Bromine contamination and risk management in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems.

Bromine (Br) is widely distributed through the lithosphere and hydrosphere, and its chemistry in the environment is affected by natural processes and anthropogenic activities. While the chemistry of Br in the atmosphere has been comprehensively explored, there has never been an overview of the chemistry of Br in soil and aquatic systems. This review synthesizes current knowledge on the sources, geochemistry, health and environmental threats, remediation approaches, and regulatory guidelines pertaining to Br pollution in terrestrial and aquatic environments.

Food-mediated exposure of Hofmeister ions in Oryza sativa (Rice) from selected CKDu endemic regions in Sri Lanka.

The objectives of this study were to determine selected Hofmeister anions and cations that are important for kidney health, in raw rice samples from selected Chronic Kidney Disease of unknown etiology (CKDu) endemic and non-endemic areas in Sri Lanka and their intake. The anions and cations were analyzed by Ion Chromatography and Microwave Plasma Atomic Emission Spectrometry (MP-AES), respectively, after alkaline and acid digestion in thirty raw rice samples each from CKDu endemic and non-endemic areas, and the dietary intake was estimated. The mean concentrations of fluoride (F), chloride (Cl), phosphate (PO), sulfate (SO), sodium (Na), magnesium (Mg), potassium (K), and calcium (Ca) in raw rice in CKDu endemic areas were 53.

Intake of fluoride and other Hofmeister ions from black tea consumption in CKDu prevalent areas, Sri Lanka.

Dietary exposure of selected Hofmeister ions-fluoride, chloride, sulfate, phosphate, sodium, potassium, magnesium, and calcium from black tea consumption in chronic kidney disease of unknown etiology (CKDu) prevalent areas in Sri Lanka-were assessed in order to understand exposure and risk. Black tea samples (n = 25) were collected from CKDu prevalent areas and control areas (n = 15). Total fluoride content in alkali fused digested black tea samples was determined.

Temperature influence on layered double hydroxide tailored corncob biochar and its application for fluoride removal in aqueous media.

Exposure to excess fluoride is a controversial public health concern as it can cause dental/skeletal fluorosis as well as renal toxicity. The study intended to evaluate the synergistic interaction of clay intercalation and thermochemical modification on corncob biochar to remove fluoride from aqueous solutions. Layered double hydroxide was assorted with thermally activated (torrefaction and pyrolysis) corncob biochar at 1:1 (w/w) ratio to obtain composites called LDH-CCBC250 and LDH-CCBC500.

Essence of hydroxyapatite in defluoridation of drinking water: A review.

Hydroxyapatite (HAP) is an easily synthesizable, low-cost mineral that has been recognized as a potential material for fluoride removal. Some of the synthesis methods of HAP are quite straightforward and cost-effective, while some require sophisticated synthesis techniques under advanced laboratory conditions. This review assesses the physicochemical characteristics of HAP and HAP-based composites produced via various techniques, their recent development in defluoridation and most importantly, the fluoride removal performances.

Unprecedented marine microplastic contamination from the X-Press Pearl container vessel disaster.

The objectives of the research was to assess the coastal pollution by plastic nurdles, pyrolitic debris, associated potential toxic elements (PTEs) concentrations and mitigatory efforts by the worst ever maritime accident of a chemical and plastic boarded container vessel; MV X-Press Pearl. Field sampling was carried out three times during May, June, and September 2021 at Sarakkuwa, Sri Lanka. Pellet pollution index (PPI) was determined to compare the degree of plastics pollution.

Colloidal biochar for enhanced adsorption of antibiotic ciprofloxacin in aqueous and synthetic hydrolyzed human urine matrices.

Objectives of the present research were to examine the capacity of disc-milled high lignin biochar colloids (CBC) for the removal of ciprofloxacin (CPX) from aqueous solution and synthetic hydrolyzed human urine. In this study, adsorption of CPX was tested against the initial pH (3-10), ionic strength (0.001-0.

Nanoporous materials for pesticide formulation and delivery in the agricultural sector.

One of the key focuses of the agricultural industry for preventing the decline in crop yields due to pests is to develop effective, safe, green, and sustainable pesticide formulation. A key objective of industry is to deliver active ingredients (AIs) that have minimal off site migration and non-target activity. Nanoporous materials have received significant attention internationally for the efficient loading and controlled, targeted delivery of pesticides.

Risk factors for endemic chronic kidney disease of unknown etiology in Sri Lanka: Retrospect of water security in the dry zone.

The prevalence of chronic kidney disease of unknown etiology (CKDu) is receiving considerable attention due to the serious threat to human health throughout the world. However, the roles of geo-socio-environmental factors in the prevalence of the CKDu endemic areas are still unknown. Sri Lanka is one of the countries most seriously affected by CKDu, where 10 out of 25 districts have been identified as the areas with the high prevalence of CKDu (10-20%).