Depth Profile of Protoporphyrin IX Fluorescence in an Amelanotic Mouse Melanoma Model

Protoporphyrin IX (PpIX) fluorescence was measured at different depths in a subcutaneous amelanotic melanoma model (LOX) in mice. PpIX was induced by topical application of 5‐aminolevulinic acid (ALA) and two of its derivatives, the methylester (MAL) and hexylester (HAL) onto the normal skin covering the tumor. The PpIX fluorescence intensity on the surface of the tumors was the highest for HAL, followed by ALA and MAL. Using equimolar concentrations (0.5 mmol g^?1), HAL induced nearly twice as much fluorescence as ALA did. The depth profile of PpIX fluorescence was measured at different layers of the tumor, which was carefully sliced and controlled in situ ex vivo. The PpIX fluorescence was mainly localized within the upper 2 mm of the tissue for ALA and within 1 mm for MAL and HAL. There were no significant differences in the shape of the fluorescence excitation spectra, but the long wavelength excitation peak (633 nm) was so weak that these results are unreliable for depth estimation. When considering the low fluorescence intensity (around 5% of the intensity at the tumor surface), the actual penetration depth of HAL was comparable to that of ALA. The fluorescence after topical application of ALA and HAL was significantly above the background level down to a depth of around 6 mm, and there were traces of PpIX fluorescence even at the tumor base (10 mm). The fluorescence after topical application of MAL was detectable down to 1 mm. In the depth of 2–6 mm, the fluorescence was slightly higher for HAL than for ALA. Using the estimated diffusion coefficients for topically applied ALA (0.16 ± 0.03 mm² h^?1), MAL (0.045 ± 0.005 mm² h^?1) and HAL (0.037 ± 0.003 mm² h^?1), the behavior of the drugs after different application times could be estimated in this tumor model.     

Deferoxamine Iron Chelation Increases δ-Aminolevulinic Acid Induced Protoporphyrin IX in Xenograft Glioma Model

Exogenous administration of δ-aminolevulinic acid (δ-ALA) leads to selective accumulation of protoporphyrin IX (PpIX) in brain tumors, and has shown promising results in increasing extent of resection in fluorescence-guided resection (FGR) of brain tumors. However, this approach still suffers from heterogeneous staining and so some tumor margins may go undetected because of this variation in PpIX production. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that iron chelation therapy could increase the level of fluorescence in malignant glioma tumors. Mice implanted with xenograft U251-GFP glioma tumor cells were given a 200 mg kg⁻¹ dose of deferoxamine (DFO), once a day for 3 days prior to δ-ALA administration. The PpIX fluorescence observed in the tumor regions was 1.9 times the background in animal group without DFO, and 2.9 times the background on average, in the DFO pre-treated group. A 50% increase in PpIX fluorescence contrast in the DFO group was observed relative to the control group (t-test P-value = 0.0020). These results indicate that iron chelation therapy could significantly increase δ-ALA-induced PpIX fluorescence in malignant gliomas, pointing to a potential role of iron chelation therapy for more effective FGR of brain tumors.     

Comparative Study of the Effects of Ferrochelatase‐siRNA Transfection Mediated by Ultrasound Microbubbles and Polyethyleneimine in Combination with Low‐dose ALA to Enhance PpIX Accumulation in Human Endometrial Cancer Xenograft Nude Mice Models

