Determination of lead, cadmium and nickel in hennas and other hair dyes sold in Turkey.

The concentrations of lead, nickel and cadmium in various hennas and synthetic hair dyes were determined by high-resolution continuum source graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (HR-CS GFAAS). For this purpose, 1 g of sample was digested using 4 mL of hydrogen peroxide (30%) and 8 mL of nitric acid (65%). The digests were diluted to 15 mL and the analytes were determined by HR-CS GFAAS. All determinations of Pb and Cd were performed using NH4H2PO4 as a modifier. The analytes in hair certified reference materials (CRMs) were found within the uncertainty limits of the certified values. In addition, the analyte concentrations added to hair dye were recovered between 95 and 110%. The limits of detection of the method were 48.90, 3.90 and 12.15 ng g(-1) for Pb, Cd and Ni, respectively and the characteristic concentrations were 8.70, 1.42 and 6.30 ng g(-1), respectively. Finally, the concentrations of the three analytes in various synthetic hair dyes with different brands, shades and formulae as well as in two henna varieties were determined using aqueous standards for calibration. The concentrations of Pb, Cd and Ni in hair dyes were in the ranges of LOD-0.56 µg g(-1), LOD-0.011 ng g(-1) and 0.030-0.37 µg g(-1), respectively, whereas those in the two hennas were 0.60-0.93 µg g(-1), 0.033-0.065 ng g(-1) and 0.49-1.06 µg g(-1), respectively.

Direct solid sampling for speciation of Zn2+ and ZnO nanoparticles in cosmetics by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry.

The application of nanoparticles (NPs) in science and technology is a fast growing field. Therefore, reliable and straightforward analytical methods are required for their fast determination in different types of samples. This work investigates a method that enables the determination of ZnO NPs, discriminating them from ionic zinc in cosmetic samples. The method is based on direct solid sampling high-resolution continuum source electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry (SS-HR-CS-GFAAS), and has been applied to determination of ZnO NPs, Zn2+ and total Zn in eye shadow samples. In this work the deconvolution of the atomization peak and the calibration by standard additions have been done in order to discriminate and quantify ionic zinc and ZnO NPs. A Zn wavelength with low sensitivity was selected. The proper optimization of the graphite furnace temperature program, minimizing the mineralization of the sample matrix, enables different atomization profiles between the different chemical species of the analyte. Two multiple response surface designs have been used in order to optimize the adequate furnace program to achieve our aims. All the optimization experiments were performed using a sample of eye shadow. Further, a method for the determination of total Zn by direct solid sampling with calibration by aqueous standards, was also optimized. The optimized method was successfully applied to the determination of ionic Zn and ZnO NPs in different eye shadow samples, and has been validated by recovery assays, obtaining recovery percentages between 80 and 125%. Total Zn concentration in the solid samples was validated by the determination of total Zn by direct solid sampling and by the analysis of the same eye shadow samples digested in microwave oven.

A simple dilute-and-shoot procedure for the determination of platinum in human pleural effusions using HR-CS GF-AAS.

BACKGROUND: High-resolution continuum source AAS is an emerging technique for the determination of trace elements in clinical analysis. We aimed to develop a method for the direct determination of platinum (Pt) in pleural effusions that could deepen the understanding of the dynamics of intrapleural Pt concentration during cytostatic therapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Samples were collected by thoracic drainage from five patients with lung cancer undergoing platinum based chemotherapy. A simple dilute-and-shoot method for Pt determination in the pleural effusions was developed. Ashing of the sample in an oxygen flow in a graphite tube allowed for direct analysis without prior mineralization. The trueness of the method was verified using an independent technique (ICP-MS). As platinum derivatives are only active in its free form (not bound to proteins), Pt in samples was further divided into free and protein-bound forms by means of ultrafiltration. RESULTS: Using the proposed method, Pt contents (free and total) were determined in samples collected at different times after the intravenous application of the Pt derivative. The concentration of total Pt reached values of up to 5,000 µg/L and different patterns of its dynamics in intrapleural fluid were observed. CONCLUSIONS: The developed method enables the fast and simple determination of Pt in biological fluids. It may be applied on a large scale to improve the understanding of Pt dynamics during cytostatic therapy, and also to determine the optimal timing of both thoracic drainage and administration of systemic chemotherapy.

Simultaneous determination of cadmium and iron in different kinds of cereal flakes using high-resolution continuum source atomic absorption spectrometry.

A method for simultaneous determination of cadmium and iron in cereal flakes using high-resolution continuum source graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry is presented. Sample digest is introduced into the graphite furnace together with Pd/Mg(NO3)2 modifier. The primary absorption line of cadmium and adjacent secondary line of iron are used for the determination. Atomization is performed as a two-step process in order to meet ideal conditions for both elements. Interference produced by molecular absorption of PO molecular bands is suppressed by correction model using least squares background correction. Using the proposed method, levels of cadmium and iron were determined in different kinds of cereal flakes, where both elements are of great interest. Working range (0.01-2 µg L-1 for Cd and 10-500 µg L-1 for Fe) was suitable for the determination of analytes in samples. The method is fast, robust, and may be routinely used routinely in the analysis of foodstuffs.

