Inorganic Residues Research Articles

The influence of the electrolyte on chemical and morphological modifications of an iron sulfide thin film negative electrode.

The chemical and morphological modifications of FeS thin film as anode material for LiBs have been studied in detail in two classical electrolytes usually used in Li-ion batteries: 1 M LiClO4-PC and 1 M LiPF6-EC/DMC. The X-ray photoelectron spectroscopic (XPS) analysis evidenced the formation of a solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) that contains a more significant amount of inorganic salt residues formed in LiPF6-EC/DMC than in LiClO4-PC, which is likely to increase the ionic resistivity of the SEI, thus impeding the lithiation-delithiation in the first cycles while improving its reversibility. Ion depth profiles performed by time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) show volume expansion-shrinkage of the thin film leading to cracking and pulverization of the electrode material, which is also confirmed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis. The prolonged cycling results in penetration and accumulation of the electrolyte in a bulk electrode with accumulation of the inorganic species in the inner part of the SEI enhanced in a fluoride-containing electrolyte. Cycling in these two different electrolytes leads also to formation of two different electrode morphologies: with a compact electrode structure formed in LiClO4-PC and a foam-like, porous structure in LiPF6-EC/DMC. A model of this conversion-type thin film electrode modification based on these thorough spectroscopic and microscopic analyses induced by cycling in two different electrolytes is proposed.

Tiny but Toxic: How Industrial Waste Infiltrates the Body

T iny but T oxic : H ow I ndustrial W aste I nfiltrates the B ody B S J Rachel Lew During one of the most devastating episodes of air pollution in history, a 30-mile-wide cloud of smog settled on the city of London, incapacitating its residents. For five days, the smog was so thick that all transportation above ground was halted and Londoners were forced to walk the streets instead, dangerously exposing themselves to the pollution. The Great Smog of December 1952 was estimated to have caused 4,000 deaths within days. (Klein, 2012) Reflecting on the event fifty years later, a woman who lived through the Great Smog said, “It was the worst fog that I’d ever encountered. It had a yellow tinge and a strong, strong smell strongly of sulphur, because it was really pollution from coal fires that had built up. Even in daylight, it was a ghastly yellow colour” (Days of Toxic Darkness, 2002). Figure 1. The Great Smog of 1952 (London, England) At the time, the smog was considered more of a visibility problem than a health hazard. Runners from Oxford and Cambridge University even persisted in their annual cross- country race, using track marshals to guide them through the yellow smog (Klein, 2012). Perhaps if they had been aware of the health effects associated with breathing polluted air, they would have decided to stay indoors that day. Exercising in polluted air has been proven to be particularly harmful not only to the throat and lungs, but also, surprisingly, to the heart (Pekkanen, 2002). Upon inhaling the smog, Londoners in 1952 began choking and wheezing as toxic particles infiltrated and irritated their respiratory pathways. Weeks later, many found themselves afflicted with bronchitis, tuberculosis, and other Ultra-fine particles not only exacerbate existing lung disease but also increase blood coagulability….clotted or thickened blood can easily clog major vessels. inflammatory pulmonary diseases. Worse, over the course of six months, more Londoners were plagued by pollution- caused cardiovascular disease, resulting in an estimated 8,000 additional deaths (Klein, 2012). We now know that particulate matter air pollution, or PM, can damage both the pulmonary and cardiovascular systems of organisms, causing both short- and long-term health problems. In 2002, the number of PM-related deaths per year in the United States was about 60,000 (Verrier, 2002). Though this number only accounts for 2.4% of the total number of deaths in the US, by comparison, about the same number of people died from Alzheimer’s disease that year (Kochanek, 2004). Unfortunately, with the rise of industrialization, the problem of particulate air pollution has only intensified. In the 1900s, air pollution mainly consisted of emissions from coal combustion, such as sulfur oxides, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, other organic compounds, and particulate matter made up of inorganic ash residues (Bituminous and In 2002, the number of PM- related deaths per year in the United States was about 60,000. 20 • B erkeley S cientific J ournal • W aste • S pring 2015 • V olume 19 • I ssue 2

Study of Organic and Inorganic Residues on the Stone Tools from the Early Mesolithic Layer in the Dvoinaya Cave (Northwestern Caucasus)

This paper presents the data of technical and technological analyses of organic and inorganic residues collected from the surfaces of lithic artifacts recovered from the Early Mesolithic layer in the Dvoinaya Cave (Northwestern Caucasus). The micro-chemical and IR analyses have revealed plant and animal residues, as well as mineral components. Organic residues noted on the tool edges are well correlated with the data of the use-wear analysis that was carried out previously.

