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• Complexes of casein phosphopeptide and Fe2+ or Ti4+ salts were used as flame retardants. • Silk was treated by casein phosphopeptide and post-mordanted by metal salts. • Treated silk exhibited durable flame retardancy. • Treated silk exhibited good smoke suppression. • Silk treated by casein phosphopeptide and Fe2+ salt displayed a brilliant yellow color. The environmentally sound flame retardant (FR) treatment of textiles is the hot spot research in the processing of textiles. In this work, the combined treatment of casein phosphopeptide (CPP) and ferrous and titanium sulfates was applied to prepare the wash-resistant FR silk fabric. The complexation of CPP and metal ions was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectral analysis. The FR capability of the CPP and metal ions treated fabrics was demonstrated by two combustion methods. The fabrics obtained by treatment of 10 g/L CPP followed by mordanting of 4 g/L ferrous and titanium sulfates had a limiting oxygen index of 27.8% and 28.0%, respectively, and after vertical burning their residual char length was less than 15 cm even after 20 repeated washings. The increased thermal stability at high temperatures and good charring ability of the treated fabrics contributed to their FR capability. Interestingly, the CPP and ferrous sulfate treated fabric displayed a brilliant yellow color with good washing and rubbing fastness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we report an easy and novel way to develop high flux aliphatic-aromatic-based thin-film composite (TFC) polyamide osmosis membranes by addition of inorganic metal salts with amine reactants in the reaction system of polyethylene imine (PEI) and 1,3-benzene dicarbonyl chloride. Inorganic metal salts like CuSO4, NiSO4, MgSO4, and Al2(SO4)3 added to block some of the amine groups of PEI through complexation which in turn changes the polycondensation reaction kinetics of amine acid chloride reaction. The prepared membranes were characterized using water contact angle and atomic force microscopy studies and the performances were evaluated both in reverse osmosis and forward osmosis mode. In presence of metal salts in reaction interface, the performance of TFC membranes was greatly enhanced and the optimum metal salt concentration was identified for individual metal salts for maximum performance enhancement. The effects of different anions for same metal ion and different molecular weight of PEI were evaluated on composite polyamide membrane performances. Water permeability (flux) of 63.48 L m−2 h−1 was achieved upon inorganic salt addition compared to the unmodified TFC membranes with flux of 42.1 L m−2 h−1 at similar salt rejection of ~95%. Based on the new findings, a conceptual model was proposed to explain the role of metal ion in amine solution on the resulting characteristics of aromatic-aliphatic type polyamide-polysulfone composite membrane. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Highlights • Complexes of flavonoids and Fe2+ or Ti4+ salts were used as flame retardants. • Silk was treated by flavonoids and post-mordanted by metal salts. • Treated silk fabric exhibited durable flame retardancy and antibacterial activity. • Complexes had a catalytic char forming effect on silk. • Complexes exhibited good smoke suppression. Abstract Three flavonoids (baicalin, quercetin and rutin) were applied to silk textiles by an adsorption technique followed by mordanting with two metal salts (ferrous sulfate and titanium sulfate). A novel function, i.e., flame retardancy was found for the first time to be imparted to silk. This work aimed to provide an insight into the flame retardant effect and mechanism of flavonoid-metal complexes on silk fiber. The complexation of flavonoids and metal ions was confirmed by the Fourier transform infrared analysis and by the color changes of the flavonoids-treated silk fabrics without and with mordanting. The flame retardancy, smoke suppression, and thermal behaviors of the flame retardant silk fabrics as well as the morphological structures of the charred silk generated in the vertical burning were studied. These analyses revealed that the good char formation ability of the silk fabrics prepared by combined treatment of flavonoids and metal salts contributed to the flame retardancy and smoke suppression. After repeated washing for 20 cycles, the as-prepared silk fabrics still possessed good flame retardant and antibacterial functions, and moderate antioxidant