Cold Steam Research Articles

MACRO- AND MICROELEMENT COMPOSITION OF THE HERB AND ROOTS OF HAPLOPHYLLUM DAURICUM (L.) G. DON.

Haplophyllum dauricum is a rich source of lignans with antitumor activity. It has been actively used in the practice of Traditional medicine. In addition to lignans, the chemical composition of the species is represented by coumarins, flavonoids, alkaloids and essential oils. However, the composition of the elements of the species, which are necessary for the development of quality criteria of medicinal plants, has not been studied before. In this regard, the purpose of the work was to study the content of macro- and microelements in the aboveground and underground parts of Haplophyllum dauricum of the flora of Buryatia and Transbaikal territory. The content of the following elements was determined by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry: Li, Be, Na, Mg, Al, P, K, Ca, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Se, Sr, Zr, Mo, Cd, Sb, Te, Ba and Pb. The content of Hg was determined by the "cold steam" method using an atomic absorption analyzer. According to the obtained data, Haplophyllum dauricum is a rich source of calcium, potassium, magnesium and phosphorus, which were dominant. Among the microelements, iron and titanium were in highest concentration, which were accumulated mainly in the underground part of the plant. The content of heavy metals did not exceed the maximum permissible concentration established by the State Pharmacopoeia of the Russian Federation.

The use of snail slime collected by sustainable methods in cosmetic creams

There are many snail slime (secretion) creams in the cosmetic industry. Many of them are formulated with herbal or synthetic allantoin when the cream ingredients are read. However, natural snail secretion also contains many bioactive components (glycoproteins, fatty acids, polyphenols, vitamins, etc.) other than allantoin. For this reason, cosmetic effectiveness decreases in products that do not contain natural snail secretion. It is not easy to reach the natural snail slime cream due to the limited collection of secretions from the appropriate snail species and limited sustainable methods. While the secretions are collected from snails by traditional methods (exposure to stresses such as salt and electricity application), animals are usually harmed or killed. If the method used for secretion collection is not suitable, animals are exposed to stress and release skin irritants. In addition, the secretion of each snail species does not have the suitable ingredients in the production of cosmetics. In this study, various essential oils and ozone were sprayed with cold steam into the porous chamber containing the snails in a specially designed device. Secretion was collected, from live snails (Helix aspersa) suitable for use in cosmetics, without being exposed to stress. Then the cream was formulated with this secretion. Microbiological and physicochemical analyzes were made in the cream produced. As the results; secretion containing important bioactive components was obtained from the appropriate snail species with sustainable methods, and the analysis results showed that the cream formulated with the addition of the secretion was qualified and suitable for use.

ALTERNATIVE METHODS OF USING OF BOIL OFF GAS

This work is devoted to the search and analysis of methods to improve the efficiency of using cold steam gases. The article raises the issue of one of the important problems of storage of liquefied natural gas – the formation of boil off gases. The main ways of using steam gas are given. New alternative methods of using of boil off gas are presented, such as the use of boil off gas as an additional cooling of natural gas in the propane cooling stage and propane in the propane refrigeration cycle. A three-flow tubular twisted heat exchanger is modeled to calculate the interaction of gas flows. Calculations were carried out, an analysis of the options for the useful use of the cold of the boil off gases was performed and a conclusion was made about the positive effect of the application of the considered methods of using boil off gases on increasing the efficiency of the natural gas liquefaction process.

Биоаккумуляция тяжёлых металлов и других токсичных элементов в мышцах рыб бассейна р. Волги

The purpose of this work was to study the accumulation of heavy and toxic elements in the muscles of the main commercial fish of the Volga River basin. Sampling was carried out throughout the Volga River, in areas that are characterized by varying degrees of industrial development. In the course of the work, tissue samples of the main species of commercial fish were selected (about 300 samples in total). The analysis of the selected material was carried out by a set of methods: induction coupled plasma mass spectrometry, flamу atomic absorption spectroscopy and cold steam atomic absorption. Based on this analysis, the levels of accumulation of Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Se, Br, Sr, Cd, Sb, I, Hg, Pb in the muscles of the main species of commercial fish were determined. Graphs of the distribution of the concentration of elements in the muscles of perch depending on the area of fishing are given: the maximum concentration of the sum of toxic elements in the muscles of perch is characteristic of the Rybinsk reservoir and the area of the village of TsaganAman, and the minimum – for the upper Volga and delta. The dependence of accumulation of As, Cd, Hg, Se, I and Br in the muscles of perch on the mass of fish has been assessed. It was found that the concentration of Hg and Se in the muscles of the perch is directly proportional to the weight of the fish.

