Response of indigenous Cd-tolerant electrochemically active bacteria in MECs toward exotic Cr(VI) based on the sensing of fluorescence probes

Electrochemically active bacteria (EAB) on the cathodes of microbial electrolysis cells (MECs) can remove metals from the catholyte, but the response of these indigenous EAB toward exotic metals has not been examined, particularly from the perspective of the co-presence of Cd(II) and Cr(VI) in a wastewater. Four known indigenous Cd-tolerant EAB of Ochrobactrum sp X1, Pseudomonas sp X3, Pseudomonas delhiensis X5, and Ochrobactrum anthropi X7 removed more Cd(II) and less Cr(VI) in the simultaneous presence of Cd(II) and Cr(VI), compared to the controls with individual Cd(II) or single Cr(VI). Response of these EAB toward exotic Cr(VI) was related to the associated subcellular metal distribution based on the sensing of fluorescence probes. EAB cell membrane harbored more cadmium than chromium and cytoplasm located more chromium than cadmium, among which the imaging of intracelluler Cr(III) ions increased over time, contrary to the decreased trend for Cd(II) ions. Compared to the controls with single Cd(II), exotic Cr(VI) decreased the imaging of Cd(II) ions in the EAB at an initial 2 h and negligibly affected thereafter. However, Cd(II) diminished the imaging of Cr (III) ions in the EAB over time, compared to the controls with individual Cr(VI). Current accelerated the harboring of cadmium at an initial 2 h and directed the accumulation of chromium in EAB over time. This study provides a viable approach for simultaneously quantitatively imaging Cd(II) and Cr (III) ions in EAB and thus gives valuable insights into the response of indigenous Cd-tolerant EAB toward exotic Cr(VI) in MECs.

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Barley lipid-transfer protein as heavy metal scavenger

A lipid-transfer protein was isolated from a domestic cultivar of brewers barley grain, Hordeum vulgare. The presence of Cu (II), Pb (II), Cd (II) and Zn (II) ions in its structure and its ability to bind Hg (II) and Ni (II) ions is known. We investigated its ability to bind other metal ions by differential pulse polarography. Here we demonstrate that the lipid-transfer protein has an affinity to bind Co (II) and Pb (II) and has no affinity towards Cd (II), Cu (II), Zn (II) and Cr (III). These results suggest a new possible role of barley lipid-transfer protein for phytoextraction.Selected article from the Regional Symposium on Chemistry and Environment, Krusevac, Serbia, June 2003, organised by Dr. Branimir Jovancicevic     

Löwenzahn Taraxacum officinale Web. als (städtischer) Bioindikator

Investigations of the dandelion, Taraxacum officinale Web. in Poland, Romania and Germany showed that the species concentrates various elements dependent on the intensity of the pollutants. In this study, we followed up the question of whether T. officinale enriches pollutants by the atmospheric deposition on the leaves or via the soil. Therefore, samples from at least 10 plants and a soil sample at 57 sample sites were collected from a grid of 500 m × 500 m. In addition to the analysis of the total soil sample, the (mobile) ion pool of the soil (DIN V 19739) was analysed. The elements Al, As, Ba, Ca, Cd, Ce, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Ga, K, Mg, Mn, Mo, Na, Ni, Rb, Sr, Ti, Tl, V, and Zn were determined through the use of spectrometry with inductive coupled plasma (ICP-MS and ICP-OES). The results are compared with the element concentrations of washed and unwashed leaf samples in T. officinale. We could only find two direct correlations (Ti and Zn) between the element content, of the entire soil samples, but 14 correlations (As, Ba, Cd, Cu, Ga, K, Mn, Mo, Na, Ni, Rb, Ti, Tl und Zn) between the ion pool of the soil and the washed samples. The grid point data interpolation by ArcInfo showed a similar distribution pattern for the unwashed leaf elements Al, Ce, Fe, Ti and V (r≥0.75). The elements Al, Ce, Fe, Ti, and V are washed out at the same ratio. Thus, although the concentration of these elements were significantly reduced by the washing procedure, the correlations were not influenced. The admissibility of the grid point data interpolation for a distribution map of the town area was investigated, as well. It is shown that the element content varies with the land use (meadow, field, rural areas), the sampling point and the local pollutants. However, none of the discussed elements, Al, Ce, Fe, Ti, and V, is significantly influenced by the land use. The data allows one to make the conclusion that the elements of Al, Ce, Fe, Ti and V are dependent on the dry and wet deposition on the leaves of T. officinale. These elements are taken up not only by the roots, but also by the surface of the leaves. This is evident because there is no correlation between one of these elements in the leaves and the ion pool of the soil.     

