Editorial

5 pages, 149 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

by Stefan Tsakovski and Tony Venelinov

Molecules 2024, 29(2), 450; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29020450 - 17 Jan 2024

Viewed by 626

Environmental analytical chemistry has evolved into a well-established interdisciplinary field (analytical chemistry, pollution chemistry, chemical engineering, etc [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental Analytical Chemistry)

Research

Jump to: Editorial

13 pages, 4208 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Multivariate Exploratory Analysis of the Bulgarian Soil Quality Monitoring Network

by Galina Yotova, Mariana Hristova, Monika Padareva, Vasil Simeonov, Nikolai Dinev and Stefan Tsakovski

Molecules 2023, 28(16), 6091; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28166091 - 16 Aug 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 854

Abstract

The goal of the present study is to assess the soil quality in Bulgaria using (i) an appropriate set of soil quality indicators, namely primary nutrients (C, N, P), acidity (pH), physical clay content and potentially toxic elements (PTEs: Cu, Zn, Cd, Pb, [...] Read more.

The goal of the present study is to assess the soil quality in Bulgaria using (i) an appropriate set of soil quality indicators, namely primary nutrients (C, N, P), acidity (pH), physical clay content and potentially toxic elements (PTEs: Cu, Zn, Cd, Pb, Ni, Cr, As, Hg) and (ii) respective data mining and modeling using chemometrical and geostatistical methods. It has been shown that five latent factors are responsible for the explanation of nearly 70% of the total variance of the data set available (principal components analysis) and each factor is identified in terms of its contribution to the formation of the overall soil quality—the mountain soil factor, the geogenic factor, the ore deposit factor, the low nutrition factor, and the mercury-specific factor. The obtained soil quality patterns were additionally confirmed via hierarchical cluster analysis. The spatial distribution of the patterns throughout the whole Bulgarian territory was visualized via the mapping of the factor scores for all identified latent factors. The mapping of identified soil quality patterns was used to outline regions where additional measures for the monitoring of the phytoavailability of PTEs were required. The suggested regions are located near to thermoelectric power plants and mining and metal production facilities and are characterized by intensive agricultural activity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental Analytical Chemistry)

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18 pages, 1055 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation and Assessment of Trivalent and Hexavalent Chromium on Avena sativa and Soil Enzymes

by Edyta Boros-Lajszner, Jadwiga Wyszkowska and Jan Kucharski

Molecules 2023, 28(12), 4693; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28124693 - 10 Jun 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1340

Abstract

Chromium (Cr) can exist in several oxidation states, but the two most stable forms—Cr(III) and Cr(VI)—have completely different biochemical characteristics. The aim of the present study was to evaluate how soil contamination with Cr(III) and Cr(VI) in the presence of Na₂EDTA [...] Read more.

Chromium (Cr) can exist in several oxidation states, but the two most stable forms—Cr(III) and Cr(VI)—have completely different biochemical characteristics. The aim of the present study was to evaluate how soil contamination with Cr(III) and Cr(VI) in the presence of Na₂EDTA affects Avena sativa L. biomass; assess the remediation capacity of Avena sativa L. based on its tolerance index, translocation factor, and chromium accumulation; and investigate how these chromium species affect the soil enzyme activity and physicochemical properties of soil. This study consisted of a pot experiment divided into two groups: non-amended and amended with Na₂EDTA. The Cr(III)- and Cr(VI)-contaminated soil samples were prepared in doses of 0, 5, 10, 20, and 40 mg Cr kg⁻¹ d.m. soil. The negative effect of chromium manifested as a decreased biomass of Avena sativa L. (aboveground parts and roots). Cr(VI) proved to be more toxic than Cr(III). The tolerance indices (TI) showed that Avena sativa L. tolerates Cr(III) contamination better than Cr(VI) contamination. The translocation values for Cr(III) were much lower than for Cr(VI). Avena sativa L. proved to be of little use for the phytoextraction of chromium from soil. Dehydrogenases were the enzymes which were the most sensitive to soil contamination with Cr(III) and Cr(VI). Conversely, the catalase level was observed to be the least sensitive. Na₂EDTA exacerbated the negative effects of Cr(III) and Cr(VI) on the growth and development of Avena sativa L. and soil enzyme activity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental Analytical Chemistry)

