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Eco-friendly industrial production is essential to save our environment. The present article reviews the sustainability aspects for steel and cement industries, as both are highly demanding. Carbon dioxide emissions from the steel industry can be reduced effectively by carbon sequestration methods. The generation of by-products from steel can be used as raw materials in manufacturing of paints, cement fertilizers etc. The major challenge in cement production is higher input of raw material and fuel in clinker production. These problems can be rectified by adopting suitable co-processing method. Energy requirement can be reduced by using blended cement with highly efficient clinker cooler, dryer, separators, calciner, pre-calciner and waste heat recovery system. • Production of cement and steel with lesser environmental emissions is discussed. • CO 2 and energy reduction options in both industries are explained. • Co-processing is an effective tool for reducing environmental emissions. • Blending reduces energy requirement in cement production. • Challenges in sustainable cement and steel production are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cu 2 ZnSnS 4 (CZTS) and Cu 2 ZnSn(S,Se) 4 (CZTSSe) are the most promising quaternary earth abundant photo-absorber materials for thin film solar cells, with reported power conversion efficiencies (PCE) of more than 12%. In CZTS and CZTSSe based solar cells, similar atomic sizes of Cu and Zn is thought to be the main reason for Cu Zn and Zn Cu antisite defect formation, resulted in severe potential fluctuations and tail states that can be inhibited by an incorporation of alternative bigger atoms such as Cd and Mn. In addition, the large open-circuit voltage deficit observed in CZTS and CZTSe device because of existence of Cu and Zn cation disorder in kesterite crystal. Recently, in the development of CZTS based thin film solar cells the reduction of antisite defects by cation substitution has received considerable attention. This also opens up the possibility to explore materials with similar crystal structures and band gaps as CZTS/CZTSSe such as Cu 2 XSnS 4 (where X = Mn, Cd, Fe, Co, Ni and Ba). In this review, the effect of substituting other metals for Zn is discussed, providing a way to alter defects and tail states in the absorber material of CZTS/CZTSSe thin film solar cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lindane or gamma- hexachlorocyclohexane (γ-HCH) isomer has been one of the most extensively used pesticides worldwide. However, four additional Hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH) isomers were produced during its manufacture, resulting in persistence in the environment due to their dissolvability and noxiousness. This study examines the sequential anaerobic-aerobic degradation of synthetically prepared solution of technical HCH (t-HCH) utilizing a hybrid reactor system with a UASB reactor coupled to the aerobic system. The ideal conditions for t-HCH degradation were initial substrate concentration (100 mg L−1), glucose as suitable electron donor, active biomass (12 g L−1), pH (neutral range), HRT (48 h) and organic loading rate (4.28 mg/g/day). Individual reactor findings demonstrated that the UASB reactor performed efficiently with these parameters, showing 90.03% degradation of 100 mg L−1 t-HCH in two days after a month of operation. In aerobic degradation, the selected isolate can break down 87% of 100 mg L−1 of t-HCH in eight days. Subsequent to individual reactor operations, the reactors were synchronized in the hybrid reactor and after 60 days of continuous operation, t-HCH was dechlorinated completely in the presence of glucose as a co-substrate. Therefore, compared to individual anaerobic and aerobic treatments, this sequential degradation showed an improvement in HCH removal efficiency of > 99%. This is the first study that demonstrates the mineralization of HCH intermediates in a hybrid reactor system. The metagenomic analysis of the anaerobic sludge and bacterial isolate's whole genome sequencing further authenticates the genomic aspects of the degradation process by the presence of HCH degrading genera and functional HCH degrading genes. [Display omitted] • Efficient removal of heavily chlorinated compound-HCH in a Hybrid reactor system. • Fewer chlorinated products of anaerobic treatment susceptible to aerobic degradation. • 87% and 90% t-HCH degraded through aerobic and anaerobic treatment respectively. • Sequential anaerobic -aerobic treatment efficient in complete removal HCH isomers. • Addition of glucose as the co-substrate improved the reactor's performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, since the introduction of bulk heterojunction concept in an organic solar cell, the efficiency is increased to ∼6%. The benefits of bulk heterojunction (BHJ) organic solar cells are drawing interest for applications in next-generation solar cells. In this study, we analyze the optimal top electrode for practical polymer solar cells (PSC) fabrication by utilizing the optical properties of the electrode material and study their performance of PSC devices. The high work function metal electrodes having enhanced