Chemical properties of soil determine the persistence and bioavailability of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in sewage sludge- or sewage sludge/biomass-derived biochar-amended soils.

In this study the persistence (organic solvent extractable) and bioavailability (freely dissolved) of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in soils with various properties amended with sewage sludge (BCSSL)- or sewage sludge/biomass (BCSSLW)-derived biochars was examined. Biochars produced at 600 °C were applied to soils (acidic, neutral, or alkaline) at a dose of 2% and subsequently incubated for 180 days. Here, the use of biochars regarding the soil's type was examined for the first time. Depending on the soil pH and the feedstock, the content of sum of 16 organic solvent extractable PAHs was found to decrease from 7.5 to 37% (soil + BCSSL) and from 24 to 40% (soil + BCSSLW). The decrease in the content of sum of 16 freely dissolved PAHs ranged from 18 to 36% (soil + BCSSL) and from 17 to 54% (soil + BCSSLW). In acidic BCSSL-amended soil and the alkaline BCSSLW-amended soil no statistically significant differences in the content of sum of 16 freely dissolved PAHs were noted between the beginning and end of the study. BCSSLW was characterized by a greater reduction content of organic solvent extractable PAHs in the acidic and alkaline soils, while in the neutral one - BCSSL. In turn, a larger reduction in freely dissolved PAH content in the acidic and neutral soils could be seen in the presence of BCSSLW, whereas in the alkaline soil in the presence of BCSSL. The persistence and bioavailability of PAHs in the biochar-amended soils were closely related to the chemical properties of these soils. This was confirmed by numerous statistically significant (P ≤ 0.05) relationships between organic solvent extractable PAHs and pH, cation exchange capacity, available magnesium, potassium and phosphorus, and dissolved organic carbon as well as between freely dissolved PAH and pH, dissolved organic carbon, available potassium and phosphorus content, and electrical conductivity.

Individual Characteristics and Pain Sensitivity during Pregnancy-A Cross-Sectional Study in Pregnant and Non-Pregnant Women.

The aim of the study was to describe the characteristics and factors related to pain perception in pregnant women, such as optimism, personality traits, and fear of developing COVID-19 consequences. Sixty-six pregnant women aged 23 to 42 years participated in the study, and the comparison group consisted of n = 59 non-pregnant female students aged 19 to 23 years. Pressure pain threshold and pain tolerance were measured with an algometer. To assess psychological characteristics, the Life-Orientation Test-Revised was used to assess optimism, the Fear of COVID-19 Scale was used to assess COVID-19 anxiety, and the Ten-Item Personality Inventory was applied to assess personality traits in a five-factor model. The main results of the study showed that pain tolerance was significantly lower in both dominant and non-dominant hand pregnant women than in the comparison group. The studied pregnant women had higher scores for conscientiousness, fear of COVID-19, and optimism compared with the non-pregnant women. Regression analysis showed that the variability in pain perception among pregnant women could not be explained by individual differences in personality traits, optimism, and fear of COVID-19.

Effect of carrier gas change during sewage sludge or sewage sludge and willow pyrolysis on ecotoxicity of biochar-amended soil.

Different pyrolysis conditions determine the properties of the biochar. The properties of biochar may affect directly or indirectly their influence on living organisms. The aim of this study was to determine the toxicity of biochar obtained under different conditions (temperature: 500 or 700 °C, carrier gas: N2 or CO2, feedstock: sewage sludge or sewage sludge/biomass mixture) after adding to the soil in long-term pot experiment (180 days). Biochars were added to the podzolic loamy sand at a 2% (w/w) dose. Samples were collected at the beginning of the experiment and after 30, 90 and 180 days. The bacteria Aliivibrio fischeri (luminescence inhibition - Microtox), the plant Lepidium sativum (root growth and germination inhibition test - Phytotoxkit F), and the invertebrate Folsomia candida (mortality and reproduction inhibition test - Collembolan test) were used as the test organisms. In the long-term perspective for most tests, changing the carrier gas from N2 to CO2 resulted in reduced toxicity of the biochar. A particularly beneficial effect of changing the gas to CO2 was observed for the solid-phase test with L. sativum. The CO2 during pyrolysis had the least beneficial effect on toxicity towards A. fischeri.

Effect of carrier gas during pyrolysis on the persistence and bioavailability of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in biochar-amended soil.

