Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometer Research Articles

Determination of Element Concentration of Brewed Tea Consumed in Iran Using ICP-OES: A Risk Assessment Study.

Tea is a popular drink enjoyed by many people around the world. However, it is important to note that impurities and contaminants in tea can potentially threaten human health when consumed. The main objective of this research is to assess the concentration of 16 trace elements (As, Fe, Al, Co, B, Li, Cd, Ba, Pb, Cr, Zn, Hg, Ni, Mn, Sb, and Sn) present in different types brewed of tea by using the ICP-OES (the inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometer) device, and the human health risks related to its use were evaluated. In this study, manganese (Mn) indicated the highest mean concentration in black (917.64µg/kg) and green tea (912.89µg/kg), respectively. Our study showed that the highest mean concentration of element boron (B) was (44.36µg/kg) in Stachys lavandulifolia brewed tea. Among different packaging, tea bag samples had the highest concentration of Mn (1025.65µg/kg) and aluminum (Al) (396.63µg/kg). However, those unpacked posed the lowest content of Mn (188.13µg/kg) and Al (100.47µg/kg). The lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), and cadmium (Cd) concentrations in all samples were lower than the maximum limit of the Iranian standard and the WHO. In general, the amount of tea metal in Iranian samples was higher than in imported samples. Also, increasing the brewing time (10 min) can be effective in the solubility and extraction of metals such as B, Hg, cobalt (Co), iron (Fe), and lithium (Li). Further, the correlation between the amount of metals and type in tea samples was evaluated with principal component analysis. Based on the conducted non-carcinogenic risk assessment by the Monte Carlo simulation, the hazard index (HI), due to ingestion of heavy metals via tea in the 5-min brewing of tea, was 7.39E - 03 and 2.09E - 03, and in the 10-min brewing of tea, it was 3.20E - 02 and 9.07E - 03 for children and adults, respectively. Therefore, there was no significant non-carcinogenic risk from tea consumption.

Potential Utilization of Loess in Grouting Materials: Effects of Grinding Time and Calcination Temperature

Potential Utilization of Loess in Grouting Materials: Effects of Grinding Time and Calcination Temperature

Potassium release and mitigation by additives in different biomass combustion systems

Deposition formation on heat-exchanging surfaces and corrosion limit the use and efficiency of solid biomass combustion systems. The main influencing factors on these ash-related problems are the potassium content, the form in which the potassium is bound to the fuel matrix, and the temperature in the combustion system. To avoid these deposition problems, choosing the right fuel for a particular combustion system and vice versa is important.In this work, the temperature in fluidized bed, grate firing, and suspension combustion systems is analyzed by using the example of the power plants Altenstadt and Avedøre, as well as a European municipal solid waste incineration plant. Additionally, the temperature-resolved potassium release of ten different biofuels is analyzed in an electrothermal vaporization unit (ETV) connected to an inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometer (ICP-OES). The potential of additives to mitigate the potassium release is analyzed by adding kaolin and coal fly ash to miscanthus, torrefied wood, and beechwood.The results show that hardly any potassium is released into the gas phase at the typical temperatures of fluidized bed systems. Most of the potassium release occurs between 1000 °C and 1400 °C, the typical temperature range of grate combustion systems. This shows that reducing the temperature of the fuel on the grate could drastically reduce the potassium release. However, due to the negative effect on the efficiency, other measures, such as using additives for capturing potassium species, are favored. At the temperatures in suspension-fired combustion systems, almost all potassium is released into the gas phase, and additives cannot mitigate the release at these temperatures. Additives can shift the potassium release of miscanthus and torrefied wood while showing no positive effect when mixed with beechwood.All in all, this work enables a quantitative comparison of various biofuels and a rough evaluation of the suitability of a fuel regarding the deposition formation for different combustion systems.