Exposure to Selected Heavy Metals Through Water Ingestion in an Area Under the Influence of Tanneries

This study evaluated the potential toxicological risk posed to human health due to the exposure to heavy metals by water ingestion in an area affected by tanneries – the Cadeia-Feitoria hydrographic basin (Brazil). River water was collected at 10 sites, every 3 months, from July 1999 to April 2000. After acid digestion, total metal concentration was determined by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (Cd, Cu, Cr, Ni, Zn), flame atomic absorption (Al, Fe, Pb, Mn), or cold vapor atomic absorption spectrometry (Hg). Cr(VI) was complexed with diphenyl-carbazide and detected by UV–vis spectrometry. In order to quantify the risk of exposure, the risk assessment methodology employed by the Environmental Protection Agency of the United States was applied at a screening level. The assumed scenarios included extreme exposure patterns (ingestion of untreated water, conversion of Cr(III) to Cr(VI), temporal peaks of pollution). Fe, Al, Cd, Hg, and Pb were not included in the risk analysis, since they showed a low toxicity potential or were undetected in the samples. The selected metals presented Hazard Quotients < 1, in the following order of increasing risk: Cu < Cr(III) < Zn < Ni < Mn < Cr(VI). Hazard indexes, representing the additive effect of contaminants, were also low in the basin (< 1), but comparatively increased in the lower reach of Feitoria and Cadeia Rivers. Although noncarcinogenic risk levels did not suggest possible adverse toxicological effects to the human population, a considerable deviation from background conditions was observed downstream the area where tanneries are mainly located.     

Concentration of polyvalent metals by seaweeds in Vostok Bay,Sea of Japan

Spectrophotometric methods were used to measure the contents of the polyvalent metals Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Mo and Zn in 16 species of red, brown, and green seaweeds and 2 species of higher water plants collected from the intertidal and sublittoral zones of Vostok Bay, Sea of Japan. Some of the species displayed a unique capability for increased accumulation of groups of several metals. We have termed this ability specific group concentration. Thus, Ptilota filicina concentrates Ti, V, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, and Mo; Polysiphonia japonica Ti, V, Mn, Fe, Zn, Mo, and Cr; Rhodomela larix Ti, V, Mn, Fe, Ni, Zn, and Cr; Agarum cribrosum Ti, V, Mn, Fe, Ni, Zn, and Cr; Ulvaria splendens Ti, V, Mn, Fe, Ni, and Cu; Ulva fenestrata Mn, Fe, Ni, and Cu; Enteromorpha prolifera Mn, Co, Zn, Mo, and Cr; codium yessoensis V, Mn, Fe, Ni, and Cr; Zostera asiatica Ti, Mn, Ni, and Mo; Phyllospadix iwatensis Ti, V, Mn, Fe, and Zn. Specific group concentration makes possible a new approach to the study of active transport of polyvalent metals, physiologically significant for live organisms, through cell membranes, and the study of the formation of complex metal compounds inside the cell, i.e., the study of the processes that determine the degree of element concentration. The contents of the metals studied in sea water and the accumulation coefficients were also determined. The variation range is extremely high both for the seaweed species and metals investigated. Maximum coefficients were noted for Mn: 1.8·10⁵; Ti: 4.4·10⁴; Fe: 2.4·10⁴; Cr: 1.2·10⁶.     

