Iron Sulfate Research Articles

Thermodynamics and Electrochemistry of the Interaction of Sphalerite with Iron (II)-Bearing Compounds in Relation to Flotation

The flotation recovery of sphalerite depends on the inorganic reagents concentrations in the liquid phase of suspension and pH. This paper presents the results of studies of the interactions of iron (II) containing ions with the sphalerite surface in water solutions at different pH levels. The thermodynamic and electrochemical studies were carried out to analyze possible interactions of sphalerite with iron (II) sulfate in a water environment and relate them to sphalerite flotation with potassium butyl xanthate and sodium dibutyl dithiophosphate. The results of the thermodynamic calculations revealed the possibility of interaction of the sphalerite surface with iron (II) hydrolysis products. The effect of the hydroxide ions concentration on precipitation of iron (II) hydroxides was examined. The findings showed that at pH = 8 there were no precipitates observed in water solutions of FeSO4. Increasing pH of the solutions from 8 to 12 resulted in the formation of iron (II) hydroxides. The potentiometric studies revealed that in slightly alkaline solutions the Fe2+ and FeOH+ cations are potential-determining. In conclusion, the flotation tests with thiol collectors show the activation effect of iron (II) sulphate on sphalerite at low dosage and pH 12. This is evident by a higher flotation recovery of sphalerite at these conditions.

Scanning electron microscopy and X-ray microanalysis of the condition of concrete structures of a chemical enterprise with long-term corrosion in a sulfate environment

Long-term operation of premises in aggressive environments of chemical enterprises affects the surfaces of concrete structures and leads to the formation of destructive processes.
 The aim of the study was to determine changes in the structure and mineral composition of concrete during long-term operation in an aggressive sulfate environment at a chemical plant for the production of titanium dioxide using the sulfate method to predict the service life of concrete structures.
 It has been established that during the production of TiO2 pigment by the sulfate method, the ore is decomposed by sulfate acid at high temperature, accompanied by the release of H2SO4 vapor, sulfur dioxide SO2, hydrogen sulfide H2S and elemental sulfur. Studies have established that sulfate corrosion leads to the formation of sulfur and iron oxides on the concrete surface. Studies have revealed vast areas of the surface covered with crystals of elemental sulfur, the contents of which are confirmed by the results of X-ray microanalysis. The sizes of sulfur crystals in the image range from 12 to 180 µm, the shape corresponds to the rhombic allotropic modification S8. The penetration depth of iron sulfates into the thickness of concrete is about 50 microns. The microstructure of the surface is loose, with signs of corrosion.
 Exposure to a high concentration of sulphate acid vapors in the workshop of the enterprise led to the destruction of calcium carbonate and the formation of gypsum crystals in concrete. The formation of gypsum crystalline hydrates provokes sulfate corrosion of concrete, resulting in the formation of pores and microcracks in concrete with the formation of calcium hydrosulfoaluminate.
 The studies carried out using scanning electron microscopy and X-ray microanalysis make it possible to investigate the structural changes and mineral composition of concrete under the influence of long-term sulfate corrosion.

THE INFLUENCE OF THE ANODE MATERIAL ON THE COURSE OF COMBINED PROCESSES DURING THE REGENERATION OF SULPHATE-ACID SOLUTIONS