Comparison of the fluorescence intensity caused by the accumulation of PpIX in endometrial cancer xenografts in nude mice after low‐dose 5‐Aminolevulinic acid (ALA) injection combined with siRNA transfection was mediated by ultrasound microbubbles and polyethyleneimine (PEI) to explore the feasibility of the ultrasound microbubble technique as transfection agents. Knockdown of ferrochelatase (FECH) in human endometrial cancer xenografts in nude mice was performed by transfection with FECH‐siRNA mediated by PEI and ultrasound microbubbles alone or in combination; then, low‐dose ALA was injected. Subsequently, an in vivo animal imaging system was employed to detect the fluorescence intensity in xenografts. Red fluorescence was observed in xenografts given more than 6.25 mg kg^?1 of ALA. When the dose of ALA was greater than 50 mg kg^?1, there was a significant difference in the fluorescence between tumor and other tissues. After the nude mice were transfected with siRNA and treated with low‐dose ALA (1.0 mg kg^?1), apparent PpIX fluorescence of the xenografts was observed, and the fluorescence intensity was PEI+ ultrasound microbubbles > PEI > ultrasound microbubbles. Ultrasound microbubbles in combination with PEI could generate a higher fluorescence intensity of PpIX than that obtained with ultrasound microbubbles or PEI alone, and ultrasound microbubbles could wholly or partially replace PEI under certain conditions.     

Protoporphyrin IX‐Functionalized AgSiO2 Core–Shell Nanoparticles: Plasmonic Enhancement of Fluorescence and Singlet Oxygen Production

Metal‐enhanced processes arising from the coupling of a dye with metallic nanoparticles (NPs) have been widely reported. However, few studies have simultaneously investigated these mechanisms from the viewpoint of dye fluorescence and photoactivity. Herein, protoporphyrin IX (PpIX) is grafted onto the surface of silver core silica shell NPs in order to investigate the effect of silver (Ag) localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) on PpIX fluorescence and PpIX singlet oxygen (¹O₂) production. Using two Ag core sizes, we report a systematic study of these photophysical processes as a function of silica (SiO₂) spacer thickness, LSPR band position and excitation wavelength. The excitation of Ag NP LSPR, which overlaps the PpIX absorption band, leads to the concomitant enhancement of PpIX fluorescence and ¹O₂ production independently of the Ag core size, but in a more pronounced way for larger Ag cores. These enhancements result from the increase in the PpIX excitation rate through the LSPR excitation and decrease when the distance between PpIX and Ag NPs increases. A maximum fluorescence enhancement of up to 14‐fold, together with an increase in photogenerated ¹O₂ production of up to five times are obtained using 100 nm Ag cores coated with a 5 nm thick silica coating.     

Surface‐initiated atom transfer radical polymerization of a new rhodanine‐based monomer for rapid magnetic removal of Co(II) ions from aqueous solutions

The present study reports synthesis and characterization of a new acrylamide‐based monomer containing rhodanine moiety, N‐3‐amino‐thiazolidine‐4‐one‐acrylamide (ATA). Poly(ATA)‐grafted magnetite nanoparticles (poly(ATA)‐g‐MNPs) were prepared using surface‐initiated atom transfer radical polymerization of the monomer on Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles. The grafted nanoparticles were characterized by Fourier transform infrared analysis, scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, and vibrating sample magnetometry. The amount of the grafted polymer was 209 mg g⁻¹, as calculated from thermogravimetric analysis experiment. The capability of poly(ATA)‐g‐MNPs to remove Co(II) cations was shown under optimal conditions of contact time, pH, adsorbent dosage, and initial Co(II) concentration. About 86% of the Co(II) cations were removed over 7 minutes. The adsorption kinetics obeyed the pseudo–second‐order kinetic equation, and the Langmuir isotherm model best described the adsorption isotherm with a maximum adsorption capacity of 3.62 mg g⁻¹. The thermodynamic investigation showed spontaneous nature of the adsorption process (ΔG = −2.90 kJ mol⁻¹ at 25°C ± 1°C). In addition, the poly(ATA)‐g‐MNPs were regenerated by simply washing with an aqueous 0.1M HCl solution. The study of the reusability of the prepared magnetic sorbent revealed that the sorbent can be reused without a significant decrease in the extraction efficiency and be recovered by 95.4% after 7 cycles. These findings suggest that the grafted nanoparticles are stable and reusable adsorbent and can be potentially applied to water treatment in efficient removal of Co(II) cations.     

