Sequential Washing Research Articles

The dynamics of apoplast phenolics across the apoplast/symplast barrier in tobacco leaves following bacterial inoculation

One of the first detectable responses of plant leaves to bacterial infection is a change in the composition of its apoplast phenolics. In tobacco, two prominent phenols that are induced are acetosyringone (ACE) and acetovanillone (AV). Recently, we found another response that occurs in pathogenic interactions, which involves substantial increases in chlorogenic acid (CGA) in the apoplast about 10 h after inoculation. Since chlorogenic acids are known to be stored in the cell vacuole, we decided to monitor phenolic changes in both the symplast and apoplast during plant-bacterial interactions. This was carried out with Pseudomonas fluorescens (PF, saprophyte), P. syringae pv. syringae (PSS, HR-causing pathogen), and P.s. pv. tabaci (PTAB, compatible pathogen). Whole-tissue analysis demonstrated that the level of CGA in control tissue, ∼650–700 μg/g fresh wt, was more than 100x greater than in the apoplast, ∼5–6 μg/g fresh wt. The level of ACE in healthy whole tissue was very low, ∼2 μg/g fresh wt, and AV was not detected. After inoculation with bacteria, the whole tissue levels of ACE and AV increased within 3 h. This increase was concurrent with increases of ACE and AV in the apoplast, which accounted for a significant portion of the whole tissue increase, suggesting the apoplast may have been the intended target for ACE and AV. Apoplast levels of CGA in the control and saprophytic interactions did not change appreciably. In the incompatible PSS interaction, the levels of CGA were similar to the control for the first 10 h, after which they increased dramatically just prior to tissue disintegration. Interestingly, only in the compatible interaction, PTAB, CGA levels increased slowly over the first 10 h, followed by a dramatic increase by 15 h. However, after several hours the CGA levels decreased, at which time previous studies have shown PTAB begins to multiply in the tissue. Using a technique of sequential washings of the apoplast, we found that the rate of dilution of CGAs compared to ACE and AV was clearly different, suggesting that different reservoirs for these phenols may exist within the apoplast. Finally, we suggest the CGA concentration in the apoplast wash provides a measurable parameter for the loss of integrity of the A/S barrier during plant/bacterial interactions. In the incompatible interaction with PSS this coincided with the loss of tissue integrity, while in the compatible interaction with PTAB there was a mild loss of integrity soon after inoculation and a stronger but transient loss about 10 h later.

The addition of albumin improves Schwann cells viability in nerve cryopreservation.

The purpose of the current study was to establish a valid protocol for nerve cryopreservation, and to evaluate if the addition of albumin supposed any advantage in the procedure. We compared a traditional cryopreservation method that uses dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) as cryoprotectant, to an alternative method that uses DMSO and albumin. Six Wistar Lewis rats were used to obtain twelve 20mm fragments of sciatic nerve. In the first group, six fragments were cryopreserved in 199 media with 10% DMSO, with a temperature decreasing rate of 1°C per minute. In the second group, six fragments were cryopreserved adding 4% human albumin. The unfreezing process consisted of sequential washings with saline in the first group, and saline and 20% albumin in the second group at 37°C until the crioprotectant was removed. Structural evaluation was performed through histological analysis and electronic microscopy. The viability was assessed with the calcein-AM (CAM) and 4',6-diamino-2-fenilindol (DAPI) staining. Histological results showed a correct preservation of peripheral nerve architecture and no significant differences were found between the two groups. However, Schwann cells viability showed in the CAM-DAPI staining was significantly superior in the albumin group. The viability of Schwann cells was significantly increased when albumin was added to the nerve cryopreservation protocol. However, no significant structural differences were found between groups. Further studies need to be performed to assess the cryopreserved nerve functionality using this new method.