Heterometallic derivatives of dicarbonylcyclopentadienylrhenium disulfide containing chromium pentacarbonyl and bis(triphenylphosphine)platinum

The reaction of Cp′Re(CO)2THF (Cp′ = C5H4Me), THF is tetrahydrofuran) with sulfur affords Cp′Re(CO)2S2(I) and [Cp′Re(CO)2]2S (II). The synthesized compounds are isolated chromatographically and characterized by X-ray diffraction analysis. The adduct Cp′Re(CO)2S2Cr(CO)5 (III) is synthesized by the reaction of compound I with Cr(CO)5(THF). The adduct CpRe(CO)2S2Cr(CO)5 (IV) is obtained similarly from known CpRe(CO)2S2 and Cr(CO)5(THF). The reaction of compound I with (PPh3)2Pt(C2Ph2) results in the removal of Ph2C2 and one sulfur atom to form Cp′Re(CO)2SPt(PPh3)2 (V). The structures of compounds I–V are determined by X-ray diffraction analysis (CIF files CCDC nos. 984554 (I), 984555 (II), 984556 (III), 984557 (IV), and 984558 (V)). Compound I contains the three-membered cycle ReS2 with the ordinary S-S bond (2.044(4) A) and shortened Re-S bonds (average 2.434(3) A). The three-membered cycle Re2S containing the ordinary Re-Re bond (2.932(1) A) and shortened Re-S bonds (2.371(1) A) is observed in compound II. In compounds III and IV, the formation of the ordinary S-Cr(CO)5 bond (2.406(1) A) with one of the sulfur atoms almost does not change the geometry of the ReS2 fragment. The thermal decomposition of compound III proceeds with the elimination of six CO ligands in the range 110–160°C and then with the loss of CO and Cp′ in the range 160–430°C and the formation of the inorganic residue ReCrS2. Compound V contains the triangular framework ReSPt with the ordinary Pt-Re bond (2.7882(3) A) and substantially shortened bonds Re-S (2.3984(9) A) and Pt-S (2.2724(8) A). It is assumed that compounds II and V can be presented as products of the π-coordination of the double bonds in Cp′(CO)2Re=S with the Cp′Re(CO)2 or Pt(PPh3)2 groups, respectively.

Characterization and thermal study of organic extracts of urban solid waste

The urban residues put in landfill of the city of Sao Carlos-SP, Brazil, in 2004 represent 58.7 % of decomposed organic material. The aim of this research was to characterize samples of urban solid waste and its organic extracts targeting the use of this residue without damaging the environment. The curves were obtained in a nitrogen atmosphere, a heating rate of 20 °C min−1, the temperature of 30–600 °C. In the original sample after humidity loss, an event occured concerning the water constitution in the TG curve with an endothermic peak in the DTA curve. There was a presence of inorganic residue in the ashes. The organic matter present in the USR sample disposed in the landfill is constituted by several polarity, organics compounds from the degradation of lignin, cellulose, lipids, and other materials which thermal stabilities are distinct. The hexane extract features in its constitution two fatty acids, stearic and triacontanoic, which are nonpolar compounds originating from bacteria present in the residue. The acids groups in extract hexane also were evidenced by X-ray diffraction and FTIR.

Recovery of freshwater from wastewater: upgrading process configurations to maximize energy recovery and minimize residuals.