Utilizing phosphonyl carboxylic acid copolymer as an efficient depressant for flotation separation of chalcopyrite from galena: Experimental and DFT study

The research proposes an innovative galena depressant, known as Phosphonyl carboxylic acid copolymer (POCA), to enhance the efficiency of flotation separation between chalcopyrite and galena. Mineral flotation tests were conducted to investigate the flotation performance of chalcopyrite and galena. The inhibition mechanism of POCA on galena was studied using multiple characterization techniques including Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometer (ICP-OES) testing, Zeta potential testing, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis, atomic force microscopy (AFM) testing, contact angle testing, time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) analysis, and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. In the flotation test, at a concentration of 10 mg/L sodium butyl xanthate (SBX) and pH 9, adding 50 mg/L POCA can reduce the flotation recovery of galena from 83.50 % to below 5 %, whereas the recovery of chalcopyrite was almost influenced. The testing conducted via ICP-OES revealed that POCA promotes the dissolution of Pb2+ from the galena surface. The adsorption of POCA on the galena surface was confirmed through zeta potential testing, XPS testing, contact angle, AFM testing, and ToF-SIMS analysis, it was noted that POCA exhibited high levels of adsorption on the galena surface. Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations suggest that the chemical interaction between the sulfonic acid present in POCA and the Pb2+ active site of galena is regarded as the primary inhibition mechanism.

Potential Toxic Metal Concentration and Risk Assessment in Agricultural Soil and Lentil Crop (Lens culinaris Medik) in Dawunt Woreda, Northwest Wollo, Ethiopia

Health implications for the population due to consuming contaminated crops have been a great concern worldwide. This study aimed to measure the levels of potential toxic elements in lentils and their growing soil in Dawunt Woreda, Ethiopia. Accordingly, 15 soil samples along with the lentil samples were collected to measure the level of potential toxic elements, including chromium (Cr), manganese (Mn), iron (Fe), lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), and cobalt (Co), by using an inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometer and for assessing the potential ecological and human health risk. The wet digestion method using aqua regia (HCl/HNO3 3 : 1) was employed for soil and lentil sample preparation. The mean concentrations of Fe, Mn, Co, Cu, Cd, Pb, and Cr in the lentil sample were 60.4, 9.68, 0.75, 5.7, 0.25, 0.9, and 1.15 mg/kg, respectively. In soil, the mean concentrations of Fe, Mn, Co, Cu, Cd, Pb, and Cr were 649, 19.9, 3.32, 40.0, 15.2, 1.83, and 69.1 mg/kg, respectively. All of the potential toxic metals in agricultural soil and lentil samples were found to be below the reference level set by the World Health Organization, except Cd, in the soil samples. Five single metal and three cumulative pollution index parameters were employed for the data and results showed that Fe, Cu, and Cr moderately pollute the soil and are highly contaminated by Cd. The cumulative pollution indices also confirmed that the extent of soil pollution varied from highly contaminated to moderate contamination. The possible health risks at various exposure routes have also been estimated. The single-metal and cumulative-metals health risks (cancer and noncancer) of adults and children due to chronic exposure to soil and consumption of lentils were estimated using the health quotient and health index values as per the United States Environmental Protection Agency guidelines. Thus, the results revealed no significant adverse health risks (cancer and noncancer) for adults and children. Therefore, the inhabitants in the study area have no significant health impacts due to either the consumption of lentil crops or exposure to agricultural soil particles.

Impacts of solid waste management site on some toxic elements contamination of the surrounding soil in Akure, Nigeria

