on human health and the environment. It explores the cellular and molecular mechanisms through which nanoparticles induce toxicity. It assesses current nanotoxicity evaluation strategies, including In vitro<em>, in vivo,</em> and <em>in silico</em> models, along with supporting methodologies. The review also addresses the regulatory landscape of nanotoxicology, outlining the challenges in developing standardised protocols to ensure the safe and effective use of nanomaterials in the health sector.</div></div><div><h3>Key Observations</h3><div>Factors such as particle size, dosage regimen, surface chemistry, and immunogenic potential of nanomaterials play a pivotal role in nanotoxicity. Nanoparticles may accumulate in diverse tissues, leading to oxidative stress, inflammation, and cellular and mitochondrial DNA damage. While regulatory agencies like the FDA, EMA, and CDE have issued guidelines for the safer use of nanomaterials, a globally harmonised framework is still absent.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>A deep understanding of nanotoxicity is crucial for the safe and sustainable development of nanomaterials. Future efforts should incorporate artificial intelligence and machine learning to predict, assess, and mitigate nanotoxicity by analysing complex data, identifying patterns, and refining nanoparticle design.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":73997,"journal":{"name":"Journal of trace elements and minerals","volume":"13 ","pages":"Article 100252"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144241318","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Assessment of ten potentially toxic metal in tea leaves from selected tea gardens in southern Western Ghats, India","authors":"Eswaran Rangasamy,&nbsp;M. Muniasamy,&nbsp;Anupama Prakash","doi":"10.1016/j.jtemin.2025.100250","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jtemin.2025.100250","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Tea is one of the world’s non-alcoholic and caffeinated beverages. However, elemental content will accumulate in the tea due to the excess use of growth nutrients and inorganic fertilisers during the tea planting process and instruments used in processing, which pose health risks to tea consumers. Therefore, we investigated potentially toxic ten metals (PTMs) in tea leaves from selected tea gardens in the Nilgiris and Anamalais, Southern Western Ghats, Tamil Nadu, India.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Fresh tea leaves were collected from six different tea gardens during pre- monsoon 2023; in each tea garden are 9 samples, and the overall collected samples are 54. The tea leaf samples were digested with concentrated nitric acid, sulphuric acid, and perchloric acid triacid mixture 9:2:1 as mentioned in APHA. The samples were then analysed for elemental content with the help of an ICP-MS, Perkin Elmer NexIon-300x and USA.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The highest elemental content detected in Gudalur was Al- 14,716 mg g^-1, Fe - 3396.86 mg g^-1 and Mn- 955.77 mg g^-1. In the Valparai tea leaves, Fe-371.88 mg g^-1, Mn-584.01 mg g^-1 Ni-23.16 mg g^-1. Cd was detected in all the studied tea gardens and above the maximum permissible limit. Pb concentration exceeded in Udhagai and Gudalur. Additionally, Ni concentration is high in Kothagiri and Udhagai tea gardens.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The results of our study suggest taking action to monitor tea samples regularly to improve the quality of the tea crop production. This can be achieved by implementing strict regulations, promoting eco-friendly practices, and raising awareness about the harmful effects of PTMs for tea growers.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":73997,"journal":{"name":"Journal of trace elements and minerals","volume":"13 ","pages":"Article 100250"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143942137","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Health risk assessment of cadmium, lead, iron, and zinc exposure from food and cigarettes in Pakistani smokers","authors":"Hamza Shafiq ,&nbsp;Mamoona Amir ,&nbsp;Aneela Hameed ,&nbsp;Amir Ismail ,&nbsp;Siti Suhaila Binti Harith ,&nbsp;Areeba Usman","doi":"10.1016/j.jtemin.2025.100251","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jtemin.2025.100251","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Aim and background</h3><div>Smoking is a major contributor to illnesses and deaths, strongly associated with cardiovascular disease, lung cancer, and chronic pulmonary diseases. This study aims to analyze the levels of trace metals (Pb, Cd) and their potential impact on vital metals (Fe, Zn) in cigarette smokers and nonsmokers in Multan.