Assessment of Cadmium Toxicity in Drinking Water of Eight Talukas of Upper Sindh

In the present study, 240 groundwater samples were collected from eight Talukas of upper Sindh. The cadmium (Cd) content was determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Concentration (µg/L), Daily Intake ofMetals (DIM),Health Risk Indexes (HRI) for children and adults caused due to Cd were measured through equations of EPA and WHO. Mean concentration of Cd in different Talukas of upper Sindh was found as; Daharki (6.20 µg/L), Ubauro (7.73 µg/L), Kashmore (7.53 µg/L), Tangwani (7.73 µg/L), Garhi Khairo (6.20 µg/L), Thul (5.00 µg/L), Qambar (7.674 µg/L) and Miro Khan (7.47 µg/L). Moreover, percent contamination of each Taluka was found as, Daharki (80%), Ubauro (93%), Kashmore (93%), Tangwani (93%), Gharhi Khairo (70%), Thul (56%), Qambar (93%) and Miro Khan (93%). The DIM of Cd for adult and children was calculated the range for adults was found as; Daharki (0.00006 - 0.00036), Ubauro (0.00006 - 0.00042), Kashmore (0.00006 - 0.00036), Tangwani (0.00006 - 0.00042), Garhi Khairo (0.00003 - 0.00056), Thul (0.00003 - 0.00056), Qambar (0.00008 - 0.00039) and Miro Khan (0.00008 - 0.00039) mg/kg-d, whereas, for children DIM of Cd was found lower than adults. The HRI values show that children compared to adults are under the potential risk threat due to HRI values > 1. Therefore, it can be suggested that groundwater found in above stated areas is unsafe for drinking purposes and must be treated before consumption.

Air quality analysis through measurement of pb levels in blood using atomic absorption spectrophotometer

Air pollution is a problem that needs attention, especially pollution by heavy metals such as lead (Pb). This research was conducted to measure the levels of Pb in the blood of people who do a lot of daily activities on the highway in the Ulaanbaatar region, Mongolia, so that an overview of the level of exposure to Pb in the air is obtained. The study was conducted using an observational method by measuring the blood directly from the participants using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The participants involved were 20 people who met the criteria. The results showed that the average level of Pb in the blood of people who had daily activities on the highway was 8.97 ppm. Where the smallest level is 5.12 ppm and the highest level is 12.06 ppm. This value is far above the threshold value determined by WHO, which is 0.05 ppm. Therefore, it can be concluded that the air quality in the Ulaanbaatar area is in the poor category with a high level of Pb exposure.

Comparative Analysis of Selected Heavy Metals in Water Leaves Grown on Soil in Dumpsites in Amai Community

Four water leaves samples were collected in Otefe-Oghara community (two grown on dumpsite and two from non-dumpsite) and were analysed for the presence of lead, iron and cadmium using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Results of analysis showed the presence of lead, iron and cadmium in the water leaves from all the sample sites. Lead, iron and cadmium were found in the range of 14.95-16.11mg/kg, 0.50-0.64mg/kg and 27.18-28.42mg/kg respectively for the dumpsite and 0.11-0.17mg/kg, 0.01-0.01mg/kg and 20.6-23.27mg/kg respectively for the non-dumpsite. Amongst the metals, iron was the highest followed by lead while cadmium was the lowest for both dumpsites and non-dumpsites. The leaves at the dumpsites were observed to be contaminated as results of analysis showed that samples at the dumpsites were higher than those of the non-dumpsites, and also above the FAO/WHO standard for vegetables. This therefore calls for regular monitoring. It was therefore recommended that the traditional way of cutting and consuming water leaves anywhere it is grown should be discouraged as the level of contamination cannot be ascertained. Keywords: Dumpsite; heavy metals; non-dumpsite; water leaves,

Levels of some chemical species in water of boreholes situated near dumpsites in Rumuolumeni, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria

The concentration of six chemical species Pb, Cd, As, nitrates, fluorides and sulphates in the groundwater (borehole) samples were investigated in four boreholes sited close to a dumpsite in Rumuolumeni, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria. Nitrates, fluorides and sulphates were analyzed using standard conventional methods while the heavy metals were determined and analyzed with Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. The mean values obtained for the different chemical species within the months of investigation for the stations were in the range: lead; 0.012±0.001-0.015±0.000mg/L, with an average of 0.013±0.001mg/L within the months, Cd; 0.004±0.002-0.005±0.001mg/L, with an average of 0.005±0.001mg/L within the months, As; 0.002±0.001-0.003±0.002mg/L, with an average of 0.003±0.001mg/L within the months, nitrates; 0.413±0.172-0.730±0.691mg/L, with an average of 0.511±0.139mg/L within the months, fluorides; 0.004±0.001-0.006±0.001mg/L, with an average of 0.005±0.001mg/L within the months and sulphates; 0.197±0.046-0.338±0.072mg/L, with an average of 0.290±0.055mg/L within the months. These values obtained for the different chemical species showed that the boreholes sited near the dumpsite were still at the level that will not pose any health risk to the user, for their concentrations were still within limits allowed by WHO and USEPA. Even though the government and its agencies should regulate the mode of dumping of refuse and also the siting of boreholes so that the groundwater will not be polluted.

