Inorganic Geochemistry of Crude Oils of Northern Eurasia after ICP-MS Data as Clear Evidence for Their Deep Origin

The emergence of mass-spectroscopy with inductively-coupled plasma (ICP-MS) made it possible to study the microelement composition of crude oil and its derivatives with the limit of detection (LOD) at the ppt level. We have studied the crudes from West Siberian (Shaimsky, Sredneobsky and Oktyabrsky regions) and Tatarstan Romashinskoye oilfields with the ICP-MS method to detect 50 rare, rare-earth, and other microelements. The elemental composition is reasonably comparable to their concentrations in ultrabasites whereas the contents of most of the elements are low to the limit. On the diagrams of rare-earth elements, one can see the prevalence of light lanthanides and positive europium anomaly. Increased content of platinoids was found in Tatar oils; in some cases, the concentration of ruthenium reaches 0.06 g/t. The study shows that studied crudes have a specific microelement composition. Based on the elevated contents of transit elements and platinoids, a conclusion was made about the “ultrabasic” geochemical–metallogenic specialization of studied petroleum systems and the assumption about its origin was proposed.

Assessment of the Macro- and Microelement Composition of Fly Ash from 50-Year-Old Ash Dumps in the Middle Urals (Russia)

The paper considers the macro- and micro- element composition of two ash dumps in the Middle Urals, where meadow and forest communities have been spontaneously forming for 50 years, as well as the effect of the plants on the changing composition of the ash. Higher contents of Cu, Co, Sn, Ga, and Yb were found in the deep ash layers of both dumps, while in the upper 20-cm layer, the trace element composition depended on the influence of different plant communities. Higher contents of Sr, Cr, Ni, Sn, and Co were revealed under meadows, and Ba, Zr, and La were found under the forest. The levels of element accumulation in the aboveground and underground parts of dominant plants were revealed. Increased content of Be, Ce, Ga, La, Sc, Y, and Yb was detected in areas where meadow plants were dominant and Zn and Ba in forest areas. The toxic elements Cd and Pb were highly accumulated in both communities, whereas Co was found only in meadows. The studied materials can serve as a base to assess the feasibility of processing and/or utilizing fly ash from ash dumps in the Middle Urals and similar ash dumps in other regions situated in the southern taiga.

Ecological and geochemical features of the landscapes of the Baikal State Natural Biosphere Reserve

The aim of the study is a comprehensive assessment of the state of natural-territorial complexes of the Baikal State Natural Biosphere Reserve, including an ecological and geochemical assessment of soils, analysis of plant communities, determination of the ecological and biogeochemical features of the vegetation of the area. The distribution of mobile forms of heavy metals in the soils of the Baikal Biosphere Reserve has been studied. The coefficient of total soil pollution has been calculated. The maximum allowable concentrations exceedances for Cr, Mn, Cu and Pb were registered. Analysis of the microelement composition of the crust of Pinus sibirica showed the accumulation of Cd and Ni in relation to the Dobrovolsky clarke in all the studied areas of the reserve. Based on the studies carried out, it can be recommended to monitor the ecological state of natural territorial complexes on a regular basis on the territory of the Baikal State Biosphere Reserve.

REGULARITIES OF THE MICROELEMENT COMPOSITION FORMATION OF SOILS UNDER THE MOUNTAIN-MEADOW VEGETATION OF THE GREATER CAUCASUS

