Inorganic Elements Research Articles

Isolation and Characterization Lignin of Sugar Palm Fruit Shell by Klason Method

Sugar palm fruit shell is one of the biomass wastes that contains lignocellulose. Lignin is a valuable material that can be earned from the isolation of lignocellulosic material. In this work, lignin was isolated from palm fruit shell waste by Klason method with 72% sulfuric acid after removing free extractive by soxhlation process. The isolated lignin was analyzed to determine the functional groups, surface morphology, and thermal stability using Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy and Energy Dispersive X-ray. This work aimed to isolate and characterize lignin from palm sugar fruit shells. The yield of lignin in this experiment was 27%. The water content, ash, and lignin pH obtained were 4.50%, 3.41% and 9.98. The Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy spectra showed the many functional groups contained in lignin, such as carbonyl, hydroxyl, amine, ether, methoxy, and aromatic components. The Scanning Electron Microscopy showed a rough and porous surface. The Energy Dispersive X-ray showed the elemental composition in lignin, such as carbon, oxygen, and some inorganic elements. The Thermogravimetric Analysis showed that weight loss of lignin reached 47.948 % or 5.082 mg at 600°C. The characteristics of lignin obtained from sugar palm fruit shell by Klason showed that it had potency as a good material for further application.

Inorganic elements in blood, eggs, and embryos of olive ridley sea turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea) from Sanquianga Natural National Park, Colombia

Inorganic elements in blood, eggs, and embryos of olive ridley sea turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea) from Sanquianga Natural National Park, Colombia

Replacing traditional coffee appraisers with inductively coupled plasma - mass spectrometry (ICP-MS): From manual sensory evaluation to scientific analysis

Scientific development provides opportunities to replace many traditional manual methods to achieve more accurate results and higher efficiency. To scientifically ascertain the geographical origin of coffee, this study develops a method for the rapid determination of 16 inorganic elements in coffee using microwave digestion combined with the ICP-MS internal standard method. Principal component analysis (PCA), Fisher discriminant analysis (FDA), and Partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) are employed to analyze 40 coffee samples from three production areas of Pu'er, Baoshan, and Wanning. The results show that the linear correlation coefficients of the 16 elements in this method are above 0.999, the detection limits are in the range of 0.0004–0.63 mg/kg, the RSD of the precision experiments are 4.5 %–13.5 %, the recovery rate of the peak experiment is 86.0 %–96.3 % with the RSD of 1.1 %–8.8 %, and the results of the standard substances are within the range of standard values. Using the discriminant analysis of inorganic elements in coffee (FDA and PLS-DA), coffee origin discrimination was realized, and six key elements (Al, Mn, Fe, Cu, Na, and Ba) are identified as effective discriminatory indexes. Accordingly, a coffee origin discrimination model is established, and the overall accuracy discrimination rate of the discrimination model are all more than 90.0 %, and FDA > PLS-DA. The findings indicated that the method has good accuracy and reliability, is suitable for analyzing and determining multiple elements in sample components as targets, and may have a positive impact on the development of related industries.

Considerations and derivations of permitted daily exposure limits for impurities from intravitreal pharmaceutical products

Intravitreal (IVT) injection is an uncommon route of parenteral administration for therapeutic medications, but one of the most important for the treatment of ocular diseases, especially those related to macular degeneration. Nonetheless, there are currently no regulatory guidelines that specifically address how to establish a permitted daily exposure (PDE) for impurities and residual process reagents in IVT pharmaceutical drug products given the unique vulnerability of ocular tissues. The establishment of PDEs for IVT administration is complicated by the limited understanding of metabolism and clearance of small molecular weight chemicals from the human vitreous humor (VH), a problem compounded by the limited IVT-specific toxicological data. In this paper, we describe a feasible and comprehensive methodology for deriving PDE limits for impurities and residual process reagents from IVT drug products, as exemplified by five case studies, including inorganic elements, formic acid, polyethylene glycols, acetic acid, and caprolactam. The five case studies were selected to cover compounds with a wide range of impurity sources and toxicological data availability. The proposed framework considers both local ocular and systemic toxicity endpoints and advances the goal of a harmonized, science-based approach for deriving IVT PDE limits.