Analysis of conventional and novel wastewater treatment configurations reveals large differences in energy consumed or produced and solids generated per cubic meter of domestic wastewater treated. Complete aerobic BOD removal consumes 0.45 kWh and produces 153 g of solids, whereas complete anaerobic treatment produces 0.25 kWh and 80 g of solids. Emerging technologies, that include short-circuit nitrogen removal (SHARON, CANON with Anammox, CANDO) and mainstream anaerobic digestion, can potentially remove both BOD and nitrogen with an energy surplus of 0.17 kWh and production of 95 g of solids. Heat from biogas combustion can completely dry the solids, and these solids can be converted to syngas without imported energy. Syngas combustion can produce ∼ 0.1 kWh with an inorganic residue of just 10 g. If salt is removed, freshwater can be recovered with net production of electrical energy from methane (0.03-0.13 kWh) and syngas (∼ 0.1 kWh) and an inorganic residue of ∼ 0.1-0.3 kg as brine. Current seawater desalination requires 3-4 kWh (thermodynamic limit of 1 kWh) and results in an inorganic residue of ∼ 35 kg as brine.

Microbiological and biochemical properties of artificial substrates: A preliminary study of its application as Technosols or as a basis in Green Roof Systems

The development of artificial substrates or Technosols to be used in green roofs is increasing nowadays. Microbiological and biochemical aspects should be taken into consideration when designing an artificial substrate, to assure the quality of the chosen materials and the future plant development. Our purpose is to develop an appropriate substrate consisting of a mix of organic and inorganic residues. We used green compost mixed, on the one hand, with a clay-loam soil and, on the other, with crushed bricks, in two volumetric proportions (20:80 and 50:50). An incubation experiment was conducted to study the short-term evolution of physicochemical, biochemical, and microbiological substrates characteristics. Most of the enzymatic activities (β-GLA, URA, and APA) and microbiological parameters determined (microbial respiration and qCO2) showed that the compost–soil mixtures were able to maintain biochemical processes during the incubation time. In contrast, the compost–brick mixtures possessed appropriate physicochemical properties (60% of porosity, good aeration conditions, and higher oxidative enzyme activities; PPO and POD) but they presented less nutrient content (TOC, TC, and TN) and reduced microbial activity in general, which are of paramount importance in plant growth. Moreover, the PLFAs analysis (phospholipid fatty acids) showed that compost–brick may support a bacterial community throughout the experiment while in compost–soil mixtures there was further development of fungi, although its content decreased with incubation time. We conclude that both the substrate composition and the compost dose affect the development of microbial biomass at structural and functional levels. Therefore, physicochemical properties along with biochemical and microbiological aspects should be considered to design a suitable substrate for a future plant development.

Consejos para pacientes

In wound care, knowing what to do is as important as knowing what not to do. The first step is to evaluate the severity of the lesion and to know whether it is necessary to attend a health center or not. If the wound is simple, the recommended course of action is cleansing with serum or water after washing one's hands, followed by wound disinfection with the most appropriate antiseptic. Antiseptics not should be used for wound cleansing (physiological serum or tap water should be used) or for wound healing with granulation tissue. Equally, antiseptics should not be used in the ear or near the eyes; if there is accidental application, the eye should be washed in abundant water. Povidone iodine should not be used in pregnant women, nor should iodine preparations be used in neonates, in patients with thyroid alterations or in those allergic to iodine. Currently, merbromine/mercurochrome is not used because of its mercury content. Before an antiseptic is applied, all inorganic residues (foreign bodies) and dead tissue should be removed; detritus, slough, purulent exudate, scabs… This will aid healing and the action of antiseptics, since they become inactive in the presence of organic material.

An extension to “Mid-infrared spectral interpretation of soils: Is it practical or accurate?”

