Levels Of Inorganic Ions Research Articles

Hygroscopic Properties of Water-Soluble Counterpart of Ultrafine Particles from Agriculture Crop-Residue Burning in Patiala, Northwestern India

To determine the link between hygroscopicity and the constituent chemical composition of real biomass-burning atmospheric particles, we collected and analyzed aerosols during wheat-straw (April–May), rice-straw (October–November), and no-burning periods (August–September) in 2008 and 2009 in Patiala, Punjab. A hygroscopicity tandem differential mobility analyzer (HTDMA) system was used to measure hygroscopicity at ~5 to ~95% relative humidity (RH) of aerosolized 100 nm particles generated from the water extracts of PM0.4 burning and no-burning aerosol samples. The chemical analyses of the extracts show that organic carbon and water-soluble inorganic-ion concentrations are 2 to 3 times higher in crop-residue burning aerosol samples compared to no-burning aerosols, suggesting the substantial contribution of biomass burning to the carbonaceous aerosols at the sampling site. We observed that aerosolized 100 nm particles collected during the crop-residue burning period show higher and more variable hygroscopic growth factor (g(RH)) ranging from 1.21 to 1.68 at 85% RH, compared to no-burning samples (1.27 to 1.33). Interestingly, crop-residue burning particles also show considerable shrinkage in their size (i.e., g(RH) < 1) at lower RH (<50%) in the dehumidification mode. The increased level of major inorganic ions in biomass-burning period aerosols is a possible reason for higher g(RH) as well as the observed particle shrinkage. Overall, the measured g(RH), together with the correlation observed between aerosol water content and ionic-species volume fraction, and the study of the abundance of individual constituent ionic species suggests that inorganic salts and their proportion in aerosol particles primarily governed the aerosol hygroscopicity.

Hematological toxicity of disinfection by-product iodoacetic acid

To clarify the effect of iodoacetic acid(IAA) on the blood system and electrolyte balance, hence further study the intrinsic relation of blood routine parameters and electrolyte levels, major hematological toxicity effects and their pattern after IAA treatment. Forty-eight 21-day-old male SPF grade Sprague-Dawley(SD) rats were gavaged with 0, 6.25, 12.5 and 25 mg/kg IAA for 31 days. After detections of blood routine and plasma inorganic ion levels, Spearman correlation coefficients were performed to evaluate their relationship. Changes in ferritin, transferrin, hepcidin, C-reactive protein and glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase(GAPDH) were assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. The EDock bioinformatics tool was applied to docking model of IAA and GAPDH. Compared to the control, high-dose IAA exposure had obvious inhibition effect on rat leukocytes with the total number declined by 51.12%, and neutrophils were particularly sensitive to IAA with the number reduced by 73.66%(P<0.01), and rat erythrocytes exhibited a small cell low pigment effect with hemoglobin and hematocrit decreased by 8.60% and 8.70%, respectively(P<0.05). But IAA had little effects on the platelet. Plasma iron, phosphorus, zinc and potassium levels were repressed significantly, while chlorine, sodium and magnesium levels were elevated obviously through IAA exposure. However, plasma calcium levels were hardly affected by IAA. In comparison with the control, iron levels declined by 67.09%, whereas magnesium levels increased by 131.82% in the high-dose group(P<0.01). Overall, correlation analyses uncovered that plasma iron metabolism was most strongly and positively correlated with levels of leukocyte, erythrocyte and platelet system parameters after IAA exposure, and the correlation coefficients of leukocyte number, mean hemoglobin content and mean erythrocyte volume were 0.637, 0.410 and 0.365, respectively(P<0.05). Compared to the control, in the high-dose IAA group, the plasma content of C-reactive protein was significantly upregulated by 13.30%(P<0.05), and plasma levels of transferrin and ferromodulin were also respectively elevated by 12.73% and 11.02%(P<0.05). But plasma levels of ferritin and GAPDH did not differ between groups. The docking model exhibited that IAA could bind to the 150 Cys active site of rat GAPDH did. IAA not only had toxic effects on rat leukocytes and the plasma electrolyte balance, but also generated inflammation and iron deficiency, leading to smaller erythrocytes and lower pigment.

