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Maharloo Lake is one of the most important water ecosystems in Iran, which is nowadays exposed to multiple risks and threats due to poor water management, salt extraction, and heavy metal pollution. In this study, the concentrations of such heavy metals as chromium, copper, zinc, arsenic, cadmium, and lead in both water and salt samples collected from areas in the north and south of the lake were determined by atomic absorption (AA-670G) after the samples had been digested. Results showed that metal concentrations in the salt samples taken from both the northern and southern areas had identical mean values in the order of Cr> Cu> As> Cd> Pb. An almost similar pattern was detected in metal concentrations in water samples taken from the same areas but with a slight difference in the way they were ordered (Cr> Cu> As> Pb> Cd). It was found that both water and salt samples collected from the northern areas had higher metal concentrations, except for that of Pb which was slightly lower. Comparison of the mean values of metal concentrations in the Salt Lake and those of Sirjan, Lar, and Firoozabad salt mines revealed that copper, cadmium, and lead had their highest concentrations in the Salt Lake while arsenic and chromium recorded their highest values in samples taken from Lar and Firoozabad salt mines, respectively. Based on these findings, it may be concluded that the increased metal concentrations observed in samples from both northern and southern areas of the lake are due to the sewage and effluents from urban, industrial, and hospital sources in Shiraz disposed into the lake as well as such other human activities as farming in the areas around the lake, especially in the northern stretches. These observations call for preventive measures to avoid further water quality degradation in the area.

Abstract This study estimates litter content, including microplastics, mesoplastic, and macroplastic in marine table salts coming from Italy and Croatia. Both high (HC) and low (LC) costs commercial brands easily found at the supermarket were analysed. Any macroplastic or mesoplastic were recovered while microplastics and other litter impurities significantly affect table salts of all tested brands. Average microplastic values ranged within 1.57 (HC) – 8.23 (LC) (Italy) and 27.13 (HC) – 31.68 (LC) items/g (Croatia). Microplastics sizes (min-max) ranged within 4–2100 μm (Italy) and 15–4628 μm (Croatia). In samples from both Nations, a significant general positive correlation between the average number of items/g recorded and the total amount of general impurities was recorded. Concerning microplastic shapes, in Italy, fragments dominated even if fibres, granules, films, and foams are frequently recorded. On the contrary, clear PP fibres dominated in Croatian brands even if also other shape classes were recorded. Highlights • Italian and Croatian brands of fine iodate marine salts are studied. • Total impurities and microplastic levels are correlated. • Italian and Croatian brands resulted highly polluted than literature. • Clear PP fibres affect Croatian brands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The effects of table salt (TS) and hydrocolloids on water‐holding capacity, optimum cooking time, cooking qualities, pH and textural properties of noodles were investigated. TS, xanthan gum (XG), carrageenan (CRG), Arabic gum (AG) and locust bean gum (LBG) were added at 0.5%, 1.0%, 1.5% and 2.0% of flour weight. XG, CRG and LBG contributed to significantly (P < 0.05) higher water‐holding capacity of dough and firmer texture, but significantly (P < 0.05) lower cooking loss than zero‐salt noodles (ZSNs) and white‐salted noodles (WSNs). Hydrocolloids contributed in shorter optimum cooking time than ZSNs. Springiness of noodles was not significantly (P > 0.05) affected by increment of TS and hydrocolloids. TS1.5, ZSN‐XG1.5, ZSN‐XG2.0 and ZSN‐CRG1.5 had significantly (P < 0.05) higher cooking yield than ZSNs. The increment of TS and hydrocolloids had significantly (P < 0.05) increased the pH values of noodles. ZSN‐XG2.0, ZSN‐CRG1.5 and ZSN‐LBG1.5 may be useful to enhance ZSNs due to the better noodles qualities than ZSNs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microplastics (MPs) pollution has become a problem that affects all aquatic, atmospheric and terrestial environments in the world. In this study, we looked into whether MPs in seas and lakes reach consumers through table salt. For this purpose, we obtained 16 brands of table salts from the Turkish market and determined their MPs content with microscopic and Raman spectroscopic examination. According to our results, the MP particle content was 16-84 item/kg in sea salt, 8-102 item/kg in lake salt and 9-16 item/kg in rock salt. The most common plastic polymers were polyethylene (22.9%) and polypropylene (19.2%). When the amounts of MPs and the amount of salt consumed by Turkish consumers per year are considered together, if they consume sea salt, lake salt or rock salt, they consume 249-302, 203-247 or 64-78 items per year, respectively. This is the first time this concerning level of MPs content in table salts in the Turkish market has been reported. