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The paper presents the first terrestrial record of millennial-scale palaeo-ice margin oscillations at the southern fringe of the last Fennoscandian Ice Sheet (FIS) during the last glacial cycle. The study area is located in northern Poland close to the last FIS maximum limit. The chronology and dynamics of palaeo-ice margin oscillations at the southern fringe of the FIS are based on combined luminescence and 10Be surface exposure dating. Optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) was used to date sandy deposits (fluvioglacial sediments and aeolian deposits filling fossil periglacial wedges) intercalating basal till layers. The most likely age of the tills was constrained by Bayesian modelling of the sequence of OSL ages and lithostratigraphy. 10Be surface exposure dating was used on erratic boulders left during the final retreat of the last FIS and resting on the surface of glacial landforms. Our results, which are mainly based on OSL chronology and Bayesian modelling, indicate millennial-scale oscillations of the last FIS in northern Poland between ∼19 and ∼17 ka. The last FIS retreated and re-advanced over a relatively short period of time (2–3 ka), leaving lithostratigraphic records (basal tills) of three ice re-advances over a millennial-scale cycle: 19.2±1.1, 17.8±0.5 and 16.9±0.5 ka. Despite 10Be surface exposure ages obtained for 14 erratic boulders being poorly clustered, the main mode of age distribution occurs at ∼18 ka and indicates a possible signal of the ice sheet retreat after one of the re-advances. We explore the dynamics of these oscillations and compare the proposed cycles of the southern FIS advances and retreats with existing patterns of the last deglaciation and millennial-scale fluctuations of the last FIS inferred from marine records.

This paper explores the connection between the H3BO3 flux concentration and the co-existence of Eu2+ and Eu3+ dopants within CaMgSi2O6 crystals (diopside). The samples were synthesised using a solid-state synthesis method under varying atmospheric conditions, including oxidative (air), neutral (N2), and reductive (H2/N2 mixture) environments. Additionally, some materials underwent chemical modification by partially substituting Si4+ with Al3+ ions acting as charge compensation defects stabilizing Eu3+ luminescence. Depending on the specific synthesis conditions, the materials predominantly displayed either the orangered luminescence of Eu3+ (under oxidising conditions) or the blue luminescence of Eu2+; however, the comprehensive results confirmed the co-existence of Eu3+/Eu2+ luminescence in both cases. This work shows that varying flux concentrations added during synthesis significantly affect the relative strength of Eu2+ and Eu3+ emissions in a manner dependent on the synthesis atmosphere. The emission of Eu2+ increases with a higher flux concentration in materials synthesised under oxidative and neutral atmospheres independent of the chemical modification. In contrast, for materials obtained under a reductive atmosphere, the changes in the Eu3+ emission intensity depended on the presence or absence of Al3+ ions namely the increase of flux increased the Eu3+ intensity in the case of unmodified materials and decreased in the Al-modified ones. All observed effects were qualitatively explained considering the double role of the flux in the studied system, which besides facilitating the diffusion of chemical species during synthesis acts as a charge compensating agent by creating B'Si centres stabilizing Eu3+ emission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents the first terrestrial record of millennial-scale palaeo-ice margin oscillations at the southern fringe of the last Fennoscandian Ice Sheet (FIS) during the last glacial cycle. The study area is located in northern Poland close to the last FIS maximum limit. The chronology and dynamics of palaeo-ice margin oscillations at the southern fringe of the FIS are based on combined luminescence and 10 Be surface exposure dating. Optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) was used to date sandy deposits (fluvioglacial sediments and aeolian deposits filling fossil periglacial wedges) intercalating basal till layers. The most likely age of the tills was constrained by Bayesian modelling of the sequence of OSL ages and lithostratigraphy. 10 Be surface exposure dating was used on erratic boulders left during the final retreat of the last FIS and resting on the surface of glacial landforms. Our results, which are mainly based on OSL chronology and Bayesian modelling, indicate millennial-scale oscillations of the last FIS in northern Poland between ∼19 and ∼17 ka. The last FIS retreated and re-advanced over a relatively short period of time (2–3 ka), leaving lithostratigraphic records (basal tills) of three ice re-advances over a millennial-scale cycle: 19.2±1.1 , 17.8±0.5 and 16.9±0.5 ka. Despite 10 Be surface exposure ages obtained for 14 erratic boulders being poorly clustered, the main mode of age distribution occurs at ∼18 ka and indicates a possible signal of the ice sheet retreat after one of the re-advances. We explore the dynamics of these oscillations and compare the proposed cycles of the southern FIS advances and retreats with existing patterns of the last deglaciation and millennial-scale fluctuations of the last FIS inferred from marine records. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carnivorous plants are exemplary natural sources of secondary metabolites with biological activity. However, the therapeutic antimicrobial potential of these compounds is limited due to intrinsic resistance of selected bacterial pathogens, among which Pseudomonas aeruginosa represents an extreme example. The objective of the study was to overcome the intrinsic resistance of P. aeruginosa by combining silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) with secondary metabolites from selected carnivorous plant species. We employed the broth microdilution method, the checkerboard titration technique and comprehensive phytochemical analyses to define interactions between nanoparticles and active compounds from carnivorous plants. It has been confirmed that P. aeruginosa is resistant to a broad range of secondary metabolites from carnivorous plants, i.e., naphthoquinones, flavonoids, phenolic acids (MBC = 512 µg mL−1) and only weakly sensitive to their mixtures, i.e., extracts and extracts’ fractions. However, it was shown that the antimicrobial activity of extracts and fractions with a significant level of naphthoquinone (plumbagin) was significantly enhanced by AgNPs. Our studies clearly demonstrated a crucial role of naphthoquinones in AgNPs and extract interaction, as well as depicted the potential of AgNPs to restore the bactericidal activity of naphthoquinones towards P. aeruginosa. Our findings indicate the significant potential of nanoparticles to modulate the activity of selected secondary metabolites and revisit their antimicrobial potential towards human pathogenic bacteria.

The paper presents a study of reconstructing chronology and dynamics of palaeo-ice margin oscillations at the southern fringe of the last Fennoscandian Ice Sheet (FIS) based on combined luminescence and 10Be surface exposure dating. The study area is located in northern Poland close to the last FIS maximum limit. Luminescence method was used to date sandy deposits (fluvioglacial sediments and aeolian deposits filling fossil periglacial wedges) intercalating basal till layers, and the most likely age of the tills was constrained by Bayesian modelling. 10Be dating method was used on erratic boulders left during the final retreat of the last FIS and resting on at the surface of glacial landforms. Our results indicate millennial-scale oscillations of the last FIS in northern Poland between ~19 and ~17 ka. The last FIS retreated and re20 advanced over a relatively short period of time (2-3 ka), leaving a lithostratigraphic record (basal tills) of three ice readvances in a millennial cycle: 19.2 ± 1.1 ka, 17.8 ± 0.5 ka and 16.9 ± 0.5 ka. The paper presents the first terrestrial record of millennial-scale palaeo-ice margin oscillations at the southern fringe of the FIS during the last glacial cycle. We explore the dynamics of these oscillations and confront the proposed cycles of the southern FIS advances and retreats with existing patterns of the last deglaciation and millennial-scale fluctuations of the last FIS inferred from marine records. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BiOX (X = Cl, Br, I) photocatalysts with dominant (110) facets were synthesized via a mannitol-assisted solvothermal method. This is the first report on the exposed (110) facets-, size-, and defects-controlled synthesis of BiOX achieved by solvothermal synthesis with mannitol. This polyol alcohol acted simultaneously as a solvent, capping agent, and/or soft template. The mannitol concentration on the new photocatalysts morphology and surface properties was investigated in detail. At the lowest concentration tested, mannitol acted as a structure-directing agent, causing unification of nanoparticles, while at higher concentrations, it functioned as a solvent and soft template. The effect of exposed (110) facet and surface defects (Bi(3−x)+, Bi4+, Bi5+) of BiOX on the photocatalytic activity of nanomaterials under the UV–Vis irradiation were evaluated by oxidation of Rhodamine B (RhB) and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), an anticancer drug, and by reduction of Cr(VI). Additionally, the influence of crucial factors on the formation of BiOX in the synthesis with mannitol was discussed extensively, and the mechanism of BiOX formation was proposed. These studies presented a new simple method for synthesizing BiOX without any additional surfactants or shape control agents with good photocatalytic activity. The study also provided a better understanding of the effects of solvothermal conditions on the BiOX crystal growth.

