scholarly journals Abundance and fate of thallium and its stable isotopes in the environment

2021 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
pp. 5-30
Author(s):  
Zdzisław M. Migaszewski ◽  
Agnieszka Gałuszka
Keyword(s):  
Stable Isotopes ◽  
Mine Drainage ◽  
Extreme Environments ◽  
Physicochemical Characteristics ◽  
Pollution Source ◽  
Acidic Waters ◽  
High Concentrations ◽  
Geochemical Studies ◽  
Very High ◽  
Environmental Compartments

Abstract This overview presents the updated physicochemical characteristics of thallium and its stable isotopes (205Tl/203Tl) in the context of their occurrence and fate in abiotic and biotic systems. This also deals with the thallium behavior in geochemical interactions in and between different environmental compartments and describes its natural (geogenic) and industrial sources. The particular emphasis is placed on some extreme environments, including acid mine drainage areas where oxidation processes of Tl-bearing pyrite and other sulfides lead to very high concentrations of this metal in reactive acidic waters. Many geochemical studies have also employed stable thallium isotopes to reconstruct redox conditions in different environmental systems, to fingerprint relative pollution source strengths and to evaluate mobility of this element and its geochemical interactions in the mineral-water and soil–plant systems. This is the reason why this overview also highlights the growing potential of stable Tl isotopes in solving different geologic and environmental issues. Graphic abstract

scholarly journals Effect of arsenite and growth in biofilm conditions on the evolution of Thiomonas sp. CB2

2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (10) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kelle C. Freel ◽  
Stephanie Fouteau ◽  
David Roche ◽  
Julien Farasin ◽  
Aline Huber ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Parent Strain ◽  
Mine Drainage ◽  
Bacterial Genome ◽  
Extreme Environments ◽  
Point Mutations ◽  
Multiple Point ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Link Type ◽  
High Concentrations ◽  
Integrative And Conjugative Element

Thiomonas bacteria are ubiquitous at acid mine drainage sites and play key roles in the remediation of water at these locations by oxidizing arsenite to arsenate, favouring the sorption of arsenic by iron oxides and their coprecipitation. Understanding the adaptive capacities of these bacteria is crucial to revealing how they persist and remain active in such extreme conditions. Interestingly, it was previously observed that after exposure to arsenite, when grown in a biofilm, some strains of Thiomonas bacteria develop variants that are more resistant to arsenic. Here, we identified the mechanisms involved in the emergence of such variants in biofilms. We found that the percentage of variants generated increased in the presence of high concentrations of arsenite (5.33 mM), especially in the detached cells after growth under biofilm-forming conditions. Analysis of gene expression in the parent strain CB2 revealed that genes involved in DNA repair were upregulated in the conditions where variants were observed. Finally, we assessed the phenotypes and genomes of the subsequent variants generated to evaluate the number of mutations compared to the parent strain. We determined that multiple point mutations accumulated after exposure to arsenite when cells were grown under biofilm conditions. Some of these mutations were found in what is referred to as ICE19, a genomic island (GI) carrying arsenic-resistance genes, also harbouring characteristics of an integrative and conjugative element (ICE). The mutations likely favoured the excision and duplication of this GI. This research aids in understanding how Thiomonas bacteria adapt to highly toxic environments, and, more generally, provides a window to bacterial genome evolution in extreme environments.

The metachor as a characteristic of the association of electrolytes in aqueous solutions

1984 ◽  
Vol 49 (5) ◽  
pp. 1061-1078 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jiří Čeleda ◽  
Stanislav Škramovský
Keyword(s):  
Aqueous Solutions ◽  
Apparent Volume ◽  
Solutions Of Electrolytes ◽  
Molal Volumes ◽  
The Difference ◽  
High Concentrations ◽  
Experimental Values ◽  
Suitable Characteristic ◽  
Association Of Ions ◽  
Very High

Based on the earlier paper introducing a concept of the apparent parachor of a solute in the solution, we have eliminated in the present work algebraically the effect which is introduced into this quantity by the additivity of the apparent molal volumes. The difference remaining from the apparent parachor after substracting the contribution corresponding to the apparent volume ( for which the present authors suggest the name metachor) was evaluated from the experimental values of the surface tension of aqueous solutions for a set of 1,1-, 1,2- and 2,1-valent electrolytes. This difference showed to be independent of concentration up to the very high values of the order of units mol dm-3 but it was directly proportional to the number of the free charges (with a proportionality factor 5 ± 1 cm3 mol-1 identical for all studied electrolytes). The metachor can be, for this reason, a suitable characteristic for detection of the association of ions and formation of complexes in the solutions of electrolytes, up to high concentrations where other methods are failing.

