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A single-pass mode of membrane capacitive deionization (MCDI) stack unit was fabricated for alternative desalination in local brackish groundwater. Nakhon Ratchasima (Korat), Thailand, is in the northeastern region and mostly faced the salinity groundwater problem. A commercial coconut shell-based activated carbon (PAC) was used for electrode material due to an available and cost-effective choice. Comparing two different specific surface areas of PAC (1153 and 2145 m 2  g -1 ) for the electrode material was studied regarding a basic electrosorption capacity. It revealed that the more hydrophilic surface of PAC and lower internal resistance, the higher electrosorption performance was observed, regardless of the specific surface area in the case of a similar pore structure. The MCDI stack unit with a large active area (16 × 16 cm 2 ) of 80 pairs of electrodes (a large lab-scale unit) demonstrated a sufficient removal efficiency in single-pass mode to reduce salinity and hardness in Korat groundwater, composed of multi-coexisting ions (TDS ~ 2000 mg L -1 ). A relative selectivity coefficient (RSC) demonstrated that highly charged cations with smaller hydrated ionic radii predominantly played a crucial role in removal efficiency. While the initial concentration was strongly affected by the same charged ions. Total removal efficiency (RE total ) and ion removal efficiency (RE ion ) revealed performance stability during 20 days of operation and produced purified water with acceptable standards for consumption. Finally, this finding demonstrated the possibility of applying the PAC1-MCDI stack unit for natural groundwater desalination with a satisfactory desalination performance. We hope that the data in this study can be beneficial guidance for further practical MCDI system improvement and setup in a local area of Thailand, dealing with the salinity groundwater problem. PRACTITIONER POINTS: Desalination of brackish groundwater by membrane capacitive deionization (MCDI). Hydrophilic surface of activated carbon materials predominantly influenced a higher electrosorption performance. Relative selectivity coefficient mainly relied on ionic charges and hydrated ionic radii. Using MCDI for local brackish groundwater desalination applications produced water safe for consumption., (© 2024 Water Environment Federation.)

The high vaporization enthalpy of water attributed to the strong hydrogen bonds between water molecules is limiting the performance of solar evaporators. This work demonstrates a deliberate attempt to significantly reduce the vaporization enthalpy of water through the introduction of weak water-amine hydrogen bond interactions in hydrogel evaporators. In this article, bio-based chitosan-agarose/multiwalled carbon nanotube hydrogel film evaporators (CAMFEs) exhibit larger vaporization enthalpy reduction with the presence of primary amine groups in chitosan. An interplay between vaporization enthalpy reduction and water diffusivity leads to an optimal ratio of chitosan to agarose = 7:1 (CAMFE7) showing an impressive evaporation rate of 4.13 kg m -2  h -1 under 1 sun irradiation. CAMFE7 also exhibits excellent salt resistance, with a stable water evaporation rate, using brine water of up to 10 % salinity under continuous 1 sun irradiation. The high mechanical robustness together with its scalability makes CAMFE7 a highly promising material for practical drinking water production., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

A recent study conducted in Khon Kaen Province, Thailand, evaluated the effectiveness of a technology-assisted intervention aimed at improving water quality and addressing related health issues in communities around key water bodies. The intervention targeted health concerns associated with water contamination, including chronic kidney diseases, skin conditions, hypertension, and neurological symptoms. The study included water quality assessments and health evaluations of 586 residents and implemented a Learning Innovation Platform (LIP) across 13 communities. Results showed significant improvements in the community, including a decrease in hypertension and skin-related health issues, as well as enhanced community awareness and proficiency in implementing simple water quality assessments and treatment. The study demonstrated the value of a comprehensive, technology-driven community approach, effectively enhancing water quality and health outcomes, and promoting greater community awareness and self-sufficiency in managing environmental health risks.

Selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) are worthy of attention and development for nutritional supplementation due to their health benefits in both animals and humans with low toxicity, improved bioavailability, and controlled release, being greater than the Se inorganic and organic forms. Our previous study reported that Anoectochilus burmannicus extract (ABE)-synthesized SeNPs (ABE-SeNPs) exerted antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Furthermore, ABE could stabilize and preserve the biological activities of SeNPs. To promote the ABE-SeNPs as supplementary and functional foods, it was necessary to carry out a safety assessment. Cytotoxicity testing showed that SeNPs and ABE-SeNPs were harmless with no killing effect on Caco2 (intestinal epithelial cells), MRC-5 (lung fibroblasts), HEK293 (kidney cells), LX-2 (hepatic stellate cells), and 3T3-L1 (adipocytes), and were not toxic to isolated human PBMCs and RBCs. Genotoxicity assessments found that SeNPs and ABE-SeNPs did not induce mutations in Salmonella typhimurium TA98 and TA100 (Ames test) as well as in Drosophila melanogaster (somatic mutation and recombination test). Noticeably, ABE-SeNPs inhibited mutation in TA98 and TA100 induced by AF-2, and in Drosophila induced by urethane, ethyl methanesulfonate, and mitomycin c, suggesting their anti-mutagenicity ability. This study provides data that support the safety and anti-genotoxicity properties of ABE-SeNPs for the further development of SeNPs-based food supplements.

With the help of laser ablation, a technology for obtaining nanosized crystalline selenium particles (SeNPs) has been created. The SeNPs do not exhibit significant toxic properties, in contrast to molecular selenium compounds. The administration of SeNPs can significantly increase the viabilities of SH-SY5Y and PCMF cells after radiation exposure. The introduction of such nanoparticles into the animal body protects proteins and DNA from radiation-induced damage. The number of chromosomal breaks and oxidized proteins decreases in irradiated mice treated with SeNPs. Using hematological tests, it was found that a decrease in radiation-induced leukopenia and thrombocytopenia is observed when selenium nanoparticles are injected into mice before exposure to ionizing radiation. The administration of SeNPs to animals 5 h before radiation exposure in sublethal and lethal doses significantly increases their survival rate. The modification dose factor for animal survival was 1.2. It has been shown that the introduction of selenium nanoparticles significantly normalizes gene expression in the cells of the red bone marrow of mice after exposure to ionizing radiation. Thus, it has been demonstrated that SeNPs are a new gene-protective and radioprotective agent that can significantly reduce the harmful effects of ionizing radiation.

Anoectochilus burmannicus is an orchid that contains phenolic compounds and exhibits antioxidant and anti-inflammation properties. This study aimed to investigate whether its ethanolic extract (ABE) can be used as a reducing agent and/or a stabilizer of nano-selenium (SeNP) synthesis. SeNPs exhibited higher antioxidant activity than ABE-SeNPs. In contrast, ABE-SeNP (4 µM Se) had greater anti-inflammatory activity in LPS-induced macrophages than SeNPs. Interestingly, ABE acted as a stabilizer for SeNPs by preventing particle aggregation and preserving its antioxidant activity after long-term storage (90 days). Moreover, after the freeze-drying process, ABE-SeNPs could be completely reconstituted to suspension with significantly stable antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities compared to freshly prepared particles, suggesting the cryoprotectant and/or lyoprotectant role of ABE. The present study shows the potential of ABE as an effective stabilizer for nanoparticles and provides evidence for the development of ABE-SeNPs as a food supplement or novel functional ingredient for health benefits.

Selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) were synthesized to overcome the limitations of selenium, such as its narrow safe range and low water solubility. SeNPs reduce the toxicity and improve the bioavailability of selenium. Chitosan-coated SeNPs (Cs-SeNPs) were developed to further stabilize SeNPs and to test their effects against glioma cells. The effects of Cs-SeNPs on cell growth were evaluated in monolayer and 3D-tumor spheroid culture. Cell migration and cell invasion were determined using a trans-well assay. The effect of Cs-SeNPs on chemotherapeutic drug 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) sensitivity of glioma cells was determined in tumor spheroids. An in vitro blood-brain barrier (BBB) model was established to test the permeability of Cs-SeNPs. SeNPs and Cs-SeNPs can reduce the cell viability of glioma cells in a dose-dependent manner. Compared with SeNPs, Cs-SeNPs more strongly inhibited 3D-tumor spheroid growth. Cs-SeNPs exhibited stronger effects in inhibiting cell migration and cell invasion than SeNPs. Improved 5-FU sensitivity was observed in Cs-SeNP-treated cells. Cellular uptake in glioma cells indicated a higher uptake rate of coumarin-6-labeled Cs-SeNPs than SeNPs. The capability of coumarin-6 associated Cs-SeNPs to pass through the BBB was confirmed. Taken together, Cs-SeNPs provide exceptional performance and are a potential alternative therapeutic strategy for future glioma treatment.