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Adequate concentrations of human milk (HM) nutrients, including macro- and trace-elements, are essential for healthy growth and development of exclusively breastfed (EBF) infants. To monitor potential risk of deficiencies, and evaluate the effects of interventions like supplementation, accurate analysis is crucial. Even recent methods reporting on HM macro- and/or trace-elements describe multiple methodological approaches and the need for several milliliters. We optimized and validated a comprehensive method for simultaneous analysis of 13 macro- and trace-elements for simultaneous analysis by inductively-coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. 100-600 μL HM were microwave digested with ≤1.5 mL HNO3 (70 %). The digest was diluted to 5 % final acid concentration. He-Kinetic Energy Discrimination (KED; Na, K, P, Ca, Mg, Fe, Cu, Zn, Cr, Mo) and O2-Dynamic Reaction Cell (DRC; As, Mn, Se) modes minimized remaining interferences. Accuracy (NIST SRM 1869 infant formula; n = 15, 4 weeks) varied from 93.2 to 103 % (CV: 2.8-8.5 %) with trueness ranging from 93.9 to 104 %. Inter-day variation of a HM-pool (n = 20, 3 weeks) varied between 4.1 and 8.5 % for most elements; Cr, Mo, Mn (all80 %) with concentrations below the Adequate Intake. Our method allows for simultaneous and reproducible analysis of macro- and trace-elements with concentrations ranging over 6 orders of magnitude, without the need for separate analytics and sample preparations, and requiring only sub-milliliter amounts of HM. Additional elements may be included after optimization and validation. The results from Bangladeshi HM samples indicate selective supplementation effects and concerningly low concentrations for some elements, which could adversely affect the EBF infant.

In the formerly glaciated terrains in the northern hemisphere and countries such as Finland, till is the most common sediment covering the bedrock. Specifically, indicator or heavy mineral studies utilising till as a vector for mineral deposits undercover have been successful. The pyrite trace-element composition from in situ mineral analyses has been shown to be an effective discriminator between different mineral deposit types, and this has led to research using heavy mineral pyrite in till to identify potential mineral deposits in a given area. However, pyrite is easily oxidised in till beds, and thus, alternative methods should be considered. Goethite pseudomorphs are more commonly found in the till sediments as remnants after pyrite oxidation. This study evaluates trace element compositions of goethitised pyrite recovered in the till beds from central Lapland in northern Finland. Intra-grain trace-elemental variations gathered using laser-ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) between the intact pyrite core and oxidised rim demonstrated complex dynamics and variations between different trace-element values. For example, Cu, V and Mn exhibited elevated trace-element values in the goethite rim compared to the pyrite core. However, elemental ratios such as Ni/As and Co/Ni remain stable between the pyrite core and oxidised rim. Therefore, these ratios have the potential to be used as a discriminating tool between the pyrite core and oxidised rim. In addition, nanoscale variabilities using focused ion beam (FIB) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were utilised to inspect possible nano inclusions within the studied heavy mineral grain. The FIB and TEM studies revealed a nanocrystalline pyrite nodule observation within the goethite rim. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adequate concentrations of human milk (HM) nutrients, including macro- and trace-elements, are essential for healthy growth and development of exclusively breastfed (EBF) infants. To monitor potential risk of deficiencies, and evaluate the effects of interventions like supplementation, accurate analysis is crucial. Even recent methods reporting on HM macro- and/or trace-elements describe multiple methodological approaches and the need for several milliliters. We optimized and validated a comprehensive method for simultaneous analysis of 13 macro- and trace-elements for simultaneous analysis by inductively-coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. 100–600 μL HM were microwave digested with ≤1.5 mL HNO3 (70 %). The digest was diluted to 5 % final acid concentration. He-Kinetic Energy Discrimination (KED; Na, K, P, Ca, Mg, Fe, Cu, Zn, Cr, Mo) and O2-Dynamic Reaction Cell (DRC; As, Mn, Se) modes minimized remaining interferences. Accuracy (NIST SRM 1869 infant formula; n = 15, 4 weeks) varied from 93.2 to 103 % (CV: 2.8–8.5 %) with trueness ranging from 93.9 to 104 %. Inter-day variation of a HM-pool (n = 20, 3 weeks) varied between 4.1 and 8.5 % for most elements; Cr, Mo, Mn (all80 %) with concentrations below the Adequate Intake. Our method allows for simultaneous and reproducible analysis of macro- and trace-elements with concentrations ranging over 6 orders of magnitude, without the need for separate analytics and sample preparations, and requiring only sub-milliliter amounts of HM. Additional elements may be included after optimization and validation. The results from Bangladeshi HM samples indicate selective supplementation effects and concerningly low concentrations for some elements, which could adversely affect the EBF infant.

