Low Levels Of Cr Research Articles

Clinical, Laboratory, and Demographic Factors Contributing to COVID-19 Mortality Risk

Background: This study aimed to identify COVID-19 mortality risk factors and relevant laboratory markers to inform prevention and treatment strategies. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Iran, involving 1561 patients diagnosed with COVID-19 between 2019 and 2021. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory data were collected from hospital records and analyzed using a logistic regression model. Results: The mortality rate attributed to COVID-19 in this study was 24.7%. Identified risk factors for mortality included intubation, multiple chronic conditions, liver or kidney disease or cancer, low RBC levels, and abnormal creatinine (Cr) levels. The adjusted odds ratios (adjOR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for these factors were as follows: intubation (70.75, 14.07:355.84), concurrent chronic diseases (24.29, 3.25:181.24), liver or kidney disease or cancer (5.13, 1.21:21.81), low RBC levels (5.21, 1.24:21.79), and abnormal Cr levels (5.09, 1.21:21.43). Conclusion: The findings from this study indicated that several factors, including intubation, multiple chronic conditions, liver or kidney disease or cancer, and low Cr levels were associated with a higher risk of death from COVID-19. These results highlight the significance of continuous monitoring and specialized care for patients exhibiting these risk factors to reduce the risk of COVID-19 mortality.

On the Use of Pad Mechanical Properties as a Proxy for Conditioning Response

A proliferation of pad materials in recent years, coupled with the increasing complexity of process integration and limited resources available for process development, has highlighted the need for a more in depth understanding of conditioning interactions and better predictive tools for process and consumable design. We have previously noted a range of conditioning response as illustrated in Figure 1. As the figure illustrates, on some materials the surface height distribution imparted by the pad conditioner is shifted to the left relative to the exponential signature of the pad native porosity which is used as a reference. Denoted regime 1, these surfaces are characterized by the prevalence of “eyelid” features which obscure the line-of-sight path to the bottoms of the pores. In regime 2, the surface height distribution is more balanced, with a smooth transition between the exponential porosity signature and the conditioning signature. In regime 3, there is an abrupt disconnect between the exponential porosity signature and the conditioner signature. Such surfaces are characterized by deep gouges.We are investigating pad material tensile properties as a proxy to help understand and predict these conditioning responses. Figure 2 illustrates the range of typical tensile behavior for polymers. While Figure 2 invokes temperature as the variable that drives these behaviors, note that strain rate can also drive tensile behavior across this range with high temperature being analogous to low strain rate and vice versa.Figure 3 and Table 1 summarize some results from our testing of IC1000, VP5000, VP6000, IK4250H and IK4350L. We have determined that grooved pad materials at their nominal dimensions are adequate for testing according to ASTM D638: Standard Test Method for Tensile Properties of Plastics. Typical delivered pad thickness is within the specifications for sample thickness, and as long as the grooves are oriented to be substantially parallel with the strain axis (pulling direction) reproducible results can be obtained. A range of properties spanning at least about 2x is observed in these pads.Figure 4 gives one example of how this information can be directly applied. The figure illustrates a manifestation of the threshold behavior that is typically observed when conditioning with a pad conditioner with uniform tip height, where all the cutting points are controlled within a height range of about 10 µm. As opposed to a conventional conditioning platform, where there is a much wider range of tip heights, the uniform height-controlled conditioner exhibits a threshold behavior where no measurable cutting occurs below a limiting condition down-force (cdf). Figure 4 illustrates the disconnect between a high down-force, accelerated cutting test, using 14 lbs cdf and designed to return the “CR” value for a conditioner, and typical process cdf levels, in the range of 5 lbs cdf. Note that CR values are generally about an order of magnitude higher than comparable polishing tool level pad wear rates. Whereas conventional platforms yield a linear response between CR and tool level pad wear rates, the uniform height design exhibits an offset, such that at low CR levels, low pad wear rates are observed. The position of this threshold is a function of pad type. These data suggest that this threshold can be correlated with the mechanical strength of the pad material, as determined by the tensile test results.We have also explored the effect of strain rate on tensile response. Strain rates in a typical CMP process may be as high as 105 s-1, and as shown in Figure 2, strain rate can have a significant effect on material behavior. Figure 5 illustrates typical results, illustrating the extremes of response for this group of pads, and Figure 6 shows the normalized response of offset yield and tensile strength as a function of strain rate. Of these materials, only IK4350L exhibits a divergent response, and as shown in Figure 7, IK4350L typically exhibits the most abrupt transition between the exponential porosity signature and the conditioner cutting signature, indicating a tendency towards the gross over-conditioning behavior characteristic of regime 3.Over the range of strain rates explored here, all of these materials can be characterized as “rubbery”. This rubbery behavior can be understood in the context of reported property measurements of CMP pads, which indicate distinct glass transitions related to the soft and hard phases of the polyurethane from which the pad is made. This analysis suggests that pad behavior is dominated by the “rubbery plateau” of the soft segment of the polymer, with the glass transition of the hard segment occurring above typical polishing temperatures. Figure 1