Simultaneous determination of V, Ni and Fe in fuel fly ash using solid sampling high resolution continuum source graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry.

A green and simple method has been proposed in this work for the simultaneous determination of V, Ni and Fe in fuel ash samples by solid sampling high resolution continuum source graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (SS HR CS GFAAS). The application of fast programs in combination with direct solid sampling allows eliminating pretreatment steps, involving minimal manipulation of sample. Iridium treated platforms were applied throughout the present study, enabling the use of aqueous standards for calibration. Correlation coefficients for the calibration curves were typically better than 0.9931. The concentrations found in the fuel ash samples analysed ranged from 0.66% to 4.2% for V, 0.23-0.7% for Ni and 0.10-0.60% for Fe. Precision (%RSD) were 5.2%, 10.0% and 9.8% for V, Ni and Fe, respectively, obtained as the average of the %RSD of six replicates of each fuel ash sample. The optimum conditions established were applied to the determination of the target analytes in fuel ash samples. In order to test the accuracy and applicability of the proposed method in the analysis of samples, five ash samples from the combustion of fuel in power stations, were analysed. The method accuracy was evaluated by comparing the results obtained using the proposed method with the results obtained by ICP OES previous acid digestion. The results showed good agreement between them. The goal of this work has been to develop a fast and simple methodology that permits the use of aqueous standards for straightforward calibration and the simultaneous determination of V, Ni and Fe in fuel ash samples by direct SS HR CS GFAAS.

Toxic metals in tissues of fishes from the Black Sea and associated human health risk exposure.

The anthropogenic activities in the Black Sea area are responsible for toxic metal contamination of sea food products. In this study, several toxic metals: cadmium, lead, nickel, chromium, and copper were quantified in different tissues (digestive tract, muscle, skeleton, skin) of nine fish species (Neogobius melanostomus, Belone belone, Solea solea, Trachurus mediterraneus ponticus, Sardina pilchardus, Engraulis encrasicolus, Pomatomus saltatrix, Sprattus sprattus, Scorpaena porcus) by using atomic absorption spectrometer with a high-resolution continuum source and graphite furnace technique (HR-CS GF-AAS), and the risk of fish meat consumption by the young human population was evaluated. These metals are used in high amounts in industries located near the coastline such as shipyard construction and industrial plants. Toxic metal accumulation depends on fish feeding behavior, abiotic conditions, metal chemistry, and animal physiology. For instance, cadmium was measured in the muscle of the investigated species and average values of 0.0008-0.0338 mg kg-1 were obtained. The lowest average value of this metal was measured at benthic species N. melanostomus and the highest at the pelagic predator T. mediterraneus ponticus. Generally, the highest metal concentration was measured in the digestive tract that has the role of biofilter for these contaminants. The risk of contamination is significantly reduced by avoiding the consumption of certain fish tissues (digestive tract and skin for copper and skeleton for nickel). An estimation of the dietary metal intake to young consumers was realized for each of the studied species of fish from Romanian, Bulgarian, and Turkish waters, during the period 2001-2014 in order to evaluate the risks of chronic exposure in time due to metal toxicity. This estimation is important for the prevention of chronic exposure due to metal toxicity. Food exposure to studied metals showed a negative trend for Romania, Turkey, and Bulgaria based on the data provided by this study. The young consumers were highly exposed to these elements during the 2001-2006 period as proven by the results from this study.

Trace metal determination as it relates to metallosis of orthopaedic implants: Evolution and current status.

In utilising metal surfaces that are in constant contact with each other, metal-on-metal (MoM) surgical implants present a unique challenge, in the sense that their necessity is accompanied by the potential risk of wear particle generation, metal ion release and subsequent patient toxicity. This is especially true of orthopaedic devices that are faulty and subject to failure, where the metal surfaces undergo atypical degradation and release even more unwanted byproducts, as was highlighted by the recent recall of orthopaedic surgical implants. The aim of this review is to examine the area of metallosis arising from the wear of MoM articulations in orthopaedic devices, including how the surgical procedures and detection methods have advanced to meet growing performance and analytical needs, respectively.

Determination of Chlorine in Milk via Molecular Absorption of SrCl Using High-Resolution Continuum Source Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectrometry.

Total chlorine in milk was determined via the molecular absorption of diatomic strontium monochloride at 635.862 nm using high-resolution continuum source graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry. The effects of coating the graphite furnace, using different modifiers, amount of molecule-forming element, and different calibrants were investigated and optimized. Chlorine concentrations in milk samples were determined in a Zr-coated graphite furnace using 25 µg of Sr as the molecule-forming reagent and applying a pyrolysis temperature of 600 °C and a molecule-forming temperature of 2300 °C. Linearity was maintained up to 500 µg mL(-1) of Cl. The method was tested by analyzing a certified reference wastewater. The results were in the uncertainty limits of the certified value. The limit of detection of the method was 1.76 µg mL(-1). The chlorine concentrations in various cow milk samples taken from the market were found in the range of 588-1472 mg L(-1).