Mercury pollution in the Sonbhadra district of Uttar Pradesh,India, and its health impacts

The Sonbhadra district in the Singrauli area of Uttar Pradesh, India, has many coal mines and thermal power plants and is a critically polluted area. Many residents of this area reported adverse health conditions which may be linked to metal pollution, especially of mercury investigated here.

In May 2012, samples of water (23), soil (7), blood, hair, and nails from persons showing adverse health conditions selected at random were collected and analyzed for total mercury by atomic absorption spectrometry.

Twenty percent drinking water samples contained mercury from 3 to 26 μg L^?1 (3–26 times the permissible limit). Soil samples had 0.5–10.1 mg kg^?1 Hg.

The average concentrations of mercury in human blood, hair, and nails were found to be 34 μg L^?1, 7.4 mg kg^?1, and 0.8 mg kg^?1, respectively. Mercury concentrations in the blood of these persons were 45 and 28 μg L^?1 on average in the case of men and women. This is much higher than the safe level of 5.8 μg L^?1 set by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA).

It was concluded that all residents of Sonbhadra sampled could be suffering from mercury toxicity as the area is polluted by Hg released from the coal-fired thermal power plants.     

Ultrasound-assisted emulsification/microextraction based on solidification of trace amounts of thallium prior to graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry determination

In the present work, determination of ultratrace amounts of thallium in water samples was performed by ultrasound-assisted emulsification microextraction based on solidification of a floating organic drop as sample preparation method prior to furnace atomic absorption spectrometry. 1-(2-Pyridylazo)-2-naphthol was used as chelating agent. The factors influencing the complex formation and extraction, such as pH of the aqueous solution, the type and the volume of extraction solvent, the volume of chelating agent solution, and the extraction time were investigated. Under optimized conditions, the enrichment factor was 200. The calibration graph was linear from 0.2 to 10.0 μg L^?1 with a correlation coefficient of 0.9966, the detection limit was 0.03 μg L^?1 and reproducibility was ±3.3% (C = 5.0 μg L^?1, n = 8). The method was successfully applied for the determination of thallium in water samples.     

A simple ligandless microextraction method based on ionic liquid for the determination of trace cadmium in water and biological samples

A simple and efficient ionic liquid-based ligandless microextraction method has been developed for preconcentration of cadmium ions (Cd²⁺) as a step prior to its determination by flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS) with a micro-sample introduction system. In this approach, the ionic liquid (IL) 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate [C₄mim][PF₆] and ethanol were used as extractant and dispersive solvents to preconcentrate the Cd²⁺ in different waters, acid digested scalp hair, and nail samples. Some analytical parameters influencing the extraction efficiency of Cd²⁺ and its subsequent determination, including pH, IL volume, dispersant solvent volume, sample volume, temperature, incubation time, and matrix effect, were optimized. Under optimal conditions, the limit of detection (LOD), limit of quantification (LOQ), and enhancement factor (EF) were 0.4 μg L^?1, 1.3 μg L^?1, and 50, respectively. The relative standard deviation (RSD) of 100 μgL^?1 Cd²⁺ was 4.3% (n = 6). The validity of the proposed method was checked by determining Cd²⁺ in certified reference material (TM-25.3 fortified water) and standard addition; the results showed sufficient recovery (>98%) of Cd²⁺ within the certified value. The method was applied for preconcentration and determination of cadmium in waters and biological samples.     

Seasonal distribution and speciation of mercury in a gold mining area,north-west province,South Africa

The seasonal speciation of mercury (Hg) was determined in water, soil, and sediments from watersheds located in the North-West province of South Africa. The study area is known to have a long history of mining activities which also include the recovery of gold from old tailings. Both inorganic (IHg) and methyl mercury (MHg) were detected at high concentrations (up to 8480 μg IHg kg^?1 and 13 μg MHg kg^?1) in surface sediments during dry season. A considerable remobilization of Hg from bottom sediments was observed in water from dry to wet season as well as the migration of Hg away from pollution sources due to seasonal influences. Hg in sediments mostly has been speciated as Hg⁰. Enhancement of Hg methylation occurred mainly in deeper sediments at regions corresponding to the lowest redox potential, higher pH, and enrichment of IHg. Hg values in borehole waters were very high (up to 3310 ng L^?1) suggesting a serious contamination of the site groundwater which needs to be addressed urgently in order to minimize further impact that affects the Vaal River and other water systems located nearby.     

