Low pH Levels Research Articles

Efficient Development of Nanobody-Based Affinity Chromatography for AAV8 Purification

Adeno-associated virus serotype 8 (AAV8) is a highly effective vector for gene therapy. However, its purification remains challenging due to its low natural abundance and stringent purity requirements. This study aimed to develop an affinity chromatography resin utilizing nanobodies (Nbs) to enhance AAV8 purification efficiency. An AAV8-specific Nb library was constructed, leading to the identification of Nb9 as the most promising candidate based on its high binding affinity, stability and yield. Nb9 was expressed in Pichia pastoris, resulting in high yield and exceptional purity. Two types of agarose resins, Epoxy activated Bestarose 6B and PabPur SulfoLink Beads 4FF, were employed for Nb9 conjugation. Epoxy activated Bestarose 6B resin exhibited a significantly higher ligand density (9.12 mg/mL). Binding capacity assessments of the LQ01 resin demonstrated optimal performance at pH 7.0, with diminishing efficacy at lower and higher pH levels. Different NaCl concentrations influenced the binding efficiency, providing critical insights for refining purification conditions. Purification trials exhibited high specificity, purity and consistent VP protein ratio, as evidenced by SDS-PAGE analysis, confirming effective AAV8 capture and elution. Furthermore, the resin demonstrated robust performance across repeated cycles, retaining 71.9% of its initial binding capacity after 20 uses and maintaining stability with only a 6% reduction after 7 days at 37°C. These findings highlight LQ01's potential for scalable and cost-effective AAV8 purification, while demonstrating the broader applicability of Nbs in affinity chromatography and biotechnological processes.

The influence of pH on the liquid-phase transformation of phenolic compounds driven by nitrite photolysis: Implications for characteristics, products and cytotoxicity

The aqueous-phase conversion of phenolic compounds (PhCs) driven by nitrite photolysis has been recognized as a significant source of secondary brown carbon (BrC). However, the influence of pH on the conversion kinetics and product distribution of PhCs remains unclear. In this study, three representative PhCs with varying functional groups were selected to examine their aqueous-phase conversion kinetics in the presence of nitrite under different pH conditions and simulated sunlight conditions. The results indicate that as the pH increases, the decay rates of PhCs decrease, following first-order reaction kinetics. These varying decay rates also suggest that different substituents on the benzene ring significantly impact the reactivity of PhCs. The molecular composition of the products is pH-dependent, with 4-nitrocatechol (4NC) emerging as the primary reaction product. A range of conversion products were detected across different pH values: nitrification dominated at low pH, while hydroxylation products increased with rising pH, and polymerization products appeared prominently at high pH. Due to the electron-withdrawing effect of the nitro group on the benzene ring, fewer products formed from 4-nitrophenol were observed, and the visible absorption spectrum also showed a decreasing trend as the reaction progressed across various pH conditions. Toxicity assays on human non-small cell lung cancer cells (A549) revealed that the toxicity of the reaction products decreased with increasing pH. Correspondingly, the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and apoptosis rates in cells also declined. This may be due to the fact that at lower pH levels, nitrophenols (NPs), which tend to promote ROS accumulation and cell death, dominate the product mix. This study provides valuable insights into the toxicological properties of secondary organic aerosols (SOA) formed from the photo-oxidation products of PhCs under different pH conditions. These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the environmental and health impacts of SOA in atmospheric chemistry.

Bioremediation of hexavalent chromium using Beauveria bassiana SSR5: adsorption mechanisms, kinetics, and characterization

Hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) poses a significant ecological threat due to environmental pollution. The urgent need for an economically viable solution to remove Cr(VI) and restore ecological balance is evident. This study explores the adsorption isotherms of Cr(VI) uptake by newly isolated B. bassiana SSR5 dead fungal biomass. The batch uptake experiments, conducted under controlled pH and temperature conditions, reveal that dead fungal biomass from B. bassiana has an outstanding ability to adsorb Cr(VI). The optimal adsorption occurs at pH levels of 1 and ≤1.5, achieving a maximum capacity of 113.2 mg per gram of dry weight at an initial concentration of 300 mg/L. The adsorption capacity is strongly influenced by the solution pH, with peak values noted at pH 1.0. Conversely, temperature variations show minimal impact on the uptake capacity. All adsorption isotherms exhibit a strong correlation with the standard Langmuir equation, indicating a monolayer adsorption mechanism. The kinetic profile illustrates a rapid uptake process, achieving equilibrium within 30 min, suggesting the involvement of chemisorption. The process primarily involves ion exchange and electrostatic interactions between positively charged sites on the fungal biomass and negatively charged Cr(VI) ions at lower pH levels, facilitating the reduction of Cr(VI) to Cr(III) and enhancing adsorption. This study underscores the potential of B. bassiana dead fungal biomass as an effective biosorbent for Cr(VI) removal from wastewater and tannery effluent. The intriguing mechanism and the pH effect on the conversion of Cr(VI) to Cr(III) ions by the fungal cell wall warrant further exploration.

Growth dynamics, antagonistic activity and acid production of Lactiplantibacillus (=Lactobacillus) plantarum KT-L18/1 and Bacillus subtilis BPT-B1 inoculants in alfalfa silage

Aim. To study growth dynamics, antagonistic activity and acid formation of two inoculant strains, Lactiplantibacillus (=Lactobacillus) plantarum КТ-L18/1 and Ваcillus subtilis ВРТ-В1, that were introduced into alfalfa silage, up to 30 days of fermentation. Methods. A streptomycin-resistant strain of both above-mentioned organisms, obtained in earlier research, was used to achieve the research aims. Alfalfa was artificially wilted and dried to a dry matter content of 39–40 %. Fermentation was conducted under anaerobic conditions in polyethylene bags. Inoculant was added at a concentration of 108 CFU/kg alfalfa. The resulting 12 × 3 = 36 bags were kept at room temperature in a dark place for 30 days. At each examination date one sample per treatment was used and examined after cultivation of the two inoculants on elective De Man-Rogosa-Sharpe (MRS) agar and meat infusion agar (MIA), containing streptomycin. The antibacterial (ABA) and antifungal activities (AFA) were studied by the agar diffusion method. Results. After 30 days of ensiling the alfalfa samples, L. plantarum КТ-L18/1str and В. subtilis ВРТ-В1str were still present at levels of 9.2 lg CFU/g and 6.9 lg CFU/g respectively. In the natural population of LAB, L. plantarum КТ-L18/1str had a dominant position. After 30 days of the alfalfa fermentation L. plantarum КТ-L18/1str and В. subtilis ВРТ-В1str maintained ABA and AFA to the PPB strains (S. aureus, P. aeruginosa, S. typhimurium) and fungal strains tested. However, the antagonistic activities of the two inoculant strains decreased during the fermentation, for L. plantarum КТ-L18/1str from 7–21 %, and for В. subtilis ВРТ-В1str from 16–21 %. Compared to the uninoculated control treatment, the inoculated silage treatments had a lower pH level (5.2–5.3), an increased number of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) (by 32 %), and clostridia were no longer detected. The inoculation impacted fungi down to a level of 102–103 CFU/g that can ensure the aerobic stability of the feed. Conclusions. The inoculant strains and L. plantarum КТ-L18/1str and Ваcillus subtilis ВРТ-В1str showed a high competitiveness with background microbiota in an ensiling experiment with alfalfa. The antagonistic activity of the two strains to PPB after fermentation was preserved at a high level, albeit with a decrease of 7–21 %. Ваcillus subtilis ВРТ-В1str kept its AFA against all three fungal strains tested during the 30 days of fermentation. For L. plantarum КТ-L18/1str this was true for a strain of the Penicillium chrysogenum only. The inoculation of and L. plantarum КТ-L18/1str and Ваcillus subtilis ВРТ-В1str caused a decrease in pH of 8–9 % at the end of the fermentation period, an accumulation of LAB with 32 %, and the inhibition of the growth of clostridia up to undetectability in the fermented alfalfa. For both inoculants, compared to uninoculated control variant, fungi decreased down to 102–103 CFU/g of the feed, which can ensure the aerobic stability of the feed.

