2021/2
Welcome to the February issue of EVISA's Speciation Newsletter !

Methylmercury is one of the most potent neurotoxin, resulting from the methylation of inorganic mercury mostly emitted into the environment by anthropogenic sources. While it is well known that organisms have the capacity to detoxify methylmercury in vivo via metabolic reactions, it was unknown up to now how this is done. An international team of researchers now report that the methylmercury complex with cysteine is transformed into selenocysteinate [Hg(Sec)4], followed by biomineralization to chemically inert nanoparticulate mercury selenide (HgSe) (see the news below).

Hexavalent chromium is carcinogenic and therefore in the focus of numerous regulations meant to limit human exposure. While clearly its presence in foodstuffs cannot be tolerated, it was unclear whether food preparation such as cooking, frying or baking can change the chromium speciation. A group of researchers from France and Denmark have now investigated the effect of several such procedures on the speciation of chromium in food. The results of their study clearly showed that no oxidation to Cr(VI) occurs during the cooking procedures (see the news below).

The increasing use of gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCAs) for magnetic resonance imaging is leading to widespread contamination of the aquatic environment. Researchers from the University of Technology Sydney and from University of Münster have developed a  HILIC-ICP-MS method for the determination of the most often used gadolinium-based contrast agents in Australia. By using a preconcentration technique based on micro-solid phase extraction, they were able to follow the contamination of the aquatic environment down to coastal seawater (see the news below).

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, most of the conferences scheduled for before July have been postponed or modified to virtual events. We will keep you informed about the organization of relevant events.



NEWS | EVENTS | VACANCIES | DIRECTORY | LINKS
NEWS
EVISA is keeping you updated with what is going on in speciation analysis. In this section you will find news about the most current research results, about trends, legal issues and information from manufacturers in the field of speciation analysis.

With all the links to further information and publications the News archive is a valuable collection of "hot topics" in speciation analysis. We continuously update even former news with new links and information so that all news are actual all the time.




Determination of gadolinium-based MRI contrast agents in fresh and oceanic waters of Australia
Researchers from the University of Technology Sydney and from University of Münster have developed a method employing micro-solid phase extraction followed by HILIC-ICP-MS for the determination of the most often used gadolinium-based contrast agents in the aquatic environment of Australia.
more

Effect of cooking on the speciation of chromium in food
A group of researchers from France and Denmark have investigated the effect of several cooking procedures on the speciation of chromium in food. The results of their study clearly showed that no oxidation to Cr(VI) occurs during the cooking procedures.
more

Detoxification of Methylmercury in Higher Organisms
An international team of researchers have studied the in vivo detoxification of methylmercury in multiple animals from two phyla (a waterbird, freshwater fish, and earthworms). They report that the methylmercury complex with cysteine is transformed into selenocysteinate [Hg(Sec)4], followed by biomineralization to chemically inert nanoparticulate mercury selenide (HgSe).
more

A universal method for the speciation analysis of arsenic in various seafoods
A Chinese group of researchers have developed an analytical method for arsenic species that can be used for various seafoods such as seaweed, fish, shellfish and shrimp. Using microwave-assisted extraction, the extraction efficiency was better than 95% for all sample types without altering their original speciation.
more

Mercury-binding proteins in tuna and salmon
A Chinese group of researchers investigated the mercury-binding proteins in tuna and salmon. More than half of the mercury from fish muscle was found in the soluble protein fraction. Beta-actin was identified to bind more than 30% of the total Hg in tuna muscle.
more

New isotope ratio mass spectrometry system delivers high-precision analysis for a range of applications
A new inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) instrument has been designed to enable scientists working in earth sciences, nuclear safeguards, and biomedical research to conduct reliable, high-precision isotope ratio analysis across a wide range of applications without compromising sensitivity, stability, or ease-of-use
more

Speciation analysis of Gadolinium-based contrast agents using hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography hyphenated with inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry by avoiding organic solvents
A group of Japanese researchers have developed a HILIC separation of Gadolinium-based contrast agents using an aqueous mobile phase.
more

