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A comprehensive study on the photo-excited relaxation dynamics in semiconducting perovskite quantum dots (PQDs) is pivotal in realizing their extensive potential for optoelectronics applications. Among different competing photoinduced relaxation kinetics, energy transfer and charge transfer (CT) in PQDs need special attention, as they often influence the device efficacy, particularly with the donor–acceptor hybrid architecture. In this work, we explore a detailed investigation into photoinduced CT dynamics in mixed halide undoped CsPb(Br/Cl)3 and Mn2+ doped CsPb(Br/Cl)3 PQDs with a quinone molecule, p-benzoquinone (BQ). The energy level alignment of undoped PQDs with BQ allows an efficient CT, whereas Mn2+ doping reduces the CT efficiency, experiencing a competition between energy transfer from host to dopant and CT to BQ. The conductive atomic force microscopy measurements unveil a direct correlation with the spectroscopic studies by showing a significant improvement in the conductance of undoped PQDs in the presence of BQ, while an inappreciable change is observed for doped PQDs. A much-reduced transition voltage and barrier height in the presence of BQ further validate faster CT for undoped PQD than the doped one. Furthermore, Mn2+ doping in PQDs is observed to enhance their stability, showing better air and thermal stability compared to their undoped counterparts. These results reveal that doping strategy can regulate the CT dynamics in these PQDs and increase their stability, which will be beneficial for the development of desired optoelectronic devices with long-term stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The structure and mechanism of the water-oxidation chemistry that occurs in photosystem II have been subjects of great interest. The advent of X-ray free electron lasers allowed the determination of structures of the stable intermediate states and of steps in the transitions between these intermediate states, bringing a new perspective to this field. The room-temperature structures collected as the photosynthetic water oxidation reaction proceeds in real time have provided important novel insights into the structural changes and the mechanism of the water oxidation reaction. The time-resolved measurements have also given us a view of how this reaction-which involves multielectron, multiproton processes-is facilitated by the interaction of the ligands and the protein residues in the oxygen-evolving complex. These structures have also provided a picture of the dynamics occurring in the channels within photosystem II that are involved in the transport of the substrate water to the catalytic center and protons to the bulk.

The effects of isothermal annealing on the self-assembled nanostructures of spinel manganese oxide ZnMnGaO4 were investigated using transmission electron microscopy and x-ray diffraction. The checkerboard nanostructures and zigzag nanostructures (named "Sierra" nanostructures) coexisted owing to the chemical phase separation of Mn3+ and Ga3+ ions by isothermal annealing at 575 °C. It was observed that the checkerboard nanostructures were dominant in short-time annealing and that the volume fraction of the Sierra nanostructures became more prominent as the annealing period increase. The interdiffusion of Mn3+ and Ga3+ is indicated to play an important role in gaining the total energy of the system by the reduction in the local strain caused by the formation of nanostructures. These results provide further insights into the fabrication of distinct types of nanostructures in complex transition-metal compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of isothermal annealing on the self-assembled nanostructures of spinel manganese oxide ZnMnGaO4 were investigated using transmission electron microscopy and x-ray diffraction. The checkerboard nanostructures and zigzag nanostructures (named "Sierra" nanostructures) coexisted owing to the chemical phase separation of Mn3+ and Ga3+ ions by isothermal annealing at 575 °C. It was observed that the checkerboard nanostructures were dominant in short-time annealing and that the volume fraction of the Sierra nanostructures became more prominent as the annealing period increase. The interdiffusion of Mn3+ and Ga3+ is indicated to play an important role in gaining the total energy of the system by the reduction in the local strain caused by the formation of nanostructures. These results provide further insights into the fabrication of distinct types of nanostructures in complex transition-metal compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we investigated the spin transport properties of binuclear manganese phthalocyanine (M n 2 P c 2) spintronic devices sandwiched between two nickel electrodes using the non-equilibrium Green's function method in combination with density functional theory. Based on the calculation results, the M n 2 P c 2 device exhibited excellent spin-filtering capabilities, demonstrating an exceptionally high spin filter efficiency (SFE). Irrespective of the parallel or antiparallel orientation of magnetization in the electrodes, we observed that when both manganese atoms were in a spin-up state, the SFE of spin-resolved currents under finite bias and the thermoelectric currents induced by temperature gradients at fixed temperatures were both close to 100%. The large spin Seebeck polarization of the M n 2 P c 2 device was also obtained at low reference temperatures. This study explores the potential for developing multifunctional spintronic single-molecule devices using Ni − M n 2 P c 2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using high-frequency electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), we have observed the ferromagnetic coupling of manganese Mn2+ pairs in a layered van der Waals GaS semiconductor. The EPR spectra of Mn2+ pairs (Mn24+) [replacing covalently bonded Ga24+ pairs oriented along the chain axis (c axis) of two gallium ions and being situated in the center of the layer] were recorded at 94 and 130 GHz. The fine structure parameters for the lower multiplets with spin S = 5 and S = 4 were determined equal to D = −0.040 cm−1 and D ≅ −0.035 cm−1, respectively. Based on the observation of additional EPR lines in the region of intersection of the levels in the magnetic field of the multiplet with S = 5 and S = 4, the energy of the isotropic exchange interaction J was estimated to be ∼−0.5 cm−1. For all transitions, a well-resolved hyperfine structure was observed, due to the interaction with two equivalent 55Mn nuclei, leading to the appearance of 11 lines with a hyperfine interaction constant A = 30(1) × 10−4 cm−1, which is approximately half the hyperfine interaction constant for single Mn2+ ions. In addition, a signal from single manganese ions Mn2+ with spin S = 5/2 and a hyperfine interaction constant A = 60(1) × 10−4 cm−1 was observed, which are characterized by extremely large fine structure splitting of D = −0.15 cm−1. Simultaneously with EPR studies, the crystals were monitored by photoluminescence and micro-Raman scattering measurements using a microscope with confocal optics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Higher manganese silicides have evolved as an efficient thermoelectric material because of their exceptional thermoelectric performance at intermediate temperatures. In this work, we report the ultralow-thermal conductivity with improved thermoelectric properties of Mn 1-x Cr x Si 1.8 (x = 0, 0.025, 0.05 and 0.1) prepared by induction melting followed by ball milling and uni-axial induction hot-pressing. Bragg diffraction patterns confirmed that the as-synthesized compound belongs to the Mn 15 Si 26 phase along with the solid solubility of Cr in the HMS lattice. In addition, the backscattered electron micrographs revealed the precipitation of excess Si in the HMS matrix, originating from Si-rich stoichiometry. Furthermore, an elevation in electrical conductivity with increasing Cr content has been observed because of its acceptor dopant behaviour at the Mn site. On the contrary, the Seebeck coefficient decreased upon an increase in Cr content, and bulk MnSi 1.8 has shown the highest Seebeck coefficient of 220 μV/K at 773 K. Impressively, nanostructuring along with the generated point defects as a result of Cr dopant facilitates an intensified phonon scattering at the nanostructured grain boundaries that results in a very low κ total of 0.99 W/mK at 773 K for ball-milled Mn 0.9 Cr 0.1 Si 1.8 , leading to an elevated zT of 0.46 at 773 K. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Mn X Tm 1‒X Se (0 ≤ Х ≤ 0.2) solid solutions have been first synthesized and their structural, magnetic, and transport properties have been studied in the temperature range of 80–1000 K and magnetic fields of up to 12 kOe. The surface morphology of the samples has been examined and the chemical analysis has been carried out. It is shown that the valence change with the increasing substitution concentration is accompanied by a change in the lattice parameter and a decrease in the magnetic moment of the samples. The Kondo temperatures caused by the manganese and thulium subsystem have been found in the low- and room-temperature regions. The temperature of localization of small-radius polarons has been determined. A drastic decrease in the relaxation time in the range of the manganese ion percolation through the lattice in the Mn X Tm 1‒X Se system has been established. The change of the current carrier type upon variation in the temperature and substitution concentration was determined from the Seebeck coefficient. A high-temperature extremum of thermopower was revealed, which is explained within the framework of the Anderson model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The halogen-free synthesis of oligosilazanes has been observed upon dehydrocoupling silanes with ammonia at 25 °C using [(2,6-iPr2PhBDI)Mn(µ-H)]2. Extending this methodology to polymethyl-hydrosiloxanes afforded thermally robust polysiloxazane solids, and the dehydrocoupling of 1,3,5,7-tetra-methylcyclotetrasiloxane with ammonia afforded a polysiloxazane having a weight-average molecular weight of 4300 g mol-1. A representative oligosilazane has been applied to a copper surface and found to afford a 20 μm thick coating that resists corrosion after 24 h under water. Addition of ammonia to [(2,6-iPr2PhBDI)Mn(µ-H)]2 allowed for characterization of the catalyst resting state, [(2,6-iPr2PhBDI)Mn(µ-NH2)]2, which has been found to mediate Si-N dehydrocoupling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractIntroductionMethodsResultsDiscussionConclusionsKratom is commonly used by consumers, and the elemental impurity exposure that consumers would have at different kratom ingestion doses has been determined.This assessment used original data from independent third-party laboratory testing of kratom products to identify the percentage of products that exceeded permissible daily exposure limits for lead (5 µg/day), nickel (200 µg/day), arsenic (15 µg/day), and cadmium (5 µg/day), the interim reference level for lead in adults (12.5 µg/day), and the tolerable upper intake level for manganese (11 mg/day) and nickel (1 mg/day). We assessed all products regardless of type and then evaluated non-extract products, extract products, and a soda preparation separately for elemental impurities.Three assessments of elemental impurities in kratom products have been published, totaling 68 products. Assessing all products and assuming a 3 g daily dose of kratom, 7.4% would exceed the permissible daily exposure limits for lead, 0% for nickel, 3.1% for arsenic, and 0% for cadmium. At a kratom dose of 25 g daily, 70.6% would exceed the permissible daily exposure limits for lead, 20.6% for nickel, 9.4% for arsenic, and 0% for cadmium. The interim reference level for lead would be exceeded by 1.5% of products at a kratom daily dose of 3 g and 33.8% of products at 25 g. The tolerable upper intake level for manganese would be exceeded by 12.5% of products at a kratom daily dose of 3 g and 41.7% of products at 25 g. Non-extract products generally contain greater concentrations of elemental impurities than extract products or the soda preparation.Apart from their concentrations in a gram of product, assessing the amount of exposure to elemental impurities at different kratom ingestion doses is also important. Elemental impurities exceeding regulatory permissible concentrations for many products, especially with greater daily kratom ingestion doses, may impact human health.Some kratom products contain excessive concentrations of elemental impurities of toxicological concern, such as lead and arsenic. Non-extract products (powders, capsules, tablets) generally contain greater concentrations of elemental impurities than extract products or the soda preparation. Daily use of these products can result in exposures exceeding regulatory thresholds and adverse health effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Asthma start, development, and exacerbation have all been linked in numerous studies to exposure to a variety of metal elements. However, there is still a dearth of epidemiological data linking heavy metal exposure to death in asthmatics. The investigation included 2432 eligible adults with asthma. The study examined the possible correlation between blood heavy metal levels and all-cause mortality. This was done by utilizing Cox proportional hazards models, restricted cubic spline (RCS), threshold effect models, and CoxBoost models. Subgroup analyses were conducted to investigate the associations between blood metal levels and all-cause mortality among distinct asthmatic populations. An inverse association was found between blood selenium and all-cause mortality in asthmatics, while blood manganese showed a positive association with all-cause mortality. However, there were no significant connections found between blood lead, cadmium, mercury, and all-cause mortality via multivariate Cox proportional hazard models. In model 3, after accounting for all factors, all-cause mortality dropped by 10% for every additional 10 units of blood selenium (μg/L) and increased by 6% for every additional unit of blood manganese (μg/L). The RCS and threshold effect model found a U-shaped correlation between blood selenium, blood manganese, and all-cause mortality. The lowest all-cause mortality among asthmatics was observed when blood selenium and manganese were 188.66 μg/L and 8.47 μg/L, respectively. Our investigation found a U-shaped correlation between blood selenium levels, blood manganese levels, and all-cause mortality in asthmatic populations. Optimizing dietary selenium intake and effectively managing manganese exposure could potentially improve the prognosis of asthma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Military members and first responders may, at moment's notice, be asked to assist in incidents that may result in radiation exposure such as Operation Tomadachi in which the U.S. Navy provided significant relief for the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Reactor accident in Japan after an earthquake and tsunami in 2011. We are also currently facing potential threats from nuclear power plants in the Ukraine should a power disruption to a nuclear plant interfere with cooling or other safety measures. Exposure to high doses of radiation results in acute radiation syndrome (ARS) characterized by symptoms arising from hematopoietic, gastrointestinal, and neurovascular injuries. Although there are mitigators FDA approved to treat ARS, there are currently no FDA-approved prophylactic medical interventions to help protect persons who may need to respond to radiation emergencies. There is strong evidence that manganese (Mn) has radiation protective efficacy as a promising