Ppm Concentration Research Articles

Synthesis and Characterization of Cr doped CeO2 nanoparticles for Rhodamine B dye degradation

The main aim of this work is to synthesis and study Cr doped CeO2 nanoparticles for Rhodamine B dye degradation. In this regard, 2 wt% and 4 wt% Cr doped CeO2 nanoparticles were successfully synthesized through a simple chemical precipitation method. The structural characteristics and elemental composition of the synthesized samples were analyzed using XRD and XPS techniques. The cubic fluorite structure with space group Fm 3m was confirmed through XRD and the presence of Ce, O and Cr atoms in the samples were identified through XPS. Spindle shaped structures were observed from FESEM analysis for 2 % Cr doped sample. Confocal Raman Spectroscopy was used to confirm the CeO2 stretching vibrational mode at 469 cm−1. The metal oxygen band was obtained at 447.49 cm−1 from FTIR spectroscopy. The band gap values were calculated from the Tauc plot and the values were found to be 2.0 eV, 2.85 eV and 2.88 eV for CeO2, 2 % Cr and 4 % Cr doped samples. The prepared nanoparticles were subjected to photocatalytic degradation of Rhodamine B dye at 5 ppm concentration and highest efficiency of 98.3 % was observed by the 4 % Cr doped CeO2 sample.

Green Synthesis Gold Nanoparticles using Bioreductor of Butterfly Pea (Clitoria ternatea L.) Leaf Extract as an Antioxidant

Gold nanoparticles are inorganic metal materials in suspended solutions with a particle size reduction process to the 5-400 nm nanoscale range. Gold nanoparticles can be synthesized using the green synthesis method using a bioreductor of butterfly pea leaf infusion extract, which can be used as an antioxidant. This study aimed to determine the characteristics of gold nanoparticles using a UV-Vis spectrophotometer and TEM and to determine the antioxidant strength of gold nanoparticles through the IC50 value. This study used 20, 10, 5, and 2.5 ppm concentration variations. The results of the characterization of gold nanoparticles using a UV-Vis spectrophotometer showed a maximum wavelength of 550 nm, and the results of the TEM test showed a particle diameter of 6.58 nm. The antioxidant activity test was carried out using the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryhydrazyl (DPPH) quenching method, resulting in % quenching at a concentration of 20, 10, 5 and 2.5 ppm of 76.3; 70.6; 85.5; and 92.9% and an IC50 value of 0.25 ppm which is included in strong antioxidants. It can be concluded that gold nanoparticles synthesized using butterfly pea leaf extract have the potential to be an effective antioxidant agent.

N-vinylcaprolactam-acrylamide copolymer inhibition performance against 304L stainless steel corrosion in a simulated sweet-sour corrosive environment

Internal corrosion of oilfield pipes in the presence of CO2 and H2S is a significant problem in the oil and gas industry. The financial and material ramifications are immense, given that transportation pipelines are vital to the energy and gas industry. In typical oilfield industries, the prevailing approach to address corrosion issues affecting steel-based structural elements involves the incorporation of corrosion inhibitors into the corrosion system. In this study we evaluated the effectiveness of an N-vinylcaprolactam-acrylamide copolymer (NVAM) in inhibiting the corrosion of stainless steel in a 3.5% NaCl solution saturated with CO2 and containing 100 ppm H2S, which simulates a sweet/sour corrosive environment typical of oilfields Several experimental methods, such as weight loss, electrochemical techniques and surface characterization methodologies (SEM, EDS, & AFM) were used to assess the inhibitor's efficacy. The inhibitor demonstrated remarkable performance, attaining an approximately 90 % inhibition efficiency at a 100 ppm concentration. Adsorption of Poly(NVAM) adhered to the Langmuir adsorption model and functioned primarily as a cathodic inhibitor. The results obtained from the analysis of SEM, EDS, and AFM indicate that poly(NVAM) forms a protective film on the surface of the steel, thereby impeding the access of corrosive species. The protective film efficiently prevented corrosive chemicals from reaching the steel's surface.

Biopesticidal Potential of Lippia javanica (Burm. F) Spreng. Leaf Extracts and their Fractions against Spodoptera litura (Fab.)

