Salt Research Articles

Abstract P385: Effects Of a High Salt Diet On Glutamatergic Signaling In The Nucleus Of The Solitary Tract And Baroreflex Sensitivity

Hypertension remains a global health concern. Studies have shown a correlation with the loss of normal 24-hour blood pressure patterns and hypertension with a high salt diet. However, the mechanisms behind this are not fully known. The nucleus of the solitary tract (nTS), a key medullary nucleus involved in cardiorespiratory regulation, is known to modulate sympathetic outflow and blood pressure alterations.When blood pressure increases, baroreceptors in peripheral vessels detect these changes and send signals to the nTS through the neurotransmitter glutamate. Increased nTS glutamatergic signaling decreases blood pressure via efferent signals to the heart and blood vessels. The nTS integrates these signals and initiates responses through the baroreflex to counteract changes in blood pressure. Thus, baroreflex sensitivity (BRS), or a measure of how the baroreflex adjusts, serves as an indicator of the regulation of this feedback loop. An increased BRS indicates a more robust ability of the body to respond to blood pressure changes. Conversely, a reduced BRS is associated with hypertension, and autonomic dysfunction. Studies have shown that those with diet-induced hypertension also have a decreased BRS, however, the mechanism is not clear. We hypothesize that dysregulation of the 24-hour circadian glutamatergic signaling within the nTS may cause BRS decrease and hypertension. Salt-sensitive rats were subjected to either a normal salt diet (NSD, 0.4 % NaCl) or high salt diet (HSD, 4% NaCl) for 7 weeks. To determine nTS changes related to HSD, we measured blood pressure using 24/7 telemetry, and activation of glutamatergic neurons via immunohistochemistry (IHC). Antibodies against glutamate (CAMKII) and neuronal activation (cFos) were used to detect neuronal activation 6 hours apart, at the end of the NSD or HSD. Our preliminary findings reveal near significant decreases in glutamate signaling during the active period (at 9pm), suggesting a potential shift in the excitatory signaling in the nTS. Additionally, HSD over 7 weeks caused a significant increase in blood pressure and a decrease in BRS during the active period. Our preliminary data shows a connection between 24-hour regulation of glutamate within the nTS, diet-induced hypertension, and loss of BRS. This dysregulation in the blood pressure regulation underscores the importance of understanding the molecular mechanisms linking diet and development of disease.

Abstract MP32: Megalin and lysosomal disruption in the kidney epithelial cells of high salt diet fed rats: protective role of angiotensin II type 2 receptor

Earlier we have reported that 2-days high salt diet (HSD) feeding caused proteinuria in obese rats and the AT 2 R agonist treatment prevented proteinuria. Since HSD feeding for 2 days and the AT 2 R activation did not affect blood pressure, GFR, glomerular structure, and inflammation, the mechanism responsible for proteinuria remains unknown. Megalin is a proximal tubule epithelial cells endocytic receptor responsible for filtered protein reabsorption. The absorbed proteins are directed to lysosomes for degradation. Lysosomes is a nutrient sensing subcellular compartment and a critical part of the endocytic machinery and cellular trafficking. We hypothesized that high salt intake caused lysosomal stress, which negatively impacted megalin-protein cellular trafficking and thus caused proteinuria. Therefore, we evaluated the markers of lysosomal stress and megalin expression in the proximal tubules of HSD fed obese Zucker rats. Urinary excretion of N-acetyl-glucosaminidase (NAG), which is a marker of lysosomal injury and oxidative stress, was significantly increased in HSD fed rats compared with normal salt diet (NSD: 16.6 vs HSD: 40.5 RFU/hr/µg Cr). This increase was associated with an increase in another oxidative stress marker H 2 O 2 in the urine (NSD: 0.37 vs HSD: 1.72 ΔRFU/min). Confocal analysis revealed that megalin was localized in the lysosomes in HSD fed rats, as megalin was co-localized with the lysosomal marker LAMP-1 in the proximal tubules. Moreover, in HSD fed rats there was a remarkable increase (2-fold) in the lysosomal size (fig) and number per tubule (NSD: 18 vs HSD: 48). The AT 2 R agonist C21 (0.3 mg/Kg/day, i.p.) treatment of HSD-fed rats restored surface megalin expression, reduced urinary NAG and H 2 O 2 and the lysosomal number and size. Our in vitro studies performed in OK cells (proximal tubule epithelial cells) treated with high NaCl (100 mM) without/with the AT 2 R agonist C21 (1µM) also revealed that compared to NSD, high NaCl reduced megalin surface expression and C21 treatment prevented it. We conclude that high salt intake causes lysosomal stress. Particularly, large lysosomal size potentially is affecting endocytic machinery, including impairing megalin-protein dissociation and megalin recycling, thus causing proteinuria.