Ligand-less in situ surfactant-based solid phase extraction for preconcentration of silver from natural water samples prior to its determination by atomic absorption spectroscopy

A simple and rapid ligand-less in situ surfactant-based solid phase extraction method for preconcentration of silver from water samples is developed. In this method, a cationic surfactant containing a proper alkyl group (n-dodecyltrimethylammonium bromide) is dissolved in the aqueous sample and then a proper ion-pairing agent (ClO₄^?) is added. Due to the interaction between surfactant and ion-pairing agent, solid particles are formed and used for adsorption of silver carbonate. After centrifugation, the sediment is dissolved in 2.0 mL 1 M HNO₃ in ethanol and then aspirated directly into the flame atomic absorption spectrometer. Variables affecting the extraction efficiencies such as pH, concentrations of surfactant and CO₃^2?, ion pair concentration, and extraction time, are optimized. Under such conditions, the calibration curve is linear from 3 to 700 μg L^?1. Detection limit is 1.1 μg L^?1 with an enrichment factor of 37. The relative standard deviation for eight replicate measurements of 100 μg L^?1 is 2.1%. The method has been applied for the determination of silver in water samples.     

Cloud point extraction of trace cyanide from environmental waters for indirect flame atomic absorption spectrometric determination

A method has been developed for indirect determination of cyanide in environmental waters based on cloud point extraction (CPE), preconcentration and determination by flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS). The method was based on reduction of Cu(II) to Cu(I) in the presence of cyanide and complexation of the produced Cu(I)(CN)₂^? with gallocyanin (GC⁺) as an ion-pairing reagent at pH 4.0, followed by its extraction into polyethyleneglycol mono-p-nonylphenylether (Ponpe 7.5). Selectivity was improved with the use of suitable masking agents. Various factors influencing separation and preconcentration of cyanide have been investigated, and conditions were optimized, allowing determination of cyanide in the range of up to 1.2 mg L^?1 with a detection limit of 0.00045 mg L^?1. The method has been applied to the determination of cyanide in environmental waters, the results being in agreement with those obtained by a reference method.     

Population health risk via dietary exposure to trace elements (Cu,Zn, Pb,Cd, Hg,and As) in Qiqihar,Northeastern China

The estimated daily intakes (EDIs) of six trace elements (Cu, Zn, Pb, Cd, Hg, and As) in vegetables (leafy vegetable, i.e., bok choy, fruit vegetables, i.e., cucumber and tomato, and other categories, i.e., mushroom, kidney bean, and potato), cereals (rice and wheat flour), and meats (pork, mutton, and beef) most commonly consumed by adult inhabitants of Qiqihar, Northeastern China, were determined to assess the health status of local people. The average EDIs of Cu, Zn, Pb, Cd, Hg, and As were with 20.77 μg (kg bw)^?1 day^?1 of Cu, 288 μg (kg bw)^?1 day^?1 of Zn, 2.01 μg (kg bw)^?1 day^?1 of Pb, 0.41 μg (kg bw)^?1 day^?1 of Cd, 0.01 μg (kg bw)^?1 day^?1 of Hg, and 0.52 μg (kg bw)^?1 day^?1 of As, respectively, which are below the daily allowance recommended by FAO/WHO. However, the maximum EDIs of Pb and Cd were 4.56 μg (kg bw)^?1 day^?1 and 1.68 μg (kg bw)^?1 day^?1, respectively, which are above the recommended levels [i.e., 3.58 μg (kg bw)^?1 day^?1 for Pb and 1.0 μg (kg bw)^?1 day^?1 for Cd] by FAO/WHO. This finding indicates that the potential health risk induced by daily ingestion of Pb and Cd for the local residents should receive a significant concern. Similarly, we detected elevated Pb and Cd concentrations, i.e., with average of 13.58 and 0.60 mg kg^?1 dw, respectively, in the adult scalp hairs. Consumption of rice, potato, bok choy, and wheat flour contributed to 75 and 82% of Pb and Cd daily intake from foodstuffs. Nevertheless, human scalp hair is inappropriate biological material for determination of the nutritional status of trace elements in this region.     

