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In this work, nitrogen vacancy (NV) centers of high nitrogen diamond implanted with arsenic ions were investigated by photoluminescence spectroscopy. The transition of the NV center charge state was discussed by the regularly changing laser excitation power and measurement temperature following high-temperature annealing. After high-temperature annealing, the amorphous layer generated by arsenic ion implantation is transformed into a graphitization layer, resulting in a decrease in the NV yield. The electric neutral NV (NV0) center and negatively charged NV (NV−) center are affected by both radiation recombination and Auger recombination with increasing laser power. Accompanied by the increasing measurement temperature, the intensities of NV centers gradually decreased and eventually quenched. In addition, the charge states of NV− and NV0 centers were undergoing a transition. The zero phonon line positions of NV centers were also red shift, it was attributed to the dominant role of electron–phonon interaction in the temperature-dependent displacement of diamond energy gaps. The full width at half maxima of NV center were broadened significantly at higher temperatures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Arsenic contamination of soils threatens the health of millions globally through accumulation in crops. While plants detoxify arsenic via phytochelatin (PC) complexation and efflux of arsenite from roots, arsenite efflux mechanisms are not fully understood. Here, white lupin (Lupinus albus) was grown in semi-hydroponics and exudation of glutathione (GSH) derivatives and PCs in response to arsenic was scrutinised using LC-MS/MS. Inhibiting synthesis of PC precursor GSH with L-buthionine sulfoximine (BSO) or ABC transporters with vanadate drastically reduced (>22%) GSH-derivative and PC2 exudation, but not PC3 exudation. This was accompanied by arsenic hypersensitivity in plants treated with BSO and moderate sensitivity with vanadate treatment. Investigating arsenic-phytochelatin (As-PC) complexation revealed two distinct As-PC complexes, As bound to GSH and PC2 (GS-As-PC2) and As bound to PC3 (As-PC3), in exudates of As-treated lupin. Vanadate inhibited As-PC exudation, while BSO inhibited both the synthesis and exudation of As-PC complexes. These results demonstrate a role of GSH-derivatives and PC exudation in lupin arsenic tolerance and reveal As-PC exudation as a new potential mechanism contributing to active arsenic efflux in plants. Overall, this study uncovers insight into rhizosphere arsenic detoxification with potential to help mitigate pollution and reduce arsenic accumulation in crops.

Horizontal genetic transfer (HGT) is a common phenomenon in eukaryotic genomes. However, the mechanisms by which HGT-derived genes persist and integrate into other pathways remain unclear. This topic is of significant interest because, over time, the stressors that initially favoured the fixation of HGT may diminish or disappear. Despite this, the foreign genes may continue to exist if they become part of a broader stress response or other pathways. The conventional model suggests that the acquisition of HGT equates to adaptation. However, this model may evolve into more complex interactions between gene products, a concept we refer to as the 'Integrated HGT Model' (IHM). To explore this concept further, we studied specialized HGT-derived genes that encode heavy metal detoxification functions. The recruitment of these genes into other pathways could provide clear examples of IHM. In our study, we exposed two anciently diverged species of polyextremophilic red algae from the Galdieria genus to arsenic and mercury stress in laboratory cultures. We then analysed the transcriptome data using differential and coexpression analysis. Our findings revealed that mercury detoxification follows a 'one gene-one function' model, resulting in an indivisible response. In contrast, the arsH gene in the arsenite response pathway demonstrated a complex pattern of duplication, divergence and potential neofunctionalization, consistent with the IHM. Our research sheds light on the fate and integration of ancient HGTs, providing a novel perspective on the ecology of extremophiles.

Abstract: Structure elucidation plays a critical role across the landscape of medicinal chemistry, including medicinal inorganic chemistry. Herein, we discuss the importance of structure elucidation in drug development and then provide three vignettes that capture key instances of its relevance in the development of biologically active inorganic compounds. In the first, we describe the exploration of the biological activity of the trinuclear Ru compound called ruthenium red and the realization that this activity derived from a dinuclear impurity. We next explore the development of Au‐based antitubercular and antiarthritic drugs, which features a key step whereby ligands were discovered to bind to Au through S atoms. The third exposition traces the development of As‐based antiparasitic drugs, a key step of which was the realization that the reaction of arsenic acid and aniline does not produce an anilide of arsenic acid, as originally thought, but rather an amino arsonic acid. These case studies provide the motivation for an outlook in which the development of Sb‐based antiparasitic drugs is described. Although antileishmanial pentavalent antimonial drugs remain in widespread use to this day, their chemical structures remain unknown.

This work describes a novel technique for the measurement of inorganic arsenic in water by generating arsine gas and detecting the conductivity of moving protons, H+ (aqueous or aq), produced by the reaction: Ag+ (aq) + AsH3 (gas, g) → AgAsH2 (solid, s) + H+ (aq). The detection is based on an electrochemical gradient of protons in a confined porous substrate (filter paper) and measures the change in the conductance due to the higher mobility of H+ compared to other ions. The conductance was measured with a pair of silver electrodes attached to opposite sides of the substrate with a bipolar pulse conductance technique. The method is established in theory and in practice. The theoretical equation for conductance change shows that a constant increase in conductance is directly proportional to the As(total) concentration. The method is validated with a standard reference material and applied to the measurement of the groundwater sample. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Result Conclusion Elevated potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in aquatic products could threaten the health of ordinary consumers. Levels of chromium (Cr), arsenic (As), lead (Pb), and mercury (Hg) in Cyprinus carpio in karst plateau freshwater Lake, Caohai Lake, China were quantified using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP‐MS) and evaluated using a risk method with Monte Carlo simulation.Levels of Cr, As, Pb, and Hg in muscle tissue were substantially lower than those in viscera. The maximum concentration of muscle‐bound Cr, As, Pb, and Hg were less than the standard references set by Chinese Food Codex (GB 2762‐2022). The levels of Cr, As, Pb, and Hg in muscle tissue were independent of fish weight and length. The hazard index of all investigated elements in muscle tissue were less than one for adults and children, whereas the target hazard quotients of muscle‐bound PTEs for children were higher than those for adults. Results indicated that exposure duration was the largest contributor to the hazard quotient of Cr, As, and Hg, whereas the concentration of Pb in muscle was the most sensitive factor affecting the variation in hazard quotient of Pb.There is no risk related to the normal intake of muscle‐bound Cr, Pb, As and Hg with the consumption of Cyprinus carpio. A better definition of the probability distribution for exposure duration and PTEs concentration could result in a more accurate hazard quotient. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work was designed to investigate the influence of arsenic dosage, variety on the mechanical properties, hydration, and solidification from the perspective of Portland cement (PC) performance evolution. The results demonstrate that using PC could solidify the arsenic wastes effectively, with arsenic leaching concentrations consistently below 5 mg/L. Arsenic wastes retard cement hydration, leading to a slower rate of hydrates formation, disrupting the calcium silicate hydrate (C–S–H) stacking structure, and thus detrimental to strength development especially at early age. The adverse effect is highly dependent on the arsenic variety. The insoluble calcium arsenate exhibits the least impact, while the arsenates show the largest challenging to immobilization due to the instability of hydrates. Molecular dynamic simulation indicates that arsenic can be chemically immobilized with Ca2+, and be physically adsorbed onto the positively charged C–S–H by forming As‐O···Ca···Si‐O units, accompanied by a significant reduction in adsorption energy by 46.5%. The arsenic solidification behavior provides a basis for the resource utilization of arsenic wastes in cementitious materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The discharge of industrial wastewater, particularly from chemical and mining industries, poses significant threats to the environment, public health, and safety due to high concentrations of pollutants leading to serious illnesses and the loss of aquatic life. It is therefore essential and urgent to devise measures for mitigating these threats. To advance the understanding of graphene membranes for Arsenic (As) removal from wastewater, this research investigates As adsorption and its relative selectivity on graphene-based materials using computational approaches. Our study employed hybrid quantum mechanical calculations for energy and geometry optimization to explore As adsorption on pristine graphene membrane surfaces in vacuum and aqueous environments. We assessed the effect of different adsorption sites on the surface which includes the top (T), bridge (B), and hollow (H) sites across the edge (E) and center (C) regions of the absorbent surface, to identify the optimal site/mode of adsorption. Our results demonstrate that the edge sites are the most effective for adsorption, exhibiting strong adsorption energies in both vacuum (− 1.98 eV) and aqueous environments (− 1.97 eV). These values are significantly higher than the adsorption energies for water on the surface, which range from − 0.25 to − 0.26 eV. Geometrical analyses confirmed the bridge edge sites as the most preferred adsorption configuration. Our findings not only advance upon existing computational approaches for designing efficient adsorbents but also provide deeper insights into the adsorption mechanisms on graphene-based materials. Unlike previous studies, which focused primarily on experimental or theoretical aspects in isolation, this work integrates computational and theoretical approaches to optimize adsorption processes at the molecular level. By investigating membrane properties for As removal, this research offers a novel pathway for developing advanced adsorbents, addressing critical challenges in environmental remediation with greater precision and efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Arsenic exposure is associated with numerous morbidities due to dysfunction of various organ systems including the gastrointestinal tract. We investigated the protective effect of grape seed oil (GSO) against sodium arsenite (NaAsO2)-induced gastric, hepatic and colonic injuries in rats. Twenty-four male Wistar rats were divided into four groups of six as follows: Group A (control) received saline; group B received NaAsO2 (2.5 mg/kg) orally for 7 days; group C were treated concurrently with NaAsO2 and GSO (2 ml/kg), while group D received only GSO. Administration of NaAsO2 induced significant (p < 0.05) increases in alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST); increased periodic acid Schiff (PAS) staining for mucus and increased goblet cell numbers in the stomach and colon; inflammatory cell infiltration and vascular congestion and alterations in the fecal bacterial flora. GSO supplementation generally promoted a reversal of changes induced by NaAsO2 towards control levels. Additionally, there was increased immunohistochemically detected expression of colonic B-cell lymphoma-1 (Bcl-2) and cytokeratins AE1/AE3, but reduced expression of mucin 1 (MUC1) and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) in NaAsO2 + GSO and GSO treated rats when compared with the NaAsO2 group. These results suggest that GSO promoted anti-inflammatory processes in the liver, stomach and colon, as well as opposing apoptosis in the colon, resulting in significant attenuation of damage to these tissues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since 2011, holopelagic Sargassum have been massively stranding in the coastal environments of the Caribbean Islands inducing damages to coastal ecosystems, public health and the economy. To limit the risks associated with Sargassum stranding, floating barriers with nets can be placed in front of sensitive areas, to divert Sargassum away from the coast. To evaluate the potential transfer of metallic trace element (MTE) from Sargassum to adjacent marine life, seagrasses (Halophila stipulacea, Thalassia testidinum) and urchin (Lytechinus variegatus) were sampled, both close (0 m) and far (200 m) from barriers installed during 4 years in two bays: Baie Cayol (BC) and Cap Est (CE) in Martinique (FWI). A bay without barriers Baie-Tresor (BT) was also sampled in order to compare the effects of Sargassum accumulated in a natural environment versus an environment with floating barriers. The short-term effects of barriers were evaluated by measuring the evolution of MTE after four days, in the algae (Dictyota spp.), located close to Sargassum accumulations. All sampling was realized during two periods of active (July 2021) and reduced (January 2022) Sargassum stranding. The measured concentrations of 19 metal(loid)s trace elements revealed that the proximity of Sargassum to the barriers did not increase MTE concentration. The absence of increase in MTE was observed all sites (BT, BC and CE) and during periods of limited and important Sargassum stranding. Similarly, translocations of Dictyota close to Sargassum accumulations did not reveal any increase in MTE concentrations in the algae after 4 days. The present study suggests that the use of barriers to manage Sargassum stranding would not constitute an important threat of MTE contamination of marine environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The occurrence characteristics of arsenic in matte phase are unclear, which leads to the current treatment technology not being able to remove arsenic from matte phase significantly, thus causing a large amount of arsenic to affect smelting links such as copper converting and electrolytic refining. This paper uses instrumental analysis such as XRD, SEM-EDS, MLA and chemical analysis methods such as chemical phase extraction to comprehensively analyze the occurrence characteristics of arsenic in matte phase. The results show that the occurrence states of arsenic in matte are mainly arsenic sulfide, arsenic oxide, arsenate and residual arsenic. Most of the arsenic is in residual state in matte; arsenic in matte is extremely stable and difficult to exchange with the outside world; in high-grade matte, the arsenic content is relatively high. The main occurrence state of arsenic is copper-based complex alloy compounds, in which the arsenic content is about 1-10%. Since the metal bond between Cu-As is extremely stable, it is difficult to separate arsenic from it, which is also the key to the difficulty in completely removing arsenic from matte. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SUMMARY Arsenic (As) is extremely toxic to plants, posing a serious concern for food safety. Identification of genes responsive to As is significative for figuring out this issue. Here, we identified a bHLH transcription factor OsbHLH6 that was involved in mediating the processes of As tolerance, uptake, and root‐to‐shoot translocation in rice. The expression of OsbHLH6 gene was strongly induced after 3 and 48 h of arsenite [As(III)] treatment. The OsbHLH6‐overexpressed transgenic rice (OE‐OsbHLH6) was sensitive to, while the knockout mutant of OsbHLH6 gene (Osbhlh6) was tolerant to As(III) stress by affecting the contents of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and non‐protein thiols (NPT), etc. Knockout of OsbHLH6 gene increased significantly the As concentration in roots, but decreased extensively As accumulation in shoots, compared to that in OE‐OsbHLH6 and WT plants. The transcripts of phytochelatins (PCs) synthetase encoding genes OsPCS1 and OsPCS2, as well as As(III) transporter encoding genes OsLsi1 and OsABCC1 were greatly abundant in Osbhlh6 mutants than in OE‐OsbHLH6 and WT plants under As(III) stress. In contrast, the expression of OsLsi2 gene was extensively suppressed by As(III) in Osbhlh6 mutants. OsbHLH6 acted as a transcriptional activator to bind directly to the promoter and regulate the expression of OsPrx2 gene that encodes a peroxidase precursor. Moreover, overexpression of OsbHLH6 gene resulted in significant change of expression of amounts of abiotic stress‐related genes, which might partially contribute to the As sensitivity of OE‐OsbHLH6 plants. These findings may broaden our understanding of the molecular mechanism of OsbHLH6‐mediated As response in rice and provide novel useful genes for rice As stress‐resistant breeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Realgar possesses important medical properties. This article aims to evaluate realgar and emerging artificially optimized realgar to ensure safe clinical use. Methods: Multiple techniques were employed to test natural realgar and artificially optimized realgar. Soluble arsenic content in representative samples were measured. Natural realgar and artificially optimized realgar were administered to KM mice via gavage for 28 days, and the extent of liver and kidney tissue damage, arsenic accumulation and form of arsenic were measured. Results: Natural realgar and artificially optimized realgar can be distinguished by their physical properties or spectral signatures. ICP-MS and EPMA identified different contents of elements between two groups. In simulated gastric and intestinal fluids, only As (III) and As (V) were detected. Toxicity experiments in vivo demonstrate that both groups caused minimal liver and kidney damage at a dose of 30 mg·kg−1. At a dose of 180 mg·kg−1, artificially optimized realgar caused significantly greater liver and kidney damage. Conclusion: The differences between natural realgar and artificially optimized realgar were successfully distinguished through several methods. In vitro experiments showed that As is the main component exerting their medicinal effects. In vivo toxicity tests demonstrated that at higher dose, artificially optimized realgar exhibited significantly higher toxicity, suggesting that natural and artificially optimized realgar have different toxic properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rotational shifting cultivation (RSC) is commonly practiced in northern Thailand for upland rice cultivation, primarily for household consumption. However, the potential health risks from heavy metal contamination in these soils have not been thoroughly explored. This study aimed to evaluate the contamination of six heavy metals (Arsenic (As), Mercury (Hg), Cadmium (Cd), Lead (Pb), Copper (Cu), and Chromium (Cr)) in upland rice across RSC fields with varying fallow periods and assess the associated health risks from rice consumption. Four RSC fields with 5, 6, 10, and 12-year fallow periods were examined. The RSC-6Y and RSC-12Y fields were used for upland rice cultivation in 2022, while the RSC-5Y and RSC-10Y fields were cultivated in 2023. The geo-accumulation index (Igeo) was calculated, and translocation factors (TF) were assessed for the transfer of heavy metals from soil to straw (TFStraw/Soil), straw to grain (TFGrain/Straw), and soil to grain (TFGrain/Soil). The results indicated that after burning vegetation in the RSC fields, the highest concentrations of Pb, Cr, and Hg were found in the ash. In RSC soils, Cu, Cr, As, Pb, and Hg levels were below reference standards, with Cd undetected. In rice grains, the order of concentration was Pb > Cu > Cr > As, with Hg and Cd undetected. Pb levels in rice grains exceeded the safety threshold. Igeo values indicated no contamination to moderate contamination across sites, with negative Igeo values for Cr and Cu, and zero values for Cd. The TF results showed limited transfer of As, Hg, and Cd from soil to rice plants (TFStraw/Soil < 0.1), but notable transfer for Pb, Cr, and Cu. Pb was readily transferred from soil to grain (TFGrain/Soil), posing a potential health risk. The study highlights potential non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks from heavy metal exposure, particularly Pb, and underscores the need for further research to determine contamination sources and mitigation strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Arsenic, a toxic element from both anthropogenic and natural sources, reaches surface environments through atmospheric cycling and dry and wet deposition. Biomethylation volatilizes arsenic into the atmosphere and deposition cycles it back to the surface, affecting soil-plant systems. Chemical speciation of deposited arsenic is important for understanding further processing in soils and bioavailability. However, the range of atmospheric transport and source signature of arsenic species remain understudied. Here we report significant levels of methylated arsenic in precipitation, cloud water and aerosols collected under free tropospheric conditions at Pic du Midi Observatory (France) indicating long-range transport, which is crucial for atmospheric budgets. Through chemical analyses and moisture source diagnostics, we identify terrestrial and marine sources for distinct arsenic species. Estimated atmospheric deposition fluxes of methylated arsenic are similar to reported methylation rates in soils, highlighting atmospheric deposition as a significant, overlooked source of potentially bioavailable methylated arsenic species impacting plant uptake in soils. Analyses of atmospheric samples at a high-altitude site show that methylated forms of arsenic, emitted via biological processes, represent an important share of arsenic deposition. These forms are transported from both marine and terrestrial systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Human biomonitoring is crucial for regulatory toxicology, yet data on biomarker concentrations in the UAE are lacking. This study addresses this gap by analyzing urinary concentrations of 16 metals in UAE young adults, assessing correlations with personal characteristics, dietary patterns, and lifestyle habits. Methods: A cross-sectional pilot study was conducted among 144 randomly selected young adults (71 males and 73 females) from Sharjah, UAE, between January and March 2023. Participants provided urine samples, which were analyzed for 16 heavy metals using ICP-OES, and completed detailed questionnaires covering sociodemographic factors, lifestyle, and dietary habits. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize participant characteristics, and linear regression analysis was applied to explore associations between metal concentrations and factors such as gender, dietary habits, and exposure to environmental risks. Non-parametric tests, including the Mann-Whitney test, were used to assess differences by gender. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Ethical approval was obtained, and informed consent was secured before participation Results: Significant findings include dietary influences on metal exposure, with rice consumption linked to higher metal concentrations. Sex differences were significant, with females showing elevated levels of arsenic, lead, and cadmium. Lifestyle factors, such as smoking and incense use, were correlated with increased barium and boron levels. Conclusion: This study highlights the significant role of dietary habits, especially the consumption of rice, in metal exposure among young adults in Sharjah. The findings highlight the urgent need for comprehensive human biomonitoring to understand environmental exposures and reform public health policies. The gender-specific differences in metal distribution suggest the necessity for targeted public health strategies. The study, however, is limited by its cross-sectional nature and the focus on a specific geographic area, warranting further research for broader generalizability. Future investigations, particularly on the impact of incense exposure on metal levels, are essential for developing comprehensive health interventions and preventive strategies in the UAE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Autoclave leaching of sulfide concentrates may produce various ferric secondary phases, depending on the arsenic content and temperature. Silver is converted to argentojarosite, from which it is not recoverable by standard cyanidation methods. To increase silver recovery, it is necessary to reduce the argentojarosite formation during autoclave leaching. This study was devoted to the influence of gypsum on the formation of secondary phases of ferric arsenate and the subsequent recovery of gold and silver by cyanidation. The addition of gypsum at a consumption of 0.1 g/g(concentrate) helped to increase silver extraction from 13.4 to 98% at cyanidation. Gold recovery was 99%. An increase in gypsum consumption contributed to the ferric arsenate sulfate formation with an increased sulfate sulfur content, and a decrease in the As/S(sulfate) molar ratio in the cake from 3.7 to 0.88 contributed to an increase in silver extraction at cyanidation of up to 98%. Basic ferric sulfate is not formed in this case, since according to EDS mapping, the distribution of arsenic and sulfur over ferric-containing particles is uniform. According to TCLP, stable, sparingly soluble ferric arsenate phases are formed and the cake obtained after cyanidation is stable and suitable for disposal, since the final arsenic concentration in the solution was 0.45 mg/dm3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has produced over 40 botanical dietary supplement Standard Reference Materials (SRMs) and reference materials (RMs) with values assigned for chemical markers and/or active compounds. Although environmental accumulation or inadvertent introduction of toxic elements (arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury) is a potential source of exposure in botanical dietary supplement products, the majority of the dietary supplement SRMs/RMs do not have values assigned for the four major toxic elements. Objective To determine As, Cd, Pb, and Hg content in the current inventory of NIST botanical dietary supplement SRMs/RMs. Methods Fifteen SRMs/RMs suites of plant part, extract, and finished products (i.e. solid oral dosage form [SODF]) were analyzed for As, Cd, Pb, and Hg using nitric acid microwave-assisted digestion followed by quantification using inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry. Results Results for control samples were in good agreement with certified values indicating that the analyses of 38 individual botanical SRMs/RMs were in control. Characterization of linked plant/extract SRMs/RMs derived from the same source materials demonstrated that while extraction processes can often yield extracts with lower toxic element content for Hg or As, it is also possible for mass fraction levels to remain unchanged or even to increase after extraction. Conclusions The results fill significant knowledge gaps in toxic element content ranges for SRMs/RMs where no NIST assigned values existed, in particular for Hg content and for extract and SODF matrixes. With comprehensive toxic element content now available, researchers can better select appropriate dietary supplement SRMs/RMs for use as controls in the analysis of dietary supplement ingredients and products. Highlights Results for As, Cd, Pb, and Hg are reported for 38 dietary supplement SRMs/RMs including six suites of plant, extract, and SODF and nine pairs of plant and extract from the same batch of plant material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vesicular sequestration is a potential strategy for enhancing plant tolerance to cadmium (Cd) and arsenic (As). In this study, the ectopic overexpression of yeast-derived ScSMF2 in Arabidopsis thaliana was found to enhance the accumulation and tolerance of Cd and As in transgenic plants. ScSMF2 was localized on vacuole membranes and formed puncta structures in plant cells when agro-infiltrated for transient expression. Transgenic Arabidopsis showed less retardation on root elongation and shoot weight and more accumulation of Cd, As (III) and As (V) when cultured on medium containing Cd or As. Overexpression of ScSMF2 promoted accumulation of Cd and arsenic in transgenic Arabidopsis, which were over twice higher than in WT plants when cultured in soil. This study provides insights into the mechanisms involved in the vesicular sequestration of heavy metals in plant and presents a potential strategy for enhancing the phytoremediation capacity of plants toward heavy metals. NOVELTY STATEMENT: Ectopic overexpression of the yeast Mn2+ transporter SMF2 in Arabidopsis thaliana substantially boosts the accumulation and tolerance to Cd and As in plants. This augmentation is attributed to the enhanced efficacy of intracellular vesicle sequestration, thereby bolstering the capacity of plants to sequester and detoxify these toxic heavy metals. This investigation introduces a potential approach for cultivating plants with improved phytoremediation capabilities, thereby advancing eco-friendly and sustainable remediation initiatives against heavy metal pollution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Arsenic (As) contamination in drinking water has been highlighted for its environmental significance and potential health implications. Iron-based filters are cost-effective and sustainable solutions for As removal from contaminated water. Applying Machine Learning (ML) models to investigate and optimize As removal using iron-based filters is limited. The present study developed Deep Learning Neural Network (DLNN) models for predicting the removal of As and other contaminants by iron-based filters from groundwater. A small Original Dataset (ODS) consisting of 20 data points and 13 groundwater parameters was obtained from the field performances of 20 individual iron-amended ceramic filters. Cubic-spline interpolation (CSI) expanded the ODS, generating 1600 interpolated data points (IDPs) without duplication. The Bayesian optimization algorithm tuned the model hyper-parameters and IDPs in a Stratified fivefold Cross-Validation (CV) setup trained all the models. The models demonstrated reliable performances with the coefficient of determination (R2) 0.990–0.999 for As, 0.774–0.976 for Iron (Fe), 0.934–0.954 for Phosphorus (P), and 0.878–0.998 for predicting manganese (Mn) in the effluent. Sobol sensitivity analysis revealed that As (total order index (ST) = 0.563), P (ST = 0.441), Eh (ST = 0.712), and Temp (ST = 0.371) are the most sensitive parameters for the removal of As, Fe, P, and Mn. The comprehensive approach, from data expansion through DLNN model development, provides a valuable tool for estimating optimal As removal conditions from groundwater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Arsenic, a well-known hazardous toxicant, has been found in recent years to act as an environmental endocrine disruptor that accumulates in various endocrine organs, impeding the normal physiological functions of these organs and altering hormone secretion levels. Moreover, some research has demonstrated a correlation between arsenic exposure and thyroid functions, suggesting that arsenic has a toxicological effect on the thyroid gland. However, the specific type of thyroid gland damage caused by arsenic exposure and its potential molecular mechanism remain poorly understood. In this study, the toxic effects of sodium arsenite (NaAsO2) exposure at different doses (0, 2.5, 5.0 and 10.0 mg/kg bw) and over different durations (12, 24 and 36 weeks) on thyroid tissue and thyroid hormone levels in Sprague‒Dawley (SD) rats were investigated, and the specific mechanisms underlying the effects were also explored. Our results showed that NaAsO2 exposure can cause accumulation of this element in the thyroid tissue of rats. More importantly, chronic exposure to NaAsO2 significantly upregulated the expression of NLRP3 inflammasome-related proteins in thyroid tissue, leading to pyroptosis of thyroid cells and subsequent development of thyroid dysfunction, inflammatory injury, epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), and even fibrotic changes in the thyroid glands of SD rats. These findings increase our understanding of the toxic effects of arsenic exposure on the thyroid gland and its functions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Portable X‐Ray Fluorescence (XRF) has