Major Cation Contents Research Articles

Sea Water-Based Medicines: Manufacturing Technology and Standardisation

Sea water and sea salt obtained from it are widely used as substances in the production of medicinal products. Complex chemical composition of sea water which contains various salts, calls for the development of a common quality standard for sea water-based medicines. The aim of the study was to analyse and summarise available data on the sources of sea water-based medicines, and on the current test methods, as well as to develop a unified approach to quality control. The paper summarises information on the use of sea water for medical purposes. It presents comparative data on the chemical composition of sea water obtained from different sources, manufacturing technologies of sea water-based medicines, and composition of medicines produced from sea water or sea salt. The paper summarises data on the use of sea water for the production of various dosage forms: drops, sprays, aerosols. The study revealed qualitative and quantitative differences in the content of major cations and anions in drug products. The authors analysed the use of various chemical and physico-chemical test methods for qualitative and quantitative characterisation of medicines. It was concluded that there is a need to harmonise quality control methods for sea water-based medicines.

Chemical Transformation of the Adsorbed Complex of Solid Matter of Continental Runoff in the River–Sea Geochemical Barrier: Experimental Modeling

A procedure was proposed for the direct determination of changes in the composition of the adsorbed complex of freshwater terrigenous material upon its entry into a marine environment. It was shown that changes in the composition of the adsorbed complex calculated from the difference of major cation contents before and after contact with seawater closely match data obtained by the proposed method, which eliminates side effects related to the displacement of sorption–desorption equilibria at the stage of water-soluble salt removal during the use of the traditional method of the determination of adsorbed complex composition.

Trace metal speciation in a wastewater wetland and its bioaccumulation in tilapia Oreochromis niloticus

Trace metal species in the water column of a canal system forming a wetland filled with wastewater were analyzed to determine their correlation with metal accumulation in the gills of locally fished Oreochromis niloticus. The metal concentrations in the suspended particles and water dissolved were analyzed. The metal species were calculated using Windermere Humic Aqueous Model version VII showing that the high organic matter and major cation contents were important parameters. Also, the free ion metal concentration was expected to correlate with the organic matter aromaticity; however, organic compounds other than humic susbtances seem to be complexing the metals in the system. Additionally, no clear correlation could be found between metal accumulation in gills and any of the dissolved metal species. Nonetheless, certain trends could be seen between the calculated metal species and metal accumulation in the tilapia from the suspended particles.

Spatiotemporal characteristics of hydrochemistry in Asian arid inland basin-a case study of Shiyang River Basin.

Inland rivers play a key role in supplying water for domestic and agricultural purposes in Asian arid inland basin. This paper investigates the chemical composition of precipitation, river water, and groundwater, providing evidence for the influencing factors the water composition in the Shiyang River Basin. Water samples were collected and analyzed to determine the content of major cations (Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+, K+, and NH+ 4) and anions (HCO- 3, Cl-, NO- 3, NO- 2, F-, and SO2-4), total solid solubility, and pH values. The results showed that precipitation, surface water, and groundwater were mildly alkaline. Ca2+ and SO2-4 were the predominant ions. The content of inorganic ions varied largely in the different seasons, with the highest ion concentration observed in spring and the lowest in summer. The seasonal variations in groundwater were less considerable than those in surface water. Furthermore, anion concentrations increased substantially from upstream to downstream. Regional weathering of carbonates and evaporation were established as the major sources of these ions. In addition, we discovered that anthropogenic inputs had led to light pollution of water in some residential districts.

