Journal of trace elements and minerals最新文献

{"title":"Speciation of arsenic and concentration of cadmium and arsenic in rice (Oryza sativa L.) cultivated under co-exposure of cadmium/arsenic and different water ponding","authors":"Tatiana Pedron,&nbsp;Valmir Silva,&nbsp;Fernanda Pollo Paniz,&nbsp;Bruno Lemos Batista","doi":"10.1016/j.jtemin.2025.100240","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jtemin.2025.100240","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Over three billion people consume rice (<em>Oryza sativa</em> L), an important cereal in the human diet. It is cultivated typically in flooded soils. However, it is also grown in soils with limited water (upland or dryland). There are few studies on the concomitant translocation of As and Cd from soil to rice in different irrigation systems. The present work aimed to verify the influence of 3 irrigation systems (dry soil, semi-dry, and flooded soil) on the absorption and translocation of arsenic (As) and cadmium (Cd) in the rice cultivar GURI INTA CL. Four different soil treatments were used in each of these irrigation regimes: As 10 mg kg^-1 only, Cd 10 mg kg^-1 only, 10 mg kg^-1 of As + Cd, and the control group (no As/Cd additions). Arsenic treatment affected the agronomic parameters (stem masses and heights and the mass of grains) of the plants cultivated in dry soil and semi-dry soil. It was observed that the co-exposure in flooded soil presented a higher concentration of total As with the lowest percentage of inorganic As (iAs 37.6 %) in grains. Co-exposure or only As had a similar iAs percentage in grains from plants cultivated under other irrigation systems ( ̴ 55 %). The highest Cd concentration was observed in the dry soil irrigation system, for both roots and grains, mainly in co-exposure treatment. Thus, the rice cultivar GURI INTA CL raised in flooded soils absorb higher amounts of As and lesser amounts of Cd. On the contrary, in dry soil there is higher and lesser absorption of Cd and As, respectively. Therefore, this new knowledge on the dynamics of absorption and translocation of As and Cd in Brazilian rice cultivars can provide mitigation strategies for the contamination of rice grains by toxic elements.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":73997,"journal":{"name":"Journal of trace elements and minerals","volume":"12 ","pages":"Article 100240"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143759744","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Assessment of toxic elements contamination in cigarettes sold in algeria and associated health risks","authors":"A.I. CHEBLI ,&nbsp;Z. CHELIGHEM ,&nbsp;A. ZERGUI ,&nbsp;A. AMZIANE ,&nbsp;Y. ZEBBICHE ,&nbsp;A. BELLOUM ,&nbsp;S. ABDENNOUR","doi":"10.1016/j.jtemin.2025.100239","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jtemin.2025.100239","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Tobacco consumption remains a critical public health concern globally, with Algeria among the highest tobacco-consuming countries in Africa. Cigarettes contain toxic elements like lead, cadmium, mercury, chromium, and nickel, contributing to severe health risks, including cancer and cardiovascular diseases. This study aimed to (i) determine their concentrations in Algerian cigarettes and (ii) evaluate associated non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic health risks in smokers.</div></div><div><h3>Materials and Method</h3><div>A total of 200 samples from 25 brands were randomly collected from various retail outlets, then analyzed using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). To assess their health risks, Average Daily Dose (ADD), the Hazard Quotient; (HQ), the Hazard Index (HI), and the lifetime average daily dose (LADDi) were calculated and compared with international Studies.</div></div><div><h3>Results and Discussion</h3><div>Analysed tobacco brands sold in Algeria have found to be contaminated by Pb, Cd, Hg, Cr, and Ni. The highest levels of Pb, Cd, Hg, Cr, and Ni were 19.02 ± 0.26, 0.72 ± 0.02, 0.450 ± 0.05, 8.96 ± 0.18, and 4.93 ± 0.06 μg.<em>g</em>⁻¹ respectively. The limits of quantification (LOQ) were determined as follows: 0.0011 μg/g for Pb, 0.0018 μg/g for Cd, 0.0017 μg/g for Hg, 0.0013 μg/g for Cr, and 0.0014 μg/g for Ni. Recovery rates exceeded 80 % for all elements, ensuring the reliability of the analytical method. The Brand n°06 had the highest content in Pb, Hg, and Cr. This metallic contamination can be due to soil pollution as tobacco plants are highly capable of absorbing toxic elements, but also the manufacturing process and the use of flavours.The non-carcinogenic risk with HI &gt; 1 was found in 96 % of the brands, primarily from lead and cadmium while 44 % had acceptable carcinogenic risks, mainly related to chromium.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>This study highlights the presence of toxic elements in cigarettes sold in Algeria at levels that could pose significant health risks. Given the scarcity of data on this issue in the region, our findings emphasize the need for stricter regulations and further studies to better assess and mitigate the exposure of Algerian smokers to these toxic elements.