optical properties such as aluminum (Al), silver (Ag) and gold (Au) are considered in fabricating inverted PSC devices. It comprises of a blended polymer of poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) and phenyl-C 61 -butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM). Among the key photovoltaic parameters, the open circuit voltages ( V oc ) were strongly affected by the optical properties of the top electrode . From the experimental evidence, the increase in V oc of the Al and Ag electrode devices were found to be approximately 11.32% and 26.42% respectively. These values were significantly higher when compared to the Au electrode, as the parasitic absorption of incident photons were below 600 nm. Ag electrodes have excellent stability to ambient exposure which is comparable to Au. These investigations directed to conclude that, Ag is the optimal top electrode material for use in inverted devices. Also, in this study we investigated the incorporation of monodispersed ZnO as an n-type buffer layer to effectively transport electrons from active layer to the cathode electrode. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Anaerobic dechlorination of technical grade hexachlorocyclohexane (THCH) was studied in a continuous upflow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) reactor with methanol as a supplementary substrate and electron donor. A reactor without methanol served as the experimental control. The inlet feed concentration of THCH in both the experimental and the control UASB reactor was 100mgl−1. After 60 days of continuous operation, the removal of THCH was >99% in the methanol-supplemented reactor as compared to 20–35% in the control reactor. THCH was completely dechlorinated in the methanol fed reactor at 48h HRT after 2 months of continuous operation. This period was also accompanied by increase in biomass in the reactor, which was not observed in the experimental control. Batch studies using other supplementary substrates as well as electron donors namely acetate, butyrate, formate and ethanol showed lower % dechlorination (<85%) and dechlorination rates (<3mgg−1 d−1) as compared to methanol (98%, 5mgg−1 d−1). The optimum concentration of methanol required, for stable dechlorination of THCH (100mgl−1) in the UASB reactor, was found to be 500mgl−1. Results indicate that addition of methanol as electron donor enhances dechlorination of THCH at high inlet concentration, and is also required for stable UASB reactor performance. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH) is a broad spectrum insecticide still used in some of the developing countries, though developed countries have banned or curtailed its use. Even in those countries where the use of t-HCH has been discontinued for a number of years, the problem of residues of all isomers of t-HCH remains because of its high persistence. These insecticides in the soil disturb the delicate equilibrium between microorganisms and their environment. Few reports on the degradation of t-HCH isomers in soil are present in literature, and very little information is available on the effect of these t-HCH isomers on soil microflora. In the present study, an attempt has been made to see the microbial diversity in the uncontaminated soils and the effect of application of t-HCH on the soil microflora. The soil was spiked with t-HCH and incubated, at regular time intervals the soil samples were analyzed for microbial diversity as well as t-HCH isomers residues. The results show that at higher concentrations of t-HCH, microbial populations were inhibited and the inhibited populations did not reappear even after prolonged incubation. Potential t-HCH degrading cultures were isolated and subjected to further acclimation in order to enhance their degradation capacity. The results are presented and discussed in this paper. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Biodegradability of technical grade hexachlorocyclohexane (tech-HCH) was studied in an upflow anaerobic sludge blanket reactor (UASB) under continuous mode of operation in concentration range of 100–200mg/l and constant HRT of 48h. At steady state operation more than 85% removal of tech-HCH (upto 175mg/l concentration) and complete disappearance of β-HCH was observed. Kinetic constants in terms of maximum specific tech-HCH utilization rate (k) and half saturation velocity constant (K L) were found to be 11.88mg/g/day and 8.11mg/g/day, respectively. The tech-HCH degrading seed preparation, UASB reactor startup and degradation in continuous mode of operation of the reactor is presented in this paper. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The dynamic mechanical properties of vinyloxyaminosilane grafted ethylene propylene diene terpolymer/linear low density polyethylene (EPDM-g-VOS/LLDPE) blends have been evaluated with special reference to the effect of blend ratio. It has been found that increasing the proportion of LLDPE in the blends decreases the Tg values and increases the storage modulus (E′) and loss modulus (E′′) due to increase in crystallinity. A gradual increase in the values of tanδmax is observed for the blends with increase in EPDM-g-VOS concentration, which indicates that no phase inversion occurs. But however the higher increase in tanδmax after 50 wt.