Removal naturally occurring radionuclides from drinking water using a filter specifically designed for Drinking Water Treatment Plants

The occurrence of naturally occurring radionuclides in drinking water can pose health hazards in some populations, especially taking into account that routine procedures in Drinking Water Treatment Plants (DWTPs) are normally unable to remove them efficiently from drinking water. In fact, these procedures are practically transparent to them, and in particular to radium. In this paper, the characterization and capabilities of a patented filter designed to remove radium from drinking water with high efficiency is described. This filter is based on a sandwich structure of silica and green sand, with a natural high content manganese oxide. Both sands are authorized by Spanish authorities to be used in Drinking Water Treatment Plants. The Mn distribution in the green sand was found to be homogenous, thus providing a great number of adsorption sites for radium. Kinetic studies showed that the 226Ra adsorption on green sand was influenced by the content of major cations solved in the treated water, but the saturation level, about 96–99%, was not affected by it. The physico-chemical parameters of the treated water were unaltered by the filter. The efficiency of the filter for the removal of 226Ra remained unchanged with large water volumes passed through it, proving its potential use in DWTP. This filter was also able to remove initially the uranium content due to the presence of Fe2O3 particles in it, although it is saturated faster than radium.

The effect of water turnover time on decomposition of wild rice (Zizania latifolia) and nutrient dynamics in an artificial wetland system

The effect of different turnover time of water on the decomposition of emergent macrophyte litter (Zizania latifolia Griseb.) was investigated using a microcosm experiment. Microcosm treatment represented different turnover time of water; 1, 2, 4 and 8 weeks. The litterbags from each treatment were retrieved every 2 weeks until the 8th week and the water simultaneously sampled with the litterbag. The dry weight and the content of major cations in the litter, and the content of available N, P, and major cations in the water were analyzed. Dry weight loss after 8 weeks indicated the lower decay rates under the condition of short turnover time of water. Major cations from the litter and the water showed that the leached amounts of K and Mg from the litter were highest in the 2nd week and dramatically decreased from the 4th week. The dynamics of available nitrogen and phosphorus in the water showed that as the water turnover time was getting longer, the amounts of available nitrogen and phosphorus remained higher. These results suggest that wetlands with longer turnover time of water could maintain the increased nitrogen and phosphorus and no outflow of the nutrients could cause eutrophication problem.

Experimental Study of Well Cement Carbonation under Geological Storage Conditions

Batch experiments were carried out to examine the carbonation reaction of neat cement and two cement-fly ash admixtures (poz mix and lightweight) in 0.5 M NaCl solution at 53 °C and 10 MPa CO2. The reactions were monitored for 3, 7, 14, 28, and 84 days. The major cation contents of the solutions were determined. Detailed characterization of cement samples was performed using SEM&EDS and EPMA. Density, porosity and air permeability were also determined in cement samples. Complete carbonation was achieved within 28 days in poz mix and 7 days in lightweight samples, while carbonation in neat cement is limited to about 200 microns after 84 days of reaction. A carbonation zone and a porous transition zone were observed in partially carbonated samples. These reaction zones can be delineated by the elemental profiles, which show Na enrichment and Cl depletion in carbonated cement. The carbonation zone is dominated by calcium aluminosilicates. Micro-analytical techniques show that some of these phases are compositionally similar to zeolites. Calcium carbonate formed in the carbonation zone and outgrowth of well-formed crystals was also observed. Near the surface, a region leached of calcium carbonate developed. Carbonation causes very little change in both the porosity and permeability in the neat cement sample. An increase in the porosity was measured in fully carbonated poz mix cement; however, the permeability remained essentially unchanged. For the lightweight cement, the permeability increased from 0.16 to 1.1 mD after 84 days of reaction, suggesting that carbonation results in the degradation of lightweight cement under the experimental conditions. The integrity of lightweight cement could be compromised if it is in contact with a considerable volume of CO2-rich brine that is not previously equilibrated with carbonate minerals.

