Concentration Of Mixture Research Articles

Experimental Study of the Generation of Pore Gas Pressure in Pyroclastic Density Currents Resulting From Eruptive Fountain Collapse

AbstractPyroclastic density currents formed through collapse of eruptive fountains commonly have runout distances of the order of tens of kilometers. A possible cause of this high flow mobility is elevated interstitial pore gas pressure, which may have various origins. We investigated experimentally the generation of pore pressure at the impact zone of an eruptive fountain, where concentrated pyroclastic density currents emerge from compaction of a free falling gas‐particle mixture. We simulated pyroclastic fountain collapse by releasing glass beads of mean sizes of 29–269 µm from a hopper at height of 3.27 m above a 5 m‐long horizontal channel, and we measured pore air pressure in the impact zone. During free fall, the granular mixtures accelerated and expanded to reach particle concentrations of 1.6–4.4 vol.% before they impacted the base of the channel. Upon impact, the particles accumulated to form concentrated granular flows with particle concentrations of 45–48 vol.% and pore air pressures that indicated almost full weight support for particle sizes ≤76 µm. Both the amount of pore pressure in the impact zone and the flow runout distance increased as we decreased the particle size and hence the hydraulic permeability of the concentrated granular mixtures. Our results suggest that pore gas pressure in concentrated pyroclastic density currents can be generated at the impact zone of collapsing fountains and that small particle size conferring low permeability and long pore pressure diffusion timescale is one of the main causes of long flow runout distances.

Simultaneous Detection of CO and NO2 Gases using Interaction Analysis of SnS2 Sensor Array Response

Developing a multi-analyte gas sensing system that simultaneously detects trace levels of CO and NO2 at low temperatures is necessary for the Internet of Things (IoT) based air quality monitoring applications. Nevertheless, gas sensors operating at low temperatures are nonspecific and rarely detect target gases at lower ppb levels in the air. Herein, an array of two SnS2 sensors with different bias voltages has been developed and characterized upon exposure to individual and binary mixtures of CO and NO2 gases at different concentrations. The developed gas sensors array achieved the lower detection limit of 45 ppb for NO2 and 150 ppb for CO. Further, co-adsorption-induced interaction analysis was carried out to predict the target gas concentration in the binary mixture using the mixed gas response. The mean absolute percentage error of 7.86% is observed in predicting the target gas concentrations in the binary mixture, which indicates the high prediction accuracy of proposed method. As a minimal resource intensive approach, the proposed method can be used in air quality monitoring applications that require low-power and low-cost sensors.

Spatiotemporal distribution, source analysis and ecological risk assessment of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in the Bohai Bay, China

As a class of persistent organic pollutants (POPs), the spatial and temporal distribution of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in seawater is important for environmental assessment. Surface water samples were collected from 35 stations during summer and 36 stations during autumn of 2020 in the Bohai Bay. The concentration, composition, distribution and sources of PCBs were analyzed to assess the ecological impact of PCBs. The average concentration of ∑18PCBs was 124.6 ng/L (range of 28.1–445.5 ng/L) in summer and 122.8 ng/L (range of 21.0–581.4 ng/L) in autumn. PCBs in surface seawater of the Bohai Bay showed high near-shore and low far-shore characteristics, indicating the serious influence of land-based sources such as port activities and river inputs. Proportion analysis showed that Tetra-PCBs and Penta-PCBs were the major constituents in most stations. It was assessed as moderate and high risk (MRQ > 0.1) by mixture risk quotient (MRQ) and concentration addition (CA) model in surface seawater of the Bohai Bay. Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to explain the sources of PCBs in the Bohai Bay. PCBs in the Bohai Bay may come from commercial PCBs and their incineration products, municipal landfills, wood and coal combustion, and industrial activities, etc.

