High Levels Of Sulfate Research Articles

Highly efficient removal of aluminum, iron, and manganese ions using Linde type-A zeolite obtained from hazardous waste

Coal acid mine drainage (AMD) contaminates natural water to form mine-impacted water (MIW), which is characterized by high levels of acidity, sulfate, and metallic ions. This study investigates the use of a Linde Type-A (LTA) zeolite obtained from a hazardous industrial waste for Al3+, Fe2+, and Mn2+ removal from synthetic aqueous solutions. The aim of this study is to stablish a basis for the subsequent treatment of MIW in order to obtain reuse water. In a central composite rotatable design (CCRD) study, 8.25 g L−1 zeolite and 147 rpm were the optimal conditions for treating the multicomponent solution, yielding 99.9, 99.9 and 99.3% removal for Al3+, Fe2+, and Mn2+, respectively. Isothermal studies showed that the affinity of the ions by the zeolite were ranked as Al3+>Mn2+>Fe2+. The best fitting isothermal models for monocomponent solutions were Tóth, Freundlich, and Sips for Al3+, Fe2+, and Mn2+, respectively. In the multicomponent solution, Sips and Freundlich were the better fitting models for Al3+ and Mn2+, respectively, indicating a weakness of the sorbate-sorbent interactions. Kinetic studies revealed that the quantitative removal of Al3+ was achieved in 5 min. The multicomponent solution was transformed into water that was suitable for non-potable use after an optimal time of 60 min. The results demonstrate that LTA zeolite synthetized from hazardous waste has a high potential for remediating contaminated water by metallic ions at low dosages and short times. Using LTA zeolite for remediating contaminated water could make a positive contribution to the circular economy and environmental sustainability.

A deletion of IDUA exon 10 in a family of Golden Retriever dogs with an attenuated form of mucopolysaccharidosis type I.

BackgroundMucopolysaccharidosis type I (MPS‐I) is a lysosomal storage disorder caused by a deficiency of the enzyme α‐l‐iduronidase, leading to accumulation of undegraded dermatan and heparan sulfates in the cells and secondary multiorgan dysfunction. In humans, depending upon the nature of the underlying mutation(s) in the IDUA gene, the condition presents with a spectrum of clinical severity.ObjectivesTo characterize the clinical and biochemical phenotypes, and the genotype of a family of Golden Retriever dogs.AnimalsTwo affected siblings and 11 related dogs.MethodsFamily study. Urine metabolic screening and leucocyte lysosomal enzyme activity assays were performed for biochemical characterization. Whole genome sequencing was used to identify the causal mutation.ResultsThe clinical signs shown by the proband resemble the human attenuated form of the disease, with a dysmorphic appearance, musculoskeletal, ocular and cardiac defects, and survival to adulthood. Urinary metabolic studies identified high levels of dermatan sulfate, heparan sulfate, and heparin. Lysosomal enzyme activities demonstrated deficiency in α‐l‐iduronidase activity in leucocytes. Genome sequencing revealed a novel homozygous deletion of 287 bp resulting in full deletion of exon 10 of the IDUA gene (NC_006585.3(NM_001313883.1):c.1400‐76_1521+89del). Treatment with pentosan polyphosphate improved the clinical signs until euthanasia at 4.5 years.Conclusion and Clinical ImportanceAnalysis of the genotype/phenotype correlation in this dog family suggests that dogs with MPS‐I could have a less severe phenotype than humans, even in the presence of severe mutations. Treatment with pentosan polyphosphate should be considered in dogs with MPS‐I.

A shift in sulfur-cycle manipulation from atmospheric emissions to agricultural additions

Burning fossil fuels has resulted in a prominent yet unintended manipulation of the global sulfur cycle. Emissions of sulfur dioxide and reactive sulfur to the atmosphere have caused widespread health and environmental impacts and have led, ultimately, to calls to decrease sulfur emissions. However, anthropogenic modification of the sulfur cycle is far from over. Using four contrasting case studies from across the United States, we show how high levels of sulfur are added to croplands as fertilizers and pesticides and constitute a major yet under-studied environmental perturbation. Long-term sulfur additions to crops probably cause similar consequences for the health of soil and downstream aquatic ecosystems as those observed in regions historically impacted by acid rain, yet the cascade of effects has not been broadly explored. A new wave of research on the sulfur cycle will require studies that examine the integrated roles of climate, hydrology and other element cycles in modifying sulfur processes and flows within and downgradient of agricultural source areas. Such research must include not only scientists, but also farmers, regulating authorities and land managers who are engaged in developing approaches to monitor and mitigate environmental and human health impacts. Deliberate application of sulfur onto croplands as fertilizer and pesticide probably causes environmental damage similar to historical acid rain events, according to a literature review and four case studies from the United States.

