Physicochemical Forms Research Articles

Formulation and Evaluation of Aloe Vera-Based Herbal Lotion for Skin Moisturization and Healing

Background: An alternate treatment for radiodermatitis seems to be the use of herbal extracts, which are a source of antioxidant compounds that can protect against ionizing radiation and neutralize free radicals. Many recommendations about the management and prevention of side effects are predicated on the appropriate experience of radiation centers. We provide an overview of current studies that attempt to lessen radiation-induced skin damage through the application of topical treatments including herbal extracts, such as onco-cosmetics. Techniques: The scope of this paper is restricted to a critical evaluation of professional and scientific literature. It deals with preparations in various physicochemical forms, such as ointments, gels, and emulsions. We emphasize the relationship between the characteristics of the herbal extract, the type of skin care product used (preparation type, composition, dosage), and the assessment of the extract's effectiveness in avoiding and treating radiation reactions on the skin. Conclusions: Since herbal extracts belong to a class of cosmeceutical supplements, they can be used in recipes and added to preparations without a prescription. Since there are no specific rules, evaluating the efficiency of plant extracts in radiation is a challenging undertaking. Analysis of herbal extracts and recipes in terms of their physicochemical, dermatological, and performance properties should come before any studies. Keywords: plant extracts for skin care, onco-cosmetics, herbal medicine, radiodermatitis, and radiation treatment.

Hierarchical Approach to the Management of Drinking Water Sludge Generated from Alum-Based Treatment Processes

The management of drinking water treatment plant (DWTP) sludge is challenging for water treatment facilities. Previous studies reported mainly on handling sludge through landfilling, release into water bodies, discharge into wastewater treatment plants, onsite disposal, and incineration methods for the treatment of sludge. The limitations of these sludge-handling methods are well documented. This article focuses on the hierarchical approach as an alternative and comprehensive method for handling DWTP sludge. The core of hierarchical management streamlines the minimization of the generated DWTP sludge; treatment of DWTP sludge to reduce toxicity; changing of the physicochemical form of DWTP sludge; and finally, the reuse, recycling, and recovery of DWTP sludge. The premise is to achieve zero landfilling of DWTP sludge, establish a circular economy, generate job opportunities, and preserve the environment. Thus, this study also proposes two main technologies, which are gravity-based sludge separators for fractionating the sludge and photocatalytic membrane reactors (PMRs) as a technology for the treating and/or recovery of nutrients and minerals from DWTP sludge. Until the chemical deductive or minus approach becomes a reality in water treatment, the use of PMRs and gravity-based sludge separators will enhance the management of DWTP sludge when incorporated into the hierarchical approach.

Changes of soil carbon along a topo-climatic gradient in rangelands of Iran: insights from 14C mean residence time and δ13C

Context Soils can be the largest terrestrial carbon source and a potential sink of atmospheric CO2. Soil organic carbon (SOC) dynamics can be unravelled by 14C-derived mean residence times (MRT). Aims We aimed to understand SOC dynamics in surface and subsurface soils along a topo-climatic gradient in the rangelands of Khuzestan Province, Iran. Methods Study sites were selected under two contrasting regional climates in Izeh (MAT + 19.2°C, MAP 623 mm) and Ramhormoz (MAT + 27.5°C, MAP 200 mm). Soil physicochemical properties, SOC forms, and 14C MRT and δ13C signatures were determined in the control profiles. Key results The average MRT up to 1 m depth in Izeh and Ramhormoz were 2980 and 6582 years before present, respectively. On average, a loss of 300 Mg C ha−1 in SOC stocks and a rise of 430 years in SOC MRT up to 1 m can be expected per 1°C increase in MAT, 50 mm reduction in MAP, and 100 m decrease in elevation, highlighting the potential significance of MAT in SOC dynamics. Using optimistic and pessimistic carbon emission scenarios, carbon emissions in the upland areas were projected to be between 50 and 100 Mg C ha−1 over 80 years. Conclusions While the most influential element on SOC stock and its relative age was likely the temperature, other factors like erosion and deposition processes can cause enhanced SOC dislocation along the topo-climatic gradient. Implications Soil carbon pools stabilised for centuries to millennia are susceptible to alterations due to climate and land cover change.