The existing methods of regeneration of sulfo-acidic solutions, which contain iron sulfate, formed after technological operations for the preparation and etching of metal parts at metalworking enterprises are not effective and therefore are not used at Ukrainian enterprises. They are either aimed at sedimentation of the sludge of sparingly soluble iron compounds after neutralization of unreacted sulfuric acid or at dilution of the formed spent sulfo-acid solutions. The electrochemical method of regeneration of such spent sulfo-acid solutions is not properly researched. A feature of the development of technology and equipment for regeneration is a decrease in the content of iron ions and an increase in the concentration of sulfuric acid during the regeneration process. The process of electrochemical regeneration of spent steel etching solutions is characterized by a significant change in the composition of the etching solution and the temperature of the etching process. At the beginning of work, the initial solution of sulfuric acid reaches a concentration of 2.0 mol·dm-3 and does not contain iron (II) sulfate. In the process of digestion, the concentration of sulfuric acid decreases to 0.5 mol·dm-3, and the concentration of iron (II) sulfate increases accordingly. Therefore, the course of the anodic process was studied for the following solution compositions: 0.5 mol·dm-3; 1.0 mol·dm-3 and 1.5 mol·dm-3 H2SO4. Under the conditions of a decrease in the concentration of sulfuric acid, its chemical activity also decreases when interacting with iron oxides and hydroxides. An increase in the temperature of the entire process is used to increase the reactivity of the pickling solutions. The main process at the platinum anode is the release of oxygen in a wide range of current densities and a significant overvoltage of the entire process. Taking into account the obtained voltage-voltage dependences, it can be seen that the current rises when reaching potentials that significantly exceed the standard potential for obtaining oxygen from water. The advantage of the platinum anode is the slight influence of the concentration of sulfuric acid on the kinetics of the anode process. The obtained results were used for comparison with other alternative anode materials. Manganese dioxide was obtained by the method of pyrolysis of a coating solution of manganese monoacid applied to a titanium current lead, which can be represented by reaction (5) of the decomposition of manganese nitrate on a titanium plate. Due to the developed surface, the real current density was more than an order of magnitude lower on the TDMA than on the platinum anode with the same geometric dimensions. A lower current density contributed to a decrease in the steady-state potentials of oxygen release. The current density can be increased by an order of magnitude if surfactants are added to the working solution. A comparison of voltage-voltage dependences on platinum and TDMA indicates that the use of TDMA gives a more significant gain in energy consumption during the regeneration process. Taking into account that the range of current densities of 4-5 A/dm2 was determined for the cathode process according to the research results, the difference in the reduced polarization of the anode on TDMA, compared to platinum, is more than 400 mV, which will significantly reduce costs during unit operation. The use of TDMA is expedient in the galvanostatic mode of operation of the electrode unit for the process of electrochemical regeneration of spent sulfo-acid solutions of steel pickling.

Iron deficiency and postcovid syndrome: a clinical case

Postcovid syndrome is a serious public health problem affecting millions of people worldwide. There is a growing body of evidence that people may exhibit symptoms after organ damage developed during the acute phase of COVID‑19, while others experience new symptoms after a mild infection, without any evidence of acquired organ or tissue damage. In this regard, understanding the determinants and regulators of COVID‑19 and postcovid syndrome pathology is an important clinical challenge that will enable better management of future variants and pandemic waves. There is presumably a close relationship between iron homeostasis, COVID‑19, and postcovid syndrome, the pathogenetic aspects of which have yet to be determined. Nevertheless, the available literature already indicates that iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia (without inflammatory anemia) in patients with postcovid syndrome occur in 30% and 9% of cases, respectively. Given the importance and urgency of this problem and the fact that one in three patients with postcovid syndrome may have iron deficiency, this article presents a case from clinical practice in which a patient with postcovid syndrome was found to have iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia, and treatment of this condition and disease resulted in improvement in general well-being and regression of symptoms. Thus, the effects of COVID‑19 on iron metabolism exist, and they can be corrected. The use of oral iron preparations, in particular iron sulfate, allows optimal therapeutic and clinical effects in this clinical situation along with a good tolerability and safety profile.

The effect of different mordants on natural dyeing of cotton, viscose and lyocell fabrics with pomegranate bark extracts

Considering the growing environmental awareness, natural dyeing is considered as a sustainable approach in textile dyeing, which can minimize the environmental impacts of synthetic dyes. In this study, it was aimed to compare the dyeing properties of different cellulose-based fabrics (100% cotton, 100 % viscose, 100% Tencel) with pomegranate bark extract as a natural dye by using two different mordants (potassium aluminium sulfate and iron (II) sulfate). Results revealed that potassium aluminium sulfate (alum) and iron (II) sulfate gave different color shades from light to medium yellowish-brown shades with different color depth (K/S) and color vividness (chroma). Alum mordant resulted in lighter, more greenish and more yellowish shades with more vivid color than iron (II) sulfate. The maximum K/S of 3.5 was achieved with viscose fabric mordanted with iron (II) sulfate. All dyed samples had satisfied color fastness values and increased tensile and tear strength compared to raw fabrics.