Antibacterial efficacy of berry juices against Bacillus cereus relative to their phytochemical composition and antioxidant properties

Ensuring the safety and stability of minimally processed foods using natural preservatives is of great scientific and commercial interest in modern biotechnology. Berry juice supplementation is increasingly recognized within this field. This study investigated the effectiveness of juices from four berry species Aronia melanocarpa, Ribes nigrum, Vaccinium macrocarpon, and Sambucus nigra, against the food pathogen Bacillus cereus. Overall, the antibacterial potency of juice supplements (up to 10% v/v in tryptic soy broth) followed the order of chokeberry > blackcurrant > cranberry > elderberry, with the latter showing no inhibitory effects. Notably, chokeberry and elderberry juices presented lower acidity and significantly greater phenolic contents (p < 0.05) than blackcurrant and cranberry juices did, suggesting that B. cereus susceptibility is not strictly dependent upon low extracellular pH or elevated anthocyanin levels. Instead, it is inferred to correlate with pro-oxidative effects induced directly at the intracellular level. Accordingly, this paper discusses the antioxidative, acidic, and lipophilic attributes of juices and their constituent fractions, including anthocyanins, to elucidate their biopreservative potential. The results of this study increase our understanding of the antibacterial susceptibility of B. cereus.

Spatiotemporal distribution in chemical composition of wet atmospheric deposition in Bandung Indonesia.

Bandung, Indonesia, represents the complex interactions between climate variability, basin topography, and deposition processes. This study conducted a long-term spatiotemporal analysis, including pH distribution and pollutant accumulation monitoring, to observe the chemical composition of wet deposition in Bandung as part of the Acid Deposition Monitoring Network in East Asia (EANET). The results revealed that and were the predominant ions, followed by , with their distribution varying across different sites due to local emissions and atmospheric processes. The interactions between these ions, particularly the formation of secondary inorganic aerosols such as ammonium sulfate and ammonium nitrate, were closely linked to the basin's localized sources and topographical features. Areas experiencing high traffic congestion were classified as acidic regions due to their low pH levels. In contrast, a rural site exhibited a basic pH due to the high concentration of ion . Variations in pH and conductivity, along with the impacts of climatic events such as El Niño and La Niña, emphasized the role of weather patterns in shaping wet deposition dynamics. Seasonal trends indicated elevated total ion concentrations during the dry season, driven by sea salt contributions, as supported by strong correlations between Na+ and and between Na+ and Mg2+. Additionally, geological materials and atmospheric reactions contributed to the strong correlations observed between soil-derived cations and acidic species. The increasing trend in and the contrasting decrease in concentrations in rural areas suggest evolving emission sources and environmental conditions.

Contrasting responses of commercially important Northwest Atlantic bivalve species to ocean acidification and temperature conditions

Modern calcifying marine organisms face numerous environmental stressors, including overfishing, deoxygenation, increasing ocean temperatures, and ocean acidification (OA). Coastal marine settings are predicted to become warmer and more acidic in coming decades, heightening the risks of extreme events such as marine heat waves. Given these threats, it is important to understand the vulnerabilities of marine organisms that construct their shells from calcium carbonate, which are particularly susceptible to warming and decreasing pH levels. To investigate the response of four commercially relevant bivalve species to OA and differing temperatures, juvenile Mercenaria mercenaria (hard shell clams), juvenile Mya arenaria (soft shell clams), adult and juvenile Arctica islandica (ocean quahog), and juvenile Placopecten magellanicus (Atlantic sea scallops) were grown in varying pH and temperature conditions. Species were exposed to four controlled pH conditions (7.4, 7.6, 7.8, and ambient/8.0) and three controlled temperature conditions (6, 9, and 12°C) for 20.5 weeks and then shell growth and coloration were analyzed. This research marks the first direct comparison of these species’ biological responses to both temperature and OA conditions within the same experiment. The four species exhibited varying responses to temperature and OA conditions. Mortality rates were not significantly associated with pH or temperature conditions for any of the species studied. Growth (measured as change in maximum shell height) was observed to be higher in warmer tanks for all species and was not significantly impacted by pH. Two groups (juvenile M. arenaria and juvenile M. mercenaria) exhibited lightening in the color of their shells at lower pH levels at all temperatures, attributed to a loss of shell periostracum. The variable responses of the studied bivalve species, despite belonging to the same phylogenetic class and geographic region, highlights the need for further study into implications for health and management of bivalves in the face of variable stressors.

Effects of fermentation conditions (salt concentration, temperature, and pH) on Lactobacillus strains for induction of interleukin-12 in the exposed murine splenocytes

The present work aimed to assess the stresses of temperature, salt concentration, and pH on Lactobacillus gasseri 54C, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum ATCC 14917, and 11SH in fermented culture medium and their effects on interleukin-12 (IL-12) induction in murine splenocytes. First, the strains were fermented under different microbial stress conditions at salt concentrations (2, 4, and 6% w/v), temperatures (30 and 42°C), and pH levels (4, 5, and 6), as well as their combined conditions. Then, they were heat-killed, lyophilized, and exposed to murine splenocytes. The IL-12 induction was measured using the immunoassay method. It was indicated that the induction of IL-12 depended on the culture conditions, as it was increased by the fermentation strains under microbial stresses with the higher temperature (42°C), lower salt concentration (%2), and lower pH level (4). It seems that the bacterial cells' integrity is essential to stimulate the induction of IL-12.

Practical implications of adding powdered activated carbon in advanced wastewater treatment for process and plant design

ABSTRACT The addition of powdered activated carbon (PAC) in advanced wastewater treatment is increasingly recognized for its effectiveness in removing micropollutants from secondary effluents. This study investigates the implications of PAC dosing on treatment performance, particularly in terms of natural and effluent organic matter (OM) removal, turbidity reduction, and sludge characteristics. Results indicate that while PAC incorporation significantly enhances the adsorption of OM, it necessitates higher coagulant dosages to achieve comparable or improved turbidity levels. The study also reveals that lower pH levels facilitate the removal of OM, thereby increasing the availability of adsorption sites on PAC for micropollutants. Moreover, PAC addition results in the formation of larger, denser flocs that settle faster, leading to a reduction in sludge volume by approximately 20%. However, the increased coagulant demand and the subsequent rise in sludge volume highlight the need for the optimized process design to balance treatment efficiency with operational costs. This research provides valuable insights for the design and operation of wastewater treatment plants, emphasizing the importance of tailored coagulant dosing and process adjustments when integrating PAC into existing treatment frameworks.

Metal Peroxide Nanoparticles for Modulating the Tumor Microenvironment: Current Status and Recent Prospects.

Background: The significant expansion of nanobiotechnology and nanomedicine has led to the development of innovative and effective techniques to combat various pathogens, demonstrating promising results with fewer adverse effects. Metal peroxide nanoparticles stand out among the crucial yet often overlooked types of nanomaterials, including metals. These nanoparticles are key in producing oxygen (O2) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) through simple chemical reactions, which are vital in treating various diseases. These compounds play a crucial role in boosting the effectiveness of different treatment methods and also possess unique properties due to the addition of metal ions. Methods: This review discusses and analyzes some of the most common metal peroxide nanoparticles, including copper peroxide (CuO2), calcium peroxide (CaO2), magnesium peroxide (MgO2), zinc peroxide (ZnO2), barium peroxide (BaO2), and titanium peroxide (TiOx) nanosystems. These nanosystems, characterized by their greater potential and treatment efficiency, are primarily needed in nanomedicine to combat various harmful pathogens. Researchers have extensively studied the effects of these peroxides in various treatments, such as catalytic nanotherapeutics, photodynamic therapy, radiation therapy, and some combination therapies. The tumor microenvironment (TME) is particularly unique, making the impact of nanomedicine less effective or even null. The presence of high levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), hypoxia, low pH, and high glutathione levels makes them competitive against nanomedicine. Controlling the TME is a promising approach to combating cancer. Results: Metal peroxides with low biodegradability, toxicity, and side effects could reduce their effectiveness in treating the TME. It is important to consider the distribution of metal peroxides to effectively target cancer cells while avoiding harm to nearby normal cells. As a result, modifying the surface of metal peroxides is a key strategy to enhance their delivery to the TME, thereby improving their therapeutic benefits. Conclusions: This review discussed the various aspects of the TME and the importance of modifying the surface of metal peroxides to enhance their therapeutic advantages against cancer, as well as address safety concerns. Additionally, this review covered the current challenges in translating basic research findings into clinical applications of therapies based on metal peroxide nanoparticles.