The distribution of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) such as zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), lead (Pb), nickel (Ni), cadmium (Cd), and chromium (Cr), their potential bioavailability, extent of contamination and potential risk of dumpsite and surrounding soil samples were appraised. Three (3) soil samples were collected randomly from within the dumpsite and three (3) soil samples were also obtained 50 m away from the perimeter fence of the dumpsite. PTEs in the bulk and fractionated portions were determined using inductively coupled plasma - optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). The results showed that the concentrations of all the PTEs analysed were higher in the dumpsite soil samples than the surrounding samples, suggesting an impact of the dumpsite activities on the soil. The distribution of PTEs varied significantly within the different fractions of both the surrounding and dumpsite soils and their presence were more of anthropogenic than geogenic. The calculated contamination factor/pollution load index (CF/PLI) revealed that the surrounding soil samples fell within the range of moderate contamination, except for Cu and Cr which showed very high contamination. Cd showed the highest value (60.4) for potential ecological risk index (PERI) at the surrounding area. However, the value of Cd in the surrounding soil samples indicated a low ecological risk. The total concentrations of the PTEs were lower than their corresponding target values for both national and international standards, except for Cd (0.15 mg/kg) and Cu (37.3 mg/kg). The study concluded that the dumping of various wastes at the dumpsite was found to be a contributing factor to PTEs contamination of soil at the study area. Hence, an engineered landfill for Akure metropolis is recommended to replace the existing practice.

Heavy Metal Accumulation in Three Varieties of Mustard Grown under Five Soil Management Practices

Heavy metal pollution represents a global health issue. Different methods and technologies are adopted to mitigate the problem of heavy metal pollution. Phytoremediation has been gaining attention as an environmentally friendly method to remediate this problem. The purpose of this research is to explore the effectiveness of phytoremediation in agricultural settings to assess the effect of five soil management practices (chicken manure, sewage sludge, leaf compost, cow manure, and vermicompost) on Cd, Cu, Mo, Ni, Pb, and Zn accumulation in the mustard (leaves and pods) of three mustard Brassica juncea varieties (black mustard, yellow mustard, and mighty mustard). The accumulation in mustard was quantified using the Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometer (ICP-OES). The results showed that the bioaccumulation factor (BAF) of the three mustard varieties exceeded one (BAF > 1) for Cd and Mo. It indicates that mustard is a good accumulator of Cd and Mo, whereas BAF values for Cu, Pb, Ni, and Zn were less than one (BAF < 1). The accumulated Cu, Mo, Ni, and Zn levels were below the allowable limit, whereas the Cd and Pb levels were beyond the limit. This result indicates that the investigated mustard varieties can be grown on heavy metal polluted sites for Cd and Mo phytoremediation purposes, but care is needed with regard to Cd and Mo toxicity.

Assessment of Potential Human Health Risk Associated With Heavy Metals in Soil – Vegetables System Irrigated by Rift Valley Lake Ziway, Ethiopia

Metal contamination of vegetables is a major concern, especially in areas where irrigation has been used for a long time. The Central Ethiopian Rift Valley Region is highly affected due to the heavy use of agrochemicals throughout the year. Although some studies have been conducted on the concentration and level of heavy metal pollution, little attention has been paid to their impact on human health. This study determined the concentrations of nine metals (As, Cd, Cr, Co, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb, and Zn) in a soils and vegetables (tomatoes and onions) irrigated by Lake Ziway, Ethiopia. An inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometer (ICP-OES) was used to determine the heavy metal levels. Moreover, the study evaluated the health risks associated with consuming contaminated vegetables by employing major indices, including non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks. The results showed that the mean concentrations of Pb, As, Hg, and Cr in all tomato and onion samples and the average Zn, Pb, Cd, and Hg levels in all soil samples exceeded the FAO/WHO threshold. Non-carcinogenic health risk estimates showed that As, Pb, Hg, and Co for children and Pb and Co for adults had THQ values greater than 1, indicating the possibility of systemic health risks. Carcinogenic health risk showed that Ni posed a risk of developing cancer for both adults and children, with values ranging from 10−3 to 10−1. In addition, children are likely to have a higher cancer risk due to exposure to As and Cr. Therefore, it is crucial to raise awareness among stakeholders and implement effective monitoring policies to safeguard public health both within and beyond the study area.

