Recent applications and novel strategies for mercury determination in environmental samples using microextraction-based approaches: A review

Developing Green Sorbents Derived from Natural Materials for Microextraction and Determination of Emerging Contaminants

The purpose of the article is to study the artistic properties of natural materials in modern object design. The focus is on the problems of using the artistic properties of natural materials, as well as their interpretation in morphology and aesthetics. An important element of this interaction is the use of natural materials in design, which today is a current trend not only in the artistic, but also in the commercial context. Thus, natural materials often become the main goal of design practices. They are systematically used by artists to express their symbolic ideas, which explore the properties and content of materials. My personal experience in both design and fine arts allows us to speak about the important role of the analysis of the artistic properties of natural materials. From my point of view, this area of design requires a separate, deeper reflection. It is necessary to study and generalize the system of artistic representation of materials, which is often considered by researchers as a secondary task. As my research showed, an important component in the analysis of the expressive means of natural materials is the subject environment. It is for this reason that natural materials are equally interesting for both designers and artists. Orientation to the subject environment raises the question of the nature of the use of natural and artificial materials, their combination in artworks. The methodology. The purpose and objectives of the study determined the methodology. As the main ones, I used the methods of typology and structural generalization. The results. The study of the artistic experience of European designers, as well as the study of special scientific literature, allows me to mark out two main groups of formal means of expression. They are formed on the basis of the criterion of interaction with the natural properties of natural materials: 1) means of expression that transform the original features of natural materials; this group considers those artistic practices that change the original features of the material under the influence of a general design decision; 2) means of expression, which are the most natural properties and characteristics of the material; this group considers such artistic practices that do not significantly change the basic qualities of natural materials. Each group has its own morphological features, which to some extent affect the artistic integrity of the work. Natural materials are natural carriers of textural and textural qualities, the identification and use of which greatly contributes to the quality of the aesthetic solution. The natural aesthetic properties of, for example, stone or wood have a significant impact on the compositional-plastic and figurative-stylistic features of the work. These features form a more expressive artistic language. The scientific novelty. The article proposes the author’s typology of the use of natural materials in the design of objects.

A major driving force to promote the idea of sustainable bioeconomy could be local experiences, skills and knowledge in respect to the use of local and natural materials (at first, biomaterials). Sustainable bioeconomy is a concept under development, and as such it requires argumentation and demonstration of efficiency. The aim of this chapter is to study the local knowledge of the Baltic region in terms of the applicability of local biomaterials in production. In the context of bioeconomy, there is an evident need to identify the possibilities for the use of natural and local materials as well as the knowledge to manage these resources. Natural materials of the Baltic region, such as hemp, straw, timber, grain processing products (husk), reeds, moss and flax, will be studied in the historical context and in the use for innovations in modern bioeconomy. In addition, such resources as clay, organic lake sediments (sapropel), peat, sludge, ash, coal and biochar will be evaluated as potential source materials for the manufacture of innovative products. Regarding the use of natural resources, different sectors will be analysed, for example, agriculture and construction. The obtained results will give an insight into the knowledge and traditions of the Baltic region concerning the use of natural materials as a key for sustainability.

An overview on the recent applications of agarose as a green biopolymer in micro-extraction-based sample preparation techniques

Determination of steroid hormones in biological and environmental samples using green microextraction techniques: An overview

Due to potential toxicity, non-biodegradable polymers used in 3D (3-dimensional) printing of drugs could be dangerous for patient safety and the environment. This review aims to investigate the toxicity of non-biodegradable polymers and investigate the use of natural materials as an alternative in 3D printing medicines. The study evaluates the dangers connected to 3D printing. A review of the literature on various 3D printing processes, such as inkjet printing, fused filament manufacturing, and extrusion-related 3DP systems, was done for this study. Also, the use of cellulose derivatives and natural materials in 3D printing and their potential as active excipients was proposed. The review identified potential toxicity risks linked to non-biodegradable polymers used in drug 3D printing. As a potential fix for this issue, the use of natural materials with improved mechanical and thermal properties was explored. The use of cellulose derivatives as an alternative to non-biodegradable polymers in 3D printing pharmaceuticals was also investigated in the study. This study emphasises the significance of evaluating the risks connected to drug 3D printing and recommends using natural materials as an alternative to non-biodegradable polymers. More study is required to create secure and reliable 3D printing processes for pharmaceuticals.

