The Mercury Puzzle

2013 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 181-198 ◽  
Author(s):  
Herbert Schwabl
Keyword(s):  
Heavy Metals ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Tibetan Medicine ◽  
Human Consumption ◽  
Global Level ◽  
New Man ◽  
Food Law ◽  
Production And Distribution ◽  
Pharmaceutical Practice ◽  
Foundation Stone

In the last decades, Tibetan medicine has spread around the globe. From a Western point of view, Tibetan medicine is part of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (cam). In many Asian medicines, mercury sulphide is considered an important ingredient. Tibetan medicine is famous for its precious pills, many of which contain mercury sulphide in the form of an ash called tsotel (btso thal). In the Western, specifically in the European context, such ingredients are not accepted for human consumption. These legalities are discussed from the perspective of today’s pharmaceutical practice in Europe. Neither the law of medicinal products nor the food law allow such ingredients and place strict limits on residues of heavy metals. The cam community is also very cautious about any use of heavy metals. This article advocates that on the global level, the production and distribution of Tibetan medicines has to consider today’s modern pharmaceutical and biomedical environment. The formulas of Tibetan medicine based solely on herbs and certain minerals could be the foundation stone for a modern pharmacopoeia of Tibetan medicine. Tibetan medicines are always a carefully blended mixture of many ingredients. This multi-compound principle could then serve as a basic concept for a modernised Tibetan medicine. Such medicines have to be investigated in their entirety, without reducing the formula to its active ingredients. This article suggests that such a herbal mixture could be understood as a new ‘man-made herb’, where the scientific tools specifically developed to investigate individual herbal constituents would be applied to the entire formula. Tibetan medicine and its products based on pharmaceutical-grade clean herbs and minerals can offer important therapeutic options for humankind on a global level.

scholarly journals Processing Effect and Characterization of Olive Oils from Spanish Wild Olive Trees (Olea europaea var. sylvestris)

Molecules ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (5) ◽  
pp. 1304
Author(s):  
Francisco Espínola ◽  
Alfonso M. Vidal ◽  
Juan M. Espínola ◽  
Manuel Moya
Keyword(s):  
Phenolic Compounds ◽  
Volatile Compounds ◽  
Olive Tree ◽  
Extraction Yield ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Human Consumption ◽  
Analytical Point ◽  
Wild Olive ◽  
Olive Trees

Wild olive trees have important potential, but, to date, the oil from wild olives has not been studied significantly, especially from an analytical point of view. In Spain, the wild olive tree is called “Acebuche” and its fruit “Acebuchina”. The objective of this work is to optimize the olive oil production process from the Acebuchina cultivar and characterize the oil, which could be marketed as healthy and functional food. A Box–Behnken experimental design with five central points was used, along with the Response Surface Methodology to obtain a mathematical experimental model. The oils from the Acebuchina cultivar meet the requirements for human consumption and have a good balance of fatty acids. In addition, the oils are rich in antioxidants and volatile compounds. The highest extraction yield, 12.0 g oil/100 g paste, was obtained at 90.0 min and the highest yield of phenolic compounds, 870.0 mg/kg, was achieved at 40.0 °C, and 90.0 min; but the maximum content of volatile compounds, 26.9 mg/kg, was obtained at 20 °C and 30.0 min. The oil yield is lower than that of commercial cultivars, but the contents of volatile and phenolic compounds is higher.

Evaluation of heavy metals content in the canned/packed fruit juices from local and imported origin in Lahore, Pakistan

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nazeefa Fatima ◽  
Munazza Khan ◽  
Muhammad Shuaib Kabeer
Keyword(s):  
Heavy Metals ◽  
Atomic Absorption ◽  
Fruit Juices ◽  
Human Consumption ◽  
Acid Digestion ◽  
Digestion Method ◽  
Mean Values ◽  
Nutritive Values ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Mean Concentration

