Chemical Analysis In Order Research Articles

Alkali hydrolysis of wool fibres using microwave irradiation as a recycling approach for handling wool-waste

The aim of the present work is to investigate the influence of microwave irradiation on alkali hydrolysis, under various thermochemical conditions, of wool fibres. This perspective seems to be a promising alternative for the valorization of wool waste. The reaction yield is calculated in every case in order to determine the optimum hydrolysis conditions. The solid residue, as well as the filtrate, are subjected to instrumental chemical analysis in order to identify and isolate useful products. The optimal conditions for the hydrolysis of wool resulted to be the use of 5% w/v NaOH, microwave treatment for 10 min in absence of phase-transfer catalyst. In addition, the analysis in the Pyrolysis-Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (Py-GC/MS) allowed the identification of certain small molecules like N2, H2S, NH3, C6H5OH, C4H9NO and larger ones like amino acids, such as alanine, cystine, proline, valine and leucine. Additionally, the content of wool hydrolysate was specified upon identifying several substituted products of tyrosine, proline and alanine amino acids. Liquid Chromatography–Orbitrap High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry (LC–Orbitrap HRMS) was also employed to identify the components present in the wool hydrolysate, detecting mainly various dipeptides as well as leucylproline and cysteic acid. In this light, the amino acids produced by wool alkali hydrolysis degradation could valorise the wool waste once inserted in industrial chemistry, as a prominent alternative for “greener” adhesives of two components, outlining by these means the feasibility of a practically sustainable circular economy.

The Effect of Mineral Fertilization on the Content of Bioactive Compounds in Hemp Seeds and Oil.

The popularity of hemp cultivation for industrial purposes has been steadily growing for many years. With the addition of products derived from these plants to the Novel Food Catalogue, maintained by the European Commission, a significant increase in interest in hemp food is also expected. The aim of the study was to determine the characteristics of hempseed, oil, and oil cake samples produced from experimental plots grown in different conditions. The research was conducted on the Henola variety, one of the newest and most popular varieties of hemp, recently bred for grain and oil. The content of bioactive compounds in grain and oil has been subjected to detailed chemical analyses in order to determine the effect of fertilization, the method of plant cultivation, and processing conditions on their quantity. The test results and the statistical analysis carried out showed a significant impact of the tested factors on the content of some of the tested bioactive compounds. The obtained results will help in the development of an effective method of cultivation for this hemp variety in order to maximize the content of the desired bioactive compounds per unit of cultivation area.

Polyphenolic profile and pharmacological activities of whips horse (Luehea divaricata) bark extracts studied using in vitro and in vivo systems

Leaves and barks of Luehea divaricata (Malvaceae) are used in folk medicine for the treatment of infectious diseases, tumors, rheumatism and diabetes. This work presents in vivo experiments (rats and mice) supported by in vitro and chemical analyses in order to address the above mentioned folk medicinal uses. The phenolic constituents of both aqueous and hydroalcoholic extracts are mainly catechin derivatives (135.4 and 215.9 mg/g, respectively). Both extracts displayed strong antioxidant activity. They also showed antiproliferative activities against tumor cells, nitric oxide synthesis inhibition (indicative of anti-inflammatory activity) and antimicrobial activity against a variety of infectious agents. Paracetamol-induced liver injury in rats, which has a high inflammatory component, was substantially attenuated in animals treated with the hydro-alcoholic extract (200 mg kg−1 day−1). This was deduced from aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase measurements in plasma as well as from the hepatic activities of catalase and superoxide dismutase. Both extracts inhibited the pancreatic α-amylase with IC50 values of 11.50 ± 0.05 and 18.70 ± 3.87 μg/mL for the hydro-alcoholic and aqueous extract, respectively. Both extracts inhibited starch digestion in mice at the doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg. In general terms the results confirm several of the vox populi notions about the therapeutic potential of L. divaricata, the antidiabetic action, combined with the hepatoprotective effect, being the most relevant observations. Not less important is the economical perspective for the rural producers which may eventually increase their revenue by selling increasingly valued raw materials derived from L. divaricata based on its therapeutic properties.

