Trace Element Concentrations (trace + element_concentration)

Distribution by Scientific Domains


Selected Abstracts


Relationship between lysosomal membrane destabilization and chemical body burden in eastern oysters (Crassostrea virginica) from Galveston Bay, Texas, USA

ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY & CHEMISTRY, Issue 6 2002
Hyun-Min Hwang
Abstract Lysosomal destabilization was measured by using hemocytes of eastern oysters (Crassostrea virginica) collected along a chemical concentration gradient in Galveston Bay, Texas, USA. Results of the lysosomal response were compared to concentrations of organic compounds and trace elements in oyster tissue. Concentrations (on a dry-wt basis) ranged from 288 to 2,390 ng/g for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), 38 to 877 ng Sn/g for tri- n -butyltin (TBT), 60 to 562 ng/g for polyclorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and 7 to 71 ng/g for total DDT. Trace element concentrations (on a dry-wt basis) ranged from 1.1 to 4.0 ,g/g for Cd, 105 to 229 ,g/g for Cu, 212 to 868 ,g/g for Al, and 1,200 to 8,180 ,g/g for Zn. The percentage of destabilized lysosomes ranged from 34 to 81%. A significant positive correlation (p < 0.05) was observed between lysosomal destabilization and body burden of organic compounds (PAHs, PCBs, TBT, and chlorinated pesticides). No significant correlation was found between metal concentrations and lysosomal destabilization. Based on lysosomal destabilization, the study sites in Galveston Bay can be placed in one of three groups: healthy (Hanna Reef and Confederate Bay), moderately damaged (Offats Bayou and Todd's Dump), and highly damaged (Yacht Club and Ship Channel). Lysosomal destabilization that is consistent with toxic chemical body burdens supports previous observations that lysosomal membranes are damaged by toxic chemicals and indicates that this method can serve as an early screening tool to assess overall ecosystem health by using oysters. [source]


Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, aliphatic hydrocarbons, trace elements, and monooxygenase activity in birds nesting on the North Platte River, Casper, Wyoming, USA

ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY & CHEMISTRY, Issue 3 2001
Thomas W. Custer
Abstract Tree swallow (Tachycineta bicolor) and house wren (Troglodytes aedon) eggs and chicks were collected near a refinery site on the North Platte River, Casper, Wyoming, USA and at a reference site 10 km upstream. Total polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) concentrations in swallow and wren chicks were higher at the refinery site than at the reference site. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon concentrations in sediment and chick dietary samples were consistent with these findings. The general lack of methylated PAHs in sediment, diet, and bird carcasses suggested that the PAHs were derived from combustion and not from petroleum. The predominance of odd-numbered aliphatic hydrocarbons and the low ratios (,0.25) of pristane:n -C17 and phytane:n -C18 in chick and diet samples also suggested that swallow and wren chicks were not being chronically exposed to petroleum. Mean ethoxyresorufin- O -dealkylase and benzyloxyresorufin- O -dealkylase activities in tree swallow livers averaged nine times higher at the refinery site than at the reference site and were probably induced by exposure to PAHs. Trace element concentrations in eggs and livers of swallows and wrens were similar or greater at the reference site than at the refinery site. Selenium, strontium, and boron concentrations were elevated in eggs and livers of swallows and wrens at both the refinery and reference sites. [source]


The detection of elements in larval otoliths from Atlantic herring using laser ablation ICP-MS