A numerical model for the transport and drying of solutions in thin porous media — Coffee-stain effect and solute ring formation

We have developed a comprehensive numerical model for the transport and drying of solutions in thin porous media that consist of permeable fibers such as paper. We explicitly account for the gas-phase transport dynamics. Moreover, we introduce an empirical relation for the concentration- and molecular-weight dependence of the pore-fiber transport rate of the solutes. These two key elements enable us for the first time to realistically model two important phenomena relevant to inkjet printing technology. The first is the equivalent of the coffee-stain effect for dilute solutions in porous media. The second is the formation of solute rings for concentrated aqueous mixtures of compounds with a molecular weight significantly above that of water. Whereas the first is governed by spatially non-uniform solvent evaporation, the second case is dominated by solvent-mediated pore-fiber transport. We achieved a good qualitative agreement with the available experimental data.

Optimizing the Production of Silver Nanoparticles Using Mimosa Diplotricha Leaf Extract

Plant extracts are applicable over the other biological sources due to the availability and ability to act as stabilizing agent during the green nanoparticle synthesise. The present study evaluates the possibility of synthesising silver nanoparticles (SNPs) using plant leaf extracts of invasive weed Mimosa diplotricha. Biological and physical properties of synthesising Silver NPs were also evaluated using the UV-Vis spectroscopy (UV-Vis) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). To determine the best volume ratio of leaf extract, salt and temperature condition, an experiment was carried out 1:1 and 1:9 (V/V) ratios reacted with (2 mM) of Silver Nitrate under room temperature and 60-80 0C temperature condition. The colour-change conformed formation of Silver NPs. The broad peak obtained at 420-460 nm with UV–Vis surface plasmon resonance studies confirmed that the synthesised nanoparticles were Silver NPs. SEM microscopic studies revealed that spherical shape nanoparticles were formed with the average sizes 28.20 nm. This study shows that M. diplotricha mediated SNPs production is dependent on the concentration, incubation time and temperature of the reaction mixture. The best ratio of plant extract and AgNO3 is 1:1 to optimize the production of SNPs. The temperature range 60-80oC promotes higher SNPs production comparative to the room temperature. Green synthesised SNPs are poly-dispersed without forming agglomeration. Based on the observations, it is possible to conclude that M. diplotricha leaf extract is an effective source for SNPs production. This study is useful to optimize protocols for biological synthesis of SNPs using other plants.

Toxicity of binary-metal mixtures (As, Cd, Cu, Fe, Hg, Pb and Zn) in the euryhaline rotifer Proales similis: Antagonistic and synergistic effects

Data regarding the effects of binary metal mixtures in marine zooplankton are scarce, particularly for rotifers. We examined the toxicity of 21 binary equitoxic mixtures of As, Cd, Cu, Fe, Hg, Pb, and Zn on the euryhaline rotifer Proales similis. The toxic units (TU50) revealed that 20 of these binary mixtures exhibited synergistic effects (TU50 < 1.00). The AsHg mixture showed a strong antagonistic effect (TU50 = 2.39), whereas the HgCu interaction exhibited a significant synergistic effect (TU50 = 0.29) on P. similis. TU50 values were <0.60 in all cases that showed synergism (80 %). Regarding the MIXTOX analysis, 13 binary mixtures presented some level of synergism, while two mixtures presented only additivity. Results emphasize the need for environmental agencies to revise and readjust protection guidelines for marine biota in response to the evident synergistic effects occurring at metal mixtures concentrations below the current permissible limits.

Binary mixtures of imidacloprid and thiamethoxam do not appear to cause additive toxicity in fathead minnow larvae (Pimephales promelas).