activity. The present study provides a facile approach to produce the colored and flame retardant silk textiles with antibacterial and antioxidant functions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Cellulosic textiles can now be durably functionalized to make them antimicrobial, UV-protective, self-cleaning, flame retardant, stain/water repellent, air-permeable, hydrophobic, electrically conductive, photo-luminescent and pollutant-removing, while retaining comfort. These traits can be achieved by new methodologies with various functionalizing agents based on metal salts. Metal oxides, metal nanoparticles, and metal-organic frameworks that are derived from metal salts, are all agents that are employed for imparting such specific functions to cellulosic textiles. Generally, these agents can be applied by either ex situ or in situ techniques. Use of cross-linkers and/or activators on the textiles before functionalization is crucial to increase the durability of the acquired functions. Graphical abstract: [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Keywords: Metal salts; Aliphatic acid; SEM; Fibrous morphology EN Metal salts Aliphatic acid SEM Fibrous morphology 29 31 3 01/29/21 20210101 NES 210101 Sodium ion leads a fibrous SEM image for the metal salts of saturated aliphatic acids (C12-24). *The size of metal cation is represented in parenthesis in ppm. gl GLO:1CJF/01jan21:bkcs12155-fig-0003.jpg PHOTO (COLOR): 3 The SEM images of sodium salt of C12-C22 aliphatic acids in 50 K except SA in 100 K expand. [Extracted from the article]

Li-ion battery materials have been widely studied over the past decades. The metal salts that serve as starting materials for cathode and production, including Li2CO3, NiSO4, CoSO4 and MnSO4, are mainly produced using hydrometallurgical processes. In hydrometallurgy, aqueous precipitation and crystallization are important unit operations. Precipitation is mainly used in the processes of impurity removal, separation and preliminary production, while controlled crystallization can be very important to produce a pure product that separates well from the liquid solution. Precipitation and crystallization are often considered in the development of sustainable technologies, and there is still room for applying novel techniques. This review focuses on precipitation and crystallization applied to the production of metal salts for Li-ion battery materials. A number of novel and promising precipitation and crystallization methods, including eutectic freeze crystallization, antisolvent crystallization, and homogeneous precipitation are discussed. Finally, the application of precipitation and crystallization techniques in hydrometallurgical recycling processes for Li-ion batteries are reviewed.

Water scarcity is a significant concern, particularly in arid regions, due to the rapid growth in population, industrialization, and climate change. Seawater desalination has emerged as a conventional and reliable solution for obtaining potable water. However, conventional membrane-based seawater desalination has drawbacks, such as high energy consumption resulting from a high-pressure requirement, as well as operational challenges like membrane fouling and high costs. To overcome these limitations, it is crucial to enhance the performance of membranes by increasing their efficiency, selectivity, and reducing energy consumption and footprint. Adsorptive membranes, which integrate adsorption and membrane technologies, offer a promising approach to address the drawbacks of standalone membranes. By incorporating specific materials into the membrane matrix, composite membranes have demonstrated improved permeability, selectivity, and reduced pressure requirements, all while maintaining effective pollutant rejection. Researchers have explored different adsorbents, including emerging materials such as ionic liquids (ILs), deep eutectic solvents (DESs), and graphene oxide (GO), for embedding into membranes and utilizing them in various applications. This paper aims to discuss the existing challenges in the desalination process and focus on how these materials can help overcome these challenges. It will also provide a comprehensive review of studies that have reported the successful incorporation of ILs, DESs, and GO into membranes to fabricate adsorptive membranes for desalination. Additionally, the paper will highlight both the current and anticipated challenges in this field, as well as present prospects, and provide recommendations for further advancements.

