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The presence of uranium concentration in drinking water has been a serious issue for a long time and can accord elegance to a larger extent. The current study has assessed the amount of uranium present in groundwater samples collected from 35 locations in the Jammu and Kashmir districts of Ganderbal and Budgam. Two distinct methods have been used to analyze uranium: the LED fluorimeter and High-Resolution Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (HR-ICPMS). Using the HR-ICPMS technique, the uranium concentration in water samples from the research area ranges from 0.40 to 4.88 µg l−1. Uranium concentration analyzed by two techniques of all water samples are well within the permissible limits of World Health Organization (WHO) and maximum contaminant level of United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) 30 µg l−1. The estimated annual effective dose varies in the range of 6.7 × 10–7 to 8.1 × 10–6 µSv y−1. The radiological average cancer mortality and morbidity risks were found to be 4.02 × 10–6 and 6.22 × 10–6 respectively. Lifetime Average Daily Dose (LADD) has been calculated which lies in the range of 0.023–0.282 µg kg−1 day−1. The analyzed hazard quotient for all the samples has been found less than unity. Also, physico-chemical properties of water samples and their correlation with uranium content have been estimated. The present study forms the basis for the future health risk assessment of the Ganderbal and Budgam provinces of Jammu and Kashmir. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Selenium, a trace element of significant importance for human health and the environment, can be introduced into the environment through coal combustion. Accurate determination of selenium in coal and coal-bearing strata is essential for implementing effective management strategies and control measures to minimize potential risks to human health and the environment. This study introduces an improved approach for the determination of 77Se in the medium resolution mode using HR-ICP-MS, effectively separating interference from doubly charged ions and enabling precise determination of selenium in coal-bearing strata. The relative errors of the standard reference samples obtained by HR-ICP-MS are between 0.65% and 6.33%, comparing to that of ICP-CCT-MS (1.58%–17.27%), prove the reliability of this method. Additionally, the X (bar)—S control charts obtained from HR-ICP-MS compared to ICP-CCT-MS demonstrate the superior stability of HR-ICP-MS in continuous determination. Consequently, though ICP-CCT-MS has better instrumental stability reflected through the internal standard recovery (ICP-CCT-MS:104.81%; HR-ICP-MS:80.54%), HR-ICP-MS is recommended as the preferred method for selenium determination in coal-bearing strata because of its high accuracy and good stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Europium (Eu) in coal and sedimentary rocks has important mineral resource potential as well as being a crucial parameter in geochemical studies that can represent changes in the depositional environment during coal deposition and identify the depositional source region. Therefore, it is essential to realize the precise measurement of Eu in coal as this could be a useful parameter for paleoenvironmental reconstruction studies and the exploration of mineral resources. During inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) analysis, polyatomic ions of Ba may interfere with Eu, causing the observed value to be higher than the actual value. This paper develops a new approach for Eu determination by using a high-resolution inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (HR-ICP-MS). The mass spectral interference and correction of Eu in the coal and sedimentary rock samples at low, medium, and high resolutions were investigated. The results showed that in the high-resolution mode (resolution = 10,000 amu), the interference of polyatomic ions of Ba could be distinguished from Eu; hence, Eu was determined under this circumstance. Under the optimal experimental circumstances, the detection limit was 0.006 μg/mL, the relative standard deviation was 0.80%–1.22%, and the linear correlation coefficient of the standard curve was over 0.9999. The recoveries of the 103Rh internal standard solution ranged from 94.41% to 100.10%. This method was verified using standard reference materials and selected samples, which demonstrated its high sensitivity, accuracy, and reliability, and a low detection limit, making it appropriate for detecting Eu in samples of coal and sedimentary rocks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Varkala–Kovalam coastal stretch of Southern Kerala, India, is enriched with economically significant heavy mineral deposits. In the present study, two such minerals like sillimanite, and garnet were recovered from the beach sands and subjected to detailed characterization studies related to their crystal structure, chemical composition, surface chemistry, and surface morphological changes. Advanced characterization studies involve Raman spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, ultraviolet–visible–near infrared spectroscopy, energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence, high resolution inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, and scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM/EDS). The Raman spectra strictly discriminate sillimanite from other A12SiO5 polymorphs and almandine from other silicate garnets. The average total rare earth elements present in sillimanite is 222 ppm and garnet is 1094 ppm with a maximum for Ce. The surface morphological changes induced by solution activity of chemicals and mechanical impacts during sediment movement and deposition were easily analyzed by SEM images. The study provides a vivid dataset of physico-chemical characteristics of these minerals, which could facilitate determining their grade and industrial applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Selenium, a trace element of significant importance for human health and the environment, can be introduced into the environment through coal combustion. Accurate determination of selenium in coal and coal-bearing strata is essential for implementing effective management strategies and control measures to minimize potential risks to human health and the environment. This study introduces an improved approach for the determination of 77Se in the medium resolution mode using HR-ICP-MS, effectively separating interference from doubly charged ions and enabling precise determination of selenium in coal-bearing strata. The relative errors of the standard reference samples obtained by HR-ICP-MS are between 0.65% and 6.33%, comparing to that of ICP-CCT-MS (1.58%–17.27%), prove the reliability of this method. Additionally, the X (bar)—S control charts obtained from HR-ICP-MS compared to ICP-CCT-MS demonstrate the superior stability of HR-ICP-MS in continuous determination. Consequently, though ICP-CCT-MS has better instrumental stability reflected through the internal standard recovery (ICP-CCT-MS:104.81%; HR-ICP-MS:80.54%), HR-ICP-MS is recommended as the preferred method for selenium determination in coal-bearing strata because of its high accuracy and good stability.