Introduction: Considerable use of neonicotinoid insecticides has resulted in their detection in surface waters globally, with imidacloprid (IM) and thiamethoxam (TM) frequently found together. Neonicotinoids are selective agonists for invertebrate nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChR) leading to paralysis and death. While not overtly toxic to vertebrates, growing evidence suggests that chronic exposure to individual neonicotinoids can cause adverse health effects in fish. This work examined whether chronic exposure to binary mixtures of imidacloprid (IM) and thiamethoxam (TM) would be more toxic to fathead minnow (Pimephales promelas) larvae than either insecticide alone. Materials and Methods: Embryos were exposed to a 1:1 mixture of IM and TM (0.2, 2, 20, 200 or 2,000μg/L of each pesticide) or a 1:5, 1:10, or 1:20 mixture of IM and TM (0.02μg/L of IM with 0.1, 0.2, or 0.4μg/L of TM) for a total of 8days. Survival, developmental toxicity, embryonic motor activity, and startle escape responses were quantified. Results: Survival and growth were reduced, and hatching induced by exposure to a 1:1 mixture containing > 2μg/L of each insecticide, but not following exposure to mixtures containing environmentally-relevant concentrations. Acute exposure to a 1:1 mixture did not alter embryonic motor activity; however, chronic exposure to these mixtures resulted in a slight but significant decrease in embryonic movements. Only 1:1 mixtures of high concentrations of IM and TM altered the startle escape response by increasing latency of response; however, a significant proportion of fish exposed to 1:1 mixtures had altered latency and burst speed. Taken together, these behavioral indicators of nAChR activation suggest that in mixtures, neonicotinoids could interfere with nAChR signaling despite their low affinity for the nAChR. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that toxicity of binary mixtures of IM and TM is primarily driven by IM, and that mixtures of IM with TM do not appear to cause significant additive toxicity when compared with our previous studies evaluating each neonicotinoid alone. Given the limited toxicological data available for mixtures of neonicotinoid insecticides in fish, further study is required to better understand the ecological risks these insecticides may pose to aquatic ecosystems.

Mite biodiversity on vegetables in plastic-houses and the efficacy of an essential oil mixture on Tetranychus urticae and Phytoseiulus persimilis

ABSTRACTWe surveyed the mite fauna on three vegetable crops (cucumber, eggplant, and pepper) in plastic-houses throughout the autumn of 2020 by taking weekly leaf samples. These samples revealed several plant-feeding and predatory mites belonging to 13 species in ten genera and five families, as well as some insect pests. Tetranychus urticae Koch (Tetranychidae) was a significant pest in all three crops and Integrated Pest Management (IPM) control was used for its control. A bioassay was performed to evaluate the effect of a mixture of essential oils (clove, lavender, eucalyptus, and sweet orange) on T. urticae and its associated predator, Phytoseiulus persimilis Athias-Henriot (Phytoseiidae). The lethal concentration of this essential oil mixture determined by laboratory bioassay, was used on eggplant and cucumber crops in plastic-houses. The active ingredients of the tested oil mixture were determined using GC-MS analysis of the mixed essential oil. The total constituents of the mixed essential oil were identified as 43 compounds, primarily d-limonene, but also monoterpenes, sesquiterpens, diterpens, sestetraterpens, triterpens, and tetraterpens.

Evaluation the Toxicity of Heavy Metal Mixtures in Anecic Earthworms (Aporrectodea giardi).

Using earthworms as bioindicators of heavy metal contamination in soils is a relevant tool for environmental risk monitoring. This study examines the combined effects of four distinct concentrations mixtures (M1, M2, M3 and M4) containing Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Fe and Mn on Aporrectodea giardi earthworms after 12 and 24days (12D/24D) of exposure via the monitoring of certain biomarkers of stress including total protein content, glutathione (GSH), metallothionein (MT), catalase and lipoxygenase (LOX) activities. The results show a decrease in the total protein level for the M3 mixture after 24D, whereas it increases for all other treatments regardless of exposure time. Glutathione and metallothionine levels increased for M2 and M3 and decreased for M1 and M4 after 12D; they increased after 24D for all the mixtures. Regarding enzyme activities, catalase activity was decreased for all the treatments unless for M3 (P > 0.05). However, LOX increased for M1, M2 and M4 except for M3 after 12D, when inhibition of this biomarker was observed. LOX activity was inhibited for all the mixtures at the end of the treatment. All the mixtures generated oxidative stress in Aporrectodea giardi, which is minimized by increasing MT levels to remove the metal ions and triggering the antioxidant system, composed primarily of GSH and LOX to restore cellular homeostasis. These findings suggest that the species Aporrectodea giardi could be an excellent candidate for ecotoxicological risk assessment of soils contaminated by metal mixtures and it can be used in bioremediation for its fitness which allows it to tolerate high concentrations of metal mixtures.

