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Locally available apricot seed shell as agro-waste was used for the preparation of adsorbents. The biochar was prepared at 370°C via pyrolysis and 80 mesh particle sizes were modified by 1N HCl. Nitrate adsorption and effect of co-ions from aqueous solution were studied under batch model using apricot seed shell powder (ASSP), apricot seed shell biochar (ASSB), and activated apricot seed shell biochar (AASSB). FTIR and pHPZC measurements were used to characterize the adsorbents. Based on the experimental findings, the optimum conditions follow pH 2, 0.3g dosage, initial concentration of 50 mg.L-1, and contact time of 90 min. The three forms of adsorbent exhibited good adsorption for nitrate. However, the maximum percentage removal of nitrate ions from the aqueous solution followed the order AASSB>ASSB>ASSP. The adsorption kinetic of nitrate ion was best fitted by pseudo 2nd order, and the parameters of adsorption isotherms elucidated favorable and improved sorption. This agro-waste could be used to develop sustainable adsorbents in water and wastewater treatment methods and has great potential to replace commercially available sorbents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Hypotension may affect 70-75% of patients undergoing cesarean section (CS) under spinal anesthesia (SA) and may have detrimental effects on both the mother and the fetus. Our study attempts to compare the effectiveness of phenylephrine and ephedrine in treating SA-induced hypotension in CS and their impact on the fetus. Methods: Forty adult pregnant female patients undergoing elective CS under SA were randomly divided into two groups to receive phenylephrine 100 µg IV bolus and ephedrine 6 mg IV bolus when the systolic blood pressure (SBP) dropped below 20% of the baseline. After delivery of the fetus, the umbilical artery blood sample was taken for blood gas analysis. Apgar score was recorded at 1 and 5 minutes post-delivery. Results: Significant differences were observed in heart rate (HR), SBP, and diastolic blood pressure (DBP), with HR being lower and SBP and DBP being higher in the Phenylephrine group. No significant difference was seen in the Apgar scoring, but uterine artery pH was significantly higher in the Phenylephrine group. Conclusion: Phenylephrine and ephedrine are equally effective in treating SA-induced hypotension in patients undergoing CS. Neonates of patients receiving phenylephrine had significantly higher pH than those receiving ephedrine, although the eventual neonatal outcome, as assessed by Apgar scoring, remained equally good with both drugs.