Residue characteristics of sludge from a chemical industrial plant by microwave heating pyrolysis

Abstract

Sludge from biological wastewater treatment procedures was treated using microwave heating pyrolysis to reduce the environmental impact of a chemical plant. In this study, major elements, trace elements, PAHs and nitro-PAHs in raw sludge, and pyrolysis residues were investigated. The contents of major element from raw sludge were carbon 46.7 ± 5.9%, hydrogen 5.80 ± 0.58%, nitrogen 6.81 ± 0.59%, and sulfur 1.34 ± 0.27%. Trace elemental concentrations including Zn, Mn, Cr, Cd, As, and Sn were 0.410 ± 0.050, 0.338 ± 0.008, 0.063 ± 0.006, 0.019 ± 0.001, 0.004 ± 0.001, and 0.003 ± 0.002 mg/g, respectively. For various pyrolysis temperatures, Ca, Fe, Sr, Cr, and Sn contents remained at almost the same level as those in raw sludge. Results indicated that these elements did not easily volatilize. The content of 16 PAH species was about 4.78 μg/g in the raw sludge and 23–65 μg/g for pyrolysis residues associated with various temperatures. The content of ten nitro-PAHs was about 58 ng/g for the raw sludge and 141–744 ng/g for pyrolysis residues. The total nitro-PAH content was highest at 600 °C and then decreased when the temperature was over 600 °C. Total nitro-PAH content was about 247 ng/g at 800 °C.

Potential contributions of dissolved organic matter to monomethylmercury distributions in temperate reservoirs as revealed by fluorescence spectroscopy

Abstract

The monomethylmercury (MMHg) concentrations, water quality parameters (e.g., pH, suspended particles, total phosphorus, sulfate, and chlorophyll-a), and compositions of dissolved organic matter (DOM) were analyzed to understand how the quality of DOM is related to the MMHg distributions in the surface waters of 14 reservoirs. The excitation-emission matrix (EEM) fluorescence spectroscopy identified six fluorescence peaks, and a parallel factor analysis (PARAFAC) of EEM spectra identified three components of DOM: microbial humic-like (C1), terrestrial humic-like (C2), and protein-like DOM (C3). Using the observation data, the principal component analysis (PCA) were carried out to understand the relative importance of the fluorescence properties of DOM, representing DOM quality, on the MMHg distribution. The loading plot of PCA showed a strong positive correlation between the MMHg and protein regions of the EEM spectra and no correlation between MMHg and the terrestrial humic regions of the EEM, suggesting that autochthonous DOM production is a key factor in increasing MMHg concentration in reservoir water. The preliminary mass flux estimation, which was carried out to identify the major sources of MMHg in Okjeong reservoir, revealed that the major sources are sediment diffusion and water column methylation. Because the studied reservoirs are located remotely from a large-sized river and industrial region, most MMHg in reservoir water is likely diffused from the surface sediment or produced in the water column, and these sources tend to increase in reservoirs enriched with autochthonous DOM. It is suggested that EEM fluorescence can improve our ability to trace the major sources of MMHg in diverse reservoirs.

Nanoemulsion of Dill essential oil as a green and potent larvicide against Anopheles stephensi

Abstract

Indiscriminate use of industrial larvicides causes environment pollution and resistance against the larvicides in mosquitoes. Essential oils (EOs) have many biological activities such as larvicidal effects which have been proposed as new alternatives for industrial ones. Many components of EOs are volatile, thus, should be formulated to retain their activity. Components of Dill EO were identified by GC-MS analysis. Larvicidal activity (LA) of bulk Dill EO (non-formulated) was evaluated against Anopheles stephensi in line with WHO guideline for lab tests. For the first time, nanoemulsions of Dill EO were prepared. Various nanoemulsions having fixed amounts of Dill EO 1.2%, comparable with lethal concentration (LC) at 90% of bulk Dill EO, were prepared having tween 20 (5–30%) with/out ethanol (5–30%). LA of two selected nanoemulsions were then evaluated and compared with that of bulk Dill EO. Five ingredients of oil, with high amounts, were identified as p-Cymenealpha (20.81%), alpha-Phellandrene (20.75%), Carvone (10.97%), Dill ether (9.88%), and cis-Sabinol (3.61%). LC of Dill EO at 50 and 90% were found as 38.8 and 65 ppm, respectively, against 3rd and 4th instar larvae of An. stephensi (Beech-Lab strain). Particle size (PS) ranges of nanoemulsions were 10.7–1880.0 nm. LA of optimum nanoemulsion (PS: 10.7 nm) was significantly better than that of bulk Dill EO. The preparation showed stability against 200 times dilution during larvicidal tests and performed significantly better than the nanoemulsion which was not stable after dilution. To obtain improved efficiency against larvae using nanoemulsions of EOs, the nanoemulsion should be resistant against dilution. Such a stable and green nanoemulsion may be used as alternative to industrial larvicides.