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Storage pests cause considerable damage to stored grains in Eritrea. A study on storage pest control was conducted at room temperature (25 °C) and 57% relative humidity, to evaluate the efficacy of botanicals and sodium chloride (table salt) against Zabrotes subfasciatus Boheman on field pea (Pisum sativum L.). The experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design (CRD) in three replications. The treatments used were: neem (Azadirachta indica), red pepper (Capsicum frutescens L.), sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) oil, datura (Datura stramonium L.), eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus Labill), table salt (sodium chloride) and a control without pesticide. Data collected were weight loss, damage percent and germination percent of field pea grain, and also adult mortality of Z. subfasciatus. Rates of application for all the treatments were 3% w/w and an untreated control. Results of the study showed that E. globulus leaf powder caused 88.89% mortality of Z. subfasciatus and sesame oil caused 100% mortality, three days after treatment. The other treatments were less effective in causing mortality of the insect. After five months of storage, the lowest weight loss was observed in grain treated with sesame oil (1.81%) and neem (4.02%) compared with the control that had 16.68% loss. Grain weight loss was 7.45% for treatment with table salt, 8.11% for eucalyptus, 9.62% for red pepper and 15.29% for datura. Grain damage and weight loss increased as storage time increased. Moreover, these plant materials and table salt had no effect on the germination capacity of field pea. In general, the results obtained indicate that these plant materials and table salt can be used for the control of Z. subfasciatus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The performance of inductively-coupled plasma optical emission spectrometers with axial and radial views for determination of iodine in table salt was evaluated. Interference and memory effects in nitric acid and water-soluble tertiary amines (CFA-C) media were studied. Based on a factorial experiment, one optimum instrument operational condition for axial configuration, and two optima conditions for radial configuration was established. The ICP OES with axial view was 5-fold more sensitive than the radial view. Both matrix matching and standard addition methods were used for iodine quantification and for most samples, both strategies of calibration led to similar results. Recoveries ranged from 104 to 114%.

Introduction. Combating nutritional deficiencies of micronutrients, such as iodine, represents a priority task of health care organizations. In 2003, the World Health Organization (WHO) published the publication: Global Prevalence of Iodine Deficiency Disorders (IDD), according to which some 2,2 billion people live in areas poor in naturally occurring iodine. Approximately 13% of the world population suffer from goitre - one of the IDD. The recommended iodine content in table salt is 20-40 mg/kg, which should satisfy the daily iodine requirements of an adult. Objective. The authors sought to ascertain whether iodization of table salt in Montenegro was carried out in accordance with the existing legislature. An assessment was also carried out of the attitudes and habits of the population regarding the use of salt in nutrition and the level of awareness in relation to the relevance of table salt iodization. Methods. The research was carried out in 2004 and was sponsored by UNICEF. A sample of 594 homes from the municipalities of Bar and Podgorica was chosen: 354 homes from urban and 240 from rural areas. The participants completed a questionnaire related to the daily use and intake of salt, as well as their understanding of the relevance of table salt iodization. Iodine content was tested in 15 samples of table salt at production level, 170 samples at retail level and 126 samples taken from domestic use. Results. The analysis of table salt samples showed an optimal iodine level in 73.3% of samples from production, in 81.2% from retail, and in 73.0% from domestic use. A lower level of iodine was found in 8.8% retail samples and 15.1% samples from home use. A greater concentration of iodine was found in 26.7% production, 10.0% retail and 11.9% samples from domestic use. Conclusion. Although the application of the WHO programme has led to an improvement in iodization of table salt in Montenegro, both at production and retail levels, this still falls short of the standards recommended by WHO to combat IDD. The levels of iodine in table salt in domestic use also fail to comply with the WHO criteria for elimination of IDD.

The samples of table salt bought in Belgrade supermarkets are analysed in this paper. The method of indirect iodometry was used in the process of the analysis, and received results were converted into the content of KI in mg/kg of salt. Beside the content of KI, the content of NaCl was also determined, counted to dry meter and water content, and received results were compared with the requests determined by Regulations of Table Salt Quality Meant for Human Diet and by manufacturers' declaration. Received results show that the volumetric method of indirect iodometry, applied in this analysis, is very reliable for determination of potassium iodine in table salt, because of its high precision and reproducibility of the analysis results. All received results show that the samples of table salt which can be bought in supermarkets are according to the demands given by Regulations. Only one sample (evaporated salt) has significantly less mass of KI than it is determined by Regulations, but also by manufacturer's declaration. Measured humidity in the samples of table salt received from sea salt (sample 1) is higher than humidity in the samples received from rock salt as the result of magnesium presence in sea salt, which is hygroscopic material. Although samples 5 and 6 also originate from sea salt, their smaller humidity is the result of additional heating and salt processing. .

