Trace element

Within the eastern Himalayan syntaxis, carbonatite-like dykes occur in granulite facies gneisses of the Greater Himalayan Crystallines. Most dykes are dolomitic and are associated with scapolite-bearing hornblendite and glimmerite, which are separated from the country rocks by a selvage of altered rocks containing minerals such as diopside, tremolite, K-feldspar, albite, and calcite. Only a few dykes are calcitic with alteration halos containing wollastonite, calcite, anorthite, diopside, and scapolite. Dolomitic dykes as wide as several tens of metres contain irregular xenoliths of granulitic gneiss.

Gem corundum, a minor but persistent megacryst in east Australian basalt fields, is mined from some placer concentrations. Laser ablation, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry analyses and O isotope determinations on a colour range of corundum from different fields, show that chromophore (Fe, Cr, Ti, V) and genetic indicator (Ga, Mg, d 18 O) values can distinguish corundum sources (magmatic, metamorphic and metasomatic) before basalt incorporation. They also characterise corundum groups from different fields. This identified two metamorphic groups, one carrying ruby at Barrington Tops, and a magmatic group distinct from those from other gem fields (lower Fe, northeast Tasmania; higher Fe, Yarrowitch). Ruby-bearing groups show clear provincial characteristics and include lower temperature spinel-facies groups (Barrington, Yarrowitch) and higher temperature garnet-facies groups (Cudgegong-Macquarie River). High Mg/Fe and Ni values in the latter approach those for corundum in diamond, and are a possible diamond indicator. The corundum derived from diverse fold-belt and felsic sources in underlying lithosphere forms a dataset for comparing corundum from other basalt fields.

We present data on the composition of water from Lake Vanda, Antarctica. Vanda and other lakes in the McMurdo Dry Valleys of Antarctica are characterized by closed basins, permanent ice covers, and deep saline waters. The meromictic lakes provide model systems for the study of trace metal cycling owing to their pristine nature and the relative simplicity of their biogeochemical systems. Lake Vanda, in the Wright Valley, is supplied by a single input, the Onyx River, and has no output. Water input to the lake is balanced by sublimation of the nearly permanent ice cap that is broken only near the shoreline during the austral summer. The water column is characterized by an inverse thermal stratification of anoxic warm hypersaline water underlying cold oxic freshwater.

Medical Geology, the study of the impacts of geologic materials and processes on animal and human health, is a dynamic emerging discipline bringing together the geoscience, biomedical, and public health communities to solve a wide range of environmental health problems. Among the Medical Geology described in this review are examples of both deficiency and toxicity of trace element exposure. Goiter is a widespread and potentially serious health problem caused by deficiency of iodine. In many locations the deficiency is attributable to low concentrations of iodine in the bedrock. Similarly, deficiency of selenium in the soil has been cited as the principal cause of juvenile cardiomyopathy and muscular abnormalities. Overexposure to arsenic is one of the most widespread Medical Geology problems affecting more than one hundred million people in Bangladesh, India, China, Europe, Africa and North and South America. The arsenic exposure is primarily due to naturally high levels in groundwa...

Whole rock major and trace element abundances of the Horoman peridotites were used to understand processes forming lithological and compositional variations in the upper mantle. Similar to other orogenic peridotites, Horoman peridotites range from fertile lherzolites (3 to 4% Al 2 O 3 and CaO) to depleted harzburgites (ϳ0.5% Al 2 O 3 and CaO). Abundances of major oxides and compatible to moderately incompatible elements vary systematically with variations in MgO content. Such trends are commonly interpreted as indicating that the peridotites formed as residues from varying degrees of partial melting. The fertile end of these trends coincides with estimates of primitive mantle composition. Because of a mismatch between experimental melting trends for spinel peridotite, especially the Na 2 O-MgO trend, the compositional variations of Horoman peridotites are not consistent with formation as residues from partial melting of spinel peridotite. Non-linear trends in minor and trace element versus major element abundance diagrams also preclude a two-component mixing model. Recent melting experiments on garnet peridotite demonstrate that at 3 GPa the near-solidus peridotite has a large amount of subcalcic clinopyroxene (ca. 27%) coexisting with small amount of garnet (ca. 2%). Residues from polybaric melting of such garnet peridotite are consistent with the abundance variations of major and moderately incompatible elements, such as Na and heavy rare-earth elements, in the Horoman peridotites. A similar conclusion is applicable to other orogenic peridotites such as the Ronda peridotite because their major element compositional variations are similar to the Horoman peridotite.

