Salt Absorption Research Articles

A Self-Sustained Smart Monitoring Platform for Capacitive De-Ionization Cell in Wireless Sensor Network

Water treatment is the most concerned research area as it is closely related to the quality of human life. Capacitive de-ionization (CDI) has become a popular desalination technique for water treatment in recent years; however, transferring CDI technology to practice industrial applications face many problems due to the lack of experience and ability of monitoring on its operation status. Thus, in this article, a novel self-powered smart monitoring platform (SMP) is codesigned with a laboratory-scale CDI cell by providing regulated polarized voltage to prevent faradaic reactions and to evaluate CDI's performance using desalination metrics. The proof-of-concept SMP can acquire sensory data and wirelessly transmit information to the reader by radio-frequency identification (RFID) technique. A laboratory-scale CDI cell is fabricated in house by the cost-effective carbon electrodes with high electrochemical stability. Experiments are conducted to evaluate the function of the system on real-time monitoring of the CDI cell for their conductivity, salt absorption, and charge efficiency. The measurement results demonstrate that the proposed prototype is effective in terms of supplying, monitoring, and diagnosing the operation condition of the CDI cell. Furthermore, the proof-of-concept SMP developed for the CDI reactor can achieve up to 8.8-m communication distance, while consuming 402.6 μ W active power during operation. Therefore, it is a suitable choice for low-power and low-cost wireless sensor network.

Advancing Radiative Heat Transfer Modeling in High-Temperature Liquid Salts

Liquid salts have become more attractive as coolants for low-carbon power generation due to needs for high-temperature heat and affordable energy storage. Of particular interest are halide salts utilized in fluoride-salt-cooled high-temperature reactors, molten salt reactors, and high-magnetic-field fusion machines, as well as in concentrated solar power systems. Because of their high-temperature operation and semitransparent nature, the liquid salts in these designs may experience the effects of participating media radiative heat transfer (RHT). While some work has been conducted on measuring the thermophysical properties of these fluids, there is currently very little known about their radiative properties. Here, we present the initial results of a two-part methodology to enhance RHT understanding and improve modeling in high-temperature liquid salts. First, an experimental apparatus designed to measure liquid chloride and fluoride salt absorption coefficients by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy was completed and validated with water measurements. Second, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations were run to determine the contribution of thermal radiation to the overall heat transfer for flow between parallel plates. This geometry was used to verify code accuracy and investigate requirements for absorption coefficient spectral banding. Future work will be to complete halide salt absorption measurements and couple them to the established CFD methods to identify geometries and temperatures where RHT is significant and enable prediction of heat transfer in such systems.

Flash light synthesis of noble metal nanoparticles for electrochemical applications: silver, gold, and their alloys

The synthesis of noble metal nanoparticles (i.e., silver and gold) for electrochemical applications has been widely studied using mainly wet synthesis chemical methods or electrochemical deposition methods. In this work, we propose a single-step flash photochemical method for synthesizing noble metal nanoparticles (i.e., silver, gold, and Au:Ag) in solution for electrochemical applications. The method is based on the intense pulsed radiation emitted from a xenon flashlamp, which induce the reduction of metal cations in solution to form metallic nanoparticles. The present method is based on the selective light absorption of the metal precursor salts combined with the decomposition of polyvinylpyrrolidone added to the solution. This approach can be termed as flash light synthesis.

Influence of the incorporation of recycled coarse aggregate on water absorption and chloride penetration into concrete

Knowledge of the transport properties for recycled aggregate concrete (RAC) exposed to chloride environment plays a critical role in assessing its durability and predicting the service life. In this study, the effect of the incorporation of coarse recycled concrete aggregates (RCAs) on the durability of cement-based cementitious materials was experimentally investigated. Two types of RCAs were obtained to produce the RAC with water-to-binder ratio of 0.33 and 0.39, and different substitutions of RCAs ranging from 0%, 30%, 50% and 100% by weight were selected. A series of experiments including compressive strength, water and salt absorption test, and rapid chloride migration (RCM) test for RAC with various replacement ratios of RCAs were conducted. The results indicate that the incorporation of RCAs generally decreases the compressive strength, and inversely increases water and chloride transport coefficient compared to those of the control concrete. An increasing trend can be found in the influence of RCAs replacement ratio on the initial coefficient of capillary water absorption, but it inversely decreases as the quality of RCAs is improved. The chloride content and penetration depth in RAC were remarkably increased as RCA content increases and its quality decreases. The linear changing behavior for the penetration depth between water and chloride ion in RAC with different replacement ratios was well exhibited. This finding reveals the retardation effect that the chloride transport process lags behind water migration for the absorption tests of RAC.

