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This study investigated the effect of the mixing ratio of TiO2 nanoparticles (P25) and titanium alkoxide (T-sol) on various properties of TiO2 films. The specific surface area of the TiO2 film was determined using BET analysis, while the microstructure and thickness were analyzed by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM), respectively. Transmittance and pencil hardness tests were conducted to evaluate the transparency and durability of the coating layer, respectively. The results showed that, as the P25 content increased, the specific surface area of the TiO2 film also increased, but this effect decreased as the ratio of T-sol to P25 increased. Additionally, the thickness and surface roughness (Ra) of the coating layer increased as the P25 content increased, with the thickness increasing from 210 to 950 nm and Ra increasing from 51 to 88 nm. However, the transmittance of the coating layer decreased as the P25 content increased, indicating that the films became less transparent. Furthermore, the pencil hardness of the coating layer decreased as the P25 content increased, indicating that the films became less durable. Finally, the oil contact angle decreased as the P25 content increased, indicating that the films became more hydrophilic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The application of magnetic nanoparticles requires large amounts of materials of reproducible quality. This work explores the scaled-up synthesis of multi-core iron oxide nanoparticles through the use of thermal decomposition in organic media and kilograms of reagents. To this end, we check the effect of extending the high temperature step from minutes to hours. To address the intrinsic variability of the colloidal crystallization nucleation process, the experiments were repeated and analyzed statistically. Due to the simultaneity of the nuclei growth and agglomeration steps, the nanostructure of the samples produced was a combination of single- and multi-core nanoparticles. The main characteristics of the materials obtained, as well as the reaction yields, were analyzed and compared. As a general rule, yield, particle size, and reproducibility increase when the time at high temperature is prolonged. The samples obtained were ranked in terms of the reproducibility of different structural, colloidal, and magnetic features. The capability of the obtained materials to act as nanoheaters in magnetic hyperthermia was assessed, showing a strong dependence on the crystallite size (calculated by X-ray diffraction), reflecting the nanoparticle volume with a coherent magnetization reversal.

Stable isotope technology is an important research means of ecology. In this paper, the stable isotope technology is applied to the open experiment teaching of ecology, and the experiment of organic matter decomposition based on stable isotope is designed. This experiment has strong inquiry with high students' participation, which broadens students' understanding of ecological research methods, helps them to understand the application of stable isotope technology in the field of ecological research, and greatly improves their ability to design and participate in relevant ecological experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) was synthesized by heating melamine and was then treated with sodium hydroxide solution under a hydrothermal condition to obtain g-C3N4 with a large specific surface area (HSSA). HSSA shows higher photocatalytic activity for decomposition of acetaldehyde than that of original g-C3N4. HSSA was modified with RuO2 as a co-catalyst by the impregnation method. HSSA loaded with 0.05 wt% RuO2 shows the highest photocatalytic activity for acetaldehyde decomposition under visible light (λ = 455 nm). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Highlights • A conductive carbon microfiber felt was applied as a durable and effective substrate of WO 3 photoanodes. • A pre-treatment on carbon microfiber felt was useful to improve the affinity between carbon fiber and water-base precursor solution. • The addition of polyethylene glycol was further useful to achieve homogeneous loading of WO 3 particles on carbon fibers. • The WO 3 on CMF photoanodes exhibited higher photocurrent than conventional porous WO 3 photoanode. Abstract In the present study, a conductive carbon microfiber felt (CMF) with three-dimensional structure of carbon fibers (CFs) was employed as a conductive substrate of visible light responsive WO 3 photoanodes for oxidative decomposition of organic contaminants and oxidation of water to molecular oxygen (O 2). Since the surface of original CFs in CMF are highly hydrophobic, the pretreatment of CMF and the composition of W-precursor solution significantly affected the morphology and the resulting performance of photoanodes. The preheating of CMF at optimal temperature (640 °C) in air make the surface of CFs hydrophilic substantially while maintaining the mechanical