concretions from Grand Lake and Ship IIarbour Lake in Nova Scotia and Mosque Lake in Ontario are most common in water 0.5 to 2 m deep. X-ray diffraction studies show the ferromanganese portions of the concretions to be amorphous. Petrographic and electron probe studies of the ferromanganese material reveal chemical banding of iron and manganese. Bulk chemical analyses indicate that the Fe : Mn ratios of concretions from different sites within a single lake are similar, whereas concretions from different lakes have characteristic Fe : Mn ratios. Trace element concentrations are different in different lakes and are generally several orders of magnitnde less than those of oceanic nodules. ROBERT C. EIARRISS

The mutual influences of wheat selenium (Se) and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA) on plasma Se and indicators of increased oxidative stress were investigated in a randomized, double-blind study with 31 women (23.5 +/- 3.4 yr). Groups 1 and 2 ingested 5.4 g n-3 PUFA daily (as ethyl esters), whereas groups 3 and 4 received placebo capsules. Groups 2 and 3 received 3 slices of high-Se bread daily, providing 115 micrograms Se, in addition to the 77 +/- 26 micrograms Se in the diet. Groups 1 and 4 received placebo slices. Blood samples were drawn at baseline and at 3 and 6 wk. Serum Se concentrations increased in both groups given Se-enriched bread, but significantly less in subjects given n-3 PUFA (group 2). There were no changes in the plasma ratio alpha-tocopherol:mg cholesterol or plasma ascorbic acid levels. In group 1, plasma-conjugated dienes and thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) rose by 130% (p < 0.005) and 126% (p < 0.005), respectively. Two-way ANO...

Copper mine tailings are discharged to the anoxic zone of the Black Sea at 350 m depth, and there is currently consideration of reducing this discharge depth. Oceanographic sampling has provided data allowing calculating whether dilute buoyant plumes will separate from the tailings density current as predicted. Calculations for various discharge rates and slurry dilutions indicate that such plumes will rise $89 m above the discharge depth, hence will remain in the deep anoxic zone below the permanent pycnocline at $150 m depth at both the present and currently proposed sites. There is some indication from relative seawater density measures that these plumes will drift rather than spreading diffusely. Plume separation from controlled discharges of the tailings slurry was confirmed by visual observations in an experimental tank. The oceanographic sampling also showed that trace element levels in the seawater by the discharge point remained below Turkish marine receiving water quality criteria.

There is accumulating evidence that the metabolism of several trace elements is altered in diabetes mellitus and that these nutrients might have specific roles in the pathogenesis and progress of this disease. The aim of present study was to compare the level of essential ...

We have analyzed 33 Pliocene bulk sediment samples from Ocean Drilling Program Site 1085 in the Cape Basin, located offshore of western Africa in the Angola^Benguela Current system, for 17 major and trace elements, and interpreted their associations and temporal variations in the context of an allied data set of CaCO 3 , opal, and C org. We base our interpretations on elemental ratios, accumulation rates, inter-element correlations, and several multi-element statistical techniques. On the basis of qualitative assessment of downhole changes in the distributions of P and Ba, utilized as proxies of export production, we conclude that highs in bulk and biogenic accumulation that occur at 3.2 Ma, 3.0 Ma, 2.4 Ma, and 2.25 Ma were caused by increases in export production as well as terrigenous flux, and record a greater sequestering of organic matter during these time periods. Studies of refractory elements and other indicator proxies (SiO 2 , Al 2 O 3 , TiO 2 , Fe 2 O 3 , MgO, V, Cr, Sr, and Zr) strongly suggest that the terrigenous component of the bulk sediment is composed of two compositional end-members, one being`basaltic' in composition and the other similar to an`average shale'. The basaltic end-member comprises approximately 10^15% of the total bulk sediment and its presence is consistent with the local geology of source material in the drainage basin of the nearby Orange River. The increase in bulk accumulation at 2.4 Ma appears to reflect a greater relative increase in basaltic input than the relative increase in shale-type input. Although studies such as this cannot precisely identify the transport mechanisms of the different terrigenous components, these results are most consistent with variations in sea level (and associated changes in shelf geometry and fluvial input) being responsible for the changing depositional conditions along the Angolan Margin during this time period.

Estonia is rich in peatlands, which cover 22.3% of its territory. About 1/4 of them are under protection, ~ 2% have been assigned for peat production, and ~ 1% is abandoned. Several peatlands are drained, which poses a challenge to their sustainability. The use of Estonian peat resources is regulated following the principles of sustainable management. During the inventory of Estonian peatlands (1971)(1972)(1973)(1974)(1975)(1976)(1977)(1978)(1979)(1980)(1981)(1982)(1983)(1984)(1985)(1986)(1987) the properties (i.e. botanical composition) and quantity of peat were specified. In this paper an overview of these studies is given and new research fields focussing on chemical components of Estonian peat, i.e. trace elements, balneological characteristics, as well as the usability of the abandoned peatlands, are discussed.

