Sulfite Treatment Research Articles

Competitive displacement of interfacial soy proteins by Tween 20 and its effect on the physical stability of emulsions

The competitive displacement of interfacial proteins, including soy protein isolate (SPI), casein, and modified SPIs (heat, sodium sulfite and succinic anhydride treatment), by Tween 20 was investigated. The structural characteristics of the soy proteins, such as the surface hydrophobicity, exposed free sulfhydryl content and ξ-potential, were analyzed to explore their effects on the protein displacement by Tween 20. The sequence of Tween 20 addition significantly affected the displacement of SPI and casein from the interfaces. The highest degrees of displacement of SPI and casein were 91.04% and 90.67%, respectively, when Tween 20 was added before homogenization. However, the corresponding values became 41.29% and 87.70% when Tween 20 was added after homogenization. The lower level of the latter value was mainly attributed to the fact that SPI formed viscoelastic interfacial films, as confirmed by interfacial rheological property measurements. Although both the ξ-potentials of the SPI emulsions and the mechanical strength of the interfacial protein films decreased due to Tween 20 addition, the physical stability of the emulsions was significantly enhanced. In regard to the modified SPIs, although a high surface hydrophobicity and a low content of exposed free sulfhydryl were associated with low degrees of protein displacement in some cases, the protein charge was the dominant factor affecting the displacement by Tween 20. The emulsion stability of both SPI and the modified SPIs was improved by Tween 20, likely because Tween 20 effectively reduced the hydrophobic interactions between the oil droplets by partially displacing proteins or binding to residual interfacial proteins.

Cellulose isolated from Delonixregia pods: Characterisation and application in the encapsulation of vitamin A

Native cellulose (NC) was extracted from agricultural waste (flamboyant fruit pods) using acidified sodium sulphite treatment followed by mercerization with sodium hydroxide. Carboxyl methyl cellulose (CMC) and cellulose acetate (CA) derivatives were obtained via etherification and acetylation of NC respectively under acidic conditions. Chemical composition, structural crystallinity, morphology, thermal studies, degree of substitution and acetylation of modified cellulose were reported. Wide angle X-ray diffractometry showed remarkable reduction in structural crystallinity and increased amorphous character upon modificationof NC.Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) displayed irregular spherical morphology and rough spongy-like mass for native and modified cellulose respectively confirming the surface disruption upon acetylation and carboxylmethylation. Proximate analysis revealed a reduction in the ash and fat contents of modified cellulose. Thermal analysis showed improved stability upon chemical modification of the NC. CMC significantly enhanced the stability of vegetable oil-water emulsion and ensured successful encapsulation of vitamin A in oil phase.

Protein solubility is increased by antioxidant addition during protein extraction from the green macroalga, Ulva sp.

Ulva sp. is a cosmopolitan green macroalga with fast growth and a well-balanced amino acid composition, making it an interesting potential protein resource. Generally, the protein digestibility in unprocessed raw seaweed is low, which is why extraction and concentration of the protein is needed. During protein extraction from fresh Ulva sp. using double screw pressing, sulfite was added as antioxidant in order to increase protein quality by inhibiting oxidative reactions. By pressing, 13–14% of the total biomass protein was extracted. Isoelectric precipitation at pH 2 resulted in a yield of 36% of the extracted protein corresponding to 5% of the total protein, independent on sulfite treatment. However, size exclusion chromatography showed that sulfite addition resulted in a higher amount of native state Rubisco protein. This was explained by inhibited redox enzyme activity and improved polyphenol levels, suggesting prevention of polyphenol-protein crosslinking, resulting in higher amount of soluble protein and improved protein quality.