A novel approach for predicting the uptake and toxicity of metallic and metalloid ions

Electrostatic nature of plant plasma membrane (PM) plays significant roles in the ion uptake and toxicity. Electrical potential at the PM exterior surface (ψ0o) influences ion distribution at the PM exterior surface, and the depolarization of ψ0o negativity increases the electrical driving force for cation transport, but decreases the driving force for anion transport across the PMs. Assessing environmental risks of toxic ions has been a difficult task because the ion concentration (activity) in medium is not directly corrected to its potential effects. Medium characteristics like the content of major cations have important influences on the bioavailability and toxicity of ions in natural waters and soils. Models such as the Free Ion Activity Model (FIAM) and the Biotic Ligand Model (BLM), as usually employed, neglect the ψ0o and hence often lead to false conclusions about interaction mechanisms between toxic ions and major cations for biology. The neglect of ψ0o is not inconsistent with its importance, and possibly reflects the difficulty in the measurement of ψ0o. Based on the dual effects of the ψ0o, electrostatic models were developed to better predict the uptake and toxicity of metallic and metalloid ions. These results suggest that the electrostatic models provides a more robust mechanistic framework to assess metal(loid) ecotoxicity and predict critical metal(loid) concentrations linked to a biological effect, indicating its potential utility in risk assessment of metal(loid)s in water and terrestrial ecosystems.

Biosorption of Zn(II) by orange waste in batch and packed‐bed systems

AbstractBACKGROUND: This research provides new insights into the biosorption of zinc on a waste product from the orange juice industry. Optimal operating conditions maximizing percentage zinc removal were determined in batch and fixed‐bed systems. Biomass was characterized by FTIR spectroscopy and by major cation content in order to better understand the biosorpion mechanism. Zn‐loaded orange waste was proposed to be used as an alternative fuel in cement kilns.RESULTS: Sorption capacity was strongly affected by biosorbent dose and solution pH, and was not strongly sensitive to particle size under the experimental conditions studied. Equilibrium data were successfully described by a Langmuir model and sorption kinetic data were adequately modelled with the pseudo‐second‐order and Elovich rate equation. The biomass was found to possess high sorption capacity (qmax = 0.664 mmol g−1) and biosorption equilibrium was established in less than 3 h. Experimental breakthrough curves were adequately fitted to the Thomas model and the dose–response model, obtaining sorption capacities in continuous assays higher than those found in batch mode. Characterization of the biomass suggested the possible contribution of carboxyl and hydroxyl groups of biomass in Zn2+ biosorption and it also highlighted the important role of light metal ions in a possible ion‐exchange mechanism.CONCLUSIONS: Orange waste could be used as an effective and low‐cost alternative biosorbent material for zinc removal from aqueous solution. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry

Periglacial sediment variations controlled by late Quaternary climate and lake level change at Elgygytgyn Crater, Arctic Siberia

Late Quaternary sediments in a permafrost environment recovered from the Elgygytgyn Impact Crater were studied to determine regional palaeoenvironmental variability and infer past water‐level changes of the crater lake. Stratigraphic analysis of a 5 m long permafrost core is based on various lithological (grain size, total organic carbon, magnetic susceptibility) and hydrochemical (oxygen isotope composition, major cation content) properties and pore ice content. The results show that alluvial sediments accumulated on top of cryogenically weathered volcanic rock. Changes in the hydrochemical properties reflect different stages of cryogenic weathering. The lithological characteristics mark the transition from an erosive site to a site with accumulation. This environmental change is linked to a relative lake level highstand at >13 000 yr BP, when a shoreline bar was formed leading to slope sedimentation. Lake level dropped by 4 m during the Holocene.

Inhibition of a ubiquitously expressed pectin methyl esterase in Solanum tuberosum L. affects plant growth, leaf growth polarity, and ion partitioning.