% of EPDM-g-VOS composition is due to small change in crystallinity and is ascertained by SEM micrographs. Mechanical properties such as tensile strength, Young’s modulus and hardness increase with increases in LLDPE concentration in the blends and with dicumyl peroxide (DCP) concentration whereas the values of elongation at break are decreased with increase in LLDPE and DCP concentration. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Cu 2 BaSnS 4 (CBTS) is a new class of chalcogenide semiconductors that are recently studied as a promising photoabsorber to address the cationic disorder experienced in kesterite Cu 2 ZnSn(Se x S 1-x) 4 (CZTSSe) materials. The quaternary CBTS thin films were developed via a simple sol-gel method on soda-lime glass substrates by spin coating technique. The XRD analysis showed a pure trigonal structure of CBTS and that the crystallinity of films increases as the sulfurization time increases. The Raman analysis showed a dominant peak at the 342 cm−1 regardless of the sulfurization time and can be assigned to the symmetric "A" mode of the lattice vibrations confirming the formation of trigonal CBTS. The optical band gaps were found to be decreased as sulfurization time increases and the optimal band gap value was found for the samples annealed over 20 min at 540°C. The longer sulfurization time (60 min) resulted in declined crystalline quality with formation of secondary phases. The shorter sulfurization time is optimal for the growth of pure phase CBTS films. The developed CBTS films were studied and exhibited photocurrent density of 2.02 mA/cm2 was measured at −650 mV from the photoelectrochemical J-V characteristics confirming the material is suitable for the water splitting applications. • Cu 2 BaSnS 4 (CBTS) thin films were developed by non-toxic and facile sol-gel processed. • Effect of sulfurization time on the structural, optical and electrical properties of the CBTS thin films have been studied. • The studies on the duration of the sulfurization process for the growth of high quality CBTS films were discussed. • XRD and RAMAN analysis confirmed the formation of pure phase CBTS films sulfurized at 540°C for 30 mins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Numerous researches have been conducted to study the impact of Port activities on water quality. However, investigation on the response of the inhabiting biota to Port related extrinsic factors is extremely limited. Using Canonical Correspondence Analysis, comprehensive assessment of plankton population dynamics and distribution corresponding to the spatial heterogeneity in physico-chemical characteristics of harbour and adjacent coastal water is conducted. The results revealed resource competition for nitrate, predator mediated co-existence of species favoured by active switching and Port influenced environmental filtering due to suspended solids, and oil and grease as the predominant factor to modulate the plankton community structure and succession in harbour. The higher heterogeneity in the measured environmental variables at coast revealed dispersion of nutrient and other pollutants from harbour into the adjacent coastal water during ebb tide. Our results indicate reengineering of Port infrastructures and efficient management policies including water quality standards to facilitate proper water circulation and minimize pollution with a long term goal to reconcile economic interest with ecosystem conservation. • Port influenced environmental filtering predominates resource competition. • Competitive exclusion governs plankton community structure at harbour. • Impact of Port activities more pronounced in phytoplankton than zooplankton • Reduced wave circulation in harbour speculated to modulate sea surface temperature [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) are hazards to human health and exhibit harmful effects to the environment, owing to their typically lipophilic and bio-accumulative nature. Chlorinated compounds are most relevant within the classical POPs, which are both toxic and hazardous. Lindane, 'γ' isomer of hexachlorocyclohexane (γ-HCH), is one such organochlorine compound primarily used as a fumigant and an insecticide in agriculture. Due to its continuous use in the past decade throughout the world and severe environmental impacts in terms of toxicity and threats, there is an urgent need to develop cleaning up and remediation strategies for the lindane-contaminated sites. Being electron deficient due to its highly chlorinated nature, the degradation pathway of γ-HCH is previously thought to be generally under anaerobic condition via reductive dechlorination. But both aerobic and anaerobic degradation pathways are suggested for HCH isomers and biodegradation pathway of lindane has been completely elucidated in Sphingomonas paucimobilis UT26. Many bioremediation technologies viz. biostimulation, bioaugmentation, bioreactor systems have been employed so far for the treatment of HCH contaminated soil. However, the potential of these strategies has been tested at the laboratory scale and should be implemented for field-scale treatment of soil and aquatic systems contaminated with lindane and