Analysis of Heavy Metal Contaminants and Mobility in Sewage sludge-soil Mixtures for Sustainable Agricultural Practices

This study presents a comprehensive analysis of the potential utilization of sewage sludge in agriculture, focusing on the assessment of heavy metal contaminants and their mobility in sewage sludge-soil mixtures. The innovative approach of investigating heavy metal fractions in these mixtures sheds light on their environmental implications. In this study, sludge and soil samples from three different soil categories were collected, and the mobility of heavy metals was investigated using sequential BCR analysis. A thorough assessment of the risk of environmental contamination associated with the agricultural use of sludge was also carried out. This study included the calculation of various risk indicators, such as the Geoaccumulation Index of heavy metals in soil (Igeo), the risk assessment code (RAC), and the author’s element mobility ratio (EMR), which included a comparison of the overall metal concentrations in sludge, soil, and mixtures. This study demonstrates that the key to using sludge is to know the form of mobility of the metals present in the sludge and how they behave once they are introduced into the soil.

Inorganic nanoparticles fabricated alginate based nanocomposites for the treatment of brilliant blue dye

The present research work addresses the importance and preparation of polyurethane-sodium alginate (PU-NaAL) composite and silver nanoparticles fabricated PU-NaAL (Ag@PU-NaAL) nanocomposites. Polyurethane was fabricated with sodium alginate to enhance its mechanical properties as well as maintained biocompatibility of the polymer. These polymers based composites were used as micro-reactors for the loading of AgNPs. SPR band appeared at 410 nm in UV–visible (UV-visible) spectra confirmed the successful fabrication of NPs. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) illustrated the involvement of carbonyl group in the stabilization of mNPs. Thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA) gives the interpretation of thermal behavior of nanocomposite polymer. It explained that AgNPs were remained stabilized even at high temperature (600 °C) at which major part of polymer campsite was degraded. This analysis also showed that 9.378% AgNPs contents were loaded in polymer chains to prepare nanocomposite. Catalytic activity of Ag@PU-NaAL nanocomposite polymers was investigated by reducing brilliant blue (BB) dye while using NaBH4 as reductant. Dye was degraded catalytically in just 17 min while using NaBH4 as reducing agent. It was also concluded that rate of reduction of BB was also changed by changing the amount of BB dye, NaBH4 concentration and catalyst dose in the reaction mixture. Reported catalyst was also found efficient for the treatment of mixture of toxic dyes and dyes polluted textile industry wastewater.

Applying artificial neural networks to solve the inverse problem of evaluating concentrations in multianalyte mixtures from biosensor signals

We investigate the ill-posedness of the inverse biosensor problem when the biosensor signals are corrupted by noise. To solve the problem, we employ feed-forward and convolutional neural networks. Computational experiments were performed with different levels of additive and multiplicative noises for the batch and flow injection analysis modes of the biosensor. Obtained results show that the largest errors of recovered concentrations are located on the edges of the training domain. We have found that the inverse problem is less ill-posed in the flow injection analysis mode and concentrations can be reliably recovered for higher levels of noise compared to the batch mode. This finding is confirmed by the application of the DIRECT global optimization method to the considered inverse biosensor problem.

Effective separation of V(IV) and Fe(III) from sulfuric acid solution by solvent extraction with P507 and N235

A selective and highly effective method is proposed for the extraction and separation of V(IV) and Fe(III) using the trioctyl tertiary amine (N235) and 2-ethylhexyl hydrogen-2-ethylhexylphosphonate (P507). Various solvent extractants for extracting and separating V(IV) and Fe(III) have been studied; P507 and N235 appear to be the most active solvent extractants offering high extraction efficiency and separation factor. The effect of pH, composition and concentration of extractant mixture on the extraction efficiency and separation factor was investigated using the general conditions of 1:1 (v/v) organic to aqueous ratio and 0.2 g/L and 0.5 g/L of V(IV) and Fe(III), respectively. Results showed that the maximum separation factor was 31, and the extraction efficiencies of Fe(III) and V(IV) were 89.4% and 15.3%, respectively, under the conditions of initial solution pH of 1.2, VP507:VN235 of 1:2 and total extractant concentration of 30% (v/v). The hydrogen bond (N-H+···O=P) between P507 and N235 was generated upon mixing, which produced the P507 monomer as indicated by the slope analysis, software simulation, and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectral analysis. The monomer of P507 can heighten the extraction efficiency, as well as effectively weaken the stability of vanadium containing extraction complex. In addition, the extraction complexes [2(R3NH···OP(O)R2)VO]2+ and [3(R3NH···OP(O)R2)Fe]3+ were formed by a cation exchange process. The mixed extraction system extracted and separated V(IV) and Fe(III) more effectively than that by pure P507 or N235.

