Filtrate Volume Research Articles

Novel application of citric acid based natural deep eutectic solvent in drilling fluids for shale swelling prevention

Swelling of shale in clastic reservoirs poses a significant challenge, causing instability in wellbores. Utilizing water-based drilling mud with shale inhibitors is preferable for environmental reasons over oil-based mud. Ionic liquids (ILs) have garnered interest as shale inhibitors due to their customizable properties and strong electrostatic features. However, widely used imidazolium-based ILs in drilling fluids are found to be toxic, non-biodegradable, and expensive. Deep Eutectic Solvents (DES), considered a more economical and less toxic alternative to ILs, still fall short in terms of environmental sustainability. The latest advancement in this field introduces Natural Deep Eutectic Solvents (NADES), renowned for their genuine eco-friendliness. This study explores NADES formulated with citric acid (as a Hydrogen Bond Acceptor) and glycerine (as a Hydrogen Bond Donor) as additives in drilling fluids. The NADES based drilling mud was prepared according to API 13B-1 standards and their efficacy was compared with KCl, imidazolium based ionic liquid, and Choline Chloride: Urea-DES based mud. A thorough physicochemical characterization of the in-house prepared NADES is detailed. The research evaluates rheological, filtration and shale inhibition properties of the mud, demonstrating that NADES enhanced the yield point to plastic viscosity ratio (YP/PV), reduced mudcake thickness by 26%, and decreased filtrate volume by 30.1% at a 3% concentration. Notably, NADES achieved an impressive 49.14% inhibition of swelling and improved shale recovery by 86.36%. These outcomes are attributed to NADES’ ability to modify surface activity, zeta potential, and clay layer spacing which are discussed to understand the underlying mechanism. This sustainable drilling fluid promises to reshape the drilling industry by offering a non-toxic, cost-effective, and highly efficient alternative to conventional shale inhibitors, paving the way for environmentally conscious drilling practices.

Impact of Tumor Volume and Other Factors on Renal Function After Partial Nephrectomy

Background and Objectives: One of the main objectives of partial nephrectomy is to preserve as much renal function as possible. However, the removal of functioning nephrons and ischemic damage secondary to the clamping of the renal pedicle can be associated with a certain degree of renal function loss. We aim to evaluate the relationship between tumor volume and other factors on renal function in the short term (1–3 months) and long term (6–12 months) in our series of partial nephrectomies. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted on 147 patients who underwent open or laparoscopic partial nephrectomy between 2018 and 2022. Tumor volume was estimated through reconstructions from the computed tomography images. Univariate and multivariate analyses of the data were performed. Results: The mean age was 58.2 years, with an average glomerular filtration rate (GFR) of 79 mL/min/m2. Of all partial nephrectomies, 76.2% were laparoscopic, 57.1% were T1a tumors, and the mean volume was 17 cc. The average ischemia time during surgery was 14.3 min, with a mean hemoglobin loss of 2.8 g/dL in the immediate postoperative period. No significant differences were found either in the short or long term regarding ischemia time (p = 0.57, p = 0.32) or tumor volume (p = 0.57, p = 0.33). However, in the multivariate analysis, it was observed that the variable with the greatest influence on short-term renal function was perioperative glomerular filtration, while in the long term, ischemia time, age, and tumor volume also had an influence. Conclusions: Tumor volume is not an independent factor for renal function deterioration in the short or long term. Short-term renal function is primarily determined by perioperative glomerular filtration. Perioperative glomerular filtration, ischemia time, age, and tumor volume can jointly predict long-term renal function.

Using syringe filtration after lab-scale adsorption processes potentially overestimates PFAS adsorption removal efficiency from non-conventional irrigation water.