Анализ распространения фасциолеза крупного рогатого скота в Тюменской области

<p>Fasciolosis of cattle leads to significant economic losses in agriculture. This paper reports results of studying of the prevalence of cattle fascioliasis on the Tyumen region depending on natural subzones and climatic conditions in the period from 2004 to 2014. The influence of such parameters as the hydrothermal coefficient, the sum of precipitation and average temperatures during the years of the study (for May, June, July) are analyzed. Coprological studies (n 7838) were conducted by the methods of sequential washing and ether-acetic sedimentation to determine the prevalence of fasciolae in cattle. During the study period, the fascioliasis prevalence decreased from 15.97% in 2004 to 2.19% in 2014. The prevalence rate (PR) was 4.76 ± 1.42% in the forest-steppe subarea, 4.89 ± 2.04% in the northern forest-steppe, and 5.63 ± 3.0% in small-leaved aspen-birch forests. Increasing of the prevalence of the cattle fascioliasis was registered along the south-north gradient, from the subzone of the southern forest-steppe (PR 10.14%) to small-leaved aspen-birch forests (PR 22.22%) only in 2004. Decreasing of the prevalence of the cattle fascioliasis from 2004 to 2014 is associated with the dehelminthization of animals. From 2004 to 2010, the correlation coefficient between the fascioliasis prevalence in cattle and the hydrothermal coefficient, the sum of precipitation and average monthly temperatures was 0.49 (P = 0.91), 0.10 (P = 0.83), 0.76 (P = 0.05), respectively. The received data show the expressed positive connection of the fascioliasis prevalence and the sum of average temperatures for the period of 2004-2010. An analysis of the impact of climatic conditions on the fascioliasis prevalence in cattle should be considered considering the type and direction of antiparasitic measures in the farms.</p>

Evaluation of the Decontamination Power of Aqueous and Gaseous Ozone on Various Contaminated Surfaces with Cattle Manure containing Salmonella

Despite using ozone (O3) as an attractive alternative disinfectant for more than a century, little is known about the killing capacity of O3 against Salmonella contaminated different surfaces in dairy operations. Accordingly, our objective was to characterize the killing capacity of aqueous and gaseous O3 at different operational conditions on Salmonella Typhimurium and Salmonella Choleraesuis (aSTC) contaminated plastic, metal, nylon, rubber, and wood surfaces. In a crossover design, 14 strips of each material were randomly assigned between 3 groups, treatment (n=6), positive-control (n=6), and negative-control (n=2). The strips were loaded with aSTC (107-108) and exposed to aqueous O3 of 2, 4, and 9 ppm for 4 minutes, and gaseous O3 of 1 and 9 ppm for 30, 60, and 120 minutes. Plastic and metal surfaces were most effectively decontaminated, an aqueous O3 of 4 ppm reduced aSTC by 6.7 and 5.2- log10, respectively, and 9 ppm resulted in no detectable aSTC. On nylon and rubber, aqueous O3 of 9 ppm reduced aSTC population to a safe level (5.8 and 5.1-log10). On wood, both aqueous and gaseous O3 at up to 9 ppm were unable to reduce aSTC to undetectable limit. Interestingly, aSTC load and sequential washing showed same impacts on the reduction rate of aSTC on complex surfaces. Our findings strongly indicate that aqueous O3 of 9 ppm for 4 minutes exposure is an effective means to clear smooth surfaces of a high Salmonella load. However, sequential washing or decrease the bacterial load is needed to effectively decontaminate complex surfaces.

Строение и состав коры выветривания на терригенно-карбонатных породах в алмазоносных регионах

Carried out complex research indicated that in the course of weathering of terrigenouscarbonate rocks of basic diamondiferous regions of the Siberian Platform a dissolution of carbonates and decomposition of trioctahedral laminated silicates took place first. Because of such process and sequential washing out the individual elements from various levels of thick eluvial layers, sufficient alteration of physical-mechanical properties and structural-textural specific features of primary rocks can be observed. Fast destruction of carbonates and trioctahedral minerals leads to development of cavities and large pores with high permeability, providing leaching of potassium, abundance of silica and other unstable in the zone of hypergenesis elements. Redistribution of elements provides a local decrease of medium pH and subsequent relative accumulation of aluminum, which is the most important element necessary for new formation of kaolinite. Some intermediate phases (gypsum, aluminite, basaluminite, jarosite and others) may crystallize in the formed caverns and fractures. A very intensive process of superimposed secondary formation of sulphate minerals due to infiltration of rich in sulphur waters is an important feature of hypergene alteration of terrigenous-carbonate rocks in the basic diamondiferous regions of the Siberian Platform. It allows referring such crust of weathering to sulfuric type, apart from the Pre-Early Jurassic crust of alkaline type.

