Chromium occurrence in the environment and methods of its speciation.

Sequential selective extraction techniques are commonly used to fractionate the solid-phase forms of metals in soils. Many sequential extraction procedures have been developed, particularly for sediments or agricultural soils, and, despite numerous criticisms, they remain very useful. This article reviews the reagents used in the various schemes, with their advantages and disadvantages. The particular case of elements giving anionic species is also developed. Finally, there is discussion of the limits of sequential extraction procedures.

Fractionation studies of trace elements in contaminated soils and sediments: a review of sequential extraction procedures

http://projects.itn.pt/UCQR_QAA/Morrilo_et_al_%202004.pdf

Heavy metal distribution in marine sediments from the southwest coast of Spain

Selenium (Se) is an essential micronutrient for humans and animals, but lead to toxicity when taken in excessive amounts. Plants are the main source of dietary Se, but essentiality of Se for plants is still controversial. However, Se at low doses protects the plants from variety of abiotic stresses such as cold, drought, desiccation and metal stress. In animals, Se acts as an antioxidant and helps in reproduction, immune responses, thyroid hormone metabolism. Selenium is chemically similar to sulfur, hence taken up inside the plants via sulfur transporters present inside root plasma membrane, metabolized via sulfur assimilatory pathway, and volatilized into atmosphere. Selenium induced oxidative stress, distorted protein structure and function, are the main causes of Se toxicity in plants at high doses. Plants can play vital role in overcoming Se deficiency and Se toxicity in different regions of the world, hence, detailed mechanism of Se metabolism inside the plants is necessary for designing effective Se phytoremediation and biofortification strategies.

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An Overview of Selenium Uptake, Metabolism, and Toxicity in Plants.

We review recent research in the field of arsenic speciation analysis with the emphasis on significant advances, novel applications and current uncertainties.

Determination of arsenic species: A critical review of methods and applications, 2000–2003

Metal speciation in solid matrices

Elemental fingerprint of wines from the protected designation of origin Valencia.

A review of non-chromatographic methods for speciation analysis.

Total content of As, Sb, Se, Te and Bi in Spanish vegetables, cereals and pulses and estimation of the contribution of these foods to the Mediterranean daily intake of trace elements

Maria Luisa Cervera

Papers

Metal speciation in solid matrices

Elemental fingerprint of wines from the protected designation of origin Valencia.

A review of non-chromatographic methods for speciation analysis.

Total content of As, Sb, Se, Te and Bi in Spanish vegetables, cereals and pulses and estimation of the contribution of these foods to the Mediterranean daily intake of trace elements

Cereals and pulses