Evaluation of pollution levels in sediments from Lake Edku, Egypt using laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry

The concentrations of 11 heavy metals in sediments from Lake Edku, Egypt were determined using LA-ICP-MS. The average concentrations of elements occurred in the order of Fe > V > Cr > Zn > Ni > Cu > Co > Pb > As > Sn > Mo with respective values of 4.67 %, 104.8, 77.9, 76.6, 59.2, 52, 27.8, 19.8, 4.14, 2.24, and 1.45 μg/g. Several pollution indices were used to evaluate individual and cumulative contamination levels. All HMs were found to be in the deficiency to minimal enrichment range based on the enrichment factor. The contamination factor indicated low contamination levels of Cr and As, low to moderate contamination levels of Fe, Ni, Zn, Mo, Sn, and Pb, and moderate contamination levels of Co and Cu. The pollution load index and contamination degree indicated the sediments to be polluted and moderately polluted, respectively.

Association of Cognitive Reserve Indicator with Cognitive Decline and Structural Brain Differences in Middle and Older Age: Findings from the UK Biobank

BackgroundCognitive reserve (CR) contributes to preserving cognition when facing brain aging and damage. CR has been linked to dementia risk in late life. However, the association between CR and cognitive changes and brain imaging measures, especially in midlife, is unclear.ObjectiveWe aimed to explore the association of CR with cognitive decline and structural brain differences in middle and older age.DesignThis longitudinal study was from the UK Biobank project where participants completed baseline surveys between 2006 to 2010 and were followed (mean follow-up: 9 years).SettingA population-based study.ParticipantsA total of 42,301 dementia-free participants aged 40–70 were followed-up to detect cognitive changes. A subsample (n=34,041) underwent brain magnetic resonance imaging scans.MeasurementsWe used latent class analysis to generate a CR indicator (categorized as high, moderate, and low) based on education, occupation, and multiple cognitively stimulating activities. Cognitive tests for global and domain-specific cognition were administrated at baseline and follow-up. Total brain, white matter, grey matter, hippocampal, and white matter hyperintensity volumes (TBV, WMV, GMV, HV, and WMHV) were assessed at the follow-up examination. Data were analyzed using mixed-effects models and analysis of covariance.ResultsAt baseline, 16,032 (37.9%), 10,709 (25.3%), and 15,560 (36.8%) participants had low, moderate, and high levels of CR, respectively. Compared with low CR, high CR was associated with slower declines in global cognition (β [95% confidence interval]: 0.10 [0.08, 0.11]), prospective memory (0.10 [0.06, 0.15]), fluid intelligence (0.07 [0.04, 0.10]), and reaction time (0.04 [0.02, 0.06]). Participants with high CR had lower TBV, WMV, GMV, and WMHV, but higher HV when controlling for global cognition (corrected P <0.01 for all). The significant relationships between CR and cognition and TBV were present among both middle-aged (<60 years) and older (≥60 years) participants. The CR-cognition association remained significant despite reductions in brain structural properties.ConclusionsHigher CR is associated with slower cognitive decline, higher HV, and lower microvascular burden, especially in middle age. Individuals with high CR could tolerate smaller brain volumes while maintaining cognition. The benefit of CR for cognition is independent of structural brain differences. Our findings highlight the contribution of enhancing CR to helping compensate for neuroimaging alterations and ultimately prevent cognitive decline.