Long-term corrosion and stress corrosion cracking of X65 steel in H2O-saturated supercritical CO2 with SO2 and O2 impurities

In this study, four testing cycles (total 480 h) were conducted to investigate corrosion and stress corrosion cracking (SCC) of X65 steel in H2O-saturated supercritical CO2 (s-CO2) containing SO2 and O2 impurities. The results showed that X65 steels experienced severe corrosion and formed a porous corrosion layer composed of iron sulfates, carbonates and oxy-hydroxides. Increasing time from 120 to 480 h resulted in the shift of dominant corrosion products from iron carbonates to iron oxy-hydroxides due to acid regeneration cycle. The mass loss of X65 steel almost linearly increased with exposure time, indicating a nearly constant corrosion rate in the s-CO2 environment. In comparison with previous studies, timely replenishing s-CO2 fluid in a static autoclave is crucial to accurately determine the long-term corrosion kinetic of pipeline steel. Based on literature survey and current study, several factors (SO2 content, H2O content, addition of NO2) affect the long-term corrosion rate in s-CO2 environments, and a power-function-based empirical model is purposed to depict the long-term corrosion rate of X65 steel in H2O-saturated s-CO2 + O2 + 100/2000 ppm SO2. The long-term SCC assessments showed that the SCC susceptibility of X65 would be still quite low, which might be related to the O2-depressed hydrogen cracking and/or the lack of localized stress concentration.

Mg-Doped KFeSO4F as a High-Performance Cathode Material for Potassium-Ion Batteries

Potassium iron sulfate fluoride (KFeSO4F) is a high-voltage positive electrode material for potassium-ion batteries, but its practical performance remains limited due to its moderate electronic conductivity. In this study, we employed Mg ion doping in the Fe site of KFeSO4F to tune the crystallinity and ionic/electronic conductivity. Furthermore, we made a composite with carbon nanotubes to enhance the electrode’s electronic conductivity. In a K-ion cell filled with concentrated potassium bis(fluorosulfonyl)amide/triglyme electrolyte, the KFe0.95Mg0.05SO4F/CNT composite electrode delivers discharge (potassiation) capacities of 107 and 100 mAh g–1 in the first and 100th cycles at a rate of 0.1C with reasonable rate capability. UV–vis absorption spectroscopy studies of Mg-doped KFeSO4F powder samples showed a narrower band gap compared to KFeSO4F. Furthermore, from the combined results of X-ray diffraction and absorption spectroscopy studies, we found that multiple two-phase reaction mechanisms through the Fe3+/Fe2+ redox occurred during the reversible depotassiation/potassiation cycle.

Differential Recovery of Macrophage Iron Deficiency By Oral Iron Formulations Determines Cell Inflammatory Response in Conditions of Iron Deficiency Anemia

Introduction: Sucrosomial iron (SI) is an innovative oral iron formulation which is absorbed intact through para and trans-cellular intestinal routes as well as via M-cells. Once in the circulation SI is internalized intact by reticulo-endothelial macrophages, which likely play a major role in iron recycling from the sucrosome shell and release into the bloodstream where iron joins the transferrin (Tf)-bound iron pool. By contrast, the common oral iron salt iron sulfate (FeSO4) is absorbed via the canonical inorganic iron pathway involving DMT1 and FPN and directly joins the Tf-bound iron pool. FeSO4 administration generates higher levels of free non-transferrin-bound iron (NTBI) to which macrophages can be exposed, leading to cell iron accumulation. Thus iron provided both as SI or FeSO4 can target macrophages. Recently, macrophage iron overload has been implicated in sterile inflammation through ROS-dependent cell pro-inflammatory activation. Here we investigated and compared how SI and FeSO4 shape the polarization status of macrophages and affect inflammation in conditions of iron deficiency anemia. Methods: To this aim, iron-deficient wild-type mice administered a low iron diet (<10ppm) were repeatedly treated with SI or FeSO4 every day for 2 weeks to correct their anemia, and hepatic and splenic macrophages were analyzed in term of cell iron status and inflammatory response. Results: Iron-deficient mice treated with SI showed an efficient but slightly slower recovery of anemia as monitored by blood parameters (e.g. Hb, RBC, HCT) compared to FeSO4-treated animals. The gradual anemia recovery by SI likely reflects the additional macrophage-dependent processing needed to recycle iron from the intact SI shell, which is not required following FeSO4 absorption. Indeed, Tf saturation and NTBI were more elevated in FeSO4-treated than SI-treated mice. Consistent with these observations, FeSO4 corrected intracellular iron deficiency in macrophages more rapidly than SI, as indicated by a more pronounced TfR1 suppression and bigger labile iron pool. This triggered more elevated ROS levels and increased apoptosis in macrophages from FeSO4-treated compared to SI-treated mice. Importantly, the faster cell iron deficiency recovery was associated with TNFα, IL1β and IL-6 release in macrophages from FeSO4-treated mice, which remained almost negligible in cells from SI-treated animals. In vivo findings are fully recapitulated in vitro in iron-deficient bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDM) exposed to SI or FeSO4. FeSO4 corrected macrophage iron status faster than SI, as suggested by a quick rise in labile iron pool and suppression of TfR1 after 2h of treatment. By contrast, SI showed a slower and progressive ability to improve cell iron deficiency, modulating LIP and TfR1 after 5h of treatment, in agreement with a longer recycling process of iron from the SI shell. While FeSO4 exposure caused a massive increase in ROS levels and a significant elevation of inflammatory cytokines, SI minimally affected ROS and inflammatory cytokine production in BMDMs. Conclusions: Our data indicate that the gradual cell iron deficiency correction by SI exerts a protective effect in macrophages against iron-mediated inflammatory activation by limiting ROS formation, suggesting that the kinetic of cell iron accumulation determines macrophage inflammatory response. Overall, these studies show that SI is a superior oral iron formulation than iron salts in terms of reduced pro-oxidant and inflammatory action, with relevance for iron deficiency anemia treatment in individuals with pre-existing inflammatory conditions, including chronic kidney disease, anemia of cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, ulcerative colitis, post-operative anemia, celiac disease and obesity.

Iron deficiency in women: ways to reduce prevalence

Iron deficiency states (IDSs) are common disorders at the nexus of various fields. The etiology and pathogenesis of IDSs have been well studied in recent decades, but their prevalence is still high. The highest incidence of IDSs is reported in women of reproductive age. The timely correction of iron deficiency improves women's quality of life and reduces pregnancy complications and infant morbidity. To achieve and maintain the improvement, caution in risk groups, early diagnosis, physiology-based therapy, and follow-up are necessary. Iron sulfate agents are well known as an effective way to treat iron deficiency anemia. However, the high rate of previously reported side effects posed significant challenges to the complete course of therapy. The development of a new molecule with prolonged iron release minimizes the complications of therapy, providing new prospects for iron deficiency treatment. The combination of folic acid to iron sulfate in one tablet simplifies prevention regimens and therapy for pregnant women and those planning to become pregnant and reduces the time to improve.