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":73997,"journal":{"name":"Journal of trace elements and minerals","volume":"12 ","pages":"Article 100239"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143716139","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Corn (Zea mays L.) production and chlorophyll fluorescence affected by drought stress, N fertilization, and genotype","authors":"Mansour Halimi Soufi,&nbsp;Hamid Reza Mobasser,&nbsp;Ahmad Mehraban,&nbsp;Hamid Reza Ganjali,&nbsp;Khaled Miri","doi":"10.1016/j.jtemin.2025.100237","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jtemin.2025.100237","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Corn (<em>Zea mays</em> L.) physiology and production in drought stress conditions may be importantly affected by soil N and plant genotype.</div></div><div><h3>Objective</h3><div>So, more has yet to be indicated on how drought stress and N fertilization may affect production and chlorophyll florescence of corn genotypes as the objective of the present research.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>The experiment was a split plot on the basis of a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with four replicates conducted in two research sites in 2020. Drought stress levels (main plots) including irrigation after 70 mm evaporation from evaporating pan Class A, irrigation stoppage at flowering, grain filling and both flowering and grain filling, N chemical fertilization (sub plots) including control (0), 100, 200, 300 kg ha^-1 and corn genotypes (sub-sub plots) including Kusha 201 (G1), Fajr 260 (G2), and Dehghan 400 (G3) were tested. Different corn morphological (cob diameter, CDM), yield (biological yield, BY, and harvest index, HI) and florescence indices (Fo, Fm, Fv, and Fv/Fm) were determined.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Although drought stress significantly decreased CDM, biological yield, and fluorescence indices, N fertilization (N300) alleviated the stress and G1 had higher BY, and G3 had less CDM (medium) and higher HI and Fo. The significant interaction of drought stress and N fertilization indicates, depending on the level of drought stress, the response of corn genotypes to N fertilization is different.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Depending on stress intensity, determination of appropriate level of N feralization and genotype may result in the most optimum yield production.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":73997,"journal":{"name":"Journal of trace elements and minerals","volume":"12 ","pages":"Article 100237"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143703977","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Comprehensive assessment of trace element pollution and its distribution in surface and groundwater around the Ishwardi export processing zone, Bangladesh","authors":"Nitu Islam ,&nbsp;A. H. M. Selim Reza ,&nbsp;Md. Abdur Rahman ,&nbsp;Md. Shazzadur Rahman","doi":"10.1016/j.jtemin.2025.100238","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jtemin.2025.100238","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Due to industrial development and rapid urbanization, the discharge of industrial effluents significantly impacts the environment and ecosystems, particularly affecting surface and groundwater systems. This study assesses trace element contamination near the Ishwardi Export Processing Zone (IEPZ) in Bangladesh, with the aim of evaluating trace element concentrations in both surface and groundwater and their potential environmental impacts in and around the IEPZ.</div></div><div><h3>Materials and methods</h3><div>Fourteen samples, including industrial waste, groundwater, and river water, were collected from the IEPZ. The concentrations of trace elements like Pb, Cd, Cr, Ni, Cu, and Co in the collected samples were measured. Statistical analyses, including principal component analysis (PCA), were performed with a confidence level of 95 % and a significance threshold of <em>p</em> &lt; 0.05.</div></div><div><h3>Results and discussion</h3><div>Levels of Pb, Cu, and Ni exceeded World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines in some samples, with Pb ranging from 4.3 to 34.3 µg <span>l</span>^-1, indicating potential health risks. The Contamination Index (Cd) varied from -2.696 to 0.277, reflecting low contamination, while the Metal Pollution Index (MPI) was 1.603, suggesting generally satisfactory water quality. PCA highlighted two components which explained 36.182 % and 28.161 % cumulative variance for PCA1 and PCA2, respectively.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>This study investigates the impact of industrial effluent discharge on surface and groundwater quality around the IEPZ, Bangladesh. Among the trace elements, Pb showed the highest concentration, likely due to battery recycling/manufacturing at one of the factories in the IEPZ. The wastewater flows into nearby rivers and also leaches into the surrounding groundwater. These findings emphasize the need for ongoing monitoring and improved waste management to mitigate the environmental impacts of industrial discharges in the IEPZ.