Application of laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) for environmental, chemical, and biological sensing

The Army is interested in sensors capable of characterizing/monitoring the environment (battlefield or military training ranges) at proximal distances. Recently, we evaluated laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) systems (hand-held, proximal, and bench top) for the characterization of metals (antimony, copper, lead, tungsten, and zinc) in soils obtained from military training ranges. We then compared the results to findings obtained with standard field and laboratory instrumentation for metals analysis -X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) and Inductively Couple Plasma- Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES).

ANALISIS KANDUNGAN LOGAM BERAT TIMBAL (Pb) PADA PRODUK OLAHAN SUSU

Timbal (Pb) adalah bahan toksik yang mudah terakumulasi dalam organ manusia dan dapat mengakibatkan gangguan kesehatan berupa anemia, gangguan fungsi ginjal, gangguan sistem syaraf, otak, dan kulit. Analisis kandungan logam berat Pb pada produk olahan susu diperlukan untuk mengetahui kelayakan konsumsi produk tersebut. Penelitian ini dilakukan pada bulan Juni-Agustus 2020 di Laboratorium. Tujuan penelitian ini untuk mengetahui kadar kontaminan logam berat Pb pada produk olahan susu yang berupa susu pasteurisasi, keju, mentega, dan yoghurt dengan metode Inductively Couple Plasma-Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). Preparasi sampel menggunakan metode destruksi basah dengan pelarut HNO3 65% ultrapur, H2O2 30% ultrapur dan HCl ultrapur. Kadar logam berat Pb yang diperoleh dari hasil penelitian yaitu produksi pertama pada sampel susu pasteurisasi < 0,001 mg/kg, keju < 0,001 mg/kg, mentega 0,004 mg/kg, yoghurt < 0,001 mg/kg, produksi kedua pada sampel susu pasteurisasi sebesar 0,020 mg/kg, keju 0,011 mg/kg, mentega 0,006 mg/kg, yoghurt 0,025 mg/kg, dan produksi ketiga pada sampel susu pasteurisasi < 0,001 mg/kg, keju 0,008 mg/kg, mentega < 0,001 mg/kg, yoghurt < 0,001 mg/kg. Hasil penelitian tersebut dibandingkan dengan Batas Maksimum Cemaran Logam Berat dalam Pangan menurut SNI 7387:2009 dan Peraturan BPOM No 23 Tahun 2017.

An Investigation of the Wild Rat Crown Incisor as an Indicator of Lead (Pb) Exposure Using Inductively Couple Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) and Laser Ablation ICP-MS

Lead (Pb) is a metal toxicant of great public health concern. The present study investigated the applicability of the rat incisor in Pb exposure screening. The levels of lead in teeth (Pb-T) in the crown and root of incisors in laboratory Pb-exposed Sprague Dawley rats were quantified using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The crown accumulated much Pb-T than the root of the Sprague Dawley rat incisor. The levels of lead in blood (Pb-B) were positively correlated with the Pb-T in the crown and root incisors of the Sprague Dawley rats. As an application of the Pb-T crown results in experimental rats, we subsequently analyzed the Pb-T in the crown incisors of Pb-exposed wild rats (Rattus rattus) sampled from residential sites within varying distances from an abandoned lead–zinc mine. The Pb-T accumulation in the crown of incisors of R. rattus rats decreased with increased distance away from the Pb–Zn mine. Furthermore, the Pb-T was strongly correlated (r = 0.85) with the Pb levels in the blood. Laser ablation ICP-MS Pb-T mappings revealed a homogenous distribution of Pb in the incisor with an increased intensity of Pb-T localized in the tip of the incisor crown bearing an enamel surface in both Sprague Dawley and R. rattus rats. These findings suggest that Pb-T in the crown incisor may be reflective of the rat’s environmental habitat, thus a possible indicator of Pb exposure.