Association of cognitive reserve indicator with cognitive decline and structural brain differences in mid‐ and late life: a large population‐based cohort study

AbstractBackgroundCognitive reserve (CR) contributes to preserving cognition when facing brain aging and damage. CR has been linked to reduced dementia risk in late life. However, the association between CR and brain imaging measures, especially in mid‐life, is unclear. We aimed to explore the association of CR with cognitive decline and structural brain differences in mid‐ and late life.MethodWithin the UK Biobank, 42,301 dementia‐free participants aged 40‐70 were followed for a median of 9 (interquartile range: 8 to 10) years. Latent class analysis was used to generate an indicator of CR (categorized as high, moderate, and low) based on education, occupation, and multiple cognitively stimulating activities at baseline. Cognitive tests for global and domain‐specific cognitive function were administrated at baseline and follow‐up. A subsample (n = 34,041) underwent brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans at the follow‐up examination. Volumes of total brain, white matter, grey matter, hippocampus, and white matter hyperintensities (TBV, WMV, GMV, HV, and WMHV) were assessed. Data were analyzed using mixed‐effects models and linear regression.ResultAt baseline, 16,032 (37.90%), 10,709 (25.32%), and 15,560 (36.78%) participants had low, moderate, and high levels of CR, respectively. In multi‐adjusted mixed‐effects models, compared to low CR, high CR was associated with a slower decline in global cognitive function (β [95% confidence interval, CI]: 0.10 [0.08, 0.11]), prospective memory (0.10 [0.06, 0.15]), fluid intelligence (0.07 [0.04, 0.10]), and reaction time (0.04 [0.02, 0.06]). In MRI data analysis, high CR was related to lesser TBV (‐0.03 [‐0.04, ‐0.02]), WMV (‐0.03 [‐0.04, ‐0.02], GMV (‐0.02 [‐0.04, ‐0.01]), and WMHV (‐0.03 [‐0.05, ‐0.002]), but greater HV (0.04 [0.02, 0.06]) compared to low CR. In analyses stratified by baseline age, the significant associations between high CR and global cognition and TBV were present among both mid‐life (&lt;60 years) and late‐life (≥60 years) participants. The CR‐cognitive decline association remained significant after additional adjustment for MRI measures.ConclusionHigher CR is associated with slower cognitive decline, lesser TBV, greater HV, and lower microvascular burden, especially in mid‐life. The protective role of high CR on cognition is independent of structural brain differences.

Green removal of low and high levels of Cu(II) and Cr(III) cations from concentrated saline chloride medium achieved by a mixture of N,N′-bis(salicylidene)-thiocarbohydrazide-TritonX-100 micellar system via cloud point extraction process

Abstract In this work, we performed the cloud point extraction with low and high concentrations of Cu(II) and Cr(III), two particularly toxic metallic pollutants, that have been shown to have adverse effects on human health and the environment. Removal of the metal ions was achieved in the presence of Triton X-100 as a non-ionic surfactant and N,N′-bis(salicylidene)-thiocarbohydrazide as a chelating ligand in concentrated chloride medium. The behavior of the Schiff base was initially investigated in homogeneous DMSO-water and micellar Triton X-100-water media. The obtained values of the acid constants show that the extractant is more acidic in micellar media than in pure aqueous medium. The recorded cloud point temperatures of Triton X-100 are significantly impacted by the sodium chloride concentration, the surfactant concentration, and the Schiff base ligand. Under the optimised experimental conditions, a quantitative extraction of Cu(II) and a maximum extraction rate of 74 % of Cr(III) were obtained. The reduction of the metal concentration from 10−3 mol L−1 to 10−6 mol L−1 resulted in a reduction of the temperature by 10 °C and a reduction of the contact time from 10 h to 3 h.

