Decolorization of safranin using Fissidens species and its ecotoxicological assessments: An in vitro and in silico approach.

Decolorization of safranin was investigated using Fissidens species in a batch system under optimized conditions. The decolorization efficiency was improved by optimizing the conditions such as initial pH (3-9), temperature (25-45 °C), initial dye concentration (10-50 mg/L), biosorbent dosage (100-500 mg/L) and contact time (1-6 days). Maximum decolorization (95%) was recorded at initial pH of 6 with dye concentration of 20 mg/L, biosorbent dosage of 200 mg/L at 30 °C and contact time of 2 days. Desorption studies revealed 0.1 N NaOH as the best desorbing agent with 92% recovery on third day. Experimental data well fitted to Langmuir isotherm and Pseudo-second order kinetic model. The negative values of ΔGo and positive value of ΔSo and ΔHo indicates that the reaction is spontaneous, favorable and endothermic. The biosorbent - dye interactions were confirmed using UV-Vis, FT-IR, XRD and FE-SEM with EDX studies. The detoxified nature of the dye degraded metabolites was confirmed by the significant growth of green gram. The color fastness and color strength of the fabrics dyed using Fissidens species treated dye solution were compared with the tap water dyed fabrics which indicated the reuse potential of treated water in textile sector. The decolorization efficiency was further confirmed through in silico approach, where safranin well docked with the active sites of Photosystem II protein D1 of the Fissidens species. Thus, the present study proves that Fissidens species is a promising biosorbent for safranin decolorization and will lay a platform for the control and management of environmental pollution.

Construction of SnO2/g-C3N4 an effective nanocomposite for photocatalytic degradation of amoxicillin and pharmaceutical effluent.

The current study mainly focused on the fabrication of 2D graphitic carbon nitride-supported tin oxide nanoparticles (SnO2/g-C3N4) for the effective degradation of Amoxicillin (AMX). Tin oxide (SnO2) NPs were prepared by green and easy modification technique, and then it is decorated over g-C3N4 nanosheets. The structural morphology and surface composition of the synthesized SnO2/g-C3N4 nanocomposite were fully analysed by UV-Vis, XRD, XPS, and HR-SEM with EDAX, FT-IR, and BET analysis. The (HR-TEM) microscopy, the size of SnO2 NPs which as a diameter is about 6.2 nm. The Raman analysis revealed that the SnO2/g-C3N4 composite had a moderate graphitic structure, with a measured ID/Ig value of 0.79. The degradation efficiency of antibiotic pollutant AMX and pharma effluent treatment was monitored by UV spectroscopy. The optical band gap of SnO2 (2.9 eV) and g-C3N4 (2.8 eV) photocatalyst was measured by Tauc plots. To investigate the mechanism through the photodegradation efficiency of the catalyst was analysed by using different Scavenger EDTA-2Na holes (h+) has a greater contribution towards the degradation process. Under visible irradiation, SnO2/g-C3N4 nanocomposite has exhibited an excellent degradation performance of 92.1% against AMX and 90.8% for pharmaceutical effluent in 80 min.

Drug Design, Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Heterocyclic Molecules as Anti-Inflammatory Agents.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are generally utilized for numerous inflammatory ailments. The long-term utilization of NSAIDs prompts adverse reactions such as gastrointestinal ulceration, renal dysfunction and hepatotoxicity; however, selective COX-2 inhibitors prevent these adverse events. Various scientific approaches have been employed to identify safer COX-2 inhibitors, as in any case, a large portion of particular COX-2 inhibitors have been retracted from the market because of severe cardiovascular events. This study aimed to develop and synthesize a novel series of indomethacin analogues with potential anti-inflammatory properties and fewer side effects, wherein carboxylic acid moiety was substituted using DCC/DMAP coupling. This study incorporates the docking of various indomethacin analogues to detect the binding interactions with COX-2 protein (PDB ID: 3NT1). MD simulation was performed to measure the stability and flexibility of ligand-protein interactions at the atomic level, for which the top-scoring ligand-protein complex was selected. These compounds were evaluated in vitro for COX enzymes inhibition. Likewise, selected compounds were screened in vivo for anti-inflammatory potential using the carrageenan-induced rat paw oedema method and their ulcerogenic potential. The acute toxicity of compounds was also predicted using in silico tools. Most of the compounds exhibited the potent inhibition of both COX enzymes; however, 3e and 3c showed the most potent COX-2 inhibition having IC50 0.34 µM and 1.39 µM, respectively. These compounds also demonstrated potent anti-inflammatory potential without ulcerogenic liability. The biological evaluation revealed that the compound substituted with 4-nitrophenyl was most active.

