Preliminary Evaluation of Animal Bone Char as Potential Metal Stabilization Agent in Metal Contaminated Soil.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential effect of animal bone char (ABC) addition on metal mobility in mine tailings. The mobility of metals after addition of ABC to tailings at four different application rates (0.6 g, 1.

Structural properties and thermal stability of cobalt- and chromium-doped α-MnO nanorods.

α-MnO nanorods were synthesized via the hydrothermal decomposition of KMnO in an acidic environment in the presence of Co and Cr ions. Reactions were carried out at three different temperatures: 90, 130 and 170 °C. All prepared samples exhibit a tetragonal MnO crystalline phase.

Study of the leaching behaviour of ladle slags by means of leaching tests combined with geochemical modelling and mineralogical investigations.

In this study, the leachability of freshly produced ladle slag derived from both austenitic and ferritic stainless steel production, and from electrical and structural steel production, was investigated, in order to determine whether variations in the chemical and mineralogical composition of these slags affect their leaching behaviour. The effect of the method used for slag cooling was also studied. The results obtained by using the single batch test were combined with those obtained by means of more sophisticated characterisation leaching tests, which, in combination with geochemical speciation modelling, helped to better identify the release mechanisms and phases that control the release of individual elements.

Cytotoxic trans-platinum(II) complex with 3-hydroxymethylpyridine: Synthesis, X-ray structure and biological activity evaluation.

To assess the potential cytostatic properties of Pt(II) complexes with 3-hydroxymethylpyridine (3-hmpy) as the only carrier ligand, novel cis-[PtCl2(3-hmpy)2] (1) and trans-[PtCl2(3-hmpy)2] (2) have been prepared. Elemental analysis, FTIR spectroscopy, multinuclear NMR spectroscopy and X-ray crystallography were used to determine their structures. Based on the results obtained with 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and clonogenic assay on T24 human bladder carcinoma cells (T24), the most potent compound 2 was further tested for cytotoxicity in human ovarian carcinoma cell lines - cisplatin sensitive (IGROV 1) and its resistant subclone (IGROV 1/RDDP).

The crystal structure of a novel Pt(II) complex with 2-hydroxy-6-methylpyridine (Hmhp), trans-[PtCl2(dmso)(Hmhp)]·H2O.

A novel platinum(II) complex with 2-hydroxy-6-methylpyridine (Hmhp), trans-[PtCl2(dmso)(Hmhp)]·H2O, crystallizes in the space group P 2 1/n with a = 11.5505(1) Å, b = 8.9467(1) Å, c = 14.

Structural and luminescent properties of Eu2+ and Nd3+-doped mixed alkaline earth aluminates prepared by the sol-gel method.

Alkaline earth aluminates with the overall nominal compositions Mg0.5Sr0.5Al2O4 (MSA), Ca0.

Preparation of Electrically Conductive Au Thin Films by Colloid Sedimentation.

A novel and facile wet-chemical method for the preparation of Au thin films is presented. These Au thin films were deposited on glass substrates by the gravitational sedimentation of Au colloids. The colloids were formed by chemical reduction in ethanol using HAuCl4 and NaBH4 with no added surfactants.

Two new mononuclear manganese(III) salen complexes.

Two new Mn(III)-salen complexes with 4-aminopyridine (4-apy) have been prepared and structurally characterized. [Mn(ac)(4-apy)(sal)], 1,exhibits mononuclear molecular structure with an octahedral environment around the Mn center. Salen ligand occupies all four basal positions, while the axial sites are occupied by endocyclic nitrogen atom of the 4-apy ligand and acetato oxygen atom.

Evaluation of biotreatability of ionic liquids in aerobic and anaerobic conditions.

The aim of our study was to set up an approach for reliable biotreatability assessment of ionic liquids (ILs). As a case study, two different ILs were selected: pyridinium-based 1-butyl-3-methylpyridinium dicyanamide ([bmpyr][dca]) and imidazolium-based 1-butyl-3-methylimidazole tetrafluoroborate ([bmim][BF4]). Toxicity in aerobic conditions was determined by measurement of inhibition of oxygen consumption by activated sludge, while their biodegradability was calculated from measurements of oxygen consumption and dissolved organic carbon elimination.

Arsenic release from pyrite ashes: kinetic studies.

Arsenic mobility in pyrite ashes was studied because of the possible effects on water systems. The batch extraction method was used to assess kinetics and extent of As release induced by contact of the material either with rainwater or groundwater. Self-established pH-Eh range of pyrite ashes/water mixtures brought both As(III) and As(V) to be present in the water phase, as neutral arsenite H3AsO3 and anionic arsenate HAsO42-, respectively.

A computational study of calcium(II) and copper(II) ion binding to the hyaluronate molecule.

The hyaluronate molecule is a negatively charged polysaccharide that performs a plethora of physiological functions in many cell tissues depending on its conformation. In the present paper, molecular modeling at three levels of theory and two basis sets was used to gain a deeper insight in the complex molecular structure of calcium(II) and copper(II) hyaluronate. Simulation results were compared with the experimental data (EXAFS or X-ray).

Comparison of GC and OxiTop Analysis of Biogas Composition Produced by Anaerobic Digestion of Glucose in Cyanide Inhibited Systems.

The purpose of this study was to compare the composition of the biogas produced by the anaerobic degradation of glucose with or without the addition of cyanide (32.0 mg L-1) during the digestion process using the qualitative OxiTop method and the quantitative gas chromatography (GC). For the non-inhibited systems the biogas composition obtained from OxiTop was in good correlation with the results obtained using gas chromatography analysis.

Antibacterial and Photodegradative Properties of Metal Doped TiO2 thin Films Under Visible Light.