A novel approach to measure carbonate alkalinity in aqueous solutions using a total organic carbon analyzer

Carbonate alkalinity is crucial in regulating the pH and buffering capacity of natural water systems. Thus, its accurate measurement is essential to understand various water environments that affect water quality and ecosystem health. However, conventional potentiometric titration has some limitations. It results in inaccurate measurements of carbonate alkalinity when the alkalinity levels are low or when high dissolved organic matter or inorganic ion levels exist. Herein, we propose a novel approach to accurately measure carbonate alkalinity using a total organic carbon (TOC) analyzer. An extensive study comparing the accuracy and reliability of the conventional potentiometric titration method with those of the newly developed TOC method was conducted to develop and verify highly accurate measurements of carbonate alkalinity. The TOC method has several advantages over the conventional potentiometric titration methods, such as its ability to accurately measure carbonate alkalinity in the presence of high dissolved organic matter or inorganic ion levels and its ability to provide rapid and automated measurements with high reproducibility. Because, the limit of detection, limit of quantification, and the variation coefficient of the measurements was 0.016 mM (0.2 mgC/L), 0.050 mM (0.6 mgC/L), and 3.68 % respectively. Thus, the development of a novel TOC method has significant environmental implications as it provides a reliable and accurate means to measure carbonate alkalinity in solutions containing various organic matter types.

In situ coagulation-electrochemical oxidation of leachate concentrate: A key role of cathodes

To efficiently remove organic and inorganic pollutants from leachate concentrate, an in situ coagulation-electrochemical oxidation (CO-EO) system was proposed using Ti/Ti4O7 anode and Al cathode, coupling the “super-Faradaic” dissolution of Al. The system was evaluated in terms of the removal efficiencies of organics, nutrients, and metals, and the underlying cathodic mechanisms were investigated compared with the Ti/RuO2–IrO2 and graphite cathode systems. After a 3-h treatment, the Al-cathode system removed 89.0% of COD and 36.3% of total nitrogen (TN). The TN removal was primarily ascribed to the oxidation of both ammonia and organic-N to N2. In comparison, the Al-cathode system achieved 3–10-fold total phosphorus (TP) (62.6%) and metal removals (>80%) than Ti/RuO2–IrO2 and graphite systems. The increased removals of TP and metals were ascribed to the in situ coagulation of Al(OH)3, hydroxide precipitation, and electrodeposition. With the reduced scaling on the Al cathode surface, the formation of Al3+ and electrified Al(OH)3 lessened the requirement for cathode cleaning and increased the bulk conductivity, resulting in increased instantaneous current production (38.9%) and operating cost efficiencies (48.3 kWh kgCOD−1). The present study indicated that the in situ CO-EO process could be potentially used for treating persistent wastewater containing high levels of organic and inorganic ions.

Iodine level of goats from Shiwalik and middle mountains of north-west Himalayas in relation to soil, fodder, and water status

A baseline survey was carried out to determine the iodine status of goats and its relationship with the levels of soil, water, and fodder samples collected from different agro-climatic zones (sub-tropical, lower, and upper-intermediate) of the Jammu division. A total of 74 blood and 60 milk samples from goats, as well as soil (50), water (50), and fodder (56) samples, were collected. Plasma inorganic iodine (PII), milk inorganic iodine (MII), iodide ion (I-), and thyroid hormone (T3 and T4) levels were measured along with biochemical parameters. The average PII, I-, and MII concentrations of goats from unorganized farms were 55.99±4.56 ng/ml, 1.37±0.11 ppm, and 47.3±5.68 ng/ml compared 74.68±8.40 ng/ml, 1.43±0.11 ppm and 62.01±8.55 ng/ml, respectively from the organized farm. Based on PII level, 71.62% of goats had moderate deficiency (level 50-100 ng/ml) and 28.37% had severe deficiency (level <50 ng/ml). The average levels of iodine in soil and water were 0.24 ppm and 0.06 ppm, respectively. Rabi and kharif fodders showed average iodine levels of 1.25 ppm and 0.37 ppm, respectively. Significant changes were recorded in glucose, HDL and T4 levels. Pearson correlation performed between PII (ng/ml) and biochemical parameters established correlation with T4 (r = -0.465), glucose (r = 0.510), HDL (r = -0.355) and cholesterol (r = 0.271). The study concluded that iodine deficiency is prevalent in the goat population due to lower levels in the environment implying an urgent need for regular supplementation in the diet.