prophylactic countermeasure. Materials and Methods All animal procedures were approved by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee. Male and female B6D2F1J mice, 10 to 11 weeks old, were used for neurotoxicity studies and temporal effects of Mn. Four groups were evaluated: (1) vehicle injection, (2) dose of 4.5 mg/kg for 3 days, (3) dose of 13.5 mg/kg, and (4) sham. Irradiated mice were exposed to 9.5 Gy whole body Co60 γ-radiation. MRI was performed with a high dose of manganese chloride (MnCl2) (150 mg/kg) to assess the distribution of the MnCl2. Results The mice have promising survival curves (highest survival—13.5 mg/kg dose over 3 days of MnCl2 at 80% [87% female, 73% male] P  = 0.0004). The complete blood count (CBC) results demonstrated a typical hematopoietic response in all of the irradiated groups, followed by mildly accelerated recovery by day 28 in the treated groups. No difference between groups was measured by Rota Rod, DigiGait, and Y-maze. Histologic evaluation of the bone marrow sections in the group given 13.5 mg/kg dose over 3 days had the best return to cellularity at 80%. MRI showed a systemic distribution of MnCl2. Discussion The preliminary data suggest that a dose of 13.5 mg/kg of MnCl2 given over 3 days prior to exposure of radiation may have a protective benefit while not exhibiting the neurobehavioral problems. A countermeasure that can prophylactically protect emergency personnel entering an area contaminated with high levels of radiation is needed, especially in light that nuclear accidents are a continued global threat. There is a need for a protective agent with easy long-term storage, easy to transport, easy to administer, and low cost. Histologic evaluation supports the promising effect of MnCl2 in protecting tissue, especially the bone marrow using the dose given over 3 days (4.5 mg/kg per day) of MnCl2. Conclusions Initial experiments show that MnCl2 is a promising safe and effective prophylactic countermeasure against ARS. MRI data support the systemic distribution of MnCl2 which is needed in order to protect multiple tissues in the body. The pathology data in bone marrow and the brain support faster recovery from radiation exposure in the treated animals and decreased organ damage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Luminescence intensity ratio (LIR) based optical thermometers have attracted lots of attention. In case of color tunable luminescence with the variation of LIR, “RGB colorimetry” based on convenient temperature sensing using a smartphone or digital camera is available. However, narrow emission bands with primary colors are needed for avoiding color crosstalk and achieving high sensitivities. In this paper, Mn4+ and Mn2+ coactivated CaAl12O19 (CAO) phosphors are reported that show a narrow red emission of Mn4+ and green one of Mn2+ with the number of the two ions controlled by lanthanide ions through manipulation of self‐reduction of Mn4+ to Mn2+ in air. The self‐reduction in CAO via the addition of Ce4+ is mainly studied. First‐principles calculation shows that the self‐reduction is driven by Ca vacancies that are produced in aliovalent substitution of Ce4+ for Ca2+ and can reduce the formation energy of Mn2+. The comparative study of temperature sensing based on LIR and RG colorimetry is conducted. The relative sensitivity based on LIR is high as 4.5% K−1 at 373 K and that for RG colorimetry can reach 2% K−1 at 350 K. These findings provide a strategy for manipulation of manganese valance states and a phosphor for RG colorimetry temperature sensing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zrt/Irt-like protein 8 (ZIP8), which is a Zn transporter, plays a pivotal role as a Mn transporter. Recent studies have shown that a ZIP8 SNP (rs13107325 C→T, A391T) is associated with multiple diseases, likely by causing systemic Mn deficiency. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain unclear. We attempted to address this issue in cell-based experiments using Madin-Darby canine kidney cells stably expressing ZIP8 WT or the A391T SNP mutant under the control of the Tet-regulatable promoter. We showed that the A391T mutant lost the property of Mn-responsive accumulation on the cell surface, which was observed in WT ZIP8. We also showed that the loss of Mn-responsive accumulation of A391T mutant was associated with its reduced Mn uptake, compared with WT ZIP8, in the Mn uptake assay using the radioisotope 54Mn. Our results potentially explain how the ZIP8 A391T substitution is associated with disease pathogenesis caused by Mn deficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, Fe–Mn/activated carbon (AC) catalysts were prepared to investigate the CO + NH3 coupling for deducing the NO removal mechanism by iron and manganese supported on AC catalysts under moderate to low-moderate aerobic conditions. Through the catalyst surface morphology, phase analysis, and other test results, we propose a mechanism for the CO + NH3 coupling that results in NO removal at medium to low temperatures. The results indicate that NO conversion initially decreases and then increases in the range of 150–300 °C with 9% oxygen content. The NO conversion of the 3.5Fe–7.0Mn/AC catalyst reached 95%, surpassing other catalysts, with an inflection point near 230 °C. Characterization of the 3.5Fe–7.0Mn/AC catalyst revealed a smooth surface, uniform pore development, a high number of micro and medium pores, and elevated surface oxygen species (Oα) content. Mn2O3 and Fe3O4 are uniformly distributed on the surface, enhancing the reaction gas contact area and thereby improving NO conversion. Fe2+ is identified as the primary active site for NO removal. Increased Mn loading raises the Fe2+ and Mn3+ levels, with Mn3+ improving the NO conversion rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To mitigate the effects of drought stress on fatty acid compositions and seed germination, various hypothesis have been studied by researchers. In this study, the field experiments were conducted in two cropping seasons (2020–2021) to investigate the effect of micronutrients on some characteristics of canola cultivars under late-season drought stress conditions. The experiments were arranged in a factorial split-plot design with three replications. The main factors included irrigation regimes (regular irrigation and irrigation interruption at the flowering stage) and foliar applications of Zn and Mn after rosette stage (F1: none application, F2: ZnSO4, F3: MnSO4, and F4: ZnSO4+MnSO4). The third factor included three cultivars, including Nima, R15 and KS7, as subfactor. Limited irrigation at flowering stage reduced length of seedling (25% and 17%), weight of seedling (30% and 14%), and seed yield (42% and 29) in first and second year, respectively. Irrigation withholding at flowering stage reduced seed yield by 37, 27, and 42% in R15, Nima and KS7 cultivars, respectively. Based on the current experimental data, irrigation withholding at flowering stage caused severe stress to the plants, especially those with long-term growth periods such as R15 and KS7. By contrast, the minimum yield loss was obtained from Nima cultivar, an early mature cultivar. Overall, it is recommended R15 cultivar for normal irrigation and Nima cultivar for a drought environment when considered the acceptable seed yield in new plants. In general, it is suggested that a suitable performance of canola seeds is achieved by foliar application of manganese and zinc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aviation sector is believed to be responsible for considerable environmental damage attributed to emission of a large number and amount of pollutants. Airports are often surrounded by forest fragments and humid areas that attract birds of prey and hence may potentially serve as useful bioindicators. The aim of the present study was to examine genotoxic potential in raptors exposed to airport pollution