Toxic Compounds Research Articles

Potential for the Bio-Detoxification of the Mycotoxins Enniatin B and Deoxynivalenol by Lactic Acid Bacteria and Bacillus spp.

Mycotoxins, toxic compounds produced by fungi, pose significant risks to food safety and human health. This study investigates the bio-detoxification potential of 238 strains of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and Bacillus spp., previously isolated from cereals (including mycotoxin-contaminated grains), against the emerging mycotoxin, enniatin B (ENB), and the prevalent mycotoxin, deoxynivalenol (DON). Out of the tested strains, 26 demonstrated notable mycotoxin reduction capabilities, including 2 Bacillus pumilus and 24 Bacillus licheniformis strains. B. licheniformis strains MA572, MA695, MA696, TR174a, TR284, TR363, and TR466a degraded ENB to levels below the detection limit, and six strains reduced DON by 30-35%; B. licheniformis TR251b and TR374 showed the highest DON reduction with 35.7%. The most promising strains for bio-detoxification were B. licheniformis TR284, which achieved a 100% reduction in ENB and a 28.6% reduction in DON and B. licheniformis TR388 with a 97.5% reduction in ENB and a 31.9% reduction in DON. None of the tested LAB strains significantly reduced either mycotoxin. These findings highlight the promising potential of B. licheniformis strains in bio-detoxifying mycotoxin-contaminated cereal products. Further research into the underlying detoxification mechanisms and safety aspects is essential to develop effective bio-detoxification strategies for enhancing food safety.

3D Porous Gel from the Orthogonal-junction of Nanosheet Photosensitizers with Efficient and Selective Photosensitization

Photocatalysis waste decomposition is a promising candidate for efficient cleaning of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) with enhanced safety because of the self-degradation of toxic compounds by reactive oxygen species (ROS) under light irradiation. However, the complete removal of pollutants remains challenging due to the inert characteristics of their inactivity in the presence of electrophilic ROS. Herein, a new strategy for efficient degradation of inert VOCs such as benzaldehyde has been proposed, basing on the synergism of selective adsorption and chemical activation by the construction of 3D porous gel through an orthogonal-junction of nanosheet-shaped photosensitizers. The key to the success of the combination is the use of hierarchically assembled hydrogen bonded laminates (HBLs) as gelation scaffolds. The backbone could integrate organic photosensitizers (PSs) into robust gel skeleton with enhanced ROS generation, which promotes the photocatalytic degradation. Especially, the backbone is able to directionally recognize glue clusters by hydrogen bonding to result in orthogonal 3D gel, giving remarkable selective adsorption for inert aromatic aldehydes. The synergistic integration of chemical activation and selective entrapment gives rise to unusual rapid photo-degradation for carbonyl compounds, resulting in efficient removal of inert pollutants from the environment without any adverse effect.

Using CO2 in pyrolysis to neutralise toxic aromatic compounds derived from blended textile waste

Blended textiles are favoured for their enhanced properties, combining the strengths of constituent fibres (typically synthetic fibres integrated with natural cellulosic fibres). However, the presence of aromatic components in blended textile waste (BTW) complicates its disposal and raises environmental concerns due to the release of toxic chemicals. To resolve this issue, this study suggests a pyrolysis system as a strategy to neutralise toxic aromatic compounds derived from BTW. Carbon dioxide (CO2) was used as the partial oxidative reagent. The characterisation of BTW revealed its composition, containing rayon and polyester. The complex composition of BTW, particularly the recalcitrant nature of polyester, leads to the massive generation of toxic aromatic chemicals, such as terephthalic acid and its analogues, during thermolysis. However, introducing CO2 to pyrolysis facilitates interacting with these toxic compounds, converting them into carbon monoxide (CO). The effectiveness of CO2 for the suppression of toxic aromatic formations was further enhanced when adopting a nickel-based catalyst. CO2-assisted catalytic pyrolysis achieved a 64.87 % reduction in toxic aromatic chemicals and an 11.36-fold increase in CO production compared with conventional pyrolysis. This study presents a promising approach for the sustainable disposal of BTW, emphasising the oxidative functionality of CO2 in neutralising toxic aromatic chemicals into detoxified products, especially CO.

