Mechanisms of arsenic removal from water

In this review paper, various methods for arsenic removal from water have been described by explaining the related mechanisms of each methods. Advantages and drawbacks were discussed. Membrane methods were suggested as reliable methods for elimination of arsenic from water in addition to other conventional separation methods.     

Laying date and polygyny as determinants of annual reproductive success in male collared flycatchers (Ficedula albicollis): a long-term study

Annual reproductive success (ARS) is one of the main components of lifetime reproductive success, a reliable measure of individual fitness. Previous studies often dealt with ARS and variables potentially affecting it. Among them, long-term studies that consider multiple factors at the same time are particularly important in understanding the adaptive value of different phenotypes. Here, we used an 18-year dataset to quantify the ARS of male collared flycatchers (Ficedula albicollis) on the basis of recruited offspring. We simultaneously assessed the effect of start of breeding, age, polygyny, body size and the expression of forehead patch (a sexually selected trait). The success of early breeding individuals was appreciably higher than late birds; however, breeding too early was also disadvantaged, and males that bred around the yearly median breeding date had the highest ARS. Polygynous males were more successful in years with good food supply, while in years with low food availability, they did not produce more recruits than monogamous males. The age of males, their forehead patch size and body size did not affect the number of recruits. Our findings support the importance of breeding date and suggest stabilizing selection on it in the long term. We also show that polygyny is not always advantageous for males, and its fitness pay-off may depend on environmental quality.     

Renewable hydrogen production: a technical evaluation based on process simulation

An evaluation of different hydrogen production technologies based on renewable raw materials and/or renewable energy is presented. The evaluation comprises alkaline electrolysis, steam reforming of both biogas and gasification gas, the coupled dark and photo fermentation as well as the coupled dark and biogas fermentation. Each technology is investigated with different plant layouts and/or different raw materials. All examined technologies are designed to produce hydrogen in a quality suitable for the use in mobile fuel cells. The presented evaluation is based on the hydrogen production efficiency and the energy efficiency of the processes.     

The therapeutic effect of Värska mud and Värska mineral water baths on the overuse pain and muscle tension syndromes in the working age population

Environmental Geochemistry and Health - The effects of bath therapy are complex and result from a unique interaction between the aquatic environment and the human body functions. The effect of bath...