Aluminum Salts Research Articles

Production of low-price carbon for removal of aluminium ions in potable water

Drinking-water plants often use aluminium (Al) salts as coagulant agents in the water-treatment process, which cause increasing aluminum residue levels in water. Aluminum accumulation in the human body has been related to neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease, senile dementia and breast cancer. This work utilises the available industrial waste as a cheap source of carbon (C) that can be used in aluminium ion elimination from water supplies. The employed sugarcane bagasse activated carbon (SCB-AC) was derived from the waste of a Qus sugar factory in Qena City, Egypt. The activity of SCB-AC was compared with that of commercial activated carbon (Com-AC), and their physico-chemical properties were characterised by various techniques (energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy). The findings demonstrate that SCB-AC has high performance for aluminium (III) (Al3+) removal like Com-AC, which reached 80% at a high initial concentration (10 mg/l). The thermodynamic constants revealed that the adsorption process has an exothermic nature. Briefly, SCB-AC is an inexpensive eco-friendly carbon with an excellent adsorptive ability like that of Com-AC for elimination of aluminium (III) in drinking water. The cost of manufacturing SBC-AC would be about US$40/t.

Real time observation of the interaction between aluminium salts and sweat under microfluidic conditions

Aluminium salts such as aluminium chlorohydrate (ACH) are the active ingredients of antiperspirant products. Their mechanism of action involves a temporary and superficial plugging of eccrine sweat pores at the skin surface. We developed a microfluidic system that allows the real time observation of the interactions between sweat and ACH in conditions mimicking physiological sweat flow and pore dimensions. Using artificial sweat containing bovine serum albumin as a model protein, we performed experiments under flowing conditions to demonstrate that pore clogging results from the aggregation of proteins by aluminium polycations at specific location in the sweat pore. Combining microfluidic experiments, confocal microscopy and numerical models helps to better understand the physical chemistry and mechanisms involved in pore plugging. The results show that plugging starts from the walls of sweat pores before expanding into the centre of the channel. The simulations aid in explaining the influence of ACH concentration as well as the impact of flow conditions on the localization of the plug. Altogether, these results outline the potential of both microfluidic confocal observations and numerical simulations at the single sweat pore level to understand why aluminium polycations are so efficient for sweat channel plugging.

CD169+ Subcapsular Macrophage Role in Antigen Adjuvant Activity.

Vaccines have played a pivotal role in improving public health, however, many infectious diseases lack an effective vaccine. Controlling the spread of infectious diseases requires continuing studies to develop new and improved vaccines. Our laboratory has been investigating the immune enhancing mechanisms of Toll-like receptor (TLR) ligand-based adjuvants, including the TLR2 ligand Neisseria meningitidis outer membrane protein, PorB. Adjuvant use of PorB increases costimulatory factors on antigen presenting cells (APC), increases antigen specific antibody production, and cytokine producing T cells. We have demonstrated that macrophage expression of MyD88 (required for TLR2 signaling) is an absolute requirement for the improved antibody response induced by PorB. Here-in, we specifically investigated the role of subcapsular CD169+ marginal zone macrophages in antibody production induced by the use of TLR-ligand based adjuvants (PorB and CpG) and non-TLR-ligand adjuvants (aluminum salts). CD169 knockout mice and mice treated with low dose clodronate treated animals (which only remove marginal zone macrophages), were used to investigate the role of these macrophages in adjuvant-dependent antibody production. In both sets of mice, total antigen specific immunoglobulins (IgGs) were diminished regardless of adjuvant used. However, the greatest reduction was seen with the use of TLR ligands as adjuvants. In addition, the effect of the absence of CD169+ macrophages on adjuvant induced antigen and antigen presenting cell trafficking to the lymph nodes was examined using immunofluorescence by determining the relative extent of antigen loading on dendritic cells (DCs) and antigen deposition on follicular dendritic cells (FDC). Interestingly, only vaccine preparations containing PorB had significant decreases in antigen deposition in lymphoid follicles and germinal centers in CD169 knockout mice or mice treated with low dose clodronate as compared to wildtype controls. Mice immunized with CpG containing preparations demonstrated decreased FDC networks in the mice treated with low dose clodronate. Conversely, alum containing preparations only demonstrated significant decreases in IgG in CD169 knockout mice. These studies stress that importance of subcapsular macrophages and their unique role in adjuvant-mediated antibody production, potentially due to an effect of these adjuvants on antigen trafficking to the lymph node and deposition on follicular dendritic cells.

