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This paper aims at studying the elementary chemical composition of 70 ceramic fragments from the São Paulo II archaeological site by instrumental neutron activation analysis. The concentration data was studied next using multivariate statistical methods, such as cluster analysis, principal component analysis and discriminant analysis. The results showed three different chemical groups of samples regarding the similarity/dissimilarity between the samples. Ceramics from each group have been selected and dated using thermoluminescence. The firing temperature of the ceramics was determined by electron paramagnetic resonance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluated the essential and non-essential elements in lettuce cultivated on a rooftop urban garden in the metropolitan region of São Paulo. In addition, the human health risks associated with the potentially toxic metals based on the estimated daily intake (EDI), the target hazard quotient (THQ), and the possible sources of heavy metal contamination by multivariate statistical were analyzed. The lettuces contain essential macronutrients such as K, Ca, and Mg. The Cd, Cu, and Pb concentrations did not exceed the Brazilian legislation limit. Ba, Ni, Cr, Co, and Pb presented low levels compared to oral reference dose and they may be associated to vehicles emissions. Both EDI and THQ values suggested minimal risk upon consumption of lettuce. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Constant Flux: Constant Sedimentation (CF:CS) and Constant Rate of Supply (CRS) of unsupported/excess 210Pb models have been applied to a 210Pb data set providing of two sediments profiles (GUA-T1 and GUA-T2) sampled at Guarapiranga reservoir, in the Metropolitan Region of São Paulo city, São Paulo State, Brazil. Sedimentation rates obtained by the CF:CS model corresponded to 9.3–12.3 and 30 mg.cm− 2yr− 1, respectively, for profiles GUA-T1 and GUA-T2, indicating a better chronological performance relatively to that of the CRS model in the study area, also allowing successful estimates of the P fluxes in the reservoir. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The concentration and distribution of selected trace and major elements, in river bottom sediments (12 sites) along the Tietê River basin were investigated. Total concentration for major by XRF and trace by INAA elements were determined. Physicochemical parameters pH, DO, Eh and conductivity were measured and discussed. Enrichment factor, geoaccumulation index, TEL and PEL criteria used to assess contamination levels allowed to classify the river as: less polluted (sites 1A, 1B-headwaters), more polluted (sites 2A-3C-after crossing São Paulo county) and moderately polluted (sites 4, 5, 6 and 7-far from São Paulo city). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study determined the concentrations of U, U, U, Th, Th, Th, Ra, Ra, and Pb in 82 types of food, grouped into 19 groups according to the Brazilian Total Diet, which reflects the dietary habits of the São Paulo State population. Radionuclides were quantified using Ultra low level alpha and beta total counting, and alpha spectrometry, after radiochemical separations. The results of this preliminary work showed that the food groups analyzed gave a consumption of effective dose lower than the dose limit for the public, of 1 mSv year. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study assessed the exposure and effects of trace elements in sentinel organisms, using the bivalve Crassostrea brasiliana in two estuarine areas in São Paulo State, Brazil: Santos Estuary and Cananéia Estuary, site of oyster farms, which was used as reference site. Oysters were evaluated for bioaccumulation of As, Co, Cr, Fe, Se and Zn by INAA and Cd, Pb and Hg by AAS. Effect biomarker was assessed by evaluation of lysosomal membrane stability. In the study of bioaccumulation of trace elements it was verified that Santos Channel presented the largest concentrations of elements studied in most cases. From the study of the cellular biomarker, it was verified that Santos Channel and winter showed higher stress to organisms in the present study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the past few years, the use of saliva has increased as a method for diagnosis of a variety of diseases. Investigations of flow rates, pH, molecular components, hormones and proteins have presented significant progress in clinical testing as a diagnostic tool. Inorganic elements found in saliva also have important correlations that can assist in the diagnosis of periodontal disease, but these salivary components are still poorly investigated. In this study, we investigated non-stimulated whole saliva of 44 healthy subjects and 12 patients with periodontal disease, obtained from donors at São Paulo city (Brazil). Using neutron activation