We seek to understand how copper and cadmium act on leaf litter decomposition by their effects on microbial conditioning and litter fragmentation by invertebrates. In this study, we evaluated, in an integrated manner, different biological elements responsible for functioning of streams. Thus, we performed a microcosm assay with different concentrations for the two metals and their combination, evaluating their effects on fungi sporulation rate, consumption rate by shredders, and, consequently, the leaf litter decomposition rates. Sporulation rates were affected by all copper concentrations tested 10 × = 16 µg L−1 and 25 × = 40 µg L−1) but significantly reduced only at the highest concentration of cadmium (25 × = 22.5 µg L−1). Increased copper and cadmium concentrations reduced the consumption of leaf litter by Phylloicus at 60%. The concentrations (10 × and 25 ×) of both metals resulted in a reduction in decomposition rates. When combined, copper and cadmium negatively affected microbial conditioning, consumption by shredders, and leaf litter decomposition. Increases in concentrations of copper and cadmium directly affected organic matter decomposition in aquatic environments. Thus, the presence of a high concentration of heavy metals in aquatic environments alters the functioning of ecosystems. As trace-elements occur in a combined manner in environments, our results show that the combined effects of different metals potentiate the negative effects on ecosystem processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the formerly glaciated terrains in the northern hemisphere and countries such as Finland, till is the most common sediment covering the bedrock. Specifically, indicator or heavy mineral studies utilising till as a vector for mineral deposits undercover have been successful. The pyrite trace-element composition from in situ mineral analyses has been shown to be an effective discriminator between different mineral deposit types, and this has led to research using heavy mineral pyrite in till to identify potential mineral deposits in a given area. However, pyrite is easily oxidised in till beds, and thus, alternative methods should be considered. Goethite pseudomorphs are more commonly found in the till sediments as remnants after pyrite oxidation. This study evaluates trace element compositions of goethitised pyrite recovered in the till beds from central Lapland in northern Finland. Intra-grain trace-elemental variations gathered using laser-ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) between the intact pyrite core and oxidised rim demonstrated complex dynamics and variations between different trace-element values. For example, Cu, V and Mn exhibited elevated trace-element values in the goethite rim compared to the pyrite core. However, elemental ratios such as Ni/As and Co/Ni remain stable between the pyrite core and oxidised rim. Therefore, these ratios have the potential to be used as a discriminating tool between the pyrite core and oxidised rim. In addition, nanoscale variabilities using focused ion beam (FIB) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were utilised to inspect possible nano inclusions within the studied heavy mineral grain. The FIB and TEM studies revealed a nanocrystalline pyrite nodule observation within the goethite rim.

The Norwegian Mother, Father and Child Cohort Study (MoBa) includes a nation-wide collection of deciduous teeth located in the MoBaTooth biobank. The aim of the present study is to create a baseline for early-life metal exposure using dentine biomarkers.Deciduous teeth were collected in the MoBaTooth biobank, a sub-study of the MoBa-study. This study uses 94 primary teeth from children with no known medical conditions at the age of 6 months, a normal birth weight (2500-4500g) and an equal number of teeth shed between 2008-2013 and 2014-2019. A total of 48 girls and 46 boys are included to create a baseline to characterise retrospective exposure to toxicants during multiple early-life developmental periods. Estimates of weekly prenatal and postnatal exposure to 18 metals by measuring dentine concentrations have been made using laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS).Temporal trends in dentine levels differed from metal to metal. Girls had higher postnatal dentine levels of Mn and Zn, compared to boys (p = 0.020 for postnatal Mn-levels, and p = 0.011 for postnatal Zn-levels).Deciduous teeth provide retrospective information on the intensity and timing of early-life metal exposure at weekly temporal resolution. Creating a baseline, future studies can use outcomes of conditions and illness in children in case-control-studies aiming at prevention. Using deciduous teeth, a novel noninvasive biomarker, characterising early-life exposure to 18 metals in approximately weekly increments during sensitive developmental periods extending from the second trimester to 4 months postnatally has been performed.

Since rainwater chemical composition can provide valuable information on sources of local air pollution in urbanized and industrialized areas, rainwaters have been collected in the southern Plain of the region known as Campania (located between Caserta and Napoli provinces, Southern Italy). This area is characterized by the presence of heavy traffic, industries, high activity of intensive agriculture and recently sadly known as "Land of Fires" due to illegal uncontrolled burnings. Monitoring of major elements and trace elements of each single rainy event was conducted from May 2016 to January 2017 in four sampling sites long the perpendicular to the coastline, taking into account the main direction of local winds, influenced by sea breeze, to study chemical evidences. Samples were divided in the field into two aliquots: one for the analysis of anions (Cl−, NO3− and SO42−) and cations (Na+, K+, Mg2+ and Ca2+) by ion chromatography, and another one filtered and acidified for the analysis of trace elements (B, Al, Si, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, Rb, Sr and Ba) by ICP-MS. Moreover, electrical conductivity (EC) and pH were determined just after the rainfall by a portable instrument and total alkalinity (as HCO3−) was determined in the field by titration with 0.01 M HCl and methyl orange as indicator. Results and data processing confirm that the vertical wash-out of the atmospheric layers closest to the soil is the main mineralization process. There is also chemical evidence linked to the hardest environmental risks, probably just to the illegal uncontrolled burnings and to the agriculture activity. In fact, the maximum values of NO3− and of SO42− obtained in this study are, respectively, 51.6 mg/l and 19.5 mg/l. Moreover, sea breeze has a lavage effect, as well as morphology can save the atmospheric composition despite polluting sites closeness. Therefore, this research has tried to find an innovative experimental design in the environmental risks assessment, which may lead to differently unknown results due to the diversity of sources and/or extension and/or morphology of the territories studied. This is due to the simultaneous application of points only recently introduced in other similar studies, which are the monitoring of trace elements, of single rainfall and the study of air dynamics too through water data. This experimental design has proven to be a first step very suitable for locating and detailing the hardest environmental risks despite geographical extension and complexity of the investigated region: all the trace elements have shown high R correlations with both NO3− and SO42− for specific individuated groups of data, as well as due to the specific probable polluting processes above. In the future, there should be a study on trace elements in air to compare with the values obtained in rainwater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trace elements play an important role in humans as some are essential for the proper functioning of the body while others may have negative impact in health. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) has been used for the determination of nine elements (Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Ti, V e Zn) in olive oil, soy oil and margarine. Samples were treated with nitric acid solution (10 % v/v) and heated at 50 °C for 30 min. This mixture was placed in an ultrasonic bath for 20 min, in order to obtain quantitative extraction of trace-elements into the acid solution, which was directly aspirated into the ICP-MS to be quantified, using analytical curves constructed with aqueous standards. This simple sample preparation procedure along with an efficient sample introduction strategy (using a Meinhard K3 nebulizer and a twister cyclonic spray chamber) facilitated the overall analytical process. Internal standardization with Rh was used to correct matrix effects and signal fluctuations. Limits of detection in the ng g−1 range were achieved for all elements and were appropriate for the intended application. The method was tested by the analysis of samples before and after fortification with metalo-organic standards and recoveries between 88 and 117% were achieved. The method was found to lead to reliable results using a fast and simple procedure.