Risk exposure assessment of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in drinking water and atmosphere in central eastern China

Abstract

We examined per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in air from eight cities, and in water from six drinking-water treatment plants (DWTPs), in central eastern China. We analyzed raw and treated water samples from the DWTPs for 17 ionic PFASs with high-performance liquid chromatography/negative-electrospray-ionization tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC/(–)ESI-MS/MS), and analyzed the gas and particle phases of atmospheric samples for 12 neutral PFASs by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA) were the dominant compounds in drinking water, and fluorotelomer alcohols (FTOHs) dominated in atmospheric samples. Of all the compounds in the treated water samples, the concentration of PFOA, at 51.0 ng L⁻¹, was the highest. Conventional treatments such as coagulation (COA), flocculation (FOC), sedimentation (SED), and sand filtration (SAF) did not remove PFASs. Advanced treatments, however, including ultrafiltration (UF) and activated carbon (AC), removed the majority of PFASs except for shorter-chain PFASs such as perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA) and perfluoropentanoic acid (PFPA). We also investigated human exposure to PFASs via drinking water and the atmosphere and found that the mean daily intake of PFASs was 0.43 ng kg⁻¹ day⁻¹.

Systemic sclerosis complicated with localized scleroderma-like lesions induced by Köbner phenomenon

Scleroderma is a chronic disease of unknown etiology characterized by skin fibrosis and is divided into two clinical entities: systemic sclerosis (SSc) and localized scleroderma (LSc, or morphea) [1]. SSc is a multisystem autoimmune and vascular disorder resulting in extensive tissue fibrosis of the skin and certain internal organs [2]. LSc differs from SSc in that it is not accompanied by Raynaud's phenomenon, acrosclerosis, and internal organ involvement, and is classified into 5 subtypes; circumscribed morphea, linear scleroderma, generalized morphea, pansclerotic morphea, and mixed morphea [3].

The Burden of Inbox-Messaging Systems and Its Effect on Work-Life Balance in Dermatology

Fibrous Cephalic Plaques in Tuberous Sclerosis Complex

Fibrous cephalic plaques (FCPs) stereotypically develop on the forehead of tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) patients. They constitute a major feature for TSC diagnosis, and may present before other TSC-related cutaneous hamartomas.

A systematic review of validated sinus surgery simulators

Abstract

Background

Simulation provides a safe and effective opportunity to develop surgical skills. A variety of endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) simulators have been described in the literature. Validation of these simulators allows for effective utilisation in training.

Objective of review

To conduct a systematic review of the published literature to analyse the evidence for validated ESS simulation.

Search strategy

Pubmed, Embase, Cochrane and Cinahl were searched from inception of the databases to January 11^th, 2017.

Evaluation method

12,516 articles were retrieved of which 10,112 were screened following the removal of duplicates. 38 full text articles were reviewed after meeting the search criteria. Evidence of face, content, construct, discriminant and predictive validity was extracted.

Results

20 articles were included in the analysis describing 12 ESS simulators. 11 of these simulators had undergone validation; 3 virtual reality, 7 physical bench models and 1 cadaveric simulator. 7 of the simulators were shown to have face validity, 7 had construct validity and 1 had predictive validity. None of the simulators demonstrated discriminate validity.

Conclusion

This systematic review demonstrates that a number of ESS simulators have been comprehensively validated. Many of the validation processes, however, lack standardisation in outcome reporting, thus limiting a meta-analysis comparison between simulators.

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Prevalence of skin disease in a population based sample of adults out of five European countries

Abstract

Background

There is a lack of prevalence data on skin diseases in the general adult population, most studies were carried out in small, national or consecutive clinical samples.

Objectives

To determine the prevalence of common skin disease in the general European population and to additionally assess differences in the characteristics of treatment between countries.

Methods

A random sample consisting out of 12,377 subjects aged 18 to 74 years was drawn from the general population of five European countries (Germany, Italy, The Netherlands, Portugal and Sweden). This was a cross-sectional study and all participants were interviewed with a standardized questionnaire assessing the occurrence of 10 common skin diseases during lifetime, past year and past month. If a skin disease was reported we additionally assessed who performed diagnosis and treatment and if drugs were prescribed.