Oxidative Addition of Hydridic, Protic, and Nonpolar E-H Bonds (E = Si, P, N, or O) to an Aluminyl Anion.

The aluminyl anion K[Al(NONDipp)] {NONDipp = [O(SiMe2NDipp)2]2-; Dipp = 2,6-iPr2C6H3} engages in oxidative additions with the E-H (E = Si, P, N, or O) bonds of phenylsilane (PhSiH3), mesityl phosphane (MesPH2; Mes = 2,4,6-Me3C6H2), 2,6-di-iso-propylaniline (DippNH2), and 2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-methylphenol (ArOH). The resulting (hydrido)aluminate salts are formed regardless of the E-H bond polarity. All of the products were characterized by nuclear magnetic resonance and infrared spectroscopic techniques and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. This study highlights the versatility of aluminyl anions to activate hydridic, acidic, and (essentially) nonpolar E-H bonds.

Deodorants and antiperspirants: identification of new strategies and perspectives to prevent and control malodor and sweat of the body.

Excessive sweating and body odors in many cultures can cause negative perceptions of an individual and in many cases is related to poor hygiene. Personal hygiene products have been developed with the intention of preventing these undesirable issues. The aim of this paper is to review the main active ingredients used in marketed deodorant and antiperspirant formulations as well as to identify new strategies and future methods to optimize such products and prevent malodor. PubMed and ScienceDirect databases were used to search for studies reporting the use of deodorants and antiperspirants, the compounds used in the formulations, their mechanisms of action and associated controversies, as well as new trends and approaches in the area. Even today, we are still using well-known and established actives such as triclosan and aluminum salts, and these are still the most used compounds in deodorants with bactericidal and antiperspirant properties. These substances have been on the market for more than 40 years, and still there are many questions concerning the safety of both actives. There is a general increased interest globally for lifestyles that focus on sustainability and more natural products such as plant sources and the use of, for example, essential oils. The research that focuses in the area of antiperspirants and deodorants is now more focused on studies of the armpit biochemistry and function and control of the microbiota present in this area. Other possible areas of interest are biotechnological solutions and finding new compounds that will interfere with the biochemistry of the process of sweat decomposition. Further approaches include formulations with probiotics which would maintain the balance of axillary microbiota.

Multifunctional Composition Based on Surfactants and a Complex of Buffer Systems to Enhance Oil Recovery of High-Viscosity Oil Deposits

To enhance oil recovery of high-viscosity oil deposits in the temperature range of 20-210 °C, a multifunctional composition with adjustable viscosity and high oil-displacing ability has been developed based on surfactants, aluminum and ammonium salts, an adduct of inorganic acid, carbamide and polyol. High buffer capacity of the composition in a wide pH range, 2.5-10 units pH, is provided by a complex of buffer systems: in the acidic range of pH, 2.5-4.0, the system “polyolboric acid and its salt”, in the alkaline range of pH – anammonia-borate buffer system. The composition has a low interfacial tension, a prolonged reaction with carbonate rocks, prevents the precipitation of insoluble reaction products, and increases the permeability of reservoirs. The composition is both oil-displacing and flow-diverting, it provides an enhance in the oil recovery factor, both due to the increase in the displacement factor and the the reservoir sweep by waterflooding or thermal steam stimulation

Critical review of the publications on the genotoxicology of aluminium salts: 1990-2018.