Spectrophotometry determination of Congo red in river water samples using nanosilver

A spectrophotometric procedure for the anionic diazo dye Congo red was proposed based on nanosilver catalyzed oxidation by potassium iodate in a hydrochloric acid medium. The calibration graph is linear for 0.8–240?mg?L^?1, and the detection limit is 0.6?mg?L^?1. Most foreign ions do not interfere with the determination, except for Cu(II), Fe(III), and Cr(VI). The interferences of Cu(II) and Fe(III) could be eliminated by masking with ethylene diamine tetraacetate, and that of Cr(VI) by reducing to Cr(III) with ascorbic acid. The typical features of this procedure are that it is sensitive for Congo red, and the determination could be carried out at room temperature. It had been used for the determination of Congo red in the Ganjnameh river water sample.     

Quantification of transition metals in biological samples and its possible impact on ferro-alloy workers

Increased risk of ill-health and diseases has been associated with employment in the ferro-alloy factory. Since measurement of transition metals in human blood and hair along with respective exposure rates, provides a means of assessing individual risk, it has been the most important part of the study. In the study majority of the elements in the transition series, such as, vanadium (V), chromium (Cr), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), cobalt, (Co) nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), molybdenum (Mo) and cadmium (Cd) were considered which are randomly emitted from the source, that is, manganese ore (used during ferro-alloy manufacturing process). The commonly available transition, metals, observed in biological samples of ferro-alloy workers, were found to be Fe, Zn, Co, Ni, Cu, Cr, Cd, V Mn and Mo in blood, while in hair, Mn, Fe, Zn, Co, Ni, Cu, Cr, Cd, V and Mo were present in decreasing order Surveillance of bio-concentration of these metals in workers, exposed to close proximity of the coke-ovens and smelting furnaces, revealed that the workers were prone to several physical disorders.     

