Harmful Metals Research Articles

Diversity and activity of soil biota at a post-mining site highly contaminated with Zn and Cd are enhanced by metallicolous compared to non-metallicolous Arabidopsis halleri ecotypes.

Hyperaccumulators' ability to take up large quantities of harmful heavy metals from contaminated soils and store them in their foliage makes them promising organisms for bioremediation. Here we demonstrate that some ecotypes of the zinc hyperaccumulator Arabidopsis halleri are more suitable for bioremediation than others, because of their distinct influence on soil biota. In a field experiment, populations originating from metal-polluted and unpolluted soils were transplanted to a highly contaminated metalliferous site in Southern Poland. Effects of plant ecotypes on soil biota were assessed by measurements of feeding activity of soil fauna (bait-lamina test) and catabolic activity and functional diversity of soil bacteria underneath A. halleri plants (Biolog® ECO plates). Chemical soil properties, plant morphological parameters, and zinc concentration in shoots and roots were additionally evaluated. Higher soil fauna feeding activity and higher bacterial community functional diversity were found in soils affected by A. halleri plants originating from metallicolous compared to non-metallicolous ecotypes. Differences in community-level physiological profiles further evidenced changes in microbial communities in response to plant ecotype. These soil characteristics were positively correlated with plant size. No differences in zinc content in shoots and roots, zinc translocation ratio, and plant morphology were observed between metallicolous and non-metallicolous plants. Our results indicate strong associations between A. halleri ecotype and soil microbial community properties. In particular, the improvement of soil biological properties by metallicolous accessions should be further explored to optimize hyperaccumulator-based bioremediation technologies.

GREEN SYNTHESIS AND CHARACTERIZATION OF CODOPED ZnO NANOPARTICLES VIA THE ACCUMULATION OF COBALT ION ONTO PISTIA (Pistia stratiotes L.,) PLANT TISSUE AND ITS PHOTOCATALYTIC ACTIVITY TOWARD ORGANOSULFUR POLLUTANTS

Water pollution has recently become a serious global problem and hence researchers were focusing to develop innovative methods for the purification of water and then getting access to purified water by reducing pollution. As a result, the current study concentrated on synthesizing cobalt-doped zinc oxide nanoparticles by accumulating cobalt ions on Pistia (Pistiastratiotes L.) plant tissue and combining them with zinc acetate precursor. Further, the synthesized particles were analyzed for their efficiency in photo-desulphurization of organo sulphur compounds such as Dibenzothiophene and 2,5-dimethyl thiophene. Various characterization studies proved that the nanoparticles were oval in shape and had particle sizes of 8-34 nm and the particles were distributed with less aggregation. The particles have 47 % of zinc element and 21% cobalt with hexagonal (wurtzite) crystalline structure. The synthesized Co-doped ZnO nanoparticles were utilized for the desulfurization of Sulphur containing pollutants such as dibenzothiophene and 2,5-dimethyl thiophene. The results proved that rapid desulfurization was observed during the initial time of the study. The % desulfurization of 14.36±0.136 and 19.63±0.201% was observed within 5 min of the study for dibenzothiophene and 2,5-dimethyl thiophene. Whereas the high % desulfurization was noticed within less time of 25 min wherein the % desulfurization was observed to be 95.61±0.279 and 93.66±0.137 for dibenzothiophene and 2,5-dimethyl thiophene respectively. The removal of harmful heavy metals utilizing the Pistia plant and recycling in the wastewater treatment process may therefore be inferred as being highly valued. Additionally, the Co-doped ZnO photocatalysts might improve photocatalytic activity owing to the catalysts' porosity and the hole recombination and electron suppression.