Quantitative Monitoring of Rutin in Human Urine by Flow Injection‐Chemiluminescence Analysis

In this paper, a rapid and sensitive flow injection‐chemiluminescence (FI‐CL ) method is proposed for the quantitative determination of rutin based on the inhibitory effect of rutin on the chemiluminescence intensity from the luminol–chymotrypsin (CT ) system. The decrease of CL intensity was found to be proportional to the logarithm of rutin concentration in the range 0.1–30.0 ng/mL . A method for the quantification of rutin is proposed, with the limit of detection (LOD ) of 0.03 ng/mL (3σ). A complete analytical process including sampling and washing for rutin determination, which was conducted at a flow rate of 2.0 mL /min, could be performed completely within 30 s, yielding a sample efficiency of 120 h⁻¹. The proposed procedure was successfully applied for the determination of rutin in human urine after oral intake, with recoveries varying from 93.9 to 108.1% and relative standard derivation <4.0% (n = 5). Results showed that urine reached the maximum concentration at ~2.5 h, and the total excretion ratios were (83.5 ± 0.6) and (86.8 ± 0.7)%, respectively, for two volunteers in 8 h. The pharmacokinetic parameters, including the half‐life (1.05 ± 0.02 h), absorption rate constant (1.18 ± 0.01 h⁻¹), and elimination rate constant (0.70 ± 0.01 h⁻¹), were obtained. The possible CL mechanism of the luminol–CT –rutin reaction is discussed by FI‐CL , fluorescence, and molecular docking methods.     

Photodynamically induced effects in colon carcinoma cells (WiDr) by endogenous photosensitizers generated by incubation with 5-aminolaevulinic acid.

Human adenocarcinoma cells of the line WiDr have been treated with 2 mM 5-aminolaevulinic acid (5-ALA) in the presence of 10% foetal calf serum. The treatment induces a linear accumulation of protoporphyrin IX (PpIX) for at least 7.5 h. After 7.5 h of incubation about 45% of the PpIX accumulated is cell-bound, while the rest is found in the medium (25%) or lost from the cells during washing with phosphate-buffered saline (30%). Exposure to white light at an intensity of 30 W/m2 for 18 min results in 95% reduction of clonogenicity in cells treated with 2 mM 5-ALA for 3.5 h. The enzymatic activities of enzymes located in cytosol (glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase and lactate dehydrogenase) and lysosomes (acid phosphatase and beta-glucuronidase) are not influenced by a 5-ALA and light treatment inactivating about 35% of the cells. The MTT assay, which reflects mitochondrial dehydrogenase activity, but not succinate dehydrogenase, is partly inhibited by the same treatment. Treatment with 5-ALA in the absence of light increases O2 consumption by a factor of two, while the O2 consumption is inhibited when 5-ALA treatment is combined with exposure to light. In addition, 5-ALA and light exposure enhance accumulation of rhodamine 123 by 40% and reduce the intracellular ATP level by 25%. Confocal laser scanning microscopical analysis indicates granular perinuclear localization of the PpIX formed by 5-ALA treatment. In conclusion, photodynamic treatment using 5-ALA as a prodrug induces damage to mitochondrial function without inhibiting lysosomal and cytosolic marker enzymes.     

Destabilization of the Oxygen Evolving Complex of Photosystem II by Al3+

The inhibitory effect of Al³⁺ on photosynthetic electron transport was investigated in isolated thylakoid membranes of spinach. A combination of oxygen evolution, chlorophyll fluorescence induction (FI) and decay and thermoluminescence measurements have been used to characterize photosystem II (PSII) electron transport in the presence of this toxic metal cation. Our results show that below 3 mm , Al³⁺ already caused a destabilization of the Mn₄O₅Ca cluster of the oxygen evolving complex (OEC). At these concentrations, an increase in the relative amplitude of the first phase (OJ) of FI curve and retardation of the fluorescence decay kinetics following excitation with a single turnover flash were also observed. A transmembrane structural modification of PSII polypeptides due to the interaction of Al³⁺ at the OEC is proposed to retard electron transfer between the quinones Q_A and Q_B. Above 3 mm , Al³⁺ strongly retarded fluorescence induction and significantly reduced F_v/F_m together with the maximal amplitude of chlorophyll fluorescence induced by a single turnover flash. This chlorophyll fluorescence quenching was attributed to the formation of P680⁺ due to inhibition of electron transfer between tyrosine 161 of D1 subunit and P680.     