Quantitative Analysis of Deer Bone Hydroethanolic Extract Using Label-Free Proteomics: Investigating Its Safety and Promoting Effect on Mouse Embryonic Osteoblastic Progenitor Cell Proliferation.

Deer bone is rich in proteins and free amino acids, offering high nutritional value and benefits such as strengthening bones and antioxidant properties. However, the development and utilization of deer bone resources are limited, and the safety evaluation of health foods is incomplete. We established a hydrogen ethanol extraction method for deer bone and analyzed the components of the deer bone hydroethanolic extract (DBHE) using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Using Label-free proteomics technology, we identified 69 proteins and 181 peptides. We also quantified 16 amino acids, 22 fatty acids, and 17 inorganic elements. Finally, we evaluated the safety of DBHE both in vitro and in vivo. The results indicated that DBHE did not exhibit any toxic effects at the doses we tested and can promote the proliferation of mouse embryonic osteoblastic progenitor cells (MC3T3-E1), demonstrating potential efficacy against osteoporosis and arthritis. This study provides a theoretical basis for the quality control, processing, and resource development of deer bone.

Chemical composition, multiple sources, and health risks of PM2.5: A case study in Linyi, China's plate and logistics capital

Elucidating the chemical composition, sources, and health risks of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is crucial for effectively preventing and controlling air pollution. This study collected PM2.5 samples in Linyi from November 10, 2021, to October 15, 2022, spanning the period of the 2022 Winter Olympics and Paralympics. The analysis focused on seasonal variations in the chemical composition of PM2.5, including water-soluble ions, inorganic elements, and carbonaceous aerosols. Results from the random forest model indicated that control measures during the Olympics and Paralympics reduced PM2.5 concentrations by 21.5% in Linyi. Organic matter was the dominant component of PM2.5, followed by NO3−, SO42−, and NH4+. Among secondary inorganic ions, SO42− exhibited the highest concentration in summer, while NO3− and NH4+ showed the lowest concentrations. The inorganic elements S, K, Fe, and Si had high mean annual concentrations, underscoring the need for targeted control measures for plate production, bulk coal burning, and biomass combustion in Linyi. The organic carbon (OC) to elemental carbon ratio (17.7–20.5) in Linyi was high, highlighting the importance of addressing secondary OC pollution. According to the positive matrix factorization model, coal burning, and the secondary formation processes of sulfate and nitrate were the dominant sources of PM2.5. Backward air mass trajectories revealed substantial contributions from the southeastern, local, and southwestern regions of Linyi. This suggests the need for enhanced regional joint prevention and control efforts between Linyi and neighboring cities, such as Rizhao and Jining in Shandong Province, as well as northern cities in Jiangsu Province. The highest non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks (CRs) were associated with As. coal burning posed significant noncarcinogenic risks and a moderate CR, contributing 41.7% and 44.0% of the total health risk, respectively. These findings are crucial for developing effective air pollution prevention and control strategies.

Inflated electronic and optical assessment of gC3N4/ZnO nanocomposite as a potential emissive layer material for OLED application