Antioxidant and antimicrobial emulsions with amphiphilic olive extract, nanocellulose-stabilized thyme oil and common salts for active paper-based packaging

Anionic cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) were used to stabilize emulsions that combined water-soluble (and oil-soluble), strongly antioxidant extracts with a water-immiscible, notably antimicrobial essential oil. Specifically, the radical scavenging activity was primarily provided by aqueous extracts from olive fruit (Olea europaea L.), while the antimicrobial effects owed eminently to thyme oil (Thymus vulgaris L.). The resulting emulsions were highly viscous at low shear rate (4.4 Pa·s) and displayed yield stress. The addition of edible salts decreased the yield stress, the apparent viscosity and the droplet size, to the detriment of stability at ionic strengths above 50 mM. Once characterized, the antioxidant and antimicrobial emulsions were applied on packaging-grade paper. Coated paper sheets inhibited the growth of Listeria monocytogenes, a common foodborne pathogen, and acted as antioxidant emitters. In this sense, the release to food simulants A (ethanol 10 vol%), B (acetic acid 3 wt%), and C (ethanol 20 vol%) was assessed. A 24-hour exposure of 0.01 m2 of coated paper to 0.1 L of these hydrophilic simulants achieved inhibition levels of the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH) in the 15–29 % range. All considered, the bioactive properties of thyme essential oil towards lipophilic food products can be complemented with the antioxidant activity of aqueous olive extracts towards hydrophilic systems, resulting in a versatile combination for active food packaging.

Chemical composition, anti-hypertensive properties, and sensory attributes of salt extracted from ash of Hygrophilia schulli.

The traditional usage of salt taken from vegetables for the treatment of blood pressure and diabetes is seen in several regions of Ethiopia, particularly in Gambella. The aim of the study was to investigate the mineral content, anti-hypertensive properties, and sensory attributes of salt obtained from the Hygrophilia schulli. The salt was extracted from the ashing of stems of Hygrophilia schulli. Optical Emission Spectroscopy with Inductively Coupled Plasma was used to identify macro-minerals, micro-minerals, and some toxic metals. Flame Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy was used to assess the levels of arsenic and mercury. The anti-hypertensive property of the salt was determined invivo using the Wistar rats. The extracted salt was rich in potassium and was deficient in sodium from the analyzed macro-minerals. It was free from mercury, cadmium, chromium, and arsenic. Lead and nickel were below the Tolerable Weekly Intake Provisional specified by the European Union. Among carbonate and sulfate, chloride was the main anion in this salt. The salt was discovered to have a low taste characteristic compared to common salt. However, the taste attribute of the combination of vegetable and common salt in different proportions was better than common salt. Rats fed with salt from Hygrophilia schulli showed a statistically significant lower systolic, diastolic, and mean blood pressure compared to normal-fed and common salt-fed rat groups. Generally, this study suggests that Hygrophilia schulli salt has the potential to be a viable alternative to common salt, particularly for those suffering from hypertension and other related chronic conditions.

Six Microplastics Analysis in Bottled Water, Purified Tap Water and Branded Table Salt by Double-Shot Pyrolysis–Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry

Six Microplastics Analysis in Bottled Water, Purified Tap Water and Branded Table Salt by Double-Shot Pyrolysis–Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry

Decision Making on The Organoleptic Quality of Salted Egg Products using Analytical Hierarchy Process and Simple Additive Weighting

