Methylmercury, total mercury and total selenium in four common freshwater fish species from Ya-Er Lake, China

Snakehead fish (Ophiocephalus argus cantor), silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrtix), crucian carp (Carassius carassius), and common carp (Cyprinus carpio) are four common freshwater fish species in China. In this study, the level of methylmercury (MeHg), total mercury (T-Hg), and total selenium (T-Se) in muscle samples of these four fish species from Ya-Er Lake, China, were analyzed using atomic fluorescence spectrometry coupled with high-performance liquid chromatography, and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The concentrations of MeHg in all the fish species were significantly correlated with those of T-Hg. Higher T-Hg and MeHg concentrations had accumulated in the snakehead fish, which is a strongly predatory fish, than in the other three species. The concentration ratios of MeHg and T-Hg in the muscles of these four fish species were almost equal. Conversely, there was negative correlation between the concentrations of T-Hg and T-Se, which implies that there is a competition between these two elements with respect to bioaccumulation. It is noteworthy that of all the muscle samples tested, the level of T-Hg exceeded the maximum allowable limit in fish [0.4 mg kg⁻¹ (w/w) recommended by the World Health Organization] in 38.46% of those of the silver carp, 18.18% of those of the crucian carp, and 100% of those of snakehead fish. These results show that the consumption of contaminated fish is a potential threat to human health and that necessary preventive measures to safeguard public health should be emphasized.     

北京市场常见水产品中总汞、甲基汞分布特征及食用风险

以甲苯二次萃取-直接测汞的方法对北京市场常见水产品中的甲基汞进行分析测定,并评价了食用人群的暴露风险。分析样品包括大黄鱼（Pseudosciaena crocea）、虾（Penaeus chinensis）等9种常见海产品以及武昌鱼（Megalobrama amblycephala Yih）、鳙鱼（Aristichthys nobilis）2种淡水海产品。测定结果表明：海产品中总汞和甲基汞质量分数要远高于淡水鱼中的总汞和甲基汞质量分数,总汞绝大多数是以甲基汞的形式存在,所占比例从74.7%到96.0%不等;对其中3种鱼类的鱼体甲基汞分布研究表明：肌肉中的甲基汞质量分数最高,肝脏中次之,鱼鳃中质量分数最低。根据我国水产品甲基汞标准,本研究中水产品甲基汞质量分数均低于国家标准,但根据世界卫生组织（WHO）和美国环保署EPA颁布的甲基汞摄入量参考值,食用银鳕鱼等甲基汞质量分数相对较高的水产品仍然存在一定的风险,应注意限量。     

桂林市菜地土壤-蔬菜汞污染研究和评价

对桂林市近郊8个不同片区蔬菜产地的118个土壤样品和71个蔬菜样品中汞的含量水平进行了调查和分析。运用单因子污染指数法评价了菜地土壤一蔬菜中汞的污染现状。研究表明，桂林市及近郊菜地土壤和蔬菜已受到不同程度的汞污染，全市各片区菜地土壤汞含量平均值为0．098-0．523mg／kg，以国家土壤环境质量标准二级标准评价，土壤平均污染指数在0．33-1．74范围内，属非污染或轻污染状态，除穿山南片和纸马铺外，其余采样点均有样本超过国家二级标准，其中七星公园东北片的土壤汞超标率较高，达71．4％，污染情况比较均一；虞山桥东南岸土壤汞超标率较低，为33．3％，但土壤汞含量变异较大，说明污染情况变化大。全市各片区老菜的汞含量平均值为0．0625-0．128mg／kg，为国家标准GB2762—1994规定蔬菜汞含量(0．01mg／kg)的6．25—12．8倍，超标率已达100％。实验还发现，蔬菜中的汞含量与土壤中的汞含量具有显著的相关性，且蔬菜汞的大部分分布于地上部可食部分。分析了菜地土壤汞污染的主要原因，可能与使用含汞农药和生活垃圾肥有关。     

A nanosilver-based spectrophotometric method for sensitive determination of methyl violet in river water

A method is reported for the determination of methyl violet in the range of 10–120 nmol L^?1. The method is based on the catalytic effect of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) on the oxidation reaction of methyl violet by potassium bromate in acid medium. The reaction is followed spectrophotometrically by measuring the change in absorbance () at 620 nm using a fixed time method. The reaction variables were optimized in order to achieve highest sensitivity. The 3б criterion detection limit was 5 nmol L^?1, and the relative standard deviation for ten replicate determinations at a concentration of methyl violet of 15 nmol L^?1 was 0.97% (n = 10). The method was successfully applied to the determination of methyl violet in river water samples.     

大气汞氧化还原过程与机制的计算化学研究进展

大气中汞的氧化还原反应对于其全球生物地球化学循环起着极其重要的作用,它促进了汞在全球范围内的扩散.汞主要以气态元素汞的形态释放到大气中,并经历复杂的均相和非均相化学反应,被氧化为活性气态汞和颗粒态汞;同时,活性气态汞也可经过光致还原反应光解生成气态元素汞.计算化学是一种基于理论方法利用计算软件来对化学现象和本质进行解释...     