Since the mid-1970s, there have been many reports that purport to implicate aluminium in the aetiology of neurodegenerative disease. After several decades of research, the role of aluminium in such disease remains controversial and is not the subject of this review. However, if aluminium is implicated in such disease then it follows that there must be a toxicological mechanism or mode of action, and many researchers have investigated various potential mechanisms including the involvement of oxidative damage, cytotoxicity and genotoxicity. This paper reviews many of the publications of studies using various salts of aluminium and various genotoxicity end points, both in vitro and in vivo, with a focus on oxidative damage. The conclusion of this review is that the majority, if not all, of the publications that report positive results have serious technical flaws and/or implausible findings and consequently should contribute little or no weight to a weight of evidence (WoE) argument. There are many high-quality, Good Laboratory Practice (GLP)-compliant genotoxicity studies, that follow relevant OECD test guidelines and the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) integrated mutagenicity testing strategy, on several salts of aluminium; all demonstrate clear negative results for both in vitro and in vivo genotoxicity. In addition, the claim for an oxidative mode of action for aluminium can be shown to be spurious. This review concludes that there are no reliable studies that demonstrate a potential for genotoxicity, or oxidative mode of action, for aluminium.

Use of natural coagulants (Moringa oleifera and Benincasa hispida) for volume reduction of waste drilling slurries

Drilling Slurry or drilling mud is used to stabilize the drilled wellbores. Unfortunately, its disposal on land renders the soil infertile, while its coagulation with aluminium salts poses potential health risks. Here, two natural coagulants: Moringa oleifera and Benincasa hispida were investigated as potential sustainable alternatives to chemical coagulants. These are cost-effective, highly biodegradable, and safe from the human health point of view. Various forms of these substance: seed powder, de-oiled seed powder, and seed oil were used to minimize the drilling mud slurries. For the turbidity removal, the best efficiency of 99.71% was obtained by using de-oiled seed powder of Benincasa hispida whereas the total solids removal efficiency of 94.19% was obtained by using de-oiled seed powder of Moringa oleifera at an optimum dosage of 10 g/l. These results are comparable to those obtained by using alum, thus confirming the effectiveness of the natural coagulants for management of drilling slurries.

Magnetic Materials Based on Layered Double Hydroxides

Composite materials that contain tetracationic hydrotalcite-like layered double hydroxide and a cobalt-iron spinel phase were prepared by coprecipitation from a solution of a mixture of magnesium, aluminum, cobalt(II), and iron(III) salts followed by hydrothermal treatment. The iron and cobalt contents in the samples were varied within a broad range. The thermal transformations of the prepared composites were examined by high-temperature X-ray diffraction, and the layered hydroxide phase was found to remain when heated up to 300°C. The specific magnetization and magnetic susceptibility of the materials were determined using a vibrating sample magnetometer; a rise in the iron and cobalt contents was found to increase the magnetization up to a certain limit. The obtained samples can be used as magnetic sorbents. The sorption capacity of materials was estimated using Congo red anionic dye as an example.

What's New in Shock, February 2021?

What's New in Shock, February 2021?

Complex coagulants produced from bulk waste and industrial products

A series of experiments has been conducted and samples of complex coagulants have been obtained from the by-products of apatite-nepheline ore flotation (nepheline concentrate) and from refractory production waste — i. e. synthetic brucite. It was established that aqueous solutions of titanium tetrachloride can be used as an acid leaching reagent. The authors examined the process of recovering the principal active components with aqueous solutions of titanium tetrachloride and identified the priority mechanism behind leaching of metallic components with highly diluted aqueous solutions of titanium tetrachloride. The quantitative and qualitative composition of the obtained solutions of complex coagulants was analyzed. Modified magnesium coagulants were found to demonstrate high efficiency at high pH values of the treated water. At neutral pH values, complex aluminiumbearing reagents proved to be significantly more efficient than the conventional coagulants (i.e. aluminium sulphates and aluminium (oxy)chlorides). The obtained reagents were analyzed for their coagulation ability. Run-off and waste waters generated by an off gas purification unit in use at a non-ferrous metal casting site were used for the analysis. The analysis showed that, with the same dosage used, the modified aluminium coagulant is 30–35% more efficient than the conventional reagents. Experiments aimed at analyzing the water treatment efficiency in the case of water with high pH values (e.g. wastewater generated by a cement plant) showed that due to the use of inoculants in magnesium coagulants the water treatment efficiency can be increased by more than 20%. It was proved that the introduction of titanium compound hydrolysis products helps to significantly increase the water treatment efficiency irrespective of the principal component of the coagulant (aluminium or magnesium salt). This research was carried out as part of the funding programme aimed to support young research and teaching staff of D. Mendeleev University of Chemical Technology of Russia (Application: З-2020-013.).