Chicken and duck eggs are highly nutritious food products that are popular among the Indonesian community. However, their perishable nature leads to a decline in quality if not further processed. The salting process is a simple preservation method that can also enhance the flavor of salted egg products. To produce salted egg products with high organoleptic quality preference, a combination of Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) and Simple Additive Weighting (SAW) is implemented as a quality decision-making method based on: (1) the experts viewpoints on the importance level of organoleptic criteria, and (2) the scores of organoleptic tests for the criteria of texture, taste, and appearance. In this study, chicken and duck eggs were processed into salted eggs using a salting mixture made of a blend of scouring ash and table salt with a mass ratio of 5:4 and 5:6, resulting in product combinations coded as CE-5/4, CE-5/6, DE-5/4, and DE-5/6. Data processing results on the importance level from the experts viewpoints using the AHP method resulted that the criteria for texture, taste, and aroma had final priority weights of 0.244, 0.617, and 0.139, respectively. Final decision-making using the SAW method indicated that the highest to lowest final preference scores were obtained by products CE-5/4, DE-5/4, DE-5/6, and CE-5/6, with the final preference scores of 0.979, 0.963, 0.931, and 0.906, respectively. The results demonstrated that AHP and SAW were successfully implemented to assist in making decisions regarding the quality of salted egg products based on their organoleptic characteristics. Keywords: salted egg, organoleptic, decision-making, AHP, SAW

Assessment of microplastics in highland rock salts of Northern Borneo

Mountain salts produced from the highland region in NE Sarawak have a market value and also provide basic income to the communities. During the salt-making process, microplastics (MPs) may enter into commercial table salts from various sources, which has not been explored yet. Hence, the current research investigates the presence of MPs in the rock salts produced from the highland saline water in two different locations (L1 and L2) in NE Sarawak. Among the brine water and rock salt samples analysed, the highest concentrations of MPs were detected from the salt samples. It has been revealed that both the water and salt samples have the highest concentration of MPs occurring within the size range of 1–1000 μm. Transparent MPs are the most common colour observed in both salt and water samples, followed by white, blue, red, and black. The most prevalent shapes of MPs are fibers, which account for almost 47% in water samples and 87% in salt samples. Based on the ATR-FTIR study, polyethylene (PE) is the most prevalent polymer observed in salt samples, followed by polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET). In water samples, PP is the most dominating polymer, followed by PE and PS. Through SEM microphotographs, fiber-type MPs have smooth surfaces, fragment-type MPs have rough edges, and sheet-type MPs have layered surfaces. EDX analysis revealed that carbon (C) and oxygen (O) are the most abundant elements, followed by aluminium (Al) and sodium (Na) in MPs. Based on the results, it is inferred that the MPs in the rock salts are mainly sourced from the different stages of salt-making production. This preliminary study shed light on the presence and characteristics of MPs in rock salts in this region. The research outcomes could support sustainable management plans to improve the salt quality and enhance the market value.

Deep Eutectic Solvent Liquid-Liquid Microextraction Prior to Smartphone Digital Image Colorimetry for the Determination of Iodate in Table Salt

The development of affordable, easy-to-use methods holds promise to broaden access to food analysis in resource-limited settings that will enhance food safety monitoring and the assessment of public health interventions. In this study, we propose a green extraction method called deep eutectic solvent liquid-liquid microextraction (DES-LLME), coupled with a simple detection technique referred to as the smartphone digital image colorimetry (SDIC), for the quantification of iodate in table salt. Optimization of the DES-LLME-SDIC method was conducted to enhance performance. At the optimum conditions, the proposed method achieved an enrichment factor between 6.1 and 27.8, with a limit of detection (LOD) between 0.52 and 0.84 µmol L−1, and a limit of quantitation (LOQ) between 1.73 and 2.81 µmol L−1. The concentration of iodate exhibited a satisfactory linear correlation with absorbance, as demonstrated by a well-fit regression model as verified by lack of fit test (p > 0.05), within a linear dynamic range from 1.73 to 25.00 µmol L−1. The precision of the method was validated through the relative standard deviation (%RSD) for intraday (3.6%) and interday (6.3%) precision. The developed method was applied for the determination of iodate in various salt samples. Additionally, the accuracy of the proposed SDIC method was evaluated with a separate ultraviolet-visible spectrometry method. Both methods exhibited statistical agreement.

The effects of the atrial natriuretic peptide deficiency on renal cortical mitochondrial bioenergetics in the Dahl SS rat.

