PSXIII-18 The effect of lead on alkaline phosphatase serum activity in European carp

The aim of this research is to assess the toxic influence of heavy metals in fish. This study was intended to analyze alkaline phosphatase (AP) serum activity under the influence of various lead concentrations in European carp. AP is involved in the dephosphorylation processes and is an important indicator of liver and skeleton tissue metabolism. When exposed to heavy metals, a change in the activity of this enzyme can be observed. In this experiment 3 groups of fish (European carp) were formed, 10 fish in each group: control group; 1-experimental group – fish were contained in water with 0.06 mg/l lead acetate concentration (upper threshold level than fishery waters permissible exposure limit according to the laws of the Russian Federation); 2-experimental group – fish were contained in water with 0.6 mg/l lead acetate concentration (10 times higher than fishery waters permissible exposure limit according to the laws of the Russian Federation). Exposure time was 4 hours. The blood samplings were taken from heart by syringe and placed in dry test tubes. After samplings centrifugation in non-hemolysed serum samples AP activity was assessed. The study revealed the decreasing trend of AP serum activity by 1.08% (21.89±0.24 IU/l) in 1-experimental group in compare with control group (22.13±0.78 IU/l). In case where the lead acetate concentration were 10 times higher than fishery waters permissible exposure limit were meaningful decreasing of AP activity (P ≤ 0.05) by 66.23% (17.42±0.63 IU/l) accordingly in 2-experimental group in compare with control group. In conclusion, a statistically significant decrease in the AP activity in fish blood serum was found after acetate concentration 10 times higher than the permissible exposure limit in fishery waters, according to the laws of the Russian Federation. We can suppose that the activity of this enzyme is the reason for the inhibitory effect of lead on liver tissue.

Statistical Modeling and Performance Optimization of a Two-Chamber Microbial Fuel Cell by Response Surface Methodology

Microbial fuel cell, as a promising technology for simultaneous power production and waste treatment, has received a great deal of attention in recent years; however, generation of a relatively low power density is the main limitation towards its commercial application. This study contributes toward the optimization, in terms of maximization, of the power density of a microbial fuel cell by employing response surface methodology, coupled with central composite design. For this optimization study, the interactive effect of three independent parameters, namely (i) acetate concentration in the influent of anodic chamber; (ii) fuel feed flow rate in anodic chamber; and (iii) oxygen concentration in the influent of cathodic chamber, have been analyzed for a two-chamber microbial fuel cell, and the optimum conditions have been identified. The optimum value of power density was observed at an acetate concentration, a fuel feed flow rate, and an oxygen concentration value of 2.60 mol m−3, 0.0 m3, and 1.00 mol m−3, respectively. The results show the achievement of a power density of 3.425 W m−2, which is significant considering the available literature. Additionally, a statistical model has also been developed that correlates the three independent factors to the power density. For this model, R2, adjusted R2, and predicted R2 were 0.839, 0.807, and 0.703, respectively. The fact that there is only a 3.8% error in the actual and adjusted R2 demonstrates that the proposed model is statistically significant.

Prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in cattle in Kalasin Province, Thailand

Background and Aim: Parasitic infections are one of the major problems to the production of cattle in Thailand. The study was conducted to determine the prevalence of gastrointestinal (GI) parasites of cattle in Kalasin Province, Thailand. Materials and Methods: A total of 333 fecal samples of cattle were collected directly from the rectum. The fecal samples were subjected to formalin-ethyl acetate concentration methods for examination. The eggs or oocysts were identified based on the morphology and size of the eggs or oocysts. Results: Out of 333 fecal samples examined, 320 were found positive for GI parasitic infections with a prevalence of 96.09%. Overall, among the prevalence of nematodes, trematodes, and protozoa, the most prevalent parasites were Strongyle-type 278 (84.24%), followed by Strongyloides spp. 54 (16.36%) and Trichuris spp. 75 (22.73%), while Protozoan oocyst recorded Eimeria spp. amounted to 131 (39.7%). Fasciola spp. and Paramphistomum spp. were 67 (20.30%) and 81 (24.55%), respectively. Most of the positive fecal samples were infected with the double infection which has the highest prevalence rate of about 40.24%, followed by single, three, and 4-5 types of parasites 30.63, 16.82, and 7.21%, respectively. Conclusion: This study suggests that Kalasin Province is highly endemic for GI parasites and this area may be an important source for an outbreak. Therefore, every household should deworm its cattle and eliminate and control snails as intermediate hosts. Findings from this study provide information that will assist in improving the cattle in Kalasin Province for better production and higher profitability.