Cr-spinels in the upper mantle peridotite xenoliths from two Late Mesozoic intrusions of alkaline-ultramafic rocks in Jetty Peninsula (East Antarctica) were studied in situ for their major and trace-element compositions by SEM and LA-ICP-MS. The upper mantle xenoliths were collected from the magmatic bodies "sampled" from different upper mantle domains. One domain was represented by mostly lherzolites (Cpx-poor Spl, Cpx-rich Spl and Spl-Grt) and another one by Spl harzburgites and dunites. Spinels occur as grains of different shapes, sizes and origins. Three main textural types of spinel were identified: primary spinel represented by clean homogeneous grains, a rim of recrystallization/resorption surrounding primary spinel grains and irregular interstitial resorbed grains. Primary spinels are characterized by the concentrations of Al2O3 21–51 wt%, MgO 15–20 wt%, FeO 10–24 wt% and Cr2O3 14–37 wt% with the Cr# of 0.16–0.54. Most trace elements are present in spinels in very low amounts. Only Ti, V, Mn, Co, Ni, Zn and Ga display concentrations in the range of tens to hundreds (up to thousands) ppm. Concentrations of other trace elements vary from below the detection limit to <10 ppm. Spinel major oxide and trace element features allowed the suggestion that the studied upper mantle peridotites represent both simple melt residues and residues strongly influenced by the MORB-like and the SSZ-related melts. The MORB-like melts may be related to the beginning of the Lambert–Amery rift system development, whereas SSZ-like melts could be related to reactivation of SSZ material buried during much earlier amalgamation of East Antarctica. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil contamination by excess heavy metals or trace elements is a global concern, as these elements are highly bioaccumulated in living organisms, migrating throughout the food chain, and causing health problems. Sustainable technologies, using plants, have been increasingly studied and used to contain, reduce, or extract these elements from the soil. In this sense, it is essential to identify plant species that tolerate certain elements, present high biomass production and are resistant to adverse soil conditions. For this reason, we evaluated the biomass production and tolerance of Cajanus cajan in response to different concentrations of copper (30, 60, 120, and 240 mg/dm3, in addition to the control treatment) in the soil, as well as the effect of this metal on photosynthetic pigments and gas exchange. C. cajan was sown in soil previously contaminated with copper sulfate and cultivated in a greenhouse for 60 days after emergence. C. cajan is copper tolerant, approximately 88% copper is accumulated in the roots and therefore there is low copper translocation to the shoot, consequently, the chlorophyll content, the net photosynthesis rate, carbon assimilation, dry biomass, the root system development, and nodulation were not affected by copper. C. cajan can be explored in strategies to improve soil conditions and is a promising species in soil phytoremediation studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tourmaline is an effective indicator mineral for porphyry Cu-Au-Mo exploration because the compositional and morphological features of tourmaline in such systems are distinct from those found in non-mineralized environments. The texture and chemistry of detrital tourmaline was investigated using local stream sediment samples in the vicinity of the Casino calc-alkalic porphyry Cu-Au-Mo deposit (Yukon, Canada) to identify prospective grains by comparing them to grains in bedrock samples from the deposit. Bulk stream sediment samples were collected up to 18 km downstream of the Casino deposit and as far as 30 km away in a drainage basin that does not contain any known porphyry Cu mineralization. Overall, a method combining the physical and chemical characteristics is effective in discriminating detrital tourmaline, including morphology (i.e., grain clusters), inclusion populations (i.e., lack of inclusions), crystal chemistry (i.e., Na-dominant X -site, Mg/Fe dominant Y -site, and OH−/O2− dominant W -site), and trace-element compositions (i.e., high Sr/Pb values and relatively low Zn/Cu values). Detrital tourmaline was evaluated on the basis of these parameters. Detrital grains are light brown to brown, sub- to euhedral, and range in texture from individual isolated grains to clusters of radiating aggregates. Tourmaline in the Casino deposit compositionally ranges from Fe-rich; 0.03–2.54 apfu , avg. 0.61 to Mg-rich, avg. 2.00 apfu , with a minor povondraite (Fe3+) component. Detrital tourmaline is similar in composition with Fe-rich; 0.03–3.73 apfu, avg. 1.04 to Mg-rich, 0.14–2.93 apfu , avg. 1.83 to tourmaline in bedrock at Casino. In both bedrock and detrital tourmaline, alkali- and alkaline-earth element concentrations are similar with Na > Ca > vacancy. The most relevant distinctions between tourmaline groups comes from grain morphology (i.e., clustered versus individual grains) and trace-element chemistry. A significant abundance of prospective porphyry Cu tourmaline grains (14 % of total recovered tourmaline in one sample) can be observed up to 18 km downstream from the Casino deposit (the current limit of sampling), while in drainages where there are no known porphyry Cu systems, tourmaline fitting these criteria is absent and reflect grains sourced from other geologic environments (e.g., pegmatitic, granitic, and metamorphic). This method provides a new addition to the indicator mineral toolbox for the exploration of porphyry Cu systems. • Detrital tourmaline from porphyry Cu systems can be distinguished from background grains. • Textures, major, and trace-element chemistry are required for effective classification. • Tourmaline morphology and inclusions can be just as effective as trace-elements for determining source. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study compared the detailed mineral profiles of milk from purebred Holstein (HO) and four generations (F1 to F4) of crossbred cows (CR) derived from a 3-breed rotational crossbreeding system involving Viking Red (VR) and Montbéliarde (MO) sires. Purebred and CR were kept and fed together in the same herd. Individual milk samples were collected once per cow from 120 multiparous cows (40 HO and 20 for each generation of CR from F1 to F4). The milk samples were analysed for macrominerals (Na, Mg, P, S, K, Ca), essential (Cr, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, Mo), and environmental microminerals (Li, B, Ba) using inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry. The coefficients of variation ranged from 11 to 28% for macrominerals and from 17 to 40% for microminerals. The mineral composition of milk from purebred HO and CR were mostly comparable. Conversely, it differed in different breed combinations of CR: VR-sired cows had the greatest macromineral contents, MO-sired cows the lowest, while HO-sired CR was intermediate. The milk from MO-sired crossbreds had lower contents of some microminerals (Mo, Zn, and Ba), while the milk from HO-sired crossbreds had greater contents (Fe and Mo). We conclude that the mineral profile of milk of CR derived from different combinations of VR, MO and HO breeds was comparable to that of milk from HO cows kept in the same herd, and that the variations in the macro- and micromineral profiles were greater among CR than between purebreds and crossbreds.Highlights The mineral composition affects the nutritional and technological properties of milk, and it is influenced by breed effect. Macro- and micromineral compositions of milk from Holstein and crossbred cows from a 3-breed rotational crossbreeding system were mostly comparable. Crossbred cows of different generations showed great variations in the macro- and micromineral profiles.

