Nickel oxide nanoparticles exert cytotoxicity via oxidative stress and induce apoptotic response in human liver cells (HepG2)

Increasing use of nickel oxide nanoparticles (NiO NPs) necessitates an improved understanding of their potential impact on human health. Previously, toxic effects of NiO NPs have been investigated, mainly on airway cells. However, information on effect of NiO NPs on human liver cells is largely lacking. In this study, we investigated the reactive oxygen species (ROS) mediated cytotoxicity and induction of apoptotic response in human liver cells (HepG2) due to NiO NPs exposure. Prepared NiO NPs were crystalline and spherical shaped with an average diameter of 44 nm. NiO NPs induced cytotoxicity (cell death) and ROS generation in HepG2 cells in dose-dependent manner. Further, ROS scavenger vitamin C reduced cell death drastically caused by NiO NPs exposure indicating that oxidative stress plays an important role in NiO NPs toxicity. Micronuclei induction, chromatin condensation and DNA damage in HepG2 cells treated with NiO NPs suggest that NiO NPs induced cell death via apoptotic pathway. Quantitative real-time PCR analysis showed that following the exposure of HepG2 cells to NiO NPs, the expression level of mRNA of apoptotic genes (bax and caspase-3) were up-regulated whereas the expression level of anti-apoptotic gene bcl-2 was down-regulated. Moreover, activity of caspase-3 enzyme was also higher in NiO NPs treated cells. To the best of our knowledge this is the first report demonstrating that NiO NPs caused cytotoxicity via ROS and induced apoptosis in HepG2 cells, which is likely to be mediated through bax/bcl-2 pathway. This work warrants careful assessment of Ni NPs before their commercial and industrial applications.     

NiO/AC催化臭氧氧化去除水中的苯酚

采用低温湿式浸渍法制备了负载氧化镍/活性炭(简称NiO/AC)催化剂。在不同pH、叔丁醇浓度等条件下,对NiO/AC与臭氧联合催化臭氧氧化苯酚的降解效果等进行了研究。用XRD、SEM及BET技术分析了活性炭与催化剂的组成、形貌及结构变化。结果表明,镍以棒状氧化镍的形式负载在活性炭表面,与AC相比,NiO/AC比表面积减少了47.9%。在O3/NiO/AC与苯酚的反应体系中,反应遵循羟基自由基(HO.)机理,苯酚的去除率比单独臭氧氧化提高了29%,且与溶液pH呈正相关。NiO/AC催化性能较稳定,镍离子最大析出浓度仅为7 mg/L,可重复使用。     

Biotoxicity of nickel oxide nanoparticles and bio-remediation by microalgae Chlorella vulgaris

Adverse effects of manufactured nickel oxide nanoparticles on the microalgae Chlorellavulgaris were determined by algal growth-inhibition test and morphological observation via transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Results showed that the NiO nanoparticles had severe impacts on the algae, with 72 h EC(50) values of 32.28 mg NiOL(-1). Under the stress of NiO nanoparticles, C. vulgaris cells showed plasmolysis, cytomembrane breakage and thylakoids disorder. NiO nanoparticles aggregated and deposited in algal culture media. The presence of algal cells accelerated aggregation of nanoparticles. Moreover, about 0.14% ionic Ni was released when NiO NPs were added into seawater. The attachment of aggregates to algal cell surface and the presence of released ionic Ni were likely responsible for the toxic effects. Interestingly, some NiO nanoparticles were reduced to zero valence nickel as determined by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis. The maximum ratios of nickel reduction was achieved at 72 h of exposure, in accordance with the time-course of changes in soluble protein content of treated C. vulgaris, implying that some proteins of algae are involved in the process. Our results indicate that the toxicity and bioavailability of NiO nanoparticles to marine algae are reduced by aggregation and reduction of NiO. Thus, marine algae have the potential for usage in nano-pollution bio-remediation in aquatic system.     

NiOγ／-Al2O3反应吸附苯并噻吩

以等体积浸渍法制备了负载型NiOγ／-Al2O3吸附剂，在固定床反应装置上对含苯并噻吩的模型化合物进行反应吸附脱硫实验，考察了NiO负载量、模型化合物硫含量及活性组分的形态对吸附剂脱硫性能的影响，并用XRD、SEM—EDS分析、XPS分析对载体和吸附剂进行了表征。实验结果表明：NiOγ／-Al2O3吸附剂具有较高的穿透硫容，能有效脱除模型化合物中的苯并噻吩；反应过程中生成了NiS；C的沉积以及Ni的硫化物的生成导致了吸附剂的失活。     

Supported transition-metal oxide catalysts for reduction of sulfur dioxide with hydrogen to elemental sulfur