Dissolution behavior of chromite mineral impurities in raw materials of glass production using scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive spectrometer, X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy methods

Silica sand is an essential raw material for glass production. The specification of silica sand for each type of glass is the most important point, such as chemical purity, grain size, grain shape, and their impurities. Some of the impurities in the sand can be eliminated by processing yet some cannot be avoided. This paper indicates that as an impurity in the sand, chromite minerals dissolve in glass. 0.200 mm and 0.250 mm grain size chromite minerals were observed grain size change at 1350 °C − 1400 °C − 1450 °C. With increasing in temperature, the rate of size change in the grain diameter increased. Because of the chemical composition of chromite mineral, with increasing temperature, first of all, aluminum and magnesium content start to dissolve in soda lime silicate glass. Then, chromium content transforms into chromium oxide. The transformation rate depends on the mineral composition as well as the temperature and the residence time in the furnace. This paper concerns the chemical composition of the chromite by scanning electron microscopy equipped with energy dispersive spectrometer, the compositions of the raw material analyzed with X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy, inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometer and chromite characteristics analyzed by Raman Spectroscopy methods.

Recovery of cathode materials from waste lithium iron phosphate batteries through ultralow temperature treatment and mechanical separation

ABSTRACT Waste lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries consist of various of metallic and nonmetallic materials, with lithium being a critical strategic resource in the new energy era. Therefore, recycling LFP batteries has become a primary means of secondary lithium resource recovery. However, the presence of the strong binder polyvnylidene fluoride during the recycling process hinders the efficient recovery and separation of cell materials. This study proposes an innovative approach for recovery, involving ultralow temperature treatment and mechanical separation. In the experimental setup, the ultralow temperature treatment temperature at −140°C for 120 min, followed by 20 s of crushing, resulted in an impressive 96.5% dissociation rate of the cathode material and a purity of 94.2% for lithium iron phosphate. The physical and chemical changes in the cathode materials before and after ultralow temperature treatment were examined using differential scanning calorimetry, scanning electron microscopy, inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometer, X-ray fluorescence spectrometer, and X-ray diffraction (XRD). This method has the advantages of low cost, high efficiency, high environmental affinity and no additional products.

Geographical origin discrimination of Anisodus tanguticus (Maxim.): Chemometrics methods applied to ICP-OES analysis

Anisodus tanguticus (Maxim.) Pascher, which is an important species used in traditional Tibetan medicine, is grown on the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau. A quantitative analysis of 18 elements in A. tanguticus and the soil was conducted using an inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometer. The elemental contents of A. tanguticus underwent principal component analysis, linear discriminant analysis, and orthogonal partial least-squares discriminant analysis. Furthermore, elemental accumulation and elemental transfer coefficients were calculated, and the correlation between environmental factors and elemental content was further explored. The multivariate statistical results indicated that A. tanguticus plants can be distinguished by their geographical origin. Elemental accumulation and transfer patterns differed significantly among the analysed elements. Some positive or negative correlation relationships were found between environmental factors and contents in root parts of A. tanguticus. The present study provides an efficient and practical method to discriminate the geographical origin of A. tanguticus from different regions.