Protective Effects of Green Tea Supplementation against Lead-Induced Neurotoxicity in Mice.

The use of natural products as therapeutic agents is rapidly growing recently. In the current study, we investigated the protective effects of green tea supplementation on lead-induced toxicity in mice. Forty albino mice were divided into four groups as follows: A: control group; B: green tea receiving group; C: lead-intoxicated group; and D: lead-intoxicated group supplemented with green tea. At the end of the experiment, the animals were tested for neurobehavioral and biochemical alterations. Green tea was analyzed through Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS) analysis. We found that supplementation with green tea ameliorated the lead-associated increase in body weight and blood glucose. Green tea supplementation also changed the blood picture that was affected due to lead toxicity and ameliorated lead-induced dyslipidemia. The group of mice that were supplemented with green tea has shown positive alterations in locomotory, anxiety, memory, and learning behaviors. The GC/MS analysis revealed many active ingredients among which the two most abundant were caffeine and 1,2-benzenedicarboxylic acid, mono(2-ethylhexyl) ester. We concluded that green tea supplementation has several positive effects on the lead-induced neurotoxicity in mice and that these effects may be attributed to its main two active ingredients.

Protective Effect of Genistein against Compound 48/80 Induced Anaphylactoid Shock via Inhibiting MAS Related G Protein-Coupled Receptor X2 (MRGPRX2).

Anaphylactoid shock is a fatal hypersensitivity response caused by non-IgE mediated mast cell activation. These reactions are mediated by a family of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) known as Mas related GPCRX2 (MRGPRX2). Several US FDA approved drugs which are used in day to day life have been reported to cause anaphylactoid shock. Surprisingly, no therapeutic drugs are available which can directly target MRGPRX2 for treatment of anaphylactoid shock. Genistein is a non-steroidal polyphenol known for its diverse physiological and pharmacological activities. In recent studies, Genistein has been reported for its anti-inflammatory activity on mast cells. However, the effects and mechanistic pathways of Genistein on anaphylactoid reaction remain unknown. In the present study, we designed a battery of in-vitro, in-silico and in-vivo experiments to evaluate the anti-anaphylactoid activity of Genistein in order to understand the possible molecular mechanisms of its action. The in-vitro results demonstrated the inhibitory activity of Genistein on MRGPRX2 activation. Further, a mouse model of anaphylactoid shock was used to evaluate the inhibitory activity of Genistein on blood vessel leakage and hind paw edema. Taken together, our findings have demonstrated a therapeutic potential of Genistein as a lead compound in the treatment of anaphylactoid shock via MRGPRX2.

Stone quarrying induces organ dysfunction and oxidative stress in Meriones libycus.

Exposure to heavy metal-containing dust arising from stone quarrying may cause severe health problems. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of stone quarrying in Riyadh (Saudi Arabia) on the Libyan jird Meriones libycus. Soil samples and jirds were collected from four sites located at different distances from the quarrying area. Soil from the first (500 m away from the quarry) and second (1800 m away) sites showed a significant increase in cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), nickel (Ni), and vanadium (V) when compared with the reference site (38,000 m away). Jirds at these sites exhibited significant increases in liver, kidney, lung, and fur levels of Cd, Pb, Ni, and V. Serum transaminases, creatinine, and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were significantly increased in jirds, whereas reduced glutathione (GSH) levels decreased. Liver, kidney, and lung tissues of jirds, collected from the first and second sites, showed significantly increased MDA and decreased GSH levels. Additionally, animals at both sites showed altered hematological parameters and several histopathological changes in their liver, kidney, and lung. Soil and animals at the third site (7300 m away) showed no significant changes. Thus, our study showed the impact and hazardous effects of quarrying on the liver, kidney, lung, and hemogram of M. libycus. These findings can provide scientific evaluation for studying the impact of quarrying on the workers and communities living close to the studied area.