Ultrahigh-purity ammonia recovery from synthetic coke wastewater via membrane contactor: Overcoming phenolic interference and assessing cost efficiency

Ammonia recovery from industrial wastewater using membrane contactor processes is emerging as a promising method owing to the diverse applications of ammonia. This study uniquely addressed ammonia recovery from coke plant wastewater, which is challenging due to the presence of numerous toxic and volatile phenolic compounds. Experiments were conducted using a synthetic coke plant effluent to assess the effects of various pH levels and temperatures on ammonia recovery. Specifically, the aim was to achieve high-purity ammonia recovery while minimizing the permeation of phenolic compounds. The results demonstrate that ammonia recovery in the membrane contactor processes is highly efficient, even in the presence of phenolic compounds. During temperature variations at 25 °C and 40 °C, the recovery of ammonia increased from 42.36% to 52.97% at pH 11. Additionally, increasing the pH of a feed solution from 7 to 12 significantly increased the ammonia content to 58.3%. At this pH, the recovered ammonia was of exceptional purity (>99%), with phenol, p-Cresol, and 2,4-xylenol present at negligible concentrations (0.001%, 0.002%, and 0.004%, respectively). This was attributed to the ionization of phenolic compounds at higher pH levels, which prevents their permeation through the hydrophobic membrane. The estimated cost analysis revealed that the membrane contactor process at pH 12 was approximately 1.41 times more cost-effective than conventional air-stripping processes over eight years of operating period (pH-12 membrane contactor: $19.79; pH-12 air stripping: $23.75). This study provides a detailed analysis of the optimal conditions for selective ammonia recovery from complex wastewater, highlighting both effective treatment and sustainable resource recovery and offering a superior alternative to traditional methods.

In Situ and Rapid Toxicity Assessment of Air Pollution by Self-Assembly Passive Colonization Hydrogel.

Air pollution is a leading environmental health risk factor, and in situ toxicity assessment is urgently needed. Bacteria-based bioassays offer cost-effective and rapid toxicity assessments. However, the application of these bioassays for air toxicity assessment has been challenging, due to the instability of bacterial survival and functionality when directly exposed to air pollutants. Here, we developed an approach employing self-assembly passive colonization hydrogel (SAPCH) for in situ air toxicity assessment. The SAPCH features a core-shell structure, enabling the quantitatively immobilization of bacteria on its shell while continuously provides nutrients from its core. An antimicrobial polyelectrolyte layer between the core and shell confines bacteria to the air-liquid interface, synchronizing bacterial survival with exposure to air pollutants. The SAPCH immobilized a battery of natural and recombinant luminescent bacteria, enabling simultaneous detection of various toxicological endpoints (cytotoxicity, genotoxicity and oxidative stress) of air pollutants within 2 h. Its sensitivity was 3-5 orders of magnitude greater than that of traditional liquid-phase toxicity testing, and successfully evaluating the toxicity of volatile organic compounds and combustion smoke. This study presents a method for in situ, rapid, and economical toxicity assessment of air pollution, making a significant contribution to future air quality monitoring and control.

Potential for nutrients reuse, carbon sequestration, and CO2 emissions reduction in the practice of domestic and industrial wastewater recycling into agricultural soils: A review

This review assesses the feasibility of reusing treated wastewater for irrigation in agricultural soils as a strategy for nutrients recycling and mitigation of CO2 emissions. Through a literature review, it was examined wastewater sources enriched with carbon and nutrients, including municipal wastewater and associated sludge, vinasse, swine wastewater, as well as wastewater from the food industry and paper and pulp production. The review also explores the dynamics of organic matter within the soil, discussing the aspects related to its potential conversion to CO2 or long-term storage. It was found that industrial wastewaters, owing to their higher organic matter and recalcitrance, exhibit greater potential for carbon storage. However, the presence of pollutants in wastewater necessitates careful consideration, particularly concerning their impact on soil quality. Toxic metals, microplastics, and organic compounds emerged as significant contaminants that could accumulate in the soil, posing risks to ecosystem health. To mitigate the environmental impacts, it was evaluated various wastewater treatment technologies and their associated carbon emissions. While advanced treatments may effectively reduce the contaminant load and mitigate soil impacts, their adoption is often associated with an increase in CO2 emissions. Membrane bioreactors, microfiltration, ultrafiltration, and up-flow anaerobic sludge blanket reactors were identified as promising technologies with lower carbon footprints. Looking ahead, future research should aim to enhance the understanding of carbon dynamics in soil and validate the environmental impacts of treated wastewater disposal. Despite remaining uncertainties, the literature indicates a positive outlook for wastewater recycling in soil, offering a viable strategy for carbon storage and mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions.