EVALUATION OF SOME ELEMENT AND MINERAL LEVELS IN PRESCRIPTION AND NON-PRESCRIPTION DOG DIETS

Various prescription diets prescribed by veterinarians for specific diseases in dogs have been developed and introduced to the market. Trace element and mineral levels, which are essential for healthy living conditions in animals, can differ in both prescription and non-prescription foods. In our study, it was aimed to determine the levels of some elements and minerals in various prescription and non-prescription dry foods used in dog nutrition and to evaluate their therapeutic importance.In the study, a total of 100 different prescription dry food formulated for hepatic diseases (H, n=25), renal diseases (R, n=25), gastrointestinal diseases (GI, n=25) and, allergic diseases (HA, n=25) were used. Non-prescription dry foods from different flavors and brands in the market were considered as the control group (C, n=50). Copper (Cu), Iron (Fe), Manganese (Mn), Zinc (Zn), Selenium (Se), Calcium (Ca), and Phosphorus (P) levels of all dry foods were analyzed by Inductively Coupled Plasma-Optical Emission Spectrometer (ICP-OES, Thermo iCAP 6000 series) and the results were compared between groups. Statistical analysis was evaluated using SPSS 21.Cu levels in GI and HA groups were higher than in the control group (p<0.05 and p<0.01, respectively). Fe levels were higher in the GI group and lower in the HA group than in the control group (p<0.05). Mn level was significantly higher in the H group compared to the control group (p<0.001). The Mn levels in GI and HA groups were higher than the control group (p<0.01). There was no statistical difference in Se and Zn levels between prescription and non-prescription dry foods. Ca and P levels in all groups were statistically lower than in the control group (p<0.001).There are significant differences in element and mineral levels in prescription and non-prescription dry foods. These values may be out of the legal limits determined by EU Regulation. Considering the therapeutic purpose of these prescription formulas, some element and mineral amounts were determined as inappropriate. Vrednotenje vsebnosti nekaterih elementov in mineralov v predpisani in nepredpisani prehrani za pse Izvleček: Na trgu so prisotne različne diete na recept, ki jih veterinarji predpisujejo za določene bolezni psov. Vsebnost elementov v sledovih in mineralov, ki so bistveni za zdravo življenje živali, se lahko razlikuje tako v hrani na recept kot v hrani brez recepta. V naši študiji smo želeli določiti vsebnost nekaterih elementov in mineralov v različnih predpisanih in nepredpisanih suhih vrstah hrane za pse, ter oceniti njihov terapevtski pomen.V študiji je bilo uporabljenih 100 različnih vrst suhe hrane, formulirane za jetrne bolezni (H, n=25), ledvične bolezni (R, n=25), bolezni prebavil (GI, n=25) in alergijske bolezni (HA, n=25). Suha hrana brez recepta različnih okusov in blagovnih znamk na trgu je bila obravnavana kot kontrolna skupina (C, n=50). Vsebnost bakra (Cu), železa (Fe), mangana (Mn), cinka (Zn), selena (Se), kalcija (Ca) in fosforja (P) v vseh vrstah suhe hrane smo analizirali z optično emisijsko spektroskopijo z induktivno sklopljeno plazmo (ICP-OES, serija Thermo iCAP 6000) in rezultate primerjali med skupinami. Statistična analiza je bila narejena v programu SPSS 21.Vsebnost Cu v skupinah GI in HA je bila višja kot v kontrolni skupini (p<0,05 oziroma p<0,01). Vsebnost Fe je bila višja v skupini GI in nižja v skupini HA kot v kontrolni skupini (p<0,05). Raven Mn je bila bistveno višja v skupini H v primerjavi s kontrolno skupino (p<0,001). Ravni Mn v skupinah GI in HA so bile višje kot v kontrolni skupini (p<0,01). Med suho hrano na recept in suho hrano brez recepta ni bilo statistične razlike v vsebnosti Se in Zn. Vsebnosti Ca in P so bile v vseh skupinah statistično značilno nižje kot v kontrolni skupini (p<0,001).Vsebnost elementov in mineralov v suhi hrani na recept in suhi hrani brez recepta se je bistveno razlikovala. Te vrednosti so lahko izven zakonsko določenih mejnih vrednosti, ki jih določa uredba EU. Glede na terapevtski namen diete na recept smo nekatere količine elementov in mineralov določili kot neustrezne. Ključne besede: elementi; minerali; pes; hrana; recept

Determination of heavy metals concentration in commercial green tea samples by using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometer (ICP-OES)