Concentrations of uranium in drinking water and cumulative,age-dependent radiation doses in four districts of Uttar Pradesh,India

The present work deals with the determination of uranium concentrations in drinking and ground water samples by laser fluorimetry and calculation of cumulative, age-dependent radiation doses to humans. The concentrations were found to be between 0.20 ± 0.03 and 64.0 ± 3.6 μg L^?1, with an average of 11.1 ± 1.5 μg L^?1, well within the drinking water limit of regulatory bodies. The concentrations of uranium increase with depth of water samples collection. The estimated annual ingestion dose due to the intake of uranium through drinking water for all age groups varied between 0.2 and 137 μSv a^?1, with an average of 17.3 μSv a^?1. The mean annual ingestion dose is 5% of the global average ingestion dose, for infants, marginally higher than for other age group. Most effective dose values were less than 20 μSv a^?1.     

Spectrophotometric and HPLC method for quantification of Loratadine on swabs for cleaning validation

Cleaning validation is a major challenge in multi-product pharmaceutical industries. UV spectrophotometric and HPLC methods have been developed and validated for determination of residual amount of Loratadine. Both methods were validated for linearity, range, accuracy, precision, and robustness. The limit of quantification was 1 mg L^?1 by UV spectrophotometric method and 0.5 mg L^?1 by HPLC method. A spike recovery study was done on a stainless steel (316 grade) plate and specific residual cleaning level (SRCL) was down to 6 μg 25.8 cm^?2. Recovery was found to be more than 70%. Both methods were simple, highly sensitive, precise, and accurate, and have potential of being useful for routine quality control.     

Online solid phase preconcentration using EGDMA–MAA copolymer for lead determination by FAAS

A Ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA) methacrylic acid (MAA) resin was used for preconcentration of lead at trace levels in water samples. For this purpose, a flow-injection, solid phase extraction method was developed for the determination of lead by flame atomic absorption spectrometry. Lead ions were sorbed on a EGDMA–MAA column at pH 4, followed by an elution step using 288 µL of 4.0 M nitric acid solution and determination by flame atomic absorption spectrometry. Optimum conditions for quantitative sorption involving the pH, sample volume, loading and elution flow rates, eluent type, and volume were investigated. A 868-fold enrichment factor could be reached. The detection limit for the water samples, estimated from the noise on the signal obtained for 250 mL of 10 µg L^?1 loaded at 4.9 mL min^?1 was 1.04 µg L^?1. The method was applied for lead determination in river water samples collected in Edirne, Turkey. Recoveries of spiked solutions (10 µg L^?1) to river water samples were quantitative. Finally, the method was validated by the analysis of certified reference material SRM 2704 (Buffalo River Sediment).     

A sensitive method for selective determination of vanadium species by dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction (DLLME) with spectrophotometric detection

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

Concentrations of particulates in ambient air,gaseous elementary mercury (GEM), and particulate-bound mercury (Hg(p)) at a traffic sampling site: a study of dry deposition in daytime and nighttime

In this investigation, the concentrations of particles in ambient air, gaseous elemental mercury (GEM), and particulate-bound mercury (Hg(p)) in total suspended particulates (TSP) as well as dry deposition at a (Traffic) sampling site at Hung-kuang were studied during the day and night in 2012. The results reveal that the mean concentrations of TSP in ambient air, GEM, and Hg(p) were 69.72 μg/m³, 3.17, and 0.024 ng/m³, respectively, at the Hung-kuang (Traffic) sampling site during daytime sampling periods. The results also reveal that the mean rates of dry deposition of particles from ambient air and Hg(p) were 145.20 μg/m² min and 0.022 ng/m² min, respectively, at the Hung-kuang (Traffic) sampling site during the daytime sampling period. The mean concentrations of TSP in ambient air, GEM, and Hg(p) were 60.56 μg/m³, 2.74, and 0.018 ng/m³, respectively, at the Hung-kuang (Traffic) sampling site during the nighttime sampling period. The mean rates of dry deposition of particles and Hg(p) from ambient air were 132.58 μg/m² min and 0.016 ng/m² min, respectively, at the Hung-kuang (Traffic) sampling site during the nighttime sampling period.     