scholarly journals Nitrification Process in a Nuclear Wastewater with High Load of Nitrogen, Uranium and Organic Matter under ORP Controlled

Water ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (11) ◽  
pp. 1607
Author(s):  
Mariano Venturini ◽  
Ariana Rossen ◽  
Patricia Silva Paulo
Keyword(s):  
Ammonia Oxidation ◽  
High Load ◽  
Nuclear Fuels ◽  
Monod Model ◽  
Nernst Equation ◽  
Nitrification Process ◽  
Real Wastewater ◽  
High Concentrations ◽  
Wastewater Samples ◽  
Very High

To produce nuclear fuels, it is necessary to convert uranium′s ore into UO2-ceramic grade, using several quantities of kerosene, methanol, nitric acid, ammonia, and, in low level, tributyl phosphate (TBP). Thus, the effluent generated by nuclear industries is one of the most toxic since it contains high concentrations of dangerous compounds. This paper explores biological parameters on real nuclear wastewater by the Monod model in an ORP controlled predicting the specific ammonia oxidation. Thermodynamic parameters were established using the Nernst equation to monitor Oxiders/Reductors relationship to obtain a correlation of these parameters to controlling and monitoring; that would allow technical operators to have better control of the nitrification process. The real nuclear effluent is formed by a mixture of two different lines of discharges, one composed of a high load of nitrogen, around 11,000 mg/L (N-NH4+-N-NO3−) and 600 mg/L Uranium, a second one, proceeds from uranium purification, containing TBP and COD that have to be removed. Bioprocesses were operated on real wastewater samples over 120 days under controlled ORP, as described by Nernst equations, which proved to be a robust tool to operate nitrification for larger periods with a very high load of nitrogen, uranium, and COD.

scholarly journals Spatial Variation of Water Chemistry in Aries River Catchment Western Romania

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (14) ◽  
pp. 6592
Author(s):  
Ana Moldovan ◽  
Maria-Alexandra Hoaghia ◽  
Anamaria Iulia Török ◽  
Marius Roman ◽  
Ionut Cornel Mirea ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heavy Metals ◽  
Water Quality ◽  
Water Chemistry ◽  
Water Samples ◽  
Mine Drainage ◽  
Pollution Indices ◽  
Mining Activities ◽  
River Catchment ◽  
High Concentrations ◽  
The Impact

This study aims to investigate the quality and vulnerability of surface water (Aries River catchment) in order to identify the impact of past mining activities. For this purpose, the pollution and water quality indices, Piper and Durov plots, as well vulnerability modeling maps were used. The obtained results indicate that the water samples were contaminated with As, Fe, Mn, Pb and have relatively high concentrations of SO42−, HCO3−, TDS, Ca, K, Mg and high values for the electrical conductivity. Possible sources of the high content of chemicals could be the natural processes or the inputs of the mine drainage. Generally, according to the pollution indices, which were correlated to high concentrations of heavy metals, especially with Pb, Fe and Mn, the water samples were characterized by heavy metals pollution. The water quality index classified the studied water samples into five different classes of quality, namely: unsuitable for drinking, poor, medium, good and excellent quality. Similarly, medium, high and very high vulnerability classes were observed. The Durov and Piper plots classified the waters into Mg-HCO3− and Ca-Cl− types. The past and present mining activities clearly change the water chemistry and alter the quality of the Aries River, with the water requiring specific treatments before use.

scholarly journals Halogenated Volatile Organic Compounds in Water Samples and Inorganic Elements Levels in Ores for Characterizing a High Anthropogenic Polluted Area in the Northern Latium Region (Italy)

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. 1628
Author(s):  
Mario Vincenzo Russo ◽  
Ivan Notardonato ◽  
Alberto Rosada ◽  
Giuseppe Ianiri ◽  
Pasquale Avino
Keyword(s):  
Organic Compounds ◽  
Mean Value ◽  
Greenhouse Crops ◽  
River Waters ◽  
Liquid Liquid Extraction ◽  
Volatile Organic ◽  
High Concentrations ◽  
Very High ◽  
Inorganic Fraction