HUBUNGAN KEKERUHAN, pH DAN SUHU TERHADAP KONSENTRASI LOGAM BERAT PADA AIR SUNGAI DI TANGERANG

Rapid industrial growth can cause environmental pollution if not balanced with good environmentalmanagement. To determine the concentration of heavy metals in polluted water, it is better tomeasure turbidity, pH and temperature as other factors in determining the concentration of heavymetals in water bodies. For this reason, it is necessary to know the relationship between turbidity,pH, temperature and the concentration of heavy metals (Pb, Cd, Hg) in river water in Tangerang.The design of this study is a descriptive correlational study, with a total sample of 36 samples ofCirarab, Cimanceuri, Cidurian and Cisadane rivers in kabupaten Tangerang. The sample pointsare on the left, middle and right of the river with measurement times in the morning, afternoon andevening. Examination of Pb and Cd using a Non-flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer(Graphite Furnace AAS). While for Hg using a Mercury Analyzer. The working principle of the AASfurnace is the process of breaking molecules into atoms using electricity. The working principle ofthe Hg probe is the process of breaking molecules into atoms using cold steam. The results showedthat the concentrations of Mercury and Cadmium were both below the quality standard with a valueof 10-4 (0.0002 mg/L). Lead concentrations varied mostly below the quality standard (0.03 mg/L).pH, temperature according to environmental conditions and turbidity below the quality standard.(400 NTU) The results of statistical tests with P values of 0.571, 0.440, 0864. It was obtained thatthere was no relationship between turbidity, pH and temperature with the concentration of Lead.The conclusion is that there is no relationship between turbidity, temperature, pH with heavy metalconcentrations expecially Lead in rivers in kabupaten Tangerang.

Using high-frequency ultrasonic and thermoelectric generators to enhance the performance of a photovoltaic module

In this study, 1.7 MHz ultrasonic and thermoelectric generators (TEGs) are used to cool down a photovoltaic (PV) module and improve its performance. The PV module is placed on a rectangular enclosure equipped with five ultrasonic piezoelectrics, which produce cold vapor of water inside the enclosure. The hot side of TEGs is attached to the rear surface of the PV module and their left side is cooled using water cold steam generated by ultrasonic piezoelectrics. The outcomes revealed that when the cooling system is not used, Ts,ave increases to about 62.81 °C in the steady-state condition, while by using just the TEGs and just ultrasonic (H = 1.5 cm), the Ts,ave is reached 55.4 °C and 52.3 °C, respectively. The hybrid cooling system of TEGs and ultrasonic reduced the Ts,ave to 48.1 °C and increased its output power by 25.7%. By using the proposed cooling system, considering the impact of H on the temperature uniformity of the PV module represents that H = 0.75 cm is an efficient value to achieve high power output. In addition, the electrical efficiency of the PV module at the more efficient condition boosts from 8.61% to 12.46% compared to the non-cooling system.

Technological and Nutritional Aspects of Incorporating Jamun (Syzygium cumini (L.) Skeels) Fruit Extract into Yoghurt

The study aimed to evaluate the technological suitability of incorporating the jamun extracts into Yoghurt. The light focused on the effect of the extraction method and rate of addition on the flavonols profiles, antioxidant activity and sensorial characteristics of the final Yoghurt product. Jamun fruit was subjected to either mechanical cold extraction or steam extraction and introduced to milk at rates of 5 and 10%. The results indicated that the extraction technique had no effect on the values of protein, fat, ash and titratable acidity. The steam extraction led to increase the total solids, pH, total hydrolysable tannins, antioxidant activity, color, flavor and overall sensorial acceptability of Yoghurt. While the cold mechanical extraction led to increase the total flavonols, thickness and smell scoring. Increasing the percentage of jamun extract addition led to reduce the total solids, protein, fat, appearance and thickness in a concentration depending way, as well as to increase all the detected flavonols, tannins and antioxitant power indicators. The 5% juice containing Yoghurt was distinguished with the highest scores of color, flavor, taste, smell and overall acceptability. Jamun fruit may be a promising source for fortifying Yoghurt with flavonols and enhancing its antioxidant power.