Laser ablation-ICP-TOFMS imaging of germ cell tumors of patients undergoing platinum-based chemotherapy.

A low dispersion laser ablation setup in combination with inductively coupled plasma-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-TOFMS) was applied to clinical samples of patients undergoing platinum-based chemotherapy. The platinum accumulation together with the distribution of elements with biological key functions (Mg, P, S, Ca, Fe, Cu and Zn) was studied in central nervous system germ cell tumor (CNS GCT) tissue, which is an aggressive tumor type located in the brain. Heterogeneous elemental distribution patterns were obtained with a pixel size of 10 μm and were correlated to histological analysis of serial sections using hematoxylin eosin staining. Highest platinum accumulation correlated with areas of necrosis, which exhibited high levels of magnesium, sulphur and calcium. Small traces of gadolinium were found in the tumor sections, which is a result of prior magnetic resonance imaging. Iron accumulated in regions, which were dense in blood vessels, whereas areas with fibrosis scar showed the lowest levels of all detected elements. This LA-ICP-TOFMS study demonstrates that the chemotherapeutic drug cisplatin accumulated in the germ cell tumor located in the brain, which is also reflected by the therapy response of the patients.

Characterizing the ratio of nitrate to sulfate in ambient fine particles of urban Beijing during 2018–2019

Abstract A variety of legislative actions for air quality improvement have been conducted in China since 2013, and the emission control measures have achieved remarkable reduction in severe haze frequency. The composition of the fine particles may change along with the improved air quality, and thus may induce distinct environmental and climate effects in future. In this study, a very recent long-term dataset (2018–2019) of non-refractory chemical composition measured by a quadrupole aerosol chemical speciation monitor (Q-ACSM) observed in urban Beijing is applied to investigate the changes in ratio of nitrate (NO3−) to sulfate (SO42−) in PM2.5 (particulate matter with diameters of less than 2.5 μm). We show that the ratio of NO3− to SO42− varies seasonally, with a maximum in winter (1.6 ± 1.2) and a minimum in summer (0.7 ± 1.0). Compared with results from earlier studies showing a continuous increase in the ratio of NO3− to SO42− since 1999, a decline in the ratio is found during the period of 2018–2019. This is partially associated with an attenuated nitrate formation likely due to reduced nitrogen oxides emissions since 2016 in China. Our results suggest that the strict reduction control measures in place serve only to improve SO42− pollution in winter but not in summer when high SO42− levels are still observed. SO42− and NO3− concentrations during study periods together comprise 37–53% of PM2.5, presenting significant role in dominating the levels of PM2.5. In addition, we show that the ratio of NO3−/SO42− in warm seasons generally increases with increasing relative humidity (RH) due to enhanced NO3− hydrolysis formation, but with a maximum value of only ~1.0 that is pulled down by the high levels of sulfate in summer, while the dependence of the ratios on RH is more pronounced in cold seasons when multiple factors (regional transportation, planetary boundary layer, PBL and sources of sulfate, etc.) can impact nitrate levels. We finally characterize two typical processes that lead to the rapid accumulation of nitrate in the atmosphere over urban Beijing: the regional transportation and PBL variations, which is found driving heavy haze in cold seasons, and the hydrolysis formation and partitioning of NO3− that tends to impact the diurnal patterns of nitrate in warm seasons.