Metalle und Stickstoff angereichert in Moosen Sachsens

Background, aim and scope Since 1990 the UN ECE Heavy Metals in Mosses Surveys provide data inventories of the atmospheric heavy metal bioaccumulation across Europe. In the survey 2005 the nitrogen (N) accumulation was measured for the first time in most of the participating countries. In Germany, the surveys were conducted in close cooperation of the relevant authorities of both the Federal Republic and the sixteen states. Therefore, statistical evaluations of the moss survey data with regard to the whole German territory and single federal states are of interest. This article concentrates on Saxony, dealing with the mapping of the spatiotemporal trends of metal accumulation from 1990 to 2005, the spatial patterns of nitrogen accumulation in 2005, and the spatial variability of bioaccumulation due to characteristics of the sampling sites and their surroundings. Exemplified for Cadmium (Cd), Mercury (Hg) and Lead (Pb) the metal loads in mosses are furthermore related to modelled deposition data provided from the European Monitoring and Evaluation Programme (EMEP). Materials and methods In Saxony Pleurozium schreberi (1990, 1995 most frequent moss species, thereafter second most), Hypnum cupressiforme (1990, 1995 second most, thereafter most frequent moss species), Scleropodium purum and Brachytecium rutabulum (1995, 2000) were sampled at up to 83 sites. All sampling sites were described with regard to topographical and ecological characteristics and several criteria to be fulfilled according to the guideline. Together with the measurements this metadata was combined with other information regarding land use in the surroundings of the sampling sites in the WebGIS MossMet. The spatial structure of the metal bioaccumulation was analysed and modelled by variogram analyses and then mapped by applying different kriging techniques. Furthermore, multi metal indices (MMI) were derived for both the sampling sites and raster maps with help of percentile statistics: The MMI_1990–2005 was calculated for arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), titanium (Ti), vanadium (V) and zinc (Zn). The statistical association of the metal bioaccumulation, site specific characteristics as well as information on land use and emissions was analysed by bivariate nonparametric correlation analysis, contingency tables and Classification and Regression Trees (CART). Results The results of the quality controlled chemical analyses show a decrease of the metal bioaccumulation in Saxony from 1990 to 2000. From 2000 to 2005?a significant increase can be stated for As, Cr, Cu, Fe, Ti and V. The element loads of Cd, Hg, Pb and Sb show a decreasing, although non significant, tendency. The MMI_1990–2005 decreased significantly from 1990 to 2000 and increased significantly from 2000 to 2005. The N concentration in mosses in Saxony reaches from 1.36 to 1.96?% in dry mass showing significant correlations to the agriculture density (+), the height of the surrounding trees (+), altitude (–) and the precipitation sum for the accumulation period (–). The ratios of forests around the monitoring sites show a negative correlation to all elements but for Pb, Sb and V. Unlike Cd the moss loads of As, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Ni, Pb, Ti and V are positively correlated to the density of urban areas calculated from the Corine Landcover map 2000. The same holds true for Cr, Cu Fe and Ni regarding traffic density and Cd, Cu, Hg and Ni regarding agricultural density. The precipitation sum within the accumulation period is positively correlated with As, Cd, Cr (1990–2000), Ni, Pb, Sb und V, negatively with Cr (2005), Cu, Fe and Zn. Regarding altitude a similar tendency can be observed. The slope gradient shows significant association to Cd, Cu, Ni and Pb. Regarding the canopy effect negative correlation coefficients were calculated for As, Pb and Sb regarding the distance of the sampling site to the nearest tree crowns and positive correlations were calculated for Cd, Cr, Fe and Sb with respect to the height of the surrounding trees. The distance of the moss site to human settlements is significantly related to As, Cd, Cr, Hg, Ni, Pb and Sb. The impact of traffic becomes apparent for As, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, Sb, V and Zn which are all negatively correlated with the distance of the moss site to the nearest road. The multivariate statistical CART analysis identifies the urban land use density in a radius of 5?km around the sampling site as well as the height of surrounding trees as the statistically most significant factors for the Cu concentrations in mosses sampled in 2005. The modelled total deposition of Cd, Hg and Pb (EMEP) and the respective concentrations in Saxon mosses are correlated significantly (1995 Hg: r _s = 0.62, p = 0.004; 2005 Cd: r _s = 0.43, p = 0.07, Hg: r _s = 0.44, p = 0.06, Pb: r _s = 0.39, p = 0,099). Discussion Unlike in e.?g. Baden-Württemberg the metal accumulation in mosses in Saxony increased between 2000 and 2005, Cr thereby increased dramatically. For Cd, Hg and Pb it could be shown that the metal loads in mosses are significantly correlated to the modelled total deposition provided by EMEP. Nevertheless, this does not hold true for all elements in all campaigns. Taking this into account, it can be verified that positive relationships between the metal bioaccumulation and the deposition for Saxony exist. Conclusions Contrary to deposition measurements that exhibit a higher temporal resolution the moss surveys provide measurement data on a wide range of elements. Some of these elements are important with regard to human-toxicological aspects (e.?g. Al, As, Hg, Sb, V). The standardised biomonitoring of atmospheric pollution with mosses is an important link between the technical acquisition of depositions and the accumulation in biological material. To claim that the element concentrations in mosses and in the deposition should correlate to a high degree is not appropriate since both approaches are physically related but are not identical. The degree of correlation thereby depends on the boundary conditions of the physical processes, like regional and site-specific meteorological conditions within the accumulation period, the vertical and horizontal vegetation structure or land use conditions. Recommendations and perspectives The Heavy Metals in Mosses Surveys are a positive example for environmental monitoring activities reaching across three spatial and administrative levels: regional (e.?g. federal state or natural landscape), nation wide (e.?g. Germany) and continental (e.?g. Europe). It can therefore be claimed that the moss survey is the only environmental monitoring network that provides high density and surface covering information on the metal and N exposition of near-natural and agricultural ecosystems. The correlations of the metal bioaccumulation and the modelled deposition should therefore be used to complement the deposition measurement activities across Europe.     

Enhancement of UV and chromate mutagenesis by nickel ions in the Chinese hamster HGPRT Assay †

1. The HGPRT (Hypoxanthine‐Guanine‐Phospho‐Ribosyl‐Transferase) assay with Chinese Hamster V79 cells was used to measure the mutagenic effects of UV irradiation, potassium dichromate and nickel chloride. The agents were tested separately and in the combinations of UV plus nickel and dichromate plus nickel.

2. UV, Cr(VI) and Ni(II) were confirmed to be mutagenic in the V79 cell assay. The combination of UV(5J/m²) and Ni(II) (0.5 mM) caused a mutation rate 11.2 times above that corresponding to the sum of the individual mutation rates of these agents. The combined action of Cr(VI) (0.1 mM) and Ni(II) (0.5 mM) produced a mutation rate 2.8 fold above that corresponding to the sum of the individual rates of the separate agents.