Inorganic ions and trace metals in total suspended particles were measured during the period 2006-2007 at four sites; three urban sites in the Mexico City Metropolitan Area (MCMA) and one nearby rural site in the state of Morelos. SO 4 2− , NO 3 − , Cl − and NH 4 + ions were analyzed by ion chromatography; Na + , K + , Ca 2+ and Mg 2+ by flame atomic absorption spectroscopy, and Al, Cd, Cr, Mn, Pb and V by an atomic absorption spectrometer with a graphite furnace attachment. The results indicated that SO 4 2− was the most abundant ion. All trace elements except Mn and V showed statistically significant differences between sampling sites. Pearson's correlation applied to all data showed a high correlation among SO 4 2− , NO 3 − and NH 4 + , indicating a common anthropogenic origin. In addition, the correlation observed between Ca 2+ and Al indicated a crustal origin, as supported by the enrichment factors. Over the total sampling period, significant differences in particles and trace metals were found between sites and meteorological seasons.

The study has investigated the feasibility of using siderite-coated quartz sand and/or hematite-coated quartz sand columns for removing As from water. Arsenic-spiked tap water and synthetic As solution with As concentrations from 200 to 500 μg/L were used for the experiments. Since three coating methods employed to prepare siderite-coated quartz sand and hematite-coated quartz sand had no significant impact on As adsorption in batch tests, the column fillings were produced by means of the simplest one involving mechanically mixing the Fe mineral with quartz sand. Fixed bed tests show that the combination of siderite-coated quartz sand and hematite-coated quartz sand greatly promoted the column performance in removing As and the presence of As(III) in the influent improved the removal efficiency of the column. The relatively low capacity in treating As-spiked tap water arose from the suppression of FeCO 3 dissolution in the presence of high HCO 3 − concentration (333 mg/L), which consequently limited the formation of fresh Fe(III) oxides. However, the H 2 O 2 -conditioning greatly increased As adsorption capacity of the column for remediating As-spiked tap water. The Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure (TCLP) test shows that the spent adsorbents were not hazardous and could be safely disposed of to landfill.

The concentrations of As, Cd, Cu, Hg and Pb were determined in 54 multi-floral honey samples collected from five regions of Croatia during 2009 and 2010. Element contents decreased in the following order: Cu > Pb > As > Hg > Cd. Significant differences in lead and copper levels were observed between regions. Mean levels of elements (lg kg À1) in all honey samples measured were: 19.7 for As, 1.51 for Cd, 1074 for Cu, 2.72 for Hg and 65.2 for Pb. Copper and lead were the most abundant elements in the Centre region, with range and mean contents of 108-41,271 and 3232 lg kg À1 and 22.0-440 and 131 lg kg À1 , respectively. The highest element contents were: As 23.8 lg kg À1 in the South region, Cd 2.11 lg kg À1 in the Southwest region and Hg 2.63 lg kg À1 in the Northeast region. The finding that lead contents in Croatian honey were higher than most reported lead levels in honey from other European countries is of particular concern. These indicate that attention must be focused on setting positions for honey production hives in areas distant from highways and railways.

The present study determines lead content in onion root tip cells (Allium cepa L.), correlating it with its toxicity. The treatment was carried at 25±0.5°C using aqueous solutions of lead chloride at 0.1, 0.25, 0.50, 0.75, and 1 ppm for 12, 24, 48, and 72 h. For each treatment, a control where the lead solution was substituted by distilled water was included. After treatment, the meristems were fixed with a mixture of alcohol-acetic acid (3:1) and colored according to the technique of Feulgen. Lead content was quantified by graphite furnace absorption atomic spectrometry. The lead content in the roots ranged from 3.25 to 244.72 µg/g dry weight, with a direct relation with the concentration and time of exposure. A significant negative correlation was presented (r=−0.3629; p<0.01) among lead content and root growth increment, and a positive correlation (r=0.7750; p<0.01) with the induction of chromosomic aberrations. In conclusion, lead is able to induce a toxic effect in the exposed roots, correlated with its content.