Man made mercury pollution is reaching even deep ocean organisms
The sinking carcasses of fish from near-surface waters deliver toxic mercury pollution to the most remote and inaccessible parts of the world’s oceans, including the deepest spot of them all: the 36,000-foot-deep Mariana Trench in the northwest Pacific.
more

Transformation of arsenic species during ultrasonic sample pretreatment
A group of Chinese researchers now studied the transformation kinetics of different arsenic species in aqueous solution by ultrasonic treatment in order to select optimum conditions for efficient extraction with minimum species transformation.
more

New way of cooking rice removes arsenic and retains mineral nutrients, study shows
Cooking rice in a certain way removes over 50 per cent of the naturally occurring arsenic in brown rice, and 74 per cent in white rice, according to new research.
more

New Human Hair Reference Material Supporting the Biomonitoring of Methylmercury
An international group of researchers have developed a new human hair reference material for mercury speciation analysis.
more

FDA Approves Inorganic Arsenic Limits in Baby Rice Cereal
The Food and Drug Administration announced recently the availability of a final guidance for industry entitled “Inorganic Arsenic in Rice Cereals for Infants" defining an Action Level of 100 ppb.
more

Speciation analysis by mass spectrometry for studying organotin-protein interactions
A group of German researchers from Münster has used the combination of speciation analysis and native mass spectrometry as a tool to study diverse interactions of environmentally relevant organotin compounds with proteins.
more

Arsenic speciation in different parts of the rice plant
A group of researchers from the UK and Iraq report on studies on the arsenic uptake by rice plant grown within a high arsenic-containing environment down to the cellular (DNA) level. They claim to have detected arsenic associated with, or integrated within, the DNA fractions.
more

Copper(II)-binding equilibrium in human blood
A group of Nordic researchers investigated the Cu(II) binding to different proteins in human blood.
more

Chromium speciation in biological tissues
A group of Czech researchers proposes a novel LC-ICP-MS based approach for the accurate and precise chromium speciation in biological tissues. Obtained results indicated that the majority of chromium is bound to the solid residue obtained by leaching the tissue. Cr(VI) was determined in none of the samples investigated.
more

Tin and mercury content and speciation in red wine from different countries
French researchers from Pau investigated the content and speciation of tin and mercury in red wines from many countries by using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and gas chromatography coupled to ICP-MS.
more

Increased global mortality linked to dietary exposure to inorganic arsenic via rice-based diets
The research of UK researchers shows that there is a significant association between elevated cardiovascular mortality, recorded at a local authority level, and the consumption of inorganic arsenic bearing rice.
more

EVISA welcomed its 15 Millionth User
The EVISA web portal at www.speciation.net, being on-line without any interruption since 18 years, has been visited by more than 15 Million visitors until now.
more

Isotope dilution analysis using ICP-MS detection for trace element speciation
Accuracy of quantification in speciation analysis is critical dependent on the calibration strategy. Speciation analysis in general is more complex and time consuming than more simple total element analysis. The greater complexity is broadening the possibilies for degrading accuracy due to additional error sources, enhanced sensitivity drift and species conversion. A calibration strategy that can help to reduce or even eliminate such degrading effects is the isotope dilution analysis.
more


EVENTS
With a list of about 50 current entries EVISA is informing you about interesting events and keeps you updated with their deadlines. By consulting our list of deadlines you won't miss the opportunity for early registration at reduced fee or the chance to submit your contribution in time.
 more infos...


ISABC 2021: 16th International Symposium on Applied Bioinorganic Chemistry
Date:     June 6,2021 - June 9,2021
Location:     Ioannina, Greece
March 15,2021    Early registration at reduced fee
March 15,2021    Submission of abstracts

ICBIC20: 20th International Conference on Biological Inorganic Chemistry
Date:     July 18,2021 - July 22,2021
Location:     Adelaide Convention Centre
February 18,2021    Submission of abstracts
March 18,2021    Notification of acceptance
April 18,2021    Early registration at reduced fees



Please do not hesitate to inform us in case that your conference related to speciation analysis is missing in our Agenda.