JOURNAL OF FISH BIOLOGY, Issue 4 2003
D. Brophy
Trace element concentrations of otoliths from larval herring Clupea harengus collected from known spawning beds in the Celtic and Irish Seas, were investigated using laser ablation ICP-MS and compared with concentrations in the larval cores of juvenile otoliths from the same populations and year class. A range of elements (Mg, Zn, Sr, Ba and Pb) was detectable in early larval otoliths (20,40 µm diameter). Larval otolith concentrations exceeded the larval core concentrations of juvenile otoliths and also the concentrations reported in the literature, for Mg, Zn, Ba and Pb, indicating that the measurement of elements in larval otoliths was severely affected by post-mortem contamination, most likely due to adherence of tissue and endolymph residue on the otolith surface. Comparison of otolith composition between larvae from two freezing treatments showed that contamination from Mg and Zn was more serious in otoliths that had remained in frozen larvae for prolonged periods. Larval populations from the two seas showed significant differences in otolith Sr concentrations, which were consistent over two sampling years. Similar differences were seen in the corresponding juvenile populations. The results show that while early larval otoliths are extremely susceptible post-mortem contamination, Sr concentrations can be reliably measured using laser ablation ICP-MS and for this element, the detection of region specific differences is possible. [source]


Trace element concentrations in the Mexico-Belize ejecta layer: A link between the Chicxulub impact and the global Cretaceous-Paleogene boundary

METEORITICS & PLANETARY SCIENCE, Issue 11 2007
Jane Wigforss-Lange
The ejecta deposits consist of a lower spheroid bed, containing clay and dolomite spheroids, and an upper diamictite bed with boulders and clasts of limestone and dolomite. The matrix of both beds is composed of clay and micritic dolomite. The rare earth element (REE) compositions in the matrix of both units show strong similarities in concentrations and pattern. Furthermore, the Zr/TiO2 scatter plot shows a linear correlation indicating one source. These results indicate that the basal spheroid bed has the same source and was generated during the same event as the overlying diamictite bed, which lends support to a single-impact scenario for the Albion Formation ejecta deposits. The elevated concentrations of non-meteoritic elements such as Sb, As, U, and Zn in the matrix of the lower spheroid bed are regarded to have been derived from the sedimentary target rocks at the Chicxulub impact site. The positive Eu and Ce anomalies in clay concretion and in the matrix of the lower part of the spheroid bed in Albion Island quarry is probably related to processes involved in the impact, such as high temperature and oxidizing conditions. Analogous trace element anomalies have been reported from the distal Cretaceous-Paleogene (K/T) boundary clay layer at different sites. Thus, the trace element signals, reported herein, are regarded to support a genetic link between the Chicxulub impact, the ejecta deposits along the Mexico-Belize border, and the global K/T boundary layer. [source]


Niobium and tantalum in carbonaceous chondrites: Constraints on the solar system and primitive mantle niobium/tantalum, zirconium/niobium, and niobium/uranium ratio

METEORITICS & PLANETARY SCIENCE, Issue 2 2000
K. p. Jochum
The abundance of Ta was determined in the same meteorites by radiochemical neutron activation analysis (RNAA). Precision of the MIC-SSMS and RNAA techniques is ,3% and , 5%, respectively. The new abundances for CI chondrites are: Nb = 0.247, Ta = 0.0142, Zr = 3.86, Y = 1.56 ,g/g; or 0.699, 0.0202, 11.2, and 4.64 atoms/106 Si atoms, respectively. The values agree with earlier compilations, but they are a factor of 2 more precise than earlier analyses. Trace element concentrations in the CM, CV, and CK chondrites are higher than in the CI chondrite Orgueil by about 37, 86, and 120%, respectively, in agreement with the variable absolute contents of refractory lithophile elements in different groups of carbonaceous chondrites. Of particular interest are the chondritic Nb/Ta, Zr/Nb, and Nb/U ratios, because these ratios are important tools for interpreting the chemical evolution of planetary bodies. We obtained Nb/Ta = 17.4 ± 0.5 for the carbonaceous chondrites and the Juvinas-type eucrites investigated. Though this value is similar to previous estimates, it is much more precise. The same is true for Zr/Nb (15.5 ± 0.2) and Zr/Y (2.32 ± 0.12). In combination with recently published MIC-SSMS U data for carbonaceous chondrites, we obtained a chondritic Nb/U ratio of 29 ± 2. Because Nb, Ta, Zr, Y, and U are refractory lithophile elements and presumably partitioned into the silicate phase of the Earth during core formation, the elemental ratios may also be used to constrain evolution of the Earth's primitive mantle and, with the more precise determinations fractionation of Nb and Ta during magmatic processes and mantle-crust interactions, can now be interpreted with greater confidence. [source]