Three organic solvent extracts of Lippia javanica leaves were screened for their antifeedant and larvicidal activities against the 4th instar larvae of Spodoptera litura at 5% concentration. The maximum antifeedant and larvicidal activities were recorded in ethyl acetate extract (76.57%) for antifeedant and (90.40%) for larvicidal activity, followed by chloroform and hexane extracts. Ten fractions were obtained from the ethyl acetate extract of L. javanica by using different combinations of hexane and ethyl acetate as the mobile phase through column chromatography. The fractions were screened at 1000 ppm concentrations for antifeedant and larvicidal activities. Fraction 10 (71.75%) was found to be the most effective one, followed by fraction 4 (61.32%) and fraction 7 (60.58%) for antifeedant acitivity. At a 1000 ppm concentration, fraction 3 exhibited the highest larvicidal activity (79.20%) against S. litura, followed by fraction 1 (76.0%), while fractions 5 and 6 have shown equal activity. Quantitative protein analysis revealed that treatment with the eighth fraction reduced the haemolymph protein drastically (1.52 mg/mL) compared to control (2.84 mg/mL) and other fractions. In the reference control azadirachtin treatment, the haemolymph protein quantity was found to be nearly the same (1.4 mg/mL) as that of the eighth fraction. Treatment with the first and second fractions resulted in increased haemolymph protein (8 and 7.6 mg/mL, respectively). The bio-efficacy of L. javanica in pest management is discussed.

Adsorptive Removal of Famotidine Drug from Aqueous Medium by Ocimum Basilicum

AbstractThe present study investigated the potential of basil seeds as adsorbent in order to remove famotidine drug from aqueous media. The optimum conditions for the adsorption of famotidine on the basil seeds were found to be 50 min contact time, 50 °C temperature, pH 1, 100 ppm concentration of famotidine, 0.03 g adsorbent mass and 50 rpm agitation rate. Pseudo 2nd order kinetics with a higher correlation coefficient (R2=0.9942) suggested chemisorption as preferable mechanism of adsorption. However, the enthalpy of adsorption (ΔH=+33.67 KJ/mol) was less than that of chemisorption but higher than that of physisorption which was attributed to strong hydrogen bonding between famotidine molecules and basil seed surface. The Langmuir isotherm with higher R2 (0.9960) than Freundlich isotherm (R2=0.8798) predicted maximum adsorption capacity (qm) of 99 mg/g while suggesting monolayer and favourable adsorption. The adsorption was endothermic (+ΔH) and spontaneous (−ΔG) in nature. The FT‐IR spectroscopy confirmed that famotidine was adsorbed on basil seed via strong hydrogen bonding. The study proposed that the simultaneous intake of famotidine and basil seeds should be strictly avoided as the drug readily adsorbs on basil seeds in acidic environment (gastric pH) thereby reducing its curing effect.

Geotechnical performance of black cotton clay in the presence of lead and cadmium solutions for geoenvironmental application

ABSTRACT The usage of bentonites and sand–bentonite mixtures as liners has become prevalent due to their low permeability. However, these materials are scarce and prohibitively expensive in India. Black cotton clay (BCC) was chosen as an alternative clay liner for this research due to its abundance in India and its mineralogical composition. Since heavy metals accumulation in municipal landfills is a rising issue with devastating effects on the ecosystem and human health, in this investigation, two heavy metals (lead and cadmium) were intended as permeants at three different concentrations (100, 500, and 1000 ppm) to imitate the impact of heavy metal leachate on BCC. The essential index and engineering properties of BCC were evaluated and compared under these two permeants from the liner perspective. Experimental results revealed that the free swell index, Atterberg limits, swelling and swelling pressures were reduced for a rise in concentration irrespective of metal type. However, this reduction was more with cadmium permeants compared to lead. The measured swelling data was compared with predicted swelling data using a rectangular hyperbola model, and a good correlation was achieved. The hydraulic conductivity (k) and unconfined compressive strength (UCS) values were increased for a rise in concentration with both metal permeants. At 1000 ppm concentration, the k values were raised to 3.5 and 6.7 times, and UCS values were enhanced by 8.3 and 5.5% for lead and cadmium permeants, respectively. At high concentrations, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) results showed the formation of huge voids and aggregation.