In this study the persistence (based on extractable, Ctot) and bioavailability (based on freely dissolved content, Cfree) of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in biochar-amended soil was investigated. Biochar produced at 500 or 700 °C from sewage sludge (BC) or sewage sludge and willow (W) mixture (BCW) in an atmosphere of nitrogen (N2) or carbon dioxide (CO2) was evaluated. The biochars were applied to the real soil (podzolic loamy sand) at a dose of 2% (w/w). The content of Ctot and Cfree PAHs was monitored for 180 days. The biochar production conditions determined the Ctot and Cfree PAHs in the soil. A change of carrier gas from N2 to CO2 caused an increase in Ctot PAH losses in the soil from 19 to 75% for the biochar produced from SL and from 49 to 206% for the co-pyrolyzed biochar. As regards Cfree PAHs, the change from N2 to CO2 increased the losses of Cfree PAHs only for the biochar derived from SL at a temperature of 500 °C (by 21%). In the soil with the other biochars (produced at 700 °C from SL as well as at 500 and 700 °C from SL/W), the Cfree increased from 17 to 26% compared to the same biochars produced in an atmosphere of N2.

Ecotoxicity of sewage sludge- or sewage sludge/willow-derived biochar-amended soil.

Co-pyrolysis of sewage sludge (SL) with plant biomass gains attention as a way to minimize SL-derived biochar drawbacks, such as high amount of toxic substances, low specific surface area and carbon content. The toxicity of soil amended with SL- (BCSL) or SL/biomass (BCSLW)-derived biochar was evaluated in long-term pot experiment (180 days). The results were compared to SL-amended soil. Biochars produced at 500, 600, or 700 °C were added to the soil (podzolic loamy sand) at a 2% (w/w) dose. Samples were collected at four different time points (at the beginning, after 30, 90 and 180 days) to assess the potential toxicity of SL-, BCSL- or BCSLW-amended soil. The bacteria Aliivibrio fischeri (luminescence inhibition - Microtox), the plant Lepidium sativum (root growth and germination inhibition test - Phytotoxkit F), and the invertebrate Folsomia candida (mortality and reproduction inhibition test - Collembolan test) were used as the test organisms. Depending on the organism tested and the sample collection time point variable results were observed. In general, SL-amended soil was more toxic than soil with biochars. The leachates from BCSLW-amended soil were more toxic to A. fischeri than leachate from BCSL-amended soil. A different tendency was observed in the case of phytotoxicity. Leachate from BCSL-amended soil was more toxic to L. sativum compared to BCSLW-amended soil. The effect of biochars on F. candida was very diversified, which did not allow a clear trend to be observed. The toxic effect of SL-, BCSL- or BCSW-amended soil to particular organisms was observed in different time, point's periods, which may suggest the different factors affecting this toxicity.

THE DARK SIDE OF BLACK GOLD: Ecotoxicological aspects of biochar and biochar-amended soils.

Biochar, a product of biomass pyrolysis, is characterized by significant surface area, porosity, high water holding capacity, and environmental persistence. It is perceived as a material that can counteract climate change due to its high carbon stability and is also considered suitable for soil amendment (fertility improvement, soil remediation). However, biochar can have a toxic effect on organisms as harmful substances may be present in it. This paper reviews the literature regarding the current knowledge of harmful substances in biochar and their potential negative impact on organisms from different trophic levels. The effects of biochar on the content and toxicity of harmful substances in biochar-amended soils are also reviewed. Application of biochar into soil does not usually have a toxic effect and very often stimulate plants, bacteria activity and invertebrates. The effect however is strictly determined by type of biochar (especially the feedstock used and pyrolysis temperature) as well as contaminants content. The pH, electrical conductivity, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons as well as heavy metals are the main factor usually responsible for biochar toxicity.

Risk factors of permanent hypoparathyroidism after total thyroidectomy and central neck dissection for papillary thyroid cancer: a prospective study.

INTRODUCTION: Inadvertent removal of, or damage to the parathyroid glands in the course of operations on the anterior neck compartment are responsible for over 80% of cases of chronic hypoparathyroidism (HypoPT). This study searched for factors related to the development of permanent HypoPT after total thyroidectomy and central neck lymphadenectomy in patients with thyroid carcinoma. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In total, 89 of 103 screened patients met the study's criteria and were put under prospective one-year observation. Demographic and surgical factors as well as the biochemical parameters of mineral homeostasis, controlled both preoperatively and postoperatively, were subject to statistical analysis. In line with contemporary guidelines, postoperative hypocalcaemia, rather than an abnormally low serum parathormone (PTH) concentration, was considered a diagnostic criterion of HypoPT. RESULTS: On postoperative day one (POD1), serum concentration of PTH decreased below the normal range (< 12 pg/mL) in 29 patients and was undetectable in 19 patients (< 6 pg/mL). At one year postoperatively, 12 patients with undetectable POD1 PTH required treatment for hypocalcaemia and were diagnosed with permanent hypoPT. All the other patients regained normocalcaemia. Relative risk of permanent HypoPT associated with undetectable POD1 PTH was 88.75. A significant difference in median POD1 serum calcium concentration between the patients with undetectable POD1 PTH and those with detectable POD1 PTH was found (p < 0.001). The difference between the POD1 serum calcium in patients with permanent or transient HypoPT in the subgroup with undetectable POD1 PTH did not reach the level of statistical significance (median, 1.82 mmol/L vs. 1.96 mmol/L). At one month postoperatively, in patients who later developed permanent HypoPT, serum calcium was lower than it was in all other patients (p = 0.167). At one year postoperatively, serum concentration of PTH was in the normal range in 10 of 12 patients with permanent HypoPT; however, it was significantly lower than it had been before the operation and distinctly lower than it was in patients who regained normocalcaemia. The number of parathyroid glands either dissected or autotransplanted did not affect the development of permanent HypoPT. CONCLUSIONS: Undetectable POD1 PTH is an important risk factor of permanent HypoPT. The main cause of permanent HypoPT was irreversible damage to the left in situ parathyroid glands.

