Search

Remediation of uranium (U) contamination in the deep vadose zone (VZ) sediments abundant in calcite mineral is a challenging task considering the formation of highly stable and mobile uranyl complexes with carbonate and calcium in pore water composition. There is a concern that uranium contamination in the VZ can serve as a continued source for groundwater pollution, creating a risk to human health and the environment through the groundwater pathway. This requires in-situ remediation of the radionuclide-contaminated VZ to convert soluble U species to low solubility precipitates that are stable in the natural environment. Injection of reactive gasses (e.g., NH3) is a promising technology to decrease U mobility in the unsaturated zone without the addition of liquid amendments. The NH3 injection creates alkaline conditions that can alter the sediment pore water composition due to a release of elements from minerals (via desorption and dissolution) that are present in the sediment. However, it is not known how VZ pore water constituents (Si, Al3+, HCO3−, and Ca2+) would affect U(VI) removal/precipitation in alkaline conditions. This study quantified the role of major pore water constituents typically present in the arid and semi-arid environments of the western regions of the U.S and identified solid uranium-bearing phases that could potentially precipitate from solutions approximating pore water compositions after pH manipulations via ammonia gas injections. Triplicate samples were prepared using six Si (5, 50 100, 150, 200, and 250 mM), six HCO3− (0, 3, 25, 50, 75, and 100 mM), and two Ca2+ (5 and 10 mM) concentrations. The concentration of aluminum and uranium was kept constant at 5 mM and 0.0084 mM, respectively, in all synthetic formulations tested. Results showed that the percentage of U(VI) removal was controlled by the Si/Al molar ratios and Ca2+ concentrations. Regardless of the bicarbonate concentration tested, the percentage of U(VI) removed increased as the Si/Al ratios were increased. However, higher Ca concentrations correlated with higher U(VI) removal, ranging between 96% and 99%, at low Si/Al ratios. The SEM images of dried precipitates displayed dense amorphous regions high in silica content, where EDS elemental analysis unveiled higher U atomic percentages. The formation of uranyl silicate and carbonate minerals was also predicted by the speciation modeling. XRD analysis revealed the presence of uranyl carbonate mineral phases (andersonite, grimselite); however, uranyl silicates predicted (Na-boltwoodite) were not identified experimentally, possibly due to the amorphous nature of the silica solid phases observed in our experiments.

Bleaching technology by ozone dissolved in water offers alternative measures to prevent pollution in the textile industry for sustainable development at organizational and economic levels. In this paper, jeans fabric was treated with ozone injected in water combined with ultrasound and H2O2. Effectiveness of Fenton process regarding dye degradation was also tested with confirmation of hydroxyl radicals detected by fluorescence and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy. Results showed that individual ozone was more effective regarding the bleaching of the jeans samples than the hydroxyl radicals especially when coupled with ultrasound. The mechanical action of ultrasonic cavitations enhanced the diffusion of ozone through the fabric which increased the degradation of the indigo dye. The fading degree of samples treated with ultrasound and 100 g/Nm3 of ozone for 60 min in acidic condition reached 64.49 which gave a full bleach appearance. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), ultimate tensile strength and fastness tests were performed in order to evaluate the effect of such treatment on the cotton fabric. The said tests proved that moderated concentrations of ozone caused no damage to the cotton fiber and results were very close to those obtained with ordinary bleaching processes.

Algal biodiesel is one of the most promising renewable and eco-friendly source of energy for transportation, when algae is produced from wastewater. During the process, both goals of biodiesel production and wastewater treatment could be achieved simultaneously. However, the optimal condition for algae production remained unanswered. Algal biodiesel could be produced from various wastewater treatments. In this study the relationship between biomass production versus lipid productivity in various wastewater sources is statistically analyzed. Chemical oxidation demand, total nitrogen, total phosphorus, and CO2 sequestration could be achieved during the production of different algal biomass in numerous type of wastewater effluent. The regression of different system models and interpretation of linear coefficients were represented in this statistically approached studies. Apart from that the paper also discuss the uncertainty of linear regressions using Monte Carlo method, influence of physical parameters on biomass production, energy potential and efficiency of nutrient removal using different phototrophic systems. Post-print / Final draft

These days electrodialysis is recognized as a promising process for the removal and recovery of nutrients from wastewater. However, the electrodialysis process for nutrient recovery is different from traditional desalination electrodialysis, and limited knowledge exists regarding its new application. Therefore, a comprehensive review and critical comparison of the different parameters and optimal operation conditions for nutrient recovery by electrodialysis in various studies are discussed in this manuscript. The relationship between the nutrient recovery rate and critical operating parameters such as voltage, the total effective area of the membrane, number of cell pairs, and feed composition in various wastewater sources is statistically analyzed. Regression results showed that increasing voltages, membrane, and cell numbers improved the recovery rate, respectively. However, it should be mentioned that different mobility behavior of ions are influenced by an electric double layer, selectivity, repulsion of the ion-exchange membrane, and operation conditions including voltage, current density, operation time, and ion concentrations. Hybrid processes enhance the electrodialysis efficiency in wastewater by increasing the feed concentration. The capital and operating costs of the electrodialysis process can be significantly affected by the pump, electrode, and ion-exchange membrane characteristics. Fouling and scaling as a challenge in electrodialysis are investigated in our study.