Mapping of hydrocarbon condensation onset temperature and its sensitivity analysis for Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) cooler

Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) cooling technology is one of the key technologies of the engine to meet the Euro 7 emission standard. Nevertheless, the hydrocarbon (HC) condensation in the cooler leads to uncontrolled thermal-hydraulic performance, and the onset temperature of HC condensation is still debated, which is one of the obstacles to implementing the Euro 7 standard. Here, we first established a database of key parameters (carbon number, concentration, and pressure); then theoretically calculated the onset temperatures of various condensation types (wall condensation, heterogeneous nucleation, and homogeneous nucleation), plotted the entire map and verified its veracity; and finally, elucidated the contribution of each parameter through sensitivity analysis. The results show that (i) HC species are C12 to C25, from 25 to 1717 ppm concentrations, and pressures are from 1 to 4 bar. (ii) The map diagrams for the onset temperature of HC condensation have broad applicability and strong practicality. (iii) The temperature ranges of the onset of wall condensation, heterogeneous nucleation, and homogeneous nucleation are from 4 to 218 °C, from 1 to 209 °C, and from −6 to 195 °C, respectively. (iv) Carbon number has the most significant contribution, followed by HC concentration and pressure. The results can provide a valuable reference for more accurate EGR cooler design and management.

Influence of Silver Nanoparticles on Onion (Allium cepa L.) Seed Germination and Seedling Vigor

During this study on the influence of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) on growth of L-883 onion varieties Allium cepa L. AgNPs 100 nm size were used in four different concentrations (25, 50, 75, and 100 ppm) and T0 was kept as control. The seeds of onion were brought from NHRDF Indore. The findings revealed that 25 ppm of silver nanoparticle led to the highest seed germination percentage as compared to other concentrations. On the other hand, all the other concentrations were found to have a harmful effect on both seed germination and seedling growth as the level of toxicity are strongly associated with concentration of the suspensions. AgNPs of 100ppm concentration was found to have lowest rate of seed germination, however non-significant difference was found in 75ppm and 100ppm concentrations. Therefore, a concentration of 25ppm of AgNPs proved to be the most effective treatment for promoting optimal seed germination and seedling growth in onions.

Kosakonia arachidis: Shielding Vigna radiata in metal-stressed Hydroponics

The process of modernization and industrialization has indeed heightened environmental toxicity. Deterioration of plant growth and nutrient uptake has resulted in adverse effects on human health. Heavy metals are the most prominent pollutants. Elevated levels of heavy metals can surpass essential elements, leading to deficiencies in plant nutrition and hindering growth. The objective of the study was to extract bacteria that are resistant to zinc and cadmium from fields located in close proximity to the Malviya Nagar industrial zone in Jaipur. After collecting a soil sample, colonies were isolated on nutrient agar medium with varying amounts of heavy metals. Characterization of well-defined colonies was conducted using morphological and biochemical methods, and identification of resistant bacteria was performed using advanced bacterial isolation software (ABIS). Azohydromonas lata, Kosakonia arachidis, Pseudomonas fluorescens, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were the prominent bacterial species found to have a similarity value over 90%. Among all the bacteria that were identified, Kosakonia arachidis was selected for additional investigation due to the scarcity of studies conducted on this bacterium for the purpose of mitigating heavy metal contamination from soil. The study aimed to assess its capacity to enhance the development of mung beans in non-circulating hydroponic systems under zinc and cadmium stress conditions. The presented study demonstrates the remarkable capacity of Kosakonia arachidis to facilitate plant growth in environments characterized by zinc concentrations of 1000 ppm and cadmium concentrations of 300 ppm. This characteristic renders it a highly promising and pragmatic choice for biofertilizer utilization in plants experiencing stress caused by heavy metals.

Enhancing growth and bioactive metabolites characteristics in Mentha pulegium L. via silicon nanoparticles during in vitro drought stress

