Analysis of Arsenic and Lead Ion Concentrations in Akron Drinking Water
Nino Kovaljesko
Increased concentrations of arsenic and lead ions can be detrimental to human health in the form of cancer and cardiovascular pathology. One potential source of these ions is in routine drinking water obtained from household sinks and public drinking fountains. While stringent controls are placed on water filtration by regulatory agencies, the potential for mistakes and accidents is ever-present. The scope of the consequences of such accidents speak for themselves and have been noted in several cities and villages across the world. Analysis of Akron drinking water through Inductively Coupled Plasma-Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES) from five different locations yielded precise measurements of lead and arsenic. Lead concentrations were effectively zero, but punitive arsenic measurements appeared to indicate a 6-fold increase of arsenic beyond Environmental Protection Agency threshold, a value of 60 parts per billion. Further research is necessary to increase the accuracy of these results, but could inspire major changes if validated.
Method Development for Determination of 1,4-Dioxane in Sunscreen and Bath and Body Works Lotion
Ariana Chriss
Emily Kondash
The purpose of this research was to determine the presence and concentrations of 1,4-dioxane in sunscreen and Bath and Body Works lotion. During the production of polysorbates, the potential carcinogen 1,4-dioxane is a byproduct of ethoxylation. The FDA has not set any limit on the concentration of 1,4-dioxane in cosmetic products. Thus, an off-brand sunscreen and a Bath and Body Works lotion, both containing polysorbates, which serve as surfactants and emulsifiers, were tested for 1,4-dioxane. Because 1,4-dioxane has no conjugated bonds, it is undetectable by UV/Vis, and thus a coupling reaction was necessary for the samples. The product of this reaction is a detectable complex. The scope of the experiment is limited due to the lack of extensive analytical methods, therefore the presence of 1,4-dioxane cannot be analytically detected. Thus, the extent of this experiment is to detect the loss of dichloroquinoline through the reaction that produces the complex 4,7-dichloro-2-(1,4-dioxan-2-yl)quinoline. Values from UV/Vis were used in calculations to detect the loss of dichloroquinoline. From the results, it is inferred that both the sunscreen and Bath and Body Works lotion contain some 1,4-dioxane.
Determination of Cadmium Content in Malley’s Chocolates by ICP
Sanaiya Ahmed
Cadmium is a heavy metal and classified as a carcinogen if consumed in unhealthy amounts. Some imported chocolates that have been studied show high amounts of cadmium, so this experiment tested to see if the same amounts were present in local chocolates, specifically Malley’s Chocolates. In the experiment, Calcium chloride (0.102g) was mixed with 2% nitric acid to produce a 250 ppm stock solution. From this, 7 standard solutions were created using serial dilutions. 3 samples of chocolate were obtained: white, milk, and dark; these samples were diluted with 30% nitric acid, put on a shaker, filtered, centrifuged, and filtered again. The samples were then run through the ICP instrument to determine the amount of analyte present. The data showed all types of chocolates had levels well below the maximum limit of cadmium in chocolate and also less than imported chocolates. This shows that Malley’s Chocolates are safe to consume and also generally safer than imported chocolates.
Sampling and Analysis for Lead and Aluminum in Water Samples on CSU Campus
Jackson Casteel
Lead and Aluminum are heavy metals that can cause serious health issues, such as mental deficiencies and even death. The purpose of this research was to determine the Lead and Aluminum concentration levels in water fountains across Cleveland State University’s campus to see if they surpassed the legal water standard limit set by the EPA. I created a set of standard lead and aluminum samples ranging from 50 ppm to .098ppm. After analyzing these standards with the ICP-OES machine, I created a calibration curve to compare my water samples too. These samples were also analyzed with the ICP-OES machine and the concentrations were measured from the calibration curve. The water samples had no trace of lead in them but did have aluminum present that surpassed the legal limit of .2 ppm by .01 ppm.