The adsorption process, known for its cost-effectiveness and high efficiency, has been extensively investigated at the laboratory scale for removing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from non-conventional irrigation water. However, a syringe filtration step is commonly used when quantifying PFAS removal during this adsorption process, potentially leading to PFAS retention onto the filters and an overestimate of adsorption removal efficiency. Here, we assessed the retention of three prevalent PFAS (i.e., perfluorooctanoic acid [PFOA], perfluorooctane sulfonic acid [PFOS], and perfluorobutanoic acid [PFBA]) on six syringe filters. When filtering distilled deionized water spiked with 1µg/L and 100µg/L of each PFAS, we observed the highest and lowest PFAS recovery percentages by mixed cellulose ester (MCE) (0.20µm, 25mm; 97±11%, 101±4.8%) and polytetrafluoroethylene (0.45µm, 13mm; 61±37%, 80±28%), respectively. Under the initial concentration of 1µg/L and 100µg/L, PFOS had recovery percentages of 55±25% and 68±24%, significantly lower than 96±12% and 99±5% for PFOA and 95±8% and 97±4% for PFBA, highlighting the importance of PFAS functional groups. PFAS recovery percentage increased with filtration volume in the order of 80±28% (1mL)<85±21% (5mL)<90±18% (10mL). Using MCE to filter treated municipal wastewater spiked with 1µg/L and 100µg/L of each PFAS, we found recovery percentages>90% for all three PFAS. Our study underscores the significance of syringe filter selection and potential overestimate of PFAS removal efficacy by the lab-scale adsorption processes.

A Liquid Well Barrier Element for Temporary Plug and Abandonment Operations: A Breakthrough Approach

Plug and abandonment (P&amp;A) operations demand valuable time and resources for operational procedures and materials to establish the well barrier element. This study aims to investigate the application of a water-based fluid as a liquid well barrier element for temporary abandonment, based on estimates of its lifespan and the survival probabilities of downhole temperatures acquired through accelerated life tests. To achieve this, the water-based formulation was tested and exposed to 95, 110, 140, and 150 °C temperatures for time intervals ranging from 1 to 10 days. After the temperature exposure, the fluid properties were verified, and failure was detected by accounting for any deterioration in rheological parameters and/or a substantial increase in filtrate volume. A statistical analysis of the failure data was performed in RStudio 4.1.3 software using the Weibull Model, and the fluid average lifespans and survival probabilities were estimated for the P&amp;A temperatures. The results obtained demonstrate that the degradation of the fluid was only observed for 140 and 150 °C temperatures. According to the results, the fluid is a promising alternative for temporary abandonment until 80 °C, with no need for monitoring once its lifetime expectation exceeds three years at this temperature. For downhole temperatures above 80 °C, the fluid is a possible alternative, however, the operation’s maximum time and monitoring requirements should consider reliability metrics for each temperature.

Hybrid Machine-Learning Model for Accurate Prediction of Filtration Volume in Water-Based Drilling Fluids

Accurately predicting the filtration volume (FV) in drilling fluid (DF) is crucial for avoiding drilling problems such as a stuck pipe and minimizing DF impacts on formations during drilling. Traditional FV measurement relies on human-centric experimental evaluation, which is time-consuming. Recently, machine learning (ML) proved itself as a promising approach for FV prediction. However, existing ML methods require time-consuming input variables, hindering the semi-real-time monitoring of the FV. Therefore, employing radial basis function neural network (RBFNN) and multilayer extreme learning machine (MELM) algorithms integrated with the growth optimizer (GO), predictive hybrid ML (HML) models are developed to reliably predict the FV using only two easy-to-measure input variables: drilling fluid density (FD) and Marsh funnel viscosity (MFV). A 1260-record dataset from seventeen wells drilled in two oil and gas fields (Iran) was used to evaluate the models. Results showed the superior performance of the RBFNN-GO model, achieving a root-mean-square error (RMSE) of 0.6396 mL. Overfitting index (OFI), score, dependency, and Shapley additive explanations (SHAP) analysis confirmed the superior FV prediction performance of the RBFNN-GO model. In addition, the low RMSE (0.3227 mL) of the RBFNN-NGO model on unseen data from a different well within the studied fields confirmed the strong generalizability of this rapid and novel FV prediction method.

Mosquitoes on a chip-environmental DNA-based detection of invasive mosquito species using high-throughput real-time PCR.