Modes of Bonding and Morphogenesis. Deleuze, Ruyer, and the Rearticulation of Life and Nonlife

AbstractThis paper takes up some threads of Deleuze’s and Ruyer’s engagement with biology. I begin by laying out the main features of Deleuze’s scheme of morphogenesis, through the lens of his references to embryology. I take Deleuze’s interest in embryology to be guided by the effort to define bodies solely by form-generating factors which are immanent to them. His concept of virtuality, which indicates the creative component of reality, the open field of connections defining a body’s capacities for transformation and interaction, plays a key role in this regard. I then consider two implications: (1) The insistence on morphogenesis displaces the question of life from given biological entities, which preserve themselves and act through regulated cycles, to the myriad of activities that compose and modify them; (2) It also rearticulates the distinction between the living and the nonliving, in that it separates the question of life from that of its emergence from a given material arrangement. In the second part I examine these points with greater reference to Ruyer. After introducing Ruyer’s concepts of functioning and formation, I focus on his account of the continuity between biological and physicochemical forms, following some of his work on the microbiology and ethology of the time. The real difference is not between the living and the nonliving, but between two modes of bonding and composition variously operating on all scales: morphogenetic and statistical. I conclude by assessing the significance of this claim with respect to the traditional distinction between vitalism and mechanism.

The dynamic characteristics of multi‐media carbon pollution and their spatial influencing factors: A case study of the Greater Bay Area of China

AbstractFor urban agglomerations that contain multiple interconnected cities, carbon pollution mitigation is particularly challenging due to the complex pollution transfer among environmental media and among cities. Insufficient attention has been paid to the city‐level metabolic processes of carbon in diverse physicochemical forms and their spatial interactions, impeding the identification and management of multi‐media carbon pollution from the integrated perspective of the whole urban agglomeration. Using the Greater Bay Area of China as a case, this study reveals the dynamic characteristics and spatial influencing factors of multi‐media carbon pollution covering 30 consecutive years based on substance flow analysis and a spatial econometric model. We find increasing necessity for controlling carbon pollution in the solid state, which reached 1890 Gg C/a in 2018 and was significantly higher than that in the gaseous (290 Gg C/a) and liquid (730 Gg C/a) state. Cross‐media transfer of carbon pollution made an increasingly substantial contribution to total carbon pollution from 14.6% to 20.7%, stressing the need for treatment and harmless disposal of sludge and the control of CH4 produced from waste landfilling, wastewater treatment, and livestock manure. Relocation of heavily polluting industries and variances at the level of environmental regulation between cities causes spatial transfer of carbon pollution, while the improvement of industrial structure and the advancement of pollution treatment technology have a positive demonstration effect for carbon pollution abatement of the neighboring cities. This study demonstrates the necessity of multi‐media and multi‐city integrities in carbon pollution mitigation within clustered cities.

Terrigenous humic substances regulate the concentrations of dissolved Fe and Cu (but not Al, Mn, Ni or Zn) in the Gaoping River plume

The small mountainous rivers of Oceania discharge a large fraction of their dissolved and particulate load of materials within a very small percentage of the time. As a result, the yearly inputs and physicochemical forms of dissolved metals exported to the ocean by these rivers are poorly quantified. We investigated the wet-season distribution patterns of metals and fluorescent organic substances in the surface waters of the Gaoping River plume, SW Taiwan, under both moderate (Sep 2020) and strong flow conditions (Aug 2021). The mixing behaviour of both soluble (<5 kDa) and colloidal (>5 kDa) metals and fluorescent components was examined over the salinity range 3.0–32.2 in 2020 and 5.8–31.1 in 2021. We detected two humic-like and one protein-like fluorescent components, the same on both surveys. The humic-like components, C1 and C3, originated from the Gaoping River and correlated strongly with Cu and Fe, respectively. Component C3 showed a greater enrichment relative to C1 in the colloidal (C3/C1 > 0.8) than in the soluble phase (C3/C1 = 0.4). The protein-like component, C2, came from both terrestrial and marine sources and displayed a more complex mixing behaviour than the other two. One striking result was that the effective zero-salinity concentrations of Fe (∼300 nM) and Cu (∼23 nM) did not change significantly in response to a 10-fold increase in river discharge between Sep 2020 and Aug 2021. Similarly to Fe and Cu, the distribution patterns of Components C1 and C3 did not change significantly between the moderate and the strong plume, and C3 and C1 correlated strongly with Fe and Cu, respectively. We conclude that subtropical mountainous rivers can provide soil-derived humic substances which facilitate and regulate the delivery of Fe and Cu to the ocean, provided mountain forests are preserved.