This study was conducted to determine the mean concentration of heavy metals such as lead (Pb), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), chromium (Cr), manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni), selenium (Se), magnesium (Mg), and iron (Fe) in canned/packed fruits juices, collected from various stores in Lahore in a period of three months. These juices were categorized into four groups; local packed and canned and also imported packed and canned products. Every group consisted of ten samples. By using the di-acid digestion method, the collected samples were digested and analyzed under Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). The results indicated that the mean values of 7 out of 9 tested heavy metals including Pb, Mg, Ni, Fe, Cr, Se and Mn were above permissible limits (set by WHO) in all four understudy groups. Therefore, it was concluded that commercially available fruit juices are not all safe according to their heavy metals content for the human consumption despite their nutritive values.

PHYSICO-CHEMICAL AND SOME HEAVY METALS CONCENTRATION ANALYSES ON THREE COMMON SPECIES OF FISH IN TUNGAN KAWO RESERVOIR KONTAGORA, NIGER STATE, NIGERIA

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 223-232
Author(s):  
Mohammed Jr. Kinta ◽  
A. V. Ayanwale ◽  
U. N. Keke ◽  
Y. I. Auta ◽  
B. S. Adama ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heavy Metals ◽  
Drinking Water ◽  
Oxygen Demand ◽  
Aquatic Organisms ◽  
Common Species ◽  
Human Consumption ◽  
Long Term Effects ◽  
Aquatic Life ◽  
Physico Chemical ◽  
Fish Samples

Developing countries like Nigeria are faced with increased in generation of domestic, industrial and agricultural wastes, with a large percentage moving. This study evaluates the physico-chemical and some heavy metals concentration in three common species of fish from Tungan Kawo reservoir Kontagora, Nigeria; using standard methods between (July 2018 – February 2019); at four different sampling stations of human activities on the water. Five heavy metals were evaluated (Lead, Copper, Manganese, Iron and Chromium) in the fish samples. Phosphate (0.4 – 2.5) mg/L, Nitrate (3.2 – 7.5) mg/L, Temperature (27 – 32.4) 0C, Dissolved Oxygen (2.4 – 5.2 mg/L), Conductivity (81 – 125 µS/cm), Biochemical Oxygen Demand (1.9 – 4.4 mg/L), Alkalinity (mg/L) and Total Dissolved Solids (117 – 198) ppm were within the standard for drinking water and survival of fish.  However, the pH (6.3 – 9.8) was above the standard for NIS and WHO drinking water but can support aquatic life. Iron (0.64 ± 0.072 mg/kg) was the most highly concentrated in Synodontis clarias while lead (0.01 ± 0.013 mg/kg) was the lowest in Oreochromis niloticus and Coptidon zillii (formerly Tilapia zillii. This current finding indicates that the water is safe for both aquatic life and domestic purpose but not suitable for direct human consumption without being properly treated. However, there is the need for regular monitoring of the heavy metals load in this water body and the aquatic organisms because of the long term effects

scholarly journals Functioning of the Clothing Networks on the Global Markets - Comparative Analysis

2012 ◽  
Vol 14 (3) ◽  
pp. 87-100
Author(s):  
Monika Malinowska-Olszowy
Keyword(s):  
Comparative Analysis ◽  
Marketing Mix ◽  
Marketing Strategies ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Global Markets ◽  
Distribution Costs ◽  
Production And Distribution ◽  
Global Companies ◽  
Marketing Mix Strategy ◽  
Made In