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":73997,"journal":{"name":"Journal of trace elements and minerals","volume":"12 ","pages":"Article 100238"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143716140","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Comparative effect of dietary fortification of raw and roasted seeds of pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo L) on fertility biomolecules in cisplatin-induced spermatotoxic rats","authors":"Seun Funmilola Akomolafe ,&nbsp;Mary Aderonke Bola Ogundare ,&nbsp;Ibikunle Akinlua ,&nbsp;Oluwadamilare Oluwaseun Ajayi ,&nbsp;Elijah Olalekan Odesanmi ,&nbsp;Olusola Bolaji Adewale","doi":"10.1016/j.jtemin.2025.100236","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jtemin.2025.100236","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Cisplatin is a known chemotherapeutic/anticancer drug, reported to induce oxidative stress, a major risk factor in male infertility. However, studies have shown that dietary pattern plays a pivotal role in the protection of chemotherapy-induced testicular damage, and till date no report on the comparative effect of raw and roasted pumpkin seeds against chemotherapy-induced male infertility and reproductive dysfunction. Therefore, this study sought to evaluate how raw and roasted pumpkin seed enriched diets affect reproductive function biomarkers in adult male Wistar rats that had been exposed to a single dose (7 mgkg^-1 i.p) of cisplatin-induced testicular damage.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Rats were fed with basal diets (CTRL), cisplatin-induced rats fed with basal diet (CIS); cisplatin-induced rats fed diet supplemented with raw (5 % and 10 %) and cisplatin-induced rats fed roasted (5 % and 10 %) pumpkin seeds for 14 days. A single administration of cisplatin was done 14th day after treatment with supplemented diet, and the rats were euthanized 24 h later for the evaluation of reproductive hormones, epidydimal sperm parameters, nitric oxide level, testicular and epididymal total thiol level and non-protein thiol level, catalase, glutathione-S-transferase and steroidogenic enzymes activities.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Reproductive hormones, epidydimal sperm parameters, and both testicular and epididymal levels of nitric oxide, total thiol and non-protein thiol, as well as glutathione-S-transferase, catalase and steroidogenic enzyme activities were significantly elevated (<em>p</em> &lt; 0.05), with a reduction in arginase activity, and levels of malondialdehyde and reactive oxygen species in testes and epididymis of cisplatin- spermatotoxic rats pre-fed with pumpkin seed in comparison with untreated cisplatin-induced testicular damage rats. Testes architectures were efficiently restored in cisplatin-intoxicated rats pre-fed with pumpkin seed. In the immunohistochemistry assay, there were fewer caspase-3 expressions in cisplatin-intoxicated rats pre-fed with roasted pumpkin seed than in those pre-treated with raw pumpkin seed and untreated cisplatin-intoxicated group.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The ameliorative effects of raw and roasted pumpkin seeds on various biochemical parameters associated with fertility may suggest its role in enhancing male fertility in rats exposed to cisplatin. However, the roasted pumpkin seeds was noted to possess more ameliorative effect than raw seed.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":73997,"journal":{"name":"Journal of trace elements and minerals","volume":"12 ","pages":"Article 100236"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143683012","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Metallic contaminants in foodstuff consumed in Algeria and associated health risks: A systematic review","authors":"Anissa ZERGUI ,&nbsp;Akli Islam CHEBLI ,&nbsp;Mohamed Amine KERDOUN ,&nbsp;Fatiha HAMITRI-GUERFI ,&nbsp;Rahma MAYOUF ,&nbsp;Houaria TOUER ,&nbsp;Bilel CHEFIRAT ,&nbsp;Sofiane BOUDALIA","doi":"10.1016/j.jtemin.2025.100235","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jtemin.2025.100235","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>For decades, metallic trace elements contamination in food has posed a significant public health risk, as these metals accumulate in the body, affecting food safety and human health. This review examines the toxicity of trace elements in foodstuffs, focusing on their contamination sources and the associated health risks.</div></div><div><h3>Methodology</h3><div>Keywords such as Algeria, Food, Beverages, trace elements, and Metallic Contaminants were used to search related databases.</div></div><div><h3>Results and discussion</h3><div>A total of 22 original articles were reviewed. Data showed that trace elements were recorded in foodstuffs, which were related to geographic location (proximity to mining, industrial or highway areas), use of pesticides, and techniques in food processing. In adults, Targeted Hazard Quotient (THQ) values exceeded 1 for lead in raw cow milk, aluminum in coffee beans and packaged coffee, cadmium and aluminum in coffee capsules, and lead in fruits and vegetables. The Hazard Index (HI) was above 1 for raw cow milk, coffee, and fruits and vegetables. For infants, THQ values also exceeded 1 for raw cow milk, poultry eggs, honey, and food dyes, with elevated HI values for these items as well. These results suggest potential adverse health effects of trace elements exposure from consuming these foodstuffs.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>It is crucial to regularly update data and conduct ongoing monitoring to assess the impact of trace elements in future research. Additionally, continued investigation into the long-term health effects of chronic low-level trace elements exposure will be vital for creating more precise mitigation strategies and regulatory policies to reduce metallic contamination in food.