Geochemistry and therapeutic properties of Caucasian mineral waters: a review

Environmental Geochemistry and Health - The Caucasian mineral water (CMW) region is a unique area where mineral waters differ by their chemical composition and balneological properties. The...     

Geophagy in the tropics: an appraisal of three geophagical materials

Geophagy, the deliberate consumption of soil, is a common practice amongst the world's poorer or more tribally oriented people of the tropics. An appraisal of three geophagical samples suggests that Fe is a mineral nutrient which can be supplied to humans in significant amounts via ingested soil. Geophagy provides a direct link between the geochemistry of soils and human health, but as yet this association has only a limited awareness amongst research workers.     

Worker reproduction in honey-bees (Apis) and the anarchic syndrome: a review

Honey-bees, Apis, are an important model system for investigating the evolution and maintenance of worker sterility. The queen is the main reproductive in a colony. Workers cannot mate, but they can lay unfertilized eggs, which develop into males if reared. Worker reproduction, while common in queenless colonies, is rare in queenright colonies, despite the fact that workers are more related to their own sons than to those of the queen. Evidence that worker sterility is enforced by 'worker policing' is reviewed and worker policing is shown to be widespread in Apis. We then discuss a rare behavioural syndrome, 'anarchy', in which substantial worker production of males occurs in queenright colonies. The level of worker reproduction in these anarchic colonies is far greater than in a normal queenright honey-bee colony. Anarchy is a counterstrategy against worker policing and an example of a 'cheating' strategy invading a cooperative system.     

Season-dependent mineral accumulation in fruits of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) and Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum)

Season-dependent mineral accumulation was recorded in fruits of Okra and Tomato. The highest concentration was in summer in Okra and in winter in Tomato. Lowest concentrations were in winter in Okra and rainy in Tomato. Both crop plants indicated that the mineral contents were in the order of P > K > Ca > Mg > Na > Fe which also signify their relative functional importance in growth and metabolism.     

土壤与沉积物对多环芳烃类有机物的吸附作用

吸附作用是疏水性有机物在土壤和沉积物环境中的重要迁移转化行为之一。多环芳烃是环境中一种重要的疏水性有机污染物。文章着重阐述了多环芳烃类有机物在土壤和沉积物中有机质和粘土矿物吸附机理，指出土壤、沉积物有机质的结构异质性是导致非线形吸附的重要原因；分析了影响多环芳烃吸附过程的诸多因素，并提出该研究领域存在的问题以及今后发展的方向。     

Impact of waste of COVID-19 protective equipment on the environment,animals and human health: a review

Environmental Chemistry Letters - During the Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, protective equipment, such as masks, gloves and shields, has become mandatory to prevent person-to-person...     

Modified titanium oxide (TiO2) nanocomposites and its array of applications: a review

Titania (TiO₂) has been the focus of attention of researchers since the first demonstration of its capability to generate the photocatalytic splitting of water into hydrogen and oxygen. However, there seems to be a recent surge in the research activity, involving modified TiO₂ nanoparticles (NP), which are considered to be more effective due to different physicochemical properties in comparison to unmodified fine particle analogs. Several strategies have been employed to modify TiO₂ to reduce recombination rates of photogenerated charge carriers to enhance the optimal functioning of TiO₂. Doping with cations and anions and coupling it with another semiconductor are the most well-known modification methods used. Titania nanocomposites are known to have a plethora of applications. Photoexcitation of these particles are seen to be extraordinarily effective in eliciting microbial death which makes it an attractive candidate for the manufacturing of antimicrobial coatings. On the other hand, TiO₂ induces the oxidation of various organic refractory compounds like tetracycline, sulfamethazine, and bisphenol. The photo-electrocatalytic oxidation technique which amalgamates the principle of photocatalysis and electrolysis serves as a newer, unswerving, and cost effective water treatment process. In the biomedical arena, use is now acknowledged for the photodynamic therapy of cancer, cell imaging, biological sensors, drug delivery system, and as endonucleases. In the commercial front, it is utilized in creams owing to its small particle size, which facilitates absorption through skin. It is also employed as ultraviolet blocking agents in sunscreen and commonly encountered as a brilliant white pigment in paint due to its brightness, high refractive index and resistance to discoloration. Its use in solar cells has also been reported. This review aims to encompass the new progress of modified TiO2 nanocomposites for efficient applications, emphasizing the future trends of TiO2 in arenas like healthcare, environment, biomedical, food, personal care, and pharmacy and also highlights the commercial implications of this promising nanomaterial.     