other HCH isomers. This review focuses on the fundamentals about the biodegradation and also various technologies utilized for full-scale remediation of HCH contamination in sediment and soils. • Fate of HCH in particular lindane as a POP and extent of its contamination in environment. • Biodegradation pathways of HCH and various technologies for bioremediation of the lindane and tHCH. • Extent of success of technologies till date and their respective associated challenges focused. • Full scale and cost effective on-site remediation of lindane polluted site is the major challenge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Present study describes the treatment of molasses spentwash and its use as a potential low cost substrate for production of biopolymer polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) by waste activated sludge. Fluorescence microscopy revealed the presence of PHB granules in sludge biomass which was further confirmed by fourier transform-infra-red spectroscopy (FT-IR) and 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). The processing of molasses spentwash was carried out for attaining different ratios of carbon and nitrogen (C:N). Highest chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal and PHB accumulation of 60% and 31% respectively was achieved with raw molasses spentwash containing inorganic nitrogen (C:N ratio=28) followed by COD removal of 52% and PHB accumulation of 28% for filtered molasses containing inorganic nitrogen (C:N ratio=29). PHB production yield (Y p/s) was highest (0.184gg−1 COD consumed) for deproteinized spentwash supplemented with nitrogen. In contrast, the substrate consumption and product formation were higher in case of raw spentwash. Though COD removal was lowest from deproteinized spentwash, evaluation of kinetic parameters suggested higher rates of conversion of available carbon to biomass and PHB. Thus the process provided dual benefit of conversion of two wastes viz. waste activated sludge and molasses spentwash into value-added product-PHB. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: An intermediate gearbox of a helicopter failed resulting in an accident. A systematic failure analysis was conducted to find out the cause of failure. Examination revealed that fatigue fracturing of the driving gear was responsible for the gearbox failure. The teeth of the gear were severely damaged by spalling. Fractographic study revealed multiple fatigue crack initiation at the tooth root regions. It was established that the failure was caused due to improper assembly of the gear. A detailed analysis of the failure is presented in this paper. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• Aerobic degradation of BDE-209 by Bacillus tequilensis BDE-S1 reported first time. • 65% of 50 mg/L BDE-209 effectively degraded by Bacillus tequilensis BDE-S1. • Established significant correlation between BDE 209, bromide, COD and cell biomass. • Identified metabolites and prediction of possible degradation pathway. • Debromination at ortho and meta positions was predominant process of degradation. In the present study, a novel bacterium capable of degrading BDE-209 aerobically was isolated from a municipal waste dumping site and identified as Bacillus tequilensis strain BDE-S1 through 16S rRNA gene sequencing. A correlation between BDE-209 and bromide concentration, COD, TOC, and cell biomass was established. 65% of 50 mg/L initial concentration of BDE-209 was degraded within eight days of incubation by BDE-S1 strain. Two hexa, two penta, one tetra-BDE congener, and benzamide were detected as metabolites. The bromide release, COD, TOC and cell biomass were found to be significantly correlated parameters with BDE-209 degradation. Based on the metabolite analysis, ortho and meta debromination, cleavage of diphenyl ether bond and ring-opening were suggested as possible degradation pathways. This is the first study demonstrating the use of indigenously isolated Bacillus tequilensis strain BDE-S1 for aerobic degradation of BDE-209, which could provide new comprehension for bioremediation of PBDEs from contaminated environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanocrystalline ZrO 2 and neodymium doped ZrO 2 (Nd–ZrO 2 ) were successfully prepared by a polymer- assisted, sol-gel method and characterized by XRD, SEM, HRTEM, XPS and UV–vis techniques. X-Ray diffraction studies revealed the formation of highly crystalline structures of ZrO 2 and (Nd–ZrO 2 ) samples. SEM images proved the evenly distributed nano - structured, spherically - shaped ZrO 2 particles of size 40 nm, which was reduced to 20 nm, when doped with neodymium. Light absorption properties of the nanoparticles were studied by UV–vis spectrophotometer. Nd - doped ZrO 2 was having a band gap of 2.8 ev, while that of ZrO 2 , was 2.6 ev. Thus, Nd substituted ZrO 2 effected substantial shifting of the absorption edge of zirconium oxide to red and resulting in the enhancement of visible light absorption The increase in band gap of Nd–ZrO 2 was resulted in an increasing light absorbtion tendency of Nd − ZrO 2 , which promoted the photocatalytic efficiency of it. XPS results confirmed substitution of Nd in ZrO 2 . Photocatalytic results for the