Unexpected associations of long-term and excessive exposure to trivalent chromium with hypertension and glycosuria in male tannery workers

Serious health hazards including renal, skin and hearing disorders have been reported in Bangladeshi tannery workers (TWs) who were chronically exposed to a large amount of trivalent chromium [Cr(III)]. However, the effects of Cr(III) exposure on the prevalence of hypertension and the prevalence of glycosuria in TWs remain unknown. Since the Cr level in toenails is an established marker reflecting long-term exposure to Cr(III) in humans, the associations of Cr levels in toenails with the prevalence of hypertension and the prevalence of glycosuria in male tannery and non-tannery office workers (non-TWs) in Bangladesh were investigated in this study. The mean toenail Cr level in non-TWs (0.5 μg/g, n = 49) was comparable to that in the general population reported previously. Mean Cr levels in TWs with a low toenail Cr level (5.7 μg/g, n = 39) and those with a high toenail Cr level (298.8 μg/g, n = 61) were >10-fold and >500-fold higher, respectively, than that in non-TWs. Our univariate and multivariate analyses indicated that the prevalence of hypertension and the prevalence of glycosuria in TWs with a high toenail Cr level, but not in TWs with a low toenail Cr level, were significantly lower than those in non-TWs. This study showed for the first time that long-term and excessive exposure to Cr(III) that is more than >500-fold but not >10-fold higher than the usual exposure level could decrease the prevalence of hypertension and the prevalence of glycosuria in TWs. Thus, this study revealed unexpected effects of exposure to Cr(III) on health.

Metallurgical investigation of early failure of heater pipes in a gas complex

An early corrosion failure of the piping system of a gas heater was reported by a gas complex company. Local corrosion rates of 0.90 and 0.66 mm/year were observed in the heater piping system. An investigation including visual examination, macrostructure, microstructure (SEM, EDS and XRD), thickness gauging, chemical analysis, and mechanical testing, was performed. The results showed that corrosion damage occurred on the external surface of the pipes. Corrosion occurred at the cold sides of the pipes and elbows. The corrosion pattern is broad and shallow pitting. Some elbows showed an early stage of carbide spheroidization and pearlite decomposition. The EDS microanalysis revealed that the level of sulfur, chlorine, and nitrogen was substantially high in the rust samples. The XRD of the corrosion products showed that the main oxyhydroxide was Akaganeite. The analysis of results showed that the flue gas dew point corrosion was the mechanism of damage, and the root cause was the operation of the heater at low temperatures and the frequent outings of service, combined with evident material drawbacks including low levels of Si, Cu, Ni, Cr, and Mo. These elements should be at their maximum allowable limits of the SA 105 and SA 106 to improve the corrosion resistance of the steel piping components.

Comparison of the prognostic performance of cardiogenic shock scores in a low-middle income country

Abstract Introduction Mortality in cardiogenic shock (CS) is up to 40% of the patients; as such, risk scores were proposed to stratify and assess the mortality in CS, although they may have an inconsistent performance. Purpose To compare readily available clinical prognostic scores and describe their performance in the first 30 days, and describe the clinical characteristics and management in a real-world low-middle income country. Methods We included 872 patients with cardiogenic shock (systolic blood pressure ≤90 mmHg, need of vasopressor, cardiac index ≤2.2 L/min/m2, or blood lactate ≥2 mmol/l). SCAI (2022 definition), CARDSHOCK, IABP-Shock II, CSS, ALC, GWTG-HF, and ADHERE scores were calculated [1–7]. Cox regression was applied to construct AUC statistic against time; using the IPCW method at 24 h, 72 h, 7, and 30 days globally for in-hospital mortality prediction. AUC differences were computed by Uno's method. This method was applied to assess differences between CS-AMI and non-AMI-CS. Decision curve analysis considering time as a factor was created. Results The cohort was principally constituted by AMI-CS (75.57%), men (70.76%), had a presence of diabetes (DM) in 44.8%, hypertension in 50.3%, chronic HF in 26.6%, with mortality of 67.43%. In AMI-CS, patients: were older; had a more prevalence in men (76.6 vs. 52.28%); had more comorbidities such as DM, hypertension, but less chronic HF history; had higher blood pressure and lower heart and respiratory rates at admission with similar LVEF. At the laboratory data, AMI-CS had higher hemoglobin levels, leukocytes, platelets, glucose, Na, Cl, liver enzymes, and higher eGFR. In contrast, lower levels of Cr and lactate were seen. Higher utilization of dobutamine, levosimendan and number of vasoactives at the shock management level was seen compared to non-AMI-CS. IABP was used more frequently in AMI-CS (48.56%). Mortality was not statistically different between these groups. Regarding cardiogenic shock scores: SCAI had more proportion in stage C with patients in the non-AMI-CS and more D stages in AMI-CS. GWTG-HF, CARDSHOCK, and IABPSHOCK II scores were higher in AMI-CS. Furthermore, ALC, ADHERE, and CSS were higher in non-AMI-CS. When analyzed by the progression of time, significant differences arise in the AUC, suggesting a time-sensitive prediction in mortality in our cohort. C-statistic showed that the highest AUC is for CARDSHOCK score 0.658 (0.633–0.682) followed by SCAI 0.622 (0.599–0.645) (Fig. 1A, 2A). The AMI-CS-related the higher AUC was for CARDSHOCK score (0.671, 0.643–0.699; p&amp;lt;0.001) (Fig. 1B, 2B). In non-AMI-CS, SCAI was the best 0.642 (0.506–0.778, p&amp;lt;0.001) (Fig. 1C, 2C). Conclusion The clinical scores also show a time-sensitive AUC, suggesting that performance could be influenced by time and also the type of CS. Understanding the time influence in the scores could provide a better prognostication and could be a useful tool to escalate treatment in CS. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None.