Biodiesel production by solvent-free ethanolysis of palm oil catalyzed by fermented solids containing lipases of Burkholderia contaminans

Fermented solids containing lipases from Burkholderia contaminans LTEB (denominated BCFS) were obtained by solid-state fermentation using sugarcane bagasse impregnated with soybean oil. These solids were dried and used to catalyze the ethanolysis of palm oil in a solvent-free reaction medium. The reaction was optimized in 25-mL vials, containing 15mmol of palm oil. Molar ratios (MR) of ethanol to palm oil of 3:1 and 4.5:1 were tested, with stepwise addition of ethanol. In these experiments, the maximum conversion of palm oil achieved in 48h was 90%, with a MR of 4.5:1 and ethanol addition in 3 steps. We then used BCFS in a packed-bed reactor with recirculation. Ethanol was added in four steps, with an overall molar ratio of ethanol added to initial oil of 5.5:1, giving a conversion of 89% in 30h. When the same fermented solids were used under the same conditions in successive 30-h batches in this packed-bed bioreactor, with sequential washings with n-hexane and tert-butanol between cycles, the conversion in the 5th cycle was 66%. These results are comparable to those that have been obtained for transesterification of palm oil in solvent-free reaction media with commercial lipases, with our catalyst having the advantage that it is much cheaper to prepare.

Testing the Effectiveness of Protocols for Removal of Common Conservation Treatments for Radiocarbon Dating

AbstractTo achieve a reliable radiocarbon (14C) date for an object, any contamination that may be of a different age must be removed prior to dating. Samples that have been conserved with treatments such as adhesives, varnishes or consolidants can pose a particular challenge to14C dating. At the Oxford Radiocarbon Accelerator Unit (ORAU), common examples of such substances encountered include shellac, the acrylic polymers Paraloid B-67 and B-72, and vinyl acetate-derived polymers (e.g. PVA). Here, a non-carbon-containing absorbent substrate called Chromosorb®was deliberately contaminated with a range of varieties or brands of these conservation treatments, as well as two cellulose nitrate lacquers. A selection of chemical pretreatments was tested for their efficiency at removing them. While the varieties of shellac and Paraloid tested were completely removed with some treatments (water/methanol and acetone/methanol/chloroform sequential washes, respectively), no method was found that was capable of completely removing any of the vinyl acetate-derived materials or the cellulose nitrate lacquers. While Chromosorb is not an exact analog of archaeological wood or bone, for example, this study suggests that it may be possible to remove aged shellac and Paraloid from archaeological specimens with standard organic solvent-acid-base-acid pretreatments, but it may be significantly more difficult to remove vinyl acetate-derived polymers and cellulose nitrate lacquers sufficiently to provide reliable14C dates. The four categories of conservation treatment studied demonstrate characteristic FTIR spectra, while highlighting subtle chemical and molecular differences between different varieties of shellac, Paraloid and cellulose nitrate lacquers, and significant differences between the vinyl acetate derivatives.

Release of polyester and cotton fibers from textiles in machine washings.

Microplastics are widely spread in the environment, which along with still increasing production have aroused concern of their impacts on environmental health. The objective of this study is to quantify the number and mass of two most common textile fibers discharged from sequential machine washings to sewers. The number and mass of microfibers released from polyester and cotton textiles in the first wash varied in the range 2.1×105 to 1.3×107 and 0.12 to 0.33% w/w, respectively. Amounts of released microfibers showed a decreasing trend in sequential washes. The annual emission of polyester and cotton microfibers from household washing machines was estimated to be 154,000 (1.0×1014) and 411,000kg (4.9×1014) in Finland (population 5.5×106). Due to the high emission values and sorption capacities, the polyester and cotton microfibers may play an important role in the transport and fate of chemical pollutants in the aquatic environment.