An experimental test of Henry's Law in solid metal-liquid metal systems with implications for iron meteorites

METEORITICS & PLANETARY SCIENCE, Issue 2 2003
Nancy L. CHABOT
However, the majority of the partitioning experiments have been conducted with trace elements doped at levels that are orders of magnitude higher than measured in iron meteorites. Concern about Henry's Law and the unnatural doping levels have been cited as one reason that two recent iron meteorite studies have dismissed the experimental partition coefficients in their modeling. Using laser ablation ICP-MS analysis, this study reports experimentally determined solid metal-liquid metal trace element partition coefficients from runs doped down to the levels occurring in iron meteorites. The analyses for 12 trace elements (As, Co, Cr, Cu, Ga, Ge, Ir, Os, Pd, Pt, Re, and W) show no deviations from Henry's Law, and these results support decades of experimental work in which the partition coefficients were assumed to be independent of trace element concentration. Further, since our experiments are doped with natural levels of trace elements, the partitioning results are directly applicable to iron meteorites and should be used when modeling their crystallization. In contrast, our new Ag data are inconsistent with previous studies, suggesting the high Ag-content in previous studies may have influenced the measured Ag partitioning behavior. [source]


Trout density and health in a stream with variable water temperatures and trace element concentrations: Does a cold-water source attract trout to increased metal exposure?

ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY & CHEMISTRY, Issue 4 2009
David D. Harper
Abstract A history of hard-rock mining has resulted in elevated concentrations of heavy metals in Prickly Pear Creek (MT, USA). Remediation has improved water quality; however, dissolved zinc and cadmium concentrations still exceed U.S. Environmental Protection Agency water-quality criteria. Physical habitat, salmonid density, fish health, and water quality were assessed, and metal concentrations in fish tissues, biofilm, and macroinvertebrates were determined to evaluate the existing condition in the watershed. Cadmium, zinc, and lead concentrations in fish tissues, biofilm, and invertebrates were significantly greater than those at the upstream reference site and an experimental site farther downstream of the confluence. Fish densities were greatest, and habitat quality for trout was better, downstream of the confluence, where water temperatures were relatively cool (16°C). Measures of fish health (tissue metal residues, histology, metallothionein concentrations, and necropsies), however, indicate that the health of trout at this site was negatively affected. Trout were in colder but more contaminated water and were subjected to increased trace element exposures and associated health effects. Maximum water temperatures in Prickly Pear Creek were significantly lower directly below Spring Creek (16°C) compared to those at an experimental site 10 km downstream (26°C). Trout will avoid dissolved metals at concentrations below those measured in Prickly Pear Creek; however, our results suggest that the preference of trout to use cool water temperatures may supersede behaviors to avoid heavy metals. [source]


Accurate U-Pb Age and Trace Element Determinations of Zircon by Laser Ablation-Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry

GEOSTANDARDS & GEOANALYTICAL RESEARCH, Issue 3 2004
Honglin Yuan
LA-ICP-MS; laser excimer; zircon; géochronologie; éléments en trace Various zircons of Proterozoic to Oligocene ages (1060-31 Ma) were analysed by laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. Calibration was performed using Harvard reference zircon 91500 or Australian National University reference zircon TEMORA 1 as external calibrant. The results agree with those obtained by SIMS within 2s error. Twenty-four trace and rare earth elements (P, Ti, Cr, Y, Nb, fourteen REE, Hf, Ta, Pb, Th and U) were analysed on four fragments of zircon 91500. NIST SRM 610 was used as the reference material and 29Si was used as internal calibrant. Based on determinations of four fragments, this zircon shows significant intra-and inter-fragment variations in the range from 10% to 85% on a scale of 120 ,m, with the variation of REE concentrations up to 38.7%, although the chondrite-normalised REE distributions are very similar. In contrast, the determined age values for zircon 91500 agree with TIMS data and are homogeneous within 8.7 Ma (2s). A two-stage ablation strategy was developed for optimising U-Pb age determinations with satisfactory trace element and REE results. The first cycle of ablation was used to collect data for age determination only, which was followed by continuous ablation on the same spot to determine REE and trace element concentrations. Based on this procedure, it was possible to measure zircon ages as low as 30.37 0.39 Ma (MSWD = 1.4; 2s). Other examples for older zircons are also given. Différents zircons d'âges variant du Protérozoïque à l'Oligocène (1060-31 Ma) ont été analysés par spectrométrie avec source à plasma induit et ablation laser. La calibration a été faite en utilisant le zircon 91500 de référence de Harvard ou le zircon TEMORA 1 de référence de l'Université Nationale Australienne comme calibrant externe. Les résultats sont en accord avec ceux obtenus par SIMS aux erreurs analytiques près (2s). Vingt-quatre éléments en trace et Terres Rares (P, Ti, Cr, Y, Nb, quatorze ETR, Hf, Ta, Pb, Th et U) ont été analysés sur quatre fragments du zircon 91500. Le standard SRM 610 de NIST a été utilisé comme matériau de référence et 29Si comme calibrant interne. À partir des déterminations faites sur ces quatre fragments, ce zircon montre des variations intra et inter fragments de l'ordre de 10%à 85%à une échelle de 120 ,m, avec des variations des concentrations de Terres Rares allant jusquà 38.7%, bien que le spectre de Terres Rares normalisé aux chondrites reste très constant. Au contraire, les âges déterminés pour le zircon 91500 sont en accord avec les résultats de TIMS et sont homogènes à 8.7 Ma près (2s). Une stratégie d'ablation en deux étapes a été développée pour optimiser les déterminations d'âges U-Pb, et avoir des résultats de Terres Rares et d'éléments en trace satisfaisants. Le premier cycle d'ablation était utilisé pour collecter les données nécessaires à la détermination de l'âge seulement et était suivi d'un cycle d'ablation continue sur le même spot, pour déterminer les concentrations en Terres Rares et en éléments en trace. Grâce à cette procédure, il a été possible de mesurer des âges sur zircons aussi récents que 30.37 0.39 Ma (MSWD = 1.4; 2s). D'autres exemples sur des zircons plus vieux sont aussi donnés. [source]


Minor and trace element export from a glacierized Alpine headwater catchment (Haut Glacier d'Arolla, Switzerland)

HYDROLOGICAL PROCESSES, Issue 18 2001
Andrew Mitchell
Abstract Major ion concentrations in meltwaters draining glacial environments have been widely reported. However, concentrations of minor and trace elements have received scant attention. This study presents trace and minor element variations in bulk meltwaters draining Haut Glacier d'Arolla (Switzerland) based on twice-daily sampling throughout the 1999 ablation season, which represents the most detailed meltwater quality dataset to date. In order to assess the mode of export from the catchment, these elements are partitioned into (i) ,dissolved' and (ii) ,particulate-associated' minor and trace element components. A computer-based speciation model (PHREEQCi) was applied to the bulk meltwater data, suggesting that Ba, Be, Cd, Cu, Li, Rb and Sr exist primarily as mobile monovalent or divalent dissolved cations, which may be involved in interactions with suspended sediment surfaces. Conversely, the model predicts the precipitation of Fe, Al, Mn and Cr (oxi)hydroxides, suggesting these species may be predominantly transported as colloids, which may remove other minor and trace elements from solution by co-precipitation reactions. Laboratory leaching experiments on suspended sediments and fresh rock powder suggests that minor and trace element concentrations may also be influenced by (oxy)hydroxide precipitation and adsorption,desorption reactions with suspended sediment surfaces. The quantity and transport mode of trace and minor elements may influence their bioavailability downstream of glacierized headwater catchments. Further, the enrichment of many dissolved minor and trace elements in meltwaters compared with world stream-waters, coupled with the timing of water and sediment delivery during the summer months, may have implications for downstream aquatic environments. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]