Complexos metálicos no trato gastrintestinal, como um tópico relevante para a compreensão da nutrição mineral: Revisão

The formation of the called coordination compounds, which are usually known as metallic complexes (in spite of some coordination centers are not metallic species) constitutes one important factor to determine the mineral salts quantity excreted in the faeces of different animal species. This chemical process occurs in the gastrintestinal tract (GIT) of distinct animal species, including ruminants and non-ruminant species. This formation occurs through proteins, polypeptides, oligopeptides, polysaccharides, oligosaccharides, together with various other biomolecules that present several oxygen and/or nitrogen sites and/or some other atom that present non-ligand pairs, which can, acting as Lewis bases, attack metallic cations, which act, in this way, as Lewis acids, forming coordinated covalent bounds, and can, therefore, generate tipical metallic complexes. Considering that in GIT of several species the number of small biomolecules, macromolecules, ions and molecules from the diet, with great presence of cellulose and proteins, these macromolecules present a decisive role in the retention of a great number of cations originated of the dissociation of mineral salts ingested by the animal. The anions, originated by the saline dissociation, by the eletrostatic atraction tends to follow the cations, which would affect the salt absorption in GIT. Strategies have been proposed aiming to optimize the mineral salts absorption, such as the use of chelated salts and some adjustments in the management, mainly with respect to the saline, fiber, protein feeding for some species. The present review article didactically shows and discuss the basic mechanisms of the metallic complexes formation in GIT and its inherent implications, since this topic is fundamental to the understanding the mineral nutrition and the mechanisms that can accentuate the saline absorption, which constitutes important component of the feeding cost associated to various relevant species in animal science. Considering the relevance of this subject to the understanding of the mineral nutrition of several animals, with interest in animal production or not, as well as the few articles of publication of this area, we believe that it is necessary a higher emphasis in research upon this subject, which could to furnish important contribution to the studies regarding animal nutrition and correlated areas.

Investigated of Desalination of Saline Waters by Using Dunaliella Salina Algae and Its Effect on Water Ions

Nowadays, due to augmentation of population and expansion of cities and the limitation of fresh water sources in the world, existing water resources cannot meet the human needs. Desalination or reduction of salinity of water through biological methods involves the use of plant species, microorganisms, algae or a combination of them, which can be effective in reducing water salinity. The objective of this study was to investigate the desalination of saline waters by using Dunaliella salina algae. For this purpose, the experiments were carried out as factorial based on completely randomized design. The expected tests were conducted in a laboratory controlled condition for humidity, light and temperature (90 days). During this research, the Electrical Conductivity (EC) was measured daily. The results showed that salt absorption in Dunaliella salina algae was significantly different. High salt absorption was observed in Dunaliella salina at a concentration of 130mS.cm-1. Due to the constant humidity, light and temperature, salt removal from saline water was observed in laboratory conditions. The results of this study indicate that significant reduction of chlorine, sodium and bicarbonate levels were observed using Dunaliella salina algae. According to the results of this study, it seems that reducing salt absorption in algae is due to the use of salt in the metabolism and the growth and proliferation of algae. The absorption process in this study showed that the catch of Dunaliella salina has a good ability to remove salt and can be used as an appropriate suggestion for salt removal from saline water.

Do applications of soil conditioner mixtures improve the salt extraction ability of Atriplex nummularia at early growth stage?

