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Insects represent a valuable and environmentally friendly protein alternative in food and feed. The Farm to Fork strategy encouraged the reintroduction of animal by-products in feed production to optimise recycling and to valorise under-used resources. In order to grant safe and valuable feed products, this study investigated the black soldier fly (BSF) (Hermetia illucens) chemical risk. Samples collected in different steps of production (8 samples of substrate for culturing, 7 samples of larvae, 15 samples of protein meal, 18 samples of spent substrate) were analysed for microessential elements (chromium, copper, iron, nickel, selenium and zinc) and inorganic contaminants (aluminium, arsenic, cadmium, lead, tin and vanadium) by Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer (ICP-MS). Microessential elements were found in the following order: Fe > Zn > Cu > Ni > Se > Cr (mg kg−1). Non-essential element concentrations were found lower than the set limits according to the European Union Regulations. The growing demand for alternative protein sources for feed production could be partially compensated by black soldier fly (BSF) (Hermetia illucens) meal, as it appears a good source for high-quality proteins and microessential elements which play a pivotal role in animal growth. In the foreseeable future the current legislation and the official monitoring plans may be implemented and broaden, to focus and assess limits for upcoming matrices, and to ensure feed and food safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Agro-Environment Science is the property of Journal of Agro-Environment Science Editorial Board and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Objective To establish and optimize a method for the determination of aluminum (Al) residue by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Methods Nitric acid solution was used to treat samples and standards. The concentration of nitric acid solution and equipment parameters were optimized, and the specificity, linearity, repeatability, accuracy, detection limit, quantitative limit and intermediate precision of the optimized detection method were investigated to confirm whether it was suitable for the determination of Al residue in human serum albumin. Results The concentration of nitric acid was 5%, and digest time was 4 h. The equipment condition of ICP-MS was as follows: RF power: 1600 W, sampling depth: 10 mm, atomizer / carrier gas flow rate: 1.0 L/ min, compensation flow rate: 0.5 L/ min, experimental mode: standard mode, integration time: 0.2 s, data acquisition: 3 times. Specificity: The recoveries of Al: 92% (high concentration, RSD=3.5%), 98% (low concentration, RSD=4.9%). Linearity: In the range of (0~40) μg/L, the correlation coefficient between concentration and optical energy signal (CPS) of standard / sample were higher than 0.999 0. Accuracy/ Repeatability: The recoveries of sample (3 concentration): 108% (RSD=4.7%), 110% (RSD=4.9%) and 110% (RSD=2.8%). The detection limit was 0.006 μg/L, and the quantitation limit was 0.019 μg/L. Intermediate precision: personnel factor and date factor, P>0.05, RSD (12 times)=2%. Comparison between ICP-MS and atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS): the deviation between ICP-MS and AAS was 8%, and that of samples was 3%, with no significant difference noticed between the two methods. Conclusion After optimization, ICP-MS method has shown good performance in terms of specificity, linearity, repeatability, accuracy, detection limit, quantitative limit and intermediate precision, and is suitable for the determination of Al residue in human albumin products of our company.