Development and Application of the Quality Index Method for Ice-Stored King Weakfish (Macrodon ancylodon).

The freshness of raw fish has become one of the industry's and consumers' main concerns regarding quality, safety, and shelf-life estimation. To determine the freshness of the king weakfish (Macrodom ancylodom), the quality index method (QIM) was employed for sensory analyses, along with the assessment of proximate composition, pH, total volatile bases (TVB-N), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), biogenic amines, fatty acids, texture, and microbiological parameters. The results show that the QIM obtained over the storage period exhibited a linear increase, ranging from 2 to 21 demerit points, with a high correlation (R2 = 0.9868) among the data. The microbiological results indicated an increase in the counts of psychrotrophic and mesophilic bacteria throughout the storage period. TVB-N values ranged from 11 to 28 mg/100 g, and TBARS values ranged from 0.235 to 0.298 mg MDA/kg when stored in ice. The presence of putrescine, cadaverine, spermidine, and toxic volatile compounds was a potential indicator of fish freshness. Based on the correlation between the methods considered indicators of freshness and quality, it can be concluded that the king weakfish maintains its commercial stability for up to 11 days when stored in ice.

E-waste: a global threat with an impact on nutrition

Introduction: The generation and increase of electronic waste (e-waste) represents a focus of attention in the biomedical area due to the devastating impact on health. The importance and study ranges from toxicological understanding in adults to teratological effects in neonates. Studies have shown that e-waste affects the uptake of micronutrients, in addition to environmental contamination. Objective: To describe the main nutritional effects of e-waste in vulnerable populations. Methods: A retrospective descriptive model was performed following the PRISMA model, including manuscripts that were published since 2015. Results: Of the total number of articles identified, 21 articles were selected that met the established criteria. E-waste has a great impact on the environment by contaminating soil, food, vegetables, and air. Through these routes, children, pregnant women, and recyclers can acquire different toxic compounds. The main affectations described are alterations in iron metabolism and glycemic index, metabolic alterations, changes in the microbiota, affectation in the synthesis of antibodies and metabolic activity of reparative enzymes. Conclusions: Personnel in nutrition and related areas should understand the mechanism of action of e-waste, nutrient utilization, and the effect of metals and compounds derived from e-waste to avoid nutritional deficiencies

Antimicrobial activity of compounds identified by artificial intelligence discovery engine targeting enzymes involved in Neisseria gonorrhoeae peptidoglycan metabolism