A Green Synthesis of 5,5′‐[Oxybis(methylene)]bis‐2‐Furfural: from By‐Product to Attractive Bio‐Based Platform Chemical

AbstractIn this work, a green synthetic approach to 5,5′‐[oxybis(methylene)]bis‐2‐furfural (OBMF) from 5‐hydroxymethyl‐2‐furfural (HMF) is reported for the first time. In the optimized reaction conditions, dimethyl carbonate (DMC) is used as the preferred green solvent and iron(III) sulfate as the best catalyst, recyclable up to three times. The HMF self‐etherification reaction is conducted both in milligram‐ and gram‐scale with isolated yields up to 99% and 81% respectively. OBMF is further derivatized via reduction to achieve 5,5′‐oxybis(methylene)bis(furan‐5,2‐diyl)dimethanol (OBMF‐H), a potential bisphenol‐A biobased alternative. Thus, methoxycarbonylation of OBMF‐H leads to the biscarboxymethylated derivative (OBMF‐DC) employing, once again, DMC as solvent and reagent. Both OBMF‐H and OBMF‐DC are achieved in high yields and are fully characterized. Furthermore, thermogravimetric analysis of OBMF, OBMF‐H, and OBMF‐DC establishes that these compounds are more thermally stable than HMF and its derivatives. In fact, they can withstand up to 200 °C before undergoing complete degradation rendering OBMF and its derivatives valuable bio‐based monomers for bioplastics prepared via polycondensation reaction.

Constraining Alteration Processes Along the Siccar Point Group Unconformity, Gale Crater, Mars: Results From the Sample Analysis at Mars Instrument

AbstractResults from the Sample Analysis at Mars‐evolved gas analyzer on board the Mars Science Laboratory Curiosity rover constrained the alteration history and habitability potential of rocks sampled across the Siccar Point unconformity in Gale crater. The Glasgow member (Gm) mudstone just below the unconformity had evidence of acid sulfate or Si‐poor brine alteration of Fe‐smectite to Fe amorphous phases, leaching loss of Fe‐Mg‐sulfate and exchange of unfractionated sulfur 34S (δ34S = 2‰ ± 7‰) with enriched 34S (20‰ ± 5‰, Vienna Cañon Diablo Troilite). Carbon abundances did not significantly change (322–661 μgC/g) consistent with carbon stabilization by amorphous Al‐ and Fe‐hydroxide phases. The Gm mudstone had no detectable oxychlorine and extremely low nitrate. Nitrate (0.06 wt.% NO3), oxychlorine (0.13 wt.% ClO4), high C (1,472 μg C/g), and low Fe/Mg‐sulfate concentration (0.24 wt.% SO3) depleted in 34S (δ34S = −27‰ ± 7), were detected in the Stimson formation (Sf) eolian sandstone above the unconformity. Redox disequilibrium through the detections of iron sulfide and sulfate supported limited aqueous processes in the Sf sandstone. Si‐poor brines or acidic fluids altered the Gm mudstone just below the unconformity but did not alter underlying Gm mudstones further from the contact. Chemical differences between the Sf and Gm rocks suggested that fluid interaction was minimal between the Sf and Gm rocks. These results suggested that the Gm rocks were altered by subsurface fluids after the Sf placement. Aqueous processes along the unconformity could have provided habitable conditions and in some cases, C and N levels could have supported heterotrophic microbial populations.

Analysis of the use of magnesium-containing additives in the charge of iron flux in order to reduce CO2 emissions

The growing requirements for the quality of finished steel products oblige to obtain steel with a low content of harmful impurities, especially sulfur. The main charge for steel production in the conditions of JSC EVRAZ NTMK is vanadium iron, the external desulfurization of which leads to large losses of valuable vanadium. Therefore, the smelting of iron with a low sulfur content is an urgent task. The main way to reduce sulfur in iron is to increase the basicity of the slag (B2), but MgO is the best desulfurizer. The paper evaluates the effectiveness of the use of various magnesium-containing materials in the conditions of the blast-furnace stage of JSC EVRAZ NTMK, taking into account CO2 emissions. The possibility of replacing limestone in the iron flux charge with dolomite, as well as with steel converter slag, is considered. Both materials will increase the proportion of MgO in blast-furnace slag, however, the use of dolomite is accompanied by a two-fold increase in CO2 emissions compared to limestone. Converter steel slag (CSS) does not contain carbonates, thus eliminating the formation of CO2 during the limestone decomposition. An additional advantage of CSS is its high content of valuable vanadium and manganese. The effect of an increase in MgO in slag on its melting point is considered. It has been established that an increase in the proportion of MgO to 14% will not cause difficulties in the processing of blast-furnace smelting products and will reduce the sulfur content in iron and the formation of titanium carbides and carbonitrides.