The development and production of secondary metabolites from priceless medicinal plants are restricted by drought stress. Mentha pulegium L. belongs to the Lamiaceae family and is a significant plant grown in the Mediterranean region for its medicinal and aesthetic properties. This study investigated the effects of three polyethylene glycol (PEG) (0, 5, and 10%) as a drought stress inducer and four silicon nanoparticle (SiNP) (0, 25, 50, and 100 ppm) concentrations as an elicitor to overcome the adverse effect of drought stress, on the growth parameters and bioactive chemical composition of M. pulegium L. plants grown in vitro. The experiment was performed as a factorial experiment using a completely randomized design (CRD) consisting of 12 treatments with two factors (3 PEG × 4 SiNPs concentrations), 6 replicates were used for each treatment for a total of 72 experimental units.The percentage of shoot formation was inversely proportional to the PEG concentration; for the highest PEG concentration, the lowest percentage of shoot formation (70.26%) was achieved at 10% PEG. SiNPs at 50 ppm enhanced shoot formation, the number of shoots, shoot height, fresh and dry weight, rosmarinic acid, total phenols, and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging activity. The methanol extract from M. pulegium revealed the presence of significant secondary metabolites using gas chromatography‒mass spectrometry (GC–MS). The principal constituents of the extract were limonene (2.51, 2.99%), linalool (3.84, 4.64%), geraniol (6.49, 8.77%), menthol (59.73, 65.43%), pulegone (3.76, 2.76%) and hexadecanoic acid methyl ester or methyl palmitate (3.2, 4.71%) for the 0 ppm SiNPs, PEG 0% and 50 ppm SiNPs, and PEG 10%, respectively. Most of the chemical components identified by GC‒MS in the methanol extract were greater in the 50 ppm SiNP and 10% PEG treatment groups than in the control group. SiNP improves drought tolerance by regulating biosynthesis and accumulating some osmolytes and lessens the negative effects of polyethylene glycol-induced drought stress.Based on the results, the best treatment for most of the parameters was 50 ppm SiNPs combined with 10% PEG, the morphological and chemical characteristics were inversely proportional to the PEG concentration, as the highest PEG concentration (10%) had the lowest results. Most parameters decreased at the highest SiNP concentration (100 ppm), except for the DPPH scavenging percentage, as there was no significant difference between the 50 and 100 ppm SiNPs.

Utilizing combusted PET plastic waste and biogenic oils as efficient pour point depressants for crude oil

The deposition of paraffin on pipelines during crude oil transit and low-temperature restart processes poses a significant challenge for the oil industry. Addressing this issue necessitates the exploration of innovative materials and methods. Pour point depressants (PPDs) emerge as crucial processing aids to modify paraffin crystallization and enhance crude oil flow. This study focuses on the combustion of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) waste, a prevalent plastic, in two distinct oils (castor and jatropha). The resulting black waxy substances (PET/Castor and PET/Jatropha) were introduced in varying weights (1000, 2000, and 3000 ppm) to crude oil. The PET/castor oil combination demonstrated a remarkable reduction in pour point from 18 to −21 °C at 3000 ppm concentration, significantly more effective than PET/jatropha blends. Substantial decreases in viscosity (up to 75%) and shear stress (up to 72%) were also observed for both blends, most prominently at lower temperatures near the pour point. The synergistic effect of PET and oils as nucleating agents that alter crystallization patterns and restrict crystal growth contributes to this enhanced low-temperature flow. This highlights the potential of PET plastic waste as an economical, abundant, and eco-friendly additive to develop high-performance PPDs for crude oil.

Crystallization of Calcium Carbonate and Calcium Phosphate Phases in Silica Hydrogel: Morphological and Compositional Characterization

The present study showcases a series of crystallization experiments using a specially designed double diffusion system to grow crystals belonging to the calcium carbonate–phosphate system. The experimental U-shaped device comprised two vertical solution containers, separated by a horizontal column of silica hydrogel. Each container was filled with 0.5 M CaCl2 and 0.5 M Na2CO3 solutions, which diffused through the gel column over time. Na3PO4 solutions, with 50 and 500 ppm concentrations, were incorporated into the gel in different experiments, resulting in a homogeneous distribution of phosphate concentrations within the diffusion column. After 15- and 30-day incubation periods post-nucleation, the crystals formed in different sections of the gel were carefully extracted and studied with scanning electron microscopy and electron microprobe. Additionally, Raman spectra were collected from the samples using a confocal Raman microscope, providing further insights into their molecular composition and structural properties. The obtained results show that under the induced experimental conditions (i) phosphate incorporates into calcite’s structure, and (ii) the growth of calcium phosphates in the presence of carbonate ions involves the sequential, heterogeneous nucleation of CO3-bearing OCP/HAP-like phases, with Raman spectral characteristics very similar to those of bioapatites.