strength of CMF structure, enabling the better impregnation of a water-soluble tungsten precursor, ammonium metatungstate (AMT) solution. The addition of polyethylene glycol 300 (PEG) to the precursor solution further improved the affinity to the surface of CFs, resulting in homogeneous loading of fine WO 3 particles preferentially on the surface of CFs as well as in the voids of CFs to some extent. The results on optimization of loaded amount of WO 3 of CMF from various precursor solutions indicated that both the WO 3 particles loaded on the surface of CFs and those in the voids contribute to the photocurrent generation, while the efficiency of electron injection from WO 3 on the CFs seems higher. Consequently, the optimized WO 3 /CMF photoanode exhibited higher photocurrent compared to conventional porous WO 3 /FTO photoanodes. It was demonstrated that a WO 3 photoanode prepared on CMF could efficiently oxidize water to O 2 with considerably high stability under visible light, not only for oxidation of 2-propanol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of cobalt oxide/MWCNTs/ZnO NWs/Zn photocatalyst plates were successfully fabricated by electrochemical deposition of cobalt oxide and functionalized Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (f-MWCNTs) onto previously synthesized ZnO nanowires/Zn plates. The fabricated plates were examined with regard to the oxidative decomposition (acetic acid), antibacterial [Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria] and antifungal [Candida albicans (C. albicans)] activity under UV light irradiation and in dark. ZnO NWs/Zn modified plates by cobalt oxide and MWCNTs resulted in enhanced photocatalytic activities in both chemical and microbial systems. CO2 evaluation tests showed that the Cobalt oxide/MWCNTs/ZnO NWs/Zn could completely decompose bacterial cells under irradiation, possibly owing to the enhanced formation of reactive oxygen species (ROSs). Besides, it was found that the surface properties of photocatalyst plates are more vital for the antimicrobial properties due to a larger interface between microorganisms and plates. Therefore, it is expected that ternary Cobalt oxide/MWCNTs/ZnO NWs/Zn photocatalysts should exhibit broad antimicrobial properties. In addition, the Cobalt oxide/MWCNTs/ZnO NWs/Zn exhibited the highest photocatalytic activity in oxidative decomposition of acetic acid, probably due to the lower electron/hole recombination rate. Based on the obtained results, a photocatalytic and an antimicrobial mechanism for the microorganism degradation and acetic acid decomposition over Cobalt oxide/MWCNTs/ZnO NWs/Zn were recommended and discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to comprehend the links between soil Eh and pH changes in eucalyptus biochar (BC) and rice straw (RS) amended soils and CH4 emissions. Increased CH4 emission rates and high total CH4 emissions (TCH4 ) were found in RS soils. In contrast, higher concentrations of refractory lignin, fixed C and volatile matter in BC suppressed C mineralization and terminal methanogenesis, resulting in low TCH4 . Eh in RS soils decreased more rapidly than in BC soils during the first phase as a single exponential function. This indicated that RS is a fast electron donor for an instant electron acceptor reduction and methanogenesis. During the second phase, Eh in BC soils decreased to very low values, probably because of the higher concentrations of electron donating phenolic compounds coupled with terminal methanogenesis. Meanwhile, hydrogen is consumed via electron acceptor reduction and methanogenesis simultaneously produce OH- corresponded with a rise of pH, a characteristic of reverse single exponential function.

Mites should not be overlooked as a forensic tool, as many are commonly associated with decomposing animal matter and are closely associated with specific insect carriers and habitats. It is necessary to increase our understanding of the diversity of mites that are found in human and animal remains, their geographical distribution, and their population dynamics. This work is the first study of the role of mites in forensic science in the Mediterranean region of Navarra (northern Spain). Samples were taken using three types of traps (96 modified McPhail, 96 modified pitfall, and 32 carrion on surface) baited with pig carrion during the period between 11 April and 24 June, 2017. Insects were collected in 100% of the traps and only 27% of them contained mites. Information on 26 species of mites belonging to seven families, their ontogenetic phoretic stage/s, their abundance, and presence/absence during the spring season of the study is given. The most abundant species collected were Macrocheles merdarius, Poecilochirus austroasiaticus, and Poecilochirus subterraneus. We are contributing 16 new records for the Iberian Peninsula: seven species of Parasitidae, three species of Macrochelidae, four species of Eviphididae, one species of Halolaelapidae, and one species of Laelapidae.