Sodium sulfite (SoS) as decontamination strategy for Fusarium-toxin contaminated maize and its impact on immunological traits in pigs challenged with lipopolysaccharide (LPS)

The main objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of sodium sulfite (SoS) treatment of maize and its impact on the porcine immune system in the presence of an LPS-induced systemic inflammation. Control maize (CON) and Fusarium-toxin contaminated maize (FUS) were wet-preserved (20% moisture) for 79 days with (+) or without (−) SoS and then included at 10% in a diet, resulting in four experimental groups: CON−, CON+, FUS−, and FUS+ with deoxynivalenol (DON) concentrations of 0.09, 0.05, 5.36, and 0.83 mg DON/kg feed, respectively. After 42-day feeding trial (weaned barrows, n = 20/group), ten pigs per group were challenged intraperitoneally with either 7.5 μg LPS/kg BW or placebo (0.9% NaCl), observed for 2 h, and then sacrificed. Blood, mesenteric lymph nodes, and spleen were collected for phenotyping of different T cell subsets, B cells, and monocytes. Phagocytic activity and intracellular formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) were analyzed in both polymorphonuclear cells (PMN) and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) using flow cytometry. Our results revealed that the impact of DON was more notable on CD3+CD4+CD8+ T cells in lymphoid tissues rather than in blood T cells. In contrast, SoS treatment of maize altered leukocyte subpopulations in blood, e.g., reduced the percentage and fluorescence signal of CD8high T cells. Interestingly, SoS treatment reduced the amount of free radicals in basal ROS-producing PMNs only in LPS-challenged animals, suggesting a decrease in basal cellular ROS production (pSoS*LPS = 0.022).

Electro-assisted sulfite activation by a silica supported cobalt catalyst for the degradation of organic pollutants in near-neutral pH condition

The desulfurization by-product (e.g. sulfite) treatment and water pollution are two widespread concerns, while the sulfite activation by transition metals can be adopted to solve both of them simultaneously. In this study, a silica-supported cobalt catalyst (CoSi) was used to activate sulfite for the degradation of organic pollutants in an electrochemical system (the EC/CoSi/sulfite system), which demonstrated remarkable water treatment efficiencies due to sulfate radical oxidation. The synergy mechanisms of the EC/CoSi/sulfite system were revealed. (i) The as-prepared CoSi played the dual roles as an electro-adsorbent and a catalyst for sulfite activation. (ii) The electrolytic oxygenation supported the conversion of cobalt species and the chain reactions of oxysulfur radicals. (iii) The anodic oxidation of sulfite also generated oxysulfur radicals. The influencing factors and operating parameters were investigated and optimized systematically. Moreover, the efficient degradation of highly concentrated X-3B and non-selective oxidation of various organic compounds confirmed the promising application of the EC/CoSi/sulfite system in practical water treatment. Overall, the EC/CoSi/sulfite system created new value of the industrial waste (e.g. sulfite) for further application in the environmental remediation.

Mechanism analysis of toxicity of sodium sulfite to human hepatocytes L02.

Food additives are widely used in various food products to preserve the taste, color, and other qualities. However, if they are used improperly or exceed the standard, they will cause damage to the human body. Sulfite is a commonly used food additive to prevent oxidation from deteriorating the nutrients in foods, it has been widely used as a bleaching agent in the food industry for a long time. In this study, human hepatocytes L02 cells were used as a model cell line to evaluate the toxicity of sodium sulfite. The cell morphology and cell proliferation were affected by sodium sulfite treatment, and apoptosis was detected. Transcriptome sequencing showed 97 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between the experimental group (IC50) and the control group (MOCK), and 27 differentially expressed genes related to cell apoptosis, metabolism and inflammation were selected for validation by qPCR. Among them, 13 significantly upregulated genes and 14 significantly downregulated genes were identified by qPCR. The results showed that with increase of sodium sulfite concentration, the morphology of L02 changed, cell proliferation and activity were inhibited, and sodium sulfite caused apoptosis in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. The resulting toxic mechanism inhibits proliferation, damages the mitochondrial integrity, and promotes apoptosis.

The Effect of Sodium Metabisulphite on Apoptosis in the Experimental Model of Parkinson’s Disease