Elucidating the Potential of Vertical Flow-Constructed Wetlands Vegetated with Different Wetland Plant Species for the Remediation of Chromium-Contaminated Water

Water scarcity is one of the key global challenges affecting food safety, food security, and human health. Constructed wetlands (CWs) provide a sustainable tool to remediate wastewater. Here we explored the potential of vertical flow-CWs (VF-CWs) vegetated with ten indigenous wetland plant species to treat chromium (Cr)-contaminated water. The wetland plants were vegetated to develop VF-CWs to treat Cr-contaminated water in a batch mode. Results revealed that the Cr removal potential of VF-CWs vegetated with different wetland plants ranged from 47% to 92% at low (15 mg L−1) Cr levels and 36% to 92% at high (30 mg L−1) Cr levels, with the maximum (92%) Cr removal exhibited by VF-CWs vegetated with Leptochloa fusca. Hexavalent Cr (Cr(VI)) was reduced to trivalent Cr (Cr(III)) in treated water (96–99 %) of all VF-CWs. All the wetland plants accumulated Cr in the shoot (1.9–34 mg kg−1 dry weight (DW)), although Cr content was higher in the roots (74–698 mg kg−1 DW) than in the shoots. Brachiaria mutica showed the highest Cr accumulation in the roots and shoots (698 and 45 mg kg−1 DW, respectively), followed by Leptochloa fusca. The high Cr level significantly (p &lt; 0.05) decreased the stress tolerance index (STI) percentage of the plant species. Our data provide strong evidence to support the application of VF-CWs vegetated with different indigenous wetland plants as a sustainable Cr-contaminated water treatment technology such as tannery wastewater.

Comparative Analysis of Trace Metals Content of Rivers Niger and Benue in Lokoja, Kogi State, Nigeria

The aim of this research is to determine the levels of some heavy metals content of Rivers Niger and Benue at Lokoja and compare these levels with internationally required or permissible standards for aquatic and human consumption. Four sampling stations each were located on Rivers Niger and Benue at Lokoja, Kogi State. Two water samples were collected from each of the sampling stations once during the second week of each month from April 2019 to March 2020 (12 months). The collected water samples were well preserved and immediately transported to the laboratory for their trace metals content analysis. The analyzed results indicated very low levels of Mn, Cu, Zn, Cr, Pb, and Ca in both rivers, despite their comparatively close variations. The two rivers showed variations in their heavy metal levels without significant difference (P&lt;0.05) among their stations for K, Mg, Fe and Ca, while variation with significant difference (P&lt;0.05) were seen in their Na, Mn, Cu, Pb and Cr concentrations. Most stations in Rivers Benue displayed higher levels of Na, K, and Mg than stations in River Niger. However, both Rivers have high levels of Fe that ranged between 2.33 mg/l to 2.52 mg /l, which are far above the internationally permissible level of 1mg/l (EPA, 1986) for aquatic organisms and human consumption. The research indicated that most aquatic animals in Rivers Niger and Benue at Lokoja are lacking the importance of most trace metals sampled especially Na, K, Mg, Mn, Zn and Ca which are required for bone, teeth development and general growth. Hence, supplementary sources of Na, K, Mg, Mn, Zn, Cu, Mg and Ca are recommended for water from these rivers for fish culturing, breeding and domestic use. Proper and adequate processing methods should also be employed in treating these water contents for drinking and fish culturing because of the high lethal levels of Fe found in both rivers. All forms of water pollution activities should be discourage through public enlightenment campaigns. All laws and regulations concerning environmental sanitation and indiscriminate waste disposals should be adequately enforced.

