Physicochemical characterization of sterilized muds for pharmaceutics/cosmetics applications

Clays and muds have been used for centuries as cosmetics or pharmaceutical products for various therapies. The suitability of muds and clays for health- and beauty-related applications depends on their physicochemical properties, mineralogical composition, particle characteristics and toxicity. In this work, the physicochemical characterization of 12 mud specimens from different natural spa resorts in Greece and one from Israel (Dead Sea) is presented. All specimens were sterilized at 121 °C for 20 min, because of their intended use. The Greek mud specimens were collected from various locations in Macedonia, Western Greece and Northeast Aegean. All muds were characterized concerning their mineralogical, chemical components as well as their morphological characteristics using appropriate methods [powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), nitrogen absorption specific surface area measurements (BET), scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy]. The concentrations of F^?, Cl^?, NO₃^? and SO₄^2? anions at equilibrium with the mud specimens were measured by ion chromatography. Total calcium concentration was measured using atomic absorption spectroscopy, and the concentration of total N, C, H and S in the solids was measured using elemental analysis. Moreover, total phenolic concentration (TPC) in distilled water equilibrated with the mud specimens was measured as an index for their antioxidant properties. Several muds were found to present high TPC. Several of the examined mud specimens were found to have the potential use as pharmaceuticals or cosmetics. Based on the physicochemical characteristics of the mud specimens examined, possible improvement in their use and applicability has been suggested.     

Are the Curative Properties of ‘Black Mud’ from the Dead Sea Due to the Presence of Bitumen (Asphalt) or Other Types of Organic Matter?

Deep black clayey sediments of the Dead Sea, previously covered with water at times of higher sea level, are being mined for therapeutic purposes and for the preparation of cosmetic products under the name Black Mud. It was claimed that the beneficial properties are due to the presence of bitumen (asphalt) as attested by the colour. Less commonly, the curative properties have been ascribed to humic acids or to organic matter derived from algae in the lake. Asphalt from the Dead Sea has been of major economic importance to the region and was used as a medication for 2000 years until the mid-20th century. Geochemical analysis of the Black Mud showed that it contains relatively little organic matter (ca. 0.6–0.8% organic carbon) and that the organic matter is mostly derived from the land masses surrounding the lake. Asphalt was totally absent and the concentration of humic acids very low. The black colour of the mud is rather due to the poorly crystallised iron sulphides. Based on this, the therapeutic properties of the mud are ascribed to its content of reduced sulphur species, its physical and chemical properties and possibly its brine content, but not to the presence of organic matter.     

关于死海地区臭氧耗损现象(ODEs)的研究综述

自1997年在死海地区的大气边界层中观测到午间臭氧浓度迅速下降的现象后,研究学者们即对该地区的臭氧耗损现象(ozone depletion events,简称ODEs)展开了研究.而在此之前,大气边界层内的ODEs现象普遍被认为只会发生在极地地区的特殊大气现象.本文综述了关于死海地区ODEs研究的发展历史,主要展示了促...     

Comparative chemical analysis of some traditional Omani-made kohl

Fourteen different types of Omani-made kohl were collected from different locations in Oman. The kohl samples were analyzed using different analytical techniques including X-ray powder diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray microanalysis, and inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy after sample digestion. The results show that six kohls (kohls 1–6) are mineral-based, four of which, namely lasif, cold ethmid, hot ethmid, and original ethmid, contain very high levels of Pb (basically galena). The other two kohls (red ethmid and black ethmid) contain mostly iron (hematite, magnetite, and goethite). The other kohl samples (kohls 7–14) are basically amorphous carbons, one of which is made by charring date stones while the rest are basically soot collected from burning different materials. Compared to the results obtained by inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray microanalysis yielded higher concentrations of major elements while some minor elements were not detected; this is probably related to some limitations in the latter technique. Based on this study, carbon-based kohls possess much lower levels of toxic elements than mineral-based kohls; consequently, the former can be considered as the less hazardous kohls. However, concerns about the use of soot in cosmetics are rising because of the presence of some carcinogenic compounds such as polyaromatic hydrocarbons in soot.     