Single atom catalyst-mediated generation of reactive species in water treatment.

Water is one of the most essential components in the sustainable development goals (SDGs) of the United Nations. With worsening global water scarcity, especially in some developing countries, water reuse is gaining increasing acceptance. A key challenge in water treatment by conventional treatment processes is the difficulty of treating low concentrations of pollutants (micromolar to nanomolar) in the presence of much higher levels of inorganic ions and natural organic matter (NOM) in water (or real water matrices). Advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) have emerged as an attractive treatment technology that generates reactive species with high redox potentials (E0) (e.g., hydroxyl radical (HO˙), singlet oxygen (1O2), sulfate radical (SO4˙-), and high-valent metals like iron(IV) (Fe(IV)), copper(III) (Cu(III)), and cobalt(IV) (Co(IV))). The use of single atom catalysts (SACs) in AOPs and water treatment technologies has appeared only recently. This review introduces the application of SACs in the activation of hydrogen peroxide and persulfate to produce reactive species in treatment processes. A significant part of the review is devoted to the mechanistic aspects of traditional AOPs and their comparison with those triggered by SACs. The radical species, SO4˙- and HO˙, which are produced in both traditional and SACs-activated AOPs, have higher redox potentials than non-radical species, 1O2 and high-valent metal species. However, SO4˙- and HO˙ radicals are non-selective and easily affected by components of water while non-radicals resist the impact of such constituents in water. Significantly, SACs with varying coordination environments and structures can be tuned to exclusively generate non-radical species to treat water with a complex matrix. Almost no influence of chloride, carbonate, phosphate, and NOM was observed on the performance of SACs in treating pollutants in water when nonradical species dominate. Therefore, the appropriately designed SACs represent game-changers in purifying water vs. AOPs with high efficiency and minimal interference from constituents of polluted water to meet the goals of water sustainability.

Comparison of physicochemical properties of pollen substitute diet for honey bee (Apis mellifera)

• Group I showed higher total free amino acid contents than Group II and Group III. • Group I showed alike nutrition content to the commercial bee diet. • AIGT + Soytide showed a high level of total free amino acid and organic acid. • AIGT + Soytide showed the highest contents of inorganic ions. Apis mellifera L., a globally important pollinator, is crucial in the maintenance of its colonies due to a variety of stresses. Healthy nutrition is believed to help grow their population and relieve the stressors. We used our-prepared and commercial diets, and the nutrition contents were then analyzed for free sugar, organic acids, free amino acids, inorganic ions, total polyphenols, vitamin C, and the pH. The total free sugar, organic contents, free amino acids, inorganic ions, and total polyphenols were in the range of 228.59 to 661.00, 0.91 to 20.60, 6.52 to 24.36, 10.25 to 27.61, and 1.65 to 10.17 mg/g, respectively. The highest contents of free sugar, organic acids, free amino acids, inorganic ions, and total polyphenols were found in YBNH (661 mg/g), Megabee (20.60 mg/g), Beebread (24.36 mg/g), AIGT + Soytide (27.61 mg/g), and Beebread (10.17 mg/g), respectively. The pH values were maintained at 4.45 to 5.70 among all ten samples. Group I showed the same level of total free sugars (Group II and Group IV), organic acids (Group II), inorganic ions (Group II, Group III, and Group IV), polyphenols (Group II), and pH (Group IV). For the total free amino acids, Group I showed a significantly higher ( P < 0.05) level than that of Group II and Group III. Group I had a comparable nutrition content to the commercial bee diet but had a higher total free amino acid content. High levels of inorganic ions, free amino acids, and organic acids were found in the AIGT + Soytide.