Critical Review of Sameera Pannaga Rasa: A Kupipakwa Rasayana Yoga

One of the most advanced branches of Ayurveda is Rasashastra which deals with the transformation of harmful metals and minerals into herbomineral drugs non-toxic substances. They are prepared using a wide range of methods and one of them is Kupipakwa rasayana which is known for its best efficacy and rapid action even in low dose. The effectiveness of Ayurvedic medicine has been tested over time. For evaluated information of Sameera Pannaga Rasa SPR original research articles were searched from different journals. Clinically it has been proven safe and effective in treatment of various diseases like asthma rheumatic arthritis ankylosing spondylitis cervical spondylosis allergic rhinitis etc. One of the herbomineral formulation is Sameera Pannaga Rasa SPR which is most effective and hugely used in various ailments. There are different SPR with various constituents available in Ayurvedic text. Hence here is an effort to review its components and utilization in various diseases. lsquoSammerarsquo means lsquovatarsquo and lsquopannagarsquo means lsquoserpentrsquo also said as synonyms of lsquoVasukirsquo. It implies that the combination can control or kill lsquovatarsquo like a serpent. SPR consists of Parada gandhaka haratala manahshila and Gouripashana the arsenal drugs ldquotrimallardquo is used here which is very effective in kaphavrita vatavyadhi as it has ushna virya and sara guna. As a bhavna dravya tulasi swarasa is used which is Kapha vata hara and also proven effective in Kaphaja vyadhi. Nagaballi as an anupana has also been proven to be effective over vata and kapha vyadhi.

Generation of an accurate CCSD(T)/CBS data set and assessment of DFT methods for the binding strengths of group I metal-nucleic acid complexes.

Accurate information about interactions between group I metals and nucleic acids is required to understand the roles these metals play in basic cellular functions, disease progression, and pharmaceuticals, as well as to aid the design of new energy storage materials and nucleic acid sensors that target metal contaminants, among other applications. From this perspective, this work generates a complete CCSD(T)/CBS data set of the binding energies for 64 complexes involving each group I metal (Li+, Na+, K+, Rb+, or Cs+) directly coordinated to various sites in each nucleic acid component (A, C, G, T, U, or dimethylphosphate). This data have otherwise been challenging to determine experimentally, with highly accurate information missing for many group I metal-nucleic acid combinations and no data available for the (charged) phosphate moiety. Subsequently, the performance of 61 DFT methods in combination with def2-TZVPP is tested against the newly generated CCSD(T)/CBS reference values. Detailed analysis of the results reveals that functional performance is dependent on the identity of the metal (with increased errors as group I is descended) and nucleic acid binding site (with larger errors for select purine coordination sites). Over all complexes considered, the best methods include the mPW2-PLYP double-hybrid and ωB97M-V RSH functionals (≤1.6% MPE; <1.0kcal/mol MUE). If more computationally efficient approaches are required, the TPSS and revTPSS local meta-GGA functionals are reasonable alternatives (≤2.0% MPE; <1.0kcal/mol MUE). Inclusion of counterpoise corrections to account for basis set superposition error only marginally improves the computed binding energies, suggesting that these corrections can be neglected with little loss in accuracy when using larger models that are necessary for describing biosystems and biomaterials. Overall, the most accurate functionals identified in this study will permit future works geared towards uncovering the impact of group I metals on the environment and human biology, designing new ways to selectively sense harmful metals, engineering modern biomaterials, and developing improved computational methods to more broadly study group I metal-nucleic acid interactions.

Heavy metal, organic matter, and disinfection byproduct release from drinking water pipe scales under stagnant conditions

Physico-chemical and microbiological processes occurring in water distribution systems (WDSs) can result in the formation of pipe scales which accumulate harmful metals.

Efficient degradation of levofloxacin using a g-C3N4@glucose-derived carbon catalyst with adjustable N content via peroxymonosulfate activation