Temporal variability in atmospheric Hg released from natural and anthropogenic sources in central Taiwan

From September 2011 to February 2012, ambient air particulate and particulate-bound mercury [Hg(p)] concentrations were measured, together with dry deposition using a cold vapor atomic fluorescence spectrometry (CVAFS) analyser, at two characteristic sampling sites in central Taiwan. Results from the sampling site at Westin Park indicated that the lowest particulate dry deposition and lowest average particulate concentrations in total suspended particles (TSP) occurred in September (29.70±7.47 μ g m^?2×min) and February (34.38±13.60 ng m^?3), respectively. Moreover, results from the Gung-Ming junior high school (airport) site, showed that the highest average particulate dry deposition and average highest particulate concentrations in TSP occurred in February (156.76±30.36 μ g m^?2×min) and January (125.49±9.51 ng m^?3), respectively, during the winter. The Dragon Steel Plant and Han-Shian Aerospace Industrial Development Corporation were both nearby. These factors led to the high Hg(p) concentrations at Taichung Airport (TA) compared with Westin Park. Local large suspended particulates from heavy traffic were the main reason for the high average Hg(p) deposition at Westin Park compared with TA in this study.     

Inorganic and methyl-mercury speciation in sediments of the Swarzędzkie Lake

Sediment samples were analysed for mercury and methylmercury content in different parts of the bottom sediment of Swarz ?dzkie Lake, which were influenced by different external pollution sources. The results of determination with two methods of mineralization using two separate media (HNO₃/H₂O₂ and HF) were compared. The accuracy of the studied methods was analysed using certified reference material IAEA 405 of river sediment. The recovery of mercury was satisfactory and ranged from 97.5 to 98.8%. Methylmercury compounds in the studied sediments were found in limited concentrations. Their concentrations ranged from 0.26 to 58.1 μg kg^?1, i.e. 1.0–7.4% of the total mercury content. The depth profile displayed high values of both total and methylmercury content at a depth of 10–20 cm, related to the heavy pollution of the lake in the 1980s. Canonical analysis displayed the relationship of both total mercury and methylmercury concentrations with organic matter and phosphorus content in bottom sediments.     

Determination of cobalt by air-assisted liquid–liquid microextraction

Abstract

A rapid and selective technique for extraction, preconcentration and determination of trace amounts of cobalt in water and pharmaceutical samples by air-assisted liquid–liquid microextraction combined with flame atomic absorption spectrometry is proposed. 1-Nitroso-2-naphthol is used as a complexing agent and 1-octanol as an extraction solvent. Parameters relevant for analytical effectivity, i.e. pH of sample solution, concentration of complexing agent, volume of extraction solvent, and number of extraction cycles are optimized using a Box–Behnken design. At optimum conditions, a dynamic linear range of 5–600?µg L^?1 is obtained, with a limit of detection of 1.2?µg L^?1. The method is used for determination of Co(II) in environmental water and pharmaceutical samples.     

Photosynthetic and growth responses of Japanese sasabamo (Potamogeton wrightii Morong) under different photoperiods and nutrient conditions

Controlled laboratory experiments were conducted to examine how photosynthesis and growth occur in Potamogeton wrightii Morong under different photoperiods and nutrient conditions. The experiment was based on a 3×2 factorial design with three photoperiods (16, 12 and 8 h) of 200 μE · m^?2·s^?1 irradiance and two nutrient conditions, high (90 μmol N · L^?1·d^?1 and 9 μmol P · L^?1·d^?1) and low (30 μmol N L^?1·d^?1 and 3 μmol P · L^?1·d^?1). After 14, 28, 56 and 70 days of growth, plants were harvested to determine net photosynthesis rate and various growth parameters. Above- and below-ground biomass were investigated on days 56 and 70 only. Plants under low nutrient conditions had greater leaf area, more chlorophyll a, a higher rate of net photosynthesis and accumulated more above- and below-ground biomass than plants in the high nutrient condition. Plants with an 8 h photoperiod in the low nutrient condition had a significantly higher rate of net photosynthesis, whereas 8 h photoperiod plants in the high nutrient condition had a lower rate of net photosynthesis and their photosynthetic capacity collapsed on day 70. We conclude that P. wrightii has the photosynthetic plasticity to overcome the effects of a shorter photoperiod under a tolerable nutrient state.     

