Assessing the long-term adverse effects of aluminium nanoparticles on freshwater phytoplankton using isolated-species and microalgal communities.

The physicochemical properties of aluminum oxide nanoparticles (AlO-NPs or AlNPs) allow them to remain suspended in water for extended periods. Despite this, AlNPs are one of the least studied types of metal nanoparticles and pose a significant risk to aquatic ecosystems. Therefore, it is essential to understand the toxic mechanisms of AlNPs on microalgae and cyanobacteria, as they can have adverse effects on the entire aquatic food web.

Mitigating flood risk and environmental change in show caves: Key challenges in the management of the Las Güixas cave (Pyrenees, Spain).

A successful management of a show cave requires knowledge of cave dynamics and the main risk factors. Show caves close to the water table are prone to sporadic flooding, which can threaten visitor safety and result in severe economic losses. Las Güixas cave, located in the Collarada Massif (Pyrenees - Spain), is representative of a show cave close to the water table that is exposed to energetic flash floods.

Response surface methology for enzymatic ultrasound assisted sp-ICP-MS assessment of cuonps in seafood: Occurrence and bioaccumulation.

A novel approach for a reliable extraction and analytical characterization of copper oxide nanoparticles (CuONPs) at trace levels on seafood samples was tuned up using single particle inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (sp-ICP-MS). Variables for enzymatic extraction of CuONPs were optimised via response surface methodology (RSM) analysis, to maximize both the extracted CuONPs mass and number concentrations without altering their native size and morphology. Analytical performance features of the whole (enzymatic ultrasound-assisted/sp-ICP-MS) approach were thoroughly evaluated.

Liquid-nitrogen-free CTAB DNA extraction method from silica-dried specimens for next-generation sequencing and assembly.

Next-generation sequencing requires intact and high-quality DNA. However, typical liquid-nitrogen DNA extraction methods are expensive and not practical for field sample collections. Hence, we present a cost-effective method for DNA extraction from silica-dried leaf samples, eliminating the need for liquid nitrogen.