A review of atmospheric mercury emissions,pollution and control in China

Mercury, as a global pollutant, has significant impacts on the environment and human health. The current state of atmospheric mercury emissions, pollution and control in China is comprehensively reviewed in this paper. With about 500-800 t of anthropogenic mercury emissions, China contributes 25%-40% to the global mercury emissions. The dominant mercury emission sources in China are coal combustion, non-ferrous metal smelting, cement production and iron and steel production. The mercury emissions from natural sources in China are equivalent to the anthropogenic mercury emissions. The atmospheric mercury concentration in China is about 2-10 times the background level of North Hemisphere. The mercury deposition fluxes in remote areas in China are usually in the range of 10-50μg·m^-2·yr^-1. To reduce mercury emissions, legislations have been enacted for power plants, non-ferrous metal smelters and waste incinerators. Currently mercury contented in the flue gas is mainly removed through existing air pollution control devices for sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and particles. Dedicated mercury control technologies are required in the future to further mitigate the mercury emissions in China.     

Automated method for the determination of total arsenic and selenium in natural and drinking water by HG-AAS

A multicommutated flow system was designed and evaluated for the determination of total arsenic and selenium by Hydride Generation Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (HG-AAS). It was applied to the determination of arsenic and selenium in samples of natural and drinking water. Detection limits were 0.46 and 0.08 μg l⁻¹ for arsenic and selenium, respectively; sampling frequency was 120 samples h⁻¹ for arsenic and 160 samples h⁻¹ for selenium. Linear ranges found were 1.54–10 μg l⁻¹ (R = 0.999) for arsenic and 0.27–27 μg l⁻¹ (R = 0.999) for selenium. Accuracy was evaluated by spiking various water samples and using a reference material. Recoveries were in the range 95–116%. Analytical precision (s _r (%), n = 10) was 6% for both elements. Compared with the Standard Methods, APHA, 3114B manual method, the system consumes at least 10 times less sample per determination, and the quantities of acid and reducing agent used are significantly lower with a reduction in the generation of pollutants and waste. As an additional advantage, the system is very fast, efficient and environmentally friendly for monitoring total arsenic and selenium levels in waters.     

A sensitive spectrophotometric method for the determination of arsenic in environmental samples

We developed a cost-effective and sensitive spectrophotometric method for the determination of arsenic at trace level using a new reagent, leuco malachite green. Here we show that, arsenic reacts with potassium iodate in acidic conditions to liberate iodine, and the liberated iodine selectively oxidizes leuco malachite green to malachite green dye. We studied the Beer’s law at 617 nm, which showed linearity over the concentration range 0.09–0.9 μg ml⁻¹ of arsenic. We show that the molar absorptivity, Sandell’s sensitivity and detection limit of the method are 6.1 × 10⁴ l mol⁻¹ cm⁻¹, 0.0012 μg cm⁻² and 0.025 μg ml⁻¹, respectively. We applied the developed method for the determination of arsenic in environmental samples.     

A new derivatization method for a determination of MX and related hydroxyfuranones in water

An extremely potent mutagen, 3‐chloro‐4(dichloromethyl)‐5‐hydroxy‐2(5/f)‐furanone (MX) is commonly present in chlorinated drinking water. Due to its high mutagenic activity and according to WHO guidelines its concentration should be controlled in drinking waters. Determination of MX is difficult due to ppt levels at which the compound usually exists in drinking waters. Derivatization with 2‐propanol is presented as a method which significantly lowers GC/MS detection level of MX. Suitability of 2‐propylation for derivatization of other hydroxyfuranones is also shown.     

A simple and robust method for determination of neem (Azadirachta indica A. Juss) oil in neem oil coated urea

The production of neem oil coated urea (NOCU), a technology developed by the Indian Agricultural Research Institute, has been grown to over 2.0 million tons per year. The estimation of neem oil content in NOCU is important due to its significance in ensuring agronomic efficiency. Therefore, this study was taken up to develop a simple method for the determination of neem oil in NOCU. The procedure involves extraction of neem oil from NOCU; saponification of extracted oil; oxidation of released glycerol to formaldehyde, and subsequent conversion of formaldehyde to a dihydrolutidine derivative. Its concentration was determined spectrophotometrically. The recoveries of neem oil from NOCU with oil load of 500 and 1000?ppm were 87.6?±?3.0% and 90.0?±?4.8% respectively with direct method; and improved to 92.6?±?4.0% and 96.7?±?3.8% after including the in situ purification. A simple method based on the Hantzsch reaction was developed for the determination of neem oil in NOCU. This method is superior to earlier methods in terms of sensitivity, simplicity, and time required.     