Europium (Eu) in coal and sedimentary rocks has important mineral resource potential as well as being a crucial parameter in geochemical studies that can represent changes in the depositional environment during coal deposition and identify the depositional source region. Therefore, it is essential to realize the precise measurement of Eu in coal as this could be a useful parameter for paleoenvironmental reconstruction studies and the exploration of mineral resources. During inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) analysis, polyatomic ions of Ba may interfere with Eu, causing the observed value to be higher than the actual value. This paper develops a new approach for Eu determination by using a high-resolution inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (HR-ICP-MS). The mass spectral interference and correction of Eu in the coal and sedimentary rock samples at low, medium, and high resolutions were investigated. The results showed that in the high-resolution mode (resolution = 10,000 amu), the interference of polyatomic ions of Ba could be distinguished from Eu; hence, Eu was determined under this circumstance. Under the optimal experimental circumstances, the detection limit was 0.006 μg/mL, the relative standard deviation was 0.80%–1.22%, and the linear correlation coefficient of the standard curve was over 0.9999. The recoveries of the 103Rh internal standard solution ranged from 94.41% to 100.10%. This method was verified using standard reference materials and selected samples, which demonstrated its high sensitivity, accuracy, and reliability, and a low detection limit, making it appropriate for detecting Eu in samples of coal and sedimentary rocks.

This work proposes a new approach for the analysis of radionuclides in NORM-type solid materials included in a European-level intercomparison test (Environmental Radiation Monitoring, REM2020), provided by the Environmental Radiation Monitoring group of the Joint Research Centre (JRC). The measurement techniques employed are inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), using both quadrupole analyzer-equipped instruments (Q-ICP-MS) and high-resolution instruments with magnetic sector analyzer (HR-ICP-MS), and atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES). Initially, the samples undergo microwave digestion using EPA methods adapted to the environmental matrix, yielding a nitric acid solution suitable for subsequent chemical analysis. Isotopes 40K, 235U, 238U, 230Th, and 232Th have been quantified due to their relevance from both radiological and environmental perspectives. An additional advantage of the proposed method is that besides determining concentrations and activities, it is also possible to ascertain the isotopic relationships of the radionuclides present in the samples, thereby determining whether the radiation originates from natural or anthropogenic sources. • Mass spectrometry techniques used for long half-life radioisotope determination. • NORM materials analyzed for precise measurement of radioisotope concentrations. • Methodology offers high sensitivity and accuracy in radioisotope quantification. • Findings crucial for environmental monitoring and radiation safety assessments. • Study contributes to understanding natural radioactivity distribution and its impacts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Uranium concentration/contamination in groundwater is currently a subject of concern all over the world due to related severe health problems to humans, as groundwater is the main drinking water source in rural and urban India and also in several parts of the world. Uranium concentration in groundwater in shallow aquifers in various states such as Punjab, Rajasthan, Karnataka Telangana, and Madhya Pradesh of India varies from 0 to 1443 ng/ml exceeding the permissible levels by WHO for drinking water (30 ng/ml), at several places. Very high concentrations ranging up to 1400 ng/ml were reported in some areas in other countries such as Canada, the USA, Mongolia, Burundi, Zambia, Nigeria, South Korea, Pakistan, Jordon, Afghanistan, China, and Myanmar. Various natural aspects which influence the uranium concentration in groundwater such as bedrock geology, water chemistry, and redox conditions, and anthropogenic sources such as mining activities (uranium, coal, and phosphate rock), nuclear activities, agricultural practices of using phosphate fertilizers, and prevalence of excessive nitrate in some areas, are described with examples. Some of the important analytical techniques for the precise and accurate determination of elemental and isotopic concentrations of uranium in water samples, such as LED fluorimetry, Raman spectroscopy, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), high-resolution ICP-MS (HR-ICP-MS), and multi-collector ICP-MS (MC-ICP-MS), are described. A number of advancements have taken place in remediation technologies for the removal of uranium in drinking water using different physical, chemical, and biological methods including rainwater harvesting. Various mitigation strategies for the effective removal of uranium from water during treatment, such as bioremediation using biochars from different sources, nanoparticle technology, and adsorption by magnesium (Mg)-iron (Fe)-based hydrotalcite-like compounds (MF-HT), are described in detail.

The content of aluminum in 89SrCl2 crude material is an important parameter for quality control. The accurate measurement of that in 89SrCl2 solution is the basis of quality control and process improvement. In this paper, we use HR-ICP-MS to determine the aluminum content in 89SrCl2 solution, and we have established the method of sample preparation and constructing calibration curve, and the optimal mass spectrometry conditions were also determined. The effect of hydrochloric acid system, acidity and strontium matrix on the measurement of aluminum concentration were studied by a series of contrast experiments. Moreover, the source and the elimination method of mass spectrum interferences and aluminum background were also investigated by internal standard selection experiments. The experimental results show that the hydrochloric acid system has no significant effect on the measurement, and the 0.5% HCl system can be used as the matrix solution for standard and sample dilution. When the yttrium was selected as the internal standard, the double charged ion interferences and polyatomic ion interferences of aluminum could be eliminated with a resolution of 4 000 (10% valley), and the detection limit of this method could reach 39 ng/L. The method here can be used to measure the content of aluminum in 89SrCl2 solution quickly and accurately, which can meet the requirements of product quality control and process improvement.

Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) has become inevitable for quantitative determination of trace and ultra-trace elements in geological samples. Inferences derived from ICP-MS data sets and other supportive evidence have revolutionized theories on geology/geodynamics. In this scenario, validation through interlaboratory studies plays an important role in assuring the quality of measurements, along with the performance and accreditation programs of the laboratory. The Geological Survey of India (GSI) initiated an interlaboratory testing program on soil and stream sediment testing in which about fifteen laboratories, including our geochemical laboratory participated. Trace and rare-earth elements (REE) determined on the reference material PKS-1 by high-resolution ICP-MS and validated with the certified values for PKS-1 provided by GSI after compilation. The fitness of acquired data for either "pure geochemistry" or "applied geochemistry" was determined based on the Z-scores. The data for most of the analytes fell within the -2 < Z < + 2 range, which included the majority of the trace and REE used in petrogenetic and provenance studies. These results help to review the analytical mismatches observed in the data, optimize necessary aspects and minimize the interference effects caused during analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Christiansø colony of common eiders (Somateria mollissima) in the central Baltic Sea were exposed to high levels of Pb during the 2018 breeding season that were not present in 2017. Due to these high Pb blood levels, the present study investigated possible Pb sources and Pb dynamics within this vulnerable colony. We analyzed body mass and lead isotopic ratios (Pb-IRs) in blood taken from the same incubating eiders at the early (day 4) and late (day 24) stages of incubation during the 2018 breeding season (n = 23). Pb-IRs 208/207, 208/206, 206/207, and 207/206 were analyzed using high resolution inductively coupled mass spectrometry. We found largely similar Pb-IRs from the different stages of incubation indicating a predominantly constant endogenous source of Pb exposure. We suggest the increasing Pb levels come from pre-nesting and nesting foraging and from medullary bone release. The similar Pb-IRs also indicate continued metabolization of the medullary bone to meet the nutritional and energy demands of incubation. Comparisons to Pb-IR reports from the Baltic Sea showed multiple sources of pollution distinguished by a difference between Pb-IRs in individuals with Pb blood concentrations >500 μg/kg ww and

VITA-1 and VITB-1 are low- and elevated level CRMs, respectively, which were certified for minerals and vitamin contents by National Research Council Canada. The proportions of key ingredients are the same in each formula, and they were prepared in such a way that VITB-1 has twice the amount of minerals and vitamins as VITA-1. The availability of these two matrix-matched CRMs, with different concentrations for all analytes, will not only assist in the validation of procedures and the development of methods for the determination of respective analytes in multivitamins or samples of a similar matrices, but also will be useful for calibration purposes (for the values that are certified). Tablets were individually packaged in trilaminate foil pouches and values presented in the certificate of analysis are expressed on a "as is" basis, with no need for the determination of moisture content on a separate test portion. In addition, certified/reference values are provided per single tablet (mass fraction expressed as both mg/kg and µg/tablet), eliminating the need of a homogenization step prior to analysis. Homogeneity and stability were assessed and included in the final expanded uncertainties of the certified values. Quantity value assignment for both VITA-1 and VITB-1 was based on the use of at least two independent methods, using data generated at NRC and data from external collaborators for confirmation purposes. As a result of this campaign, value assignment was possible for a total of 39 analytes: 24 trace elements and 15 vitamins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chemostratigraphy utilizes the elemental, isotopic, and mineralogical compositions of sediments and rocks to understand the conditions of deposition and diagenesis, variations in paleo-redox conditions, climate, provenance, tectonic setting, and reservoir characteristics. This utility is based on the occurrences and stratigraphic variations of concentrations of certain elements, isotopes, minerals, and some organic compounds in sedimentary rocks. Significant progress has been made in the elemental, isotopic, and mineralogical determination techniques over the last couple of decades and this development is critically helpful to the applications of chemostratigraphy in widely varying fields including, but not limited to stratigraphy, depositional and diagenetic modelling, petroleum exploration, reservoir characterization, forensics, etc. Currently, highly precise data on about 60 elements in the range Li–U can be obtained very rapidly on a routine basis in different types of sediment samples such as drill cuttings, sediment cores, or hand specimens using various analytical techniques such as inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), high resolution ICP-MS (HR-ICP-MS), and Mattauch–Herzog geometry ICP-MS (MH-ICP-MS). Elemental data as ratios of certain elements or proxy values in profile form with depth, isotope values, and certain ratios are used for understanding various geological processes in the earth's history. Mineralogical studies using techniques such as x-ray diffraction spectrometry (XRD) and Raman spectroscopy have proven to be very powerful for identifying different sedimentary successions belonging to different ages. There have been notable advances in the measurement of isotopic concentrations and isotopic ratios both in stable isotopes and radiogenic isotopes. Certain analytical techniques such as laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) are able to distinguish different rock types, their geographic sources, and the geological processes associated with their formation in a field setting in real-time. In addition to the instrumental developments, substantial progress is made in other critical areas such as sample preparation, sample decomposition, analytical protocols, development of international certified geochemical reference materials (CRMs), and quality issues in general. Until recently, the general approach in elemental and mineralogical chemostratigraphic studies was to follow time taking process of collecting the sediment/drill core samples in the field and bringing them to the laboratory to generate the analytical data. This is very expensive, time-consuming, and difficult for covering large areas. But, rapid advances in the area of analytical instrumentation saw some instruments such as x-ray fluorescence spectrometer (XRF), LIBS, visible and near-infrared spectrophotometer, and Raman spectrometer dramatically shrunk in size and have become portable, and changed this scenario completely and increased on-site applications in chemostratigraphy