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the mechanisms underlying possible toxic effects of sulphite on neurodegeneration. Methods: Male Wistar rats were assigned to each of the four groups: Control (Control), Sulphite-treated (Sulphite), 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA)-injected (6-OHDA), and sulphite-treated and 6-OHDA-injected (6-OHDA+Sulphite). Sodium metabisulphite was administered orally by gavage at a dose of 100 mg/kg/day for 45 days. Experimental PD was created stereotactically via the unilateral infusion of 6-OHDA into the medial forebrain bundle (MFB). Rotarod performances, plasma S-sulfonate levels, caspase-3 activities, Bax and Bcl-2 levels, tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and cleaved caspase-3 double staining were investigated. Results: The rotarod test showed that the 6-OHDA-injected animals exhibited shorter time on the rod mile compared to the control group; however, there was no difference between 6-OHDA and 6-OHDA+Sulphite groups. Plasma levels of S-sulfonate in Sulphite and 6-OHDA+ Sulphite groups increased in contrast to their corresponding control groups. Caspase-3 enzyme activity increased in the 6-OHDA group whereas it did not in control. However, sulphite treatment did not affect these activity levels. Anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 concentration decreased, but the concentration of pro-apoptotic protein Bax increased in the 6-OHDA group compared to the control group. The expression of caspase-3 increased, while the number of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)-positive neurons decreased in 6-OHDA group as compared to the control groups. However, sulphite treatment had no effect on these parameters. Conclusion: Sulphite is not a potentially aggravating factor for the activity of caspase-3 in a 6- OHDA-induced experimental model of Parkinson’s disease.

Detoxifying deoxynivalenol (DON)-contaminated feedstuff: consequences of sodium sulphite (SoS) treatment on performance and blood parameters in fattening pigs

A 10-week feeding experiment was carried out examining the effects of deoxynivalenol (DON)-contaminated maize treated with different sodium sulphite (SoS) concentrations on performance, health and DON-plasma concentrations in fattening pigs. Two maize batches were used: background-contaminated (CON, 0.73 mg/kg maize) and Fusarium-toxin contaminated (DON, 44.45 mg/kg maize) maize. Both were wet preserved at 20% moisture content, with one of three (0.0, 2.5, 5.0 g/kg maize) sodium sulphite concentrations and propionic acid (15%). Each maize batch was then mixed into a barley-wheat-based diet at a proportion of 10%, resulting in the following 6 feeding groups: CON− (CON + 0.0 g SoS/kg maize), CON2.5 (CON + 2.5 g SoS/kg maize), CON5.0 (CON + 5.0 g SoS/kg maize), DON- (DON + 0.0 g SoS/kg maize), DON2.5 (DON + 2.5 g SoS/kg maize) and DON5.0 (DON + 5.0 g SoS/kg maize). Dietary DON concentration was reduced by ~ 36% in group DON2.5 and ~ 63% in group DON5.0. There was no impact on ZEN concentration in the diets due to SoS treatment. Pigs receiving diet DON- showed markedly lower feed intake (FI) compared to those fed the control diets. With SoS-treatment of maize, FI of pigs fed the DON diet (DON5.0: 3.35 kg/d) were comparable to that control (CON−: 3.30 kg/day), and these effects were also reflected in live weight gain. There were some effects of SoS, DON or their interaction on serum urea, cholesterol and albumin, but always within the physiological range and thus likely negligible. SoS wet preservation of Fusarium-toxin contaminated maize successfully detoxified DON to its innocuous sulfonates, thus restoring impaired performance in fatteners.

Influence of [sulfite]/[Fe(VI)] molar ratio on the active oxidants generation in Fe(VI)/sulfite process

Although several groups have made efforts to study micropollutants degradation by Fe(VI)/sulfite process, the mechanism is far from clear and warrants further investigation. Herein, the degradation kinetics and mechanism of selected micropollutants by sulfite (SO32−)-activated Fe(VI) oxidation were systematically investigated. The oxidation rates of enrofloxacin (ENR) and phenol in Fe(VI)/sulfite process ranged from 0.151 s−1 to 6.18 s−1 at pH 6.5 and 8.0. Sulfite applied in multiple-addition mode improved the degradation efficiency of micropollutants with electron-rich moieties compared to the single-addition mode. Based on results of the quenching experiments and kinetic simulation, Fe(V) was identified as the predominant active oxidant at [SO32−]/[Fe(VI)] molar ratio of 0.1 to 0.3. However, both Fe(V) and SO4−/OH contributed to micropollutants oxidation at [SO32−]/[Fe(VI)] molar ratio ≥ 0.4 and their contributions were strongly dependent on the properties of micropollutants. The different degradation products of ENR in Fe(VI)/sulfite process at different sulfite dosages further supported the contribution of different active oxidants at different [SO32−]/[Fe(VI)] molar ratios. The toxicity of the reaction products of ENR towards Vibrio qinghaiensis sp.-Q67 decreased dramatically after Fe(VI)/sulfite treatment. The results of this work may promote the application of sulfite-activated Fe(VI) oxidation in water treatment.

