Speciation analysis of mercury in cereals by liquid chromatography chemical vapor generation inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry

Extremely Elevated Total Mercury and Methylmercury in Forage Plants in a Large-Scale Abandoned Hg Mining Site: A Potential Risk of Exposure to Grazing Animals

Ninety-five wild forage plants (belonging to 22 species of 18 families) and their corresponding rhizosphere soil samples were collected from wastelands of a large-scale abandoned Hg mining region for total Hg (THg) and methylmercury (MeHg) analysis. The forage plant communities on the wastelands were dominated by the Asteraceae, Crassulaceae, and Polygonaceae families. The THg and MeHg concentrations in the forage plants varied widely and were in the range of 0.10 to 13 mg/kg and 0.19 to 23 μg/kg, respectively. Shoots of Aster ageratoides showed the highest average THg concentration of 12 ± 1.1 mg/kg, while those of Aster subulatus had the highest average MeHg concentrations of 7.4 ± 6.1 μg/kg. Both the THg and MeHg concentrations in the aboveground plant parts exhibited positive correlations with the THg (r = 0.70, P < 0.01) and MeHg (r = 0.68, P < 0.01) concentrations in the roots; however, these were not correlated with the THg and MeHg concentrations in their rhizosphere soils. The species A. ageratoides, A. subulatus, and S. brachyotus showed strong accumulation of Hg and are of concern for herbivorous/omnivorous wildlife and feeding livestock. Taking the provisional tolerable weekly intake (PTWI) values for IHg recommended by the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA in Summary and conclusions of the seventy-second meeting of the joint FAO/WHO expert committee on food additives Rome, Italy, 2010) for human dietary exposure of 4 ng/g into account, the daily intake of IHg by a 65 kg animal grazing on 1.0 kg of forage (dry weight) would be between 190 and 13,200 μg, three to five orders of magnitude higher than the permitted limit, suggesting a potential risk of exposure.

Total mercury and methylmercury in Chinese rice and dietary exposure assessment

Total mercury levels and methylmercury levels were investigated for various grain parts (whole rice, rice husk, brown rice, polished rice, and bran) of 507 rice samples from 15 main rice-producing areas of China. The average total mercury contents in brown rice samples and polished rice samples were 4.2 and 3.3 μg/kg, respectively, the percentages exceeding the national standard limit were 0.59% and 0.39%, respectively. The average methylmercury levels were 2.9 and 2.4 μg/kg in brown rice and polished rice, respectively. The order of total mercury contents in different parts of rice was bran > brown rice > whole rice > rice husk > polished rice, and the order for methylmercury was bran > brown rice > whole rice > polished rice > rice husk. Total mercury intakes and methylmercury intakes were estimated for the Chinese population and the associated health risks were assessed.

Newly deposited atmospheric mercury in a simulated rice ecosystem in an active mercury mining region: High loading, accumulation, and availability

Mercury (Hg) mining activities are an important anthropogenic source of atmospheric Hg. The Xunyang Hg mine located in Shaanxi Province is the largest active Hg producing centre in China. To understand the biogeochemical processes of atmospheric Hg through Hg mining activities, six groups of experimental pots were carefully designed to investigate the effect of Hg mining activities on Hg contamination from atmospheric deposition in the local surface soils. Based on the variations of Hg in the soil from the experimental pots, the deposition flux and loading of Hg in the Xunyang Hg mining district were investigated. The results showed that the average concentration of total gaseous mercury (TGM) as high as 193 ± 122 ng m^-3 was observed in the ambient air, which was orders of magnitude higher than that in remote areas. The average deposition flux and annual loading of atmospheric Hg were 72 mg m^-2 y^-1 and 10 t y^-1, respectively. The dominant atmospheric Hg deposition is within a distance range of 6.0-12 km from the Hg retorting facility, accounting for approximately 85% of the total Hg loading. After 14 months of exposure, total mercury (THg) concentrations in the soil from the experimental pots increased 0.35-9.5 times, and the highest concentrations of methylmercury (MeHg) (3.7 ± 2.9 μg kg^-1) in soil were observed in February. Concentrations as high as 643 μg kg^-1 THg and 13 μg kg^-1 MeHg in rice were observed in the second experimental year. Elevated concentrations of both THg and MeHg in rice indicated that the newly deposited atmospheric Hg was bioavailable, readily methylated, and taken up by rice, suggesting that the ongoing Hg mining activities cause serious Hg contamination in the soil-rice ecosystem and posed a threat to local residents in the Xunyang Hg mining area.