The monitoring of mosquitoes is of great importance due to their vector competence for a variety of pathogens, which have the potential to imperil human and animal health. Until now mosquito occurrence data is mainly obtained with conventional monitoring methods including active and passive approaches, which can be time- and cost-consuming. New monitoring methods based on environmental DNA (eDNA) could serve as a fast and robust complementary detection system for mosquitoes. In this pilot study already existing marker systems targeting the three invasive mosquito species Aedes (Ae.) albopictus, Ae. japonicus and Ae. koreicus were used to detect these species from water samples via microfluidic array technology. We compared the performance of the high-throughput real-time PCR (HT-qPCR) system Biomark HD with real-time PCR (qPCR) and also tested the effect of different filter media (Sterivex® 0.45 µm, Nylon 0.22 µm, PES 1.2 µm) on eDNA detectability. By using a universal qPCR protocol and only 6-FAM-MGB probes we successfully transferred these marker systems on the HT-qPCR platform. All tested marker systems detected the target species at most sites, where their presence was previously confirmed. Filter media properties, the final filtration volume and observed qPCR inhibition did not affect measured Ct values via qPCR or HT-qPCR. The Ct values obtained from HT-qPCR were significantly lower as Ct values measured by qPCR due to the previous preamplification step, still these values were highly correlated. Observed incongruities in eDNA detection probability, as manifested by non-reproducible results and false positive detections, could be the result of methodological aspects, such as sensitivity and specificity issues of the used assays, or ecological factors such as varying eDNA release patterns. In this study, we show the suitability of eDNA-based detection of mosquito species from water samples using a microfluidic HT-qPCR platform. HT-qPCR platforms such as Biomark HD allow for massive upscaling of tested species-specific assays and sampling sites with low time- and cost-effort, thus this methodology could serve as basis for large-scale mosquito monitoring attempts. The main goal in the future is to develop a robust (semi)-quantitative microfluidic-based eDNA mosquito chip targeting all haematophagous culicid species occurring in Western Europe. This chip would enable large-scale eDNA-based screenings to assess mosquito diversity, to monitor species with confirmed or suspected vector competence, to assess the invasion progress of invasive mosquito species and could be used in pathogen surveillance, when disease agents are incorporated.

Influence of perlite on the stability of filter cake in low-density drilling fluids system

Enhancing drilling fluid performance in the oil and gas industry involves addressing various criteria across technical, environmental, and economic aspects. Consequently, this study encompassed several factors such as rheology, filtration, formation damage, and additives to design appropriate and cost-effective drilling fluid. The potential of perlite as an additive for low-density drilling was assessed in this work. A comprehensive laboratory experimental approach was applied to gain an in-depth understating of perlite's performance. The investigation included evaluating the rheological properties, filter cake quality, and characterizing filtration medium pore distribution. Additionally, sensitivity tests were also conducted to judge the effectiveness of perlite as a primary viscosifier and filtration agent. Through these tests, a holistic assessment of perlite's capabilities was achieved. The findings indicated that while perlite was not suitable for use as the primary viscosifier or as the main filtration agent, its use as a secondary agent exhibited a positive impact, particularly in reducing solid invasion by approximately 93%. The optimum perlite concentration was 3 lb./bbl., with good enhancements in filtration volume, filter cake thickness and porosity by 50%, 40%, and 14%, respectively. Additionally, employing a combined particle distribution approach for the calcite, rather than a singular grade, resulted in substantial improvements in the examined properties. The most notable improvement was observed in filter cake permeability, which decreased by nearly 93%. The other parameters were improved by 80% for filtration volume, 74% for filter cake thickness, and 24% for solid invasion. This work highlighted the usability of perlite in low-density mud and how it can improve the drilling fluid properties.

Methodological assessment for efficient collection of Schistosoma mansoni environmental DNA and improved schistosomiasis surveillance in tropical wetlands

Schistosomiasis, caused by trematodes of genus Schistosoma, is among the most seriously neglected tropical diseases. Although rapid surveillance of risk areas for Schistosoma transmission is vital to control schistosomiasis, the habitat and infection status of this parasite are difficult to assess. Environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis, involving the detection of extra-organismal DNA in water samples, facilitates cost-efficient and sensitive biomonitoring of aquatic environments and is a promising tool to identify Schistosoma habitat and infection risk areas. However, in tropical wetlands, highly turbid water causes filter clogging, thereby decreasing the filtration volume and increasing the risk of false negatives. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to conduct laboratory experiments and field surveys in Lake Victoria, Mbita, to determine the appropriate filter pore size for S. mansoni eDNA collection in terms of particle size and filtration volume. In the laboratory experiment, aquarium water was sequentially filtered using different pore size filters. Targeting >3 µm size fraction was found to be sufficient to capture S. mansoni eDNA particles, regardless of their life cycle stage (egg, miracidia, and cercaria). In the field surveys, GF/D (2.7 µm nominal pore size) filter yielded 2.5-times the filtration volume obtained with a smaller pore size filter and pre-filtration methods under the same time constraints. Moreover, a site-occupancy model was applied to the field detection results to estimate S. mansoni eDNA occurrence and detection probabilities and assess the number of water samples and PCR replicates necessary for efficient eDNA detection. Overall, this study reveals an effective method for S. mansoni eDNA detection in turbid water, facilitating the rapid and sensitive monitoring of its distribution and cost-effective identification of schistosomiasis transmission risk areas.