Determination of Bisphenol A in Medical Devices
By Camille Opperman
Research has suggested that Bisphenol A, an organic compound found in food packaging, can be present in medical devices that contain plastics. Three different medical devices were tested for Bisphenol A. Extraction of BPA from the samples chosen was attempted with HPLC grade methanol. The three samples, which included catheters used for minimally invasive surgery and surgical mesh, were soaked in HPLC grade methanol. The supernatant fluid from all three samples was filtered and tested again using HPLC technology. Based off of past research, it was hypothesized that BPA may be in medical devices that contain plastics. In conclusion, the UreSil® Hydrophilic-Coated TRU-SET® CHOLE CATH® Biliary Drainage Catheter was found to contain Bisphenol A at a concentration of .542 parts per million, with a percent recovery of 90.18%.
Determination of Lead and Arsenic Concentrations in Baby Food
Mya LaCourse
Nicole Doksa
The consumption of heavy metals such as arsenic (As) and lead (Pb2+) are very harmful to the human body and are found in many different items including baby food. The purpose of this research was to determine the concentrations of lead and arsenic in 4 baby food samples. It was predicted that there would be lead and arsenic in all the samples being tested. The inductively coupled plasma (ICP) instrument was used to test for the analyte concentrations. After stock and standard solutions were made, the steps taken to prepare the samples were, acid digestion, spiking samples, and filtration. Once the samples were particle free, they were tested using ICP. To further test the samples, samples were re-spiked, and stock solutions were remade. Since there was experimental error that occurred in this research, accurate concentrations were not able to be presented resulting in a conclusion that lead and arsenic were not present in the samples.
Vaginal Exposure to Diethyl & Dibutyl Phthalates: Are your tampon applicators harming you?
Teresa Whetstone
Miriam Grasso
Recent studies purport that phthalates exposure may result in endocrine disruption. For women, exposure to phthalates can have negative consequences for menstruation and reproduction. In this study, we examined whether several major tampon brands contain dibutyl phthalate (DBP) and/or diethyl phthalate (DEP) in their applicators. Brands tested included Playtex, Kotex, L. Organic, and Tampax plastic applicator styles, as well as a cardboard Tampax applicator. Using a hexanes extraction and filtration, we prepared our samples to be examined with Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). We hypothesize that none of the applicators would contain phthalates due to the known risk of endocrine disruption. However, our results did indicate that cardboard Tampax applicators contain both DEP and DBP, and Kotex applicators contain DEP.
Comparison of Concentration of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Smoked Turkey and Pork Sausage
Adrianna Carlton
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are commonly found as contaminants in the environment and are classified as carcinogens. Studies have shown the presence of PAHs in processed pork, chicken, beef and fish. There is a lack of research that has been done on the PAH concentration in turkey meat. Without this data, a recommendation cannot be made to choose processed turkey, over pork, in order to reduce the consumption of PAHs. In particular, the processed meats, hardwood smoked turkey and pork were investigated. The PAHs phenanthrene and benzo(a)pyrene (BaP) were extracted in hexane after being hydrolyzed with a KOH/methanol solution, and Gas Chromatography was used to measure PAH concentrations. Though the PAHs being studied were not found, additional compounds found in abundance leads to further questions and the need for additional research.
A Chemical Analysis of Some Historic Pharmaceuticals
Katherine Schaub
This paper reviews the work done in the REEL lab at Cleveland State University on a project involving the chemical analysis of a group of historic pharmacy artifacts from the Dittrick Medical History Center at Case Western Reserve University. The goal of the project was to establish a methodology for analyzing such artifacts, as well as establishing the usefulness of determining the composition of historic pharmaceuticals from both a scholarship and safety standpoint. This qualitative study found that historic pharmaceuticals contain substances that may pose hazards if not handled with care, contain compounds not found on the label, and that GCMS techniques may allow historians to speak more authoritatively on questions related to the efficacy and safety of these compounds.