ANALISIS KANDUNGAN MERKURI (Hg) PADA LIMBAH HASIL PENGOLAHAN EMAS DI GUNUNG NONA DESA WAPSALIT PULAU BURU

The research had been done to analyze the mercury (Hg) content on tailing the result of gold processing at Nona Mountain Wapsalit Village Buru Island. The dry sample was prepared by putting it into the oven at 400C temperatures in two days and then the wet destruction done to the sample. The Tailing was analyzed by using SSA – Cold Steam to get to know about the mercury (Hg) content. The result showed that the average mercury (Hg) content at the location I was 721,43 ppm and at the location II was 344,88 ppm. Thus, the results showed that tailing concentration at the location I had average mercury (Hg) content higher than at the location II

Токсико-екологічний аналіз поводження з ртутьвмісними відходами в Україні

Relevance. The multifaceted intersectoral problem of human security in contact with mercury has gained global significance in the twentieth century, it is relevant today. Considerable attention is paid to the environmental and hygienic aspects of mercury hazards in the field related to the production and disposal of waste containing Hg. The Aim of the Research. Analyze the data of own research on mercury content in the environment in connection with the management of mercury-containing waste and justify a set of preventive environmental and hygienic, technological and organizational measures to improve safety, public health and improve the environment in the region and the country in general. Materials and Methods. Sampling, sample preparation and determination of mercury content in environmental facilities and bioassays were performed according to MI “Methodical instructions for the determination of mercury in biological material, air, drinking water, food products and the environment.” The concentration of mercury was measured by the method of AAS “cold steam” on the upgraded device “Yulia-2M”. The mercury content in soil and air at the spontaneous dump of mercury lamps in Odessa region, on the border of the sanitary protection zone and in the air of the working zone of the enterprise for utilization of mercury lamps was studied. For sample preparation, chemically pure nitric acid (56%) was used, to reduce mercury during the analysis of chemically pure tin (II) chloride. Results and Conclusions. Mercury lamps have been shown to be hazardous to the environment and human health without proper disposal. Mercury lamps should be collected and disposed of as hazardous waste not only in industrial facilities but also in the general public. The formation of spontaneous unauthorized landfills of mercury lamps is unacceptable. The problem of environmental monitoring needs to be addressed at the state level with the mandatory involvement of specialists in the field of hygiene, toxicology and analytical chemistry of heavy metals in cases of violations to assess the level of danger and make informed decisions on approaches to elimination of mercury sources. Key Words: mercury, mercury lamps, ecology.

Total mercury concentration in the fur of free-ranging giant otters in a large Neotropical floodplain

The giant otter, Pteronura brasiliensis, (Zimmermann, 1780), is a semiaquatic carnivore that feeds mainly on fish. Mercury has high toxicity and high potential for bioaccumulation in tissues and biomagnification in organisms through food chains. Thus, as a top predator in the trophic chain, the giant otter has the potential to accumulate mercury by biomagnification. The objective of the present study was to measure the total mercury concentration in giant otter fur samples from an area in the southern Brazilian Pantanal. Fur samples from 19 otters from different social groups were collected from captured animals or were sampled with biopsy darts. Total mercury determination was performed by cold steam spectrophotometry. Mercury concentrations found in the giant otter fur were 7.15 ± 3.41 μg g−1 (2.01–12.06 μg g−1) dry weight. The values are above to the upper limit found in fur samples of otter species not exposed to contamination sources, which typically range from 1 to 5 μg g−1. The concentrations found in the study area indicate that even in the southern Pantanal, which is approximately 475 km from gold mining activity, mercury can be considered a threat for giant otters, as well as for riverside populations. It is also important to consider that other anthropogenic sources of mercury, such as pesticides used in agriculture, could affect this population.

MACRO- AND MICROELEMENTS DISTRIBUTION IN URBANIZED ECOSYSTEMS OF KARELIA

The aim was to study the distribution of macro-and microelements in the main urban ecosystems of Karelia. Methods. Samples of soil, vegetation, surface water, sediments and biota (fish) were taken. In total, 300 samples were collected. The analysis of the material was carried out using epithermal instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA), x-ray spectral analysis (XRF), and atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) with "cold steam" and inductively coupled plasma spectrometry (ICP-MS). Concentration of 32 chemical elements in soil, birch leaves, sediments, water and biota (fish) was determined. Results. The distribution of macro- and microelements in soil and vegetation of these main cities of Karelia was determined. Geochemical profiles of distribution of elements in soils and vegetation were constructed. Concentration of heavy and toxic metals in the samples of water and sediments was close to the background values. High concentration of mercury in the muscles of predatory fish was found (CHg = 0.2÷0.3 mcg/kg). Conclusions. The levels of total accumulation of heavy and toxic metals in the soil of Petrozavodsk are classified as hazardous (Zc = 56), and soil pollution in Pitkyaranta, Sortavala and Suoyarvi is considered moderately dangerous (Zc = 15-31). A high degree of correlation between the concentration of elements in the soil and birch leaves was found. The water in lake Ladoga, lake Onega, and lake Suoyarvi in terms of the concentration of the elements presented in the article meets the Russian standards for drinking water.