Acetone washing for the removal of lichen substances affects membrane permeability

AbstractRemoving lichen substances from dry lichen thalli using pure acetone is the least detrimental method. Measurements of properties strictly related to the photobiont, such as chlorophyllafluorescence (ChlaF), are frequently used to verify acetone toxicity but they cannot reveal possible damage accumulated at the whole thallus level. Here, measurements of ChlaF have been integrated with others concerning the status of cell membranes and photobiont population (potassium leakage, malondialdehyde and photosynthetic pigment content). Dry thalli ofFlavoparmelia caperata,Parmotrema perlatumandXanthoria parietinawere subjected to sequential acetone washings according to standard protocols. Membrane permeability was assessed before and after the washing treatment, and after a recovery period of 48 hours. Measurements of ChlaF were taken in a parallel experiment. Acetone washings increased potassium leakage in all the species from 3·9 to 6·6 times greater than the control level. After recovery, onlyP. perlatumreturned to the control level. ChlaF was affected only inF. caperata, with a 20% decrease inFv/Fmwhich had not fully recovered after 48 hours. There was neither an increase in lipid peroxidation of membranes nor a change in the photosynthetic pigment content. The sensitivity ofF. caperatato this method and the impact of the results on its future application are discussed.

Polyester Textiles as a Source of Microplastics from Households: A Mechanistic Study to Understand Microfiber Release During Washing.

Microplastic fibers make up a large proportion of microplastics found in the environment, especially in urban areas. There is good reason to consider synthetic textiles a major source of microplastic fibers, and it will not diminish since the use of synthetic fabrics, especially polyester, continues to increase. In this study we provide quantitative data regarding the size and mass of microplastic fibers released from synthetic (polyester) textiles during simulated home washing under controlled laboratory conditions. Consideration of fabric structure and washing conditions (use of detergents, temperature, wash duration, and sequential washings) allowed us to study the propensity of fiber shedding in a mechanistic way. Thousands of individual fibers were measured (number, length) from each wash solution to provide a robust data set on which to draw conclusions. Among all the variables tested, the use of detergent appeared to affect the total mass of fibers released the most, yet the detergent composition (liquid or powder) or overdosing of detergent did not significantly influence microplastic release. Despite different release quantities due to the addition of a surfactant (approximately 0.025 and 0.1 mg fibers/g textile washed, without and with detergent, respectively), the overall microplastic fiber length profile remained similar regardless of wash condition or fabric structure, with the vast majority of fibers ranging between 100 and 800 μm in length irrespective of wash cycle number. This indicates that the fiber staple length and/or debris encapsulated inside the fabric from the yarn spinning could be directly responsible for releasing stray fibers. This study serves as a first look toward understanding the physical properties of the textile itself to better understand the mechanisms of fiber shedding in the context of microplastic fiber release into laundry wash water.

Influence of post-synthetic modifications on the composition, acidity and textural properties of ZSM-22 zeolite

In this work, an extensive investigation of the preparation of a large body of desilicated ZSM-22 zeolites and their basic characterization is presented. We investigate the effects of the properties of the starting zeolite, and we employ mixtures of NaOH with CTAB or TBAOH as well as subsequent acid washings to create mesoporous zeolites. Scanning and transmission electron microscopy and nitrogen adsorption revealed that the crystal morphology of the starting zeolite appears to be the dominant parameter which influences the mesopore generation. Mesopores were effectively created within the rod-like commercial crystallites, whereas the thinner dimensions of the needle-shaped particles of the lab-made zeolite represent an obstacle for an intra-mesopore creation. The alkaline, surfactant-assisted or combined NaOH/TBAOH desilication methods resulted in mesopores with different shape and size from the commercial zeolite. The sequential acid washing generally resulted in increased micropore volume with respect to the desilicated samples. Elemental analysis showed that extra-framework Al species were generated upon the desilication treatments, which are eventually removed by the acid treatment. The acidity studied by FTIR demonstrated that this occurs without a marked modification of the Brønsted acidity, whereas the concentration of surface silanol hydroxyl groups is increased. The comparison between the total Al concentration and the amount of Al in acidic sites quantified by pyridine adsorption shows that the acidity was recovered after the acid washing and suggests that original non-acidic Al species in the starting materials may have a role in the formation of both Lewis and extra-framework species upon desilication.

