Methodology of trace metals analysis in reference, generic and similar medicines: a comparison / Metodologia da análise de metais trace em medicamentos de referência, genéricos e semelhantes: uma comparação

Trace metals are, among the toxic substances, some that cause intoxication of the human organism, they are highly reactive and bioaccumulative; however, living things require small amounts of some metals, including Co, Cu, Mn, Mo, V, Sr and Zn to perform vital functions. Other metals such as mercury, lead and cadmium, have no function to organic systems, and their accumulation may cause several pathologies. Trace metals are also part of pharmaceutical preparations found as contaminants from machinery, handling or medicinal plants’ extracts. The presence of metals in medicines has become a relevant subject to evaluate the degree of exposure and possible consequences for human health. The aim of the work being carried out at the Northeastern Regional Center for Nuclear Sciences in conjunction with the Department of Nuclear Energy is to obtain a qualitative and quantitative analysis of trace metals in medicines and comparing with specific parameters of the Brazilian Legislation. To help regulatory agencies to have a greater control of medicines sold based on the elaborated methodology.  

Sedimentation Rate and 210Pb Sediment Dating at Apipucos Reservoir, Recife, Brazil

The Apipucos Reservoir is located in Pernambuco-Brazil. Several districts of the metropolitan area use this reservoir to dispose of rubbish, waste and sewage. Dating sediments uses the 210Pb from the atmosphere. 210Pb is a daughter of the 222Rn, which emanates from the soil but is different from that contained in the sediment, which is in balance with the 226Ra. The chosen model for dating sediments depends on certain conditions: in environments where the amount of sediment can vary, the Constant Rate of Supply (CRS) model is adopted. In environments where the sediments can be considered to be constant, a Constant Initial Concentration (CIC) model is applied. A 70 cm long and 5 cm internal-diameter wide core was used for sediment sampling. Samples were dried at 105 °C, and about 5 g dry material was dissolved with acids. The 210Pb and 226Ra content was determined by their radioactive descendants’ concentrations. For the second sampling point, both models could be used. The results showed an increase in sedimentation rate over the last 50–60 years. We could conclude that the top sediment interval had been there 30 years ago. We could decide that the CRS was the best applicable model