The present study investigated the effects of acid/alkali pretreatments on wheat straw mono-digestion and its co-digestion with waste activated sludge (WAS). The effects of pretreatment conditions on different anaerobic digestion (AD) stages (hydrolysis, acidogenesis, acetogenesis and methanogenesis) were discussed. At first, this study analyzed the impacts of acid/alkali pretreatments on wheat straw morphology, lignocellulosic components and evaluated these impacts on subsequent AD process by SEM, XRD, FT-IR and 3D-EEM analysis. The results of AD process showed that both acid and alkali pretreatments can enhance the hydrolytic performance of substrates. W12 (0.01 mol/L NaOH pretreated wheat straw mono-digestion) obtained the highest cumulative specific methane yield (CSMY) of 227.4 mL/g·VS. However, due to the formation of humic substances in liquid fraction, 0.1 mol/L NaOH pretreated wheat straw (W13) presented inhibition in converting propionic acid into acetic acid process. Co-digestion with sludge can relieve this inhibition and obtain the highest CSMY of 221.4 mL/g·VS. This study also exhibited the effects of pretreatments on microbial community and diversity: the inhibition of acetogens in AD process was revealed. Eventually, this study summarizes the positive and negative effects of acid/alkali pretreatments on the different digestive stages, aiming to provide references for future research and engineering implementation.

Fenton reaction was used to produce hydroxyl radicals under conditions similar to AOPs with 5,5-dimethyl-1-pyrroline- N -oxide (DMPO) as a spin trap agent in electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) analysis. A theoretical kinetics model was developed to determine conditions under which the spin-adduct DMPO-OH is not further oxidized by Fe 3+ and excessive radicals, so that hydroxyl radicals concentration could be accurately inferred. Experiments were designed based upon the model and H 2 O 2 and Fe 2+ concentrations were varied from 1 to 100 mM and from 0.1 to 10 mM, respectively, with a constant H 2 O 2 : Fe 2+ ratio of 10:1. Results confirmed that DMPO concentration should be at least 20 times higher than the concentration of H 2 O 2 and 200 times higher than iron concentration to produce stable DMPO-OH EPR signal. When DMPO: H 2 O 2 ratio varied from 1 to 10, DMPO-OH could generate intermediates and be further oxidized leading to the apparition of an additional triplet. This signal was attributed to a paramagnetic dimer: its structure and a formation mechanism were proposed. Finally, the utilization of sodium sulfite and catalase to terminate Fenton reaction was discussed. Catalase appeared to be compatible with DMPO. However, sodium sulfite should be avoided since it reacted with DMPO-OH to form DMPO-SO 3 .

The aim was to determine whether treatment with BAY 60-2770, a selective activator of oxidized soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC), near the end of an ischemic event would prevent postischemic inflammation and mitochondrial dysfunction in wild-type (WT) and heme oxygenase-1 KO (HO-1−/−) mice. This protocol prevented increases in leukocyte rolling (LR) and adhesion (LA) to intestinal venules along with elevated TNFα and circulating neutrophil levels that accompany ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) in both animal models. We further hypothesized that a component of BAY 60-2770 treatment involves maintenance of mitochondrial membrane integrity during I/R. Measurements on isolated enterocytes of calcein fluorescence (mitochondrial permeability) and JC-1 fluorescence ratio (mitochondrial membrane potential) were reduced by I/R, indicating formation of mitochondrial permeability transition pores (mPTP). These effects were abrogated by BAY 60-2770 as well as cyclosporin A and SB-216763, which prevented mPTP opening and inhibited glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β), respectively. Western blots of WT and HO-1−/− enterocytes indicated that GSK-3β phosphorylation on Ser9 (inhibitory site) was reduced by half following I/R alone (increased GSK-3β activity) and increased by one-third (reduced GSK-3β activity) following BAY 60-2770. Other investigators have associated phosphorylation of the GSK-3β substrate cyclophilin D (pCyPD) with mPTP formation. We observed a 60% increase in pCyPD after I/R, whereas BAY 60-2770 treatment of sham and I/R groups reduced pCyPD by about 20%. In conclusion, selective activation of oxidized sGC of WT and HO-1−/− during ischemia protects against I/R-induced inflammation and preserves mucosal integrity in part by reducing pCyPD production and mPTP formation.

