Chemical element distribution in Arctic soils: Assessing vertical, spatial, animal and anthropogenic influences in Elsa and Ebba Valleys, Spitsbergen, Svalbard.

The Arctic region is threatened by climate change and pollution caused by human activities which potentially influence the elemental concentrations available to and from the biota. To better understand this delicate balance, it is crucial to investigate the role of several factors. Therefore, we quantified the level of 43 chemical elements in soils from Elsa and Ebba Valleys, Petunia Bay, Spitsbergen, a region that has experienced lasting environmental impacts from historical mining activities. We evaluated the a) vertical sampling influence by examining the variation in element distribution between the soil upper and deeper layers, b) animal influence by verifying the role of native animals, particularly vertebrates, in introducing thought faeces elements to the soil and c) anthropogenic influence by studying the spatial geographical differences in element distribution based on the degree of human pressure between the valleys. Our analysis also includes data on soil organic matter (SOM) and mineral composition. Both valleys exhibited similar mineralogical composition, but Elsa Valley had higher concentrations of most analyzed elements compared to Ebba Valley. Despite the contribution of vertebrate feaces, no increase in element concentrations was observed in the animal-influenced soils. The sampled soil layers had similar chemical element profiles for most elements. SOM content tended to be higher in superficial soils and showed a strong positive correlation with most quantified elements. The higher concentrations in Elsa Valley reflect its past mining and mineral exploration, making this area more significantly impacted than Ebba Valley. Surprisingly, vertebrate animals do not appear to influence the concentrations of chemical elements or organic matter in soils. Our findings provide valuable insights into the legacy of past mining activities and mechanisms driving environmental change in the Arctic.

Iron Forms Fe(II) and Fe(III) Determination in Pre-Roman Iron Age Archaeological Pottery as a New Tool in Archaeometry.

This article presents studies on iron speciation in the pottery obtained from archaeological sites. The determination of iron forms Fe(II) and Fe(III) has been provided by a very simple test that is available for routine analysis involving the technique of molecular absorption spectrophotometry (UV-Vis) in the acid leachable fraction of pottery. The elemental composition of the acid leachable fraction has been determined by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). Additionally, the total concentration of the selected elements has been determined by X-ray fluorescence spectrometry with energy dispersion (EDXRF). The results of the iron forms' determinations in archaeological pottery samples have been applied in the archaeometric studies on the potential recognition of the pottery production technology, definitely going beyond the traditional analysis of the pottery colour.

Iron's fingerprint of deposits-iron speciation as a geochemical marker.

The article describes the studies of the iron speciation (the occurrence of Fe(II), Fe(III), and complexed iron) in acid leachable fraction of deposits. The speciation of iron was diverse for deposits of different origins and was the specific "fingerprint"-marker of deposition processes. The higher occurrence of Fe(II) may be connected with decantation which has been observed for lake sediments, the majority of Fe(III) with upper flow regime erosion-deposition processes, observed for river sediment deposition during flood episodes. As verification for this hypothesis, the explanation for the iron speciation in the different river sediment samples has been used.

The long term tsunami impact: Evolution of iron speciation and major elements concentration in tsunami deposits from Thailand.

The article describes the unique studies of the chemical composition changes of new geological object (tsunami deposits in south Thailand - Andaman Sea Coast) during four years (2005-2008) from the beginning of formation of it (deposition of tsunami transported material, 26 December 2004). The chemical composition of the acid leachable fraction of the tsunami deposits has been studied in the scope of concentration macrocompounds - concentration of calcium, magnesium, iron, manganese and iron speciation - the occurrence of Fe(II), Fe(III) and non-ionic iron species described as complexed iron (Fe complex). The changes of chemical composition and iron speciation in the acid leachable fraction of tsunami deposits have been observed with not clear tendencies of changes direction. For iron speciation changes the transformation of the Fe complex to Fe(III) has been recorded with no significant changes of the level of Fe(II).

Variations of arsenic species content in edible Boletus badius growing at polluted sites over four years.

The content of arsenic (As) in mushrooms can vary depending on the concentration level of this metalloid in the soil/substrate. The present study evaluated the content of arsenic in Boletus badius fruiting bodies collected from polluted and non-polluted sites in relation to the content of this element in overgrown substrate. It was found that mushrooms from the arsenic-polluted sites contained mean concentrations from 49 to 450 mg As kg(-1) dry matter (d.m.), with the greatest content found for specimens growing in close proximity of sludge deposits (490±20 mg As kg(-1)d.m.). The mean content of total arsenic in mushrooms from clean sites ranged from 0.03 to 0.37 mg kg(-1) It was found that B. badius could tolerate arsenic in soil substrate at concentrations of up to 2500 mg kg(-1), at least. In different years of investigation, shifts in particular arsenic forms, as well as a general increase in the accumulation of organic arsenic content, were observed. The results of this study clearly indicate that B. badius should not be collected for culinary purposes from any sites that may be affected by pollution.