Aromatic Formation Promoted by Ion-Driven Radical Pathways in EUV Photochemical Experiments Simulating Titan's Atmospheric Chemistry.

In the atmosphere of Titan, Saturn's main satellite, molecular growth is initiated by 85.6 nm extreme ultraviolet (EUV) photons triggering a chemistry with charged and free-radical species. However, the respective contribution of these species to the complexification of matter is far from being known. This work presents a chemical analysis in order to contribute to a better understanding of aromatic formation pathways. A gas mixture of N2/CH4 (90/10%) within the closed SURFACAT reactor was irradiated at a relatively low pressure (0.1 mbar) and room temperature for 6 h by EUV photons (∼85.6 nm). The neutral molecules formed at the end of the irradiation were condensed in a cryogenic trap and analyzed by electron ionization mass spectrometry. An analysis of the dominant chemical pathways highlights the identification of benzene and toluene and underlies the importance of small ion and radical reactions. On the basis of the experimental results, a speculative mechanism based on sequential H-elimination/CH3-addition reactions is proposed for the growth of aromatics in Titan's atmosphere. Elementary reactions to be studied are given to instill future updates of photochemical models of Titan's atmosphere.

Nicotine dosimetry and stability in cambridge filter PADs (CFPs) following different smoking regime protocols and storage conditions

Despite the growing numbers of studies on cigarettes and electronic nicotine delivery products (ENDs), no standard assessment of nicotine stability in various matrix post exposure is currently available. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the optimal standard condition to store Cambridge Filter Pads (CFPs) before chemical analysis in order to guarantee the titer of nicotine.We further performed data normalization according to different smoking or vaping runs. Smoke and vapor generated respectively by a reference tobacco cigarette (1R6F) and ENDs under different exposure regimes (ISO, HCI and CRM81) were collected on CFPs as total particulate matter (TPM) and subsequently analyzed for nicotine content. For each exposure, some CFPs were analyzed at time zero, whereas the others were stored under different conditions for nicotine assessment after 30 days. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) showed the best correlation between nicotine on CFPs and TPM for normalization. This study suggests that different exposure regimes and products can affect the preservation of nicotine titer on CFPs while samples storage at −80 °C may prevent the loss of nicotine. Finally, normalization of nicotine with TPM is strongly recommended for regulatory purpose.

Pulping quality of Ceiba pentandra Kapok under different age gradation

The study was carried out at Forest College and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu, India using four different age gradations viz. ten, twenty, thirty and forty year old Ceiba pentandra wood samples. About one meter length billets from the felled sample trees were collected from each tree for analysis of pulpwood properties. The billet was debarked, cleaned and labelled for analysis. Four different age gradations of C. pentandra were subjected to physical and chemical analysis in order to recommend suitable rotation age for pulp and paper production. The physical properties viz. bulk and basic density, all the age gradations were moderate to high in range which indicated their suitability as pulp wood. In the chemical analysis, the lignin content was significant parameter which was also moderate for all the age gradations and hence proved their suitability. Considering this factor the result is investigated that the superiority of fifty year old wood was evident. The highest basic density (438.00 kg /m3) and bulk density (255.00 kg /m3) and lowest moisture content (10.50 per cent) was observed in forty year old wood samples. The chemical analysis in terms of ash content recorded was highest in ten year old sample (0.95 per cent). Among four, the highest fibre length was observed in forty year old (1219.92 μm) wood sample which is best for pulp and paper making.

Investigation of Archaeological European White Elm (Ulmus laevis) for Identifying and Characterizing the Kind of Biological Degradation