A review of the use of mineral wastes and by-products in road construction

The use of mineral and mineral-related wastes in road construction in Britain is reviewed. Only iron and steel slags have potential for use in road pavement layers and most wastes require modification before being suitable for sub-base construction. The principal outlet for wastes is as substitutes for bulk fill and the advantages and disadvantages of this use are considered. A dual-tendering system to assist decision making is described and results presented for its recent use in Britain.Crown Copyright 1979. Any views expressed in this paper are not necessarily those of the Department of the Environment or of the Department of Transport. Extracts from the text may be reproduced, except for commercial purposes, provided the source is acknowledged.     

Contamination of lead (Pb) in the coastal sediments of north and south of Iran: a review study

Coastal areas of Iran are heavily affected by urbanisation, industrialisation, and maritime activities. One consequence of this environmental pressure is the contaminants accumulation, as heavy metals, into the marine ecosystem. In this review, the coastal areas in the north and south of the country were assessed for lead (Pb) contamination of, one of the most toxic metals found in the environment. All studies conducted during 2006–2016 with at least 10 specimens that reported the mean and standard deviation of Pb were considered in this review. Heterogeneity between studies was assessed using the Q and I² statistics. The Pb mean concentration overall studies was estimated to be 21.88?µg/g (95% CIs: 16.25–27.50). Random effect model showed no statistical difference in mean Pb concentration levels between south and north coasts. However, the variability in Pb mean concentrations within southern coasts was considerable and statistically significant. Moreover, the Pb concentrations in the northern coasts of Persian Gulf and Oman Sea, in south of Iran, decreased in the following order Hormozgan > Khuzestan > Sistan-VA-Balluchestan > Bushehr while in the southern coasts of Caspian Sea, in north of Iran, decreased in the order Guilan > Mazandaran > Golestan.     

土壤和地下水中多环芳烃生物降解研究进展

多环芳烃是一类普遍存在于环境中的难降解的危险性"三致"有机污染物。受污染的土壤和地下水中的多环芳烃,生物降解是其归宿的主要途径。研究表明,对于土壤中低分子量多环芳烃类化合物,微生物一般以唯一碳源方式代谢;而大多数细菌和真菌对四环或四环以上的多环芳烃的降解作用一般以共代谢方式开始。文章重点论述了多环芳烃的来源、降解多环芳烃的微生物、生物降解机理、影响生物降解的因素以及生物修复方法。认为今后的研究方向是高分子量多环芳烃的降解机理与降解途径,基因工程技术在多环芳烃生物降解方面的应用,以及生物表面活性剂产生的机理及其在实际处理中的应用等。     

Mineral licks: motivational factors for visitation and accompanying disease risk at communal use sites of elk and deer

Free-ranging cervids acquire most of their essential minerals through forage consumption, though occasionally seek other sources to account for seasonal mineral deficiencies. Mineral sources occur as natural geological deposits (i.e., licks) or as anthropogenic mineral supplements. In both scenarios, these sources commonly serve as focal sites for visitation. We monitored 11 licks in Rocky Mountain National Park, north-central Colorado, using trail cameras to quantify daily visitation indices (DVI) and soil consumption indices (SCI) for Rocky Mountain elk (Cervus elaphus) and mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) during summer 2006 and documented elk, mule deer, and moose (Alces alces) visiting licks. Additionally, soil samples were collected, and mineral concentrations were compared to discern levels that explain rates of visitation. Relationships between response variables; DVI and SCI, and explanatory variables; elevation class, moisture class, period of study, and concentrations of minerals were examined. We found that DVI and SCI were greatest at two wet, low-elevation licks exhibiting relatively high concentrations of manganese and sodium. Because cervids are known to seek Na from soils, we suggest our observed association of Mn with DVI and SCI was a likely consequence of deer and elk seeking supplemental dietary Na. Additionally, highly utilized licks such as these provide an area of concentrated cervid occupation and interaction, thus increasing risk for environmental transmission of infectious pathogens such as chronic wasting disease, which has been shown to be shed in the saliva, urine, and feces of infected cervids.     