Mesostructured Y zeolite from NaY with low Si/Al by one-step method based on bifunctional surfactant

Hierarchical zeolite Y prepared by sequential acid washing and alkaline treatment in the presence of surfactant micelles, has been emerging as one of the most promising approach to introduce controlled mesoporosity into zeolite Y crystals. However, the synthesis of mesostructured Y by a simple procedure still remains a challenge. Herein, the goal was achieved by designing of a low-cost surfactant [(CH3O)3SiC3H6N(CH3)2C16H37]Cl (denoted as “TPHAC”). In this strategy, dealumination arose from coordination of -Si-(OH)3 (product of hydrolysis of THPAC) with framework aluminum ions and controlled mesoporosity was introduced into zeolite crystals through a surfactant approach, which exhibits a potential way to synthesize mesoporous Y zeolite from NaY with low Si/Al.

MP12-09 MATRIX PROTEIN DIFFERENCES BETWEEN URIC ACID AND CALCIUM OXALATE STONES

You have accessJournal of UrologyStone Disease: Basic Research & Pathophysiology I1 Apr 2017MP12-09 MATRIX PROTEIN DIFFERENCES BETWEEN URIC ACID AND CALCIUM OXALATE STONES Jeffrey Wesson, Ann Kolbach-Mandel, Carley Davis, Neil Mandel, and Brian Hoffmann Jeffrey WessonJeffrey Wesson More articles by this author , Ann Kolbach-MandelAnn Kolbach-Mandel More articles by this author , Carley DavisCarley Davis More articles by this author , Neil MandelNeil Mandel More articles by this author , and Brian HoffmannBrian Hoffmann More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1016/j.juro.2017.02.431AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookTwitterLinked InEmail INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES In general, kidney stones are crystal aggregates held together by an organic matrix, which contains mainly proteins. Little is known about possible differences in the protein distribution between different stone types that likely are critical to stone pathogenesis. Enrichment of highly anionic and highly cationic proteins was observed in calcium oxalate (CaOx) stone matrix compared to urine, suggesting a role for protein aggregation in this stone process. In this study, stone matrix proteins have been quantitatively identified in 3 archival uric acid (UA) stones, and compared to the distribution observed in 8 calcium oxalate stones using a previously reported method. METHODS Stone matrix proteins were isolated from 3 archival UA stone samples (>95% UA content) by dissolution in sequential washes with an EDTA/SDS solution at pH=8 with dithiothreitol added. The solubilized proteins were combined, then concentrated and desalted by ultradiafiltration. Proteomic analysis was performed at the Medical College of Wisconsin Innovation Center using non-labelled, quantitative mass spectrometry methods, including only proteins with 2 or more peptide matches at >85% confidence, after removing keratin and redundant proteins. RESULTS Strong protein signals (>3,000 SC per sample) were obtained from each UA matrix protein sample identifying 342 unique proteins. Of these, 180 proteins were found in both UA and CaOx stone matrix, accounting for 81% of total protein mass of the former and 94% of the latter. Albumin and uromodulin were found in both stone types, but at lower relative abundance than these proteins are found in urine, suggesting non-selective inclusion of these highly abundant urine proteins. Important differences were that none of the 5 predominant proteins in CaOx stone matrix was prominent in UA stone matrix, and highly anionic proteins were not enriched in UA stones. Highly cationic proteins were slightly more prominent in UA stone matrix than in CaOx stone former urine, but much less than observed in CaOx stone matrix. Nuclear proteins were much less strongly represented in UA stone matrix. Conversely, immunoglobulins and complement proteins were predominantly enriched in UA stone matrix and less prominent in CaOx stones. CONCLUSIONS Stone matrix proteins exhibit distinctly different patterns in UA compared to CaOx stones, implying different underlying pathogenesis. In particular, UA stone formation appears to be more dependent on inflammatory pathways and less dependent on cell injury processes and polyanion-polycation association compared to CaOx stone formation. © 2017FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 197Issue 4SApril 2017Page: e148 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2017MetricsAuthor Information Jeffrey Wesson More articles by this author Ann Kolbach-Mandel More articles by this author Carley Davis More articles by this author Neil Mandel More articles by this author Brian Hoffmann More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement Advertisement PDF downloadLoading ...

Automatic washing of thawed haematopoietic progenitor cell grafts: a preclinical evaluation.