Anti-discoloration effect of phytochemicals mixture extracted from mango leaf (Mangifera indica), guava leaf (Psidium guajava), and green tea residue (Camellia sinensis var. sinensis cv. Chin-shin Dah-pang) on stored Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fillets

Discoloration is a critical limitation in the storage of fish meat. In this study, the antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of phytochemicals extracted from mango leaf, guava leaf, and green tea residue and a mixture of these phytochemicals (1:1:1, w/w/w) were initially evaluated in vitro. Compared with the individual byproducts, the mixture exhibited higher antioxidant and antimicrobial activities and was selected for use as a feed or processing additive. The half-maximal inhibitory concentration of the phytochemicals mixture for 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl scavenging activity was calculated as 10.46 μg/mL. In addition, the minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration of the mixture against Aeromonas hydrophila, Edwardsiella tarda, Escherichia coli, Lactococcus garvieae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, and Streptococcus iniae ranged from 0.20 to 12.50 mg/mL. Nile tilapia were fed with diets containing different concentrations of the phytochemicals mixture, namely 0.0% (control), 0.5%, 1.0%, and 2.0%, for a duration of 8 weeks before filleting. The results indicated that the growth performance of the fish was not affected by the phytochemicals mixture. In the immersion treatment, half of the fillets from the control group were immersed in a solution containing a 1 mg/mL phytochemicals mixture and air-dried. During the storage period, chromatic analysis revealed a stable increase in the CIE b* value, with both dietary and immersion treatments significantly inhibiting discoloration (p < 0.05). Overall, both the peroxide value and total plate count results indicated that the anti-discoloration effect of the phytochemicals mixture was primarily ascribed to its antioxidant properties.

EXTRACTION OPTIMIZATION AND PHENOLIC COMPOUNDS ANALYSIS IN FICUS CARICA L. FRUITS BY HIGH-PERFORMANCE LIQUID CHROMATOGRAPHY METHOD

One of the important tasks of modern pharmacology and pharmacy is the search and development of safe and effective medicines. On the pharmaceutical market of Ukraine, there is a trend of development of organic chemistry and the emergence of new synthetic medicines. However, the search and in-depth study of plant raw materials remains relevant, as medicinal products based on it show low toxicity and have high indicators of biological activity. According to literature sources, ripe fruits of Ficus carica L. of the Moraceae family are a promising object for further research. It is known that the fruits of Ficus carica L. contain a whole complex of biologically active substances that provide them with antioxidant, antiinflammatory, choleretic and antispasmodic effects. The aim of the work was to study the qualitative composition and quantitative content of biologically active compounds of phenolic nature in ripe fruits of Ficus carica L. by the method of high-performance liquid chromatography. The fruits of Ficus carica L. were extracted under different conditions and methods of extraction. Various concentrations of the water-ethanol mixture (30%, 50% and 70%) were chosen as the solvent, with a ratio of solvent to plant material of 1:8 and grinding of the plant material to a size of 5 mm. A series of extractions was carried out in a Soxhlet apparatus and by the maceration method until the target product was completely extracted. The main criterion for evaluating the optimal conditions and extraction method was the quantitative content of phenolic compounds, which was determined spectrophotometrically according to the Folin-Chocalteu method in terms of gallic acid. It was established that the optimal conditions that ensure the maximum extraction of polyphenolic compounds from plant raw materials are the use of 70% alcohol as an extractant when using both extraction methods. It has also been proven that higher rates of target product yield are observed when extracted in a Soxhlet apparatus. Using the method of high-performance liquid chromatography at a wavelength of 225 nm, it was established that the extract of Ficus carica L. contains such groups of phenolic compounds as: phenolic acids (101.4 μg/ml), catechins (98.08 μg/ml), catechin-like substances (599.29 μg/ml), flavanols (1.07 μg/ml), flavonol-like (43.10 μg/ml), flavonoids (99.15 μg/ml). The total content of polyphenolic compounds in the studied sample of the extract from the fruits of Ficus carica L. is 1420.28 μg/ml, where the share of unidentified compounds is 478.19 μg/ml.