This work is for the purpose to find a high performance catalyst for the catalytic reduction of SO2 with H2 as a reducing agent. NiO/gamma-Al2O3 catalyst was found to be the most active catalyst among the seven gamma-Al2O3-supported metal-oxide catalysts tested. With NiO as the active species, of the supports tested, gamma-Al2O3 was the most suitable one and the optimal Ni content was 16 wt%. Using this NiO/gamma-Al2O3 catalyst, we found that the optimal feed ratio of H2/SO2 is 2:1 and the catalyst presulfided with H2 + H2S exhibits a higher performance than that pretreated with H2 or He. XRD patterns reveal that the nickel oxide experienced a transformation to Ni3S2 and NiS, and then to NiS2, the most active nickel sulfide, during the reaction process. The reason for the highest catalyst activity of 16 wt% Ni was attributed to the largest amount of NiS2. Water vapor in the feed gas reactant caused inhibition of catalyst activity, whereas H2S promoted the reduction of SO2. These phenomena were rationalized with the aid of Claus reaction.     

Antimicrobial activity of metal oxide nanoparticles supported onto natural clinoptilolite

The antimicrobial activity of Cu₂O, ZnO and NiO nanoparticles supported onto natural clinoptilolite was investigated in the secondary effluent under dark conditions. After 24 h of contact the Cu₂O and ZnO nanoparticles reduced the numbers of viable bacterial cells of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus in pure culture for four to six orders of magnitude and showed consistent 100% of antibacterial activity against native E. coli after 1 h of contact during 48 exposures. The antibacterial activity of NiO nanoparticles was less efficient. The Cu₂O and NiO nanoparticles showed 100% of antiprotozoan activity against Paramecium caudatum and Euplotes affinis after 1 h of contact, while ZnO nanoparticles were less efficient. The morphology and crystallinity of the nanoparticles were not affected by microorganisms. The metal oxide nanoparticles could find a novel application in the disinfection of secondary effluent and removal of pathogenic microorganisms in the tertiary stage of wastewater treatment.     

Improving ozonation to remove carbamazepine through ozone-assisted catalysis using different NiO concentrations

The carbamazepine (CBZ) abatement is herein evaluated using catalytic ozonation at different NiO concentrations as catalyst: 100, 300, and 500 mg      

Gas reforming and tar decomposition performance of nickel oxide (NiO)/SBA-15 catalyst in gasification of woody biomass

In the gasification of biomass, it is necessary to limit the amount of by-product tar and increase the yields of hydrogen (H₂) and carbon monoxide (CO) (syngas). Therefore, we conducted gasification and reforming experiments on woody biomass using an electric tubular furnace, to evaluate the gas reforming and tar decomposition performance of a NiO/SBA-15 catalyst. As a result, we found that this catalyst is effective for H₂ production. It is believed that the increase in H₂ volume due to the catalyst occurs through a steam reforming reaction involving hydrocarbons, including methane (CH₄), and the water-gas shift reaction. With respect to the influence of the gasifying agent on the reforming effect of the catalyst, the amount of generated carbon dioxide (CO₂) and hydrogen (H₂) increases because the shift reaction is promoted by supplying steam. On the other hand, it was inferred that the shift reaction rarely occurred because it approaches equilibrium by supplying O₂. Furthermore, it is suggested that light aromatic hydrocarbons are decomposed by the catalyst.

Implications: The mesoporous silica catalyst NiO/SBA-15 was highly effective for H₂ production and decomposition of light aromatic compounds in the gasification of woody biomass. In the catalyst reaction, supplying steam promoted H₂ production. From thermodynamic analysis and discussion, it was also inferred that supplying O₂ might prevent the water gas shift reaction. The results are useful for designing a process needed for rich H₂ production and gas refining process for further use of syngas.     

Nickel and sulfur speciation of residual oil fly ashes from two electric utility steam-generating units

Representative duplicate fly ash samples were obtained from the stacks of 400- and 385-MW utility boilers (Unit A and Unit B, respectively) using a modified U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Method 17 sampling train assembly as they burned 0.9 and 0.3 wt % S residual (No. 6 fuel) oils, respectively, during routine power plant operations. Residual oil fly ash (ROFA) samples were analyzed for Ni concentrations and speciation using inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectroscopy, X-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction (XRD). ROFA deionized H2O extraction residues were also analyzed for Ni speciation using XAFS and XRD. Total Ni concentrations in the ROFAs were similar, ranging from 1.3-1.5 wt%; however, stack gas Ni concentrations in the Unit A were 0.990 microg/Nm3 compared with 0.620 microg/Nm3 for Unit B because of the greater residual oil feed rates employed at Unit A to attain higher 400-MW load conditions with a lower heating value oil. Ni speciation analysis results indicated that ROFAs from Unit A contain approximately 3 wt % NiSO4 x xH2O (where x is assumed to be 6 for calculation purposes) and appoximately 4.5 wt% of a Ni-containing spinel compound, similar in composition to (Mg,Ni)(Al,Fe)2O4. ROFAs from Unit B contain on average 2 wt% NiSO4 x 6 H20 and 1.1 wt% NiO. XAFS and XRD analyses did not detect any nickel sulfide compounds, including carcinogenic nickel subsulfide (Ni3S2) (XAFS detection limit is 5% of the total Ni concentration). In addition, XAFS measurements indicated that inorganic sulfate and organic thiophene species accounted for > 97% of the total S in the ROFAs. Unit A ROFAs contained much lower thiophene proportions because cyclone-separated ROFA reinjection is employed on this unit to collect and reburn the larger carbonaceous particles.     