degradation of methylene blue had indicated the fact that neodymium substitution dramatically enhanced the catalytic activity of zirconium oxide. This means that the neodymium − substituted zirconium oxide has the highest photocatalytic activity under visible light irradiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are categorized as a group of brominated flame retardants that cause hazardous health impacts but are still being used consistently worldwide. The studies on their occurrence and fate in wastewater treatment plants are scarce, and considering the Indian scenario, no study has been reported till date in this context. Therefore, in the present study, PBDE congeners of primary concern were investigated first time to assess the existence, dissemination and fate of PBDEs in the municipal wastewater treatment plant (MWTP) located in Nagpur city, Maharashtra, India. BDE 209 and 47 were detected as the predominant PBDE contaminants in all the analysed samples. The concentration of PBDEs was primarily found in the particulate phase of wastewater. According to mass loading analysis, 1297 mg/day concentration of PBDEs is disposed of at landfill sites in the form of sludge, while 77.46 mg/day is released via final effluent. The present investigation is the first of its kind of study conducted to evaluate the PBDE contamination in Indian MWTP, which reveals the presence of high PBDE concentration in Indian municipal sewage. The findings of the current study exhibit the need for appropriate action toward the sound surveillance of PBDEs in the Indian context. [Display omitted] • Occurrence, fate and mass loading of PBDEs in Indian STP reported the first time. • BDE 209, 47 & 99 were observed as dominant contaminants in wastewater and sludge. • Sorption of PBDEs on particulate matter was a major process of PBDEs eradication. • The PBDE concentration and carbon content (r2 = 0.712) were found correlated. • Sewage treatment sludge and effluent are potential sources of PBDEs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Background: Little is known regarding the epidemiology of drug injection and risk behaviors among injection drug users (IDUs) across India. In particular, there is limited data on the prevalence of stimulant injection. Methods: We sampled 801 HIV positive IDUs from 14 locations throughout India to represent the geography of India as well as the diversity in IDU epidemic stage (established epidemics, emerging epidemics and large cities). All participants underwent a behavioral survey and blood draw. Given prior associations with stimulant injection and HIV risk, we compared stimulant injectors (cocaine and/or methamphetamine) to those who injected opiates and/or pharmaceuticals only. Results: The median age was 33; 86% were male. The primary drugs injected were heroin, buprenorphine and other pharmaceuticals. In all but four sites, >50% of those actively injecting reported needle sharing. Stimulant injection was most common in emerging epidemics. Compared to exclusive opiate injectors, stimulant injectors were significantly younger, more likely to be educated and employed, more likely to report non-injection use of heroin, crack/cocaine and amphetamines, heavy alcohol use, recent needle sharing (71% vs. 57%), sex with a casual partner (57% vs. 31%) and men having sex with other men (33% vs. 9%; p <0.01 for all). Conclusions: Emerging IDU epidemics have a drug/sexual risk profile not previously been observed in India. Given the high prevalence of stimulant injection in these populations, HIV prevention/treatment programs may need to be redesigned to maximize effectiveness. The high levels of injection sharing overall reinforce the need to ensure access to harm-reduction services for all. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The elimination of emerging contaminants (ECs) from aquatic environment has become a worldwide concern due to their widespread occurrence and consequent detrimental effects on living organisms. This review aims to highlight the applicability of carbonaceous materials including activated carbon, biochar, carbon nanofibers, graphene, carbon nanotubes (CNTs), and carbon aerogel for ECs removal. This review depicts the versatility of carbonaceous material as an adsorbent, as a catalyst and as a catalyst support for ECs removal. The mechanistic aspects involved in the adsorptive removal of ECs through π-π interactions, electrostatic interaction, n-π interactions, H-bonding, hydrophobic interaction, and pore filling were emphasized. An in-depth discussion on the catalytic properties of carbonaceous materials to activate peroxydisulfate (PS), peroxymonosulfate (PMS), and hydrogen peroxide leading to ECs degradation via radical and non-radical pathways were provided. The significance of carbonaceous materials when employed as catalyst support in photocatalysis, heterogeneous Fenton and catalytic ozonation was exemplified. [Display omitted] • Occurrence of emerging contaminants across the globe was outlined. • Progress in preparation strategies for various carbon materials was introduced. • Applicability of carbon materials for emerging contaminant removal was explored. • Mechanistic aspects involved in the removal of contaminants