Quantitative filter forensics for allergens and semivolatile organic compounds in residential buildings in Toronto, Canada

Quantitative filter forensics (QFF) is a method for estimating the time-averaged concentration of particle-bound containments using filter metadata and its extracted dust. In this study, QFF was applied to dust samples extracted from four types of HVAC filters deployed in 20 homes from December 2016 to December 2017 in Toronto, Canada. The analysis covered six allergens, eight phthalates, and 12 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). The allergen results from four homes showed elevated concentrations of cat and dog allergens (Fel d 1 and Can f 1) in homes with cats or dogs. All eight phthalates were detected, dominated by diisononyl phthalate (DiNP) and bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), with median concentrations of 4.27 ng/m³ and 4.20 ng/m³, respectively. All PAHs, except anthracene, were detected in over 50 % of the homes, with benzo[a]pyrene being the most abundant (median concentration of 0.067 ng/m³). Median concentrations of all semivolatile organic compounds (SVOCs) were lower in winter 2016 compared to spring 2017, potentially due to losses of more volatile SVOCs from filters because of higher filtration volumes in winter, in addition to differences in sources and ventilation rates. All phthalate and most PAH concentrations were one to two orders of magnitude lower compared to those found from QFF in apartments in Toronto social housing multi-unit residential buildings (MURB), indicating those with lower socio-economic status (SES) were exposed to higher SVOC concentrations. Occupant density was positively related to most phthalate and specific PAH concentrations, while environmental factors including room temperature, relative humidity, and supply air temperature were not.

Exploring the Performance of Dry Bamboo Leaves Powder from Bambusa Heterostachya as Additive in Water-Based Mud

In the evolving landscape of petroleum drilling, the quest for eco-friendly alternatives to traditional mud additives is paramount. This study explored the performance of Dry Bamboo Leaves Powder (DBLP) from Bambusa heterostachya as an additive in water-based mud. Dry Bamboo Leaves were obtained, crushed, and then sieved to 106-micron size. Mud properties, including mud weight, plastic viscosity, yield point, gel strength, mud cake thickness and filtrate volume were examined under fresh conditions by integrating different concentrations of DBLP (3.5 g, 7.0 g, 10.5 g, and 14 g). The laboratory experiments adhered to the standards set by the American Petroleum Institute (API). The introduction of DBLP concentrations resulted in a reduction in the alkalinity and mud weight of the drilling mud. Additionally, the drilling mud's yield point and plastic viscosity were altered at different DBLP concentrations. The inclusion of DBLP enhanced the gel strength and decreased filtrate volume while maintaining the same mud cake thickness.

Filter Cake Neural-Objective Data Modeling and Image Optimization

Designing drilling mud rheology is a complex task, particularly when it comes to preventing filter cakes from obstructing formation pores and making sure they can be easily decomposed using breakers. Incorporating both multiphysics and data-driven numerical simulations into the design of mud rheology experiments creates an additional challenge due to their symmetrical integration. In this computational intelligence study, we introduced numerical validation techniques using 498 available datasets from mud rheology and images from filter cakes. The goal was to symmetrically predict flow, maximize filtration volume, monitor void spaces, and evaluate formation damage occurrences. A neural-objective and image optimization approach to drilling mud rheology automation was employed using an artificial neural network feedforward (ANN-FF) function, a non-ANN-FF function, an image processing tool, and an objective optimization tool. These methods utilized the Google TensorFlow Sequential API-DNN architecture, MATLAB-nftool, the MATLAB-image processing tool, and a single-objective optimization algorithm. However, the analysis emanating from the ANN-FF and non-ANN-FF (with neurons of 10, 12, and 18) indicated that, unlike non-ANN-FF, ANN-FF obtained the highest correlation coefficient of 0.96–0.99. Also, the analysis of SBM and OBM image processing revealed a total void area of 1790 M µm2 and 1739 M µm2, respectively. Both SBM and OBM exhibited notable porosity and permeability that contributed to the enhancement of the flow index. Nonetheless, this study did reveal that the experimental-informed single objective analysis impeded the filtration volume; hence, it demonstrated potential formation damage. It is, therefore, consistent to note that automating flow predictions from mud rheology and filter cakes present an alternative intelligence method for non-programmers to optimize drilling productive time.