Trophic transfer of heavy metals along a pollution gradient in a terrestrial agro-industrial food web

Heavy metal contamination across the food web is a growing concern because of increasing environmental discharges in industrial zones, atmospheric transport, and deposition and erosion during rainfall events. We examined the transfer pathways of chromium (Cr) and nickel (Ni) through a terrestrial trophic web and investigated the potential for their bioaccumulation along the trophic chain. Soil, plants, arthropods, and vertebrates were sampled from different localities in the south of Cairo (El-Tebbin, Egypt) and the amounts of Cr and Ni from these samples were measured. We also computed a body condition index (BCI) for vertebrates to estimate individual health and fitness levels in relation to heavy metal concentrations in the liver. The levels of Cr and Ni varied significantly among the samples. Lower trophic levels showed a tendency for biomagnification, while higher trophic levels showed possible biodilution of the two heavy metals: arthropods, amphibians, and lizards concentrated more Cr and Ni than the other taxonomic groups; conversely birds and small mammals generally showed lower levels of Cr and Ni. A negative relationship was obtained when the concentrations of Cr in the soil, plant, and arthropods, and the concentrations of Ni in the wolf spider were plotted as a function of the distance to the industrial area. A significant inverse relationship was found between the Ni concentration of liver and body length, while body mass had no significant effect. Our study thus highlights the varied effects of heavy metal concentrations across a complex food web at different distances from the pollution source, and the need for further studies of their effect on multiple species in an ecosystem.

Maternal Chromium Levels in Gestational Diabetes: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

The topic of maternal Chromium (Cr) levels in Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) has remained controversial; some studies have found lower levels of Cr in GDM population, whereas others found no significant changes in Cr status in GDM. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis was aimed at qualitatively and quantitatively synthesizing past studies to find the relationship of maternal Cr levels with GDM. The study protocol was registered at International prospective register for systematic reviews (PROSPERO) (ID CRD42021272979). Strict adherence to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic review and Meta-analysis checklist, 2009 was followed during the entire study. Random-effect model for calculation of distribution of true effect sizes was used for the meta-analysis with a confidence interval (CI) of 95%. The pooled Standard Mean Difference of control and GDM groups were compared using Z statistics with a P value of <.05 as significant. Six studies were included for the systematic review and four studies entered meta-analysis. The test of overall effect revealed that the pooled Cr values did not differ significantly between controls and GDM group (Z = 1.52, P =0.13). Heterogeneity between the studies was high (I2 = 97%). A subgroup analysis revealed that results varied as per place of study, trimester of pregnancy, and Cr estimation technique. Results from meta regression analysis revealed that sample size of individual studies (Q = 0.003, P =0.67) and year of publication of studies (Q = 0.22, P =.48) had no significant effect on the overall Standard Mean Difference. Factors such as ethnicity, lack of history of infection, and diet history can influence the results of this study.

Contamination, sources and health risk of heavy metals in soil and dust from different functional areas in an industrial city of Panzhihua City, Southwest China

The contamination of heavy metals in urban soil and dust is closely related to anthropogenic emissions, while to what extent the metal contamination varies among different functional areas in industrial cities remains unclear. In this study, the contamination and health risk of seven heavy metals in the soil and dust were assessed at different functional areas of Panzhihua City, Southwest China, and their sources were identified by the spatial divisions and Pb isotopes. The results showed that the contamination of V and Cr in the vanadium/steel plant (VsA) and the contamination of Cd, Pb and Zn in the iron-ore smelting (IsA) were significantly higher relative to other functional areas. The sources of the contaminated heavy metals in the soil and dust were mainly from smelting and manufacturing vanadium/steel products, coal combustion and traffic. Vanadium and Cr were the major metals primarily contributing to the noncarcinogenic and carcinogenic risks, despite the low contamination level of Cr. The results indicate that the VsA is the priority control area in the Panzhihua City, and besides V, more attention should be paid in the future to monitor Cr risk in the soil and dust because of its high contribution to the health risk.