Determination of Lead and Cadmium in Protein Supplements
Vissy Elad
Cadmium (Cd2+) and Lead (Pb2+) are two metals that have long been a source of interest regarding their effects on human health. These substances have been known and widely accepted to have negative effects on the health and development of children and their use has been regulated in many industries and practices. The purpose of this study is to explore, through ICP-OES analysis, whether certain protein supplements made available to the public contain either of the metals in amounts large enough to cause harm to consumers.
THE EFFECT OF PESTICIDES ON VITAMIN DEGRADATION
Catherine Cartanian
Pesticides are dangerous chemicals used to treat our crops and homes to get rid of pests and weeds. Oftentimes, they impact humans the same way they impact the pests they are targeting. The topic of interest in this paper is how these pesticides could affect the degradation of the micronutrients ascorbic acid, cyanocobalamin and folic acid, which are impacted by factors such as light, pH and humidity. Each micronutrient was treated with three different pesticides: chlorpyrifos, diazinon and permethrin and the samples were run through an HPLC to obtain the concentration values after one week of treatment. Additionally, the interaction between chlorpyrifos and vitamin C was further studied in a comparison study where samples were placed in the light and others in the dark.
DETERMINATION OF HEAVY METALS ON SOIL SAMPLES IN DIFFERENT DEVELOPED LOCATIONS
Juan Mojica Lopez
Heavy metals such as lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), manganese (Mn) mercury(Hg), chromium (Cr), thallium (Tl)., and metalloids such as arsenic (As) and antimony (Sb) are found naturally in the earth. However, with increasing human activities, especially mining and industrial processing, these metals have become a worldwide environmental problem. Heavy metal contamination of the environment, especially soil, has been one of the hardest challenging pollution problems due to the of the severe toxicity, and broad distribution. These metals compared with other pollutants and can lead to various diseases that can result in many life threatening problems. It is important to maintain a safe and danger free environment that is invisible to our eyes. Therefore, in Cleveland, Ohio there are industrial factories that are producing high level of the toxic heavy metals listed above. The two most important metals that need to be monitored and based on previously encounters with the EPA and FDA are Lead and Mercury. These two metals are by far the most dangerous and frequent metals on a high concentration that appear in almost every aspect of the world. As part of maintaining and securing a clean environment there needs to be regular checks on all aspects that are found to acquire these heavy metals. Determining the concentrations of these heavy metals on soil can be beneficial to understand the severity of the problem. There are four levels that can be predicted based on human activity and location. The biggest urban area would show high concentrations of these heavy metals theoretically therefore, a park in downtown ,Cleveland which is next to the cuyahoga river known as Heritage park can be a solid start. Next heading a bit away to a open area behind the Science research building in Cleveland State University. Now to the suburbs in the front yard of a busy road in Univiert Height Cedar Road. Closer to a rural area in a large park in Beachwood city park.
Determination of the Intensity of Titanium Dioxide Found in the Sugar Coating of Gum
Maria Habean
Nanosized particles are becoming a more relevant ingredient in the making of food. Nanosized particles can be used for a variety of reasons but the main ones tend to be as a color additive or a preservative. The main concern with nanotech in food is that we do not know how it affects the human body. This experiment was run to determine the concentration of titanium dioxide in the making of the sugar coating on gum. Titanium dioxide is a nanosized particle that is mainly used as a white color additive in food. The experiment used six different brands of pallet style gum with a few that were not just white in color. They were digested in acid and then tested to determine the intensity of titanium in the gum. In the end the six brands of gum had within the required limit of titanium dioxide; although two did come close to reaching that limit. These six brands had the proper amount required showing that there are not enough nanosized particles in the gum to cause any disastrous affects on the human body if eaten in moderation.