Cultivated Land Quality Assessment and Obstacle Factors Diagnosis in Changtu County, Northeast China

ABSTRACTEffective evaluation of cultivated land quality is crucial for sustainable agricultural management. Existing research often focuses on regional scales and lacks sufficient detailed analysis of spatial distribution and limiting factors at localized scales. This study aims to select the key indicators to evaluate cultivated land quality and analyze their influence on cultivated land quality at the county level. Taking Changtu County as the research area, principal component analysis (PCA) was employed to identify the most effective Minimum Data Set (MDS) for evaluation, including cultivated layer thickness, soil organic matter (SOM), pH, bulk density (BD), and cultivated layer texture. Additionally, an obstacle degree model was used to analyze restricting factors and their degrees of impact. Results showed that the constructed MDS could replace all indicators for cultivated land quality evaluation. Quality was higher in central areas and lower in eastern and western regions. SOM content decreases with the decrease of quality grade, significantly affecting the quality distribution, and pH in the medium category (Grades III and VI) cultivated lands were lower compared to other categories. Low organic matter content and low pH levels were the main obstacles affecting cultivated land quality, with average obstacle degrees of 43.5% and 29.3%, respectively. Low SOM content significantly affected land quality, particularly in the western region, whereas acidic soils in the eastern region influenced quality grade distribution. Thus, strategies for pH control and SOM enhancement are essential for improving cultivated land quality. This study provides valuable insights into sustainable agriculture.

Copper-coordinated nanomedicine for the concurrent treatment of lung cancer through the induction of cuproptosis and apoptosis

The resistance of tumor cells to apoptosis often leads to chemoresistance and treatment failure in clinic. In this study, we have developed a Cu2+-coordinated lignosulfonate (CLS) /doxorubicin (DOX) biological complex (referred to as LCD) with the aim of overcoming cellular resistance to apoptosis for combined lung cancer therapy. The copper complexes modified by CLS exhibit significant water solubility and excellent in vivo biocompatibility. The proportion of copper in the composite is simultaneously increased. Due to the coordination and π-π stacking effects, the self-assembled LCD exhibits nanometer-scale particle size, a narrow and homogeneous grain distribution, as well as excellent dispersion stability. Furthermore, LCD has the potential to disassemble in the presence of high levels of glutathione (GSH) and low pH, leading to effective drug release. Cu2+-mediated cuproptosis can lead to the down-regulation of FDX1 and DLAT protein expression by reducing mitochondrial membrane potential, resulting in non-apoptotic programmed cell death (PCD) regardless of cellular resistance to apoptosis. Moreover, the released DOX not only exhibits a preference for localizing in the cell nucleus to induce apoptosis for combined chemotherapy, but also generates a substantial amount of H2O2. This H2O2 further produces ROS to induce apoptosis through Fenton reaction with Cu2+. LCD demonstrates significant superiority over monotherapy in inhibiting tumor growth while minimizing systemic toxicity through the combined action of cuproptosis and apoptosis. This study may provide a potential avenue for the advancement of self-delivery nanomedicine to overcome resistance to apoptosis in tumor therapy.

Effects of pH Variations on Growth and Haematological Parameters of Pangasianodon hypophthalmus (Sauvage, 1878)