The concentrations and size distribution pattern of trace elements in wastewater discharged from a pulp industry located at Oslo Fjord, Norway, have been studied. The annual discharge to the fjord amounts to approx. 34 kg Cd, 18 kg Ce, 15 kg Co, 10 kg Cs, 1500 kg Cu, 8200 kg Fe, 150 kg Ni, 420 kg Pb, 1100 kg Rb, 1.2 kg Sc, 3 kg Sm, 5100 kg Sr and 3500 kg Zn. Information on the size-distribution pattern of the trace elements in discharged waste water was obtained using the tangential cross-flow ultrafiltration technique. Instrumental neutron activation analysis, INAA, was employed to determine the concentration levels of Cd, Ce, Co, Cs, Eu, Fe, La, Rb, Sc, Sm, Sr and Zn. Lead, Cu and Ni were measured by atomic absorption spectroscopy with graphite furnace, GFAAS, and inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy, ICP-AES. Almost all of the alkali metals Cs and Rb, the alkaline earth metal Sr and also Ni in discharged waste water were found to be present in the low molecular weight fraction. A major fraction of Co, Cu and Pb was present in the low molecular weight fraction, while a significant fraction was found as colloids, particles or both. Cadmium, Fe and Zn in discharge waste water were predominantly present as colloids. Approx. 50% of Sc was present as particles, 100% of Ce was present as particles, and most of the Sm was found as colloids. Due to coastal currents and trace element background levels in coastal water, the contribution of mobile trace elements to Norwegian coastal sea water is probably of minor importance provided that wood from highly contaminated areas is not utilised in the pulp industry. If the particle fraction accumulates outside the outlet, however, a local environmental impact over the years should be expected. ᮊ 1998 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.

Specific amounts of main-group and transition metals (called minerals) such as iron, zinc and other trace elements are essential for the normal growth of the livestock which is a major source of proteins for humans. These minerals are currently supplied to the livestock from external sources, i.e. in properly assorted animal feedstuffs containing various kinds of nutrients for promoting faster growth, improved fertility and greater resistance to diseases (1,2). Recently, there has been an increasing belief that the bioavailability of micronutrient metal cations can be greatly improved by supplementing them in the form of chelate complexes with amino acids and hydrolyzed proteins and in vivo tests have indicated that metal chelates induce a faster growth and a better resistance to various deseases in comparison with the simple inorganic salts (2). More recently, 2-hydroxy-4methylthiobutanoic acid (MHA; the so-called methionine hydroxy-analogue), an alphahydroxyacid largely used in animal nutrition as a source of methionine, has been proposed as effective chelating ligand for trace minerals in animal nutrition.

Scanning proton microprobe (SPM) analysis and imaging was used to map the distribution of zinc in otoliths of anadromous and non-anadromous Arctic char (Salvelinus alpinus) from the Canadian Arctic. Zinc distribution patterns were oscillatory with concentrations ranging from 35 to 240 ppm. Superimposition of the zinc distribution on optical images of the otoliths permitted correlation of zinc uptake with annular structure in the otoliths and with strontium patterns from the same otolith. Well defined oscillations of zinc concentrations were observed in the otoliths, particularly in the first few years in all samples. In anadromous fish, these overlapped with the onset of the strontium oscillations that were indicative of anadromy and then declined; in non-anadromous fish the oscillations generally continued to later years. Oscillatory zoning of zinc may indicate: (1) variations in the concentration of zinc in water; (2) variations in nutrient availability in the environment; (3) temperature variations in the habitat occupied; or (4) a combination of zinc concentration, nutrient availability or temperature changes. As such, the systematic distribution of zinc in otoliths has the potential to provide temporally constrained information on fish habitat and/or fish biology.

Ruthenium compounds in general are well suited for medicinal applications. They have been investigated as immunosuppressants, nitric oxide scavengers, antimicrobial agents, and antimalarials. The aim of this study is to evaluate the immunomodulatory activity of cis-(dichloro)tetraammineruthenium(III) chloride (cis-[RuCl 2 (NH 3 ) 4 ]Cl) on human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). The cytotoxic studies performed here revealed that the ruthenium(III) complex presents a cytotoxic activity towards normal human PBMC, only at very high concentration. Results also showed that cis-[RuCl 2 (NH 3 ) 4 ]Cl presents

Two high performance flow atomic absorption (HPF-AAS) related techniques were chosen to assess their suitability for the determination of several trace elements in complex environmental and biological samples. The technique selected were the Hydraulic High Pressure Nebulization Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (HHPN-AAS), and the Hydraulic High Pressure Nebulization Flame Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (HHPN-FF-AAS), which were applied directly, or after using off line liquid-liquid separation-preconcentration-back extraction procedures. Analytical methodologies were developed for Be, Sr, Ba, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Mo, Cd, Ag, Al, Tl, Pb, and Bi, for a variety of samples such as river and seawater, river and marine sediments, soft tissue of mussels, tunicate siphons, aquatic plants, and human samples of clinical interest such as placentas, umbilical cords, and cardiovascular tissues from surgical procedures. The analytical efficiency of the techniques was also proved in a proposed trace metal fractionation approach for river and seawater samples. All samples collected in this work were obtained from the North of Chile, where the most important economic activity is the mining industry.

Fresh persimmons were subjected to two different processes: sun-drying during 1 month and dehydration at 60 °C during 12 h. To assess the effect of this process on nutritional and health-related properties of persimmons dietary fibers, minerals, trace elements, ...