Are standardized diesel exhaust particles (DEP) representative of ambient particles in air pollution toxicological studies?

In this study, we investigated the chemical characteristics of standardized diesel exhaust particles (DEP) and compared them to those of read-world particulate matter (PM) collected in different urban settings to evaluate the extent to which standardized DEPs can represent ambient particles for use in toxicological studies. Standard reference material SRM-2975 was obtained from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and was chemically analyzed for the content of elemental carbon (EC), organic carbon (OC), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), inorganic ions, and several metals and trace elements. The analysis on the filter-collected DEP sample revealed very high levels of EC (i.e., ~397 ng/μg PM) which were comparable to the OC content (~405 ng/μg PM). This is in contrast with the carbonaceous content in the emitted particles from typical filter-equipped diesel-powered vehicles, in which low levels of EC emissions were observed. Furthermore, the EC mass fraction of the DEP sample did not match the observed levels in the ambient PM of multiple US urban areas, including Los Angeles (8%), Houston (~14%), Pittsburgh (~12%), and New York (~17%). Our results illustrated the lack of several high molecular weight carcinogenic PAHs in the DEP samples, unlike our measurements in major freeways of Los Angeles. Negligible levels of inorganic ions were observed in the sample and the DEP did not contain toxic secondary organic aerosols (SOAs) formed through synchronized reactions in the atmosphere. Lastly, the analysis of redox-active metals and trace elements demonstrated that the levels of many species including vehicle emission tracers (e.g., Ba, Ti, Mn, Fe) on Los Angeles roadways were almost 20 times greater than those in the DEP sample. Based on the abovementioned inconsistencies between the chemical composition of the DEP sample and those of real-world PM measured and recorded in different conditions, we conclude that the standardized DEPs are not suitable representatives of traffic emissions nor typical ambient PM to be used in toxicological studies.

Responses of Cirrhinus mrigala to second-generation fluoroquinolone (ciprofloxacin) toxicity: Assessment of antioxidants, tissue morphology, and inorganic ions.

Ciprofloxacin drugs are a second-generation fluoroquinolone highly prescribed medication against various bacterial infections in human and aquaculture practices. These drugs are chemically designed to persist in the body long enough to achieve target objectives. Extensive usage has resulted in ciprofloxacin becoming a ubiquitous contaminant in the environment. Unfortunately, the ecotoxicological profiles for ciprofloxacin are scanty. This study was aimed to assess the ecotoxicity of ciprofloxacin at environmentally relevant concentrations (1 μg/L, and 1.5 μg/L) to a cultivable fish Cirrhinus mrigala. Responses of antioxidant enzymes, histological anomalies, and inorganic ion levels were studied. SOD activity in gill, liver, and kidney tissues was elevated in ciprofloxacin-exposed groups when compared with the control group. CAT activity was predominantly decreased in ciprofloxacin treated groups relative to the control group. GST activity in the ciprofloxacin treated groups was increased (except kidney tissues [Treatment I (1 μg/L)], and gill tissues fifteenth day) significantly (p < .05). The LPO level was elevated in the ciprofloxacin treatment groups throughout the study period (except Treatment II (1.5 μg/L) tenth day in kidney tissues). A series of histological anomalies were noticed in the gill, liver, and kidney tissues of the ciprofloxacin treated groups. Ciprofloxacin exposure caused a significant decrease of sodium, potassium, and chloride levels in the plasma of C. mrigala. A parallel among an imbalanced oxidative defense system, tissue structural changes, and alterations of plasma inorganic ions could be considered as a reliable biomarker for antibiotic toxicity study. This study could be a primary platform for further toxicity studies to understand the potential molecular impacts and adverse effects of ciprofloxacin on aquatic organisms.