</div></div><div><h3>Material and methods</h3><div>This case−control research included 537 human participants with similar socioeconomic status, consisting of four groups based on smoking intensity. Blood, wheat flour, drinking water, and cigarette samples were analyzed for key parameters and concentrations of Cd, Pb, Fe, and Zn. An Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was performed to assess the differences in metal concentrations across the various sample types.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The mean blood concentrations of Cd and Pb were as follows for the control, light, moderate, and heavy smoker groups, respectively; 0.10 and 3.64, 0.12 and 4.40, 0.14 and 4.59, and 0.14 and 5.05 µg dL^⁻1. When considering all smoking individuals as a single group, blood Cd and Pb concentrations were 37 % and 28 % higher, respectively, compared to nonsmokers, and almost 53 % of samples exceeded blood-Cd from the safe limits of WHO (0.03−0.12 µg dL^⁻1). While concentrations of blood Zn and Fe were almost 10 % lower in all smokers’ groups as compared to nonsmokers, respectively. Furthermore, the results indicated a substantial inverse relationship between the concentrations of Pb and Zn and the blood's Cd and Fe levels. Acceptable values of Cd and Pb were discovered in all wheat flour and water samples. Tobacco from different cigarette brands had exceeding levels of Cd, ranging from 0.03 to 0.21 µg g^⁻1 and Pb, 0.49–2.92 µg g⁻¹. For cancer risk assessment, the incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR) for Cd surpassed about 28.93 % of cigarette samples. Alarmingly, 99 % of cigarette samples exceeded the hazard quotient (HQ) for Cd and Pd, indicating Cd as a huge risk factor. Compared to non-smokers, smokers had higher levels of white blood cells, red blood cells, and hemoglobin with a lower body mass index.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>These findings underscore cigarette smoking as a major source of Cd and Pb, potentially impacting the levels of Fe and Zn in human blood. Increasing awareness of the risks associated with smoking may prompt a government initiative calling for behavioural interventions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":73997,"journal":{"name":"Journal of trace elements and minerals","volume":"13 ","pages":"Article 100251"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143928332","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Chemotherapeutic efficacy of curcumin against plasma and cardio-hepatorenal electrolyte disruption in dichlorvos-challenged rats via augmentation of Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase and Ca²⁺/Mg²⁺-ATPase activities","authors":"Adio J. Akamo ,&nbsp;Boluwatife A. Olagunju ,&nbsp;Iyabode A. Kehinde ,&nbsp;Naomi M. Akamo ,&nbsp;Adetutu O. Ojelabi ,&nbsp;Ofem E. Eteng ,&nbsp;Ibiyemi O. Opowoye ,&nbsp;Adedayo A. Adebisi ,&nbsp;Taiwo S. Oguntona ,&nbsp;Mushafau A. Akinsanya ,&nbsp;Tobi S. Adekunbi ,&nbsp;Olufemi M. Ajagun-Ogunleye ,&nbsp;Opeyemi E. Popoola ,&nbsp;Jacob K. Akintunde ,&nbsp;Oluseyi A. Akinloye","doi":"10.1016/j.jtemin.2025.100248","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jtemin.2025.100248","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Dichlorvos (2,2-dichlorovinyl dimethyl phosphate or DDVP) is an effective organophosphate pesticide extensively employed in various pest management applications. However, it elicits cytotoxicity. Curcumin is a well-known antioxidant phytochemical, but publications lack data on its influence on DDVP-occasioned electrolyte disruption in animals. Hence, this exploration examined the antidotal efficacy of curcumin on electrolyte and ATPase pump distortions in a DDVP-poisoned rat model.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Forty-two rats were randomly distributed into seven groups (6 rats/group): DDVP alone (20 mg kg⁻¹ day⁻¹), DDVP supplemented with curcumin (50 and 100 mg kg⁻¹ day⁻¹), or reference medication atropine (0.2 mg kg⁻¹ day⁻¹), and curcumin alone (50 and 100 mg kg⁻¹ day⁻¹). DDVP was administered orally for one week, followed by two weeks of curcumin intervention. Then, the rats were humanely sacrificed. Plasma and visceral (liver, kidney, and heart) sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, chloride, and bicarbonate concentrations, and visceral Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase and Ca²⁺/Mg²⁺-ATPase activities, were quantified by spectrophotometry.