Results

The most common skin disease was warts (41.3%) followed by acne (19.2%) and contact dermatitis (15.0%). In general females were more often affected by skin diseases compared to males, only in skin cancer the prevalence in males was slightly higher. The prevalence of skin diseases in northern countries (Germany, Netherlands & Sweden) was in general higher than in the southern countries (Italy & Spain). In the Netherlands the treatment of skin diseases was less often performed by a dermatologist compared to the other countries.

Conclusion

The prevalence estimates reported in this study are derived from a representative sample of the general population. Data assessment was performed comprehensively across countries, thus country specific prevalence estimates are comparable.

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Simultaneous purifying of Hg 0 , SO 2 , and NO x from flue gas by Fe 3+ /H 2 O 2 : the performance and purifying mechanism

Abstract

Hg⁰, SO₂, and NOx result in heavily global environmental pollution and serious health hazards. Up to now, how to efficiently remove mercury with SO₂ and NOx from flue gas is still a tough task. In this study, series of high oxidizing Fenton systems were employed to purify the pollutants. The experimental results showed that Fe³⁺/H₂O₂ was more suitable to purify Hg⁰ than Fe²⁺/H₂O₂ and Cu²⁺/H₂O_2. The optimal condition includes Fe³⁺ concentration of 0.008 mol/L, Hg⁰ inlet concentration of 40 μg/m³, solution temperature of 50 °C, pH of 3, H₂O₂ concentration of 0.7 mol/L, and O₂ percentage of 6%. When SO₂ and NOx were taken into account under the optimal condition, Hg⁰ removal efficiency could be enhanced to 91.11% while the removal efficiency of both NOx and SO₂ was slightly declined, which was consistent to the analysis of purifying mechanism. The removal efficiency of Hg⁰ was stimulated by accelerating the conversion of Fe²⁺ to Fe³⁺, which resulted from the existence of SO₂ and NOx. The results of this study suggested that simultaneously purifying Hg⁰, SO₂, and NOx from flue gas is feasible.

Application of protein typing in molecular epidemiological investigation of nosocomial infection outbreak of aminoglycoside-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Abstract

Pseudomonas aeruginosan has emerged as an important pathogen elated to serious infections and nosocomial outbreaks worldwide. This study was conducted to understand the prevalence of aminoglycoside (AMG)-resistant P. aeruginosa in our hospital and to provide a scientific basis for control measures against nosocomial infections. Eighty-two strains of P. aeruginosa were isolated from clinical departments and divided into AMG-resistant strains and AMG-sensitive strains based on susceptibility test results. AMG-resistant strains were typed by drug resistance gene typing (DRGT) and protein typing. Five kinds of aminoglycoside-modifying enzyme (AME) genes were detected in the AMG-resistant group. AMG-resistant P. aeruginosa strains were classified into three types and six subtypes by DRGT. Four protein peaks, namely, 9900.02, 7600.04, 9101.25 and 10,372.87 Da, were significantly and differentially expressed between the two groups. AMG-resistant P. aeruginosa strains were also categorised into three types and six subtypes at the distance level of 10 by protein typing. AMG-resistant P. aeruginosa was cloned spread in our hospital; the timely implementation of nosocomial infection prevention and control strategies were needed in preventing outbreaks and epidemic of AMG-resistant P. aeruginosa. SELDI-TOF MS technology can be used for bacterial typing, which provides a new method of clinical epidemiological survey and nosocomial infection control.

Cistus monspeliensis L. as a potential species for rehabilitation of soils with multielemental contamination under Mediterranean conditions

Abstract

The Iberian Pyrite Belt (IPB; SW of the Iberian Peninsula) is one of the most important volcanogenic massive sulphide ore deposits in the world. Cistus monspeliensis L. is a native woody shrub that grows spontaneously in non-contaminated soils as well as in soils with multielemental contamination from the IPB. In this study, different ecophysiological parameters of C. monspeliensis growing in soils with different levels of metal(loid)s were evaluated to assess the potential of this species for revegetation of degraded areas. Composite samples of plants and rhizosphere soils were sampled in São Domingos and Lousal mines and in a reference area without soil contamination (Pomarão, Portugal) (Portuguese sector of IPB). Classical characterisation of the soils and quantification of their total and available metal(loid) concentrations were done. Multielemental concentration was determined in plants (shoots and roots). Ecophysiological parameters were also determined in shoots: concentrations of pigments (chlorophylls, anthocyanins and carotenoids), antioxidants (glutathione and ascorbate) and hydrogen peroxide as well as activities of several antioxidative enzymes. Although mining soils present high total concentrations of potentially hazardous elements, their available fractions were low and similar among studied areas. Soil pH as well as concentrations of extractable P, total concentrations of As, Cd and Ni and concentrations of Cu, Cr, Ni, Pb and Sb in the soil available fraction differentiate the studied areas. Only concentrations of Cd, Pb and Sb in roots and shoots were explained by the concentrations of the same elements in the soil available fraction. Although the majority of elements were translocated from roots to shoots, the shoots concentrations were below the toxic values for domestic animals and only As, Mn and Zn reached phytotoxic concentrations. Ecophysiological parameters were similar independently of the studied area. Due to its adaptability, tolerance and standard plant features, C. monspeliensis is a good choice for rehabilitation of soils with multielemental contamination under similar climatic characteristics.

