Experimental study on the analysis of nanocellulose treated water in Yola metropolis, Nigeria

In this study, cellulose from sugarcane bagasse and wood pulp were converted to nanocellulose and utilized to treat water from different sources within Yola Metropolis to study the efficacy of both methods. From the analysed water parameters, both nanocellulose materials were effective in treating contaminated water. They showed the capability of reducing the concentrations of the various tested parameters such as Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), Nitrate, Chloride, and Nephelometric Turbidity Units (NTU). Interestingly, analysis of the heavy metal concentrations before and after water treatment with the nanocellulose, showed very significant reduction of the heavy metals. This is encouraging as we explore more efficient methods of water treatment, in order to tackle rising cases of lead and other heavy metal poisoning in Nigeria due to illegal mining activities and deregulated industrial activities. Dans cette recherche, la cellulose de la bagasse de canne à sucre et de la pulpe de bois a été converties en nanocellulose et utilisées pour l’épuration d’eau de différentes sources au sein de Yola Metropolis afin d’étudier l’efficacité des deux méthodes. D’après les paramètres d’eau analysés avec les deux types de nanocelluloses étaient efficaces dans le traitement de l’eau contaminée. Ils ont considérablement réduit les concentrations des différents contaminants testés tels que le TDS, le nitrate, le chlorure et le NTU. En effet, l’analyse de la concentration en métaux lourds avant et après le traitement de l’eau avec la nanocellulose a montré une réduction très significative des métaux lourds. C’est une bonne chose car nous explorons des méthodes plus efficaces de traitement de l’eau, pour lutter contre l’augmentation des cas d’empoisonnement au plomb et à d’autres métaux lourds au Nigeria en raison d’activités minières illégales et d’activités industrielles non réglementées.

A suicidal heavy metal poisoning mimicking corrosive acid poisoning: A rare case report

Ingestion of corrosive substances may cause severe to serious injuries of the upper aero-digestive tractand the poisoning can even result in death. Acute corrosive intoxications pose a major problem in clinical toxicology since the most commonly affected population are the young with psychic disorders, suicidal intent and alcohol addiction. In our case report, a 19-year-old male, 2year engineering student committed suicide by consuming a heavy metal salt available in his chemistry lab after leaving a suicidal note. He got treated in a private hospital for 2 days and later he succumbed due to poisoning. Though the findings of this heavy metal poisoning mimicks corrosive acid poisoning, it has to be viewed through the eye of forensic toxicology for a clear view in clinching the diagnosis in the earlier phase of treatment.

Enterosorption in the Treatment of Heavy Metal Poisoning

Enterosorption is a cost-effective and efficient approach to reducing the impact of chronic exposure to heavy metals and radionuclides. As an auxiliary method to medical treatment, it can protect population chronically exposed to the intake of heavy metals or radioactivity due to industrial activities or in the aftermath of technogenic or natural accidents. This paper assesses the current state of the art in the treatment of acute and chronic heavy metal poisoning.

Poisoning from tellurium and its toxic compounds in industry

Tellurium has been primarily used in the steel industry for the past 40 years. This material is used for the manufacture of solar cells, lasers, photoresistors, and counters of radioactive radiation. Cadmium tellurium batteries are the second most popular solar technology. Another important application of tellurium is in the manufacture of thermoelectric generators. In the metallurgical industry, tellurium is used as an additive to metals and alloys. Tellurium and its compounds enter the body mainly through the respiratory system, as well as through the mouth and skin. Penetration into the body through the respiratory tract causes nausea, bronchitis, and pneumonia. The tellurium compounds are restored to elementary tellurium or amenable to methylation (methyl telluride has a characteristic garlic odor; it is less toxic than tellurium) in the body. Tellurium is excreted through the kidneys and gastrointestinal tract. Methyl telluride is excreted from the body partially with exhaled air and with sweat. For the diagnosis of acute heavy metal poisoning, blood is mainly used. The use of updated algorithm-criteria for assessing the severity of clinical manifestations of systemic organ toxicity of poisons provides an appropriate level of diagnosis of disorders of vital body functions. Treatment of such patients should include antidote and symptomatic therapy depending on the severity of clinical manifestations. To prevent the development of telluric intoxication, first of all, it is necessary to apply maximum sealing and automation of production processes. It is also necessary to introduce ventilation in production facilities and to carry out preliminary and periodic medical examinations of workers without fail. The use of personal protective equipment is also required.

Detoxification therapy and diet plan for mercury, aluminium, arsene poisoning

Mercury and aluminum poisoning affects the entire human body, the cumulative toxic effects being noticed especially at the cognitive, neurological and metabolic level. Toxicity with heavy metals such as mercury, aluminum, arsenic, lead is one of the biggest threats to our health. The diagnosis of mercury, aluminum and arsenic poisoning is an important step in establishing food and chelation therapy, with an emphasis on the cause, not on the symptoms. We present the case of a 46-year-old patient with symptoms manifested for a period of 2 years, who was exposed to treatments structured according to manifestations, without improving the conditions presented, without performing specific investigations of heavy metal poisoning. The personalized diet and treatment plan, used in the case of this patient, for a period of 3 months were distinguished by a total solution of the manifestations initially presented, no side effects.

Pica behaviors in schizophrenia: a call for further research

Pica as a scavenging behavior represents a serious health hazard to the care of patients with schizophrenia. Despite the rare comorbidity of pica eating disorder and schizophrenia, pica behaviors are relatively common in this group of patients (1.5% vs. 14.3%). The risk of multiple clinical problems such as electrolyte disturbances, intestinal obstruction, and heavy metal poisoning has made pica behaviors an important research topic in patients with schizophrenia. However, few studies have examined the etiology, mechanisms, and treatment of pica behaviors in schizophrenia. This letter is a call for further research into discovering the biopsychopathology of these major clinical manifestations among patients with schizophrenia.

A Case of Acute Lead Toxicity Associated with Siddha Medication

Siddha is an indigenous system of medicine practiced exclusively in South India.Some of these formulations have been postulated to cause heavy metal poisoning,like lead toxicity. Here we present a case of Siddha medicine induced lead toxicity causing intractable chronic abdominal pain.

Role of Storage Vessels on Drinking Water Quality: An Ayurvedic Review

Access to safe drinking water is still a farfetched reality in most of the developing countries. Storage of water for safe drinking is as important as clean and purified Water. The concept of storage of water in vessels made of gold, silver, copper, or mud dates to ancient times. In some recent studies it has also been proved that storing water in vessels like copper, gold, silver etc leaches into the water and hence fortifies the quality. This effect of storage in various metals was also mentioned in Ayurveda under Samskara. Susruta, in his treatise has mentioned about use of copper and silver for water storage. The way, use of metals and earthen vessels as water storage can benefit every living being, similarly, use of plastics on the other hand can be proven detrimental to health. It has been proven that plastic and other metals if leaches more than limit as set by WHO, becomes toxic and harmful for the body. The present article has highlighted the effect of various storage vessels on the quality of water and its impact on human body as mentioned in Ayurvedic classics. It has also tried to critically analyse the recent studies and research work on water storage and its effect on body due to heavy metal poisoning.