Atrial Natriuretic Peptide (ANP) plays an important role in blood pressure regulation. Low levels of ANP correlate with the development of salt-sensitive hypertension (SS-HTN). Our previous studies indicated that ANP deficiency exacerbated renal function decline in SS-HTN. In the heart and fat tissue, ANP was reported to affect lipid peroxidation and mitochondrial bioenergetics but the effects of ANP on mitochondrial function in the kidney are unexplored. We hypothesized that ANP deficiency in SS-HTN causes renal bioenergetic shift, leading to disruption of mitochondrial network and oxidative stress. To address the hypothesis, we placed Dahl SS wild-type (SSWT) and ANP knockout (SSNPPA-/-) rats on 4% NaCl high salt (HS) diet to induce HTN or maintained them on 0.4% NaCl normal salt (NS) diet and assessed mitochondrial bioenergetics and dynamics using spectrofluorimetry, Seahorse assay, electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy, Western blotting, electron microscopy, PCR and cytokine assays. We report that under high salt conditions, associated with hypertension and renal damage, the SSNPPA-/- rats exhibit a decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential and elevation in mitochondrial ROS levels compared to SSWT. The redox shift is also evident by the presence of more pronounced medullar lipid peroxidation in the SSNPPA-/- strain. We also revealed fragmented, more damaged mitochondria in the SSNPPA-/- rats, accompanied by increased turnover and biogenesis. Overall, our data indicate that ANP deficiency causes disruptions in mitochondrial bioenergetics and dynamics which likely contributes to aggravation of the renal damage and hypertension in the Dahl SS rat; the major pathological effects are evident in the groups subjected to a combined salt and ANP deficiency-induced mitochondrial stress.

Evaluating the impact of sodium chloride and iron carbonate ions on gas hydrate formation in Monoethylene Glycol‐enhanced aqueous solutions

AbstractThe management and prevention of hydrates are crucial for the gas industry. This study delves into the intricate challenges associated with gas hydrate formation, with a specific focus on investigating the impact of corrosion by‐products on prevention strategies. Employing a distinctive methodology, the sapphire pressure–volume temperature (PVT) cell was utilized. Experimental tests were conducted using sodium chloride (NaCl) concentrations of 1% and 3% to simulate brine solution levels at the wellhead, incorporating 3% filtrate and unfiltered iron carbonate (FeCO3) as corrosion products associated with the production process. The 1% and 3% salt concentrations were chosen to encompass a broad range of temperature depressions, reflecting common industry standards for simulating realistic environmental conditions. PVT cell test conditions ranged from 80 to 200 bar, with increments of 40 bar. The experiments investigate the effects of common pipeline salts on a monoethylene glycol (MEG)/water mixture in the presence of methane gas at typical industry high‐pressure conditions. The investigation uncovers that the introduction of salts to water, methane, and MEG solutions serves as a hydrate inhibitor, with inhibitory effects directly correlated to salt concentration. While generally hydrate growth inhibition is beneficial in natural gas pipelines, the findings indicate that elevated salt concentrations and lower pressure conditions contribute to the formation of larger hydrates, heightening the risk of surface adhesion and potentially introducing complications in piping equipment, despite the decreased temperature at which these hydrates form due to the inhibitory effects of the salts. In particular, the mixed condition of 3% NaCl and 3% FeCO3 (filtered) has the strongest effect. Examination of hydrate formation temperature and macroscopic observations suggests that the existence of substantial precipitates, as evidenced in the unfiltered FeCO3 sapphire cell experiment, may have the potential to enhance hydrate growth.

Modern alternatives to table salt in meat products without E-codes

Modern alternatives to table salt in meat products without E-codes

Enabling Rhenium Electrodeposition in Water-in-Salt Electrolytes through Isolated Anodic Reactions