МИГРАЦИЯ РТУТИ В ПОСТПИРОГЕННЫХ УСЛОВИЯХ

Актуальность исследования обусловлена необходимостью оценки выноса ртути при лесных пожарах. Лесные пожары являются катализатором миграции ртути, способствуя ее активному поступлению в атмосферу. В зависимости от типа пожара соединения ртути перераспределяются в пределах пожарища или выносятся на дальние расстояния. Цель: оценить миграцию супертоксиканта ртути в пирогенных условиях и масштабы ее воздействия на растительные компоненты и окружающую среду. Объекты: почва и растительные компоненты на территории Караканского бора, расположенного в Ордынском районе Новосибирской области, где произошел пожар смешанного типа, сочетающий низовой и повально-верховой. Методы. Отбор проб почв (n=51 штук) проведен летом 2011, 2013, 2015, 2018 гг.металлическим кольцевым пробоотборником (высота 50 мм, диаметр 84 мм), используемым для экогеохимических исследований. Отбор проб коры, веток, хвои (n=15 штук) проводили ручным способом. Пробоподготовку проводили по схеме: измельчение–квартование–взвешивание. Определение ртути выполнено атомно-абсорбционным методом «холодного пара» с использованием амальгамации на золотом сорбенте. Результаты. Проведено сравнение физико-химических характеристик проб, отобранных на фоновых и горелых территориях. Оценено содержание ртути на фоновой и горелых поверхностях. Установлено, что содержание ртути ниже на горелых площадях, а с течением времени оно снижается как на фоновых, так и на горелых поверхностях. Рассмотрено распределение ртути в системе «кора–ветви–хвоя» для образцов, отобранных на фоновых площадях. Наименьшее содержание ртути определено в образцах хвои. Проведен анализ степени поглощения ртути растениями из почвы на примере образцов листьев березы повислой (BetulaPendulaRoth) и осины обыкновенной (Pópulus trémulaLinnaeus), хвои сосны обыкновенной (Pínus sylvéstrisLinnaeus), иван-чая узколистного (ChamerionangustifoliumLinnaeus), мхов (Hylocomium splendensBruch), лишайников (CladinaStellarisOpiz) на фоновой и горелой поверхностях. Наибольший коэффициент поглощения имеет мох на фоновой (0,75) и горелой (1,0) поверхностях.

ВЛИЯНИЕ ПРИРОДНЫХ ФАКТОРОВ НА СОДЕРЖАНИЕ РТУТИ В ОЗЕРАХ СЕВЕРА ЗАПАДНОЙ СИБИРИ

Актуальность исследования обусловлена тем, что ртуть участвует в глобальном планетарном биогеохимическом цикле и входит в пищевые цепи с накоплением в организмах хищных видов животных и у коренного населения. В отношении к территории Западной Сибири информация о содержании ртути в озерах не достаточно полная, а обобщения сделаны на малых выборках, что делает актуальным фоновые изучения содержания ртути в среднетаежных озерах на репрезентативной выборке. Целью исследования является анализ и обобщение фоновых мониторинговых наблюдений, как за общим содержанием ртути донных отложений, так и её содержанием в поверхностных водах озер, в зависимости от природных факторов в условиях средней тайги в пределах Ханты-Мансийского автономного округа. Объект: фоновая концентрация растворенной Hg и ртути в донных отложениях озер. Изучено 95 озер, 322 пробы донных отложений, отобранных в разное время. Методы: атомно-адсорбционная спектрометрия (метод «холодного пара») определения ртути в аккредитованных лабораториях в соответствии с методическими рекомендациями. Использованы данные фонового экологического мониторинга с 2007 по 2011 гг. Результаты. Средняя фоновая концентрация ртути в донных отложениях составляет 0,046±0,012 мг/кг, растворенной ртути – 0,025±0,014 мг/кг. Наибольшая концентрация Hg выявлена в элювиальной и трансэлювиальной позициях, наименьшая – в супераквальных ландшафтах. Концентрация Hg имеет максимальное значение в озерково-грядово-мочажинном комплексе торфяных болот, а самое низкое – в донных отложениях озер на минеральных почвах. Наблюдается тенденция увеличения концентрации ртути в донных отложениях озер от зоны тундры, северной тайги до подзоны средней тайги. Но нарастает заболоченность территорий с юга на север, что способствует увеличению содержания ртути в донных отложениях озер (R=0,4). Отмечается увеличение растворенной ртути в озерах с запада на восток (по долготе) (R=0,6). Оценка динамики изменения содержания ртути в донных отложениях позволяет заключить, что в зимний период содержание ртути выше по сравнению с летним периодом. Концентрация растворенной ртути возрастает с запада на восток, но ртуть донных отложений этой закономерности не соответствует.