Differences in the salivary inorganic ions levels and salivary flow rate of the periodontitis and non-periodontitis patients

Introduction: Saliva contains numerous proteins and electrolytes that may serve as biomarkers of pathological conditions, including periodontitis. Saliva flow also influenced by pathological conditions, such as periodontitis. Therefore, saliva analysis, as one of the biomarker source needs to be examined. This study was aimed to analyse the differences salivary inorganic ions levels (calcium, phosphate, and bicarbonate) and salivary flow rate in periodontitis and non-periodontitis patients. Methods: This research was analytic-observational using two groups, the healthy periodontal group consisting of 21 people (PI scores between 0-0.2) and the periodontitis group consisting of 21 people (PI scores between 0.7-8.0). Unstimulated saliva was collected using a passive drolling method. The calcium, phosphate and bicarbonate levels in the saliva were analysed using UV/Vis spectrophotometers. Results: Calcium, phosphate and bicarbonate levels in saliva were different between groups. Salivary flow rate also different between groups. There was a significant difference (p = 0.00) in the calcium, phosphate and bicarbonate levels between groups (t-test), and also significantly different (p = 0.000) salivary flow rate between groups. The higher the salivary flow rate, the higher the levels of calcium, phosphate and bicarbonate would be. Conclusion: Periodontitis condition increases the level of salivary inorganic ions and salivary flow rate because of periodontal inflammation. This inflammation mainly because of plaque deposition and calculus. Increased level of inorganic ions in the saliva such as calcium, phosphate, and bicarbonate, and also the salivary flow rate indicates the existence of a periodontal disease.

Seasonal variation of PM2.5 in the central Indo-Gangetic Plain (Patna) of India: chemical characterization and source assessment

While characteristics, sources, and formation process of PM2.5 have been widely reported, only a few studies discussed PM2.5 in the Indian subcontinent, specifically in a densely populated city, like Patna. In this study, we investigated the chemical composition and source of PM2.5 in the central Indo-Gangetic Plain of India (Patna), during January–December, 2018. Principal component analysis (PCA) and air mass back trajectory were performed to mark the sources of PM2.5. The result showed that the average annual PM2.5 level in Patna (172 µg/m3) was about 4 times greater than the annual limit (40 µg/m3) set by national ambient air quality standard of India, indicating the dangerous level. Overall, the highest level of water-soluble inorganic ions (ΣWSIIs) was measured in winter, followed by autumn, and ranged from 2 to 60 µg/m3 (median 16 µg/m3) and 3 to 47 µg/m3 (median 14 µg/m3), respectively. NH4+, SO42−, and NO3− were the most abundant ions in PM2.5 and accounted for 38–51%, 21–28%, and 8–20% of ΣWSIIs, respectively. The PCA analysis indicated primary emission from mixed source (street dust, coal combustion, biomass burning, vehicular emission, and industrial emissions) and secondary formation from coal combustion are the essential source of air pollution in Patna. The air mass back trajectory analysis revealed that most of the air mass at Patna arrives mainly from westerly/northwesterly direction originating from Pakistan and Afghanistan in winter/autumn, while westerly/southwesterly winds originating from Arabian Sea and crossing through Bay of Bengal impacted air quality in summer/rainy season.

Coated copper Wire Calcium Selective Microelectrode for Applications in Dental Medicine

A coated wire calcium selective microelectrode for biological use was developed, comprising a PVC selective matrix containing calcium ionophore IV coated on copper wire, previously covered with a solid-state contact mixture. The obtained calcium microsensor presented a Nernstian answer in a concentration range of 10-1 to 10-6 mol/L. The selectivity coefficients over the main interfering ions of biological interest proved that the calcium microelectrode is highly selective. Also, the response time (6s) and repeatability have been determined. The pH variation did not significantly modify the calcium microelectrode answer, being stable over the pH range (6.7-7.3) of interest. The obtained calcium microelectrode is simple, inexpensive and able to give reliable electrochemical response, recommending itself as a solution for assessing the level of inorganic ions of the gingival crevicular fluid and saliva.