Organo-inorganic nanocomposite materials have been proven to be novel hybrid materials with inflated electronic and optical performance that can be tailored with the judicious selection of the building units or their combinations. Here, hydrothermal, thermal polycondensation, and ultrasonication techniques were used to synthesize pure ZnO, gC3N4, and gC3N4/ZnO with varying weights % such as 10 %, 15 %, 20 %, and 25 % of ZnO inorganic filler elements in gC3N4 matrix. The crystalline phase (hexagonal wurtzite) and crystallite size (10.0 nm, 17.6 nm, and 15.90 nm) of the synthesized materials were examined by X-ray diffractometer. The FESEM and HRTEM characterizations revealed the sheet-like gC3N4 and spherical-type ZnO nanoparticle-like microstructures of the samples. The present functional groups, corresponding vibrational frequency, chemical states, and binding energy were investigated using FTIR and XPS spectroscopic methods. Optical parameters such as optical band gap energy (Eg = 3.24 eV), Urbach energy (Eu = 0.41 eV), refractive index (n = 1.99), emission quantum yield (∼ 69.03 %), and color purity of the nanocomposites were examined using UV visible and photoluminescence spectroscopic techniques. IV and Hall measurements techniques were used to determine the semiconducting parameters of the optimized sample, such as conductivity (∼62.90×10−5 S/cm), carrier mobility (∼ 44.1 cm2/Volt. Sce), carrier concentrations (∼1.825×1014 cm−3), and sheet resistance (∼1.062×103 Ω/cm2). Due to their excellent optical and electrical behavior, the nanocomposite materials were found to be fairly suitable as a potential emissive layer material for OLED applications.

Cryogels Composites: Recent Improvement in Bone Tissue Engineering.

Autogenous bone grafts have long been considered the optimal choice for bone reconstruction due to their excellent biocompatibility and osteogenic properties. However, their limited availability and associated donor site morbidity have led to exploration of alternative bone substitutes. Cryogels, with their interconnected porosity, shape recovery, and enhanced mass transport capabilities, have emerged as a promising polymer-based solution. By incorporating bioactive glasses and nanofillers, cryogel composites offer bioactivity, cost-efficiency, and easy cell integration. This approach not only enhances bone regeneration but also underscores the broader role of nanotechnology in regenerative medicine. This mini-review discusses the advancement of organic-inorganic composites, focusing on biopolymeric cryogels and inorganic elements for reinforcement. We highlight how cryogels can be integrated into minimally invasive procedures, reducing patient distress and complications, and advanced 3D-printing techniques that enable further customization of these materials to mimic bone tissue architecture, offering potential for patient-specific treatments.

Qualidade da água envasada consumida no estado de São Paulo: análise de substâncias inorgânicas

Introduction: The availability of different brands of bottled water on the national market, combined with the growing consumption by the population, makes it important to assess the quality of its chemical composition. Objective: To quantify inorganic chemical substances (nutrients and toxic metals) in samples of bottled water from national and imported sources consumed in the State of São Paulo, in compliance with legislation and compendiums; verify the parameters of inorganic elements indicated on labeling, as well as the recommended daily intake. Method: Determinations were carried out by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Results: The evaluation indicated that 93.5% of the total of the 107 samples analyzed presented concentrations of inorganic chemical elements in accordance with the maximum values allowed in national legislation for all analytes (96.5% for national and 81.0% for imported), thus being considered suitable for human consumption. Discordant results were obtained for 6.5% for the elements chromium (2.3%) and selenium (1.2%) in national water and chromium (19.0%) in imported water. Levels above the recommended limits by the international compendia for sodium intake were quantified in an imported water sample that could cause illness in the body. Furthermore, the variability observed between the experimental results and values declared in the chemical composition tables (labeling) can lead consumers to purchase a product containing inadequate information, thereby harming their daily intake needs. Conclusions: The results highlight the importance of establishing and maintaining continuous monitoring programs in the country to monitor the sanitary quality of food consumed by the population and thus protect population’s health.

Impacts of plastic pollution on soil–plant properties and greenhouse gas emissions in wetlands: A meta-analysis

