Fast, in situ, and eco-friendly determination of Mn in plant leaves using portable X-ray fluorescence spectrometry for agricultural and environmental applications.

The portable X-ray fluorescence (pXRF) spectrometry has been very useful for the characterization of different earth materials, and its application for foliar analysis is really promising. The performance of pXRF for foliar analysis depends on several factors such as concentration of the elements, fluorescence yield which is influenced by atomic number, spectral interference, and water content. Mn is one of the elements that present a prominent fluorescence peak.

Diagnose of soil fertility properties of a representative agricultural mesoregion in the Cerrado biome as affected by land use.

In Brazil, most of cereal production is concentrated in the Cerrado which is characterized by poor soils. Thus, the soil fertility management is important for suitable use of Cerrado's soils. After 40 years of increasing use of Cerrado for agricultural purposes, this work aimed to evaluate the soil fertility of a representative area known as Triângulo Mineiro and Alto Paranaíba (TMAP) mesoregion.

Towards direct and eco-friendly analysis of plants using portable X-ray fluorescence spectrometry: A methodological approach.

The assessment of the nutritional status of plants is traditionally performed by wet-digestion methods using oven-dried and ground samples. This process requires sampling, takes time, and it is non-environmentally friendly. Agricultural and environmental science have been greatly benefited by in-field, ecofriendly methods, and real-time element measurements.

Geochemistry signatures of mercury in soils of the Amazon rainforest biome.

Mercury (Hg) toxicity in soils depends on Hg species and other physical and chemical attributes, as selenium (Se) hotspots in soils, particularly relevant in Amazonian soils. The study of Hg species and their relations in representative locations of the Amazon rainforest biome is critical for assessing the potential risks of Hg in this environment. This work aimed to determine the concentration of total Hg and its species (Hg, Hg and Hg), and to correlate Hg concentration with total elemental composition, magnetic susceptibility, and physicochemical attributes of Amazon soils.

Pocket-sized sensor for controlled, quantitative and instantaneous color acquisition of plant leaves.

The color of plant leaves can be assessed qualitatively by color charts or after processing of digital images. This pilot study employed a novel pocket-sized sensor to obtain the color of plant leaves. In order to assess its performance, a color-dependent parameter (SPAD index) was used as the dependent variable, since there is a strong correlation between SPAD index and greenness of plant leaves.

Musculoskeletal Disorders' Classification Proposal for Application in Occupational Medicine.

Occupational-specific classifications of musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) are scarce and do not answer specific clinical questions. Thus, a specific classification was developed and proposed, covering criteria applicable to daily clinical activity. It was considered that the disorder development process is the same across all work-related MSDs (WRMSDs).

Assessment of iron-rich tailings via portable X-ray fluorescence spectrometry: the Mariana dam disaster, southeast Brazil.

On November 5, 2015, the Fundão dam collapsed and released > 60 million m of iron-rich mining sediments into the Doce river basin, covering >1000 ha of floodplain soils across ~80 km from the rupture. The characterization of alluvial mud covering and/or mixed with native soil is a priority for successful environmental rehabilitation. Portable X-ray fluorescence (pXRF) spectrometry was used to (1) assess the elemental composition of native soils and alluvial mud across impacted riparian areas; and 2) predict fertility properties of the mud and soils that are crucial for environmental rehabilitation and vegetation establishment (e.

Foliar Elemental Analysis of Brazilian Crops via Portable X-ray Fluorescence Spectrometry.

Foliar analysis is very important for the nutritional management of crops and as a supplemental parameter for soil fertilizer recommendation. The elemental composition of plants is traditionally obtained by laboratory-based methods after acid digestion of ground and sieved leaf samples. This analysis is time-consuming and generates toxic waste.

Assessing the tolerance of castor bean to Cd and Pb for phytoremediation purposes.

This study evaluated Cd and Pb accumulation by castor bean (Ricinus communis cv. Guarany) plants grown in nutrient solution, aiming to assess the plant's ability and tolerance to grow in Cd- and Pb-contaminated solutions for phytoremediation purposes. The plants were grown in individual pots containing Hoagland and Arnon's nutrient solution with increasing concentrations of Cd and Pb.