Synthesis and Characterization of a Novel Imidazolium Short‐Chain Fluorocarbon Surfactant as a Potential Agent for Aqueous Film Forming Foam

AbstractTo explore novel hydrophilic groups of short‐chain fluorocarbon surfactants for aqueous film‐forming foam (AFFF), an original surfactant (S‐im) with a unique imidazolium structure was developed. The intermediate and S‐im were identified by FT‐IR and NMR, validating the mild synthesis route. MS spectrum correspondingly verified the molecular weight of S‐im (329.07). TGA analysis further revealed that S‐im showed satisfied thermal stability before 200 °C. Due to the synergism effect, equimolar S‐im/C6H13NaO3S (6.29 mmol/L) maintained a low surface tension of 17.81 mN/m. Likewise, the high surface activity of the equimolar mixture contributed to its spreading on different hydrocarbon fuels. We adjusted the mixture concentration to 20 mmol/L based on applicable standards to obtain a moderate foam expansion (9.7) and an opportune drained time (323 s). The mixture exerted a promising performance. All flames caused by investigated fuels were extinguished in 75 seconds, with burnback time exceeding 14 minutes, indicating a significant field application potential.

Comparative evaluation of native top feeds of western Himalayas for utilization as goat's ration in mash and block form.

The current research was undertaken to scrutinize the effect of leaf meal mixture as concentrate mixture in the ration of goats. Leaf meal mixture (LMM) was prepared using equal quantities of ten top-foliages namely Acacia nilotica, Celtis australis, Ficus palmata, Ficus religiosa, Grewia optiva, Melia azadarach, Morus alba, Quercus incana, Salix alba and Zizyphus jujube obtained from district Poonch of Jammu region in western Himalayas. The LMM prepared was substituted for 15% in the concentrate mixture being fed to the goats. The study constituted of two trials. Concentrate mixture offered to the animals was in mash and multi-nutrient block in first and second trial respectively. A total of twelve non-descript, adult male goats were selected for each trial. Goats of 0-14months age (27.71 ± 2.96kg live body weight) of for first trial while goats of 12-16months age (27.02 ± 2.93kg live weight) for second trial were divided into control and treatment groups as per randomized block design and fed ad-lib wheat straw and concentrate mixture @ (20g/kgW0.75). No significant variation was observed (p > 0.05) in body weight, feed and DM intake among all groups in both trials. Comparable intake as well as digestibility of various nutrients like DM, OM, CP, EE, CF, NFE, NDF, ADF and TDN were found between the two groups during individual trials. There was a positive nitrogen, calcium and phosphorus balance among all experimental animals in both the trials. Serum enzymes ALT, AST and haemato-biochemical parameters like total protein, albumin, globulin, albumin: globulin and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) showed no significant differences during both trials in all groups, being within normal physiological levels. However, haemoglobin concentration was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in treatment group with respect to the control group in first trial. On the basis of current results, it can be established that leaf meal mixture can successfully be used to replace concentrate mixture up to 15% in the ration of goats without expecting any adverse impacts on their growth and overall health.