Thermal and oxidative stability assessment of synergistic blends of sunflower and sesame oils tailored for nutritionally stable composition of omega fatty acids

The thermal stability of ω-6 fatty acid-rich oils is a bewildering problem. The synergistic blends of sunflower (SO) (50–80%) and sesame oil (SEO) (20–50%) were optimized for improved thermal stability, better retention of antioxidants, and balanced ratio of ω-fatty acids (ω-6 and 9). The oil blends were thermally oxidized by Rancimat (temperature 100, 110, 120, and 130 °C; airflow rate 20 L h⁻¹) for estimating the induction period (IP) and kinetic rate constant (k) of lipid oxidation. The oils were exhaustively characterized for thermal stability by thermogravimetry and differential scanning calorimetry. The temperature-dependent kinetics of lipid oxidation was described using Arrhenius equation (lnk vs. 1/T) and activated complex theory (lnk/T vs. 1/T). The calculated kinetic parameters, viz. activation energies, activation enthalpies, and entropies varied from 90.80 to 99.17, 87.58 to 95.94, − 33.28 to − 4.78 J mol⁻¹ K⁻¹, respectively (R²> 0.90, p < 0.05). The optimized blend (OB) consisted of 50.8 and 49.2% of SO and SEO, respectively, and showed the highest synergism (115%) and IP (100 °C) than SO (13.2 vs. 6.1 h). This could be attributed to lignans (6304 vs. 5289 mg kg⁻¹)-induced thermal stability and effective retention of tocopherols (270 vs. 197 mg kg⁻¹). OB possesses balanced composition of ω-fatty acids (ω-9, 34.5 vs. 28.7%; ω-6, 49 vs. 52%) and superior thermal stability (onset temperature, 387 vs. 212 °C; oil induction time, 21.6 vs. 15.7 min) than SO. It could be recommended over SO for culinary applications while ensuing thermal stability and nutritional benefits.

     

U(VI) adsorption by biochar fiber–MnO2 composites

The removal of U(VI) by biochar fibers from aqueous solutions has been investigated prior and after MnO₂ surface-deposition. The removal efficiency has been studied as a function of pH, U(VI) concentration, ionic strength, temperature and contact time. The fibers morphology and surface complexes were analyzed by SEM–EDX and FTIR, respectively. Evaluation of the experimental data indicates that the composite presents extraordinary adsorption capacity (q_max = 3.8 mmol g⁻¹, 904 mg g⁻¹), which is attributed to the formation of inner-sphere surface complexes, and that the adsorption reaction is a relatively fast, endothermic and entropy-driven process.

     

Isolation,Identification and High-Throughput Screening of Neutral Lipid Producing Indigenous Microalgae from South African Aquatic Habitats

Exploring indigenous microalgae capable of producing significant amounts of neutral lipids through high-throughput screening is crucial for sustainable biodiesel production. In this study, 31 indigenous microalgal strains were isolated from diverse aquatic habitats in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Eight superior lipid-producing strains were selected for further analysis, based on Nile red fluorescence microscopy screening. The microalgal isolates were identified to belong to the genera Chlorella, Neochloris and Chlamydomonas via morpho-taxonomic and molecular approach by 18S rRNA gene sequencing. Chlorella vulgaris PH2 had the highest specific growth rate (μ) and lowest doubling time of 0.24 day⁻¹ and 2.89 ± 0.05 day⁻¹, respectively. Chlorella vulgaris T4 had the highest biomass productivity of 35.71 ± 0.03 mg L⁻¹day⁻¹. Chlorella vulgaris PH2 had the highest lipid content of 34.28 ± 0.47 and 38 ± 9.2% (dcw) as determined by gravimetric analysis and the sulfo-phospho-vanillin (SPV) method, respectively. Chlorella vulgaris PH2 exhibited a high content of saturated fatty acids, while Chlorella sp. T4 exhibited a high total content of saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids with a low content of polyunsaturated fatty acids. The preponderance of neutral lipids suggests that Chlorella sp. T4 is a suitable candidate for biomass feedstock for biodiesel production.

