Alessandra Sepe

Determination of cadmium, chromium, lead and vanadium in six fish species from the Adriatic Sea

Concentrations of cadmium, chromium, lead and vanadium were determined in samples of six fish species collected along the coast of the Adriatic Sea. The concentrations of the elements studied were generally low, often below the detection limits of the analytical methods. The highest values (µg kg−1 fresh weight) were observed, mainly in the central area of the Adriatic Sea, for anchovy (Cd 20.2, Cr 82.9, Pb 45.9, V 89.9), red mullet (Cd 3.1, Cr 31.0, Pb 36.0, V 79.1) and mackerel (Cd 7.7, Cr 28.0, Pb 11.4, V 43.5). The concentrations of cadmium and lead in all the species examined were below the maximum levels indicated by the European Community for these two elements in seafood, and also would lead to exposure levels lower than the provisional tolerable daily intakes suggested by the FAO/WHO for Cd (420 µg week−1 for a 60-kg person) and Pb (1500 µg week−1 for a 60-kg person). The concentration of chromium was lower than the recommended daily amount (50–200 µg day−1 for a 60-kg person) indicated by the US National Research Council. An 11–34% contribution to the daily vanadium ingestion with fish was calculated for the population of the Adriatic coast.

Evaluation of aluminium concentrations in samples of chocolate and beverages by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry.

Samples of chocolate, cocoa, tea infusions, soft drinks and fruit juice have been examined by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry (ETA-AAS) for the presence of aluminium (Al). Fruit juices and chocolate were analysed after an adequate sample preparation; the other products were evaluated directly. Sampling was performed in duplicate for 248 independent samples. The mean Al concentration in chocolate was 9:2 ± 7:5 mg kg1, and individual values were correlated with the per cent of cocoa in samples (Y = 0:63 + 0:27X, r = 0:78, p < 0:0001). Al concentration in commercial tea infusions ranged from 0.9 to 3.3 mg l-1 (X = 1:80 ± 65 mg l-1), whereas in laboratory-prepared samples it was 2:7 ± 0:93mg l-1. In soft drinks, the concentrations of Al were lower, ranging from 9.1 to 179 μgl-1; the highest values were observed in samples of orange squash (X = 114 ± 56 μg l-1). Apricot juice showed the highest Al level (X = 602 ± 190 μgl-1), being statistically diOEerent from that of pear (X = 259 ± 102 μgl-1), but not diOEerent from that of peach juice (X = 486 ± 269 μgkg-1). Toxicologically, the amount of Al deriving from the consumption of these products is far below the acceptable daily intake of 1mg kg-1 body weight indicated by the FAO/WHO, and it is a very low percentage of the normal Al dietary intake.

Major and trace elements in sediments from Terra Nova Bay, Antarctica

The concentrations of trace metals (Be, Bi, Cd, Cr, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sn, Zn), aluminium, iron and total organic carbon (TOC) were determined in sediments collected in Antarctica (Terra Nova Bay—Ross Sea). Samples were analysed by atomic absorption spectrometry with either flame or flameless techniques. Chemical data were evaluated taking into account the textural and compositional character of the sediments. The mean concentration levels of the elements in the <2 mm granulometric fraction were (mg/kg): Be: 2.04±0.25; Bi ≤0.8; Cd: 0.26±0.16; Cr: 20.3±8.3; Mn: 359±108; Ni: 6.31±3.5; Pb: 20.7±2.8; Sn: 2.12±0.71; Zn: 42.3±10.4; Al: 56 100±3900; Fe: 16 400±4800. The mean value of TOC was 0.34±0.20 g%. In the <63 μm fraction higher levels were observed for all the elements, with the exception of Al and Be. Both petrographic and chemical analyses showed differences between the samples collected in Terra Nova Bay and the sample from Wood Bay.

Element concentrations and cataract: an experimental animal model

The determination of inorganic ions in cataractous human lenses has been the subject of several investigations; nevertheless, few studies have been concerned with trace element contents in lenses, and data are sometimes contradictory. An animal experimental model of induced cataract is here proposed with the aim of evaluating the changes of Ca, Na, K, Cu and Zn concentrations. The cataract was produced by an Nd:YAG Laser treatment of the right eye of sexteen male rabbits. The determination of the elements was performed by atomic absorption spectrometry (both flame and flameless methods) after an acid digestion of samples. Compared with the results obtained in left lenses used as a control (Ca 14.4+/-5.7 mg/kg d.w.; Na 1.3+/-0.5 g/kg d.w.; K 9.9+/-1.1 g/kg d.w.; Cu 0.24+/-0.09 mg/kg d.w.; Zn 24.8+/-2.3 mg/kg d.w.), the mean concentration values of opaque lenses showed some significant changes for Ca, Na, and Cu (Ca 123.7+/-106.6 mg/kg d.w.; Na 4.5+/-4.3 g/kg d.w; Cu 0.43+/-0.21 mg/kg d.w.). Potassium showed a tendency to decrease, and zinc to increase. Positive correlations were found between calcium and sodium both in controls (r=0.73, p<0.001) and in treated lenses (r= 0.87, p<0.0001). An inverse correlation between Ca and K confirmed the tendency of potassium to decrease.