Adequate concentrations of human milk (HM) nutrients, including macro- and trace-elements, are essential for healthy growth and development of exclusively breastfed (EBF) infants. To monitor potential risk of deficiencies, and evaluate the effects of interventions like supplementation, accurate analysis is crucial. Even recent methods reporting on HM macro- and/or trace-elements describe multiple methodological approaches and the need for several milliliters. We optimized and validated a comprehensive method for simultaneous analysis of 13 macro- and trace-elements for simultaneous analysis by inductively-coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. 100-600 μL HM were microwave digested with ≤1.5 mL HNO 3 (70 %). The digest was diluted to 5 % final acid concentration. He-Kinetic Energy Discrimination (KED; Na, K, P, Ca, Mg, Fe, Cu, Zn, Cr, Mo) and O 2 -Dynamic Reaction Cell (DRC; As, Mn, Se) modes minimized remaining interferences. Accuracy (NIST SRM 1869 infant formula; n = 15, 4 weeks) varied from 93.2 to 103 % (CV: 2.8-8.5 %) with trueness ranging from 93.9 to 104 %. Inter-day variation of a HM-pool (n = 20, 3 weeks) varied between 4.1 and 8.5 % for most elements; Cr, Mo, Mn (all<5 μg L -1 ) had higher variation, up to 25 %. Analyzing HM from 18 Bangladeshi mothers (2-4 months postpartum; day 1 = baseline, n = 17; day 2/3 = supplementation, n = 21 each) revealed higher concentrations for P, Ca, and Zn post-supplementation (p < 0.05, Friedman's Chi-Square Test). Na, Mg, Zn, and Se had the highest number of samples (>80 %) with concentrations below the Adequate Intake. Our method allows for simultaneous and reproducible analysis of macro- and trace-elements with concentrations ranging over 6 orders of magnitude, without the need for separate analytics and sample preparations, and requiring only sub-milliliter amounts of HM. Additional elements may be included after optimization and validation. The results from Bangladeshi HM samples indicate selective supplementation effects and concerningly low concentrations for some elements, which could adversely affect the EBF infant., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this article., (© 2024 The Author(s).)

Despite the general lack of studies that use reptiles as bioindicators, the value of freshwater turtles and crocodilians in ecotoxicology has been proven, due to their importance as sentinel species. The aim of this study was to compile information on the use of freshwater turtles and crocodilians as environmental biomonitors of inorganic element contamination. We searched for articles in databases using specific keywords. A total of 104 studies published between the years 1970 and 2020 were collected. We noted a general increase in the number of studies involving turtles and crocodilians during the study time period. The Order Testudines were the subjects of 46% of the analysed publications, and the Order Crocodylia accounted for 54%. Within these studies, we counted 39 species (turtles n = 29 and crocodilians n = 10). Forty chemical elements were evaluated in the analysed articles, of which the majority represented non-essential elements (Hg, Cd, Pb). Although internal organs constituted the main biological matrix chosen for each group (37%), we observed an increase in the use of non-destructive matrices in both groups (scale, blood, tail muscle, carapace). The majority of analysed studies used HNO3 for the sample decomposition, with the majority of analyses being performed using atomic absorption spectroscopy (53%). Mainly blank controls (19%), analyte recovery (18%) and replicates (18%) were used as methods of validating analytical procedures. Furthermore, the studies used certified reference materials, which measure the accuracy of the methods used. We conclude that the increase in the use of aquatic reptiles in environmental monitoring research is mainly due to their ability to reveal integrated changes in ecosystems, aiding in environmental public policy decision-making and effective management plans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cr-spinels in the upper mantle peridotite xenoliths from two Late Mesozoic intrusions of alkaline-ultramafic rocks in Jetty Peninsula (East Antarctica) were studied in situ for their major and trace-element compositions by SEM and LA-ICP-MS. The upper mantle xenoliths were collected from the magmatic bodies “sampled” from different upper mantle domains. One domain was represented by mostly lherzolites (Cpx-poor Spl, Cpx-rich Spl and Spl-Grt) and another one by Spl harzburgites and dunites. Spinels occur as grains of different shapes, sizes and origins. Three main textural types of spinel were identified: primary spinel represented by clean homogeneous grains, a rim of recrystallization/resorption surrounding primary spinel grains and irregular interstitial resorbed grains. Primary spinels are characterized by the concentrations of Al2O3 21–51 wt%, MgO 15–20 wt%, FeO 10–24 wt% and Cr2O3 14–37 wt% with the Cr# of 0.16–0.54. Most trace elements are present in spinels in very low amounts. Only Ti, V, Mn, Co, Ni, Zn and Ga display concentrations in the range of tens to hundreds (up to thousands) ppm. Concentrations of other trace elements vary from below the detection limit to

This study compared the detailed mineral profiles of milk from purebred Holstein (HO) and four generations (F1 to F4) of crossbred cows (CR) derived from a 3-breed rotational crossbreeding system involving Viking Red (VR) and Montbéliarde (MO) sires. Purebred and CR were kept and fed together in the same herd. Individual milk samples were collected once per cow from 120 multiparous cows (40 HO and 20 for each generation of CR from F1 to F4). The milk samples were analysed for macrominerals (Na, Mg, P, S, K, Ca), essential (Cr, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, Mo), and environmental microminerals (Li, B, Ba) using inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry. The coefficients of variation ranged from 11 to 28% for macrominerals and from 17 to 40% for microminerals. The mineral composition of milk from purebred HO and CR were mostly comparable. Conversely, it differed in different breed combinations of CR: VR-sired cows had the greatest macromineral contents, MO-sired cows the