Plastic pollution in wetlands has recently emerged as an urgent environmental problem. However, the impacts of plastic contamination on soil-plant properties and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in wetlands remain unclear. Thus, this study conducted a meta-analysis based on 44 study sites to explore the influence of plastic pollution on soil physicochemical variables, soil microorganisms, enzyme activity, functional genes, plant characteristics, and GHG emissions (CO2, CH4, and N2O) in different wetland types. Based on the collected dataset, the plastic pollution significantly increased soil organic matter and organic carbon by on average 28.9 % and 34.2 %, respectively, while decreased inorganic nutrient elements, bacteria alpha diversity and enzyme activities by an average of 5.9 −14.2 %. The response of bacterial abundance to plastic pollution varied depending on phylum classes. Plant biomass and photosynthetic efficiency were decreased by an average of 12.8 % and 18.4 % due to plastic pollution. The concentration and exposure time of plastics play a key role in influencing the soil and plant properties in wetlands. Furthermore, plastic exposure notably increased the abundance of the functional genes related to C degradation and the ammonia oxidizing microorganisms, and the consequent CO2 and N2O emissions (with effect sizes of 2.10 and 1.94, respectively). We also found that plastic concentrations and exposure duration affected the wetland soil–plant system. Our results might be helpful to design further investigations on plastic effects and develop appropriate measures for mitigating plastic pollution in wetlands.

THE EFFECT OF POLYPHENOL COMPOUNDS ON Ca2+-INDUCED MITOCHONDRIAL POTORAGE (mPTP) IN TOXIC HEPATITIS

As a result of the development of industrial technologies and changes in the ecological environment, various xenobiotics released into the environment are increasing. Increasing exposure to xenobiotics may lead to the development of diseases associated with toxic hepatitis (TG) in the population. The following exogenous factors can cause TG: industrial and household toxic substances, chlorinated hydrocarbons, naphthalene and biphenyls, benzene, metals and other inorganic elements, monomers used for the production of polymer materials, plastics, hydrazine and its derivatives, as well as dioxins and radionuclides. All of these exogenous toxins have a cumulative damaging effect on the liver, so they must be converted into non-toxic compounds for the body and eliminated. The main mechanisms of toxic damage to the liver are lipid peroxidation, protein denaturation, reduction of ATF, mitochondrial dysfunction, inhibition of membrane receptors.

A Study on the Paleoclimate and Sedimentary Environment of the Upper Kuli Formation in the Hailar Basin

Abstract The Kuli Formation in the Hailar Basin has a wide distribution range, complex and variable lithology, and oil and gas indications during field investigations, which has great research significance and value. In order to better understand the paleoclimate and sedimentary environment of the Upper Kuli Formation, this article uses three methods for the first time: heavy mineral analysis, sporopollen fossils identification, and inorganic element analysis. Based on the characteristics of heavy mineral assemblages, sporopollen fossils identification, and element analysis correspond to the five bottom layer combinations of heavy mineral analysis, analyzing their respective combination characteristics and change patterns. With a more comprehensive perspective and higher time resolution, Cross validation improves the accuracy and credibility of its inference. The results indicate that the Upper Kuli Formation can be divided into five combinations from bottom to top. The paleoclimate underwent a transition from a humid environment to a drier environment. The sedimentary environment has undergone a transition from a deep-water environment to a shallow water environment, transitioning from dynamic, rapid sedimentation, and strong terrestrial influences to a sedimentary environment dominated by more static water, chemical precipitation, and diagenesis. This study combines different geological and geochemical analysis methods to provide strong basis for inferring the paleoclimate and sedimentary environment of the Upper Kuli Formation. The research results are of great significance for interpreting geological changes such as paleoclimate change and ecosystem evolution.

Effects of Microbiota on the Soiling Process of PV Modules in Arid Zones of the Atacama Desert