Effect and consequence of the rheological properties of nano Fe2O3-modified drilling muds in the Dibella oil field

The development of supportable, cost-effective, and high-performance nanoparticles (NPs) is one of the new examination points within penetrating applications. The consideration of tailorable nanoparticles offers the chance to figure out water-based drilling fluids (WBDFs) with upgraded properties, providing exceptional opportunities in the energy, oil, gas, water, or framework enterprises. In WBDFs, nano and micron materials are investigated to control their rheological properties and their influence. This paper aims to analyze the influence of nano Fe2O3 on the rheological behavior of drilling fluid muds under high temperatures and pressure. Additionally, we seek to identify the optimal concentration of iron oxide nanoparticles that maintain consistent rheology; we examined the interfering effects of shear rates and iron oxide nanoparticle temperature on the shear type of the changed depleting liquid in the Dibella oil field to make the penetrating activity efficient, realistic, and skilled. We observe that as the temperature increases, the water-based mud (WBM), plastic viscosity (PV), yield point (YP), and gel strength (Gs) decrease until the reject structure is disrupted. Therefore, we must proceed with our assessment using nano Fe2O3 to resolve the shortcomings of the slope framework. Six water-based mud cakes containing 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, and 3 g weight percent of iron oxide (Fe2O3) nanoparticles were prepared for this evaluation. The experimental outcomes revealed an optimal nanoparticle mixing of 2.5 g weight percent, which resulted in a 13.8% reduction in the API filtrate volume and a 40% reduction in filter cake thickness. At 300°F temperature and type 10.00 pressure, the results of our experiments consistently demonstrate a decrease of 14.77% in the rheological properties of PV and YP and 10 s and 10 min in the gel strength of carbon oxide nanoparticles. The YP–PV span is 2.7, and the yield strength is 11 lb/100 ft2. On the other hand, mud cake A, which contains 0.5 wt% NPs, loses 6 mL of fluid after 30 min. In contrast, drilling mud cake E, which is composed of 3 wt% NPs, shows a fluid loss of 5.1 mL in the API filter press test. Based on the Bingham plastic model, the maximum shear stress versus shear rate was observed for bentonite drilling muds E and F, with 2.5 wt% and 3 wt% NPs, respectively, and this result indicates that the use of nano Fe2O3 can effectively adjust the properties of drilling fluids.

Enhancement of Rheological Properties of Nano-Fe2O3-Modified Drilling Fluids

Summary In this study, we explore the potential of using nanoparticles (NPs) to enhance the properties of water-based drilling fluids (WBDFs). Specifically, we investigate the effects of nano-Fe2O3 on the rheological behavior of drilling fluid muds under high-temperature and high-pressure (HTHP) conditions to determine the optimal concentration of Fe2O3 NPs to maintain consistent rheology and improve drilling fluid systems. Results show that as temperature increases, the rheological properties of water-based muds (WBMs) decrease, leading to compromised structural integrity. To address this issue, nano-Fe2O3 is introduced into the system. We prepared and evaluated six WBM formulations with varying weight percentages of Fe2O3 NPs, and found that an optimal NP concentration of 2.5 g wt% resulted in a 13.8% reduction in American Petroleum Institute (API) filtrate volume and a 40% reduction in filter-cake thickness. Under conditions of 300°F temperature and 10,000 psi pressure, consistent reductions were observed in the rheological properties of plastic viscosity (PV), yield point (YP), and gel strength with the addition of Fe2O3 NPs. The YP-PV span was measured at 2.7, and the yield strength was determined to be 11 lb/100 ft2. Regarding fluid loss, Drilling Mudcake A containing 0.5 wt% NPs experienced a loss of 6 mL of fluid after 30 minutes, whereas Mudcake E containing 3 wt% NPs exhibited a fluid loss of 5.1 mL in the API filter press test. According to the Bingham plastic model, Muds E and F, containing 2.5 wt% and 3 wt% NPs, respectively, displayed the maximum shear stress vs. shear rate. This highlights the efficacy of nano-Fe2O3 in adjusting the properties of drilling fluids, presenting opportunities for enhanced performance and efficiency in drilling operations.