Experimental Study to Visualize a Methane Leak of 0.25 mL/min by Direct Absorption Spectroscopy and Mid-Infrared Imaging

Tunable laser spectroscopy (TLS) with infrared (IR) imaging is a powerful tool for gas leak detection. This study focuses on direct absorption spectroscopy (DAS) that utilizes wavelength modulation to extract gas information. A tunable interband cascade laser (ICL) with an optical power of 5 mW is periodically modulated by a sawtooth injection current at 10 Hz across the methane absorption around 3271 nm. A fast and sensitive thermal imaging camera for the mid-infrared range between 3 and 5.7 µm is operated at a frame rate of 470 Hz. Offline processing of image stacks is performed using different algorithms (DAS-F, DAS-f and DAS-2f) based on the Lambert–Beer law and the HITRAN database. These algorithms analyze various features of gas absorption, such as area (F), peak (f) and second derivative (2f) of the absorbance. The methane concentration in ppm*m is determined on a pixel-by-pixel analysis without calibration. Leak localization for methane leak rates as low as 0.25 mL/min is accurately displayed in a single concentration image with pixelwise sensitivities of approximately 1 ppm*m in a laboratory environment. Concentration image sequences represent the spatiotemporal dynamics of a gas plume with high contrast. The DAS-2f concept demonstrates promising characteristics, including accuracy, precision, 1/f noise rejection, simplicity and computational efficiency, expanding the applications of DAS.

Shelf Life Enhancement of Structured Lipids Rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids Using Rosemary Extract: A Sustainable Approach.

This study investigates the efficacy of rosemary extract (RE) in stabilizing structured lipids (SL) developed using perilla seed oil (PSO) and palmolein (PO) under accelerated storage conditions. The oil samples, comprising PSO, Blend, and SL formulations with and without RE (1500 ppm) and BHT (200 ppm), were studied for their storage stability during a 30 day storage period at 65 °C, with the analysis carried out at 6 day intervals. Oxidative properties were comprehensively assessed, including both physical attributes (color, viscosity, and refractive index) and chemical parameters (peroxide value, free fatty acid (FFA), p-anisidine value, TOTOX value, conjugated dienes, and trienes). The results demonstrated that RE-enriched oil samples exhibited significantly higher oxidative stability (p < 0.05) compared to the control group. SL added with 1500 ppm of RE exhibited notable enhancements in quality parameters, showcasing reductions in FFA, TOTOX value, conjugated diene, and triene value by 44.01%, 35.42, 39.03, and 47.36, respectively, when compared to SL without any antioxidant. The RE at 1500 ppm concentration showed a similar effect as the synthetic antioxidant BHT at 200 ppm. Also, the RE demonstrated potent inhibition of the oxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acids, thereby contributing to the improved oxidative stability of the SLs. Furthermore, SL with RE also exhibited reduced degradation of the tocopherol content and total phenolic content during the storage period. Principal component analysis demonstrated that SL and blend followed similar oxidative characteristics as they fell within the same quadrant. These findings underscore RE as a potent source of antioxidants capable of scavenging free radicals and enhancing the oxidative stability of omega-3 fatty acid-rich SLs.

Study of novel Zn-MOF-II modified polymeric membrane in wastewater treatment containing oily waste and humic acid (NOM)

ABSTRACT The prime objective of the present work was to synthesise the polymeric membrane with Zn-MOF-II nanoparticles using the phase inversion method to purify oily wastewater and NOM. The dead-end filtration system was utilised to analyse the performance of fabricated membranes (without and with Zn-MOF-II), various feeds of 100 ppm concentration used, such as organic pollutants and oil effluent at 250 kPa and atmospheric temperature conditions. The following study involves the compaction factor, pure water flux, all mixed matrix membrane permeability, humic acid rejection, and oil–water emulsion rejection, contact angle, and liquid–liquid displacement porosimetry (LLDP). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy-attenuated total reflection (FTIR-ATR) goniometer were used to characterise the polymeric membranes. The FTIR-ATR spectra of the modified membrane exhibit a characteristic peak between 2,900 and 3,000 cm−1 associated with the presence of the –COOH group. The nanoparticles and polymer matrix were well compatible, as evidenced by SEM images of the polymeric membrane containing Zn-MOF-II nanoparticles. The maximum value of percentage rejection of oily wastewater (above 88.89%) and humic acid (above 86.88%) was obtained for the polymeric membrane containing Zn-MOF-II nanoparticles.