Hydrophobicity, as measured by Log P, is an important molecular property in assessing toxicity and carcinogenicity of disinfection by-products (DBPs). With increasing public health concerns of DPBs, there are considerable benefits in developing Quantitative Structure Activity Relationship (QSAR) models, capable of accurately predicting Log P, which could be used in health risk assessment of DBPs. In this research, Log P values of 46 halogenated alkanes, as one class of DBP compounds, were used to develop QSAR models for this class. Three molecular descriptors, namely, Energy of the Lowest Unoccupied Molecular Orbital (ELUMO), Number of Chlorine (NCl) and Number of Carbon (NC) were used in Multiple Linear Regression (MLR) analysis. The QSAR models developed were validated according to the principles set up by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). Model Applicability Domain (AD) of the developed QSAR models was defined and mechanisms were interpreted. Considering large number of halogenated alkane compounds, the established QSAR models performed very well in terms of goodness-of-fit, robustness and predictability. The predicted values of Log P of DBPs by the QSAR models have correlation coefficient R2 from 81 % to 98 % with the observed Log P. The leverage approach by Williams plot was applied to detect and remove outliers. As a result, the correlation coefficient, R2, of the QSAR models increased by approximately 2 % to 13 %, before and after removing the outliers, respectively. The developed QSAR model was statistically validated for its predictive power of Log P by the Leave-One-Out (LOO) and Leave-Many-Out (LMO) cross validation methods.

Sulphate tailings and iron sand – industrial solid wastes containing iron oxide/hydroxides – were investigated as potential adsorbents for arsenic removal from water. Two effective methods of surface modification by NaOH treatment and atomic layer deposition of TiO2 and Al2O3 thin films were used for increasing As(III) and As(V) removal capacities of both adsorbents. The structure and surface area of the materials were characterised by scanning electron microscopy, middle infrared region spectroscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and nitrogen adsorption. The iron sand waste was capable of binding significant amounts of As(III) and As(V) from synthetic solutions and wastewater. The sulphate tailings also showed a high adsorption capacity. Adsorption kinetics showed that equilibrium was reached within 240 min and fit to a pseudo second-order model with correlation coefficients greater than 0.99. Adsorption capacity was at the highest value at a solution pH range of 6–8. The Langmuir and Toth models can be used to fit the adsorption isotherms. The research showed that the proposed solid wastes can be successfully used for the adsorption of As(III) and As(V).

In research, design, and validation of UV disinfection systems of a given bacteria, shoulder effect makes prediction of fluence required difficult. This study theoretically analyzes the fluence required to inactivate any bacteria vs. E. coli as the reference bacteria, at the same Log I. Bacteria sensitivity index (BSI) is defined as the ratio between the inactivation rate constant ki of any bacteria for the linear portion of the dose response curve to that kir of E. coli. Among three sets of fluence requirement reported by the US EPA [4] , Sommer et al. [5] , [20] , and Chang et al. [6] , the fluence required from the EPA is selected as the most suitable reference according to its predictive power as well as regulatory purpose. In the present study, shoulder broadness (SB), H0, is approximated with the intercept of the linear portion at the Log I = 0. A universal equation which can be used to predict the fluence required of any bacteria with a shoulder: H = (0.914 ± 0.055) * (BSI)E * (Log I) + H0. Furthermore, shoulder broadness index (SBI) is defined as the ratio between the fluence difference of any bacteria and the reference bacteria such as E. coli divided by the SB of E. coli. To validate the equation, an independent set of fluence data during UV disinfection of four different ARBs reported by McKinney and Pruden [8] was used. When the predicted fluence by using BSI of the ARBs is compared with the reported fluence at different Log I levels with less than 10% error with Log I up to 5.

El objetivo del estudio fue estimar la prevalencia de helmintiasis gastrointestinal en cuyes de producción familiar-comercial del distrito de Matahuasi, provincia Concepción, Junín-Perú; así como determinar los géneros y especies de helmintos gastrointestinales; carga y tipo de parasitismo (monoparasitismo, biparasitismo o poliparasitismo), grado de concordancia entre el recuento diferencial de parásitos al examen post mortem vs las técnicas coprológicas y la sensibilidad/especificidad de las técnicas coprológicas en el diagnóstico de la helmintiasis gastrointestinal en cuyes. Se adquirieron 262 tractos gastrointestinales de centros de acopio de cuyes provenientes de crianzas familiar-comercial entre enero y marzo de 2017. Se evaluaron los segmentos de estómago, intestino delgado e intestino grueso para determinar la carga parasitaria y se colectaron muestras fecales del recto. El procesamiento de muestras se realizó mediante el recuento diferencial de parásitos al examen post mortem y técnicas coprológicas complementarias (Flotación y Dennis modificado). La prevalencia de helmintos gastrointestinales fue de 82.8 ± 4.6%. Se identificaron Paraspidodera uncinata, Capillaria spp, Trichostrongylus axei y Trichuris spp con frecuencias de 74, 34, 6.1 y 3.4%, respectivamente. El número promedio de helmintos por animal fue 24.7, donde P. uncinata, Capillaria spp, Trichostrongylus axei y Trichuris spp mostraron promedios de 23.5, 8.7, 1.2 y 1.2, respectivamente. El monoparasitismo fue 50.4% y el biparasitismo fue 30.2%. El grado de concordancia entre las técnicas coprológicas presentó valores de Kappa (K) igual a 0.19 y 0.13 indicando que fue del tipo pobre. Las técnicas de flotación y Dennis modificado presentaron una sensibilidad de 39.6 y 29.5% y una especificidad de 89.9 y 93.3%, respectivamente.