Bigels as novel systems for the delivery active compounds from Centella asiatica

ABSTRACT Cosmetic products containing ingredients derived from Centella asiatica show antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-aging effects. To increase the activity of C. asiatica extracts, we developed and checked the multidirectional action of the Centella asiatica extract and macerated oil after introducing it into the physicochemical form, which is bigel. Bigels were prepared by mixing oleogels and hydrogels in different mass ratio. The obtained formulations were analyzed microscopically, for pH, rheological properties, antioxidant capacity, antimicrobial activity. In addition, sensory analysis and instrumental test were performed. Only bigels with a mass ratio hydrogel to oleogel 9:1 were stable and had a correspondingly smooth, creamy consistency. The addition of C. asiatica extract to the recipe had a positive effect on the ability of the preparation to scavenge free radicals, while the addition macerate had negative effect for this ability. The highest increase in skin hydration, and in the mean value of skin smoothing was shown by preparation B3 containing the extract from C. asiatica. Proven properties such as antioxidant capacity, moisturizing, improvement of skin smoothness, and reduction of discoloration indicate the potential of using these preparations in anti-aging, moisturizing cosmetics, which has so far been demonstrated only for physiochemical forms such as emulsion and hydrogels.

Toxicological Aspects and Bioanalysis of Nanoparticles: Zebrafish Model

Nanoparticles increase their availability and diversity in the environment day by day with the natural formation processes of the world geography and the development of advanced technological industry. Due to their intelligent and kaleidoscopic physico-chemical structural forms, they can cause toxic effects in various metabolic steps (in structural proteins, genetic structure, organelles, cells, tissues, organs, metabolic systems) in the organism. Despite these harmful situations some magnetite nanoparticles such as gold nanoparticles, silver nanoparticles, nanodiamonds, dendrimers, polymeric and liposomic smart nanoparticles can be used in medical studies, pharmaceutical industry, nanotheranostic studies and molecular methods. Zebrafish (Danio rerio), which is used a model species in many study disciplines, has been used in many studies to reveal the potential toxic effects and positive effects of the tested nanoparticles. Both in vivo and in vitro test systems and interdisciplinary studies conducted in recent years were analyzed and evaluated via the traditional review method in the current study. Besides, many studies were grouped in order to obtain fast and efficient results on the characterization of nanoparticles and understanding their mechanism of action. A systematic search was conducted based on the keywords of this study in databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, Web of Science and Carrot², in May 2022. In addition to recognizing the toxic effects of nanoparticles, several studies were emphasized, in which the utilitarian status of nanoparticles in medical, pharmaceutical, molecular and genetic applied studies was understood more clearly day by day.

Vis-NIR spectroscopy as an eco-friendly method for monitoring pedoenvironmental variations and pedological assessments in Lut Watershed, Central Iran