Two pectin methyl esterases (PMEs; EC 3.1.1.11) from Solanum tuberosum were isolated and their expression characterised. One partial clone ( pest1) was expressed in leaves and fruit tissue, while pest2 was a functional full-length clone and was expressed ubiquitously, with a preference for aerial organs. Potato plants were transformed with a chimeric antisense construct that was designed to simultaneously inhibit pest1 and pest2 transcript accumulation; however, reduction of mRNA levels was confined to pest2. The decrease in pest2 transcript was accompanied by up to 50% inhibition of total PME activity, which was probably due to the reduction of only one PME isoform. PME inhibition affected plant development as reflected by smaller stem elongation rates of selected transformants when compared with control plants, leading to a reduction in height throughout the entire course of development. Expansion rates of young developing leaves were measured simultaneously by two displacement transducers in the direction of the leaf tip (proximal-distal axis) and in the perpendicular direction (medial-lateral axis). Significant differences in leaf growth patterns were detected between wild-type and transgenic plants. We suggest that these visual phenotypes could be correlated with modifications of ion accumulation and partitioning within the transgenic plants. The ion-binding capacities of cell walls from PME-inhibited plants were specifically modified as they preferentially bound more sodium, but less potassium and calcium. X-ray microanalysis also indicated an increase in the concentration of several ions within the leaf apoplast of transgenic plants. Moreover, quantification of the total content of major cations revealed differences specific for a given element between the leaves of PME-inhibited and wild-type plants. Reduced growth rates might also be due to effects of PME inhibition on pectin metabolism, predominantly illustrated by an accumulation of galacturonic acid over other cell wall components.

Effect of applying Hong Kong biosolids and lime on nutrient availability and plant growth in an acidic loamy soil.

A greenhouse experiment was conducted to evaluate the growth of Brassica chinensis L. in an acidic loamy soil amended with municipal biosolids with or without lime treatment (750 mg kg(-1)). The soil was amended with one of two municipal biosolids from Tai Po (TP) or Yuen Long (YL) wastewater treatment plants at application rates of 0, 5, 10, 25 and 50% (v/v). Initial NH(+)4-N and PO(3-)4-P concentrations in the amended soil increased with an increase in municipal biosolids loading rates and those with biosolids from TP had a greater increase in nutrients than those from YL. However, initial NO(-)3-N contents in both municipal biosolids amended soils decreased with an increase in biosolids loading rates, particularly for the soil amended with YL. Soluble K, Mg, Na and Ca concentrations in the soil increased with application rates. Municipal biosolids amended soil without lime treatment had higher NH(+)4-N, NO(-)3-N and major cation contents than those with lime. Addition of Tai Po municipal biosolids and lime significantly increased the dry weight yields of B. chinensis L., while YL municipal biosolids increased yields only at the 5% rate with lime amendment. The maximum growth was obtained at municipal biosolids application rates of 5 and 10% for TP and 5% for YL for limed soil. Addition of municipal biosolids increased the total N, P, Zn, Cr and major cation concentrations in the shoot tissue, while lime treatment reduced Zn and Cr contents. The high salt and metal concentrations would likely be factors inhibiting plant growth at high application rates, especially for YL biosolids. Further studies to determine the long-term effects of biosolid application on soil and crop quality are warranted.

Effect of Applying Hong Kong Biosolids and Lime on Nutrient Availability and Plant Growth in an Acidic Loamy Soil

A greenhouse experiment was conducted to evaluate the growth of Brassica chinensis L. in an acidic loamy soil amended with municipal biosolids with or without Ume treatment (750 mg kg-1). The soil was amended with one of two municipal biosolids from Tai Po (TP) or Yuen Long (YL) wastewater treatment plants at application rates of 0, 5, 10, 25 and 50% (v/v). Initial NH4+-N and PO43--P concentrations in the amended soil increased with an increase in municipal biosolids loading rates and those with biosolids from TP had a greater increase in nutrients than those from YL. However, initial NO3--N contents in both municipal biosolids amended soils decreased with an increase in biosolids loading rates, particularly for the soil amended with YL. Soluble K Mg, Na and Ca concentration in the soil increased with application rates. Municipal biosolids amended soil without lime treatment had higher NH4+-N, NO3--N and major cation contents than those with lime. Addition of Tai Po municipal biosolids and lime significantly increased the dry weight yields of B. chinensis L., while YL municipal biosolids increased yields only at the 5% rate with lime amendment. The maximum growth was obtained at municipal biosolids application rates of 5 and 10% for TP and 5% for YL for limed soil. Addition of municipal biosolids increased the total N, P, Zn, Cr and major cation concentrations in the shoot tissue, while lime treatment reduced Zn and Cr contents. The high salt and metal concentrations would likely be factors inhibiting plant growth at high application rates, especially for YL biosolids. Further studies to determine the long-term effects of biosolid application on soil and crop quality are warranted.