Improvement of photobiological hydrogen production in Chlorococcum minutum using various oxygen scavengers

The depletion of non-renewable energy resources such as fossil fuels urge the human society to concentrate more on renewable energy including production of biological hydrogen (H2) from algae. Biological hydrogen or biohydrogen is one of the cleanest and efficient alternate energy sources for human needs. It is a well-known fact that hydrogenase (H2ase) will work in anoxic condition which is the key enzyme in H2 generation from photosynthetic algae or advanced plants. Keeping in view the significance of anoxic condition, the present study deals with screening of three oxygen scavengers/removers such as sodium sulfite (Na2SO3), sodium metabisulfite (Na2S2O5) and sodium dithionite (Na2S2O4) individually along with universal tris-acetate-phosphate (TAP) medium for improvement of biohydrogen production in green alga Chlorococcum minutum (C. minutum) under in vitro conditions. To the best of our knowledge, for the first time improvement in hydrogen production was achieved using sodium sulfite and sodium metabisulfite individually with algal cultures. Efficient photobiological H2 production was observed at 24 h in C. minutum in the presence of all the three oxygen scavengers when compared to untreated samples via limiting the oxygen levels but output was more with sodium sulfite treatment. Particularly 0.8 mM Na2SO3 is best for enhancement of H2 production at 24 h when compared to other two scavengers and this may be due to high oxidation state and more electron negativity of this compound. Apart from augmentation in H2 production in this species, present screening may also be helpful for researchers working in the area of biological H2 generation.

Sodium Sulfite Exacerbates Allograft Vasculopathy and Affects Tryptophan Breakdown in Murine Heterotopic Aortic Transplantation

Graft vasculopathy is the main feature of chronic rejection in organ transplantation, with oxidative stress being a major trigger. Inflammation-associated prooxidant processes may be controlled by antioxidants; however, interference with redox-regulated mechanisms is a complex endeavor. An essential feature of the cellular immune response is the acceleration of tryptophan (Trp) breakdown, leading to the formation of several bioactive catabolites. Long-term activation of this immunobiochemical pathway contributes to the establishment of a tolerogenic environment, thereby supporting allograft survival. Herein, the impact of the antioxidant sodium sulfite on the development of graft vasculopathy was assessed in murine aortic transplantation. Allogeneic (BALB/c to C57BL/6) heterotopic murine aortic transplantations were performed. Animals were left untreated or were treated with 10 μl of 0.1 M, of 0.01 M sodium sulfite, or of 0.1 M sodium sulfate, intraperitoneally once/day, until postoperative day (POD) 100. Grafts were assessed by histology, immunohistochemistry, and adhesion molecule gene expression. Serum concentrations of tryptophan and its catabolite kynurenine (Kyn) were measured. On day 100, graft vasculopathy was significantly increased upon treatment with 0.1 M sodium sulfite, compared to allogeneic untreated controls (p = 0.004), which correlated with a significant increase of α-smooth-muscle-actin, Vcam-1, and P-selectin. Serum Kyn concentrations increased in the allogeneic control group over time (p < 0.05, POD ≥ 50), while low-dose sodium sulfite treatment (0.01 M) treatment resulted in a decrease in Kyn levels over time (p < 0.05, POD ≥ 10), compared to the respective baselines (p < 0.05). Longitudinal analysis of serum metabolite concentrations in the different treatment groups further identified an overall effect of sodium sulfite on Kyn concentrations. Antioxidative treatment may result in ambivalent consequences. Our data reveal that an excess of antioxidants like sodium sulfite can aggravate allograft vasculopathy, which further highlights the challenges associated with interventions that interfere with the complex interplay of redox-regulated inflammatory processes.