The reclamation of salt-affected soils is considered a slow process that urges the development of faster recovery strategies as a priority. The present article aimed at investigating the effect of mixing different chemical and organic conditioners on the growth of Atriplex and its salt extraction efficiency during its early growth stage. A pot experiment was conducted on saline-sodic Cambisol cultivated with Atriplex for 60 days and subjected to the following conditioner mixtures: Atriplex; Atriplex + gypsum + organic matter; Atriplex + elemental sulfur + organic matter; and Atriplex + gypsum + elemental sulfur + organic matter. The mixtures of conditioners did not affect the Atriplex growth, but caused significant increase in Na+ and Cl− contents in the dry matter of Atriplex plants. Additionally, there was an increase in the Atriplex's ability of extracting salt due to the application of the mixtures. Results suggest that the “gypsum + organic matter” mixture is preferable for a faster recovery of salts/sodium affected soils through phytoremediation by Atriplex plants, mainly due to a more significant increase in the efficiency of salt absorption.

Geochemical assessment of water quality and its suitability for agricultural use in the Djedra wadi subwatershed, northeast Algeria

The superficial water of Djedra wadi was the subject of a feasibility study relating to a dam under construction to store water to meet the increasing needs imposed by various uses. This water, however, is loaded with minerals resulting from the leaching of rocks composed essentially of outcropped carbonates and evaporates. Therefore, the aim of this study was to interpret and evaluate the mineralization of this water and to characterize its suitability for agricultural use. To this end, we measured some physicochemical parameters. Electrical conductivity and salinity were measured in situ using a commercial multi-parameter portable meter. Some water samples were then analyzed in the laboratory to determine the following chemical parameters: calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, bicarbonates, chlorides, and sulfates. These data were used to construct a repartition map of the electrical conductivity and salinity, to determine the hydrochemical facies using Piper and Stiff diagrams, and to identify the (un)suitability of water for irrigation using Richard and Wilcox representations. The results show that the electrical conductivity and salinity increase downstream of the watershed. The conductivity values do not exceed 990 µS/cm for the El Hammam watercourse but they exceed 2200 µS/cm for the El Akiba watercourse. With regard to the hydrochemical facies, the water upstream indicates a sodium chloride facies, whereas downstream it indicates a calcium bicarbonate facies for El Hammam and calcium sulfate facies for El Akiba and Djedra. The results also show that the downstream water is considered unsuitable for irrigation in most crops and most soils. However, monitoring of the water mineralization allows one to use them for the irrigation of salt-tolerant and resistant plants on well-drained soils, but this requires the installation of a unit to record salt concentrations daily. The implementation of an ecological purification system appropriate to the climate of the region studied, by afforestation of reeds on the slopes downstream, allows the absorption of mineral salts contained in the water.

Effect of freshness and salt on quality of white shrimp

The concentration of salt (NaCl) in white shrimp, which is one of the main export products of Thailand, is very important in quality control. In this research study, Na and Cl distribution in white shrimp was investigated using the X-ray fluorescence (XRF) technique to examine salt absorption and distribution within samples at two freshness levels, freshness levels 3 and 4. White shrimp of both freshness levels were soaked in a salt solution at 9 % (w/v) for 90 min and boiled for 110-130 sec, in accordance with work instructions from a factory. Additional samples were cooked after soaking, and still other samples of raw shrimp (not soaked, not cooked) were examined by the XRF technique and the results obtained were compared with quantitative salt analysis by the titration method. The concentration of Na and Cl can be matched to a color scale to represent the level of Na and Cl absorption. The results show that white shrimp with freshness level 3 absorbed a higher concentration of salt solution (2.49±0.11 %) than the samples with freshness level 4 (2.20±0.14 %). The results were similar to those resulting from the titration method, although the samples at freshness level 3 indicated higher salt concentration. However, white shrimp with freshness level 4 also indicated a higher TVB-N value than that of freshness level 3, but still meets the Thai standard for frozen shrimps and prawns.