Understanding sunscreen SPF performance using cross polarized UVA reflectance photography

Abstract

Objective

Objective methods for understanding sunscreen behaviour in vitro before they are applied to the skin have failed to keep pace with the ever-increasing demands for higher SPF scores where the products are absorbing more and more similar levels of UV. A novel method for visualizing the spreading and location of SPF ingredients based on cross polarized UVA reflectance photography is described here which gives new insights into the formation of final film morphology and how it correlates with in vivo SPF efficacy for a set of test products.

Methods

High resolution UVA based images of sunscreen films spread onto PMMA plates were captured using a modified commercial SLR camera in a custom imaging system. Visual grading and image analysis were used to describe the overall UVA absorbance and streakiness of the resultant films, and the data compared with both in vivo and calculated in vitro SPF scores for the products.

Results

Differences were observed between the products in terms of how they spread during application. A strong correlation was observed between the evenness of the resultant film as determined from the photographs and final in vivo SPF scores.

Conclusions

Cross polarized UVA reflectance photography has been demonstrated to be a valuable new method for assessing sunscreen distribution after spreading, and to differentiate product based on film morphology, as well as strongly correlating with final in vivo behaviour.

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Effects of rice straw mulching on N 2 O emissions and maize productivity in a rain-fed upland

Abstract

In the hilly areas of southern China, uplands and paddies are located adjacent to each other. Using rice straw as mulch for upland soil may improve crop production and partially replace chemical fertilizers, which may mitigate N₂O emissions. A field experiment was conducted to investigate the potential of rice straw mulching for mitigating N₂O emissions and increasing crop production. The treatments included no mulching (CK), 5000 kg ha⁻¹ of straw mulching (SM5), and 10,000 kg ha⁻¹ of straw mulching (SM10). Moreover, all the treatments received equivalent amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium from chemical fertilizers plus rice straw. Relative to CK, cumulative N₂O emissions decreased by 23.1 and 33.5% with SM5 and SM10, respectively. Significant positive correlations were observed between N₂O fluxes and soil water-filled pore space (WPFS) (r ² = 0.495, P < 0.05) and between seasonal cumulative N₂O fluxes and the chemical N fertilization rate (r ² = 0.814, P < 0.05). These findings indicate that soil WPFS was the key environmental factor in N₂O emissions and that the substitution of chemical nitrogen fertilizer with rice straw was the main driver of N₂O mitigation. Relative to CK, the maize yield increased by 16.5 and 29.6% with SM5 and SM10, respectively, which can be attributed primarily to the increases in soil moisture. The chemical fertilizer input could be decreased and N₂O emissions could be mitigated through straw mulching, while achieving improved crop yield. This management strategy has great potential, and this study provides an important reference for low-carbon agriculture.

Efficient fluoride removal using Al-Cu oxide nanoparticles supported on steel slag industrial waste solid

Abstract

A SSW/Al-Cu formed from an industrial solid waste and Al-Cu Nps are utilized for the removal of fluoride from aqueous solutions. The SSW/Al-Cu was obtained by a chemical reduction method. The SSW/Al-Cu was characterized by TEM, SEM, FT-IR, XRD, BET, and pH_zpc techniques. The Nps were formed as bimetallic oxides and deposited in the form of spheroidal particles forming agglomerations. The sizes of these particles range from 1 to 3 nm. The surface area and average pore width of SSW/Al-Cu were 2.99 m²/g and 17.09 nm, respectively. The adsorption kinetics were better described using the second-order model, pointing to chemical adsorption with an equilibrium time of 540 min. The thermodynamic parameters obtained here confirm the spontaneous and endothermic nature of the process. The percentage of fluoride removal was 89.5% using the four-bladed disk turbine, and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling demonstrated that using the four-bladed disk turbine helped improve the fluoride removal process. The maximum adsorption capacity was 3.99 mg/g. The Langmuir-Freundlich model best describes the adsorption process, which occurred by a combination of mechanisms, such as electrostatic interactions between the ions involved in the process. This study proves that the chemical modification of this waste solid created an efficient bimetallic nanomaterial for fluoride removal. Furthermore, the method of preparation of these nanocomposites is quite scalable.

