Study on the solidification performance and mechanism of heavy metals by sludge/biomass ash ceramsites, biochar and biomass ash.

Industrial by-products are stored in large quantities in the open, leading to wasted resources and environmental pollution, and the natural environment is similarly faced with phosphate depletion and serious water and soil pollution. This study uses these by-products to produce a new sludge/biomass ash ceramsite that will be used to adsorb nitrogen and phosphorus from wastewater, and solidify heavy metals in the soil while releasing Olsen P. The sludge/biomass ash ceramsites are made using sewage sludge and biomass ash in a certain ratio calcined at high temperatures and modified for the adsorption of nitrogen and phosphorus from wastewater. Sludge/biomass ash ceramsites before and after phosphorus adsorption, biochar and biomass ash were compared to analyze their heavy metal adsorption capacity and potential as phosphate fertilizer. After phosphorus adsorption, the sludge/biomass ash ceramsites released effective phosphorus steadily and rapidly in the soil, with a greater initial release than biochar and biomass ash, and the ceramsites were in a granular form that could be easily recycled. Biochar and biomass residue, due to their surface functional groups, are better at solidifying heavy metals than sludge/biomass ash ceramsites. Biochar, biomass ash and sludge/biomass ash ceramsites significantly reduced the concentrations of Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn in the soil. Correlation analysis demonstrated that there was a synergistic relationship between the increase in soil Olsen P content and the change in pH, with the increase in soil Olsen P content and the increase in pH contributing to heavy metal solidification.

Hydrochemistry, quality, and integrated health risk assessments of groundwater in the Huaibei Plain, China.

Groundwater is an essential freshwater resource utilized in industry, agriculture, and daily life. In the Huaibei Plain (HBP), where groundwater significantly influences socio-economic development, information about its quality, hydrochemistry, and related health risks remains limited. We conducted a comprehensive groundwater sampling in the HBP and examined its rock characteristics, water quality index (WQI), and potential health risks. The results revealed that the primary factors shaping groundwater hydrochemistry were rock dissolution and weathering, cation exchange, and anthropogenic activities. WQI assessment indicated that only 73% of the groundwaters is potable, as Fe2+, Mn2+, NO3-, and F- contents in the water could pose non-carcinogenic hazards to humans. Children were more susceptible to these health risks through oral ingestion than adults. Uncertainty analysis indicated that the probabilities of non-carcinogenic risk were approximately 57% and 31% for children and adults, respectively. Sensitivity analysis further identified fluoride as the primary factor influencing non-carcinogenic risks, indicating that reducing fluoride contamination should be prioritized in future groundwater management in the HBP.

Adsorption of nitrogen and phosphorus from wastewater by modified sludge/biomass ash ceramsite: Preparation, adsorption mechanism, and sustainable analysis.

Excessive ammonium and phosphate in aquatic settings may produce major eutrophication. Adsorbents can be used to reduce the eutrophication of natural water bodies. In this study, a sustainable and efficient ceramic adsorbent (sludge/biomass ash ceramsite [SBC]) was prepared by using sludge and biomass ash with a weight ratio of 1:1; the sintering parameters were 1070°C for 15 min. The NH4 + -N and P adsorption capabilities were improved by utilizing 1 mol L-1 NaOH and 1.6 mol L-1 La(NO3 )3 ·6H2 O for modification. When the pH and duration were 7 and 1440 min, respectively, the maximum bending capacity of ammonia nitrogen and phosphorus was 3.2 and 2.1 mg g-1 at 308 K. The pseudo-second-order kinetic model better describes the adsorption dynamics of NH4 + -N and P, whereas the Langmuir model better describes the adsorption isotherm models of NH4 + -N and P. The adsorption mechanism of SBC-NaOH on NH4 + -N is ion exchange between Na+ and NH4 + , whereas the adsorption mechanism of SBC-La on phosphorus is ion exchange and La3+ adsorption. SBC combines efficient wastewater purification with the reuse of solid waste. The findings gave rise to the possibility of recycling ceramics as a plant fertilizer with a delayed release in the future. PRACTITIONER POINTS: New ceramsite was made from sludge and biomass ash. NH4 + -N (3.2 mg g-1 ) and P (2.1 mg g-1 ) were effectively adsorbed by ceramsite. The mechanism of NH4 + -N and P adsorption by ceramsite was studied. Absorbed ceramsite can be used as slow-release fertilizer in plant cultivation.