Heavy metals concentration in sediment of Makassar Strait

The concentration of heavy metals (HMs) camium (Cd), cuprum (Cu), chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn) in sediments of Makassar Strait was investigated. We collected sediment samples from 28 research stations. Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS) was used to measure HMs in all samples. This research aims to know the levels of HMs’ contamination and pollution in sediments. The analysis revealed that the concentration of all HMs is still low and inlined with the sediment standard guidelines, exception of Cu and Ni. In regards to the value of I_geo and PLI, sediment in the Makassar Strait is still normal for marine life, and sediment is included in unpolluted categories (PLI<1). The sources of HMs in this strait come from human activities in the land of Kalimantan and Sulawesi Island.

Validation of the method for determination of lead, cadmium, arsene in meat and meat products atomic-absorption spectrometry with electrothermal atom

The toxicity of heavy metals poses risks to the health of both humans and animals based on their ability to accumulate in the body. The toxicity of the metal depends on the absorbed dose, route and duration of exposure. The timely determination of heavy metals in food, in accordance with EU-approved assessment methods, is an urgent task. The aim of the study was to validate the method of determination of lead, cadmium, arsenic in meat and meat products by atomic absorption spectrometry with electrothermal atomization. The Thermo Solaar atomic absorption spectrophotometer (USA) was used to determine arsenic and cadmium, and the Varian 240 G atomic absorption spectrophotometer (Australia) was used to determine lead. Nitric acid (Merk, Germany), certified standard solutions (Merk, Germany) according to the approved methods were used for mineralization of samples and preparation of background, calibration solutions. The validation characteristics of the method for determining lead, cadmium, arsenic by atomic absorption spectrometry with electrothermal atomization, namely: detection limit, quantitative limit, accuracy, correctness, convergence, reproducibility, selectivity, linearity. The accuracy, practicality and versatility of this method have been proven, which is confirmed by LOD and LOQ: for lead 0.31, 10.0 μg / kg, cadmium 0.3 and 5.0 μg / kg, arsenic 0.2 and 10.0 μg / kg. The results obtained and the validation data on accuracy and reproducibility are in line with the requirements of European legislation on the residual content of heavy metals in meat and meat products.

KANDUNGAN KROMIUM (Cr) PADA GONDANG (Pila scutata) DI PERAIRAN SUNGAI RIAM KANAN KABUPATEN BANJAR

Around Riam Kanan river, one can find mining activities and local housing. It ispredicted that those activities might generate waste contaminated with Cr, a toxic heavymetal. In this research, gondang snails (Pila scutata) were used as bioindikator to studyCr pollution in Riam Kanan area. The samples of gondang were taken from 4 stationsalong Riam Kanan, which is 2 kms from reservoir Riam Kanan, Awang Bangkal West,Mandikapau East and Karang Intan Dam. Chromium contents in the gondang samples,sediment and water bodies were analyzed Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. Theresult then is correlation regression SPSS version 17. Chromium content at samplegondang is some station of protactinium Cr has in concentration that is enough is height.Result of analysis shows content Cr in water territory ranges from 0,0182-0,0516 ppm,content Cr at sediment ranges from 0,1978-13,8739 ppm and at gondang (Pila scutata) inwater territory of Riam Kanan river the range of between 0,0106-1,2979 ppm. Therelation of correlation regression gondang and water has negative direction andcorrelation between gondang with sediment is positive direction.

Potential Toxic levels of Cyanide and Heavy Metals in Cassava Flour Sold in Selected Markets in Oke Ogun Community, Oyo State, Nigeria

The present study assessed the potential toxic levels of Cyanide and heavy metals in cassava flour sold in selected township markets in Oke Ogun community. It aimed to determine the levels of Cyanide, Lead, Chromium and Arsenic, assess their health implications on the consumers as well as evaluation of allowable dietary concentrations according to WHO. Samples of finely ground fermented cassava flour were purchased from five (5) selected township markets (Igbeti, Kishi, Iseyin, Igboho and Shaki) using stratified sampling method. The sample were firstly digested appropriately and further analyzed using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). Data collected were analyzed using statistical package. Results obtained ranged showed that Cyanides (0.010Mg/L − 0.018Mg/L), Lead (0.028Mg/L-0.053Mg/L], Arsenic (0.006Mg/L-0.012Mg/L), and Chromium (0.034Mg/L-0.065Mg/L) respectively. In conclusion, Cassava flour presently sold in Oke Ogun community markets were safe and suitable for human consumption without any dietary risk effects due to less concentration of these metals. It is therefore, recommended that cassava flour sold should be frequently monitored and evaluation on a regular basis.

Evaluation of heavy metal and microbial content of a multicomponent herbal preparation

Herbal mixtures are extensively consumed globally for medicinal use due to the belief that they are safe and readily accessible. The herbal preparation (SHM), evaluated in this study, is made up of 7 plants found in Nigeria and it is used internally and externally for varieties of disease conditions. The heavy metals and microbial content of SHM was evaluated. Three batches of the SMH were analyzed for presence of heavy metals using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. The microbial load was also evaluated by determining the total viable yeast, mould and coliform bacteria count. The metal and microbial content of the samples were compared with WHO permissible limits and differences in concentration among the batches were determined. Fe (0.010-0.100 mg/L) and Zn (0.010-0.030 mg/L) detected were significantly (P<0.05) lower than the permissible limits while Cu, Pb and Cd were absent. A batch had total yeast and mould count (4.95 x 103Cfu/mL) above the permissible limit whereas the other batches were below the limit. Microorganisms (yeasts, mould like Aspergillus flavus and Rhizoctonia solani) were present in all the batches and hence SHM may not be safe for internal use. Keywords: Herbal mixtures, Heavy metals, Microbial load, Atomic absorption spectrophotometer