become increasingly popular where traditional laboratory methods are either impractical, time consuming, and/or too costly. While the Limit of Detection (LOD) is generally poorer for XRF compared to laboratory‐based methods, recent advances have improved XRF LODs and increased its potential for field‐based studies. Portable XRF can be used to screen food products for toxic elements such as lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), arsenic (As), manganese, (Mn), zinc (Zn), and strontium (Sr). In this study, 23 seafood samples were analyzed using portable XRF in a home setting. After XRF measurements were completed in each home, the same samples were transferred to the laboratory for re‐analysis using microwave‐assisted digestion and Inductively Coupled Plasma Tandem Mass Spectrometry (ICP‐MS/MS). Four elements (Mn, Sr, As, and Zn) were quantifiable by XRF in most samples, and those results were compared to those obtained by ICP‐MS/MS. Agreement was judged reasonable for Mn, Sr, and As, but not for Zn. Discrepancies could be due to (1) the limited time available to prepare field samples for XRF, (2) the heterogeneous nature of "real samples" analyzed by XRF, and (3) the small beam spot size (~1 mm) of the XRF analyzer. Portable XRF is a cost‐effective screening tool for public health investigations involving exposure to toxic metals. It is important for practitioners untrained in XRF spectrometry to (1) recognize the limitations of portable instrumentation, (2) include validation data for each specific analyte(s) measured, and (3) ensure personnel have some training in sample preparation techniques for field‐based XRF analyses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Metal contamination in rice grains is a critical global issue, posing serious health risks and affecting food safety, especially in countries like Malaysia where rice is a staple food. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of various cooking treatments, with a focus on parboiling before absorption cooking (PBA), in reducing metal contamination in Malaysian rice. Metal levels were measured using tandem inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP‐MS/MS), and health risks were assessed following USEPA guidelines. Parboiling before absorption cooking was found to eliminate 77.9% of toxic metals and 68.4% of essential metals while keeping arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) concentrations below permissible limits. Deterministic health risk assessment indicated that PBA reduced hazard index by 84.5% and lifetime carcinogenic risk (LCR) from As exposure by 88.9%. Hazard quotient for nickel (Ni) and zinc (Zn) remained acceptable for all age groups except for As in children, where LCR exceeded permissible limits. Monte Carlo simulations revealed that over 95% of individuals across age groups faced unacceptable non‐carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks from As exposure, regardless of cooking method. In conclusion, PBA effectively lowered metal concentrations and health risks, especially for toxic metals in rice. Future studies could enhance risk assessment accuracy by analysing metal bioavailability and speciation of metals particularly As. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flooding and drainage of paddy fields can induce the activation of soil cadmium (Cd)/arsenic (As), which will accumulate in rice grains and threaten human health. Mn oxides influence soil Cd and As availability, but few detailed studies have been reported on how Mn redox simultaneously affects Cd and As mobility during flooding and drainage. Two paddy soils with various Mn contents were incubated under three redox conditions, namely 30-d reduction, 30-d oxidation and 20-d reduction subsequent with 10-d oxidation, to investigate Cd and As migration. During reduction, the soil abundant in native Mn oxides possessed more high-valence Mn oxides, which promoted As oxidation and retarded the reductive dissolution of Fe (oxyhydro)oxides, thereby decreasing As mobility. Cd mobility mainly depended on the conversion between Fe-Mn oxides-bound Cd and exchangeable Cd. The high Mn content was conducive to decreasing Cd mobilization. Furthermore, the oxidation of As in soils was linked with a Fenton-like effect. The generated hydroxyl radicals (•OH) decreased with oxidation and the oxidation of Mn(II) by •OH inhibited As migration but promoted Cd activation. In summary, the mobility of Cd and As was lower in Mn rich soils, which may involve the immobilization, oxidation and catalytic effects of Mn oxides. HIGHLIGHTS: Cd mobility mainly relied on the conversion between Fe-Mn oxides-bound Cd and exchangeable Cd. The redox dependence of Mn played a key role in controlling Cd and As migration in paddy soils. Soils containing higher content of Mn oxides possessed lower mobility of Cd and As. The oxidative effect of •OH on Mn(II) inhibited As mobility but promoted Cd activation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Arsenic contamination in groundwater of Bengal basin was first reported in early 80s. Even after two decades of extensive research, our ability to pinpoint the arsenic-free sources, with precision, is limited. Proxies as indicator of arsenic concentration in groundwater are also lacking. It is imperative to formulate some cost-effective, user-friendly screening tool for the detection of arsenic safe wells. The present study utilises validation tests, colourimetry and statistics, to validate the platform colour hypothesis. Results show that red-stained platforms can identify arsenic-contaminated wells with 83% certainty; while black-stained platforms identify arsenic safe wells with 62% certainty, 78% sensitivity and 69% specificity. Black-coloured well platforms identify manganese-contaminated wells with 96% certainty; while red-stained well platforms mark manganese safe wells with 36% certainty and 93% specificity. The performances of such tests improve with increasing prevalence. A comprehensive colour chart thus prepared can be used as handy tool for identification of arsenic-contaminated wells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Thermal treatment alters soil properties, and then influences Cd and As transformation. • The calcinating process exhibits distinct volatilization behaviors for Cd and As. • TCLP-extractable Cd and As contents demonstrate adverse leaching tendencies following the calcination. Thermal treatment can effectively decontaminate soils but alter their properties. Previous research mainly focused on volatile organic compounds and metals, i.e. Hg, neglecting non-volatile metal(loid)s. This study aimed to investigate Cd and As transformation during aerobic and anaerobic calcination. The results showed that both aerobic and anaerobic calcination increased soil pH by reducing soil organic matter (SOM) content, which also influenced the cation exchange capacity (CEC) and the leaching behavior of Cd and As in the soil. The total concentrations of Cd and As in the calcined soils varied depending on the calcination temperature and atmosphere. When the aerobic calcination temperature exceeded 700 °C, Cd volatilized as CdCl 2 , while anaerobic calcination at relatively low temperatures (600 °C) involved reductive reactions, resulting in the formation of metallic Cd with a lower boiling point. Similarly, As volatilized at 800 °C aerobically and 600 °C anaerobically. The formation of As-based minerals, particularly Ca 3 (AsO 4) 2 , hindered its gasification, whereas anaerobic calcination promoted volatilization efficiency through the generation of C-As(III) based gaseous components with lower boiling points. Contrasting trends were observed in the TCLP-extractable Cd and As contents of the calcined soils. Over 70% of TCLP-extractable Cd contents were suppressed after thermal treatment, attributed to the elevated pH and reduced CEC of the soil, as well as volatilization. However, TCLP-extractable As contents increased with elevated temperatures, likely due to the desorption of AsO 4 3− and re-adsorption of gaseous As 2 O 3 during cooling. These findings have implications for assessing the environmental impact of thermal treatment and provide insights for remediation strategies concerning Cd and As-contaminated soils. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Worldwide, there is growing concern over the toxicity of arsenic in drinking water. The US Environmental Protection Agency and Central Pollution Control Board (India) have set a safe limit of 50 parts per billion for arsenic in drinking water. Millions of people are at immediate risk due to high concentrations of arsenic in drinking water, particularly in developing nations where arsenic poisoning symptoms have been observed. One of the essential techniques described in this article is the absorption of arsenic from contaminated water by sustainable cellulosic materials like jute and wood sawdust after suitable modification. Jute and sawdust are cheap and abundantly available in South Asia. They are functionalized with polypyrrole coating by in situ chemical polymerization of pyrrole in aqueous medium in the presence of ferric chloride. Polypyrrole-coated jute fabric (with 11.28% polypyrrole add-on) and polypyrrole-coated sawdust (with 5.28% polypyrrole add-on) are found to be excellent adsorbers of arsenic ion (As3+) from water. The effect of dosage of polypyrrole-coated adsorbents, treatment time and pyrrole concentration on the As removal efficiency have been investigated in this work. The arsenic concentration in water is determined using a microwave plasma atomic emission spectrometer with the highest level of accuracy. Maximum As removal efficiency by the polypyrrole-coated sawdust and polypyrrole-coated jute fabric is found to be 80.90% and 97.3%, respectively, from a 50 mL, 7.5 parts per million As solution with a dosage of 1 g at neutral pH. The polypyrrole-coated jute and sawdust are characterized by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy to understand the chemical interaction between cellulose and polypyrrole molecules. The scanning electron microscope studies reveal a uniform coating of polypyrrole around the surface of jute fibre and sawdust particles. Thermo-gravimetric analysis shows good thermal stability of jute and sawdust after polypyrrole coating. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Arsenic exposure results in damage to the neurological system. We previously demonstrated the arsenic‐induced inhibition of hippocampal neurogenesis and its reversibility after exposure is terminated. The present study aimed to reveal whether arsenic‐induced inhibition of hippocampal neurogenesis was ameliorated when taurine was co‐administered, and we also investigated depression‐like behavioral changes using the forced swim test. Mice were randomly divided into four groups. The first group received distilled water only for 4 months (control group), the second group received 4.0 mg/L As2O3 via drinking water for 4 months (arsenic group), the third group received 4.0 mg/L As2O3 and taurine (150 mg/kg body weight, by gavage, twice a week) for 4 months (arsenic + taurine group), and the fourth group received taurine only by gavage for 4 months (taurine group). The percentage of new mature neurons decreased in the arsenic group compared with the control group (64% ± 0.90% vs. 76% ± 1.9%, p < 0.01); however, this percentage was reversed to control levels in the arsenic + taurine group (76% ± 1.4%, p > 0.05). In the forced swim test, the immobility time during the last 4 min was significantly increased in the arsenic group, but restored to control levels in the arsenic + taurine group. The possible mechanisms of this taurine amelioration of hippocampal damage were further investigated, and included a reduction in oxidative stress as indicated by carbonyl content, inflammation, and aquaporin1, 4, and 8 expressions, as well as an increase in Wnt3a and brain‐derived neurotrophic factor expression in western blot analyses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to determine the relationship between the concentration of heavy metals in drinking water and the number of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) cases in two regions of Poland. The number of births in 2015-16 in Pomeranian Voivodeship was 50,461, while the number of new T1DM cases was 219. In Lublin Voivodeship, the number of births in the same period reached 39,381, and the number of new T1DM cases was 221. The incidence of T1DM, calculated per 100 live births, amounted to 0.43 and 0.56 in Pomeranian and Lublin. The statistical analysis of collected data proved that the number of new T1DM cases in Pomeranian Voivodeship is correlated to the concentrations of selenium (Se; p < 0.0001), lead (Pb; p < 0.00001), cadmium (Cd; p < 0.00001), zinc (Zn; p < 0.00001) and arsenic (As; p = 0.00001). In the case of Lublin Voivodeship, the number of new T1DM cases was correlated to the concentrations of Se (p = 0.0000001), Pb (p < 0.000001), Cd (p = 0.0000001) and Zn (p < 0.00001) in drinking water. No correlation was found between the number of new T1DM cases and arsenic concentration in the drinking water samples from Lublin Voivodeship. The results indicated that environmental exposure to specific heavy metals may contribute to the risk of T1DM, underscoring the need for stringent environmental controls and public health policies to mitigate these risks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exposure to arsenic (As) can induce numerous lethal diseases, such as cancer, cardiovascular issues, skin diseases, and diabetes in humans. The major route of human and animal exposure to As is through drinking As-rich groundwater. This study assessed As occurrence in the groundwater of two districts in the Punjab (Vehari and Lodhran) provinces of Pakistan. Groundwater analysis revealed an average As concentration of 7.7 µg/L (n = 79) in the study area, with a maximum As concentration up to 41.4 µg/L (33% of samples exceeding the WHO limit of 10 µg/L). Arsenic traces were found in animal milk (n = 15, mean: 0.79 µg/L, 17% exceeding 2.0 µg/L), human hair (n = 12, mean: 0.36 µg/g, 17% exceeding 1.0 µg/g), and human nails (n = 8, mean: 0.03 µg/g, none of the samples exceeded 1.0 µg/g). Health risk assessment indices revealed that about 33% of the hazard quotient and 54% of the cancer risk factor exceeded their thresholds. Despite the low–moderate As concentration in groundwater and the accumulation of As in a few biological samples, there is a possibility of potential As poisoning via the long-term and continuous use of groundwater for drinking. Monitoring and blanket testing of wells for As in well water can provide baseline data to minimize the threat of As-mediated arsenicosis in As-affected areas of Pakistan. Moreover, a detailed study of potential As accumulation in biological samples with a higher number of samples is recommended in the area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Timor Island is located in a geologically complex region strongly affected by the collision of the Australian margin with the Banda volcanic arc. In Oecusse, an enclave of East Timor in the western part of Timor, crop out several lithological units of the Banda Terrane that are associated with the obduction of oceanic crust and upper mantle on the Australian continental crust. This study reports the geochemistry of stream sediments from the coastal region of the Oecusse enclave, where the Banda Terrane is best represented, employing statistical analyses to discern the sources of metal(oid)s and assessing ecological and health risks. Arsenic, Cr, and Ni are the elements with higher potential ecological risk factors. The potential ecological risk index (PERI), which combines single indexes of ecological risk factors for multiple elements, is very high in a stream sourced by the Lolotoi-Mutis Complex. Significant risks for human health were found for As (sourced by the Lolotoi-Multis Metamorphic Complex and basalts of the Barique Formation), Mn (sourced by the Maubisse and Barique formations), and V (sourced by the Manamas Formation). The highest values of hazard index (HI), however, were determined with Cr, in particular for children (HI higher than 10 in 12 sediments sourced by ultramafic units and their covering sedimentary units). This investigation shows that high geogenic concentrations of several elements, particularly those derived from the oceanic crust and the upper mantle, raise significant cancer and non-carcinogenic risks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