Liquid pig manure (LPM) is widely used as a compost fertilizer for vegetable crops destined for human consumption. However, these wastes may contain parasites eggs, such as the nematode Ascaris suum, that pose serious health risks to humans. We attempted to determine the most appropriate technique for recovering A. suum eggs from LPM compost. Samples were collected from two waste sources during composting, including 23 samples containing LPM, sawdust, and wood shavings, and 14 samples of LPM alone-both in triplicate. Samples were analyzed using several different recovery methods. Recovery of eggs by the modified Bailenger method with adaptations was significantly more effective and recovered 57% more eggs than by the modified Bailenger method alone. Willis-Mollay method, modified Faust method, and the simple sedimentation technique only recovered 4.4%, 13.9%, and 26% of eggs, respectively, compared with the modified Bailenger method with adaptations, indicating that the adjustments made to the Bailenger method were key to improving the recovery of A. suum eggs from compost and LPM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Con el objetivo de acelerar la acción dinámica de los microorganismos benéficos estimulándolos electromagnéticamente para descomponer las moléculas complejas del material orgánico de la cachaza (subproducto de la caña de azúcar Saccharum officinarum L.) a sustancias más simples, facilitando la absorción de elementos hacia la planta, se evaluó la eficiencia productiva y el grado de descomposición orgánica de los siguientes tratamientos: cachaza fresca sin microorganismos (F), cachaza fresca con microorganismos no estimulados electromagnéticamente (FM), cachaza fresca con microorganismos estimulados electromagnéticamente (FME) y cachaza madura sin microorganismos (C), se optimizó la configuración del equipo de estimulación electromagnética obteniéndose como mejor tratamiento el (FME) con 1 hora en tiempo de exposición de los microorganismos al campo electromagnético, de 250 Hz en frecuencia, y 15 mT de magnitud del campo electromagnético, el cual aceleró el proceso natural de descomposición orgánica en un 49,1% de la cachaza fresca al aproximarla al grado de mineralización de la cachaza madura, lo cual mostró la efectividad de la técnica electromagnética.A fim de acelerar a ação dinâmica de estimulação eletromagnética microrganismos benéficos para quebrar moléculas complexas de matéria orgânica da torta (subproduto da cana-de-açúcar Saccharum officinarum L.) a substâncias mais simples, facilitando a absorção da planta para, avaliou a eficiência da produção e do grau de decomposição orgânica dos seguintes tratamentos: rum fresco sem microrganismos (F), o rum fresco eletromagneticamente estimulados com microrganismos (FM), rum fresco com microrganismos estimulada electromagnéticos (FME) e maduros sem microrganismos rum (C) foi otimizado configurações equipamentos de estimulação eletromagnética melhor tratamento obtido como (FME), com 1 hora de tempo de exposição dos microrganismos ao campo eletromagnético de freqüência de 250 Hz e 15 mT de magnitude do campo eletromagnético o que acelerou o processo natural de decomposição orgânica em 49,1% do rum doce de aproximar o grau de mineralização de rum maduro, que demonstra a eficácia da tecnologia eletromagnética.In order to accelerate the dynamic action of the beneficial microorganisms stimulating them electromagneticly to decompose the complex molecules of the organic material in the sugarcane bagasse (sugar cane subproduct Saccharum officinarum L) to more simple substances making easy the absorption of elements to the plant, it was evaluated the productive efficiency and the organic decomposition level of the following treatments: fresh blackstrap without microorganisms (F), fresh blackstrap with microorganisms not stimulated electromagneticly (FM), fresh blackstrap with microorganisms stimulated electromagneticly (FME), and mature blackstrap without microorganisms (C); it was optimized the configuration of the electromagnetic stimulation equipment getting as the best treatment the (FME) with one hour as an exposition time of the microorganisms to the electromagnetic field, of 250 Hz of frequency and 15 mT of magnitude of the electromagnetic field which accelerated the natural process of organic decomposition in a 49,1% of the fresh blackstrap when getting it closer to the mineralization level of the mature blackstrap which shows the effectiveness of the electromagnetic technique.