Mineral weathering in ectomycorrhizosphere of subalpine fir ( Abies lasiocarpa (Hook.) Nutt.) as revealed by soil solution composition

The soil solution is considered an important index of nutrient availability, because it mimics the field conditions when plant roots obtained their nutrition, and reflects the weatherability of a particular soil mineral. The composition of soil solution is sensitive to physical, biological and chemical changes to soil systems, including the presence of fungal hyphae and rhizomorphs from ectomycorrhizal colonization. The objective of this paper is to compare the soil solution composition extracted from two ectomycorrhizosphere soils (or soil environment in the vicinity of ectomycorrhizae) to non-ectomycorrhizosphere soil of subalpine fir ( Abies lasiocarpa (Hook.) Nutt.) in the Ae horizon of Gray Luvisol in northern British Columbia. We extracted the soil solution from ectomycorrhizosphere of Piloderma spp. (ECS-A), Mycelium radicis atrovirens-cottony yellow-brown types (or where Piloderma spp. colonization was <2%) (ECS-B), and from non-ectomycorrhizosphere soils (N-ECM). These soils had been equilibrated anaerobically at field capacity for three weeks at room temperature. The content of major cations in solution, regardless of soil sample, followed the order Ca 2+ > K + > Mg 2+. We found that the concentrations as well as the activities of these cations followed the order ECS-A > ECS-B > N-ECM. A similar trend is true for K″, a parameter for the availability of soil K +. These trends are consistent to the results of geochemical models of more negative saturation index (or enhanced weathering) for muscovite, chlorite, anorthite and K-feldspars in ECS-A and ECS-B compared to N-ECM soils. Low pH in the ectomycorrhizosphere sample is believed to be responsible for the differential breakdown of soil minerals and the increased availability of K +, Ca 2+ and Mg 2+ in soil solution. The results from this study could have practical application in forestry, such as in use of fungal inoculation for improved survival of seedlings, especially in areas that shows deficiency of potassium and calcium.

Effects of Nutrient, NaCl and Heat Stresses on the Major Cation Contents in Tomato Seedlings.

The effects of nutrient, NaCl and heat stresses on the major cation (K, Ca and Mg) contents were studied in tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill. cv. House Momotaro) seedlings. The purpose of the present work was to explore the similarity of cation responses under the above-mentioned stress conditions. Nutrient stress was applied by splitting the seedling roots into two parts, one of which was grown in 1/2 strength Enshi standard nutrient solution (ESNS) and the other was immersed in tap water. NaCl stress was conducted by treating the seedlings with 1/4 strength ESNS containing 150 mM NaCl for 1 week (1/4 strength ESNS without NaCl as control) . Heat stress was imposed by treating the seedlings at light 38°C and dark 33°C for 1 week (light 25°C and dark 20°C as control) . It was found that leaf K content was significantly decreased under both nutrient and NaCl stresses, while it was significantly increased under heat stress. Leaf Ca content was unaffected under both nutrient and NaCl stresses, but significantly increased under heat stress. Leaf Mg content was significantly increased under nutrient, NaCl and heat stresses.