Determinação de Mercúrio Lábil em amostras de Sólidos Totais Suspensos em Águas Naturais por Análise Direta por Decomposição Térmica comparando via Espectrometria de Fluorescência Atômica de Vapor Frio

Determinação de Mercúrio Lábil em amostras de Sólidos Totais Suspensos em Águas Naturais por Análise Direta por Decomposição Térmica comparando via Espectrometria de Fluorescência Atômica de Vapor Frio

Atomic absorption determination of mercury in urine by cold steam method using mercury- hydride prefix

Mercury is one of the most common in various industries and at the same time dangerous chemicals. It is able to be deposited in the body and have a toxic effect for a long time after the cessation of contact. Under the influence of mercury, workers can develop various intoxications, as a result of which pathological changes in the nervous, cardiovascular, endocrine, immune and reproductive systems are possible.Under production conditions, mercury enters the body, usually in the form of vapors (absorbed about 80%) and suspended particles. Inorganic forms of mercury are excreted mainly in the urine (60%). However, insufficient attention is currently being paid to the problem of determining the mercury content in urine samples. To date, in world practice there is no systematic approach to the determination of small doses of mercury in the body, as a result of which it is difficult to timely identify public health disorders. This is largely due to the lack of highly sensitive and highly effective methods of analysis, allowing routine measurements with minimal cost and high accuracy. The methods currently used are either quite expensive or have low accuracy/sensitivity.The aim of the study was to develop a method of atomic absorption determination of mercury in urine by cold steam, which would allow at minimal cost to increase the accuracy and sensitivity of mercury detection in the body.Materials and methods. Quantitative measurement of mercury in urine samples was carried out on an atomic absorption spectrometer with a mercury-hydride prefix using model solutions of different concentrations.Results. The study determined the optimal conditions for sample preparation of urine samples, set the range of concentrations for the construction of the calibration schedule, studied the effect of the matrix on the accuracy of the analysis by the “introduced-found” method. The lower limit of detection of the developed technique was 0.05 mcg/l, the upper limit–100 mcg/l (if necessary, it can be increased by additional dilution). The relative error of determination depending on the concentration varied from 3 to 15%.Conclusions. A highly sensitive, affordable and relatively inexpensive method for the determination of mercury in urine has been developed, which will allow to diagnose with high accuracy the background contents of mercury in urine, which is especially important when inspecting workers of industries associated with the use of mercury and its compounds, as well as the population living in areas close to these industries.

Patterns of mercury accumulation in the organs of bank vole Myodes glareolus (Rodentia, Cricetidae)

Mercury (Hg) and its compounds are among the most hazardous environmental pollutants with a high cumulative potential and they can have toxic effects on human and animal health even in low concentrations. Due to the increasing rate of human economic activity and the increase in the amount of Hg in the total cycling of matter, the study of its distribution, transformation, redistribution and accumulation in the abiotic and biotic components of various ecosystems remains important up to the present time. We assessed the content of metal in organs and tissues of the bank vole Myodes (Clethrionomys) glareolus Schreber, 1780 (Rodentia, Cricetidae), a widespread small rodent, caught in different biotopes of forest-steppe and steppe zones of Voronezh region. Measurements of Hg in samples were carried out with a mercury analyzer RA-915+ with the accessory PYRO (Lumex) using the atomic absorption method of cold steam without preliminary sample preparation (the lower limit of mercury detection in samples was 0.001 mg/kg). The sample size was 344 specimens. Mean Hg concentrations ranged from values below the analytical determination threshold to 0.887 mg/kg dry weight in the kidneys, 0.411 in the liver, 0.031 in the muscle tissue, and 0.040 in the brain. A positive correlation was found between the metal content in all possible pairs of organs (except for the “muscle – brain” pair) and a weak negative correlation was found between the Hg level and the mass of the animals. Hg concentrations in the studied organs did not differ between males and females. The metal content in the liver and kidneys of voles from the forest-steppe zone was significantly higher than in those from the steppe zone. Among all studied biotopes (meadow, pine and mixed forest, shrub thickets), the lowest concentrations were observed in animals living in pine forests, while the highest one – in more humidified bush thickets. During the vegetation season, there was a decrease in the average values of animal body mass in the samples and an increase in the content of Hg in the liver and kidneys. The results of the study are relevant in the assessment of atmospheric mercury pollution of terrestrial ecosystems using small mammals, such as Myodes glareolus, as a model object.