using the micronucleus (MN) test and morphological changes as evidenced by bilateral symmetry. This investigation was conducted at Salgado Filho International Airport of Porto Alegre – RS as well as in private and zoological breeding grounds. The presence of metals was measured in the blood cells of the collected birds. Seventeen birds (Caracara (Polyborus) plancus) were used in this study 11 from exposed and 6 from non-exposed group. The nuclear alterations clearly indicate that organisms exposed to airport pollution exhibited a significantly higher frequency of genetic damage compared to non-exposed birds. Further, manganese and chromium were detected exclusively in the blood of the exposed group. In contrast, the analysis of bilateral symmetry did not detect any significant morphologic differences between the two groups. Therefore, data indicate that blood genotoxic stress occurs in birds of prey living in civil aviation areas as evidenced by MN frequency increase and presence of manganese and chromium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Manganese (Mn) is a heavy metal that occurs widely in nature and has a vital physiological role in growth and development. However, excessive exposure to Mn can cause neurological damage, especially cognitive dysfunction, such as learning disability and memory loss. Numerous studies on the mechanisms of Mn-induced nervous system damage found that this metal targets a variety of metabolic pathways, for example, endoplasmic reticulum stress, apoptosis, neuroinflammation, cellular signaling pathway changes, and neurotransmitter metabolism interference. This article reviews the latest research progress on multiple signaling pathways related to Mn-induced neurological dysfunction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electric arc furnace (EAF) slag is a coproduct of steel production used primarily for construction purposes. Some applications of EAF slag result in residential exposures by incidental ingestion and inhalation of airborne dust. To evaluate potential health risks, an EAF slag characterization program was conducted to measure concentrations of metals and leaching potential (including oral bioaccessibility) in 38 EAF slag samples. Arsenic, hexavalent chromium, iron, vanadium, and manganese (Mn) were identified as constituents of interest (COIs). Using a probabilistic risk assessment (PRA) approach, estimated distributions of dose for COIs were assessed, and increased cancer risks and noncancer hazard quotients (HQs) at the 50th and 95th percentiles were calculated. For the residents near slag‐covered roads, cancer risk and noncancer HQs were <1E − 6 and 1, respectively. For residential driveway or landscape exposure, at the 95th percentile, cancer risks were 1E − 6 and 7E − 07 based on oral exposure to arsenic and hexavalent chromium, respectively. HQs ranged from 0.07 to 2 with the upper bound due to ingestion of Mn among children. To expand the analysis, a previously published physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model was used to estimate Mn levels in the globus pallidus for both exposure scenarios and further evaluate the potential for Mn neurotoxicity. The PBPK model estimated slightly increased Mn in the globus pallidus at the 95th percentile of exposure, but concentrations did not exceed no‐observed‐adverse‐effect levels for neurological effects. Overall, the assessment found that the application of EAF slag in residential areas is unlikely to pose a health hazard or increased cancer risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Here we report a protocol for the preparation of 1,4‐diketones from 1,2‐disubstituted cyclobutanols based on their ring‐opening oxidation with molecular oxygen. The reaction proceeds under manganese catalysis in the presence of 1,10‐phenanthroline ligand and leads to the target product along with minor 4‐hydroxyketone that can be oxidized with Dess‐Martin periodinane in the same reaction vessel. Substrates with alkyl and aryl substituents including those bearing functional groups were successfully engaged in the reaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted on the distribution of manganese content in the soils of the city of Mitrovica and its surroundings in Kosovo. A total of 156 topsoil samples were taken in the entire study region (sampling grid of 1.4 × 1.4 km2). The average Mn content of the entire study area is 1600 mg/kg (range 170–17000 mg/kg), which is 4.2 times higher than the EU average and 3.3 times higher than the global average. The spatial distribution maps show that the higher Mn contents occur mainly in soils from Miocene latite as well as quartz-latite and from Triassic volcanic-sedimentary formations in the eastern and north-eastern part of the study area. The lower values were found in the Flysch and Cretaceous flysch outcrops. It was found that the increased Mn contents in soils from this area are mostly of lithogenic origin. The values of the enrichment factor (EF) show that the soils of the entire study area are very highly enriched with Mn (20 < EF < 40). The values of the geo-accumulation index (1< I-geo ≤ 2), show that the soils of the entire study area are moderately contaminated with Mn. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The global market for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) is growing exponentially, resulting in an increase in mining activities for the metals needed for manufacturing LIBs. Cobalt, lithium, manganese, and nickel are four of the metals most used in the construction of LIBs, and each has known toxicological risks associated with exposure. Mining for these metals poses potential human health risks via occupational and environmental exposures; however, there is a paucity of data surrounding the risks of increasing mining activity. The objective of this review was to characterize these risks. Methods: We conducted a review of the literature via a systematic search of the PubMed database on the health effects of mining for cobalt, lithium, manganese, and nickel. We included articles that (1) reported original research, (2) reported outcomes directly related to human health, (3) assessed exposure to mining for cobalt, lithium, manganese, or nickel, and (4) had an available English translation. We excluded all other articles. Our search identified 183 relevant articles. Results: Toxicological hazards were reported in 110 studies. Exposure to cobalt and nickel mining were most associated with respiratory toxicity, while exposure to manganese mining was most associated with neurologic toxicity. Notably, no articles were identified that assessed lithium toxicity associated with mining exposure. Traumatic hazards were reported in six studies. Three articles reported infectious disease hazards, while six studies reported effects on mental health. Several studies reported increased health risks in children compared to adults. Conclusions: The results of this review suggest that occupational and environmental exposure to mining metals used in LIBs presents significant risks to human health that result in both acute and chronic toxicities. Further research is needed to better characterize these risks, particularly regarding lithium mining. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Doping semiconductor nanomaterials with manganese ion (Mn2+) introduce a well‐defined photoactive d‐d level within the band structure, paving the way for diverse applications. Although Mn doping in single‐layer 2D hybrid perovskites (n = 1) has been extensively studied, limited research has been conducted on doping with modulation of the layer thickness. Herein, Mn2+ doping in hybrid 2D perovskite nanoplatelets (NPLs), L2An‐1[Pb1‐xMnx]nBr3n+1 (where L = butylammonium, A = methylammonium), with variations in Mn concentration (x = 0–0.60) and layer thickness (n = 1–3) is reported. Substitutional doping of Mn significantly increases the photoluminescence quantum yield as well as the rate of energy transfer efficiency, which strongly depends on the layer thickness of NPLs. The Mn concentration in 2D NPLs determines the rate of forward and backward energy transfer. Low‐temperature emission spectra allow to determine thickness‐dependent exciton binding energy for Mn‐doped 2D NPLs (x = 0.5) with values of 410 ± 11 meV (n = 1), 188 ± 9 meV (n = 2), and 151 ± 17 meV (n = 3). The faster dissociation of band‐edge excitons into free carriers at Mn2+ sites results in high brightness with an excellent CRI of 89.2 for the white light‐emitting diode. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we report an inexpensive one-step synthesis of self-supported 3D nickel-manganese (NiMn) bimetallic coatings and their application for the hydrogen evolution reaction in simulated seawater (1 M KOH + 0.5 M NaCl) and alkaline natural seawater (1 M KOH + natural seawater). These binary coatings were electrodeposited on a titanium substrate using a facile electrochemical deposition method by a dynamic hydrogen bubble template technique. The as-deposited NiMn coatings with variable Mn amounts produce typical globular and unique porous architecture with abundant pores of different sizes. The activity of these fabricated catalysts towards the hydrogen evolution reaction was investigated by linear sweep voltammetry towards simulated seawater and alkaline natural seawater at different temperatures. The surface morphology and composition of the catalysts were also characterized by scanning electron microscopy and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy. The as-prepared NiMn/Ti electrocatalyst, which was electrodeposited using a chemical bath containing Ni2+ and Mn2+ ions with a molar ratio of Ni2+:Mn2+ = 1:5, exhibits excellent hydrogen evolution activity in simulated seawater with an ultra-low overpotential of 64.2 mV to reach a current density of 10 mA cm−2. It is noteworthy that this NiMn/Ti electrocatalyst also achieves a current density of 10 mA cm−2 in alkaline natural seawater with a comparably low overpotential of 79.3 mV. The current densities increase by ca. 1.75–2.35 times with an increase in temperature from 25 °C to 75 °C for hydrogen evolution in both electrolytes. This bimetallic catalyst has shown excellent long-term stability at a constant potential of −0.23 V (vs. RHE) and a constant current density of 10 mA cm−2 for 10 h, which ensures higher durability and robustness for practical application of seawater splitting technology. [Display omitted] • 3D bimetallic NiMn/Ti electrocatalysts synthesized using a dynamic hydrogen bubble template technique. • Efficient and stable 3D bimetallic NiMn/Ti electrocatalysts for HER in simulated seawater/alkaline natural seawater. • NiMn/Ti-5 shows excellent HER activity with overpotentials of 64.2 and 79.3 mV at 10 mAcm−2 in simulated and natural seawater. • Simple, non-toxic, affordable, and time-saving synthesis procedure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The complex relationship between trace elements and skeletal health has received increasing attention in the scientific community. Among these minerals, manganese (Mn) has emerged as a key element affecting bone metabolism and integrity. This review examines the multifaceted role of Mn in bone health, including its effects on bone regeneration, mineralization, and overall skeletal strength. This review article is based on a synthesis of experimental models, epidemiologic studies, and clinical trials of the mechanisms of the effect of Mn on bone metabolism. Current research data show that Mn is actively involved in the processes of bone remodeling by modulating the activity of osteoblasts and osteoclasts, as well as the main cells that regulate bone formation and resorption. Mn ions have a profound effect on bone mineralization and density by intricately regulating signaling pathways and enzymatic reactions in these cells. Additionally, Mn superoxide dismutase (MnSOD), located in bone mitochondria, plays a crucial role in osteoclast differentiation and function, protecting osteoclasts from oxidative damage. Understanding the nuances of Mn's interaction with bone is essential for optimizing bone strategies, potentially preventing and managing skeletal diseases. Key findings include the stimulation of osteoblast proliferation and differentiation, the inhibition of osteoclastogenesis, and the preservation of bone mass through the RANK/RANKL/OPG pathway. These results underscore the importance of Mn in maintaining bone health and highlight the need for further research into its therapeutic potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Experimental and acute exposure studies imply that manganese affects red blood cell production. Nevertheless, the association between environmental exposure and red blood cell distribution width (RDW) has yet to be explored. This research sought to assess the correlation between blood manganese levels and RDW within the general population of the United States. Materials and methods: Employing weighted multiple linear regression models, data from the 2011–2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) were utilized to assess the correlation between manganese levels in the blood and RDW. Restricted cubic spline plots and two-piecewise linear regression models were also employed. Result: The analysis included a total of 15882 participants in which we determined an independent positive relationship between blood manganese levels and RDW among participants(β = 0.079, P<0.001). Moreover, we identified a J-shaped association between blood manganese levels and RDW in total participants (inflection point for blood manganese: 7.32 ug/L) and distinct subgroups following adjusted covariates. Women exhibited a more pronounced association, even after controlling for adjusted covariates. Conclusions: We determined a J-shaped relationship between blood manganese levels and RDW with an inflection point at 7.32 ug/L for blood manganese. Nevertheless, fundamental research and large sample prospective studies are needed to determine the extent to which blood manganese levels correlate with RDW. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Mn(III)-based oxidation of 1,3-indanedione (1) with 1,1-diarylethenes 2a–c effectively proceeded in boiling AcOH to produce 2,2-bis(vinyl)indanediones 5a–c and 1,2'-spirobi[indene]-1',3'-diones 6a–c via the formation of 2,2-bis(2-acetoxyethyl)indanedione 3 and acetoxyindeno[1,2-b]furan-4-one 4 intermediates. On the other hand, the Mn(III)-based aerobic oxidation of 1a with 2a at room temperature resulted in bis(endoperoxide) 8a and endoperoxypropellane 9a via the production of mono(endoperoxide) 7a. The plausible reaction pathways were also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Chinese yam (Dioscorea polystachya, DP) is promising for the food and pharmaceutical industries due to its nutritional value and pharmaceutical potential. Its proper cultivation is therefore of interest. An insufficient supply of minerals necessary for plant growth can be manifested by discoloration of the leaves. In our earlier study, magnesium deficiency was excluded as a cause. As a follow-up, this work focused on manganese and molybdenum. To quantify both minerals in leaf extracts of DP, analytical methods based on atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) using the graphite furnace sub-technique were devised. The development revealed that the quantification of manganese works best without using any of the investigated modifiers. The optimized pyrolysis and atomization temperatures were 1300 °C and 1800 °C, respectively. For the analysis of molybdenum, calcium proved to be advantageous as a modifier. The optimum temperatures were 1900 °C and 2800 °C, respectively. Both methods showed satisfactory linearity for analysis. Thus, they were applied to quantify extracts from normal and discolored leaves of DP concerning the two minerals. It was found that discolored leaves had higher manganese levels and a lower molybdenum content. With these results, a potential explanation for the discoloration could be found. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, Sorel cement (SC) was doped with Mn7+ to develop a cost-effective adsorbent that can quickly remove methylene blue (MB) dye from aqueous solutions. The characteristics of the prepared adsorbents were examined using X-ray diffraction, atomic force microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis. The examinations confirmed the formation of SC and the successful doping of manganese. Batch adsorption experiments were also performed to investigate and to optimise the operational parameters such as Mn7+ ion concentration, contact time, dosage, MB concentration, pH, and temperature. The modified adsorbent revealed a significant adsorption improvement when compared with pure SC. A small addition of 0.01 g of Mn7+ exhibited 100% removal efficiency up to a dye concentration of about 100 mg/L, whereas about 64% removal efficiency was obtained with pure SC using 36.5 mg/L of the MB solution. Furthermore, the modified adsorbent revealed rapid equilibrium times of around 1 and 3 minutes using 36.5 and 100 mg/L of the MB solution, respectively. An experimental adsorption capacity of up to 246 mg/g was obtained, and the equilibrium data were consistent with the Freundlich isotherm and were well fitted with a pseudo-second-order kinetic model. The thermodynamic values indicated a physisorption, exothermic (ΔH° = −7.7 kJ/mol), and spontaneous (ΔG° = −9.4 kJ/mol) nature of the adsorption process with enhanced feasibility and comparable regeneration efficiency for up to five cycles. Therefore, the results indicate that the modified sorbent can possibly be utilised as a potential fast method for the removal of MB dye from wastewater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mixed oxides featuring perovskite-type structures (ABO3) offer promising catalytic properties for applications focused on the control of atmospheric pollution. In this work, a series of BaxMnO3 (x = 1, 0.9, 0.8 and 0.7) samples have been synthesized, characterized and tested as catalysts for CO oxidation reaction in conditions close to that found in the exhausts of last-generation automotive internal combustion engines. All samples were observed to be active as catalysts for CO oxidation during CO-TPRe tests, with Ba0.7MnO3 (B0.7M) being the most active one, as it presents the highest amount of oxygen vacancies (which act as active sites for CO oxidation) and Mn (IV), which features the highest levels of reducibility and the best redox properties. B0.7M has also showcased a high stability during reactions at 300 °C, even though a slightly lower CO conversion is achieved during the second consecutive reaction cycle. This performance appears to be related to the decrease in the Mn (IV)/Mn (III) ratio. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Manganese (Mn2+) is an abundant chemical element in the earth's crust and is present in soil, water, and industrial environments, including mining, welding, and battery manufacturing. Manganese (Mn) is an essential metal needed as a cofactor for many enzymes to maintain proper biological functions. Excessive exposure to Mn in high doses can result in a condition known as manganism, which results in disorders of the neurological, cardiac, and pulmonary systems. The aim of this study was to assess cardiac susceptibility to manganese intoxication in Colossoma macropomum subjected to a fixed concentration of 4 mg/mL for a period of up to 96 h. This study used 45 Tambaquis (30.38 ± 3.5 g) divided into five groups of 9 animals/treatment. The treated groups were exposed to the manganese concentration for a period of 24, 48, 72, and 96 h, after which the animals' ECGs were recorded, showing heart rate, R-R interval, P-Q interval, QRS complex duration and S-T interval. The results showed that cardiac activity decreased as the contact time increased, with an increase in the P-Q and S-T intervals. This indicates that the breakdown of circulatory homeostasis in these animals was caused by contact time with manganese. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, manganese whitlockite (Mn-WH, Ca 18 Mn 2 (HPO 4) 2 (PO 4) 12) was successfully synthesized and comprehensively characterized. This material is a manganese-containing analog of the biomineral magnesium whitlockite (Mg-WH, Ca 18 Mg 2 (HPO 4) 2 (PO 4) 12). The synthesis was performed via a low-temperature dissolution-precipitation process in aqueous medium under ambient pressure at 75 °C using dicalcium phosphate dehydrate and manganese acetate tetrahydrate as starting materials. The crystal structure of the synthesized powder was determined by powder X-ray diffraction, FTIR and Raman spectroscopies, demonstrating the presence of characteristic structural units. Morphological features and elemental distribution within the synthesized powder were studied by SEM/EDX analysis. XPS, EPR and magnetic studies confirmed the presence of Mn ions in a divalent state. Temperature-dependent magnetic measurements revealed a paramagnetic behavior of Mn-WH down to 5 K. In vitro cytotoxicity experiments were performed with MC3T3-E1 preosteoblastic cell line. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A homogeneous catalyst system consisting of Mn(OAc)2 and 2‐picolinic acid was studied for alcohol oxidation using peracetic acid as the oxidant. Catalyst loadings as low as 0.01 mol% could be utilized and the system compared well to other peroxide based methods. The utilization of continuous flow allowed the fast, exothermic reactions to be carried out in a safe and scalable manner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

From organs to subcellular organelles, trace element (TE) homeostasis is fundamental for many physiological processes. While often overlooked in early stages, manifested TE disbalance can have severe health consequences, particularly in the context of aging or pathological conditions. Monitoring TE concentrations at the mitochondrial level could identify organelle-specific imbalances, contributing to targeted diagnostics and a healthier aging process. However, mitochondria isolation from frozen tissue is challenging, as it poses the risk of TE losses from the organelles due to cryodamage, but would significantly ease routine laboratory work. To address this, a novel method to isolate an enriched mitochondria fraction (EMF) from frozen tissue was adapted from already established protocols. Validation of manganese (Mn), iron (Fe), and copper (Cu) quantification via inductively coupled plasma tandem mass spectrometry (ICP-MS/MS) showed sufficiently low quantification limits for EMF TE analysis. Successful mitochondrial enrichment from frozen liver samples was confirmed via immunoblots and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed sufficient structural integrity of the EMFs. No significant differences in EMF TEs between frozen and fresh tissue were evident for Mn and Cu and only slight decreases in EMF Fe. Consequently, EMF TEs were highly comparable for isolates from both tissue states. In application, this method effectively detected dietary differences in EMF Fe of a murine feeding study and identified the disease status in a Wilson disease rat model based on drastically increased EMF Cu. In summary, the present method is suitable for future applications, facilitating sample storage and high-throughput analyses of mitochondrial TEs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We studied the recovery of the growth and physiological parameters of Scots pine seedlings after long-term zinc toxicity. The removal of excess zinc from the nutrient solution resulted in the rapid recovery of primary root growth but did not promote the initiation