BackgroundNeisseria gonorrhoeae (Ng) causes the sexually transmitted disease gonorrhoea. There are no vaccines and infections are treated principally with antibiotics. However, gonococci rapidly develop resistance to every antibiotic class used and there is a need for developing new antimicrobial treatments. In this study we focused on two gonococcal enzymes as potential antimicrobial targets, namely the serine protease L,D-carboxypeptidase LdcA (NgO1274/NEIS1546) and the lytic transglycosylase LtgD (NgO0626/NEIS1212). To identify compounds that could interact with these enzymes as potential antimicrobials, we used the AtomNet virtual high-throughput screening technology. We then did a computational modelling study to examine the interactions of the most bioactive compounds with their target enzymes. The identified compounds were tested against gonococci to determine minimum inhibitory and bactericidal concentrations (MIC/MBC), specificity, and compound toxicity in vitro.ResultsAtomNet identified 74 compounds that could potentially interact with Ng-LdcA and 84 compounds that could potentially interact with Ng-LtgD. Through MIC and MBC assays, we selected the three best performing compounds for both enzymes. Compound 16 was the most active against Ng-LdcA, with a MIC50 value < 1.56 µM and MBC50/90 values between 0.195 and 0.39 µM. In general, the Ng-LdcA compounds showed higher activity than the compounds directed against Ng-LtgD, of which compound 45 had MIC50 values of 1.56–3.125 µM and MBC50/90 values between 3.125 and 6.25 µM. The compounds were specific for gonococci and did not kill other bacteria. They were also non-toxic for human conjunctival epithelial cells as judged by a resazurin assay. To support our biological data, in-depth computational modelling study detailed the interactions of the compounds with their target enzymes. Protein models were generated in silico and validated, the active binding sites and amino acids involved elucidated, and the interactions of the compounds interacting with the enzymes visualised through molecular docking and Molecular Dynamics Simulations for 50 ns and Molecular Mechanics Poisson-Boltzmann Surface Area (MM-PBSA).ConclusionsWe have identified bioactive compounds that appear to target the N. gonorrhoeae LdcA and LtgD enzymes. By using a reductionist approach involving biological and computational data, we propose that compound Ng-LdcA-16 and Ng-LtgD-45 are promising anti-gonococcal compounds for further development.

Size-segregated content of heavy metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in airborne particles emitted by indoor sources

Indoor air quality is negatively affected by the emission of different combustion sources releasing airborne particles and related particle-bound toxic compounds (e.g., heavy metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons). To date, very few studies focused on the chemical characterization of the airborne particles emitted by indoor sources were carried out; moreover, no data on their size-resolved chemical compositions are available. In the present study, an experimental analysis aimed at determining the size-segregated content of heavy metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in airborne particles (including sub-micrometric ones) emitted by widely-used indoor combustion sources (i.e., incenses, candles, mosquito-coils, and cooking activities) was carried out. To this purpose, airborne particles were collected through an electric low-pressure impactor and were post-analyzed by means of chromatography–mass spectrometry and atomic emission spectrometry techniques. Results of the analyses showed that the chemical composition of the emitted particles is not invariant to the particle size, indeed, an important contribution of sub-micrometric particle range to the total mass of chemical compounds emitted by the sources was noticed. These findings also demonstrated that significant underestimations of particle-bound compounds depositing in the lungs could occur if size-dependent compositions are not adopted.

Synthesis of nanogeopolymer adsorbent and its application and reusability in the removal of methylene blue from wastewater using response surface methodology (RSM)

Organic dyestuff are mostly toxic compounds that pose serious dangers to the environment. Adsorption using low-cost adsorbents is the most favorable method for its economic aspects. Recently, geopolymers have been introduced as an effective adsorbent for dyes and heavy metals. In this investigation, the synthesis of geopolymers from fired brick waste (Homra) was studied with full characterization using X-ray Diffraction, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller, Energy dispersive X-ray, Scanning electron microscope tests and Transmission electron microscopy. The synthesized nano-Homra geopolymer (NHGP) was then subjected to the removal of one of the most used basic dyes, Methylene Blue (MB). Adsorption optimization was applied using Response surface methodology to study dye adsorption by the synthesized nano-geopolymer. The independent variables studied were: temperature, contact time, and concentration of dye in the elimination process, which were varied in the range of (25–60 ℃), (10–180 min), and (20–300 mg/L) respectively. The results obtained from ANOVA indicated that the maximum removal efficiency of 95% and adsorption capacity of 80.65 mg/g at a temperature of 59 ℃, contact time of 163 min, and an initial concentration of 254 mg/L. The results showed that the data obtained from the adsorption of MB onto NHGP was compatible with the Pseudo second order (R2 = 0.9838) and Langmuir isotherm model (R2 = 0.9882).

Toxicological Effects of Leachates Extracted from Photocatalytic Concrete Blocks with Nano-TiO2 on Daphnia magna.