Mercury (Hg) is a toxic element released into the environment mainly by anthropic activities. Consequently, the improvement for Hg determination in environmental samples is of great interest. Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis (INAA) is considered an adequate method to determine several elements. However, Hg determination by INAA is often hampered by its volatility, which causes losses. The aim of this study was to establish adequate irradiation conditions for Hg determination in environmental samples by INAA. The following parameters were evaluated: irradiation time, container for irradiation and spectral gamma ray interferences. For the study, aliquots of certified reference materials (CRMs) and tree bark samples were irradiated together with Hg synthetic standard at the IEA-R1 nuclear research reactor. Gamma ray activities of 197Hg and 203Hg were measured in a spectrometer coupled to a HGe detector. Obtained results indicated that polyethylene capsules or envelopes can be used as container for sample irradiation and the Hg impurities in these containers were negligible. Irradiation time of one hour was adequate for Hg determination and in long irradiations of 8 h problems of spectral interference of 198Au and 75Se were observed. In addition, Hg loss during the irradiation of 1 h and after irradiation was not observed. Quality control of Hg results, obtained in the CRMs analyses using one hour of irradiation, indicated good precision and accuracy with HORRAT < 2 and |Z score| < 2. The experimental conditions established in this study were applied to tree bark samples. Detection limits in these analyses were between 0.14 and 1.9 µg g-1.

Problems in mercury determination in environmental samples

An electrodeposited palladium and iridium/gold mixture has been investigated as a chemical modifier for mercury determination in environmental samples by solid sampling electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry. Electrochemical procedures of platform surface modification performed in a cell with 20 ml of solution, and in a drop of modifier solution have been optimized. Simple electrolysis in a drop was found to be the most consistent, taking the reproducibility as the major criterion. A total mass of 250 µg of electrodeposited palladium or an iridium/gold mixture was used. The lifetime of 60 - 70 firings for a deposited iridium/gold mixture was smaller than that for palladium with a lifetime of 100 - 120 firings. The detection limit was 120 pg Hg. Different sample masses of between 0.1 and 10 mg were weighed into modified platforms according to the mercury content. The results obtained for mercury in environmental samples as soils, sediments and plant, using solid sampling and calibration against aqueous standards stabilized by potassium permanganate, were in good agreement with those achieved by using the thermal deposition of modifiers and with measurements by pyrolysis atomic absorption spectrometry with gold amalgamation.

The determination of total Hg in various environmental matrices was investigated using energy-dispersive x-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) spectrometry on both powdered and digested samples and cold vapor atomic absorption spectrometry (CV-AAS) on digested samples. Several microwave decomposition procedures were evaluated. The use of different acid mixtures, microwave power settings and decomposition times were compared, in addition to the analysis of wet and freeze dried samples. A set of standard reference samples were used to evaluate the procedures. An H 2 SO 4 -HNO 3 -H 2 O 2 mixture was found to be optimal for the complete mineralization and digestion of biological samples for Hg by CV-AAS, whereas for EDXRF both HNO 3 -H 2 O 2 and H 2 SO 4 -HNO 3 -H 2 O 2 mixtures gave good results. The detection limit of EDXRF could be significantly decreased (from 0.2 μg g -1 to 0.058 μg g -1 ) by performing the analysis on digested samples. Good agreement was obtained between the EDXRF and CV-AAS analysis. The results were also in good agreement with certified values. The methods were applied to environmental samples (coal, vegetation, fish and sediment) and human hair in a coal mining area and in locations where coal is used for cooking in Vietnam.

Alginate-based sorbents in miniaturized solid phase extraction techniques - Step towards greenness sample preparation

Effects of building types and materials on household electricity consumption in Indonesia

