Distribution and bioavailability of mercury in size-fractioned atmospheric particles around an ultra-low emission power plant in Southwest China.

Ultra-low emission (ULE) technology retrofits significantly impact the particulate-bound mercury (Hg) emissions from coal-fired power plants (CFPPs); however, the distribution and bioavailability of Hg in size-fractioned particulate matter (PM) around the ULE-retrofitted CFPPs are less understood. Here, total Hg and its chemical speciation in TSP (total suspended particles), PM (aerodynamic particle diameter ≤ 10 µm) and PM (aerodynamic particle diameter ≤ 2.5 µm) around a ULE-retrofitted CFPP in Guizhou Province were quantified.

Evaluation of the effects of Hg/DOC ratios on the reduction of Hg(II) in lake water.

Reduction of mercury (Hg) in natural waters, which releases a substantial amount of gaseous Hg(0) to the atmosphere, has a close relationship to Hg/DOC ratios. However, the role of Hg/DOC ratio on the Hg(II) reduction in natural waters remains poorly understood. In this study, natural water collected from Hongfeng Lake, SW China, was used to study the effects of Hg/DOC ratio on the Hg(II) reduction.

Protective effect of bone morphogenetic protein-6 on neurons from H2O2 injury.

Bone morphogenetic protein-6 (BMP6) is a member of the TGF-beta superfamily. Expression of BMP6 and its receptors are increased when brain tissues of adult rats are injured, suggesting that BMP6 may have a neuroprotective function in the physiologic response to neurological damage. This research investigates the molecular mechanisms supporting a neuroprotective effect of BMP6 in neural cells traumatized by H(2)O(2).