Rural and urban differences in prenatal exposure to essential and toxic elements

ABSTRACTExcess or inadequate levels of inorganic ions may induce significant acute and long-term irreversible dysfunction in humans. The fetus and placenta are particularly vulnerable to toxins due to the immaturity of the blood-brain barrier and diminished biotransformation enzymatic activity. A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted on 172 pregnant women, 79 rural, and 93 urban. Umbilical cord blood was collected at the time of delivery and analyzed for 20 inorganic elements. Significant differences were found between urban and rural samples for two elements where copper (Cu) and molybdenum (Mo) were higher in urban samples. No marked differences between groups occurred for: arsenic, barium, cadmium, calcium, cobalt, lead, lithium, magnesium, manganese, mercury, selenium, strontium, or zinc. All samples were devoid of platinum, silver, thallium or uranium. Data demonstrated significant differences in urban and rural prenatal exposure to Cu and Mo. Further study is needed to determine if there is a causal link between neonatal outcomes and prenatal exposure to these elements.

Day-night variability of PM10 components at a Mediterranean urban site during winter

Daytime and nighttime PM10 samples were collected during winter at an urban site in Southeastern Spain. Samples were subsequently analyzed to determine the concentrations of water-soluble ions, carbonaceous species, and metals. PM10 daytime and nighttime concentrations were 26.1 and 20.6 μg/m3, respectively. This difference may be mainly attributed to the reduction in the number of vehicles during nighttime. Traffic-related components such as EC, Ca and other crustal elements, Cu or Zn, showed statistically significantly higher concentrations during daytime, suggesting that traffic emissions were more relevant than day-to-night differences in meteorological conditions. In contrast, no significant differences between daytime and nighttime levels of secondary inorganic ions (SO42−, NO3− and NH4+) were found. Primary and secondary organic carbon concentrations were estimated using the EC tracer method. As expected, POC levels were greater during the day due to increased vehicle exhaust emissions; conversely, higher SOC concentrations were registered during the nighttime period. This was most likely the result of a significant contribution of nighttime chemistry to the formation of secondary organic aerosols.

The mechanism of hydrogen sulfide mitigation of iron deficiency-induced chlorosis in strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa) plants.

A study was carried out to assess the mitigation mechanism of exogenously applied sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS) as a donor of H2S on strawberry seedlings under iron deficiency. The ameliorative effects of NaHS on oxidative damage, ion hemostasis and uptake, and availability of Fe were investigated by spraying solution of 0.2mM NaHS or 0.2mM NaHS plus 0.2mM hypotaurine (HT), a scavenger of H2S to plant leaves. Iron deficiency was created using 0.1mM FeSO4 instead of 0.1mM EDTA-Fe in Hoagland's nutrient solution. After a 28-day treatment, strawberry plants exhibited leaf interveinal chlorosis under Fe deficiency, but these apparent symptoms of iron deficiency were overcome by foliar application of NaHS. Exogenously applied NaHS enhanced chlorophyll contents and available iron and Fe accumulation in young leaves, but application of H2S scavenger hypotaurine with NaHS did not change those parameters under Fe deficiency. This clearly shows that NaHS improved iron availability in the strawberry plants. Furthermore, exogenously applied NaHS increased endogenous H2S and iron levels in the roots and leaves. Moreover, NaHS enhanced the levels of zinc (Zn2+), calcium (Ca2+), and magnesium (Mg2+) in both leaves and roots of the strawberry plants grown at Fe deficiency, except for Zn in roots which decreased significantly. This also suggests that NaHS maintains the levels of inorganic ions restricted by Fe deficiency. Fe deficiency increased electrolyte leakage (EL) and the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in plant leaves. Exogenous NaHS reduced the accumulation of H2O2, MDA, and EL and upregulated the activities of key antioxidant enzymes. Overall, NaHS improved Fe uptake and activation by improving endogenous H2S, maintained balance of mineral nutrients and activities of the antioxidant enzymes, and reduced the generation of MDA and H2O2 as well as electrolyte leakage caused by Fe deficiency. So NaHS proved to be effective in ameliorating iron chlorosis caused by iron deficiency.

Seasonal characteristics of chemical compositions and sources identification of PM2.5 in Zhuhai, China.