Tea is one of the most consumed beverages across the world as it refreshes their psychic health rejuvenating them from stress. The aim of the present work is to determine the heavy metals and physicochemical parameters present in green tea (GT) made from major brands available in the local Indian market, more specifically heavy metals Arsenic (As), Cadmium (Cd), Chromium (Cr), Lead (Pb), Selenium (Se) and Zinc (Zn). A total of four samples were investigated with the Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometer (ICP-OES). Arsenic concentration was not detected in any one of the samples. Cr concentration was found to be the same in all the samples at a very low concentration of 0.001mg kg-1, Cd concentration varies from 0.04 to 0.07 mg kg-1, Pb concentration varies from 0.03 to 0.08 mg kg-1, Se concentration varies from 0.068 to 0.098 mg kg-1 and Zn concentration varies from 9.45 to 18.16 mg kg-1 respectively and their concentration levels are below the permissible limits of WHO. The concentrations of present anion groups like SO42-, S2-, NO3-, NO2-, PO43- and NH3 in the selected samples were high and might affect the health of the consumers of green tea.

Assessment of the Relationship Between Humic Acid Contents and Trace Elements of Some Agricultural Soils in Diyarbakır Region by Multivariate Statistical Methods

There are important relationships between humic acid (HA) and the bioavailability, reactions and mobility of trace elements in the soil. For this reason, soils are tried to be improved chemically, biologically and physically with HA applications. In this study, the relationship of humic acid contents of 118 agricultural soil samples from Diyarbakır region with some trace elements (Al, As, Ba, Be, Cd, Fe, Mn, Pb, Sb, Sn, Se, V and P) was evaluated by multivariate statistical analysis. After the soil samples were solubilized by the microwave wet digestion method, the element contents were determined with the ICP OES (Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometer) device. SRM NIST 2586 was used as SRM (Standard Reference Material) for the accuracy of the method. Recovery values were found between 91.6% and 105.9% as a result of the analysis. Humic acid was extracted from soils by the International Society for Humic Substances (IHSS) method and determined using a shaker and centrifuge device. For the accuracy of the method, it was tested with Humic Acid Sodium Salt (HA-Na). Pearson correlation and partial correlation analysis were applied to the obtained data set. In addition, multivariate statistical analyses such as multiple regression HCA (Hierarchical Cluster Analysis) and PCA (Principal Component Analysis) were applied. Multiple regression analysis was performed according to the Step-wise method. Manganese and P (p< 0.01) were significant when HA was taken as the dependent variable. According to the Pearson correlation coefficient, the correlation between HA and As (r = -0.282**) in soil was negative and significant, while Fe (r = 0.185*), Mn (r = 0.273**)), Sn (r = 0.242*), Se (r = 0.325**) and P (r = 0.315**) were determined as positive and significant. In clustering and PCA analysis, HA, P Mn and Fe were found to be in the same group. The analyses have shown that HA has a positive effect on the plant nutrients in the soil.

Zirconium sponge production: an integrated approach for chemical characterization of process intermediates using ICP-OES

Abstract The present paper discusses about the method developed for complete chemical characterization of Zirconium Washed and Dried Frit (WDF) and Reactor Grade ZrO2 powder which includes nonmetallic element sulphur using Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometer (ICP-OES). Studies have been carried-out on several important aspects of method development such as effect of matrix on determination of analytes, removal of matrix using different solvents, selection of interference free & sensitive wavelengths, calibration strategies like internal standard & standard addition, optimization of several instrumental parameters which includes RF power, plasma gas flow, nebulizer gas flow, nitrogen purging etc., and are discussed. A % RSD of less than 1 % for Zr and up to 3 % for other elements has been achieved in this method. The developed method has been validated using standard recovery of spiked real time samples with known amount of reference materials. Integrated approach adopted in the development of this method has resulted in reduction of analytical waste generated and also enabled to give quick analytical feedback to production plant for downstream processing.

