Synthesis and Characterization of a Nanosilica-Cysteine Composite for Arsenic(III) Ion Removal.

This article describes the synthesis of nanosilica-cysteine composite (SiO2-Cys) and its application as a sorbent for arsenic(III) removal from different aqueous media. Attenuated total reflectance-Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning and transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and thermogravimetric analysis were applied to characterize SiO2-Cys. Using the batch technique, sorption of As(III) ion by SiO2-Cys was studied, and the effects of pH, sorbent dosage, temperature, initial concentration, and contact time were all taken into consideration.

Comparison of Jordanian and standard diatomaceous earth as an adsorbent for removal of Sm(III) and Nd(III) from aqueous solution.

In this study, Jordanian diatomaceous earth (JDA) and commercial diatomaceous earth (standard diatomaceous earth, SDA) were used for adsorption of samarium (Sm)(III) and neodymium (Nd)(III) ions from aqueous solutions using batch technique as a function of initial concentration of metal ions, adsorbent dosage, ionic strength, initial pH solution, contact time, and temperature. Both adsorbents were characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller surface area, and cation exchange capacity (CEC). Maximum metal ion uptake was observed after 100 min of agitation, and the uptake has decreased with increasing temperature and reached a maximum at pH ≈ 5.

Purification and biochemical characterization of photo-active membrane protein bacteriorhodopsin from Haloarcula marismortui, an extreme halophile from the Dead Sea.

Bacteriorhodopsin (BR) is an exciting photo-active retinal protein with many potential industrial applications. In this study, BR from the extremely halophilic archaeon Haloarcula marismortui (HmBR) was purified successfully using aqueous two phase extraction method. Absorption spectroscopy analysis showed maximum absorption peak of HmBR retinal protein (λ) at 415 nm.

Characteristics of organosulphur compounds adsorption onto Jordanian zeolitic tuff from diesel fuel.

The removal of organosulphur compounds (ORS) from diesel fuel is an important aspect of Jordanian's effort to reduce air pollution. Currently, the total sulphur content in Jordanian diesel fuel is 12,000 ppmw (1.2%, wt/wt), but Jordanian government has recently introduced new restrictions that will reduce this level gradually to internationally acceptable levels.