Profiles of and variations in aluminum species in PAC-MC used for the removal of blooming microalgae

Polyaluminum chloride modified clay (PAC-MC) is a safe and efficient red tide control agent that has been studied and applied worldwide. Although it is well known that the distribution of hydrolytic aluminum species in PAC affects its flocculation, little is known about the influence of particulars aluminum species on the microalgae removal efficiency of PAC-MC; this lack of knowledge creates a bottleneck in the development of more efficient MCs based on aluminum salts. The ferron method was used in this study to quantitatively analyze the distributions of and variations in different hydrolytic aluminum species during the process of microalgae removal by PAC-MC. The results showed that Ala, which made up 5%–20% of the total aluminum, and Alp, which made up 15%–55% of the total aluminum, significantly affected microalgae removal, with Pearson's correlation coefficients of 0.83 and 0.89, respectively. Most of the aluminum in the PAC-MC sank rapidly into the sediments, but the rate and velocity of settlement were affected by the dose of modified clay. The optimal dose of PAC-MC for precipitating microalgae was determined based on its aluminum profile. These results provide guidance for the precise application of PAC-MC in the control of harmful algal blooms.

Resistance of Alkali-Activated Binders to Organic Acids Found in Agri-Food Effluents

Organic acids, such as acetic and lactic acids, are prevalent in agricultural and food effluents. They pose a considerable pollution threat and must be collected and stored safely before treatment and release. They cause significant damage to cementitious materials, reducing the service life of structures. In this study, the resistance of alkali-activated fly ash and slag-blended binders to organic acids was studied, and a comparison with ordinary portland cement binders was carried out. The findings demonstrate that alkali-activated binders with increased fly ash content have marginally better resistance to acetic acid, but mixes with increased slag content have better resistance to lactic acid. This is due to the solubility of the calcium and aluminum salts of acetic and lactic acids. Overall, the performance of the alkali-activated binders was better than that of the ordinary portland cement binder, with a lower mass and strength losses observed. This was attributed to their lower calcium content with less vulnerable phases, such as calcium hydroxide and ettringite. Instead, the calcium-silicate-hydrate (C-S-H) type gels in alkali-activated binders suffered decalcification and dealumination but left behind a silicon-rich gel, which helped to resist further acid attack.

Analysis of mordants, driers, and lapis lazuli using x-ray fluorescence: comparative research using reconstructed paint samples and case studies

Changes in the formulation of pigments and paint binders and the presence of additives used in the history of painting can complicate the interpretation of analytical data and may influence the characterization of the materials used in artworks. The limitations of the common analytical tools used to identify potential paint components including metallic driers, pigments, and the inorganic substrates of lake colors may also make analysis more difficult. X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) spectroscopy is a common non-destructive technique used to collect inorganic elemental information from artworks. Advancements in XRF technology now permit the gathering of data from multi-layered paint systems and scanning technology can help characterize pigments across the entire surface of an artwork. These tools require an even greater understanding of the potential materials in an artwork to avoid misinterpretation of the data. The authors tested XRF’s ability to characterize lead, manganese, and cobalt driers. The presence of metallic driers could have an impact on the interpretation of the inorganic components in paint films. Lake pigment substrates often contain aluminum, tin, and calcium salts. The detection of these ions was also studied. Finally, the XRF detection of aluminum in lapis lazuli samples was assessed. These three groups of materials were also mixed with driers and/or other pigments to determine whether the presence of additional metal ions inhibited the detection of the characteristic elements. The authors used a Bruker ArtTax Micro XRF and a handheld Bruker Tracer III-SD XRF unit with and without a vacuum or helium purge for these experiments.