studies. In this review, these developments in analytical instrumentation in general together with some key applications in chemostratigraphy, chronostratigraphy, and geochemical fingerprinting have been summarized. [Display omitted] • A comprehensive picture of the various aspects of chemostratigraphic studies for the understanding of sediments record past life, climatic conditions, environments, and the evolution of the surface of the earth, together with practical applications such as hydrocarbon exploration is presented. • In addition, an account of important analytical techniques and recent advances for the detection and determination of elemental, isotopic, and mineralogical concentrations in different sedimentary rocks, is also given. • Other associated aspects such as automation and artificial intelligence (AI) in chemostratigraphy studies are also presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated the occurrence of metal-based nanoparticles in a natural system, the river Dommel in the Netherlands. The river itself is well-studied as far as hydrology and water quality is concerned, easily accessible and contains one major wastewater treatment plant discharging onto this river. We sampled water from various locations along the river and collected samples of influent, effluent and sewage sludge from the wastewater treatment plant. The sampling campaign was carried out in June 2015 and these samples were analysed for seven elements using high-resolution inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (HR-ICP-MS), ultrafiltration with a sequence of mesh sizes and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). From the results we conclude that there are indeed nanoparticles present in the treatment plant we studied, as we found titanium and gold particles in the influent and effluent. In the river water only 10 to 20% of the mass concentration of titanium, cerium and other elements we examined is made up of free, i.e. unattached, particles with a size smaller than 20 nm or of dissolved material. The rest is attached to natural colloids or is present as individual particles or clusters of smaller particles, as it could be filtered out with 450 nm ultrafilters. We found evidence that there is no appreciable anthropogenic emission of cerium into the river, based on the geochemical relationship between cerium and lanthanum. Besides, the effluent of the treatment plant has lower concentrations of some examined elements than the surface water upstream. The treatment plant discharges much less of these elements than estimated using previous publications. However, a potential diffuse source of titanium dioxide in the form of nanoparticles or of larger particles is their use in paints and coatings, as the concentration of titanium increased considerably in the urbanised area of the river Dommel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A quantitative detection method was established for DNA molecules by high resolution inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (HR-ICP-MS) . The method of DNA quantity was based on phosphorus detection by HR-ICP-MS. The method was simple, rapid, not affected by TE buffer, and without sample pretreatment like purification or microwave digestion. The detection method was traceability and the lowest detection limit (LOD) was 0. 000 32 mg/L, while its precision reached 2. 15%. In conclusion, our research can be applied to detect low concentration of DNA samples, is sufficient to satisfy a requirement of the DNA quantitative measurement, and provides technical support for the determination on certification of DNA RMs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A procedure is described for the determination of thirty‐seven minor and trace elements (LILE, REE, HFSE, U, Th, Pb, transition elements and Ga) in ultramafic rocks. After Tm addition and acid sample digestion, compositions were determined both following a direct digestion/dilution method (without element separation) and after a preconcentration procedure using a double coprecipitation process. Four ultramafic reference materials were investigated to test and validate our procedure (UB‐N, MGL‐GAS [GeoPT12], JP‐1 and DTS‐2B). Results obtained following the preconcentration procedure are in good agreement with previously published work on REE, HFSE, U, Th, Pb and some of the transition elements (Sc, Ti, V). This procedure has two major advantages: (a) it avoids any matrix effect resulting from the high Mg content of peridotite, and (b) it allows the preconcentration of a larger trace element set than with previous methods. Other elements (LILE, other transition elements Cr, Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, as well as Ga) were not fully coprecipitated with the preconcentration method and could only be accurately determined through the direct digestion/dilution method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant hormones ( PH) adjust plant growth to environmental conditions such as nutrient availability. Although responses of individual PHs to growth-determining nutrient supplies have been reported, little is known about simultaneous dynamics in the metabolism of different PH species., Brassica napus seedlings were grown under increasing supply of B, and LC- MS/ MS was used to characterize bioactive forms of different PH species together with several of their precursors, storage and inactivated forms., Increasing shoot B concentrations in response to B supply were accompanied by decreasing concentrations of abscisic acid ( ABA) and indole-3-acetic acid ( IAA), which appeared to be synthesized under B deficiency mainly via indole-3-acetonitrile ( IAN). By contrast, shoot B concentrations correlated closely with cytokinins, and the B-dependent growth response appeared to be triggered primarily by de-novo synthesis of cytokinins and by re-routing less active towards highly active forms of cytokinin. Also gibberellin biosynthesis strongly increased with B supply, in particular gibberellin species from the non-13-hydroxylation pathway. The brassinosteroid castasterone appeared to support shoot growth primarily at suboptimal B nutrition., These results indicate that a variable B nutritional status causes coordinated changes in PH metabolism as prerequisite for an adjusted growth response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Development of new techniques, enabling simultaneous determination of large numbers of elements in environmental samples, can force analysts to use certified reference materials that do not contain all the elements of interest. In this paper, the mass fractions of forty-six major and trace elements, including rare earth elements (REE), are presented in one soil ( NCS DC 77302 also known as GBW 07410) and five sediment (Metranal-1, IAEA 405, MESS-3, NCS DC 73309 also known as GBW 07311 and NCS DC 75301 also known as GBW 07314) certified reference materials determined by high resolution inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. The selected certified materials represent a spectrum of geological matrices often analysed in environmental studies. Measured elements include certified elements, elements listed with information values as