Tribological and Wetting Properties of TiO2 Based Hydrophobic Coatings for Ceramics

Hydrophobic and self-cleaning photocatalytic ceramics and concrete with potential for the superhydrophobicity are promising novel materials for civil engineering applications including buildings, bridges, road pavements, and airport runways. Due to embedded liquid-repellent properties, such materials have low water and salt absorption and, therefore, enhanced durability. However, in applications requiring high traction (e.g., tire and pavement), there is a concern that reduced adhesion may compromise the friction. This paper reports on wetting, dry friction, and roughness properties of TiO2 coated (hydrophilic) and polymethyl hydrogen siloxane (PMHS) coated (hydrophobic) self-cleaning ceramic tiles. The coefficient of friction values of the tile–rubber interface do not change significantly with the applications of the coatings up to 0.67 for hydrophilic TiO2 based and up to 0.46 for hydrophobic TiO2 + PMHS coatings versus 0.45 for uncoated reference. Friction has adhesion and roughness-related components and this response can be attributed to the roughness component of friction due to TiO2 coating. The challenges related to hydrophobic coatings, including the durability and future research, are also discussed.

Evaluation of Iodine Content in Portuguese Primary School Meals After Mandatory Iodization Program (P22-004-19)

ObjectivesIodine is an essential trace element in the human and animal diets. The major role of thyroid hormones is related to the growth and development of the body. Iodine deficiency is the most common cause of preventable mental impairment. There are, in Portugal, a widespread deficiency of iodine of pregnant women and school-age children [1 - 3]. The aim of this study was monitored the real content of iodine in school meals. MethodsCollection of foods from schools was designed to represent school meal program based on three hundred samples organized into three groups. Group I contained one hundred and forty-four samples cooked with iodized salt from primary schools across the Lisbon metropolitan area. Group II had twelve samples from a pilot school. This school was used as a reference for real iodine content. Group III was constituted by one hundred and forty-four samples used as a standard for minimum iodine value. These samples were collected based on consumption patterns from national food consumption surveys.Based on ISO/EN 17,025:2005 and EN 15,111:2007, the determination of iodine content was performed using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) after alkaline extraction with TMAH (tetramethylammonium hydroxide) in a graphite block system during 3 hours at 90 °C. ResultsThe concentration of iodine in samples showed a wide range of levels, e.g., Group I from 5.3 μg/100 g in pasta to 52 μg/100 g in cod and Group II the highest value (32 μg/100 g) in soup. The lowest value (<1.9) was found in the meat of Group III. The ratio between Group I and Group III was used to estimate the effectiveness of the program, and the biggest difference was found in fish and lowest was determined in soup. The difference between iodine content in Group I and Group II was used to monitoring the use of iodized salt in the other schools from Lisbon metropolitan area. The cooking procedure, iodization salt absorption, and operator performance were identified as the main factors contributing to the differences between real and prescribed content. ConclusionsThis study demonstrates that the determination of iodine content in foods cooked with and without iodized salt is an appropriate approach to evaluate fortification program and risks of both inadequate and excess iodine intake. Funding SourcesN/A.

Potentiators (specific therapies for class III and IV mutations) for cystic fibrosis.

Potentiators (specific therapies for class III and IV mutations) for cystic fibrosis.

Tolerance of crambe (Crambe abyssinica Hochst) to salinity and water stress during seed germination and initial seedling growth

ABSTRACT Crambe is an oilseed plant whose oil is suitable for various industrial purposes, such as production of biodiesel, plastics, rubbers, and cosmetics. There are reports of the rusticity of this species and its potential for growth in arid and semi-arid environments, where water scarcity and soil salinity are common. However, studies regarding the tolerance of its seeds to these stresses and the physiological responses triggered during germination and seedling establishment under these conditions are incipient. The objective of this study was to evaluate the tolerance of crambe seeds to water deficit and salt stress during germination and early seedling development, as well as to investigate the role of antioxidant enzymes on tolerance to these conditions. The seeds were exposed to water and salt stresses and their performance was analyzed. Seed water content, imbibition rate, percentage and speed of germination, and the base water potential for seed germination were evaluated. In the seedlings, the following measurements were made: root and shoot length, fresh and dry matter of roots and shoots, moisture content, and activity of the enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and peroxidase (POX). Water deficit and salt stress reduce the water uptake rate of the seeds, the germination and growth of seedlings. The crambe seeds had higher tolerance to salt stress than to water deficit. Absorption of salt and the action of the SOD and CAT antioxidant enzymes are part of the tolerance mechanisms of crambe seeds to salt stress.

