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.     

Polyphenol contents of five of medicinal plants from Cameroon and effects of their extracts on antioxidant capacities of human breast cancer cells

The aim of the study was to investigate the antiproliferative properties of extracts of five plants on breast cancer cells (MDA-MB-231) and their effects on antioxidant activities. The total phenol contents of the extracts were determined to establish a correlation to their antiproliferative effects which were evaluated by the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide viability assay. Enzymes involved in oxidative stress were also determined. Total polyphenol contents of the five extracts varied from 170 to 440 mg L^?1 of gallic acid per mg of extract with the highest value for the extract of Sida cordifolia. Cell growth inhibition was observed within 24 h, with inhibitory concentration values ranging from 7.3 to 25 mg L^?1 depending on plant extract. At concentrations between 100 and 200 mg L^?1, all the extracts exhibited significant reduction of cell proliferation in time-dependent and linear manner. The activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase of cells treated for 24 h with the extract of S. cordifolia were 3.5 U per mg protein and 8 mole H₂O₂ consumed per min per mg protein higher than those of cells treated with an extract of Viscum album.     

Sublethal effect of the dispersant Goldcrew on selected blood parameters of the African cat-fish Clarias gariepinus

Selected hematological parameters of Clarias gariepinus exposed to sublethal concentrations of the dispersant goldcrew were measured weekly for four consecutive weeks under a static renewal condition in order to simulate possible effects of clean-up operations in the aquatic environment. Hemoglobin (Hb) hematocrit (PCV), red blood cell count (RBCC), white blood cell count (WBCC), and platelet values were 15.40–13.58 g dL^?1, 42.36–36.38%, 5.50–4.09 × 10² L^?1, 6.22–6.62 × 10² L^?1 and 362.87–283.0 × 10⁹, respectively, from week 1 to week 4. Duration of exposure had a marked significance (p < 0.05) on all blood parameters except WBCC. Also, Hb, PCV, RBCC, and platelet had values of 15.80–13.27 g dL^?1, 24.12–35.52%, 5.17–4.0 × 10² L^?1, 5.69–6.85 × 10⁹ L^?1, and 395.25–227.25 × 10, respectively, from control to maximum treatment levels. Exposure concentrations have a significant impact (p < 0.05) on all blood parameters. It may be concluded that Goldcrew has a marked negative effect on fish blood and therefore a need to observe restraint in its usage.     

Teratogenic and biochemical effects of a formulation containing dicofol in the chick embryo

The insecticide formulation, dicofol (18.5% EC) was evaluated for its toxic potential in developing chick embryo. Fertilized eggs of Gallus domesticus on 4th day of incubation were immersed in aqueous emulsions of dicofol at concentrations of 250?mg?L^?1, 500?mg?L^?1, and 1000?mg?L^?1 for 60?min at 37°C. These concentrations were corresponding to those used in plant protection practice (500?mg?L^?1). Two control groups of eggs were used: one group was immersed in distilled water (vehicle) and the second group was kept as untreated to study background toxicity. On embryonic day 7; recovered embryos were evaluated for mortality rate, wet body weight, gross morphological malformations, and some biochemical changes. The result revealed that administration of dicofol did not result in significant changes in wet body weight of embryo but the survival rate of dicofol treated embryos were markedly reduced as compared with controls. Among the survivors, the number of malformations was exhibited by dicofol treated embryos in dose-dependent manner. Among biochemical changes, only total protein content of embryo significantly (p?≤?0.05) reduced to 500?mg?L^?1 and 1000?mg?L^?1. Among enzymes, alkaline phosphatase and glutamate pyruvate transaminase activities were affected, which showed significant elevations.     

Uranium quantification in groundwater and health risk from its ingestion in Haryana,India

Uranium is a naturally occurring radioactive element which may cause toxicological or radiological hazards to the public if present in drinking water. This study reports the quantification of uranium in groundwater of major towns of the district Fatehabad, Haryana, India. Uranium concentrations ranged between 0.3 and 48 μg L^?1. In 22% of the groundwater samples, uranium concentrations were higher than the World Health Organization maximum permissible limit of 30 µg L^?1. The radiological dose for males was found to be in the range of 4.8?×?10^?4–7.1?×?10^?2 mSv y^?1 and for females 3.5?×?10^?4–5.2?×?10^?2 mSv y^?1. The results showed that due to the ingestion of groundwater in the study area, radiological cancer risk is in the range of 9.1?×?10^?7–1.3?×?10^?4, lower than the risk limit. Uranium ingestion from groundwater varied from 0.02 to 3.5 µg kg^?1 day^?1, which is within acceptable limit.     