Neurobehavioral changes in mice offspring exposed to green tea during fetal and early postnatal development.

BACKGROUND: Green tea extract (GTE) has various health promoting effects on animals and humans. However, the effects of perinatal exposure to GTE on the behavioral aspects of offspring have not been elucidated thus far. GTE was provided for pregnant female mice at concentrations of either 20 or 50 g/L, beginning the day of conception until the third week after delivery, postnatal day 22 (PD 22). Mice pups were subjected to behavioral testing to assess sensory motor reflexes, locomotion, anxiety, and learning on various postnatal days. RESULTS: Perinatal exposure to GTE resulted in a significant reduction in body weight, as well as earlier body hair appearance and opening of the eyes. Sensory motor reflexes exhibited faster responses and significant stimulatory effects in pups exposed to GTE. During the adolescent period, male and female offspring exhibited increased locomotor activity (on PD 22), reduced anxiety and fear (on PD 25), and enhanced memory and learning abilities (on PD 30), all in both GTE treated groups. All blood counts (RBCs, WBCs, Hb, and platelets), and glucose, cholesterol, triglyceride, and low density lipoprotein concentrations were significantly lower in the GTE-treated pups; however, there was no effect on high density lipoprotein levels. CONCLUSION: Our data provide evidence that the high dose of GTE (50 g/L) had higher anxiolytic properties and positive effects on locomotor activities and sensory motor reflexes, as well as learning and memory of the offspring than the low dose of GTE (20 g/L).

Novel Nano-Therapeutic Approach Actively Targets Human Ovarian Cancer Stem Cells after Xenograft into Nude Mice.

The power of tumorigenesis, chemo-resistance and metastasis in malignant ovarian tumors resides in a tiny population of cancer cells known as ovarian cancer stem cells (OCSCs). Developing nano-therapeutic targeting of OCSCs is considered a great challenge. The potential use of poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) nanoparticles (PLGA NPs) was investigated as a drug delivery system for paclitaxel (PTX) against OCSCs in vitro and in vivo. PTX-loaded PLGA NPs were prepared by an emulsion solvent evaporation method, supported by incorporation of folic acid (FA) as the ligand. NPs were characterized for size, surface morphology, drug loading, and encapsulation efficiency. In vitro cytotoxicity of PTX-loaded FA/PLGA NPs was tested against OCSCs with MTT assay. In vivo anti-tumoral efficiency and active targeting potential of prepared NPs against tumors in nude mice were investigated. In vitro results revealed that IC50 of PTX was significantly reduced after loading on PLGA NPs. On the other hand, in vivo results showed that PLGA NPs enhanced the tumor suppression efficiency of PTX. Investigation with real time quantitative PCR analysis revealed the limiting expression of chemo-resistant genes (ABCG2 and MDR1) after applying PLGA NPs as a drug delivery system for PTX. Histopathological examination of tumors showed the effective biological influence of PTX-loaded FA/PLGA NPs through the appearance of reactive lymphoid follicles. Targeting potential of PTX was activated by FA/PLGA NPs through significant preservation of body weight (p < 0.0001) and minimizing the systemic toxicity in healthy tissues. Immunohistochemical investigation revealed a high expression of apoptotic markers in tumor tissue, supporting the targeting effect of FA/PLGA NPs. A drug delivery system based on FA/PLGA NPs can enhance PTX's in vitro cytotoxicity and in vivo targeting potential against OCSCs.

Oral administration of potassium bromate induces neurobehavioral changes, alters cerebral neurotransmitters level and impairs brain tissue of swiss mice.