A Review on Recent Applications of High-Performance Liquid Chromatography in Metal Determination and Speciation Analysis

High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) has several advantages over the conventional methods due to their operational simplicity. It is a vital tool to determine metal ions having same mass but different electronic configuration, to separate complex mixtures and to resolve ions that may be indistinguishable by mass spectrometry alone. Metal ions play vital role in many biological processes and involved in setting up of many diseases. Therefore, the development of simple methods for the detection and quantification of metals in real samples might serve as diagnostic tools for various diseases. This review article focuses on the recent main feature of this technique, i.e. speciation of metal ions and their applications to series of problem of metal ion chemistry in different environmental matrixes. Speciation of metals is of increasing interest and has a great importance because of bioavailability, environmental mobility, toxicity and potential risk of metals. With the capability of partitioning the complex species of different metal ions, HPLC is an efficient technique for this task. This review summarizes recent advances in the development of HPLC to the fundamental understanding of metal ion chemistry in the environment and discusses all the issues that still need a lot of consideration. It has been classified into different sections depending on the role of HPLC in separation used and metal speciation; furthermore, the underlying sample preconcentration techniques and detection systems involved for the determination of metal ions and their applications were discussed.

The local impact of a coal-fired power plant on inorganic mercury and methyl-mercury distribution in rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Emission from coal-fired power plants is one of the major anthropogenic sources of mercury (Hg) in the environment, because emitted Hg can be quickly deposited nearby the source, attention is paid to the effects of coal-burning facilities on levels of toxic methyl-mercury (MeHg) in biota near such sources. Since rice is an agricultural crop that can bio-accumulate MeHg, the potential effects of a large Hg-emitting coal-fired power plant in Hunan Province, China on both inorganic Hg (Hg(II)) and MeHg distributions in rice was investigated. Relatively high MeHg (up to 3.8 μg kg^-1) and Hg(II) (up to 22 μg kg^-1) concentrations were observed in rice samples collected adjacent to the plant, suggesting a potential impact of Hg emission from the coal fired power plant on the accumulation of Hg in rice in the area. Concentrations of MeHg in rice were positively correlated with soil MeHg, soil S, and gaseous elemental Hg (GEM) in ambient air. Soil MeHg was the most important factor controlling MeHg concentrations in rice. The methylation of Hg in soils may be controlled by factors such as the chemical speciation of inorganic Hg, soil S, and ambient GEM.

A reusable and sensitive biosensor for total mercury in canned fish based on fluorescence polarization

In this work, we developed a sensitive and selective sensor technique for total mercury (Hg) detection in canned fish samples based on the fluorescence polarization (FP) method. The detection principle was that ssDNA containing thymine (T) bases was modified on magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs), which were used as enhancement probe. In the presence of Hg(2+), the ssDNA on MNPs can hybridize with the fluorophore labeled aptamer owing to the specific interaction between T bases and Hg(2+). The formation of thymine-Hg(2+)-thymine (T-Hg(2+)-T) complexes leads to the molar mass increase of fluorophore molecules, resulting in the enhancement of FP signal. The increase of FP was in a good linearity with the concentration of Hg(2+) in range of 2.0 nM-1.0 mM and the limit of detection was 0.49 nM (3.29 SB/m, according to the recent recommendation of IUPAC). Moreover, the proposed biosensor can be reused for 6 cycling times and was successfully applied in monitoring Hg(2+) in real samples.