The globalisation process contributes to shaping of many diverse consequences, among others it causes the internationalization of production, new, global division of work, increase of competitiveness, it builds the branches of a globalising business. From the point of view of economy, the phenomenon of globalisation influences the deepening of a free float of commodities, services, resources, capital, work, and also information between the countries. These factors significantly contribute to many changes that are visible in the operations of the latter-day enterprises (Penc 2003, p. 152). One of the consequences of the globalisation process, which is directly connected with the functioning of companies, is the necessity of building and managing the brand. As a result it creates many possibilities to global companies from the textile-clothing sector that want to achieve a market success. However, in order to achieve it one has to fulfill many, constantly increasing, expectations of the buyers. The realisation of these challenges is possible only with the share of two crucial factors: proper competitiveness and progressive marketing strategies. In the clothing sector the partnership networks are being created between the economic subject, because such actions are aimed at minimising the risk, as well as to reducing the production and distribution costs. The most often encountered networks in the textile-clothing branch are the franchising networks. The present article concentrates on the competitiveness aspect of the global clothing networks. A comparative analysis of the action of the commercial clothing networks was made, in order to show some features of its operation and proceeding, while focusing on the specified elements of the marketing-mix strategy. The obtained results allowed to show the differences and similarities in the used marketing strategies.

scholarly journals Agro-Environmental Rationale of Sewage Sludge Processing and Application

2020 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Heavy Metals ◽  
Sewage Sludge ◽  
Crop Yields ◽  
Conservation Agriculture ◽  
Fulvic Acids ◽  
Black Soil ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Total Carbon ◽  
Mineral Fertilizers ◽  
Organic Mineral

Conservation agriculture is becoming a priority for Ukraine as well as for many countries of the world. It is a known fact that high content of heavy metals in the soil impairs fertility and carries the risk of crops translocation. An agroecological effect of obtaining and applying organic-mineral fertilizers has been insufficiently studied so far. The purpose of the work is to determine possibilities to produce new organic-mineral fertilizers based on sewage sludge with enhanced adsorbing properties, to establish their agroecological efficiency. Methods. Field, laboratory-analytical, statistical-mathematical. Results. From the agroecological point of view, the production process of organic-mineral fertilizers based on the sewage sludge of Kharkiv is justified. It allows us to expand functional capabilities of reagents, enhancing adsorbing properties of heavy metals. It is proved the advantage of organic-mineral fertilizers over the traditional ones on chernozem typical. After fertilization, the content of total carbon in the soil increased, the content of humic acids increased by 1,5 – 2,8 times, fulvic acids – by 1,1 – 1,7 times, the total sum of humic substances – by 1,3 – 2,1 times compared with no fertilizer option. It is established that application of organic-mineral fertilizers promotes blocking of heavy metals in soil and prevents translocation to plant. Maximum yields of corn were obtained after the local application of granular organic-mineral fertilizers – the yield increase was 41% compared to the control, after introduction of bulk fertilizers – 32% compared to the control. Profit was $ 23 -36 per hectare. Conclusions. The process of organic-mineral fertilizers production on the basis of sewage sludge in Kharkiv is substantiated from the agro-ecological point of view. Agroecological and agrochemical efficacy of sewage sludge use as compared to organic and mineral fertilizers applied in equivalent doses separately was established on the typical heavy loam chernozem. After introduction of organic-mineral fertilizers based on sewage sludge a significant increase in the concentration of trace elements and heavy metals was found in the black soil but these indicators did not exceed the established maximum permissible concentrations. The implementation of the proposed technology will reduce bioavailability of heavy metals and their mobility in the soil which, in turn, impedes their accumulation in products. It is expected to increase soil fertility, crop yields and obtain environmentally friendly and safe products due to the stable composition of innovative fertilizers.

scholarly journals HEAVY METAL CONTENT IN SOME SEAFOODS COLLECTED FROM MUARA ANGKE FISH AUCTION PLACE, JAKARTA.

1987 ◽  
Vol 26 ◽  
pp. 51-58
Author(s):  
Horas Hutagalung ◽  
Suwirma Syamsu
Keyword(s):  
Heavy Metals ◽  
Heavy Metal ◽  
Metal Content ◽  
Heavy Metal Content ◽  
World Health ◽  
Human Consumption ◽  
Zn Content ◽  
Standard Set ◽  
Health Organization