An experiment was carried out with an aim of enhancing culture of Pangasianodon hypophthalmus. Juveniles with an average length of 13.35±0.14 cm and 17.52±0.16 g of body weight were subjected to various pH levels of 7.5 (Control), 6, 9 and 9.5 to determine their growth and hematological changes. The control group exhibited the highest growth in both length (14.70±1.04 cm) and weight (21.12±2.67 g), while the lowest length (13.87 ± 0.43 cm) and weight (18.92 ± 1.11 g) in pH 9.5. The highest (1.24 ± 0.15) and lowest (0.56 ± 0.15) value of SGR was noticed in control and pH 9.5 respectively. The highest value of PER (3.79 ± 0.38) was observed in control and the lowest (1.66 ± 0.31) in pH 9.5. The highest (2.59 ± 0.47) and lowest (1.11 ± 0.16) value of FCR observed in pH 9.5 and control respectively. The highest count (26.80 ± 1.01 (103/µl)) of TLC was observed in pH 9.5 and the least (22.26 ± 0.53 (103/µl)) in control. The highest count (2.47 ± 0.15 (106/µl)) of TEC was observed in control and the least (1.97 ± 0.23 (106/µl)) in pH 9.5. The highest value (9.42 ± 0.14 g/dL) of Hb was observed in control and the least (9.5 with 5.77 ± 0.56 g/dL) in pH 9.5. The highest value (29.06 ± 0.46%) of Ht was observed in control and the least (22.41 ± 2.11%) in pH 9.5. The highest value (124.93 ± 9.99 fL) of MCV was observed in pH 9 and the lowest (114.45 ± 11.98 fL) in pH 9.5. The highest value (32.42 ± 0.76 g/dL) of MCHC was observed in control and the lowest (25.73 ± 0.87 g/dL) in the pH 9.5. The study revealed that P.hypophthalmus juveniles showed significant difference (p &lt; 0.05) between the control and treatments. Study inferred that alterations in the growth and haematological parameters were occurred at higher pH levels compared to lower pH levels.

Predictive Factors of Mortality in Methanol Poisoning Outbreaks: A Cross-sectional Study During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Background: Methanol poisoning has increased in some countries after the recent coronavirus pandemic. This study aimed to investigate the clinical and paraclinical findings of patients with methanol poisoning during the COVID-19 pandemic.Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on patients diagnosed with methanol poisoning in Imam Reza and Hasheminezhad hospitals who were hospitalized from the beginning of March 2019 to the end of April 2020. Clinical and paraclinical data were extracted from patients’ files and subsequently categorized into three groups: deceased patients, living patients without complications, and living patients with complications. Results: Out of 107 patients included in the study, 20(18.69%) died, 50(46.7%) were discharged without complications, and 37(34.6%) with complications. The most frequent clinical symptoms in the patients were blurred vision (62.6%), lethargy (62.6%), nausea (43%), vomiting (41.1%), abdominal pain (15.9%), dizziness (11.2%), and dyspnea (6.5%). According to the multivariate logistic regression analysis, reduced pH (OR=0.007, P=0.009) and blurred vision symptoms (OR=5.096, P=0.007) significantly predicted complications. Based on univariate logistic regression, hypoxemia (OR=35.90, P=0.002), coma (OR=22.34, P&lt;0.001), high creatinine (OR=62.39, P&lt;0.001), and low pH (OR=0.001, P&lt;0.001) had the greatest impact in predicting mortality. Conclusion: This study shows the clinical and paraclinical characteristics of methanol poisoning during the COVID-19 pandemic, identifying critical predictors of complications and mortality, including low pH, blurred vision, hypoxemia, coma, and high creatinine levels.

Seasonal Changes in the Oxidative Potential of Urban Air Pollutants: The Influence of Emission Sources and Proton- and Ligand-Mediated Dissolution of Transition Metals.

The inhalation of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is a major contributor to adverse health effects from air pollution worldwide. An important toxicity pathway is thought to follow oxidative stress from the formation of exogenous reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the body, a proxy of which is oxidative potential (OP). As redox-active transition metals and organic species are important drivers of OP in urban environments, we investigate how seasonal changes in emission sources, aerosol chemical composition, acidity, and metal dissolution influence OP dynamics. Using a kinetic model of the lung redox chemistry, we predicted ROS (O2 •-, H2O2, •OH) formation with input parameters comprising the ambient concentrations of PM2.5, water-soluble Fe and Cu, secondary organic matter, nitrogen dioxide, and ozone across two years and two urban sites in Canada. Particulate species were the largest contributors to ROS production. Soluble Fe and Cu had their highest and lowest values in summer and winter, and changes in Fe solubility were closely linked to seasonal variations in chemical aging, the acidity of aerosol, and organic ligand levels. The results indicate three conditions that influence OP across various seasons: (a) low aerosol pH and high organic ligand levels leading to the highest OP in summer, (b) opposite trends leading to the lowest OP in winter, and (c) intermediate conditions corresponding to moderate OP in spring and fall. This study highlights how atmospheric chemical aging modifies the oxidative burden of urban air pollutants, resulting in a seasonal cycle with a potential effect on population health.