Sedimentological and geochemical characterization of DF-2 well, Onshore Western Niger Delta: Implications for provenance, tectonic history and paleo depositional conditions

The sedimentology and geochemistry of the major oxides and trace elements of DF-2 well, Onshore, Niger Delta, are presented in this study. The study is aimed at describing the sedimentological characteristics as well as using the major oxides and trace elements to investigate the provenance, tectonic history and palaeo-depositional conditions of the well. Selected samples were investigated with fused bead X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) spectrometry to determine their major oxides and fused bead laser ablation inductively couple plasma mass spectroscopy (LA-ICP-MS) for their trace elements. Sedimentological analysis from the well shows that the lithology ranged from shaly sand, sandy shale, sandstone and shale. The results show the dominance of silicon oxide (SiO2) contents which ranges from 81.1 to 91.4 wt. % (average of 87.1 wt. %). The low average concentration of Cr<150 ppm and Ni <100 ppm, the ratios of Th/Sc, Th/Co, Th/Cr, Cr/Th, La/Sc, as well as the plots of Th/Co versus La/Sc and TiO2 versus Zr, all infer a felsic source rock. The discrimination plots of ratioK2O/Na2O against SiO2 and Log K2O/Na2O against Log SiO2/Al2O3 indicated passive continental margin. Various chemical classifications of the sediments show that the sandstone facies plotted mainly in quartzarenite, sublitharenite and Fe-rich sand domains. The samples were deposited under oxic environment based on the average values of U/Th (0.26 ppm), Ni/Co (2.79 ppm) and Cu/Zn (1.81ppm) and bivariate plot of Ni/Co versus V/Cr. However, the bivariate plot of Ni/Co versus V/ (V+Ni) specifies oxic to anoxic conditions and V/Vi + Ni ratios indicate oxic, suboxic to euxinicpalaeode positional environments for the sediments. Geochemical characterization illustrates mixed marine and terrigenous source input, deposited mainly in semi humid/humid climate. The positive values attained from ratios of Al2O3/(CaO+MgO+Na2O+K2O) infers mineralogical maturity based on stable mobile oxides content in the studied samples. Keywords: Felsic Rock, Quartzarenite, Litharenite, Passive Margin, Mobile Oxide, Mature Sediments.

Elementals Pollution Status of a University Dumpsite Soil in Ile-Ife, Nigeria

This study explored the concentrations of various elements in Obafemi Awolowo University dumpsite using Inductively Couple Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy. A total of fifty soil samples were collected each month for a duration of eight months. Each month, five soil samples each were randomly collected from different spot at 0-15 cm and 15-30 cm depths from each of the four equidistant circular points and at the centre of the dumpsite in well pre-treated sealed polythene bags. The values obtained revealed that Fe, Mn, Ti, Ba and Al were below the background values while Ni, Co, Zn, Cu, Be, Al, Se, Si, As, Zr and Y were above the background values. Geo-accumulation study indicated that the dumpsite was practically unpolluted with, Fe, Mn, Ni, Ti, Ba, Al, Si , U and Y; highly polluted with As and Cu; Co, Zn and Zr ranged from unpolluted to moderately polluted; Se ranged from unpolluted to highly polluted; while Be ranged from moderately polluted to highly polluted. Mean levels of the potentially toxic metals in the dumpsite and its vicinity were higher in the top soil than sub-soil; and metal concentrations in wet season were higher than dry season.

Comparison of Uranium Isotopes and Classical Geochemical Tracers in Karst Aquifer of Ljubljanica River catchment (Slovenia)

The karst aquifer of the Ljubljanica River catchment, which has numerous springs and sinks, presents an interesting environment for studying hydrogeological processes. This study aims to explore the behavior of U isotopes and to evaluate their use as tracers of hydrogeochemical processes as an alternative to classical geochemical tracers (i.e., physicochemical parameters, elemental ratios, and alkalinity) involved in water–rock interactions and water flow in this karst water system. Basic hydrochemical parameters, as well as the spatiotemporal variations of total U concentrations, 234U/238U activity ratios, and δ238U values, were monitored in water samples from springs and sinks under different hydrological conditions. The bedrock as the source of dissolved and detrital U was also analyzed. Multi-collector inductively couple plasma-mass spectrometry results reveal variations of the 234U/238U activity ratios, which are consistently negatively correlated with the discharge at most analyzed sites. Large 238U/235U isotope fractionation occurred during bedrock weathering, and the large variability of the measured δ238U values is seemingly unrelated to the lithological characteristics of the bedrock or discharge. Our results confirm that 234U/238U activity ratios in water can be used as a tracer for studying changes in groundwater flows and the mixing of waters of different origins under different hydrological conditions.