Morphogenetic characterization of Xanthomonas citri pv. citri and its management

BackgroundPakistan’s economy largely depends on citrus cultivation, and citrus fruits generate significant foreign exchange. Xanthomonas citri pv. citri (Xcc) is the primary cause of citrus canker (CC), which poses a significant threat to the industry. The management of disease is made more difficult by the lack of resistant variants against different Xcc races. Understanding and addressing Xcc are critical for maintaining the industry given the economic reliance on citrus. MethodsIn order to isolate Xcc in a lab, a thorough survey was conducted in the districts of Bahawalpur, Multan, and Dera Ghazi Khan to collect samples showing canker symptoms. Gram-negative bacteria were identified in the isolates by biochemical analysis, and Koch’s postulates confirmed Xcc as the CC causing agent. DNA extraction and sequencing were used in the molecular characterization, which confirmed the phylogenetic relationship with Xcc. Using the disc sensitivity method, nine antibiotics were tested at 300, 500, and 700 ppm concentrations to evaluate CC management. Amoxicillin was found to be highly effective in inhibiting the growth of Xcc colonies. ResultsThe study provided morphogenetic insights and established Xcc as the causal agent of CC. All strains matched Xcc in molecular characterization, but antibiotic sensitivity testing revealed inconsistent efficacy. Amoxicillin proved to be very effective at stopping the growth of Xcc colonies at every tested dosage. ConclusionThis study makes an important contribution to our understanding of XCC and helps the citrus industry develop better disease control plans. Future interventions against citrus canker can benefit greatly from the understanding provided by morphogenetic characterization and antibiotic sensitivity profiles. The discovery of amoxicillin’s high efficacy highlights the drug’s potential for treating diseases linked to Xcc. These results help to protect citrus growing, maintaining the viability of an important industry in Pakistan’s agricultural landscape.

Lead and calcium crosstalk tempted acrosome damage and hyperpolarization of spermatozoa: signaling and ultra-structural evidences

BackgroundExposure of humans and animals to heavy metals is increasing day-by-day; thus, lead even today remains of significant public health concern. According to CDC, blood lead reference value (BLRV) ranges from 3.5 µg/dl to 5 μg/dl in adults. Recently, almost 2.6% decline in male fertility per year has been reported but the cause is not well established. Lead (Pb2+) affects the size of testis, semen quality, and secretory functions of prostate. But the molecular mechanism(s) of lead toxicity in sperm cells is not clear. Thus, present study was undertaken to evaluate the adverse effects of lead acetate at environmentally relevant exposure levels (0.5, 5, 10 and 20 ppm) on functional and molecular dynamics of spermatozoa of bucks following in vitro exposure for 15 min and 3 h.ResultsLead significantly decreased motility, viable count, and motion kinematic patterns of spermatozoa like curvilinear velocity, straight-line velocity, average path velocity, beat cross frequency and maximum amplitude of head lateral displacement even at 5 ppm concentration. Pb2+ modulated intracellular cAMP and Ca2+ levels in sperm cells through L-type calcium channels and induced spontaneous or premature acrosome reaction (AR) by increasing tyrosine phosphorylation of sperm proteins and downregulated mitochondrial transmembrane potential. Lead significantly increased DNA damage and apoptosis as well. Electron microscopy studies revealed Pb2+ -induced deleterious effects on plasma membrane of head and acrosome including collapsed cristae in mitochondria.ConclusionsPb2+ not only mimics Ca2+ but also affects cellular targets involved in generation of cAMP, mitochondrial transmembrane potential, and ionic exchange. Lead seems to interact with Ca2+ channels because of charge similarity and probably enters the sperm cell through these channels and results in hyperpolarization. Our findings also indicate lead-induced TP and intracellular Ca2+ release in spermatozoa which in turn may be responsible for premature acrosome exocytosis which is essential feature of capacitation for fertilization. Thus, lead seems to reduce the fertilizing capacity of spermatozoa even at 0.5 ppm concentrations.Graphical

Effect of Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn. Leaf and Seed Extracts Prepared Using Different Solvents on Root-Knot Nematode