Perfluorosulfonic Acid (PFSA)/Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) copolymer and cation-exchange membranes were used to elongate the use water-in-salt electrolytes for rhenium electrodeposition. Water-in-salt electrolytes are a common technique used to minimize the amount of free water in solution by including high concentrations of salts, thus solvating the water molecules and lowering activity of the solution. This expands the electrochemical window in which deposition is possible and minimizes unnecessary hydrogen evolution reactions (HER) in the electrodeposition system by reducing available protons.Lithium chlorine (LiCl) is a common salt for this purpose due to low costs. However, in the LiCl electrolyte, the necessary oxygen evolution reaction (OER) competes with chlorine evolution, which increases water activity and is visually identifiable with a color change from clear to yellow. When chloride ions are depleted, further deposition is no longer possible, and the electrolyte breaks down.A solution to this issue is using membranes to isolate the anode and cathode, thus preventing the chlorine evolution reaction from occurring. Since rhenium is a system with a small electrochemical window, possible oxide intermediates, and an overpotential for hydrogen evolution, the system requires the use of a stable water-in-salt electrolyte for elongated deposition.In this experiment, three membranes were examined to compare the impact on rhenium depositions in an H-cell. To compare the impact of each membrane, the change of pH of the DI side of the H-cell was monitored across time alongside the volume changes on both sides of the H-cell as a function of time due to LiCl inclusion. The quality and thicknesses of the coatings was examined by SEM as well as the impact on the morphologies of the rhenium of the deposits between each of the membranes.

Novel avenue of carotenoids & omega-3 rich carrot waste extract in innovative table spread: optimization (based on texture and sensory) and characterization

Carrot waste is a rich source of pro-vitamin A, β-carotene, recognized for its immunomodulatory and health-promoting properties. The present study was aimed at formulating an innovative table spread (ITS) enriched with concentrated carotenoid extract derived from carrot pomace. Prior extraction of carotenoids in flaxseed oil was optimized resulting in extract (CE) rich in carotenoids (82.66 µg/g) and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). The effects of three ingredients i.e. CE, tri-sodium citrate (TC), and common salt (CS) on ITS formulated using 33 factorial experiment (27 treatment combinations) were determined employing three-way ANOVA of Proc GLM method of SAS 9.3 for its textural and sensory acceptability. The optimized formulation contained 15% CE, 1.0% CS and 0.3% TC. ITS displayed medium (≈51% fat) internal phase emulsion (confirmed via fluorescence microscopy) stabilized (-56.867 mV ± 0.850 zeta potential) by whey protein concentrate and possessed high thermal stability (studied through thermogravimetric analysis). The control table spread (CTS) was prepared using all ingredients except CE replaced with flaxseed oil. ITS showed significantly (p < 0.05) higher carotenoid, antioxidant (ABTS, DPPH and FRAP), yellowness index and b* value than CTS; while non-significant (p > 0.05) difference existed for proximate composition and acidity. ITS turned out to be a naturally colored functional product and excellent source of carotenoids (24.276 μg/g ± 0.076) and ALA (13.816 g/ 100 g fat).

A novel approach to produced water management using surfactants for water-wise energy production

Evaporation can become a prominent solution for management of the large volumes of contaminated water produced each year in the energy industry. However, improvements to the evaporation rates are needed which can be accomplished through the use of surfactants. In this paper, organic and inorganic compounds commonly found in produced water were studied in a controlled, laboratory oven to understand their effect on water evaporation rate. Organic compounds were classified in three ways: as either miscible or immiscible, as having a density less than or greater than water for immiscible compounds, and by their volatility. For each sample, the evaporation rate and surface tension were measured, and correlations were made between the two. As the cationic charges of salts added to water increased from +1 to +3, the evaporation rates decreased and the surface tension increased. Monovalent cationic charges were 60% higher than solutions containing divalent or trivalent cations. From the organic compounds tested, the addition of surfactants to deionized water increased evaporation rates by more than 50% while the addition of immiscible organic compounds hindered these rates. Surfactants reduced the surface tension of these samples thus positively affecting the evaporation rates. Applying surfactants to basic salt solutions showed evaporation rates increased with the greatest being that of sodium chloride, the most common salt in produced water. Increases in salt concentrations lowered evaporation rates and increased surface tension while increases in surfactant concentrations did not necessarily continue to reduce surface tension and increase evaporation rates. When surfactants were added to produced water samples, up to a 27% increase in the rates of evaporation were observed. The quality of produced water varies from region to region and therefore some surfactants may have a greater effect in one type of water than another.

Diagnostic Signs and Symptoms of Cyanocobalamin Deficiency at Rural Setting in India: Novel Method of Supplementation.