This note extends the topic of the performance of ashing soil samples and then using spectral subtraction of diffuse reflectance Fourier transform mid-IR spectroscopy (DRIFTS) of original and ashed samples in highlighting the significance of the organic fraction. It was found that accurately interpreting the ash subtracted spectra (mid-infrared range from 4000cm−1 to 400cm−1) is nearly impossible not only because soil minerals undergo extreme spectral changes from the ashing process but also because inorganic residues from burning soil organic matter (mainly humic substances) also confound the spectra of the mineral fraction. Removing soil organic matter using wet ashing methods with H2O2, NaOCl, or Na2S2O8 is associated with inaccuracies in spectra interpretation from organic remains (uncompleted organic matter removal) and spectral changes of minerals from wet ashing processes. Accordingly, with the current techniques of dry and wet ashing it is impossible to accurately interpret the ash subtracted spectra of soil samples.

Effect of pomegranate peel supplementation on nutritional, organoleptic and stability properties of cookies

The present study aims at highlighting the nutritive potential of pomegranate peel and its possible utilization as an ingredient of choice to nutritionally enrich cookies. Biochemical composition and free radical scavenging features of pomegranate peel powder (PoP) and PoP supplemented cookies were measured. PoP supplementation significantly (p < 0.05) improved dietary fibers (0.32–1.96 g/100 g), total phenols (90.7–161.9 mg GAE/100 g) and inorganic residues (0.53–0.76 g/100 g) of cookies. Similarly, significant increase in Ca, K, Fe and Zn levels was noted in supplemented cookies. Almost 50% 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity was recorded in cookies carrying highest concentration of PoP and phenolic contents. PoP phenolics of supplemented cookies were shown to reduce oxidative degradation during four months storage. Present study suggests PoP supplementation in baked products as a potential source of micro and macronutrients. Application of PoP in ready to serve foods seems to be a potential disease preventive and ameliorative approach in tandem with its preservation and nutritional enhancement features.

Separating natural from anthropogenic causes of impairment in Zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha) populations living across a pollution gradient

The relationship between the reproductive stage, the total lipid content and eight broadly used biochemical stress responses were used to assess seasonal and pollutant effects across eleven different zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha) populations from the Ebro and Mijares river basin, Spain. Biochemical markers included superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione (GSH), glutathione S transferase (GST), multixenobiotic transporter activity (MXR), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), lipid peroxidation (LPO) and single strand DNA breaks. Principal component analyses of zebra mussel responses across an annual cycle, showed a marked gonad stage component in total lipid content and biochemical responses. The same response pattern was observed across the populations sampled along a broad geographical and pollution gradient. Population differences on the gonad developmental stage were highly correlated with most of the measured responses and unrelated with the pollution gradient. Conversely, bioaccumulation of organic and inorganic contaminant residues was more related to pollution sources than with the reproductive cycle. These results indicate that the reproductive cycle is the major factor affecting the temporal and spatial variation of the studied markers in D. polymorpha.

A novel method for the identification of inorganic and organic gunshot residue particles of lead-free ammunitions from the hands of shooters using scanning laser ablation-ICPMS and Raman micro-spectroscopy.

A method based on scanning laser ablation and inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (SLA-ICPMS) and Raman micro-spectroscopy for the detection and identification of compounds consistent with gunshot residue particles (GSR) has been developed. The method has been applied to the characterization of particles resulting from the discharge of firearms using lead-free ammunition. Modified tape lifts were used to collect the inorganic and organic residues from skin surfaces in a single sample. Using SLA-ICPMS, aggregates related to the composition of the ammunition, such as Cu-Zn-Sn, Zr-Sr, Cu-Zn, Al-Ti, or Al-Sr-Zr were detected, but this composition is only consistent with GSR from lead-free ammunitions. Additional evidence was provided by micro-Raman spectroscopy, which identified the characteristic organic groups of the particles as centralite, diphenylamine or their nitrated derivatives, which are indicative of GSR.

Detection of gunshot residues using mass spectrometry.

In recent years, forensic scientists have become increasingly interested in the detection and interpretation of organic gunshot residues (OGSR) due to the increasing use of lead- and heavy metal-free ammunition. This has also been prompted by the identification of gunshot residue- (GSR-) like particles in environmental and occupational samples. Various techniques have been investigated for their ability to detect OGSR. Mass spectrometry (MS) coupled to a chromatographic system is a powerful tool due to its high selectivity and sensitivity. Further, modern MS instruments can detect and identify a number of explosives and additives which may require different ionization techniques. Finally, MS has been applied to the analysis of both OGSR and inorganic gunshot residue (IGSR), although the “gold standard” for analysis is scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray microscopy (SEM-EDX). This review presents an overview of the technical attributes of currently available MS and ionization techniques and their reported applications to GSR analysis.

Crystal structure and properties of the precursor [Ni(H2O)6](HTBA)2·2Н2О and the complexes M(HTBA)2(H2O)2 (M = Ni, Co, Fe)

Four new compounds, the discrete complex [Ni(H2O)6](HTBA)2.2Н2О (1) and the polymers Ni(H2O)2(HTBA-O,S)2 (2), Co(H2O)2(HTBA-O,S)2 (3) and Fe(H2O)2(HTBA-O,S)2 (4) (H2TBA=2-thiobarbituric acid, C4H4N2O2S), have been synthesized and structurally characterized. The structure of 1 has been solved by X-ray single-crystal diffraction analysis. The Ni(H2O)62+ cation has an almost ideal octahedral geometry, and there is no coordination of Ni(II) by HTBA− in 1. Complexes 2–4 have been characterized by powder XRD, TG-DSC and FT-IR. In the isostructural polymers 2–4, the metals are six-coordinated, and the octahedrons are connected by μ2-O,S bridging ligands. Each of the M(II) ions is surrounded by two water molecules, two O-coordinated HTBA− ions and two S-coordinated HTBA− ions, with all pairs being in trans-positions. Hydrogen bonding and π–π interactions play an important role for the construction of the supramolecular 3D structures of 2–4. The formation of the complexes has been evidenced by infrared spectroscopy. The thermal decomposition of 2–4 under oxidative conditions has been divided into three major stages: dehydration, oxidative degradation of the organic moiety and transformation of the inorganic residue.

Is it possible to determine firearm calibre and shooting range from the examination of gunshot residue in close range gunshot wounds? An experimental study

Introduction: The aim of the study was determining the type of weapon and shooting distance depending on chemical analysis of inorganic gunshot residue from the skin gunshot wounds in experimental animals (pigs).Methods: Experimental study was conducted in order to determine components and their percentage in gunshot residue (GSR). In 60 samples, pig skin was shot by fi ring projectiles from four different weapons and from three different distances (contact wound and near contact wound from 5 cm and 10 cm). The methodology included determining the presence of inorganic material: antimony, barium, lead, nickel, zinc and copper in the skin and subcutaneous tissue using atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS).Results: Formula for determining weapon type was provided cutt-off points for different weapons, with 78.6% of original grouped cases being correctly classifi ed. Formula for determining weapon type was provided cutt-off points for different distances, with 58.9% of original grouped cases being correctly classified, which was slightly less reliable compared to weapon type discrimination analysis.Conclusion: The presented study showed that chemical analysis of GSR in entrance wound with AAS could be useful in determining the type of weapon, as well as the shooting distance, i.e. in our study, determiningwhether the wound is contact or near contact. This could be particularly useful in postmortally putrefi ed or charred bodies with gunshot wounds.

Analysis of Industrial Waste in Wood Pellets and Co-combustion Products

The present work aims to explore the blending of inorganic industrial residues and wood in the pelletization and evaluate the effects in the combustion products. This procedure can provide an alternative route for residues disposal with the added benefit of energy recovery. However, as this study shows, some problems can arise. The pellets were produced from a mix of sawdust and six different residues: plastics, polymeric mould wastes, tire fluff, polishing dust, textile and shoemaking residues; in quantities ranging from 5 to 10 %. The chemical composition and physical characteristics, of both the raw residue materials and the different types of pellets produced, were evaluated. Afterwards, the combustion of the pellets was studied, and gas emissions and ashes were analyzed. The pellet production process presents some problems. The structure of some residues such as plastics, textiles and fluff, can decrease the mechanical strength and increase pellet fines. The co-combustion gas emissions of pellets with 10 % of shoemaking residues, 5 % of textiles and 10 % of plastics do not meet the legal concentration limits for CO. Moreover, the total concentration of heavy metals proved to be problematic in pellets with incorporation of 5 % of fluff. The pellets with incorporation of 10 % of plastics and 10 % of polishing dust presented some problems related to the formation of ash in the domestic boiler used. Indexes of slagging and fouling prediction indicate a high tendency for ash problems occurrence given the total alkalis present in all the pellets, and the silica/aluminum complex in the pellets with 10 % plastics.