Concentration of copper, iron, manganese and zinc in muscle, fat and bone tissue of lambs of the breed German Merino Landsheep in the course of the growing period and different feeding intensities

JOURNAL OF ANIMAL PHYSIOLOGY AND NUTRITION, Issue 3-4 2007
G. Bellof
Summary A growth experiment with 108 lambs (breed German Merino Landsheep) was carried out in order to examine how gender, body weight and feeding intensity affect trace element concentrations in tissues and carcass. The lambs (50% male and 50% female) were fattened at three levels of feeding intensity (,low', ,medium' and ,high' by varying daily amounts of concentrate and hay) and slaughtered at different final body weights (30, 45 or 55 kg). Six male and six female animals were sacrificed at 18 kg live weight at the beginning of the comparative slaughter experiment. The left half carcass of each animal was divided into muscle tissue, fat tissue as well as bones and sinews and analysed for the trace elements copper (Cu), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn) as well as zinc (Zn). The body weight level influenced the Zn concentrations significantly in all tissues. In addition, the Fe concentration in the fat tissue was influenced by the body weight as well as the Cu content in the bone tissue. An influence due to gender could be seen for the Zn concentration in the muscle and fat tissue and for the Fe content in the fat and bone tissue as well as for the Cu concentration in the bones. The feeding intensity affected the Cu content in the muscle and bone tissue and also the Zn content in the muscle tissue. In the present study with lambs at body weight range from 18 to 55 kg on an average, 127 mg Fe, 87 mg Zn, 1.5 mg Cu as well as 1.1 mg Mn per kilogram dry matter were found in the bone tissue. In lamb muscle tissue combined from all parts (body weight range from 18 to 45 kg, both genders) the highest concentrations were for Zn and Fe [3.42 and 1.31 mg/100 g meat (wet weight basis)], while Cu remained far below these levels (0.08 mg/100 g meat and Mn was even below the detection limit of 0.025 mg/kg). Lamb muscle is a valuable source for highly available haem-Fe as well as for Zn and Cu in human nutrition. [source]


Trace elements in edible tissues of three shrimp species (Penaeus semisulcatus, Parapenaeus longirostris and Paleomon serratus)

JOURNAL OF THE SCIENCE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE, Issue 2 2008
Nalan Gokoglu
Abstract Accumulation levels of trace elements in edible tissues of three shrimp species (Penaeus semisulcatus, Parapenaeus longirostris and Paleomon serratus) from the Gulf of Antalya, Turkey were investigated. Copper (Cu), cadmium (Cd), zinc (Zn), iron (Fe) and manganese (Mn) concentrations were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The lowest Cu (1.33 mg kg,1) and Cd (0.23 mg kg,1) and highest Mn (1.52 mg kg,1) concentrations were found in P. longirostris, the lowest Zn (6.25 mg kg,1), Fe (1.84 mg kg,1) and Mn (0.25 mg kg,1) concentrations in P. serratus and the highest Cu (6.19 mg kg,1), Cd (2.36 mg kg,1), Zn (30.84 mg kg,1) and Fe (33.89 mg kg,1) concentrations in P. semisulcatus. The Cd levels detected in P. semisulcatus and P. serratus were above legislative limits. Our results show that there were significant differences in trace element concentrations among the three shrimp species. The highest levels of the five trace elements investigated, with the exception of Mn, were found in edible tissue of P. semisulcatus. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry [source]