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22 pages, 2141 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Markers of Chemical and Microbiological Contamination of the Air in the Sport Centers

by Justyna Szulc, Małgorzata Okrasa, Małgorzata Ryngajłło, Katarzyna Pielech-Przybylska and Beata Gutarowska

Molecules 2023, 28(8), 3560; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28083560 - 18 Apr 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2304

Abstract

This study aimed to assess the markers of chemical and microbiological contamination of the air at sport centers (e.g., the fitness center in Poland) including the determination of particulate matter, CO₂, formaldehyde (DustTrak™ DRX Aerosol Monitor; Multi-functional Air Quality Detector), volatile [...] Read more.

This study aimed to assess the markers of chemical and microbiological contamination of the air at sport centers (e.g., the fitness center in Poland) including the determination of particulate matter, CO₂, formaldehyde (DustTrak™ DRX Aerosol Monitor; Multi-functional Air Quality Detector), volatile organic compound (VOC) concentration (headspace solid-phase microextraction coupled with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry), the number of microorganisms in the air (culture methods), and microbial biodiversity (high-throughput sequencing on the Illumina platform). Additionally the number of microorganisms and the presence of SARS-CoV-2 (PCR) on the surfaces was determined. Total particle concentration varied between 0.0445 mg m⁻³ and 0.0841 mg m⁻³ with the dominance (99.65–99.99%) of the PM_2.5 fraction. The CO₂ concentration ranged from 800 ppm to 2198 ppm, while the formaldehyde concentration was from 0.005 mg/m³ to 0.049 mg m⁻³. A total of 84 VOCs were identified in the air collected from the gym. Phenol, D-limonene, toluene, and 2-ethyl-1-hexanol dominated in the air at the tested facilities. The average daily number of bacteria was 7.17 × 10² CFU m⁻³–1.68 × 10³ CFU m⁻³, while the number of fungi was 3.03 × 10³ CFU m⁻³–7.34 × 10³ CFU m⁻³. In total, 422 genera of bacteria and 408 genera of fungi representing 21 and 11 phyla, respectively, were detected in the gym. The most abundant bacteria and fungi (>1%) that belonged to the second and third groups of health hazards were: Escherichia-Shigella, Corynebacterium, Bacillus, Staphylococcus, Cladosporium, Aspergillus, and Penicillium. In addition, other species that may be allergenic (Epicoccum) or infectious (Acinetobacter, Sphingomonas, Sporobolomyces) were present in the air. Moreover, the SARS-CoV-2 virus was detected on surfaces in the gym. The monitoring proposal for the assessment of the air quality at a sport center includes the following markers: total particle concentration with the PM_2.5 fraction, CO₂ concentration, VOCs (phenol, toluene, and 2-ethyl-1-hexanol), and the number of bacteria and fungi. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental Analytical Chemistry)

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12 pages, 2394 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Development of Quantitative Chemical Ionization Using Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry and Gas Chromatography/Tandem Mass Spectrometry for Ambient Nitro- and Oxy-PAHs and Its Applications

by Jungmin Jo, Ji-Yi Lee, Kyoung-Soon Jang, Atsushi Matsuki, Amgalan Natsagdorj and Yun-Gyong Ahn

Molecules 2023, 28(2), 775; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28020775 - 12 Jan 2023

Viewed by 1652

Abstract

The concentration of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the atmosphere has been continually monitored since their toxicity became known, whereas nitro-PAHs (NPAHs) and oxy-PAHs (OPAHs), which are derivatives of PAHs by primary emissions or secondary formations in the atmosphere, have gained attention more [...] Read more.