Effect of pulsed electric fields (PEF) on physico-chemical properties, β-carotene and antioxidant activity of air-dried apricots

Fresh apricots pre-treated by pulsed electric fields at different intensities [LPEF, 0.65 kV/cm, 100 Hz, 20 µs and total treatment time 30 s; HPEF1, 1.25 kV/cm, 100 Hz, 20 µs and total treatment time 30 s; HPEF2, 1.25 kV/cm, 100 Hz, 20 µs and total treatment time 60 s], along with controls [non-treated, non-treated and sulphite treated, and heat pre-treatment at 80 °C, for 10 min (HC)] and soaked in 0.2% sodium sulphite solution for 1 h and then were subject to hot air drying. The changes in drying rate, polyphenol oxidase, peroxidase, and β-carotene contents as well as antioxidant activity and colour in pre-treatment and hot air-dried apricot samples were investigated. PEF and heat treatments increased the drying rate of apricots. PEF treatments had no effect on the PPO activity and decreased the POD activity (p < 0.05). HPEF2 treatment retained more β-carotene, higher antioxidant activity and suffered less browning during processing. Overall, the results indicate that combining sulphite treatment with PEF produces dried apricots with more β-carotene and antioxidant activity, and better colour.

Characterization of physicochemical properties of cellulose from potato pulp and their effects on enzymatic hydrolysis by cellulase.

In this work, cellulose was extracted from potato pulp, a low-efficiently utilized by-product from potato starch industry, by a combined alkali and sodium sulfite treatment. Its physicochemical properties were characterized and compared with cellulose from corn stalk. The yield and purity of cellulose from potato pulp were determined to be 24.74% and 81.34% respectively. Cellulose from potato pulp had more loosened and porous structure, lower crystallinity index and larger specific surface area (SSA) compared with cellulose from corn stalk. It also provided the highest accessibility to cellulase (5.7 mg protein/g glucan) and had the highest enzymatic digestibility (with glucose yield of 88.46%). Maximum adsorption capacity (Wmax) and equilibrium constant (K) were obtained by fitting the adsorption data with the Langmuir adsorption isotherm, suggesting that cellulose from potato pulp had the highest cellulase adsorption efficiency. The data further indicated that the presence of non-cellulosic components, especially for pectin, appeared to have a considerable effect on the hydrolysis by cellulase due to non-productive adsorption. State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Avenue Wuxi 214122, Jiangsu Province, People's Republic of China.

Sulfonation of Phenolated Kraft Lignin to Produce Water Soluble Products

Kraft lignin is water insoluble and has limited end-use applications. To produce water soluble lignin-based products, the modification of softwood kraft lignin through phenolation followed by sulfonation of sulfuric acid or sodium sulfite treatment were investigated in this work. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrophotometer, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and thermo-gravimetric analysis were also considered for characterizing the lignin-based products. The results showed that phenolation pretreatment was effective to generate sulfonated lignin (SAP-lignin) by sulfuric acid treatment with a high charge density (3.12 meq/g) and solubility, which is due to the addition of sulfonation sites on the phenolic ring. However, sodium sulfite treatment of phenolated lignin generated sulfonated lignin (SSP-lignin) with the charge density of 1.20 meq/g due to hindered sulfonation by occupation of reactive α-position. SAP-lignin was soluble across the tested pH range of 1–13, but SSP became insoluble at a pH lower than 3. Thermogravimetric analysis revealed that phenolation pretreatment reduced the thermal resistance of modified lignin when compared to kraft lignin, while SAP-lignin exhibited the highest thermal resistance due to condensation under sulfuric acid treatment. SAP- and SSP-lignin were successfully used as a coagulant for dye removal from simulated solutions as they could remove 72.1 and 90.4% of ethyl violet from a simulated dye solution, respectively.