Metal-free carbon-based catalysts hold great promise for the degradation of organic pollutants by peroxymonosulfate (PMS) activation because they avoid the negative effects of metal catalysts such as harmful metal ions leaching. However, these carbon-based catalysts are limited by their high cost and complex synthesis, and the mechanisms for the activation of PMS are unclear. Herein, the N-rich carbon catalysts (GCN-x) derived from glucose and g-C3N4 were facilely synthesized by hydrothermal treatment and carbonization to explore the mechanism of PMS activation. The nitrogen content of catalysts could be adjusted by simply altering the ratio of glucose and g-C3N4. GCN-2.4 with a ratio of glucose and g-C3N4 of 2.4 displayed the highest efficiency for the degradation of pollutants represented by Levofloxacin. The electron paramagnetic resonance and quenching experiments demonstrated that the non-radical pathway was dominant in Levofloxacin degradation and singlet oxygen (1O2) was the main active specie. Further, we found 1O2 was generated from superoxide radical (• O2−) which has rarely been studied. Levofloxacin degradation rate was shown to be positively correlated with both the amount of graphitic N and pyridinic N. Graphitic N and pyridinic N were identified as the catalytic sites. The GCN-2.4/PMS system could also remove multifarious contaminants effectively. Overall, this research advances understanding of the role of N species in PMS activation and has potential practical application in wastewater treatment.

Potential environmental and human health risks caused by heavy metals and pathogens from illegal landfill sites in Bosnia and Herzegovina

In Bosnia and Herzegovina, several illegal waste dumps pose a significant threat to soil and water contamination. The aim of this study was to determine the levels of heavy metal contamination of soils and microbiological contamination of water near investigated landfills. The goal was to identify the harmful effects of illegal landfills on the environment and public health, as well as assessing the potential of contaminants to pollute soil and water resources. Using an Atomic Absorption Spectrometer, the amounts and distribution of four heavy metals (Cd, Co, Pb, and Cr) in soil at four illegal landfills in Central Bosnia were studied. Three water samples collected near the dumpsites studied were tested for microbes. Bacteriological analyses of water included determination of total mesophilic aerobic bacteria, aerobic heterotrophic bacteria, total coliform and fecal coliform bacteria and fecal enterococci. Quantitative results were analyzed using an analysis of variance and Tukey HSD post hoc test. Concentrations of Cd (4.96 mg/kg) and Pb (206.97 mg/kg) recorded in soil at particular sites were above the limits of maximum allowable concentration. Cr and Pb values in soil samples were relatively higher on average than that of Cd and Co. Enrichment factor and pollution load index indicated high concentration of heavy metals in soil, especially Cd. Based on these results, waste from illegal landfills may release considerable amounts of harmful metals and microbes into the environment.

Carbon nanotube-based nano-biosensors for detecting heavy metals in the aquatic environment.

The identification of harmful metal ions in aquatic environments is a global concern since these contaminants can have serious consequences for plants, animals, humans, and ecosystems. A biosensor is a type of analytical equipment that combines a biological recognition element and a physical transducer to detect biological signals to produce a detectable indication proportionate to the concentration of the samples being analysed. The analyte spreads from the fluid to the biosensor's superficial. The analyte responds precisely and competently with the biosensor's biological component. The physicochemical properties of the transducer surface change as a result of this process. The visual or electric properties of the transducer surface alter as a result of this. The signal that is detected is an electrical signal. With the help of carbon-based nano-biosensors, metals from the aquatic environment can easily be detected, which is much simpler, less time-consuming, and less expensive as well.

A TESTING STUDY OF WASTE WATER TREATMENT USING REED BED SYSTEM

Following industrialisation, a number of companies generate poisonous waste materials are carelessly dumped into streams and rivers, harming both aquatic and terrestrial life. In this study, a reed bed system for harmful metal removal from industrial waste water was examined. In the Amrutha water treatment plant, a vertical subsurface flow wetland was created to remove hazardous metals from industrial effluent. For the Wetland system, phragmites Karka was employed, and the substrates used were granite and washed sand. Hydraulic retention times of 5, 9, 10, 14, and 18 days were used to record treatment performance. You can create a waste water treatment facility in your own garden with a reed bed sewage system. It must be used in conjunction with a septic tank in order to function as a sewage system. Two reed beds are required for a reed bed sewage system to function properly. One bed must fill for a while while the other drains, and then the process must be reversed. The results indicated that the hazardous metals gradually decreased as the retention times increased. The reed bed rate removal ranges from 36.8% to 61.5%. These findings support the phragmites karka reed plant's ability to effectively treat industrial effluent.