Combination of Moringa Oleifera Seed Powder and Iron Sulfate Heptahydrate Salt as Biopolymer Based Matrix for Application as Adsorbent for Odor Inhibition in Poultry Farms

A biopolymer based matrix of M. Oleifera Seed Powder (MOSP) and Ferrous Sulphate Heptahydrate (FSH) salt was formulated as adsorbent for odor inhibition in poultry farms. The matrix was characterized using FT-IR technique and its performance as adsorbent for NH4+ removal from aqueous solutions was examined via sorption studies. The result showed an excellent sorption performance at 0.1 g sorbent dosage, pH of 9 and 30 min agitation time. This indicates that the matrix possess an excellent ion exchange property and thus a suitable sorbent for NH4+ even in low concentration environment. The study reveals the capacity of the adsorptive matrix as a safe and cost-effective method to be used for ammoniacal odor control from poultry farms which may be applicable to other animal farm operations (AFOs).

DYNAMICS OF CHEMICALS IN RIVER BOTTOM SEDIMENTS ON THE TERRITORIES IMPACTED BY THE OIL INDUSTRY

Background. Two thirds of all oil reserves of the Russian Federation are concentrated on the territory of Western Siberia. Field work, production and distribution of petroleum products at the oil and gas field are the main reasons for the negative impact on the ecosystems of the northern territories.&#x0D; Purpose. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the chemical pollution dynamics of the rivers’ bottom sediments in the Middle Ob region, the region of the Samotlor field.&#x0D; Materials and methods. Based on the chemical analysis of the sediment samples, concentrations and total values of the following chemical elements were determined: manganese, copper, nickel, lead, chromium, zinc, iron sulfate ions, chloride ions, petroleum products, mercury. Based on the results of long-term studies of the chemical analysis dynamics of the bottom sediments in the Ob, Agan, and Vakh rivers, a correlation and regression analysis of the studied indicators was carried out.&#x0D; Results. The results of the correlation analysis suggest the existence of negative and positive correlations in the studied indicators. Regression analysis of the migration of chemical elements in sediment samples during the study period shows significant fluctuations in the total concentration of chemical elements in sediments, but there is a general tendency to decrease their concentration in sediments.&#x0D; Conclusion. Analyzing the ecological state of the studied rivers by the quality of bottom sediments, in general, we can conclude that they are in stable condition. During the study period, there has been a positive dynamics in the concentration of chemical elements in bottom sediments.

Radiological Findings in the Case Exposed to Zirconium.

Pneumoconiosis is a lung disease that develops as a result of a tissue reaction that occurs with the accumulation of inorganic particles. Pathoclinical features may vary depending on the type of inhaled particle. Today, fibrotic and nonfibrotic tissue reactions are well defined in some substances. For example, it is known that exposures such as silica, asbestos, beryllium, and talc are associated with fibrosis in the lung, while exposures such as iron, tin, and barium sulfate cause non-fibrogenic changes. However, the pathoclinic and radiological findings of some rare exposures such as zirconium are not widely known. In a 52-year-old dental technician with a 26-year history of zirconium exposure, more prominent parenchymal emphysematous and fibrotic changes were detected in the upper zones of the thorax high-resolution computed tomography. Since zirconium exposure was clearly defined, radiological findings of this case may be useful to current literature.

