Investigation of the Elemental Contents, Functional and Nutraceutical Properties of Kefirs Enriched with Spirulina platensis, an Eco-friendly and Alternative Protein Source

In this study, the effect of the use of S. platensis, which is presented as an eco-friendly and alternative protein source, in the production of kefir, a probiotic dairy product, on various physicochemical properties as well as FAA, ACE inhibitory activity, proteolysis, TPC, DPPH, ABTS+, and mineral values was investigated. It was observed that the addition of S. platensis at different ratios to the kefir samples had a statistically very significant (p < 0.01) effect on all physicochemical analyses; L. mesenteroides count; all amino acids except isoleucine, aspartic acid, and glutamic acid; ACE inhibitory activity, TN, TCAN, TCAN/TN, mM Gly, TPC, DPPH, ABTS+, Na, Mg, K, and Fe. In plain kefir samples, mineral contents were determined by order of K > P > Na > Ca > Mg > Zn >> Fe > Cr > Cr > Mn. Furthermore, a general increase was observed in FAA, ACE inhibitory activity, TPC, DPPH, ABTS+, and mineral values, as well as in the counts of Lactococcus spp. and L. mesenteroides in the samples, depending on the proportion of S. platensis added, compared to plain kefir samples. In this context, it was concluded that the addition of S. platensis to kefir at different rates could meet various components required by the body on a daily basis and result in a nutraceutical product.

Botanical origin and elemental content of Turkish honey: Implications for health risks from essential and non-essential elements

Honey, which is popular for its taste and health benefits, can pose health risks due to excessive levels of essential and non-essential elements. Turkey's unique geographical location and biodiversity have made it a major player in the global honey industry. This study analysed Turkish honey samples to determine their botanical origin and elemental content, and to assess non-carcinogenic risks associated with their consumption. Twelve samples were classified as monofloral, while the rest were considered multifloral. The results showed that the levels of elements in the honey samples varied significantly depending on the plant source and geographical location (p < 0.05). However, the health risk assessment for both adults and children indicated that the levels of these elements do not pose a health risk. Principal component -analysis has revealed a correlation among the elements present in honey samples. Overall, the risk of exposure to toxic elements in honey is low unless consumed excessively.

Rapid and accurate determination methods based on data fusion of laser-induced breakdown spectra and near-infrared spectra for main elemental contents in compound fertilizers

Compound fertilizer occupies a dominant position in the structure of fertilizer products in China. The contents of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium are the key indicators affecting the fertilization efficiency and the price of compound fertilizers. Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) and near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) are two rapid analytical techniques suitable for online monitoring of the above components in compound fertilizer. However, accurate LIBS analysis needs to overcome matrix effects and interference from environmental elements, and NIRS also has the limitation of not being able to directly detect inorganic components in compound fertilizers. The combination of LIBS and NIRS techniques, namely LIBS-NIRS data fusion, has the potential to reduce interferences in the detection of single spectroscopic techniques and further improve the analysis accuracy. This study compared the LIBS-NIRS data fusion methods under different optimization conditions, and found that CARS-OPF (competitive adaptive reweighted sampling combined with outer product fusion) and CARS-EWF (competitive adaptive reweighted sampling combined with equal weight fusion) are two effective intermediate data fusion methods which can achieve better quantitative analysis results than single spectroscopic methods. The root mean square errors of prediction (RMSEP) for nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium contents in compound fertilizers by using CARS-OPF are 0.901, 0.693, and 1.52, respectively, and the RMSEP for those indicators by using CARS-EWF are 0.934, 0.719, and 1.60, respectively. In these two methods, the LIBS and NIRS characteristic variables of compound fertilizers are firstly screened by CARS algorithm, and then intermediate data fusion was carried out by using equal weight fusion or outer product fusion. Redundant variables in the original data can be well removed in the data fusion process to ensure the accuracy of the analysis. Therefore, the combined methods of LIBS-NIRS based on CARS-OPF and CARS-EWF could be well applied to the rapid and accurate detection of main elemental contents in compound fertilizers.