A series of Bi4O5Br2 photocatalysts were prepared via an innovation method of synthesis with ionic liquids (ILs). The crystal structures were investigated by X-ray Diffraction (XRD) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR). The Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FE-SEM) images illustrated the unique structure of prepared photocatalysts. The photocatalysts were also characterized by N2 adsorption-desorption analysis, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectra (UV-vis/DRS) and photoluminescence spectra (PL). The role of ILs in synthesis of Bi4O5Br2 on morphology and photocatalytic properties were investigated. Rhodamine B, 5-fluorouracil and chromium (VI) were used as the model micropollutants to evaluated adsorption capacity, photooxidation and photoreduction ability of prepared Bi4O5Br2 under artificial solar light. This work provided a new thought for enhanced photocatalytic activity of bismuth oxybromide photocatalysts.

Soil contamination with trace elements in mining areas still remains an urgent research problem due to their negative environmental impact that needs to be assessed. Despite the wide application of the electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) method to different environmental problems, it continually remains methodologically challenging in soil contamination near waste dumps of post‐metal historical mining. The aims of our study were: (1) to validate ERT measurements for detecting soil contamination by trace elements in the vicinity of a waste dump containing post‐processing spoil from Zn‐Pb ore smelting, (2) to determine the extent of soil contamination, and (3) to analyze the mineralogical, physical, and chemical properties of the soils affected. ERT enabled us to study the variability of electrical properties of soils, to locate the area of contamination, and to evaluate its spatial diversity in both. The impact of soil pollution is reflected on ERT cross‐sections in the form of electrical resistivities that decrease with increasing depth and distance from the waste dump. The respective maximum contents of Zn, Pb and Cd in the soils were 28,903, 12,407, and 136 mg kg−1. The total concentration of trace elements in soils was the highest down to a depth of 0.25 m and decreased in the order: Zn > Pb > Cu > Cd > Tl > As > Cr > Ni. The electrical resistivities of the soil samples were negatively correlated with the silty and clayey fraction content (−0.78), specific electrical conductivity (−0.75), total trace element content (−0.67), organic matter content (−0.57), and gravimetric water content (−0.53). The results also indicate that the electrical properties of the topsoil depend directly on the type of mineral components. Hydrated iron sulphates, lead sulphates, water‐bound in aluminosilicates, Fe oxides/hydroxides, and hydrated Fe, Zn, and Pb sulphates present in the soil all decrease its electrical resistivity. Our results show the impact of the mineralogical, physical, and chemical properties of the soils on the measured electrical resistivity and that including this information in the interpretation of ERT results enables non‐invasive detailed determination of soil contamination by trace elements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The benefits of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have been known in many fields from catalysis through optics to medicine due to their unique size-dependent properties. Recently, there is also a growing interest in novel skincare formulations containing AgNPs. In this work, AgNPs were successfully synthesised and were characterised by UV-Vis spectroscopy and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). In addition, an analysis of particle size distribution (measured by Dynamic Light Scattering – DLS) and zeta potential (using the method Electrophoretic Light Scattering – ELS) were made. The obtained AgNPs were in two sizes: small (20 nm ± 5 nm) and large (100 nm ± 5 nm). The assessment of the cytotoxic effect on human skin cells was done. Smaller AgNPs showed less cytotoxicity and thus greater safety for skin, so they were introduced into new skincare formulations such as oil/water (O/W) emulsion, water/oil (W/O) emulsion and hydrogel. Moreover, the study of release AgNPs from emulsions and hydrogel using Franz diffusion chamber with pig skin as a membrane has been conducted. The receptor fluid measurements were performed by Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS). The last point of the research was the performance of microbiological tests to determine the antibacterial effect of the smaller AgNPs in both solution and cosmetic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Highly efficient nanocomposites were obtained solvothermally. • 5-fluorouracil was oxidized major by h+ and minor by O 2 – • The roles of B:DGNW in enhancing photocatalytic activity were