Virtual: PittCon 2021: 72th Pittsburgh Conference on Analytical Chemistry and Applied Spectroscopy
Location: New Orleans, LA
Date: 08.03.2021 - 11.03.2021
more

Virtual: SETAC Europe 31st Annual Meeting
Location: Virtual
Date: 03.05.2021 - 06.05.2021
more

Postponed: ISABC 2021: 16th International Symposium on Applied Bioinorganic Chemistry
Location: Ioannina, Greece
Date: 06.06.2021 - 09.06.2021
more

Postponed: 69th ASMS Conference
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Date: 06.06.2021 - 10.06.2021
more

8th International Congress on Arsenic in the Environment
Location: Wageningen, The Netherlands
Date: 07.06.2021 - 10.06.2021
more

Spectr'Atom 2021
Location: Palais Beaumont, Pau, France
Date: 14.06.2021 - 18.06.2021
more



VACANCIES

EVISA provides information about open positions for Ph.D. students, PostDocs and permanent staff in the field of speciation. Looking to fill a vacancy or needing a new career challenge? Either way this service is FREE. Many laboratories and research facilities (from Greenland to Crete) have already found their highly educated stuff through this service by EVISA. If you would like to post an open position here, please contact us at info@speciation.net !


Doctorates

Helmholtz-Zentrum Geesthacht, Germany: Scientist (PhD) (m/f/d) in the field of chemistry, geosciences, environmental sciences, biology or related fuields for the BMBF funded project „Carbon Storage in German Coastal Seas“ - (CARBOSTORE)
The Helmholtz-Zentrum Geesthacht is inviting a Scientist (PhD candidates) for its institute of Coastal Research. The position is limited to 36 months.
more

15 PhD research positions in ice core-related climate science available within MSCA-ITN DEEPICE project
The DEEPICE project (Research and training network on understanding Deep icE corE Proxies to Infer past antarctiC climatE dynamics), funded by the European Commission under the Horizon 2020 programme (Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions - Innovative Training Network) calls for applications for 15 fully funded PhD positions (early-stage researcher, ESR) to be filled by October 2021, with attractive complementary training activities and associated research and travel budgets.
more

Montanuniversität Leoben, Austria: TecEUS – Technology-critical Elements in Urban Spheres
Montanuniversität Leoben is offering a PhD position with the topic: Technology-critical elements in urban spheres’ in the field of analytical chemistry with a strong focus on mass spectrometry in a young
team within a highly transdisciplinary FWF-funded project.
more

Europe: Mercury Biogeochemistry
The EU H2020 programme is financing a Marie-Curie training network on 'mercury biogeochemistry' over the next four years (2020-2023). A total of 15 PhD positions are open throughout Europe on a variety of topics, some including ICPMS or mass spectrometry.

more


Postdoctoral

National Institute of Chemistry, Ljubljana: Laser ablation- ICP-MS
A Postdoctoral Position is open in the Department of Analytical Chemistry at the National Institute of Chemistry, Slovenia.
more


Other

Agilent: Pre-Sales Application Engineer (Atomic Spectroscopy)
The Agilent EMEA Atomic Spectroscopy Team is seeking an enthusiastic, people-oriented Pre-Sales Application Scientist (f/m/x)closely working with the sales organization across EMEA.
more



DIRECTORY

EVISA's directory of scientist is a versatile tool to facilitate contact with scientists in the field of speciation and related sciences. The directory is fully searchable for names, addresses, research topics etc.  You should bookmark this directory as an always up-to-date address book. (In order to hinder SPAM robots for collecting the E-mail accounts, we hide them in a special format).

More than 290 active scientists in the field of speciation analysis already joined the directory. Join this great directory that is extensively linked to all type of other information on this site, such as homepages, conferences and literature.

If your entry is still missing in this directory, please contact us at info@speciation.net.

more


LINKS

EVISA provides an easy access to external information. Our database contains more than 2800 links to relevant information from numerous top scientific resources spread over the whole Web. The database is searchable both via full-text and categories such as elements, type of species and type of information. We are permanently updating our links section.

If your web site is missing here, please e-mail your link information to info@speciation.net.

 
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No responsibility is assumed by the publisher for any injury and/or damage to persons or property as a matter of products liability, negligence or otherwise, or from any use or operation of any methods, products, instructions or ideas contained in the material herein. The Newsletter represents only the opinion of the authors and does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the European Community. The European Community is not responsible for any use that might be made of the information provided.