Chenodeoxycholic Acid-Amikacin Combination Enhances Eradication of Staphylococcus aureus.

The rise of antibiotic resistance and dearth of novel antibiotics have posed a serious health crisis worldwide. In this study, we screened a combination of antibiotics and nonantibiotics providing a viable strategy to solve this issue by broadening the antimicrobial spectrum. We found that chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA), a cholic acid derivative of the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) Tanreqing (TRQ), synergizes with amikacin against Staphylococcus aureus in vitro, and this synergistic killing was effective against diverse methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) variants, including small-colony variants (SCVs), biofilm strains, and persisters. The CDCA-amikacin combination protects a mouse model from S. aureus infections. Mechanistically, CDCA increases the uptake of aminoglycosides in a proton motive force-dependent manner by dissipating the chemical potential and potentiates reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation by inhibiting superoxide dismutase activity. This work highlights the potential use of TCM components in treating S. aureus-associated infections and extend the use of aminoglycosides in eradicating Gram-positive pathogens. IMPORTANCE Multidrug resistance (MDR) is spreading globally with increasing speed. The search for new antibiotics is one of the key strategies in the fight against MDR. Antibiotic resistance breakers that may or may not have direct antibacterial action and can either be coadministered or conjugated with other antibiotics are being studied. To better expand the antibacterial spectrum of certain antibiotics, we identified one component from a traditional Chinese medicine, Tanreqing (TRQ), that increased the activity of aminoglycosides. We found that this so-called agent, chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA), sensitizes Staphylococcus aureus to aminoglycoside killing and protects a mouse model from S. aureus infections. CDCA increases the uptake of aminoglycosides in a proton motive force-dependent manner by dissipating the chemical potential and potentiates ROS generation by inhibiting superoxide dismutase activity in S. aureus. Our work highlights the potential use of TCM or its effective components, such as CDCA, in treating antibiotic resistance-associated infections.

Treating unstable angina with detoxifying and blood-activating formulae: A randomized controlled trial.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Detoxifying and blood-activating Chinese medicine granule formula, which includes 15 g of Polygonum cuspidatum Sieb. et Zucc. (Polygonum cuspidatum) and 10 g of Crataegus pinnatifida Bunge (Hawthorn), can relieve the symptoms and serve as supplementary treatment for unstable angina. AIM OF THE STUDY: This study aimed to explore the role of detoxifying and blood-activating formulae in the treatment of unstable angina and the potential mechanism involved. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 144 participants with unstable angina were randomly divided into experimental and control groups. Both groups were treated with standardized Western medicine; the experimental group was additionally treated with detoxifying and blood-activating Chinese medicine granules, which included 15 g of P. cuspidatum and 10 g of C. pinnatifida for 4 weeks. The primary endpoint was the frequency of weekly angina pectoris attacks before and after treatment. The secondary endpoints, also observed before and after treatment, included blood glucose, blood lipids, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-6, IL-10, and adiponectin levels, as well as the ratio of pro/anti-inflammatory factors and evaluation scales of symptoms and syndromes in Chinese and Western medicine. RESULTS: In both experimental and control groups, the frequency of weekly angina pectoris attacks was lower after treatment (P < 0.01), but with no significant intergroup difference (P = 0.10). After intervention, the hs-CRP, TNF-α, and IL-6 levels decreased, while the IL-10 and adiponectin levels significantly increased in the experimental group (P < 0.05 or 0.01). The ratios of the inflammatory factors significantly decreased after treatment, particularly in the experimental group (P < 0.01). Symptoms and syndromes were also ameliorated in the experimental group (P < 0.01), showing a significant difference from the control group (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Detoxifying and blood-activating formulae can reduce the frequency and relieve symptoms of unstable angina, and this mechanism may be related to a regulation of the balance of pro- and anti-inflammatory factors.

Multi-element Characteristics of Chinese Medical Baishao (Paeoniae Radix Alba) and Their Decoctions.