A study of dispersion of gunshot residue from a frequently used Serbian ammunition cal. 7.65 mm to support selected aspects of casework in North Macedonia

The subject of this research was the inorganic gunshot residue component collected from shooting patterns obtained on woven cotton cloth using a Pietro Beretta model 70 pistol, cal. 7.65 mm and Serbian ammunition for the following muzzle-to-target distances: 25, 50, 75, 100 and 125 cm. For each distance, three rounds of shooting were performed. Particles were lifted within a 10 cm radius of the projectile entrance and automatically analyzed using a scanning electron microscope coupled with an energy dispersion X-ray spectrometry. The obtained data on the populations of particles were analyzed taking into account their numbers, chemical classes and sizes. The results showed an apparent maximum incidence within all particles containing barium at about 50 cm distance. Also, lead particles revealed a distinct behaviour, being dominant at a 25 cm distance, falling below the other chemical classes, and finally becoming dominant again at 125 cm. The analysis of the frequency of occurrence of particles sorted according to their sizes confirmed that the small particle population is the largest, and their distribution in function of the equivalent circle diameter is exponential-like. The obtained results provided knowledge on the distribution of particles in the vicinity of the tested firearm and ammunition cal. 7.65 mm which generally corroborates with similarly studied GSR distributions obtained for the use of pistols cal. 9 mm. This information, together with the examinations of gunshot damages and other types of residues such as soot or unburned propellant grains may support qualitative inferences on shooting distance estimation, especially in cases, when the firearm and cartridges are not available to perform test shooting. In such cases even roughly estimated shooting distance can be helpful, e.g. for confirming or excluding the possibility of self-inflicted injuries or suicide and infer on the mutual position of the shooting stage actors. An example of casework that illustrates intermediate shooting distance estimation is presented.

(Asteraceae) Species from Gilgit-Baltistan Region of Pakistan Based on Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectrophotometry (ICP-AES)

Diversity in eleven Artemisia species from northern Pakistan was assessed based on as per suitability of their elemental contents with thermal conductivity detection and ICP-AES procedures. Results indicated the presence of 13 major elements in the Artemisia species with varied concentrations including Carbon (45.7%, 45,7000 ppm-49.8%, 49,8000 ppm), Nitrogen (2.03%, 20,300 ppm-3.50%, 35,000 ppm), Phosphorus (0.168%, 1680 ppm-0.642%, 6420 ppm), Potassium (2.38%, 23,800 ppm-4.72%, 47,200 ppm), Sulphur (1920 ppm, 0.192%-4780 ppm, 0.478%), Boron (23.8 ppm, 0.00238%-71.7 ppm, 0.00717%), Calcium (0.733%, 7330 ppm-2.249%, 22,490 ppm), Magnesium (0.116%, 1160 ppm-0.267%, 2670 ppm), Zinc (27.7 ppm, 0.00277%-47.9 ppm, 0.00479%), Manganese (25.7 ppm, 0.00257%-93.8 ppm, 0.00938%), Iron (353 ppm, 0.0353%-1532 ppm, 0.1532%), Copper (14.1 ppm, 0.00141%-26.2 ppm, 0.00262%) and Sodium (105 ppm, 0.0105%-587 ppm, 0.0587%). Cluster analysis distributed the Artemisia species into two major groups (G1 and G2) on the basis of their elemental content where G1 contained species like, Artemisia herba alba Asso., A. tournefortiana Rachb., A. rutifolia Steph. ex Spreng., and A. vulgaris L., with the presence of all elements with the maximum amount of S, Zn, P, Ca, and Mg, while G2 contained species like Artemisia biennis Willd., A. chamaemelifolia Vill., A. capillaris, L., A. gmelinii Weber ex Stech., A. indica Willd., A. maritima L., and A. verlotiorum Lamotte., with all elements but significant concentrations of B, N, C, K, Mn, Fe, Cu, and Na. PCA analysis displayed maximum species diversity in the axes two, while axes one showed lower diversity. Additionally, the elevated levels of elements recorded as compared to the threshold levels recommended in the literature for medicinal plants require extraordinary precautionary measures before or during using Artemisia as medication to avoid metal toxicity.

Mass concentrations and elemental analysis of PM2.5 and PM10 in a coastal Mediterranean site: A holistic approach to identify contributing sources and varying factors

PM₁₀ and PM_2.5 were measured at a suburban coastal Mediterranean site. Daily mass concentrations were generally lower than the WHO air quality limits but showed significant diurnal and seasonal variations, with intensive African dust events and residential heating emissions during wintertime causing the higher % increase of ambient concentrations (32% and 59% respectively). However, analysis of the elemental content revealed intrinsic characteristics. Statistically significant seasonal variability was found for S with higher concentrations during warm seasons directly associated with the formation of secondary sulfates. Increased S was the driving reason for the significant depletion of both Cl and Br. On the other hand, elevated K during wintertime was attributed to biomass burning. Analysis of the mineral content of airborne particles showed that typical soil-derived particles were significantly increased during dust events (Mg, Al, Si, K, Ca, Ti, Mn, Fe) although the corresponding mass concentrations preserved relative low levels (<30 μg m^-3). It was also found that dust events contributed to P, S, V, Zn, Sr and Pb with elemental ratios including Si (Si/Al, Si/Fe, Si/Ca) and Ca/Al serving as good markers for African dust. Heavy metals were found to have both direct and indirect influence on PM_2.5 and PM₁₀. PM_2.5 were primarily enriched with metals produced from motor vehicles (Cu, Zn, Pb) and ships (V, Ni), whilst, PM₁₀ enriched indirectly with Cr, Zn, Br and Pb due to road dust. At the end, source appointment has shown that the dominant contributing factor was mineral dust for both metrics (>30%) but significant contributions arose from secondary sulfates and traffic, (aged) sea salt, biomass burning (only for PM_2.5) and road dust (only for PM₁₀). Overall, this work provides a novel insight on the characteristics and chemical profile of atmospheric particles in a suburban environment largely affected by local, regional and long-range sources.