were discussed in depth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mixed industrial wastewater treatment efficiency of combined electro-Fenton (EF) and electrocoagulation (EC) processes was investigated in the present study. Alkali modified laterite soil was used as a heterogeneous EF catalyst and found superior performance than the raw laterite soil. Initially, the effect of catalyst dosage, initial pH, and applied voltage on the performance of EF process was carried out. A total of 54.57% COD removal was observed after 60 min of the EF treatment. Further treatment was carried out with EC process at different voltages. A total of 85.27% COD removal after 2 h treatment was observed by combining two electrochemical processes. Performance of EF followed by EC (EF + EC) process was compared with EC followed by EF (EC + EF) process. Even though efficiency is the same, EF + EC is a better strategy than EC + EF as it nullifies the neutralization requirement after EF process in addition to high mineralization efficiency, enhanced biodegradability, and lesser sludge generation. • Combination of EF and EC process for composite wastewater treatment. • Modified laterite as an effective heterogeneous electro-Fenton catalyst. • Performance of EF + EC and EC + EF processes were compared. • EF + EC and EC + EF processes have similar treatment efficiency. • EF + EC is a better choice than EC + EF process for industrial wastewater treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Hyaluronidase inhibitors have immense applications in pathophysiological conditions associated with hyaluronan–hyaluronidase system. The present study demonstrates the inhibitory efficacy of clinically accepted antioxidant N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) against hyaluronidase of serum, testis, and snake and bee venoms. The experimental and molecular dynamic simulation data suggest the non-competitive inhibition and involvement of thiol groups of both NAC and glutathione in exertion of inhibition. The bioavailability, less-toxic and antioxidant nature of NAC and glutathione could become valuable in the management of pathologies triggered by extracellular matrix degradation and to increase the endurance of hyaluronan based biomaterials/supplements, which are highly exciting aspects. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Background: Malnutrition is a strong predictor of poor outcomes in people living with HIV (PLHIV). Drug users are at increased risk of malnutrition regardless of whether or not they are infected with HIV. Little data exists on the nutritional status of drug users (with or without HIV infection) in India. Methods: We describe and compare the nutrition and metabolic status of 107 HIV-positive and 193 HIV-negative male clients of a community-based drop-in center for injection drug users in Chennai, India. Measures of nutrition and metabolic status include body composition, dietary intake, food insecurity, and serum lipid levels. Results: We found poor overall nutritional status in both the HIV-positive and HIV-negative clients, with HIV-positive men faring worse on some parameters. Both groups had extremely low percent body fat, but levels in HIV-positive participants were significantly lower (6.5% versus 7.9%, p =.01). HIV-positive men also had significantly lower total caloric and fat intakes compared to HIV-negative men. A considerable proportion (70%) of both HIV-positive and HIV-negative drug users were food insecure. HDL cholesterol levels were significantly lower and below normal range in the HIV-positive compared to HIV-negative men. Conclusions: The high levels of food insecurity and poor nutritional status in this population, regardless of HIV status, indicates critical need for intervention. Improving nutritional status in those who are infected with HIV prior to initiation of antiretroviral treatment may help patients to reap the full benefits of therapy. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Landfilling is the most prominently adopted disposal technique for managing municipal solid waste across the globe. However, the main drawback associated with this method is the generation of leachate from the landfill site. Leachate, a highly concentrated liquid consisting of both organic and inorganic components arises environmental issues as it contaminates the nearby aquifers. Landfill leachate treatment by conventional methods is not preferred as the treatment methods are not much effective to remove these pollutants. Advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) based on both hydroxyl and sulfate radicals could be a promising method to remove the micropollutants completely or convert them to non-toxic compounds. The current review focuses on the occurrence of micropollutants in landfill leachate, their detection methods and removal from landfill leachate using AOPs. Pharmaceuticals and personal care products occur in the range of 10−1 to more than 100 μg L−1 whereas phthalates were found below the detectable limit to 384 μg L−1, pesticides in the order of 10−1 μg L−1 and polyaromatic hydrocarbons occur in concentration from 10−2 to 114.7 μg L−1. Solid-phase extraction is the most preferred method for extracting micropollutants