Synthesis and Characterization of α-Fe2O3 Nanoparticles Using the Precipitation and Eco-Friendly Methods

Iron oxide (α-Fe2O3) nanoparticles were fabricated by chemical precipitation and Eco-Friendly routes, using Capparis Spinosa leaves extract, sodium hydroxide and iron sulphate heptahydrous. The calcination temperature for α-Fe2O3 nanoparticles was at 600 °C. All prepared samples were investigated using different physical methods such as XRD, FT-IR, FESEM, EDX and DLS. The XRD analysis confirmed that all the prepared nanoparticles consist only hematite phase with the size of 31.95 nm and 26.92 nm for chemical precipitation and Eco-Friendly method respectively. The α-Fe2O3 nanoparticles in the FESEM image showed a spherical nanoparticle structure. The EDX results presented the elements content (Fe = 64.3, O= 24.6) by green synthesis and (Fe = 66.3, O= 29.3) through chemical method. The distribution of iron oxide nanoparticles prepared via the Eco-Friendly method was greater as compared to the chemical precipitation method according to DLS analysis.

Iron-enriched Aspergillus oryzae as an alternative to iron sulphate to limit iron accumulation, growth and motility of the enteric pathogen S. Typhimurium.

Excess unabsorbed iron in the gastrointestinal tract may select for enteric pathogens and increase the incidence and severity of infectious disease. Aspergillus oryzae (Ao) is a filamentous fungus that has the ability to accumulate and store large amounts of iron, and when used as a supplement or fortificant, has similar absorption to ferrous sulphate (FeSO4) in humans. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of iron-enriched Ao (Ao iron) compared with FeSO4 on iron accumulation, growth and motility of the Gram-negative enteric pathogen, S. Typhimurium. S. Typhimurium was cultured in media containing no added iron or 1 μM elemental iron as either Ao iron or FeSO4. S. Typhimurium cultured with FeSO4 accumulated more iron than those cultured with Ao iron. Genes regulated by the iron-activated transcriptional repressor, Fur, did not differ between control and Ao iron, but decreased in S. Typhimurium cultured with FeSO4 compared with both groups. Growth of S. Typhimurium was greater when cultured with FeSO4 compared with Ao iron and control. S. Typhimurium swam faster, had greater acceleration and travelled further when cultured with FeSO4 compared with Ao iron and control; swim speed, acceleration and distance travelled did not differ between Ao iron and control. These findings provide evidence that Ao iron reduces the virulence of a common enteric pathogen in vitro. Further research is required to determine whether iron-enriched Ao is a suitable iron supplement to improve iron delivery in areas with a high infection burden.

Effective removal of non-radioactive and radioactive cesium from wastewater generated by washing treatment of contaminated steel ash

The co-precipitation process plays a key role in the decontamination of radionuclides from low and intermediate levels of liquid waste. For that reason, the removal of Cs ions from waste solution by the co-precipitation method was carried out. A simulated liquid waste (133Cs) was prepared from a 0.1 M CsCl solution, while wastewater generated by washing steel ash served as a representative of radioactive cesium solution (137Cs). By co-precipitation, potassium ferrocyanide was applied for the adsorption of Cs ions, while nickel nitrate and iron sulfate were selected for supporting the precipitation. The amount of residual Cs ions in the CsCl solution after precipitation and filtration was determined by ICP-OES, while the radioactivity of 137Cs was measured using a gamma-ray spectrometer. After cesium removal, the amount of cesium appearing in both XRD and SEM-EDS was analyzed. The removal efficiency of 133Cs was 60.21% and 51.86% for nickel nitrate and iron sulfate, respectively. For the ash-washing solution, the removal efficiency of 137Cs was revealed to be more than 99.91% by both chemical agents. This implied that the co-precipitation process is an excellent strategy for the effective removal of radioactive cesium in waste solution treatment.