3. The enhancing effect of nickel chloride on the mutagenicity of UV or Cr(VI) is interpreted by an interference of Ni(II) with the repair of DNA lesions.     

南京城市土壤重金属含量及空间分布特征

研究了南京城市土壤重金属含量、来源及空间分布特征。结果表明,南京城市土壤中V、Mn、Co、Ni、Cr污染不明显,但受到了不同程度的Cu、Pb、Zn、Sb、Hg、Cd污染,其中Hg污染比较严重。V、Mn、Co、Ni、Cr含量之间均呈极显著正相父;Cu、Pb、Zn、Sb、Hg、Cd含量之间也均呈极显著正相关。南京城市土壤V、Mn、Co、Ni、Cr主要继承了原土物质;Hg、Cd、Pb主要来源于城市燃煤、机动车尾气及工厂排放粉尘;Sb主要来源于机动车尾气和工厂排放粉尘。南京城市土壤Hg、Cd、Pb、Sb含量空间分布规律非常相似,均表现为外围向市中心有逐渐增加的趋势,并且在新街口—鼓楼、梅山硫铁矿形成异常高值的岛状、环状区域。     

Urban Geochemistry: Investigations in the Berlin Metropolitan Area

The distribution of 41 trace and 11 major elements in 4000 samples of topsoils (0–20cm) from the Berlin Megacity is interpreted. The detailed comparative analysis of the element distributions and the results of factor analysis showed that the distributions of the elements Al, K, Na, Rb, Zr, Nb and Ti are mainly natural origin, i.e. related to the composition of the parent material. Industrial and commercial areas often display considerably elevated values for Mo, Ni, As, Ag, Cr, Sb, Fe, Mn, Mg, P, TOC and especially Pb, Hg and electrical conductivity relative to the geogenic background of the area surrounding Berlin. Industrial areas tend to be characterised by contamination of the subsoil with Cu, Cd, Zn, Hg, Pb and Sn. In the area around Berlin, extensive, strong anamalies of Cd, Zn, Pb, Cu and Hg occur near iron and steel industries and construction materials industries, as well as in the vicinity of sewage farms.     

5种水培蔬菜对金属元素富集水平研究

检测分析了5种水培蔬菜中4种常量金属元素、18种稀有金属元素以及10种重金属元素含量,并与对照组陆生蔬菜金属元素含量进行比较,评价水培蔬菜的食用安全性。结果表明,污染水体中水培蔬菜的金属元素富集水平是不同的。常量金属元素平均富集系数为2~150倍;稀有元素平均富集量总体上高于陆生蔬菜;重金属元素富集系数大多在10倍左右,与陆生蔬菜重金属元素含量相比,两者均在同一水平,低于国家2001年10月1日执行的蔬菜农产品安全质量标准。     

A contribution to the distribution of some chemical elements inMolinia caerulea andEriophorum vaginatum during reinstatement of the Leegmoor,Emsland, FRG

The concentrations of Ag, Al, Ba, Be, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, La, Li, Mg, Mn, Mo, Na, Ni, P, Pb, Rb, Sr, Ti, V and Zn were determined by AES/ICP inMolinia caerulea andEriophorum vaginatum grown in the Leegmoor, which is in reinstatement. In the soil substrate analytical detection limits were obtained for Ag, Co, Li, Mo and Rb and additionally for Al, Be, Cd, Cr, La, Li, Ni, Pb, Ti and V in plants. Compared with mineral soils, the concentration of elements in peat is low. The elements K and P were enriched byMolinia caerulea andEriophorum vaginatum, and in addition Mn and Zn byEriophorum vaginatum. Altogether the ability of accumulation essential elements seem to be more efficient byEriophorum vaginatumthan byMolinia caerulea, which can be an ecophysiological advantage on peats, whereMolinia caerulea is normally not distributed.     