Removal of Procion Red dye from colored effluents using H 2 SO 4 -/HNO 3 -treated avocado shells ( Persea americana ) as adsorbent

Abstract

The treatment of colored effluents containing Procion Red dye (PR) was investigated using H₂SO₄ and HNO₃ modified avocado shells (Persea americana) as adsorbents. The adsorbent materials (AS–H₂SO₄ and AS–HNO₃) were properly characterized. The adsorption study was carried out considering the effects of adsorbent dosage and pH. Kinetic, equilibrium, and thermodynamic aspects were also evaluated. Finally, the adsorbents were tested to treat simulated dye house effluents. For both materials, the adsorption was favored using 0.300 g L⁻¹ of adsorbent at pH 6.5, where, more than 90% of PR was removed from the solution. General order model was able to explain the adsorption kinetics for both adsorbents. The Sips model was adequate to represent the isotherm data, being the maximum adsorption capacities of 167.0 and 212.6 mg g⁻¹ for AS–H₂SO₄ and AS–HNO₃, respectively. The adsorption processes were thermodynamically spontaneous, favorable (− 17.0 < ΔG ⁰ < − 13.2 kJ mol⁻¹), and exothermic (ΔH ⁰ values of − 29 and − 55 kJ mol⁻¹). AS–H₂SO₄ and AS–HNO₃ were adequate to treat dye house effluents, attaining color removal percentages of 82 and 75%. Avocado shells, after a simple acid treatment, can be a low-cost option to treat colored effluents.

Treatment of produced water originated from oil and gas production wells: a pilot study and cost analysis

Abstract

Produced water originated from oil and gas production wells was treated by a pilot-scale system including pre-treatment (chemical precipitation), pre-filtration, and post-filtration units. Pre-filtration unit consisted of sand filter, granulated activated carbon (GAC) filter, and ultrafiltration (UF) membrane. Post-filtration unit included reverse osmosis (RO) membrane unit. In this study, two different RO membranes including sea water (SW) and brackish water (BW) membranes were comparatively evaluated in terms of treatment and filtration performance. Besides, a cost analysis was conducted for a real scale RO membrane unit by using the data obtained from the pilot plant study. Average fluxes of 12.7 and 9.4 L/m² h were obtained by SW and BW membrane units, respectively. Higher COD and conductivity removal efficiencies were obtained by SW membrane in comparison to BW membrane. Total cost of 0.88 €/m³ was estimated for a RO plant treating produced water with a flowrate capacity of 300 m³/d.

Multiple annular pigmented rings on the submammary fold

Publication date: Available online 26 November 2017
Source:Dermatologica Sinica
Author(s): Liu Xia, Cheng Tan

Skin care services and disease prevalence in Taiwan: A nationwide study

Publication date: Available online 13 December 2017
Source:Dermatologica Sinica
Author(s): Ying-Xiu Dai, Tzeng-Ji Chen, Yun-Ting Chang
Background/ObjectiveNumerous studies have suggested that dermatologists are superior to nondermatologists in managing skin diseases. However, it is still not known whether the public are convinced that dermatologists should be the primary caretakers for the skin. This study sought to characterize the delivery of skin care services, with a particular focus on the epidemiology of skin diseases and the distributions of patients and their visits to dermatologists and nondermatologists.MethodsThe cohort datasets were drawn from Taiwan's National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD) and contained all the original claims data for one million beneficiaries enrolled in 2010. We analyzed the epidemiologic profiles of this population-based cohort for 2013. Descriptive statistics were applied to examine the epidemiology of skin diseases and the distributions of visits and patients according to physician specialty.ResultsWe identified 989,039 persons who remained in the cohort in 2013. Of those, 351,330 (or 35.5%) had skin diseases, and made 989,514 ambulatory care visits in 2013. Visits to dermatologists accounted for 62.2% of these visits. Among the patients with skin diseases, 52.6% of patients made visits to dermatologists, compared with 32.6% who visited nondermatologists and 14.8% who visited both in 2013. In this cohort, dermatitis and eczema had the highest prevalence (16.2%), followed by fungal infections (6.3%) and pruritus (5.5%).ConclusionDermatologists play major roles in providing skin care services in Taiwan. This finding might be partially explained by the weak role of primary care physicians and the perceptions of patients toward dermatologists and nondermatologists in Taiwan.

Multiple milia occurring after local injection of collagenase Clostridium histolyticum (CCH)

Publication date: Available online 26 November 2017
Source:Dermatologica Sinica
Author(s): Takahiro Shiratori, Haruhisa Kato