Report. The purpose of the work is to identify the features of the formation of the microelement composition of soils under the mountain meadow vegetation of the Greater Caucasus based on the analysis of literary materials and the results of our own field research. Methods. The study of the microelement composition of soils under subalpine and alpine vegetation was carried out on the territory of the Teberdinsky State Biosphere Reserve. Traditional methods of soil-geochemical studies were used with the laying of soil sections, the selection of soil samples and their analysis for the content of four trace elements (Zn, Cu, Pb and Cd). Determination of trace elements was carried out by voltammetric and atomic absorption methods. The humus content was determined by the Tyurin method with wet salting, the pH of the water extract was determined potentiometrically. Statistical processing of the obtained data was performed in the Statistica 10 program. The microelement composition of soil-forming rocks was compared with the clarks of chemical elements in the upper part of the continental crust; the microelement composition of mountain-meadow soils was compared with the clarks of the soils of the world. The radial distribution of trace elements in the soil profile was analyzed. The qualitative trace element composition of soils was characterized as a sequence of decreasing the content of trace elements in the humus horizon. Results. It is established that the microelement composition of soils under the mountain-meadow vegetation of the Western Caucasus is formed under specific conditions that affect the course of soil processes. High solar insolation, low temperatures, intensive humidification throughout the year affects the features of the processes of humification, the formation of clay minerals in the soil and other products of intra-soil weathering. The predominance of acid hydrolysis processes leads to the predominant accumulation of aluminosilicates, Fe hydroxides, chelated organomineral complexes in the soil profile, which play a leading role in the binding of trace elements. The microelement composition of mountain-meadow soils under subalpine vegetation is formed with more intensive processes of humus formation and oglinivaniya. These soils are characterized by a more pronounced biogenic accumulation of Cu and Zn in the humus horizon, the illuvial nature of the Cd distribution is more pronounced. The microelement composicomposition of mountain-meadow soils under alpine and rock-scree vegetation is formed against the background of relatively weakened processes of humus formation, humus accumulation and oglinivaniya. This affects the lower intensity of biogenic accumulation of trace elements, their leaching into the lower part of the profile. Conclusions. The main regularities of the formation of the microelement composition of mountain-meadow soils are determined by the special conditions in which these soils develop. The fixation of trace elements in mountain-meadow soils occurs mainly on aluminosilicates, Fe, Mn hydroxides and chelated organomineral complexes, which largely form the silty fraction. The movement of silty particles along the soil profile leads to the redistribution of trace elements associated with them. The granulometric composition, which is an indicator of the content of the silty fraction and its distribution along the soil profile, is of great importance when characterizing the microelement composition of mountain meadow soils. The established regularities of the formation of the microelement composition of mountain-meadow soils allow us to determine the main directions of economic activity that will contribute to the preservation of their ecological state. This is, first of all, the rational use of pasture resources of mountain meadows with the introduction of a system of alternating mowing, changing the main pastures with spare ones during the year for their restoration. An important component should be monitoring changes in the trace element composition of mountain meadow soils, which will allow timely response to changes and make adjustments to the structure of the use of these soils.

Comparative study for obtaining inulinase and invertase by yeasts

The aim of this comparative study was to obtain a model for production of inulinase and invertase by species Saccharomyces, Candida and Hansenula, strains from culture collection of INCDCF-ICCF, using submerged fermentation in a medium containing inulin as source of C. This model explained the data variation and the actual relationships between the parameters and responses. The dry biomass content as well as the production of inulinase and invertase in the bioprocess medium was influenced by inulin concentration and microelement composition. The main parameters for bioprocesses were: inoculum size 2% (v/v), pH 6, temperature 280 C and 220 rpm agitation speed. Following comparative study for production of extracellular inulinase (exo and endo inulinase) and invertase were obtained for Candida arborea the best results, invertase production having significantly higher concentrations than inulinase (35.92 U/mL invertase activity vs. 8.01 U/mL inulinase activity), on M5 medium. These results could be useful for industrial applications such as food industry, pharmaceutical.

Inorganic Geochemistry of Crude Oils of Northern Eurasia After ICP-MS Data as a Clear Evidence for Their Deep Origin

Emerging of mass-spectroscopy with inductively-coupled plasma (ICP-MS) made possible to study the microelement composition of crude oil and its derivatives (with the limit of detection at the ppt level). We have studied the crude oil composition of some West Siberian and Tatarstan oilfields with the ICP-MS method to detect 50 rare, rare-earth, and other microelements. The elemental composition is reasonably comparable to their concentrations in ultrabasites whereas the contents of most of the elements are low to the limit. On the diagrams of rare-earth elements, one can see the prevalence of light lanthanides and positive europium anomaly. The study shows that crude oils have a specific microelement composition that stands out from other geological systems.

