Modified Sugarcane Bagasse with Tartaric Acid for Removal of Diazonium Blue from Aqueous Solutions

The present study concerns with exploring the possibility of using of tartaric acid pretreated sugarcane bagasse (SCB) for removing diazonium blue (DB) from aqueous solutions. The effect of different factors on the efficiency of the adsorbent for the DB dye removal was investigated, including initial dye concentration, contact time, SCB dosage and SCB particle size. Langmuir, Freundlich, Tempkin and D–R isothermal models have been employed to analyze the adsorption equilibrium data. It was found that the adsorption of the dye fits well with the D–R model. The adsorption kinetics was also done applying four kinetic models. The regression equation coefficients refer to fitting the data to the second-order kinetic equation for removal of the DB dye. It is probable that the rate limiting step is a chemical adsorption between the adsorbent and the dye. This chemisorption process is further confirmed from the energy value of 15.1 kJ mol^?1 deduced from the D–R isotherm.     

Potential harmful elements in coal dust and human health risk assessment near the mining areas in Cherat,Pakistan

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - This study was aimed to investigate the potential harmful element (PHE) concentrations in coal dust and evaluate the human risk assessment and health...     

Occupational exposure to pesticides and associated health effects among greenhouse farm workers

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - The number and production capacities of greenhouse farms have been increased across the globe, driven by an effort for addressing food security...     

Phytotoxicity,cytotoxicity, and in vivo antifungal efficacy of chitosan nanobiocomposites on prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - Chitosan (CS) nanosystems have potential applications for the control of microorganisms in the medical, environmental, and agrifood fields. In vivo...     

Geotechnical engineering properties of incinerator ash mixes

The incineration of solid waste produces large quantities of bottom and fly ash. Landfilling has been the primary mode of disposal of these waste materials. Shortage in landfill space and the high cost of treatment have, however, prompted the search for alternative uses of these waste materials. This study presents an experimental program that was conducted to determine the engineering properties of incinerator ash mixes for use as construction materials. Incinerator ash mixes were tested as received and around optimum compacted conditions. Compaction curves, shear strength, and permeability values of fly ash, bottom ash, and their various blends were investigated. Bottom ash tends to achieve maximum dry density at much lower water content than does fly ash. The mixes displayed a change in their cohesion and friction angle values when one of the two mix components was altered or as a result of the addition of water. The permeability of bottom ash is quite comparable to that of sand. The permeability of fly ash lies in the range of those values obtained for silts and clays. A 100% bottom ash compacted at the optimum water content has a lower density value and yields a higher friction angle and cohesion values than most construction fills. This would encourage the use of bottom ash as a fill or embankment material because free drainage of water will prevent the buildup of pore water pressures.     

Development of a Natural Chewing Gum from Plant Based Polymer

In this study, Kenger gum obtained from Kenger plant (Gundelia tournefortii) was used in the production of biodegradable and edible chewing gum. Kenger gum was able to be softened by thermal process to improve its textural properties. 80% methanolic extract of gum showed 195.6 gallic acid equivalents (GAE) mg/100 g gum antioxidant activity and 17.9 mm inhibition zone for Escherichia coli O157:H7 as an antimicrobial activity. Softened Kenger gum was also characterized by texture properties, scanning electron microscope (SEM) images and chemical compositions. Hardness value of gum decreased from 864 to 238 g which was comparable to commercial chewing gums. Softened Kenger gum was observed to be a perfect substitute for a synthetic gum base in the production of a conventional chewing gum. Moreover, resilience value was remarkably found to be the best standard parameter to select chewing gums with desired textural properties.     

Fluoride distribution and the effect of some ions along Alexandria coastal Mediterranean seawater of Egypt

The coastal seawater of Mediterranean of Alexandria receives large amount of discharged waters containing industrial wastes, sewage, and agricultural and domestic drainage. Fluoride and some parameters were( chemical and physical) determined. The data gave indication that the content and the amount of the discharged water largely affect the chemical composition of the coastal water. Stepwise regression analysis was highly significant and the model was very fruitful, where the observed and calculated values were mostly concordant. This may indicated that there was a relation between fluoride content in cosslal seawater and its content in the discharged water.     

Beneficial role of ascorbic and folic acids antioxidants against thyroxin-induced testicular dysfunction in hyperthyroid rats

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - Thyroid hormones play a fundamental role in the regulation of metabolism of almost all mammalian tissue including the reproductive system....     

Selenium and nano-selenium in plant nutrition

Selenium (Se) is a naturally occurring metalloid element which occurs nearly in all environments. Se is considered as a finite and non-renewable resource on the Earth. The common sources of Se in earth’s crust occur in association with sulfide minerals such as metal selenide, whereas it is rarely found in elemental form (Se⁰). While there is no evidence of Se need for higher plants, several reports show that when Se added at low concentrations, Se exerts beneficial effects on plant growth. Se may act as quasi-essential micronutrient through altering different physiological and biochemical traits. Thus, plants vary considerably in their physiological and biochemical response to Se. This review focusses on the physiological importance of Se forms as well as different Se fertilizers for higher plants, especially plant growth, uptake, transport, and metabolism.