Determining Cadmium Concentrations in Popular Mascara Brands
Jahnahn Taghiani
Heavy metals are often found in common makeup brands that are used by millions of women across the globe on a daily basis. Depending on various factors such as concentration and length of exposure, heavy metals have proven to be toxic to humans. In the United States, the law does not require cosmetic products, with the exemption to products with color additives, to be approved by the United States Food and Drug Association (FDA) before they are sold to the public. This study analyzed the concentration of Cadmium present in 3 prominent mascara brands: Too Faced, Lancôme and YoungBlood. The mascara was then extracted from the tube and the concentrations of Cadmium were determined by using the Inductively Couple Plasma (ICP) machine. The data was compared to the spiked sample which carried a known amount of Cadmium present in the solution. The concentration of Cadmium in the 3 mascaras ranged between 5.5ppm to 6.4 ppm. It is evident from these results that major cosmetic companies are exposing their users to trace amounts of Cadmium, which over time can have negative effects on the user’s health.
Detection of Lead and Cadmium Levels in Various Dog Toys by Inductively-Coupled Plasma
Optical Emission Spectrometry
Gabrielle N Blackford
There is an extreme lack of regulation in the pet industry. Due to lack of regulation, lead and cadmium levels have become a concern when looking at animal toy products. Lead and cadmium are both dangerous heavy metals that contribute to many health issues. Lead is responsible for reduced brain, nervous system and kidney function 2. Cadmium poisoning also causes health issues within the kidneys and liver. Four different types of dog toys with varying materials were dissolved in nitric acid and the remaining solution was filtered and run through inductively-coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry, or ICPOES.
Observation of concentrations of Lead in store-bought and used children’s toys using ICP-OES Analysis
Maria Rivera Paz
The purpose of this experiment was to observe concentrations of lead in children’s toy samples, comparing new, store-bought and used samples. The method of this experiment was to use ICP-OES (Inductively-Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrum) analysis, which measures the emission spectrum of lead in a given sample, and by measuring the intensity of this emission, we could extract the concentration of lead in it. We used a calibration curve, made with known, standard concentrations of lead, and compared it to the intensity of our samples in order to find concentration. We had six samples – two different brands of plastic-based buildable action figures, two store-bought, metal-based cars, and two used metal-based cars. We found that lead was present highest in one of our used, Hot Wheels metal-based cars, at 0.4547 ppm, then a store-bought Metal Machines car at 0.354 ppm, a Lego brand store-bought figure at 0.3406, and the least was found in store-bought Mega brand figure at 0.32709 ppm. We used spike-recovery analysis in order to test the reliability of our results, and our percent recoveries were unusually high, indicating that the products might have been contaminated with impurities, and the values observed might be higher or lower than their actual values.
Detection of Titanium Dioxide in Food Products
Ashley Craker
Titanium dioxide (TiO2 ) is becoming more prevalent within the environment and potentially inthe foods we eat resulting in increasing levels of human exposure. Titanium dioxide is a potential problem because it is now produced as nanoparticles, which can penetrate and be absorbed by the body, leading to possible adverse effects. Because of the potential carcinogenic effects of titanium dioxide France has banned it in everything from food to sunscreen. (7) In the United States, Dunkin Donuts has recently stopped using titanium dioxide in their donuts. (8) TiO2 produces a white pigment, which is aesthetically pleasing to consumers. The goal of this project was to analyze and determine TiO2 levels in skittles, lifesaver wintergreen mints, and Pillsbury marshmallow frosting. A digestion method using hydrochloric acid solution was found to digest organic materials and titanium (III) chloride solution (TiCl3 ) was used to make a stock solution. The samples were measured by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES), and the method detection limit was 0.002927 mg titanium/gram skittles, 0.001894 mg titanium/gram mints and 0.002358 mg titanium/gram frosting. The results of this study provided evidence that trace amounts of TiO2 were found in each of the samples.
The Impact of the Environment on Mercury Content in Salmon
Jonathan D. Naticchia
The purpose of this experience was to determine whether the environment that a fish is raised in effects its concentration of mercury. Four salmon from various parts of the world, three farm raised and one wild caught, were digested in nitric acid, filtered and analyzed using Inductive Plasma Atomic Emission Spectrometery (ICP-AES). Concentrations of known samples were used to create a standard curve, and the slope was used to determine the concentration of the samples. The results received were either too small to be detected by the machine or user error resulted in inconclusive data so further research is needed to determine if habitat plays a role in the mercury concentration of fish.