Soil spectroscopy has become an applicable method for monitoring and management of the spatial variability of soil characteristics. However, no widely knowledge about the potential application of this method in arid regions is still available. This research aimed to ascertain the performance of visible and near-infrared spectroscopy (Vis-NIR) to detect soil variations related to pedogenetic processes and pedoenvironmental conditions and to show the perspective of the most important variables changing spectral behavior in Lut Watershed. Twenty-three pedons in three clusters, including site 1 (xeric-mesic soil moisture-temperature regimes), site 2 (aridic-mesic, and aridic-thermic), and site 3 (extreme aridic-hyperthermic), with different geomorphology and lithology, were selected. Physicochemical properties and different iron forms were analyzed; X-ray diffraction (XRD), magnetic susceptibility (χlf), and Vis-NIR spectroscopy were also performed. The most important attributes influencing spectral morphology were related to soil texture, organic carbon content, clay mineralogy, evaporitic minerals (carbonate, halite, gypsum, and anhydrite), and iron oxides (goethite, hematite, and magnetite). Geometric parameters (area and depth) of absorption features located in 400–1000 nm (iron oxide), 2200 nm (clay), and 2340 nm (CaCO3) were significantly decreased by organic carbon in site 1. Increasing χlf values masked the wavelengths in 1400, 1540, 1750, and 1900 nm (CaSO4.2H2O) in site 2. Moreover, increasing salinity and anhydrite content covered the features of iron oxides in 400–570 nm in site 3. The finger-shaped absorption in 1450–1475 nm (CaSO4.2H2O) disappeared with an increasing amount of anhydrite and its degree of dehydration. Principal component analysis (PCA) showed a suitable performance for soil discrimination in the three climatic sites with different pedogenetic processes. Validation results by the partial least squares regression (PLSR) models indicated excellent accuracy in predicting CEC, EC, χlf, and gypsum content (RPIQ = 4.17, 3.00, 3.00, and 2.58, respectively) and good accuracy in predicting Fed and CCE (RPIQ = 2.30 and 2.06, respectively). Overall, spectral sensing was recognized as a suitable pedoenvironmental monitoring indicator for pedological assessments in Lut Watershed.

MICROCAPSULATION – TECHNOLOGIES AND METHODS

The article presents an overview of the application of technologies and methods of microcapsules in modern pharmaceuticals and the food industry. One of the most important tasks of healthcare is to provide the population with safe, effective, high-quality and affordable medicines. The analysis of the main rates of development of domestic medicines in the pharmaceutical market of Kazakhstan remains relevant. Microcapsulation is analyzed for physical, chemical, physico-chemical forms. With the help of microcapsulation, the following tasks can be solved: to reduce the reactivity of medicines, extend the shelf life of unstable and perishable medicines, reduce the toxicity of the substance, give the substance new physical properties, reduce volatility, change density, hide color, taste, smell. Microcapsules make it possible to ensure the long-term effect of medicines. Microcapsulation achieves: protection of unstable drugs from environmental influences (vitamins, antibiotics, enzymes, vaccines, serums, etc.); hiding the taste of bitter medicines; isolation of medicines in the desired part of the gastrointestinal tract (intestinalsoluble microcapsules); the question of obtaining high-quality capsules with properties and characteristics that dissolve in the desired environment, retain the therapeutic effect and at the same time meet the requirements of the consumer (ease of use, efficiency, reasonable cost) is still open.

High resolution modeling of aluminium transport in a fjord estuary with focus on mean circulation and irregular flow events

Environmental impact assessments of trace metals and radionuclides in estuarine waters will benefit from numerical transport models that can provide detailed and accurate predictions of concentrations of harmful physico-chemical forms of contaminants at adequate spatial and temporal resolution. Aiming to study the potential of aluminium (Al) exposure to biota, a transport model (OpenDrift) including dynamic speciation and transformation processes was improved and applied, using three-dimensional hydrodynamic flow fields from a numerical ocean model (ROMS) at high horizontal resolution (32 m). Al transport and concentration was computed along the Sandnesfjorden Fjord, south-eastern Norway, from river outlet to open coastal waters. Validation of the circulation model with 29 hydrographic profiles from Sandnesfjorden showed substantial improvements compared to previous studies due to optimized model configuration (salinity overestimation decreased from >7 psu to <4 psu). Modeled Al data compared well with observed surface Al concentration from 12 locations and the along-fjord decreasing trend in Al-concentration was well reproduced (error ratios were <2 in Sandnesfjorden). Except in the channel area, both salinity and Al concentration estimates lie well within the expected variability. However, the transport modeling gave a more detailed site-specific picture of the Al concentration, suggesting more scattered and variable fields than indicated by observational data (variations of a factor 3–4 over short spatiotemporal scales). Reversed flow events (surface flow into the fjord) caused considerable mixing and redistribution of water masses, affecting both horizontal mixing of river discharges with coastal water as well as vertically as surface water mixed with deeper water masses. These blocking events strongly changed properties and distribution of the water masses giving rise to local and short-term high Al-exposure episodes (variations of a factor of 10 over a 12 h period) in the fjord that may pose risks to biota and therefore should be taken into account in impact and risk assessments.