Isotopic and elemental characterization of Romanian pork meat in corroboration with advanced chemometric methods: A first exploratory study

In this study 93 pork meat samples (tenderloin) were analyzed via isotope ratios mass spectrometry (δ2H, δ18O, δ13C) and inductively coupled plasma - Mass spectrometry (55 elements). The meat samples are coming from Romania and abroad. Those from Romania are originating from conventional farms and yard rearing system. The analytical results in conjunction with linear discriminant analysis (LDA) and artificial neural networks (ANNs) were used to assess: The geographical origin, and animal diet. The most powerful markers which could differentiate pork meat samples concerning the geographical origin were δ18O, terbium, and tin. The results of chemometric models showed that, along with 13C signature, rubidium concentration, and a few rare earth-elements (lanthanum, and cerium) were efficient to discriminate animal diet in a percent of 97.8% (initial classification) and 94.6% (cross-validation), respectively. Some of predictors for feeding regime differentiation by using LDA were identified also to be the best markers to distinguish corn-based diet by using ANNs (δ13C, Rb, La).

Health Hazard Assessment Due to Slimming Medicinal Plant Intake

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), about 80% of people rely on medicinal plants for their primary health needs. Traditional medicine's principal benefits are their vast population knowledge, low severe adverse effects rate, low cost, and the lack of a medical prescription to use them. While obesity has become a global health issue, an increase in finding cheap and fast ways to lose weight escalates medicinal herbs' use for this purpose, both in dietary supplements or in teas. At the same time that Brazil aims to expand traditional medicine, reports regarding toxicology and poisoning put natural products' safety in check. Plants can accumulate heavy metals and metalloids leading to health risks; however, there is a lack of information on that matter, possibly due to a lack of international standardization regarding elemental contamination - this study aimed to determine metal and metalloid concentrations in slimming medicinal plants and their respective teas and evaluate their safety consumption. Metal and metalloid content were determined by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP OES). All plants and teas were within the set limits for tolerable upper intake level (UL), provisional tolerable daily maximum intake (PTDMI), and provisional tolerable weekly intake (PTWI). The hazard quotient index (HQ) was above 1 for almost all plants, and the Hibiscus sabdariffa tea regarding aluminum content. The arsenic level was above the Brazilian Pharmacopeia limit in natura plants demonstrating risk in their consumption. Some herbs also presented detection for elements with no safety limits set, such as lead, cadmium, and arsenic, which could mark as a red flag for consumption once their security intake is not precise yet.

Trace element content in commercial complementary food formulated for infants and toddlers: Health risk assessment

The study aimed to analyze trace elements content in baby purees and fruit juices and to evaluate the health risk of young children. The average daily dose, hazard quotient, hazard index and total diet hazard quotient were calculated to assess the potential health risk on per capita and consumers only groups of infants and toddlers. There was no significant health risk for studied groups regarding the intake of trace elements via purees and juices consumption. Health risk for lead was not estimated since the oral reference dose for this metal was not yet established and PTWI value was withdrawn. The average daily dose of lead for infants (0.32 - 0.46 µg/kg bw/day) and toddlers (2.01 - 2.29 µg/kg bw/day) were in accordance with the daily lead exposure intervals estimated by EFSA. Applying statistical analysis, the products were classified into three groups according to the content of trace elements.