This study examined the effects of heating, residual chlorine and concentration of table salt on the generation of iodine-, bromine- and chlorine-containing trihalomethanes (THMs) under simulated cooking conditions. In the case of addition of either KI- or KIO 3 -fortified salt, total I-THM concentrations increased with increasing iodine concentration, while total Cl/Br-THM concentrations decreased. CHCl 2 I, CHBrClI, CHBrI 2 , CHBr 2 I and CHI 3 were formed in the presence of KI salt, while only CHCl 2 I was formed in the presence of KIO 3 salt. CHCl 2 I was unstable under cooking conditions, and >90% of this DBP was removed during heating, which in some cases increased the concentrations of the other I-THMs. The calculated cytotoxicity increased with addition of KI- or KIO 3 -fortified salt due to the generation of I-THMs, whose impact on the cytotoxicity at room temperature was equal to or five times higher, respectively, than the cytotoxicity of the simultaneously formed Cl/Br-THMs for the cases of salts. Heating decreased the cytotoxicity, except for the case of addition of KI salt, in which the calculated cytotoxicity of I-THMs increased above 150% as the temperature was increased up to 100 °C. The reported results may have important implications for epidemiologic exposure assessments and, ultimately, for public health protection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A simple, rapid and sensitive spectrophotometric method has been developed for the determination of iodate (IO3-) in table salt and sea water. The proposed method is based on the reaction of iodate with potassium iodide in an acid medium to liberate iodine. The liberated iodine bleaches the blue color of methylene blue and is measured at 665.6 nm. This decrease in absorbance is directly proportional to the iodate concentration and obeys Beer's law in the range of 0.5-14 μgmL-1 of IO3-. The molar absorptivity, Sandell's sensitivity, detection limit and quantitation limit of the method were found to be 1.24 x 104 L mol-1cm-1, 1.41 x 10-2 μgcm-2, 0.048 μgmL-1 and 0.145 μgmL-1, respectively. The optimum reaction conditions and other analytical conditions were evaluated. The effect of interfering ions on the determination has been described. The proposed method has been successfully applied to the determination of the iodate in the table salt and sea water.

Background Lowering salt intake is one of the successful and cost-effective methods to reduce blood pressure (BP). In this randomized controlled study, we investigated the effects of a 3-year substitution of table salt with a low-sodium salt substitute in a rural population of North China. Methods Subjects from 200 families residing in five villages in Liaoning, North China were registered in this study and randomly divided into two groups: normal salt (100% sodium chloride) and low salt substitute (65% NaCl, 25% KCl, 10% MgSO 4 ). We compared the effects of the low-sodium salt substitute and normal salt on differences in BP from baseline to various follow-up time points during this 3-year study period. We also examined several factors that may affect the long-term changes in BP. Hypertension was defined per World Health Organization guidelines as BP ≥ 140/90 mmHg. Results The low sodium substitute significantly reduced the increase in both systolic and diastolic BP compared with the regular salt ( P = 0.000). Also, the population aged 40–70 years showed most beneficial response to the salt substitute compared with those aged < 40 or > 70 years. The low salt substitute had similar beneficial effects in both males and females. In addition, the salt type consumed and body mass index significantly affected the change in BP. Conclusion Use of the salt substitute significantly reduces the increase in BP over a long term, and thus, the salt substitute can be used as a replacement for regular salt in the daily diet to prevent/diminish the incidence of hypertension. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The causes for the apparent diminishment of the fluoride content as a function of storage time in table salt samples were studied. Originally, the survey was focused on the evaluation of the ion-selective potentiometric method based in the official Mexican Norm NOM-040-SSA-1993. The analysis of fluoride in 20 table salt samples using this procedure showed lower values of analyte content than those expected according to the manufacturers’ specifications and revealed that the amount of fluoride measured varied significantly in many cases. These results prompted analysis and further optimization of the EUSalt Standard Method to free all the fluoride present in the salts. For the optimization, several pretreatment approaches were analyzed, and the most frequently strong complex-forming metal ions present in the salt samples (calcium, magnesium, iron, silicon and aluminum) were determined via inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) to simulate the matrix compositions. The results confirmed that the capability of the potentiometric technique is highly influenced by the matrix components (mainly introduced in the form of additives) and indicated that, depending on the nature and concentration of certain additives present and storage time, a thermal ion-release pretreatment may be necessary to obtain reliable results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim. To estimate a possible relationship of neurotic personality disorders to increased dietary salt intake. Subjects and methods. Two hundred and thirty patients with essential hypertension were examined. Salt taste sensitivity threshold and daily urinary sodium excretion were determined; the psychological status of the patients was rated by the Mini-Mental State Examination questionnaire; their attitude towards to disease was assessed by the Bekhterev Institute personality questionnaire, the severity of depression was evaluated by the Beck depression inventory. Results. The hypertensive patients consuming excessive amounts of salt have been ascertained to complain of cardiovascular and neurotic disorders more frequently; their disease is accompanied by frequently evolving hypertensive crises. Anxiety and tension are prevalent in their psychological status. Almost 50% of the patients have depression. A harmonious disease attitude is seen in only a third of cases whereas the neurasthenic and anxious types play a dominant role. Conclusion. The patients taking higher salt amounts are observed to seek medical advice on the one hand and to show a predominance of neurasthenic and anxious disease attitudes with a tendency towards incompliance on the other. The findings show it necessary to notify hypertensive patients during their examination and management.