The incorporation of titanium dioxide nanoparticles into concrete blocks for paving adds photocatalytic functionality to the cementitious matrix, providing self-cleaning and pollutant-degrading properties. However, wear and leaching from these pavements can release potentially toxic compounds into water bodies, affecting aquatic organisms. In this context, this study evaluated the toxicological effects of leachates from photocatalytic concrete containing nano-TiO2 with an average size of 10 nm and anatase crystallinity on Daphnia magna. Acute and chronic toxicity tests on neonates were conducted with two leachate extracts: one from reference concrete and one from photocatalytic concrete (with 9% nano-TiO2 added by mass of cement). In terms of acute toxicity, the reference concrete extract had an EC50 of 104.0 mL/L at 48 h, whereas the concrete with TiO2 had an EC50 of 64.6 mL/L at 48 h. For chronic toxicity, the leachate from reference concrete had a significant effect (p < 0.05) on the size parameter with an LOEC of 4 mL/L, whereas the leachate from concrete with 9% nano-TiO2 did not have significant toxicological effects on any of the analyzed parameters (longevity, size, reproduction, and age of first posture) (LOEC > 6.5 mL/L). Furthermore, FTIR analysis indicated that TiO2 nanoparticles were not detected in the leachates, suggesting efficient anchoring within the cementitious matrix. The results indicate that there was no increase in the chronic toxicity of the leachate from the cementitious matrix when nanoparticles were added at a 9% mass ratio of cement.

Impact of Environmental Laws Pertaining to Pollution Problems in Pharma and Chemical Sectors in India

Medical waste is regarded as a hazardous waste of a specific kind because of its high toxicity, presence of radioactive and toxic compounds, and propensity to cause sickness. The degree to which bacteria and viruses are present in medical waste, the dosage and type of exposure, and the degree to which the body is resistant to these pathogens Trash from isolation rooms for patients with infectious disorders, bacterial, infectious, and biological agent residues, waste from sterilization and disinfection, blood, serums, and plasma, and pharmaceutical residues are all considered to be medical waste. This manual offers suggestions for reducing trash creation through source reduction and recycling as well as an explanation of the processes that produce waste in hospitals. Hospitals will benefit by restricting the age of these materials at the source or reusing the wastes on or off site in light of the fact that doing so will limit removal expenses and liabilities connected with discarding hazardous waste. Compared to industrial facilities, general medical and surgical hospitals produce less hazardous wastes overall, although they do so in a number of different forms. Pharmaceuticals were formerly believed to enter the environment largely through usage or improper disposal. It was discovered that some production facilities were the sources of substantially higher ambient concentrations than those brought on by drug use. For both authorities and the pharmaceutical industry, the widespread discovery of waste medicines in environmental samples and the dangers posed by their introduction into wildlife habitats are key issues. Pharmaceutical firms should understand that reducing drug use and environmental damage is in their own best interests because doing so will prevent the emergence of drug resistance, which will prolong the shelf life of their medications. Changes in public and worldwide regulations, the reception of reasonable environmental principles inside current business standards, and requests from medical care suppliers and patients are likely impetuses for activity. Yet, clients can't pursue taught decisions because of the shortage of data about the wellspring of drugs and the impacts of creation on the climate. We suggest that one of several crucial strategies for lowering pollution from medicine manufacture would be improved transparency throughout the entire production chain.

Advanced-Functional-Material-Modified Electrodes for the Monitoring of Nitrobenzene: Progress in Nitrobenzene Electrochemical Sensing

Nitrobenzene (NB) is one of the nitro-aromatic compounds that is extensively used in various chemical industries. Despite its potential applications, NB is considered to be a toxic compound that has significant hazardous effects on human health and the environment. Thus, it can be said that the NB level should be monitored to avoid its negative impacts on human health. In this vein, the electrochemical method has emerged as one of the most efficient sensing techniques for the determination of NB. The sensing performance of the electrochemical techniques depends on the electro-catalytic properties and conductivity of the electrode materials. In the past few years, various electrode materials, such as conductive metal ions, semiconducting metal oxides, metal–organic frameworks, and two-dimensional (2D) materials, have been used as the electrode material for the construction of the NB sensor. Thus, it is worth summarizing previous studies on the design and synthesis of electrode materials for the construction of the NB sensor. In this mini-review article, we summarize the previous reports on the synthesis of various advanced electrode materials, such as platinum (Pt) nanoparticles (NPs), silver (Ag) NPs, carbon dots (CDs), graphene, graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4), zinc stannate (ZnSnO3), cerium oxide (CeO2), zinc oxide (ZnO), and so on. Furthermore, the impacts of different electrode materials are systematically discussed for the sensing of NB. The advantages of, limitations of, and future perspectives on the construction of NB sensors are discussed. The aim of the present mini-review article is to enhance the knowledge and overall literature, working towards the construction of NB sensors.

