This study provides an insight into a province of Santa Fe region of a developing country, namely San Cristobal and Huanqueros, Argentina and a possible link between arsenic, copper and iron concentration in toenail, fingernail and hair in the population. A multivariate statistical tool, known as Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was applied to explain the behaviour of the elements in toenails, fingernails, drinking waters and hair using multi- base 2013 excel add- ins. Correlation test, error bars, and a 2-factor ANOVA test were employed. Results from one hundred and twenty- nine (n=129) samples of tap well water (n=23), rainwater (n=20), bottled water (n=6) and treated well water (n=80) and each of toenail, fingernail and hair (n=129) samples from the subjects were determined and the results compared with the previous works. Mean, standard deviation, covariance and maximum and minimum for each variable were reported. The hypothesis is to understand if there is a correlation between fingernail and toenail metals levels and make a comparison with previous researches. Results show that a positive correlation exists between fingernail and toenail metals concentrations. Also, the study reveals higher concentrations of arsenic, copper and iron in the samples tissues compared with the values available in the previous works. The elevated levels of these metals may be attributed to the drinking water sources. Since this study highlighted elevated levels of these metals, consumptions of contaminated drinking water should be constantly monitored. Finally, the application of multivariate statistical techniques can provide powerful information on heavy metals bioaccumulation analysis in human and environment.

This study investigated the phytoremediation potentials of Cynodon dactylon in heavy metal contaminated soils of Challawa Industrial Estate, Kano, Kano State, Nigeria. A total of 100 samples comprising of 50 soils and 50 plant parts of C. dactylon were evaluated for the presence of heavy metals by the use of atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS) method. Extent of heavy metal soil contamination and phytoremediation potentials of the study plant were assessed by the use of metal contamination factor (Cf) for soil; Bioaccumulation and translocation factors for the plant sample respectively. From the results, levels (mg/kg) of the metals in the C. dactylon from contaminated and control sites were found to be in the sequence of Fe (442.60) > Cu (138.35) > Zn (133.53) > Cd (61.50) > Pb (42.47) > Mn (28.40) > Ni (18.40) > Cr (17.73) and Fe (88.60) > Zn (38.18) > Cu (33.60) > Ni (13.70) > Mn (12.67) > Pb (6.07) > Cd (5.60) > Cr (5.03) respectively. The contamination factor values Cf, (mg/kg) of all the metals in the soils were found to be in the sequence of Cd (10.73) > Cu (5.64) > Cr (3.07) > Pb (2.98) > Ni (2.17) > Zn (2.09) > Mn (2.00) > Fe (1.72). The results showed that the soils are highly contaminated with Cd, considerably contaminated with Cu and Cr, and moderately contaminated with Fe, Mn, Zn, Ni and Pb. The bioaccumulation and translocation factor values (BAF>1 and TF<1) for Cd, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn suggest accumulation in roots and qualify the plant as good candidate for phytostabilization. Moreover, the bioaccumulation and translocation factor values (BAF and TF>1) for the plant species were greater than 1 for Fe suggesting efficient accumulation in the shoot. However, C. dactylon could be recommended as good candidate for phytoextraction of Fe and phytostabilization of the study investigated metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn) in multi-metal contaminated soils.

Seaweeds readily absorb heavy metals that are present in their environment, because of this; they are an effective way of monitoring heavy metal pollution in an area. The metal that is absorbed can be damaging to the seaweed cell walls. Seaweeds have evolved over time to have excellent antioxidant systems to combat this damage. One antioxidant they produce is polyphenol, a chemical molecule containing many phenol rings that bind to metals and keep them from the damaging the cell walls. They have been shown to be linked to the health benefits of red wine, fruit and vegetables. Samples of different species of seaweed from the Bangor area were collected, processed and analysed for their iron and polyphenol concentrations. Samples were collected from multiple points along the Bangor  coastline,  they  were  dried  and  processed  into  a  fine,  dry  powder.  The iron concentrations were  analysed  by  Atomic  Absorption  Spectroscopy  after  digestion by HNO3. Different species were analysed for the iron and polyphenol content. The whole of the algae was analysed, as well as the nodules and the rest (stipe and blades). The polyphenol concentrations were analysed by a colourimetric assay using the Ragan and Glombitza method and quantified by UV/Vis spectroscopy. Different species were tested in order to see if the concentrations of iron and polyphenol change between species. Different parts of the seaweed were also tested to see where the higher concentrations of the metals were located. Iron concentration statistically significantly changed between all species with the concentrations ranging from 58.0 ± 3.5 mg/Kg to 796.0 ± 10.6 mg/Kg. The Polyphenol concentration changed statistically significantly between some species, but statistically not significant between others. Polyphenol concentration ranged from 63.7 ± 0.3 mg (g dw)-1 to 202.1 ± 6.7 mg (g dw)-1.

The sorption uptake of lead by marine brown alga Fucus spiralis was investigated in bimetallic solutions. The experimental data fitted very well to Langmuir model. In bimetallic systems, the affinity of biomass for lead and cadmium increased and the sorption uptake of these metals was not affected by increasing concentrations. However, in solutions with both metals there was a significant mutual decrease of their sorption levels at high concentrations of the other metal. There is practical removal up to 100 ± 4% for biomass dosage 4.0 ±0.1 g which correspond to lowest adsorbed amount of 0.25 ± 0.1 mg/g. The highest adsorbed value was recorded with biomass dosage 0.25 ± 0.1 g but with the lowest percentage removal of 92.50 ± 6%. In this study at initial metal concentration of 10 mg/L the highest metal removal of 96% was achieved.

Excess trace metal contamination in vegetables is a growing concern globally. Plants can be contaminated by trace metals, and it is important to understand the degree of contamination and the inherent risk. Vegetables are a staple in human diets, thus knowing the level of concentration of these metals within the diet is increasingly important. This project is designed to assess levels of trace metals in vegetables using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy. Atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) is an analytical technique that determines unknown concentrations of elements using absorption of light from the desired elements with the aid of the working calibration curve obtained from the series of standards. Tests were done on three different commonly vegetable available in the UK to identify whether levels of trace metals fall within safe levels for human consumption. The vegetables selected were carrots, potatoes, and tomatoes. The concentration within organic vegetables did not significantly differ from the non-organic ones, though the results show, in some cases higher concentration of chromium in the potato and carrot peel. This is worthy of note from a health and nutrition perspective especially for those people that have a deficiency of these trace metals in their body or conversely wanted to manage their intake. The mean concentrations of these metals are in decreasing order of >Pb>Cr in most vegetables but in some Cr>Pb. The good thing is that the concentrations of these metals in vegetables purchased in the UK all fall below the maximum limits set by WHO/FAO and are thus considered safe for human consumption.