Removal of As, As, Sb, and Hg ions from aqueous solutions by pure and co-precipitated akaganeite nanoparticles: adsorption kinetics studies.

Adsorption kinetics models have been used to evaluate the adsorption behaviour of pollutants on different materials but there are no reports for the adsorption of As, As, Sb and Hg on co-precipitated akaganeite nanoparticles which were previously formed in the presence of these ions. In this research, the performance of pure and co-precipitated akaganeite nanoparticles as adsorbents of As, As, Sb and Hg in aqueous solutions was evaluated using the nonlinear kinetics models of Langmuir, Lagergren, Ho-McKay, Bangham, Elovich and simplified Elovich. In addition, transmission Fe Mössbauer spectrometry was used for the first time to compare the physico-chemical properties of akaganeite before and after the adsorption processes.

Effects on soil phosphorus dynamics of municipal solid waste compost addition to a burnt and unburnt forest soil.

The main aim of this research was to assess the effects of municipal solid waste compost (MSWC) addition to a burnt and unburnt calcareous soil, on the distribution of soil P forms in particle-size and extractable fractions. Three MSWC doses (1, 2 and 4% w/w) were added to burnt and unburnt soil samples and were incubated for 92 days at 29 °C and 75% of field capacity moisture. A particle-size fractionation followed by a sequential P extraction procedure was carried out.

Analysis of MSW full-scale facilities based on anaerobic digestion and/or composting using respiration indices as performance indicators.

The Landfill Directive (1999/31/EC) forces European States to reduce the amount of biodegradable municipal waste landfilled to 35% of 1995 levels. Mechanical-Biological Treatment (MBT) plants are the main alternative to waste incineration and landfilling. In this work, the waste treatment efficiency of six full-scale MBT facilities has been analysed using respiration indices (Dynamic Respiration Index and Cumulative Oxygen Consumption) to monitor plant performance.

[Development of the surgical approach to acute cholecystitis in an emergency surgical unit].

Objective: The application of the laparoscopic technique in acute cholecystitis is still subject to controversy. The aim of this study is to asses the applicability, safety, benefits and complications of the laparoscopic approach in patients with acute cholecystitis, as well as the development of this technique in the emergency surgery department of a tertiary hospital, compared to laparotomy.

Material And Method: The study consisted of 354 patients with acute cholecystitis syndromes operated either by open or laparoscopic surgery, during the years 2006 to 2009.