Contribution of the pollution index and GIS in the assessment of the physico-chemical quality of the surface waters of Moulouya River (NE, Morocco)

This study assesses the spatial and temporal physico-chemical quality of the surface waters of Moulouya River based on the global pollution index PI. Several physico-chemical parameters (T°C, pH, electrical conductivity (EC), dissolved Oxygen (DO), BOD5, PO43−, NH4+, SO42− and NO3−) were monitored on 66 samples collected in 2014 during three campaigns at 22 stations from the upper reaches in the Upper Moulouya to its mouth in the Mediterranean. The results show that 86.4% of the stations show no pollution and are mainly located upstream of Moulouya river during the three campaigns of 2014 (March–April, May–June and July–August). However, the Zaida (M6), Missour (M12) and Gercif (M16) stations have polluted waters related to the very high levels of ammonium, nitrates, sulphates, phosphates and DBO5, which exceed Moroccan standards and would be related to the anthropogenic impact of agricultural fertilizers and urban and industrial wastes.

2041-P: Engineered Glycopolymers Preserve Pancreatic Beta-Cell Function and Survival by Inhibiting Heparanase

Human pancreatic β cells contain high levels of heparan sulfate (HS) polysaccharide that is lost in type 1 diabetes (T1D) patients. Heparanase is the only human enzyme that degrades HS. During T1D and diabetic nephropathy, the immune system produces heparanase that destroys HS within β cells and causes their death. We synthesized two carbohydrate molecules by incorporating multiple sugar units or highly tunable sulfation patterns, Glycopolymer GPM and Trisaccharide 1α. GPM and Trisaccharide 1α efficiently mimic the properties of naturally existing HS, and thus act as specific inhibitors of heparanase. We treated mouse pancreatic β cell line MIN-6 and human pancreas islets with GPM or Trisaccharide 1 in the presence of heparanase, and then evaluated β cell or islets morphology, function, and survival. The results showed that GPM of nenomole (nM) doses or Trisaccharide 1α of micromole (µM) doses can effectively preserve cellular HS contents, prevent mitochondrial ROS damage, and help survival of human or mouse pancreas β cells under heparanase challenge. Protein affinity and toxicity analyses suggested that GPM and Trisaccharide 1α possess highly specific binding activities to heparanse but low affinity to many HS-binding proteins responsible for adverse effects. In summary, we engineered and characterized glycopolymers as a new class of non-toxic, specific heparanase inhibitors to preserve pancreatic β cell function and survival, thus positioning these molecules as potential therapeutics for diabetes and its complications. Disclosure K. Zhang: None. H.M. Nguyen: None. Funding National Institutes of Health (GM098285, DK090313)

Clean vehicles, polluted waters: empirical estimates of water consumption and pollution loads of the carwash industry

Carwash stations use large volumes of water and release harmful chemicals into the environment through their operations. While a significant body of literature has focused on exploring water use in the carwash industry, none has provided comprehensive information on both the pollution loads of the wastewater emanating from this industry and water consumption. Understanding how much water is used and the pollution loads of wastewater from this industry is useful to ensure adoption of water conservation measures and design wastewater recycling systems given the dwindling freshwater resources globally. This study estimated the freshwater quantities used to wash different vehicle types and the pollution loads of the resulting wastewater in the Kumasi Metropolis. Seven proxy carwash stations were purposively selected and monitored to estimate the water used to wash six different categories of vehicles. Composite wastewater samples from three carwash stations were analysed for concentrations of different contaminants which were used to compute pollution loads. Using R software, one-way ANOVA with Tukey's (HSD) post-hoc testing and 2-sample t-test at 95% confidence interval were employed to test statistical differences. After an 8-week monitoring campaign involving 3,667 vehicles, the study showed that average water used for each vehicle type were in the order: Motorbike - 97L (95% CI: 90–103L); Salon car - 158L (95% CI: 154–161L); SUV - 197L (95% CI:191–203L); Buses/Coaches - 370L (95%CI:351–381L); Articulated truck 1,139L (95% CI:916–1,363L); Graders/Loaders - 1405L (95% CI:327–2,483L). Overall, the carwash industry in the Metropolis uses about 1000m3 of freshwater daily and discharges the resulting wastewater into waterways untreated. The wastewater has a low Biodegradability Index (0.3–0.4) and is characterized by a mildly alkali pH (7.6–8.6) with high levels of Sulphates (40.8–69.8 mg/L), COD (990–1413 mg/L), TSS (1260–3417 mg/L) and E. coli (2.3–4.7 × 103 CFU/100mL). Pollution loads of BOD and COD were up to 2tons/year and 6tons/year respectively. Stipulated effluent discharge guideline values were mostly exceeded – in some cases by up to 68 times. To avert the unbridled wastage of freshwater, the study recommends enforcement of wastewater recycling for all carwash stations and promulgation of a tax system that rewards stations that recycle wastewater and surchages those wasting freshwater.