Evaluation of kinetics and energy consumption of the electrochemical oxidation of Acid Red 73 in aqueous media

A laboratory scale, undivided electrolysis cell with platinum anode and cathode was used for electrochemical oxidation of the azo dye Acid Red 73 in simulated wastewater. The influence of the supporting electrolyte, applied voltage, pH, initial dye concentration and temperature was studied, and decolorization was monitored by UV/Vis spectroscopy. Energy consumption, current efficiency and the electric energy per order have been also determined. With NaCl (1.5 g L^?1) as supporting electrolyte, at a voltage of 6 V, at neutral pH (6.9) and at 25 °C, the solution of the dye (50 mg L^?1) was completely decolorized within 15 min. The apparent activation energy for electrochemical decolorization was determined as ?1.9 kJ mol^?1.     

Seasonal variations in physicochemical characteristics and cyanobacterial diversity of a lake in Northern India

Physicochemical analyses and cyanobacterial diversity of Ramgarh Lake water were performed at five sampling sites during winter, summer, and monsoon seasons. Higher load of solids, carbon, and nutrients were persistent throughout the analysis that indicates the conversion of lake from oligotrophic to eutrophic nature. High nutrients load enhanced cyanobacterial biomass, while low nutrients load produced relatively less biomass. The physicochemical parameters of water samples revealed minimum 2.9 mg L^?1 dissolved oxygen (DO) at site-1 during summer, while maximum (5.6 mg L^?1) at site-4 in monsoon season. Maximum biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) (40 mg L^?1) and chemical oxygen demand (COD) (126 mg L^?1) were recorded at site-1 during summer, whereas minimum BOD (18 mg L^?1) and COD (52 mg L^?1) were evident at site-3 in monsoon season. Minimum concentration of nitrate (0.72 mg L^?1) was recorded at site-3 in summer, whereas maximum 2.7 mg L^?1 was present at site-5 in winter season. The phosphate concentration was maximum (0.52 mg L^?1) at site-5 in summer, and minimum (0.18 mg L^?1) was observed at site-4 in monsoon season. Cyanobacterial diversity was higher during all the seasons, and dominated by the species of Microcystis at all the five sampling sites.     

Development of a complex-based flow injection spectrophotometric method for determination of the herbicide pinoxaden in environmental samples

A flow injection (FI) spectrophotometric method for the determination of the herbicide pinoxaden (PXD) has been proposed. PXD was converted in alkaline media with hydroxylamine hydrochloride to the hydroxamate salt. The salt was reacted with iron(III) chloride, and the absorbance of the red colored tris iron hydroxamate complex was measured at 500?nm using a FI system. The method was found to be linear between 0.5 and 40?mg?L^?1 with a molar absorptivity of 1.53?×?10^4?L?mol^?1?cm^?1. The limit of detection and limit of quantification were found to be 0.1?±?0.01?mg?L^?1 and 0.6?±?0.05?mg?L^?1, respectively. Any interference of fenoxaprop-p-ethyl (FE) was avoided by the separation of PXD by liquid chromatography with a mixture of dichloromethane and n-hexane (1?:?1) as eluent. The method was applied to the determination of PXD in soil, water, and wheat grains with percent recoveries of 98?±?2, 100?±?2, and 98?±?5, respectively. Sample throughput of 60 samples per hour was achieved under optimized conditions.     

Genotoxic assessment of anthracene and benzo [a] pyrene to milkfish Chanos chanos

Mutagenic and genotoxic effects of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, anthracene and benzo [a] pyrene (BaP), in milkfish Chanos chanos were determined using micronucleus (MN) test and comet assay (CA). Distinct mean frequencies of nuclear abnormalities such as MNs; binucleated micronuclei, nuclear bud, and fragmented apoptotic cells were measured. Significant increase in DNA damage with five classes of damage level was observed and expressed in terms of arbitrary unit (AU). Mean frequencies of total nuclear abnormalities were 0.5?±?0.25 cells in control; 0.67?±?0.33 cells in solvent control; 70?±?9.60 cells in 0.176?mg?L^?1 anthracene, and 91.83?±?6.25 cells in 0.031?mg?L^?1 BaP. The greatest DNA damage of 170AU was observed in 0.176?mg?L^?1 anthracene-exposed group and 182AU was observed in 0.031?mg?L^?1 BaP-treated fish. This study confirmed that the CA and MN assays are useful tools in determining potential genotoxicity of water pollutants and might be appropriate as a part of monitoring program.     

