Insights from the EQUALS4COVID19 study on migrant mental health in Portugal: a cross-sectional mixed-methods approach.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic and related disruptive consequences in the economic, health, and educational sectors have impacted people's lives, contributing to a context of increased economic and social vulnerability. The pandemic has revealed and accentuated social inequalities and discrimination based on racial or ethnic origin. This study aimed to contribute to the promotion of the mental health and well-being of migrant populations living in Portugal via the definition of an analytical framework and recommendations emerging from the EQUALS4COVID19 project. METHODS: To gather information on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and resilience determinants among immigrants, a mixed-methods approach was implemented in 2022, combining a cross-sectional survey targeting immigrant adults in Portugal, focus groups with immigrants, focus groups with healthcare professionals, and in-depth individual interviews with stakeholders involved in the implementation of measures related to mental health and well-being during the pandemic. The analysis followed an integrated framework; quantitative data informed the script of qualitative data collection methods, and qualitative analysis informed the reinterpretation of quantitative data. RESULTS: The survey with 604 Brazilian and Cape Verdean immigrants revealed that gender (being a woman) was associated with both psychological distress and depression-related symptomatology and that the perception of discrimination was a major risk factor for psychological suffering, while perceived social support and individuals' resilience characteristics were protective factors. Qualitative data provided deeper insights into these findings, revealing the ways mental health is affected by social structures, such as gender and ethnic hierarchies. Migrants tend to work in precarious jobs requiring physical presence, which, together with dense housing conditions, puts them at higher risk of infection. The deterioration of the economic conditions of the general population has also increased the perception of ethnic-racial discrimination, which was found to be related to the increase in insecurity and anxiety-related symptomatology among the migrant population. Newly arrived migrants, with reduced support networks, experienced a greater sense of insecurity as well as concern and anguish regarding relatives who live far away, in their home country. Migrant women reported greater family-related distress, including work-life balance problems. CONCLUSIONS: Proposals to address mental health inequalities should be considered in the context of the necessary global changes both at the societal level and in the delivery of mental health services. Additionally, they should be considered with the active involvement of migrants, families, and communities in the design and delivery of mental health promotion and care processes.

Adsorptive Features of Magnetic Activated Carbons Prepared by a One-Step Process towards Brilliant Blue Dye.

Water pollution by dyes has been a major environmental problem to be tackled, and magnetic adsorbents appear as promising alternatives to solve it. Herein, magnetic activated carbons were prepared by the single-step method from Sapelli wood sawdust, properly characterized, and applied as adsorbents for brilliant blue dye removal. In particular, two magnetic activated carbons, MAC1105 and MAC111, were prepared using the proportion of biomass KOH of 1:1 and varying the proportion of NiCl2 of 0.5 and 1. The characterization results demonstrated that the different proportions of NiCl2 mainly influenced the textural characteristics of the adsorbents. An increase in the surface area from 260.0 to 331.5 m2 g-1 and in the total pore volume from 0.075 to 0.095 cm3 g-1 was observed with the weight ratio of NiCl2. Both adsorbents exhibit ferromagnetic properties and the presence of nanostructured Ni particles. The different properties of the materials influenced the adsorption kinetics and equilibrium of brilliant blue dye. MAC111 showed faster kinetics, reaching the equilibrium in around 10 min, while for MAC1105, it took 60 min for the equilibrium to be reached. In addition, based on the Sips isotherm, the maximum adsorption capacity was 98.12 mg g-1 for MAC111, while for MAC1105, it was 60.73 mg g-1. Furthermore, MAC111 presented the potential to be reused in more adsorption cycles than MAC1105, and the use of the adsorbents in the treatment of a simulated effluent exhibited high effectiveness, with removal efficiencies of up to 90%.

Anacardic Acid Derivatives Affect the in Vitro Reactions of Photosynthesis.

The dichloromethane extract of the cashew nuts from Anacardium occidentale was fractionated by rotation locular countercurrent chromatography aimed at discovering metabolites that could be useful as new models for photosynthesis inhibitors. The chemical fractionation afforded a complex mixture of anacardic acids, which upon catalytic hydrogenation yielded anacardic acid (1). Methylation of 1 via reaction with diazomethane afforded an ester 2. Both compounds were evaluated using polarographic approaches and fluorescence studies of chlorophyll a (ChL a). The in vitro assays informed the decision for the classification of 1 and 2 as Hill reaction inhibitors. Besides that, 1 inhibited the donor side of the PSII, while 2 acted as an energy transfer inhibitor. Therefore, this study is important for the development of herbicides.

Low-Cost Ka-Band Satellite Receiver Data Preprocessing for Tropospheric Propagation Studies.