Abstract In the last decade, the transformation of lignocellulosic biomass into biofuel through a sugar platform has been an active research subject due to depletion of fossil fuel sources. Total reducing sugars (TRS) obtained from lignocellulosic materials are considered intermediates for the preparation of various valuable chemical compounds. In this work, pyridinium based ionic liquids were synthesized and utilized for the dissolution of cellulose and further conversion to TRS in the presence of metal salts as catalysts. The prepared ILs were characterized using 1H NMR and evaluated for the dissolution of cellulose and found that [C 4 C 1 Py][Cl] is the best solvent to dissolve it up to 28% at 110 °C. Optical microscopy in conjunction with FTIR, SEM, XRD and TGA analyses were employed to monitor dissolution phenomenon and ascertain structural changes in regenerated cellulose. SEM results showed disrupted flaky construction for regenerated cellulose. The thermal stability decreased for regenerated cellulose as observed by TGA analysis. This desirable change in cellulose after IL pretreatment was utilized to facilitate metal salts based on the catalytic conversion of cellulose to TRS. Among metal salts, CoCl 2 was identified as the best one to generate the highest yield of TRS i.e. 78% at 110 °C for 4 h. Various reaction conditions like time, temperature, and catalyst loading were optimized for catalytic conversion. The optimum conditions were observed at 4 h treatment time, 120 °C and 12% catalyst loading. Highlights • Pyridinium ionic liquids were synthesized and utilized for the dissolution of cellulose. • Conversion of cellulose to TRS in the presence of metal salts as catalysts • Optimum conditions of time, temperature and catalyst loading were attained for conversion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study demonstrates the formation of nanoparticles (NPs) from metal salts within ceramic glazes, such that the use of this colorant technology is more accessible to artisans, employs less metal content, is less environmentally harmful, and allows for the use of traditional kilns. Gold NPs have been demonstrated to possess a specific, low material loading use as a ceramic glaze colorant via plasmon resonance. Pre-synthesized gold NPs that are added to ceramic glazes have been found to significantly change in size after firing in both reductive and oxidative atmospheres, but still maintain some size relationships and color properties. Unfortunately, it is not viable for the art community to fabricate and employ gold NP systems with high precision in a studio setting; however, the use of noble metal salts or metal oxides are realistic. To that end, this work investigates spontaneous gold and silver NP synthesis by the firing-induced development of NPs from metallic salts included within the glaze materials. Glaze samples with gold and silver salts are fired in reductive and oxidative environments, yielding a range of surface plasmon coloring effects for ceramic coloring. Additionally, the use of gold NP waste (precipitated Au NPs waste) was added to wet ceramic glazes to investigate firing effects on NPs precipitate and potential use as an alternative colorant. Sintering-induced NP nucleation and growth was observed after firing in both oxidation and reduction environments, although to differing degrees. The direct noble metal salt application process eliminates the need for preliminary gold NP synthesis, thus allowing for more practical and environmentally friendly methods in creating plasmonic resonance ceramic coloring, potentially reflective of the processes employed in ancient nanoparticle glasses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Concentrated suspensions of silver and copper salts in silicone oil were heated to 200 °C and irradiated with ultrasonic energy for different time durations. Characterization of the products was done using X-ray powder diffraction. In most cases, metallic Ag or Cu were obtained, together with their oxide forms Ag 2 O and Cu 2 O. The salts, used as precursors, do not dissolve in silicone oil but rather form a heterogeneous system, and we assume that local heating, caused by the acoustic cavitation, enhanced their thermal decomposition and the formation of metallic particles. It was found that the presence of silver particles enhances the formation of metallic copper. This phenomenon was observed in the experiment with the acetate salts mixture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: γ‐Lactones are an important class of fine chemical products and are widely used in perfumes, medicines, pesticides, dyes, and other fields. Herein, a new method for γ‐lactones preparation based on ring contraction was