Cyanocobalamin or B12 deficiency is common in the Indian population, and responsible for anemia. Various clinical manifestations include central nervous system and cardiovascular manifestations, secondary to a rise in serum homocysteine levels. In a routine outpatient department at Bawaskar Hospital and Clinical Research Centre, Mahad, patients with suspected clinical signs and symptoms suggestive of cyanocobalamin deficiency were studied in detail regarding their dietary habits, serum hemoglobin, B12, and homocysteine levels. A total of 1,992 (female 1,009, 50.75%) were clinically examined in detail. Of these, 945 (49.94%), 999 (50.17%), and 48 (2.40%) were strict vegetarians, both vegetarian and nonvegetarian, and strict nonvegetarians, respectively. Common occupations associated with B12 deficiency include 666 (33.4%) housewives, 396 (19.9%) service workers, 316 (15.9%) businesspeople, 180 (9%), and 198 (9.9%) retired and industrial populations, respectively. Clinical manifestations include recurrent scalp hair loss in 268 (13.5%), poor memory in 240 (12%), tingling and numbness in 200 (10%), and generalized weakness in 387 (19.4%) patients. Additionally, 541 (27.15%) patients had pigmentation of the nail bed, knuckles, oral mucosa, and tongue, while 237 (10.81%) suffered from hypertension and ischemic heart disease. During the process of preparation of vegetarian and nonvegetarian food, there is a 30-48% reduction in vitamin content. Supplementation of vitamin by adding table salt to food on a plate at the time of eating improves the vitamin level in the blood. In the absence of laboratory investigations in rural settings, clinical signs and symptoms are helpful in detecting B12 deficiency. Directly adding vitamin powder, similar to table salt, to cooked food on the plate improved blood vitamin levels.

EFFECT OF SALT AND LIME JUICE ON PROXIMATE COMPOSITION AND SENSORY CHARACTERISTICS OF SMOKED AFRICAN CATFISH (Clarias Gariepinus)

Fresh African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) were subjected to different concentrations of table salt (sodium chloride) and lime juice and smoked in a smoking kiln before evaluation for proximate composition and organoleptic characteristics. The experimental treatments are the control, Og salt and Oml lime juice-T1, 50g salt-T2, 100ml lime juice-T3, 50g salt and 50ml lime juice-T4, 50g salt and 75ml lime juice-T5 as well as 50g salt and 100ml lime-T6. Fish of average weight 5kg were randomly assigned to each treatment and the control. The fish were soaked in the respective treatment solutions for 1 hour after which they were gutted, washed and smoked for 15hours in a smoking kiln. After smoking, the fish were stored in air- free netted sieves and placed on a shelf for 12 hours before they were packed in see through nylons. Samples were therefore subjected to proximate and sensory analysis. Results showed that crude protein of smoked Clarias gariepinus were better in lime juice (70.18±0.94), salt and lime juice combination treated samples(70.38±0.94,72.69±0.94, 72.93±0.94) and increased with increasing level of lime juice and salt combinations compared to the control (68.39±0.94) and the salt treated sample (67.08±0.94). The treatments containing salt and lime juice in varying combinations also reduced the moisture content especially in T5 and T6 (6.84±0.29, 6.78 ±0.29) respectively. There was no significant difference in the sensory assessment in terms of appearance, colour, taste, texture, aroma and general acceptability. These results indicated that using lime juice and salt combination may be useful in improving the nutritive value, shelf life and consumer acceptability of smoked Clarias gariepinus.

Conformation-assisted solid-solid phase transition of LiTFSI electrolyte salt and the lithium ion coordination

Single crystal growth and characterization of the lithium bis(trifluoromethyl sulfonyl)imide (LiTFSI), the most common electrolyte salt for lithium-ion batteries, have been performed and succeeded in unraveling the atomic structures of its different crystalline phases. The structures of two crystalline phases (phase I: orthorhombic, Pccn; phase II: monoclinic, P21/c) have been determined through temperature-dependent X-ray crystallography of the LiTFSI single crystal on heating, and the solid-solid phase transformation between phase I and phase II has been dictated. Interestingly, a conformational change of TFSI⁻ from transoid to cisoid has been discovered during the transition from phase I to phase II, which has been further confirmed by the temperature-dependent Raman spectroscopy. The coordination of Li⁺ with the TFSI⁻ ions of different conformations has been also elucidated in the polymorphic crystalline structures. The solid-solid phase transformation of the first-order leads to the cracking of the LiTFSI crystal, probably along the lithium-ion or the fluorine-rich layer in phase II. In the molten state, the coexistence of the transoid conformation and the cisoid conformation is found in the TFSI⁻ ions, affirming the recent observation in the concentrated non-crystalline state. This work is anticipated to shed light on the (de)solvation and the transport of lithium ions in complex fluids encompassing LiTFSI electrolyte solutions from the structural aspects.