Assessing the Bioaccumulation of Heavy Metals in Cabbage Grown under Five Soil Amendments

Increased heavy metal pollution worldwide necessitates urgent remediation measures. Phytoremediation stands as an eco-friendly technique that addresses this issue. This study aimed to investigate the applicability of phytoremediation in agricultural practices. Specifically, to evaluate the impact of five soil amendments (chicken manure, sewage sludge, leaf compost, cow manure, and vermicompost) on three cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata) varieties (Capture, Primo vantage, and Tiara) yield, quality, and the accumulation of Cd, Cu, Mo, Ni, Pb, and Zn in cabbage heads. The bioaccumulation efficiency of cabbage was determined using an inductively coupled plasma–optical emission spectrometer (ICP-OES). Analysis revealed that soil enriched with chicken manure exhibited the highest cabbage yield. Each cabbage variety demonstrated very high bioaccumulation factor (BAF) indicating substantial heavy metal accumulation. These findings underscore the potential of utilizing crops for phytoremediation to mitigate heavy metal pollution. Additionally, the concentrations of metals below the permissible limits suggest that employing crops for phytoremediation can simultaneously ensure food productivity. This study emphasizes the necessity for further research into the use of crops for remediation strategies.

Experimental study on metal removal characteristics of Zhundong coal to produce ultra-clean coal using acid-alkali method

The large-scale application of coal-based deash carbon materials has put forward growing requirements for the removal technology of ash within coal. Extensive research has demonstrated that the contents of ash and metal elements have a large influence on the performance of the coal-based electrodes made from ultra-clean coal. However, there is a lack of research on the ash and mental elemental removal characteristics of Zhundong coal. In the present study, one kind of Zhundong coal characterized by a comparatively low ash content, was utilized to examine the characteristics of ash and metals removal during the acid-alkali ash removal process. An inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometer (ICP-OES) was utilized to analyze the metal element concentrations in the solution during ash removal and the metal element contents within the coal samples. The removal characteristics of metal elements were further analyzed based on the detection results. The experimental results indicate significant improvements in the removal of ash and metals through acid-alkali multi-stage leaching. Under the specific experimental condition here, a two-stage acid-alkali ash removal process achieves coal with the lowest ash content of 1.6% and the removal of 98.0% of Fe, 95.2% of K, and 94.6% of Na, with the removal of Al reaching up to 40%. In addition, the Fe removed in the acid leaching step accounted for 95% of the total amount removed, and adding an acid pretreatment step based on acid-alkali leaching can remove 90.2% of Fe within coal. Both the acid leaching and alkali leaching steps exhibit a certain removal proportion for Al, K, and Na elements, which are closely related to the existing form of these elements within the coal. Iron-containing minerals are mostly acid soluble and distributed on the surface of coal particles. Potassium-containing minerals are mainly alkaline soluble, resulting in a removal rate of over 60% in the alkali leaching step of acid-alkali leaching combined with acid pretreatment. The low removal rate of Al (∼40%) is due to the wide variety of Al-containing minerals, such as kaolin, illite, and aluminates, which are less removed during the reaction with alkali due to temperature limitations. The present study can offer improved knowledge on mineral removal to obtain ultra-clean coal for utilization as function materials.

Heterotrophic Selenium Incorporation into Chlorella vulgaris K-01: Selenium Tolerance, Assimilation, and Removal through Microalgal Cells

Chlorella has been applied in the production of selenium (Se) enriched organic biomass. However, limited information exists regarding heterotrophic selenium tolerance and its incorporation into Chlorella. This study aimed to investigate the potential of using Chlorella vulgaris K-01 for selenium biotransformation. To assess the dose-response effect of Se stress on the strain, time-series growth curves were recorded, growth productivity parameters were calculated, and Gaussian process (GP) regression analysis was performed. The strain’s carbon and energy metabolism were evaluated by measuring residual glucose in the medium. Characterization of different forms of intracellular Se and residual Se in the medium was conducted using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometer (ICP-OES). The EC50 value for the strain in response to Se stress was 38.08 mg/L. The maximum biomass productivity was 0.26 g/L/d. GP regression analysis revealed that low-level Se treatment could increase the biomass accumulation and the carrying capacity of Chlorella vulgaris K-01 in a heterotrophic culture. The maximum organic Se in biomass was 154.00 μg/g DW. These findings lay the groundwork for understanding heterotrophic microalgal production of Se-containing nutraceuticals, offering valuable insights into Se tolerance, growth dynamics, and metabolic responses in Chlorella vulgaris K-01.