Results of Randomized Comparative Efficacy Study of Iron Deficiency Anemia Management in Children with Iron III Hydroxide Polymaltose Complex and Iron Sulfate

Background. The guidelines on selection between iron preparations, iron sulfate (IS) and iron III hydroxide polymaltose complex (HPC), for iron deficiency anemia (IDA) management in pediatrics are contradictory. Objective. The aim of the study is to compare efficacy and safety of iron (III) HPC and IS for IDA treatment in children. Materials and methods. Randomization of children (aged from 1 month to 18 years) with IDA into 2 therapeutic groups was implemented in 2019-2020. on pediatric districts of children’s city outpatient's clinic: IS dosage of 3 mg/kg/day and iron (III) HPC dosage of 5 mg/kg/day. Hemogram monitoring was performed every 14 days. The efficacy was compared according to the rate of Hb level increase, erythrocytes indices, and serum ferritin (SF) level at the recorded moment of Hb normalization. For the safety — the rate of adverse effects. Results. 65 children with IDA were included in the study and randomized into 2 groups, the median age was 2.3 years (1st; 3rd quartile = 1.1; 4.3). Hb level increase was comparable in both groups (0.34 (0.23; 0.48) g/L/day and 0.24 (0.21; 0.30) g/L/day, р = 0.891). IS is more effective than iron (III) HPC in terms of average red blood cell volume by the time of Hb normalization (83.5 (80.0; 86.7) fl against 80.7 (79.0; 82.0) fl, р = 0.006), and mean cellular hemoglobin content (28.9 (SD = 2.0) pg against 27.4 (SD = 1.8) pg, р = 0.004). The timing of SF levels normalization did not differ. Adverse effects to iron III HPC treatment occurred 5.5 times more frequently than to IS (p = 0.0001). Conclusion. The efficacy of IS and iron III HPC at standard doses is comparable. The advantage in tolerability and recovery of erythrocytic indices justifies the feasibility of using IS preparations in the first line of treatment for children with IDA.

Foliar Application of Different Iron Sources Improves Morpho-Physiological Traits and Nutritional Quality of Broad Bean Grown in Sandy Soil.

Nano-fertilizers are a new tool that can be used to address plant production challenges, and it addresses such nutrient deficiencies through smart agriculture approaches. Iron (Fe) is a vital element for several metabolic and physiological processes; however, Fe deficiency is common in poorly fertile soils (sand soil) and in arid areas. Therefore, additional research is required to select the most efficient form of iron absorbance. This research was implemented on broad bean plants (Vicia faba L. var. major Harz) to examine the impact of three iron sources: nano-iron (FeNPs, T1), iron sulfate (T2), and chelated iron (T3) as a foliar spray on the morphological properties, physiological attributes, and nutritional status of these plants compared to the untreated plants (control). The obtained results showed that foliar spraying with FeNPs, chelated iron and sulphate iron fertilizers increased plant height by 35.01%, 26.2, and 20.4%; leaf area by 38.8%, 18.3%, and 8.1%; the fresh weight of the plant by 47%, 32.8%, and 7.3%; the dry weight of the plant by 52.9%, 37.3%, and 11.2%; and the number of branches by 47%, 31.3%, and 25.6 %, respectively, compared to the control treatment (CT). Furthermore, the application of FeNPs, chelated iron, and sulphate iron fertilizers improved the number of pods by 47.9%, 24.8%, and 6.1%; the number of seeds by 32.8%, 7.9%, and 2.8%; and seed weight by 20.8%, 9.1%, and 5.4%, compared to control treatment (CT). Additionally, foliar application of FeNPs showed the highest values of photosynthesis rate (Pn), water-use efficiency (WUE), total chlorophyll, and phytohormones (IAA, GA3) compared to all the other treatments. The anatomical structure revealed an enhancement of leaf size and thickness (epidermis cells and mesophyll tissue) affected by FeNPs treatment compared to other treatments. Foliar application of FeNPs also improved the total content of carbohydrates, crude protein, element content (N, P, K, Ca, Na, Fe, Zn, Mn, and Cu), and some amino acids such as lysine, arginine, phenylalanine, isoleucine, and tyrosine in the seeds of broad beans. Based on the above results, the maximum values of all tested measurements were observed when FeNPs were used as the foliar spraying followed by chelated and sulphate iron fertilizers. Therefore, these findings suggest that using FeNPs, as a foliar treatment, could be a promising strategy for reducing the Fe deficiency in sandy soil and enhancing plant growth, pod yield, and pod quality of broad bean plants in addition to being environmentally favored in arid areas.