The morphology, mineralogy, and magnetic properties of technogenic magnetic particles (TMPs) were analysed in four kinds of industrial dust produced during high temperature technological processes of different branches of industry (lignite and hard coal burning, cement production, coke production). The study was carried out by means of magnetic susceptibility measurement, energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray diffraction, Mössbauer spectroscopy, and thermomagnetic analysis. To assess the total content of the magnetic fraction in bulk dust samples, mass specific magnetic susceptibility (c) was measured and then a physical separation of magnetic particles (mostly of technogenic origin) was conducted. The dusts revealed high diversity of the c value, which was dependent on the magnetic particles' concentration and mineralogical composition. Significant differences in the magnetic mineralogy of dusts coming from different branches of industry were observed. In fly ashes from coal combustion, spherical forms (typical ferromagnetic spherules) of magnetite, magnesioferrite, and maghemite were mostly observed. In dusts after lignite combustion a higher content of antiferromagnetic hematite and maghemite was observed due to the lower temperature of lignite combustion. In cement dusts a large variety of iron minerals were observed including magnetite, maghemite, hematite, ferrites, and goethite. The characteristic mineral forms for cement dusts were Ca-ferrites and co-occurrence of calcite, anhydrite, gypsum, and bassanite with a magnetic mineral fraction. The magnetic fraction produced by the coke industry was mostly in the form of tightly compacted aggregates with well-formed crystal structures where ferromagnetic pyrrhotite was characteristic feature. The TMPs could be distinctive for pollution source identification and serve as a tracer of dust origin and (if found in topsoil) identification of soil pollution sources.

This study aimed to compare the trace element status of patients with type 2 diabetes (n = 53) with those of nondiabetic healthy controls (n = 50). The concentrations of seven trace elements were determined in the whole blood, blood plasma, erythrocytes, and lymphocytes of the study subjects. Vanadium and iron levels in lymphocytes were significantly higher in diabetic patients as compared to controls (p < 0.05 for iron and p < 0.01 for vanadium). In contrast, lower manganese (p < 0.01) and selenium (p < 0.01) concentrations were detected in lymphocytes derived from patients with type 2 diabetes versus healthy subjects. Furthermore, significantly lower chromium levels (p < 0.05) were found in the plasma of diabetic individuals as compared to controls. Trace element concentrations were not dependent on the degree of glucose control as determined by correlation analysis between HBA 1c versus metal levels in the four blood fractions. In summary, this study primarily demonstrated that trace element levels in lymphocytes of patients with type 2 diabetes could deviate significantly

Experiments that investigated the performance of nine tree species planted in pulverized fuel ash (PFA) and gypsum power station wastes are described. Lombardy and white poplars, common alder and false acacia were the most successful in gypsum and PFA-gypsum mixtures, but tree growth in pure PFA was unsatisfactory. Co-disposal of gypsum and PFA is the best means of promoting the growth of tolerant species planted in power station wastes. Tree performance is improved if these materials are covered by a soil layer, which promotes tree rooting into the underlying wastes.

New petrographic and chemical data from Upper Palaeozoic-Triassic granitoids from the Frontal Cordillera of Argentina (33"lO to 33"45) are presented. Five stocks with ages from Early Carboniferous to Late Permian were sampled. The rocks are all talc alkaline with the mineralogy of each stock comprising essential plagioclase, alkali-feldspar and quartz with monor biotite and hornblende. Chemically, the rocks are similar to granitoids from the-Frontal Cordillera of Chile, although the Argentinian stocks have generally higher WRb ratios. REE chondrite-normalized patterns and overall abundances, along with other petrological and geochemical similarities, suggest a common mode of origin for the granitoid stocks. The absence of systematic and wide variations in abundance of compatible trace elements suggest that the stocks represent magmas largely unaffected by extensive high-level fractional crystallization, and that their compositions are controlled primarily at source. Their age, tectonic setting and geochemical trends are consistent with magma pulses generated during crustal extension. The magma source region is considered to be relatively matic lower crust. Copyright 0 1996

Variable environmental availability of metal ions represents a constant challenge for most organisms, so that during evolution, they have optimised physiological and molecular mechanisms to cope with this particular requirement. Metallothioneins (MTs) are proteins that play a major role in metal homeostasis and as a reservoir. The MT gene/protein systems of terrestrial helicid snails are an invaluable model for the study of metal-binding features and MT isoform-specific functionality of these proteins. In the present study, we characterised three paralogous MT isogenes and their expressed products in the escargot (Cantareus aspersus). The metal-dependent transcriptional activation of the three isogenes was assessed using quantitative Real Time PCR. The metal-binding capacities of the three isoforms were studied by characterising the purified native complexes. All the data were analysed in relation to the trace element status of the animals after metal feeding. Two of the three C. aspersus MT (CaMT) isoforms appeared to be metal-specific, (CaCdMT and CaCuMT, for cadmium and copper respectively). A third isoform (CaCd/CuMT) was non-specific, since it was natively recovered as a mixed Cd/Cu complex. A specific role in Cd detoxification for CaCdMT was revealed, with a 80–90% contribution to the Cd balance in snails exposed to this metal. Conclusive data were also obtained for the CaCuMT isoform, which is involved in Cu homeostasis, sharing about 30–50% of the Cu balance of C. aspersus. No apparent metal-related physiological function was found for the third isoform (CaCd/CuMT), so its contribution to the metal balance of the escargot may be, if at all, of only marginal significance, but may enclose a major interest in evolutionary studies.