The concentration of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the atmosphere has been continually monitored since their toxicity became known, whereas nitro-PAHs (NPAHs) and oxy-PAHs (OPAHs), which are derivatives of PAHs by primary emissions or secondary formations in the atmosphere, have gained attention more recently. In this study, a method for the quantification of 18 NPAH and OPAH congeners in the atmosphere based on combined applications of gas chromatography coupled with chemical ionization mass spectrometry is presented. A high sensitivity and selectivity for the quantification of individual NPAH and OPAH congeners without sample preparations from the extract of aerosol samples were achieved using negative chemical ionization (NCI/MS) or positive chemical ionization tandem mass spectrometry (PCI-MS/MS). This analytical method was validated and applied to the aerosol samples collected from three regions in Northeast Asia—namely, Noto, Seoul, and Ulaanbaatar—from 15 December 2020 to 17 January 2021. The ranges of the method detection limits (MDLs) of the NPAHs and OPAHs for the analytical method were from 0.272 to 3.494 pg/m³ and 0.977 to 13.345 pg/m³, respectively. Among the three regions, Ulaanbaatar had the highest total mean concentration of NPAHs and OPAHs at 313.803 ± 176.349 ng/m³. The contribution of individual NPAHs and OPAHs in the total concentration differed according to the regional emission characteristics. As a result of the aerosol samples when the developed method was applied, the concentrations of NPAHs and OPAHs were quantified in the ranges of 0.016~3.659 ng/m³ and 0.002~201.704 ng/m³, respectively. It was concluded that the method could be utilized for the quantification of NPAHs and OPAHs over a wide concentration range. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental Analytical Chemistry)

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15 pages, 4484 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Sulfur-Doped Binary Layered Metal Oxides Incorporated on Pomegranate Peel-Derived Activated Carbon for Removal of Heavy Metal Ions

by Binta Hadi Jume, Niloofar Valizadeh Dana, Marjan Rastin, Ehsan Parandi, Negisa Darajeh and Shahabaldin Rezania

Molecules 2022, 27(24), 8841; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27248841 - 13 Dec 2022

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 1590

Abstract

In this study, a novel biomass adsorbent based on activated carbon incorporated with sulfur-based binary metal oxides layered nanoparticles (SML-AC), including sulfur (S₂), manganese (Mn), and tin (Sn) oxide synthesized via the solvothermal method. The newly synthesized SML-AC was studied using [...] Read more.

In this study, a novel biomass adsorbent based on activated carbon incorporated with sulfur-based binary metal oxides layered nanoparticles (SML-AC), including sulfur (S₂), manganese (Mn), and tin (Sn) oxide synthesized via the solvothermal method. The newly synthesized SML-AC was studied using FTIR, FESEM, EDX, and BET to determine its functional groups, surface morphology, and elemental composition. Hence, the BET was performed with an appropriate specific surface area for raw AC (356 m²·g⁻¹) and modified AC-SML (195 m²·g⁻¹). To prepare water samples for ICP-OES analysis, the suggested nanocomposite was used as an efficient adsorbent to remove lead (Pb²⁺), cadmium (Cd²⁺), chromium (Cr³⁺), and vanadium (V⁵⁺) from oil-rich regions. As the chemical structure of metal ions is influenced by solution pH, this parameter was considered experimentally, and pH 4, dosage 50 mg, and time 120 min were found to be the best with high capacity for all adsorbates. At different experimental conditions, the AC-SML provided a satisfactory adsorption capacity of 37.03–90.09 mg·g⁻¹ for Cd²⁺, Pb²⁺, Cr^3+, and V⁵⁺ ions. The adsorption experiment was explored, and the method was fitted with the Langmuir model (R² = 0.99) as compared to the Freundlich model (R² = 0.91). The kinetic models and free energy (<0.45 KJ·mol⁻¹) parameters demonstrated that the adsorption rate is limited with pseudo-second order (R² = 0.99) under the physical adsorption mechanism, respectively. Finally, the study demonstrated that the AC-SML nanocomposite is recyclable at least five times in the continuous adsorption–desorption of metal ions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental Analytical Chemistry)

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11 pages, 1502 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Green Downscaling of Solvent Extractive Determination Employing Coconut Oil as Natural Solvent with Smartphone Colorimetric Detection: Demonstrating the Concept via Cu(II) Assay Using 1,5-Diphenylcarbazide

by Kullapon Kesonkan, Chonnipa Yeerum, Kanokwan Kiwfo, Kate Grudpan and Monnapat Vongboot

Molecules 2022, 27(23), 8622; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27238622 - 06 Dec 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1695

Abstract

Coconut oil as a natural solvent is proposed for green downscaling solvent extractive determination. Determination of Cu(II) using 1,5-Diphenylcarbazide (DPC) was selected as a model for the investigation. Cu(II)-DPC complexes in aqueous solution were transferred into coconut oil phase. The change of the [...] Read more.