complex. • Cytostatic drug was effectively photooxidized in actual fresh and sea waters. • (BiO) 2 OHCl/BiOBr-1.5%B:DGNW is a promising material for water purification. In this work, a series of novel (BiO) 2 OHCl/BiOBr-x%B:DGNW (x = 0%, 1%, 1.5%, 2%) composites with different content of boron-doped diamond/graphene nanowalls (B:DGNW) were fabricated by simple solvothermal synthesis. A boron-doped diamond/graphene nanowalls (B:DGNW) were prepared by CVD method. A series of analyses: XRD, XPS, SEM, and TEM showed that the photocatalyst (BiO) 2 OHCl/BiOBr-x%B:DGNW with a "flower-like" morphology was successfully synthesized. The photocatalytic activity of the obtained composites in the degradation of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) in various water matrices (deionized water, sea, and surface water) under the influence of artificial solar radiation was assessed. The results showed that all the prepared (BiO) 2 OHCl/BiOBr-x%B:DGNW composites were characterized by excellent photocatalytic activity. The calculated pseudo-first rate constant for 5-FU degradation increased with the elevation of amount of B:DGNW up to 1.5% in (BiO) 2 OHCl/BiOBr, and it dropped down to value obtained for non-riched material by B:DGNW, when of 2% B:DGNW was introduced to composite. The results showed that B:DGNW play a key role in the separation of charge carriers h+/e- enhancing degradation rate of 5-FU. The photoactivity of (BiO) 2 OHCl/BiOBr-1.5%B:DGNW composite to 5-FU removal was also satisfied in natural water, although its structure has changed in seawater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carnivorous plants are exemplary natural sources of secondary metabolites with biological activity. However, the therapeutic antimicrobial potential of these compounds is limited due to intrinsic resistance of selected bacterial pathogens, among which Pseudomonas aeruginosa represents an extreme example. The objective of the study was to overcome the intrinsic resistance of P. aeruginosa by combining silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) with secondary metabolites from selected carnivorous plant species. We employed the broth microdilution method, the checkerboard titration technique and comprehensive phytochemical analyses to define interactions between nanoparticles and active compounds from carnivorous plants. It has been confirmed that P. aeruginosa is resistant to a broad range of secondary metabolites from carnivorous plants, i.e., naphthoquinones, flavonoids, phenolic acids (MBC = 512 µg mL−1) and only weakly sensitive to their mixtures, i.e., extracts and extracts' fractions. However, it was shown that the antimicrobial activity of extracts and fractions with a significant level of naphthoquinone (plumbagin) was significantly enhanced by AgNPs. Our studies clearly demonstrated a crucial role of naphthoquinones in AgNPs and extract interaction, as well as depicted the potential of AgNPs to restore the bactericidal activity of naphthoquinones towards P. aeruginosa. Our findings indicate the significant potential of nanoparticles to modulate the activity of selected secondary metabolites and revisit their antimicrobial potential towards human pathogenic bacteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BiOX (X = Cl, Br, I) photocatalysts with dominant (110) facets were synthesized via a mannitol-assisted solvothermal method. This is the first report on the exposed (110) facets-, size-, and defects-controlled synthesis of BiOX achieved by solvothermal synthesis with mannitol. This polyol alcohol acted simultaneously as a solvent, capping agent, and/or soft template. The mannitol concentration on the new photocatalysts morphology and surface properties was investigated in detail. At the lowest concentration tested, mannitol acted as a structure-directing agent, causing unification of nanoparticles, while at higher concentrations, it functioned as a solvent and soft template. The effect of exposed (110) facet and surface defects (Bi(3−x)+, Bi4+, Bi5+) of BiOX on the photocatalytic activity of nanomaterials under the UV–Vis irradiation were evaluated by oxidation of Rhodamine B (RhB) and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), an anticancer drug, and by reduction of Cr(VI). Additionally, the influence of crucial factors on the formation of BiOX in the synthesis with mannitol was discussed extensively, and the mechanism of BiOX formation was proposed. These studies presented a new simple method for synthesizing BiOX without any additional surfactants or shape control agents with good photocatalytic activity. The study also provided a better understanding of the effects of solvothermal conditions on the BiOX crystal growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The recirculating split-flow batch reactor with a cell divided into anolyte and catholyte compartments for oxidation