Photovoltaic technology has proven to be a reliable, economical, and clean energy source that is capable of adapting to diverse geographical conditions. However, factors such as soiling overshadow these qualities, thus leading to production losses and affecting the profitability of this technology. For these reasons, soiling is a highly studied topic, which involves considering the physicochemical characterization of the deposited material, mitigation strategies, effect predictions, and cleaning mechanisms. However, there is a relatively unexplored area related to the microbiological contribution to soiling. The surface of photovoltaic modules, along with the deposited material and local atmospheric factors, fosters favorable conditions for the colonization of microorganisms. These microorganisms influence the soiling mechanisms and optical properties of photovoltaic modules. This work presents a detailed characterization of the microbial diversity present in the soiling deposited on photovoltaic modules installed in the Atacama Desert. Two study sites were defined: Antofagasta and the Solar Platform of the Atacama Desert, which have warm and cold desert climates, respectively. Mineralogical characterization tests, heavy metal analyses, TOC, and inorganic element analyses were conducted on the deposited material. Additionally, the culturable isolates and the metagenomic DNA of the soiling samples and biofilms grown on standard PV glass were characterized using next-generation sequencing. The results show that the deposited soiling contained a microbiological component that had adapted to extreme desert conditions. The presence of the genera Arthrobacter, Kocuria, and Dietzia were identified in the culturable isolates from Antofagasta, while Arthrobacter and Dietzia were obtained from the Solar Platform of the Atacama Desert. The metagenomic DNA was mainly represented by the genera Pontibacter, Noviherbaspirillum, Massilia, Arthrobacter, Hymenobacter, and Deinococcus at Antofagasta. However, at the Solar Platform of the Atacama Desert, the analyzed samples presented DNA concentrations below 0.5 ng/µL, which made their preparation unviable. At the PSDA, the biofilms formed by the genera Peribacillus and Kocuria were identified, whereas the UA showed a greater abundance of bacteria that favored biofilm formation, including those that belonged to the genera Bacillus, Sporosarcina, Bhargavaea, Mesaobacillus, Cytobacillus, Caldakalibacillus, and Planococcus. Based on these results, we propose a soiling mechanism that considers the microbiological contribution to material cementation.

Biodiesel production, calcium recovery, and adsorbent synthesis using dairy sludge

Dairy sludge (DS) consists of organic compounds such as lipids and valuable inorganic elements. Biodiesel recovery from dairy sludge extract (DSE), using conventional acid (trans)esterification yielded only 16.5 wt%. In contrast, non-catalytic (trans)esterification generated a substantially higher biodiesel yield of approximately 74.0 wt% due to the method’s tolerance for impurities. Defatted dairy sludge (DDS) contained a higher Ca concentration than DS. DDS-produced biochar (DDSB) increased its Ca concentration predominantly in the form of CaO. 91.1% of the Ca was recovered from the DDSB containing Ca. The Ca remaining in the biochar residue (DDSBR) after Ca recovery was in the form of CaCO3. The porous structure developed as the Ca dissolved, implying that DDSBR could be an effective pollutant adsorbent. In this study, a method is proposed to maximize the utilization of DS by producing biodiesel, recovering Ca content, and using it as a pollutant adsorbent.

Predicting the Bioaccessibility of Soil Cd, Pb, and As with Advanced Machine Learning for Continental-Scale Soil Environmental Criteria Determination in China.

Investigating the bioaccessibility of harmful inorganic elements in soil is crucial for understanding their behavior in the environment and accurately assessing the environmental risks associated with soil. Traditional batch experimental methods and linear models, however, are time-consuming and often fall short in precisely quantifying bioaccessibility. In this study, using 937 data points gathered from 56 journal articles, we developed machine learning models for three harmful inorganic elements, namely, Cd, Pb, and As. After thorough analysis, the model optimized through a boosting ensemble strategy demonstrated the best performance, with an average R 2 of 0.95 and an RMSE of 0.25. We further employed SHAP values in conjunction with quantitative analysis to identify the key features that influence bioaccessibility. By utilizing the developed integrated models, we carried out predictions for 3002 data points across China, clarifying the bioaccessibility of cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), and arsenic (As) in the soils of various sites and constructed a comprehensive spatial distribution map of China using the inverse distance weighting (IDW) interpolation method. Based on these findings, we further derived the soil environmental standards for metallurgical sites in China. Our observations from the collected data indicate a reduction in the number of sites exceeding the standard levels for Cd, Pb, and As in mining/smelting sites from 5, 58, and 14 to 1, 24, and 7, respectively. This research offers a precise and scientific approach for cross-regional risk assessment at the continental scale and lays a solid foundation for soil environmental management.