Coconut oil as a natural solvent is proposed for green downscaling solvent extractive determination. Determination of Cu(II) using 1,5-Diphenylcarbazide (DPC) was selected as a model for the investigation. Cu(II)-DPC complexes in aqueous solution were transferred into coconut oil phase. The change of the color due to Cu(II)-DPC complexes in coconut oil was followed by using a smartphone and image processing. A single standard concept was used for a series of Cu(II) standard solutions. A downscaling procedure using a 2 mL vial provided a calibration: color intensity = −142 [Cu(II)] + 222, (R² = 0.98), 10% RSD. Using a well plate, a calibration was: color intensity = 61 [Cu(II)] + 68 (R² = 0.91), 15% RSD. Both were for the range of 0–1 ppm Cu(II). Application of the developed procedure to water samples was demonstrated. The developed procedures provided a new approach of green chemical analysis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental Analytical Chemistry)

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20 pages, 3121 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Uptake of Pharmaceutical Pollutants and Their Metabolites from Soil Fertilized with Manure to Parsley Tissues

by Klaudia Stando, Ewa Korzeniewska, Ewa Felis, Monika Harnisz and Sylwia Bajkacz

Molecules 2022, 27(14), 4378; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27144378 - 08 Jul 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 1743

Abstract

Manure is a major source of soil and plant contamination with veterinary drugs residues. The aim of this study was to evaluate the uptake of 14 veterinary pharmaceuticals by parsley from soil fertilized with manure. Pharmaceutical content was determined in roots and leaves. [...] Read more.

Manure is a major source of soil and plant contamination with veterinary drugs residues. The aim of this study was to evaluate the uptake of 14 veterinary pharmaceuticals by parsley from soil fertilized with manure. Pharmaceutical content was determined in roots and leaves. Liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry was used for targeted analysis. Screening analysis was performed to identify transformation products in the parsley tissues. A solid-liquid extraction procedure was developed combined with solid-phase extraction, providing recoveries of 61.9–97.1% for leaves and 51.7–95.6% for roots. Four analytes were detected in parsley: enrofloxacin, tylosin, sulfamethoxazole, and doxycycline. Enrofloxacin was detected at the highest concentrations (13.4–26.3 ng g⁻¹). Doxycycline accumulated mainly in the roots, tylosin in the leaves, and sulfamethoxazole was found in both tissues. 14 transformation products were identified and their distribution were determined. This study provides important data on the uptake and transformation of pharmaceuticals in plant tissues. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental Analytical Chemistry)

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15 pages, 2758 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Rare Earth Elements and Bioavailability in Northern and Southern Central Red Sea Mangroves, Saudi Arabia

by Mohammed Othman Aljahdali and Abdullahi Bala Alhassan

Molecules 2022, 27(14), 4335; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27144335 - 06 Jul 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1495

Abstract

Different hypotheses have been tested about the fractionation and bioavailability of rare earth elements (REE) in mangrove ecosystems. Rare earth elements and bioavailability in the mangrove ecosystem have been of significant concern and are recognized globally as emerging pollutants. Bioavailability and fractionation of [...] Read more.