Effect of Sulfur Content on the Composition of Inclusions and MnS Precipitation Behavior in Bearing Steel

MnS inclusions in bearing steel have long been considered to significantly affect the fatigue life of bearing steel. In this paper, the sizes of inclusions in bearing steel with different sulfur contents were analyzed and the precipitation behavior of MnS was calculated using thermodynamics. Furthermore, the positive role of MnS in bearing steel was discussed. Results showed that when the size of inclusions in bearing steel was increased, the proportion of MnS components in composite inclusions gradually decreased. When the sulfur content was increased, the shape of inclusions changed from a particle shape to a strip shape. With increasing MnS content, the inclusion ratio of Al2O3 was significantly reduced in the Al2O3–CaO–MgO–MnS quaternary inclusion system, particularly for MnS proportions greater than 20%. The content of sulfur in bearing steel significantly affects the precipitation temperature of MnS. When sulfur content increases from 0.001% to 0.007%, the precipitation temperature of MnS increases from 1493 K to 1633 K as the precipitation of MnS moves from the austenite solid phase to the liquid and solid phases, and the precipitation size of MnS inclusions significantly increases. The size of oxide inclusions should be controlled to improve MnS wrap oxide inclusions in steel. Based on these results, a composition control with high sulfur levels and low oxygen levels should be adopted to improve the fatigue performance of steel.

Optimization of a modular continuous flow bioreactor system for acid mine drainage treatment using Plackett–Burman design

AbstractA novel modular continuous flow bioreactor system was designed to enhance the tolerance of bacteria to high concentration of heavy metal. This study evaluated the combined effect of high and low concentration levels of zinc, ferrous iron, copper, sulfate, and carbon source on the heavy metals and sulfate removal efficiencies. Statistically valid Plackett–Burman design (PBD) of experiments was employed to carry out this study. A maximum removal for each of zinc, copper, iron, and sulfate was 99.08%, 99.13%, 94.83%, and 58.89%, respectively. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) of zinc, copper, and sulfate reduction revealed that the effect due to zinc was highly significant (p < 0.05). To establish the roles of iron‐oxidizing bacteria (IOB) and sulfate reducing bacteria (SRB) in their respective bioreactors, the characteristics of microbial communities in attached and suspended growth biomass in the bioreactors were analyzed by high‐throughput sequencing during the steady operational process. Qualitative energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) analysis of the precipitates from sulfide precipitation was performed. The results revealed that the precipitates as sulfide zinc were confirmed by the EDS spectrum with strong peaks of zinc and sulfur.

Effect of sulfate addition on carbon flow and microbial community composition during thermophilic digestion of cellulose

Substrates with high sulfate levels pose problems for biogas production as they allow sulfate reducing bacteria to compete with syntrophic and methanogenic members of the community. In addition, the end product of sulfate reduction, hydrogen sulfide, is toxic and corrosive. Here we show how sulfate addition affects physiological processes in a thermophilic methanogenic system by analyzing the carbon flow and the microbial community with quantitative PCR and amplicon sequencing of the 16s rRNA gene. A sulfate addition of 0.5 to 3 g/L caused a decline in methane production by 73–92%, while higher sulfate concentrations had no additional inhibitory effect. Generally, sulfate addition induced a shift in the composition of the microbial community towards a higher dominance of Firmicutes and decreasing abundances of Bacteroidetes and Euryarchaeota. The abundance of methanogens (e.g., Methanoculleus and Methanosarcina) was reduced, while sulfate reducing bacteria (especially Candidatus Desulforudis and Desulfotomaculum) increased significantly in presence of sulfate. The sulfate addition had a significant impact on the carbon flow within the system, shifting the end product from methane and carbon dioxide to acetate and carbon dioxide. Interestingly, methane production quickly resumed, when sulfate was no longer present in the system. Despite the strong impact of sulfate addition on the carbon flow and the microbial community structure during thermophilic biogas production, short-term process disturbances caused by unexpected introduction of sulfate may be overcome due to the high resilience of the engaged microorganisms.