The Solar Thermal Electrochemical Process has been adapted to an organic decomposition reaction for application in wastewater treatment plus hydrogen production. The theory and process are proposed and exemplified by efficient decomposition of acrylonitrile (AN) as a model compound of environmental pollutants. The results demonstrate thermodynamically that a decrease in the decomposition energy/electrolysis potential can be achieved with an increase in reaction temperature by solar heating, which also leads to improved reaction kinetics to sustain high rates of decomposition at low electrochemical overpotential. It is demonstrated experimentally that the STEP decomposition process of organic pollutants plus hydrogen production is performed with high efficiency for the removal of acrylonitrile by 21.6% at 25 °C, 34.5% at 40 °C, and 56.3% at 75 °C using an applied current of 50 mA. The process provides lower potential and higher efficiency compared with the conventional electrochemical oxidation by balancing and controlling the thermal and electrochemical components. Based on the results of the CV, GC and experimental analysis, the pathways are proposed and explained for the thermo- and electrochemical decomposition of acrylonitrile using the solar STEP process. Due to the solar thermo- and electrochemical combination, this pathway is shifted from the indirect reaction of the conventional electrooxidation involving several intermediates to a direct pathway with rapid rate and high efficiency with synergetic production of hydrogen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to comprehend the links between soil Eh and pH changes in eucalyptus biochar (BC) and rice straw (RS) amended soils and CH4 emissions. Increased CH4 emission rates and high total CH4 emissions (TCH4) were found in RS soils. In contrast, higher concentrations of refractory lignin, fixed C and volatile matter in BC suppressed C mineralization and terminal methanogenesis, resulting in low TCH4. Eh in RS soils decreased more rapidly than in BC soils during the first phase as a single exponential function. This indicated that RS is a fast electron donor for an instant electron acceptor reduction and methanogenesis. During the second phase, Eh in BC soils decreased to very low values, probably because of the higher concentrations of electron donating phenolic compounds coupled with terminal methanogenesis. Meanwhile, hydrogen is consumed via electron acceptor reduction and methanogenesis simultaneously produce OH-corresponded with a rise of pH, a characteristic of reverse single exponential function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The oxidation, organic decomposition, and grain growth of Cu nanoparticles were systematically investigated under various heat-treatment conditions to understand the correlation between the heat-treatment condition and the electrical conductivity of nanoparticle-based copper films. The resistivity of Cu films annealed at 400°C in N gas was ∼3 × 10 μΩ·cm, which is two orders lower than that of a Cu film annealed in a reducing gas (∼10 μΩ·cm). The lowest resistivity of 9 μΩ·cm was achieved at an annealing temperature of 600°C in N gas. The N atmosphere containing a fairly small amount of O was found to remove residual organics easily and facilitate the grain growth of Cu nanoparticles, thereby yielding Cu films with superior electrical conductivity. These results clearly demonstrate the importance of precise control of oxygen during the annealing process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

On the basis of compiled multidisciplinary historical data in 2006-2007 and incorporation of relevant simulation results and remote sensing data, we performed an in-depth study of the generation and dissipation process of the hypoxic zone and its distribution morphology and structure off the Yangtze River estuary. Based on the hydrological circulation dynamics, reproduction of phytoplankton (leading to the decomposition of organic matter), and other factors, we comprehensively and systematically investigated the generation and dissipation of the hypoxic zone and underlying mechanisms for the seasonal variation in its position, explored the multi-factorial synergistic reactions during the generation and dissipation process of the hypoxic zone, and revealed the controlled mechanism for the morphology and structure of the hypoxic zone's distribution. Our studies indicate that in the winter and spring seasons, the hydrological environment off the Yangtze River estuary provides a water body with relatively low contents of dissolved oxygen (DO), which is the background for the formation of a hypoxic zone. After entering into the summer season, the hypoxic zone gradually develops towards the north and becomes mature. Because of the impact of the terrain, local decomposition of organic matter, and upwelling of the Kuroshio subsurface water in July-August, the hypoxic zone off the Yangtze River estuary exhibits the characteristics of discontinuous distribution in space and has a south and north 'dual-core' structure in the inner continental shelf. In addition, there is a hypoxic core in the eastern outer