This paper shows a characterization of the organic and inorganic fraction of river waters (Tiber and Marta) and ores/soil samples collected in the Northern Latium region of Italy for evaluating the anthropogenic/natural source contribution to the environmental pollution of this area. For organic compounds, organochloride volatile compounds in Tiber and Marta rivers were analyzed by two different clean-up methods (i.e., liquid–liquid extraction and static headspace) followed by gas chromatography–electron capture detector (GC-ECD) analysis. The results show very high concentrations of bromoform (up to 1.82 and 3.2 µg L−1 in Tiber and Marta rivers, respectively), due to the presence of greenhouse crops, and of chloroform and tetrachloroethene, due to the presence of handicrafts installations. For the qualitative and quantitative assessment of the inorganic fraction, it is highlighted the use of a nuclear analytical method, instrumental neutron activation analysis, which allows having more information as possible from the sample without performing any chemical-physical pretreatment. The results have evidenced high levels of mercury (mean value 88.6 µg g−1), antimony (77.7 µg g−1), strontium (12,039 µg g−1) and zinc (103 µg g−1), whereas rare earth elements show levels similar to the literature data. Particular consideration is drawn for arsenic (414 µg g−1): the levels found in this paper (ranging between 1 and 5100 µg g−1) explain the high content of such element (as arsenates) in the aquifer, a big issue in this area.

THE SELECTIVE PROTEOLYTIC ENZYME INHIBITORY ACTION OF BENZETHONIUM CHLORIDE

1960 ◽  
Vol 38 (1) ◽  
pp. 25-32 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ivan T. Beck ◽  
E. Pinter ◽  
R. D. McKenna ◽  
H. Griff
Keyword(s):  
Subcutaneous Injection ◽  
Proteolytic Enzyme ◽  
Inhibitory Action ◽  
Hemorrhagic Pancreatitis ◽  
Benzethonium Chloride ◽  
Tryptic Activity ◽  
High Concentrations ◽  
Acute Hemorrhagic Pancreatitis ◽  
Very High

Acute hemorrhagic pancreatitis in humans is thought to be perpetuated by the autolytic processes catalyzed by trypsin and lipase. This study is an integral part of our search for trypsin and lipase inhibitors to be used in the treatment of this disease.Benzethonium chloride was found to inhibit tryptic activity in vitro. The proteolytic activity of rabbit's serum was inhibited, and the inhibition was most pronounced 6 to 12 hours after the subcutaneous injection of the compound. Fibrinolysin was also inhibited in vitro but benzethonium chloride had no inhibitory action on chymotrypsin, pepsin, or lipase.Serum proteins in vitro were precipitated only with very high concentrations of the compound. No significant protein changes were observed in sera of rabbits after the subcutaneous injection of the compound.

scholarly journals Arginine Inhibits Serpins

2007 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 213-218
Author(s):  
Thomas W. Stief
Keyword(s):  
Esterase Activity ◽  
Serine Proteases ◽  
Biological Fluid ◽  
Microtiter Plate ◽  
Human Albumin ◽  
Amidolytic Activity ◽  
Peptide Substrates ◽  
Plate Reader ◽  
High Concentrations ◽  
Very High

Serine protease inactivators (serpins) are important regulators in biochemistry. Often it is necessary to block the serpin action, that is, to stabilize the sample. The guanidine group of arginine is the ligand for the active center pocket of many serine proteases. Arginine or guanidine inhibits serine proteases, and arginine belongs to the reactive P1-P1' center of many serpins. The plasmatic antithrombin, antiplasmin, or anti-C1-esterase activity was determined: A total of 20 µL of pooled normal plasma or 7% human albumin was added to 100 µL of 0—2.67 M arginine, pH 8.6, 10 µL of 26 mIU/mL thrombin in 7% human albumin, and 30 µL of 1.7 mM CHG-Ala-Arg-pNA (37°C). ΔA at 405 nm was determined, by using a microtiter plate reader. Thrombin was substituted by plasmin or C1-esterase, and the chromogenic peptide substrates <Glu-Phe-Lys-pNA or MeOC-Lys(eCBO)-Gly-Arg-pNA, respectively, were used. The IC50 of arginine against plasmatic antithrombin activity is 580 mM; the IC 25 is 440 mM. The IC25 of arginine against plasmatic α 2-antiplasmin or C1-inactivator is 1650 mM. The amidolytic activity of thrombin, plasmin, and C1-esterase is inhibited similarly by arginine: the IC50 for arginine against the amidolytic activity of these proteases is about 400 mM. Arginine at very high concentrations inhibits serpins. This is important, if stabilization of a biological fluid is a prerequisite for valid activities of serine proteases. In addition, these high concentrations of arginine might be a new gentle principle to inhibit pathogens that need serpins for their pathophysiology.

scholarly journals Metal Removal from Acid Waters by an Endemic Microalga from the Atacama Desert for Water Recovery

