Suchergebnisse

Prikazanom studijom istražene su koncentracije elemenata u tragovima u mišićima ili cijelim uzorcima 37 riba i rakova sakupljenim mrežama stajačicama u slatkovodnim (Olomore), morskim (Eti osa) i boćatim vodama nigerijskih država Ogun i Lagos, od lipnja do kolovoza 2013. Elementi u tragovima utvrđeni su pomoću ICP-MS nakon digestije u mikrovalnom autoklavnom sustavu. Razultati su otkrili kako je opći trend elemenata u tragovima u uzorkovanim ribama i rakovima morski > boćati > slatkovodni. Uzimajući u obzir sve uzorke, 16,2% i 13,5% prekoračilo je granice bakra i cinka (20 µg g-1 i 30 µg g-1), propisane od strane Europske Unije, dok je 71%, 50%, 79% morskih, slatkovodnih i boćatih uzoraka prekoračilo granicu od 48mg željeza na 60kg čovjeka, koju je postavila FAO/WHO. Uzorci su premašili prihvatljivu granicu postavljenu od strane FAO/WHO, čime je dokazano kako je potrebno uložiti trud u monitoring otpadnih voda koje se ispuštaju u otvorene vode Nigerije. ; Present study investigated trace element concentrations in either muscles or whole samples of 37 finfish and crustaceans harvested with gillnet from fresh (Olomore), marine (Eti osa) and brackish (Lekki Lagoon) waters of Ogun and Lagos states, Nigeria between June and August 2013. Trace elements were determined using ICP-MS after digestion with a microwave autoclave system. The results revealed that the general trend of trace elements in the sampled finfish and crustaceans was marine > brackish > freshwater. If all the samples are considered, 16.2% and 13.5% exceeded the 20 µg g-1 and 30 µg g-1 limits for Cu and Zn, respectively, as set by the European Union, while 71%, 50%, 79% of marine, fresh and brackish samples, respectively, exceeded the limit of 48 mg Fe per 60 kg person as set by FAO/WHO. In addition, samples exceeded the acceptable limit set by WHO/FAO, thus adequate efforts should be placed on the monitoring of effluents that are being discharged into open water bodies in Nigeria.

AbstractHoney bees are social insects that show division of labor and sexual dimorphism. Female honey bees differentiate in two different castes, queens or worker bees, while males are called drones. Worker bees have different tasks in the hive including collection of food, its processing, caring for brood, protecting the hive, or producing wax. The drones' only role is to mate with a virgin queen. Many studies have dealt with differences in physiology, behavior, and morphology of workers and drones. This is the first study that demonstrates differences in element accumulation and composition between workers and drones honey bees. Using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, we found that worker honey bees have higher concentrations of most elements analyzed. Drones had higher concentrations of elements essential to bees, Na, P, S, Zn, Cu, and especially Se (2.2 × higher), which is known to be important for sperm quality and fertility in many animals. Until now higher Se content was not observed in male insects. These differences can be attributed to different environmental exposure, reproductive role of drones, but mostly to the food workers and drones consume. Worker bees feed on bee bread, which is rich in minerals. Drones are fed food pre-processed by worker bees.

Background: Tattoo inks have been reported to elicit allergic contact dermatitis. Objectives: To investigate the labels and the contents of metals and pigments in tattoo inks, considering restrictions within the European Union. Methods: 73 tattoo inks currently available on the market, either bought or donated (already used), were investigated for trace metals and pigments by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and by matrix assisted laser desorption/ionization time of flight tandem mass spectrometry. Results: 93% of the bought tattoo inks violated European legal requirements on labeling. 50% of the tattoo inks declared at least one pigment ingredient wrongly. 61% inks contained pigments of concern, especially for red inks. Iron, aluminium, titanium, and copper (most in green/blue inks) were the main metals detected in the inks. The level of metal impurities was only in a few cases exceeding current restriction limits. Total chromium (0.35-139 µg/g) and nickel (0.1-41 µg/g) were found in almost all samples. The levels of iron, chromium, manganese, cobalt, nickel, zinc, lead, and arsenic were found to significantly covary. Conclusions: It is important for tattoo ink manufacturers to follow the regulations and decrease nickel and chromium impurities, to prevent contact allergy and toxic reactions among the users. ; QC 20211124

Background Tattoo inks have been reported to elicit allergic contact dermatitis. Objectives To investigate the labels and the contents of metals and pigments in tattoo inks, considering restrictions within the European Union. Methods Seventy-three tattoo inks currently available on the market, either bought or donated (already used), were investigated for trace metals and pigments by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time of flight tandem mass spectrometry. Results Ninety-three percent of the bought tattoo inks violated European, legal requirements on labeling. Fifty percent of the tattoo inks declared at least one pigment ingredient incorrectly. Sixty-one percent of the inks contained pigments of concern, especially red inks. Iron, aluminium, titanium, and copper (most in green/blue inks) were the main metals detected in the inks. The level of metal impurities exceeded current restriction limits in only a few cases. Total chromium (0.35-139 μg/g) and nickel (0.1-41 μg/g) were found in almost all samples. The levels of iron, chromium, manganese, cobalt, nickel, zinc, lead, and arsenic were found to covary significantly. Conclusions To prevent contact allergy and toxic reactions among users it is important for tattoo ink manufacturers to follow the regulations and decrease nickel and chromium impurities.