Removal of Microplastics in a Hybrid Treatment Process of Ceramic Microfiltration and Photocatalyst-Mounted PES Spheres with Air Backwashing.

Microplastics (MPs), which are defined as plastics with a size of less than 5 mm, cannot be treated completely in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) and discharged to a water body because they are too small in size. It has been reported that MPs can have adverse effects on human beings and water ecosystems. There is a need to combine existing drinking water treatment plants (DWTPs) and WWTPs with the traditional treatment process and technology with high removal efficiency of MPs or to develop a new technology to separate MPs from water and wastewater. In this study, the effects of MPs (polyethylene (PE), 125 μm) and organic matter (humic acid) were researched in a hybrid treatment process of ceramic microfiltration (MF) and photocatalyst (TiO2)-mounted polyether sulfone (PES) spheres with air backwashing. The roles of the MF, photooxidation, and adsorption of PES spheres were confirmed in a single MF process (MF), an MF process with UV irradiation (MF+UV), MF and PES sphere adsorption without UV irradiation (MF+PES), and a hybrid process incorporating MF and PES spheres with UV irradiation (MF+PES+UV). The impact of the air backwashing cycle (filtration time, FT) on filtration characteristics and treatment efficiencies in the hybrid process was studied. In the MF process, membrane fouling increased with increasing organic matter (HA, humic acid). The treatment efficiency of MPs increased; however, that of dissolved organic matter (DOM) decreased with increasing HA. As MPs increased, the membrane fouling decreased; however, total filtration volume (VT) remained almost constant. The treatment efficiency of MPs increased a little, and that of DOM showed a dropping trend. In the hybrid process, the membrane fouling was controlled via the adsorption and UV photooxidation of the PES spheres, and the DOM treatment efficiency increased by combining processes from MF to MF+PES+UV. The optimal FT was 10 min at BT 10 s in this hybrid process. The results could be applied to separate MPs effectively in DWTPs/WWTPs.

Мікрорівнева адаптація окремих органів і тканин стерляді (Acipenser ruthenus Linnaeus, 1758) в умовах теплового стресу

Purpose. To evaluate the variability of the histological parameters of individual organs and tissues of sterlet, to establish the level of effect of heat stress on the physiological status of fish and the degree of their adaptation. To determine the perspective of using histological monitoring data in fish farming practice. Methodology. The primary materials were obtained in aquarium conditions of the Aquatic Bioresources Laboratory of the Kherson State Agrarian and Economic University. The laboratory processing of histological samples was performed according to generally accepted methods and manuals. Histological studies were carried out using the author’s equipment and original methods, specially intended for the diagnostics of fish tissues. The obtained results were processed by methods of variational statistics using a package of appropriate MS Excel applications, with emphasis on the standard error. Findings. Microanatomical studies of sterlet showed that under conditions of heat stress, the most significant changes occur in adipose tissue, somatic and cardiac muscle tissue, thyroid gland and renal tissue, which can conditionally be considered as bioindicative zones. Under the potential influence of the thermal factor, the response of sterlet is expressed in a decrease in the lipid content in the accompanying muscles of adipose tissue. The effect is visualized in the fragmentation and subsequent shredding of lipid vacuoles, which leads to variability in adipocyte shape from stellate to spindle-shaped. The obtained results indicate a decrease in the excretion of thyroid hormones into the bloodstream by the thyroid gland and is expressed in a gradual increase in the diameter of the thyroid follicles (by 16.0 µm and 26.5 µm) and a corresponding decrease in the height of the follicular cells (by 1.1 µm and 2.0 µm), which is statistically significant. Intensive development of “additional” follicles inside existing ones indicates the prevention of thyroid intoxication of the body, which indicates the development of an adaptive reaction of the body. Comparative studies of the ventricular myocardium of fish allowed establishing certain morphological differences in the form of moderate interstitial edema of the tissue and intracellular edema of cardiomyocytes. In the final phase of the experiment, karyopyknosis was locally observed in the ventricular cardiomyocytes of 50% of stressed fish. Somatic muscle tissue is generally resistant to stress, but the rate of its development at elevated temperatures slows down. Characteristic signs of the histological picture of muscle stress are approximately the same ratio of stromal and parenchymal components, the central orientation of the nuclei within a single muscle fiber and insufficient filling of the fibers with the fibrillar component. Antidiuretic hormone is forcedly released in fish under conditions of heat stress, which leads to a decrease in the volume of the primary filtrate. Evidence is a narrow gap in the urinary space between the visceral and parietal layers of the renal corpuscle. Originality. New data are presented and existing data on the histological structure of individual organs and tissues of sterlet under stress loads are significantly expanded. For the first time, a detailed histological analysis of the structure of muscle, adipose tissue, as well as the kidney and thyroid gland of sterlet under heat stress conditions was carried out. The comparative analysis, current and updated information on compensatory changes in tissues demonstrate their adaptive potential, which was developed during the evolution of the species. Practical Value. The information obtained is of value in morphophysiological studies as well as in fish farming practice in connection with the modern problem of a decrease in the life status of fish under stress. The use of the obtained data allows a qualitative assessment of the physiological state and can be used in the process of developing corrective measures in order to consolidate hereditary resistance, which is ultimately aimed at preventing diseases of valuable aquaculture objects. Keywords: sterlet, heat stress, adaptation, muscle tissue, thyroid gland, myocardium, adipose tissue, renal tissue.