Temperature and discharge variations in natural mineral water springs due to climate variability: a case study in the Piedmont Alps (NW Italy)

Environmental Geochemistry and Health - In the context of global climate change, understanding the relationships between climate and groundwater is increasingly important. This study in the NW Alps...     

A brief and critical review on hydrofluorosis in diverse species of domestic animals in India

India is one of the fluoride-endemic countries where the maximum numbers of ground or drinking water sources are naturally fluoridated. In India, a total of 23, out of 36 states and union territories have drinking water contaminated with fluoride in varying concentration. In the present scenario, especially in rural India, besides the surface waters (perennial ponds, dams, rivers, etc.), bore wells and hand pumps are the principal drinking water sources for domestic animals such as cattle (Bos taurus), water buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis), sheep (Ovis aries), goats (Capra hircus), horses (Equus caballus), donkeys (Equus asinus) and dromedary camels (Camelus dromedarius). Out of 23 states, 17 states, namely Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Haryana, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha (Orissa), Punjab, Rajasthan, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal, have fluoride beyond the maximum permissible limit of 1.0 or 1.5 ppm in drinking water. This situation is a great concern for the animal health because fluoride is a slow toxicant and causes chronic diverse serious health hazards or toxic effects. Despite the fact that domestic animals are the basic income sources in rural areas and possess a significant contributory role not only in the agriculture sector but also in the strengthening of economy as well as in sustainable development of the country, research work on chronic fluoride intoxication (hydrofluorosis) due to drinking of fluoridated water in domestic animals rearing in various fluoride-endemic states is not enough as compared to work done in humans. However, some interesting and excellent research works conducted on different aspects of hydrofluorosis in domesticated animals rearing in different states are briefly and critically reviewed in the present communication. Author believes that this review paper not only will be more useful for researchers to do some more advance research work on fluoride-induced toxicosis in different species of animals but will also be helpful in the making of health policy for domestic animals at state and national level for the mitigation of hydrofluorosis in India.     

Hydrochemical,isotopic and microbiota characterization of telese mineral waters (Southern Italy)

Environmental Geochemistry and Health - The study deals with the analyses of springs and wells at the base of Montepugliano Hill that represents the SE edge of the wide carbonate Matese massif...     

X-ray diffraction study of mineral components in calcareous algae (Corallinaceae,Rhodophyta)

The mineral composition of nine species of red calcareous algae (Corallinaceae, Rhodophyta) collected in the Adriatic Sea in 1987 and 1988 was examined by X-ray powder diffraction (counter diffractometer, monochromatized CuK radiation). In addition, a comparison between the calcareous algae from the north Adriatic (Rovinj area) and the central Adriatic (Kornati Islands) with regard to genus, species and environmental factors was undertaken. All analyzed samples contained magnesium calcite, which was dominant in all but in two cases, where aragonite was the main phase. Diffraction lines of magnesium calcite were broadened and shifted toward higher Bragg angles in relation to pure calcite. Supposing that in the calcite crystal lattice only magnesium replaces calcium, it follows that the fraction of magnesium in magnesium calcite, found from diffraction line shifts, would be 18 molar % (M%). Aragonite was dominant (75 to 80 M%) in two samples of Pseudolithophyllum expansum collected at Kornati Islands in 1987 and 1988. These two samples also contained magnesium calcite and a small fraction of calcite (5 to 10 M%). In other studied samples aragonite was detected in small fractions, up to 10 M%. The elemental analysis of corallinacean algae obtained by X-ray spectroscopy showed that the fraction of the metals Sr, Fe, Mn, Zn, Pb, Br, Cu and Rb was very small (15 to 2000 ppm). In most samples other expected minerals were detected in small fractions, such as sylvite (KCl, up to 2 M%), quartz (-SiO₂, up to 2 M%) and magnesite (MgCO₃, only in one sample, 1 M%). The results show that calcareous algae are able to deposit a mixture of magnesium calcite, calcite and aragonite. Such a large molar fraction of aragonite in the alga P. expansum, or in any other corallinacean algae, has not been noted in recent literature. It seems that a complexity of microclimatic and oceanographic factors may influence the diversity of two localities and cause some exchange in living organisms. In addition, the fact that under certain conditions the same organism is capable of forming different minerals from the same tissue (McConnaughey 1989) confirms our opinion that environmental effects are imprinted in the skeletal composition of calcareous algae P. expansum.     