developed. Starting from macrolides, W(OTf)6 was used to catalyze the ring‐opening polymerization then depolymerization. The depolymerization step was not a common ring‐closing process, and the carbon number of the ring was reduced one by one by rearrangement to form the most thermodynamically stable five‐membered ring compounds. γ‐Caprolactone (180 °C for 10 h) was obtained in a yield of 94 % when [EMIM]OTf was used as the solvent, and the yield of isolated product was up to 85 %. The interaction of various components and the reaction mechanism were studied by FTIR spectroscopy and 1H NMR spectroscopy, respectively. Furthermore, γ‐lactones could be produced when the substrate was extended to terminal hydroxyfatty acids. Unexpectedly, the catalyst was poisoned by 1 equivalent of H2O added during the process and thus the yield decreased greatly. The reaction is green and simple, and proceeds in one pot with high atom economy (100 % for macrolides and with water as the only byproduct for terminal hydroxyfatty acid), which provides a promising approach to synthesizing γ‐lactones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Larhyss Journal is the property of Biskra University, Research Laboratory in Subterranean & Surface Hydraulics and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Two complexes with derivatives of pyridine as ligands were synthesized and characterized. From the reaction of 2-pyridinecarboxaldehyde oxime with Cu(OAc)2 · H2O afforded the complex C20H30N6O12Cu3 (I), and the use of 3-hydroxy-2-pyridinecarboxylic acid with anhydrous MnCl2 · 4H2O led to the formation of another complex C12H14N2OCl2Mn (II). They were characterized by X-ray diffraction (CIF files CCDC nos. 568718 (I) and 1568880 (II)), NMR, IR and elemental analysis. For I: terigonal, space group R3¯/H, a = 42.548(3), c = 10.2774(9) Å, V = 16113(2) Å3, Z = 18, ρcalcd = 1.367 Mg/m3, the final R factor was R1 = 0.0945, 6662 for reflections were observed with I > 2σ(I), wR = 0.162 for all data. For II: triclinic, Pī, a = 5.6174(9), b = 7.7259(13), c = 9.7160(16) Å, α = 70.444(3)°, β = 88.009(3)°, γ = 89.818(3)°, V = 397.09(11) Å3, Z = 1, ρcalcd = 1.840 Mg/m3, the final R factor was R1 = 0.0281, 4280 for reflections were observed with I > 2σ(I), wR = 0.0775 for all data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) films loaded with different metal ions and fertilizers have been successfully prepared by the solution casting technique. The prepared films were subjected to different doses of gamma radiation at room temperature. The preparation conditions such as effect of type of metals, fertilizers and radiation dose on gel fraction (%) and swelling (%) were investigated. The maximum value of gel fraction was obtained at 10 kGy radiation dose. The formation of CMC/metal complexes was confirmed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscope (SEM) which confirm the existence of possible interaction between CMC and metal ions. The loading of various metal ions to CMC films were found to enhance the mechanical properties of the prepared films. The results provided confirmation that metal coordination between the metal cation and the carboxylate group of CMC occurred. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA) was employed to elucidate the catalytic effects of organic and inorganic metal salts (KCO, KAc, NaCO and NaAc) on the pyrolysis of three biomass components (cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin). In case of cellulose, TG analysis results showed that all the four metal salts increased the yield of char products and decreased the weight loss rates of cellulose pyrolysis, which followed the order of NaCO>KCO>NaAc>KAc. In contrast to cellulose, the four organic and inorganic salts employed had no significant effects on the remaining two biomass components:, hemicellulose and lignin. However, the four metal salts led to the devolatilization reaction of hemicellulose to occur at lower temperature region, and the dehydration reaction of lignin was promoted more or less. An increase in the heating rate might augment the maximum degradation rate. Different mixing ratios had little influence on the progress of catalytic pyrolysis. Based on the observations, the potential mechanism of the catalytic pyrolysis of biomass components with metal salts was discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