Autologous haematopoietic progenitor cell (HPC) is a prerequisite for high-dose chemotherapy in treatment of several haematologic and non-haematologic malignancies. HPCs are collected by apheresis and cryopreserved until infusion. Postinfusion adverse events have been in part related to the dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO) used as cryoprotectant. The aim was to evaluate (i) an automated sequential washing procedure for DMSO removal in thawed HPC grafts and (ii) washing solutions in replacement of hydroxyethyl starch (HES)-based solutions. A total of 26 HPC bags cryopreserved with 10% DMSO and intended for disposal were used. The Sepax-2 (Biosafe, Eysins, Switzerland) was evaluated using a sequential washing procedure. Outcomes were CD34+ cell recovery and viability after washing. The Ringer lactate supplemented or not with albumin 2·5-5% presented satisfactory results compared with HES solution in terms of CD34+ cell recovery and viability after washing. However, the apparition of aggregates led us to renounce to these alternative solutions. Using HES solution and a sequential washing of three bags, we showed the elimination of 95% of the DMSO, a postwash viable CD34+ cell recovery of 79·9 ± 9·4% and a total nucleated cell viability of 66·5 ± 9·3%. The preclinical evaluation of an automated sequential washing procedure for DMSO removal in thawed HPC grafts has proven to be effective and comparable to previously published data. Despite our attempt to find an alternative solution to the HES solution, more efforts should be done on this side to reach a consensus on cryopreservation protocols.

Removal of heavy metals with sequential sludge washing techniques using saponin: optimization conditions, kinetics, removal effectiveness, binding intensity, mobility and mechanism

Testing of sequential sludge washing in triplicate using typical biosurfactant saponin was conducted to remove heavy metals.

Selective dissolution followed by EDDS washing of an e-waste contaminated soil: Extraction efficiency, fate of residual metals, and impact on soil environment

To enhance extraction of strongly bound metals from oxide minerals and organic matter, this study examined the sequential use of reductants, oxidants, alkaline solvents and organic acids followed by a biodegradable chelating agent (EDDS, [S,S]-ethylene-diamine-disuccinic-acid) in a two-stage soil washing. The soil was contaminated by Cu, Zn, and Pb at an e-waste recycling site in Qingyuan city, China. In addition to extraction efficiency, this study also examined the fate of residual metals (e.g., leachability, bioaccessibility, and distribution) and the soil quality parameters (i.e., cytotoxicity, enzyme activities, and available nutrients). The reductants (dithionite-citrate-bicarbonate and hydroxylamine hydrochloride) effectively extracted metals by mineral dissolution, but elevated the leachability and bioaccessibility of metals due to the transformation from Fe/Mn oxides to labile fractions. Subsequent EDDS washing was found necessary to mitigate the residual risks. In comparison, prior washing by oxidants (persulphate, hypochlorite, and hydrogen peroxide) was marginally useful because of limited amount of soil organic matter. Prior washing by alkaline solvents (sodium hydroxide and sodium bicarbonate) was also ineffective due to metal precipitation. In contrast, prior washing by low-molecular-weight organic acids (citrate and oxalate) improved the extraction efficiency. Compared to hydroxylamine hydrochloride, citrate and oxalate induced lower cytotoxicity (Microtox) and allowed higher enzyme activities (dehydrogenase, acid phosphatase, and urease) and soil nutrients (available nitrogen and phosphorus), which would facilitate reuse of the treated soil. Therefore, while sequential washing proved to enhance extraction efficacy, the selection of chemical agents besides EDDS should also include the consideration of effects on metal leachability/bioaccessibility and soil quality.

Physicochemical effects of amino‐ or sulfur‐functional groups onto SBA‐15 sol‐gel synthesized mesoporous ceramic material

SBA‐15 mesoporous ceramics were synthesized by a sol‐gel method with some modifications and functionalized with ethylenediamine or tetrasulfide groups and using a sequential washing approach of organic solvent mixtures. The effects of the functional groups onto the physicochemical properties were characterized using XRD, TG/DTA, FTIR, N2 adsorption–desorption, TEM, SEM and NMR. These analyses showed that the SBA‐15 ceramic synthesized at low temperature shows a flat two‐dimensional hexagonal symmetry with pore diameters of 7.1 to 7.8 nm. In the meantime, the functionalized ethylenediamine SBA‐15 presented a narrow pore‐size distribution with diameter around 3.5 to 5.7 nm.A different behavior was observed on the tetrasulfide SBA‐15 showing a decrease in unit‐cell parameter, in pore size (∼ 2.5 nm) and an increase in pore wall size with loss in structural order and at high sulfur concentrations exhibited an amorphous structure. Results indicated that the lattice crystalline structure value of the SBA‐15 increased due to the amino‐functionalization process to a value of 13.48 nm respect to a value of 12.72 nm in SBA‐15 and decreased to 10.12 nm as an effect of the sulfur‐functionalization process, indicative of the effect of the amino and sulfur group into the well‐ordered hexagonal mesoporous structure of SBA‐15 ceramic materials.