Determination of Temperature-Dependent Bisphenol A and Bisphenol S Leaching in Polyethylene Terephthalate Water Bottles
Mikale Thomas
This study determined the degree of Bisphenol A (BPA) and Bisphenol S (BPS) leaching from Voss brand polyethylene terephthalate water bottles into the water. The hypothesis was that BPA would not be present in the water samples and BPS would be present.
Analysis was completed using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with ultraviolet detection. Stocks and standards were prepared from both analytes and used to generate calibration curves. Then, water samples, placed in different temperature environments and collected over a period of four weeks, were also analyzed using HPLC. Spiked samples were also prepared and analyzed. No traces of BPA or BPS were found in the water samples.
Determining Concentration of Octreotide Acetate in Different Buffer Solutions, Under UV light and in Hydrogen Peroxide, Using HPLC-UV
Karlina Kegecik
Octreotide Acetate is a drug known to treat acromegaly and secondary effect symptoms of cancer patients. Due to its unstable properties under light and in room temperature, our research focused on determining Octreotide’s concentration in different pH buffer solutions, to understand how sensitive this compound is under a UV light and to analyze the molecule mixed with Hydrogen Peroxide. Stock and standard solutions were used to create calibration curves. Samples were ran through the HPLC-UV for the buffer test and Hydrogen Peroxide test. A UV spectrophotometer was used for the UV test. Our results suggest that Octreotide was more stable in acidic buffer conditions. Moreover, once left under the UV light, we noticed that our molecule was not that light sensitive. Lastly, mixing it with Hydrogen Peroxide caused a fast degradation which has to be further investigated.
Detection of Benzidine in Foods Containing Azo Dyes by HPLC
Lindsey Jackson
Artificial food dyes are seen around the world in many foods, drugs, and beauty products to enhance their visual appeal to consumers. Over the years, the negative health effects of artificial food dyes have come into question. Specifically azo dyes, an aromatic dye that includes FD&C Red 40, FD&C Yellow 5, and FD&C Yellow 6, brings concern over the potential contamination by the carcinogen benzidine. Claims have been made that the dye is reduced during digestion into benzidine, but does not initially contain benzidine, leaving uncertainty of whether these dyes do or do not contain benzidine. Some countries have banned the use of azo dyes, others have questioned their negative health effects, and although the United States has strict regulations on production of benzidine, there is still the potential of benzidine to be found as a metabolite of artificial food dyes, specifically azo dyes, in addition to imported products. The present study aims to determine if benzidine will be found in foods containing FD&C Yellow 5 dye (Tartrazine) and FD&C Red 40 dye (Allura Red AC) before digestion. The hypothesis is that these foods will contain benzidine because they may have been reduced into benzidine during the food manufacturing process. The results indicate that all samples contained benzidine at levels greater than the FDA approval limit, with vanilla pudding having the highest concentration of benzidine. It also indicates that there is a difference in the quantity of benzidine found in wet verses dry foods.
Comparison of Concentration of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Smoked Turkey and Pork Sausage
Nadet Najjar
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons are contaminants that have been markedly found in meats and have been classified as carcinogens. Meats where polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons are found include turkey, chicken, pork, and fish. With the sentiment that PAHs are already known to be in these meats, we tested smoked turkey and smoked sausage to see whether one had a higher amount of PAHs than the other. We tested smoked meats specifically because it has also been found that PAHs are especially found in smoked meats. Through methods of separating the PAHs from the smoked turkey and smoked pork and the use of gas chromatography, no PAHs were found in the meats, although sufficient amounts of other research suggest otherwise. Two compounds that were abundantly found were acetytributylcitrate, cycloctasiloxane, and cycloheptasiloxane. The significance of acetytributylcitrate is that is a plasticizer that was most abundantly found in the pork. The cycloctasiloxane and cycloheptasiloxane and preservatives and flavoring that were abundantly found in the smoked turkey according to the gas chromatography result values.