well as new elements absent from certificates, including REEs and some other elements. REE + Y mass fractions in the river sediment reference material Metranal-1 are reported for the first time. The results obtained are in agreement with available certified or information values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Differences in trace elements levels between individuals with type 2 diabetes and controls have been reported in several studies in various body fluids and tissues, but results have been inconsistent. In order to examine trace element levels in the early phase of type 2 diabetes, we investigated the association between whole blood levels of 26 trace elements and the prevalence of previously undiagnosed, screening-detected type 2 diabetes. The study was conducted as a case-control study nested within the third survey of the population-based Nord-Trøndelag Health Study (HUNT3 Survey). Among participants without previously known diabetes, 128 cases of type 2 diabetes were diagnosed in people with a high diabetes risk score (FINDRISC ≥ 15), and frequency-matched for age and sex with 755 controls. Blood samples were analyzed by high resolution inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Associations between trace element levels and the prevalence of previously undiagnosed type 2 diabetes were evaluated with multivariable conditional logistic regression controlling for age, sex, body mass index, waist-to-hip ratio, education, income, smoking and family history of diabetes. The prevalence of previously undiagnosed type 2 diabetes increased across tertiles/quartiles for cadmium, chromium, iron, nickel, silver and zinc, and decreased with increasing quartiles of bromine (P trend < 0.05). After corrections for multiple testing, associations for chromium remained significant (Q trend < 0.05), while associations for iron and silver were borderline significant. No associations were found for arsenic, boron, calcium, cesium, copper, gallium, gold, indium, lead, magnesium, manganese, mercury, molybdenum, rubidium, selenium, strontium, tantalum, thallium and tin. Our results suggest a possible role of bromine, cadmium, chromium, iron, nickel, silver and zinc in the development of type 2 diabetes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rare earth elements composition of Mocs meteorite was analyzed using two inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry methods: a quadrupole and a single-detector sector-field high-resolution instrument. The obtained results are in good agreement with previous studies found in literature for both Mocs and chondritic materials analysis regarding REE composition. Allende meteorite reference material was used for calibration. Sample preparation for ICP-MS analysis was carried out following a custom protocol derived from the literature: the samples were finely ground, then treated in a multi-step procedure [1]. A mix of hydrofluoric acid, nitric acid and perchloric acid was used to digest the sample, which was finally dissolved in nitric acid and diluted accordingly, before being measured directly by ICP-MS instruments. Mocs samples were made available from Museum of Mineralogy, Babeș-Bolyai University Cluj-Napoca and Allende meteorite reference sample was provided by Smithsonian Institution (split 7, position 17) [2]. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A trace-element characterization of United States Geological Survey (USGS) reference materials has been carried out using three different inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer instruments: Nu Instruments AttoM, Thermo Scientific Element 2, and Agilent 7700x. The six USGS reference materials (BHVO-2, BCR-2, AGV-2, STM-2, RGM-2, and G-3) include both extrusive and intrusive rocks with compositions ranging from mafic to felsic that encompass a wide range of trace element concentrations and mineral phases. The prevalence of these 2nd (and 3rd) generation reference materials among geochemical laboratories and the added care that was taken during sample preparation make this generation of reference materials more suitable for characterization and use by the geochemical community. The mafic-intermediate reference materials (BHVO-2, BCR-2, and AGV-2) had the most abundant published characterization prior to this study, which allowed for thorough and direct comparison with previous studies (and USGS certificates). Published data for these reference materials are relatively well constrained for most elements (i.e., not highly variable) and the results of this study generally correspond well with the literature. This can, at least partially, be attributed to the relatively simple matrices of these reference materials together with their overall smaller range of trace element concentrations. Unlike the mafic-intermediate reference materials, STM-2 lacked any published trace element concentrations prior to this study and data for RGM-2 and G-3 were relatively sparse. Data for STM-2 and RGM-2 from this study are compared to preliminary USGS certificates, while data for G-3 are compared to the G-2 certificate values; for comparison with published data, RGM-1 and G-2 are included. Overall, the published data for RGM and G are variable across the entire suite of trace elements and display poorer agreement with the data from this study. This can be explained by the fact that, in addition to the comparison between generations that may add heterogeneity, the felsic reference materials have relatively complex matrices and larger ranges in trace element concentration. Given the new data that this study provides, the felsic reference materials can now be used by the geochemical community to produce more accurate trace element concentration analyses of felsic materials. By using three instruments with different configurations, this study also serves as a comparison of the performance of each instrument in response to an array of geologic matrices. The data reveal that the tested instruments are all capable of producing accurate and precise trace element concentration data over a range of geologic matrices, provided that each instrument is carefully operated within its dynamic range. In many cases, this could be accomplished simply by ensuring proper dilution of samples; however, when matrices are more complex, the use of medium and high resolutions can be useful in reducing the amount of preparative chemistry that is required to manage highly variable trace element concentrations within a single sample as well as any potential isobaric interferences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to investigate the dissolution rate of ThO2 which was synthesised to approximate, as closely as possible, the microstructure of UO2 in a nuclear fuel matrix. The optimal sintering temperature for ThO2 pellets was found to be 1750 ℃, which produced pellets with a microstructure similar to UO2 nuclear fuel pellets, with randomly oriented grains ranging in size from 10 to 30 μm. Dissolution was conducted using ThO2 particles of different size fractions (80 to 160 μm and 2 to 4 mm) in the presence and absence of carbonate, in solutions with pH from 2 to 8 and at 80 ℃. Dissolution rates were calculated from