Plant-Based Bronsted Acidic Polyphenol Catalyzed Synthesis of 3'-Phenyl-1'H-Spiro[Cyclohexane-1,2'-Quinazolin]-4'(3'H)-Ones and 3'-Phenyl-1'H-Spiro[Cyclopentane-1,2'-Quinazolin]-4'(3'H)-One Derivatives

An efficient, metal-free method for the synthesis of 3'-phenyl-1'H-spiro[cyclohexane-1,2'-quinazolin]-4'(3'H)-ones, 4-(tert-butyl)-3'-phenyl-1'H-spiro[cyclohexane-1,2'-quinazolin]-4'(3'H)-ones and 3'-phenyl-1'H-spiro[cyclopentane-1,2'-quinazolin]-4'(3'H)-one derivatives was developed using isatoic anhydride, cycloalkanone and different anilines through one-pot three-component cyclocondensation by utilizing tannic acid(TA)—a weakly acidic natural polyphenol, as a novel inexpensive greener catalyst. The reaction allows rapid cyclocondensation (10–30 min) at reflux condition with 5 mol% of tannic acid to give diversely functionalized spiroquinazolinones in good to excellent yield. This green protocol is of big interest due to employing simple, nontoxic and inexpensive tannic acid as a catalyst and environmentally benign aqueous ethanol as green solvent without the use of any harmful mineral acid and toxic transition metal catalyst.

Recycle energy: waste oil as alternative eco-friendly fuel

Used oil is a dangerous and toxic material whose use is strictly prohibited because it damages the environment and human life. Therefore, special handling is needed to dispose of the waste or reuse it with other functions (renewable energy). Researchers are interested in recycling used oil as a fuel that can help overcome the depletion of fossil fuels. This research is an experimental study conducted in a laboratory. Used oil which for a lot of time as waste that is not utilized will affect the environment and also health because it is a pollutant of Hazardous and Toxic Materials (B3). But before being reused, the harmful metals Pb, Fe, Al and Mn are removed by a filtering process, acidification to remove impurities and bind metals that contaminate the oil. After that, it is reused as a very efficient fuel in terms of price compared to using LPG or kerosene.

Selenium and molybdenum synergistically alleviate chromium toxicity by modulating Cr uptake and subcellular distribution in Nicotiana tabacum L.

Chromium (Cr) is a harmful heavy metal that poses a serious threat to plants and animals. Selenium (Se) and molybdenum (Mo) are two beneficial elements for plant growth and resistance. However, their interactive effects on Cr uptake and distribution are poorly understood. Therefore, a hydroponics experiment was conducted to explore the effects of the use of Se and Mo alone and simultaneously on mitigating Cr toxicity. In this study, Nicotiana tabacum L. seedlings were exposed to control, 50 µM Cr, 50 μM Cr + 2 μM Se, 50 μM Cr + 1 μM Mo, or 50 μM Cr + 2 μM Se + 1 μM Mo in Hoagland solution. After 2 weeks, the plant biomass, Cr, Se and Mo contents, photosynthesis, leaf ultrastructure, antioxidant system, subcellular distribution and associated gene expression in Nicotiana tabacum L. were determined. The results showed that simultaneous use of Se and Mo promoted tobacco growth under Cr stress, as evidenced by reducing reactive oxygen species (ROS) content and reducing Cr translocation factor (TF) and inducing a 51.3% reduction in Cr content in shoots. Additionally, Se-Mo interactions increased the levels of glutathione (GSH) and phytochelatin (PC) and the distribution of Cr in the cell walls and organelles. Furthermore, the relative expression of PCS1 was upregulated, while those of NtST1 and MSN1 were downregulated. The results concluded that the simultaneous use of Se and Mo effectively alleviated Cr toxicity in Nicotiana tabacum L., which not only offers an efficient way for crops to resist Cr toxicity but also provides evidence for the benefit of Se combined with Mo.