Effect of calcium and magnesium on copper,cadmium, and some essential elements of Indian major carps Labeo rohita (Hamilton) and Catla catla (Hamilton) treated with copper and cadmium

The effect of calcium and magnesium either singly or in combination on accumulation of cadmium and copper in Labeo rohita (rohu) and Catla catla (catla) was investigated in this study under laboratory conditions. The investigation showed that copper accumulation in rohu exposed to 0.25 mg L^?1 of copper for 14 days reduced from 31.0 ± 0.4 mg kg^?1 at no calcium/magnesium treatment to 3.5 ± 0.2 and 2.2 ± 0.1 mg kg^?1, respectively, at 75 mg L^?1 calcium or magnesium treatment. The copper level in catla exposed to 0.20 mg L^?1 of copper for 14 days reduced from 5.7 ± 0.1 mg kg^?1 at no calcium/magnesium treatment to 3.4 ± 0.2 and 3.3 ± 0.1 mg kg^?1, respectively, at 300 mg L^?1 calcium or magnesium treatment. The cadmium accumulation in rohu exposed to 0.20 mg L^?1 of cadmium for 14 days reduced from 1.7 ± 0.1 mg kg^?1 at no magnesium treatment to 1.4 ± 0.1 mg kg^?1 at 120 mg L^?1 magnesium treatment. The cadmium accumulation in catla exposed to 0.20 mg L^?1 of cadmium for 14 days reduced from 0.8 ± 0.2 mg kg^?1 at no magnesium treatment to 0.6 ± 0.2 mg kg^?1 at 80 mg L^?1 magnesium treatment. Copper and cadmium treatments also reduced some essential microelements of rohu and catla. Both the fishes restored these elements at different levels of calcium and magnesium.     

Preconcentration of samarium with modified yeast cells for its determination by atomic emission spectroscopy

A chelating-modified biosorbent is produced by coupling of a dye, procion red, to yeast cells. The resulting modified cells have been characterized by Fourier transform infrared, elemental analysis and thermogravimetric analysis and studied for preconcentration and determination of trace Sm(III). The optimum pH value for sorption of the samarium ions is 6.2. The sorption capacity of functionalized modified yeast cells is 7.2 mg g^?1. Recovery was 99% when Sm(III) was eluted with an aqueous solution of 0.1 mol L^?1 ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid. Scatchard analysis suggested that binding sites were homogeneous. The equilibrium data were analyzed using Langmuir, Freundlich, Temkin, and Redlich–Peterson isotherm models, and the respective constants were determined as 1.0 (L mg^?1), 2.9 [(mg g^?1) (L mg^?1)^1/n], 2.4 × 10⁸ (L g^?1), and 30 (dm³ g^?1) at 20 °C. The method was applied for an Sm(III)-containing sample of ceramic industry effluent.     

In vitro kinetic characterization of inhibition of acetylcholinesterase by organophosphate and carbamate compounds in food animals

Organophosphate, dichlorvos (2,2-dichlorovinyldimethylphosphate, DDVP), and diazinon (DZN) as well as carbamates are currently found in contaminated water, dust, soil, agricultural waste, and elsewhere in the environment, and can be harmful after accidental or deliberate exposure. Intoxication by these compounds causes a generalized cholinergic crisis due to the inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (AChE), whose major physiological role in mammalian tissues is in nervous transmission. The half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) was found to be higher for carbaryl than DDVP and DZN, about 3–4 times in liver and about 4–6 times in muscles. The half time (t _1/2) of inhibition (8?µmol?L^?1 DDVP or DZN; 40?µmol?L^?1 carbaryl) ranged between 4 and 16?min and decreased as follows: pig?>?cattle?>?sheep for liver tissue, and cattle?>?sheep?>?pig for muscle. Rate constants of inhibition (k _i) ranged between 43?×?10^?3 and 168?×?10^?3?min^?1 for liver and from 46?×?10^?3 to 115?×?10^?3?min^?1 for muscles. Very little residual AChE activity (<6.1%) was seen in liver, but more was seen in muscle (<17%).     