BACKGROUND: Potassium bromate (KBrO3) is widely used as a food additive and is a major water disinfection by-product. The present study reports the side effects of KBrO3 administration on the brain functions and behaviour of albino mice. METHODS: Animals were divided into three groups: control, low dose KBrO3 (100 mg/kg/day) and high dose KBrO3 (200 mg/kg/day) groups. RESULTS: Administration of KBrO3 led to a significant change in the body weight in the animals of the high dose group in the first, second and the last weeks while water consumption was not significantly changed. Neurobehavioral changes and a reduced Neurotransmitters levels were observed in both KBrO3 groups of mice. Also, the brain level of reduced glutathione (GSH) in KBrO3 receiving animals was decreased. Histological studies favoured these biochemical results showing extensive damage in the histological sections of brain of KBrO3-treated animals. CONCLUSIONS: These results show that KBrO3 has serious damaging effects on the central nervous system and therefore, its use should be avoided.

Effect of parsley (Petroselinum crispum, Apiaceae) juice against cadmium neurotoxicity in albino mice (Mus musculus).

BACKGROUND: Parsley was employed as an experimental probe to prevent the behavioral, biochemical and morphological changes in the brain tissue of the albino mice following chronic cadmium (Cd) administration. METHODS: Non-anesthetized adult male mice were given parsley juice (Petroselinum crispum, Apiaceae) daily by gastric intubation at doses of 10 and 20 g/kg/day. The animals were divided into six groups: Group A, mice were exposed to saline; Groups B and C, were given low and high doses of parsley juice, respectively; Group D, mice were exposed to Cd; Groups E and F, were exposed to Cd and concomitantly given low and high doses of parsley, respectively. RESULTS: Cd intoxication can cause behavioral abnormalities, biochemical and histopathological disturbances in treated mice. Parsley juice has significantly improved the Cd-associated behavioral changes, reduced the elevation of lipid peroxidation and normalized the Cd effect on reduced glutathione and peroxidase activities in the brain of treated mice. Histological data have supported these foundations whereas Cd treatment has induced neuronal degeneration, chromatolysis and pyknosis in the cerebrum, cerebellum and medulla oblongata. CONCLUSION: The low dose (5 g/kg/day) of parsley exhibited beneficial effects in reducing the deleterious changes associated with Cd treatment on the behavior, neurotransmitters level, oxidative stress and brain neurons of the Cd-treated mice.

Glycyrrhizic Acid Reduces Heart Rate and Blood Pressure by a Dual Mechanism.

Beta adrenergic receptors are crucial for their role in rhythmic contraction of heart along with their role in the pathological conditions such as tachycardia and high risk of heart failure. Studies report that the levels of beta-1 adrenergic receptor tend to decrease by 50%, whereas, the levels of beta-2 adrenergic receptor remains constant during the risk of heart failure. Beta blockers-the antagonistic molecules for beta-adrenergic receptors, function by slowing the heart rate, which thereby allows the left ventricle to fill completely during tachycardia incidents and hence helps in blood pumping capacity of heart and reducing the risk of heart failure. In the present study, we investigate the potential of glycyrrhizic acid (GA) as a possible principal drug molecule for cardiac arrhythmias owing to its ability to induce reduction in the heart rate and blood pressure. We use in vitro and in silico approach to study GA's effect on beta adrenergic receptor along with an in vivo study to examine its effect on heart rate and blood pressure. Additionally, we explore GA's proficiency in eliciting an increase in the plasma levels of vasoactive intestinal peptide, which by dilating the blood vessel consequently, can be a crucial aid during the occurrence of a potential heart attack. Therefore, we propose GA as a potential principal drug molecule via its potential in modulating heart rate and blood pressure.

Neurochemical, structural and neurobehavioral evidence of neuronal protection by whey proteins in diabetic albino mice.

BACKGROUND: Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is associated with pathological changes in the central nervous system (CNS) and alterations in oxidative stress. The aim of this study was to determine whether dietary supplement with whey protein (WP) could improve neurobehavior, oxidative stress and neuronal structure in the CNS. METHODS: Animals were distributed in three groups, a control group (N), a diabetic mellitus group (DM) and a DM group orally supplemented with WP (WP). RESULTS: The DM group of animals receiving WP had reduced blood glucose, significantly decreased free radical Diphenyl-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and lower lipid peroxidation in brain tissue. The WP group of animals showed improvement in balancing, coordination and fore-limb strength, oxidative stress and neuronal structure. CONCLUSION: The results of this study show that dietary supplementation with WP reduced oxidative stress, protected CNS neurons and improved the neurobehavior of diabetic mice.