Th released from the solid phase to solution. Particles of ThO2 were also leached with 1 M HNO3 at 80 ℃ in order to investigate the morphological changes at the particle surfaces. The concentration of Th was found to be ≥ 10 -9 mol/L at pH ≤ 4, lower than the theoretical solubility of crystalline ThO2. At higher pH values, from 4 to 8, the measured concentrations (10−10 to 10 -12 mol/L) were between the theoretical solubility of ThO2 and Th(OH)4. Grain boundaries were shown to exert an influence on the dissolution of ThO2 particles. Using high resolution aqueous solution analysis, these data presented here extend the current understanding of Th solubility in solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the mass fractions of Cd, Cu, Fe, Pb, Sn and Zn in tomato paste were determined by high resolution inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (HR-ICP-MS). For this purpose, samples were digested with mixture of HNO3 (65 %, w/w), HCl (30 %, w/w) and H2O2 (30 %, w/w). In order to validate a method, some parameters such as limit of detection and quantification, linear range, repeatability, intermediate precision and recovery were investigated. The mass fractions with uncertainties of Cd, Cu, Fe, Pb, Sn, and Zn in the tomato paste with uncertainties were (5.12 ± 0.28) mg/kg, (11.94 ± 0.27) mg/kg, (64.40 ± 3.61) mg/kg, (5.31 ± 0.39) mg/kg, (25.72 ± 0.61) mg/kg, (39.19 ± 1.27) mg/kg, respectively. Homogenized samples were sent to different laboratories for proficiency testing (PT) that was organized in order to evaluate the results and to control the quality of laboratories. As a result of the PT schemes, the participating laboratories can compare their analytical results with those from other laboratories and can improve their method for better measurement accuracy and reliability of their results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Discrimination of the origin of rice samples by HR-ICP-MS multi-element fingerprinting. [•] Classification of rice samples was by a radar plot and a multivariate data analysis. [•] Thai jasmine white rice was differentiated from foreign rice and classified according to regions of origin. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive and fatal degenerative disorder of motor neurons. The cause of this degeneration is unknown, and different causal hypotheses include genetic, viral, traumatic and environmental mechanisms. In this study, we have analyzed metal concentrations in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and blood plasma in a well-defined cohort ( n = 17) of ALS patients diagnosed with quantitative electromyography. Metal analyses were performed with high-resolution inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Statistically significant higher concentrations of manganese, aluminium, cadmium, cobalt, copper, zinc, lead, vanadium and uranium were found in ALS CSF compared to control CSF. We also report higher concentrations of these metals in ALS CSF than in ALS blood plasma, which indicate mechanisms of accumulation, e.g. inward directed transport. A pattern of multiple toxic metals is seen in ALS CSF. The results support the hypothesis that metals with neurotoxic effects are involved in the pathogenesis of ALS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Fifty-eight brands of balsamic vinegars were analyzed for lead concentrations and isotopic compositions (204Pb, 206Pb, 207Pb, and 208Pb) to test the findings of a previous study indicating relatively high levels of lead contamination in some of those vinegars — more than two thirds (70%) of them exceeded California''s State Maximum Level (34μg/L) based on consumption rates ≥0.5μg Pb per day. The Lead isotopic fingerprints of all those vinegars with high lead concentrations were then found to be primarily anthropogenic. This isotopic analysis unquestionably reveals multiple contamination sources including atmospheric pollutant Pb and an unidentified contamination source, likely occurring after grape harvest. Organically grown grape vinegars display the same Pb content and isotopic signatures as other vinegars. This implies that pesticides might not be a significant source of pollutant Pb in vinegars. A significant post-harvest contamination would be inherited from chemicals added during production and/or material used during transport, processing or storage of these vinegars. This is consistent with the highest Pb levels being found in aged vinegars (112±112μg/L) in contrast to other vinegars (41.6±28.9μg/L) suggesting contamination during storage. It is, therefore, projected that lead levels in most vinegars, especially aged balsamic and wine vinegars, will decrease with improvements in their manufacture and storage processes consequential to recent concerns of elevated levels of lead in some vinegars. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A novel method, combining isotope dilution with standard additions, was developed for the analysis of eight elements (Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd and Pb) in seawater. The method requires just 12mL of sample and employs an off-line pre-concentration step using the commercially available chelating resin Toyopearl AF-Chelate-650M prior to determination by high resolution inductively coupled plasma magnetic sector mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Acidified samples were spiked with a multi-element standard of six isotopes (57Fe, 62Ni, 65Cu, 68Zn, 111Cd and 207Pb) enriched over natural abundance. In addition, standard additions of a mixed Co and Mn standard were performed on sub-sets of the same sample. All samples were irradiated using a low power (119mWcm−2; 254nm) UV system, to destroy organic ligands, before pre-concentration and extraction from the seawater matrix. Ammonium acetate was used to raise the pH of the 12mL sub-samples (off-line) to pH 6.4±0.2 prior to loading onto the chelating resin. The extracted metals were eluted using 1.0M Q-HNO3 and determined using ICP-MS. The method was verified through the analysis of certified reference material (NASS-5) and the SAFe inter-comparison samples (S1 and D2), the results of which are in good agreement with the certified and reported consensus values. We also present vertical profiles of the eight metals taken from the Bermuda Atlantic Time Series (BATS) station collected during the GEOTRACES inter-comparison cruise in June 2008. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Total dissolution is a critical step in geochemical analysis. Despite the number of published protocols, this issue still draws attention for sediment samples, which are particularly difficult to dissolve due to the common occurrence and high abundance of refractory phases such as zircon. We present tests of different chemical digestion procedures carried out on reference materials (RM) of stream (JSd-1, JSd-2 and JSd-3) and lake (JLk-1 and LKSD-1) sediments from the Geological Survey of Japan (GSJ) and the Canadian Certified Reference Material Programme (CCRPM). We demonstrate that the fusion technique is not appropriate for our studies as not all elements of interest were recovered and blank levels were too high to permit further Sr and Pb isotopic composition measurements. Similarly, conventional HF+HNO3 dissolution methods were not efficient enough for detrital samples. Our preferred method involved using high pressure Teflon® vessel bombs in association with HClO4. This protocol ensured a complete dissolution of the powder, as well as a complete recovery of trace elements. Moreover, blank levels were sufficiently low that Sr or Pb isotope compositions could be measured from the same mother solution. We also tested the homogeneity of RM powders by performing tests on various amount of powder. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An analytical method using high-resolution inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (HR-ICP-MS) for rapid simultaneous determination of 20 elements, including Na, Mg, Al, Ca, Ti, V, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Ga, As, Mo, Cd, Sn, Sb, Ba, and Pb elements, in residual oil was described. The sample was dissolved in HNO3 by microwave digestion, and then the above 20 elements in the solution were analyzed directly by HR-ICP-MS. Most of the spectral interferences could be avoided by measuring in the high-resolution mode. The matrix effect caused by the sample-digesting solution and corrected by Sc, Rh, and Bi as the internal standard elements was studied in detail. The optimum condition of the determination was also tested and discussed. The result showed that the detection limits of the method were in the range of 0.014 to 11.6 μg L−1; the relative standard deviation was less than 3.8% and recoveries in the samples were in the range of 88.4% to 108.0%. This method can be used to determine the trace elements in residual oil with the features of accurate, rapid, and convenient determination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to quantify metals contained in and leached from different types of rubber granulates used in synthetic turf areas. To investigate the total content of metals, ca 0.5 g of material was added with HNO3, HF and HClO4 and microwave digested with power increasing from 250 W to 600 W. Leachates were prepared by extraction of about 5.0 g of material at room temperature for 24 h in an acidic environment (pH 5). Leaching with deionized water was also performed for comparison. Aluminium, As, Ba, Be, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Hg, Fe, Li, Mg, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Rb, Sb, Se, Sn, Sr, Tl, V, W and Zn were quantified by high-resolution inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (HR-ICP-MS) and ICP optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). Results indicated that the developed method was accurate and precise for the multi-element characterization of rubber granulates and leachates. The total amount and the amount leached during the acidic test varied from metal to metal and from granulate to granulate. The highest median values were found for Zn (10,229 mg/kg), Al (755 mg/kg), Mg (456 mg/kg), Fe (305 mg/kg), followed by Pb, Ba, Co, Cu and Sr. The other elements were present at few units of mg/kg. The highest leaching was observed for Zn (2300 μg/l) and Mg (2500 μg/l), followed by Fe, Sr, Al, Mn and Ba. Little As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Li, Mo, Ni, Pb, Rb, Sb and V leached, and Be, Hg, Se, Sn, Tl and W were below quantification limits. Data obtained were compared with the maximum tolerable amounts reported for similar materials, and only the concentration of Zn (total and leached) exceeded the expected values. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The main components (Ti, V, Cr, Co, Ni, and Mo) of metallic alloys currently used in hip and knee articular prostheses have been simultaneously determined in human whole blood and urine of implanted people by a (HR)-ICP–MS method previously developed in our laboratory. The determination of those elements has been carried out in patients with knee and hip prosthesis and in a group of pre-operation patients without any metallic device in their bodies, used as controls, demonstrating the usefulness of this technique to perform multielement analysis at ppt levels in complex matrices. The concentrations of V, Cr, Co, Ni, and Mo in urine and blood of implanted people turned out to be very similar to those obtained in control patients. However, raised Ti levels could be found both in urine and blood of patients with articular prostheses made or coated with a titanium alloy (Ti6Al4V). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A hereditary neurological disease in a family in Norway has been reported recently. The disease, which we refer to as Skogholt''s disease, is a demyelinating disorder of both the central and the peripheral nervous system with adult onset. We investigated whether changes in trace element concentrations could play a role in Skogholt''s disease. Using high resolution inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, we determined 31 elements in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), blood plasma and whole blood from these patients, multiple sclerosis patients and a control group. More than threefold increased levels of Cu and Fe, and a twofold increase in Zn were found in the CSF of Skogholt patients compared to controls. Several other significant differences in trace element levels were also found. The increased levels of Cu and Fe in CSF may indicate an active role of these metals in the pathogenesis of Skogholt''s disease. Apparently, these metal ions are transferred into the CSF through their protein chelation, as raised protein levels were also seen. We suggest that redistribution of metals from transport proteins into vulnerable sites in the central (and peripheral) nervous system may initiate critical lesions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Laser-ablation high-resolution inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-HR-ICP-MS) is a rapid, accurate, and inexpensive technique for making in situ U-Pb isotopic measurements of uraninite and davidite. The advantages of this method include: (1) mineral separation and chemical digestion are not required; (2) measurements on complex samples are feasible because significant isobaric interferences can be resolved; and (3) accurate U-Pb and 207Pb/206Pb dates on 10-25 µm spots can be obtained rapidly. The LA-HR-ICP-MS method is applied to U oxide minerals from four deposits and prospects from northern Australia, and the new dates are compared to previously published conventional thermal ionization mass spectroscopy (TIMS) dates, and to known ages of geologically important events. These comparisons permit us to assess elemental fractionation of U and Pb for uraninite and davidite of the new method, relative to zircon, as well as its geochronological accuracy and precision. U-Pb apparent ages measured previously agree well with our measurements for El Sherena, Palette, and Mt. Isa. Additionally, the upper-intercept 207Pb/206Pb dates for Adelaide River (701 ± 190 Ma, 1σ) and Palette (841 ± 94 Ma, 1σ) uraninite, measured here, are similar to those previously obtained for Palette (730 Ma), Nabarlek (920 Ma), and Koongarra (870 Ma), and the upper-intercept date for El Sherena uraninite (1573 ± 160 Ma) is within