The Relationship between Natural Radioactivity of Al-Rohban Soil in Al-Najaf Governorate and Its Microbial Content

The present study was designed to explore the relationship between radioactivity at Al-Rohban soil in Al-Najaf Governorate, located 30 km away from Najaf city center, and its microbial content. The radiological survey was conducted by γ–ray spectrometry, using purity Germanium (HPGe) detector. A selected surface soil layer (10 cm depth, 50 and 100 m expansion) was tested. The physical analyses were conducted in the Ministry of Environment, Center for Prevention of Radiation. The results showed that the estimated concentrations of Bi-214, Ra-226, Ac-228, Th-232, K-40 and Cs-137 were 47.93, 81.87, 5.03, 1.63, 126.3 and 3.5 Bq/Kg, respectively. Isotopes average concentrations were equivalent to the lowest specified International Atomic Energy standards. As related to the analysis of bacterial content in the soil sample, the total cell count (in cells per gram of soil) in the different areas studied (R1, R2, R3 and R4) had values of 70000, 200, 60000 and 300 cell/gm., respectively. The statistical analysis of these results revealed no relationship between radioactivity and microorganisms existence.

Faster Evaluation of Contaminated Surfaces for Mould Inspections by Tape Sampling

Taking a tape-lift sample is one of the main practices used by indoor environmental quality investigators for detecting whether mould structures (for example, spores and hyphae) have either settled onto or colonized the surface. Despite the popularity of the method, there can be significant inconsistency in how tape lifts are collected and evaluated. The common ASTM standard D7910-14: Practice for the Collection of Fungal Material from Surfaces by Tape Lift, describes the correct way to collect a tape-lift sample. Using ASTM D7658-17: Standard Test Method for Direct Microscopy of Fungal Structures from Tape, semi-quantitative results in percentage of infested area in a scale from 0 up to 5 are available only. In case histories or for mould removal control, the total cell count is needed. This cannot be realized by the ASTM method. Therefore, an innovative method is asked to combine the quickness of taping and the precision of total cell count. Our research team developed two methods to quickly and fully quantify the tape samples. Regarding the assessment criteria, the user can decide to operate with the 3-LINE method to achieve the highest precision or use the faster 3-STEP method for even better results. Therefore, an innovative method is asked to combine the quickness of taping and the precision of total cell count. The aim of the work is to develop two strategies to quickly and comprehensive quantify the tape samples.

Faster Evaluation of Contaminated Surfaces for Mould Inspections by Tape Sampling

Taking a tape-lift sample is one of the main practices used by indoor environmental quality investigators for detecting whether mould structures (for example, spores and hyphae) have either settled onto or colonized the surface. Despite the popularity of the method, there can be significant inconsistency in how tape lifts are collected. The common ASTM standard D7910, Practice for the Collection of Fungal Material from Surfaces by Tape Lift, describes the correct way to collect a tape-lift sample. Using ASTM D7910 semi-quantitative results (scale 0 up to 5) are only available. In case histories or for mould removal control, the total cell count is needed. This cannot be realized by the ASTM method. Therefore, an innovative method is needed to combine the quickness of taping and the precision of total cell count. Our research team developed two methods to quickly and fully quantify the tape samples. Regarding the assessment criteria, the user can decide to operate with the 3-LINE method to achieve the highest precision or use the faster 3-STEP method for even better results.

Response of Astrocytes to Blood Exposure due to Shunt Insertion in vitro

The breakdown of the ventricular zone (VZ) with the presence of blood in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) has been shown to increase shunt catheter obstruction in the treatment of hydrocephalus, but the mechanisms by which this occurs are generally unknown. Using a custom-built incubation chamber, we immunofluorescently assayed cell attachment and morphology on shunt catheters with and without blood after 14 days. Samples exposed to blood showed significantly increased cell attachment (average total cell count 392.0±317.1 versus control of 94.7±44.5, P<0.0001). Analysis of the glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) expression showed similar trends (854.4±450.7 versus control of 174.3±116.5, P<0.0001). An in vitro model was developed to represent the exposure of astrocytes to blood following an increase in BBB permeability. Exposure of astrocytes to blood increases the number of cells and their spread on the shunt.

Culturing of green photosynthetic microalgae (Chlorella sp.) using palm oil mill effluent (POME) for future biodiesel production

Nowadays, the water pollution is leading issue due to palm oil mill effluent (POME), waste from palm oil production is a big problem to Malaysia which is largest palm oil producers. POME containing large amount of chemical oxygen demand (COD) which can cause severe pollution to the environment especially water. This present study designed for culturing green algae (Chlorella sp.) isolated from Pantai Balok, Kuantan which is most common microalgae with palm oil mill effluent (POME). Chlorella sp. was cultured using BG-11 medium with the addition of POME as experiment and without POME as control. The POME responsible for the growth of green algae is studied by measurement of the growth rate, total cell count and chemical oxygen demand (COD) for both conditions. The composition for control and experiment is also measured and determined by using Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GCMS). From the results, it is observed that the total cell count and growth rate of Chlorella sp. greater in presence of POME since the green microalgae absorbs the essential nutrients from the POME as their nutrients. GCMS revealed that the difference in composition for both the conditions. Results concluded that several COD also vigorously deplete with the help of green algae digestion. Cultivation of Chlorella sp. in POME will help in future water pollution treatment.