姬松茸中Cu,Zn,Ag,Cd和Hg累积特性的初步研究

对三种不同产地的姬松茸子实体,经过微波消解后,采用电感耦合等离子体发射光谱法(ICP- OES)、原子吸收光谱法(AAS)和原子荧光光谱法(AFS)测定了其中Ag,Al,As,Au,B,Ba,Bi,Ca,Cd,Cr,Co,Cu,Fe,Hg,K,La,Mg,Mn,Mo,Na,M,P,Pb,Rb,S,Sb,Se,Sn,Sr,Ti,V和Zn等32种元素的含量,并用高效液相色谱和电感耦合等离子质谱联用技术(HPLC-ICP-MS)分析了其中Hg元素的形态.另外,还探讨了Cu,Zn,Ag,Cd,Hg及一些相关元素在姬松茸子实体不同部位的分布特征.研究表明:与一些常见种类的大型真菌相比,姬松茸对Cu,Zn,Ag,Cd,Hg具有较强的累积能力,累积的Hg主要以Hg~(2 )形态存在,CH_3Hg~ 占总Hg比例在15%以下.Cu,Zn,Ag,Cd和Hg在姬松茸子实体不同部位的分布特征为:从菌柄下部到上部、从菌盖中心到边缘元素含量逐渐增加;P有助于提高姬松茸对Cu,Zn,Ag,Cd,Hg的累积能力,而Ca似乎起拮抗作用.     

Assessment of a Smelter Impact Area Using Surface Soils and Plants

The concentrations of 37 trace elements (Ag, Ba, Be, Cd, Ce, Co, Cr, Cs, Cu, Dy, Er, Ga, Gd, Ge, La, Li, Mo, Nb, Nd, Ni, Pb, Pr, Rb, Sb, Sm, Sn, Sr, Tb, Th, Tl, U, V, W, Y, Yb, Zn and Zr) were determined by ICP-MS in surface soils and plants (Sida rhombifolia) sampled around a lead smelter in Lastenia, Province of Tucuman, NW Argentina. Soil and plant patterns of Pb, Cd, Ag, Zn and Cu demonstrate the effects of pollutant dispersion plumes following the prevalent wind directions. The high element concentrations observed, especially Pb (>5,000 mg/kg), could cause serious environmental problems in areas of close proximity to the smelter. Consequently, measures to assess potential consequences for the local population should be considered to determine if measures to protect the environment are necessary.     

Dual-functional sites for synergistic adsorption of Cr(VI) and Sb(V) by polyaniline-TiO2 hydrate: Adsorption behaviors,sites and mechanisms

• PANI/Ti(OH)_n^(4–n)+ exhibited excellent adsorption capacity and reusability. • Adsorption sites of Cr(VI) were hydroxyl, amino/imino group and benzene rings. • Sb(V) was adsorbed mainly through hydrogen bonds and Ti-O-Sb. • The formation of Cr-O-Sb in dual system demonstrated the synergistic adsorption. • PANI/TiO₂ was a potential widely-applied adsorbent and worth further exploring. Removal of chromium (Cr) and antimony (Sb) from aquatic environments is crucial due to their bioaccumulation, high mobility and strong toxicity. In this work, a composite adsorbent consisting of Ti(OH)_n^(4–n)+ and polyaniline (PANI) was designed and successfully synthesized by a simple and eco-friendly method for the uptake of Cr(VI) and Sb(V). The synthetic PANI/TiO₂ composites exhibited excellent adsorption capacities for Cr(VI) and Sb(V) (394.43 mg/g for Cr(VI) and 48.54 mg/g for Sb(V)), wide pH applicability and remarkable reusability. The adsorption of Cr(VI) oxyanions mainly involved electrostatic attraction, hydrogen bonding and anion-π interactions. Based on X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and FT-IR analysis, the adsorption sites were shown to be hydroxyl groups, amino/imino groups and benzene rings. Sb(V) was adsorbed mainly through hydrogen bonds and surface complexation to form Ti-O-Sb complexes. The formation of Cr-O-Sb in the dual system demonstrated the synergistic adsorption of Cr(VI) and Sb(V). More importantly, because of the different adsorption sites, the adsorption of Cr(VI) and Sb(V) occurred independently and was enhanced to some extent in the dual system. The results suggested that PANI/TiO₂ is a promising prospect for practical wastewater treatment in the removal of Cr(VI) and Sb(V) from wastewater owing to its availability, wide applicability and great reusability.     