Correlation analysis between Radix Pseudostelariae quality and rhizosphere soil factors of Pseudostellaria heterophylla in a cultivation region, China.

Pseudostellaria heterophylla, known for its significant bioactive ingredients, offers potential health benefits. Amounts of bioactive compounds of the tuberous root of cultivated Pseudostellaria heterophylla are sensitive to environmental conditions. We selected 22 sampling sites in Guizhou Province, China, a primary Pseudostellaria heterophylla planting area. We analyzed polysaccharides, water-soluble extractives, total ash and inorganic elements (Fe, Mn, Zn, Mg and Ca) in Radix Pseudostellariae, and pH, organic carbon (OC), available nitrogen (AN), available phosphorus (AP), available potassium (AK) and inorganic elements in the soil. Our study revealed a substantial presence of polysaccharides (85.00-181.00 mg g-1), water-soluble extractives (47.52-57.63%) and total ash (1.87-3.39%) in Radix Pseudostellariae. Polysaccharides and total ash showed no sensitivity to soil pH. Radix Pseudostellariae collected from soil with pH > 7 exhibited slightly higher levels of water-soluble extractives, Mg and Ca than that from soil with pH < 5. Conversely, soil with a pH less than 5 had higher OC, AN, AP and AK contents. Water-soluble extractives in Radix Pseudostellariae were negatively correlated with soil pH but positively correlated with OC and AN. The results imply that the sequestration of soil nutrients over long-term Pseudostellaria heterophylla cultivation could negatively impact the accumulation of some bioactive ingredients in Radix Pseudostellariae. This study has a profound implication for enhancing the quality of Radix Pseudostellariae of artificially cultivated Pseudostellaria heterophylla. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Safety Assessment of Honeys from Northern and Southern Algerian Regions

Although the EU is a major producer of honey, commercial production is often insufficient to meet market demand and, as a result, honey is often imported into the EU from extra-EU countries that lack regulatory standards for food safety and quality. Since honey is a matrix highly susceptible to contamination, monitoring the quality and safety of extra-EU honey is of significant importance to show potential safety gaps. Hence, aim of the study was to monitor the mineral profile of monofloral and multifloral honeys from different regions of North (provinces of Tiaret and Laghouat) and South Algeria (province of Tindouf). In almost all the samples, Mg, Fe, Zn, Cd and Pb were found at levels exceeding the limits set for honey by the Codex Alimentarius and European Regulation 915/2023. In addition, a PCA analysis pointed out that the analysis of the element profile was useful to discriminate Algerian honeys more on the basis of geographical than botanical origin. The dietary exposure assessment indicates that the investigated honeys can be safely consumed in quantities comparable to those considered in Europe (1.8 g/day) and North Africa (0.3 g/day). Hopefully, data from this study may solicit the Algerian government to set regulatory limits on inorganic elements in honey and align with other international standards, to create a harmonized network able to improve the safety of this food.

Toxicity studies of compound spermatogenic pill:Acute toxicity and subacute toxicity