The current work aims at the study of the biological degradation of archaeological European white elm via microscopy and chemical analysis in order to identify the kind of biological degradation and characterize the state of preservation of this type of wood. Profound knowledge of the chemical constituents and biological degradation in fresh-cut and archaeological elm wood will simplify the process of restoration and conservation of the investigated artifacts. Therefore, fresh-cut and archaeological elm were compared in terms of extractive, chlorite holocellulose, α-cellulose, lignin, and ash contents. In the fresh-cut elm wood, the contents of Kürschner–Hoffer cellulose, chlorite holocellulose, α-cellulose, and hemicellulose were significantly higher than that of the archaeological elm, confirmed by the degradation of native wood hemicelluloses by erosion bacteria during soil contact. Naturally, the mass percentage of lignin increases as the amount of chlorite holocellulose in the wood decreases. These wet chemistry results were also confirmed by FTIR analysis, where bands mainly attributed to hemicellulose and cellulose decreased significantly and bands belonging to lignin display higher intensity for the archaeological specimens. Ash and cyclohexane–ethanol extract contents of archaeological elm wood were significantly higher due to the movement of mineral components arising out of the soil into the wood specimens. Based on the microscopic investigation and given the fact that wood decay fungi need oxygen to degrade wood and the investigated archaeological elm specimens were buried to a 10 m depth in the soil, we might conclude that the wood degradation was caused by erosion bacteria.

Preparation of highly selective sorbents from metallurgical wastes based on cavitation activation of sorption centers

Having analyzed the initial data of RUSAL Krasnoyarsk Aluminium Smelter, we classified 45 types of waste, determined the hazard classes and estimated annual waste accumulation to be stored and disposed of. It has been defined that 14 types of waste can be recycled and reused as constructional materials of various purposes and sorbents for industrial wastewater treatment. In this study, we subjected a lining scrap of various origin, to a complete physical and chemical analysis in order to specify the type of modification and treatment of waste, specifically lining brick scrap, in the Testing laboratory of structural materials and chemical analysis of water of the School of Engineering and Construction, Siberian Federal University, and determined the chemical composition of this waste by the X-ray fluorescence (XRF) method. We also identified the substances suitable for modification of the sorbent – the oxides of aluminium, iron, silicon, and titanium – in the optimal percentage ratio, which resulted in obtaining functional active sorbents with high technical and operational characteristics at low costs for mechanical grinding and activation.

Melissa officinalis ssp. altissima extracts: A therapeutic approach targeting psoriasis in mice.

Melissa officinalis L., commonly known as lemon balm, is one of the most well known edible and medicinal plants of the Lamiaceae family. It is quoted in almost all known medical treatises, from Antiquity up to modern era, such as Corpus Hippocraticum, Dioscorides' De Materia Medica and later on in medieval medical manuscripts and Pharmacopoeias. Actually, it is widely used as herbal medicine for the relief of mild symptoms of mental stress, to aid sleep and for symptomatic treatment of mild gastrointestinal complaints including bloating and flatulence. In Greece, the empirical physicians "vikoyiatroi" recommended the decoction of dry flowers and leaves to treat tracheobronchitis, hysteria, epilepsy, heart arrhythmias, as hypnotic and against skin disorders. The present study was conducted to investigate the potential beneficial effects in psoriasis in mice of M. officinalis ssp. altissima and to carry out the chemical analysis in order to reveal its main bioactive secondary metabolites. Non polar and polar extracts of M. officinalis ssp. altissima aerial parts were prepared by using dichloromethane and methanol, successively; in addition a decoction was made upon oral information by local users in Crete, where the plant was collected. All three preparations were chemically analyzed in order to isolate their main constituents. Chemical structures of all isolated compounds were determined by 1D, 2D-NMR and UV-Vis spectroscopy. Furthermore, the antioxidant potential of extracts and decoction was evaluated through DPPH radical scavenging capability. The in vivo in mice anti-psoriatic efficacy of all preparations was estimated through clinical and histopathological assessment and measurements of TEWL and hydration. The dichloromethane extract yielded ursolic acid, 2α-hydroxy-ursolic acid, pomolic acid, 3β-stearyloxy-urs-12-ene, oleanolic acid, noropacursane and campesterol; the methanol extract afforded rosmarinic acid and methyl rosmarinate, while from the decoction caffeic acid, 3-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)lactic acid and rosmarinic acid were isolated. The psoriasis evaluation, based on PASI score, photodocumentation and histopathological estimation showed that the decoction primarily and the dichloromethane extract secondly could significantly contribute to psoriasis treatment. The decoction seems able to reestablish skin physiology by decreasing dryness and enhancing skin barrier function. Moreover, the decoction showed the best antioxidant activity, while the dichloromethane extract the weakest. The triterpene derivatives of the dichloromethane extract are likely to be responsible for its anti-psoriatic activity. The abundant polyphenolic load of the decoction contributes to its high antioxidant activity and the most effective results against psoriasis. The anti-psoriatic activity of the decoction confirmed the traditional use of this plant as antioxidant, wound healing and skin barrier repair agent.