Corrosion and hydrogen permeation in H2S environments with O2 contamination – Part 3: the impact of acetate-buffered test solution chemistry

This paper highlights the importance of considering the magnitude of acetate (ethanoate) species concentration on corrosion and hydrogen permeation rates, important factors associated with cracking initiation in steels for sour service qualification. Materials selection relies on standards, such as NACE TM0177 and NACE TM0284, which stipulate that oxygen pollution should be avoided during testing in H2S-containing media. The 5% NaCl test solutions in current standards are buffered using acetic acid (CH3COOH)/sodium acetate (CH3COONa) to fix the solution pH over long periods. In this third paper, as part of a series of articles that evaluate how oxygen entry modifies the corrosion of (and hydrogen permeation across) low alloy steel membranes in H2S-containing solutions, we investigate the effect that changing the solution chemistry has through testing X65 steel in different concentrations of acetic acid and sodium acetate in H2S-saturated 5% NaCl solutions, i.e. Solutions A and B (NACE TM0177-2016), and the HLP solution of NACE TM 0284-2016. Increasing the total acetic acid + acetate concentration encourages a higher average X65 corrosion rate and longer-sustained hydrogen charging flux, assigned to the cathodic reaction rate enhancement by acetic acid and the iron solubilizing effects of acetates. Introducing 300 ppb of dissolved oxygen does not push the solution pH outside of the permitted error range but increases average X65 corrosion rates and, again, helps sustain hydrogen permeation flux for longer. Through an evaluation of the surface structure and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy data, this appears to be down to an increase in the permeability and porosity of the troilite FeStroilite dominant scale. The HLP solution (at pH 3.5), with the highest acetic acid and acetate concentration, is the most aggressive. In this electrolyte, an iron sulfide overlayer structure is attained with an oxygen-rich inner layer between the metal substrate and a thick iron sulfide film.

Prevalence of Concomitant Infection of Intestinal Helminthiasis with Malaria Parasitaemia in a typical Nigeria Suburban Areas.

Helminthic infestation and malaria parasitaemia, separately or co- joined, can be present, in a host and still be asymptomatic. It is, therefore, crucial to assess the extent of co-infestation among individuals, particularly children who are most prone to parasitic infestations. Blood and Stool samples were collected from 557 pupils who were examined for intestinal helminths, malaria parasitaemia and anaemia. Formal acetate concentration method was used to analyse the stool specimens after which positive ones were further processed using Stolls method of counting helminths egg to determine the number of parasite per gram of stool. Thick film was used for malaria parasite test and malaria parasite density was calculated for the positive samples while anaemia was screened using cyanmethaemoglobin method. There were 235(42.2%) pupils co-infested with intestinal helminths and malaria parasitaemia Co-infestation of Ascaris lumbricoides and malaria parasitaemia 91(16.3%), and co-infection with hookworm and malaria parasitaemia 72(13.0%) had the highest prevalence. The percentage of pupils co-infested and anaemic were 130(23.3%) and is statistically significant (p > 0.05) across the communities. There was a negative correlation between haemoglobin concentrations (the indicator of anaemia), helminthic count with malaria parasite density count. This study revealed that intestinal helminths and malaria parasitaemia have a resurgence and concomitant infestation which constitutes a public menace. Co-infection increased the risk associated with anaemia and intensify the burden in Nigerian children. Keywords: Co-infestation, malaria parasitaemia, intestinal helminthiasis, anaemia, pupils