Antitumor efficacy of silver nanoparticles reduced with β-D-glucose as neoadjuvant therapy to prevent tumor relapse in a mouse model of breast cancer

Introduction: Neoadjuvant therapy constitutes a valuable modality for diminishing tumor volume prior to surgical resection. Nonetheless, its application encounters limitations in the context of recurrent tumors, which manifest resistance to conventional treatments. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have emerged as a promising alternative for cancer treatment owing to their cytotoxic effects.Methods: Cellular viability was assessed by Alamar blue assay in 4T1 breast cancer cell line. Silver biodistribution was detected by an inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometer in an in vivo mice model. For neoadjuvant evaluation, mice were randomized and treated intratumoral with AgNPs-G or intraperitoneally with doxorubicin (DOX) as a control. Recurrence was determined after 170 days by counting lung metastatic nodules (dyed with Bouin solution) with histological confirmation by H&E. Masson’s stain, Ki67 immunohistochemistry, and a TUNEL assay were performed in lungs from treated mice.Results: AgNPs-G reduced 4T1 cell viability and in an ex vivo assay the AgNPs-G decreased the tumor cell viability. After intravenous administration of AgNPs-G were detected in different organs. After intratumor administration, AgNPs-G are retained. The AgNPs-G treatment significantly reduced tumor volume before its surgical resection. AgNPs-G reduced the development of lung metastatic nodules and the expression of Ki67. TUNEL assay indicated that AgNPs-G didn’t induce apoptosis.Conclusions: We concluded that intratumor administration of AgNPs-G reduced tumor volume before surgical resection, alongside a reduction in lung metastatic nodules, and Ki67 expression. These findings provide valuable insights into the AgNPs-G potential for intratumor and neoadjuvant cancer therapies. However, further research is needed to explore their full potential and optimize their use in clinical settings.

Synthesis, Characterization of Dy2NdSbO7/Bi2WO6 Heterojunction Photocatalyst and the Application for the Photocatalytic Degradation of Chlorpyrifos under Visible Light Irradiation

A groundbreaking photocatalytic nanomaterial, Dy2NdSbO7, was fabricated smoothly using the hydrothermal synthesis technique for the first time. Apart from that, Dy2NdSbO7/Bi2WO6 heterojunction photocatalyst (DBHP) was initially fabricated using the solvothermal fabrication technique. X-ray diffractometer, Fourier-transform infrared spectrometer, Raman spectrometer, UV-visible spectrophotometer, X-ray photoelectron spectrometer, inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometer, transmission electron microscope, and X-ray energy dispersive spectroscopy have been applied to evaluate and investigate the thetastructure, morphology, and physicochemical properties of synthesized samples. The results confirmed that the pyrochlore-type crystal structures of Dy2NdSbO7 belonged to the Fd3m space group with the cubic crystal system and the β-pyrochlore-type crystal structures of Bi2WO6 which belonged to the Pca21 space group with orthorhombic crystal system. Under visible light exposure for 155 min (VLP-155min) using DBHP in the capacity of the photocatalytic nanomaterial, the removal efficiency of chlorpyrifos (CPS) saturation reached 100%. Comparison of CPS removal efficiency after VLP-155min revealed that DBHP exhibited higher removal efficiency than Dy2NdSbO7, Bi2WO6, or N-doped TiO2 photocatalyst, with removal efficiency 1.15 times, 1.23 times, or 2.55 times higher, respectively. Furthermore, the oxidizing capability of free radicals was investigated using trapping agents. Results demonstrated that superoxide anions exhibited the strongest oxidative capability, followed by hydroxyl radicals and holes. The results presented in this study lay a robust groundwork for future investigations and advancements in the field of highly efficient heterostructure material. These findings have significant implications for the development of environmental remediation strategies and provide valuable insights into sustainable solutions for addressing CPS contamination.