ABPBI-based hollow fiber membranes for forward osmosis (FO) possessing low reverse salt flux

The poly(2,5-Benzimidazole), known for its excellent thermochemical stability, was evaluated as a membrane material for forward osmosis. The dope in methane sulfonic acid was used to make hollow fiber membranes. The availability of bound MSA in HFMs was compared with its neutral form. Aqueous solutions of two common salts reported for FO (NaCl and MgCl2) were used as a draw solution at varying concentrations. The performance was determined in terms of water flux and reverse salt flux. The long-term performance of the membrane was assessed. The heat pretreatment of membranes was beneficial in offering low reverse salt flux, a crucial parameter in FO. The heat treatment at 350 °C exhibited excellent performance of low-RSF, irrespective of the draw solute used. The presence of MSA in the membrane matrix was found to be beneficial. Present HFMs exhibited reverse salt flux as low as 0.003 mol m−2 h−1 using 2 mol L−1 MgCl2 as a draw solution. The water flux of present membranes was lower than that of reported FO-membranes, which is attributable to the larger thickness of the present membranes. The findings will be used to make ABPBI-based membranes in thin form to elevate the fluxes and their practical applicability.

Assessment of water quality from different water supply sources in the Kyiv district of the city of Kharkiv

Purpose To evaluate the quality of drinking water from various sources of water supply on the example of the Kyiv district of the city of Kharkiv. Methods. Field (selection of water samples from various sources), laboratory-analytical analysis of water quality, statistical (processing of received data and comparative analysis). Results. Water samples were taken from various sources of water supply: natural spring water, water from wells, from a well, from the city water supply and from drinking water dispensers. In the samples of artesian water of the "Roganska" trade mark (automatic water dispenser), no exceeding of the normative values ​​was determined for any indicator. Water samples from wells and centralized water supply have elevated levels of total hardness, chlorine, nitrate and iron content, which requires the restriction of their use as drinking water without additional treatment. Water samples from private wells have an increased level of general mineralization, salinity and electrical conductivity of water. Methods of purifying tap water from common salts at home were studied: water freezing, filtration, settling, boiling. Conclusions. On the basis of organoleptic, physico-chemical and toxicological parameters of water quality, according to DSTU 4808, water from the machine of TM "Roganska" corresponds to the 1st quality class, spring water - 2nd class, water from wells - 3rd class, and water from a well and centralized water supply - 4th class. In order to improve the quality of tap water from common salts at home, freezing and filtration are recommended.

Assessment of Iodine Status in Adults: A Case Study of Amasya

ABSTRACT Introduction: The prevalence of iodine deficiency in Turkey significantly decreased after iodine fortification of table salt, but regional differences may still exist. The objective of this cross-sectional study was to assess the iodine levels among adults residing in Amasya. Methodology: This study, which included 232 adults aged 18-64 years, was conducted in a public hospital in Amasya. The study data were obtained through a questionnaire form applied to individuals through face-to-face interviews. After taking general information and anthropometric measurements of the individuals participating in the study, urinary iodine levels were analyzed. Results: The mean urinary iodine level was 13.7±1.5 mcg/dL. Iodine status of 99.6% of the participants is normal and 64.9% of them use iodized salt. Alcohol consumption and body mass index showed a statistically significant difference according to urinary iodine level classification (median value). In individuals who consume iodized salt, the frequency of those with urinary iodine levels above the median value is higher compared to those who do not consume iodized salt. Conclusions: This study shows the iodine status of adult individuals living in Amasya. In future studies, dietary iodine intake of individuals should also be evaluated, and iodine status should be examined in vulnerable groups such as pregnant, lactating and elderly.