VARIABILITY OF MACRO- AND MICROELEMENT COMPOSITION OF ACCESSIONS OF VIGNA UNGUICULATA (L.) WALP. IN THE SOUTH OF WESTERN SIBERIA AND IN THE CRIMEA

Different environmental factors can cause changes in the elemental composition of plants. The research attempts to shift the focus from studying the effect of soil on the elemental composition of plants to assessing the impact of multifactorial ecological blocks on this index. Using the method of atomic absorption spectroscopy, the content K, Na, Ca, Mg, Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn, Co, Li was determined in the seeds of 5 accessions of a new for Russia crop − vigna (Vigna unguiculata) when growing plants in the south of Western Siberia (54° N 83° E) and in the Crimea (44° N, 34° E)]. The Coefficient of Variation (CV) of the element contents in cowpea accessions in two regions was significant − from 14 to 53%. The highest homeostasis in the accumulation of macro- and microelements was noted in the cultivar Sibirskiy razmer (CV = 15–23%), macroelements − Vigna catjang (CV = 14%). Both accessions were characterized by a reduced accumulation of K, Na, Mg, Mn and, especially, Fe compared to other cultivars. The rest of the accessions showed a high rate of variation in the elemental composition under different conditions (CV = 29–53%). K, Mg, Ca, Zn, and Mn differed by a relatively lower variability of accumulation in cowpea seeds – both by the accessions and the regions of cultivation, while Na, Co, Li, and Cu was the highest. Cultivar Yunnanskaya had the highest rates of Ca (882–1357 mg/kg) and Fe (96–196 mg/kg) accumulation in both regions whereas accessions Krasnaya pozdniaya and Krasno-pestraya had the highest rate of Mg content − 1632–2131 and 1737–1986 mg/kg, respectively.

Comparative study of the elemental composition in raw materials of plants of genus Geum L.

Among the relevant for the modern pharmacy problems, there is a need for the rational complex use of known medicinal plants, as well as the search for new sources of natural biologically active compounds in order to expand the list of official medicinal plants and raw material base. Species of genus Geum L. contain a number of biological active substances and are promising sources of raw materials for the production of antimicrobial, astringent, anti-inflammatory, and hemostatic medicines. Pharmacological activity of these plants results from their multi-component chemical composition, including tannins, flavonoids, macro- and microelements and other compounds. The aim of thе study was to compare the elemental composition of herb and rhizomes with roots of G. urbanum L., G. aleppicum Jacq. and G. rivale L. of Ukrainian flora. The objects of the study were the samples of herb and rhizome with roots of G. urbanum L., G. aleppicum Jacq. and G. rivale L. (dried raw materials) which were collected in the Kharkiv region, Ruski Tishki village, in June-August 2018–2019. The determination of the qualitative composition and quantitative content of elements was carried out by atomic absorption spectroscopy with atomization in an air-acetylene flame using a spectrometer CAS 120 («Selmi», Sumy, Ukraine). In the studied samples, 19 elements were determined, including 5 macroelements and 14 microelements. The data about accumulation of elements in investigated herb of G. urbanum L., G. aleppicum Jacq., G. rivale L. can be arranged in descending order as follows: K > Ca > Si > Mg > P > Fe > Al > Na > Sr > Zn, and in rhizomes with roots as follows – K > Si > Ca > Mg > Fe > P > Al > Na > Sr > Zn. The content of toxic elements such as cobalt, cadmium, arsenic, and mercury was within the permissible limits for plant raw materials and food. For the first time, a comparative study of the macro- and microelement composition in herb and rhizomes with roots of G. urbanum L., G. aleppicum Jacq. and G. rivale L. has been carried out. Using the method of atomic absorption spectral analysis, 19 elements have been identified and their content has been determined, among which К, Ca, Mg, Si, P, Fe, Al, Na, Mn, Zn predominantly accumulate.