Metal accumulation in the human uterus varies by pathology and smoking status.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the content of Al, Cd, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn in human endometrium (END), endocervix (ECX), and endometrial (END-P) and endocervical (ECX-P) polyps in relation to histologic image and female demographic characteristics and habits. DESIGN: Tissues were collected during curettage of the uterine cavity, subjected to histopathologic examination, digested, and analyzed with the use of a microwave induced nitrogen plasma atomic emission spectrometer. Demographic/lifestyle characteristics were assessed with the use of a questionnaire. SETTING: University hospital and research laboratory. PATIENT(S): One hundred nine white Polish women undergoing curettage of the END (n = 60) or ECX (n = 23) or dissection of END-P (n = 16) or ECX-P (n = 10). INTERVENTIONS(S): None. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Trace element concentrations in collected tissues. RESULT(S): Histologic states of analyzed END included: normal (n = 22), irregularity (n = 3), polypoid (n = 12), simple hyperplasia (n = 10), leiomyoma (n = 5), and cancer (n = 8); whereas for ECX: normal (n = 10), inflammation (n = 8), irregularity (n = 2), and cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN; n = 3). All elements were identified in the sampled material. Compared with histologically normal tissues, endometrial cancer, hyperplasia, and CIN revealed significantly increased levels of toxic metals (Cd and Pb), altered status of Cu and Mn, and an elevated Cu/Zn ratio. Current and former smoking was associated with significantly higher Cd and Pb levels in investigated tissues. Polyps represented significant accumulators of Al, Cd, Ni, and Pb (END-P) or Al, Cd, and Cu (ECX-P). CONCLUSION(S): The findings of this study are important in understanding the presence and role of metals in the female reproductive system and its pathology.

Selenium species in selenium fortified dietary supplements.

This article presents a study of dietary supplements available on the Polish market. The supplements comprised a large group of products with selenium content declared by the producer. The study involved determination of dissolution time under different conditions and solubility as well as content and speciation of selenium. The total content was determined as well as organic selenium and the inorganic forms Se(IV) and Se(VI). The organic selenium content was calculated as the difference between total Se and inorganic Se. The values obtained were compared with producers' declarations. The work is the first such study of selenium supplements available on the market of an EU Member State.

Free-ranging domestic cats are characterized by increased metal content in reproductive tissues.

Trace metals may be supportive to mammalian reproduction but also reveal certain toxicities. The present study investigated the content of selected metals (Ca, Cd, Cu, Mn, Mg, Ni, Pb, Zn) in uterine and testicular tissue of free-ranging and household cats and its relation with hair metal status, cats' age, weight, physical activity, diet and inhabited environment. Free-rangers and cats not fed by humans were characterized by higher concentrations of essential metals in their reproductive tissues as well as increased levels of toxic elements, particularly Cd and Ni. No difference in metal status was found for household individuals fed on different varieties of commercial food. Cats inhabiting urbanized areas were characterized by higher Pb levels in their reproductive system. Feline hair was found to be less, if at all, susceptible to environmental, lifestyle and dietary variables and most importantly, did not reflect a metal burden in reproductive tissues.

Bioaccumulation of metals and metalloids in medicinal plant Ipomoea pes-caprae from areas impacted by tsunami.

Tsunami events may have an enormous impact on the functioning of aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems by altering various relationships with biotic components. Concentrations of acid-leachable fractions of heavy metals and metalloids in soils and plant samples from areas affected by the December 2004 tsunami in Thailand were determined. Ipomoea pes-caprae, a common plant species growing along the seashore of this region, and frequently used in folk medicine, was selected to assess the presence of selected elements. Elevated amounts of Cd, Pb, Zn, and As in soil samples, and Pb, Zn, As, Se, Cr, and Ni in plant samples were determined from the tsunami-impacted regions for comparison with reference locations. The flowers of Ipomoea pes-caprae contained the highest amounts of these metals, followed by its leaves, and stems. In addition, its bioaccumulation factor (BAF) supports this capability of high metal uptake by Ipomoea pes-caprae from the areas affected by the tsunami in comparison with a reference site. This uptake was followed by the translocation of these elements to the various plant components. The presence of these toxic metals in Ipomoea pes-caprae growing in contaminated soils should be a concern of those who use this plant for medicinal purposes. Further studies on the content of heavy metals and metalloids in this plant in relation to human health concerns are recommended.