羟基取代和甲氧基取代多溴联苯醚的存在特征和源解析研究进展

近年来,多溴联苯醚（PBDEs）的衍生物,羟基取代的PBDEs（OH-PBDEs）和甲氧基取代的PBDEs（MeO-PBDEs）作为新型的持久性有机污染物引起了国内外学者的关注。这两类物质在各种生物体内（藻类、鱼、贝类、海豹、海鸟及人体血液和乳汁等）和环境介质中（地表水、瀑布和雪）都被检出。OH-PBDEs对生物体具有多种毒性效应,包括干扰甲状腺荷尔蒙动态平衡,干扰氧化磷酸化作用,影响雌二醇合成,并能引起神经毒性效应。而研究表明,在生物体内MeO-PBDEs可通过去甲基化作用转化为OH-PBDEs,因此对生物体内高含量的MeO-PBDEs应予以更密切的关注。OH-PBDEs既有人为源（来自PBDEs生物代谢或自由基反应）又有天然源（在海洋环境中合成）,MeO-PBDEs主要来自天然源。在我国相关的研究刚刚起步。文章比较系统地总结了OH-PBDEs和MeO-PBDEs在环境中存在特征、生物毒性、来源及二者相互关系的研究进展,以期为在我国相关研究的开展提供参考。对于开展关于OH-PBDEs和MeO-PBDEs在特定区域存在特征和源解析的研究,建议重点考察物质的组成和含量与水温、盐度和富营养化程度等因素的关系,以及特定组分的季节性变化,从物质的存在形态和相关关系角度对OH-PBDEs和MeO-PBDEs的来源进行解析。     

Quantifying iridescent coloration in animals: a method for improving repeatability

Quantification of animal colors is important to a variety of fields of research, especially those dealing with visual communication and sexual selection. Most animal colors are easily measured using well-established spectrophotometric techniques. However, the unique characteristics of iridescent colors present particular challenges and opportunities to quantify novel color metrics. Due to the fine-scale angle dependence of iridescent coloration, color metrics, such as hue and brightness, must be measured using methods that allow for repeatable comparison across individuals (e.g., by carefully controlling and measuring viewing geometry). Here, we explain how the optical characteristics of iridescent colors should be considered when developing measurement techniques, describe the pitfalls of some commonly used techniques, and recommend improved methods and metrics (angular degree of color change and breadth of reflectance) for quantifying iridescent color. In particular, most studies of iridescent birds to date have used less than ideal procedures and have not provided repeatability estimates for their methods. For example, we demonstrate here that measuring coloration from overlapping patches of iridescent feathers may be problematic, and we argue against methods that do not carefully control viewing geometry. We recommend measuring iridescence at maximal reflectance angles using an apparatus that allows for sample rotation, and we compare this technique to some other commonly used methods using iridescent gorget and crown feathers from Anna’s hummingbirds (Calypte anna). Our apparatus allows for the quantification of angular color change, and we found that maximal reflectance measurements using single feathers are highly repeatable both within feather samples and among samples within an individual.