Impact of ZnO and ZnS nanoparticles in sewage sludge-amended soil on bacteria, plant and invertebrates.

The effect of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) and zinc sulfide nanoparticles (ZnS NPs) on the toxicity of sewage sludges in sewage sludge-amended soils was investigated with respect to plant- (Lepidium sativum) and soil- (Folsomia candida) species. The toxicity of porewater obtained from the tested soils towards Vibrio fischeri (Microtox®) was also investigated. Two sewage sludges (SSL1 and SSL2) with different organic matter content were amended with nanoparticles. Depending on the type of biotest and the type of sewage sludge, different effects of ZnO or ZnS NPs on the toxicity of sewage sludge-amended soil were observed. In general, ZnO and ZnS NPs stimulated root growth for SSL1 or reduced the harmful impact of SSL2 on the root growth of L. sativum roots. Greater stimulation or inhibition of root growth was observed for the ZnO than ZnS NPs. The unfavorable effect of ZnO/ZnS NPs on F. candida mortality and reproduction was observed at a concentration of ZnO/ZnS in sewage sludge ≥250 mg/kg. Generally, there were no significant differences between ZnO and ZnS NPs toxicity towards F. candida. Aging for 45 days of sewage sludge-amended soil containing NPs affected ZnO and ZnS NPs toxicity to all tested organisms. In the most cases, the toxicity decreased after 45 days of aging for plant (L. sativum) and invertebrates (F. candida). The toxicity of porewater to V. fischeri from sewage sludge-amended soil contains ZnO NPs did not change, while in the case of ZnS NPs, the toxicity increased after 45 days of aging.

Combined Effects of Plant Cultivation and Sorbing Carbon Amendments on Freely Dissolved PAHs in Contaminated Soil.

We report freely dissolved concentrations ( Cfree) of PAHs in soils amended with 2.5% biochar and activated carbon (AC) during a long-term (18-months) field experiment. The study evaluates also the impact of different plants (clover, grass, willow) on Cfree PAHs. The cumulative effect of treatments on nitrogen and available forms of phosphorus, potassium, and magnesium is also assessed. The direct addition of biochar to soil did not cause any immediate reduction of the sum of 16 Cfree PAHs, while AC resulted in a slight reduction of 5- and 6 ring compounds. The efficiency of binding of Cfree PAHs by biochar and AC increased with time. For biochar, the maximum reduction of 4-6-ring PAHs (18-67%) was achieved within 6 months. For 2- and 3-ring PAHs, a gradual decrease of Cfree was observed which reached 60-66% at 18 months. AC proved to be better in reducing Cfree PAHs than biochar, though for 2- and 3-ring PAHs, the differences in AC and biochar performances were smaller than those for 4-6-ring PAHs. After 18 months, a significantly lower content of Cfree PAHs was observed in the soil with plants compared to the unplanted soil. Except for potassium, AC or biochar did not negatively impact nutrient availability.

Adsorption capacity of phenanthrene and pyrene to engineered carbon-based adsorbents produced from sewage sludge or sewage sludge-biomass mixture in various gaseous conditions.

Adsorption of phenanthrene (PHE) and pyrene (PYR) by engineered carbon-based adsorbents produced from sewage sludge in an atmosphere of nitrogen (N2) or carbon dioxide (CO2) at temperatures of 500, 600, and 700 °C was investigated. The addition of willow to the SSL decreased the biochar adsorption capacity. However, there was an increase in the adsorption capacity after changing N2 to CO2. The addition of willow to SSL and the type of carrier gas affected the mechanism of adsorption. The adsorption of PHE and PYR on the SSL-derived adsorbents produced in N2 occurred through pore filling. The adsorption on the SSL-derived adsorbents with willow followed the mechanism of π-π electron-donor-acceptor (EDA) interactions and hydrophobic interactions. A similar mechanism was observed with regard to the biochars produced from SSL in atmosphere of CO2. For the SSL-derived adsorbents with willow in CO2, the adsorption mechanism was observed to vary between PHE and PYR.