The comparison of capillary zone electrophoresis and atomic spectroscopy for the determination of the cation content of a standard reference material IAEA-A-11 milk powder

Alkali and alkaline earth metals were separated and quantified by Capillary Zone Electrophoresis using a previously developed method. CZE combined with indirect detection has received considerable attention over the last few years. Methods for the determination of inorganic and organic cations and anions have been reported although few of these include quantitative application to real samples. All of these methods are characterized by high efficiencies and high capacity. Application of the method to the determination of the major cation content of an International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) standard reference material is described. Complete resolution and quantitation of the ions (Na +, K +, Ca 2+, Mg 2+) was achieved with calibration curves, for the individual components, having correlation coefficients ( r 2) ranging from 0.996 to 0.999 and detection limits (two times the baseline noise) of 10 ppb for potassium and magnesium and of 2.5 ppb for sodium and 2 ppb for calcium were achieved. Comparable results were achieved when employing analysis by Atomic Spectroscopy. The accuracy of this method was tested by comparison with standard flame Atomic Absorption cation analysis. Statistical analysis of the instrumental results indicate that there is no evidence suggesting systematic differences between the methods. In addition, a number of potential advantages of CZE for cation analysis are discussed.

Bicarbonate‐pH relationship with iron chlorosis in white lupine

Abstract The effect of different pH levels (4.5, 5.5, 6.5, and 7.5) on the growth and mineral nutrition of white lupine (Lupinus albus L., cv. Alban) was investigated in nutrient solution. At pH 7.5, i.e. at the highest bicarhonate concentration, the growth of the roots and of the aerial parts of lupine was decreased significantly. Growth impairment was accounted for in terms of two processes: i) in spite of the presence of Fe‐EDDHA iron chelate in the pH 7.5 solution, white lupine displayed symptoms of iron chlorosis, which were associated with a significant deccase in total and ferrous‐Fe contents in the younger leaves where the major cation content was increased; and in white lupine, the total and ferrous‐Fe contents are therefore good indicators of the iron nutrition level, and ii) the decrease in nodulation, in nitrate uptake from the nutrient solution, and in nitrogen content in the younger leaves reflects the decreased nitrogen nutrition of white lupine. These results suggest that chlorosis is like...

Seasonal variation of the major cation content of the várzea-lake Lago Camaleão, middle Amazon, Brazil, in 1981 and 1982

Seasonal variation of the major cation content of the várzea-lake Lago Camaleão, middle Amazon, Brazil, in 1981 and 1982

Communtiy Structure and Nutrient Content of Canopy Arthropods in Clearcut and Uncut Forest Ecosystems

This paper describes differences in canopy arthropod community structure, major cation content, and calculated nutrient consumption between clearcut and undisturbed hardwood forest watersheds at Coweeta Hydrologic Laboratory, North Carolina, USA, during the first two growing seasons following cutting. Although canopy arthropod biomass was about 0.08% of foliage biomass on both watersheds, aphid mass increased 23—fold and ant mass increased 6—fold per unit foliage mass following cutting. These groups in general had lower nutrient concentrations than did chewing herbivores and predators. Arthropod K concentrations were 33% lower on the clearcut; Na, K, and Mg concentrations were 20%—50% higher in 1978 than in 1977. Arthropod Mg and Ca concentrations, but not Na, and K, were reduced significantly more by the greater effect of drought on the clearcut watershed. Consumption estimates based in part on consumption rates reported by others indicated increased nutrient translocation from foliage via arthropods following cutting. These data indicated that canopy arthropod responses in nutrient availability following disturbance could have increased nutrient cycling rates and contributed to nutrient retention by the recovering ecosystem.

Cryopreservation of rainbow trout sperm.

Long term cryopreservation of rainbow trout sperm was attempted. Fertility test with the sperm preserved for 343 days gave nearly 40% eyed eggs. Changes in major cation content of spermatozoa related to freeze-thawing was investigated as a possible cause of reduction of fertilizing capacity. It was found that freeze-thawing causes an increase of Na++ and Ca++ and a decrease of K+ and Mg++ in spermatozoa.