The sources and source variations for aerosol at Mace Head, Ireland, were studied by applying positive matrix factorization (PMF), a variant of factor analysis, to a 5-yr data set for bulk aerosol. Signals for the following six sources were evident year round: (1) mineral dust, (2) sea salt, (3) general pollution, (4) a secondary SO\ }Se signal that is composed of both natural (marine) and pollution (coal) components, (5) ferrous industries, (6) and a second marine (possibly biogenic) source. Analyses of seasonally strati"ed data suggested additional sources for iodine and oil emissions but these were present only in certain seasons, respectively. The marine signal is particularly strong in winter. The main pollution transport from Europe to Mace Head occurs in May, but the in#uence of continental European emissions is evident throughout the year. Mineral aerosol evidently follows a transport pathway similar to that of pollution aerosol, i.e., recirculation via the westerlies brings pollutants mixed with dust to the site from nearby land, i.e., Ireland, the United Kingdom, and the Belgium, Netherlands, and Luxemburg (Benelux) region, with some inputs from Scandinavia, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, and even the Mediterranean region. Compared with Bermuda, aerosol at Mace Head has stronger marine sources (especially marine-derived secondary SO\ and Se) but weaker crustal and oil signals. Transport across the North Atlantic, especially in winter, cannot be ruled out.

Trace element contamination and other defects trap photo-induced charge in photovoltaic materials and devices. With few exceptions, trace elements have a strongly degrading influence on device performance at concentrations below the minimum detectable limit for even the most sensitive ion beam analytical techniques. However, grain boundaries in polycrystalline silicon solar cells may getter trace impurities from surrounding grains and may achieve detectable concentration levels. By combining Proton Induced X-ray Emission (PIXE) to image impurities with Ion Beam Induced Charge (IBIC) to image the charge collection efficiency the existence of spatial correlations between impurity distributions and charge collection efficiency may be investigated. Using these methods we find that the distribution of impurities in a commercial polycrystalline solar cell suggests a correlation between some elements and the variations in charge collection efficiency. 0 1998 Elsevier Science B.V.

to understand regional mantle degassing, we compiled new and existing helium isotope data measured in hot springs, gas fields, and travertine-depositing cool springs and compared these geochemical data with mantle velocity struc - ture determined from tomographic studies. these data sug - gest heterogeneous mantle degassing, with regions of highest 3 He/4He in groundwaters (hence, highest mantle helium con -

Fractionation of Co, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, Ni, P and Zn in extracts of buckwheat and amaranth flour in 0.02 mol · l −1 Tris-HCl (pH = 7.5) buffer was performed by SEC/ICP-MS. All metals except for Fe and Mn (both samples) and Cu (amaranth only) are concentrated in a low-molecular fraction (M r < 2 kDa). Fe is bound in a high-molecular fraction (M r > 150 kDa). The main part of Mn is present as a labile complex or an ionic form. Cu in amaranth extract is also bound in medium-molecular fractions (10 and 40 kDa) and in a high-molecular one (M r > 150 kDa). Fractions rich in trace metals were isolated using preparative-scale SEC and the organic ligands of metals were refined by immobilized metal affinity chromatography. Low content of sulphur-containing amino acids (Cys, Met) and high content of acidic amino acids (Glu, Asp) are typical for all these purified fractions. A part of Zn (buckwheat) and almost all Cu (amaranth) in the low-molecular fractions were located in phosphorus rich sub-fractions. However, all Ni (both samples), the majority of Zn (buckwheat) and all Cu (buckwheat) were found in phosphorus-less sub-fractions. No phytochelatins were found in MALDI-MS spectra of isolated ligands.