Benchmark dose estimation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons exposure base on Bayesian kernel machine regression

Objective: To explore benchmark dose (BMD) estimations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) based on Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) . Methods: A total of 155 adult residents of a coking plant in Shanxi Province who were surveyed in summer (June to August) from 2014 to 2019 were selected as the research objects. Fasting elbow vein blood of the subjects was collected in the morning for automatic analysis and detection of blood routine. Morning urine samples were collected for automatic analysis and detection of urine routine and urine creatinine detection. BKMR model combined with BMD method was used to calculate the acceptable doses of PAHs exposure on red blood cell damage in non-occupational population. Results: The concentration of hydroxylpolycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (OH-PAHs) in the red blood cells abnormal group (n=117) was significantly higher than that in the normal group (n=38) (P<0.01). In the combined effect of OH-PAHs, 2-hydrol-naphthalene contributed the most, and the posterior inclusion probability (PIP) value was 0.9354. When OH-PAHs ≥P(55) concentration, the joint effect on the risk of red blood cell abnormalities increased as the concentration of the OH-PAHs mixture increased. When OH-PAHs were at P(65) and P(75) concentrations, respectively, the risk of red blood cell abnormalities in adults were 3.09 and 4.98 times that of OH-PAHs at P(50) concentrations, respectively. Compared with high concentration, low concentration of OH-PAHs exposure was more sensitive to red blood cell darmage. The acceptable doses of 8 kinds of OH-PAHs were 1.010 μmol/mol Cr (2-hydrol-naphthalene), 0.743 μmol/mol Cr (1-hydrol-naphthalene), 0.901 μmol/mol Cr (2-hydroxy-fluorene) and 0.775 μmol/mol Cr (1-hydroxy-phenanthrene), 0.737 μmol/mol Cr (1-hydroxy-pyrene), 0.607 μmol/mol Cr (9-hydroxy-fluorene), 0.713 μmol/mol Cr (2-hydroxy-phenanthrene) and 0.628 μmol/mol Cr (3-hydroxybenzo[a] pyrene), respectively. Conclusion: OH-PAHs mixture has positive combined effect on red blood cell damage in non-occupational population, and low concentration of OH-PAHs exposure is more sensitive to red blood cell damage. It is recommended that the exposure dose of PAHs should be controlled within 1 μmol/mol Cr.

Characterization and development of Novel Whey-based Fermented Fruit Beverages

Fermented beverages are developed from fruits or cereals or nuts. The development of the beverage changes with the composition of the ingredient, the inoculum and the fermentation conditions. Milk-based fermented beverages are also available commercially. Whey is one of the waste milk products rich in proteins and can be considered for the development of beverages using fruits with rich medicinal value. The current study aims at developing a whey-based fruit-mixed fermented beverage (WFFB). Blueberry, kokum and pomegranate fruit pulps have been considered to prepare whey-based fermented beverages. The characteristic parameters are assessed prior to and post-development of beverages including organoleptic analysis. The results indicated concentration and type of the fruit mixture influence the beverage characteristics and richness with phytochemical composition. The organoleptic studies indicated that whey-based plum and pomegranate beverages are in consumer demand. These novel beverages with increased nutritional value, attractive colors, fruity smells, low alcoholic concentration, eco-friendly and best from waste play a significant role for preferred start-ups.

Rugby-ball-like Zinc molybdate electrodes for Li-ion battery anode applications

ZnMoO4 nanostructures with varying morphologies were synthesized using a simple hydrothermal technique, employing different Zn to Mo ratios. Various analytical techniques were employed to characterize both the structure and morphology of the ZnMoO4 nanostructures. As the Zn concentration in the reaction mixture was systematically increased, a transformation in morphology from non-uniform particles to uniform rugby-ball-like structures occurred. Additionally, there was a notable phase transition from predominantly α-ZnMoO4 phase to primarily β-ZnMoO4 phase. At a current density of 0.1 A g−1, the β-ZnMoO4 exhibited an initial discharge capacity of 2249 mAh g−1, while maintaining remarkable reverse rate capacity of 883 mAh g−1 even at a high current density of 0.2 A g−1. This uniform rugby-ball-like morphology favors Li-ion diffusion and ease of ion transfer from the electrode surface to electrolyte. The estimated gravimetric energy density LiCoO2//ZnMoO4 is 511 Wh kg−1, which is better than that of conventional LiCoO2//graphite (398 Wh kg−1). These findings underscore the exceptional properties of ZnMoO4, positioning it as a highly promising anode material for lithium-ion battery applications.