Performance Characteristics of Ankistrodesmus falcatus in Different Culture Media and Concentration

This study determined the effect of growth media and culture concentration on the growth, proximate, and microelement composition of Ankistrodesmus falcatus. The culture of A. falcatus was done using three media, namely Modified COMBO Medium (COMBO), Bold’s Basal Medium (BBM), and Bristol, at two concentrations (50% and 100%). The results obtained show that the cell density (>3.5 × 107 cells/mL), optical density (>0.24), and specific growth rate (>0.429%/day) were significantly higher (p ≤ 0.05) in BBM and COMBO than in Bristol (<3.1 × 107 cells/mL; <0.23; <0.416%/day, respectively) at both concentrations. However, biomass was higher in BBM (>2.20 g/L) than in COMBO (1.87–2.13 g/L), while Bristol had the lowest value observed (1.70–1.73 g/L). Biochemical and microelement composition showed variations between media and at the different concentrations, with higher values observed in BBM and COMBO. Based on the growth parameters and nutritional composition, it was concluded that BBM and COMBO were better media for the propagation of A. falcatus growth than Bristol. The study also demonstrated that the microalgae can be cultured using half of the media’s concentration to lower production costs.

Determination of Chemical Element Content in Pink Flamingo Feathers Phoenicopterus ruber roseus as a Method of Health Assessment

Представлены результаты исследований микроэлементного состава перьев диких птиц, содержащихся в условиях зоологических учреждений. Целью исследования было изучить содержание некоторых тяжёлых металлов и мышьяка у представителей отряда Фламингообразные Phoenicopteriformes и разработать центильные шкалы для оценки состояния здоровья птиц. В 2018–2020 гг. проведены исследования перьев розового фламинго на предмет накопления цинка, меди, железа, свинца, кадмия и мышьяка атомно-абсорбционным методом. Приведены данные по особенностям содержания химических элементов у розового фламинго – Phoenicopterus ruber roseus. В ходе исследования установлено, что по величине среднего содержания в перьях птиц исследуемые элементы образуют следующий убывающий ряд: Fe > Zn > Cu > Pb > Cd > As. У розовых фламинго, содержащихся в искусственно созданных условиях, наблюдается тенденция к снижению концентрации кадмия у 50,0%, увеличению железа, свинца и мышьяка – у 50,0% особей. Наибольшие колебания в отклонении уровня накопления отмечены в отношении токсичных элементов: Cd, Pb и As, наименьшие – Cu. Средние концентрации Zn, Cu, Fe и Cd установлены у 33,3% особей фламинго, Pb и As – у 16,7% от общего количества изученных птиц. 16,7% исследуемых птиц по уровню содержания цинка и меди, 33,3% – железа, свинца, кадмия и мышьяка находятся в состоянии «предболезни» и требуют дополнительных обследований. Достоверно установлен синергизм между накоплением Fe – As, Pb – Cd, Pb – As и антагонизм между Fe – Cu и Fe – Pb. Для улучшения микроэлементного статуса розового фламинго зоологических учреждений необходимо проводить мониторинговые исследования с периодичностью 1 раз в полгода с оценкой уровня химических элементов по центильным шкалам. The results of researches of microelement composition of feathers of wild birds contained in conditions of zoological institutions are presented. The purpose of the research was to study the content of some heavy metals and arsenic in representatives of the Flamingo Phoenicopteriformes and to develop centile metrics for assessing the health of birds. In 2018-2020 studies of pink flamingo feathers were carried out for the accumulation of zinc, copper, iron, lead, cadmium and arsenic by absorption method. Data on peculiarities of chemical elements content in pink flamingo – Phoenicopterus ruber roseus are given. As part of the study it was found that in terms of the average content in bird feathers the examined elements form the following decreasing series: Fe > Zn > Cu > Pb > Cd > As. In pink flamingos contained in artificially created conditions, there is a tendency to decrease the concentration of cadmium in 50.0%, an increase in iron, lead and arsenic in 50.0% of individuals. The largest fluctuations in the deviation in the level of accumulation were noted for toxic elements: Cd, Pb and As, the smallest – Cu. Average concentrations of Zn, Cu, Fe and Cd were established in 33.3% of individuals of flamingos, Pb and As – in 16.7% of the total number of birds studied. 16.7% of birds under investigation in terms of zinc and copper content, 33.3% – iron, lead, cadmium and arsenic are in a state of "pre-disease" and require additional examinations. The synergism between the accumulation of Fe – As, Pb – Cd, Pb – As and the antagonism between Fe – Cu and Fe – Pb is reliably established. To improve the microelement status of pink flamingo of zoological institutions, it is necessary to conduct monitoring studies once every six months with an assessment of the level of chemical elements on centile metrics.