Nutritional composition and FT-IR functional group analysis of pharaoh cuttlefish (Sepia pharaonis) from Puducherry coastal waters, India

The nutritional composition and functional groups of the edible portion of the most often utilized cuttlefish, Sepia pharaonis of Puducherry coastal waters, India was evaluated. Moisture is the basic component of the mantle with 82.45±0.15% followed by a good source of 14.5±0.1% protein. The ash, lipid, and carbohydrates were found less than 1%. The energetic value of the mantle of cuttlefish S. pharaonis is calculated as 6.06 KJ/g. Na and K were found in considerable quantities of 2772 and 3247 mg/kg respectively and the Na/K ratio (0.85) was less than 1. The amount of Zn, Mn, B, Al, Sr, and As was found to be relatively high when compared to a low or insignificant level of Cu, Mo, Se, Cr, Ni, Pb, and Hg. The fatty acid profile analysis revealed that it contains 71.67% saturated fatty acids,17.87% polyunsaturated fatty acids and 10.38% monounsaturated fatty acids. In all three types, the C16:0 palmitic acid (40.29%), C18:0 stearic acid (16.54%), and C22:6 docosahexaenoic acid (13.52%) represented as the dominant fatty acids. The FT-IR analysis disclosed the presence of various functional groups belonging to protein, lipids, and polysaccharides. Thus, the present study proved that the cuttlefish S. pharaonis is considered as a potential nutraceutical and the right choice of food for greater and wider human consumption.

The effect of heavy metals and physicochemical variables on benthic macroinvertebrate community structure in a tropical urban coastal lagoon

Benthic macroinvertebrates are key bioindicators of pollution and an important component of food chains on wetlands. Here, we investigated the effect of heavy metals and physicochemical variables on the benthic macroinvertebrates community structure in a tropical urban coastal lagoon in Ghana which is known for its importance in the support of migratory waterbirds. Sediment samples were collected from seven different sites in the lagoon and analyzed for heavy metals. The physicochemical characteristics of the overlying water, sediment organic matter and silt/clay content were determined at these sites. The benthic macroinvertebrates abundance, species richness and diversity at each of the sites were further determined. The results indicated low levels of Zn, Cr, Pb, Cu and Cd in the lagoon with chironomids being the dominant benthic macroinvertebrates. Overall, the benthic macroinvertebrates community structure was not affected by the levels of heavy metals as toxic units were less than one. The benthic macroinvertebrates community structure was generally influenced by the dissolved oxygen, temperature levels of the overlying water, silt/clay and organic matter in the sediment. Increased benthic macroinvertebrates abundance was associated with lower water temperatures and elevated levels of silt/clay and organic matter in the sediment.

TakaFert: Biofertilizer of Leachate Sludge and Food Wastes by Takakura Composting

Municipal waste is growing rapidly due to the increase in the human population. Higher production of leachate from the treatment plant also cause problems to the landfills storage. Takakura composting method (TCM) is one of the techniques that is frequently used to recycle and transform the organic materials into a natural fertilizer. In this project, the leachate sludge will be mix together with food waste in order to enhance the degradation of the organic matter. The use of cultivated microorganisms which will be produced from the fermentation solution. The physical and chemical analyses were observed in order to determine the rate of microbial activity optimum condition of the good compost. The parameters that were analyzed are temperature, moisture content, pH value, NPK (Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium) and heavy metals concentration. All four types of compost with 1 kg weight ended with a neutral pH in the range 7-8 after 5 weeks’ observations. NPK content for potassium is from 57 ppm to 104 ppm, phosphorus is from 2.5 ppm to 15 ppm and nitrogen is from 0.9% to 3 %. For heavy metal content at the end of the observation, all composts have a low level of Pb, Cd, Cu, Zn and Cr where it is safe to be used in agriculture activities. As a conclusion, the compost in this study is sufficient to be used in agricultural purposes, and the optimum condition of the compost was demonstrated by Compost C which uses the ratio of 0.3: 0.2: 0.5 (gram).

