Investigations on the interaction of the phototoxic alkaloid coralyne with serum albumins

The interaction of the phototoxic alkaloid coralyne with bovine and human serum albumins (BSA, HSA) was investigated. Absorbance and fluorescence quenching experiments revealed the formation of strong complexes. Based on the binding parameters calculated from Stern-Volmer quenching method, coralyne has higher affinity to BSA (∼10⁵ M⁻¹) compared to HSA (∼10⁴ M⁻¹). Forster resonance energy transfer studies showed that the specific binding distances between Trp (donor) of the proteins and coralyne (acceptor) were 2.95 and 3.10 nm, respectively. The bindings were favored by negative enthalpy and a stronger favorable entropy contribution. The heat capacity values for binding to BSA and HSA were similar, indicating the involvement of similar molecular forces in the complexation. Competitive binding experiments using site markers demonstrated that coralyne binds to site I (subdomain IIA) of both proteins. The secondary structure of the proteins was altered, suggesting a small but definitive partial unfolding on complexation.     

Bioefficacy evaluation of controlled release formulations based on amphiphilic nano-polymer of carbofuran against Meloidogyne incognita infecting tomato

In the present investigation, the bioefficacy of developed carbofuran formulations, with PEG-600 (7a, CP1) & PEG-900 (7b, CP2) @ 5, 10 and 20 ppm, along with commercial formulation of carbofuran 3G (CP0) were evaluated against the root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita infecting tomato (cv. Pusa Ruby) in pot and field conditions. The bioefficacy data indicated that the formulations developed by utilizing polymers having PEG - 900 (7b) as hydrophilic segment were effective even at 14 days post inoculation (dpi) as evident from shoot and root length. Also, the reduction in penetration was found to be maximum with CP2 (3.6 - 4.6 J2s) at all concentrations compared to CP1 (6.6-16.4 J2s) and CP0 (29.3-32.6 J2s). Overall, CP2 was more effective in reducing the number of nematodes up to 14 days, compared to CP1 and CP0. Both the CR formulations (CP1 and CP2) in general significantly reduced the number of galls, when compared to CP0. However, under field conditions, lower concentrations (5, and 10 ppm) of CP2, were less effective in controlling the gall formation whereas, CP2 at 20 ppm, was most effective than other treatments. The study revealed that the developed CR formulations of carbofuran have the potential for effective management of M. incognita in tomato under field conditions.     

Monitoring of hexabromocyclododecane diastereomers in fish from European freshwaters and estuaries

Background and aims  

Hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD) is a brominated flame retardant used mainly in polystyrene foam as well as in textile applications. In recent years, measures were taken to reduce HBCD emissions during its production and use. To evaluate the efficacy of these measures, a monitoring project was initiated with fish as bioaccumulation indicators.     

Assessment of exposure to DDT and metabolites after indoor residual spraying through the analysis of thatch material from rural African dwellings

Introduction  

We report on the analysis of 4,4′-dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (4,4′-DDT) and its metabolites in thatch and branch samples constituting the wall materials of dwellings from South African subtropical areas. This approach was used to assess the exposure to DDT in the residents of the dwellings after indoor residual spraying (IRS) following recommended sanitation practices against malaria vectors.     

Bacterial community profiles from sediments of the Anacostia River using metabolic and molecular analyses

Background aim and scope  

Though the tidal Anacostia River, a highly polluted riverine system, has been well characterized with regard to contaminants, its overall resident bacterial populations have remained largely unknown. Improving the health of this system will rely upon enhanced understanding of the diversity and functions of these communities. Bacterial DNA was extracted from archived (AR, year 2000) and fresh sediments (RE, year 2006) collected from various locations within the Anacostia River. Using a combination of metabolic and molecular techniques, community snapshots of sediment bacterial diversity and activity were produced.     

Degradation of 1,4-dioxane using advanced oxidation processes

Introduction  

In the nuclear industry 1,4-dioxane is used as a solvent in liquid scintillation technique for measuring low-energy beta-emitters such as ³H or C¹⁴ in aqueous media. Improper disposal of 1,4-dioxane can contaminate the ground and surface waters. Conventional wastewater treatment processes like chemical treatment, air stripping, carbon adsorption, and biological treatment are ineffective for the degradation of 1,4-dioxane.     

Pesticide removal from waste spray-tank water by organoclay adsorption after field application: an approach for a formulation of cyprodinil containing antifoaming/defoaming agents

Purpose  

Many reports on purification of water containing pesticides are based on studies using unformulated active ingredients. However, most commercial formulations contain additives/adjuvants or are manufactured using microencapsulation which may influence the purification process. Therefore, the main objective of this work was to develop and test a pilot scheme for decontaminating water containing pesticides formulated with antifoaming/defoaming agents.     

An observational study on changes in biometry and generation time of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Odontophora villoti</Emphasis> (Nematoda,Axonolaimidae) related to petroleum pollution in Bizerte bay,Tunisia

Introduction  

We conducted a yearly polluted-reference sampling to assess the effects of petroleum pollution on life cycle characteristics of the meiobenthic nematode Odontophora villoti. Samples were taken every 15 days between 26 November 2004 and 25 November 2005 from two beaches of Bizerte bay (Tunisia), Rimel and Tunisian Refining Industries Company (TRIC). The latter site is located in front of the “Tunisian Refining Industries Company” runoff.