The influence mechanism of HCO3− on fluoride removal by different types of aluminum salts

In order to study the influence mechanism of HCO3− on the fluoride removal by AlCl3 and Al13, the residual fluoride concentration, residual aluminum concentration and pH value in coagulation effluent were measured at different HCO3− concentrations. Electrospray ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (ESI-TOF-MS) was used to analyze the aluminum species in the supernatant after coagulation, and the flocs collected were analyzed by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and X-ray photoelectron spectra (XPS). The results show that AlCl3 is used as a coagulant, when the concentration of HCO3− increases from 100 mg/L to 300 mg/L, Al3+ and HCO3− are double hydrolyzed to form Al(OH)3 alum flower after adding AlCl3, and the removal rate of fluoride rapidly increases from 9.55 % to 78.0 %. When the concentration of HCO3− increases from 300 mg/L to 1000 mg/L, the precipitation of Al(OH)3 will gradually dissolve to form Al(OH)4− and the removal rate of fluoride drops from 78.0 % to 56.2 %. When Al13 is used as a coagulant, with the increase of HCO3− from 100 mg/L to 1000 mg/L, its double hydrolysis with Al-F complexes is enhanced, resulting in the formed Al6F2, Al7F2 and Al9F3 gradually dissociate, and the removal rate of fluorine decreases from 78.8 % to 59.4 %.

Vitamin C Mitigating and Rescuing from Synergistic Toxicity: Sodium Fluoride, Silicofluorides, Aluminum Salts, Electromagnetic Pollution, and SARS-CoV-2

A supramolecular paradigm for mitigation and rescue from SARS-COV2 infection is proposed. Similarities between the Sanarelli-Shwartzman phenomenon and biological responses to viral pathogens are considered. Non-enzymatic group transfer catalysis (NGTC) by L-ascorbic acid, the L-ascorbic acid free radical and the 2-O-phosphate substituted L-ascorbic acid derivative are proposed under the ascorbolysis hypothesis to provide a supramolecular basis for mitigating the synergistic toxicity and catalytic mimicry by the environmental toxicants, sodium fluoride, aluminum salts, and silicofluorides in public water supplies. Ascorbolysis is the term we adopt to describe a redox active, hyperconjugated, vinylogous variant of acidolysis. The objective of this paper is to provide a plausible supramolecular basis for mitigation and rescue from well-known environmental toxicity represented by the presence of sodium fluoride, aluminum salts, and silicofluoride species in public water supplies. An overview of the conceptual basis for NGTC by vitamin C during inflammatory states is provided. Controversies concerning the initial oxidation steps and pH-dependent speciation of L-ascorbic acid are addressed. Non-skeletal fluorosis is a serious systemic malady which we propose arises from disruption of hydrogen bond networks and hydrogen bond cooperativity resulting from the marked electronegativity and hydrogen bond accepting ability of fluoride atoms found in NaF and AlFx species. AlFx species have been previously shown to arise in situ spontaneously from NaF, aluminum salts, and silicofluorides often found in toothpastes and “fluoridated” drinking water. AlFx species are thought to act as isosteric mimics of biophosphates during group transfers of phosphoryl moieties. We propose that catalytic mimicry by AlFx species inhibits postulated non-enzymatic kinase-like and RNA polymerase-like function of the AA-2P derivative during inflammatory states. We describe how NGTC by L-ascorbic acid is likely to be disrupted by AlFx and sodium fluoride of a specific H3-O2 intramolecular hydrogen bond in L-ascorbic acid, the L-ascorbic acid free radical, and their 2-O-substituted derivatives, which are necessary for NGTC in the moderately acidic, mildly oxidative, relatively hydrophobic microenvironment which typify inflammatory states. Suggestions are made to achieve less variation in results of large randomized clinical trials (RCTs) seeking to validate use of high-dose intravenous vitamin C in critical care and cancer settings.

Aerogel based on nanoporous aluminium ferrocenyl diphosphinate metal-organic framework

New porous coordination polymer (PCP) has been synthesized using ferrocene-based ligand bearing phosphinic groups (H2fcdHp = 1,1′-ferrocenediyl-bis(H-phosphinic acid)) and aluminum salt. Al-fcdHp was obtained according to a sol–gel approach followed by supercritical CO2 drying. The N2 adsorption properties of aerogel were investigated and N2 amount adsorbed in the pores of PCP reaches 1400 cm3g−1. The aerogel exhibits high surface area of approximately 671 m2/g and redox activity due to ferrocenyl fragment.