Study of sorptive properties of trap systems for selective enrichment of volatile organic compounds from tobacco smoke samples

There is a dearth of data on the consumer product concentrations of iron, lead, and nickel for accurate comparison to be made. The levels of these elements were determined in 85 samples of six different classes of personal care products commonly used in Nigeria using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The results of the analysis showed that the range of the mean concentrations of Fe was 0.485–1.108 ppm, Pb ND–0.163 ppm, and Ni ND-0.160 ppm. The analytical data have demonstrated that the selected consumer products are possible sources of iron, lead, and nickel exposure. Users can be exposed to these metals directly through dermal contact or inhalation. The regulations relating to cosmetic products give no limit values for heavy metals in cosmetic products, hence, it was difficult to establish if the values obtained in this study are safe or not. Prolonged use of soaps, creams, and detergent containing these elements may pose threat to human health and the environment. This could be responsible for various skin diseases such as allergic skin, follicular and pigmentary disorders, which are common among the users (exposed groups) of these products in Nigeria. A body of evidence has presented a rare example of systemic allergic dermatitis caused by topical application of a mercury-containing cosmetic to the upper lip of a 32-year-old Turkish patient.     

Research review trends of food analysis in Latvia: major and trace element content

The current paper involves overview of several studies concerning quantitative major and trace element analysis of different food samples, such as products of plant origin, e.g., locally grown vegetables (carrots, onions, potatoes) and products of animal origin derived with or without processing (cottage cheese, eggs, honey). Food samples were collected over the territory of Latvia in the time period 2009–2012. Sample pre-treatment was chosen according to the product specifics but mostly wet mineralization with concentrated nitric acid was applied. Analysis of major elements (e.g., Ca, Fe, K, Mg, Na) and trace elements (e.g., As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, Se, Zn) was performed by appropriate quantitative analytical technique: atomic absorption spectrometry, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry or total reflection X-ray fluorescence spectrometry. Not only the influence of environmental factors (e.g., geographical or seasonal impact) was detected in element dissemination in food, also botanical origin (if applicable) and applied agricultural praxis, product processing and storage specifics were found to be important. Possible food contamination by potentially toxic elements can be associated mostly with the consequences of anthropogenic activities. The studies revealed the significance of food research in the context of environmental science.     

The dangers of skin-lightening creams

Skin-lightening creams are extensively promoted online and in the media. They may contain a wide variety of active ingredients such as mercury, hydroquinone, and steroids that are highly toxic, especially after prolonged application. For more than a decade, we found high mercury content in many products sold on Saudi markets. Some of these products were later banned by the government. However, the presence of other ingredients has not been documented. We undertake this study on some of the most popular skin-lightening creams on the market to test for toxic ingredients such as mercury, titanium dioxide, hydroquinone, and corticosteroids. A total of 33 different brands were selected for the analysis of titanium (50 samples), hydroquinone (55 samples), and corticosteroids (56 samples) with the exception of mercury in which only 23 brands (34 samples) were tested. This study showed that 2 of 34 skin-lightening creams had mercury above the US FDA limit of 1?µg?g^?1. All products had titanium dioxide at less than 25% (w/w) of the EU and US FDA safety limits for personal products but 8 products from 7 different brands contained titanium dioxide above 1%, the permissible limit in cosmetics as color additives. In this study, we found 8 creams from 7 different brands had hydroquinone above 1.5% (w/w), the newly proposed FDA limit of hydroquinone in OTC skin-lightening drug products. Among the four tested corticosteroid compounds, the most frequently detected was cortisone and 18 products from 13 different brands were above 6?µg?g^?1 (MDL) with a maximum of up to 0.32% (w/w). Dexamethasone was found in 7 creams from 5 different brands with only 3 above the MDL of 9?µg?g^?1. Although one might argue that these corticosteroids are of mild or low potency, and they may be unlikely to have any adverse effects, these products are marketed as personal-care products on the assumption that they are safe and free of steroids. The overall results indicate that many of the skin-lightening creams sold in the Saudi market contained one or more toxic ingredients that in most cases were not listed on the packaging. Many of these ingredients are harmful and pose health risks if we take into account the frequency of application, the duration of practice, and area of the body applied, and their use during pregnancy and/or periods of lactation.     