Insights into near-surface distribution characteristics of multi-form tritium with consideration of atmospheric buoyancy and gravitational deposition

Tritium contributes majority to the total airborne radioactive effluents from the nuclear facility because of its considerable production and difficulty in separation. Tritium inventory in the fusion reactor would reach an unprecedented magnitude which brings new safety concern. After being released into the atmosphere, inconsistent atmospheric dispersion behaviors might appear regarding different physicochemical forms such as gaseous state HT, gaseous-aerosol-droplet state HTO. In this study, atmospheric dispersion characteristics of multi-form tritium were investigated based on the computational fluid dynamics method validated by multi-fan type wind tunnel experiments. Species transport model and discrete phase model were used to describe atmospheric dispersion of gaseous and aerosol-droplet state tritium, respectively. Deposition velocity was predicted for gaseous and aerosol-droplet state tritium with different particle sizes. Conditions for describing the changes of particle diameter and its influencing on near-surface tritium distribution due to condensation were provided. The results show that buoyancy effect would strengthen along with the increasing gaseous tritium mass fraction in the airborne effluents. We also indicated that obvious gravitational deposition would appear once gaseous HTO was transformed into droplet state HTO with the particle diameter larger than 20 μm. Both the atmospheric buoyancy and deposition phenomenon would result in a quite different near-surface tritium distribution.

Analysis of the vertical distribution of 137Cs and 239,240Pu in waterlogged and non-boggy soils by the sequential extraction method

Mobile capabilities of 137Cs, 239,240Pu and some stable element physicochemical forms were studied in soil layers at a depth of 6–8 cm (maximum concentrations of radionuclides) of non-boggy and waterlogged soil cores sampled on the shores of Lake Bedugnis (Lithuania). Soil samples were acidic with small amount of clay (muscovite). The radionuclide activity concentrations were about 2.5 times higher in non-boggy soil. It was explained by different conditions of deposition of radioactive fallout at these sampling sites and density of the soil samples. The value of the exchangeable fraction of radionuclides is shown to be an indicator of their migration capabilities in the soil. Under anaerobic conditions in waterlogged soil (stagnant pore water conditions) and due to the presence of clay admixture, ∼90% of 137Cs was concentrated in the residual fraction and its mobility was low. 239,240Pu was concentrated mainly in organic matter with rather large exchangeable fractions (∼9.6–∼13.9%). Under oxidizing conditions in non-boggy soil (dynamic pore water conditions in the case of rain), 239,240Pu was mostly concentrated in the oxide fraction. Its exchangeable fractions were less than those in waterlogged soil and, respectively, its mobility was lower. In non-boggy soils, exchangeable fractions of 137Cs were large and varied in the range of 10.1–12.2%, which indicated its high mobility. In the case, 137Cs adsorption by clay materials was reduced and its residual fraction did not exceed 71.3%. The obtained data show that in the area of Lake Bedugnis, the migration capabilities of 137Cs and 239,240Pu change in antiphase.

Plant and Herbal Extracts as Ingredients of Topical Agents in the Prevention and Treatment Radiodermatitis: A Systematic Literature Review

Background: The use of herbal extracts as the source of antioxidant substances capable of neutralizing free radicals and providing protection from ionizing radiation appears to be an alternative therapy for radiodermatitis. As concerns the prevention and treatment of side effects, a lot of recommendations are based on proper experience of radiotherapy centers. We summarize recent research aiming at reducing radiation-induced skin injuries by use of proper skin care, using topical preparations with herbal extracts including onco-cosmetics. Methods: This article is limited to a critical analysis of scientific and professional literature. It concerns preparations in different physicochemical forms, e.g., gels, emulsions, ointments. We stress the connection between the type of applied skin care (type of preparation, its composition, the dose), the properties of the herbal extract and the evaluation of its efficiency in preventing and treating radiation reaction on skin. Conclusions: Herbal extracts can be added to recipes because they are part of a category of cosmeceutical supplements and can be introduced into preparations without prescription. The effectiveness evaluation for herbal extracts in radiotherapy is not an easy task since there are no strict guidelines. Studies should be preceded by the analysis of herbal extracts and recipe in terms of physicochemical, dermatological and performance characteristics.