Bacterial cellulose based superabsorbent production: A promising example for high value-added utilization of clay and biology resources

Superabsorbent was synthesized from bacterial cellulose (BC) generated by in situ fermentation on bentonite inorganic gel (BIG). For BIG preparation, the effect of sodium agent’s type and content, temperature and time of sodium-modification, and gelling agent’s type and content on the viscosity of BIG were learned to optimize the synthesis process. For polymerization, the effect of different factors including ratio of monomer to substrate (modified BC from in situ fermentation), content of initiator and crosslinker, monomer neutralization degree, reaction temperature and time on the performance of composite (superabsorbent) synthesized were analyzed. Under optimal condition, the composite showed good water absorption, salts absorption, and water retention capacity. The original bentonite, sodium-based bentonite, BIG and composite structure was characterized by X-ray fluorescence (XRF), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and the characterization partly explained the performance of water absorption and thermal stability of the composite. Overall, this study provides one method for superabsorbent synthesis from low-cost and natural resources.

Validation of method for determination total carbon, inorganic carbon and total organic carbon in marine waters

Validation is a process of setting parameters characterizing the proficiency of actions and limitations of a method and an assessment of its usefulness for particular purposes. As a result, it ensures that the analysis process is carried out in a reliable and precise way and gives reliable results. For the validation process marine water was used, as well as the addition of standard solutions. Uncertainty in the results, limit of quantification, precision, repeatability and reproducibility, recovery and accuracy of the method were obtained. The results of the validation of the method for determination of total inorganic and organic carbon in marine waters are discussed in this paper. For this purpose, a Shimadzu analyser TOC-L was used. The discussed method is based on infrared detection NDIR. A halogen scrubber type B was used for determined the compounds. This allowed the analysis time at the stage of the sample preparation to be shortened. It increased the absorption of salt contained in a sample, as a result of which, the dilution stage could be omitted, and the final result is affected by a smaller error. The method of the validation for determination of total inorganic and organic carbon received accreditation of the Polish Centre for Accreditation and joined a wide range of the analyses carried out in the Laboratory of the Department of Environment Protection of the Marine Institute in Gdańsk.

Chloride permeability of concrete mixed with activity recycled powder obtained from C&D waste

Some studies were developed to investigate the potential of using recycled powder (RP), obtained from the construction and demolition (C&D) wastes, to partially replace the cement in concrete, whereas the chloride permeability of preparing recycled powder concrete (RPC) has not been investigated. This paper shows a comprehensive experiment to study the fundamental characteristics and chloride permeability of RPC. The capillary salt absorption, chloride diffusion and wet-dry cycles tests were carried out on the RPC, respectively, and the chloride permeability with the coupling of freeze-thaw damage was also investigated. The results highlight the addition of RP, with a high fineness and activity, improves the hydration reaction and reduces the concrete’s porosity, and the concrete compressive strength slightly increases when the RP replacement ratio is 15%. The addition of RP results in the decrease in the chloride permeability, and the concrete with 30% RP replacement ratio possesses the lowest chloride permeability. Replacing the cement by RP reduces the freeze-thaw resistance of concrete, and the imposed freeze-thaw damage further boosts the chloride permeability of RPC. Particularly, the chloride diffusion coefficient of RPC increases linearly with the decreasing of relative dynamic elastic modulus. Basing on the testing results of fundamental characteristics and chloride permeability, the suggested RP replacement ratio in concrete should be below 30%.