Global awareness regarding the effects of Climate Change has led to a more restrictive society and demanding concerned with Greenhouse Gas Emissions associated with consumption. In this context, the livestock sector is seen as a major contributor to various impacts, as it is implemented throughout different climatic zones, with high variations in production and food systems, which, in turn, present direct impacts on productivity and environmental externalities. In this context, the aim of this study was to rank possible improvement actions that allow the reduction of the Carbon Footprint originated from Brazilian beef exports considering multiple criteria, from the identification of the impact profile associated with the final product. Thus, the Carbon Footprint was first estimated considering the production phase, in the Brazilian Central-West, and beef processing and transport until its delivery at three main final export destinations: Rotterdam, Shanghai and St. Petersburg. Subsequently, multicriteria decision-making methods were applied in order to quantify and rank possible improvement actions, with the joint application of the Fuzzy Set Theory and the TOPSIS method. Finally, the criteria are presented in the form of a SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats) matrix for each evaluated alternative. The animal production stage represented the main impacts of Climate Change on the product system (over 96% for all export destinations) due to the digestive fermentation of the animals, leading to methane emissions. The option to implement improvement actions for the evaluated productive arrangement, the use of protein-energetic supplementation and pasture fertilization-rotation in the animal production phase, alongside the replacement of road transport units by more modern vehicles in the industrial phase, were identified as alternatives that decrease the impact potential and facilitate the animal production phase. In this sense, the results point to possible improvements that, in addition to presenting low restrictions for implementation, can significantly reduce the beef Carbon Footprint. Improving Brazilian efficiency in terms of Carbon Footprint in this production chain can, in addition to provide a strategic differential concerning production and commercialization, contribute to reduce environmental impacts resulting from the sector at a global level. However, it is necessary to search for measures that facilitate the implementation of these actions, mainly at the rural producer level, considering both technical aspects and the qualification, training, consulting and financial aspects, such as credit and subsidies, improving the environmental performance of this arrangement with a view to balancing it with the other dimensions.

Decolorization of Acid Blue 161 (AB161) by solid peroxides such as CaO2 and Na2O2 catalyzed by iron in aqueous solution was investigated. The effect of initial pH, concentration of H2O2, Fe2+, and AB161 on the decolorization kinetics was investigated and compared with the results by liquid H2O2. The experimental results show that decolorization of AB161 follows the second-order kinetic. The second decolorization rate constants and oxidation efficiency at different initial pH, Fe2+, H2O2, and AB161 concentration were correlated with dimensionless ratios such as H2O2/Fe2+ or H2O2/AB161. About two dozens of correlation equations are developed in this paper to quantify the effect of the variables on the decolorization rate constants of AB161. Among solid peroxides such as CaO2 and Na2O2 and liquid H2O2, the optimal pH and [Fe2+] are 2.5 and 5.0 × 10−4 mol L−1, while the concentration of CaO2, Na2O2, and H2O2 is 0.30, 0.25 g L−1 and 3.1 × 10−3 mol L−1, respectively. Our experimental results show that d...

Degradation kinetics of azo dye, Acid Blue 161 (AB161), by Fenton and photo-Fenton processes in aqueous solution was investigated. At pH 3.5, the effects of H2O2, Fe2+, and H2O2/Fe2+ molar ratios, on the AB161 decolorization kinetic rates, were evaluated. Experimental results confirmed that the optimal H2O2/Fe2+ molar ratio of 12 is close to the theoretical value of 11 as predicted by previously developed model. The influence of azo bond loading (L azo bond), from 0.25 to 1.0, and pH values from 2.5 to 4.0 were evaluated on AB161 decolorization kinetic rates. A correlation between the natural logarithm of the decolorization rates and L azo bond was established at the different pH values. The decolorization rate increased linearly with decreasing L azo bond, in the order of pH: 3.5 > 3.0 > 2.5 > 4.0. UV radiation of Fenton processes increases degradation of AB161 more than 40 % due to the regeneration of Fe2+ through photo-catalytic reactions. This phenomenon was confirmed by measuring H2O2 concentration during the photo-Fenton processes. The results suggest that Fenton processes can effectively decolorize or degrade wastewater containing azo dye, AB161. Photo-Fenton processes may further increase the degradation efficiency of AB161 by 40 %.