Population distribution and structure of the free-living nematodes of Long Island Sound

The distribution and structure of nematode populations in 4 sedimentary environments (muds, muddy sands, fine sands and medium-coarse sands) in Long Island Sound were studied. Mean population densities were highest in muds and muddy sands. Cluster analysis suggested the presence of two basic faunistic units; a mud unit characterized by high species dominance, low species diversity and low species endemism, and a sand unit characterized by low species dominance, high species diversity and high species endemism. Species diversity in all habitats was a direct function of both species richness and equitability. Limited niche separation among deposit feeders, usually the dominant nematode trophic type in muddy sediments, is proposed as the cause for the high species dominance so often characteristic of shallow marine muds. The study afforded the opportunity to examine the quantitative and qualitative aspects of population structure in relation to environmental impact (as indicated by large differences in the heavy metal and organic carbon concentrations within each of the 4 sedimentary regimes). Within each sediment type no differences in population densities, species composition or species diversity of nematodes existed between heavily impacted and apparently non-impacted sediments, or between Long Island Sound and similar coastal regions. These findings cast doubt on (1) the use of heavy metal and organic carbon concentrations as indicators of environmental stress for marine nematodes; (2) the use of diversity indices alone as indicators of environmental deterioration; and (3) the usefulness of field monitoring studies alone for the assessment of pollution impact on marine nematodes.Contribution no. 100 from the Institute of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences, City College of New YorkCommunicated by M.R. Tripp, Newark     

Distribution and bioaccumulation of organochlorine pesticides along the Black Sea coast

Sediment, mussel, and seawater samples were collected three times during 2001–2003 at nine sampling stations along the mid-Black Sea coast of Turkey. The samples were analyzed with GC-ECD for contents of various organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in the environment. DDT and its metabolites were detected at concentrations significantly above the detection limits. The highest concentrations of DDT metabolites measured in the sediment and mussel samples were 35.9 and 14.0 ng/g wet weight respectively. Considerable levels of aldrin, dieldrin, endrin, heptachlor epoxide, lindane, endosulfan sulphate, and HCB were also detected in the sediment, mussel, or seawater samples. Although these persistent toxic compounds have been banned for some years in Turkey, they may still be used illegally in some regions, contributing to their significant levels in the environment. The biota–sediment accumulation factor (BSAF) estimated for DDT and its metabolites in mussels was 2.9, which is nearly two times higher than the benchmark of 1.7. In spite of such high BSAF values observed for these toxic compounds, their levels in mussels were significantly below the international legal limits recommended by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. Edible biota from the waterbodies examined may thus still be considered safe for human consumption at this time. However, as pollutants can biomagnify through the food chain over time, further routine sampling and analysis of biota along the Black Sea coast are warranted in order to better assess the threat of OCPs to public health in the region.     

Enrichment of potentially toxic elements in areas underlain by black shales and slates in Korea

The Okchon black shale in Korea provides an important example of natural geological materials containing toxic elements; the Chung-Joo, Duk-Pyung, Geum-Kwan, I-Won and Chu-Bu areas are underlain by these black shales and slates of the Guryongsan Formation. This formation is part of the Okchon Group which is found in the central part of Korea. Geochemical surveys were undertaken in these five study areas in the Okchon Zone in order to examine the level of enrichment and dispersion patterns of potentially toxic elements in rocks and soils. After appropriate preparation, samples were analysed by instrumental neutron activation analysis and inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry for a range of elements. Arsenic, Cu, Mo, V, U and Zn are highly enriched in the Okchon black shales and their mean concentrations are significantly higher than those in black slates. These elements are closely associated with one another from a geochemical viewpoint and may be enriched simultaneously. Mean concentrations of As, Mo and U in soils derived from black shales occurring in the Duk-Pyung and Chu-Bu areas are higher than the permissible level suggested by Kloke (1979), and the enrichment index decreases in the order of Duk- Pyung > Chu-Bu > Chung-Joo > Geum-Kwan = I-Won areas. Uranium-bearing minerals such as uraninite and brannerite have been identified in black shales from the Chung-Joo area by electron probe micro-analysis. Uraninite grains are closely associated with monazite and pyrite with a grain size ranging from 2m to 10m whereas brannerite grains occur as a euhedral form 50m in diameter.     

Urinary stones as a novel matrix for human biomonitoring of toxic and essential elements

Monitoring of body burden of toxic elements is usually based on analysis of concentration of particular elements in blood, urine and/or hair. Analysis of these matrices, however, predominantly reflects short- or medium-term exposure to trace elements or pollutants. In this work, urinary stones were investigated as a matrix for monitoring long-term exposure to toxic and essential elements. A total of 431 samples of urinary calculi were subjected to mineralogical and elemental analysis by infrared spectroscopy and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The effect of mineralogical composition of the stones and other parameters such as sex, age and geographical location on contents of trace and minor elements is presented. Our results demonstrate the applicability of such approach and confirm that the analysis of urinary calculi can be helpful in providing complementary information on human exposure to trace metals and their excretion. Analysis of whewellite stones (calcium oxalate monohydrate) with content of phosphorus <0.6 % has been proved to be a promising tool for biomonitoring of trace and minor elements.

