Modeling and optimization of anaerobic digested sludge converting starch to hydrogen.

The pH and hydraulic retention time (HRT) of a chemostat reactor were varied according to a central composite design methodology with the aim of modeling and optimizing the conversion of starch into hydrogen by microorganisms in an anaerobic digested sludge. Experimental results from 23 runs indicate that a maximum hydrogen production rate of 1600 L/m(3)/d under the organic loading rate of 6 kg starch m(3)/d obtained at pH = 5.2 and HRT = 17 h.

Hydrogen peroxide induces premature acrosome reaction in rat sperm and reduces their penetration of the zona pellucida.

Recent studies have demonstrated that mammalian sperm are capable of generating reactive oxygen species (ROS) and that this activity is significantly accelerated in subfertile subjects. The observed decrease in penetration of zona-intact oocyte might be explained by chemical-induced ROS-related early onset of capacitation and premature acrosome reaction, but the mechanism is not clear. We determine whether zona-intact oocyte penetration capability in rat epididymal sperm was affected by premature acrosome reaction in rat sperm treated with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and calcium ionophore A23187 or H2O2 and lysophosphatidyl choline.

Immobilization of chromium-contaminated soil by means of microwave energy.

To reduce the amount of hazardous wastes contaminated by heavy metals, a new technology to immobilize heavy metal ions is desired. Microwave (MW) technology which can be used to vitrify the contaminated soil wastes and immobilize the heavy metal ions for this purpose to satisfy the leachate test standard. We found that 90%+ of the chromium-contaminated soil went through the glass/ceramic transformation and was thus vitrified after being radiated with MW for 60 min.