LAJU PERTUMBUHAN DAN KEPADATAN MIKROALGA Dunaliella sp. PADA PEMBERIAN TIMBAL ASETAT DENGAN KONSENTRASI YANG BERBEDA

Microalgae are organisms that contain chlorophyll and other pigments so they can carry out photosynthesis. Microalgae are widespread in nature and can be found in any environment exposed to sunlight. Microalgae are micro-sized biota with a diameter of less than 2 µm. The benefits of microalgae for other living things, especially humans, are numerous, including as a source of food and ingredients in the manufacture of medicines. Dunaliella sp. is a group of green algae that contains protein, fat and carbohydrates as a good source of food. Growth rate and density of microalgae Dunaliella sp. and the effect of lead acetate with different concentrations was observed using a microscope, starting from the lag phase, the logarithmic phase, the stationary phase and the declination phase. Dunaliella sp. Experiencing an exponential phase in the observation before treatment, namely on the 9th day and then doing the treatment. Treatment with lead acetate with concentrations of 10 ppm, 50 ppm and 80 ppm is very influential in the growth of microalgae. The result is that lead acetate contains toxins that can kill microalgae cells in both low and high concentrations.Keywords: Microalgae, Dunaliella sp., Lead Acetate, Concentration

Acetate as substrate for l-malic acid production with Aspergillus oryzae DSM 1863

Background Microbial malic acid production is currently not able to compete economically with well-established chemical processes using fossil resources. The utilization of inexpensive biomass-based substrates containing acetate could decrease production costs and promote the development of microbial processes. Acetate is a by-product in lignocellulosic hydrolysates and fast pyrolysis products or can be synthesized by acetogens during syngas fermentation. For the fermentation of these substrates, a robust microorganism with a high tolerance for biomass-derived inhibitors is required. Aspergillus oryzae is a suitable candidate due to its high tolerance and broad substrate spectrum. To pave the path towards microbial malic acid production, the potential of acetate as a carbon source for A. oryzae is evaluated in this study. Results A broad acetate concentration range was tested both for growth and malic acid production with A. oryzae. Dry biomass concentration was highest for acetic acid concentrations of 40–55 g/L reaching values of about 1.1 g/L within 48 h. Morphological changes were observed depending on the acetate concentration, yielding a pellet-like morphology with low and a filamentous structure with high substrate concentrations. For malic acid production, 45 g/L acetic acid was ideal, resulting in a product concentration of 8.44 ± 0.42 g/L after 192 h. The addition of 5–15 g/L glucose to acetate medium proved beneficial by lowering the time point of maximum productivity and increasing malic acid yield. The side product spectrum of cultures with acetate, glucose, and cultures containing both substrates was compared, showing differences especially in the amount of oxalic, succinic, and citric acid produced. Furthermore, the presence of CaCO3, a pH regulator used for malate production with glucose, was found to be crucial also for malic acid production with acetate. Conclusions This study evaluates relevant aspects of malic acid production with A. oryzae using acetate as carbon source and demonstrates that it is a suitable substrate for biomass formation and acid synthesis. The insights provided here will be useful to further microbial malic acid production using renewable substrates.

CdS Dots, Rods and Platelets—How to Obtain Predefined Shapes in a One-Pot Synthesis of Nanoparticles

In recent years, numerous protocols for nanoplatelet synthesis have been developed. Here, we present a facile, one-pot method for controlling cadmium sulfide (CdS) nanoparticles’ shape that allows for obtaining zero-dimensional, one-dimensional, or two-dimensional structures. The proposed synthesis protocol is a simple heating-up approach and does not involve any inconvenient steps such as injection and/or pouring the precursors at elevated temperatures. Because of this, the synthesis protocol is highly repeatable. A gradual increase in the zinc acetate concentration causes the particles’ shape to undergo a transition from isotropic quantum dots through rods to highly anisotropic nanoplatelets. We identified conditions at which synthesized platelets were purely five monolayers thick. All samples acquired during different stages of the reaction were characterized via optical spectroscopy, which allowed for the identification of the presence of high-temperature, magic-size clusters prior to the platelets’ formation.

Advancing understanding of actinide(iii) (Ac, Am, Cm) aqueous complexation chemistry

Actinide complexation from aqueous acetic acid/acetate buffered solutions is described. The number of water ligands was directly correlated with the acetate concentration and characterized by X-ray absorption and optical spectroscopy.