and growth of lateral roots. The recovery of root growth was accompanied by the rapid uptake of manganese, magnesium, and copper. Despite the maximum rate of manganese uptake by the roots, the manganese content in the needles of the recovering plants did not reach control values during the 28 days of the experiment, unlike magnesium, iron, and copper. In general, the recovery of ion homeostasis eliminated all of the negative effects on the photosynthetic pigment content in the needles. However, these changes, along with recovery of the water content in the needles, were not accompanied by an increase in the weight gain of the recovering seedlings compared with that of the Zn-stressed seedlings. The increased accumulation of phenolic compounds in the needles persisted for a long period after excess zinc was removed from the nutrient solution. The decreased lignin content in the roots and needles is a characteristic feature of Zn-stressed plants. Moreover, the removal of excess zinc from the nutrient solution did not lead to an increase in the lignin content in the organs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Power loss is a limiting factor for batteries and individual cells. The resulting heat generation due to the power loss leads to reduced battery performance and, thus, lower efficiency. These losses are largely due to the internal resistance of the cells. Therefore, it is important to accurately determine the value of the internal resistance of lithium–ion cells. From the literature, it was found that there are three widely used internal resistance-measurement methods (current step method, direct-energy-loss method, and calorimeter measurement), with negligible research on their comparison demonstrating the most efficient method. Henceforth, to find the most optimal method, this research adopts all three methods on a variety of cell chemistries, including Lithium-ion Manganese Oxide (LMO), Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP), Nickel Manganese Cobalt (NMC), and Lithium Titanium-Oxide (LTO) for different c-rates (1 C, 2 C, and 3 C), with a wide temperature range (from 0 °C to 40 °C). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Globally, scale deposition in water supply pipelines is one of the major problems faced by water utilities. This research aimed to determine the causes and effects of scale deposition in the water supply pipelines in Surakarta City, Indonesia. The total dissolved solids (TDS), hardness, manganese, and alkalinity in groundwater were higher than those in the surface water and spring water; thus, the supply areas from groundwater were identified using TDS at the taps. The three scaling indicators, i.e., the Langelier saturation index (LSI), the Ryznar stability index (RSI), and the Puckorius scaling index (PSI), indicated moderate calcium carbonate scaling. However, elemental analysis of eight scale samples using X-ray fluorescence (XRF) revealed that the major components of scale were either manganese (50.1–80.8%) or iron (45.6–63.8%), whereas calcium (3.0–7.8%) was a minor component. Because only five of twenty groundwater sources were chlorinated before distribution, it is estimated that dissolved manganese is oxidized by manganese-oxidizing bacteria. The manganese deposition rate in the networks was estimated to be 1660 kg/year using the manganese concentration at groundwater sources and in customers' taps. These results suggest the importance of the elemental analysis of scale and avoidance of overreliance on scale indicators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chemoselective hydrogenation of α,β‐epoxy ketones and α‐ketoamides is achieved at room temperature (25 °C) using 2.0 bar H2 and a pincer‐ligated Mn(I) catalyst that provides synthetically valuable α‐hydroxy epoxides and α‐hydroxy amides. This protocol applies to a wide range of alkyl‐ and aryl‐substituted α,β‐epoxy ketones, including terpenes (α‐ionone, nootkatone, and R‐carvone)‐ and steroids (testosterone and progesterone)‐derived epoxy ketones, and tolerates H2 sensitive functionalities, such as halides, acetyl, nitrile, nitro, epoxide, alkenyl and alkynyl groups. Additionally, α‐ketoamides bearing reducible functional groups, including acetyl and diazo benzene, were untouched under this protocol and selectively converted to α‐hydroxy amides. A preliminary mechanistic study highlighted the metal‐ligand cooperative H2 activation process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND RESULTS CONCLUSIONS An issue of pressing concern is the manganese contamination in farmland soils adjacent to industrial areas. To address this, intercropping hyperaccumulator plants with crops emerges as a sustainable approach to ensuring food security. This study aims to investigate the influence of intercropping Sedum alfredii with maize or soybean on their growth and the dynamics of manganese accumulation through field experiments.The results showed that compared with monoculture, the Sedum alfredii–maize intercropping system exhibited a land equivalent ratio (LER) of 1.89, signifying a 71.13% augmentation in bioaccumulation amount (BCA). Additionally, it led to a significant reduction in manganese content in various organs, ranging from 17.05% to 25.50%. However, the Sedum alfredii–soybean intercropping system demonstrated a LER of 1.94, accompanied by a 66.11% increase in BCA, but did not significantly reduce the manganese content in the roots, stems, and pods of soybeans. Furthermore, manganese accumulation in maize and soybean grains was primarily attributed to the aboveground translocation of manganese. The intercropping effect on blocking manganese absorption of maize during growth and maturity is primarily attributed to the earlier manganese accumulation in intercropped maize by 2.63 to 4.35 days, and a reduction of 21.95% in the maximum manganese accumulation rate.The study found that manganese accumulation dynamics vary significantly depending on the crop family. Intercropping Sedum alfredii with maize enhances land‐use efficiency and reduces manganese uptake by crops, making it a promising strategy for remediating manganese‐contaminated farmland near industrial areas. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Regulating the intrinsic activity of electrocatalysts is an effective strategy towards outstanding behaviour for oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Herein, the rational design of a Mn–CoP@CoFe 2 O 4 core-shell heterojunction using nickel foam (NF) as a supporting material with special interface engineering has been investigated by a facile hydrothermal technique combined with phosphorization and electrodeposition method. The physical characterization demonstrates Mn–CoP@CoFe 2 O 4 core-shell heterostructure with Mn–CoP nanoneedles as core and CoFe 2 O 4 nanosheets as shell has been successfully acquired. The electrochemical measurements of the as-prepared Mn–CoP@CoFe 2 O 4 /NF core-shell heterojunction nanoarray electrode exhibit the superior electrocatalytic behaviour for OER (Tafel slope of 35.6 mV dec−1 and overpotential of 209.6 mV@10 mA cm−2). The remarkable OER behaviour may be ascribed to the sufficient active sites and the enhanced intrinsic activity due to the introduction of CoFe 2 O 4 and Mn element, which can regulate the electron structure and increase the turnover frequency. Furthermore, the Mn–CoP@CoFe 2 O 4 /NF electrode appears an excellent long-run stability during the OER process at 100 mA cm−2 for 100 h. Therefore, the construction of metal doping transition metal-based core-shell heterostructure electrocatalysts may be a promising way for the remarkable OER electrocatalytic performance towards water splitting. Mn–CoP@CoFe 2 O 4 core–shell heterostructure electrocatalyst revealed the remarkable OER behaviour and stability, ascribing to the sufficient active sites and the enhanced intrinsic activity by the introduction of CoFe 2 O 4 