Objective: The nematicidal effect of milk thistle leaves and seeds prepared with different solvents on Meloidogyne incognita was investigated. Materials and Methods: Acetone, ethanol and distilled water were used. The in vitro was carried out in 6 cm petri dishes. The extractions were studied with 500 and 1000 μg/ml (ppm). The in vitro and pot experiments designed random plots with 5 replications for each extraction, solvent and concentration. Four hundred second stage juvenile larvae (J2) were used as inoculum and dead individuals were counted after 48 hours. Five days after transplantation, nematode inoculation was carried out with 500 J2 per pot. After 24 hours, 30 ml of the solution was applied to the soil at 1000 ppm concentration. The experiment was terminated for 50 days. Then, gall and egg mass counts were made. Results: In vitro, the mortality rate at 1000 ppm was found to be similar in acetone (78.0%) and ethanol (80.8%) solvents in leaf extraction, while the highest was detected in ethanol (94.0%) in the seed extract. In distilled water solvent, 68.0% mortality was determined in the leaf extract and 62.2% mortality in the seed extract. There was no statistically significant difference between the leaf and seed extracts in number of galls and egg masses. No statistical difference could be determined between the solvents in the number of egg masses in seed extraction. While the number of galls in the leaf extract was found to be higher than in acetone (8.8 unit/root) and ethanol (8.0 unit/root) in distilled water (18.0 unit/root) and the difference between them was found to be significant, no statistically significant difference in the number of egg mass between the solvents. Conclusion: It was observed that all solvents of the leaf and seed extract suppressed galls and egg masses by more than 80% compared to the control.

Estimation of Formaldehyde Levels in Indoor Air of Gross Anatomy Laboratory

Introduction: Medical students spend majority of their times in Anatomy lab during their first year MBBS. Formalin has attracted attention as a health hazard for students and instructors as formalin concentrations in air of gross anatomy laboratories are often higher than permissible limits. Despite the known toxicity of formaldehyde and its potential health effects, laboratory workers and others have little enthusiasm for reducing or replacing the formaldehyde working solution Materials and Methods: The FA concentration (in ppm) of indoor air in Anatomy laboratory was measured using a SMILEDRIVE Portable air quality pollution meter. The mean FA concentration was measured after 1 hour after the cadavers were shifted to dissection table at three different levels a. At the level of floor b. At the level of roof c. 2 feets above the table (Breathing Zone of medical students) Three air samples from the breathing zones were tested and mean concentration of FA was taken with exhaust fan on at the level of roof and recorded as a. S1R- First immediately before the dissection (Zero hour), b. S2R- Second sample was collected after one hour after first sample was taken (First hour) and c. S3R- Third sample after two hours after first sample was taken (Second hour). Three air samples from the breathing zones were tested and mean concentration of FA was taken with exhaust fan on at the level of floor and recorded as a. S1F- First immediately before the dissection (Zero hour), b. S2F- Second sample was collected after one hour after first sample was taken (First hour) and c. S3F- Third sample after two hours after first sample was taken (Second hour). Results: The vertical distribution of FA was measured by taking the mean air samples at the level of floor, at roof level and about 2 feet above dissection table immediately after the cadavers were shifted to tables. It was found to be about 0.54ppm at the level of floor, 0.52 at the breathing zone and 0.51 ppm at roof level. The FA concentration was highest at the level of floor and least at the level of roof. On comparing S2F and S2R the p value was 1.335. Thus, it was not statistically significant. On comparing S3F and S3R the p value was 0.411. Thus, it was not statistically significant. Conclusion: The mean FA at the level of floor was 0.54 ppm. At the breathing zone the mean FA concentration was 0.51 ppm before the dissection was started. Exhaust fans at the level of roof were switched on and the second sample was taken after 1 hour. The FA concentration was 0.23 ppm. Third sample was taken at 2nd hour and FA concentration was 0.11 ppm. The exhaust fans at the level of floor were switched on. The air samples were measured at 0, 1st and 2nd hour at breathing zones. It was 0.51, 0.31 and 0,15 ppm respectively.

Detection of ethanol gas at room temperature by In2O3-based screen-printed films fabricated through particle-free aqueous solution combustible inks

The current work investigates the room temperature ethanol gas detection capabilities of pristine, Sn-doped, Zn-doped, Sn & Zn co-doped In2O3-based screen-printed films, fabricated using particle-free aqueous solution combustible inks on glass substrates. The fabricated films were pure, polycrystalline with cubic bixbyite crystal structure, porous, and transparent (∼75 to 95%) in the visible range. Relatively high surface roughness was detected in pristine film than in doped films. Ethanol gas was detected by all the films at room temperature. Among all, the pristine film showed a relatively greater gas response at all concentrations of ethanol gas ranging from 25 ppm to 100 ppm. This superior gas response was attributed to comparatively greater oxygen vacancy concentration (OV/OL), relative area fraction of surface adsorbed oxygen (% of OA), and high surface roughness with porosity. The maximum ethanol gas response attained was ∼17 at 100 ppm concentration by the pristine film, which also demonstrated high selectivity to ethanol gas.