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":73997,"journal":{"name":"Journal of trace elements and minerals","volume":"12 ","pages":"Article 100235"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143645027","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Availability and mobilisation of potentially harmful elements in contaminated mining sites: A systematic review of using soil amendments and plants for remediation","authors":"Albert Kobina Mensah ,&nbsp;Ephraim Sekyi-Annan ,&nbsp;Emmanuel Amoakwah","doi":"10.1016/j.jtemin.2025.100234","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jtemin.2025.100234","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Aim</h3><div>Environmental contamination in Ghana constitutes both a political and sustainability challenge. This study offers a contemporary analysis of the influence and prevalence of potentially harmful elements (PHEs) in the environment related to mining activities. Additionally, we examine soil remediation initiatives and research conducted in the previous decade to tackle soil contamination and pollution issues within the mining industry.</div></div><div><h3>Material and methods</h3><div>The study focused on peer-reviewed publications in the last decade (i.e., 2014–2024) identified in the Scopus database. The search included articles written in English at the final stage of publication and all open-access content, including those published in gold. The study context was in Ghana. A total of 185 publications related to topics such as biochar, iron oxides, compost, charcoal, phytoremediation, organic amendments, inorganic fertilisers, and soil amendments were identified within the aforementioned time frame.</div></div><div><h3>Results and discussions</h3><div>We found 2,175 global document results from 2014 to 2024 related to soil amendments and phytoremediation for remediating harmful elements in mine-soils. We identified 524 documents in Ghana, which accounted for 24% of global research articles on these topics. The 185 studies that were included made up 35% of all studies on mine-contaminated soils in Ghana that used organic amendments and phytoremediation strategies. Consequently, the 185 documents constituted 9% of all research articles published in the world.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions and implications</h3><div>We emphasise the importance of implementing strategies to mitigate PHE contamination to protect the health of humans, plants, and animals. Overall, green remediation can effectively tackle PHEs contamination problems, minimise the spread of metals and metalloids in the food chain, prevent their transfer into surface water and groundwater resources, and ensure a clean environment.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":73997,"journal":{"name":"Journal of trace elements and minerals","volume":"12 ","pages":"Article 100234"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143683083","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Insights into the interplay among zinc, biological aging, fasting, energy intake, and inflammation: A cross-sectional analysis using 2015-2018 NHANES participants","authors":"Rebecca Lake ,&nbsp;Juan Liuzzi ,&nbsp;Changwon Yoo","doi":"10.1016/j.jtemin.2025.100233","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jtemin.2025.100233","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Although it is documented that zinc plays an essential role in immune function, little is known about its relationship to factors that influence biological aging. The primary objective of this study is to investigate how fasting status, total energy intake, and carbohydrate intake interfaces with dietary zinc intake and acute inflammation status via HS-CRP in young adults.</div></div><div><h3>Materials and methods</h3><div>A nationally representative sample of 1,211 adults (ages 19-35 years old) from the 2015-2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey cycles was included in this cross-sectional analysis. The data derived from the first and secondary dietary recall, fasting questionnaire, physical examination, and bloodwork collected at the Mobile Examination Center. HS-CRP levels were associated with dietary zinc intake and either fasting status, energy intake, and or carbohydrate intake while adjusting for WBC count, choline intake, folate intake, BMI, and gender. Survey weighted generalized linear models were constructed and the Rao-Scott likelihood ratio test was implemented via the <em>survey</em> package in R.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>A two-way interaction effect was identified between the variables Adequate Zinc Intake, defined as consuming at least 8 mg of zinc per day and Fasted defined as fasting for 9 or more hours, which was associated with a reduction in circulating HS-CRP (OR = 0.56, 95 % CI: 0.33-0.96, <em>p</em> = 0.038). Fasting was associated with higher levels of HS-CRP (OR = 1.76, 95 % CI: 1.12-2.76, <em>p</em> = 0.016). No other models were significant.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Short-term fasting was associated with an increase in HS-CRP; however, adequate zinc intake during fasting may lower circulating levels of HS-CR.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":73997,"journal":{"name":"Journal of trace elements and minerals","volume":"12 ","pages":"Article 100233"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143739422","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Multivariate optimization for the development of a sample preparation procedure and evaluation of trace elements in plastic toys","authors":"Dayara Virgínia Lino Ávila ,&nbsp;Sidnei Oliveira Souza ,&nbsp;João Batista Pereira Junior ,&nbsp;Victor Cerdà ,&nbsp;Rennan Geovanny Oliveira Araujo","doi":"10.1016/j.jtemin.2025.100226","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jtemin.2025.100226","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Due to the rigidity and resistance caused by formation of bonds between polymer chains, plastic toys are complex matrices.