Novel magnetic covalent organic framework for the selective and effective removal of hazardous metal Pb(II) from solution: Synthesis and adsorption characteristics

The removal of lead(II) from wastewater is conducive to reduce the risk of harmful metals to the environment and people. A magnetic organic framework adsorbent (Ni0.6Fe2.4O4-HT-COF) with high selectivity, repeatability and facile solid–liquid separation was devised through the condensation process of hexachlorocyclo-triphosphazene, trithiocyanuric acid and Ni0.6Fe2.4O4. At 298 K and pH = 5.0, the adsorbent showed remarkable Pb(II) adsorption capability. The removal rate reached 95.64 % at 10 min and the maximum adsorption capacity was 411.80 mg/g. The partition coefficient (KQ) of Pb(II) among the seven coexisting ions was 34079 mL/g and the adsorption efficiency was 97.15 %, indicating that the adsorbent can accurately capture Pb(II) from wastewater containing multiple ions. The PSO kinetic and the Langmuir isotherm models agreed with Pb(II) adsorption on Ni0.6Fe2.4O4-HT-COF, demonstrating that Pb(II) was removed by monolayer chemisorption. The adsorption was a spontaneous exothermic process using thermodynamic analysis. In addition, the adsorbent was able to maintain 91.77 % adsorption efficiency for Pb(II) after four adsorption–desorption cycles. Zeta potential and XPS analysis revealed that Ni0.6Fe2.4O4-HT-COF removed Pb(II) by electrostatic attraction and chelation. Density functional theory (DFT) was utilized to simulate the adsorption process, and the effects of different types of atoms on adsorption were discussed. The results demonstrate that the chelation and electrostatic interaction between Ni0.6Fe2.4O4-HT-COF and lead(II) ions were involved in the selective adsorption. The novel magnetic COF has a lot of potential for removing heavy metal Pb(II).

Potential Health Risks of Zn, Fe, and Pb in Medical Skin Creams and Cosmetic Products Derived from Plants in Iraq.

Medical skin creams (SC) and cosmetic products (CP) specially derived from plants have natural chemicals as ingredients which are a major source of heavy metal releases. Therefore, the presence of harmful heavy metals in these materials is a matter of concern. This study has been carried out to assess the concentrations of heavy metals such as zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), and lead (Pb) in skin creams and cosmetic products that are available in Iraqi pharmacies using atomic absorption spectroscopy. Thirty-three samples from different Iraqi pharmacies of beauty creams, including 13 samples of skin creams and ten samples of cosmetic products. Health risk parameters such as chronic daily intake (CDI), total non-cancer risk (H.I.), and total cumulative cancer risk (TCCR) have been calculated. Based on the results, it is found that the average value of Zn, Fe, and Pb concentrations for SC samples in unit mg/kg were 65.33 ± 14.56, 100.52 ± 21.05, and 2.62 ± 0.64, respectively. At the same time, the average value of Zn, Fe, and Pb concentrations for CP samples in unit mg/kg were 2.30 ± 0.48, 24.18 ± 6.87, and 4.79 ± 1.18, respectively. The results of health risk exposure for SC samples were higher than those for CP samples. But, the values of health risk parameters were within acceptable limits according to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Consequently, there is no potential health risk for using medical skin creams and cosmetic products in the present study by Iraqi people.

Applicability and Extraction Characteristics of Aluminum Sulfate as Extractant of Harmful Heavy Metals for On-Site Treatment of Deep-Sea Mining Tailings

This research was focused on the eco-friendly treatment of deep-sea mining tailings in the sea areas and mainly dealt with evaluating the optimal conditions by comparing aluminum sulfate (AS), which had been proven recently to have an effect as a heavy metal extractant, with ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) in terms of environmental and economic feasibility. Harmful heavy metals in the manganese nodules (2%, w/v) were chemically washed by mixing with each EDTA and AS concentration for 16 elapsed times. Copper, zinc, nickel, and cadmium, which could have a fatal effect due to their high total content or high bioavailable content, were selected as the primary treatment target materials. The content of harmful heavy metals was 293.2 times more for nickel when compared with environmental standards of various countries. When 1% AS was used as the extractant, the removal efficiency of harmful heavy metals compared to the bioavailable content was 32.77% on average. It has been verified that multi-stage treatment could be necessary, and the short treatment time could be an important factor. Within a short elapsed time (3 h), the remediation efficiency of zinc and nickel under the 1% AS condition was higher than with 0.1 M EDTA. In terms of environmental and economic feasibility, it was verified that the use of 1% AS would be reasonable. The results of this research could be valuably applied to process design and optimization as basic data presented before the development of remediation technologies in the future.Graphical