This case study highlights the use of natural building materials and the integration of historical architectural forms in contemporary interior design. The purpose of this publication is to identify approaches to the use of materials and historical forms when adapting historic buildings to new functions. The analysis of recent studies shows that scientists and architects focus on the following aspects of designing interiors for historical buildings: - strengthening the building's load-bearing structure; - compliance with operational requirements, in particular compliance with building codes regarding heat loss, fire safety, and accessibility; - compliance with legislation on heritage protection; - materials science and construction traditions of the region. Within the collaboration of diverse research trajectories, the primary focus is placed on doctrines of the practical utilization of historical buildings, with due consideration given to heritage preservation regulations. This study is based on the analysis of global architectural design and construction practices. Summarizing the reviewed examples, the primary methodological approaches to using natural materials in the design of modern interiors in historical buildings include: - exposing old masonry followed by the restoration of stonework; - utilizing stone materials such as sandstone, limestone, or brick, integrated into modern interiors with an emphasis on showcasing their textures. The demand for authenticity and a profound sense of history has given rise to an interior design trend that emulates the use of natural materials, particularly stone masonry. Using the authors' project on adapting a historical building into a hotel as an example, this study demonstrates the potential to combine ancient construction logic with modern design. To preserve the cultural and historical uniqueness of the architecture in the new interior, traditional geometric forms such as vaulted ceilings, domes, arches, and semicircular openings are employed. However, these elements are created using modern technologies, including laser cutting and material shaping based on digital models. In conclusion, traditional structures of historical buildings and materials that were once suited to the local climate at the time of construction no longer meet the functional requirements of modern housing due to technical reasons and energy-saving demands. Today, materials and forms are used in interior design within historical buildings primarily as decorative elements, disregarding their structural potential.

The modern world dictates severe conditions, involving people in a continuous process of changes in the environment. Active building and construction work, urban densification are rapidly transforming environment, creating a new architectural space with intense impact on people. In this regard, there is much tension around the issue of provision of urban amenities, forming comfortable environment for a full human life. The comfort of the urban environment is determined by a set of visual perception of the constituent elements of this environment: architecture, design, landscape and their harmonious unity with nature. A remarkable component of visual perception, making urban space aesthetically appealing, is small architecture.Small architecture in Russia has always played a special role. Being perceived in the context of space, creating at the same time a certain mood and emotions, small forms diversified architectural environment, making it aesthetically appealing. The question about the direction of urban policy in the field of provision of urban amenities was made in 1921, when the first Congress on improvement of populated areas took place. With this legislation originated overall urban development approach as inseparable system layout of the city, its architectural appearance and landscaping. Architectural workshops developed model projects of small forms with recommendations for improvement, which helped to inexpensively create individual features in urban development. At present, the provision of urban amenities have moved to a new level, becoming more grandscale, capital-intensive.The main requirements for small architectural forms are to create a harmonious space, the fusion of architecture with the natural elements. The most harmonious perception of small architectural forms in the environment is achieved through the use of natural building materials. The use of natural materials in urban environment represents nature, creates a comfortable environment psychologically close to a person. Wood, among other natural materials, has an undoubted advantage. Absolute compatibility, unique design quality, expressive possibilities of the material and its ability to form a comfortable living environment, harmoniously combined with other materials, provide greater demand for wood in modern architecture.In the architecture of small forms wood is used everywhere: on the territories of residential quarters, parks and recreation areas, areas of office and commercial development, road environment, etc. A leading role in shaping the public space belongs to small structures for various functional purposes, such as benches, gazebos, sheds, sports facilities, children’s playgrounds.In the modern wooden architecture of small forms two directions are clearly traced. In the first one there is the desire to escape from the boring similar forms, transforming small architectural forms in art objects representing not only material, but also artistic value. The second direction is based on the centuries-old practice of folk art. Having been formed for centuries folk culture and national traditions fully meet the artistic tastes of the modern society. Summing up, it should be noted that the use of wood in architecture of small forms is a universal solution to shape the ecological framework of the urban environment, which is especially important in solving the problems of the modern city.

Turning to green technologies in wastewater treatment is a well-known global trend. The use of natural sorbents of plant origin or phytosorbents in order to purify water from various types of pollutants is becoming more and more popular. This solves several important problems at once: the use of harmless natural materials, reducing the cost of processing, and waste disposal. Moreover, there is a global increase in waste in the agricultural, food, woodworking, and other industries. This review presents data on the modern use of natural materials, mainly vegetable waste, as sorbents in wastewater treatment technologies. Natural materials remove ion metals, dyes, crude oil and petroleum products, and other organic and non-organic contaminants. The techniques of obtaining phytosorbents from plant raw materials are considered. The methods for activation and modification of the various phytosorbents, which provide greater sorption efficiency, are presented. The adsorption mechanisms for various water contaminants are examined, and model descriptions are shown. It has been revealed that the effectiveness of sorption interaction mainly depends on the presence of functional groups. Studies over the past twenty years have shown good prospects for the use of such materials and technologies in practice.