The present paper describes a green and economic approach to explore EDTA/DTPA-functionalized magnetic chitosan as adsorbents for the removal of aqueous metal ions, such as Cd(II), Pb(II), Co(II), and Ni(II). EDTA and DTPA play roles not only as cross-linkers but also as functional groups in chelating metal ions. The morphology, structure, and property of the magnetic adsorbents were characterized by SEM, TEM, XRD, EDS, FT-IR, TGA, and VSM techniques. Their adsorption properties for the removal of metal ions by varying experimental conditions were also investigated. The kinetic results revealed that the transportation of adsorbates from the bulk phase to the exterior surface of adsorbents was the rate-controlling step. The obtained maximum adsorption capacities of magnetic adsorbents for the metal ions ranged from 0.878 to 1.561 mmol g–1. Bi-Langmuir and Sips isotherm models fitting well to the experimental data revealed the surface heterogeneity of the adsorbents. More significantly, the resulting EDTA-/...

A novel magnetic hydroxamic acid modified polyacrylamide/Fe 3 O 4 adsorbent (M-PAM-HA) was prepared with acrylamide by microemulsion polymerization and then nucleophilic substitution of hydroxamic acid. The morphology, structure of the magnetic adsorbents before (M-PAM) and after modification (M-PAM-HA) were characterized and their adsorption properties for the removal of metal ions by varying test conditions were also investigated. The modified M-PAM exhibited lower swelling property and less magnetic leaching than M-PAM. Their adsorption kinetics followed the pseudo-second order model. The maximum adsorption capacities of metal ions ranged from 0.11 to 0.29 mmol g −1 for M-PAM and 0.88–1.93 mmol g −1 for M-PAM-HA, respectively. Sips model fitting well to experimental data revealed the surface heterogeneity of the prepared adsorbents. In multi-metal systems, M-PAM-HA showed the relative selectivity toward Pb(II), although Pb(II) was adsorbed the least in their corresponding one-metal systems. The adsorption mechanism was proposed based on the results of FTIR and density functional theory (DFT) calculation.

Altres ajuts: This work was supported by Celyad, SA (Mont-Saint-Guibert, Belgium). Celyad has received research grants from the Walloon Region (Belgium, DG06 funding). Cardiopoietic cells, produced through cardiogenic conditioning of patients' mesenchymal stem cells, have shown preliminary efficacy. The Congestive Heart Failure Cardiopoietic Regenerative Therapy (CHART-1) trial aimed to validate cardiopoiesis-based biotherapy in a larger heart failure cohort. This multinational, randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled study was conducted in 39 hospitals. Patients with symptomatic ischaemic heart failure on guideline-directed therapy (n = 484) were screened; n = 348 underwent bone marrow harvest and mesenchymal stem cell expansion. Those achieving > 24 million mesenchymal stem cells (n = 315) were randomized to cardiopoietic cells delivered endomyocardially with a retention-enhanced catheter (n = 157) or sham procedure (n = 158). Procedures were performed as randomized in 271 patients (n = 120 cardiopoietic cells, n = 151 sham). The primary efficacy endpoint was a Finkelstein–Schoenfeld hierarchical composite (all-cause mortality, worsening heart failure, Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire score, 6-min walk distance, left ventricular end-systolic volume, and ejection fraction) at 39 weeks. The primary outcome was neutral (Mann–Whitney estimator 0.54, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.47–0.61 [value > 0.5 favours cell treatment], P = 0.27). Exploratory analyses suggested a benefit of cell treatment on the primary composite in patients with baseline left ventricular end-diastolic volume 200–370 mL (60% of patients) (Mann–Whitney estimator 0.61, 95% CI 0.52–0.70, P = 0.015). No difference was observed in serious adverse events. One (0.9%) cardiopoietic cell patient and 9 (5.4%) sham patients experienced aborted or sudden cardiac death. The primary endpoint was neutral, with safety demonstrated across the cohort. Further evaluation of cardiopoietic cell therapy in patients with elevated end-diastolic volume is warranted.

Lake Okeechobee is a large shallow lake with over 44% (as of 2006) being underlain with phosphorus-enriched mud sediments. Wind-induced sediment re-suspension may play a significant role in the nutrient cycling of this lake. It is critical to develop optimal models with low uncertainty to map the distribution and changes of total phosphorus (TP) over time. Geographically Weighted Regression (GWR) is a powerful spatial regression method that examines the details of relationship between the target variable and independent variables and their changes over space. The calibrated GWR models were applied to data sets of organic mud sediment from Lake Okeechobee collected in 1988, 1998 and 2006. Three sets of ancillary data were also used in the models: total iron (Fe), which was strongly and positively correlated to TP (0.69–0.72); mud thickness, which was moderately and positively correlated to TP (0.57–0.72); and site elevation, which was weakly but negatively correlated to TP (−0.46- −0.55). The GWR models we...