Detection of anionic energetic material residues in enhanced fingermarks on porous and non-porous surfaces using ion chromatography

The ability to link criminal activity and identity using validated analytical approaches can be of great value to forensic scientists. Herein, the factors affecting the recovery and detection of inorganic and organic energetic material residues within chemically or physically enhanced fingermarks on paper and glass substrates are presented using micro-bore anion exchange chromatography with suppressed conductivity detection. Fingermarks on both surfaces were enhanced using aluminium powder or ninhydrin after spiking with model test mixtures or through contact with black-powder substitutes. A quantitative study of the effects of environmental/method interferences, the sweat matrix, the surface and the enhancement technique on the relative anion recovery of forensically relevant species is presented. It is shown that the analytical method could detect target analytes at the nanogram level even within excesses of enhancement reagents and their reaction products when using solid phase extraction and/or microfiltration. To our knowledge, this work demonstrates for the first time that ion chromatography can detect anions in energetic materials within fingermarks on two very different surfaces, after operational enhancement techniques commonly used by forensic scientists and police have been applied.

Flame retardancy of starch–based biocomposites — aluminum hydroxide-coconut fiber synergy

The use of coconut fiber (CF) agricultural waste was considered as an environmentally friendly and inexpensive alternative in flame retarded biocomposites. To decrease the high content of aluminum trihydrate (ATH) required, the thermal decomposition (thermogravimetry), flammability [oxygen index (LOI) and UL 94 test] and fire behavior (cone calorimeter) of a combination of CF and ATH were investigated in a commercial blend of thermoplastic starch (TPS) and cellulose derivatives. CF induced some charring activity, slightly decreasing the fire load and burning propensity in cone calorimeter test. ATH decomposes endothermically into water and inorganic residue. Significant fuel dilution as well as a pronounced residual protection layer reduces the fire hazards. Replacing a part of ATH with coconut fibers resulted in improved flame retardancy in terms of ignition, reaction to small flame, and flame-spread characteristics [heat release rate (HRR), fire growth rate (FIGRA), etc.]. The observed ATH and CF synergy opens the door to significant reduction of the ATH contents and thus to interesting flame retarded biocomposites.

A Comparison of Common Swabbing Materials for the Recovery of Organic and Inorganic Explosive Residues

The efficiency of solvent based extraction methods used to remove explosive residues from four different swab types was investigated. Known amounts of organic and inorganic residues were spiked onto a swab surface with acetonitrile or ethanol:water combined with ultrasonication or physical manipulation used to extract the residues from each swab. The efficiency of each procedure was then calculated using liquid chromatography-ultraviolet detection for organic residues and ion chromatography for inorganic residues. Results indicated that acetonitrile combined with physical agitation proved to be the most efficient method; returning analyte recoveries c. 95% for both alcohol based swabs and cotton balls. Inorganic residues were efficiently extracted using ethanol:water, while the use of acetonitrile followed by water significantly reduced the recovery of inorganic residues. Swab storage conditions were then investigated with results indicating decreased storage temperatures are required to retain the more volatile explosives.

Gunshot residue analysis and its evidential values: a review

Gunshot residue analysis has revealed vital trace evidence consequent to the criminal use of firearms. In forensic investigations, gunshot residue examination is sought for solving a wide range of issues from identification of a shooter to relating a bullet with the wound in reconstructing crime involving firearm. Thus, a review of analytical techniques that had been found useful for such context-oriented analysis is considered relevant. Besides the methods in forensic gunshot residue analysis, this review highlights the evidential values of organic and inorganic gunshot residues analysis that can relate a person, the place and the time with the firearm involved.