Recycling and Application of Mine Tailings in Alkali-Activated Cements and Mortars—Strength Development and Environmental Assessment

Mine tailings (MT) could represent a step forward in terms of the quality of the aggregates usually used in civil engineering applications, mostly due to its high density. The Portuguese Neves Corvo copper mine, owned by the Lundin Mining Corporation, produces approximately 3 million tonnes per year. Nevertheless, it cannot be used in its original state, due to its high levels of sulphur and other metals (As, Cr, Cu, Pb, Zn). This paper focuses on the stabilisation/solidification of high-sulphur MT, without any previous thermal treatment, using alkali-activated fly ash (FA). The variables considered were the MT/FA ratio and the activator type and concentration. A fine aggregate was then added to the pastes to assess the quality of the resulting mortar. Maximum compressive strengths of 14 MPa and 24 MPa were obtained for the pastes and mortars, respectively, after curing for 24 h at 85 °C. Thermogravimetric analysis, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray energy dispersive spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and infrared spectroscopy were used to characterize the reaction products, and two types of leaching tests were performed to assess the environmental performance. The results showed that the strength increase is related with the formation of a N-A-S-H gel, although sodium sulphate carbonate was also developed, suggesting that the total sodium intake could be optimized without strength loss. The solubility of the analysed metals in the paste with 78% MT and 22% FA was below the threshold for non-hazardous waste.

Efficacy of Divinylbenzenic Resin in Removing Indoxyl Sulfate and P-Cresol Sulfate in Hemodialysis Patients: Results From an In Vitro Study and An In Vivo Pilot Trial (xuanro4-Nature 3.2).

High serum levels of microbiota-derived uremic toxins, indoxyl sulfate (IS) and p-cresyl sulfate (PCS), are associated with chronic kidney disease (CKD) progression and cardiovascular complications. IS and PCS cannot be efficiently removed by conventional hemodialysis (HD), due to their high binding affinity for albumin. This study evaluates the efficacy of a divinylbenzene-polyvinylpyrrolidone (DVB-PVP) cartridge and a synbiotic to reduce uremic toxins in HD patients. First, the in vitro efficacy of DVB-PVP in adsorbing IS and PCS was evaluated. Second, a randomized, placebo-controlled pilot study in HD patients was carried out to establish whether the administration of a synbiotic, either individually and in association with DVB-PVP-HD, could reduce the production of uremic toxins. In vitro data showed that DVB-PVP resin removed a mean of 56% PCS and around 54% IS, after 6 h of perfusion. While, in the in vivo study, the DVB-PVP cartridge showed its adsorbing efficacy only for IS plasma levels. The combination of synbiotic treatment with DVB-PVP HD decreased IS and PCS both at pre- and post-dialysis levels. In conclusion, this study provides the first line of evidence on the synergistic action of gut microbiota modulation and an innovative absorption-based approach in HD patients, aimed at reducing plasma levels of IS and PCS.

Morphological and Molecular Description of Rhadinorhynchus hiansi Soota and Bhattacharya, 1981 (Acanthocephala: Rhadinorhynchidae) from Marine Fish off the Pacific Coast of Vietnam

Rhadinorhynchus hiansi Soota and Bhattacharya, 1981 , has remained unknown since its original incomplete description from 2 male specimens collected from the flat needlefish Ablennes hians Valenciennes (Belonidae) off Trivandrum, Kerala, India. Recent collections of fishes along the Pacific coast of Vietnam in 2016 and 2017 produced many specimens of the same species from the striped bonito Sarda orientalis Temminck and Schlegel (Scombridae) off the southern Pacific coast of Vietnam at Nha Trang. We describe females for the first time, assign a female allotype status, and provide an expanded description of males from a larger collection completing missing information on hooks and hook roots, receptacle, lemnisci, cement glands, Saefftigen's pouch, and trunk spines. Specimens of R. hiansi characteristically have no dorsal spines in the posterior field of trunk spines and a long proboscis with 36-48 dorso-ventrally differentiated proboscis hooks per row becoming progressively smaller posteriorly then increasing in size near the posterior end to a maximum at the posterior-most ring. Trunk, testes, and lemnisci in our specimens were considerably larger than those reported in the original description, but the proboscis was relatively smaller. The females had long reproductive system and corrugated elliptic eggs without polar prolongation of fertilization membrane. Energy Dispersive X-ray Analysis (EDXA) demonstrates high levels of calcium and phosphorus in large gallium cut hooks and high levels of sulfur in tip cuts of large and small hooks and in spines. This EDXA pattern is a characteristic fingerprint of R. hiansi. The molecular profile of R. hiansi is described from 18S rDNA and COI genes, and phylogenetic relationships with most closely related species are discussed.