The Fenton process is evaluated as a treatment method to reduce the total organic carbon (TOC) and increase biodegradability of the organic substrate in a mature landfill leachate. Biodegradability was quantified in terms of the ratios between biochemical oxygen demand after 5 days (BOD5) to chemical oxygen demand (COD) (after different Fenton reaction times), and BOD5 (after different Fenton reaction times) to initial BOD5 (original leachate sample), termed as BOD5,0, respectively. An increased TOC removal and improved BOD5/COD ratios were observed following the pH sequence of 3.5 > 6.0 > 2.0. The maximum TOC removal of 61 % and the highest BOD5/COD ratio from 0.11 to 0.37 were observed at pH 3.5. To quantify biodegradability enhancement at different COD loading factors (LCOD) by the Fenton process, the H2O2/Fe2+ ratio was fixed at 1.8 (w/w) and LCOD ranged from 0.22 to 1.19. Experimental results showed that higher TOC removal and biodegradability enhancement were obtained at lower LCOD. Quantitatively, two linear regression equations between LCOD and biodegradability (in terms of BOD5/COD and BOD5/BOD5,0) were established, as: BOD5/COD = 0.57–0.38 LCOD and BOD5/BOD5,0 = 1.40–0.40 LCOD with correlation coefficients (R 2 ) of 0.87 and 0.51, respectively. The experimental work described here, demonstrated that the Fenton process can be used as an effective pre-treatment strategy to increase leachate biodegradability within a short reaction time from 1 to 5 min.

Previously we have shown that, unlike wild-type mice (WT), heme oxygenase-1 knockout (HO-1−/−) mice developed nitrate tolerance and were not protected from inflammation caused by ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) when preconditioned with a H2S donor. We hypothesized that stimulation (with BAY 41-2272) or activation (with BAY 60-2770) of soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) would precondition HO-1−/− mice against an inflammatory effect of I/R and increase arterial nitrate responses. Intravital fluorescence microscopy was used to visualize leukocyte rolling and adhesion to postcapillary venules of the small intestine in anesthetized mice. Relaxation to ACh and BAY compounds was measured on superior mesenteric arteries isolated after I/R protocols. Preconditioning with either BAY compound 10 min (early phase) or 24 h (late phase) before I/R reduced postischemic leukocyte rolling and adhesion to sham control levels and increased superior mesenteric artery responses to ACh, sodium nitroprusside, and BAY 41-2272 in WT and HO-1−/− mice. Late-phase preconditioning with BAY 60-2770 was maintained in HO-1−/− and endothelial nitric oxide synthase knockout mice pretreated with an inhibitor (dl-propargylglycine) of enzymatically produced H2S. Pretreatment with BAY compounds also prevented the I/R increase in small intestinal TNF-α. We speculate that increasing sGC activity and related PKG acts downstream to H2S and disrupts signaling processes triggered by I/R in part by maintaining low cellular Ca2+. In addition, BAY preconditioning did not increase sGC levels, yet increased the response to agents that act on reduced heme-containing sGC. Collectively these actions would contribute to increased nitrate sensitivity and vascular function.

Retrofitting municipal wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) to energy positive is a major challenge faced by many water utilities. Selection of innovative technologies to achieve retrofitting goals is critical for capital improvement programs in WWTPs. This paper aims to provide a statistical analysis method of unit energy consumption in conventional Finnish WWTPs, presenting Mikkeli WWTP as a case study. The average energy consumption at Finnish WWTPs was quantified as a mean of 0.49 kWh/m3 with a standard deviation of 0.197. The statistical analysis showed that the total energy consumption in Finnish WWTPs are positively correlated with inflow rate and sludge production. However, the unit energy consumption decreases with increasing plant capacity. The energy benchmarking of Mikkeli WWTP confirmed the energy gap of 0.11 kWh/kg COD in electricity. The major energy saving potentials are attributed to secondary treatment, screening and grit removal, and influent pump stations. A plausible innovative retrofitting strategy comprising four emerging energy-neutral or positive technologies is proposed to maximally harness the chemical energy content in wastewater: enhanced primary sedimentation, staged anaerobic fludized membrane bioreactor (SAF-MBR) with completely autotrophic nitrogen removal over nitrite process (CANON), and co-digestion of sludge with organic food-waste. The net energy balance of emerging technologies showed a maximum energy saving potential of 1.26 kWh/kg COD, which could be sufficient to overcome the energy gap of Mikkeli WWTP, providing net positive energy surplus of 1.15 kWh/kg COD.

Chlorinated Alkane (CA) is one of the major classes of Disinfection By-Products (DBPs) in chlorinated drinking water. Multi-multivariate regression methods have been used to develop Quantitative Structure-Activity Relationship (QSAR) models between the Energy of the Lowest Unoccupied Molecular Orbital (ELUMO) and three molecular descriptors: namely, number of chlorine (NCl), number of carbon (NC) and the Energy of the Highest Occupied Molecular Orbital (EHOMO). Among different linear QSAR models, the most robust model is ELUMO=-0.1474NCl-0.003766NC+1.9528EHOMO+1.0664 (N=30, R2=0.956, F=188.498, RMSE=0.00762, P=0.000). The model is validated by using internal and external cross validation techniques. The model uncertainties are also quantified through the Bootstrapping and the Taylor methods. Among all the molecular descriptors, number of chlorine (NCl) contributes to the most to the ELUMO of chlorinated alkanes.