Ethnopharmacological relevanceSpermatogenic Pill (SP) is a commonly used clinical preparation in the Third Clinical Hospital of Changchun University of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Has accumulated a good reputation for more than a decade. However, because SP is a hospital clinical agent, it has received little extensive attention from researchers, which has led to a systematic lack of basic research on it. Therefore, it is impossible to determine whether there are safety hazards that may limit its widespread clinical application, and an in-depth toxicological evaluation of SP is essential and urgent. Aim of the studyThe aim of this study was to assess the safety of SP by conducting acute and subacute toxicity examinations. Materials and methodsIdentify active compounds contained in SP by LC-MS, and determination of inorganic elements in SP using ICP-MS. The in vivo acute toxicity of SP was assessed over a duration of 14 days following administration at doses of 7.5, 15, or 30 g/kg. To evaluate subacute toxicity, mice were administered daily doses of SP (7.5, 15, or 30 g/kg) for a period of 28 days. After the treatment period, the animals were euthanized, and standard blood tests, liver and kidney function tests, as well as tests related to glycolipid metabolism, were performed. The principal organs of the mice were collected to calculate organ coefficients and undergo hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. ResultsLC-MS analysis showed that the active components of SP include Quercetin, Kaempferol, Beta-sitosterol, Stigmasterol, Diosbulbin B, Schizandrin, Naringenin, 2,3-hydroxycinnamic acid, L-proline, Histidine and Pluviatolide. The total amount of detected inorganic elements accounted for 3.0919% of SP. During the SP acute toxicity experiment, the groups that received the drug exhibited no signs of adverse reactions or poisoning symptoms. In subacute toxicity experiments, drug-treated mice showed overall favorable status, but the effects of continuous administration of the 30 g/kg group on body weight and food intake were reduced. An increase in the white marrow of spleen tissue after long-term administration of the drug treatment was also observed, suggesting that the drug can increase the maturation process and the number of mature lymphocytes in the spleen, and improve the lymphocyte immunity and humoral immunity function of the organism. Suggests that possibly this should be taken into account in clinical application. The routine blood examinations, as well as the assessments of liver and kidney functions, and the tests for glucose and lipid metabolism, did not reveal any notable toxic effects. ConclusionSP contains more flavonoids, and terpenoid active ingredients, and is non-toxic in the body. This discovery not only strengthens the safety foundation of its clinical application, provides a solid scientific basis for the establishment of reasonable clinical dosage and the implementation of effective clinical toxicity monitoring, but also further lays a solid theoretical cornerstone for the subsequent clinical drug trials.

Mapping the Environmental Risk of Fluoride Exposure of Drinking Water in a Community of Zacatecas, Mexico

Fluoride (iF) is an inorganic element commonly present in groundwater in central Mexico and is considered a health risk when it exceeds the Mexican drinking water standard of 1.5 mg/L. Prolonged exposure to iF can cause various adverse health effects, such as dental fluorosis and neurological effects, particularly in children. A rapid and cost-effective strategy to identify possible areas where the resident population may be at risk of exposure to this contaminant is the health risk estimation methodology of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO). The aim of this study was to estimate the environmental risk of iF exposure in residents of Jerez, Zacatecas, Mexico, and subsequently construct risk maps to identify areas of the city where there is a higher risk of exposure. Fifty-five tap water samples were collected from households to determine iF concentrations using the ion-selective electrode method. Based on these environmental values, the hazard quotient (HQ) was estimated following the health risk estimation methodology. Subsequently, risk maps were generated from these values to visualize the spatial distribution of high-risk areas within the city. The iF concentrations in tap water ranged from 1.3 to 7.3 mg/L (ppm), with only one sample below the standard of 1.5 mg/L. We estimated HQ values ranging from 0.63 to 3.73. Exposure to iF in tap water is a health problem that must be addressed, necessitating risk communication actions that enable the population to safeguard its health through simple measures, thereby avoiding future health costs.

Effect of ultrasonic-hydraulic coupling cavitation pretreatment on carbon extraction from coal gasification coarse slag by flotation

Coal gasification coarse slag represents a type of low-value solid waste produced in coal gasification. This study investigated how the pretreatment of the pulp obtained from coal gasification coarse slag affects carbon extraction by flotation. Ultrasonic treatment can promote carbon ash separation. Flotation results revealed that at an ultrasonic action time of 15 min, the ultrasonic power was 90 W and the microbubble generator flow rate was 300 ml/min. Moreover, the best flotation effect was observed under these conditions. Compared with the results obtained for conventional flotation, the concentrate ash content decreased from 36.88 % to 25.51 % and the combustible substance recovery index increased from 79.84 % to 92.91 %. After coupled cavitation treatment, coal gasification coarse slag exhibited a reduced particle size, an increased specific surface area, a smooth and clean surface, a reduced number of surface inorganic elements, an increased number of pores and a remarkable carbon ash separation effect. This study can provide a reference for special methods such as ultrasonic-hydraulic coupling cavitation to strengthen the flotation of coal gasification coarse slag.