Strengthen farmers' fertilizer self-sufficiency in the tourist area with a reduce-reuse-recycle system

Mining activities at Tebing Breksi are a vital source of income for the community in Sambirejo village, Sleman Regency, Yogyakarta. However, these activities have caused several environmental issues, such as lowered pH levels, reduced soil fertility, shallow soil profiles, and water scarcity. Additionally, mining has led to biodiversity loss and land degradation, making post-mining reclamation essential to restore the area's environmental and social functions. This project aimed to enhance the community’s skills in soil analysis and the production of liquid organic fertilizer using effective methods. The activities took place in the Tebing Breksi tourist area, located in Nglengkong, Sambirejo Village, Prambanan District, Sleman Regency. The project included a Focus Group Discussion (FGD), soil fertility analysis using test kits, and the creation of liquid organic fertilizer from household waste. During the FGD, it was discovered that the local community had not received prior training on producing fertilizer from household and organic waste. Until then, they relied on expensive commercial fertilizers to quickly stabilize soil pH. Through this training, the community learned how to perform rapid soil chemical analysis and produce liquid organic fertilizer independently. As a result, they can now apply the fertilizer locally, improving soil conditions and reducing their reliance on costly commercial products.

Efficiency of heat-treated sepiolite in the adsorption of Cd, Zn, and Co from aqueous solutions: A low-cost approach for wastewater treatment

This study investigated the adsorption of Cd, Co, and Zn ions onto unmodified and heat-treated sepiolite, focusing on the effect of contact time, initial pH, and heat pretreatments. Kinetic experiments were conducted in triplicate, and equilibrium experiments indicated that Co2+ had the highest adsorption preference, followed by Zn2+ and Cd2+. The adsorption efficiency for Co2+ significantly increased with higher initial pH, whereas Zn2+ and Cd2+ showed optimal adsorption at lower pH levels. Heat-treated sepiolite at 250 ℃ exhibited a higher surface area and adsorption capacity in comparison with unmodified and 150 ℃-treated sepiolite, which indicated the importance of heat pretreatment. The pseudo-second-order kinetic model better described the adsorption process, and it was confirmed chemisorption as the rate-limiting step. By increasing the contact time, adsorption rates enhanced, with equilibrium achieved within 480 min for all systems. Higher initial solute concentrations led to an increase in adsorption processes, with Co ions consistently showing higher adsorption efficiency in competitive multi-ionic solutions. Adsorption percentages varied with pH and thermal treatment, indicating the importance of these parameters in optimizing sepiolite’s adsorption capacity for heavy metal removal.

Poly(methyl methacrylate) functionalized graphene oxide/CuO as nanocomposite for efficient removal of dye pollutants

In this research, the use of a three-component nanocomposite of graphene oxide-methyl methacrylate and copper(II) oxide (PMMA-GO-CuO) was investigated. The aim of synthesizing this nanocomposite is to removal dye pollutants, specifically methylene blue (MB) and methyl orange (MO), which are commonly used in dyeing industries, through adsorption. The study focuses on creating GO-CuO and PMMA-GO-CuO nanocomposites as effective adsorbents. A simple and quick method led to the development of the PMMA-GO-CuO nanocomposite, which shows enhanced physical and chemical properties. Key materials include graphene oxide, methyl methacrylate, and copper(II) oxide nanoparticles. Characterization techniques such as FT-IR, XRD, SEM, and TGA were used to analyze the nanocomposite. Results indicate that dye adsorption is more effective at lower pH levels, suggesting that the PMMA-GO-CuO nanocomposite can efficiently remove dyes from industrial wastewater. The experimental data showed that the Langmuir isotherm model accurately represented the equilibrium adsorption, with maximum capacities of 285.71 mg g−1 for methylene blue and 256.41 mg g−1 for methyl orange, indicating a single layer of adsorption. The kinetics followed a pseudo-second order model, suggesting that the adsorption process involves chemical bonding. Additionally, thermodynamic parameters (ΔG°, ΔH°, and ΔS°) indicated that the adsorption is spontaneous. The adsorption mechanism involves hydrogen bonding, π-π interactions, and electrostatic interactions. This study investigates how factors like pH, temperature, contact time, and dye concentration affect the adsorption of methyl orange and methylene blue dyes. A PMMA-GO-CuO nanocomposite was used, achieving 84% removal of MB and 35% removal of MO from industrial wastewater. This study highlights the promising potential of PMMA-GO-CuO nanocomposite as an effective material for the removal of dye pollutants from industrial wastewater. The results showed that the graphene oxide in the composite is effective for removing cationic dyes due to its negative charge. Further research will focus on the optimization of the synthesis process with the aim of achieving competitive performance of this nanocomposite on a large scale. These findings not only advance the field of nanocomposite materials but also provide a practical solution to an important environmental issue, demonstrating the innovation of the present study in the literature.