Bcl-2 and p53 expression in hepatic tissues of Egyptian patients with Chronic Hepatitis C.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate B-cell-lymphoma-2 and tumour protein p53 expression in hepatic tissues of human cases of Chronic Hepatitis C. METHODS: The case-control study was conducted from December 2011 to February 2014 at the out-patient department of Gastroenterology Surgical Centre, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt, and comprised healthy individuals and treatment-naive chronic hepatitis C patients who had undergone liver biopsy. Liver biopsy was taken from patients prior to antiviral therapy or any other anti-fibrotic therapy. Serum marker levels were investigated on the day of biopsy or within 5 days after it. Blood platelet count was also investigated using standard methods. Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded sections were stained with haematoxylin and eosin and for apoptosis detection, B-cell-lymphoma-2 and tumour protein p53 expression in tissue was investigated through immunohistochemistry. Slides were labelled with patient identification numbers and then reviewed and graded blindly by a senior pathologist. SPSS 16 was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Of the 140 subjects in the study, 120(85.7%) were patients with a mean age of 39±8.7 years (range: 11-64 years) and 20(14.3%) were healthy controls with a mean age of 38.6±7.4 years (range: 14-66 years). The patients had higher body mass index but the difference was not significant (p>0.05), while the difference in the levels of alanine transaminase, aspartate aminotransferase, alpha fetoprotein and platelet count was significant (p<0.05 each). The highest expression of B-cell-lymphoma-2 was detected in chronic hepatitis C stage, while the highest expression of p53 was detected in hepatocellular carcinoma stage. CONCLUSIONS: The expression of both B-cell-lymphoma-2 and tumour protein p53 might play diagnostic role during the different stages of the disease.

Assessment of the UV/DCCNa and UV/NaClO oxidation process for the removal of diethyl phthalate (DEP) in the aqueous system.

In this work, the removal and transformation process of diethyl phthalate (DEP) in UV/dichloroisocyanurate (UV/DCCNa) and UV/sodium hypochlorite (UV/NaClO) systems were compared to evaluate the application potential of UV/DCCNa technology. Compared with UV/NaClO, UV/DCCNa process has the advantage of DEP removal and caused a higher degradation efficiency (93.8%) within 45 min of oxidation in ultrapure water due to the sustained release of hypochloric acid (HOCl). Fourteen intermediate products were found by high-resolution mass spectrometry, and the transformation patterns including hydroxylation, hydrolysis, chlorination, cross-coupling, and nitrosation were proposed. The oxidation processes were also performed under quasi-realistic environmental conditions, and it was found that DEP could be effectively removed in both systems, with yields of disinfection byproduct meeting the drinking water disinfection standard (<60.0 µg/L). Comparing the single system, the removal of DEP decreased in the mixed system containing five kinds of PAEs, which could be attributed to the regeneration of DEP and the competitive effect of •OH occurred among the Dimethyl phthalate (DMP), DEP, Dipropyl phthalate (DPrP), Diallyl phthalate (DAP) and Diisobutyl phthalate (DiBP). However, a greater removal performance presented in UV/DCCNa system compared with UV/NaClO system (69.4% > 62.1%). Further, assessment of mutagenicity and developmental toxicity by Toxicity Estimation Software Tool (T.E.S.T) software indicated that UV/DCCNa process has fewer adverse effects on the environment and is a more environmentally friendly chlorination method. This study may provide some guidance for selecting the suitable disinfection technology for drinking water treatment.

Sodium alginate-modified alkali-activated eggshell/Fe3O4 nanoparticles: A magnetic bio-based spherical adsorbent for cationic dyes adsorption.

