Crystal Growth, Structural Transition, and Magnetic Properties of HoPdSn.

Single crystals and polycrystalline samples of HoPdSn have been synthesized using flux and arc-melting methods, respectively. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies indicate that HoPdSn crystallizes in a tetragonal structure (4/) at room temperature and transforms into a monoclinic structure (2/) below ∼194 K. This structural transition is further supported by a transmission electron microscopy study and an anomaly at ∼194 K in the specific heat data.

Electrochemiluminescence biosensor for determination of organophosphorous pesticides based on bimetallic Pt-Au/multi-walled carbon nanotubes modified electrode.

A novel and highly sensitive electrochemiluminescence (ECL) biosensing system was designed and developed for individual detection of different organophosphorous pesticides (OPs) in food samples. Bimetallic Pt-Au nanoparticles were electrodeposited on multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs)-modified glass carbon electrode (GCE) to increase the surface area of electrode and ECL signals of luminol. Biocomposites of enzymes from acetylcholinesterase and choline oxidase (AChE and ChOx) were immobilized onto the electrode surface to produce massive hydrogen peroxides (H2O2), thus amplifying ECL signals.

A newly developed molecularly imprinted polymer on the surface of TiO2 for selective extraction of triazine herbicides residues in maize, water, and soil.

A new surface molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) based on nano-TiO2 was developed using propazine (Pro) as a template molecule, ethyleneglycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA) as a crosslinker, methacrylic acid (MAA) as a functional monomer, and 2,2'-azobis (isobutyronitrile) (AIBN) as an initiator. Structures of the newly synthesized surface MIPs were characterized by Fourier transmission infrared spectrometry (FT-IR), scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The MIP had a good adsorption capacity and high recognition selectivity to propazine.

Core-shell magnetic molecularly imprinted polymers as sorbent for sulfonylurea herbicide residues.

Sulfonylurea herbicides are widely used at lower dosage for controlling broad-leaf weeds and some grasses in cereals and economic crops. It is important to develop a highly efficient and selective pretreatment method for analyzing sulfonylurea herbicide residues in environments and samples from agricultural products based on magnetic molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs). The MIPs were prepared by a surface molecular imprinting technique especially using the vinyl-modified Fe3O4@SiO2 nanoparticle as the supporting matrix, bensulfuron-methyl (BSM) as the template molecule, methacrylic acid (MAA) as a functional monomer, trimethylolpropane trimethacrylate (TRIM) as a cross-linker, and azodiisobutyronitrile (AIBN) as an initiator.

Enhanced degradation of Herbicide Isoproturon in wheat rhizosphere by salicylic acid.

This study investigated the herbicide isoproturon (IPU) residues in soil, where wheat was cultivated and sprayed with salicylic acid (SA). Provision of SA led to a lower level of IPU residues in rhizosphere soil compared to IPU treatment alone. Root exudation of tartaric acid, malic acid, and oxalic acids was enhanced in rhizosphere soil with SA-treated wheat.

Preparation of Dufulin imprinted polymer on surface of silica gel and its application as solid-phase extraction sorbent.

A new molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) based on silica-gel surface was developed using Dufulin (Duf) as a template, methacrylic acid (MAA) as a functional monomer, ethyleneglycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA) as a crosslinker, and azodiisobutyronitrile (AIBN) as an initiator. The synthetic samples were characterized by the techniques of Fourier transmission infrared spectrometry (FT-IR) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). Batch experiments were performed to evaluate adsorption isotherms, adsorption kinetics and selective recognition of the MIP.

Biotic and abiotic degradation of pesticide Dufulin in soils.

Dufulin is a newly developed antiviral agent (or pesticide) that activates systemic acquired resistance of plants. This pesticide is widely used in China to prevent abroad viral diseases in rice, tobacco and vegetables. In this study, the potential impacts such as soil type, moisture, temperature, and other factors on Dufulin degradation in soil were investigated.

Development of a molecularly imprinted polymer for prometryne clean-up in the environment.

Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) are prepared on the surface of modified silica gel using prometryne as a template, methacrylic acid as the functional monomer, ethylene glycol dimethacrylate as a crosslinker, and 2,2-azobisisobutyronitrile as an initiator. The structure of the MIPs was characterized using SEM and FTIR spectroscopy. The selectivity of the MIPs for the template molecule prometryne was proven by adsorption experiments.

Phytotoxicity, bioaccumulation and degradation of isoproturon in green algae.

Isoproturon (IPU) is a pesticide used for protection of land crops from weed or pathogen attack. Recent survey shows that IPU has been detected as a contaminant in aquatic systems and may have negative impact on aquatic organisms. To understand the phytotoxicity and potential accumulation and degradation of IPU in algae, a comprehensive study was performed with the green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii.