Mineral Water Research Articles

Geochemical characterization of spring waters from the Tinerkouk region, southwestern Algeria

ABSTRACT The present work focused on the geochemical characterization of spring water in the Tinerkouk region in southwestern Algeria. The suitability of the spring water for drinking was assessed using its physicochemical parameters, which included pH, total dissolved solids, major and minor cation and anion compositions, and electrical conductivity. These parameters were compared to Algerian regulations and WHO (World Health Organization) standards to see if the water met the requirements for both spring water and mineral water according to the prevailing standards in force. For this purpose, 43 spring water samples were collected from Tinerkouk region and especially from mineral water unit of Tazliza, during the period 2009-2022. The results obtained for pH, conductivity, sulfate, chloride, nitrate, sodium, and potassium, showed that the water samples from all the sampled springs were acceptable for consumption and within the acceptable limits in accordance with specified criteria, except for Oudghagh, Fatis, and Benzita. However, at these sites, TDS, conductivity, nitrates, and chlorides exceeded the acceptable values. It was also noted that, the spring water from the Tazliza unit is classified as excellent for drinking purposes and meets the permissible limits defined by the legislation for mineral and spring waters. The results also indicate that the predominant chemical facies of the Tazliza spring waters are chlorinated and sulfated sodium and potassium.

Evaluating boron levels in Turkish mineral waters: a comparative study of three analytical techniques.

Turkey is abundant in natural mineral water sources, thanks to its location on the Alpine-Himalayan belt. Natural mineral water is drinking water characterized by its natural mineral, trace elements, and carbon dioxide content. Because of quite insufficient data, the boron content in bottled natural mineral waters in Turkey was analyzed by three different methods and compared: inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry technique, carminic acid, and azomethine-H methods, in this study. The boron levels in mineral waters ranged from a minimum of 0.05mg/L to a maximum of 8.61mg/L. It was also safe by the upper limit level estimated by the World Health Organisation. As boron plays a beneficial role in human physiology, consuming natural mineral water may offer a positive contribution to public health by supporting boron intake in our country. The other outcome of our research was that the spectrophotometric carminic acid method can yield results similar to those obtained using the inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry technique since the boron level of Turkish mineral water was within the limits level of the carminic acid method. However, the result of the azomethine-H method was found not to be suitable. Cross-sensitivity with other elements in mineral water might have caused this.

Discrimination of bottled mineral water from tap water using a Dip-Type colorimetric paper-based sensor array and chemometrics

Mineral water is a natural water that originated from an underground water table, a well, or a natural spring which is considered microbiologically intact. The revenue from the bottled mineral water industry will be USD 342.40 billion in 2023, and it is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.24 %. Consequently, the discrimination of original bottled mineral water from tap water is an important issue that requires designing sensors for simple and portable identification of these two types of water. In this work, we have developed a Dip-Type colorimetric paper-based sensor array with three organic dyes (Bromothymol Blue, Bromophenol Blue, and Methyl Red) followed by chemometrics’ pattern recognition methods (PCA and LDA) for discrimination of original bottled mineral waters from tap waters based on differences in ion variety and ion quantity. Forty brands of mineral water and twenty-six Tap water samples from different regions of Shiraz and other Iranian cities were analyzed by this sensor array. Moreover, these experiments were performed in two consecutive years to check the versatility of the sensor with seasonal changes in waters. This sensor array was able to discriminate these two water types from each other with an accuracy of > 95 % based on the analysis of 85 water samples.

Belowground plant allocation regulates rice methane emissions from degraded peat soils

Carbon-rich peat soils have been drained and used extensively for agriculture throughout human history, leading to significant losses of their soil carbon. One solution for rewetting degraded peat is wet crop cultivation. Crops such as rice, which can grow in water-saturated conditions, could enable agricultural production to be maintained whilst reducing CO2 and N2O emissions from peat. However, wet rice cultivation can release considerable methane (CH4). Water table and soil management strategies may enhance rice yield and minimize CH4 emissions, but they also influence plant biomass allocation strategies. It remains unclear how water and soil management influences rice allocation strategies and how changing plant allocation and associated traits, particularly belowground, influence CH4-related processes. We examined belowground biomass (BGB), aboveground biomass (AGB), belowground:aboveground ratio (BGB:ABG), and a range of root traits (root length, root diameter, root volume, root area, and specific root length) under different soil and water treatments; and evaluated plant trait linkages to CH4. Rice (Oryza sativa L.) was grown for six months in field mesocosms under high (saturated) or low water table treatments, and in either degraded peat soil or degraded peat covered with mineral soil. We found that BGB and BGB:AGB were lowest in water saturated conditions where mineral soil had been added to the peat, and highest in low-water table peat soils. Furthermore, CH4 and BGB were positively related, with BGB explaining 60% of the variation in CH4 but only under low water table conditions. Our results suggest that a mix of low water table and mineral soil addition could minimize belowground plant allocation in rice, which could further lower CH4 likely because root-derived carbon is a key substrate for methanogenesis. Minimizing root allocation, in conjunction with water and soil management, could be explored as a strategy for lowering CH4 emissions from wet rice cultivation in degraded peatlands.

Effects of Adding Brown Sugar In Young Coconut Water Post High-Intensity Interval Training on Plasma Osmolarity, Oxygen Saturation, and Pulse Rate

This study analyzes the effect of adding brown sugar to young coconut water post-High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) on plasma osmolarity, oxygen saturation, and pulse rate. Utilizing a pre and post-test control group design, the experiment involved 20 male subjects aged 19-22 with a normal body mass index. The participants were divided into three groups: (K1) receiving mineral water, (K2) receiving young coconut water, and (K3) receiving young coconut water with added brown sugar. Each subject underwent a 30-minute ergo cycle HIIT session. Blood samples were collected at three intervals: before exercise, immediately after, and an hour post-rehydration. The results indicated plasma osmolarity levels showed no significant change from Pre-HIIT (0.939) to Post-HIIT (0.780). However, Post-Rehydration, an increase was observed across the three groups (p=0.004). Pulse rate measurements revealed no significant difference from Pre-HIIT (0.788) to Post-HIIT (0.411), but Post-Rehydration, a significant decrease was noted between the groups (p=0.034). Oxygen saturation levels remained consistent Pre-HIIT (0.902), Post-HIIT (0.602), and 1-hour post-HIIT (0.611) within the third group. In conclusion, adding brown sugar to young coconut water post-HIIT resulted in higher plasma osmolarity, did not affect oxygen saturation levels, and contributed to a lower pulse rate. Keyword: Plasma osmolarity; oxygen saturation; pulse rate; brown sugar; young coconut water

Efficacy and Safety of Balneotherapy using Diverse Natural Resources in Lithuania: A Multicenter Study

Background: Balneotherapy or spa therapy, with its multimodal effects, has shown clinical efficacy in treating various pathological conditions. However, further studies are needed to assess its impact on mental health and to evaluate treatment safety. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of different natural resources of the Lithuanian medical spa for stress-related disorders and skin health and to disclose the safety profile of using natural resources. Methodology. We performed a multicenter randomized controlled single-blinded study in 6 Lithuanian medical spas. The 1- 2-week treatment combining mineral water, therapeutic mud, and salt procedures was provided for the 364 participants with moderate stress levels and the effect was evaluated using surveys, instrumental, and laboratory measures. Results. The findings highlighted that the effects of BT using different natural resources significantly improve mental and skin health, as well as contribute to overall health status for up to 6 months. A significant reduction of anxiety, depression, and fatigue as well as improvement in sleep, skin moisture, subjective skin state, and integrative outcomes was achieved in all centers after treatment, while stress and saliva cortisol, working speed, skin oiliness, and elasticity improved in a few centers. A positive result was related to the duration of the treatment, and possibly- to the features of natural resources. Mineral water most commonly caused side effects; it varied among centers, however, they were predominantly local, mild, and transient. Conclusions. Balneotherapy using natural resources is effective for the enhancement of mental and skin health. Further research is necessary for a better understanding of the role of different natural resources on health status and safety profile. Keywords: balneotherapy, health, mental state, mineral water, natural resources, peloids, peloi-dotherapy, safety, spa therapy, skin

Mineral Water as a Sustainable Raw Material for Skincare Products and Protective Natural Antioxidant from Solar Irradiation: Stability of Vitamin C and In Vitro Antioxidant Assessments

Oxygen is crucial for life, but its reactive species, like free radicals, can damage health and accelerate aging. Antioxidants from natural and synthetic sources mitigate these effects. Kanjiža Spa’s mineral-rich thermal water is renowned for its therapeutic benefits and potential in eco-friendly pharmaceuticals and cosmetics. Hence, the utilization of mineral water in pharmaceutical and cosmetic applications when exposed to artificially generated free radicals under simulated solar irradiation and different experimental conditions (pH values and mineral concentrations in the thermal water) was researched. Three different dermocosmetic products designed with raw minerals and water from Kanjiža Spa were tested. Our findings confirmed the protective effect of mineral water, as evidenced by the higher stability of vitamin C in thermal water. The degradation of vitamin C was significantly reduced in the presence of mineral water, with the least degradation occurring at pH = 7, which closely matches human skin pH. These results were further validated using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl and ABTS tests. Overall, the obtained results underscore the therapeutic and commercial potential of Kanjiža Spa’s mineral water, suggesting that it could be a valuable ingredient in next-generation skincare and pharmaceutical products.

Faktor-faktor yang mempengaruhi saluran distribusi PT. Tirta Investama Surabaya

The development of the bottled drinking water (AMDK) business has successfully embedded the values and perspectives of AMDK in Indonesia. In marketing the distribution team has an extensive mineral water distribution network throughout Indonesia. The company has a role to maintain customers by selling distributing products must be done well, distributing products to outlets in a timely and orderly manner, maintaining and maintaining relationships with customers so that they do not switch from our products. The research method used by researchers is quantitative research. The sample in this study is the annual report of PT Tirta Investama for the last three years (2020-2022). The analysis techniques used in this study are descriptions of research data, multiple linear regression tests, normality tests and hypothesis tests. In hypothesis testing there are three tests, namely the t test, F test and determination test. The results of the analysis that have been described answer the objectives and problem formulation of this study. The application of distribution channels at PT Tirta Investama Surabaya is Market coverage can partially affect distribution channels at PT Tirta Investama Surabaya. PT Tirta Investama Surabaya and Goods can partially influence the distribution channels at PT Tirta Investama Surabaya. PT Tirta Investama Surabaya.

Update of the Interpretive Conceptual Model of Ladeira de Envendos Hyposaline Hydromineral System (Central Portugal): A Contribution to Its Sustainable Use

The aim of this paper is to describe the surveys performed in order to update the interpretive conceptual circulation model of the Ladeira de Envendos hyposaline hydromineral system (Central Portugal). The geology of the Ladeira de Envendos region is strongly controlled by the Amêndoa-Carvoeiro synform, of Ordovician-Silurian age, presenting continuous and aligned quartzite ridges on the NE flank, that form the basic structure of a set of inselbergs. The physico-chemical analysis of the Ladeira de Envendos natural mineral spring and borehole waters was provided by the Super Bock Group Enterprise (Concessionaire of the Ladeira de Envendos). Furthermore, two sampling campaigns took place to increase knowledge on the isotopic composition of the studied natural mineral waters. The stable (δ2H, δ18O) isotopic data indicate that local meteoric waters infiltrate around 400 m altitude and evolve to the natural mineral waters (of Cl-Na facies) through a NW–SE underground flow path ascribed to the highly fractured and permeable quartzite rocks. From recharge to discharge, the infiltrated meteoric waters acquire silica (±9 mg/L) due to water–quartzite rock interaction. These natural mineral waters emerge at temperatures around 21 °C, being the up flow of these waters controlled by the rock fractures and local faults. The natural mineral waters mean residence time range between 25 and 40 years, as indicated by the 3H content of these waters, enhancing an active recharge of this hydromineral system. The results obtained indicate existence of three hydrogeological subsystems, ascribed to three inselbergs, with similar groundwater circulation paths. These multi and interdisciplinary studies should be seen as an important contribution to the sustainable management of this type of natural mineral water resources.

Spatiotemporal carbon footprint analysis of bottled water production by ultrafiltration and reverse osmosis

The sustainable engineering of water treatment processes is critical for reducing the environmental impact of the bottled water industry, a sector experiencing growth parallel to rising standards of living. This study focuses on the environmental footprint of two membrane processes—ultrafiltration (UF) and reverse osmosis (RO)—used in the production of bottled drinking water. By employing life cycle assessment (LCA), we compare the carbon footprints of mineral water production via UF from high-quality sources against purified water production using RO technology. Initial findings indicate minor differences in the carbon footprints for one 550-mL bottled water produced by each method. However, the incorporation of green manufacturing practices reveals a significant reduction in the carbon footprint. Specifically, our analysis shows that with the deep decarbonization of the power grid and freight electrification, the carbon footprint of mineral water can be reduced by 36.04 %. Additionally, through the adoption of renewable energy and the recycling of plastic packaging after consumption, the carbon footprint of mineral water could be lowered to 0.0295 kg CO2-eq per 550-mL bottled water, demonstrating that mineral water offers low-carbon potential. This study further explores the roles of production location, transportation, and the adoption of various decarbonization strategies in optimizing the environmental footprint of bottled water. Our findings reveal the quantitative decarbonization potential of membrane processes, coupled with sustainable practices, for bottled drinking water production, supporting the industry's shift towards greater environmental sustainability.

Fluoride concentration and pH in bottled waters commercialized in Chile: Implications for oral health

An increased consumption of bottled water is overshadowing the traditional intake of tap water. Community water fluoridation is described an effective public measure for delivering fluoride (F) for dental caries prevention. Although community water fluoridation implementation varies regionally, it is desirable that our daily water contains optimal fluoride levels and a safe pH for dental health protection. Here, we determined F concentration and pH of commercially available bottled waters in Chile. Varieties (mineral, purified, and flavored) were obtained in duplicate from different batches. F and pH were measured using a calibrated F-specific ion electrode and pH meter, respectively. From 76 different brands, 100 % have F concentrations below the recommended range (0.6–1.0 ppm F), mineral water showing significantly higher levels (0.15±0.009; p<0.05) than purified (0.09±0.080), and flavored (0.07±0.063). Most brands exhibited levels below the critical pH for both enamel (71.05 %, n=54) and dentine (80.26 %, n=61). A 46.1 % (n=35) had values below pH 4. Flavored waters had significantly lower pH (3.19±0.12; p<0.05), than purified (6.16±2.81) and mineral (pH 6.21±2.59). The analyzed bottled water, regardless of type, lack sufficient F for caries prevention. Their low pH, particularly in flavored options, might be related to an increased risk of erosive tooth wear. Implementing fluoride and pH labeling is desirable to empower consumers to make informed decisions.

Salvia tiliifolia leaf extract-based silver nanoparticles for colorimetric detection of Hg(II) in food and environmental samples

In the present research, we provide easy, quick, ultrasensitive, inexpensive, and non-toxic plasmonic sensors using silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). The AgNPs were biosynthesized utilizing Salvia tiliifolia leaf extract and well characterized by various techniques, and then employed to design a colorimetric method enabling Hg(II) sensing. The designed sensor seems very sensitive as well as specific for Hg(II), having limits of detection at 5.0 nM and 0.27 nM through the naked eye and UV–vis detection, sequentially. In addition, the technique showed good precision (intra- and inter-day RSD values were 2.4 % and 4.9 %, respectively) as well as linearity (R2 = 0.9984 over the 0.1–100 µM interval). The actual utilization of the proposed AgNPs-based sensors has been examined in various real samples, including wastewater effluent, lake water, drinking water, soft drinks, mineral water, and canned light tuna. The percentages of recovery of the tested samples varied from 88.0 % to 110 %, demonstrating the method's considerable application. In a nutshell, the method is greener, has tremendous advantages, and has been suggested to detect Hg(II) in foods and environmental samples.

Geochemical characteristics, Li source and genesis mechanism of thermal mineral water in Sichuan Basin, SW China

Thermal mineral water (temperature >25 °C) is a valuable resource, especially when it contains a certain amount of Li. In this study, an attempt was made to elucidate the factors affecting spatial distribution of lithium (Li) resources and interpret the formation mechanisms of thermal mineral waters in the Sichuan Basin. The spatial distribution, reservoir temperatures, and hydrochemical characteristics of thermal mineral waters were systematically analyzed in the Sichuan Basin, preliminarily revealing Li sources through hydrochemical methods. Results are showed as follows: (1) The Li-bearing (Li ≥ 1 mg/L) thermal mineral waters are mainly distributed in the southwestern part of the Sichuan Basin. There are three sites of thermal mineral waters with Li content greater than 25 mg/L with the hydrochemical type of Cl–Na type: Pengji Well (37.7 mg/L), Foguanghu Well (99.5 mg/L) and Zhougongshan New Well (118.0 mg/L). Among them, the Foguanghu Geothermal Well and the Zhougongshan New Well have high Li content and low Mg/Li (10.7 and 2.5), indicating great potential for utilization. (2) The Li-bearing thermal mineral waters are mainly formed in the fissure and pore reservoirs of the Middle–Lower Triassic. They are mainly affected by the dissolution of halite minerals and the deeply buried ancient seawater of the Triassic. The Li-bearing thermal mineral waters possess high contents of total dissolve solids (TDS) (4.3–230.0 g/L), Cl (0.7–142.9 g/L), Na (0.5–76.7 g/L), K (0.1–52.0 g/L), B (4.1–739.6 mg/L), and Li (1.5–118.0 mg/L). Moreover, the temperature of the geothermal reservoir ranges from 40 to 150 °C. The geothermal reservoir temperatures calculated by K–Mg and Mg–Li geothermometers are positively correlated with the Li content. (3) The Li source of the thermal mineral waters of the Sichuan Basin are dominated by multiple factors: first, Li concentration by evaporation, concentration and deep-seated metamorphism of ancient Triassic seawater; second, water–rock interaction between deep thermal mineral waters and mung bean rock or Emeishan basalt; and third, active tectonic activity and deep faulting induced upward flow of Li in deep fluids. This research enhances understanding of the formation of thermal mineral waters in the Sichuan Basin, offering scientific basis for the exploitation of Li resource.

Influence of various environments on the mechanical properties of nanoclay reinforced S‐glass/sisal hybrid polyester composites

AbstractThis investigation aims to study the influence of various environments, such as groundwater, seawater, mineral water and sub‐zero, on reinforced polyester/S‐glass/sisal composites with nano clay (NC). Composites with a configuration of S‐glass/sisal/sisal/S‐glass (GSSG) with different wt% of NC, such as 0, 2, 4, and 6, were manufactured using the hand lay‐up method. For 6 days, the composites were conditioned in different environments like seawater, mineral water, groundwater at room temperature, and sub‐zero environments at −17°C. The influence of these environments on the tensile and flexural properties of manufactured composites was studied. Composites with 4% NC displayed higher tensile strength, while composites with 2% NC exhibited maximum flexural strength for all the environments. It was perceived that the weight gain was maximum in seawater (0.1857 g) and minimum in mineral water (0.06 g) and sub‐zero (0.101 g) conditions for 6% NC condition. Tensile and flexural strengths were reduced by 27% and 24% when samples were submerged in seawater compared to other environments. TEM images for 4 wt% of NC and 6 wt% of NC were studied for dispersions of NC in Polyester, and the effect of NC mixing with polyester was understood for the hybrid polymer composites.Highlights A novel hybrid composites were fabricated using a double stirring process. The ultra‐sonication led to uniform distribution of nanoparticles. The mechanical properties and the effect of environments on these properties are studied. SEM images revealed the aging due to various environments. The hybrid composites can store mineral water and the sub‐zero environment.

Exogenous GABA Enhances Copper Stress Resilience in Rice Plants via Antioxidant Defense Mechanisms, Gene Regulation, Mineral Uptake, and Copper Homeostasis.

The importance of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in plants has been highlighted due to its critical role in mitigating metal toxicity, specifically countering the inhibitory effects of copper stress on rice plants. This study involved pre-treating rice plants with 1 mM GABA for one week, followed by exposure to varying concentrations of copper at 50 μM, 100 μM, and 200 μM. Under copper stress, particularly at 100 μM and 200 μM, plant height, biomass, chlorophyll content, relative water content, mineral content, and antioxidant activity decreased significantly compared to control conditions. However, GABA treatment significantly alleviated the adverse effects of copper stress. It increased plant height by 13%, 18%, and 32%; plant biomass by 28%, 52%, and 60%; chlorophyll content by 12%, 30%, and 24%; and relative water content by 10%, 24%, and 26% in comparison to the C50, C100, and C200 treatments. Furthermore, GABA treatment effectively reduced electrolyte leakage by 11%, 34%, and 39%, and the concentration of reactive oxygen species, such as malondialdehyde (MDA), by 9%, 22%, and 27%, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) by 12%, 38%, and 30%, and superoxide anion content by 8%, 33, and 39% in comparison to C50, C100, and C200 treatments. Additionally, GABA supplementation led to elevated levels of glutathione by 69% and 80%, superoxide dismutase by 22% and 125%, ascorbate peroxidase by 12% and 125%, and catalase by 75% and 100% in the C100+G and C200+G groups as compared to the C100 and C200 treatments. Similarly, GABA application upregulated the expression of GABA shunt pathway-related genes, including gamma-aminobutyric transaminase (OsGABA-T) by 38% and 80% and succinic semialdehyde dehydrogenase (OsSSADH) by 60% and 94% in the C100+G and C200+G groups, respectively, as compared to the C100 and C200 treatments. Conversely, the expression of gamma-aminobutyric acid dehydrogenase (OsGAD) was downregulated. GABA application reduced the absorption of Cu2+ by 54% and 47% in C100+G and C200+G groups as compared to C100, and C200 treatments. Moreover, GABA treatment enhanced the uptake of Ca2+ by 26% and 82%, Mg2+ by 12% and 67%, and K+ by 28% and 128% in the C100+G and C200+G groups as compared to C100, and C200 treatments. These findings underscore the pivotal role of GABA-induced enhancements in various physiological and molecular processes, such as plant growth, chlorophyll content, water content, antioxidant capacity, gene regulation, mineral uptake, and copper sequestration, in enhancing plant tolerance to copper stress. Such mechanistic insights offer promising implications for the advancement of safe and sustainable food production practices.

The effect of using jug-type water filters on selected metals concentration in tap water – a case study

ABSTRACT In this study, the effect of the filtration process on Na, K, Mg, Ca, Fe and Zn concentration in water, using filters from one of the leading European manufacturers, was investigated. The increase in Na (up to 300%) and K concentration (up to 320%) at the beginning of jug filter usage was reported. A decrease in Ca, Fe and Zn concentration was observed. Standard filters remove 80–90% of Mg from tap water at the beginning of the usage, while magnesium-enriching ones slightly increase its concentration – from around 8 to 12–25 mg/L. Significant changes in the filter's operating characteristics were also observed for other studied elements as they wore out. Using Mg-enriching filters can increase magnesium intake from 4–5 to 6–15% of the recommended daily dose from water consumption. The results were also discussed regarding the amounts of macroelements found in commercially available bottled water. The magnesium concentration in tap water after filtration through magnesium-enriching filters was lower compared to bottled mineral waters. The authors note a scope for the development of water filter production technology, in particular, the need to develop filters that more efficiently enrich water with magnesium and do not increase sodium concentration.