     

润肤霜类化妆品中金属元素的测定及砷形态初探

采用电感耦合等离子体质谱(ICP-MS)测定化妆品中的金属元素铝、铬、镍、铜、锌、砷、硒、镉、锡、锑、钡、镧、铈、镨、钕、钐、汞、铅的总量,并结合液相色谱(HPLC)-ICPMS联用技术考察了化妆品中的砷形态.研究表明,金属指标不合格的化妆品多为汞含量超标;此外,化妆品中的砷多以无机砷形式存在.     

Investigations of some trace elements in the Bay of Lim

Sea water was collected at several stations in the Bay of Lim at a depth of one meter below the surface, and before analysis, was filtered with 0.45-μm Millipore filters. Shallow water sediments were collected at the same locations. Humic acids used in this work were separated from near-shore sediments taken from various saline waters of the Bay of Lim. The prepared humic acids were then analysed for their elementary composition and also for positions of their hydrolytic products to obtain more data on how and to which characteristic part, the trace elements were related. The hydrolysis of humic acids was done by chemical methods in order to obtain four main components: amino acids, sugars, phenols and condensed benzene core. Neutron activation analysis was used for trace element analysis in evaporated portions of filtered sea water, sediments, soil, living organisms, humic acids and their hydrolytic products. This work was undertaken to obtain more data on the organic matter present in sediments and in seagrass flats, and also to collect more data on trace elements that are associated with typical and representative samples for the Bay of Lim. Analyses of trace elements associated with either humic acids or their hydrolytic products were performed with the purpose of gaining evidence as to which part of humic acids metals are bound. Humic acids or their decomposition products play an important role in the distribution and availability of a number of essential or nonessential trace elements. Results of this work indicate that humic acids influence the process of redistribution of trace elements in the investigated local coastal area.     

Concentrations and Discrimination of Chemically Related Metals in a Food Chain

Concentrations of the related elements calcium, strontium, barium, and lead were determined in soil extract, consumer stomach contents, and consumers in lead polluted and unpolluted areas. Discrimination against the nonessential metals relative to the nutritious metal calcium, as the metals were transferred through a trophic pathway was determined. Discrimination of metals varied systematically as a function of degree of nonessential element similarity to calcium. The existence of systematic trends of discrimination may facilitate the assessment of natural levels of some toxic elements (e.g. lead) in organisms.     

Effects of rape straw and red mud on extractability and bioavailability of cadmium in a calcareous soil

Screening of cost-effective soil amendments is important to develop “in situ” remediation techniques for cadmium (Cd) contaminated soils. In this study, different soil amendments, including red mud, a by-product of the alumina industry, and acid-treated, nano-treated by nano-particle milling, nano and acid-treated red muds, zeolite, corn straw, and rape straw, were evaluated to immobilize Cd in two added levels (2 and 5 mg Cd·kg^-1 soil) in a calcareous soil by single and sequential extractions and by cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) pot experiments. Results indicated that cruciferous rape straw significantly decreased the concentrations of water soluble, extractable Cd in soils, and Cd in cucumber plants, and it was more effective than gramineous corn straw. Also, red mud generally decreased the extractability and bioavailability of Cd added to calcareous soils more effectively than zeolite. Furthermore, the efficiency of red mud could be increased by the treatment of nano-particle milling due to the increase in specific surface area of red mud. It is potential to use rape straw and red mud as soil amendments to develop a cost-effective and efficient “in situ” remediation technology for Cd mildly contaminated calcareous soils.     

Effect of cypermethrin on breeding performances of a freshwater fish,Labeo rohita (Hamilton)

Abstract

Concentrations of the related elements calcium, strontium, barium, and lead were determined in soil extract, consumer stomach contents, and consumers in lead polluted and unpolluted areas. Discrimination against the nonessential metals relative to the nutritious metal calcium, as the metals were transferred through a trophic pathway was determined. Discrimination of metals varied systematically as a function of degree of nonessential element similarity to calcium. The existence of systematic trends of discrimination may facilitate the assessment of natural levels of some toxic elements (e.g. lead) in organisms.     