Adopting ICP-AES and ICP-MS to determine the content of 53 elements (6 macro-elements, 47 trace elements), which used HNO3 (5 mL) and H2O2 (2 mL) to digest Baishao (Paeoniae Radix Alba) by microwave. These herbs obtained from six producing areas in China, namely Xuanwu (Henan province), Shihezi (Xinjiang province), Zhongjiang (Sichuan province), Panan (Zhejiang province), Bozhou (Anhui province), and Heze (Shandong province). A certified reference material of Astragalus (GBW 10028, GSB-19) was used to assess the accuracy of the method. Except the slight change of Na and S in Xuanwu, the content of other producing areas followed the order of Ca > K > P > Mg > S > Na. The herbs of Shihezi (22,658 mg/kg) got the highest concentration of total elements, while the herbs of Panan (1.006 mg/kg) got the highest concentration of rare earth elements. The multi-element fingerprint map of Baishao was established, which was obviously different from other herbs. Meanwhile, the same method was adopted to determine the content of 50 elements in Baishao decoctions from three main producing areas. Compared with the herbs, each element was significantly reduced, and K was the highest concentration. The transfer rates of elements in Baishao decoctions followed the order (mean): As (55.79%) > Ni (55.19%) > Na (51.48%) > Mo (44.13%) > Ce (43.82%) > V (40.52%). The decoctions of Panan (0.122 mg/kg) got the highest content of rare earth elements. In all Baishao herbs and their corresponding decoctions, the levels of Cu, Cd, As, Pb, and Hg did not exceed the limits of the Green Trade Standards of Importing & Exporting Medicinal Plants & Preparations (WM2-2001) and Chinese Pharmacopoeia (2015).

Spatial Variability and Source Apportionment of Aliphatic Hydrocarbons in Sediments from the Typical Coal Mining Area.

Fifty-four surface sediments from the typical coal mining area were analyzed for pristane, phytane and C8-C40 n-alkanes using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The spatial distribution, homolog profiles and source apportionment of aliphatic hydrocarbons were investigated. Bimodal distribution pattern, centered at C16-C20 and C27-C33 n-alkanes, were observed in all sediment samples with an obvious dominance of low molecular weight homologues. Principal component analysis-multiple linear regression (PCA-MLR) was used to predict the contributions of different sources. The result implied that natural input was the main source, contribution of which accounted for 60.8%, and the contributions of different sources were estimated as follow: 21.8% for terrestrial higher plants, 24.1% for algae and photosynthetic bacteria, 14.9% for submerged/floating macrophytes, 23.5% for fossil fuel combustion and 15.7% for petroleum hydrocarbons. Moreover, relatively high median concentrations of fossil fuel combustion were observed in Shou County and Fengtai County, indicating the high contribution of fossil fuel combustion in these two areas.

Circulating CD14+HLA-DR-/low Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells as Potential Biomarkers for the Identification of Psoriasis TCM Blood-Heat Syndrome and Blood-Stasis Syndrome.

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune disease. Identification of the biomarkers responsible for Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) syndromes of psoriasis can help researchers recognize the different aspects of psoriasis and find novel therapeutic targets for the treatment of psoriasis. The current study investigated the levels of circulating Mo-MDSCs and Mo-MDSC-associated immune factors in the peripheral blood of psoriasis patients with different TCM syndromes. We found that the frequency of Mo-MDSCs (CD14+HLA-DR-/low cells) among CD14+ cells from plaque psoriasis patients with blood-stasis (BS) syndrome was significantly increased when compared with healthy controls (p < 0.001) and blood-heat (BH) syndrome group (p < 0.001), respectively. However, serum IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-17A, TNF-α, IFN-γ, iNOS, Arg-1, and NO concentration showed no statistically significant difference between healthy controls and psoriasis patients as well as no significant difference between the BH and BS syndrome groups. Compared with healthy controls, the mRNA expression of Arg-1, TNF-α, ROR-γ, and PD-L1 was increased, while the mRNA expression of PD-1 and IL-10 was decreased in PBMCs from psoriasis patients. Moreover, the mRNA expression of TNF-α and FOXP3 in PBMCs showed a pronounced statistical difference between the psoriatic BH syndrome group and the BS syndrome group. Therefore, we provide evidence that the percentage of CD14+HLA-DR-/low MDSC/ CD14+ cells and TNF-α and Foxp3 mRNA expression levels in PBMCs are potential biomarkers for distinguishing TCM BH syndrome and BS syndrome.

A comprehensive review on environmental transformation of selenium: recent advances and research perspectives.