Different hypotheses have been tested about the fractionation and bioavailability of rare earth elements (REE) in mangrove ecosystems. Rare earth elements and bioavailability in the mangrove ecosystem have been of significant concern and are recognized globally as emerging pollutants. Bioavailability and fractionation of rare earth elements were assessed in Jazan and AlWajah mangrove ecosystems. Comparisons between rare earth elements, multi-elemental ratios, geo-accumulation index (Igeo), and bio-concentration factor (BCF) for the two mangroves and the influence of sediment grain size types on concentrations of rare earth elements were carried out. A substantial difference in mean concentrations (mg/kg) of REE (La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, and Lu) was established, except for mean concentrations of Eu, Gd, Tb, Tm, and Lu. In addition, concentrations of REEs were higher in the Jazan mangrove ecosystem. However, REE composition in the two mangroves was dominated by the lighter REE (LREE and MREE), and formed the major contribution to the total sum of REE at 10.2–78.4%, which was greater than the HREE contribution of 11.3–12.9%. The Post Archean Australian Shale (PAAS) normalized values revealed that lighter REE (LREE and MREE) were steadily enriched above heavy REE. More so, low and negative values of R_(H/M) were recorded in the Al Wajah mangrove, indicating higher HREE depletion there. The values of BCF for REEs were less than 1 for all the REEs determined; the recorded BCF for Lu (0.33) and Tm (0.32) were the highest, while the lowest BCF recorded was for Nd (0.09). There is a need for periodic monitoring of REE concentrations in the mangroves to keep track of the sources of this metal contamination and develop conservation and control strategies for these important ecosystems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental Analytical Chemistry)

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16 pages, 2821 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Enhanced Toxicity of Bisphenols Together with UV Filters in Water: Identification of Synergy and Antagonism in Three-Component Mixtures

by Błażej Kudłak, Natalia Jatkowska, Wen Liu, Michael J. Williams, Damia Barcelo and Helgi B. Schiöth

Molecules 2022, 27(10), 3260; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27103260 - 19 May 2022

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 1942

Abstract

Contaminants of emerging concern (CEC) localize in the biome in variable combinations of complex mixtures that are often environmentally persistent, bioaccumulate and biomagnify, prompting a need for extensive monitoring. Many cosmetics include UV filters that are listed as CECs, such as benzophenone derivatives [...] Read more.

Contaminants of emerging concern (CEC) localize in the biome in variable combinations of complex mixtures that are often environmentally persistent, bioaccumulate and biomagnify, prompting a need for extensive monitoring. Many cosmetics include UV filters that are listed as CECs, such as benzophenone derivatives (oxybenzone, OXYB), cinnamates (2-ethylhexyl 4-methoxycinnamate, EMC) and camphor derivatives (4-methylbenzylidene-camphor, 4MBC). Furthermore, in numerous water sources, these UV filters have been detected together with Bisphenols (BPs), which are commonly used in plastics and can be physiologically detrimental. We utilized bioluminescent bacteria (Microtox assay) to monitor these CEC mixtures at environmentally relevant doses, and performed the first systematic study involving three sunscreen components (OXYB, 4MBC and EMC) and three BPs (BPA, BPS or BPF). Moreover, a breast cell line and cell viability assay were employed to determine the possible effect of these mixtures on human cells. Toxicity modeling, with concentration addition (CA) and independent action (IA) approaches, was performed, followed by data interpretation using Model Deviation Ratio (MDR) evaluation. The results show that UV filter sunscreen constituents and BPs interact at environmentally relevant concentrations. Of notable interest, mixtures containing any pair of three BPs (e.g., BPA + BPS, BPA + BPF and BPS + BPF), together with one sunscreen component (OXYB, 4MBC or EMC), showed strong synergy or overadditive effects. On the other hand, mixtures containing two UV filters (any pair of OXYB, 4MBC and EMC) and one BP (BPA, BPS or BPF) had a strong propensity towards concentration dependent underestimation. The three-component mixtures of UV filters (4MBC, EMC and OXYB) acted in an antagonistic manner toward each other, which was confirmed using a human cell line model. This study is one of the most comprehensive involving sunscreen constituents and BPs in complex mixtures, and provides new insights into potentially important interactions between these compounds. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental Analytical Chemistry)

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20 pages, 2638 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Combined Analytical Study on Chemical Transformations and Detoxification of Model Phenolic Pollutants during Various Advanced Oxidation Treatment Processes

by Aleksander Kravos, Andreja Žgajnar Gotvajn, Urška Lavrenčič Štangar, Borislav N. Malinović and Helena Prosen

Molecules 2022, 27(6), 1935; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27061935 - 16 Mar 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2083

Abstract

Advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) have been introduced to deal with different types of water pollution. They cause effective chemical destruction of pollutants, yet leading to a mixture of transformation by-products, rather than complete mineralization. Therefore, the aim of our study was to understand [...] Read more.

Advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) have been introduced to deal with different types of water pollution. They cause effective chemical destruction of pollutants, yet leading to a mixture of transformation by-products, rather than complete mineralization. Therefore, the aim of our study was to understand complex degradation processes induced by different AOPs from chemical and ecotoxicological point of view. Phenol, 2,4-dichlorophenol, and pentachlorophenol were used as model pollutants since they are still common industrial chemicals and thus encountered in the aquatic environment. A comprehensive study of efficiency of several AOPs was undertaken by using instrumental analyses along with ecotoxicological assessment. Four approaches were compared: ozonation, photocatalytic oxidation with immobilized nitrogen-doped TiO₂ thin films, the sequence of both, as well as electrooxidation on boron-doped diamond (BDD) and mixed metal oxide (MMO) anodes. The monitored parameters were: removal of target phenols, dechlorination, transformation products, and ecotoxicological impact. Therefore, HPLC–DAD, GC–MS, UHPLC–MS/MS, ion chromatography, and 48 h inhibition tests on Daphnia magna were applied. In addition, pH and total organic carbon (TOC) were measured. Results show that ozonation provides by far the most suitable pattern of degradation accompanied by rapid detoxification. In contrast, photocatalysis was found to be slow and mild, marked by the accumulation of aromatic products. Preozonation reinforces the photocatalytic process. Regarding the electrooxidations, BDD is more effective than MMO, while the degradation pattern and transformation products formed depend on supporting electrolyte. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental Analytical Chemistry)

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17 pages, 1580 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Sediment Assessment of the Pchelina Reservoir, Bulgaria

by Tony Venelinov, Veronika Mihaylova, Rositsa Peycheva, Miroslav Todorov, Galina Yotova, Boyan Todorov, Valentina Lyubomirova and Stefan Tsakovski

Molecules 2021, 26(24), 7517; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26247517 - 11 Dec 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2527

Abstract

The temporal dynamics of anthropogenic impacts on the Pchelina Reservoir is assessed based on chemical element analysis of three sediment cores at a depth of about 100–130 cm below the surface water. The ¹³⁷Cs activity is measured to identify the layers corresponding [...] Read more.

The temporal dynamics of anthropogenic impacts on the Pchelina Reservoir is assessed based on chemical element analysis of three sediment cores at a depth of about 100–130 cm below the surface water. The ¹³⁷Cs activity is measured to identify the layers corresponding to the 1986 Chernobyl accident. The obtained dating of sediment cores gives an average sedimentation rate of 0.44 cm/year in the Pchelina Reservoir. The elements’ depth profiles (Ti, Mn, Fe, Zn, Cr, Ni, Cu, Mo, Sn, Sb, Pb, Co, Cd, Ce, Tl, Bi, Gd, La, Th and U_nat) outline the Struma River as the main anthropogenic source for Pchelina Reservoir sediments. The principal component analysis reveals two groups of chemical elements connected with the anthropogenic impacts. The first group of chemical elements (Mn, Fe, Cr, Ni, Cu, Mo, Sn, Sb and Co) has increasing time trends in the Struma sediment core and no trend or decreasing ones at the Pchelina sampling core. The behavior of these elements is determined by the change of the profile of the industry in the Pernik town during the 1990s. The second group of elements (Zn, Pb, Cd, Bi and U_nat) has increasing time trends in Struma and Pchelina sediment cores. The increased concentrations of these elements during the whole investigated period have led to moderate enrichments for Pb and U_nat, and significant enrichments for Zn and Cd at the Pchelina sampling site. The moderately contaminated, according to the geoaccumulation indexes, Pchelina Reservoir surface sediment samples have low ecotoxicity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental Analytical Chemistry)