Determination of  heavy  metal  content  (Hg, Pb, Cd, Cu, Cr, Zn) in some seafoods collected from  Muara  Angke  Fish  Auction  Place  were carried out during February to July 1979. The results showed  that Zn  content  in seafoods a nalyzed  was always much higher than the other heavy metals. The concentration levels of  the  six  heavy  metals observed were low. It is almost of the same level as the metal concentration of  other  seafoods  observed  in various parts of the world oceans, but still lower  than the maximum standard set  for human  consumption  as  established  by   Tasmania, Australia and  World Health Organization. The  mean  per capita  consumption of  fish  in Jakarta is only  about 165 g  per week, while  the  Provisional Tolerated Weekly Intake for Hg, set by WHO/FAO at 300 ug level, would be attained by consuming 1500 g Rastrelliger sp., or 698 gPenaeus setiferus, or 545 g Sepia sp., and or 1250 g Pecten sp.  Therefore,  at   present the  level of metal content in fishes sold at TPI  Muara  Angke  can be  considered  as  not  dangerous  to human health as long as these quantities are not surpassed.

scholarly journals Keban Baraj Gölü Örencik Mevkiinden (Elazığ) Yakalanan Capoeta trutta’nın Kas Dokusundaki Bazı Ağır Metal Düzeylerinin Karşılaştırılması

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (7) ◽  
pp. 1250-1257
Author(s):  
Özgür Canpolat ◽  
Metin Çalta
Keyword(s):  
Heavy Metals ◽  
Heavy Metal ◽  
Muscle Tissue ◽  
Fish Species ◽  
Human Consumption ◽  
Potential Health ◽  
Fish Samples ◽  
Metal Levels ◽  
Biological Aspects ◽  
The Relationship

Keban Dam Lake is the second largest dam lake in Turkey. In addition, it has the feature of being one of the most important dam lakes in our country in terms of both aquaculture potential and electricity generation. In this study, fish samples belong to Capoeta trutta caught from Örencik region of Keban Dam Lake were used. The concentrations of some heavy metals (copper, iron, zinc, chromium, nickel, cadmium, arsenic and mercury) in muscle of Capoeta trutta and the potential health risk from consumption of this fish species were examined. In addidion, the relationship between the heavy metal levels and some biological aspects of fish (weight, length and sex) were determined. As a result of the study, it was determined that the most and the least accumulated heavy metals in the muscle tissue of Capoeta trutta were zinc and cadmium respectively. The concentration of heavy metals showed differences according to weight, length and sex of fish. The results were found indicated that heavy metal levels in the muscle tissue of Capoeta trutta are below the tolerable values recommended by EPA, WHO and FAO. Therefore, there is not any risk for human consumption of this fish species.

scholarly journals Human health risk assessment of heavy metals in soils and commonly consumed food crops from quarry sites located at Isiagwu, Ebonyi State

2018 ◽  
Vol 29 (1) ◽  
pp. 8-24 ◽  
Author(s):  
Uchechi Bliss Onyedikachi ◽  
Donatus Chuka Belonwu ◽  
Mattew Owhonda Wegwu
Keyword(s):  
Heavy Metals ◽  
Health Risk ◽  
Human Health ◽  
Human Health Risk ◽  
Daily Intake ◽  
Absorption Spectrometry ◽  
Carcinogenic Risk ◽  
Human Consumption ◽  
Us Epa ◽  
Bioaccumulation Index