Use of seaweeds for monitoring trace elements in coastal waters

Concentrations of a wide range of trace elements: arsenic, cadmium, cobalt, chromium, hafnium, nickel, thorium, uranium, zinc and the rare earth elements, cerium, europium, samarium, terbium and ytterbium were determined by instrumental neutron activation analysis in the brown alga,Fucus vesiculosus from Eckwarder Hörne, North Sea and from Rügen, Baltic Sea. Another brown alga,Sargassum filipendula from Sri Lanka, Indian ocean (representing an unpolluted control station) was similarly investigated. Cobalt, chromium and nickel concentrations were highest inF. vesiculosus from the North Sea while zinc was highest in samples from the Baltic Sea, reflecting high levels of these elements in coastal waters of the North and the Baltic sea. Cadmium, cobalt, nickel and zinc levels were lowest inS. filipendula from Sri Lanka, probably demonstrating lower levels of those elements in coastal waters. Concentration levels of hafnium, thorium, uranium, and the rare earth elements were highest inS. filipendula. Two years later in 1994,S. filipendula along withUlva sp. (green alga) was resampled from the same sampling site, and in addition to the above elements, six other trace elements (Ag, Ba, Br, Rb, Se and Sr) were determined.Sargassium filipendula showed a particular affinity for Ag, As, Br and Sr. For the other elements, marginal concentration differences were observed betweenS. filipendula andUlva sp., probably reflecting the regional background levels. Substantially higher concentrations of Hf, Th, U, and the rare earths were found again in the 1994Sargassum andUlva samples, reflecting the effect of a substrate rich in rare earth elements. The brown algae used in this study may be used to monitor trace elements in coastal waters.     

Health risks for residents and neighbours of a shut down industrial waste site

An epidemiologic study of residents and neighbours of a shut down industrial waste site in Bielefeld‐Brake determined an increase of the transaminases GOT, GPT, gamma‐GT. Waste muds of metal‐working industries, carbide, and marble mud, as well as domestic rubbish were deposited on the industrial waste site. After its shut down the site was filled up with rubble and a residential area was built on. During the building activities gas production was observed and soil analysis proved highly increased concentrations of lead, cadmium, mercury, copper, zinc, and chrome‐nickel. The soil‐air analysis resulted in high values of trichloroethene and tetrachloroethene.     

Accessibility and trust: the two dimensions of consumers’ perception on sustainable purchase intention

The aim of this article is to shed new light on which dimensions compose sustainable purchase intention (SPI) with the purpose of understanding what moves consumers to a potentially more sustainable behaviour. Even though several studies have researched which factors influence consumer’s intention to buy in a more sustainable way, no comparable research in consumer behaviour was found studying these dimensions in a triple bottom line perspective (profit, people, and planet) that could also provide future corporate and academic applications. Therefore, this article proposes a new construct – Consumers’ Perception on SPI, defined using the C-OAR-SE procedure and measured using exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis using two different samples. In-depth interviews and online survey to actual consumers of sustainable products were undertaken in partnership with a sustainable project using its database, guaranteeing that real consumers’ perceptions were gathered for this study. The construct is proposed with two dimensions (measured by nine items): Accessibility (including facets such as product lower pricing, availability in stores, and being sold within a convenient proximity to home) and Trust (including consumers needs such as: to get to know and trust products through understanding the labels; to have had good experiences in the past or simply to have new trial opportunities). Theoretical and practical implications of the findings are also discussed.     

Toxic elements in well water from Malaysia

Toxic elements present in well water that is used for drinking pose a threat to the human health in many countries. However, there are few reports on the toxic elements in well water in Malaysia. Since a native doctor informed us about the increasing number of patients with depigmented skin (vitiligo) in Rosob Village, Sabah State, Malaysia, the origin of diseases associated with well water was suspected. Thus, the concentrations of 15 toxic elements in 52 well water samples from Rosob (n = 21), and the control areas of Pitas (n = 8) and Telaga (n = 23) within the same state were measured. No toxic elements with levels exceeding that of the WHO health-based guidelines were detected in the well water samples from Pitas and Telaga. On the other hand, the concentration levels of arsenic (As), uranium (U), and manganese (Mn), independently found in 19% (4/21), 4.8% (1/21), and 19% (4/21), respectively, of the well water samples from Rosob, exceeded the levels given in the WHO health-based guidelines. In the well water samples from Rosob, the average concentration of Mn was found to be higher and its maximum value with levels up to 10-fold higher, respectively, than the value in the WHO health-based guidelines. Significant correlations between Mn and As and between Mn and U were noted. Thus, for the first time, the results of this pilot study showed that the levels of the toxic elements in 42.9% (9/21) of well water samples from Rosob in Malaysia were higher than the values in WHO health-based guidelines indicating the need for further studies.