error of that previously determined for Ranger (1550 ± 15 and 1472 ± 40 Ma). Such apparent-age agreement for uraninite (and similarly for davidite) indicates that U and Pb fractionations are within error of that for zircon, whereas the inherent imprecision of our dates and their associated MSWD values greater than 2.5 probably indicate that multiple resetting events affected our samples. Analytically, these results demonstrate that the LA-HR-ICP-MS technique provides excellent spatial resolution while also removing argide, phosphide, sulfide, and halide interferences that can otherwise lead to erroneous data when using quadrupole-ICP-MS. Geologically, the individual 207Pb/206Pb and upper-intercept U-Pb dates of uraninite from Adelaide River and Palette are ca. 800 Ma, possibly reflecting recrystallization of uraninite during the break-up of Rodinia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Application of capillary electrophoresis (CE) as a high-resolution separation technique in metalloproteomics research is critically reviewed. The focus is on the requirements and challenges involved in coupling CE to sensitive element and molecule-specific detection techniques such as inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP–MS) or electrospray ionisation mass spectrometry (ESI–MS). The complementary application of both detection techniques to the structural and functional characterisation of metal-binding proteins and their structural metal-binding moieties is emphasised. Beneficial aspects and limitations of mass spectrometry hyphenated to CE are discussed, on the basis of the literature published in this field over the last decade. Recent metalloproteomics applications of CE are reviewed to demonstrate its potential and limitations in modern biochemical speciation analysis and to indicate future directions of this technique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The activity concentrations of 237Np and the two Pu isotopes, 239Pu and 240Pu, were determined in lichen samples (Cladonia stellaris) contaminated by fallout from atmospheric nuclear test explosions and the Chernobyl accident. The samples were collected at 18 locations in Sweden, from north to south, between 1986 and 1988 and analysed with high-resolution inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (HR-ICP-MS) and alpha spectrometry. Data on the activity ratios 238Pu/239+240Pu and 134Cs/137Cs measured previously were also included in this study for comparison. The 237Np activity concentration ranged from 0.08±0.01 to 2.08±0.17 mBq kg−1, depending on the location of the sampling site and time of collection. The 239+240Pu activity concentration ranged from 0.09±0.01 to 4.09±0.15 Bq kg−1, with the 240Pu/239Pu atomic ratio ranging between 0.16±0.01 and 0.44±0.03, the higher ratios indicating a combination of weapons test fallout and Chernobyl fallout. The 237Np/239Pu atomic ratios ranged between 0.06±0.01 and 0.42±0.04, the lower ratios indicating combination of weapons test fallout and Chernobyl fallout. At a well-defined sampling site at Lake Rogen (62.32° N, 12.38° E), additional lichen samples were collected between 1987 and 1998 to study the distribution of Np and Pu in different layers. The concentrations of the two elements follow each other quite well in the profile. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Vanadium (V) is an essential metal for mammals and has different valence states. In blood, V is bound to serum transferrin (Tf), a glycoprotein which has two metal-binding sites, and carbonate is generally required for the binding. In this study, the binding patterns of V(III), V(IV), and V(V) to human serum Tf (hTf) were analyzed using an HPLC system equipped with an anion-exchange column and directly connected to a high-resolution inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometer for metal detection (51V). In affinity to hTf, the three ions were ranked V(III) > V(IV) > V(V) in the presence of bicarbonate and V(III) ≌ V(IV) > V(V) in the absence. Intermediates in the “open forms” binding to the respective sites were detected at the initial stage. V(IV) and V(V) were bound to the N-lobe site in the “closed form” and “open form,” respectively. In the absence of bicarbonate, V ions with respective valence states were bound to hTf in the “open form.” In terms of binding to hTf, tri-valent V was most favorable in the presence of bicarbonate. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Thirty-eight elements, including toxic cadmium, lead, mercury, silver and thallium, were determined in 18 species of wild edible mushrooms collected from several sites in Pomorskie Voivodeship in northern Poland in 1994. Elements were determined by double focused high resolution inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (HR-ICP-MS) and inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES), after wet digestion of the dried samples with concentrated nitric acid in closed PTFE vessels using a microwave oven. K, P and Mg were present at levels of mg/g dry matter; Na, Zn, Ca, Fe, Cu, Mn, Rb, Ag, Cd, Hg, Pb, Cs, Sr, Al and Si were present at µg/g levels, while Tl, In, Bi, Th, U, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, La, Lu and Ba were present at ng/g levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A column concentration-high resolution inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) determination was applied to measure the total dissolved concentrations of Fe, Co, Ni, Cu and Zn in seawater collected from the subarctic North Pacific (~45°N) and the Bering Sea in July–September 1997. Total adsorbable Mn was determined on board by column electrolysis preconcentration and chemiluminescence detection. The vertical profiles for Fe, Ni and Zn were nutrient-like. The deep water concentration of Fe was ~0.5 nM in the northeast Pacific (18°-140°W) and increased to ~1 nM in the northwest Pacific (161°E) and ~2 nM in the Bering Sea (57°N, 180°E). The deep water concentrations for Ni and Zn in the Bering Sea were also 1.3–2 times higher than in the North Pacific. The profiles for Co and Cu were examined in the subarctic North Pacific, and results obtained were consistent with previous reports. There was a significant correlation between the concentrations of Co and Mn except for surface mixed layer. The profiles for total adsorbable Mn were similar to the reported profiles for total dissolvable Mn. The deep water concentration of Mn in the Bering Sea was also 4 times higher than in the North Pacific. Iron and zinc were depleted in surface water of the subarctic North Pacific. The relationship between these trace elements and nutrients suggests that these elements could be a limiting factor of phytoplankton productivity. In the Bering Sea, surface water contained ~0.3 nM of Fe. The Zn concentration, which was less than the detection limit in surface water, increased at shallower depths (~30 m) compared with the subarctic North Pacific. These results imply a higher flux of Fe and Zn to surface water in the Bering Sea. This in turn may cause the ecosystem in the Bering Sea characterized by a dominance of diatoms and high regenerated production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]