Herein, a mixture of eggshell (ES) and magnetite nanoparticles (MNPs) was alkali-activated using NaOH/Na2SiO3 solution and then, impregnated with sodium alginate (SA) to prepare a magnetic bio-based adsorbent (namely SAAES/SA/MNPs) for the decontamination of water containing basic dyes, in particular, methylene blue (MB) and crystal violet (CV). The physicochemical properties of magnetic spheres of SAAES/SA/MNPs were characterized using XRD, FTIR, FESEM, EDX, elemental mapping, TEM, and zeta potential techniques. Dye adsorption equilibrium was studied experimentally at pH 8.0 and 25-55 °C, and a statistical physics multilayer model was applied to understand the removal mechanism of these dyes including the adsorption orientations on the adsorbent surface. The number of adsorbed dye molecules per functional group (n) of this bio-based adsorbent ranged from 0.70 to 0.91, indicating the presence of vertical and horizontal adsorption orientations for these organic molecules at all tested solution temperatures. The calculated saturation adsorption capacities (Qsat) were 332.57-256.62 mg/g for CV and 304.47-240.62 mg/g for MB, and an exothermic adsorption was observed for both adsorbates. The estimated adsorption energies (∆E) were < 25 kJ/mol, confirming that the SAAES/SA/MNPs-dye interactions were governed by physical forces as electrostatic interactions. This bio-based adsorbent was effectively regenerated using ethanol and it can be reused showing a removal of 71 and 74 % of MB and CV, respectively, after fourth adsorption-desorption cycles. Overall, the results of this article suggest the attractive performance of SAAES/SA/MNPs for removing basic dyes from aqueous solutions, thus highlighting the promising potential of this magnetic bio-based adsorbent for sustainable wastewater treatment at an industrial level.

Wastewater treatment by using microalgae: Insights into fate, transport, and associated challenges.

The remediation of wastewater with microalgae is a new topic that concentrates on devising a cost-effective and environmentally beneficial method. Multiple microalgae and bacterial consortiums have recently been evaluated to determine if they can purify effluent from various sources. Critical to a system's efficacy is its ability to remove nutrients such as nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) and heavy metals such as arsenic (As), lead (Pb), and copper (Cu). This study compared traditional wastewater treatment systems to microalgae-based systems for treating different types of wastewater. The research investigates the potential for microalgae to cleanse wastewater. The research also evaluates wastewater parameters, methods, and scientific techniques for extracting nutrients and heavy metals from polluted water. According to the literature, Microalgae can remove between 98.7% and 100% of nitrogen (N), phosphorous (P), and heavy metals from various effluents. The paper concludes by discussing the difficulties of using microalgae to remediate wastewater. The elimination of nutrients from the effluent is influenced by biomass production, osmotic capacity, temperature, pH, and O2 concentration. Therefore, a "pilot" study is recommended to investigate contaminants.

Degradation of Bisphonel AF (BPAF) by zero-valent iron activated persulfate: Kinetics, mechanisms, theoretical calculations, and effect of co-existing chloride.

The removal of Bisphonel AF (BPAF) by zero-valent iron activated persulfate (Fe0/PS) system was systematically evaluated in this work. 30.0 µM BPAF was removed by 94.4% in 60 min of treatment under optimal conditions of pH = 3.0 and [PS] = [Fe0] = 3.0 mM. Cl- significantly accelerated the removal of BPAF, resulting from accelerated Fe2+ release and reactive chlorine species (RCS) formation. Liquid chromatography-time-of-flight-mass spectrometry identified thirteen degradation products, and bond breaking, coupling reactions, hydroxylation and sulfate addition were considered as the major transformation pathways. When Cl- was present, six new chlorinated byproducts were also generated. Based on density functional theory (DFT) calculations, the occurrence of radical addition reactions was verified and the preferential reaction channels were determined. Significantly BPAF degradation products were less toxic, according to toxicity assessment by the ECOSAR program. Moreover, a high removal efficiency of BPAF (>90%) was also obtained in the three actual water matrixes. The present work demonstrates the feasibility of Fe0/PS system for treating BPAF, which could also provide new insights into the influence of coexisting Cl- on the environmental fate of organic pollutants in sulfate radicals based advanced oxidation processes.

Insight into the photodegradation and universal interactive products of 2,2',4,4'-tetrabromodiphenyl ether on three microplastics.