Laboratory studies on the accumulation of inorganic mercury and methylmercury by the mussel (Mytilus galloprovincialis Lam) in relation to the presence of sediment

A comparative study on the accumulation of inorganic mercury and methylmercury by the mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis was based on nine days of exposure to 25 µg L^?1 HgCl₂ or to 2.5 µg L^?1 methylmercury in laboratory microcosms. Mercury (Hg) content was evaluated in the gills, digestive gland, and mantle. A higher accumulation occurred in the gills than in other tissues. The effect of the sediment on the bioaccumulation of the Hg species was evaluated. The results showed that the sediment accumulated the inorganic Hg more efficiently than the methylmercury. In both cases, the bioaccumulation in the tissues was reduced. The observed differences emphasized the need for caution when field results are compared with the results of laboratory experiments. The fate of either inorganic or organic Hg was depicted considering the absolute total amount given and the amount found in all the matrices (organism, sediment, and seawater).     

Heavy metals in the polychaete Glycera longipinnis from the southwest of India

Metal concentrations in sediment and in whole tissue of the benthic polychaete Glycera longipinnis collected along the southwest coast of India were analysed. Relative seasonal accumulation of metals (Cu, Pb, Cr, Ni, Zn, Cd, Hg) was studied by categorising the habitat as less polluted or highly polluted based on metal contamination routed through industrial and urban sources. The metal content in tissues varied seasonally in the ranges, Cu: 2.21–27.08 μg·g^?1, Pb: 0.06–4.92 μg·g^?1, Cr: 1.73–29.20 μg·g^?1, Ni: 1.60–4.61 μg·g^?1, Zn: 14.72–82.30 μg·g^?1, Cd: 0.04–1.38 μg·g^?1and Hg: below decetable limits to 0.86 μg·g^?1. Concentration of heavy metals was found to be high in the whole body of G. longipinnis pooled from the polluted transects. The results of this study suggest that G. longipinnis may act as a useful biological indicator for heavy metal pollution along the southwest coast of India.     

Urinary level of homovanillic acid and mercury in autistic children

Catecholamines and their metabolites affect children's nervous system. Dopamine is an important neurotransmitter in the brain. In the routine analysis for diagnostics of diseases, the dopamine metabolite homovanillic acid (HVA) is determined. Mercury is a neurotoxic agent and can cause different undesirable effects on the brain. In the present work a putative correlation between HVA, the main metabolite of dopamine, and mercury in urine of healthy and autistic children was studied. The level of HVA was higher in the urine of autistic children (14.5 ± 8.3 mg L^?1) compared to generally healthy children (4.4 ± 0.5 mg L^?1). The level of mercury in the urine of autistic children was lower (0.36 ± 0.24 µg L^?1) than in the urine of healthy children (2.1 ± 1.0 µg L^?1) showing that there is no correlation between HVA and mercury.     

Environmental contamination and risk assessment of mercury from a historic mercury mine located in southwestern China

A field survey of mercury pollution in environmental media and human hair samples obtained from residents living in the area surrounding the Chatian mercury mine (CMM) of southwestern China was conducted to evaluate the health risks of mercury to local residents. The results showed that mine waste, and tailings in particular, contained high levels of mercury and that the maximum mercury concentration was 88.50 μg g^?1. Elevated mercury levels were also found in local surface water, paddy soil, and paddy grain, which may cause severe health problems. The mercury concentration of hair samples from the inhabitants of the CMM exceeded 1.0 μg g^?1, which is the limit recommended by the US EPA. Mercury concentrations in paddy soil were positively correlated with mercury concentrations in paddy roots, stalks, and paddy grains, which suggested that paddy soil was the major source of mercury in paddy plant tissue. The average daily dose (ADD) of mercury for local adults and preschool children via oral exposure reached 0.241 and 0.624 μg kg^?1 body weight per day, respectively, which is approaching or exceeds the provisional tolerable daily intake. Among the three oral exposure routes, the greatest contributor to the ADD of mercury was the ingestion of rice grain. Open-stacked mine tailings have resulted in heavy mercury contamination in the surrounding soil, and the depth of appreciable soil mercury concentrations exceeded 100 cm.