Fine particulate matter is associated with adverse health effects, but exactly which characteristics of PM2.5 are responsible for this is still widely debated. We evaluated seasonal dynamics of the composition and chemical characteristics of PM2.5 in Zhuhai, China. PM2.5 characteristics at five selected sites within Zhuhai city were analyzed. Sampling began on January 10, 2015, and was conducted for 1year. The ambient mass concentration, carbon content (organic and elemental carbon, OC and EC), level of inorganic ions, and major chemical composition of PM2.5 were also determined. Average concentrations of PM2.5 were lower than the National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) 24-h average of 65μg/m3. The daily PM2.5 concentration in Zhuhai city exhibited clear seasonal dynamics, with higher daily PM2.5 concentrations in autumn and winter than in spring and summer. Carbon species (OC and EC) and water-soluble ions were the primary components of the PM2.5 fraction of particles. Apart from OC and EC, chemical species in PM2.5 were mainly composed of NH4+ and SO42-. There was a marked difference between the summer and winter periods: the concentrations of OC and EC in winter were roughly 3.4 and 4.0 times than those in summer, while NH4+, SO42-, NO3-, and Na+ were 3.2, 4.5, 28.0, and 5.7 times higher in winter than those in summer, respectively. The results of chemical analysis were consistent with three sources dominating PM2.5: coal combustion, biomass burning, and vehicle exhaust; road dust and construction; and from reaction of HCl and HNO3 with NH3 to form NH4Cl and NH4NO3. However, additional work is needed to improve the mass balance and to obtain the source profiles necessary to use these data for source apportionment.

Possible Protective Effect of Natural Extracts of Rosemary and Parsley Against Isoniazid-induced Nephrotoxicity in Adult Male Albino Rats

The treatment of tuberculosis (TB) has been reported to induce nephrotoxicity arised in association with hepatotoxicity. Isoniazid (INH), being the first line drug used as anti-tuberculosis drugs, is known to induce renal toxicity associated with hepatotoxicity leading to termination of therapy in patients during the intensive phase. The present study aims to determine the protective effect of rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) and parsley (Petroselinum crispum) aqueous extracts against Isoniazid-induced nephrotoxicity. To achieve this purpose, two main experiments were conducted; short-term study for 4 weeks and long-term one for 8 weeks. Adult male albino rats (120-150g) were randomly divided into 6 groups for each experiment (10 animals each) as follows: group (1) rats administrated with saline and served as control, group (2) animals orally administrated with rosemary extract (440mg/kg body weight./day), group (3) animals administrated with parsley extract (250 mg/kg body weight./day), group (4) rats received Isoniazid alone (50 mg/kg body weight./day), group (5) rats daily received Isoniazid in combination with rosemary extract, and group (6) rats daily received Isoniazid in combination with parsley extract. The administration of natural extracts or Isoniazid was orally and daily for four weeks for the short-term experiment and for eight weeks for the long-term one. At the end of each experiment, all rats were weighed then sacrificed and the biochemical investigations indicative of kidney function as serum creatinine, urea and uric acid were assayed. In addition, serum gamma glutamy ltransferase (GGT) activity and the levels of serum inorganic ions (Na+, K+ and total Ca++) were determined. Also, the change in the body weight gain was recorded. The results revealed that administration of rosemary or parsley extract in combination with isoniazid ameliorated the Isoniazid-induced nephrotoxicity. This was evidenced by the marked improvement in kidney function as monitored through the significant decrement in the elevated serum levels of creatinine, urea and uric acid in addition to the remarkable amelioration of GGT activity. Also, the administration of parsley or rosemary extracts in combination with Isoniazid normalized to some extent, the body weight gain and the other biochemical parameters in rats compared with those intoxicated with Isoniazid only. The improvement observed in the biochemical parameters was more pronounced in long-term study compared to the short-term one. In conclusion, either rosemary or parsley extract could play an evidenced beneficial role for prevention of Isoniazid-induced nephrotoxic effects. This protective effect could be attributed to the antioxidant activity of their major constituents.

