Comparison of the Performance of ICP-MS, CV-ICP-OES, and TDA AAS in Determining Mercury in Marine Sediment Samples.

Mercury (Hg) determination in marine sediment is an analytical challenge due to the toxicity of this element even at low concentrations (up to 130 μg kg in marine sediments) and complex matrices. Therefore, it is necessary to use analytical techniques that have high sensitivity, selectivity, and low limits of quantification (LoQ). In this study, two methods that require sample treatment and one method with direct sampling were studied.

Toxicity of REEs, Th, and U: A Biodisponibility, Cytotoxicity, and Bioaccumulation Assessment in Marine Sediment.

In this work, bioaccessibility tests for rare earth elements (REEs), Th, and U in marine sediment were carried out, in addition to complementary tests for cytotoxicity and bioaccumulation for the elements La, Ce, Eu, and Gd. The evaluation of human health risk through dermal absorption and oral ingestion was performed using the hazard quotient (HQ). According to the gastric digestion simulation (SBET), it was observed that the elements Ce and Nd exhibited higher absorption capacities in the human body (> 2 µg g).

Hg Pollution Indices along the Reis Magos River Basin-Brazil: A Precursory Study.

Mercury is a metal present in the Earth's crust, but due to human contribution, its concentration can increase, causing environmental impacts to aquatic ecosystems, among others. The Reis Magos River Hydrographic Basin represents economic and socio-environmental importance for the state of Espírito Santo, Brazil. However, there are not many publications regarding the quality of water and sediments, so no data is reported concerning the total concentration of Hg.

Unsupervised pattern-recognition and radiological risk assessment applied to the evaluation of behavior of rare earth elements, Th, and U in monazite sand.

The Brazilian coast is rich in monazite which is found in beach sand deposits. In this study, the composition of the monazite sands from beaches of State of Espírito Santo, Brazil, was investigated. The concentrations of rare earth elements (REEs), Th, and U were determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS).

The effects of drying methods and harvest season on piperine, essential oil composition, and multi-elemental composition of black pepper.

This study aimed to evaluate the piperine content, essential oil composition, and multi-elemental composition of black pepper samples according to different drying methods and harvest season. Differences in essential oil composition and B, Ca, K, Mg, and S were noted according to sampling campaign, indicating secondary metabolism plant alterations. Mechanical drying resulted in essential oil composition changes due to high temperature exposure during processing.

The influence of beach geology and morphodynamics on chemical pollution assessments following a mining accident.

In the present study the distribution of chemical elements in beaches adjacent to the Doce River mouth hit by the tailings mud from a mining accident were assessed. Sedimentological and morphological coastal aspects were also considered. The results indicate that wave-exposed delta plain beaches exhibit high resiliency, despite their proximity to potential pollution sources.

Composition analysis of the cathode active material of spent Li-ion batteries leached in citric acid solution: A study to monitor and assist recycling processes.

Spent Li-ion batteries (LIBs) despite being produced with valuable metals from non-renewable natural resources are considered hazardous solid wastes because they contain metals and organic solvents pollutants for the environment. Due to this, it becomes necessary to know the chemical composition of these spent batteries to assist in the proper disposal and/or recycling process. This study aimed to provide quantitative data regarding the chemical composition of the cathode active material (CAM) of eight different spent LIBs used in cell phones and propose relationship with their energy capacity, year of manufacture and brand.

Direct determination of nickel in petroleum by solid sampling-graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry.

A procedure for the direct GFAAS determination of Ni in petroleum samples using a solid sampling strategy is proposed. Palladium was used as conventional modifier. Central composite design multivariate optimization defined the optimum temperature program and the Pd mass, allowing calibration using aqueous analytical solution.

Determination of arsenic in diesel, gasoline and naphtha by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry using microemulsion medium for sample stabilization.

A procedure for the determination of As in diesel, gasoline and naphtha at microg L(-1) levels by GFAAS is proposed. Sample stabilization was achieved by the formation of three component solutions prepared by mixing appropriate volumes of the samples propan-1-ol and nitric acid aqueous solution. This mixture resulted in a one-phase medium, which was indefinitely stable.