lowest, while HO-sired CR was intermediate. The milk from MO-sired crossbreds had lower contents of some microminerals (Mo, Zn, and Ba), while the milk from HO-sired crossbreds had greater contents (Fe and Mo). We conclude that the mineral profile of milk of CR derived from different combinations of VR, MO and HO breeds was comparable to that of milk from HO cows kept in the same herd, and that the variations in the macro- and micromineral profiles were greater among CR than between purebreds and crossbreds. The mineral composition affects the nutritional and technological properties of milk, and it is influenced by breed effect. Macro- and micromineral compositions of milk from Holstein and crossbred cows from a 3-breed rotational crossbreeding system were mostly comparable. Crossbred cows of different generations showed great variations in the macro- and micromineral profiles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pigeon breeding is an activity with tradition in Romania, because their meat is a very valuable food product. The aim of the current paper is to investigate the effect of a dietary supplement (containing trace elements, vitamins and amino acids) used by pigeon fanciers for growing pigeon chicks. Another goal is to investigate whether the dietary supplement has effects on the erythrogram of pigeon chicks. The obtained results showed that the dietary supplement, due to its components, determined an intensification of the growth rate of pigeon chicks, so it can be used successfully for this purpose. Regarding the erythrogram, there were observed significant increases in the number of erythrocytes and hemoglobin (which demonstrates an intensification of erythropoiesis) and decreases in MCV and MCH (which demonstrates that the intensification of erythropoiesis is accompanied by the installation of microcytosis and hypochromia). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The synergistic relationship between arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and plant species may play a key role in phytoremediation of arsenic(As)-contaminated soils. By using modified Leonard jars, we investigated both the distinct and integrative roles of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF–Acaulospora scrobiculata) and rhizobia (BH-ICB-A8) isolated from As-contaminated soil on the capacity of Anadenanthera peregrina to reclaim arsenate [As(V)] from soil. AMF inoculation greatly increased plant phosphorous nutrition, as reflected in greater growth, and increased As-concentrations in the roots and shoots. While rhizobia inoculation alone increased nitrogen nutrition it did not promote plant growth or As-uptake. Rhizobia and AMF inoculation together had synergistic effects, however, increasing both the growth and the As-phytoremediation capacity of A. peregrina. Joint inoculation with rhizobia and AMF should therefore be considered a potential technique for rehabilitating As-contaminated areas using A. peregrina. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Considering the growing interest in functional foods, the identification of the individual species of elements is of great importance in understanding specific nutraceutical properties. The present study aims to compare the dynamic of the elemental content (K, Na, Ca, Mg, Fe, Cu, Zn, Mn, Ni, and Se), total polyphenols, and antioxidant activity of Trifolium pratense L. and Medicago sativa L. sprouts in different germination stages. The elemental profile was established by atomic absorption spectroscopy after the microwave acid digestion of the samples, while total polyphenols and anti-radical activity were evaluated by UV-Vis spectroscopic methods. Phenolic compounds and anti-radical activity of both alfalfa and red clover sprouts varied with germination stages. Germination can significantly increase the anti-radical activity in the first 3 days of germination, followed by a decline in the following days. An increase in total polyphenols was noticed, starting from the second day of germination in both plant species. There were significant (p < 0.05) differences for Ca, Na, Fe, K, Zn, and Mg contents among the sprouts, depending on the germination stage and plant species. The calcium contents of alfalfa ranged between 200.74 µg/g DW (raw seeds) and 2765.31 µg/g DW (sprouted), while in red clover between 250.83 µg/g DW and 601.59 µg/g DW. Maximum selenium content in alfalfa sprouts, reached in the 3rd day of germination (11.42 µg/g DW), exceeded the maximum value measured in red clover (9.42 µg/g DW). The data were subject to statistical processing using analysis of variance (ANOVA), multivariate analysis (PCA) and hierarchical clustering analysis (HCA). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Valencianite has been described as a variety of K-feldspar (adularia) from La Valenciana mine, Guanajuato, Mexico, from which three samples were used for this study. We present new major and trace element analysis, X-ray powder diffraction with Rietveld refinement, and single-crystal 40Ar/39Ar ages of this classical mineral. A detailed review of major works on feldspars and relevant papers from adularia shows that the structure of this mineral has monoclinic and triclinic domains with variable degrees of Al/Si order that we have been only able to model by powder X-ray diffraction assuming the presence of monoclinic (~50%) plus triclinic (~50%) K-feldspar. The literature data show some extreme structural states for adularia obtained in the pre-Rietveld refinement era; these data are dubious and need to be reanalyzed. A triangular diagram using the relative development of {110}, {010} and {001} faces is proposed. The temperature of formation, the Na/K ratio, and the growth kinetics seem to be the main factors controlling the morphological changes in K-feldspar crystals. The geochemistry of valencianite shows an almost pure orthoclase composition, as is common in most adularia crystals, although compositions up to Or90Ab10 have been found. Measurement of thallium in adularia can be an exploration guide for ore deposits. The weighted mean of 15 40Ar/39Ar analyses of one valencianite from La Valenciana mine gave an age of 30.43 ± 0.27 Ma (2 standard deviations). It is discussed whether valencianite can be considered a new mineral.