Selenium (Se) is an important micronutrient and essential trace element for both humans and animals, which exist in the environment ubiquitously. Selenium deficiency is an important issue worldwide, with various reported cases of its deficiency. Low selenium contents in some specific terrestrial environments have resulted in its deficiency in humans. However, high levels of selenium in the geochemical environment may have harmful influences and can cause a severe toxicity to living things. Due to its extremely narrow deficiency and toxicity limits, selenium is becoming a serious matter of discussion for the scientists who deals with selenium-related environmental and health issues. Based on available relevant literature, this review provides a comprehensive data about Se sources, levels, production and factors affecting selenium bioavailability/speciation in soil, characteristics of Se, biogeochemical cycling, deficiency and toxicity, and its environmental transformation to know the Se distribution in the environment. Further research should focus on thoroughly understanding the concentration, speciation, Se cycling in the environment and food chain to effectively utilize Se resources, remediate Se deficiency/toxicity, and evaluate the Se states and eco-effects on human health.

Biology of the Tongue Coating and Its Value in Disease Diagnosis.

Tongue diagnosis is one of the most important diagnostic tools in traditional Chinese medicine and has been verified for thousands of years. However, its subjectivity and repeatability has been disputed continuously. The tongue coating as the primary coverage of tongue diagnosis provides more objectivity and reproducibility due to its relatively clear molecular basis; it also has a close relationship with many system diseases and may be used as a potentially valuable disease diagnostic tool. This article describes the material basis of the tongue coating, including its biology (epithelial cells, blood cells, vascular endothelial cells, and bacteria) and its metabolites; moreover, we summarize the diseases that are most correlated with the tongue coating. This will be valuable not only for fundamental research of tongue diagnosis but also for the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of disease. We suppose that the tongue coating could serve as a valuable auxiliary diagnosis tool in many diseases, and more research should focus on how to colligate the various information about the tongue and provide useful information for disease diagnosis.

Developmental selenium exposure and health risk in daily foodstuffs: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Selenium (Se) is a trace mineral and an essential nutrient of vital importance to human health in trace amounts. It acts as an antioxidant in both humans and animals, immunomodulator and also involved in the control of specific endocrine pathways. The aim of this work is to provide a brief knowledge on selenium content in daily used various foodstuffs, nutritional requirement and its various health consequences. In general, fruits and vegetables contain low content of selenium, with some exceptions. Selenium level in meat, eggs, poultry and seafood is usually high. For most countries, cereals, legumes, and derivatives are the major donors to the dietary selenium intake. Low level of selenium has been related with higher mortality risk, dysfunction of an immune system, and mental failure. Selenium supplementation or higher selenium content has antiviral outcomes and is necessary for effective reproduction of male and female, also decreases the threat of chronic disease (autoimmune thyroid). Generally, some advantages of higher content of selenium have been shown in various potential studies regarding lung, colorectal, prostate and bladder cancers risk, nevertheless results depicted from different trials have been diverse, which perhaps indicates the evidence that supplementation will merely grant advantage if the intakes of a nutrient is deficient. In conclusion, the over-all people should be advised against the usage of Se supplements for prevention of cardiovascular, hepatopathies, or cancer diseases, as advantages of Se supplements are still ambiguous, and their haphazard usage could result in an increased Se toxicity risk. The associations among Se intake/status and health, or disease risk, are complicated and need exposition to notify medical practice, to improve dietary recommendations, and to develop adequate communal health guidelines.

Combustion characteristics and retention-emission of selenium during co-firing of torrefied biomass and its blends with high ash coal.

The combustion characteristics, kinetic analysis and selenium retention-emission behavior during co-combustion of high ash coal (HAC) with pine wood (PW) biomass and torrefied pine wood (TPW) were investigated through a combination of thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and laboratory-based circulating fluidized bed combustion experiment. Improved ignition behavior and thermal reactivity of HAC were observed through the addition of a suitable proportion of biomass and torrefied. During combustion of blends, higher values of relative enrichment factors in fly ash revealed the maximum content of condensing volatile selenium on fly ash particles, and depleted level in bottom ash. Selenium emission in blends decreased by the increasing ratio of both PW and TPW. Higher reductions in the total Se volatilization were found for HAC/TPW than individual HAC sample, recommending that TPW have the best potential of selenium retention. The interaction amongst selenium and fly ash particles may cause the retention of selenium.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the water-SPM-sediment system from the middle reaches of Huai River, China: Distribution, partitioning, origin tracing and ecological risk assessment.

The polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) concentrations in the water, suspended particulate matter (SPM) and sediment from the middle reaches of Huai River were analyzed by a gas chromatograph-mass spectrometer (GC-MS). The mean concentrations for the sum of 16 PAHs (∑16 PAHs) in the water, SPM and sediment were 1204 ng/L, 3192 ng/g (dry weight; dw), and 7955 ng/g (dw), respectively. Along the vertical profiles of water columns, higher ∑16 PAHs levels were seen in surface and bottom water layers and co-located SPM. The PAHs distribution in water and SPM is found to be controlled by organic carbon. Based on the statistic correlations of the organic carbon normalized partition coefficients (lgKOC) and octanol-water partition coefficient (lgKOW), we observed that the calculated partition coefficients do not increase as large as that would be expected from the increase of hydrophobicity. The principal component analysis suggests that coal combustion and the petroleum refinery were the primary PAHs contributors in the studied water-SPM-sediment system. The high ecological risks of PAHs in studied system highlight the urgent needs for remedial actions.

Geochemistry of vanadium (V) in Chinese coals.

Vanadium in coals may have potential environmental and economic impacts. However, comprehensive knowledge of the geochemistry of V in coals is lacking. In this study, abundances, distribution and modes of occurrence of V are reviewed by compiling >2900 reported Chinese coal samples. With coal reserves in individual provinces as the weighting factors, V in Chinese coals is estimated to have an average abundance of 35.81 µg/g. Large variation of V concentration is observed in Chinese coals of different regions, coal-forming periods, and maturation ranks. According to the concentration coefficient of V in coals from individual provinces, three regions are divided across Chinese coal deposits. Vanadium in Chinese coals is probably influenced by sediment source and sedimentary environment, supplemented by late-stage hydrothermal fluids. Specifically, hydrothermal fluids have relatively more significant effect on the enrichment of V in local coal seams. Vanadium in coals is commonly associated with aluminosilicate minerals and organic matter, and the modes of V occurrence in coal depend on coal-forming environment and coal rank. The Chinese V emission inventory during coal combustion is estimated to be 4906 mt in 2014, accounting for 50.55 % of global emission. Vanadium emissions by electric power plants are the largest contributor.

[Spatial and Temporal Distributions of Nitrogen and Phosphate in the Chaohu Lake].

In order to determine the concentrations, spatial and temporal distributions of nitrogen ( N) and phosphorus (P) nutrients in Chaohu Lake, the surface water samples were collected systemically in different flood seasons by grid sampling methods. Meanwhile, the predominant pollution factors and priority control area were confirmed. The results showed that the concentrations of TP, TN and NO3- -N in the inflowing rivers were higher than the V class water standard, the concentrations of nutrients in wet season were lower than those in normal season and dry season in Nanfei River and Shiwuli River, while the levels of nutrients in the other selected rivers were higher in wet season. The variations of spatial and temporal of nutrients were observed in the Chaohu Lake. The concentrations of N and P nutrients in the western part of Chaohu Lake were higher than those of the eastern part. The elevated concentrations of TP, TN and NH4+ -N were found in the dry season, while the elevated content of NO3- -N was observed in the wet season. The predominant pollution factors in Chaohu Lake were TN and NH4+ -N, the concentrations of these nutrients were decreasing from the western part of the Chaohu Lake to the eastern part of the Chaohu Lake.

Bisphenol A exposure and healing effects of Adiantum capillus-veneris L. plant extract (APE) in bisphenol A-induced reproductive toxicity in albino rats.

The current study presents the bisphenol A exposure and the ameliorative effects of Adiantum capillus-veneris on testicular toxicity induced by bisphenol A. Adult male albino rats were divided into five groups of five animals each: A (control), B (vehicle control), C (toxic), D (protective), and E (ameliorative) were served distilled water, olive oil, bisphenol A (BPA) at 100 mg/kg body weight, A. capillus-veneris plant extract at 25 mg/kg body weight, and BPA + A. capillus-veneris, respectively. All of the doses were administered orally for 15 days, and the rats were then sacrificed. Blood samples for the testosterone assay and both testes were collected for histological examination. The body weight, paired testes weight, relative tissue weight index, Johnsen scoring of tubules, and level of serum testosterone decreased in BPA-treated rats. Similarly, histological examination of the testes in BPA-treated animals revealed a lower number of Leydig cells, an irregular basement membrane, sloughing of germinal layers, vacuolization, a lower number of spermatocytes, and debris in the lumen. However, co-administration of A. capillus-veneris with BPA increased the total antioxidative capacity (330.82 ± 22.46 µmol/mg protein) of the testes and restored the serum testosterone level (1.70 ng/ml); histological features showed restoration in the stages of spermatogenesis. Conclusively, A. capillus-veneris plant extract overcomes the estrogenic effects of BPA on the reproductive system of rats and protects rats' testes against BPA-induced injury/damage via an antioxidative mechanism that appears to be conciliated.