     

Corncob-to-xylose residue (CCXR) derived porous biochar as an excellent adsorbent to remove organic dyes from wastewater

Biochar was prepared from corncob-to-xylose residue (CCXR) by KOH activation and anaerobic pyrolysis method. The effect of activation temperature on the microstructure of the biochar was studied. Results showed that the biochar prepared at 850°C (850NBC) possessed high specific surface area and exhibited excellent adsorption property. The maximum adsorption capacity of 2249 mg g⁻¹ was obtained when 850NBC was used for treating methylene blue (MB) solution. Adsorption isotherm fittings revealed that Langmuir and Freundlich models were applicable to 850NBC adsorption process, and the adsorption process was limited by adsorption site and the biochar surface functional groups. Furthermore, 850NBC showed good adsorption property when it was used to treat the other organic dyes of Congo red (751 mg g⁻¹), Orange II (735 mg g⁻¹), Indigo carmine (662 mg g⁻¹) and Methyl Orange (465 mg g⁻¹). Biochar 850NBC also possessed an acceptable recyclability which maintained 68.7% absorption capacity after 6 cycles when it was used to treat MB solution. These results proposed that 850NBC is expected to be a promising potential adsorbent for treating organic dyes waste water.     

Protoporphyrin IX Fluorescence Induced in Basal Cell Carcinoma by Oral δ-Aminolevulinic Acid*

Limited depth of penetration significantly limits photodynamic therapy of nodular basal cell carcinoma (BCC) using topical δ(5)-aminolevulinic acid (ALA). To demonstrate safety and efficacy of orally administered ALA in inducing endogenous protoporphyrin IX (PpIX) production in BCC, 13 patients with BCC ingested ALA in a dose-escalation protocol. All dose ranges (10, 20 or 40 mg/kg single doses) resulted in formation of PpIX in human skin and BCC, measurable by in vivo fluorescence spectrophotometry. The PpIX fluorescence peaked in tumors before normal adjacent skin from 1 to 3 h after ALA ingestion. Gross fluorescence imaging of ex vivo specimens revealed greater PpIX fluorescence in tumor than normal skin only at the 40 mg/kg dose. Fluorescence microscopy confirmed this finding by showing distinct, full-thickness PpIX fluorescence in all subtypes of BCC only after ALA given at 40 mg/kg. Side effects were dose dependent and self limited. Photosensitivity lasting less than 24 h and nausea coinciding with peak skin PpIX fluorescence occurred at 20 and 40 mg/kg doses. After 40 mg/kg ALA, serum hepatic enzyme levels rose to a maximum within 24 h, then resolved over 1–3 weeks. Transient bilirubinuria occurred in two patients.     

Efficient kefiran production by Lactobacillus kefiranofaciens ATCC 43761 in submerged cultivation: Influence of osmotic stress and nonionic surfactants,and potential bioactivities