</div></div><div><h3>Objective</h3><div>This study was Doehlert design for reagent optimization proportions employing microwave-assisted digestion of plastic toy samples. Inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP OES) was applied to determine the concentration of Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, and Pb. Arsenic and Sb concentrations were determined employing hydride generation atomic fluorescence spectrometry (HG-AFS) coupled with a multisyringe flow injection analysis (MSFIA) system.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Plastic toy samples of different colors and shapes were analyzed. Accuracy and precision were measured through analysis of certified reference material of Loamy Clay 1 (CRM 052 – Trace Metals - Loamy Clay 1) along with addition and recovery tests.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The limits of quantification varied between 0.03 (Cd and Mn) and 0.70 mg kg⁻¹ (Sb). All plastic toy samples exhibited concentrations of As, Cd, Cr, Pb, and Sb within the maximum limits established by Brazilian Institute of Metrology, Quality, and Technology (<em>Instituto Nacional de Metrologia, Qualidade e Tecnologia</em> – INMETRO). The concentrations of Co, Cu, Mn, and Ni were below the maximum limits of the Brazilian safety legislation. However, the concentration of Pb in a toy sample was higher than allowed according to European legislation (2009/48/CE), while other elemental concentrations followed European legislation.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The analytical capacity for spectroanalytical techniques as such ICP OES and MAFIA-HG-AFS was adequate in determining trace elements (Co, Cu, and Mn) and potentially toxic (As, Cd, Cr, Sb, Ni and Pb). It showed an excellent application for the analysis of plastic toys.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":73997,"journal":{"name":"Journal of trace elements and minerals","volume":"12 ","pages":"Article 100226"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143611699","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Evaluation of hydro-geochemical processes controlling groundwater quality in Balkh center (Mazar-e-Sharif), northern Afghanistan","authors":"Asadullah Farahmand ,&nbsp;Abdulhalim Zaryab ,&nbsp;Nasrullah Ameri ,&nbsp;Shakir Ali ,&nbsp;Mohammad Naim Eqrar","doi":"10.1016/j.jtemin.2025.100232","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jtemin.2025.100232","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Groundwater in Afghanistan stands as the predominant water source employed for potable consumption, household utilization, irrigation, and industrial applications. Major cities of Afghanistan are largely dependent on groundwater resources. However, the groundwater quality of major cities in Afghanistan, including Mazar-e-Sharif city was not investigated in detail.</div></div><div><h3>Objective</h3><div>This study aims to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the hydrochemical characteristics of the Mazar-e-Sharif groundwater, identify the factors influencing groundwater quality, and evaluate the groundwater contamination sources.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A total of 18 groundwater samples were collected during the dry season (June 2020) and analyzed for various physico-chemical parameters. Methods such as multivariate statistical analyses, geochemical modeling, water quality index (WQI), and spatial distribution of groundwater quality were employed to evaluate the hydro-geochemistry of the study area.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The results reveal that <strong>1)</strong> The prevailing groundwater within the study area is predominantly characterized by Na-(Ca)-HCO₃ and Ca-(Mg)-SO₄ water types. <strong>2)</strong> Physicochemical variables such as NO₃⁻, F⁻, TDS, and SO₄²⁻ exceeded the World Health Organization (WHO) safe limits in many wells. <strong>3)</strong> Hydro-geochemical processes such as silicate weathering, cation exchange, and gypsum dissolution controls the groundwater chemistry. <strong>4)</strong> Cl/Br ratios reveal, that high salinity may originate from evaporitic lacustrine and evaporite deposits and found to be localized in nature. <strong>5)</strong> The Water Quality Index (WQI) classification suggests that approximately 60 % of the groundwater samples fall into poor to very poor water quality categories, highlighting substantial public health concerns. Major contaminants like nitrate and fluoride were found to be higher than the safe limit in nearly half of the samples.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The findings of this study hold value for decision-makers in formulating a proficient strategy for the management of groundwater resources in Mazar-e-Sharif City in achieving the UN sustainable goal (SDG) of providing sustainable water for all. Furthermore, new advanced techniques like environmental isotopes should be analyzed to evaluate groundwater hydro-chemical evolution in the future to enhance our understanding.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":73997,"journal":{"name":"Journal of trace elements and minerals","volume":"12 ","pages":"Article 100232"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143631854","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}