Analysis of Metoxyl and Galacturonate Contents from Pectin of Banana Peel Waste Combined with Sappan Wood

The production of banana plants (Musaceaea sp.) ranks first in agricultural output in Indonesia, but this is not balanced by the processing of waste from banana peels, which is a large amount. Therefore, an attempt is made to use banana peel waste as raw material for making pectin. Pectin is used as a functional component in the food industry because of its ability to form thin gels and stabilize proteins. Pectin is also used as a filler in the paper and textile industries, and as a thickener in the rubber industry. This research aims to determine the effect of extraction time and temperature on the quality of pectin from Kepok banana peels. The method used is extraction through Ultrasonic Assisted Solvent Extraction (UASE) in 40 kHz. Banana peels that had been dried and ground into powder were extracted with 0.1 N HCl at temperatures of 70 oC, 80 oC and 90 oC. The variables used in this extraction are variations in extraction time, namely 60 minutes and 80 minutes. The extracted solution is filtered and thickened to half the volume of the original filtrate by heating, then the pectin is thickened using acid ethanol. The pectin precipitate was washed using 96% alcohol until it was free of chloride and the precipitate was separated using a vacuum and then dried in an oven then to analysis of pectin using methoxyl and galacturonate as method to determine pectin quality form banana peel waste. The research results showed that the pectin quality was optimum at a temperature of 90 oC for 80 minutes with a methoxyl content of 4.12% (low methoxyl) and a galacturonic acid content of 79.96%.

The impact of particle size distribution of haematite‐based drilling fluid on perlite functionality

AbstractDrilling fluid additives are essential in formulating an optimal mud composition for the desired geological formation. They provide different functions that enable the drilling process to reach a target zone. However, the effectiveness of these additives may be limited under certain conditions. The physical attributes of the weighting material additives such as solid particle size (particle size distribution [PSD]). The PSD can influence multiple drilling fluid properties, including the rheology, filtration, and filter cake properties. This work examined the performance of perlite when incorporated into water‐based mud with three different grades of haematite particle sizes. The investigation focused on the rheological properties, filtration, and filter cake characteristics utilizing two distinct filtration mediums: the ceramic disk and core sample. The results indicated that the PSD minimally impacts the filtration and the filter cake properties when the pore distribution of the filtration medium is uniform at low drilling mud density. However, a more pronounced effect was observed when core samples were utilized during the filtration test, reflecting the variation in pore distribution. Remarkably, perlite exhibited exceptional effectiveness in improving the drilling fluid properties. Its influence became particularly evident when core samples were employed as the filtration medium, demonstrating resilience against changes in both filtration medium pore distribution and haematite‐varied particle size grades. In this case, maximum improvements of 69%, 84%, and 86% were achieved in filtration volume, filter cake thickness, and filter cake permeability, respectively. Perlite showed an excellent performance at varied conditions represented by filtration medium and weighting material PSD.