Analysis of volatile nuclides’ behavior in the atmosphere released due to the FDNPP accident

The volatile nuclides, 131I, 132I, and 132Te, which were released in large quantities during the early stage of the Fukushima Dai-ichi Nuclear Power Plant accident, are the most dominant ones in determining the impact on the public and the environment. Since the behavior of these nuclides in the environment and their effects on human health differ depending on their physicochemical forms, it is necessary to understand more about the release fraction and the deposition process of each form. In this study, a behavior model was developed to calculate physical and chemical processes of organic, inorganic, and particulate 131I and 132I, and gaseous and particulate 132Te. This behavior model was used to estimate the physicochemical composition of iodine at the time of release, the 132Te/132I activity ratio at the time of release, and the dry deposition velocity of 132Te. The estimation was performed for five plumes transported during the period from March 14 to 21, 2011, and the estimated values were obtained by comparing with the values measured in previous studies. As a result of the estimation, the organic iodine fraction at the time of release was estimated to be 0.1 or less for most plumes, while a significantly higher value of 0.3 was estimated for the plume released in the night of March 14. This result implied that the possibility of formation and release of organic iodine in the liquid phase in Unit 3, which was considered to be the source of this plume. As for the 132Te/132I ratio at the time of release, it was estimated to be about 0.3–0.4 for most plumes, while it was about 1 in the plume released in the early morning of March 15, which is consistent with the release process in Unit 2 on the night of 14 and early morning of the 15. In addition, a remarkably high dry deposition velocity of 132Te was estimated in this plume, which was consistent with the existence of radiocaesium-bearing microparticles (CsMP) with a particle size of a few micrometers that had been found to be specific to this plume.

Speciation of 137Cs, 90Sr, 241Am, and 239+240Pu artificial radionuclides in soils at the Semipalatinsk test site

This paper reports the speciation of 137Cs, 241Am, 90Sr and 239+240Pu in the soil samples of the Experimental Field (EF). The EF is a testing ground of the Semipalatinsk nuclear weapons test site used for surface and atmospheric tests. The study revealed low mobility of artificial radionuclides in the EF site soils.The revealed high radionuclide concentrations in soil mainly exist in tightly bound form. On average, the content of the tightly bound form of 137Cs was revealed to be below 98%, that of 90Sr - 94%, 241Am - 89%, and 239+240Pu - 98%.The radionuclides occurrence forms were analyzed in correlation with the physicochemical parameters of soils. Reliable relationships have been established between the content of carbonates and the content of the exchangeable, acid-soluble and strongly bound 90Sr forms in soils, as well as the content of the water-soluble salts and the content of the strongly bound 239+240Pu form in the soil.Similarly, we compared the distributions of the radionuclides speciation and their stable isotopes with their analogous elements in the soil. Unlike 137Cs and 90Sr, which are in a tightly bound form in the soils of the Experimental Field site, the main content of soil “competitors” of the 137Cs radionuclide – K and Cs is observed in an exchange form, less significantly in an acid-soluble form. The alkaline earth metals (analogous elements for 90Sr) are mainly observed as a composition of the exchangeable and acid-soluble forms. The results allow to conclude that there is no equilibrium distribution of the physicochemical forms of radionuclides introduced into the soil and the natural presence forms of their stable analogs in the soil. Such equilibrium distribution can only be achieved at a complete isotopic exchange in phases and soil components, which under the conditions of the Experimental Field is not possible in the near future.It can be concluded that the behavior of the studied radionuclides in soils is stipulated by the initial form delivered by the fallouts from tests at the EF site.