Impacts of ocean acidification and hypoxia on cellular immunity, oxygen consumption and antioxidant status in Mediterranean mussel

There is growing recognition that the hypoxic regions of the ocean are also becoming more acidic due to increasing levels of global carbon dioxide emissions. The impact of water acidification on marine life is largely unknown, as most previous studies have not taken into account the effects of hypoxia, which may affect how organisms respond to low pH levels. In this study, we experimentally examined the consequences of water acidification in combination with normoxic or hypoxic conditions on cellular immune parameters in Mediterranean mussels. We measured total hemocyte counts in hemolymph, the cellular composition of hemolymph, phagocytosis, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. General response of the organism was evaluated on the basis of the activity of antioxidant enzymes in the hepatopancreas, as well as respiratory rates over an 8-day exposure period. The mussels were exposed to low pH conditions (7.3), either under normoxic conditions (dissolved oxygen concentration of 8 mg/L) or hypoxic conditions (dissolved oxygen concentration of 2 mg/L). The parameters were assessed at days 1, 3, 6, and 8 of the experiment. Experimental acidification under normoxic conditions reduced THC and ROS production by hemocytes during later stages of exposure, but phagocytic activity (PA) only decreased at day 3 and then recovered. Combined acidification and hypoxia suppressed PA in hemocytes at the beginning of exposure, while hemocyte ROS production and THC decreased by the end of the experiment. The hemolymph cellular composition and activity of antioxidant enzymes were unaffected by acidified conditions under different oxygen regimes, but mussel respiratory rate (RR) decreased with a more significant reduction in oxygen consumption under hypoxia. Mussels showed a relatively high tolerance to acidification in combination with various dissolved oxygen levels, although prolonged acidification exposure led to increased detrimental effects on immunity and metabolism.

Drying-Wetting Correlation Analysis of Chloride Transport Behavior and Mechanism in Calcium Sulphoaluminate Cement Concrete.

In response to rising CO2 emissions in the cement industry and the growing demand for durable offshore engineering materials, calcium sulphoaluminate (CSA) cement concrete, known for its lower carbon footprint and enhanced corrosion resistance compared to Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC), is increasingly important. However, the chloride transport behavior of CSA concrete in both laboratory and marine environments remains underexplored and controversial. Accordingly, the chloride ion transport behaviors and mechanisms of CSA concrete in laboratory-accelerated drying-wetting cyclic environments using NaCl solution and seawater, as well as in marine tidal environments, were characterized using the rapid chloride test (RCT), X-ray diffraction (XRD), mercury infiltration porosimetry (MIP), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The results reveal that CSA concrete accumulates more chloride ions in NaCl solution than in seawater, with concentrations 2-3.5 times higher at the same water-cement ratio. Microscopic analysis indicates that calcium and sulfate ions present in seawater facilitate the regeneration of ettringite, thereby increasing the density of the surface pore structure. The hydration and repair mechanisms of CSA concrete under laboratory conditions closely resemble those in marine tidal conditions when exposed to seawater. Additionally, this study found that lower chloride ion concentrations and pH levels inhibit the formation of Friedel's salt. Therefore, laboratory experiments with seawater can effectively simulate CSA concrete's chloride transport properties in marine tidal environments, whereas NaCl solution does not accurately reflect actual marine conditions.