Background: Metalworkers are said to have heavy exposure to metals, but the amount of released metal ions from alloys and deposition on the hands is unknown. Objective: To analyze nickel, cobalt, and chromium in vitro release to the artificial sweat from nails and wire made of different alloys, and to test metal deposition on the fingers of metalworkers. Material and Methods: Six different samples of nails and wire were kept in artificial sweat for 24 hours and one week, respectively. The metal release was determined by atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS). Eighty‐eight consecutive metal plant workers immersed their index fingers and thumbs in separate laboratory tubes filled with deionized water for 2 minutes. The sample analysis for metals was carried out with an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICP‐MS). Results: The average released concentration of Ni was 0.0012 μg/cm2, for Co it was 0.0007 μg/cm2, and for Cr 0.0037 μg/cm2 after 24 hours and 0.0135, 0.0029, and 0.0042 μg/cm2, respectively, after 1 week. There was a statistically significant increase in released concentration of Ni during one week: 0.0012 μg/cm2 vs 0.0135 μg/cm2 (P =.04). Medians of the detected Co amount on fingers reflected a statistically significant difference between workplaces: 0.004 μg/cm2 for metalworkers vs 0.001 μg/cm2 for office staff (P =.04). Conclusion: Nickel (Ni), cobalt (Co), and chromium (Cr) can be released in different concentrations from nails and wire. Detected Ni and Cr levels can elicit dermatitis in already sensitized patients. Co can be extracted from alloys even if not mentioned on material safety data sheets. The finger immersion technique was used for cobalt and chromium detection on fingers for the first time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) is usually coupled with solution pneumatic nebulizer sampling system, whose detection efficiency is low when measured in series mode. Based on the double-layer six-way multi-way valve, a double sample ring sampling system was designed, which could improve the detection efficiency by changing the connection mode of the sampling system. This system connected with pneumatic nebulizer, one loop was loading sample, the other loop was detecting. The detection time was saved by two-way parallel mode. Determination of different numbers of elements needed different length loop. The correlation coefficients of calibration curves of Sc, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, As, Co, Ni, Cu, Pb, Zn, Cd, Li, Sr, Ba, Co, U, and Th are greater than 0.999, and the precisions (n=5) are less than 5%. 1, 6, 12, 18, and 32 elements were determinted, their detection time was saved 45%, 35%, 27%, 21%, 16%, respectively. The number of elements is fewer, the improvement of the efficiency is higher. Compared with standard method, the limits of detection and sensitivity of this system have no significant difference. The double sampling loops system has no significant memory effect. The two-layer six-way multi-way valve switched manually and owned automation prospect. This system is high efficient, fast and simple, easy to realize automation, and more possibilities to use with other instruments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Food Research & Development is the property of Food Research & Development Editorial Department and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

To improve the sensitivity of an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICP-MS), the analytes ions must be transmitted from the plasma through the interfacial region as efficient as possible. Understanding transport behaviors of analytes from the plasma through the sampling cone require knowledge of analytes spatial distributions at the tip of the sampling cone. Relying on laser induced fluorescence technique, the temperature variations of the plasma and spatial distribution of barium at the tip of the sampling cone of an ICP under a seris of experimental conditions were investigated. The result shows that ICP incident power and nebulizer flow have significant impact on the atomization and ionization of analytes. However, higher ICP incident power does not mean higher efficiency of analytes reaching the sampling cone. The results can provide some guides to design improvement of a commercial ICP-MS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Our study evaluates Mn and Ni in EBC as an indicator of exposure to welding fumes. [•] Concentrations of Mn and Ni in EBC of welders are higher than unexposed subjects. [•] Levels of Mn and Ni in EBC are correlated with the cumulative indices of exposure. [•] Levels of Mn and Ni in EBC are not correlated with their respective levels in urine. [•] Mn and Ni levels in EBC are both complimentary indices of exposure to those in urine. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The article presents a study which examines the effect of Arabidopsis Borate Efflux Transporter Gene, AtBOR4 in rice plants. It states that boron is an essential nutrient for plants, but excess of it is toxic. It indicates that AtBOR4 at a low level showed increased tolerance to excess boron and high levels of AtBOR4 expression exhibited reduced growth. It highlights the potential of the borate transporter (BOR4) to generate high-boron tolerant rice.

• Inorganic As in some rice samples was higher than the Codex maximum level. • Daily and weekly intakes of all metals for female were higher than that of male. • Weekly intake values of Ni and Mn exceed safe levels in some rice samples. • Thai population was susceptible to non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks. • Approximately 5 in 10,000 to 3 in 1000 Thai population could experience cancer. In this study, heavy metals including Cr, Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, and Cd in 55 Thai local rice (4 varieties) were measured using ICP-MS. Health risks were estimated from various Thai population groups, classified according to ages and genders. The potential impact on Thai population who consumed Thai local rice contained heavy metals was assessed by means of probabilistic approach. The hazard quotient (HQ) for non-carcinogenic risks from heavy metal exposure was below the threshold limit of 1 for all rice varieties except Mn in Pka Am Pun rice and As in Pka Am Pun rice, Jek Chuey Sao Hai rice, and Leb Nok rice. Only the hazard index (HI) for consumption of Khaowong Kalasin sticky rice was below 1. The maximum cancer probabilities over the lifetime consumption of Thai local rice were in the range of 5 in 10,000 to 3 in 1000 chances in developing cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]