White-rot fungi (WRF) and their ligninolytic enzymes have been investigated for the removal of a broad spectrum of trace organic contaminants (TrOCs) mostly from synthetic wastewater in lab-scale experiments. Only a few studies have reported the efficiency of such systems for the removal of TrOCs from real wastewater. Wastewater derived organic and inorganic compounds can inhibit: (i) WRF growth and their enzyme production capacity; (ii) enzymatic activity of ligninolytic enzymes; and (iii) catalytic efficiency of both WRF and enzymes. It is observed that essential metals such as Cu, Mn and Co at trace concertation (up to 1 mM) can improve the growth of WRF species, whereas non-essential metal such as Pb, Cd and Hg at 1 mM concentration can inhibit WRF growth and their enzyme production. In the case of purified enzymes, most of the tested metals at 1–5 mM concentration do not significantly inhibit the activity of laccases. Organic interfering compounds such as oxalic acid and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) at 1 mM concentration are potent inhibitors of WRF and their extracellular enzymes. However, inhibitory effects induced by interfering compounds are strongly influenced by the type of WRF species as well as experimental conditions ( e.g. , incubation time and TrOC type). In this review, mechanisms and factors governing the interactions of interfering compounds with WRF and their ligninolytic enzymes are reviewed and elucidated. In addition, the performance of WRF and their ligninolytic enzymes for the removal of TrOCs from synthetic and real wastewater is critically summarized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the crystallinity changes in polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) as function of varying phase-separation temperatures (0 to 90 °C) and chloride salts (BaCl, CaCl, C°Cl, NaCl, SnCl, NH6Cl) were investigated. FTIR quantitative analysis showed higher β-crystalline and lower α-crystalline content for 70 °C phase-separated PVDF and 70 °C phase-separated PVDF-CaCl (15 wt%) samples. XRD and DSC studies also confirmed the influence of 70 °C phase-separation temperature and CaCl salt in improving the β-crystallinity in PVDF compared to the neat PVDF sample. Since higher β-crystalline content is favoured for use in piezoelectric applications, these two sample preparation conditions were optimized for use in piezoelectric studies. Electrospun nanowebs of the selected samples were measured for their piezoelectric output signals under applied pressure of 1 kgf and released periodically at 0.5 Hz. From the peak-to-peak output voltage, 70 °C phase-separated PVDF-CaCl sample exhibited significantly higher output voltage (+0.89 V) compared to neat PVDF (+0.48 V) and 70 °C phase-separated PVDF (+0.53 V) samples. These results conclude that the combinative effect of phase-separation temperature and metal salt addition plays a vital role in improving the piezoelectric characteristics of PVDF, which signifies the importance of this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Biological Resources & Nature Management is the property of National University of Life & Environmental Sciences of Ukraine and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

To enhance the gas adsorption of toxic industrial chemicals such as NH $$_3$$ and SO $$_2$$ , a biphasic carbon silica composite (CSC) is functionalized with combinations of potassium carbonate or potassium phosphate and various metal chlorides with divalent cations. A precipitation reaction occurs within the pores of the CSC between non-monovalent cations and anions to create essentially insoluble active sites. The adsorption capacities of these functionalized materials are measured at atmospheric pressure and low concentrations of NH $$_3$$ and SO $$_2$$ . Along with capacity performance, the synthesized materials are characterized using X-ray diffraction, porosimetry and pH measurements to analyze the structure, the incorporation, and the effects of impregnation upon functionalization. Results show that successful incorporation of all insoluble precipitates enhances adsorption capacities compared to impregnant-free substrates. Furthermore, characterization results show reduced pore volumes and surface areas of functionalized materials with structural integrity maintained. Both NH $$_3$$ and SO $$_2$$ adsorption can be improved via dual salt functionalization of metal chlorides with potassium salts which form insoluble precipitates on CSC and MCM-41 adsorbent materials. In order to target both adsorbates effectively, the incorporation of K $$_2$$ CO $$_3$$ and ZnCl $$_2$$ to form ZnCO $$_3$$ provides the highest adsorption capacities for both NH $$_3$$ and SO $$_2$$ . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ethyl levulinate (EL) synthesis from biorenewable feedstocks in the presence of metal salts and under non-microwave instant heating reaction environment has been studied. Initial screening suggested CuCl 2 and FeCl 3 as an efficient catalyst for EL synthesis from 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), thereby resulting into 47.5% and 43.3% EL yield respectively at 160 °C in 5 min. Interestingly, environmentally benign and widely available metal salt, AlCl 3 , was found to yield comparable EL (39.0%) when experiments were performed under identical reaction conditions. Therefore, further study was performed using AlCl 3 to estimate the effect of operating parameters and catalyst concentration over EL yield and HMF conversion. Thereafter, a comparative study on the effect of microwave vs non-microwave instant heating reaction environment has been done to develop a sustainable process for EL synthesis. Consequently, mechanistic insights on reactant conversion and product yield have been attempted to understand various pathways followed. Thereafter, effect of reaction temperature, catalyst loading, ethanol concentration and heating rates were explored. EL synthesis from HMF under instant heating reaction conditions in the presence of metal salts is reported for the first time. We anticipate that present work would be helpful in providing insights on effects of instant heating method and operating conditions for EL synthesis from HMF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The conditions for the treatment of high phosphorus pharmaceutical wastewater using chemical precipitation were determined to achieve high efficiency on the removal of total phosphorus (TP). The key factors affecting the TP removal efficiencies of four metal salts (FeCl3, AlCl3, MgCl2, and CaCl2), such as molar ratio, initial wastewater pH, and reaction time, were investigated. The optimal metal mole ratios of FeCl3, AlCl3P, MgCl2, and CaCl2 for the TP removal were 1.8:1, 1.8:1, 1.6:1, and 1.6:1 in the initial pH range, respectively. The TP removal efficiencies obtained by FeCl3, AlCl3, MgCl2, and CaCl2 were 99.8 %, 98.3 %, 96.9 %, and 99.2 % at the optimal mole ratio and pH conditions with 30 min reaction time, respectively. FeCl3 and AlCl3 had better removal performance on COD, wherein the removal rates of COD by FeCl3 and AlCl3 were 38.6 % and 27.6 %, respectively. FeCl3 and CaCl2 were selected for the combined process of removing TP and overcoming the aforementioned problem. The final effluent quality was better than the one only used on one of the four metal salts, in which the removal rates of TP and COD were as high as 99.8 % and 46.9 %, respectively. The combined process with FeCl3 and CaCl2 was an effective method for the pretreatment of high phosphorus pharmaceutical wastewater to reduce the processing cost and to decrease the chemical oxygen demand (COD) and TP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metal salts with highly electronegative cations have been used to effectively catalyze the liquid-phase nitration of benzene by NO to nitrobenzene under solvent-free conditions. Several salts including FeCl, ZrCl, AlCl, CuCl, NiCl, ZnCl, MnCl, Fe(NO)∙9HO, Bi (NO)∙5HO, Zr(NO)∙5HO, Cu(NO)∙6HO, Ni (NO)∙6HO, Zn(NO)∙6HO, Fe(SO), and CuSO were examined and anhydrous FeCl exhibited the best catalytic performance under the optimal reaction conditions. The benzene conversion and selectivity to nitrobenzene were both over 99%. In addition, it was determined that the metal counterion and the presence of water hydrates in the salt affects the catalytic activity. This method is simple and efficient and may have potential industrial application prospects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Because different metals are used in complementary medicine for the treatment of diseases related to a dysfunction of the immune system, this study aimed at determining the immunomodulatory potential of Pb(NO3)2, AuCl3, Cu(NO3)2, HgCl2, AgNO3, SnCl2, AsCl3 and SbCl3 at sub-toxic concentrations and at assessing possible toxic side effects of low-concentrated metal preparations. The influence of the metal salts on primary human mononuclear cells was analyzed by measuring cell viability using the water-soluble tetrazolium salt assay, apoptosis and necrosis induction by annexin V/propidium iodide staining and proliferation by carboxyfluorescein diacetate succinimidyl ester staining and flow cytometry. Effects on T-cell activation were assessed with CD69 and CD25 expression using flow cytometry whereas CD83, CD86 and CD14 expression was measured to evaluate the influence on dendritic cell maturation. Alterations of interleukin-2 and interferon-γ secretion were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and genotoxic effects were analyzed using the comet assay. At sub-toxic concentrations retardation of T-cell proliferation was caused by Pb(NO3)2, AuCl3 and Cu(NO3)2 and inhibitory effects on interleukin-2 secretion were measured after incubation with Pb(NO3)2, AuCl3, Cu(NO3)2, HgCl2 and AsCl3. Cu(NO3)2 had immunosuppressive activity at dosages within the serum reference range for copper. All other metal salts showed effects at dosages above upper serum limits of normal. Therefore, only low-concentrated copper preparations are promising to have immunomodulatory potential. Toxic side effects of metal preparations used in complementary medicine are improbable because upper limits of metals set in the drinking water ordinance are either not exceeded or the duration of their application is limited. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The recovery of various metals from primary and secondary resources becomes increasingly important, especially for low concentrated resources, where the hydrometallurgical recovery route is economically preferable over the pyrometallurgical. Solvent extraction is a crucial process step in concentrating and purifying metal ions from dilute or multi-component feed streams. For an industrial design of extraction processes and equipment several basic data are necessary. The methodology of apparatus design, the scale-up challenge, and the toolbox of available methods are discussed exemplarily for the solvent extraction of tungsten. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, natural dyes are being explored all over the world as safer and highly sustainable bio-based alternatives to synthetic dyes. Agricultural wastes and plant by-products are the most commonly explored alternatives with dual benefits of waste reclamation and sustainable dye production with extra value-adds. Hypercium scabrum plant contains interesting bio-dye molecules with high flavonoids and tannin contents. The present study aims at exploring the potential of H. scabrum plant extract to color wool textiles with a focus on sustainable bio-dye production and fastness properties. The extracted bio-dye was quantitatively (for total phenolic (2.733 mg per CE/g) and total flavonoid (1.140 mg per GAE/g) content using the Folin-Ciocalteu method) and qualitatively (UV-Vis, FT-IR, and EDX) characterized. The effect of dyeing parameters like pH (2-8), temperature (60-90 °C), dry-weight content of plant material as a dye (25-150% o.w.f.), and dyeing time (15-120 min) on color strength (K/S) values were assessed. Color fastness assays showed good resistance to light, washing, and rubbing. The effect of artificial aging (Xenon arc lamp) on the color strength of dyed wool yarns under different exposure times (0-48 h) was explored. The highest color fading occurred in control dyed samples with a first-order rate constant of 131.57 h -1 and a half-life period of 5.26 x 10 -3  h. Color difference (ΔE) values suggested that mordanted samples showed less fading compared to control dyed samples at equal times of Xenon exposure. Additionally, the dyed samples were washed in double distilled water, tap water, and 4 g/L NaCl solution to check their effects on the corresponding K/S values while 4 g/L NaCl solution mimics the real conditions of perspiration. Maximum color leaching occurred in 4 g/L NaCl washing with a first-order rate constant of 11.57 min -1 . Cost analysis of the dye extraction and dyeing procedure revealed that the process is sustainable and economical. Thus, the use of H. scabrum whole plant can provide a clean, economical, and sustainable source of alternative natural dyes that can be used to substitute synthetic analogs., Competing Interests: 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., (© 2023 The Authors.)

It was established that strains of sulfate reducing bacteria Desulfovibrio desulfuricans ІМV K-6, Desulfovibrio sp. Yav-6 and Desulfovibrio sp. Yav-8 isolated from Yavorivske lake, were able to carry out dissimilatory nitrate reduction in medium without sulfates. Addition of nitrate ions to medium negatively influenced on level of sulfate ions reduction by bacteria, since during growth in medium with ammonium chloride and equimolar quantity (3.5 mM) of sulfates and nitrates, bacteria reduced only up to 37.2% sulfate ions present in medium. After 10 days of growth in medium without sulfates and ammonium chloride but with cysteine and nitrates, bacteria of all strains almost completely utilized nitrate ions present in medium with formation of up to 2.3 mM NH4+. Significant decrease in sulfate reducing bacteria growth was observed upon the influence of 2 mM plumbum, cobalt, cadmium and nickel salts and 3 mM ferrum, zinc, magnium and cuprum salts. Plumbum, cobalt, cadmium, nickel, magnium, ferrum, cuprum and zinc salts in 3 mM concentration which were added to medium without sulfated and ammonium chloride with cysteine and nitrates, inhibited less than 3.8 times bacteria growth, and 4 times – the intensity of nitrates ammonification by cells.