Contamination of cosmetics with toxic elements and risk assessment for consumers’ health

The aim of the Research. To study the content of toxic elements (lead, arsenic and mercury) in decorative cosmetics. Methods and Materials. The study included lipsticks, mascara, children’s decorative cosmetics from domestic and foreign manufacturers (Ukraine, Finland, France, Latvia, Japan) and pigments used in manufacturing. The content of toxic elements was determined using inductively couple plasma atomic emission spectrometry on JCPE-9820-2015 device. Advanced mathematical and statistical methods were applied to analyze the findings of the study. Results and Discussion. The findings of the study indicate that decorative cosmetics products in the Ukrainian market may contain lead and arsenic concentration resulting in undesirable health outcomes. Conclusions. The study on toxic elements contents in decorative cosmetics products proves the necessity for these products mandatory control by the given indicators. Thorough sanitary and chemical control over their production and selling will prevent access of low quality and hazardous to human health cosmetic products to the Ukrainian market. Key Words: decorative cosmetics, hazard, lead, arsenic and mercury concentration.

Development of High Betacarotene Instant Cream of Pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata) Soup for the Elderly

Objectives The aim of this study was to develop instant cream of pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata) soup high in b-carotene for the elderly. Methods The design was a completely randomized factorial design with two replications and three formulas. There were two factors tested including the type of processing (fresh vs instant) and the proportion of pumpkin and carrot (1:2 vs 1:1 vs 2:1). The formulas were evaluated by semi-trained panellists for the hedonic test, while by the elderly for the acceptance tests. The routine proximate analysis was then conducted. In addition, the potassium and b-carotene contents were also determined by inductively couple plasma–optical emission spectrophotometer (ICP-OES) and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), respectively. Results The selected formula was soup processed instantly with proportion of pumpkin and carrot of 2:1. The elderly preferred instant soup to the fresh. The selected formula contained 491.69 kcal/100 g, water (3.87%), ash (2.22%), protein (9.82%), fat (23.21%) and carbohydrate (60.88%). In addition, the potassium and b-carotene content of selected formula were 501.35 mg/100 g and 3380 μg/g, respectively. In addition, the selected formula met 100% of RDA per serving size. Conclusions The elderly preferred instant cream of pumpkin soup to the fresh with pumpkin and carrot ratio of 2:1. The instant cream of pumpkin soup is a nutritious food high in b-carotene. Funding Sources Centre For Development and Empowerment teacher and education personnel, Ministry Education and Culture, Republic of Indonesia.

Assessment and Characterization of Hybrid Mesoporous Material MCM With Titanium Dioxide for Water Treatment

In the current study, a new method was developed to synthesize the hybrid mesoporous material with metallic oxides, MCM-48 with TiO2, at an improved efficiency and reduced cost. The results have shown an over 95% adsorption efficiency for trace metals for the hybrid MCM-48 with TiO2 materials, and a significantly improved maximum adsorption capacity compared to pure MCM-48. Its unique hybrid structured allows the polluted water to pass through the strong yet highly permeable structure of mesoporous material, while gives enough time for the pollutants to react with the TiO2 infused on the porous structure so that the polluted water can be treated without introducing secondary pollutants. The microstructures of the MCM-48 with and without TiO2 are characterized using SEM with EDS and Porosimiter. The effectiveness of wastewater treatment is measured using Inductively Couple Plasma-Mass Spectrometer (ICP-MS). The significant improvements observed here is likely due to the infused TiO2 to the base MCM-48 structure, which also agree with the authors’ previous finding. It is noticed that, while the higher concentration of TiO2 has a positive impact on the adsorption of trace metals, the higher concentration of Ti source does not necessarily yield significantly higher concentration of TiO2 in the final product. Future study is needed to further explore this hybrid mesoporous material for other pollutants treatment, and to obtain a further understanding of its mechanisms.