Triphenyl methyl phosphonium tosylate as an efficient phase transfer catalyst for ultrasound-assisted oxidative desulfurization of liquid fuel

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - The novel phosphonium-based ionic liquid (IL), triphenyl methyl phosphonium tosylate ([TPMP][Tos]), has been synthesized and applied as a phase...     

Characteristic and mechanism of sorption and desorption of benzene on humic acid

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - The sorption/desorption behaviors of benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene (BTEX) on soil organic matter (SOM) have a significant influence on...     

滦河秋季大型底栖动物群落结构空间格局与关键环境影响因子识别

掌握水生生物的空间分布特征及其关键影响因子是科学制定生物多样性保护策略的基础.于2016年秋季对滦河53个样点开展了大型底栖动物和环境因子的现场调查,分析了大型底栖动物群落结构与空间分布特征,并识别出影响大型底栖动物物种空间分布的关键环境因子.结果表明:①滦河（河北省）共采集并鉴定出大型底栖动物206种,隶属于8纲22目70科144属,以纹石蚕（Hydropsyche sp.）和东方蜉蝣（Ephemera orientalis）为优势种.②根据滦河大型底栖动物群落结构相似性,53个样点在空间上被分为3组.第1组分布在滦河干流的中下游及支流下游,无指示物种;第2组分布在支流上游,指示种为纹石蚕、朝大蚊（Antocha sp.）和中华小长臂虾（Palaemonetes sinensis）;第3组分布在滦河干流中上游,指示种为东方蜉蝣和中华齿米虾（Neocaridina denticulate sinensis）.③第3组的分类单元数显著高于第1组和第2组;第1组的多样性指数显著高于第2组;第1组的均匀度指数显著高于其他2组.单因素方差分析（one-way ANOVA）发现,pH、TN、底质、河道变化、水质状况和河岸土地利用类型等环境因子在第2组与第3组之间差异显著,第2组明显高于第3组.典范对应分析（CCA）表明,栖境复杂性、河水水量状况和河岸土地利用类型是影响滦河大型底栖动物空间分布的关键环境因子.研究显示,降低河岸带干扰强度、恢复河道生境多样性是未来滦河大型底栖动物多样性保护恢复的重要管理措施.      

Fly-ash-induced oxidative stress and tolerance in Prosopis juliflora L. grown on different amended substrates

Field experiments were conducted to study the impact of metal accumulation on malondialdehyde (MDA), cysteine and non-protein thiol (NPSH) contents in the plants of Prosopis juliflora grown on the fly ash (FA) amended with soil, blue green algae (BGA) biofertilizer, farm yard manure, press mud and Rhizobium inoculation. The analysis of data revealed that the level of MDA, cysteine and NPSH was higher in the roots of the plant than leaves, which was found positively correlated with metal accumulation. An increase of 361.14, 64.25 and 305.62% in MDA, cysteine and NPSH contents, respectively was observed after 45 days in the roots of the plants grown in 100% FA as compared to 100% garden soil (GS). The level of MDA, cysteine and NPSH was found less in the plants grown on various amendments of FA showing ameliorating effect on the toxicity induced due to the accumulation of metals. The decrease in MDA, cysteine and NPSH contents was higher in Rhizobium-inoculated plants as compared to uninoculated plants grown on 100% FA. The results showed a high tolerance potential of the plant, which is further increased by inoculating the plant with FA-tolerant Rhizobium showing feasibility of using P. juliflora in environmental monitoring of FA landfills.     

Emissions of gaseous and particulate pollutants in a port and harbour region in India

Ports can generate large quantity of pollutants in the atmosphere due to various activities like loading and unloading,transportation, and construction operations. Determination of the character and quantity of emissions from individual sources is an essential step in any project to control and minimize the emissions.In this study a detailed emission inventory of total suspendedparticulate matter (TSP), particulate matter less than 10 m(PM₁₀), sulfur dioxide (SO₂) and nitrogen oxides (NO_x) for a port and harbour project near Mumbai is compiled. Results show that the total annual average contributions of TSP and PM₁₀ from all the port activitieswere 872 and 221 t yr^-1, respectively. Annual average emissions of gaseous pollutants SO₂ and NO_xwere 56 and 397 t yr^-1, respectively, calculatedby using emission factors for different port activities. The maximum TSP emission (419 t yr ^-1) was from paved roads, while the least (0.4 t yr^-1) was from bulk handling activity. The maximum PM₁₀ emission (123 t yr^-1) was from unpaved roads and minimum (0.2 t yr^-1) from bulk handling operations. Similarly the ratio of TSP and PM₁₀ emission was highest (5.18) from paved roads and least (2.17) from bulk handling operations. Regression relation was derivedfrom existing emission data of TSP and PM₁₀ from variousport activities. Good correlation was observed between TSP andPM₁₀ having regression coefficient >0.8.     

Assessment and management of fetal agenesis of the corpus callosum

Prenatal counselling for fetal agenesis of the corpus callosum is difficult as the prognosis until now has been so uncertain. We have reviewed the current world English literature to provide the best probabilistic information for prospective parents. In total, there are 70 cases where the diagnosis was made prenatally. The diagnosis of apparently isolated agenesis of the corpus callosum (in the absence of other sonographically detectable anomalies) appears to carry an excellent prognosis, with an 85 per cent chance of a normal developmental outcome and a 15 per cent risk of handicap. Fetal karyotyping is recommended as there is a 1 in 10 risk of aneuploidy. If other anomalies are detected prenatally, the outcome is very poor. Termination of pregnancy is advised in these circumstances.