Environmental geochemistry of an abandoned mercury mine in Yanwuping, Guizhou Province, China

The distribution of mercury (Hg) and methylmercury (MeHg) in paddy soil and rice grain (polished), and Hg in surface waters and gaseous elemental Hg (GEM) in atmosphere at the Yanwuping Hg mining district (YMM), Guizhou Province, China was investigated. Results exhibited high total Hg (Hg(T)) and MeHg concentrations in soil at sites adjacent to calcine pile and tailings, and ranged from 5.6 to 240mgkg(-1) and 0.66 to 7.3μgkg(-1), respectively. Concentrations of Hg(T) in rice ranged from 10 to 45μgkg(-1), and high MeHg concentrations were also observed ranging from 3.2 to 39μgkg(-1). The elevated Hg(T) and MeHg concentrations in soil in the vicinity of calcine pile and tailings reflected in high MeHg concentrations in rice. Those data were significantly correlated with MeHg concentration in soil confirming that soil is the major source of MeHg in rice. The highest Hg concentrations in water, otherwise rather low, ranging from 3.8 to 51ngl(-1) for Hg(T) and of 0.14 to 2.7ngl(-1) for MeHg(T), were found at the proximity of calcine pile suggesting that untreated mine wastes are the principal source of Hg in the nearby area. Huge emissions of GEM were also detected from calcines affecting the whole area, ranging from 12 to 180ngm(-3) with an average of 46±35ngm(-3). The distribution patterns of Hg and MeHg observed in the environmental compartments suggest an elevated contamination of Hg in the region. Elevated high MeHg concentrations in rice might pose a potential health risk to local populations.

Synthesis of pyridine-based 1,3,4-oxadiazole derivative as fluorescence turn-on sensor for high selectivity of Ag+

An oxadiazole derivative(OXD) containing symmetrical pyridine-2-formamidophenyl-binded moiety was synthesised as fluorescence turn-on sensor OA1. Its ultraviolet-visible(UV-vis) and fluorescent spectra(FS) gave prominent fluorescence enhancement only for monovalent silver ion(Ag(+)) in HEPES buffer solution (10 mM, pH = 7.0, DMF-H2O, 9:1, v/v), which indicated the photo-induced electron transfer(PET) occurred from the donor of pyridine-2-formamidophenyl group to oxadiazole fluorophore. The present study demonstrated that OA1 was a viable candidate as fluorescent receptor for a new Ag(+) sensor. And the results of fluorescent spectral titration showed this sensor formed 1:1 complex with Ag(+).

Inorganic mercury accumulation in rice (Oryza sativa L.)

To investigate the source and process of inorganic mercury (IHg) accumulation in rice, we monitored the concentrations of IHg in tissues of rice plants (Oryza sativa L.) from four experimental plantation plots. Biweekly during the rice-growing season, tissues of rice plants, corresponding soil, precipitation, and irrigation water samples were collected. The sampling data support the following: (1) the atmosphere is the principal source of IHg to the aboveground parts of the rice plant; (2) both the atmosphere and soil contribute to IHg content in stalks, but the former source tends to be more important; and (3) soil is the major source of root IHg content. These observations and the fact that the gradually increasing concentration and mass of IHg in stalks and leaves during the rice-growing season suggested that atmospheric Hg could be absorbed by and incorporated into the aboveground parts of the rice plant and that limited or no Hg emission to the air or translocation to the soil occurred after deposition of atmospheric Hg. The root surface acted as a potential Hg barrier and consequently reduced the translocation of Hg ion mass through the root system to the aboveground parts. Accumulated IHg in aboveground parts of rice plants cannot be transported to seeds, which is completely different from the case of methylmercury.

A highly selective colorimetric sensor for Hg²⁺ based on nitrophenyl-aminothiourea

A simple and highly selective colorimetric sensor (L1) bearing thiosemicarbazide moiety as binding site and nitrophenyl moiety as signal group were synthesized. Sensor L1 showed great colorimetric single selectivity and high sensitivity for mercury cation in DMSO and DMSO/H(2)O binary solutions. When Hg(2+) was added to the DMSO solution of L1, dramatic color change from brown to colorless was observed. While the cations Ca(2+), Mg(2+), Cd(2+), Fe(3+), Co(2+), Ni(2+), Cu(2+), Zn(2+), Pb(2+), Ag(+) and Cr(3+) could not cause any distinct interferer toward the recognition process for Hg(2+). The detection limit is allowable to 5.0 × 10(-6) and 1.0 × 10(-7)M level of Hg(2+) according to visual color change and UV-vis change, respectively. The recognition mechanism of the sensor toward mercury cation was evaluated in DMSO solutions by UV-vis and (1)H NMR. The sensor selectively sense Hg(2+)via the formation of a stable 1:1 complex through CS and CO group with Hg(2+). When these complex bonds formed, the sensor carried out an ICT transition induced color change.