Release characteristics of heavy metals in high-sulfur coal gangue: Influencing factors and kinetic behavior

High-sulfur coal gangue (HS-CG) is extremely unstable in the environment, releasing acid mine drainage with high concentrations of harmful heavy metals (HMs). The effects of HS-CG particle size, leaching solution pH, Fe3+ and acidophilic microorganisms on the release of HMs from the HS-CG and their kinetic behavior were studied using static leaching tests. The results showed that the smaller the particle size of HS-CG and the more acidic the leaching solution, the greater the release of HMs. As the chemical catalyst, the external addition of 300 mg/L Fe3+ can make the leaching amount of Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn, Ni, Cr reached 10,224.93, 93.88, 52.25, 11.56, 7.55, 2.97 mg/kg respectively, and the release of HMs was 1.36–2.60 times of the tests without the addition of iron. However, the concentration of Fe3+ above 800 mg/L promoted the production of jarosite on the surface of HS-CG, which led to decrease in the release of HMs. The HMs forms in HS-CG were different, while the effect of microorganisms on the leaching of Zn (54.99%) and Mn (52.35%) in the higher acid soluble fraction was more obvious, their leaching amount reached 87.21 and 107.58 mg/kg respectively. The kinetic analysis indicated that the rate-controlling step was mainly redox reaction at first, and then gradually controlled by the diffusion of ash layer. So, the kinetic equation controlled jointly by two rate-controlling stages has been proposed to describe the dissolution of HS-CG. This work help develop pertinent strategies for mine area remediation via controlling the HMs generation path.

Transcriptome profiling uncovers the lncRNA-mediated regulatory networks associated with tolerance to cadmium stress in barley

Cadmium (Cd) is one of the most harmful and widespread toxic heavy metal contaminants. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play vital roles in response to abiotic stress by participating in the gene regulatory network. Here, we performed a transcriptome analysis of lncRNAs in roots of the two contrasting barley genotypes, namely Zhenong8 (ZN, Cd-tolerant) and W6nk2 (Cd-sensitive). In total, 9937 novel lncRNAs were identified, and 5758 lncRNA-target pairs were predicted to be cis-acting and 4159 to be trans-acting. Further comparison of genotypic differences revealed 195 novel lncRNAs as differentially expressed between the two genotypes in response to Cd stress. The miRanda prediction and expression relationship analyses among miRNA, lncRNA, and mRNA revealed that 8 lncRNAs may act as target mimics of miRNAs in barley. Among them, HvGAMYB was predicted to be the target gene of miR319a_1 and miR319b-3p, with LTCONS_00177709 and LTCONS_00185175 acting as endogenous competitors. Barley stripe mosaic virus-induced gene silencing (BSMV-VIGS) of HvGAMYB in ZN8 led to hypersensitivity to Cd stress with significantly increased Cd concentration in both roots and shoots as well as Cd accumulation in shoots. Moreover, silencing HvGAMYB suppressed photosynthesis and antioxidant-related genes but stimulated the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) after Cd exposure, leading to exacerbated Cd-induced MDA accumulation and cell death. Our findings provide new knowledge and insights into the regulatory functions of lncRNAs in plant Cd tolerance.