analysis (NAA) technique, we found considerable metabolic changes in the salivary composition of periodontal patients: abnormal concentrations of Br, Ca, I, K, Mg and S that may be associated with periodontal, with the most effective indicator of periodontal disease being Ca concentration. The data from healthy donors also provide a scientific basis for biomedical researches of other oral diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, Canoparmelia texana lichenized fungi species was used as a passive biomonitor of the atmospheric pollution from the industrial city of São Mateus do Sul, PR, Brazil. Lichen samples collected from tree barks were cleaned, freeze-dried and analyzed by neutron activation analysis. Comparisons were made between the element concentrations obtained in lichens from this city and that from a clean area of Atlantic Forest in Intervales Park, SP. The high concentrations of elements As, Ca, Co, Cr, Fe, Hf, Sb, and Th found in lichens could be attributed to the emissions from a ceramic and an oil shale plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Guarapiranga Reservoir is a very important aquatic system due to the fact that it is one of the main water reservoirs for South America's largest city, São Paulo, Brazil. Guarapiranga basin is located within the Metropolitan Region of São Paulo and the reservoir itself is located in the Northern part of the basin occupying approximately 26 km. This reservoir is characterized by environmental impacts from urban invasion, industrial and sewage wastes, all of which seriously affect its water quality and, consequently, the sediment quality. Two collection campaigns were undertaken: April 2009 and June 2010. The samples were analyzed by instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) in order to determine the following elements: major (Fe, K and Na), trace (As, Ba, Br, Co, Cr, Cs, Hf, Rb, Sb, Sc, Ta, Tb, Th, U and Zn) and rare earths (Ce, Eu, La, Lu, Nd, Sm, Tb and Yb). The organic matter and granulometric distribution were also evaluated and multivariate analysis was applied to the results. The study of elemental ratios indicated that the amount of elements present in the Guarapiranga Reservoir is mainly of detrital origin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Rio Grande Reservoir, Southeast of the São Paulo Metropolitan Area, supplies water for four counties (about 1.6 million people). It has been seriously affected by urban expansion due to chaotic urban occupation and improper use of the surrounding areas. In this study bottom sediment samples were collected during the dry season and rainy season. Four sampling points were defined and located at the mouth of the Rio Grande and Ribeirão Pires Rivers (points 1 and 2), in the middle of the reservoir (point 3) and near the catchment point of the water supply (point 4). Samples were submitted to instrumental neutron activation analysis and some metals, trace and rare earth elements were determined. The methodology validation according to precision and accuracy was carried out by reference material analyses. The results obtained were compared to earth crust values and also with results already published in the literature. The enrichment factor in relation to earth crust values using Sc as reference element was calculated and a strong enrichment was found for the elements As, Br, Sb, Th, U and Zn. A strong anthropogenic influence was observed for some elements, mainly in the points located in the entrance of the reservoir that receives domestic and industrial effluents from the rivers that reach the reservoir. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The determinations of trace elements in tissues of herons are of great interest in order to evaluate environmental contamination. As the herons are at the top of the food chain they tend to accumulate high concentrations of contaminants in their tissues. Besides, the effects of pollution are also severe for this species, endangering the survival and reproduction of bird populations. In the present study, concentrations of the trace elements Br, Co, Cs, Fe, Rb, Se, and Zn were determined in livers from Great Egret ( Ardea alba) species. The liver samples were those obtained from the adult specimens found dead in the metropolitan region of São Paulo, SP, Brazil. The liver samples were ground, freeze-dried and the elements were determined by the method of neutron activation analysis. The elemental concentration obtained in livers of these species showed wide variations depending on the element. Comparisons made between our results with literature data indicated that element concentrations obtained for herons from metropolitan region of São Paulo are higher or at the same order of magnitude of those obtained for specimens from polluted areas. Comparisons made between the results obtained for different genders of herons by applying nonparametric Mann-Whitney U test at the significance level of 0.05 indicated that female herons present Co and Se concentrations lower than those from males. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Brazil, the use of herbal medicines is very popular due to its immense flora, cultural aspects and to the popular belief that herbs, which are of natural origin, are safe and without undesirable side effects. Aside from that public interest in natural therapies, the use of herbal medicines has increased expressively due to the high cost of synthetic medicines. In this study, elemental compositions of herbal medicines from the species Ginseng, Ginkgo biloba, Centella asiatica, Mulberry and Aloe vera supplied by different suppliers were evaluated by neutron activation analysis. The concentrations of As, Ba, Br, Ca, Cl, Co, Cr, Cs, Fe, Hf, K, Mg, Mn, Na, Rb, Sb, Sc, Th, Zn and some lanthanides were determined in these samples. Comparisons made between the results indicated differences in their elemental contents depending on the plant species, origins of the samples and the age of the leaves. The results also showed that the herbal medicines contain elements such as Ca, Co, K, Fe, Mg and Zn known as essential to humans and for treatment and prevention of diseases. Toxic elements such as Hg, Cd and Cu were not detected. Elements As and Sb were detected in some samples but at very low concentrations at the μg kg levels. Herbal medicine results were also compared to literature values. Biological certified reference material was analyzed for quality control of the analytical results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, blood serum trace elements, biochemical and hematological parameters were obtained to assess the health status of an elderly population residing in São Paulo city, SP, Brazil. Results obtained showed that more than 93% of the studied individuals presented most of the serum trace element concentrations and of the hematological and biochemical data within the reference values used in clinical laboratories. However, the percentage of elderly presenting recommended low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol concentrations was low (70%). The study indicated positive correlation between the concentrations of Zn and LDL-cholesterol ( p < 0.06). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Instrumental neutron activation analysis was applied for the determination of trace elements in Canoparmelia texana species collected mnonpolluted areas of Atlantic Forest and in six sites of Santo André Municipality, SP, Brazil. Concentrations of As, Ba, Br, Ca, Cd, Cl, Cr, Cs, Co, Fe, K, La, Mn, Na, Rb, Sb, Sc, Se, U, and Zn were determined and comparisons were made between the results obtained in lichens from different sites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The atmospheric pollution of São Paulo city is a serious problem due to the expansion of industrial area, increasing number of vehicles and population density. This work presents results obtained in the analysis of lichens collected in different sites of São Paulo city and in non-polluted areas of Atlantic Forest. Concentrations of twenty elements were determined in Canoparmelia texana species and comparisons were made between the results obtained in lichens from different sites. High concentrations of the elements As, Ba, Cd, Co, Cr, Fe, La, Mn, Sb and Zn were found for samples collected in sites located near industries and petrochemical plant. Br and Sb concentrations were also high in lichens from sites affected by vehicular emissions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To restore a degraded pasture of Brachiaria decumbens, located in São Carlos — SP, southeastern Brazil, under altitude tropical climate, an experiment was carried out to study the effects of limestone, buried or not buried in the soil, and fertilizer use on mineral content and forage yield, after 3 years of treatment. Limestone and phosphorus were applied once, one month before starting. NK were applied after each cutting, for fertilized plots, four to five times a year. Experimental design was a random block (100 m2), with 6 replications and 4 treatments. Each block received 4 t/ha of limestone, except the control. Forage samples were collected 14 cm above soil surface. Instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) followed by gamma-ray spectrometry was the analytical method used to determine the mineral contents. Dry matter yield was affected positively with liming when compared with the limestone control, but the effect of limestone use was more pronounced with the concomitant use of NK fertilizer. The contents of Ca, Cs, Fe, La, Mg, Rb, Sc, Sm and Th in forage were negatively affected with the NK use, perhaps due to a dilution effect, while a reverse were observed for K, Cl, perhaps due to input of KCl, besides Br, Mn and Se. It