Influence of Sulphite on the Drying Kinetics of Pumpkin Fruit Slices

Drying kinetics, of pumpkin fruit slices as influenced by sulphiting, was investigated. Pumpkin fruits, were sulphited at 0, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0 and 2.5% to obtain 4 mm thick (P0, 4; P1, 4; P1.5 4; P2, 4; P2.5, 4 - and 5 mm samples (P0, 5; P1, 5; P1.5, 5; P2, 5; P2.5, 5 respectively). Samples were dried at 60, 65, 70, 75 and 80°C at an air velocity of 1.53 m/s. Drying was carried out to constant moisture. Samples were screened using descriptive sensory evaluation to obtain samples P1, 4 and P2, 5 each dried at 75°C as the best samples for 4 mm and 5 mm respectively. Drying curves, moisture diffusitivity, activation energy, drying time and rehydration capacity were determined. The drying curves obtained showed results for a short constant rate followed by a falling rate period. The effective moisture diffusivity varied from 6.235×10^-11 to 12.808×10^-11m²/s for the 4 mm and 9.046 x 10-11 to 21.330 x 10^-11m²/s for the 5 mm samples. Activation energy obtained for P0, 4; P1, 4; P0, 5 and P2, 5 were 31.342, 32.292, 31.525 and 29.88 kJ/mol. respectively. Sulphiting reduced drying time at 1% level from 16.5 to 15.2 hours for the 4 mm sample and 17.8 to 16.9 hours at 2% level of sulphiting for the 5 mm. Sulphite treatment reduced rehydration capacity significantly at p>0.05. This study implies that the parameter which governed the internal transfer of moisture was moisture diffusion.

Production of dissolving pulp from Eulaliopsis binata with the concept of integrated biorefinery

In this work, the grass material of Eulaliopsis binata (EB) was used for the production of dissolving pulp with the concept of integrated biorefinery. Sequential treatments were conducted via dilute acid-assisted pre-hydrolysis with the hemicellulose removal rate of 89.5%, ammonium sulfite (AS) treatment and KOH treatment with the delignification rate of 91.7%, as well as bleaching for the further purification of pulp. Results showed that, after the sequential treatments, the resultant pulp had 92.1% of α-cellulose, a degree of polymerization of 544, and 53.8% reactivity, which met the quality requirement of dissolving pulp for viscose production. In addition, the obtained pre-hydrolysis liquor with a high concentration of xylose and low concentration of inhibitors could be subjected to bioethanol fermentation, and the spent liquor derived from AS and KOH treatments could be used to produce fertilizer. Therefore, the entire process for the manufacture of EB dissolving pulp could be economic and sustainable.

Kinetic modeling of a heterogeneous Fenton-type oxidative treatment of complex industrial effluent

This work proposes a kinetic model for the reactions involved in the heterogeneous copper-based Fenton-type oxidation of mixed recalcitrant compounds in a real industrial effluent from the alkaline sulfite treatment of wood. This kind of treatment is unusual in this industry due to the complexity of the effluents and the high costs involved in total mineralization of the organic matter. Nevertheless, conversion of recalcitrant to degradable compounds and catalyst recovery can make the difference. The complexity of the effluent and the great number of compounds formed as intermediates, make extremely difficult the identification and quantification of the individual reactions that occur during oxidation. To solve this drawback TOC parameter was used as a representative measurement. To verify the level of TOC degradation produced by the heterogeneous catalysis reaction, experiences of homogeneous catalysis and adsorption were accomplished. The studied temperature range was 45–80 °C. A “two-step” kinetic model was applied to TOC reduction in heterogeneous and homogeneous oxidations, admitting two sequential steps of oxidation: a first fast stage (“seconds stage”) followed by a slow one (“minutes stages”). Kinetic constants were obtained for both processes and activation energies were also determined for the “minutes stage” step (33.17 kJ/mol and 15.13 kJ/mol, respectively). Homogeneous catalysis studies confirm mass transfer limitations in heterogeneous oxidations. Experiences of adsorption of organic matter on CuO/γ-Al2O3 catalyst demonstrated that this phenomenon is exothermic and cannot be neglected. The activation energy of adsorption was determined as 7.32 kJ/mol. Catalysts were characterized through SEM, EDS, XRD, FTIR, and TGA.Graphical

Characterization, Spatial Variation and Risk Assessment of Heavy Metals and a Metalloid in Surface Soils in Obuasi, Ghana.