Sulphate contamination in groundwater and its remediation: an overview.

Most abundant form of sulphur in the geosphere has been sulphate. Sulphate, with sulphur in the plus six oxidation state is very stable. Sources of sulphate in groundwater include mineral dissolution, atmospheric deposition and other anthropogenic sources (mining, fertilizer, etc.). Gypsum is an important contributor to the high levels of sulphate in many aquifer of the world. Sulphate is not as much as toxic, but it can cause catharsis, dehydration and diarrhoea, and when ingested in higher amount through dietary absorption, the levels of methaemoglobin and sulphaemoglobin are changed in human and animal body. The role of sulphate in aqueous phase and sedimentary phase has been discussed. There is only limited work on sulphate pollution remediation in groundwater at national and international level; therefore, in the light of rising attention in sulphate as a contaminant, different sources of sulphate, its distribution and available different remediation techniques for groundwater system reported so far have been discussed in the present paper. Abiologic processes' thermochemical sulphate reduction (TSR) also plays significant role in reduction of sulphate.

Description and molecular analysis of an Italian population of Centrorhynchus globo caudatus (Zeder, 1800) Lühe, 1911 (Acanthocephala: Centrorhynchidae) from Falco tinnunculus (Falconidae) and Buteo buteo (Accipitridae).

Centrorhynchus globocaudatus (Zeder, 1800) Lühe, 1911 (Centrorhynchidae) was reported in birds of prey. Our population from Falco tinnunculus Linnaeus (Falconidae) and Buteo buteo Linnaeus (Accipitridae) in northern Italy was morphologically distinct from others described elsewhere. The worms are elongate and cylindrical. Proboscis long, apically truncated and bare, with wider base and variably faint constriction at point of attachment of receptacle. Large anterior hooks well rooted; posterior spiniform hooks with reduced roots; transitional hooks with scutiform roots in-between. Four tubular cement glands extend into prominent ducts overlapping a large Saefftigen's pouch. Bursa large, with sensory plates. Vagina with laterally slit orifice in sub-ventral pit of globular terminal extension. Thick-shelled eggs ovoid without polar prolongation of fertilization membrane. In our specimens, proboscis hooks, receptacle, male reproductive system, and lemnisci especially in males varied in size from those from Ukraine, India, Egypt, Kyrgystan, Russia, Georgia, Armenia and Asian Soviet Republics. Our description of the Italian specimens includes new morphological information supported by scanning electron microscopy and microscope images, molecular analysis and energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDXA) of hooks. Additional new details of proboscis hook roots, micropores and micropore distribution are described. Metal composition of hooks (EDXA) demonstrated high levels of calcium and phosphorous, and high levels of sulphur in core and cortical layers of eggs. The molecular profile based on sequences of 18S and cytochrome c oxidase 1 genes is also provided, as well as phylogenetic reconstructions including all available sequences of the family Centrorhynchidae, although further sequences are needed in order to clarify their phylogenetic relationships.

On the Neoechinorhynchus agilis (Acanthocephala: Neoechinorhynchidae) complex, with a description of Neoechinorhynchus ponticus n. sp. from Chelon auratus in the Black Sea.