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>DDVP significantly (<em>p</em> &lt; 0.05) increased plasma potassium and magnesium concentrations by 7 % and 211 % folds, respectively, but decreased plasma sodium, calcium, chloride and bicarbonate by 11 %, 77 %, 58 %, and 62 %, respectively. Curcumin post-exposure therapy significantly (<em>p</em> &lt; 0.05) (1) reversed DDVP-engendered plasma hyponatremia, hyperkalemia, hypocalcemia, hypermagnesemia, hypochloremia, and hypobicarbonemia; (2) upturned DDVP-triggered increases in visceral sodium, calcium, chloride, and bicarbonate concentration; (3) rescinded DDVP-instigated decreases in visceral potassium and magnesium levels; and (4) abated DDVP-prompted inhibitions of visceral Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase and Ca²⁺/Mg²⁺-ATPase activities to varying extents.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>These results demonstrated that curcumin chemotherapy improved visceral functions and corrected ionoregulatory disruptions in DDVP-treated rats via modulation of adenosine triphosphatases pump.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":73997,"journal":{"name":"Journal of trace elements and minerals","volume":"12 ","pages":"Article 100248"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143876573","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Exploring the chemical and mineralogical properties of a traditional healing stone from Southern Morocco","authors":"F. El Hilali ,&nbsp;H. El Hilali ,&nbsp;Z. M'hamdi ,&nbsp;I. Loudaoued ,&nbsp;O. Hammani ,&nbsp;M. Aissa ,&nbsp;A. Amechrouq","doi":"10.1016/j.jtemin.2025.100246","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jtemin.2025.100246","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Naturotherapy involving geo-materials has been a longstanding practice, originating from antiquity. <em>El Hammira</em>, a striking red medicinal stone from Southern Morocco, continues to be a vital component in traditional Moroccan Saharan health practices. Despite its ongoing significance, the exact chemical composition and therapeutic efficacy of this practice remain largely underexplored, heavily based on oral tradition. This paper aims to characterize the mineral and chemical properties of <em>El Hammira</em> for the first time, using high-performance analytical techniques.</div></div><div><h3>Study Area</h3><div>Six samples were collected from the <em>El Hammira</em> deposit in Es-Smara, located in the southern region of Morocco.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Samples are subjected to analysis using metallographic microscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy, Raman Spectroscopy, X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF), Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES), and Scanning Electron Microscopy with Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy (SEM-EDX).</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The results show that <em>El Hammira</em> is a distinctive rock with high iron content and predominant minerals, including quartz and silica. Additionally, the presence of metals and metalloids in exceeded quantities raises potential concerns regarding safety and efficacy.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>This first analysis of <em>El Hammira</em>, highlighting its unique mineral composition and the presence of metals and metalloids. These findings emphasize the need for further research and processing to ensure its safety for medicinal and cosmetic use.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":73997,"journal":{"name":"Journal of trace elements and minerals","volume":"12 ","pages":"Article 100246"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143854591","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Evaluation and health risk analysis of potential toxic elements in select foods vended within a university campus in southeastern Nigeria","authors":"Amara Miracle Olaleye ,&nbsp;Stanley Ugochukwu Nwoke ,&nbsp;Dozie John Okongwu ,&nbsp;Nancy Amaraegbulam ,&nbsp;Chukwuemeka Cornelius Ezeh ,&nbsp;Ifeanyi Adolphus Ucheana","doi":"10.1016/j.jtemin.2025.100247","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jtemin.2025.100247","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Bambara nut pudding (BNP) and cowpea bean cake (BC) are popular street-vended foods on Nigerian University campuses. Current study seeks to investigate the concentrations and associated health risks of cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), chromium (Cr), and nickel (Ni) in BNP and BC consumed within a university campus in southeastern Nigeria.</div></div><div><h3>Method</h3><div>The potentially toxic elements (PTE) in the food samples were quantified using atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS), while health risks were assessed using carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic health risk models. Calibration curves for the elements were plotted using 1, 2, and 3 mg L^–1. Method validation included recovery analysis, with instrument sensitivity assessed through limits of detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ).</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Mean PTE concentrations (mg kg⁻¹) in BNP were Cd (0.13–2.94), Cr (4.33–51.09), Ni (0.35–2.15), and Pb (5.27–307.62), while BC levels ranged as Cd (ND–2.54), Cr (14.51–36.20), Ni (ND–2.41), and Pb (3.36–6.49). Both foods' Cd, Cr, and Pb levels exceeded WHO thresholds. A significant difference was recorded between Cd, Cr, and Pb concentrations in both foods (p&lt;0.05). Non-carcinogenic risk (THQ/THI &gt;1) was detected in 64 % of BNP and 36 % of BC samples, indicating elevated exposure hazards. Carcinogenic risks were identified for Cr, Ni, and Cd, with cancer risk values surpassing tolerable limits (1 × 10⁻⁶).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>This study identifies significant contamination of BNP and BC by PTEs, particularly Pb and Cr, linked to vendor practices and environmental sources. It underscores urgent regulatory measures to mitigate health risks, adoption of HACCP protocols, and advocates continuous monitoring of street-vended foods.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":73997,"journal":{"name":"Journal of trace elements and minerals","volume":"12 ","pages":"Article 100247"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143868905","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Investigation on nitrate induced histological alterations in vas deferens of rats","authors":"S.V. Rajini ,&nbsp;R. Srushti ,&nbsp;M. Sanchana ,&nbsp;H.N. Sarjan","doi":"10.1016/j.jtemin.2025.100245","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jtemin.2025.100245","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Nitrate (NO₃) contamination is a serious global concern as high level of NO₃ adversely affect different components of the male reproductive system including accessory sex organs. However, there are no reports of NO₃ effects on vas deferens. With this background, the study was undertaken to investigate the effects of NO₃ contaminated ground water and sodium nitrate (NaNO₃) on vas deferens of rats.</div></div><div><h3>Methodology</h3><div>Adult rats were randomly divided into control, NO₃ contaminated ground water and NaNO₃ (100 mg kg⁻¹ bw/1mL/rat) treated groups (<em>n</em> = 5). The animals were exposed to NO₃ for 52 days and after the treatment period, the rats were sacrificed and histological alterations in vas deferens, few biochemical and sperm parameters were analyzed.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Nitrate exposure resulted in significant increase in percentage gain in body weight, abnormal spermatozoa and nitrite level in spermatozoa. Further, there was significant decrease in relative weight of vas deferens, sperm motility and serum concentration of testosterone in NO₃ exposed rats compared to control. Histologically, distorted pseudostratified columnar epithelium, damaged stereocilia, reduced luminal sperm population, damaged basal lamina and disorganized muscle layers were observed in vas deferens of NO₃ treated rats compared to control. In addition, the height of pseudostratified columnar epithelium and diameter of muscularis was significantly reduced in NO₃ exposed rats compared to control.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The present investigation clearly indicated the adverse effects of NO₃ on vas deferens; one of the important accessory reproductive structures in transport of mature sperm to the urethra. Further, exposure to NO₃ contaminated ground water caused severe histological damage in vas deferens compared to that of NaNO_3.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":73997,"journal":{"name":"Journal of trace elements and minerals","volume":"12 ","pages":"Article 100245"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143886002","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Chemometric assessment, seasonal variation and source apportionment of air pollutants in Islamabad's industrial area","authors":"Mavia Anjum ,&nbsp;Naila Siddique ,&nbsp;Hannan Younis ,&nbsp;Munib Ahmed Shafique ,&nbsp;Sadia Munawar ,&nbsp;Mohsina Zubair ,&nbsp;Huzaifa Younas ,&nbsp;Ansar Abbas ,&nbsp;Yasir Faiz","doi":"10.1016/j.jtemin.2025.100244","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jtemin.2025.100244","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Global warming is intensified by atmospheric pollution, with industrial activities significantly contributing to this issue. This study investigates air pollution levels in the industrial area of Islamabad, the capital of Pakistan, a developing South Asian nation grappling with severe air quality threats.