"A clue in a labyrinth:" The medico-chemistry of the stone in the life of Edward Darrell Smith.

This article will argue that Edward Darrell Smith engaged in chemical analysis in order to broaden his understanding of the body, particularly stones, in a humoral framework. At the time, Antoine Lavoisier's chemical innovations were exciting the medical world, and Lavoisier himself was pursuing medical questions in his chemical research. Medical students from Philadelphia to Charleston were writing dissertations on the different types of stones and concretions found in the body. Smith practiced medicine in a world in which the remedy for the stone was compelling and a long awaited discovery. By examining Edward Darrell Smith's biography, we can get a vista into this world.

Waxy bloom on grape berry surface is one important factor for oviposition of European grapevine moths

Grapevine moths are severe pest insects in European viticulture. Oviposition by grapevine moths is largely influenced by several physical and chemical cues located on the surface of their host plant’s fruits. The contribution of waxy bloom layer on the berry surface for oviposition decision of two European grapevine moth species, Eupoecilia ambiguella and Lobesia botrana, was investigated. An experimental setup was developed to prove oviposition preferences of both species for certain grape varieties and developmental stages based on epicuticular wax extracts. Chemical analysis of epicuticular wax patterns of four different Vitis vinifera varieties revealed differences. However, oleanolic acid was the main component on berry surface waxes and its relative amount decreased between early and late phenological stages. Furthermore, oleanolic acid was responsible for the preference of earlier phenological stages for E. ambiguella oviposition. However, ovipositional variety preferences were triggered by minor components on the wax berry layer. While the oviposition decision of L. botrana was mainly triggered by oleanolic acid, additional cues like olfactory and haptic ones were also important. The ovipositional preferences were discussed in accordance with the results of the chemical analysis in order to elucidate the role of wax compounds for oviposition stimulation.

Recycling and energy recovery solutions of end-of-life reverse osmosis (RO) membrane materials: A sustainable approach

The objective of the present work is first to estimate the degradation level of an old RO membrane taken from Mauritania (North West Africa) in terms of water permeability, salts rejection, roughness changes and chemical analysis in order to diagnose its level of degradation during its first life during seawater desalination. Then old RO spacers (main part of old RO element) in polypropylene (PP) where combined with low density polypropylene well encountered in Tunisia to elaborate a new flat sheet membrane dedicated to membrane distillation (MD). Last part is dedicated to RO raw materials as alternative fuels feedstock via pyrolysis. Indeed membrane sheets and spacers are still having higher heating values than most of biomass fuels and we have presently estimated, using thermal analysis, their potential.

The effect of multiple contamination of soil on LMW and MMW PAHs accumulation in the roots of Rubus fruticosus L. naturally growing near The Copper Mining and Smelting Complex Bor (East Serbia).

Samples of roots and spatial soils of native Rubus fruticosus L. were collected from the spots positioned at different distances from the copper smelter and city heating plants in the industrial zone of the town of Bor (Serbia) and subjected to chemical analyses in order to determine the content of several heavy metals, and 15 priority polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). In this study, the results for 9 low and medium molecular weight PAHs (LMW and MMW PAHs) are represented and processed using the calculation of bio-concentration factors and statistical methods such as hierarchical cluster analysis and Pearson's correlation study with the aim of investigating the plant capabilities for their uptake from the soil and later accumulation into the root tissue, under the hostile circumstances of multiple contamination. The obtained data revealed different accumulation rates for the investigated PAHs and showed that in several cases, the contents of root PAHs were under the strong influence of present contaminants such as soil copper and some soil PAHs, indicating at the same time that R. fruticosus can regulate the processes of LMW and MMW PAHs extraction/accumulation using different mechanisms, depending on the existing environmental circumstances. The used mechanisms could be exploited in phytoremediation methods based not only on the extraction and concentration of PAHs in plant roots but also on PAH degradation or stabilization in the soil. Also, the results of this study confirmed that, except in the case of naphthalene and fluoranthene, there was no PAH pollution, which originated solely from the industrial zone.