Release of silver nanoparticles from fabrics during the course of sequential washing.

Increasing use of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) in consumer products has raised concerns about the potential impacts of AgNPs on the environment. This study aimed to assess the potential release of AgNPs from textiles due to sequential washing. Different types of fabrics including cotton, polyester (PES), and cotton blended with PES (called TC) were coated with 4-5nm AgNPs and used in the sequential washing experiments with Milli-Q water at neutral pH and with commercial detergent at alkaline pH. Similar experiments were also run-on consumer textile products washed with Milli-Q water. The percent Ag remaining on the products after washing was also investigated. The initial Ag contents ranged from 254 to 350μg Ag/g of the product in lab-prepared fabrics and from 1.2 to 44μg Ag/g of the product in consumer products. After 20 wash cycles, 48 to 72% of Ag was lost from the prepared fabrics washed with Milli-Q water, while a greater loss of 84-94% of Ag occurred after washing the prepared fabrics with commercial detergent. The Ag released during the washing process is present dominantly in particulate form. In the consumer products after 20 washes with Milli-Q water, the percent Ag remaining was found to be around 46 to 70%. Statistical analysis of the Ag release rate between consumer products and lab-prepared fabrics in Milli-Q washing water by independent t test showed no significant difference after 20 washing cycles (p>0.05).

Reuse of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) contaminated soil washing effluent by bioaugmentation/biostimulation process

Abstract The reuse feasibility of the bioremediated effluent of the combination of sequential soil washing followed by biological treatment for removal of phenanthrene (PHE) from contaminated soils was investigated for several soil washing. In the first stage a removal efficiency of 74.4% ± 3.5% was obtained under the optimum conditions of: surfactant (Tween 80) concentration of 5000 mg/L, liquid/soil ratio of 30 v/w, humic acid concentration of 2.31 mg/L (6.93%), and washing time of 2 h. In the second stage complete biodegradation of PHE from soil washing effluent was achieved by inoculating enriched bacterial consortium (OD600nm = 1) within 7 days. Reuse possibility of biologically treated solution for the next cycles of soil washing process was conducted by adjusting the surfactant concentration. The findings displayed that reusability of the biologically recycled solution was maintained up to 7th cycle, reaching a removal efficiency of >99% and >97% in artificial and real contaminated soils respectively, indicating the effectiveness of reused surfactant solution.

Sequential Washing with Electrolyzed Alkaline and Acidic Water Effectively Removes Pathogens from Metal Surfaces.

Removal of pathogenic organisms from reprocessed surgical instruments is essential to prevent iatrogenic infections. Some bacteria can make persistent biofilms on medical devices. Contamination of non-disposable equipment with prions also represents a serious risk to surgical patients. Efficient disinfection of prions from endoscopes and other instruments such as high-resolution cameras remains problematic because these instruments do not tolerate aggressive chemical or heat treatments. Herein, we develop a new washing system that uses both the alkaline and acidic water produced by electrolysis. Electrolyzed acidic water, containing HCl and HOCl as active substances, has been reported to be an effective disinfectant. A 0.15% NaCl solution was electrolyzed and used immediately to wash bio-contaminated stainless steel model systems with alkaline water (pH 11.9) with sonication, and then with acidic water (pH 2.7) without sonication. Two bacterial species (Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) and a fungus (Candida albicans) were effectively removed or inactivated by the washing process. In addition, this process effectively removed or inactivated prions from the stainless steel surfaces. This washing system will be potentially useful for the disinfection of clinical devices such as neuroendoscopes because electrolyzed water is gentle to both patients and equipment and is environmentally sound.