Microwave-assisted extraction and ion chromatography dynamic reaction cell inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry for the speciation analysis of arsenic and selenium in cereals

An ion chromatography dynamic reaction cell inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometric (IC-DRC-ICP-MS) method for the speciation of arsenic and selenium compounds is described. Chromatographic separation was performed in a gradient elution mode using 0.5 mmol L(-1) ammonium citrate in 1% methanol (pH 4.5) and 15 mmol L(-1) ammonium citrate in 1% methanol (pH 8.0). The potentially interfering (38)Ar(40)Ar(+) and (40)Ar(40)Ar(+) at selenium masses of m/z 78 and 80 were reduced in intensity by approximately 3 orders of magnitude by using 1.0 mL min(-1) CH(4) as a reactive cell gas in the DRC. Arsenic was determined as the adduct ion (75)As(12)CH(2)(+) at m/z 89. The detection limits of the procedure were in the ranges of 0.006-0.009 ng As mL(-1) and 0.009-0.03 ng Se mL(-1), respectively. This method has been applied to determine various arsenic and selenium compounds in cereal samples. The accuracy of the method has been verified by comparing the sum of the concentrations of individual species obtained by the present procedure with the total concentration of elements. The arsenic and selenium compounds were quantitatively extracted with a Protease XIV and α-amylase solution in a microwave field at 70°C during a period of 30 min. The spike recoveries were in the range of 94-105% for all determinations.

Distribution patterns of inorganic mercury and methylmercury in tissues of rice (Oryza sativa L.) plants and possible bioaccumulation pathways

Whole rice plants (Oryza sativa L.) were collected at different typical mercury (Hg) contaminated sites during regular harvest periods to investigate the distribution of inorganic mercury (IHg) and methylmercury (MeHg) in tissues. The whole rice plants were divided into rice seed (brown rice), hull, root, stalk and leaf. Elevated IHg and MeHg concentrations were observed in rice plants cultivated in Hg mining area compared to those obtained from the control site, which attributed to the Hg contamination of soil compartments by the historical large-scale Hg mining/smelting and ongoing artisanal Hg smelting activities. Our observations showed that Hg in ambient air was the potential source of IHg to the above ground parts, whereas IHg concentrations in root were restricted to Hg concentrations in paddy soil. The rice seed has the highest ability to accumulate MeHg compared to the other tissues. MeHg in paddy soil is a potential source to tissues of rice plant. Our study suggested that newly deposited Hg is comparatively more easily methylated than old mercury in soil.

Slurry sampling flow injection chemical vapor generation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry for the determination of As, Cd, and Hg in cereals

A slurry sampling inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) method has been developed for the determination of As, Cd, and Hg in cereals using flow injection chemical vapor generation (VG) as the sample introduction system. A slurry containing 6% m/v flour, 0.7% m/v thiourea, 0.4 microg mL(-1) Co(II), and 2.5% v/v HCl was injected into a VG-ICP-MS system for the determination of As, Cd, and Hg without dissolution and mineralization. Because the sensitivities of the elements studied in the slurry and that of aqueous solution were quite different, a standard addition method and an isotope dilution method were used for the determination of As, Cd, and Hg in selected cereal samples. The influences of vapor generation conditions and slurry preparation on the ion signals were reported. The effectiveness of the vapor generation sample introduction technique in alleviating various spectral interferences in ICP-MS analysis has been demonstrated. This method has been applied for the determination of As, Cd, and Hg in NIST SRM 1567a Wheat Flour reference material, NIST SRM 1568a Rice Flour reference material, and cereal samples obtained from local market. The As, Cd, and Hg analysis results of the reference materials agreed with the certified values. The method detection limits estimated from standard addition curves were about 0.10, 0.16, and 0.07 ng g(-1) for As, Cd, and Hg, respectively, in the original cereal samples.