and Mn element, which can regulate the electron structure and increase the turnover frequency. [Display omitted] • Mn–CoP@CoFe 2 O 4 /NF core-shell heterostructure electrocatalyst was fabricated. • Mn–CoP@CoFe 2 O 4 /NF exhibited the outstanding OER behaviour in 1 M KOH. • Mn–CoP@CoFe 2 O 4 /NF electrode appeared an excellent long-run stability for OER in 100 mA cm−2 for 100 h. • Mn–CoP@CoFe 2 O 4 /NF electrode possessed sufficient active sites and enhanced intrinsic activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cadmium is a heavy metal that pollutes the environment and foods and is a risk factor for vascular disorders. We have previously demonstrated that pretreatment of vascular endothelial cells with zinc and copper protects the cells against cadmium cytotoxicity. In contrast, cadmium cytotoxicity was potentiated in cells following exposure to lead, thereby indicating that in vascular endothelial cells, cadmium cytotoxicity can be differentially modified by the co-occurrence of other heavy metals. In this study, we revealed that simultaneous treatment or pretreatment with manganese protects vascular endothelial cells against cadmium cytotoxicity. Intracellular accumulation of cadmium was observed to be reduced by simultaneous treatment with manganese, although not by pretreatment. The mRNA expression of metal transporters that regulate the uptake of both cadmium and manganese (ZIP8, ZIP14, and DMT1) remained unaffected by either simultaneous treatment or pretreatment with manganese, and simultaneous treatment with manganese suppressed the cadmium-induced expression of metallothionein but pretreatment with manganese did not exhibit such suppressive effect. Thus, the protection of vascular endothelial cells against cadmium cytotoxicity conferred by simultaneous treatment with manganese is assumed to be partially attributed to a reduction in the intracellular accumulation of cadmium, whereas the effects of pretreatment with manganese are independent of both the reduced intracellular accumulation of cadmium and the induction of metallothionein. These observations accordingly indicate that the protective effects of manganese are mediated via alternative (as yet unidentified) mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: The spread of antibiotic resistance and mineral depletion in soils encourages an intensive search for highly effective and environmentally safe bactericidal agents and sources of macro- and micro-elements. The most profitable solution would combine both the described tasks. Ultrafine particles (UFPs) have this functionality. Thus, this study aimed to analyze the bioluminescence and external morphological changes of Escherichia coli cells after contact with Mn2O3 and Co3O4 UFPs at effective concentrations (ECs). Materials and Methods: The antibiotic properties of the studied samples were determined on a multifunctional microplate analyzer TECAN Infinite F200 (Tecan Austria GmbH, Austria) by fixing the luminescence value of the bacterial strain E. coli K12 TG11 (Ecolum, NVO Immunotech Closed Joint Stock Company, Russia). Morphological changes in the cell structure were evaluated using a Certus Standard EG-5000 atomic force microscope equipped with NSPEC software (Nano Scan Technology LLC, Russia). Results: The obtained results indicate high bactericidal properties of Co3O4 and Mn2O3 UFPs (EC50 at 3.1 x 10-5 and 1.9 x 10-3 mol/L, respectively) due to the degradation of the cell wall, pathological increase in size, disruption of septic processes, and loss of cytoplasmic contents. Conclusion: The prospects for the environmentally safe use of ultrafine materials are outlined. The limits of the dosages of Co3O4 and Mn2O3 UFPs recommended for further study in vitro and in vivo in feeding farm animals are established (no more than 4.9 x 10-4 mol/L for Mn2O3 UFPs and 1.5 x 10-5 mol/L for Co3O4 UFPs). The limitation of the work is the lack of experiments to determine the mechanisms of the toxic effect of UFP on bacteria, protein structures, and DNA and oxidative stress, which is planned to be performed in the future together with in situ and in vivo studies on animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The enrichment of iodine in the groundwater within an acid and reducing environment is investigated in the Pearl river delta, China. • The redox of MnO 2 and iodide resulted in the formation of iodine and iodate, which can be effectively adsorbed on soil. • By improving the concentration of dissolved oxygen in groundwater can immobilize the iodine species in soils to a greater extent. In North China, iodine-rich groundwater has been extensively studied, but few in South China. This study aimed to investigate the characteristics of iodine-rich groundwater in South China and identify potential contamination sources. The results revealed that the average concentration of iodine in groundwater was 890 µg/L, with a maximum concentration of 6350 µg/L, exceeding the permitted levels recommended by the World Health Organization (5–300 µg/L). Notably, the enrichment of iodide occurred in acidic conditions (pH = 6.6) and a relatively low Eh environment (Eh = 198.4 mV). Pearson correlation and cluster analyses suggested that the enrichment of iodide could be attributed to the intensified redox process involving Mn(II), iodine (I 2), or iodate (IO 3 −) in the soil. The strong affinity between Mn(II) and I 2 /IO 3 − facilitated their interaction, resulting in the formation and mobilization of I− from the soil to the groundwater. Leaching experiments further confirmed that reducing substances (such as sodium sulfides, ascorbic acids, and fulvic acids) in the soil with low dissolved oxygen (DO) levels (< 1.0 mg/L) enhanced the dissolution of iodine species. Conversely, higher DO content (> 3.8 mg/L) promoted the oxidation of I− into I 2 or IO 3 −, leading to its stabilization. This research provides new insights into the characteristics and mechanisms of I− enrichment in groundwater in South China, and emphasizes the significance of the redox reactions involving Mn(II) and I 2 /IO 3 −, as well as the influence of soil properties in regulating the occurrence and transportation of iodine species within groundwater systems. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increasing global demand for Mn necessitates cost-effective recovery methods applicable to low- and medium-grade ores. Reductive bioleaching has emerged as a promising technique for Mn extraction from low-grade ores. This study aimed to simultaneously bioleach both Cu and Mn from low-grade ore obtained from Boleo, Mexico, using Acidithiobacillus thiooxidans. Additionally, the influence of activated coffee charcoal on the leaching process was examined. The biotic samples exhibited significantly higher Cu (70.6–71.9%) and Mn (78.8–82.2%) extraction compared to abiotic samples (41.7% Cu and 2.7% Mn). The presence of activated coffee charcoal improves the extraction rate and leaching efficiency of Mn, but it does not significantly impact Cu bioleaching from low-grade ore. Additional experiments confirmed that sulfur oxidation by A. thiooxidans played a significant role in Mn dissolution. A. thiooxidans oxidizes elemental sulfur, and during this process, Mn undergoes reduction either through enzymatic or non-enzymatic pathways. After the bioleaching process, the majority of Cu and Mn in the aqueous phase, and Cu and Mn within the residual ore can also be easily leached in a weak acid environment. This study demonstrates the applicability of simultaneous bioleaching without the necessity of an additional chemically reducing agent, effectively contributing to metal extraction practices. Further optimization of operational parameters, including sulfur concentration and operation time, is necessary to enhance leaching efficiency before the scaling-up of the approach validated in the presented study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]