Impact of carbonization conditions and adsorbate nature on the performance of activated carbon in water treatment.

The physical and chemical structure of activated carbon (AC) varies with the carbonization temperature, activation process and time. The texture and toughness of the starting raw material also determine the morphology of AC produced. The Brunauer-Emmet-Teller surface area (S) is small for AC produced at low temperatures but increases from 500 to 700 °C, and generally drops in activated carbons synthesized > 700 °C.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in breast milk of nursing mothers: Correlates with household fuel and cooking methods used in Uganda, East Africa.

Maternal breast milk, which is a complete food for the infant's growth, development, and health, contains fats and lipids making it susceptible to accumulation of lipophilic compounds like polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). This study aimed at analyzing correlates of measured levels of PAHs in breast milk of nursing mothers to frequently used household fuels and cooking methods in Uganda, and estimate the potential health risks of PAHs to infants through breastfeeding. Sixty breast milk samples were collected from healthy and non-smoking mothers who had lived in Kampala capital city (urban area) and Nakaseke district (rural area) for at least five years.