Objective: To study (i) the current prevalence of iodine-deficiency disorders among schoolchildren in south-western Saudi Arabia after universal salt iodization and (ii) the iodine content of table salts and water.Design: Cross-sectional study on a stratified proportional allocation sample of children. Thyroid gland enlargement was assessed clinically and by ultrasound scanning. Urine, table salt and water samples were taken to measure iodine content. Settings The Aseer region, south-western Saudi Arabia.Subjects: Schoolchildren aged 8-10 years.Results: The study included 3046 schoolchildren. The total goitre rate amounted to 24·0 %. Prevalence of enlarged thyroid by ultrasound was 22·7 %. The median urinary iodine concentration of the study sample amounted to 17·0 µg/l. The iodine content of table salt ranged from 0 to 112 mg/kg; 22·5 % of the table salt samples were below the recommended iodine content (15 mg/kg) set by WHO. The total goitre rate increased significantly from 19·8 % among children using table salt with iodine content ≥15 mg/kg to reach 48·5 % among children using table salt with 0 mg iodine/kg. Analysis of water samples taken from schools showed that the majority of water samples (78·8 %) had an iodine content of 0 µg/l.Conclusions: The study documented that 18 years after the national study, and after more than a decade of universal salt iodization in Saudi Arabia, the problem of iodine-deficiency disorders is still endemic in the Aseer region. Efforts should focus on fostering advocacy and communication and ensuring the availability of adequately iodized salt. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Sodium restriction takes an important place in the management of patients with hypertension, but number of studies on patient compliance to sodium restriction is limited. In this study, we aimed to determine individuals' knowledge level on sodium content of nutrients and if individuals' compliance to sodium restriction is different from patients with hypertension. Methods: Our study was planned as a case-control study and 223 participants were included. The case group consisted of patients with hypertension who admitted to the Cardiology Clinic of Dokuz Eylul University. The control group consisted of patients and patients' relatives who admitted to the same clinic for other reasons and who were not recommended sodium restriction. Total compliance score was calculated by summation of compliance and noncompliance points: Compliance was scored as '1 point' and noncompliance was scored as '0'. All data were analysed using SPSS ver.15 for Windows. Chi-square test and t-test were used for statistical analysis. Statistically significance was referred as 'p<0.05'. Results: Participants' mean age was 44,5 ± 12,3. 83 of them (37,2%) were women and 110 of them (49,3%) were university graduates. 212 of all participants (95,1%) had social security. First three nutrients which participants consumed properly according to the knowledge on salt content were fruits (69,5%), mussel (62,8%) and instant soup (61,0%). First three nutrients which participants consumed improperly according to the knowledge on salt content were cheese (71%), bread (69,5%), semolina and butter (62,8%). When participants' compliance points based on their knowledge level on salt content of nutrients and their consumption levels of these certain nutrients were considered; compliance of women (15,0 ± 4,3) was better than men (13,4 ± 4,2) (t=2,636; p=0,009). When the case group and the control group were compared; the case group (14,6 ± 4,6) was more compliant than the control group (13,4 ± 3,9) (t=2,109; p=0,036).. Conclusion: In our study, we found that the participants' knowledge level on salt content of nutrients and their level of compliance to consumption of these nutrients were low. But compliance scores of patients with hypertension were better than the individuals without hypertension. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Before 2010, which is the year the World Anti-Doping Agency banned its use, glycerol was commonly used by athletes for hyperhydration purposes. Through its effect on osmoreceptors, we believe that sodium could prove a viable alternative to glycerol as a hyperhydrating agent. Therefore, this study compared the effects of sodium-induced hyperhydration (SIH), glycerol-induced hyperhydration (GIH) and water-induced hyperhydration (WIH) on fluid balance responses. Using a randomized, double-blind and counterbalanced protocol, 17 men (21 ± 3 years, 64 ± 6 kg fat-free mass (FFM)) underwent three 3-h hyperhydration protocols during which they ingested, over the first 60-min period, 30 mL/kg FFM of water with ( i) an artificial sweetener (WIH); ( ii) an artificial sweetener + 7.45 g/L of table salt (SIH); or ( iii) an artificial sweetener + 1.4 g glycerol/kg FFM (GIH). Changes in body weight (BW), urine production, fluid retention, hemoglobin, hematocrit, plasma volume, and perceptual variables were monitored throughout the 3-h trials. After 3 h, SIH was associated with significantly ( p < 0.05) lower hemoglobin, hematocrit (SIH: 43.1% ± 2.8%; GIH: 44.9% ± 2.4%), and urine production, as well as greater BW, fluid retention (SIH: 1144 ± 294 mL; GIH: 795 ± 337 mL), and plasma volume (SIH: 11.9% ± 12.0%; GIH: 4.0% ± 6.0%) gains, compared with GIH and WIH. No significant differences in heart rate or abdominal discomfort were observed between treatments. In conclusion, our results indicate that SIH is a superior hyperhydrating technique than, and proves to be a worthwhile alternative to, GIH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