Recovery of Waste Leather From Tanneries as Aggregate in Composite Materials

This study proposes a recovery method for waste leather from tanneries, with high chromium content, by incorporating it into a composite material with cement matrix. The natural aggregates were substituted with CRT (cathode ray tubes) glass waste, with high lead content, originated from televisions and monitors dismantling. The material technological production flow was as follows: grinding skin (two types of skin: black and brown were used), mixing the ingredients after own recipes, pouring the mixture into molds, maturation, demoulding. The new material obtained was submitted to leachability tests to determine, using AAS (Atomic Absorption Spectrometry), the total chromium and lead concentration released from the material. The results showed that Cr and Pb were well retained in the cement matrix. The low levels of total Cr and Pb concentration were recorded at pH = 9-10 and pH = 12, for the composite containing black leather waste and and at pH = 2-3 and pH = 12 for the composite containing brown leather waste. Mechanical tests were also provided to evidence the mechanical properties of the composite. The new composite material obtained may be considered as construction material and can be classified in mortars class because of the size of the used aggregate (CRT glass waste). The objective of this study was to obtain a composite material that can be used as material for construction, in compliance with current standards in construction and environmental legislation. The proposed method for leather waste recovery is viable and environmentally friendly and could bring economic benefits. Keywords: leather, waste, CRT, composite, material.

Structural design of a cellulose-based hyperbranched adsorbent for the rapid and complete removal of Cr(VI) from water

• Cellulose-based hyperbranched adsorbent was designed by the cross-linking strategy. • The adsorbent could completely remove low level of Cr(VI) (1.02 mg/L) within 2 min. • The 3-D dendritic structure of adsorbent endowed rapid removal property for Cr(VI). • One-step rapid conversion strategy insured high reagents conversion rate (≥99%). • The high amine density and efficient diffusion dynamics of adsorbent were balanced. To solve the problem that cellulose-based adsorbents cannot remove Cr(VI) from water to the drinking water standard (US EPA, 0.05 mg/L) within 5 min due to imbalance of the high amine density and high-efficiency diffusion dynamics. A cellulose-based hyperbranched adsorbent (MCC/HBPA-0.88) was designed and prepared via cross-linking with microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) and amino-terminated hyperbranched polymers (HBP-NH 2 ). This strategy for liquid–solid phase one-step rapid conversion could effectively increase the conversion rate of the reactants (above 99%). The cellulose-based hyperbranched adsorbent possessed high amino density (10.63 mmol/g), high swelling rate (341%) and three-dimensional hyperbranched structure. It could rapidly and completely remove Cr(VI) from water with a low level of Cr(VI) (1.02 mg/L), and the residual Cr(VI) concentration satisfied the safe drinking level standards within 1 min, which exceeds the absorption rates of cellulose-based adsorbents that have been reported in the literatures.

Exposure to multiple metals and prevalence for preeclampsia in Taiyuan, China

BackgroundSeveral studies with small sample size have reported inconsistent associations between single metal and preeclampsia (PE). Very few studies have investigated metal mixtures and PE. MethodsBlood concentrations of chromium (Cr), cadmium, mercury (Hg), arsenic (As), lead (Pb), nickel, cobalt, and antimony were measured using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry among 427 PE women and 427 matched controls from Taiyuan, China. Multivariate logistic regression models, weighted quantile sum (WQS) regression, and principal component analysis were employed to examine exposure to single metals and metal mixtures in relation to PE. ResultsAn increased prevalence of PE was associated with Cr (OR = 1.76, 95% CI: 1.18, 2.62 and 1.90, 1.22, 2.93 for the middle and high vs. low), Hg (OR = 1.60, 95% CI: 1.08, 2.38 for the high vs. low) and As (OR = 1.64, 95% CI: 1.07, 2.52 for the middle vs. low). The WQS index, predominated by Cr, Hg, Pb, and As, was positively associated with PE. A principal component characterized by Cr and As also exhibited excessive association with PE. The highest PE prevalence was found among women who were overweight/obese before pregnancy and had high Cr levels compared to women who had pre-pregnancy normal body mass index (BMI) and low Cr levels. ConclusionsOur study provided evidence that exposure to multiple metals was associated with increased prevalence of PE, and the observed association with multiple metals was dominated by Cr, As. Our study also suggested that pre-pregnancy BMI might modify the association between Cr and PE.