Local groundwater supply systems for remote settlements, current state and prospects for utilization: case studies from Serbia

Water supply for remote rural settlements is a big issue in the Republic of Serbia. Most local supply systems are developed and maintained by the local community and are in a poor condition. Based on a national strategy, this issue should be resolved with the construction of regional systems using artificial reservoirs. In this paper, case studies from three areas in Serbia are shown in order to offer the alternative to regional water supply with the development of autonomous groundwater supply systems in remote settlements, especially in cases when water supply from surface water inevitably leads to the deterioration in quality and quantity of resources. The research conducted included monitoring of regime parameters and conducting multiple chemical analyses in order to determine the stability of resources, both in the qualitative and quantitative sense, as well as other important factors for development of supply systems. It can be concluded that, if properly and continuously monitored and developed by public waterworks companies, those autonomous groundwater systems would be able to provide the required amount of quality resources for the water supply of remote settlements where necessary.

Unraveling signatures of biogeochemical processes and the depositional setting in the molecular composition of pore water DOM across different marine environments

Dissolved organic matter (DOM) in marine sediment pore waters derives largely from decomposition of particulate organic matter and its composition is influenced by various biogeochemical and oceanographic processes in yet undetermined ways. Here, we determine the molecular inventory of pore water DOM in marine sediments of contrasting depositional regimes with ultrahigh-resolution mass spectrometry and complementary bulk chemical analyses in order to elucidate the factors that shape DOM composition. Our sample sets from the Mediterranean, Marmara and Black Seas covered different sediment depths, ages and a range of marine environments with different (i) organic matter sources, (ii) balances of organic matter production and preservation, and (iii) geochemical conditions in sediment and water column including anoxic, sulfidic and hypersaline conditions. Pore water DOM had a higher molecular formula richness than overlying water with up to 11,295 vs. 2114 different molecular formulas in the mass range of 299–600Da and covered a broader range of element ratios (H/C=0.35–2.19, O/C=0.03–1.19 vs. H/C=0.56–2.13, O/C=0.15–1.14). Formula richness was independent of concentrations of DOC and TOC. Near-surface pore water DOM was more similar to water column DOM than to deep pore water DOM from the same core with respect to formula richness and the molecular composition, suggesting exchange at the sediment–water interface. The DOM composition in the deeper sediments was controlled by organic matter source, selective decomposition of specific DOM fractions and early diagenetic molecule transformations. Compounds in pelagic sediment pore waters were predominantly highly unsaturated and N-bearing formulas, whereas oxygen-rich CHO-formulas and aromatic compounds were more abundant in pore water DOM from terrigenous sediments. The increase of S-bearing molecular formulas in the water column and pore waters of the Black Sea and the Mediterranean Discovery Basin was consistent with elevated HS- concentrations reflecting the incorporation of sulfur into biomolecules during early diagenesis. Sulfurization resulted in an increased average molecular mass of DOM and higher formula richness (up to 5899 formulas per sample). In sediments from the methanogenic zone in the Black Sea, the DOM pool was distinctly more reduced than overlying sediments from the sulfate-reducing zone. Bottom and pore water DOM from the Discovery Basin contained the highest abundances of aliphatic compounds in the entire dataset; a large fraction of abundant N-bearing formulas possibly represented peptide and nucleotide formulas suggesting preservation of these molecules in the life inhibiting environment of the Discovery Basin. Our unique data set provides the basis for a comprehensive understanding of the molecular signatures in pore water DOM and the turnover of sedimentary organic matter in marine sediments.