Mineral Fusion via Dehydration‐Induced Residual Stress: From Gels to Ceramic Monoliths

AbstractMan‐made ceramics generally undergo harsh manufacturing conditions (e.g., high‐temperature sintering). In contrast, mineral structures with superior mechanical strength are generated in organisms under mild biocompatible conditions. Herein, it is reported that ceramic objects can be directly produced and strengthened by drying purely inorganic gels (PIGs), mimicking the biological tactic of fabricating continuous monoliths from hydrated amorphous precursors. The overall process is easy and biocompatible in that solutions of common iron and molybdate salts are mixed to generate a PIG, consisting of 80 wt% liquid water and amorphous mineral nanoparticles (hydrated iron molybdate: FeMo2H7O11), which, upon drying under mild temperature, turns into a residual stress‐strengthened ceramic block that displays a high mechanical performance (with a hardness/elastic modulus of 1.7/17.5 GPa). Analogous to the well‐known Prince Rupert's drop reinforced by residual stress upon quenching, the uneven volume shrinkage from the outside inwards during dehydration builds up residual stress that enables amorphous mineral fusion (with the assistance of hydration water) and strengthening. Furthermore, a dramatic bandgap reduction is achieved in the dried objects due to local structural changes of the Fe atoms under residual stress. This PIG‐dehydration approach holds promise for green ceramic manufacturing and offers insights into biomineralization puzzles.

Investigating the Impact of temperature and storage time on antimony release from polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic used for bottled drinking water

In last decade, Prosperity in contemporary Saudi Arabia and the consequent stresses on renewable freshwater resources resulted in the bottled drinking water market. Over the period, sustainable water resources planning (SWRP) has become an essential requirement for the development of places where these resources are highly constrained. To meet this market growth in Saudi Arabia is augmented by increasing demand for bottled water. This drastic increase, leads some countries to develop an alternative sources including desalinated water and treated wastewater for landscaping irrigation, industrial reuse, street cleaning, and aquifer recharge. There are claims on health concerns the possibility of chemicals migration from polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles into drinking water. In this paper, inductively coupled plasma -optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) was utilized and applied to determine the antimony (Sb) release from PET bottles into mineral water of 8 local brands at different temperature degrees within 8 months storage time.

Просодические маркеры состояния «радость» (на примере языковых реализаций кабардинцев-билингвов в регионе Кавказские Минеральные Воды)

The present study is devoted to the study of ethnospecific features of the expression of emotions in the speech of representatives of Kabardian and Russian ethnogroups of the Caucasian Mineral Waters region based on the material of an experimental corpus of quasi-spontaneous audio files-dialogues marked with the emotional state "joy", recorded by representatives of Russian and Kabardian ethnogroups. The aim of the study is to identify nationally specific prosodic markers of the state of "joy" based on the material of the Russian and Kabardian ethnogroups of the Caucasian Mineral Waters region. The scientific novelty of the study consists in identifying ethnically conditioned signs that manifest the difference in emotionally marked communication models in the speech of North Caucasian bilinguals. Acoustic analysis of the material showed differences in the sound characteristics of speech between the Russian and the interfered variants, such as an increase in the intervals of raising and lowering the tone, an expansion of the tonal range of the phrase and changes in the formant values of vowels. The results obtained prove that both the formant picture of the studied replicas in the implementation of Kabardian and Russian ethnogroups and the data of the level of phrasal prosody are ethnically conditioned, and emotionally marked communication models differ in qualitative characteristics.

Phosphorus recycling by mineral-catalyzed ribonucleotide cleavage on iron and manganese oxides

Phosphorus is an essential element influencing both food security via plant fertilization, and water pollution through excessive phosphorus use, yet the phosphorus cycle in ecosystems is poorly known. In particular, beyond adsorption, the role of iron and manganese oxides in catalyzing the abiotic dephosphorylation of biomolecules is debated. Here, we studied the reactions of ribonucleotides, containing different phosphate bonding, with goethite, hematite, and birnessite. We employed both high-resolution mass spectrometry of solution species and molecular modeling simulations of ribonucleotide-mineral complexes. Results disclose an up to fivefold preferential hydrolytic cleavage of a phosphoanhydride bond over a phosphoester bond, indicating that mineral-catalyzed reactions reflect the hierarchy reported for the activity of phosphatase enzymes. The fourfold higher catalytic reactivity of goethite and birnessite versus hematite is explained by mineral-specific binding rather than surface area differences. Corresponding simulated adsorbate conformations at the water–mineral interfaces are proposed. Overall, our findings provide new insights on the catalytic recycling of organic phosphorus species by mineral oxides.