continental shelf. The degrees of hypoxia vary for different areas; they are strongest overall in the north, next strongest in the south; they are weakest on the outer continental shelf. In summer, the hypoxic zone in the north is related to the northward differentiation of the southern hypoxic zone and results from local development and intensification. In August, the hypoxic zone in the north reaches its peak, and after September, it rapidly retreats southward and disappears because of weakening stratification. In the fall, there is hypoxic zone along the coast of Zhejiang in the south, and there is also a low-DO area to the southwest of Jeju Island, with both zones disappearing rapidly. In addition, the change of dynamic environment also causes the low-DO area of the outer continental shelf to move outward in the fall. The variation in the intensity of the stratification and its cumulative effects as a barrier of vertical DO transportation over long periods of time have a significant impact on the degree of hypoxia in the hypoxic zone. In addition, the seasonal variations in the size of the stratified region, intensity of each current system/water mass, upwelling, front, and high-value area of phytoplankton biomass jointly restrict the extension of the hypoxic zone in the inner continental shelf and latitudinal (south-north direction) movement of its location off the Yangtze River estuary. The combined effect of dynamic factors, such as that of the Kuroshio subsurface water, causes a low-DO core in the outer continental shelf. The bottom cold water to the north of the East China Sea is the dynamic basis for the formation of the low-DO area to the southwest of Jeju Island during the fall season. The special seabed topography and mud area distribution off the Yangtze River estuary have a certain degree of influence on the development of the hypoxic zone. The generation and dissipation of the hypoxic zone and its distribution morphology off the Yangtze River estuary, and seasonal variation of its structure and position are a result of the synergistic effects of various factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Composting is a promising technology to decompose organic waste into humus-like high-quality compost, which can be used as organic fertilizer. However, greenhouse gases (N 2 O, CO 2 , CH 4) and odorous emissions (H 2 S, NH 3) are major concerns as secondary pollutants, which may pose adverse environmental and health effects. During the composting process, nitrogen cycle plays an important role to the compost quality. This review aimed to (1) summarizes the nitrogen cycle of the composting, (2) examine the operational parameters, microbial activities, functions of enzymes and genes affecting the nitrogen cycle, and (3) discuss mitigation strategies for nitrogen loss. Operational parameters such as moisture, oxygen content, temperature, C/N ratio and pH play an essential role in the nitrogen cycle, and adjusting them is the most straightforward method to reduce nitrogen loss. Also, nitrification and denitrification are the most crucial processes of the nitrogen cycle, which strongly affect microbial community dynamics. The ammonia-oxidizing bacteria or archaea (AOB/AOA) and the nitrite-oxidizing bacteria (NOB), and heterotrophic and autotrophic denitrifiers play a vital role in nitrification and denitrification with the involvement of ammonia monooxygenase (amoA) gene, nitrate reductase genes (narG), and nitrous oxide reductase (nosZ). Furthermore, adding additives such as struvite salts (MgNH 4 PO 4 ·6H 2 O), biochar, and zeolites (clinoptilolite), and microbial inoculation, namely Bacillus cereus (ammonium strain) , Pseudomonas donghuensis (nitrite strain), and Bacillus licheniformis (nitrogen fixer) can help control nitrogen loss. This review summarized critical issues of the nitrogen cycle and nitrogen loss in order to help future composting research with regard to compost quality and air pollution/odor control. [Display omitted] • The nitrogen cycle is the crucial biochemical process of organic waste composting. • Nitrification and denitrification are the main steps of the nitrogen cycle. • Proteobacteria and Thaumarchaeota are dominant microorganisms in thermophilic phase. • Nitrogen loss mainly occurs via volatilization and leaching during the composting. • Adding biochar, zeolite, and microbial incubation can mitigate nitrogen loss. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Aerobic composting was conducted for feces disposal at controlled temperatures of 35 and 55°C. [•] The route of nitrogen loss was N org ammonification followed by NH3(g) emission. [•] At 55°C N org ammonification was restrained and nitrogen loss was very low. [•] The microbial community underwent successions differently at different temperatures. [•] Certain microbial species identified could perform nitrogen-fixation or sustain low pH at 55°C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to accelerate the dynamic action of the beneficial microorganisms stimulating them electromagneticly to decompose the complex molecules of the organic material in the sugarcane bagasse (sugar cane subproduct Saccharum officinarum L) to more simple substances making easy the absorption of elements to the plant, it was evaluated the productive efficiency and the organic decomposition level of the following treatments: fresh blackstrap without microorganisms (F), fresh blackstrap with microorganisms not stimulated electromagneticly (FM), fresh blackstrap with microorganisms stimulated electromagneticly (FME), and mature blackstrap without microorganisms (C); it was optimized the configuration of the electromagnetic stimulation equipment getting as the best treatment the (FME) with one hour as an exposition time of the microorganisms to the electromagnetic field, of 250 Hz of frequency and 15 mT of magnitude of the electromagnetic field which accelerated the natural process of organic decomposition in a 49,1% of the fresh blackstrap when getting it closer to the mineralization level of the mature blackstrap which shows the effectiveness of the electromagnetic technique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents an overview of the recent advances achieved on visible light-responsive TiO2-based photocatalysts. In order to provide a focal point, we will highlight the work on transition metal ion-doped TiO2 and TiO2 thin films prepared by an RF magnetron sputtering deposition method, as well as their corresponding photoactivities on such significant reactions as organic decomposition and water splitting. Some of their proposed mechanisms are presented together with experimental physicochemical evidence to support the conclusions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Chromophoric dissolved organic matter (CDOM), as the light absorbing fraction of bulk dissolved organic matter (DOM), plays a number of important roles in the global and local biogeochemical cycling of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and in controlling the optical properties of estuarine and coastal waters. Intertidal areas such as salt marshes can contribute significant amounts of the CDOM that is exported to the ocean, but the processes controlling this CDOM source are not well understood. In this study, we investigate the production of DOM and CDOM from the decomposition of two salt marsh cordgrasses, Spartina patens, a C4 grass, and Typha latifolia, a C3 grass, in well-controlled laboratory experiments. During the seven-week incubation period of the salt marsh grasses in oxic and anoxic seawater, changes in dissolved organic carbon (DOC) concentrations, dissolved nitrogen (DN) concentrations, stable carbon isotopic composition of DOC (DOC-δ 13C), and CDOM fluorescence demonstrate a significant contribution of DOC and CDOM to estuarine waters from salt marsh plants, such as Spartina and Typha species. In the natural environment, however, the release processes of CDOM from different cordgrass species could be controlled largely by the in situ oxic and anoxic conditions present during degradation which affects both the production and decomposition of DOC and CDOM, as well as the optical properties of CDOM in estuarine and coastal waters. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The application of magnetic nanoparticles requires large amounts of materials of reproducible quality. This work explores the scaled-up synthesis of multi-core iron oxide nanoparticles through the use of thermal decomposition in organic media and kilograms of reagents. To this end, we check the effect of extending the high temperature step from minutes to hours. To address the intrinsic variability of the colloidal crystallization nucleation process, the experiments were repeated and analyzed statistically. Due to the simultaneity of the nuclei growth and agglomeration steps, the nanostructure of the samples produced was a combination of single- and multi-core nanoparticles. The main characteristics of the materials obtained, as well as the reaction yields, were analyzed and compared. As a general rule, yield, particle size, and reproducibility increase when the time at high temperature is prolonged. The samples obtained were ranked in terms of the reproducibility of different structural, colloidal, and magnetic features. The capability of the obtained materials to act as nanoheaters in magnetic hyperthermia was assessed, showing a strong dependence on the crystallite size (calculated by X-ray diffraction), reflecting the nanoparticle volume with a coherent magnetization reversal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Fe-N-C was prepared and utilized to activate PMS to degrade organic pollutants. • Fe-N-C showed 37.07 and 6.04-fold higher activity to biochar and N-biochar. • Synergistic effects between Fe and N species facilitated the production of ROS. • SO 4 •−, •OH and 1O 2 were identified under the Fe-N-C/PMS treatment. • Fe-N-C showed great separation performance and reusability. This study shows that the simple pyrolysis of mixed sawdust, FeCl 3 and dicyandiamide can produce Fe/N co-doped biochar (Fe-N-C) with great catalytic and separation performances. Fe-N-C had a larger specific surface area (215.25 m2/g), higher defective degree (I D / I G = 0.98) and more active species for PMS activation because of the synergy