Verteilung chemischer Elemente in der Nahrung und Milch stillender Mütter

Goal and Scope

The transfer of various chemical elements from maternal food into human milk was investigated. Transfer factors (hereafter TF) food/mother’s milk were taken to represent those nuclides pertinent to radiation protection in order to estimate possible radioactive burdens of breast-fed babies.

Methods

A total of 23 mothers, mainly from the Euroregion Neisse (PL, CZ, D; all being in their mature phases of lactation), took part in this study (1998–2001), for time periods between two to eight weeks (8805 samples were analyzed). The diurnal uptake of elements was determined by the duplicate method.

Results and Conclusions

TF values determined for Ag, Au, Ba, Cd, Ce, Co, Cr, Cs, Cu, Fe, Ga, I, La, Mn, Mo, Nb, Ni, P, Pb, Ra, Rb, Re, Ru, Sb, Sr, Te, Th, Ti, U_o, Y, Zn, Zr were theoretically analyzed with the following result: metal ions transfer into mother’s milk mainly in coordinated states (i.e. bound to anionic ligands), with TF values which increase according to complex stabilities. Therefore it can be assessed that neither Cd nor Ba, both forming only weak complexes, pose hazards to breastfed children.

Outlook

There are relationships between transfer factors pertaining to certain elements and the amounts of others consumed by the mother; i.e. (changes in) consumption of one element influence the transfer towards women’s milk of another element. Accordingly, strategies can be developed to keep off hazardous substances — including fissiogenic radionuclides — from milk which is far more efficient than traditional isotopic dilution; however, iodide tablets are useful here, too.     

鼻咽癌与土壤环境中化学元素的相关性研究

利用土壤元素数据２０６９４４８个,鼻咽癌死亡调查资料２２５６０例,研究了鼻咽癌死亡率与土壤环境中６１个元素质量分数的相关性。结果表明,汞、铅、硒、针、锡、钛、钽、溴、碘元素质量分数与鼻咽癌死亡率呈非常显著的正相关;铪元素质量分数与鼻咽癌死亡率呈显著的正相关;铟、镱、镥、铀、锆、铋、碲元素质量分数与鼻咽癌死亡率呈较显著的正相关。锰、钠、镁、钙、锶元素质量分数与鼻咽癌死亡率呈非常显著的负相关;钾、钡元素质量分数与鼻咽癌死亡率呈较显著的负相关。钒、铷、铯、银、铝、镓、铊、钪、钇、镧、铈、钕、钆、镝、钬、铒、铥、钼、钨、铁、砷、镉、钴、铬、铜、氟、镍、锌、锂、铍、硼、镨、钐、铕、铽、锗、锑元素质量分数与鼻咽癌死亡率无明显的相关性。     

Urban Geochemistry: A Multimedia and Multielement Survey of a Small Town in Northern Europe

The concentrations and distributions of chemical elements (Ag, Al, As, Au, Ba, Bi, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Ga, Hg, K, La, Mg, Mn, Mo, Na, Ni, P, Pb, S, Sb, Sc, Se, Sr, Te, Th, Ti, Tl, U, V, W and Zn) were studied in till, humus and urban soil in Jakobstad, a small town (20,000 inhabitants) in W. Finland. The analyses were performed with ICP-MS after aqua regia leaching of till (n = 37), urban topsoil (n = 32) and subsoil (n = 32), and HNO3 leaching of humus (n = 37). The till and humus samples, collected at the same sites, were divided into urban and rural samples. The urban till was not significantly enriched in metals. In contrast, a majority of the elements occurred in higher concentrations in the urban than the rural humus samples. Statistical and spatial interpretations of the humus data revealed that traffic (Pb, V and Ni), metal industry (Pb, Zn, Bi, Sb and Cr), an abandoned shooting range (Pb and Sb) and other sources contribute to higher metal levels in the urban humus. The urban soil samples were collected at parks, yards, abandoned industrial sites, roadsides, etc. The topsoil samples were enriched in most elements, also by elements not enriched in the urban humus (e.g. Cd). At several sites, the concentrations far exceeded the limit concentrations for contaminated soils in Finland. A large variety of sources were identified or indicated.