Combined therapy of percutaneous cryoablation and traditional Chinese medicine can be a promising strategy for elderly or advanced lung cancer patients based on a retrospective clinical study.

Presently, elderly and advanced lung cancer patients have very limited treatment options. With no promising therapy, treatment of these patients is challenging. We have reviewed 119 primary lung cancer patients who received a combined percutaneous cryoablation and traditional Chinese medicine therapy (Cryo-TCM therapy) between 2005 and 2013. Out of 119 patients, 84.1% patients were elderly or advanced lung cancer when receiving cryoablation. Overall Survival time from the time of Diagnosis (DOS) and Cryoablation (COS) was 19 and 10 months respectively, which were longer than data previously published. Patients who accepted only Cryo-TCM therapy got similar DOS as those who were treated with Cryo-TCM and other classic anticancer therapies. Thus, Cryo-TCM therapy can prolong the survival time and can be used as the main therapy for the elderly or advanced lung cancer patients in China both in quality of life and cost effectiveness.

Coal utilization in China: environmental impacts and human health.

Coal is one of the major energy resources in China, accounting for approximately 70 % of primary energy consumption. Many environmental problems and human health risks arise during coal exploitation, utilization, and waste disposal, especially in the remote mountainous areas of western China (e.g., eastern Yunnan, western Guizhou and Hubei, and southern Shaanxi). In this paper, we report a thorough review of the environmental and human health impacts related to coal utilization in China. The abundance of the toxic trace elements such as F, As, Se, and Hg in Chinese coals is summarized. The environmental problems (i.e., water, soil, and air pollution) that are related to coal utilization are outlined. The provenance, distributions, typical symptoms, sources, and possible pathways of endemic fluorosis, arsenism, and selenosis due to improper coal usage (briquettes mixed with high-F clay, mineralized As-rich coal, and Se-rich stone coal) are discussed in detail. In 2010, 14.8, 1.9 million, and 16,000 Chinese people suffered from dental fluorosis, skeletal fluorosis, and arsenism, respectively. Finally, several suggestions are proposed for the prevention and treatment for endemic problems caused by coal utilization.

Speciation of organic and inorganic selenium in selenium-enriched rice by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry after cloud point extraction.

A new method was developed for the determination of organic and inorganic selenium in selenium-enriched rice by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry detection after cloud point extraction. Effective separation of organic and inorganic selenium in selenium-enriched rice was achieved by sequentially extracting with water and cyclohexane. Under the optimised conditions, the limit of detection (LOD) was 0.08 µg L(-1), the relative standard deviation (RSD) was 2.1% (c=10.0 µg L(-1), n=11), and the enrichment factor for selenium was 82. Recoveries of inorganic selenium in the selenium-enriched rice samples were between 90.3% and 106.0%. The proposed method was successfully applied for the determination of organic and inorganic selenium as well as total selenium in selenium-enriched rice.

Atmospheric emissions of F, As, Se, Hg, and Sb from coal-fired power and heat generation in China.

Coal is one of the major energy resources in China, with nearly half of produced Chinese coal used for power and heat generation. The large use of coal for power and heat generation in China may result in significant atmospheric emissions of toxic volatile trace elements (i.e. F, As, Se, Hg, and Sb). For the purpose of estimating the atmospheric emissions from coal-fired power and heat generation in China, a simple method based on coal consumption, concentration and emission factor of trace element was adopted to calculate the gaseous emissions of elements F, As, Se, Hg, and Sb. Results indicate that about 162161, 236, 637, 172, and 33 t F, As, Se, Hg, and Sb, respectively, were introduced into atmosphere from coal combustion by power and heat generation in China in 2009. The atmospheric emissions of F, As, Se, Hg, and Sb by power and heat generation increased from 2005 to 2009 with increasing coal consumptions.