Kefiran is a water soluble polysaccharide produced by Lactobacillus kefiranofaciens ATCC 43761. It has wide potential applications in food, pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries. To the best of our knowledge, there have been no previous reports on the effect of osmotic stress and ionic surfactants on kefiran production by L. kefiranofaciens ATCC 43761. Accordingly, the current work aimed at optimizing kefiran production as affected by osmotic stress and nonionic surfactants in submerged cultivation system. Afterwards, the work was extended to investigate cytotoxic as well as antioxidant potentials of kefiran. Firstly, different osmolarities, different ionic surfactants (Triton X-100, Tween 20, Tween 80) as well as their concentrations and addition time were evaluated. The kinetics of cell growth and kefiran production were evaluated before and after the addition of surfactants. Results clearly demonstrated that osmotic stress and surfactant addition had a stimulatory effect on kefiran production. Using the optimal medium osmolality, 550 mOsmol.kg⁻¹, kefiran production was enhanced from 1.29 to about 1.38 g.L⁻¹. Furthermore, Triton X-100 was found to be the best surfactant stimulating kefiran production when added at a concentration of 1.0 g.L⁻¹ at the onset of cultivation process (0 h). This increased kefiran production from 1.38 g.L⁻¹ to 1.62 g.L⁻¹. To summarize, the maximal kefiran production can be enhanced using 550 mOsmol.kg⁻¹ and by adding 1.0 g.L⁻¹ of Triton X-100 at 0 h. The new optimized medium showed an increase of about 25.6% in kefiran production (1.29 up to 1.62 g.L⁻¹). After this step, the process was further optimized in 16-L stirred tank bioreactor. Maximal kefiran production reached 2.32 g.L⁻¹ and 1.87 g.L⁻¹ in bioreactor under control and un-controlled pH conditions, respectively, corresponding to 72.9 and 45.0% increase from the initial production titer, respectively. The produced kefiran exhibited promising anticancer activity against breast cancer (MCF-7) cells, with an IC₅₀ value of 193.89 μg.mL⁻¹. Also, kefiran showed 96.58% radical scavenging activity at 100 μg/mL, with an ED₅₀ recorded of 12.29 ± 0.98 μg.mL⁻¹.     

Characterization of Endogenous Protoporphyrin IX Induced by δ-Aminolevulinic Acid in Resting and Activated Peripheral Blood Lymphocytes by Four-Color Flow Cytometry

Lymphocytes treated with δ-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) can accumulate the photoactive, fluorescent heme precursor, protoporphyrin IX (PpIX). With visible light illumination, PpIX can be used in photodynamic therapy (ALA-PDT) to kill or functionally alter cells. The aim of this study was to characterize the effects of ALA and ALA-PDT on resting and activated human peripheral blood T lymphocytes. Accumulation of PpIX depends inversely on the rate of its iron-dependent conversion into heme. Activated, replicating lymphocytes have low intracellular iron levels, with corresponding increases in the transferrin receptor (CD71). Thus, we expected activated lymphocytes would preferentially accumulate PpIX. Using four-color flow cytometry, we examined ALA-induced PpIX levels in T-cell subsets of resting and activated human peripheral blood mononuclear cells and the relationship between CD71 and PpIX. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells stimulated by phytohemagglutinin (PHA) were simultaneously phenotyped for PpIX, CD71 and the T-cell markers CD3 and CD4 or CDS. In activated cells treated with 0-6mM ALA for 4 h, PpIX fluorescence was maximal at 1 mM ALA. On a single cell basis, there was a strong correlation between PpIX ac-cumulation and CD71 expression. The ALA-treated, PHA-stimulated, CD71⁺ lymphocytes had an eight-fold greater mean PpIX fluorescence than nonactivated, CD71- cells. Approximately 87% of the CD4* and 85% of the CD8⁺ T cells accumulated PpIX. The PpIX levels of CDS⁺ cells were about 5% greater than CD4⁺ cells. In addition, mixed lymphocyte reaction-stimulated cells treated with ALA accumulated more PpIX than controls. Thus, activated cells preferentially accumulate endogenous PpIX when exogenous ALA is administered. Cytotoxicity studies showed that the majority of the activated cells following ALA-PDT were killed but resting cells were spared. Also, in examining activation markers by flow cytometry the number of cells that were positive for activation markers CD38 or CD71 dramatically decreased after ALA and light treatment in activated populations. The data suggest a role for ALA-PDT as an immunomodulator or photocytotoxic agent targeting activated lymphocytes.     