States target toxic tire compound

States target toxic tire compound

Two marine sulfur-reducing bacteria co-culture is essential for productive infection by a T4-like Escherichia coli-infecting phage

The control of microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC) challenges the oil exploration sector. The MIC results from electrochemical reactions facilitated by microorganisms such as sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB), which adhere to the surface of the ducts forming biofilms. SRB uses sulfate as the final electron acceptor, resulting in hydrogen sulfide as the final product, a highly reactive corrosive, and toxic compound. Due to the high diversity of the SRB group, this study evaluated the effect of an Escherichia coli phage, with biofilm degrading enzymes, in preventing biofilm formation by microbial consortium P48SEP and reducing H2S production in a complex SRB community. Three phage concentrations were evaluated (104, 108 and 1012 UFP/ml). High and medium phage concentrations prevented biofilm development, as evidenced by scanning electron microscopy, chemical analysis, and cell counts. In addition, the virus altered the expression pattern of some bacterial genes and the relative abundance of proteins related to biofilm formation and cell stress response. Using a complex culture formed mainly by SRB, it was possible to observe the bacterial growth, H2S, and metabolic activity reduction after the phage was added. This study shows for the first time the ability of an E. coli-infecting phage to prevent the biofilm formation of an SRB consortium and infect and replicate at high concentrations on the non-specific host. This new finding turns the use of non-specific phages a promising alternative for the control of biocorrosion in oil and gas installations, on the other side, alert to the use of large concentration of phages and the influence on bacterial groups with geological importance, opening a research field in phage biology.

Reuse and Recovery of Water from Industrial Textile Dyeing Effluent Using High-Performance Electrodes Continuous Flow Electrocoagulation Reactor

The dye effluents released from the textile and printing industries contain strong colorants, inorganic salts, and other toxic compounds. The conventional coagulation technique of dye effluent treatment is plagued with issues of low removal rate of color, generation of large quantities of sludge, and toxic end-products. Recently electrocoagulation technique gained immense attention due to its high efficiency. This technique involves the dissolution of the sacrificial anodes to provide an active metal hydroxide as a strong coagulant that destabilizes the pollutants and removes them by precipitation or flocculation. This study is about the efficiency of the electrocoagulation process using titanium coated - aluminum and mild steel electrodes to treat industrial dye wastewater. Effects of parameters such as current density &amp; initial dye concentration were investigated. It was observed that, for the same current density, electrode consumption was higher with TiO2/Al electrode than with mild steel electrode, resulting in more color removal efficiency (CRE) using TiO2/Al electrode. The settling rate of the flocs was higher in the rector having TiO2/Al electrode at the 100 mL with current density (2.5 mL.min-1 to 5.3 mL.min-1), while in the reactor with mild steel electrode, the settling rate was very less. The results showed that dye removal was 95.11% and 92.1% for mild steel and titanium-coated electrodes, respectively. It was observed that 50 % of Aluminum was removed from the treated effluent after the final stage of filtration. Based on the multicriteria analysis to identify the optimum operational parameters to be applied at the field level, it was observed that maximum CRE may be obtained with TiO2/Al electrode and the applied current of 1 Amps with a flow rate of 100 mL.min-1. It can be concluded that electrocoagulation is a highly efficient and the fastest method to treat dye effluents from industries.