seems that limestone is not a key input to restore degraded tropical pastureland, grown on acid soils, when nitrogen is lacking. INAA allowed the monitoring of some not routine elements that may be under observation to avoid potential plant nutritional disorders in production systems with high limestone and fertilizer use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A collaboration project between the School of Dentistry and the Institute of Physics of the University of São Paulo has been established to measure elemental concentrations in teeth by proton induced X-ray emission (PIXE) and heavy ion elastic recoil detection analysis (HI-ERDA) techniques. Data on trace elements in human, bovine and swine teeth, analyzed by PIXE with a 2.4 MeV proton beam, were compared and concentrations for several elements were obtained with tens of mg/g sensitivity. HI-ERDA measurements employing a 52 MeV Cl beam were done to evaluate changes in elementary concentration in dental enamel after bleaching treatment with different products in 25 bovine incisors teeth. This non-destructive technique allowed the measurements of Ca, P, O and C concentrations above the limit of 100 mg/g. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the last decades considerable attention has been given to technologically enhanced natural occurring radioactive material (TENORM). Within this frame, of particular concern is the phosphate fertilizer industry, located in Cubatão, São Paulo State, Southwest Brazil. This industry is responsible for the production of 69 million tons of phosphogypsum waste, which is stockpiled in the surrounding environment. This waste concentrates radionuclides of the natural series originally present in the phosphate rocks used as raw material. This study aims to evaluate the environmental impact of such activities in the sediments of the estuarine system. Contents of natural radionuclides from thorium and uranium series were measured in sediments from Cubatão estuarine system, using high-resolution gamma-spectrometry. U and Th were determined by instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA). It was observed that U and Th concentration is higher in the rivers close to the phosphogypsum piles, at least five points were identified as being affected by anthropogenic factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Elérhetoség [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Br (0.0022 ± 0.0006 gL−1), Ca (0.113 ± 0.012 gL−1), Cl (3.07 ± 0.36 gL−1), K (2.63 ± 0.14 gL−1), Mg (0.045 ± 0.002 gL−1) and Na (2.09 ± 0.10 gL−1) concentrations were determined in whole blood of SJL/J mice using the Neutron Activation Analysis (NAA) technique. Eleven whole blood samples were analyzed in the IEA-R1 nuclear reactor at IPEN (São Paulo, Brazil). These data contribute for applications in veterinary medicine related to biochemistry analyses using whole blood. Moreover, the correlation with human blood estimation allows to checking the similarities for studying muscular dystrophy using this model animal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Excess dietary intake may increase the risk for the hyperthyroidism in the elderly. This study investigated iodine dietary intake by epithermal neutron activation analysis (ENAA) analyzing duplicate portion diet and fortified table salt samples. Duplicate diet samples were obtained from a group of twenty-five steel mill workers from the city of São Paulo, over a 3-day period. The samples were freeze dried, mixed and homogenized. Fortified table salt brands were collected from the market and were analyzed with no pre-treatment. Assays for the iodine concentration in the table salt samples revealed values between 24 to 65 mg/kg. The average iodine daily intake for the worker’s diets was 813 μg/day, ranging from 402 to 1363 μg/day. In some cases daily intakes were around 10 times higher than the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) value (150 μg/day). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Arsenic and cadmium contents in eight edible mushroom species ( Agaricus bisporus, Agaricus sp, Pleurotus ostreatus, Pleorotus florida, Pleorotus eryngui, Pleurotus osteatus, Pleurotus salmoneostramineus, Lentinula edodes) consumed by Brazilian population were determined by instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) and graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GF AAS), respectively. Arsenic concentrations varied from 0.009 mg/kg in P. eryngui to 0.210 mg/kg dry weight in L. edodoes and Cd from 0.011 g/kg in P. eryngui to 0.229 mg/kg dw in P. salmoneostramineus. The consumption of mushrooms in São Paulo-Brazil may be considered safe from a toxicological point of view as As and Cd presented levels of ingestion are below the maximum levels recommended by the World Health Organization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]