Detrital zircon U/Pb geochronology is a common tool used to resolve stratigraphic questions, inform basin evolution and constrain regional geological histories. In favourable circumstances, detrital zircon populations can contain a concomitant volcanic contribution that provides constraints on the age of deposition. However, for non-volcanic settings, proving isolated detrital zircon grains are from contemporaneous and potentially remote volcanism is challenging. Here we use same grain (U–Th)/He thermochronology coupled with U/Pb geochronology to identify detrital zircon grains of contemporary volcanic origin. (U–Th)/He ages from Cretaceous zircon grains in southern Australia define a single population with a weighted mean age of 104 ± 6.1 Ma, indistinguishable from zircon U/Pb geochronology and palynology (∼104.0–107.5 Ma). Detrital zircon trace-element geochemistry is consistent with a continental signature for parent rocks and coupled with detrital grain ages, supports derivation from a >2000 km distant early- to mid-Cretaceous Whitsunday Volcanic Province in eastern Australia. Thus, integration of biostratigraphy, single-grain zircon double-dating (geochronology and thermochronology) and grain geochemistry enhances fingerprinting of zircon source region and transport history. A distal volcanic source and rapid continental-scale transport to southern Australia is supported here. Image 1 • Integrated thermochronology-geochronology-geochemistry resolves detrital zircon histories. • Coupled (U-Th)/He and U-Pb chronology can help distinguish volcanic zircon components. • Cretaceous zircons on the Madura Shelf rapidly deposited after volcanic genesis. • Madura Shelf zircon trace-elements support an origin in eastern Australian volcanics. • No evidence for Mesozoic volcanism in Bight Basin, southern Australia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Continental rifting and associated magmatism can eventually result in the formation of new ocean basins. However, the characteristics of magmatism in the latest stages of rifting are poorly understood. The Erta-Ale volcanic segment (EAVS) in the Danakil Depression of Afar, Ethiopia, provides a unique natural laboratory in which to investigate how magma generation evolves during the shift from continental rifting to oceanic spreading. Here we present new trace element data combined with Sr-Nd-Pb isotope ratios for three volcanoes, Alu, Dalafilla and Borale, in the north of the EAVS. These data shed light on the changes in melt production and storage that occur at this late stage in the rifting cycle. Elevated Ce/Pb and ΔNb (33–48, 0.25–0.47 respectively) of the basalts, alongside Sr-Nd-Pb isotope geochemistry indicate the presence of a HIMU component, supplied by the Afar plume, together with contamination by the crust. Melting conditions, estimated using the trace element ratios, Sm n /Yb n , Dy n /Yb n and Ce n /Sm n , indicate that magmas were primarily derived from spinel lherzolite (85–90%) with minor garnet lherzolite (10–15%) with a melt fraction of ~4%. Melt-mantle equilibrium depths are estimated to be on the order of 64 to 83 km, shallower than that previously inferred within Afar. We suggest that this is likely a result of the increased plate thinning beneath the EAVS compared to other parts of Afar. Basaltic volcanics are found to exhibit heterogeneous Sr-Nd-Pb isotope compositions whilst more evolved rocks (i.e., SiO 2 ≥52 wt%) exhibit consistent radiogenic compositions. This indicates that homogenisation of all melt compositions occurs prior to or during melt differentiation, with the latter process occurring rapidly in the upper crust with minimal crustal contamination. Overall whilst the Afar plume appears to be the dominant mantle component in the volcanic rocks, the melt characteristics and magmatic storage conditions beneath the EAVS shows variability that is likely controlled by a dynamic interplay between rifting and mantle processes. [Display omitted] • Afar plume may have a heterogeneous isotopic signature and assimilates crust. • Melting onset occurs in garnet stability field with most melting in spinel field. • Erta-Ale Volcanic Segment shows varied melt abundance over evolution. • Homogenisation in an interlinked magma storage system occurs prior to fractionation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The evaluation of the concentration of a potentially toxic element (PTE) in soils under native vegetation is the base study to obtain the quality reference values (QRVs), and the watershed is the strategic planning unit for decision making. The objective of this study was to determine the natural concentrations of As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn and to establish QRVs for the Verruga river basin. Soils with no or minimal anthropic intervention from the surface layer (0.0–0.2 m) were collected and processed, and PTEs were extracted according to the USEPA 3051A method and determined by ICP‒OES. The quality of the analyses was checked by blank tests and soil samples certified SRM 2709 - San Joaquin Soil. The data set was subjected to exploratory analysis and multivariate statistics. The mean background concentrations of PTEs in soils showed high variability compared to other locations in Brazil and in the world and were (mg kg−1) Fe (24,300) > Mn (211.10) > Cr (40.98) > Zn (28.28) > Cu (10.68) > Ni (9.44) > Pb (4.95) > Co (4.08) > As (3.48) > Cd (0.09). The QRVs for the PTEs were established based on the 75th percentile, where (mg kg−1) Mn (124.59) > Cr (54.51) > Zn (31.66) > Cu (7.89) > Ni (7.20) > Pb (5.98) > As (4.05) > Co (3.40) > Cd (0.10). The chemical attributes and topography variation along the watershed are very heterogeneous and influence the dynamics of the PTEs. This survey will support future research on the impact of human activities on soil contamination in the watershed. This survey will support future research on environmental monitoring and the impacts caused by increased human activities on soil contamination in the Verruga river watershed, in the state of Bahia, Brazil. [Display omitted] • Parent material, relief and grain size affect potential toxic element distribution. • Background values of the studied elements differ from other watersheds and countries. • Quality reference values were established based on the 75th and 90th percentiles. • To maintain soil health, this assessment can help government agencies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pequi (Caryocar brasiliense Camb.), a typical fruit of the Brazilian Cerrado, is an important source of micronutrients and fatty acids. In this work, a new approach for the acid digestion (using H2SO4, HNO3 and H2O2) of pequi oil samples and the determination of Cu, Fe, Zn and Mn by flame atomic absorption spectrometry (F AAS) was employed. Capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE) was used for free fatty acid (FFA) determination after simple and fast extraction with heated ethanol. Good results regarding precision (RSD < 10%, in most cases), sensitivity and adequate LOD and LOQ values were obtained. The accuracy was evaluated using spike tests and the recoveries were from 97 to 107%. The analytes were investigated in four different pequi oil samples. Fe was the trace element with the highest concentration (from 1.99 to 10.3 mg/100 g), followed by Zn, Mn and Cu (1.15 to 3.19, 0.42 to 0.91 and 0.31 to 0.56 mg/100 g, respectively). The main FFA found were oleic acid and palmitic acid (1.61 to 10.7 and 0.82 to 2.69 g/100 g, respectively), while linoleic acid (0.50 g/100 g) was detected in only one sample. The pequi oil chemical composition showed good characteristics to be used as a food additive, in cosmetic formulations and for traditional medicine.