Fabrication of novel copper MOF nanoparticles for nanozymatic detection of mercury ions

Mercury (II) ions are considered the most harmful heavy metal ion and their accumulation in the human body causes several diseases so need to be detected at trace levels. The use of nanozyme-based colorimetric detection is an acknowledged and innovative method to detect heavy metal ions in water bodies. In this work, we report CuMOF nanoparticles (CuMOF NPs) synthesized using hand grinding technique. The MOF nanoparticles were characterized by FTIR, TGA, SCXRD, PXRD, FESEM and TEM. The SCXRD confirmed paddle wheel type structure and MOF exhibits interpenetrated pcu topology with point symbol {412.63}. BET analysis revealed a high surface area of 15.995 m2g-1 and pore diameter of 3.42 nm for CuMOF NPs. The MOF NPs were found to show peroxidase-like activity. The CuMOF NPs employed as the catalyst, where 3,3′,5,5′-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) was oxidised by Hg2+ and a bluish solution of oxidised TMB was obtained and recorded by UV–vis spectroscopy. The activity was determined with a detection limit of 0.55 μM, Km of 0.0477 M, and Vmax of 0.3125 M s−1 for TMB, and Km of 2.646 M and Vmax of 0.126 M s−1 for H2O2. The selectivity of the method was excellent and the mechanism was supported by XPS analysis. So, we provide a low-cost, eco-friendly approach for the detection of Hg2+ using CuMOF NPs.

Metallic profile of Zamzam water: Determination of minerals, metals and metalloids by ICP-MS

IntroductionZamzam water has been used for over 4000 years. Its safety is a public health issue, as it is consumed by thousands of Muslims for religious and medicinal purposes. The objective of this study was to draw up the metallic profile of Zamzam water. Materials and methodSampling (N=10) were carried out via Zamzam taps which are distributed in the Masjid Al Haram in Mecca in Saudi Arabia. Multi-elemental analysis of 52 elements was done by Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). Results and DiscussionZamzam water has a rich metallic composition. It is a fluorinated (0.74±0.005 mg/L) mineral water, rich in Magnesium (42±0.09 mg/L), Calcium (93±0.09 mg/L), Sodium (210±0.08 mg/L), Lithium (0.012±0.02 mg/L) and poor in harmful and toxic Trace Metals, including Aluminum (<0.002 μg/L) and heavy metals Lead (<0.0005 μg/L), Arsenic (0.006±0.001 μg/L), Cadmium (<0.001 μg/L) and Mercury (<0.006 μg/L). Despite its complex metallic composition, experimental studies published in the scientific literature indicate that Zamzam water is safe to drink and does not induce hepatotoxicity or nephrotoxicity. It is a metabolic regulator and has antimicrobial, nephroprotective, cardioprotective and antineoplastic effects. ConclusionMineral and metallic properties of Zamzam water give it interesting therapeutic virtues which are not fully known to date. More careful studies on Zamzam water are required in order to lift the veil on other potential health benefit effects of this water.

How to Achieve Sustainably Beneficial Uses of Marine Sediments in Colombia?

Marine sediments may easily accumulate contaminants, posing a high risk to human health and biota. Beneficial use applications exist for natural sediments and sediments contaminated with organic and inorganic pollutants. In this research, the term marine sediments (MSs) was used to refer to all marine sediments, which could be clean, natural marine sediments, as well as contaminated marine sediments and dredged materials, as the main focus of this research. Sediment remediation often involves costly and time-consuming processes. Assessment frameworks are essential for selecting suitable remediation alternatives for MSs. This research aims to provide regulatory frameworks for the sustainable beneficial use of all marine sediments. No studies have been reported on this issue in Colombia until now. The current states of marine sediments on the Colombian Caribbean Coast were mainly investigated. Concentrations of specific harmful heavy metals (HHMs) in Colombia’s sediments were higher than the environmental standards of various nations. Ex situ remediation technologies were evaluated through cost–benefit analysis and environmental feasibility to be adopted in Colombia. The results identified solidification/stabilization (S/S) as promising technologies. Sustainable remediation of MSs may offer ample opportunities for environmental enhancement and economic benefits. Continuous research and adopting appropriate environmental regulations, such as the London Protocol 1996, would contribute to effectively managing all marine sediments in Colombia. More innovative and cost-effective remediation technologies with beneficial uses would still be needed. Decision makers may use the proposed frameworks to select optimal remediation alternatives and implement sustainable MSs management by achieving their beneficial uses.