OBJETIVO: Definir as características do trauma em idosos pela comparação de variáveis entre este grupo e o de traumatizados não idosos. MÉTODOS: Realizamos uma análise dos protocolos coletados no período de 10 de junho de 2008 a 9 de março de 2009, incluindo todos os traumatizados atendidos com idade superior a 13 anos. Foram coletados dados de identificação, mecanismo de trauma, informações do pré-hospitalar, dados vitais à admissão, índices de trauma, exames complementares, doenças associadas, lesões diagnosticadas e tratamento. Os traumatizados com idade superior a 60 anos foram considerados idosos. Para a identificação das características do trauma em idosos, comparamos as variáveis entre este grupo (Grupo I) e os traumatizados não idosos (Grupo II). Foram empregados os testes T de Student, Qui quadrado e Fisher para a comparação entre os grupos, considerando o valor de p 3) no segmento cefálico (11,4% vs. 7%) (p=0,023) e menor frequência de lesões graves no abdome (1,4% vs. 4,3 %) (p=0,025). Algumas lesões foram significativamente mais frequentes nos idosos, como os hematomas subdurais (2,8% vs. 0,8%) (p=0,008), as hemorragias subaracnóideas (3,8% vs. 1,3%) (p=0,005) e as contusões cerebrais (5,2% vs. 2,3%) (p=0,015) quando comparados aos demais traumatizados. CONCLUSÃO: Em comparação aos traumatizados não idosos, os idosos apresentaram as seguintes características: maior frequência de quedas da própria altura, de doenças associadas e de lesões graves intracranianas, incluindo os hematomas subdurais, as contusões cerebrais e as hemorragias em espaço subaracnoide.OBJECTIVE: Assess the characteristics of trauma in the elderly by comparison to a group of younger trauma patients. METHODS: Trauma protocols from June 10, 2008 to March 9, 2009 were evaluated including all trauma patients above 13 years of age admitted in the emergency room. Data on trauma mechanism, concomitant diseases, vital signs upon admission, diagnosed injuries, trauma indexes, exams and treatment was collected. Patients above 60 years of age. were included in the elderly group (group I). Data was compared between this group and the younger patients (group II), using the Student's t, chi square and Fisher exact tests, considering p 3) in the head were more frequently observed in group I (11.4% vs 7%) (p=0,023). Some injuries were more frequent in group I: subdural hematomas (2.8% vs 0.8%) (p=0.008), subarachnoid hemorrhage (3.8% vs 1.3%) (p=0.005) and cerebral contusions (5.2% vs 2.3%) (p=0.015). CONCLUSION: In comparison to younger trauma patients, the elderly group was characterized by a higher frequency of falls from their own height, , concomitant diseases and severe injuries in the head, mainly subdural hematomas, cerebral contusions and subarachnoid hemorrhage.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar as características das vítimas de queda da própria altura, principalmente a respeito da frequência de lesões graves, seu diagnóstico e tratamento. MÉTODOS: Estudo retrospectivo dos protocolos de trauma (coletados prospectivamente) de 10/06/2008 a 10/03/2009, incluindo as vítimas de trauma fechado com idade igual ou superior a 13 anos admitidas na sala de emergência. Consideraremos como "graves" as lesões com escore de AIS (Abbreviated Injury Scale) maior ou igual a três. As variáveis foram comparadas entre o grupo de vítimas de quedas da própria altura (Grupo I) e as demais vítimas de trauma fechado (Grupo II). Empregamos os testes T de Student, Qui quadrado e Fisher para a comparação entre os grupos, considerando o valor de p3) foram mais frequentemente observadas em segmento cefálico (8,9%), seguidas pelas lesões em extremidades (4,9%). A craniotomia foi necessária em 2,3% das vítimas de quedas de própria altura. Observamos que, em comparação às vítimas de outros mecanismos de trauma fechado, as vítimas de quedas da própria altura apresentavam, significantemente (p3 were considered "severe". Variables were compared between victims of fall from their own height (group I) and other blunt trauma mechanisms (group II). Student's t, chi square and Fisher exact tests were used for statistical analysis, considering p3) were more frequent in the head (8.9%), followed by extremities (4,9%). In group I, craniotomies were needed in 2.3%. By comparing groups, we observed that victims of falls from their own height had significantly higher mean age, higher mean systolic blood pressure, and higher head AIS mean, as well as lower ISS mean, thorax AIS mean, abdomen AIS mean and extremities AIS mean. CONCLUSION: Importance of the trauma mechanism in victims of falls from own height should be emphasized due to a considerable possibility of occult severe injuries, mainly in the cephalic segment.