A Pyridazine‐Based Cadmium(II) Organic Framework With pcu Topology as a Luminance Sensor to Nitrobenzene, Al(III), and Cu(II) Ion

ABSTRACTIn the field of water decontamination, the design of luminance sensor for sensitive detection of heavy metal ion toxic and nitroaromatic compounds are important and challenging. Herein, a new luminescent Cd(II) metal–organic framework (MOF), {[Cd2(H2O)3(4‐CPCA)2]·2H2O}n (SNUT‐27) (H2(4‐CPCA) = 1‐(4‐carboxyphenyl)‐4‐oxo‐1,4‐dihydropyridazine‐3‐carboxylic acid) was obtained by the reaction of flexible ligand H2(4‐CPCA) and Cd(II) ions, characterized by single crystal X‐ray diffraction, PXRD, FT‐IR, and TGA, the samples were further analyzed. The analysis of single crystal X‐ray diffraction showed that SNUT‐27 possesses a distinct three‐dimensional spatial arrangement and demonstrates impressive fluorescence properties. Particularly, SNUT‐27 showed a highly sensitive response to the nitro‐aromatic compounds nitrobenzene by fluorescence quenching, and in contrast, showed a fluorescence enhancement response to Al3+ and Cu2+. SNUT‐27 can be effortlessly recycled by simply rinsing with water post‐sensing experiments, showcasing its reusability. Additionally, potential detection mechanisms have been explored.

A Review on Bioremediation of Tannery Effluent using Immobilized Bacteria

Tannery effluent is a significant contributor to contaminants such as heavy metals within the ecosystem. Effluents generally contain heavy metals, and they also contain more bacteria that can thrive in such an environment. Bioremediation has ancestrally been performed using bacteria; in recent decades, the implementation of “immobilized” bacteria has acquired recognition as an intriguing technique due to manifold assistance. This review systematizes a humongous amount of extant literature on multifarious toxicants that can be tackled with immobilized bacteria. We further explore assorted deterministic facets using immobilized bacteria for environmental remediation with an emphasis on encapsulation in biomaterials and their role in detoxifying toxic compounds. We explore multiple techniques for immobilizing bacteria in numerous complementary arrays incorporating multiple species of bacteria, factors that influence the remediation process, such as bioreactor layouts used in pilot, lab-scale applications. Exploits and drawbacks of using immobilized bacteria in fermenters to treat tannery effluent are also described. The imperishable future aspects, recovery of significant commodities, in addition to bioremediation, represent an important incentive of the immobilized treatment process that makes more cost-effective, legitimate treatment enforcement that is also congruent with the precepts of the bioeconomy.

An electron paramagnetic resonance time-course study of oxidative stress in the plasma of electronic cigarette exposed rats.

The long-term consequences of electronic cigarette (Ecig) use in humans are not yet known, but it is known that Ecig aerosols contain many toxic compounds of concern. We have recently shown that Ecig exposure impairs middle cerebral artery (MCA) endothelial function and that it takes 3days for MCA reactivity to return to normal. However, the sources contributing to impairment of the endothelium were not investigated. We hypothesized that the increased levels of oxidative stress markers in the blood are correlated with impaired MCA reactivity. We used electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy to examine plasma from 4-month-old male Sprague-Dawley rats that were exposed to either air (n=5) or 1h Ecig exposure, after which blood samples were collected at varying times after exposure (i.e., 1-4, 24, 48 and 72h postexposure, n=4 or 5 in each time group). The EPR analyses were performed using the redox-sensitive hydroxylamine spin probe 1-hydroxy-3-carboxymethyl-2,2,5,5-tetramethyl-pyrrolidine (CMH) to measure the level of reactive oxidant species in the plasma samples. We found that EPR signal intensity from the CM• radical was significantly increased in plasma at 1-4, 24 and 48h (P<0.05, respectively) and returned to control (air) levels by 72h. When evaluating the EPR results with MCA reactivity, we found a significant negative correlation (Pearson's P=0.0027). These data indicate that impaired cerebrovascular reactivity resulting from vaping is associated with the oxidative stress level (measured by EPR from plasma) and indicate that a single 1h vaping session can negatively influence vascular health for up to 3 days after vaping. HIGHLIGHTS: What is the central question of this study? Does the time course of oxidative stress triggered by electronic cigarette exposure follow the cerebral vascular dysfunction? What is the main finding and its importance? Electron paramagnetic resonance analysis shows that the oxidative stress induced after a single 1h exposure to electronic cigarette aerosol takes ≤72h to return to normal, which mirrors the time course for vascular dysfunction in the middle cerebral artery that we have reported previously.