Doped (Au, Ag) and undoped TiO2 thin films were prepared on soda-lime glass via the sol-gel method by dip-coating from TiCl4 precursor, followed by 30 minutes calcination at 500 °C to obtain transparent thin films with good adhesion to the substrate. XRD analysis showed that the particle size of samples heat treated at 500 °C was ~10 nm for all of the samples prepared, both doped and undoped ones. SEM images revealed that the thin film surface was homogeneous and nano-porous.

Possible time-dependent effect of ions and hydrophilic surfaces on the electrical conductivity of aqueous solutions.

The purpose of this work was to determine the influence of mechanical and electrical treatment on the electrical conductivity of aqueous solutions. Solutions were treated mechanically by iteration of two steps: 1:100 dilution and vigorous shaking. These two processes were repeated until extremely dilute solutions were obtained.

Metal immobilization and phosphorus leaching after stabilization of pyrite ash contaminated soil by phosphate amendments.

In this study we would like to show the importance of a holistic approach to evaluation of chemical stabilization using phosphate amendments. An extensive evaluation of metal stabilization in contaminated soil and an evaluation of the leaching of phosphorus induced after treatment were performed. The soil was highly contaminated with Cu (2894 mg kg(-1)), Zn (3884 mg kg(-1)), As (247 mg kg(-1)), Cd (12.

The "autothixotropic" phenomenon of water and its role in proton transfer.

In an experimental study, significantly higher conductivity values than those of freshly prepared chemically analogous solutions were found in aged (~one year old) aqueous solutions, except for those stored frozen. The results surprisingly resemble a previously noticed phenomenon in liquid water, which develops when water is stored in closed vessels. This was observed as a disturbing phenomenon in gravimetric measurements and in luminescence spectroscopy measurements.

Influence of cyanide on the anaerobic degradation of glucose.

Bacteria in the anaerobic degradation process convert the substrate to the final products methane and carbon dioxide. Toxic substances can change the process substantially. The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of toxic cyanide on biogas production in anaerobic degradation of glucose at 40°C.

Designing an underground car park fire scenarios on a probabilistic basis.

Designing a fire safety measures can be usually achieved in a two ways. One or we should say more conservative way is the use of prescriptive based codes, where all design prerequisites are mainly written in codes. Other or second option is the use of performance based design, where the group of designers, building owners and authorities having jurisdiction are setting up a milestone and design requirements.

Fate of saline ions in a planted landfill site with leachate recirculation.

Recirculation of leachate on a covered landfill site planted with willows or other highly evapotranspirative woody plants is an inexpensive option for leachate management. In our study, a closed landfill leachate recirculation system was established on a rehabilitated municipal solid waste landfill site with planted landfill cover. The main objective of the study was to evaluate the sustainability of the system with regard to high hydraulic loads of the landfill leachate on the landfill cover and high concentrations of saline ions, especially potassium (K(+)), sodium (Na(+)) and chloride (Cl(-)), in leachate.

Chromium in soil layers and plants on closed landfill site after landfill leachate application.

Landfill leachate (LL) usually contains low concentrations of heavy metals due to the anaerobic conditions in the methanogenic landfill body after degradation of easily degradable organic matter and the neutral pH of LL, which prevents mobilization and leaching of metals. Low average concentrations of metals were also confirmed in our extensive study on the rehabilitation of an old landfill site with vegetative landfill cover and LL recirculation after its treatment in constructed wetland. The only exception was chromium (Cr).

Copper(II) ion binding to cellular prion protein.

Prion diseases are fatal neurodegenerative diseases thought to arise from the post-translational conversion of normal cellular prion protein to a scrapie isoform. Experimental data suggest a role for copper(II) ions in the process. An ab initio QM/MM approach and available experimental data were combined in order to identify and evaluate three potential copper(II) ion binding sites in the C-terminal portion of the normal cellular prion protein.

Raman identification of yellow synthetic organic pigments in modern and contemporary paintings: reference spectra and case studies.

The characterization of the binding media and pigments in modern and contemporary paintings is important for designing safe conservation treatments, as well as for determining suitable environmental conditions for display, storage and transport. Raman spectroscopy is a suitable technique for the in situ non-destructive identification of synthetic organic pigments in the presence of the complex binding media characteristic of synthetic resin paints or colour lithographic inks. The precise identification of a pigment by comparing its spectrum to that of a reference is necessary when conservation treatments with aqueous solutions or organic solvents are being considered for a work of art, since solubility properties can sometimes vary within the same pigment group.

Critical evaluation of the use of the hydroxyapatite as a stabilizing agent to reduce the mobility of Zn and Ni in sewage sludge amended soils.

The leachability of zinc (Zn) and nickel (Ni) was investigated in various soil types amended with sewage sludge and sewage sludge treated with hydroxyapatite. Sandy, clay and peat soils were investigated. For leachability tests, plastic columns (diameter 9 cm, height 50 cm) were filled with moist samples up to a height of 25 cm.

Molecular modeling of cobalt(II) hyaluronate.

Structural data for complexes of hyaluronic acid and 3d metals(II) of the fourth group of the periodic table are lacking. A combined QM/MM method was used to solve the structure of the first coordination sphere around the cobalt(II) ion. Some available experimental data were compared with the results obtained via computation and were found to be in good agreement.

Speciation of aluminium in tea infusions by use of SEC and FPLC with ICP-OES and ES-MS-MS detection.

Speciation of Al in tea infusions was studied by size exclusion chromatography (SEC) and anion-exchange fast protein liquid chromatography (FPLC). Fractions were collected throughout the chromatographic separations and Al was determined "off line" by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES). Black, green, and red tea samples were investigated.