Background.Soil contamination with heavy metals and metalloids has become an increasingly important issue in recent years.Objectives.The present study examines possible contamination of the environment with metals from gold mining activities in Obuasi, Ghana.Methods.Soil samples were collected from commercial and residential areas and tailing dams in Obuasi in order to investigate the extent of lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), cobalt (Co), chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni) and arsenic (As) pollution, create thematic maps showing the extent of heavy metals pollution, identify the sources of pollution, and to assess risks to humans and the surrounding ecological system.Results.Mean concentrations of metals from the study were found in the order of As > Cu > Zn > Cr > Ni > Pb > Co > Hg > Cd. The results showed that all communities were severely polluted with As, and distribution maps highlighted two hot spots at the sulfite treatment plant and Pompura treatment plant tailings dams. Additionally, the levels of Pb, Cu and Zn were elevated around the city center where vehicular traffic is very dense. Principal component analysis indicated that mining activities may have significantly contributed to metal levels in Obuasi soils. The potential ecological risk (RI) indicated that soils in 41% of the communities pose very high risks to the surrounding ecological system, 50% pose considerable risk, and 9% pose a moderate risk. Arsenic and Hg contributed 73 and 15% of the RI, respectively. The average hazard quotient due to soil As exposure was 2.51 ± 1.23 and ingestion of soils in 95% of the communities in the study area could pose non-carcinogenic health risks to children. Moreover, the average cancer risk for children from the communities was 1.13 × 10−3. Based on the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) recommendation for cancer risk of 10−6 to 10−4, the cancer risk for children (> 10−3) was higher in 45% of the studied communities.Conclusions.The central part of the study area is polluted with Pb, Zn and Cu, and As pollution is severe in all of the studied communities. The RI from all study sites revealed very high risk to the ecological system, including mammals. There could be non-cancer and cancer risks to Obuasi residents due to ingestion of As-contaminated soils, and children are particularly vulnerable.Competing Interests.The author declares no competing financial interests

Effects of oral exposure to sodium sulphite-treated deoxynivalenol (DON)-contaminated maize on performance and plasma concentrations of toxins and metabolites in piglets

ABSTRACTThe objective of the present study was to demonstrate the efficiency of the decontamination process applied to deoxynivalenol (DON)-contaminated maize by sodium sulphite (Na2SO3) treatment in vivo. Additionally, in vitro characterisation of the toxicity of the DON sulphonates (DONS 1, 2 and 3 denote structurally different forms), the resulting DON metabolites, on peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) should substantiate the inactivation of DON. In a piglet experiment, both DON-contaminated maize and -uncontaminated control maize either untreated (DON−, CON−) or Na2SO3-treated (DON+, CON+) were mixed into feed and fed for 42 d starting from weaning. The results showed that feed intake and daily weight gain of animals fed DON− were significantly lower compared to animals fed CON− and CON+, whereas group DON+ reached the control level or even exceeded it. The feed-to-gain ratio was unaffected (p = 0.45). Furthermore, DON concentrations in plasma markedly reflected the diets’ DON concentrations. These were < 0.1, < 0.1, 5.4 and 0.8 mg/kg feed for CON−, CON+, DON− and DON+, and amounted to 0.3, 0.4, 33.0 and 9.3 ng/ml in plasma, respectively. Whereas DONS 2 and 3 were detected in the DON+ diet, only DONS 2 was recovered in plasma. Regarding the toxicity of DONS, no or much lower toxicity was found compared to DON. DONS 1 and Na2SO3 did not affect the viability of PBMC. At 32.71μM DONS2 the viability was reduced by 50% and thus this compound was less toxic than DON by a factor of 73. Consequently, wet preservation of maize with Na2SO3 was an effective tool to avoid the adverse effects of DON on performance of piglets.

Production of Sulfur Containing Kraft Lignin Products

Kraft lignin is produced in great quantities in many countries, but is mainly used as an energy source. To valorize its potential end-use applications, softwood kraft lignin was modified via sulfuric acid and sodium sulfite treatments in this study. The modification of kraft lignin through a sulfuric acid treatment resulted in a modified lignin (SA-lignin) with a charge density of 0.8 meq/g but with a limited water solubility. The sulfonation of the kraft lignin through a sodium sulfite treatment induced a soluble sulfonated lignin (SS-lignin) with a charge density of 1.4 meq/g, which was obtained under the conditions of 90 °C, 4 h, and 0.67 Na2SO3/lignin molar ratio. The elemental compositions, molecular weights, and thermal and rheological properties of modified lignin samples were characterized.