Investigation of the characteristics of the reflectivity of clouds

This paper investigates some of the reflectivity characteristics that clouds (when modelled as solid bodies) must exhibit to be compatible with observations that the reflecting surface of a cloud (i) appears almost equally bright across its face, (ii) is brightest when the cloud is opposite to the Sun but decreases in brightness as the cloud moves to other positions and (iii) increases in brightness with increasing optical thickness of the cloud in the observer's line of sight. These observations, respectively, are shown to imply that the peak value of the bidirectional total reflectivity from a cloud surface (i) increases in inverse proportion to the cosine of the angle between the Sun and the normal to the cloud surface, as the incident angle increases, (ii) appears to be directed back in the direction of the incident radiation, and (iii) increases as optical thickness of the cloud in the observer's line of sight increases. The results could have application in many fields (e.g. modelling diffuse radiance distributions for cloudy skies).     

底泥修复中温度对微生物活性和污染物释放的影响

通过分析底泥中微生物的酶活性以及污染物的释放规律,探讨了温度对河道底泥生物修复的影响.结果表明,底泥中微生物的脱氢酶、脲酶和磷酸酶的活性随着温度的升高而显著增大,但温度对纤维素酶的活性影响较小.4 ℃和10 ℃时底泥中污染物的释放量和微生物的酶活性均较低,水质较稳定;20～37 ℃时底泥中污染物的释放量明显增加,微生物的新陈代谢能力有较大提高,水体的自净能力较强.在各种因素的综合作用下,20～30 ℃是进行底泥生物修复的适宜环境温度.此外,当pH为9.0以及添加葡萄糖时,底泥中微生物均表现出较高的脱氢酶活性.     

How the loss of forest fauna undermines the achievement of the SDGs

The human-driven loss of biodiversity has numerous ecological, social, and economic impacts at the local and global levels, threatening important ecological functions and jeopardizing human well-being. In this perspective, we present an overview of how tropical defaunation—defined as the disappearance of fauna as a result of anthropogenic drivers such as hunting and habitat alteration in tropical forest ecosystems—is interlinked with four selected Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). We discuss tropical defaunation related to nutrition and zero hunger (SDG 2), good health and well-being (SDG 3), climate action (SDG 13), and life on land (SDG 15). We propose a range of options on how to study defaunation in future research and how to address the ongoing tropical defaunation crisis, including but not limited to recent insights from policy, conservation management, and development practice.     

The Governance of the Mitigation of the Baltic Sea Eutrophication: Exploring the Challenges of the Formal Governing System

This article focuses on the governing system of the mitigation of eutrophication in the Baltic Sea. Policies and measures of the Baltic Sea coastal countries, the macro--regional (HELCOM) level, and the level of the European Union are described and governance challenges explicated. We found that the main challenges at different governance levels include: differences between coastal countries in terms of environmental conditions including environmental awareness, overlaps of policies between different levels, the lack of adequate spatial and temporal specification of policies, and the lack of policy integration. To help to meet these challenges, we suggest closer involvement of stakeholders and the public, the improvement of the interplay of institutions, and the introduction of a “primus motor” for the governance of the mitigation of eutrophication in the Baltic Sea.     

Industrial plastic on the southern beaches of the Arabian Gulf and the western beaches of the Gulf of Oman

The increasing production and use of plastic in the Arabian Gulf combined with shipping and waste disposal practices, have increased the concentration of plastic particles on the sea's surface and beaches. The objective of this investigation was to provide an assessment of the abundance, distribution, potential sources and significance of industrial plastic on the western beaches of the United Arab Emirates on the Arabian Gulf and on the eastern beaches on the Gulf of Oman. The abundance of stranded plastic pellets was highly uneven. By early 1992 alarming levels of fresh plastic pellets were noticed on the Arabian Gulf beaches of the UAE. Large numbers of 25 kg sacks of white plastic spherules manufactured by (SABIC) in Jubail, Saudi Arabia were washed ashore. When compared to the west coast on the Arabian Gulf, the east coast on the Gulf of Oman exhibited much lower levels of plastic pellets. When compared to other parts of the world, the beaches of the UAE on the Arabian Gulf are considered to be heavily polluted with industrial plastic.     