Micellar‐accelerated hydrolysis of organophosphate and thiophosphates by pyridine oximate

Rate constants for the hydrolysis reaction of phosphate (paraoxon) and thiophosphate (parathion, fenitrothion) esters by oximate (pyridinealdoxime 2‐PyOx⁻ and 4‐PyOx⁻) and its functionalized pyridinium surfactants 4‐(hydroxyimino) methyl)‐1‐alkylpyridinium bromide ions (alkyl = C_nH_2n+1, n = 10, 12, 14, 16) have been measured kinetically at pH 9.5 and 27°C in micellar media of cationic surfactants cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) and cetylpyridinium bromide (CPB). Acid dissociation constant, pK_a, of oximes has also been determined by spectrophotometric, kinetic, and potentiometric methods. The rate acceleration effects of cationic micelles have been explored. Cationic micelles of the pyridinium head group (CPB) showed a large catalytic effect than the ammonium head group (CTAB). The effects of pH, oximate concentration, and surfactants have been discussed.     

Chitosan impregnated Ca-alginate: a new hybrid material for removal of uranium from potable water

Novel sorbent, chitosan impregnated calcium alginate (Cal-Alg-Chi) bead was developed to sorb uranium from potable water without compromising water quality parameters. The uptake study in batch mode, showed more than 98% sorption of uranium in the concentration range of 0.1–50 µg mL⁻¹. Cal-Alg-Chi beads, reduced the concentration of uranium below 15 ng mL⁻¹ from 100 to 450 ng mL⁻¹ in groundwater collected from effected regions in India. Sorption isotherm followed Langmuir model and maximum sorption capacity was evaluated as 36.04 mg g⁻¹. The sorption was endothermic with ΔG ⁰ value of −9.76 kJ mol⁻¹ and kinetics followed pseudo-second order rate law.

     

Sulfonated poly(ether ether ketone)/manganese dioxide composite for the removal of low level radionuclide ions from aqueous solution

Various composite adsorbents based on sulfonated poly(ether ether ketone)/manganese dioxide were prepared for the removal of stable and radioactive ions from contaminated aqueous solution. Batch adsorption experiments revealed superior adsorption capacities of the composite using very low initial concentration of studied elements. Starting with 1000 µg L⁻¹ contaminated solution, the maximum equilibrium metal uptake capacity reached 2.0 mg g⁻¹ for Pb²⁺, 1.9 mg g⁻¹ for Cd²⁺, Cu²⁺ and Zn²⁺, and 3.7 mg g⁻¹ for Co²⁺. In addition, the distribution coefficient reached 11,600 mL g⁻¹ for ¹³⁷Cs and 70,000 mL g⁻¹ for ²¹⁰Pb.

     

Arsenic in terrestrial invertebrates from riparian areas of the Piracicaba River Basin,São Paulo State,Brazil

There is no information on arsenic distribution in terrestrial invertebrates from riparian forests of urban and rural areas in Brazil. The objective of this study was to evaluate the As levels in invertebrates from riverine forests of the Piracicaba River Basin, São Paulo, Brazil, using the instrumental neutron activation analysis, k ₀-comparator method. After correction of mass fractions, values higher than 0.10 mg kg⁻¹ were quantified in invertebrates from both urban and agricultural areas. An unexpected As mass fraction of 13 mg kg⁻¹ obtained in the Coleopteran pest Macrodactylus pumilio indicated resistance to As-containing-pesticides.

     

The preparation of PZS-OH/CNT composite and its adsorption of U(VI) in aqueous solutions

In this paper, polycyclotriphosphazene coated carbon nanotubes (PZS-OH/CNT) composite material has been synthesized via a facial method. The prepared PZS-OH/CNT was characterized by FTIR, BET, zeta potential and SEM. The material was investigated as an adsorbent for the adsorption towards U(VI) from aqueous solutions. Several parameters like solution pH, contact time and temperature were used to evaluate the sorption efficiency. The results indicated that the adsorption capacity of uranium on PZS-OH/CNT was improved from 41.48 mg g⁻¹ for CNT to 338.98 mg g⁻¹ due to the presence of functional groups on PZS-OH/CNT. The U(VI) sorption on PZS-OH/CNT was well fitted to the Langmuir adsorption isotherm and pseudo-second kinetics models. The thermodynamic parameters (ΔH, ΔS and ΔG) showed the U(VI) adsorption on CNT and PZS-OH/CNT was endothermic and spontaneous in nature.