Study on the Preparation of Corn Starch Salt-resistant Water Retention Agent and Properties of Retention Agent Combined with Coal Gangue Pottery

Environmental protection agent is widely used in agriculture because of its ability to absorb water, water retention and salt resistance. In this study, Qinghai corn starch was used as raw material. A high absorbent resin was prepared using acrylic acid and acrylamide as monomer, N, N-methylene diacrylamide as cross-linking agent and ammonium persulfate as initiator for graft copolymerization. The Optimized experimental conditions as follows: monomer (acrylamide + acrylic) : Qinghai corn starch = 12 (mass ratio), acrylamide content was 12% (wt %).The concentration of the initiator was a/2. The absorption rate of the product reached 1548g/g, and the salt absorption rate was 96g/g (0.9 wt% KCl solution). Then on this basis, the water absorption rate of retention agent combined with coal gangue pottery is 1549g/g, and the salt absorption rate is 97g/g. The results showed that the water retention agent not only has good water retention and salt resistance, but also its water retention and salt resistance are not affected by the combination with Coal gangue pottery.

Interaction-tailored organization of large-area colloidal assemblies.

Colloidal lithography is an innovative fabrication technique employing spherical, nanoscale crystals as a lithographic mask for the low cost realization of nanoscale patterning. The features of the resulting nanostructures are related to the particle size, deposition conditions and interactions involved. In this work, we studied the absorption of polystyrene spheres onto a substrate and discuss the effect of particle–substrate and particle–particle interactions on their organization. Depending on the nature and the strength of the interactions acting in the colloidal film formation, two different strategies were developed in order to control the number of particles on the surface and the interparticle distance, namely changing the salt concentration and absorption time in the particle solution. These approaches enabled the realization of large area (≈cm2) patterning of nanoscale holes (nanoholes) and nanoscale disks (nanodisks) of different sizes and materials.

Complex Coacervate of Weakly Charged Polyelectrolytes: Diagram of States

The equilibrium structure of an interpolyelectrolyte complex (IPEC) coacervate consisting of weakly charged flexible polyanions and polycations with equal degree of ionization is considered. We study effects of salt concentration cs and solvent quality defined by second virial coefficient v on polymer density, surface tension, salt absorption, and correlations of charges and monomer units in equilibrium IPEC. Five different scaling regimes of IPEC are revealed, and a salt–solvent quality (cs–v) diagram of coacervate states is constructed. Boundaries between different regimes correspond to crossovers between low/high salt concentrations and poor/Θ-/good solvent conditions. Derived scaling laws for coacervate physical properties in each of regimes are in agreement with analysis based on the random phase approximation (RPA). This study summarizes and complements current theoretical comprehension of symmetrical IPEC of weakly charged polyions.

Predicting rapid analgesic onset of ibuprofen salts compared with ibuprofen acid: Tlag, Tlow, Tmed, and a novel parameter, TCmaxRef

Objective: This study evaluated the early absorption characteristics of ibuprofen salt formulations and standard ibuprofen acid (the reference).Methods: In this open-label, crossover, single-center study (NCT02452450) in 32 healthy, fasted adults receiving single oral doses (400 mg ibuprofen) of ibuprofen lysine, ibuprofen liquid capsule, ibuprofen sodium, ibuprofen acid, and paracetamol, intensive blood sampling was conducted for up to 6 h. Time between dosing and the start of absorption (Tlag); a novel parameter, time at which the test formulations (ibuprofen salts) reached the observed maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) of the reference (standard ibuprofen acid) (TCmaxRef); and time to achieve therapeutic plasma concentration were measured.Results: Ibuprofen was absorbed more rapidly from the salt formulations than the reference; Tlag was 3.3–6.4 min for salt formulations compared with 10.9 min for the reference, and 100% of subjects had a Tlag ≤ 5 min for ibuprofen lysine, compared with 61% for ibuprofen liquid capsule, 21% for ibuprofen sodium, and 7% for the reference. TCmaxRef was 3.22–5.74-times shorter for salt formulations than for the reference (all p < .0001). The salt formulations reached therapeutic levels earlier than the reference (all p < .0001). All formulations were well tolerated.Conclusions: This study shows that ibuprofen salts are absorbed faster than ibuprofen acid. Tlag and TCmaxRef demonstrated early start and increased speed of absorption of salts compared with the reference, and may predict more rapid onset of analgesia.