Limosilactobacillus fermentum-derived silver nanoparticles: biosynthesis, optimization, and biological activities

AbstractProbiotic bacteria represent valuable sources of bioactive metabolites with diverse biological functions. This study focused on isolation and identification of promising probiotic isolates obtained from fermented dairy products, aiming to employ their capability for biosynthesizing silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and to assess their biological activities. Among six probiotic examined isolates, isolate HwOs-2 exhibited the most promising characteristics, synthesizing spherical AgNPs ranging from 6 to 23 nm in size, as visualized by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM). These nanoparticles displayed a negative zeta potential (−7.11 millivolts), effectively preventing aggregation. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis confirmed the crystalline nature of the AgNPs, revealing distinct diffraction peaks at specific 2θ angles (38.2°, 44.3°, 64.5°, and 77.4°) corresponding to the (111), (200), (220), and (311) planes of a face-centered cubic lattice. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) indicated the presence of organic coatings on the AgNPs, including proteins, amino acids, and carboxylic acids, potentially contributing to diverse biological activities. Isolate HwOs-2 was identified as Limosilactobacillus fermentum through Vitek2 automated system and 16 S rDNA partial sequence analysis. Furthermore, optimization of AgNP biosynthesis using response surface methodology (RSM) revealed the significant influence of silver nitrate solution volume, while pH and filtrate volume exhibit negligible effects and incubation time displays a curvature effect on AgNP production. Antibacterial assays against seven bacterial strains, encompassing both gram-positive and gram-negative species, demonstrated substantial antibacterial efficacy, with inhibition zones ranging from 20.3 to 27.6 mm against S. typhi and MRSA, respectively. Additionally, the AgNPs exhibited antitumor activity against Caco-2 and Huh-7 cell lines, with IC50 values of 350.08 and 388.35 µg/mL, respectively, while displaying lower cytotoxicity against normal (VERO) cells (IC50 value = 622.17 µg/mL). These findings underscore the biomedical potential of AgNPs produced by Limosilactobacillus fermentum across a spectrum of applications.

Fine-Tuning Filter Cake Sealing Performance: The Role of Particle Size in Hematite Weighted Water-Based Drilling Fluid.

Three hematite grades with different particle sizes (i.e., large, medium, and small) were evaluated, and the selection criterion was median particle size. The investigation involves the following stages: rheology, filtration, and filter cake formation. Different rheological models including Bingham, Power law, Herschel-Bulkley, and Robertson-Stiff were implemented to find the optimum model for characterizing fluid behavior. The results showed that medium-sized hematite particles produced the highest filtration volume, filter cake thickness, and filter cake permeability. These results were confirmed when a varied pore distribution filtration medium was used. The NMR results showed the same trend where the highest reduction in core porosity was found when a medium-size particle distribution was used. There is a minimum alteration in the rheological behavior of the drilling fluid as the particle size was varied, and the drilling fluids showed a shear-thinning behavior and were best described by the Herschel-Bulkley model. Particle size ratio emerges as a key factor for controlling and enhancing the filtration properties and filter cake characteristics.

Description of a 'plankton filtration bias' in sequencing-based bacterial community analysis and of an Arduino microcontroller-based flowmeter device that can help to resolve it.

Diversity studies of aquatic picoplankton (bacterioplankton) communities using size-class filtration, DNA extraction, PCR and sequencing of phylogenetic markers, require a robust methodological pipeline, since biases have been demonstrated essentially at all levels, including DNA extraction, primer choice and PCR. Even different filtration volumes of the same plankton sample and, thus, different biomass loading of the filters, can distort the sequencing results. In this study, we designed an Arduino microcontroller-based flowmeter that records the decrease of initial (maximal) flowrate as proxy for increasing biomass loading and clogging of filters during plankton filtration. The device was tested using freshwater plankton of Lake Constance, and total DNA was extracted and an 16S rDNA amplicon was sequenced. We confirmed that different filtration volumes used for the same water sample affect the sequencing results. Differences were visible in alpha and beta diversities and across all taxonomic ranks. Taxa most affected were typical freshwater Actinobacteria and Bacteroidetes, increasing up to 38% and decreasing up to 29% in relative abundance, respectively. In another experiment, a lake water sample was filtered undiluted and three-fold diluted, and each filtration was stopped once the flowrate had reduced to 50% of initial flowrate, hence, at the same degree of filter clogging. The three-fold diluted sample required three-fold filtration volumes, while equivalent amounts of total DNA were extracted and differences across all taxonomic ranks were not statistically significant compared to the undiluted controls. In conclusion, this work confirms a volume/biomass-dependent bacterioplankton filtration bias for sequencing-based community analyses and provides an improved procedure for controlling biomass loading during filtrations and recovery of equivalent amounts of DNA from samples independent of the plankton density. The application of the device can also avoid the distorting of sequencing results as caused by the plankton filtration bias.