El Qaa plain is one of the promising areas for agriculture projects, owing to its soil and groundwater resources. So, 14 groundwater samples were collected, chemically analyzed, hydrochemical (ratios, models and plots) and GIS techniques were applied, to evaluate the factors governing this water chemistry and suitability for irrigation. The results indicated the expansion of the agricultural area 8 times in the last 2 decades. The water can be divided into two groups; (A) freshwater (TDS ≤ 1000) in the eastern part of the study area within the clastic weathered basement rocks part of the aquifer, and (B) saline water (TDS > 1000) in the western part within the carbonates and evaporites rich sediments and close to the Gulf of Suez. The deduced factors controlling groundwater chemistry were precipitation, evaporites dissolution, seawater intrusion and ion exchange process. The calculated sodium absorption ratio (SAR) was < 10 indicating the good quality of this water for irrigation without sodicity hazard. Water of Group (A) (electric conductivity < 2250µS/cm) can be used safely for irrigation without any impact of salinity on all types of soil and plants. Group (B) water (electric conductivity > 2250µS/cm) has salinity hazard and can be used for irrigation on well-permeable soils and salt-tolerant plants. The concentrations of the studied potentially toxic elements (PTEs) were within the permissible limit for irrigation. Expansion in agricultural activities has adverse impact on groundwater quality. So, eco-friendly fertilizers should be applied in this promising area with the application of hydrologic pumping advises to safe aquifer quality from the degradation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The prolonged exposure to arsenic results in intestinal barrier dysfunction, which is strongly concerned with detrimental processes such as oxidative stress and the inflammatory response. Ferulic acid (FA), as a phenolic acid, possesses the capability to mitigate arsenic‐induced liver damage and cardiotoxic effects dependent on inhibition of oxidative stress and inflammatory responses. FA can mitigate testicular tissue damage and alveolar epithelial dysfunction, the mechanism of which may rely on nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2/heme oxygenase 1 (Nrf2/HO‐1) activation and nuclear factor‐kappa B (NF‐κB) pathway blocking. Based on the antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory properties of FA, we speculated that FA might have the potential to inhibit arsenic‐induced intestinal damage. To confirm this scientific hypothesis, mice exposed to sodium arsenite were treated with FA to observe colonic histopathology and TJ protein levels, and oxidative stress and TJ protein levels in Caco‐2 cells exposed to sodium arsenite were assessed after FA intervention. In addition, molecular levels of NF‐κB and Nrf2/HO‐1 pathway in colon and Caco‐2 cells were also detected. As shown in our data, FA inhibited arsenic‐induced colon injury, which was reflected in the improvement of mucosal integrity, the decrease of down‐regulated expression of tight junction (TJ) proteins (Claudin‐1, Occludin, and ZO‐1) and the inhibition of oxidative stress. Similarly, treatment with FA attenuated the inhibitory effect of arsenic on TJ protein expression in Caco‐2 cells. In addition to suppressing the activation of NF‐κB pathway, FA retrieved the activation of Nrf2/HO‐1 pathway in colon and intestinal epithelial cells induced by arsenic. In summary, our findings propose that FA has the potential to mitigate arsenic‐induced intestinal damage by preserving the integrity of intestinal epithelial TJs and suppressing oxidative stress. These results lay the groundwork for the potential use of FA in treating colon injuries caused by arsenic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sarcosphaera (Ascomycota: Pezizales) is a genus of rare spring fungi, currently encompassing a single species, S. coronaria, which is red-listed in many European countries. The genus is characterized by large bright-colored fruit-bodies and high arsenic content. This study investigates the genetic diversity across Europe and North America. Using integrated molecular techniques, including ITS and 28S rDNA sequencing, we aimed to resolve the taxonomic ambiguities and assess their arsenic hyperaccumulation capabilities, a rare trait among fungi. We identified the presence of two species in the Western Palearctic (S. coronaria, S. crassa) and at least 12 additional lineages in North America, indicating a more complex taxonomic structure than previously recognized. To consolidate the taxonomy and nomenclature of these fungi, we selected reference specimens for S. coronaria and S. crassa and discussed their morphological and ecological differences. Two genera, Caulocarpa (C. montana) and Hydnotryopsis (H. setchellii), a genus comprising hypogeous fungi, are newly placed in the genus Sarcosphaera. Sarcosphaera is thus another genus where the rapid evolution of hypogeous forms from their above-ground ancestors took place. Furthermore, two new Sarcosphaera species, S. columbiana and S. pacifica, are described from the Pacific Northwest. Investigation of arsenic content of Sarcosphaera species revealed that arsenic mass fractions in ascocarps vary significantly between species and even within species across different geographical locations. Our findings have important implications for the taxonomy and conservation of the S. coronaria species complex and also point to future directions for further research in the taxonomy, geomycology, and toxicology of this group of fungi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the first half of the twentieth century, white settler farmers in colonial Zimbabwe raised incessant complaints and alarm over 'mysterious' and inexplicably frequent incidences of cattle mortalities. These mortalities were attributed to poisoning from careless handling of arsenical dips, ingestion of arsenic sprayed grass and grazing in veld impregnated with arsenic trioxide. The arsenic question occupied the attention of experts from the colonial Branch of Chemistry, toxicologists, bacteriologists, veterinary officials and white settler farmers in contested cattle-centred narratives. Within the framing of colonial toxic politics, cattle poisoning disproportionately received more elaborate scrutiny and attention than that of humans and other species. The colonial archive only affords limited and vague visibility to the toxic encounters of humans and non-bovine species. This paper seeks to transcend and interrogate bovine-centric poisoning discourses with which colonial sources are replete and to use existing cattle poisoning records to amplify and construct multi-species toxic histories connecting cattle, humans, landscapes and other species in a co-constituted narrative of arsenic toxicities. The paper employs vicarious imagination of experiences to reframe Africa's 'arsenic century' and colonial toxic histories outside the body-centric script, and examines the intricate and complex chemical relations enmeshing cattle, humans and other species in ecosystems of mutual toxic vulnerabilities and slow chemical violence. The paper uses archival sources, toxicological reports from the Branch of Chemistry and veterinary records of cattle poisoning in colonial Zimbabwe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Powder biochar has been reported as an efficient stabilizer for heavy metal contaminated soils. However, infrequent studies addressed its long-term performance in real multi-metal polluted soil. This study aimed to investigate the long-term performance of iron oxide-loaded biochar (IOBC) in stabilization of arsenic and cationic heavy metals in a real multi-contaminated soil. Besides, to overcome the drawbacks of powder-type IOBC, the granular and suspension forms of IOBC were prepared using biopolymers as polymeric binder. The performance of prepared IOBCs was evaluated against red mud (RM) and pristine biochar, as references. Two single extraction tests (TCLP and SPLP) and a sequential extraction test were adopted to evaluate the stabilization efficiency for the soil samples containing 5 w/w % of the prepared IOBCs. It was observed that although stabilizers with high alkalinity (RM and BC) showed negligible or low immobilization of arsenic, the SPLP stabilization efficiency was ≥ 74.9% and the TCLP stabilization efficiency was ≥ 89.1% for arsenic. Furthermore, the