We recognize four species in the Neoechinorhynchus agilis complex. We studied specimens of Neoechinorhynchus (Hebesoma) personatus Tkach, Sarabeev & Shvetsova, 2014 from Mugil cephalus in the Mediterranean Sea off Tunisia and in the Black Sea, and also specimens of Neoechinorhynchus ponticus n. sp. from Chelon auratus Risso in the Black Sea. Specimens from M. cephalus at both locations were similar. All structures of N. ponticus n. sp. were considerably smaller than those of N. personatus. Two other species of the N. agilis complex are recognized: Neoechinorhynchus agilis (Rudolphi, 1819) sensu stricto from various hosts in the Atlantic and the Mediterranean, and Neoechinorhynchus yamagutii Tkach, Sarabeev & Shvetsova, 2014 from M. cephalus and Planiliza haematocheila in the Pacific, especially the Sea of Japan. Neoechinorhynchus dimorphospinus Amin & Sey, 1996 from marine fish in the Persian Gulf and the Pacific Ocean off Vietnam may be a candidate for membership in the N. agilis complex. X-ray scans of gallium cut and intact hooks of N. personatus and N. ponticus showed differences in the mineral content of hooks with higher sulfur levels in smaller hooks and in hooks from specimens in the Black Sea compared to specimens from the Mediterranean. The relatively high genetic differences between N. ponticus n. sp. and other species of Neoechinorhynchus using a partial 18S rDNA dataset support its independent status. Neoechinorhynchus ponticus n. sp. and N. personatus have a common ancestor with species of Neoechinorhynchus collected from saltwater fish.

Biological Denitrification of Nitrate Contaminated Ground Water with Elementary Sulfur

Extensive utilization of synthetic fertilizer and release of improperly treated wastewater from industrial or municipal facilities are the causes of nitrate contamination in natural water systems. Nitrate is one of the main contributors to eutrophication of surface water bodies which can cause severe ecological and environmental problems. Consumption of nitrates can have several detrimental health effects. One adverse health effect is methemoglobinemia or “blue-baby" syndrome.
 Sulfur based biological denitrification process is autotrophic denitrification using Thiobacillus denitriflcans, in which process is conducted by denitrifying bacteria which require inorganic carbon for carbon source. These denitrifying bacteria oxidizes elemental sulfur to sulphate while reducing nitrate to nitrogen gas, thereby eliminating the need for addition of organic carbon compounds as energy sources to drive denitrification.
 This Study was conducted on biological denitrification with elemental sulfur packed small-scale bed columns and it was found to be maximum 39 percent efficiency of NO3-N removal at 1.5 hours HRT having bicarbonate range 153.72 to 207.40 mg/l and that of TIN removal was up to 35 percent removal efficiency. In this biological process, elemental sulfur is converted into sulfate, and this renders the method unsuitable for the treatment of ground water containing high levels of endogenous sulfate.

On the Strength of Hair across Species

Summary The hair of mammals varies in diameter across species from ∼60 μm in humans to over ∼400 μm in giraffes and elephants. Here, we establish that the tensile strength of hair generally decreases with increasing diameter. Although there is a commonality in the morphology of the hair in such differing species as they all possess a cortex surrounded by cuticles, there are also significant differences in the hierarchical structure that contribute to the observed differences in strength. In this work, the internal structure of the hair from different species is examined, with some unique peculiarities in javelina and capybara hair uncovered. The dimensional dependence of hair strength is compared using Weibull predictions. The good correlation of the strength of hair using such Weibull analysis suggests that the failure strength is dictated by the probability distribution of flaws within the cortex.

Multi-analytical study of 14th to 19th century illuminated Moroccan manuscripts

Moroccan manuscripts heritage preserves valuable information regarding different fields of Arabian history and culture. Despite this fact, analytical studies carried out in Moroccan manuscripts are scarce. In this work, we made use of a multi-analytical methodology to study, for the first time, four illuminated manuscripts from the Royal library of Rabat covering the span 14th to 19th centuries. The chemical structure of inks and paper support was identified. Elemental distribution obtained by micro-energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (μ-EDXRF) showed the use of iron, copper and vermillion in black, blue and red inks, respectively. Arsenic and lead were identified as orange inks in the 17th and 19th century manuscripts, respectively. Quantitative characterization of the paper supports obtained by triaxial geometry EDXRF spectrometry showed high levels of sulphur, chlorine and potassium. Regarding the study of the manuscripts support, cellulose $I_{\beta}$ was determined by X-ray diffraction (XRD) in all the analyzed samples. Cellulose fibers observations by scanning electron microscopy showed that the manuscripts are in general, in a good condition. Calcite is the main filler determined by XRD.