New functionalized magnetic nanoparticles as solid-phase sorbent were prepared and investigated for extraction of ultra-trace amounts of mercury from environmental samples. The FeO magnetic nanoparticles functionalized with dithizone were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectrometer. X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy confirmed the size of nanoparticles. Effects of several factors on the extraction procedure were investigated. The optimized conditions were established to be 80 mg of polymer, 8.5 for solution pH, 5 min for adsorption time, 5 min for desorption time, 2 mL for HCl (0.1 mol L)/ thiourea 0.05 % as the eluent, 500 mL for breakthrough volume, and without addition of salt. Under the optimal conditions, the limit of detection, maximum capacity, and preconcentration factor were 0.05 ng mL, 0.557 mmol g, and 250, respectively. Limit of quantification was in the range of 0.2-2 ng mL for various matrices. Accuracy and precision of the method were about ±2.0 and below 11.1 %, respectively. Finally, the present method has been successfully applied to mercury determination in table salt, green tea, vegetables, toothpaste, and water samples. The mercury content found in the real samples was from 0.6 to 15.74 ng mL without addition of mercury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry method was established for direct determination of some (ultra)trace elements in salt samples applying aerosol dilution approach. As the method does not require any sample pretreatment, contamination risk was very low, and analytical features were excellent. The method detection limits were 12, 6, 18, 2, 34, 68, and 87 ng/l for Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, and Zn, respectively. The combinatorial use of collision/reaction cell, and kinetic energy discrimination was found to be very effective to eliminate polyatomic interferences. The accuracy of the method was validated by the analysis of certified reference materials, CWW-TMG waste water and SEM-2011 water sample in high-salt matrix, 0.5 % ( w/ v) NaCl solution. The relative standard deviations were lower than 11 % for all elements without any sample pretreatment. The spike recovery values were 96-101 % at 0.2 and 1.0 μg/l, showing the applicability of the presented method for direct (ultra)trace analysis of edible salt samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A simple, fast, and low-cost analytical procedure was developed for trace-level determination of inorganic vanadium species by dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction in combination with spectrophotometry. Vanadium in pentavalent form, V(V), was quantitatively extracted into organic phase as 4-(2-pyridylazo)-recorcinol (PAR) complex in the presence of N-cetyl-N,N,N-trimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB) as counter-ion. Vanadium (IV) was masked with 1,2-diaminocyclohexanetetraacetic acid to allow speciation analysis. Total vanadium was determined after oxidation of V(IV) to V(V). The main factors affecting preconcentration and spectrophotometric detection of vanadium species such as pH, concentration of PAR and CTAB, the type and volume of the extraction, and disperser solvents were optimized. The limit of detection and enhancement factor obtained under optimum conditions were found to be 0.06 μg L−1and 98, respectively. Relative standard deviations for V(IV) and V(V) at 3.0 μg L−1were less than 2.4%. The presented procedure was applied to environmental water samples for selective determination of vanadium species. Moreover, the method was applied to determination of vanadium in edible salt samples, due to its applicability in high-NaCl-containing solutions. The validity of proposed method was proven by spike recovery experiments and also independent analysis by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Objective: Mild to severe iodine deficiency has been documented in China since 1960. To eliminate this persisting iodine deficiency, legislation on universal salt iodization was introduced in 1995 as a long-term public health intervention strategy. We examined the urinary iodine excretion and the iodine content of drinking water and salt samples to assess the benefits and risks of this national strategy. Methods: We examined the urinary iodine excretion of 1594 schoolchildren 8 to 10 y old from the 16 counties of China. The iodine content of 1097 drinking water and 4501 table salt samples also was assessed in these counties. The study was conducted from April 2009 through October 2010. Urinary iodine excretion and iodine levels in drinking water and table salt samples were measured based on the Sandell–Kolthoff reaction. Data were interpreted according to World Health Organization criteria. Results: The median urinary iodine levels of the schoolchildren were 198.2, 277.2, 336.2, and 494.8 μg/L in areas with iodine levels lower than 10, 10 to 150, 150 to 300, and higher than 300 μg/L in the drinking water, respectively. The mean iodine level in the table salt specimens was 30.4 mg/kg, the coverage rate was 98.6%, and the qualified rate was 96.7%. The goiter prevalence was 8.0% in the areas with an iodine level higher than 150 μg/L in the drinking water. Conclusion: In each area, the median urinary iodine of schoolchildren was nearly or above 200 μg/L, which confirmed the effectiveness of the iodization strategy. However, in areas with an iodine content higher than 150 μg/L in the drinking water, the schoolchildren had more than adequate or excessive iodine intake, which was associated with the prevalence of goiter. Therefore, it is important to adjust the strategy of universal salt iodization control in China. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This study was carried out to determine the effect of fermentation, hydrothermal treatment, soda (Na2CO3), and table salt (NaCl) addition on the extent of phytase activity and phytate degradation in three Iranian wheat cultivars, namely, Mahdavi, Ghods, and Roshan. The samples were milled to three different extraction rates, i.e. whole, 85%, and 75% flours and three kinds of leavening procedure (fermented, soda, and control), and four NaCl percentages (0.0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5%) were used for preparing dough in three replications. To evaluate the effect of heat treatment on phytic acid breakdown, baking was also done. The results indicated that among the wheat varieties, Mahdavi had the highest level of phytase activity and phytic acid content followed by Ghods and Roshan; in which, most of the phytate was concentrated in bran fractions. Fermentation (1% yeast at 37°C for 3 hours), hydrothermal treatment (pH 4.8 at 55°C for 12 hours) and salt addition (0 to 1.5%) to the dough samples resulted in an increased phytase activity, whereas soda addition (1%) decreased the enzyme activity. Heat treatment reduced phytic acid content significantly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An evaluation was made of different digestion methods for the determination of arsenic and antimony in table salt samples prior to hydride generation atomic absorption spectrometric analysis. Microwave acid digestion, classical wet digestion, dry ashing, and fusion were applied to the decomposition of salt samples and optimum conditions were investigated. Samples were decomposed by changing heating time, digestion techniques, and the amount and composition of acid, and then the concentrations of arsenic and antimony in an unrefined salt sample were measured. It is concluded that microwave acid digestion decomposes salt samples with a very short heating time and with small amounts of reagents compared with the classical wet digestion methods, which require several hours for the heating step and several milliliters of reagents. The accuracy of the procedure was checked using pond sediment certified reference material. The proposed procedure was applied for the determination of arsenic and antimony in several table salt samples collected in Izmir, Turkey, and the arsenic contents in the samples were found to be below the maximum permissible limits. Microwave digestion in combination with hydride generation atomic absorption spectrometry could be used routinely to monitor these metals in table salt samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: 2-Iodosobenzoate and N,N-dimethylaniline have been used at pH 6.4 for selective conversion of iodide to 4-iodo-N,N-dimethylaniline which was extracted with ethanol, when the phase separation occurred by addition of ammonium sulphate, a process called salt-assisted liquid–liquid microextraction (SALLME), and analysed by high-performance liquid chromatography-diode array detection. Iodate was reduced to iodide before derivatisation. The method has been optimised for extracting solvent, salt for phase separation, and reaction time. A linear calibration was obtained for 10μg-10mgL−1 of iodide with correlation coefficient of 0.9989 and limit of detection of 3.7μgL−1. The SALLME produced 280-fold enrichment of the derivative. The commercial iodised table salt samples have been found highly inhomogeneous; the RSD in analysis of different aliquots of the same sample ranged 18.0-78.1%. The average recovery of spiked iodide to real samples was 98.4% with an average RSD of 7.9% (range 5.2-12.4%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Dietary sodium, the major source being salt, is associated with hypertension. Australian adults consume more than the recommended amount of salt and approximately 15% of dietary sodium comes from salt added at the table and during cooking. Objective: To determine the frequency of and the demographic characteristics associated with discretionary salt use. Design: A cross sectional survey conducted in shopping centres within Metropolitan Melbourne. Participants completed a questionnaire assessing discretionary salt use and attitudes to salt intake. Outcomes: Four hundred and seventy four surveys were collected (65% female, 77% Caucasian, 64% holding a university qualification). Eighty nine percent of respondents were classified as salt users and 11% as non-salt users. Of the salt users 52% reported that they always or sometimes add salt during cooking and at the table. Those of Asian descent and younger respondents aged 18-24 years were more likely to be salt users (χ²=12.3, df=-2, p<0.001; χ²=19.2, dr=5. p<0.01). Conclusion: Discretionary salt use remains high. To successfully reduce population dietary salt intake public health campaigns are urgently required and need to include consumer advice to reduce discretionary salt use, whilst reducing the salt added to processed foods. Such campaigns should include younger age groups and should be appropriate for all ethnic backgrounds to raise the awareness of the risks of a high salt diet on health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Electrochemical solid phase nano-extraction, a novel sample preparation technique, was used for the determination of trace iodide in iodised table salt based on the silver sulfate nanoparticle-modified carbon paste electrode. Electrochemical solid phase nano-extraction was realized in the exchange between the sulfate anion in nanoparticles and an iodide anion from aqueous solution. The released silver cation serves as the electrochemical probe for the determination of iodide. The extraction follows a Freundlich adsorption isotherm, and can be used in the detection of iodide in the concentration range 5.0×10−12–4.0×10−9 M. The amount of iodide in iodised table salt was determined as 0.875±0.002μg/g, which is about 2.5% of the addition amount of iodate with a relative deviation of 5.92% and a standard addition recovery of 90–110%. The large amounts of chloride and iodate did not interfere with the detection. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The coprecipitation method using indium phosphate as a new coprecipitant has been developed for the separation of trace elements in table salts prior to their determination using inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES). Indium phosphate could quantitatively coprecipitate 27 trace elements, namely, Be, Ti, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd, Pb, Sc, Y, La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, and Lu, in a table salt solution at pH 10. The rapid coprecipitation technique, in which complete recovery of the precipitate was not required in the precipitate-separation process, was completely applicable, and, therefore, the operation for the coprecipitation was quite simple. The coprecipitated elements could be determined accurately and precisely by ICP-AES using indium as an internal standard element after dissolution of the precipitate with 5mL of 1molL−1 nitric acid. The detection limits (three times the standard deviation of the blank values, n =10) ranged from 0.001μg (Lu) to 0.11μg (Zn) in 300mL of a 10% (w/v) table salt solution. The method proposed here could be applied to the analyses of commercially available table salts. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The aim of the study was to examine whether powdered rice could be used as an anticaking agent in table salt. Salts free from anticaking food additives were selected and powdered rice was added at different concentrations (0%, 1%, 2%, 5%, 10% and 20%). The samples were placed away from direct light and airflow, and left exposed in the laboratory at room temperature and below 30% humidity. The weight of the samples was measured using an electronic laboratory balance and recorded daily for 4 days. At the end of the experiment, all the samples were dried at 105°C in order to determine exact dryness. All the salt samples containing powdered rice lost weight (0.56±0.08%), while the other salt samples free of powdered rice gained weight (10.31±0.63%) (P<0.001). A statistically significant difference was found between the first two (1% and 2%) and last three concentrations (5%, 10% and 20%) (P<0.001). Adding powdered rice to salt as an anticaking agent during salt manufacturing at a concentration of 1% could take the place of other anticaking food additives used in table salt production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A transient isotachophoresis–capillary zone electrophoresis (tITP–CZE) method was first time developed for determining iodate in table salt. Sensitivity enhancement was accomplished by coupling on-capillary tITP with CZE. The interference of sample matrix was overcome by using electrophoretic buffer containing high concentration of sodium chloride. The optimal terminating electrolyte for tITP was 1500mmol/L phosphate and the separation buffer of capillary zone electrophoresis was 10g/L sodium chloride (pH 8.0) containing 20mmol/L cetyltrimethylammonium chloride (CTAC). Calibration graphs based on peak height and peak area showed good linearity. Use of chromate as the internal standard significantly improved the precision of the quantitative results. The wavelength of UV detection for iodate was set at 218nm with the detection limits of 3.5μg/L for iodate. The quantitative results of iodate in table salt measured by the tITP–CZE method were compared with those measured by the redox titration and there was no significant difference between the two means. The method developed was sensitive, fast and simple. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A new method for the determination of traces of total mercury by using a gold film electrode in salt samples was developed. Table salts are known to contain mercury at ultra-trace level as well as a high quantity of chloride ions that cause severe disturbance during the stripping step when gold is used as the electrode material in voltammetric measurements. The interference of high chloride content in the determination of mercury was eliminated by reducing its concentration down to 3×10−3 molL−1 level which is optimum for the determination by using on-line medium exchange procedure immediately after the deposition step. The deposition potential applied to the electrode was maintained at 0.2V (vs. Ag/AgCl double junction electrode) while the cell content was sucked by a pump and replaced with fresh electrolyte simultaneously. The analyte loss resulted from the air contact of the electrode was prevented by this means. The mercury ions present in the salt samples were collected at +0.2V for 60s, the electrolyte was replaced by 0.1molL−1 HClO4 and the potential was scanned, attaining a detection limit of 0.17μgL−1, with R.S.D. of 1.2% (S/N=3). The recovery of the method was 94.6%. The performance and accuracy of the method was compared with that of atomic fluorescence spectrometry (AFS). Consequently, this developed method can offer a wide range of application in saline samples. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A procedure for the determination of trace amounts of Pb(II), Cu(II), Ni(II), Co(II), Cd(II) and Mn(II) is described, that combines atomic absorption spectrometry-dysprosium hydroxide coprecipitation. The influences of analytical parameters including amount of dysprosium(III), centrifugation time, sample volume, etc. were investigated on the recoveries of analyte ions. The effects of concomitant ions were also examined. The recoveries of the analyte ions were in the range of 95.00–104.00%. The detection limits corresponding to three times the standard deviation of the blank for the analytes were in the range of 14.1–25.3μg/L. The method was applied to the determination of lead, copper, nickel, cobalt, cadmium and manganese ions in natural waters and table salts good results were obtained (relative standard deviations <10%, recoveries >95%). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The primary objective was to determine the aluminium (Al) content of selected foods and food products in the USA which contain Al as an approved food additive. Intake of Al from the labeled serving size of each food product was calculated. The samples were acid or base digested and analysed for Al using electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry. Quality control (QC) samples, with matrices matching the samples, were generated and used to verify the Al determinations. Food product Al content ranged from <1–27,000?mg?kg -1 . Cheese in a serving of frozen pizzas had up to 14?mg of Al, from basic sodium aluminium phosphate; whereas the same amount of cheese in a ready-to-eat restaurant pizza provided 0.03–0.09?mg. Many single serving packets of non-dairy creamer had ~50–600?mg?Al?kg -1 as sodium aluminosilicate, providing up to 1.5?mg?Al per serving. Many single serving packets of salt also had sodium aluminosilicate as an additive, but the Al content was less than in single-serving non-dairy creamer packets. Acidic sodium aluminium phosphate was present in many food products, pancakes and waffles. Baking powder, some pancake/waffle mixes and frozen products, and ready-to-eat pancakes provided the most Al of the foods tested; up to 180?mg/serving. Many products provide a significant amount of Al compared to the typical intake of 3–12?mg/day reported from dietary Al studies conducted in many countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To correlate the sodium chloride dosage and the serum sodium concentration to clinical signs, to determine if the dosage of homemade play dough (and, therefore, sodium chloride) is the most reliable way to predict clinical signs and prognosis, and to review previously reported treatment options. Retrospective case series. Fourteen dogs with a history of homemade play dough ingestion. Cases were examined for each animal's signalment including body weight, age, approximate amount of play dough ingested, the estimated sodium chloride dosage, clinical signs, serum sodium concentration, and outcome when available. The literature was reviewed to determine pathophysiology and treatment regimens. Twelve of 14 dogs (86%) that ingested homemade play dough showed clinical signs. Vomiting (9 of 14, 64%), polydipsia, and seizures (4 of 14 each, 29%) were the most common signs followed by polyuria, tremors (3 of 14 each, 21%), and hyperthermia (2 of 14, 14%). The lowest calculated dosage associated with objective clinical signs was 1.9 g/kg. Seizures were reported in all animals with serum sodium levels greater than 180 mEq/L. Homemade play dough ingestion can be a serious and life-threatening problem. Many factors can contribute to the toxicity of homemade play dough. This study indicates that the serum sodium concentration is a more reliable indicator of the clinical course of the toxicity rather than the amount of play dough and, therefore, the dosage of sodium chloride ingested. Treatment should be based on a clinical evaluation of the patient and laboratory results, and consists of controlling seizures, reducing serum sodium concentrations slowly, and supportive care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A very simple and sensitive reverse flow injection method is described for the determination of iodate and iodide. The iodate reacts with excess iodide in acidic medium to form tri-iodide, which can be spectrophotometrically monitored at 351 nm, and the absorbance is directly related to the concentration of iodate in the sample. The determination of iodide is based on oxidizing iodide to iodate. The calibration curve is linear in the range of 0.02–3.0 μg ml−1 I with r2=0.9998, and the limit of detection is 0.008 μg ml−1 I. The chemical and flow injection variables were studied and optimized to make the procedure suitable for quantitating iodate and iodide in table salts. It is shown that the reverse flow injection analysis could greatly improve the sensitivity and precision for determination of iodate with a relative standard deviation of 0.9%. A complete analysis, including sampling and washing, could be performed in 35 s. The procedure was applied successfully to the determination of iodate and iodide in table salts, and the results were statistically compared with results determined by standard iodometry method. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Examines the continuing debate over salt intake and its effect on human health. New recommendations for a reduced salt intake from the Institute of Medicine of the National Academies in the United States; Amount of salt needed for survival; Results from a recent Canadian research group which made a different recommendation; How the issue could cause entire industries to change the way they do business; Most sodium content which is found in processed foods; Canadians who charge the American study was not representative of the population; Effects of low sodium on the human body.