Sole nurseries are located in the main bays and estuaries of the Bay of Biscay, where juveniles from the same stock concentrate and constitute temporarily isolated groups. This context being favourable for elemental analyses of juvenile otoliths, this study has been initiated with the aim of obtaining environmental imprints of the main nurseries of origin of juveniles recruiting to the adult stock, and of evaluating the relative contribution of these nurseries to the stock. The objectives were to compare (i) the otolith elemental imprints obtained by sampling juveniles in the Loire and the Gironde nurseries, and (ii) two multi-elemental analysis techniques: laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICPMS) and solution-based ICPMS (SB-ICPMS) adapted to small volumes. Depending on the fish origin, differences in Sr and Rb concentrations were shown using LA-ICPMS. Comparisons between the antero-dorsal and postero-ventral sites from where otolith material was ablated also suggested a spatial heterogeneity in otolith composition at least for some metals. From linear discriminant analyses, 73 % and 79 % of individuals (bootstrap estimations) were correctly classified with respect to their origin from the composition of the antero-dorsal and postero-ventral areas, respectively. The SB-ICPMS analysis was more powerful, which resulted in an 89 % rate of correct classification from a 2-variable model (Mg and Cd), whereas a 5-variable model (Li, Mg, Rb, Cd, Th) resulted in a 91 % rate of correct classification (bootstrap estimations). These results confirm that sole juveniles from the main estuaries of the French Atlantic coast could be discriminated by the elemental fingerprints of their otoliths. © 2000 Ifremer/CNRS/IRD/É ditions scientifiques et médicales Elsevier SAS otolith / trace elements / ICPMS / estuarine nursery / juvenile / recruitment Résumé -Empreintes élémentaires des otolithes de la sole (Solea solea) : un outil pour discriminer les nourriceries du golfe de Gascogne ? Les nourriceries de la sole sont localisées dans les principales baies et estuaires du golfe de Gascogne où les juvéniles se concentrent et constituent des groupes du même stock, temporairement autonomes, caractérisés par leurs traits démographiques. L'isolement des juvéniles dans des zones sous diverses influences continentales offre un contexte propice à l'analyse élémentaire de leurs otolithes. Cette méthode permet de rechercher les éléments traces susceptibles de représenter une signature environnementale de la * Correspondence and reprints: helene.de.pontual@ifremer.fr 497 © 2000 Ifremer/CNRS/IRD/É ditions scientifiques et mé dicales Elsevier SAS PII: S 0 3 9 9 -1 7 8 4 ( 0 0 ) 0 0 1 4 0 -7/FLA

In the United Arab Emirates (UAE), overall diabetes prevalence in adult population is around 20%. Along with, or instead of oral hypoglycemic drugs and insulin, some patients use bitter gourd (Momrodica charantia) because of its hypoglycemic properties. The aim of this study was to assess the essential (Ca, Mg, V, Cr, Mn, Co, Cu, Zn, and Mo) and toxic (As, Cd, Hg, and Pb) trace elements of bitter gourd using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Mean concentrations of each essential element were compared with literature data. Toxic As and Cd could not be detected, while Hg and Pb concentrations in our samples were much lower compared to values reported previously from contaminated areas. Results obtained in our study after ICP-MS/MW analysis, indicate that bitter gourd can be a good source of essential elements.

Active volcanism in the Kamchatka arc occurs where the Pacific Plate subducts beneath the Kamchatka peninsula south of its junction with the Aleutian arc. Most volcanism occurs within the Central Kamchatka Depression (CKD), a large graben oriented parallel to the trench, and along the Eastern Volcanic Front (EVF), located south and east of the CKD and closer to the trench. Differentiation trends range from calc-alkaline to tholeiitic. Fractionation of a mineral assemblage including olivine, clinopyroxene, and orthopyroxene, produces the tholeiitic trend, whereas separation of amphibole and magnetite, along with possible crustal assimilation, produces the calc-alkaline trend. A suite of near-primitive high-Mg basalts provides geochemical records of mantle sources and processes unobscured by differentiation. Rare earth element (REE) patterns range from slightly depleted ((Ce/Yb) n=0.8-1.5) to slightly enriched ((Ce/Yb)n=l.5-3.5). Rocks with the depleted REE patterns occur at the volcanic front in regions where a volcano or volcanic chain exists behind the volcanic front. Lavas with relatively enriched REE patterns occur behind the volcanic front and along portions of the volcanic front where behind-the-front volcanism is absent. Modeling of trace element abundances normalized to 10% MgO indicates that the rocks with the depleted REE patterns are derived from a more depleted source, inferred to represent refractory source material remaining after a previous generation of melt extraction within the arc. Mantle source material apparently convects into the mantle wedge from the rear, producing relatively enriched magmas when it melts for the first time. Relatively depleted magmas are produced if a second period of melting ensues as the mantle reaches the volcanic front. 1Now at Paper number 95JB02404. 0148-0227/96/95JB-02404505.00 ratios and incompatible element abundances than those erupted behind the volcanic front [Dickinson, 1975; Whitford et al., 1979; Carr et al., 1990; Tatsumi et al., 1992]. This observation raises the question of whether the relatively depleted lavas at the volcanic front are due to greater degrees of melting of homogeneous mantle, melting of a residue remaining from previous melting events, or melting of completely unrelated source compositions. Experimental results indicate that behind-the-front magmas derive from deep levels [ Tatsumi et al., 1983], but the results say nothing about the degree of melting at various distances from the trench. Evaluations of global major element systematics suggest that degree of melting correlates with crustal thickness [Plank and Langmuir, 1988] but do not address variation within specific arcs. Answers to this type of question will shed light on such geodynamic issues as asthenospheric flow in the mantle wedge. The Kamchatka arc provides important constraints on mantle-wedge processes because several of its volcanoes have erupted a variety of lavas, some of which are relatively 697 698 HOCHSTAEDTER ET AL.: MAGNESIAN LAVAS FROM THE KAMCHATKA ARC