Evaluation of the oxidative stability of bakery products by OXITEST method and sensory analysis

The lipid oxidation is considered the main cause of the deterioration of the food products with a high fat content. Lipid oxidation is associated with the formation of off-odor and off-flavor that compromise the acceptability of the products; moreover, this reaction affects the nutritional quality of foods, in particular the fatty acids content. In this work the stability of bakery products with a high fat content was monitored over a 12 months of storage, considering the lipid oxidation as the limiting factor for the shelf-life products. For this study the OXITEST has been used as innovative and promising instrument. The OXITEST reactor was used to monitor the oxidative stability of four different types of bakery products. The stability of the products was also monitored with the sensory and chemical analyses in order to support the instrumental analysis. The sensory analysis was useful to evaluate the perceptible changes occurring on the products during storage. Moreover, with the OXITEST an accelerated shelf-life test to predict the shelf life of each product has been performed. By physical–chemical data obtained during experimentation it was found that the products have a different stability to the oxidation reaction, depending on the type of fats used and on the composition of the products. The data obtained from the OXITEST were correlated with the sensory data. Furthermore, the OXITEST instrument can be utilized as rapid method for oxidative stability studies; anyway, a further research will be needed to confirm these results.

Sewage sludge hazardous assessment: chemical evaluation and cytological effects in CHO-k1 cells.

Application of sewage sludge in agricultural lands is a growing practice in several countries due to its numerous benefits to soil and crops, where chemical and pathogen levels are determined by corresponding legislation. However, the presence of contaminants in residues must always be controlled before application due to their dangerous effects over the ecosystem and potential risks to human health. The main objective of this study was to integrate biological and chemical analysis in order to help elucidating the residue potential toxic, cytotoxic, and mutagenic effects. We evaluate samples of sewage sludge before and after the sanitizing treatment with lime in cytokinesis-block assay using CHO-k1 culture cells. The sanitizing treatment promoted a decrease in pathogen levels, which is the main purpose of this process. Even with chemical levels below the established by environmental agencies, results showed sewage sludge ability to enhance genotoxic and mutagenic effects, proving that residue should be handled with caution in order to minimize its environmental and human risk.

Applicability evaluation of Cupressus lusitanica for pulp production

This paper aimed to study Cupressus lusitanica wood tracheids biometrics along radial direction and chemical analysis in order to encourage the use of new forest species for pulp production in southern Brazil. Axial tracheids anatomical analysis was held in 3 positions, in the pith-periphery direction. Total length, total diameter and lumen diameter were analyzed, and wall thickness, flexibility coefficient, wall fraction, felting index and Runkel’s ratio were calculated based on these variables. Chemical analysis determined total extractives, sodium hydroxide attack degree, ash, lignin and holocellulose content. For anatomical variables, a statistically significant increase in the pith-periphery direction was observed for total length (L = 5,85mm), for total diameter (D = 47,18 μm), lumen diameter (d = 32,92μm) and wall thickness (e = 14,26μm) was observed stabilization from intermediate section. The species was characterized as with high rigidity tracheids (WF = 61,73%), although being considered “good” for wood pulp production (RI = 0,93). The chemical composition showed high lignin content (L = 36,21%) and low holocellulose content (H = 59,19%). Cupressus lusitanica wood showed appropriate anatomical characteristics to be part of the pulp industry raw material supply. However, chemical properties may compromise the species use due to high lignin content.

Metallurgy and Ancient Coins: A Multidisciplinary Research

Coins are widely studied in archaeometry because they provide a lot of information on social, economic and technological history of people and territories which they are related to. A lot of chemical analyses have been performed by different methods, but only a few of metallographic data are known. The combination of chemical analysis with metallurgical investigation results in a complete description of the coin and its production steps. This paper reports a summary of the results on the Cu base coinage in Italy (Roman and Byzantine Empires) with the aim to develop a protocol of investigation based on microstructural and chemical analysis in order to reinforce the numismatic classification.

Phase Equilibria in MeIMeIIIP2S6(Se6) Systems Which Include Quaternary Compounds (MeI - Cu, Ag; MeIII - In, Cr)

The interactions of 6 quazibinary systems were investigated by methods of physical and chemical analysis in order to study the formation of solid solutions inside them. The character of interaction in these systems depending on various factors has been explained.