Removal of high-salinity matrices through polymer-complexation–ultrafiltration for the detection of trace levels of REEs using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry

The polymer-complexation–ultrafiltration (PCUF) technique was applied to separate trace levels of rare earth elements (REEs), including scandium, yttrium and the lanthanides, from high-salinity matrices prior to their determination by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The REEs were converted into REE–polymer complexes using the water-soluble polymer polyacrylic acid (PAA) at a specified pH, retained on the ultrafiltration membrane of centrifugal filter units, and finally eluted using diluted nitric acid to achieve separation from matrices with relatively high levels of various inorganic ions, such as sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and chlorine ions. Numerous factors affecting the PCUF efficiency were optimized. The optimal conditions included the addition of 30mg L−1 of PAA, a pH of 7.5, a reaction time of 40min at room temperature, and 5.0mL of 3% nitric acid (v/v) eluent. Under these conditions, the analytes were quantitatively separated and recovered, with a resulting relative standard deviation (RSD) of less than 4.0% (0.05µgL−1, n=5) and standard addition recoveries between 89.2% (La) and 95.8% (Sm) for matrices of various salinities. The blank samples for the method ranged from 0.0003µgL−1 (Dy) to 0.0031µgL−1 (Sc), and the limits of quantification (LOQs, 10σ) were between 0.0006µgL−1 (Dy) and 0.0026µgL−1 (Sc). Furthermore, the salinity of the sample exhibited no effect on the REE–polymer complex formation process. Finally, the method was successfully applied for the determination of trace levels of dissolved Sc, Y, and lanthanides in coastal and estuarine seawater samples.

Detection, identification and formation of new iodinated disinfection byproducts in chlorinated saline wastewater effluents

The use of seawater for toilet flushing introduces high levels of inorganic ions, including iodide ions, into a city's wastewater treatment systems, resulting in saline wastewater effluents. Chlorination is widely used in disinfecting wastewater effluents owing to its low cost and high efficiency. During chlorination of saline wastewater effluents, iodide may be oxidized to hypoiodous acid, which may further react with effluent organic matter to form iodinated disinfection byproducts (DBPs). Iodinated DBPs show significantly higher toxicity than their brominated and chlorinated analogues and thus have been drawing increasing concerns. In this study, polar iodinated DBPs were detected in chlorinated saline wastewater effluents using a novel precursor ion scan method. The major polar iodinated DBPs were identified and quantified, and their organic precursors and formation pathways were investigated. The formation of iodinated DBPs under different chlorine doses and contact times was also studied. The results indicated that a few polar iodinated DBPs were generated in the chlorinated saline primary effluent, but few were generated in the chlorinated saline secondary effluent. Several major polar iodinated DBPs in the chlorinated saline primary effluent were proposed with structures, among which a new group of polar iodinated DBPs, iodo-trihydroxybenzenesulfonic acids, were identified and quantified. The organic precursors of this new group of DBPs were found to be 4-hydroxybenzenesulfonic acid and 1,2,3-trihydroxybenzene, and the formation pathways of these new DBPs were tentatively proposed. Both chlorine dose and contact time affected the formation of iodinated DBPs in the chlorinated saline wastewater effluents.

Chloride ion transport and fate in oilfield wastewater reuse by interval dynamic multimedia aquivalence model

A surface flow constructed wetland was built up to dispose of oilfield wastewater with a high level of inorganic salt ions. Chlorine ion (Cl(-)) was selected as an indicator of soil secondary salinization, and an interval dynamic multimedia aquivalence (IDMA) model was developed to investigate the dynamic multimedia environmental (air, water, soil, flora, and groundwater) effects of Cl(-) in the wastewater irrigation process between 2002 and 2020. The modeled Cl(-) concentrations were in good agreement with the measured ones, as indicated by the interval average logarithmic residual errors (IALREs) being generally lower than 0.5 logarithmic units. The model results showed that the temporal trends of Cl(-) concentrations in the multimedia environments represented a relatively steady state. More than 97.00% of the mass exchange was finished between soil and groundwater compartments, and Cl(-) finally outputted the environmental system by the pathways of advection outflows in the water (71.03%) and groundwater (24.02%). Soil (59.17%) was the dominant sink of Cl(-). It was revealed that the high level of Cl(-) in oilfield wastewater was well treated by the constructed wetland, and there was not a significant environmental effect of soil secondary salinization in the oilfield wastewater reused for the constructed wetland irrigation.