A new concept of Virus Sensitivity Index (VSI) is defined as the ratio between the first-order inactivation rate constant of a virus, ki, and that of MS2-phage during UV disinfection, kr. MS2-phage is chosen as the reference virus because it is recommended as a virus indicator during UV reactor design and validation by the US Environmental Protection Agency. VSI has wide applications in research, design, and validation of UV disinfection systems. For example, it can be used to rank the UV disinfection sensitivity of viruses in reference to MS2-phage. There are four major steps in deriving the equation between Hi/Hr and 1/VSI. First, the first-order inactivation rate constants are determined by regression analysis between Log I and fluence required. Second, the inactivation rate constants of MS2-phage are statistically analysed at 3, 4, 5, and 6 Log I levels. Third, different VSI values are obtained from the ki of different viruses dividing by the kr of MS2-phage. Fourth, correlation between Hi/Hr and 1/VSI is analysed by using linear, quadratic, and cubic models. As expected from the theoretical analysis, a linear relationship adequately correlates Hi/Hr and 1/VSI without an intercept. VSI is used to quantitatively predict the UV fluence required for any virus at any log inactivation (Log I). Four equations were developed at 3, 4, 5, and 6 Log I. These equations have been validated using external data which are not used for the virus development. At Log I less than 3, the equation tends to under-predict the required fluence at both low Log I such as 1 and 2 Log I. At Log I greater than 3 Log I, the equation tends to over-predict the fluence required. The reasons for these may very likely be due to the shoulder at the beginning and the tailing at the end of the collimated beam test experiments. At 3 Log I, the error percentage is less than 6%. The VSI is also used to predict inactivation rate constants under two different UV disinfection scenarios such as under sunlight and different virus aggregates. The correlation analysis shows that viruses will be about 40% more sensitive to sunlight than to UV254. On the other hand, virus size of 500 nm will reduce their VSI by 10%. This is the first attempt to use VSI to predict the required fluence at any given Log I. The equation can be used to quantitatively evaluate other parameters influencing UV disinfection. These factors include environmental species, antibiotic-resistant bacteria or genes, photo and dark repair, water quality such as suspended solids, and UV transmittance.

This study assessed anaerobic biodegradability of organic compounds from microorganism activity. Dehydrogenase activity can be a good parameter characterizing the microorganism activity. A modified method of 2-(p-iodophenyl-3-(p-nitrophenyl)-5-pheny tetrazolium chloride-dehydrogenase activity determination was proposed in anaerobic biodegradability assessment. Cubic spline curves were adopted to link the data points. This curve was integrated twice to calculate areas. The microorganism activity index in anaerobic biodegradability assessment was calculated by standardizing the integral. According to the results of the activity index, 14 kinds of organic compounds were classified into readily, partially, and poorly biodegradable under anaerobic conditions, respectively. As a result, some conclusions for anaerobic biodegradability of organic compounds were reached, based on the activity index value.

The fan case in a jet engine is a heavy structure because of its size and because of the requirement that it contain a blade released during engine operation. Composite materials offer the potential for reducing the weight of the case. Efficient design, test, and analysis methods are needed to efficiently evaluate the large number of potential composite materials and design concepts. The type of damage expected in a composite case under blade-out conditions was evaluated using a subscale test in which a glass/epoxy composite half-ring target was impacted with a wedge-shaped titanium projectile. Fiber shearing occurred near points of contact between the projectile and target. Delamination and tearing occurred on a larger scale. These damage modes were reproduced in a simpler test in which flat glass/epoxy composites were impacted with a blunt cylindrical projectile. A surface layer of ceramic eliminated fiber shear fracture but did not reduce delamination. Tests on 3D woven carbon/epoxy composites indicated that transverse reinforcement is effective in reducing delamination. A 91 cm (36 in.) diameter full-ring sub-component was proposed for larger scale testing of these and other composite concepts. Explicit, transient, finite element analyses indicated that a full-ring test is needed to simulate complete impact dynamics, but simpler tests using smaller ring sections are adequate when evaluation of initial impact damage is the primary concern.

In the present study, microfibrillated cellulose (MFC) was modified by aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APS), hydroxy-carbonated apatite (HAP), or epoxy in order to produce novel nanostructured adsorbents for the removal of hydrogen sulphide (H2S) from the aqueous solutions. Structural properties of the modified MFC materials were examined using a scanning electron microscope, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and acid/base titration. These methods were used to verify the presence of nanostructures on the adsorbents surfaces as well as functionalities suitable for H2S adsorption. Adsorption of H2S by prepared adsorbents was investigated in batch mode under different experimental conditions, i.e., varying pH and H2S concentrations. H2S uptake was found to be 103.95, 13.38 and 12.73 mg/g by APS/MFC, HAP/MFC and epoxy/MFC, respectively from 80 mg/L H2S solution. The equilibrium data were best described by the Langmuir isotherm for HAP/MFC and APS/MFC and the Sips isotherm for epoxy/MFC.