Differentiation of tomatoes based on isotopic, elemental and organic markers

In this study, 41 tomato samples were investigated by means of stable isotope ratios (δ¹³C, δ¹⁸O and δ²H), elemental content, phenolic compounds and pesticides in order to classify them, according to growing conditions and geographical origin. Using investigated parameters, stepwise linear discriminant analysis was applied and the differences that occurred between tomato samples grown in greenhouses compared to those grown on field, and also between Romanian and abroad purchased samples were pointed out. It was shown that Ti, Ga, Te, δ²H and δ¹³C content were able to differentiate Romanian tomato samples from foreign samples, whereas Al, Sc, Se, Dy, Pb, δ¹⁸O, 4,4'-DDT could be used as markers for growing regime (open field vs. greenhouse). For the discrimination of different tomato varieties (six cherry samples and fourteen common sorts) grown in greenhouse, phenolic compounds of 20 samples were determined. In this regard, dihydroquercetin, caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid, rutin, rosmarinic acid, quercetin and naringin were the major phenolic compounds detected in our samples. The phenolic profile showed significant differences between cherry tomato and common tomato. The contents of the chlorogenic acid and rutin were significantly higher in the cherry samples (90.27-243.00 µg/g DW and 160.60-433.99 µg/g DW respectively) as compared to common tomatoes (21.30-88.72 µg/g DW and 24.84-110.99 µg/g DW respectively). The identification of dihydroquercetin is of particular interest, as it had not been reported previously in tomato fruit.

Wheat exposure to cerium oxide nanoparticles over three generations reveals transmissible changes in nutrition, biochemical pools, and response to soil N

This study investigated the effects of third generation exposure to cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeO₂-NPs) on biomass, elemental and ¹⁵N uptake, and fatty acid contents of wheat (Triticum aestivum). At low or high nitrogen treatment (48 or 112 mg N), seeds exposed for two generations to 0 or 500 mg CeO₂-NPs per kg soil treatment were cultivated for third year in soil amended with 0 or 500 mg CeO₂-NPs per kg soil. The results showed that parental and current exposures to CeO₂-NPs increased the root biomass in daughter plants with greater magnitude of increase at low N than high N. When wheat received CeO₂-NPs in year 3, root elemental contents increased primarily at low N, suggesting an important role of soil N availability in altering root nutrient acquisition. The δ¹⁵N ratios, previously shown to be altered by CeO₂-NPs, were only affected by current and not parental exposure, indicating effects on N uptake and/or metabolism are not transferred from one generation to the next. Seed fatty acid composition was also influenced both by prior and current exposure to CeO₂-NPs. The results suggest that risk assessments of NP exposure may need to include longer-term, transgenerational effects on growth and grain quality of agronomic crops.

Data on ICP OES and emulsion stability of Bredemeyera floribunda root extract: Medicinal plant used by the Brazilian rural population to treat snakebites

Bredemeyera floribunda Willd (B. floribunda) is a medicinal plant used by the Brazilian rural population to treat snakebites, but there are no data on the elemental composition and stability of the emulsion of extract of this plant. In this article, we present for the first time data on contents obtained the roots of the medicinal plant B. floribunda by using inductively coupled plasma optical spectrometry (ICP OES), as well as the data on preliminary stability tests of emulsions formulated with aqueous extract of this plant. The first set of data shows a total of 13 elements (Al, Ca, Cr, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, Ni, P, Cu, Se and Zn) detected in the roots of the plant. The second set of data shows that the extract data of the B. floribunda roots presented an emulsifying potential. In addition, the article provides information on the heating program for microwave oven digestion and ICP OES operating conditions. The data presented make way for nutritional and toxicological studies involving the roots of B. floribunda. The data on the cataloging of the plant can be found in the deposit nº 54366 of the Herbarium of the Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul, available in www.splink.org.br/form?lang=pt&collectioncode=CGMS.

Comprehensive characterization of printed circuit boards of various end-of-life electrical and electronic equipment for beneficiation investigation

Comprehensive characterization of printed circuit board (PCB) of end-of-life electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) is obligatory for prospective profitable beneficiation. In this study, beneficiation oriented comprehensive characterization of two brands of PCBs each of 16 end-of-life EEE was conducted in terms of their physicochemical characteristics with special emphasis on the content of 16 general elements, 2 precious metals and 15 rare earth elements (REEs). General elements and their highest weight percent composition found in different PCBs of the EEEs were Cu (23% in laptop), Al (6% in computer), Pb (15% in DVD player) and Ba (7% in TV). The high abundant of precious metals such as Au (316 g/ton) and Ag (636 g/ton) in mobile phone and laptop, respectively coupled with rapid obsolescence age makes waste PCBs of information technology and telecommunication equipment the most potent resource reservoir. Additionally, most of the waste PCBs were observed to contain REEs in considerable quantity with Sc up to 31 g/ton and Ce up to 13 g/ton being the major constituents. Comprehensive characterization of waste PCBs therefore will systematically help towards better understanding of e-waste recycling processes for beneficiation purpose and sustainable resource circulation and conservation.