137Cs and 239,240Pu activity concentrations distribution in waterlogged and non-boggy soils of Lithuania

Vertical distributions of 239,240Pu and 137Cs activity concentrations in the waterlogged and non-boggy soil cores sampled in the vicinity of Vilnius City and in the Varėna District were analyzed. The radionuclides appeared in the soils mainly as a result of the fallout after the nuclear weapon testing in atmosphere in 1960s and due to the Chernobyl NPP accident in 1986. The deposited radionuclides on the surface of waterlogged soils on the shores of lakes experienced processes of translocation and accumulation, therefore their total activity in the column differs from the activity in non-boggy soils. The mobility of plutonium is the highest in waterlogged organic-rich soils. Clay in the waterlogged soil significantly limits the migration of radiocesium and does not affect noticeably the mobility of plutonium. Compared with radiocesium, the mobility of plutonium in non-boggy soils is somewhat limited. So, in waterlogged and non-boggy soils, the radionuclide mobilizing factors act in the opposite directions for radiocesium and plutonium. A clear correlation between the radionuclide activity and soil organic matter content was not observed. The investigation showed that radionuclide mobility can be determined by studying radionuclide physicochemical forms in the soil, vertical profiles of radiocesium to plutonium ratios, soil composition as well as its oxidation regime.

A Simple, Rapid, Comparative Evaluation of Multiple Products for Decontamination of Actinide-contaminated Rat Skin Ex Vivo.

Decontamination of skin is an important medical countermeasure in order to limit potential internal contamination by radionuclides such as actinides. Minimizing skin surface contamination will ultimately prevent internal contamination and subsequent committed effective dose as well as contamination spreading. The decontamination agents tested on a rat skin ex vivo model ranged from water to hydrogel wound dressings. A surfactant-containing cleansing gel and calixarene nanoemulsion with chelation properties demonstrated marked decontamination efficacies as compared with water or the chelator DTPA. Based on efficacy to remove different actinide physicochemical forms from skin, the results demonstrate that all products can remove the more soluble forms, but a further component of emulsifying or tensioactive action is required for less soluble forms. This indicates that for practical purposes, successful decontamination will depend on identification of the actinide element, the physicochemical form, and possibly the solvent. This study offers a simple, quick, cheap, reproducible screening method for efficacy evaluation of multiple products for removal of a variety of contaminants.

Sulphur Dynamics under different land uses of Outer Himalayan region of Himachal Pradesh

The knowledge of different sulphur (S) forms and their relationship with soil properties is of much relevance in assessing the short- and long-term availability of the nutrients to crops and in formulating sound fertilizer recommendations. For this purpose one hundred and one representative soil samples were collected from the study area and analyzed for various physicochemical properties and forms of sulphur (water soluble, exchangeable, available, organic, non-sulphate and total S) using standard methods. The different forms of sulphur viz., water soluble, exchangeable, available, organic, non-sulphate and total sulphur ranged from 1.1 to 7.0, 1.9 to 10.9, 3.1 to 21.1, 75.9 to 316.1, 8.0 to 41.5 and 75.5 to 372.5 mg kg-1, respectively in soils of Outer Himalayas under different land uses. The content of different forms of sulphur present in these soils were in the order of total sulphur, organic sulphur, non-sulphate sulphur, available sulphur, exchangeable sulphur and water soluble sulphur. All the forms of S correlated positively and significantly with organic carbon and clay content of soils. A negative and significant relationship was also observed between all forms of sulphur and sand content of soils. In the present study, it was also found that all forms of S present in soils were significantly and positively correlated with each other. The knowledge regarding different forms of S in soils and their availability controlled by different soil properties will be helpful for its management to optimize crop yields in the Outer Himalayas of Himachal Pradesh.

Searching Nanoplastics: From Sampling to Sample Processing.

Nanoplastics (NPs) are considered emerging pollutants, namely unregulated contaminants whose toxic effect on humans and the environment has been demonstrated or suspected. They are the result of the physical fragmentation of the plastics that over time reach smaller dimensions (<100 nm). The issues related to the characterization and quantification of NPs in the environmental matrices are mainly related to the infinitepsimal size, to the fact that they are found in bulk, and to the different physico-chemical forms in which the same polymer can evolve over time by degradation. To deal with the study of a new class of pollutants it is necessary to assess the entire analytical method, carefully considering every single step (sampling, cleanup, qualitative, and quantitative analysis) starting from the validation method in the laboratory. This paper reviews the analytical method steps, focusing on the first ones, which the current literature often underestimates: laboratory tests, sampling, and sample processing; in fact, most errors and the quality of the analyses often depend on them. In addition, all newly introduced sample processing methods were examined.