Dendritic growth of protein gel in the course of sweat pore plugging by aluminium salts under physiological conditions.

Are aluminium ions unavoidable in antiperspirants? To answer this question, we present confocal microscopy images of dendritic plugs appearing in sweat flowing across a microfluidic channel in the presence of aluminium salts. By comparing with numerical simulations, we identify the mechanisms forming this structured protein gel inside the pore.

Impact of injection buffer volume to perform bronchoalveolar lavage fluid collection for isolating alveolar macrophages to investigate fine particle-induced IL-1α secretion

The importance of alveolar macrophages has been reported in many toxicology/immunology studies. Alveolar macrophages release interleukin (IL)-1α as a damage-associated molecular pattern (DAMP) when stimulated by fine particles. However, it is unclear whether cell isolation procedures affect ex vivo particle-induced responses in primary mouse alveolar macrophages (mAM). In this study, effects of injection buffer volume used to perform bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) collection to isolate mAM for use in ex vivo particle-induced responses were assessed. Among the mAM obtained from BALF collected using a 0.55 or 0.75 ml, but not a 1.0 ml buffer injection volume, decreased cell viability and IL-1α release were observed when cells were stimulated ex vivo with silica crystal or aluminum salt. Injected buffer composition did not affect the IL-1α release. On the other hand, IL-6 secretion induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) did not differ among mAM obtained from BALF collected using the different volumes. Expression levels of cell surface markers like CD11c, SiglecF, and CD64 did not differ among mAM obtained from BALF collected using the different injection buffer volumes. IL-1α release (and also necroptosis) induced by ex vivoparticle stimulation was suppressed by RIPK3 inhibitor or cytochalasin D co-treatment. Decreases in RIPK3 phosphorylation were noted in mAM obtained in BALF collected using the 1.0 ml injection volume compared with mAM obtained in BALF using 0.55 or 0.75 ml buffer. These observations illustrate that larger volumes of buffer used to collect BALF from mice can affect sensitivity of the isolated mAM to ex vivo particle-induced responses by inhibiting their functions.

Quantitative ion determination in eccrine sweat gland cells correlates to sweat reduction of antiperspirant actives.

Axillary wetness represents an unwanted effect of the physiologically vital sweating mechanism, especially when it becomes excessive. Cosmetic products reducing sweat secretion rely on aluminium salts as the active ingredient acting by physically blocking the sweat gland. Driven by the interest to better understand the sweat mechanism and to develop alternative technologies against excessive sweating a search for an effective testing approach started as up to now, cost- and time-consuming in vivo studies represent the standard procedure for testing and identifying these alternatives. The herein described in vitro test system is based on the measurement of intracellular changes of the ion equilibrium in cultured eccrine sweat gland cells. Subsequently, in vivo studies on the back of volunteers were conducted to verify the sweat-reducing effect of in vitro newly discovered substance. In this study, we describe an effective cell-based in vitro method as a potent tool for a more targeted screening of alternatives to aluminium salts. Testing the commonly used aluminium chlorohydrate as one example of an aluminium-based active in this screening procedure, we discovered a distinct influence on the ion equilibrium: Intracellular levels of sodium ions were decreased while those of chloride increased. Screening of various substances revealed a polyethyleneimine, adjusted to pH 3.5 with hydrochloric acid, to evoke the same alterations in the ion equilibrium as aluminium chlorohydrate. Subsequent in vivo studies showed its substantial antiperspirant action and confirmed the high efficiency of the polyethyleneimine solution in vivo. Further, specific investigations connecting the chloride content of the tested substances with the resulting sweat reduction pointed towards a substantial impact of the chloride ions on sweating. The newly described in vitro cell-based screening method represents an effective means for identifying new antiperspirant actives and suggests an additional biological mechanism of action of sweat-reducing ingredients which is directed towards unbalancing of the ion equilibrium inside eccrine sweat gland cells.