between Fe and N doping. Furthermore, graphitic N, pyridinic N, Fe-N x , Fe 2 O 3 and Fe0 were identified as the dominant reactive species contributing to the activation of PMS. As a result, the production of reactive oxidizing species (ROS), including both sulfate radical (SO 4 •−), hydroxyl radical (•OH) and singlet oxygen (1O 2), in the Fe-N-C/PMS system was significantly promoted. As a result, Fe-N-C exhibited 37.07 and 6.04-fold higher reaction rates for activating peroxymonosulfate (PMS) to degrade bisphenol A (BPA) relative to the rates achieved by pristine biochar and nitrogen doped biochar, respectively. Moreover, the mineralization rate of BPA by the Fe-N-C/PMS system was 68.9%, which was much higher than that achieved by the pristine biochar/PMS and N-biochar/PMS systems. Chemical-quenching tests further suggested that SO 4 •− and •OH played dominant roles in the degradation of BPA under acidic and neutral conditions, while 1O 2 played a dominant role under alkaline conditions. Furthermore, the potential of Fe-N-C to be used in practical applications was systematically evaluated in terms of its stability, separability and selectivity to organics; the effect of operating parameters was also studied. Generally, our study highlighted the great potential of Fe/N co-doped biochar and provided valuable insight into the synthesis of highly efficient carbon-based catalysts for environmental applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mites should not be overlooked as a forensic tool, as many are commonly associated with decomposing animal matter and are closely associated with specific insect carriers and habitats. It is necessary to increase our understanding of the diversity of mites that are found in human and animal remains, their geographical distribution, and their population dynamics. This work is the first study of the role of mites in forensic science in the Mediterranean region of Navarra (northern Spain). Samples were taken using three types of traps (96 modified McPhail, 96 modified pitfall, and 32 carrion on surface) baited with pig carrion during the period between 11 April and 24 June, 2017. Insects were collected in 100% of the traps and only 27% of them contained mites. Information on 26 species of mites belonging to seven families, their ontogenetic phoretic stage/s, their abundance, and presence/absence during the spring season of the study is given. The most abundant species collected were Macrocheles merdarius, Poecilochirus austroasiaticus, and Poecilochirus subterraneus. We are contributing 16 new records for the Iberian Peninsula: seven species of Parasitidae, three species of Macrochelidae, four species of Eviphididae, one species of Halolaelapidae, and one species of Laelapidae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Efficiency of hydrogen evolution via water electrolysis is mainly impeded by the kinetically sluggish oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Thus, it is of great significance to develop highly active and stable OER catalyst for alkaline water electrolysis or to substitute the more kinetically demanding acidic OER with a facile electron-donating reaction such that OER is no longer the bottleneck half-reaction for either acidic or alkaline water electrolysis. Herein, the hierarchical Fe-Ni phosphide shelled with ultrathin carbon networks on Ni foam (FeNiP@C) is reported and shows exceptional OER activity and enhanced chemical stability in 1 M KOH. This unique electrode provides large active sites, facile electron transport pathways, and rapid gas release, resulting in a remarkable OER activity that delivers a current density of 100 mA/cm 2 at an overpotential of 182 mV with a Tafel slope of 56 mV/dec. Combining the hydrogen evolution reaction with organic pollutant (methylene blue) oxidation, a multifunctional electrolyzer for simultaneous cost-effective hydrogen generation and organic pollutant decomposition in acid wastewater is proposed. Our strategies in this work provide attractive opportunities in energy- and environment-related fields.

ABSTRACT: Liquid pig manure (LPM) is widely used as a compost fertilizer for vegetable crops destined for human consumption. However, these wastes may contain parasites eggs, such as the nematode Ascaris suum, that pose serious health risks to humans. We attempted to determine the most appropriate technique for recovering A. suum eggs from LPM compost. Samples were collected from two waste sources during composting, including 23 samples containing LPM, sawdust, and wood shavings, and 14 samples of LPM alone-both in triplicate. Samples were analyzed using several different recovery methods. Recovery of eggs by the modified Bailenger method with adaptations was significantly more effective and recovered 57% more eggs than by the modified Bailenger method alone. Willis-Mollay method, modified Faust method, and the simple sedimentation technique only recovered 4.4%, 13.9%, and 26% of eggs, respectively, compared with the modified Bailenger method with adaptations, indicating that the adjustments made to the Bailenger method were key to improving the recovery of A. suum eggs from compost and LPM.