Biosorption of Direct Yellow 12 from aqueous solution using green alga Ulva lactuca

The potential of commonly available green alga Ulva lactuca was investigated as viable biomaterials for removal of synthetic azo dye (Direct Yellow 12, DY-12) from aqueous solution. The results obtained from the batch experiments revealed that the ability of the U. lactuca to remove DY-12 from its aqueous solution was dependent on the dye concentration, pH, and algal biomass but less dependent on the particle size of the U. lactuca. The equilibrium conditions and kinetics of adsorption were investigated, and the adsorption kinetic was consistent with the pseudo-second-order model (R ²=1). The adsorption isotherm followed only the Freundlich model with a correlation coefficient R ²=0.99. This study demonstrated that the U. lactuca could be used as an effective biosorbent for the removal of DY-12 from its aqueous solution.     

Study on the sensitivity to cadmium of marine fish Salaria basilisca（Pisces： Blennidae）

The present study tested the sensitivity of Salaria basilisca to water-cadmium (Cd) contamination. For this purpose, liver somatic index (LSI), Cd concentrations and the activities of antioxidant enzymes such as catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) were measured in the liver of S. basilisca exposed to Cd-contaminated water (2 mg Cd/L as CdCl2) for 14 and 28 d. The results showed that the LSI decreased significantly after 14 and 28 d of Cd-exposure. Cd bioaccumulation in the liver resulted in an increasing uptake up to 42 g/g dry weight after 28 d of exposure. Activities of CAT and SOD were significantly increased with increasing exposure time. A significant increase in GSH-Px activity, under Cd influence, was observed during 14-day exposure period (p < 0.0001). However, a significant decrease (p < 0.05) in this activity with respect to control fish was registered after 28 d of Cd-exposure. These results showed that Cd accumulation in the liver of S. basilisca could induce oxidative stress as demonstrated by changes in the antioxidant enzyme activities. Results also emphasized that S. basilisca may considered as a sensitive species to Cd exposure.     

Cadmium bioaccumulation in three benthic fish species, Salaria basilisca,Zosterisessor ophiocephalus and Solea vulgaris collected from the Guff of Gabes in Tunisia

To select a marine teleost fish which can be used as a bioindicator of cadmium (Cd) pollution in the Gulf of Gabes in Tunisia, Cd concentrations in liver and gill were compared in three benthic fish species including Salaria basilisca, Zosterisessor ophiocephalus and Solea vulgaris. Fish samples were collected from three selected sites in the Gulf of Gabes, with different degrees of Cd contamination: the industrialized coast of Sfax (S1), the coast of Douar Chart (S2) and the coast of Luza ($3). The results shows that Cd concentrations in both sediment and water collected from S1 were significantly higher (p<0.0001) than those from S2 and $3. For each species, Cd concentrations, in both liver and gill, showed the decreasing order: S1>S2>S3. The highest concentration of Cd was detected in the liver of S. basilisca, and only S. basilisca showed bioaccumulation factors (BAF) greater than 1 in all studied sites. In S1 and S2, BAF values respect the following order: S. basilisca>Z. ophiocephalus>S. vulgaris. These results of significant bioaccumulation of Cd, in terms of hepatic concentrations and bioaccamulation factors, indicated that S. basilisca can be used as bioindicator to evaluate the evolution of Cd pollution in the Gulf of Gahes.     

Monitoring of linear alkyl benzenes (LABs) in riverine and estuarine sediments in Malaysia

Environmental Geochemistry and Health - The aim of this a pioneering research is to investigate linear alkylbenzenes (LABs) as biomarkers of sewage pollution in sediments collected from four rivers...     

Effects of Exposure Conditions on Antioxidant Depletion,Tensile Strength,and Creep Modulus of Corrugated HDPE Pipes Made With or Without Recycled Resins

Journal of Polymers and the Environment - The service lifetime of corrugated high-density polyethylene (HDPE) pipes used in transportation infrastructure applications has been the subject of...     

Antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of phytonutrients as antibiotic substitutes in poultry feed

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - Globally, there is increasing demand for safe poultry food products free from antibiotic residues. There is thus a need to develop alternatives to...