Determination of cadmium and selected micronutrients in commonly used and traded medicinal plants in Turkey

JOURNAL OF THE SCIENCE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE, Issue 1 2008
Nazim Sekeroglu
Abstract BACKGROUND: Medicinal plants commonly used and traded in Turkey were monitored for their cadmium and selected micronutrient (copper, iron, manganese and zinc) content. RESULTS: Cadmium was not detected in any sample of licorice extract, linden flowers or nettle leaves. However, in the rest of the samples, cadmium was found in the range of 7,126 µg kg,1, with the highest concentration in chamomile leaf. Of all the monitored trace elements, the highest concentration found was 520 mg kg,1 iron in zahter. The highest copper, manganese and zinc concentrations were found in rose hips (24 mg kg,1), Turkish oregano (58 mg kg,1) and zahter (50 mg kg,1), respectively. CONCLUSION: The results of the present study reveal that cadmium and trace element concentrations in medicinal plants commonly used as traditional medicines in Turkey are well below the critical levels. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry [source]


Assessment of element distribution and heavy metal contamination in Chilika Lake sediments (India)

LAKES & RESERVOIRS: RESEARCH AND MANAGEMENT, Issue 2 2009
D. W. Zachmann
Abstract Chilika Lake is situated on the Indian east coast. It is one of the largest lagoons in the world, with a unique assemblage of marine, brackish water and freshwater species. Due to the opening of new connections to the sea in the years 2000 and 2008, an environmental change is expected in the lagoon. The study gives an assessment of sediment contamination by heavy metals on the verge of this change (sampling campaign in 2000). Sediment samples from two surface levels (0,5 and 30,35 cm), and from depth profiles, were analysed for mineralogical composition, main and trace element concentrations, and element bonding forms. Background concentrations from a depth profile were also examined. The profile spans a time of ,13 500 years. Age determinations by radiocarbon dating and the 137Cs- and 210Pb-method were carried out. The composition of the surface sediments is generally uniform. The heavy metals exhibit slightly decreasing concentrations from NE to SW, thus indicating the supply of contaminants from the Mahanadi River. The anthropogenic portion of the heavy metal supply is mainly bound to Fe-oxide-hydroxides. Phosphorus is enriched in the sediments of the southern lake sector. Changes in element concentrations in the last 13 500 years have occurred mainly in two steps. The long-term variations exceed the anthropogenic changes caused by the Mahanadi River inputs. The very sensitive response of coastal area fabrics on climate changes also causes fast geogenic changes in element concentrations in sediments (similar grain sizes). This prevents the use of element concentrations from deep sediment horizons to define contaminations in those areas. [source]


Late Pleistocene and Holocene whale remains (Cetacea) from Denmark and adjacent countries: Species, distribution, chronology, and trace element concentrations

MARINE MAMMAL SCIENCE, Issue 2 2010
Kim Aaris-Sørensen
Abstract We describe and review the subfossil whale bones (mammalian order Cetacea) material from the southern Scandinavian area, that is, Skagerrak, Kattegat, the inner Danish waters and the southwestern Baltic Sea. Fifteen species were identified from the subfossil records of which all, except for the bowhead whale (Balaena mysticetus), have also been encountered in the modern times. Fifty-one specimens were radiocarbon dated covering 12 of the subfossil species. The dates fell in three distinct clusters with a few specimens before the last glacial maximum (LGM), a large group between LGM and the Pleistocene/Holocene boundary (ca. 17.0,11.7 cal. kyr BP), and another large group from ca. 8.0 cal. kyr BP onward. Seventeen of the radiocarbon dated specimens have been subjected to trace element analysis by Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis. Cross plots of the concentrations of Fe and Zn, and Fe and Co show that it is possible to distinguish crayfish eaters from fish/squid eaters. This can be used as a novel and independent method for the determination to species of whale remains of otherwise uncertain speciation. [source]