Effect of the pesticide lindane on the biomass of the microalgae Nannochloris oculata

This study assesses the growth of the microalgae Nannochloris oculata in the presence of lindane and the ability of N. oculata to remove lindane from media. Algal biomass increased with 0.1 and 0.5 mg L^?1 of lindane, and lindane concentrations in the media decreased. N. oculata removed 73% and 68.2% of lindane in the 0.1 and 0.5 mg L^?1 media concentrations, respectively. Algal biomass decreased to the level of the control at lindane concentrations greater than 2.5 mg L^?1, probably due to toxicity. N. oculata removed lindane from the media at concentrations lower than 1.0 mg L^?1. Thus, N. oculata may be useful for lindane bioremediation in contaminated aquatic systems.     

Assessment of the effects of the carbamazepine on the endogenous endocrine system of Daphnia magna

In the present study, the endocrine activity of the antiepileptic pharmaceutical carbamazepine (CBZ) in the crustacean Daphnia magna was assessed. To assess the hormonal activity of the drug, we exposed maternal daphnids and embryos to environmental relevant concentrations of CBZ (ranging from 10 to 200 μg/L) and to mixtures of CBZ with fenoxycarb (FEN; 1 μg/L). Chronic exposure to CBZ significantly decreased the reproductive output and the number of molts of D. magna at 200 μg/L. This compound induced the production of male offspring (12?±?1.7 %), in a non-concentration-dependent manner, acting as a weak juvenile hormone analog. Results showed that this substance, at tested concentrations, did not antagonize the juvenoid action of FEN. Further, CBZ has shown to be toxic to daphnid embryos through maternal exposure interfering with their normal gastrulation and organogenesis stages but not producing direct embryo toxicity. These findings suggest that CBZ could act as an endocrine disruptor in D. magna as it decreases the reproductive output, interferes with sex determination, and causes development abnormality in offspring. Therefore, CBZ could directly affect the population sustainability.

     

Influence of the application of sewage sludge on the degradation of pesticides in the soil

A study was made of the influence of the application of sewage sludge on the degradation of pesticides in the soil. Two kinds of sludge were used, with different characteristics, one from an urban treatment plant and one from a food processing plant. Three organophosphorus insecticides, fenitrothion, diazinon and dimethoate, were studied. The relative importance was determined of the chemical and biological degradation processes, which involved experiments on soil and sterile soil samples. A comparative study was also made of the degradation of pesticide residues and the evolution of the microbial population. The application of sludge seems to have a complex effect on the degradation of pesticides, determined by the bioavailability and biodegradability of their active ingredient. The biodegradation of pesticide residues brings about alterations in the microorganism population of the soil.     

Isolation of the stable fraction (the core) of the humic acid

Humic acid consists of a recalcitrant (unhydrolysed fraction) (the core) and labile (hydrolysable fraction) fraction. Core-humic acid (core-HA) isolation was performed by treating source material with apolar and polar solvents (organic solvents+acid hydrolysis) before alkaline extraction. Leonardite, soil Ah horizont and dry blood were chosen for this study because of their different origin and degree of humification. Chemical analysis (elemental analysis, total acidity, E(4):E(6)), spectroscopic analysis (DRIFT and (1)H NMR), and complete mass balance were used to investigate the effect of purifying humic acids. The results obtained showed that purification produced a slight modification of Leonardite humic acids as was expected for these highly humified organic matrices. On the other hand, about 500 g kg(-1) of soil humic acids were lost by purification. The fractions lost mainly consisted of carbohydrates. Dry blood showed the presence of humic acids that contrasted with its origin, thus indicating the limitations of the common analytical methods used for HA extraction. Nevertheless, in practice, purification caused the complete disappearance (914 g kg(-1) of HA was lost) of these HAs. The results obtained in this work suggest that the HA fraction isolated (named core-HA) effectively represents the HA structure proposed by the existing literature, since the purification proposed was able to eliminate the adsorbed organic molecules (interference materials) coating the HA structure.     

党的执政能力建设与环境保护——学习十六届四中全会决定的体会

阐述了环境保护与党的执政能力建设的内在联系。论述了加强环境保护是增强“党的领导能力”的题中之意；加强环境保护是“坚持把发展作为党执政兴国的第一要务，不断提高驾驭社会主义市场经济的能力”的重要内容；环境保护关系到社会和谐与国家安全。环境保护工作者应全面分析和妥善应对来自各方面的机遇和挑战，促使环境发展矛盾由“两难”向“双赢”转化，走生产发展、生活富裕、生态良好的文明发展之路。