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17 pages, 1537 KiB

Open AccessArticle

ICP-MS Measurement of Trace and Rare Earth Elements in Beach Placer-Deposit Soils of Odisha, East Coast of India, to Estimate Natural Enhancement of Elements in the Environment

by Nimelan Veerasamy, Sarata Kumar Sahoo, Rajamanickam Murugan, Sharayu Kasar, Kazumasa Inoue, Masahiro Fukushi and Thennaarassan Natarajan

Molecules 2021, 26(24), 7510; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26247510 - 11 Dec 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2416

Abstract

Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) has been used to measure the concentration of trace and rare earth elements (REEs) in soils. Geochemical certified reference materials such as JLk-1, JB-1, and JB-3 were used for the validation of the analytical method. The measured [...] Read more.

Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) has been used to measure the concentration of trace and rare earth elements (REEs) in soils. Geochemical certified reference materials such as JLk-1, JB-1, and JB-3 were used for the validation of the analytical method. The measured values were in good agreement with the certified values for all the elements and were within 10% analytical error. Beach placer deposits of soils mainly from Odisha, on the east coast of India, have been selected to study selected trace and rare earth elements (REEs), to estimate enrichment factor (EF) and geoaccumulation index (I_geo) in the natural environment. Enrichment factor (EF) and geoaccumulation index (I_geo) results showed that Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Zn, Y, Zr, Cd and U were significantly enriched, and Th was extremely enriched. The total content of REEs (ƩREEs) ranged from 101.3 to 12,911.3 µg g⁻¹, with an average 2431.1 µg g⁻¹ which was higher than the average crustal value of ΣREEs. A high concentration of Th and light REEs were strongly correlated, which confirmed soil enrichment with monazite minerals. High ratios of light REEs (LREEs)/heavy REEs (HREEs) with a strong negative Eu anomaly revealed a felsic origin. The comparison of the chondrite normalized REE patterns of soil with hinterland rocks such as granite, charnockite, khondalite and migmatite suggested that enhancement of trace and REEs are of natural origin. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental Analytical Chemistry)

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18 pages, 1643 KiB

Open AccessArticle

ICP-MS Determination of 23 Elements of Potential Health Concern in Liquids of e-Cigarettes. Method Development, Validation, and Application to 37 Real Samples

by Andrea Mara, Ilaria Langasco, Sara Deidda, Marco Caredda, Paola Meloni, Mario Deroma, Maria I. Pilo, Nadia Spano and Gavino Sanna

Molecules 2021, 26(21), 6680; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26216680 - 04 Nov 2021

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2313

Abstract

The lack of interest in the determination of toxic elements in liquids for electronic cigarettes (e-liquids) has so far been reflected in the scarce number of accurate and validated analytical methods devoted to this aim. Since the strong matrix effects observed for e-liquids [...] Read more.

The lack of interest in the determination of toxic elements in liquids for electronic cigarettes (e-liquids) has so far been reflected in the scarce number of accurate and validated analytical methods devoted to this aim. Since the strong matrix effects observed for e-liquids constitute an exciting analytical challenge, the main goal of this study was to develop and validate an ICP-MS method aimed to quantify 23 elements in 37 e-liquids of different flavors. Great attention has been paid to the critical phases of sample pre-treatment, as well as to the optimization of the ICP-MS conditions for each element and of the quantification. All samples exhibited a very low amount of the elements under investigation. Indeed, the sum of their average concentration was of ca. 0.6 mg kg⁻¹. Toxic elements were always below a few tens of a μg per kg⁻¹ and, very often, their amount was below the relevant quantification limits. Tobacco and tonic flavors showed the highest and the lowest concentration of elements, respectively. The most abundant elements came frequently from propylene glycol and vegetal glycerin, as confirmed by PCA. A proper choice of these substances could further decrease the elemental concentration in e-liquids, which are probably barely involved as potential sources of toxic elements inhaled by vapers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental Analytical Chemistry)

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