biopolymer-biochar suppressed PM2.5 and PM10 concentration during mixing. The soil loss in artificial rainfall was more than 400 g/m2 lower in the soil sample containing IOBC-suspension compared to control sample. The results indicated the high potential of the prepared stabilizers, especially IOBC-suspension, for large-scale remediation of multi-contaminated soils. Highlights: Stabilization efficiency was affected by the type of magnetic stabilizer. Performance of IOBC-based stabilizers was superior to the commercial red mud. Wetting properties of PVA significantly prevented dusting of powder stabilizer. Positive synergetic effect of magnetic stabilizer and biopolymers was observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Chinese Journal of Inorganic Analytical Chemistry / Zhongguo Wuji Fenxi Huaxue is the property of Beijing Research Institute of Mining & Metallurgy Technology Group and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Chinese Journal of Inorganic Analytical Chemistry / Zhongguo Wuji Fenxi Huaxue is the property of Beijing Research Institute of Mining & Metallurgy Technology Group and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Nonferrous Metals (Extractive Metallurgy) is the property of Beijing Research Institute of Mining & Metallurgy Technology Group and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

In this study, arsenic-contaminated groundwater is treated using a novel iron oxide/carbon composite. Raw chelating carbon materials with amidoxime functional groups were mixed with ferric chloride solution and then soaked to pH 3 solution to produce the composite. The specific surface area and adsorption volume of the iron oxide/carbon absorbent are 89.0 m2/g and 0.220 cc/g, respectively. Arsenic (1 mg/L) removal by different doses of the adsorbent (5 to 80 g/L) ranges from 49% to 79% in bath experiments. Arsenic removal increases with increasing dosage of the adsorbent. The adsorption kinetics and isotherm of arsenic removal reveal better fit for pseudo-second-order kinetic model and Langmuir isotherm, which indicates that the main mechanisms of arsenic adsorbed by the adsorbent are chemisorption and monolayer adsorption. Arsenic removal by the adsorbent within 15 to 35℃ has an insignificant difference, which indicates that the material is suitable to be applied under ambient temperature. The results of tank test show that the removal of arsenic (0.2 mg/L) by the adsorbent in the samples collected from in situ groundwater reaches 85%, demonstrating a good performance of the adsorbent for the treatment of arsenic-contaminated groundwater. The adsorbent used in this study can be applied to remediate arsenic-contaminated groundwater in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study offers a comprehensive comparative analysis of the elemental and proximate compositions of coal and biomass fuels, including Indo Coal, HBFL, SBP, and SBFL, highlighting their implications for sustainable energy production. Key elements such as aluminum, arsenic, boron, barium, calcium, chromium, copper, iron, potassium, lithium, magnesium, manganese, molybdenum, sodium, nickel, lead, antimony, silicon, and tin exhibit significant variations, emphasizing the importance of understanding each fuel source, particularly in co-firing applications. Combustion residues from these fuels show diverse elemental compositions, necessitating careful environmental management of elements like arsenic, lead, and chromium. Proximate analysis reveals distinctive characteristics, with variability in ash content affecting combustion efficiency and environmental considerations. The study finds that co-firing biomass with coal can significantly reduce NOx and SOx levels, with sulfur content in mixtures decreasing by up to 18%, leading to a potential 30% reduction in SO2 emissions. CO2 emissions could also be reduced by up to 51.21% as the biomass-to-coal ratio increases. Despite an 11% to 19% decrease in energy due to moisture imbalance, this can be optimized with technological advancements. Economic benefits are clear, as blending 2% of biomass can save 6.34% in both fuel consumption and purchase costs, with the highest cost-saving ratio of 72.87% achieved at a 20% blending ratio. Notably, most savings arise from the lower biomass purchase costs (Rs. 5000–6000 per ton) compared to coal (Rs. 15000–18000 per ton). However, technical challenges such as combustor fouling and corrosion from biomass ash must be addressed. Further research, particularly in thermal kinetic modeling, is recommended to examine the combustion characteristics of coal-biomass blends under controlled conditions. The progression from initial studies to long-term demonstrations indicates a promising future for co-firing technology, facilitating its widespread adoption in the industry at an optimal cost. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The detoxification process of transforming arsenite (As(III)) to arsenate (As(V)) through bacterial oxidation presents a potent approach for bioremediation of arsenic-polluted soils in abandoned mines. In this study, twelve indigenous arsenic-oxidizing bacteria (AOB) were isolated from arsenic-contaminated soils. Among these, Paenibacillus xylanexedens EBC-SK As2 (MF928871) and Ochrobactrum anthropi EBC-SK As11 (MF928880) were identified as the most effective arsenic-oxidizing isolates. Evaluations for bacterial arsenic resistance demonstrated that P. xylanexedens EBC-SK As2 (MF928871) could resist As(III) up to 40 mM, while O. anthropi EBC-SK As11 (MF928880) could resist As(III) up to 25 mM. From these bacterial strains, genotypes of arsenic resistance system (ars) were detected, encompassing ars leader genes (arsR and arsD), membrane genes (arsB and arsJ), and aox genes known to be crucial for arsenic detoxification. These ars genotypes in the isolated AOBs might play an instrumental role in arsenic-contaminated soils with potential to reduce arsenic contamination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Bihar, an estimated 10 million are exposed to arsenic poisoning through drinking of water. The entire Gangetic plain region people are exposed to arsenic poisoning which is causing lot of health hazards including the problem of infertility. Usually, the infertility problem is associated with the hormonal imbalances and arsenic is a xenoestrogen toxicant which plays major role in causing the imbalance. Moreover, this reproductive disorder has become a major problem in the society causing social stigma in the exposed population. Therefore, there is indeed need for search of novel drug which may play major role in combating the present problem. The present study therefore aims to discover fertility booster against the arsenic induced male reproductive toxicity in animal models. The current study was conducted on Charles Foster Rats after approval by the Animal Ethics Committee of the Institution. A total of n=18 rats (12 weeks of age) with a mean weight of 160±20 g was used in this study. The study group consisted of n=6 controls and n=12 orally treated with sodium arsenite at a dose of 8mg/Kg b.w per day for 40 days. The n= 6 animals were dissected and rest n=6 was administered orally with Asparagus racemosus root ethanolic extract at the dose of 400mg/Kg b.w per day for 40 days. At the end of the entire experiment, all the animals were dissected out and their reproductive organs were taken out especially epididymis for sperm counts, sperm motility, sperm mortality, sperm morphology. The blood samples were taken for hormonal determination (testosterone and luteinizing hormone), as well as for haematological and biochemical analysis. The study showed a severe degeneration in the reproductive organs of the arsenictreated rats. There were degenerative changes in sperm count, sperm motility, sperm mortality, sperm morphology, in the hormonal parameters, as well as in the hematological and biochemical parameters in the arsenic treated rats. But, in the Asparagus racemosus root ethanolic extract treated group, there was significant normalization in all these parameters. Therefore, in the present study, the Asparagus racemosus root ethanolic extract at the dose of 400mg/Kg/body weight per day shows significant fertility boost effect on arsenic induced Charles Foster rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]