A simple ligandless microextraction method based on ionic liquid for the determination of trace cadmium in water and biological samples

A simple and efficient ionic liquid-based ligandless microextraction method has been developed for preconcentration of cadmium ions (Cd²⁺) as a step prior to its determination by flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS) with a micro-sample introduction system. In this approach, the ionic liquid (IL) 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate [C₄mim][PF₆] and ethanol were used as extractant and dispersive solvents to preconcentrate the Cd²⁺ in different waters, acid digested scalp hair, and nail samples. Some analytical parameters influencing the extraction efficiency of Cd²⁺ and its subsequent determination, including pH, IL volume, dispersant solvent volume, sample volume, temperature, incubation time, and matrix effect, were optimized. Under optimal conditions, the limit of detection (LOD), limit of quantification (LOQ), and enhancement factor (EF) were 0.4 μg L^?1, 1.3 μg L^?1, and 50, respectively. The relative standard deviation (RSD) of 100 μgL^?1 Cd²⁺ was 4.3% (n = 6). The validity of the proposed method was checked by determining Cd²⁺ in certified reference material (TM-25.3 fortified water) and standard addition; the results showed sufficient recovery (>98%) of Cd²⁺ within the certified value. The method was applied for preconcentration and determination of cadmium in waters and biological samples.     

An efficient resin for solid-phase extraction and determination by UPLCMS/MS of 44 pharmaceutical personal care products in environmental waters

• A hydrophilic resin (GCHM) was facile synthesis and characterized. • Average absolute recovery of GCHM (75.6%) performs better than Oasis^® HLB. • Detection limits of method (SPE-UPLC-MS/MS) ranged between 0.03 and 0.6 ng/L. • 22 PPCPs were determined in environmental waters ranging from 0.5 to 1590 ng/L. In this study, a hydrophilic resin named GCHM was fabricated based on poly(N-vinyl pyrrolidone-co-divinylbenzene), characterized, and applied as a solid-phase extraction (SPE) material. Up to 44 pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) belonging to 10 classes were recovered in environmental water samples. Different variables affecting extraction, such as adsorbent amount, sample pH, and loading speed, were optimized. Under optimal conditions, the average absolute recovery of 44 PPCPs was 75.6% using GCHM, indicating a better performance than the commercial Oasis^® HLB. SPE with home-made hydrophilic polymeric sorbent followed by ultra-performance liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry was validated, and the method achieved good linearity (r²>0.991, for all analytes). In addition, the method detection limits of target compounds ranged from 0.03 to 0.6 ng/L. The developed method was applied to determine PPCPs in 10 environmental water samples taken from the Yangtze River, Huaihe River, and Taihu Lake, 1 groundwater sample from Changzhou in Jiangsu Province, 1 wastewater sample from Xiamen and 2 seawater samples from the Jiulong River in Fujian Province, China. In these samples, 22 compounds were determined at levels ranging from 0.5 to 1590 ng/L.     

A proposed standard method for composite sampling of water chemistry and plankton in small lakes

In this paper a method for collection of vertically and horizontally integrated volume-weighted composite samples for analysis of water chemistry and plankton is presented. The method, which requires a proper knowledge of lake morphometry parameters, includes proposed standard procedures for determination of sampling interval thickness, maximum depth of sampling, selection of sampling stations, and distribution of discrete samples. An example of the outcome of the method in a lake with uncomplicated basin morphometry is given and the results are discussed against background of general lake basin morphometry data. The aim of the paper is to start a debate about optimization (statistical as well as ecological) of volume weighted composite sampling.     

A comparative evaluation of wet digestion and dry ashing methods for the determination of some major and minor nutrients in composted manure

The analytical results of 53 manure samples determined by wet digestion and dry ashing procedures were compared in order to evaluate their relative suitability for recovering different nutrient elements in manure and manure compost. Wet digestion recovered greater amounts of phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), manganese (Mn), and zinc (Zn) in more samples than dry ashing. Nutrient contents in the samples were highly variable, with coefficients of variation (CV) ranging from 38% for magnesium (Mg) to 161% for copper (Cu) analyzed by the wet digestion procedure, and from 47% to 138% for Mg and Cu analyzed by the dry ashing procedure. The mean values of P, K, Ca, Mn, and Zn averaged for the 53 samples were significantly higher using wet digestion than dry ashing procedure, but both procedures recovered comparable amounts of iorn (Fe), Mg, and Cu. Correlations analysis between both procedures for each element showed reasonable to fair agreements for Ca (R ²?=?0.93), K (R ²?=?0.93), P (R ²?=?0.90), Mg (R ²?=?0.84), Fe (R ²?=?0.87), Mn (R ²?=?0.73), and Cu (R ²?=?0.66), but poor agreement for Zn (R ²?=?0.44). The low agreement between procedures for Zn suggests that wet digestion, which gave a higher recovery, should be a preferred procedure for analyzing Zn in manures.