Abstract In view of ensuring healthy agricultural foods for human consumption, this study assessed the human health risk implicated in selected heavy metals in some commonly consumed vegetables, tubers, nuts and fruits grown around the quarry sites at Ishiagu, Ebonyi State, Nigeria. Samples from agriculture area of Umudike, Abia State, Nigeria, constituted the control. The concentration of Mn, Zn, Fe, Cu, Cd, and Pb, were determined using atomic absorption spectrometry. The potential non-carcinogenic health risk for consumers which included Estimated Daily Intake (EDI) and Target Hazard Quotients (THQ) for Pb, Fe, Mn, Zn, Cd and Cu while carcinogenic health risk using Cancer Slope Factors (CSF) was established for Cd and Pb. Relative abundance of heavy metals across the locations and all samples was in the order Fe > Mn > Zn > Pb > Cu > Cd. There was statistical significant effect of quarrying activities on the concentration of the heavy metals (Fe, Mn, Zn, Pb, Cu, Cd) at p < 0.05 level. Based on the observed bioconcentration factors, cassava showed more hyperaccumulation potential compared to other samples. Pumpkin and bitter leaf also could be used in remediation owing to their high bioaccumulation index for Pb and Zn. THQ obtained for Mn and Pb were >1 indicating that the residents at the quarry site may be exposed to potential non-carcinogenic health risk due to Mn and Pb intoxication. With respect to US EPA prescriptions, average carcinogenic risk values obtained for Pb and Cd in this study indicated a lifetime (70 years) probability of contracting cancer suggesting that they be placed for further consideration as chemicals of concern with respect to the assessed locals.

scholarly journals Phosphorus and Metals Leaching from Green Roof Substrates and Aggregates Used in Their Composition

Minerals ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 112 ◽  
Author(s):  
Agnieszka Karczmarczyk ◽  
Anna Baryła ◽  
Joanna Fronczyk ◽  
Agnieszka Bus ◽  
Józef Mosiej
Keyword(s):  
Heavy Metals ◽  
Green Roof ◽  
Green Roofs ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Water Retention Capacity ◽  
Retention Capacity ◽  
Batch Tests ◽  
Quality Literature ◽  
Materials Used ◽  
Runoff Quality

Green roofs are constructions made of different layers, each serving a dedicated function. Substrates and materials used in their composition are essential from the point of view of rainwater retention and plant development, but they may have an adverse effect on runoff quality. Literature studies show that phosphorus and heavy metals are of main importance. The total roofs area covered with green increased in the last years in cities as they are efficient in retention of rainwater and delaying of the runoff, therefore, protecting the cities against floods. As green roofs filtrate a significant amount of rainwater, materials used in substrates composition should be carefully selected to protect urban receivers against pollution. The aim of this study was to assess phosphorus and heavy metals leaching from different green roof substrates and their components with the focus on green roof runoff quality. Both commercially made green roof substrates and often used compounds (construction aggregates) were tested in laboratory batch tests for P, Cu, Ni, Cd, and Zn content in extracts. Based on the results of this study, it could be emphasized that a large part of commonly used construction aggregates can be a source of phosphorus, some also can release elevated values of nickel. Therefore, the materials should be carefully tested before use in the green roof substrate composition, not only for their physical properties reflecting water retention capacity, but also for chemical composition.

scholarly journals Mineral content of different bottled water available in Bangladesh: Assessment of their compliance with current regulations

2013 ◽  
Vol 38 (1) ◽  
pp. 7-15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammad Arifur Rahman ◽  
Md Abdus Salam ◽  
Abdus Salam ◽  
Madhusudan Roy ◽  
Nargis Jahan Ara ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heavy Metals ◽  
Mineral Content ◽  
Bottled Water ◽  
Human Consumption ◽  
Distilled Water ◽  
Mineral Contents ◽  
Lead And Cadmium ◽  
Council Directive ◽  
Guideline Values ◽  
The University

Nine bottled water brands collected from retail shops and food shops beside the University of Dhaka were analyzed for their major and trace element constituents to ascertain their suitability for human consumption. The results obtained were compared with parametric values (PVs) set by European Community Council Directive 98/83/EC and the guideline values (GVs) recommended by WHO. It was found that the majority of the brands tested were low in mineral contents. Moreover, lower values of hardness, TDS and conductivity than the prescribed limits of WHO showed that water was deficient in essential minerals. Minerals like magnesium, potassium, calcium were present in some cases in such a low concentration that water seemed to be as good as distilled water. In case of heavy metals, only lead and cadmium were found to be below the detection limit (0.001 mg/L) which indicates bottled water brands are better for drinking. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jasbs.v38i1.15316 J. Asiat. Soc. Bangladesh, Sci. 38(1): 7-15, June 2012

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