RANCANG BANGUN SISTEM PENDINGIN SEDERHANA SAYURAN DENGAN MEDIA ES

Refrigerators are one of the alternative tools for storing vegetables so that they are not quickly damaged and rot which is currently used by many vegetable traders or housewives. Refrigeration machines certainly require electricity as a refrigerator besides not all households have refrigerators or commonly called refrigerators. Therefore it is necessary to design a simple vegetable refrigerator system with ice cube media, which does not use electricity and is very economical in addition to helping the community to store the vegetables so that they are not damaged and rot quickly. This cooling system starts from ice cubes as the main medium, which produces cold air, which is at the top of the vegetable rack and the cold steam will drop down and spread throughout the cooling room. Research conducted on how long the ice cube will melt, calculating the maximum cold temperature produced in the cooling room, looking for efficiency and comparing vegetables stored in the cool room with vegetables in the open air. Keywords: : re-bulit, refrigerator,vegetable, ice cubes

DISTRIBUTION OF MERCURY IN NATURAL AND URBAN ENVIRONMENTS OF KARELIA, NORTHWEST RUSSIA

Purpose. We studied accumulation of mercury in the main natural and urban environments of Karelia, Northwest Russia, and assessed potential sources of mercury in a human body. Methods. A total of 200 samples of soil, vegetation, water, surface water, sediments and fish were collected. An analysis of samples was carried out by cold steam atomic absorption method. Diagrams of mercury distribution in soil, birch leaves and lichens were created. Data on fish consumption by the population of Petrozavodsk and Medvezhyegorsk are studied. The concentration of mercury in fish muscles most consumed in Petrozavodsk and Medvezhyegorsk was estimated. Results. Levels of mercury accumulation in soil and vegetation in the studied settings do not exceed the standards adopted in Russia. The same was observed for mercury concentration in water and sediments. Calculation of mercury intake showed that there is a 3-fold difference in the annual intake of mercury in the human body due to differences in the structure of fish consumption in these cities. Summary. External factors do not lead to higher concentrations of mercury in the main natural and urban environments of Karelia. High concentration of mercury in biological samples of pregnant women in the Medvezhyegorsk district is due to the peculiarities of the diet of the local population - the predominance in the diet of freshwater fish (pike, perch, pike perch) caught directly in the Onega lake.

Artificial Mushroom Sponge Structure for Highly Efficient and Inexpensive Cold-Water Steam Generation.

A bioinspired structure of an artificial mushroom, made of the common polyvinyl alcohol sponge coated with charcoal, is fabricated, with high efficiency in generating cold water steam of ≈73% under 1 sun illumination, due to very high light absorption, efficient water supply, and low heat loss. In addition, the structure is very inexpensive, and thus ideal for applications in portable cold (boil‐free) steam generators for water purification and desalination.

Niveles de metales en partículas atmosféricas en la zona minera de carbón, norte de Colombia

Given the importance of the health effects of inhalable particles PM10 and metals associated with them , the levels were evaluated some metals (Al, Cr, V, Hg , Pb, Ni, Zn , Cr , As , Se, cd , Cu , Fe and Co) generated mainly by coal mining activities in the area of La Guajira , northern Colombia. All samples were subjected to a process of acid digestion and analyzed by mass spectrometry source inductively coupled plasma and the atomic absorption technique coupled with cold steam for the case of Hg. With the exception of Hg, all metals analyzed showed statistically significant differences between sampling areas. The vast majority of the metals are present in higher concentrations in the mining area, compared with the site taken as a witness located in the city of Riohacha, at a distance of 150 Km. Moreover, for the overall period metals present in higher concentrations in the dry season than in the rainy. Pb, V and Hg do not exceed the air quality standard set for Colombia, but meanwhile the Ace exceeds the permissible limit of OMS in areas throughout the sampling period. Further statistical analysis confirmed the mining activity as the main source of emission of this type of metal contaminants in the atmosphere over the region of La Guajira.