Application of water extract of slippery elm tree leaves as a natural reagent for selective spectrophotometric determination of trace amounts of molybdenum(VI) in environmental water samples

A novel spectrophotometric method for the determination of molybdenum(VI) by using a natural reagent, water extract of slippery elm tree leaves, is developed. Molybdenum(VI) reacts with this natural reagent to form an orange colored product. The formed product shows maximum absorbance at 418 nm with a molar absorptivity value of 0.57 × 10⁴ L mol^?1 cm^?1, and this method is linear in the 0.4–10 mg L^?1 concentration range. The detection limit value was found to be 0.0350 mg L^?1. The proposed method is simple, clean, low cost, selective, and sensitive. It was applied to the analytic samples with satisfactory results.     

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.     

Acetaldehyde contamination of water,alcoholic, and non-alcoholic beverages stored in glass or plastic bottles

Acetaldehyde is a naturally found chemical in food substances characterized by a fruity aroma at low levels. However, high levels of acetaldehyde can add to or change the taste of foods and beverages. More importantly, acetaldehyde has recently been found to be possibly carcinogenic to humans (Group 2B). In this investigation, the amounts of acetaldehyde in several alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages consumed in Greece, including red or white wine, retsina, tsipouro, grappa, fruit-based liqueurs, beers with different alcohol content as well as mineral water, soft drinks, and fruit juices were measured. The analytical method used is based on derivatization of acetaldehyde with 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine and its subsequent measurement using high performance liquid chromatography. High concentrations (median, min–max) were detected in grappa (29.4, 29.2–52.7 mg L^?1) and tsipouro (17.1, 0.8–55.6 mg L^?1), followed by beer (6.8, 6.7–6.9 mg L^?1) and red wine (3.7, 1.6–29.4 mg L^?1); the lowest levels were detected in soft drinks (0.067, 0.033–0.075 mg L^?1) and mineral water (0.04, 0.002--0.096 mg L^?1). Levels of acetaldehyde in retsina were very high (68.1, 63.9--68.3 mg L^?1) when after opening, the wine remained in plastic bottles for a long time, much higher than in samples taken from just opened bottles (7.2, 7.1–7.4 mg L^?1). The amount of acetaldehyde shows some positive correlation to the alcoholic content. These results suggest that regulatory measures and consumer guidance may be necessary for acetaldehyde in beverages.     

Daily dietary fluoride intake in rural villages of the Ethiopian Rift Valley

Dental and skeletal fluorosis is widespread in the Ethiopian Rift Valley region. Drinking water has been considered the main reason for the development of fluorosis, but dietary intake may also be a contributor in areas with high concentration of fluoride in water, soil, and biota. The purpose of this study is to assess the total daily dietary fluoride intake by adults in a rural part of the Ethiopian Rift Valley. The food, beverage, and water samples were collected from selected households of three neighboring villages with similar dietary pattern, but with different fluoride content in their water sources. Village A uses water with 1.0 mg L^?1 fluoride, village B uses water with 3.0 mg L^?1 fluoride, and village C uses water with 11.5 mg L^?1 fluoride both for food preparation and for drinking. The level of fluoride was determined in all food ingredients, in the prepared food, beverages, and in the water used for food preparation and drinking. Recipe and food frequency questionnaires were used to gather household food preparation and consumption patterns. An alkali fusion method was used for digestion of food samples and for subsequent determination of fluoride with ion-selective electrode. The daily fluoride intake varied depending on its concentration in the water used for cooking and drinking. In households using water with 1 mg L^?1, 3 mg L^?1, and 11.5 mg L^?1 fluoride, the total personal intake was found to be 10.5, 16.6, and 35.3 mg d^?1, respectively. Contribution of the water to the daily fluoride intake was 33%, 58%, and 86%, respectively. Even in households using water containing fluoride at a concentration of 1 mg L^?1, the daily intake was higher than the recommended safe intake of 1.5–4.0 mg d^?1 for adults, which indicates that the fluoride intake through food may cause health risks. Minimizing the fluoride concentration in water to the lowest possible level will greatly reduce the daily intake. The form of fluorine (organic or inorganic) in the food items and the associated health risk factors need further investigation.     