</div></div><div><h3>Study area</h3><div>This study was designed to assess the pollution levels in the air of industrial area of Islamabad, Pakistan</div></div><div><h3>Methodology</h3><div>Fine (size &lt; 2.5µm: PM_2.5) and coarse (size between 2.5 and 10 µm: PM_2.5–10) particulate matter samples were collected on Polycarbonate air filters for three seasons in 2023. The elemental composition of PM was quantified using Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES).</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The average PM_2.5 (40.42 µg m⁻³) and PM_2.5–10 (221 µg m⁻³) concentrations exceeded Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency (Pak-EPA) limits (PM_2.5: 35 µg m⁻³; PM_2.5–10: 150 µg m⁻³, respectively). In PM_2.5, Na showed the highest mean concentration (8670 ng m⁻³), As the lowest (40 ng m⁻³); in PM_2.5–10, Ca was highest (5476 ng m⁻³), Zr lowest (28 ng m⁻³). Seasonal variations revealed for PM_2.5–10 Ca peaked at 7800 ng m⁻³ in autumn, with Mg, Si, Fe, and Al fluctuating significantly, while toxic elements As, Pb, Co and Cr decreased from spring to autumn. In PM_2.5, Ca peaked at 7043 ng m⁻³ and Na remained elevated in spring, with crustal and toxic metals concentration decreasing from spring to autumn. Depositional flux was high for Ca and Ba in PM_2.5–10, and Na, Cr, and Cu in PM_2.5. The Enrichment factor and pollution index indicated higher contamination by Cr, Cu, Pb, S, Zn, Ni, As, Li, Mo, Sn, and Ag. Environmental Protection Agency Positive Matrix Factorization (EPA-PMF) identified steel mills, marble processing, e-waste incineration, Industrial dust, battery processing and vehicular emissions as primary sources. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Hybrid Single-Particle Lagrangian Integrated Trajectory model (NOAA HYSPLIT) confirmed local and transboundary contributions to elevated PM levels.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>This study concludes that the air of Islamabad's industrial area has high levels of pollution, dependent upon various sources and mitigation of pollution can be achieved by strict enforcement of regulations and laws.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":73997,"journal":{"name":"Journal of trace elements and minerals","volume":"12 ","pages":"Article 100244"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143850438","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Geologic setting of mineral licks and availability of trace element nutrients: case study of the Dewar Creek geothermal spring site in the Canadian Cordillera","authors":"Paul L. Broughton","doi":"10.1016/j.jtemin.2025.100243","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jtemin.2025.100243","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>The link between the geology and development of mineral licks involves the mineralogy and availability of metallic elements that are necessary for mammalian nutritional requirements. The chemistries of natural mineral licks have been widely documented, but their constituent elements necessary for mammalian nutrition have usually not been linked to regional tectono-stratigraphic controls on their mineralogy and element availability. The extensive mineral lick emplaced along the Dewar Creek geothermal spring area in southeast British Columbia of the Canadian Cordillera has a dominant carbonate mineralogy that has been a longstanding attraction to ungulates. This case study provides insight into how the geologic context directly controls the availability of various trace metal nutrient ions and thereby attracts mammalian wildlife.</div></div><div><h3>Materials and methods</h3><div>Sediments collected along the Dewar Creek geothermal spring are analyzed for their mineralogy and trace element concentration to further our understanding as to why the site is attractive to ungulates as a mineral lick.</div></div><div><h3>Results and conclusions</h3><div>The geologic framework provides the overall context for the location of mineral licks that result in the availability of metallic elements necessary for the nutritional requirements of mammals, and furthers our understanding on how the geologic framework controls the location of mineral licks that provide specific elements necessary for the health of ungulates. High concentrations of Sr (3000–12,000 ppm) and Mn (4000–9000 ppm) are incorporated into different carbonate minerals that accumulated as bottom sediment and overlying crust along the geothermal spring. The unusually high concentration of bioactive strontium in particular at this mineral lick facilitates the attractiveness to ungulates because of the impact on mammalian bone osteoporosis.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":73997,"journal":{"name":"Journal of trace elements and minerals","volume":"12 ","pages":"Article 100243"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143838429","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}