Efficacy of supplementation of selected medicinal mushrooms with inorganic selenium salts.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the possibility of supplementation with inorganic forms of selenium (Na2SeO4 and Na2SeO3) in concentrations of 0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8, 1.0 and 1.5 mM of three medicinal mushroom species: Agrocybe aegerita, Hericium erinaceus and Ganoderma lucidum. Tested mushroom species grew in Se additions of 0-0.6 mM (A. aegerita and H. erinaceus), while growth of G. lucidum bodies was observed for 0-0.8 mM. For the latter mushroom species, the total Se content was the highest. Content of Seorg was diverse; for control bodies it was the highest for G. lucidum (only organic forms were present), lower for A. aegerita (84% organic forms) and the lowest for H. erinaceus (56% organic forms). Accumulation of Se(IV) was generally significantly higher than Se(VI) for all tested mushroom species. There was no significant decrease of A. aegerita or G. lucidum biomass with the exception of G. lucidum bodies growing under 0.8 mM of Se species addition (15.51 ± 6.53 g). Biomass of H. erinaceus bodies was the highest under 0.2 (197.04 ± 8.73 g), control (191.80 ± 6.06 g) and 0.1 mM (185.04 ± 8.73 g) of both inorganic salts. The addition to the medium of Se salts brought about macroscopic changes in the fruiting bodies of the examined mushrooms. Concentrations exceeding 0.4 mM caused diminution of carpophores or even their total absence. In addition, colour changes of fruiting bodies were also recorded. At Se concentrations of 0.4 and 0.6 mM, A. aegerita fruiting bodies were distinctly lighter and those of H. erinaceus changed colour from purely white to white-pink.

The evolution of December 2004 tsunami deposits: temporal and spatial distribution of potentially toxic metalloids.

The article presents the results of research into the content of metalloid fractions in the tsunami deposits from southern Thailand. The following fractions, which are potentially most easily released from deposits to the environment, have been distinguished: the water soluble fraction, the exchangeable fraction extracted with the phosphate buffer and the fraction eluted with the solution of hydrochloric acid. The analytical technique atomic absorption spectrometry with hydride generation was applied. Spatial variability of the metalloid fractions in deposits and changes occurring in deposits over a period of several years of observation were determined. Based on the statistical analysis of the results, an attempt was made to determine the post-depositional release of deposits components to the environment. Based on the conducted research, the 4 years forming process of the arsenic, antimony and selenium occurrence after the deposition of sediments on land were described, as well as the balance in the amount of deposit components released to the environment.

Environmental impact of flood: the study of arsenic speciation in exchangeable fraction of flood deposits of Warta river (Poland) in determination of "finger prints" of the pollutants origin and the ways of the migration.

The paper presents the application of the hyphenated technique - high-performance liquid chromatography with atomic absorption spectrometry detection with hydride generation (HPLC-HG-AAS) - in the determinations of inorganic forms of arsenic: As(III) and As(V) in the exchangeable fraction of flood deposits. The separation of analytical signals of the determined arsenic forms was obtained using an ion-exchange column in a chromatographic system with the atomic absorption spectrometer as a detector, at the determination limits of 5 ngg(-1) for As(III) and 10 ngg(-1) for As(V). Flood deposits were collected after big flood event in valley of the Warta river which took place in summer 2010. Samples of overbank deposits were taken in Poznan agglomeration and vicinity (NW Poland). The results of determinations of arsenic forms in the exchangeable fraction of flood deposits allowed indication of a hypothetical path of deposits migration transported by a river during flood and environmental threats posed by their deposition by flood.

Application of the self-organizing mapping in exploration of the environmental impact of a tsunami disaster.

A self-organizing map (SOM) algorithm was applied to evaluate the geochemical and environmental impact of 26th December 2004 tsunami, based on interelemental and intersite relations of sediment chemistry. The study was carried out based on data sets, including contents of salts (K, Na, Ca, Mg, Cl and SO(4)) leached with deionized water, heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn) in acid leachable fraction, metalloids (As, Sb and Se) in exchangeable fraction, as well as both total Hg and mercury in the form of various species (organomercury, water-soluble, acid-soluble, bound to humic matter and bound to sulfides) in sediment samples. SOM-supported exploration were performed for two separate data sets. The first run was applied for analytical results concerning sediments taken less than 50 days after tsunami event while the second one concerned results obtained for samples collected in the same location one year later, after rainy season. In the case of the "2005-run", based on mutual linkage, complete set of variables could be conditionally divided into general groups showing of their patterns related to their major source as "salt" and "wastewater." Classification results revealed natural clusters of sediment samples in relation to their location and to the magnitude of the impact of tsunami wave. Numerous clusters reflect general chemical composition of tsunami sediments while clusters containing isolated sampling locations reflect "site-specific" conditions, partially related to anthropogenic impact. The cleaning effect of the rainy season in Thailand was observed, based on "2006-run" exploration results. The chemical composition of tsunami sediments was unified for 93% of samples. General patterns related to major source of analytes were analogous compared to the "2005-run." These studies demonstrate that SOM has the potential to successfully assist the assessment of the environmental impacts of a tsunami disaster and the role of a tsunami sediments as potential carriers of pollution.