Sewage fluxes and seasonal dynamics of physicochemical characteristics of the Bhagirathi-Hooghly River from the lower stretch of River Ganges,India

ABSTRACT

To understand the temporal variations of the physicochemical characteristics of the Bhagirathi-Hooghly River (BHR), three locations representing three districts of West Bengal were selected. The material fluxes from 34 drains during pre-monsoon season was quantified. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed that no significant spatial variations were observed for the physicochemical parameters, whereas seasonal variations were significant. The mean discharge was found to be highest (247.2?×?10³?m³?d^?1) in the midstream drains. Highest mean concentrations of dissolved oxygen (DO) (7.35?mg?L^?1) and nitrate (0.81?mg?L ^?1) were observed during the post-monsoon season followed by the monsoon and pre-monsoon. According to the BIS, WHO and the European standard of water quality (pH, 6.5–8.5; Nitrate, 0–2.5?mg?L^?1;DO, ≥5?mg?L^?1), the results of the respective parameters revealed the BHR system is maintained at high to good water quality, meaning that the BHR system is slightly altered from its pristine environment. The mean concentrations of biological and chemical oxygen demands were found to be high during the monsoon season, revealing that a large quantity of refractory organic matter is transported to the eastern Bay of Bengal from the Ganges.     

Acute toxicity bioassay using Paramecium caudatum,a key member to study the effects of monocrotophos on swimming behaviour,morphology and reproduction

The toxic effects of an organophosphorous insecticide, monochrotophos (MCP) were investigated on Paramecium caudatum in static acute toxicity tests (10?min and 2?h). The lethal concentrations (50%) were determined by probit method, for technical monocrotophos as 60 and 40.6?mg?L^?1, respectively. We have combined conventional light microscopy and a computerized video tracking system to determine behavioural and morphological changes in paramecium on exposure to MCP. Paramecia exposed to highest concentrations (90–100?mg?L^?1) used for 10?min exposure, exhibited initial increase with subsequent decrease in mobility with enormous blebbing, leading to lysis of cells. In the second set of experiments, the cells exposed to lethal concentration (40.6?mg?L^?1) for 2?h were under stress, and reduced their locomotor behaviour, i.e. distance travelled per unit time (mm in 6?min) and swimming speed (mm?s^?1) with increased time of exposure. In the third set of experiments, the number of generations and generation time in 24?h was evaluated with respect to the different sub lethal concentrations (5, 10, 15 and 20?mg?L^?1) of toxicant. The number of generations decreased and generation time extended significantly in a concentration dependent manner. The results indicate that the Paramecium toxicity assay could be used as a complimentary system to rapidly elucidate the cytotoxic potential of insecticides.     

Impacts of sublethal lead exposure on the hemato-immunological parameters in tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus)

The effects of exposure of tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus) to sublethal concentrations of lead on hematological and immunological parameters were investigated. The fish were semistatically exposed to low (L) (0.5 mg L^?1), medium (M) (2.5 mg L^?1), and high (H) (5 mg L^?1) lead concentrations for 14 days. At the end of the trial, red blood cell (RBC) count, hematocrit (Hct) ratio and hemoglobin levels showed significant decreases in M and H groups, while RBC was significantly increased in L group compared to control group. Lysozyme activity showed a decrease in all groups on day 14 compared to control. A decrease in myeloperoxidase activity was seen in M and H groups on day 7, and in all treatment groups on day 14. In conclusion, it was found that exposure of O. mossambicus to lead concentrations affected hematological and immunogical parameters adversely.     

Effects of nonylphenol on ovarian cancer cells PEO4 c-myc and p53 mRNA and protein expression

The molecular mechanisms underlying proliferation and apoptosis induced by p-nonylphenol (NP) through regulation of mRNA and protein expression of c-myc, p53 mRNA and the protein was investigated using ovarian cancer PEO4 cells. PEO4 cells were grown in the Dulbecco's modified Eagle medium (DMEM), 3(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl) 2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay was employed to investigate cell proliferation. RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry was performed to determine mRNA and protein expression of PEO4 c-myc and p53. Within the range of approximately 8–9×10^?7 mol L^?1, NP stimulated proliferation in PEO4 cells in a concentration-and time-dependent manner. RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry analyses revealed that treatment with 32 × 10^?7 mol L^?1 NP for 72 hr resulted in increased mRNA and protein expression of PEO4 c-myc and p53. Evidence indicates that NP exerted estrogenic actions and stimulated proliferation in estrogen responsive ovarian cancer PEO4 cells by up-regulation of c-myc mRNA and protein expression.