Minerals ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (9) ◽  
pp. 378 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marcela Martínez ◽  
Yanett Leyton ◽  
Luis Cisternas ◽  
Carlos Riquelme
Keyword(s):  
Mine Drainage ◽  
Metal Removal ◽  
Atacama Desert ◽  
Mining Industry ◽  
Mining Activity ◽  
Water Recovery ◽  
Metallic Ions ◽  
Mineral Extraction ◽  
High Concentrations ◽  
Acid Waters

The environmental problems generated by waste from the mining industry in the mineral extraction for business purposes are known worldwide. The aim of this work is to evaluate the microalga Muriellopsis sp. as a potential remover of metallic ions such as copper (Cu2+), zinc (Zn2+) and iron (Fe2+), pollutants of acid mine drainage (AMD) type waters. For this, the removal of these ions was verified in artificial acid waters with high concentrations of the ions under examination. Furthermore, the removal was evaluated in waters obtained from areas contaminated by mining waste. The results showed that Muriellopsis sp. removed metals in waters with high concentrations after 4–12 h and showed tolerance to pH between 3 and 5. These results allow proposing this species as a potential bioremediator for areas contaminated by mining activity. In this work, some potential alternatives for application in damaged areas are proposed as a decontamination plan and future prevention.

scholarly journals Vitamin B12 transport in blood. I. Congenital deficiency of transcobalamin II

Blood ◽  
1975 ◽  
Vol 45 (1) ◽  
pp. 71-82 ◽  
Author(s):  
E Gimpert ◽  
M Jakob ◽  
WH Hitzig
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin B12 ◽  
Binding Capacity ◽  
Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis ◽  
Congenital Deficiency ◽  
Complete Clinical Remission ◽  
High Concentrations ◽  
High Doses ◽  
Vitamin B12 Binder ◽  
Very High ◽  
Transcobalamin Ii

Abstract Some characteristics of vitamin B12 binding and transport in the serum of an infant with congenital hereditary transcobalamin II (TC II) deficiency were studied using the following parameters and methods: vitamin B12 level and binding capacity; electrophoretic mobility in polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis; various immunodiffusion and absorption experiments, using a specific anti-TC II antiserum and the patient's serum as antigen. The results of these studies point to a deficient synthesis of TC II. Parenteral administration of high doses of vitamin B12 was followed by rapid and complete clinical remission and the appearance of vitamin B12 binder in the alpha 2 region which is similar to “fetal binder.” Thus, very high concentrations of vitamin B12, either carrier free or bound to this alpha 2 binder, were able to correct the disturbed physiology of TC II deficiency, presumably by normalization of DNA-thymine synthesis.

scholarly journals Extremophilic Exopolysaccharides: Biotechnologies and Wastewater Remediation

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aparna Banerjee ◽  
Shrabana Sarkar ◽  
Tanvi Govil ◽  
Patricio González-Faune ◽  
Gustavo Cabrera-Barjas ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hydrothermal Vents ◽  
Hot Springs ◽  
Mine Drainage ◽  
Oil Spills ◽  
Extreme Environments ◽  
Substantial Part ◽  
Wastewater Remediation ◽  
Water Contaminants ◽  
Chemical Groups ◽  
Trace And Toxic Metals

Various microorganisms thrive under extreme environments, like hot springs, hydrothermal vents, deep marine ecosystems, hyperacid lakes, acid mine drainage, high UV exposure, and more. To survive against the deleterious effect of these extreme circumstances, they form a network of biofilm where exopolysaccharides (EPSs) comprise a substantial part. The EPSs are often polyanionic due to different functional groups in their structural backbone, including uronic acids, sulfated units, and phosphate groups. Altogether, these chemical groups provide EPSs with a negative charge allowing them to (a) act as ligands toward dissolved cations as well as trace, and toxic metals; (b) be tolerant to the presence of salts, surfactants, and alpha-hydroxyl acids; and (c) interface the solubilization of hydrocarbons. Owing to their unique structural and functional characteristics, EPSs are anticipated to be utilized industrially to remediation of metals, crude oil, and hydrocarbons from contaminated wastewaters, mines, and oil spills. The biotechnological advantages of extremophilic EPSs are more diverse than traditional biopolymers. The present review aims at discussing the mechanisms and strategies for using EPSs from extremophiles in industries and environment bioremediation. Additionally, the potential of EPSs as fascinating biomaterials to mediate biogenic nanoparticles synthesis and treat multicomponent water contaminants is discussed.

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