Considering the growing interest in functional foods, the identification of the individual species of elements is of great importance in understanding specific nutraceutical properties. The present study aims to compare the dynamic of the elemental content (K, Na, Ca, Mg, Fe, Cu, Zn, Mn, Ni, and Se), total polyphenols, and antioxidant activity of Trifolium pratense L. and Medicago sativa L. sprouts in different germination stages. The elemental profile was established by atomic absorption spectroscopy after the microwave acid digestion of the samples, while total polyphenols and anti-radical activity were evaluated by UV-Vis spectroscopic methods. Phenolic compounds and anti-radical activity of both alfalfa and red clover sprouts varied with germination stages. Germination can significantly increase the anti-radical activity in the first 3 days of germination, followed by a decline in the following days. An increase in total polyphenols was noticed, starting from the second day of germination in both plant species. There were significant (p < 0.05) differences for Ca, Na, Fe, K, Zn, and Mg contents among the sprouts, depending on the germination stage and plant species. The calcium contents of alfalfa ranged between 200.74 µg/g DW (raw seeds) and 2765.31 µg/g DW (sprouted), while in red clover between 250.83 µg/g DW and 601.59 µg/g DW. Maximum selenium content in alfalfa sprouts, reached in the 3rd day of germination (11.42 µg/g DW), exceeded the maximum value measured in red clover (9.42 µg/g DW). The data were subject to statistical processing using analysis of variance (ANOVA), multivariate analysis (PCA) and hierarchical clustering analysis (HCA).

Surface sediment samples were collected at 13 sites from Liuye Lake and its adjacent waters. Heavy metals in samples were extracted by a total digestion technique and then the concentrations of Ni, Cr, Cd, Pb, Cu, Zn and As were measured by using ICP-MS. Spatial distribution, source and ecologic risk assessment of heavy metals in the sediments were investigated based on concentrations determined. The results showed that the average concentrations of Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Cd and Pb were 62.3, 40.6, 32.8, 223, 16.9, 0.74 and 31.5 mg kg−1, respectively, which are higher than background concentrations. The enrichment factors further indicated that the heavy metals in sediments reached to the level of deficiency to minor contamination. Toxicity assessment based on the SQGs suggested that these heavy metals might pose a detrimental effect on benthic organisms. The average toxic units of heavy metals declined as the following order Ni > As > Zn > Cr > Pb > Cd > Cu, indicating toxic effect was dependent on both their concentrations and relative toxicity. The risk index values of heavy metals ranged from 40 to 200 and the heavy metals at the sites of S3-S13 even reached to the grade of moderate risk. The results of Pearson’s correlation coefficient analysis, principle component analysis and dual hierarchical clustering analysis indicated that the distribution of Cr, Cu and Pb was related to discharge of wastewater. Besides, wastewater of nickel plating plate and fertilizer might be the sources of Ni and Zn, respectively. In addition, atmospheric deposition was regarded as the main source of As and the source of Cd might be related with industrial wastewater. Hence, it is advised that further management and pollution control should be implemented for the seven heavy metals in Liuye Lake and its adjacent waters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) and a biochar array were used to reduce sulfate concentrations and the levels of metals in acid mine drainage (AMD) waters. Cow manure SRB-enriched biochar promoted sulfate reductions of 41% compared to original AMD, and 39% compared to other treatments (control, AMD sediment, sludge). Treatments reduced levels of all analyzed metals below Brazilian official standards. DGGE showed a significant relation between SRB-source and SRB-structural community, where cow manure and sludge presented the more cohesive community structure throughout the monitoring (180 days). The study showed that AMD treatment alternatives can be applied and are effective in reducing the contamination of wastewaters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Highlights • We report the first detailed study of metamorphosed sulphide-rich mantle-hosted chromitites. • High tenors of PGEs are directly related to the proportion of Ni-Fe-Cu sulphides. • Mineralization of precious and base metals linked to metasomatism of chromitite by alkaline melts. • Metamorphism modified chemistry, microstructure and PGE contents of chromitite. Abstract The upper mantle rocks of the metamorphosed ophiolite of Chernichevo, Rhodope Metamorphic Complex in southern Bulgaria, host small chromite ores with unusual mineralization of base-metal sulphides rich in platinum-group elements. Mineralogical and chemical data indicate that after their formation in the mantle the Chernichevo's chromite ores were modified by the intrusion of an alkaline mafic melt, which resulted in the precipitation of a suite of metasomatic minerals (sulphides, calcite, apatite and ilmenite), accompanied by an increase in FeO, TiO 2 , Ga, Zn, Vn, Mn, and especially Ti and Fe 2 O 3 contents in the chromite. The degree of chemical modification and abundance of metasomatic minerals are positively correlated and mark the extent of reaction of the chromitite with the intruding melt. Sulphide segregation promoted the concentration of high amounts of PGEs (up to 3661 ppb), particularly Pt and Pd, yielding chromite ores with a typical flat to positive-sloped chondrite-normalized pattern. Subsequently, the chromite ores were deformed and metamorphosed together with their host rocks at ultra-high pressure (UHP) (>2.5 GPa, >1200 °C) to be later retrograded under eclogite and finally hydrous amphibolite-facies conditions, giving rise to three microstructural types. Metamorphism of the most metasomatized (i.e., sulphide-rich) chromitites at temperatures >700 °C within the conditions of UHP and eclogite-facies resulted in the formation of (1) non-porous recrystallized chromite , consisting of a granoblastic microstructure made-up of coarse-grained blasts and finer-grained chromite neoblasts. In