Biochar for composting improvement and contaminants reduction. A review.

Biochar is characterised by a large specific surface area, porosity, and a large amount of functional groups. All of those features cause that biochar can be a potentially good material in the optimisation of the process of composting and final compost quality. The objective of this study was to compile the current knowledge on the possibility of biochar application in the process of composting and on the effect of biochar on compost properties and on the content of contaminants in compost. The paper presents the effect of biochar on compost maturity indices, composting temperature and moisture, and also on the content and bioavailability of nutrients and of organic and inorganic contaminants. In the paper note is also taken of the effect of biochar added to composted material on plants, microorganisms and soil invertebrates.

Bioaccessibility of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in activated carbon or biochar amended vegetated (Salix viminalis) soil.

The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of activated carbon (AC) or biochars on the bioaccessibility (Cbioacc) of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in soils vegetated with willow (Salix viminalis). The study determined the effect of willow on the Cbioacc PAHs and the effect of the investigated amendments on changes in dissolved organic carbon (DOC), crop yield and the content of PAHs in plants. PAH-contaminated soil was amended with 2.5 wt% AC or biochar. Samples from individual plots with and without plants were collected at the beginning of the experiment and after 3, 6, 12 and 18 months. The Cbioacc PAHs were determined using sorptive bioaccessibility extraction (SBE) (silicon rods and hydroxypropyl-ß-cyclodextrin). Both AC and biochar caused a decrease in the Cbioacc PAHs. Immediately after adding AC, straw-derived biochar or willow-derived biochar to the soil, the reduction in the sum of 16 (Σ16) Cbioacc PAHs was 70.3, 38.0, and 29.3%, respectively. The highest reduction of Cbioacc was observed for 5- and 6-ring PAHs (from 54.4 to 100%), whereas 2-ring PAHs were reduced only 8.0-25.4%. The reduction of Cbioacc PAHs increased over time. Plants reduced Cbioacc in all soils although effects varied by soil treatment and PAH. Willow grown in AC- and biochar-amended soil accumulated less phenanthrene than in the control soil. The presence of AC in the soil also affected willow yield and shoot length and DOC was reduced from 53.5 to 66.9% relative to unamended soils. In the biochars-amended soil, no changes in soil DOC content were noted nor effects on willow shoot length.

The concentration and changes in freely dissolved polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in biochar-amended soil.

The presence of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in biochars hinders their environmental use. The aim of this study was to determine the freely dissolved (Cfree) PAH content in soil amended with biochar in a long-term (851 days) field experiment. Biochar was added to the soil at a rate of 30 and 45 t/ha. The addition of biochar to the soil resulted in a decrease in Σ13 Cfree PAHs by 25 and 22%, in the soil with the addition of biochar at the rate of 30 and 45 t/ha, respectively. As far as individual PAHs are concerned, in most cases a reduction in Cfree was also observed (from 3.6 to 66%, depending on the biochar rate). During the first 105 days of the experiment, the content of Σ13 Cfree in the biochar-amended soil significantly decreased by 26% (30 t/ha) and 36% (45 t/ha). After this period of time until the end of the experiment, no significant changes in Cfree were observed, regardless of the biochar rate. However, the behavior of individual PAH groups differed depending on the number of rings and experimental treatment. Ultimately, after 851 days of the experiment the content of Σ13 Cfree PAHs was lower by 29% (30 t/ha) and 35% (45 t/ha) compared to the beginning of the study as well as lower by 40% (30 t/ha) and 42% (45 t/ha) than in the control soil. The log KTOC coefficients calculated for the biochar-amended soils were higher immediately after adding biochar and subsequently they gradually decreased, indicating the reduced strength of the interaction between biochar and the studied PAHs. The obtained results show that the addition of biochar to soil does not create a risk in terms of the content of Cfree PAHs.

[Primary carcinoma of the thyroid growing in thyroglossal duct cyst: presentation of two cases]. / Pierwotny rak tarczycy w obrebie torbieli przewodu tarczowo-jezykowego: opis dwóch przypadków.

Thyroglossal duct remnants (TGDR), most often cysts, are the most common type of developmental abnormalities of the thyroid gland. In about 1 to 2% of TGDR neoplastic transformation occurs. Papillary carcinoma of the thyroid may be encountered in over 90% of such cases. Two cases of primary papillary carcinoma of the thyroid in TGDR in young girls are presented. The diagnostic and therapeutic problems are shared, and up-to-date management guidelines in similar cases are discussed.