The Impact of Inoculation of Two Strains of Rhizobacteria on Radionuclide Transfer in Sesbania Grandiflora.

Transfer factors of some naturally-occurring and artificial radionuclides from an agricultural soil to rhizobacteria-treated Sesbania grandiflora, a small leguminous tree, were studied. Two plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) strains (SCR17 and PCE2) were used to carry out an agricultural experiment in pots in semi-arid region (Syria). The results showed the bacterial strain (SCR17) increased the transfer and accumulation of 238U and 40K in Sesbania grandiflora, while both bacterial strains showed no effect on the accumulation of 234Th, 226Ra, 210Po and 210Pb in the treated plants. The transfer factor of 137Cs from soil to rhizobacteria-treated Sesbania grandiflora was negligible. The values of the transfer factors of 234Th, 226Ra, 210Po and 40K were found to be within the global values, while the values of the transfer factors of 238U and 210Pb were found to be relatively higher. This study highlights the importance of using Phytoremediation by PGPR strains for radionuclides-contaminated soils. Therefore, this method is a promising technique for the restoration and rehabilitation of contaminated sites with radionuclides, as it is low cost, easy to apply, and environmentally friendly.

Treatment of produced water using Mn oxide nanoparticales loaded on walnut shells.

Sorption of 226Ra from produced water with oil production on manganese oxide nanoparticles loaded on walnut shell media was investigated using batch-type technique. The results showed that 226Ra is effectively adsorbed onto the adsorbent with equilibrium time of approximately 30 min. Removal efficiency of 226Ra from produced water depends mainly on the adsorbent dose and concentration of associated ions; removal efficiency decreased when their concentrations increase. The maximum adsorption capacity is reached 58 Bq g-1. The adsorbent is effective and suitable for removing 226Ra ions from the produced water under the studied conditions in this work.

Assessment of natural radionuclide transfer factors and partition coefficients in some Syrian soils.

Transfer factors of radium 226(226Ra), lead 210(210Pb), polonium 210 (210Po), uranium 238 (238U) and thorium 234(234Th) from five different agricultural soils in Syria to coriander, parsley and mint were investigated in a pot culture experiment. Geometric means of transfer factors (TF)were226Ra (0.13),210Pb(0.03), 210Po (0.02) and 238U (1.76) were within worldwide values, while TF values for 234Th (1.35) were higher than those recorded globally. The available transfer factor (ATF) values ranged between 0.03 and 1.45, 0.33 and 3.2, 0.10 and 3.36, 1.30 and 16.2 and 1.0 and 6.95 for226Ra,210Pb,210Po, 238U and 234Th, respectively. However, it is worth mentioning that the data from pot experiments may not represent field conditions. Liquid/solid partition coefficients (Kd)of 226Ra, U, 210Pb and 210Po for55 soils representing the dominant types of soils in Syria were also determined. Geometric means of Kd values ranged from 280 to1200, 750 to1600, 350to 4800 and 100-120 L kg-1 for 226Ra, 238U, 210Pb and 210Po, respectively at pH = 4.0, and from 200 to 6700, 670 to 2400, 150 to 2100 and 100 to 160Lkg-1at pH = 5.5, and from 370 to 790, 130 to 550, 60 to 330 and370 to 920Lkg-1at pH = 7.0. The effects of soil mineral content, CEC, ECE, pH and soluble ions on the Kd values were investigated. In general, there were logarithmic relationships between the activity concentrations in soil and the Kd values (R2 ranged from 0.59 to 1.00 at pH 4.0). There were no relationships between the Kd values and soil pH.

Comparison of 238U, 210Po and 210Pb Speciation in Six Different Types of Soils.

Speciation of 238U, 210Po and 210Pb in six different types of Syrian soil (Entisols, Inceptisol, Aridisol, Mollisols, Vertisols and Rock outcrops) was studied using a four-step sequential extraction procedure. The binding nature of 238U, 210Po and 210Pb was correlated with soil properties including soil particles, pH, EC, OM, sand, silt and clay. The results showed that the exchangeable and carbonate fractions of 238U did not exceed 10%. In addition, the 238U, 210Po and 210Pb fractions bonded to organic matter increased as the soil clay content decreased. The highest 210Po fraction was found to be bonded to soil Fe/Al/Mn-oxides for Entisols soils (56%) and silica for Aridisol soils (53%). Soil clay content showed a linear correlation with 210Po concentrations in soils ranging from 0.34 to 0.91. The results are considered useful in assessing the risks resulting from soils contaminated by naturally occurring radioactive material from the phosphate and oil industry.

Abscess of the abdominal wall resulting from perforated ascending colon cancer.

We report an unusual case of abscess of the abdominal wall as the initial symptom of a perforated right-sided colon cancer in a 62-year old man. Clinical examination revealed a non-fluctuating, tender, firm mass approximately 7 x 5 cm in diameter with overlying cellulitis in the right loin. Abdominal examination showed a fixed mass on the right side of the abdomen. Computed tomography (CT scan) confirmed the presence of a mass arising from the right colon with infiltration of the subcutaneous tissue by this intra-abdominal mass. Right hemicolectomy with lymph node dissection and en-bloc partial resection of the adherent parietal wall was performed and the final pathology showed a moderately differentiated mucinous adenocarcinoma. We report a case of ascending colon cancer presenting by an abscess of the abdominal wall.

A ruptured retroperitoneal germ cell tumor with invasion into the duodenum: a case report.

We report a rare case of a retroperitoneal germ cell tumor in a 31 years old male who presented with an acute abdomen. He gave a six-months history of back pain and significant weight loss. Clinical examination and ultrasound of the testes didn't show any primary focus. Intraoperative findings showed a retrolperitoneal midline mass that has ruptured into the peritoneal cavity and has invaded into the duodenum. The final pathology revealed a yolk sac tumor. We present this rare case of a primary para-aortic extragonadal yolk sac tumor and the differential diagnosis of a retroperitoneal mass.