from leachate and liquid chromatography (LC) - mass spectrophotometer (MS) for detecting the micropollutants. Limited studies have been focused on AOPs as a potential method for the degradation of micropollutants in landfill leachate. The potential of Fenton based techniques, electrochemical AOPs and ozonation are investigated for the removal of micropollutants from leachate whereas the applicability of photocatalysis for the removal of a wide variety of micropollutants from leachate needs in-depth studies. [Display omitted] • Occurrence of micropollutants in landfill leachate across the globe is exemplified. • Detection and quantification of micropollutants in leachate are summarized. • Elimination of various types of micropollutants from leachate by AOPs are addressed. • Pharmaceuticals are the least studied micropollutant using AOPs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The corrosion behaviour of leaded brasses with 2, 2.4, 2.8, and 4.85wt.% of lead in both neutral (pH 6.5) and acidified (pH 3.0) 3.5% NaCl solution was studied. Potentiodynamic polarization, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), current–time transient, and accelerated leaching studies were employed to assess the corrosion behaviour. The study reveals that the lead content of the alloy has a pronounced influence on the extent of corrosion attack in neutral and acidified 3.5% NaCl solutions at potentials closer to and anodic to E corr. Scanning electron micrographs (SEM) show the existence of lead as a separate phase in leaded brass before subjecting it to corrosion and the formation of hexagonal platelets or flower shaped crystals on selected areas after corrosion. The structural separation of lead from the rest of the alloy forms galvanic cells and decreases the corrosion resistance of leaded brasses in neutral 3.5% NaCl solution at potentials closer to E corr. In contrast, at potentials anodic to E corr in neutral 3.5% NaCl solution and in acidified 3.5% NaCl solution, precipitation of lead based compounds on the surface of leaded brass decreases the extent of corrosion attack and causes a deviation from the typical dezincification behaviour. The precipitation of lead based compounds induces passivity of the leaded brasses, which is evident in the anodic segments of the polarization curves obtained for acidified 3.5% NaCl solution. This study concludes that increase in lead content of leaded brass alloys could provide an improvement in their corrosion resistance only under conditions where compounds of lead gets precipitated on the surface and induces passivity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Electrocoagulation (EC) process is found as effective water and wastewater treatment method, as it can able to remove a variety of pollutants, treat various industrial wastewater, and able to handle fluctuations in pollutant quality and quantity. The performance of EC process can be improved significantly in combination with degradation processes. Different combinations of EC process with Fenton, electro-Fenton, photo-Fenton, photocatalysis, sonochemical treatment, ozonation, indirect electrochemical oxidation, anodic oxidation and sulfate radical based advanced oxidation process are found very effective for the treatment of water and wastewater. Enhanced performance of EC process in combination with degradation process was reported in most of the articles. • Combination of EC and degradation process is an effective way to treat water and wastewater. • The combinations can also be beneficial to overcome the limitations of EC process. • The cost-efficient combinations are simultaneous EC-electrochemical AOPs and sequential EC-non-electrochemical AOPs. • The combination of aerated EC with a degradation process is more effective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nowadays there is a continuously increasing attention for the treatment of recalcitrant compounds present in water and wastewater due to their toxicity on both human health and the environment. Advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) are found to be effective for the degradation of recalcitrant compounds by increasing biodegradability and reducing toxicity. The present review focuses on the detoxification aspects of AOPs with special emphasis on arsenic toxicity. Different bioassays employing bacteria, invertebrates, algae, plants, and fish have been critically reviewed in this article as a valuable tool for assessing the toxicity as well as biodegradability of the industrial wastewater post AOP treatment. Various toxicity tests employed during AOP treatment of wastewater with high toxicity revealed that AOPs are effective for reducing their toxicity significantly. These processes are also effective to reduce arsenic toxicity by oxidizing arsenite to arsenate. By-products formed during AOP treatment of wastewater are also found more toxic than its parent compound. Thus, toxicity tests are essential for AOP treated wastewater before its disposal. Unlabelled Image • Detoxification of wastewater by AOPs are detailed. • AOPs are effective to reduce the toxicity of wastewater. • AOPs are also effective to reduce arsenic toxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]