The quality of road runoff at a highly trafficked road has been studied for 2 years. 63 storm events have been sampled and analyzed. Besides pH value and electric conductivity the concentrations of zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), lead (Pb), nickel (Ni) and cadmium (Cd), both in dissolved and particulate form, de-icing salt, total and dissolved organic carbon (TOC and DOC), suspended solids (SS) have been monitored. Correlation analysis showed a significant relationship between the total metal concentrations with TOC and SS. A considerable seasonal increase in pollutant concentrations has been observed for Cu, TOC, SS, pH value and especially for Zn during the cold season. The mean values during winter time were multiple times higher than measured during the warm season. In contrast, the fractionation of heavy metals was not affected by seasonal variations, but remarkable fluctuations were observed between different rain events with dissolved fractions above 90%. As a result of this and due to the high pollutant load on fine particles, best management practices (BMPs) only implementing sedimentation are not recommended for treatment of heavily polluted urban road runoff. From the data obtained it can be concluded, that the de-icing salt has only a weak influence for higher pollutant concentrations. The increase of heavy metal concentrations occurs because of increased tear and wear due to application of gravel at cold weather conditions. No significant influence of the length of antecedent dry weather periods could be observed most likely due to street sweeping, winds and air turbulences caused by traffic.

The mid-Carboniferous strata of northern England are characterised by mixed clastic-carbonate cycles (Yoredale cyclothems), attributed here to the short eccentricity Milankovitch rhythm. In a typical cycle, transgressive normal-marine shelf carbonates are succeeded by marine shales, then highstand prodelta mudstones and delta front-delta top sandstones with local coals. A detailed study of one cycle, the Great Limestone Cyclothem of the northern Pennines (Alston Block), reveals that within the transgressive carbonates, the beds, averaging 75 cm in thickness and defined by mm-shale partings or cm-mudrock layers, form two thinning-upward to thickening-upward bed-sets. Individual beds and the bed-sets can be correlated across the region. Oxygen isotope and strontium trace element data also reveal patterns of increasing and decreasing values through the limestone, which broadly correspond to the bed-thickness cycles. The beds are interpreted as millennial-scale cycles, the result of highfrequency, arid-humid climatic fluctuations. The bed-sets are interpreted as the response to a longer term arid-humid climate and sea-level cycle, driven by the precession rhythm. It is postulated that millennial-scale climatic changes, which are a well-known feature of the Quaternary and are here inferred for the Carboniferous, were responsible for the deposition of the beds that are a characteristic feature of many marine sedimentary successions in the geological record. The most likely overriding control is fluctuations in solar output.

KARADAG F , CILDAG O , ALTINISIK M , KOZACI LD , KITER G , ALTUN C . Respirology 2004; 9 : 33-37 Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess the serum concentrations of those trace elements that act as a component of oxidative stress in COPD patients. Clinically stable COPD outpatients ( n = 26) and healthy controls ( n = 24) were studied. Methodology: Serum concentrations of copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) were determined using a Varian Spectra AA220 flame atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Serum concentration of iron (Fe) was measured by the ferene assay, using a commercially available kit (IL Test TM Iron) with the ILAb TM 900 autoanalyser. The lipid peroxidation product malondialdehyde (MDA) in serum samples was measured spectrophotometrically in terms of TBARS (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances). Results: The serum MDA concentration in COPD patients was found to be similar to the control group (0.68 ± 0.15 nmol/mL vs 0.62 ± 0.13 nmol/mL, respectively; P = 0.163). The serum concentrations of the trace elements in both study groups were in the normal reference range. There was no difference in Fe concentration between COPD patients and the control group (0.81 ± 0.38 m g/mL vs 0.92 ± 0.41 m g/mL; P = 0.360). Copper concentrations were higher (1.06 ± 0.26 m g/mL vs 0.92 ± 0.19 m g/mL; P < 0.040); while zinc was lower in the COPD group compared to the controls (0.83 ± 0.25 m g/mL vs 1.03 ± 0.23 m g/mL; P = 0.006). Serum Zn concentrations were lower in the severe COPD patients compared to mild-moderate COPD patients ( P = 0.038).