The transformation process of contaminants on microplastics (MPs) exposed to sunlight has attracted increasing attention. However, the interactions between them are typically disregarded; therefore, this work investigated the photodegradation of 2,2',4,4'-tetrabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-47) on three MPs (polystyrene (PS), polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene (PE)) and the interactions between these two. The inhibition of aged PS on the elimination of BDE-47 was due to light shielding, while aged PP and PE increased the degradation rate. More hydroxyl radicals (HO•) was detected in the PS system, which resulted in the higher degradation rate of BDE-47 on PS. A total of 33 different products were identified and four reaction pathways were presented, and the reaction mechanisms mainly included debromination, hydroxylation, carbon-oxygen-bond breaking and interactive reactions. The Ecological Structure Activity Relationship (ECOSAR) and Toxicity Estimation Software Tool (TEST) programs were used to evaluate the toxicity of reaction products, and the results indicated that even though BDE-47 was the most toxic, the interaction products were still toxic or harmful to aquatic organisms. This study provides significant information on the photodegradation of contaminants on common microplastics and their interaction, which cannot be ignored.

Impact of petroleum industry on goats in Saudi Arabia: heavy metal accumulation, oxidative stress, and tissue injury.

Heavy metals (HMs) constitute a group of persistent toxic pollutants, and the petroleum industry is one of the sources of these metals. This study aimed to evaluate the levels of lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), nickel (Ni), and vanadium (V) in Plantago ovata and milk and tissues of domestic goats in the eastern region of Saudi Arabia. Plant samples and blood, milk, muscle, liver, and kidney samples were collected from domestic goats and the levels of Pb, Cd, V, and Ni were determined. Liver and kidney tissue injury, oxidative stress, and expression of pro-inflammatory and apoptosis markers were evaluated. Pb, Cd, V, and Ni were increased in Plantago ovata as well as in milk, blood, muscle, liver, and kidney of goats collected from the polluted site. Aminotransferases, creatinine, and urea were increased in serum, and histopathological changes were observed in the liver and kidney of goats at the oil extraction site. Malondialdehyde and the expression levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, Bax, and caspase-3 were increased, whereas cellular antioxidants and Bcl-2 were decreased in liver and kidney of goats at the polluted site. In conclusion, petroleum industry caused liver and kidney injury, oxidative stress, and upregulated pro-inflammatory and apoptosis markers in goats. These findings highlight the negative impact of petroleum industry on the environment and call attention to the assessment of its effect on the health of nearby communities.

Comparative study on the removal of 1- naphthol and 2-naphthol by ferrate (VI): Kinetics, reaction mechanisms and theoretical calculations.

In this study, the oxidation of 1-naphthol (1-NAP) and 2-naphthol (2-NAP) by Fe(VI) was investigated. The impacts of operating factors were investigated through a series of kinetic experiments, including Fe(VI) dosages, pH and coexisting ions (Ca2+, Mg2+, Cu2+, Fe3+, Cl-, SO42-, NO3- and CO32-). Almost 100% elimination of both 1-NAP and 2-NAP could be achieved within 300 s at pH 9.0 and 25 °C. Cu2+ could significantly improve the degradation efficiency of 1-NAP and 2-NAP, but the impacts of other ions were negligible. The liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry was used to identify the transformation products of 1-NAP and 2-NAP in Fe(VI) system, and the degradation pathways were proposed accordingly. Electron transfer mediated polymerization reaction was the dominant transformation pathway in the elimination of NAP by Fe(VI) oxidation. After 300 s of oxidation, heptamers and hexamers were found as the final coupling products during the removal of 1-NAP and 2-NAP, respectively. Theoretical calculations demonstrated that the hydrogen abstraction and electron transfer reaction would easily occur at the hydroxyl groups of 1-NAP and 2-NAP, producing NAP phenoxy radicals for subsequent coupling reaction. Moreover, since the electron transfer reactions between Fe(VI) and NAP molecules were barrierless and could occur spontaneously, the theoretical calculation results also confirmed the priority of coupling reaction in Fe(VI) system. This work indicated that the Fe(VI) oxidation was an effective way for removing naphthol, which may help us understand the reaction mechanism between phenolic compounds with Fe(VI).