contrast, hydrous metamorphism on the less metasomatized (i.e., sulphide-poor) chromitite under the conditions of amphibolite-facies (ca. 482–483 °C) resulted in the formation of (2) partly altered chromite , characterized by unaltered cores surrounded by Fe2+-rich and Al-depleted porous chromite containing abundant clinochlore, and (3) porous chromite corresponding to a chromite that was entirely transformed by the metamorphic alteration to Fe2+-rich and Al-depleted porous chromite. During metamorphism magmatic Ni-Fe-Cu sulphides originally formed during the metasomatic event in the mantle were altered, resulting in a major leaching of Cu-rich sulphides, leading to significant remobilization of Pt and Pd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed at assessing trace element concentrations in two representative estuaries of Ghana (Pra and Ankobra) affected by gold-mining, relative to the levels of the unaffected Volta estuary. Surficial sediments ( n  = 16–17) were sampled at each estuary and analysed by ICP-MS for 25 elements after pseudo-total digestion. The enrichment and geoaccumulation indexes revealed a moderate to significant contamination of As, Ag and Cu in the Pra and Ankobra estuaries. Spatial maps of concentrations revealed non-localized sources. High As concentrations were attributable to runoff transport and sedimentation of gold mining-tailing particles, as suggested by results from granulometric distributions, correlation and PCA analysis. The probabilities of surpassing the probable effects level (PEL) were 77% for As, 50% for Cr and 27% for Ni in Ankobra; these values were of 13%, 23% and 10% for the Pra. Results reveal potential future implications on ecosystems and human health in these both estuaries as result of the gold-mining activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Chronic-Kidney-Disease of Unknown-etiology (CKDu) has been reported in developing-countries like Sri-Lanka, India and Central-America without sparing the Indian sub-district (namely Canacona) located in south-Goa. The disease etiology is unlinked to common causes of diabetes and hypertension and assumed to be environmentally induced due to its asymptomatic-nature and occurrence in groundwater relying communities. This study aimed to understand environmental risk-factors underlying CKDu-etiology using Indian sub-district (Canacona) as case-study. Biochemical-analysis of CKDu-affected and non-affected individual's blood and detailed hydro-geochemical analyses of CKDu-affected and non-affected region's groundwater (drinking-water)were conducted. Trace geogenic-element-silica was highly dominant in affected-region's groundwater, thus its nephrotoxic-potential was analysed via in-vitro cytotoxicity-assays on human-kidney-cell-lines. All CKDu-affected-subjects showed increased-levels of serum-urea (52.85 mM),creatinine (941.5 μM),uric-acid (1384.5 μM), normal blood-glucose (4.65 mM), being distinct biomarkers of environmentally-induced CKD-‘chronic-tubulo-interstitial-nephritis’. Affected-subjects reported high blood-lead levels (1.48 μM)suggesting direct-nephrotoxicity resulting in impaired blood-clearance and also exhibits indirect-nephrotoxicity by disrupting calcium-homeostasis causing skeletal-disorders and prolonged-consumption of NSAID's (pain-alleviation), indirectly causing renal-damage. Affected-region's groundwater was acidic (pH-5.6), resulting in borderline-lead (9.98 μgL −1 ) and high-silica (115.5 mgL −1 )contamination. Silica's bio-availability (determining its nephrotoxicity) was enhanced at groundwater's acidic-pH and Ca-Mg-deficient-composition (since these cations complex with silica reducing bioavailability). Silica exhibited renal-proximal-tubular-cytotoxicity on long-term exposure comparable with affected-region's groundwater silica-levels, by apoptosis-mediated-cell-death resulting in tubular-atrophy, interstitial-fibrosis and irreversible renal-damage (CKD). Thus this study provides novel-insights into nephrotoxic-potential of trace-geogenic-element-silica in CKDu causation. It highlights direct-indirect nephrotoxicity exhibited by lead at low-levels due to its bio-accumulative-capacity. Silica's nephrotoxic-potential can be considered when deciphering etiology of CKDu-problem in developing-countries (relying on groundwater). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Detrital zircon U-Pb data acquired on samples from Boothia-Somerset. • Three assemblages were recognized. • Data reveal a complex and prolonged depositional history spanning>600Myr. Boothia Peninsula–Somerset Island is an under-explored frontier region of Arctic Canada, long considered part of the Rae craton, that exposes widespread semipelitic rocks with minor quartzite, marble, and calc-silicate, and late Neoarchean-Paleoproterozoic plutonic rocks. Detrital zircon U-Pb SHRIMP analyses constrain the timing of deposition and provenance of three sequences. An older clastic succession (sequence 1), deposited after ca. 2500 Ma, is characterized by major modes at 2560–2510 Ma, consistent with unroofing of Boothia basement rocks and local derivation of detrital grains. Minimal detritus representative of Rae craton (i.e., 2970 Ma, 2790–2600 Ma) suggests the basin formed either at a thin margin of the western Rae craton or as part of a distinct terrane (Boothia-Somerset) separate from the western Rae craton at ca. 2500 Ma. An extensional setting during deposition of sequence 1 may relate to slab retreat. Texturally and chemically mature quartzite (sequence 2) was deposited between 2280 and 2020 Ma in a shallow or beach-like environment indicative of a passive-margin setting. Younger clastic rocks (sequence 3) associated with, and thought to overlie, carbonate strata are characterized by a significant population of 2020–1970 Ma detrital grains, consistent with exhumation of the Thelon magmatic arc and deposition of its detritus between 1960 and 1940 Ma. Overall, this detrital dataset highlights a polycyclic ca. 600 million year evolutionary history on, or outboard of, a thinned Rae cratonic margin. These results strengthen the possible linkages to the central and northern Canadian Shield and open up the potential for a distinct ribbon terrane, which may have connections to the China and Yangtze cratons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]