mixture of cytostatic drugs (CD) was tested. In this study, kinetics and mechanisms of electrochemical oxidization of two mixtures: 5-FU/CP and IF/CP were investigated. The order of the CD degradation rate in single drug solutions and in mixtures was found to be 5-FU < CP < IF. In the 5-FU/CP mixture, kapp of 5-FU increased, while kapp of CP decreased comparing to the single drug solutions. No effect on the degradation rate was found in the CP/IF mixture. The presence of a second drug in the 5-FU/CP mixture significantly altered mineralization and nitrogen removal efficiency, while these processes were inhibited in IF/CP. The experiments in the different electrolytes showed that •OH and sulphate active species can participate in the drug's degradation. The kapp of the drugs was accelerated by the presence of Cl− ions in the solution. Chlorine active species played the main role in the production of gaseous nitrogen products and increased the mineralisation. Good results were obtained for the degradation and mineralisation processes in mixtures of drugs in municipal wastewater-treated effluent, which is beneficial from the technological and practical point of view. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, biochars (BCs) produced from crops (straw and seeds) were tested for the applicability as additive to soils. The effect on pH, water capacity and cation exchange capacity of soil were tested. The ability for the sorption of pharmaceuticals (beta-blockers, anti-inflammatory drugs, sulfonamides, 17α-ethinylestradiol, carbamazepine, caffeine) using the batch sorption test was performed, and the effect of water pH was investigated. In addition, the metals removed from the biochar was analyzed as a potential toxicity factor. The mechanism of adsorption (Langmuir, Freundlich) was tested for sulfadimetoxine. The effect of the rye-derived biochar on water cress germination and the reduction of the sulfonamides toxicity to this plant was tested. The advantages of crop-derived biochar application to different soils (sand soil, clay soil and reference soil) was presented. It was found that tested BCs effectively increase the water capacity of soils, especially sand type soil, but in the same time it had increase the pH of pure-buffering soils. The driving force of pharmaceutical sorption was its ionization form - the highest sorption occurs for cations, medium for neutral forms, while the lowest sorption for anions. The opposite situation have been noted for desorption from biochar. The washing of biochars increases sorption for the neutral and anionic species, but not for the cations. The application of biochars into the soils can from one site protect the plants from toxic impact of sulfonamides, but from the other hamper the root prolongation by the pH increase. Image 1 • Crop-derived biochar show sorption toward cationic pharmaceuticals. • The mechanism of sulfonamides sorption was checked. • The amendment of soil by biochar decrease the toxicity of sulfonamides to cress. • The toxic effect of biochar to cress by the pH increase was observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper explores the connection between the H 3 BO 3 flux concentration and the co-existence of Eu 2+ and Eu 3+ dopants within CaMgSi 2 O 6 crystals (diopside). The samples were synthesised using a solid-state synthesis method under varying atmospheric conditions, including oxidative (air), neutral (N 2 ), and reductive (H 2 /N 2 mixture) environments. Additionally, some materials underwent chemical modification by partially substituting Si 4+ with Al 3+ ions acting as charge compensation defects stabilizing Eu 3+ luminescence. Depending on the specific synthesis conditions, the materials predominantly displayed either the orange-red luminescence of Eu 3+ (under oxidising conditions) or the blue luminescence of Eu 2+ ; however, the comprehensive results confirmed the co-existence of Eu 3+ /Eu 2+ luminescence in both cases. This work shows that varying flux concentrations added during synthesis significantly affect the relative strength of Eu 2+ and Eu 3+ emissions in a manner dependent on the synthesis atmosphere. The emission of Eu 2+ increases with a higher flux concentration in materials synthesised under oxidative and neutral atmospheres independent of the chemical modification. In contrast, for materials obtained under a reductive atmosphere, the changes in the Eu 3+ emission intensity depended on the presence or absence of Al 3+ ions namely the increase of flux increased the Eu 3+ intensity in the case of unmodified materials and decreased in the Al-modified ones. All observed effects were qualitatively explained considering the double role of the flux in the studied system, which besides facilitating the diffusion of chemical species during synthesis acts as a charge compensating agent by creating B' Si centres stabilizing Eu 3+ emission.