Satellite tropospheric propagation studies strongly rely on beacon receiver measurements. We were interested in performing a measurement campaign to characterize rain attenuation statistics. In this article, we outline some of the characteristics and drawbacks one faces when trying to perform a radio wave satellite beacon propagation experiment at the Ka-band with low-cost measurement equipment. We used an affordable beacon receiver consisting of a commercial low-noise block down-converter, an outdoor dual-reflector antenna, and a software-defined radio unit. To measure rain attenuation events, we needed to work out where the reference signal level was at all times. However, as we did not have a radiometer to remove the impact of gases and clouds, since it is a very expensive device, we used a procedure that involved the subtraction of a stable and reliable reference level (template) from the raw received beacon level. This template was extracted from observations during non-rainy periods. The procedure implemented for extracting the template was based on the same data processing methodology used by other authors in this field. Here, we describe through specific examples the main characteristics of the templates extracted on non-rainy days, as well as the impact of some meteorological parameters and unavoidable, but small antenna pointing errors.

Fertility, Migration and Acculturation (FEMINA): a research protocol for studying intersectional sexual and reproductive health inequalities.

BACKGROUND: The existing knowledge on the interplay between reproductive and sexual health, migration and acculturation is recent and inconsistent, particularly on the sociocultural motives and constraints regarding fertility. Therefore, sexual and reproductive health (SRH) surveys are needed to provide accurate and comparable indicators to identify and address SRH inequalities, with specific focus on under researched aspects, such as the interrelation between migration and gender. FEMINA (FErtility, MIgratioN and Acculturation) aims to investigate intersectional SRH inequalities among Cape Verdean immigrant and Portuguese native families and how they impact on fertility in Portugal. This study will use a comprehensive approach exploring simultaneously the components of SRH, namely regarding identities, perceptions and practices of both women and men among lay people and relevant experts and stakeholders. The project has three main goals: 1) to identify social determinants of SRH among Cape Verdean immigrant and Portuguese native men and women of reproductive age; 2) to gain understanding of the diversity of the sexual and reproductive experiences and expectations of Cape Verdean immigrant and Portuguese native men and women of reproductive age, considering the singularities of their migratory, social and family dynamics; and 3) to produce recommendations for policy makers, employers and service providers on how to better address the SRH needs of Portuguese-born and immigrant populations. METHODS: The study will address these goals using a mixed methods approach, including: a cross-sectional telephone survey with a probabilistic sample of 600 Cape Verdean immigrant and 600 Portuguese native women and men (women aged 18 to 49 and men aged 18 to 54), residents of the Greater Lisbon Area; a qualitative research through in-depth interviews with a subsample of 30 Cape Verdean immigrants and 30 Portuguese native men and women; and a Delphi technique for finding consensus on good practices in SRH for the entire population with a special emphasis on immigrants, namely extra-EU migrants. DISCUSSION: Data will be used to produce a comprehensive set of indicators to monitor SRH in Portugal, to foster a greater understanding of its specificities and challenges to policy and decision makers, and to provide targeted recommendations to promote inclusive and migrant sensitive SRH services.

Two-port laparoscopic appendectomy as transition to laparoendoscopic single site surgery.

BACKGROUND: According to the precepts of reduced surgical trauma and better cosmesis, an intermediate laparoscopic appendectomy technique between the conventional three-trocar procedure and Laparoendoscopic Single Site Surgery (LESS) was performed, based on literature review and experience of the surgical team. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients with early stage acute appendicitis and a favourable anatomical presentation were selected. The procedure was performed with two ports: A 10 mm trocar at the umbilicus site for laparoscope and a 5 mm one just above the pubic bone for grasper. The appendix was secured by external wire traction through a right iliac fossa puncture with 14-gauge intravenous catheter. RESULTS: From August 2009 to December 2012, we performed 42 cases; two required conversion to a conventional laparoscopic technique. There were no complications in the remaining, no wound infections and a mean operation time of 64.5 minutes. CONCLUSION: The use of two-port laparoscopic appendectomy can act as a LESS intermediate step procedure, without loss of instrumental triangulation and maintenance of appropriate counter-traction. This technique can be used as an alternative to the three-port laparoscopic procedure in patients with initial presentation of appendicitis and a favourable anatomical position.

Experimental and modeling of potassium diclofenac uptake on activated carbon.

The presence of pharmaceuticals in wastewater resulting from human activities has driven researchers to explore effective treatment methods such as adsorption using activated carbon (AC). While AC shows promise as an adsorbent, further studies are essential to comprehend its entire interaction with pharmaceuticals. This article investigates the adsorption of potassium diclofenac (PD) onto AC using experimental and modeling approaches. Batch adsorption studies coupled with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) were employed to clarify the adsorption mechanism of PD on AC. Various kinetic and isotherm adsorption models were applied to analyze the adsorbent-adsorbate interaction. The kinetics were best described by Avrami's fractional order (AFO) nonlinear model. Also, the intraparticle diffusion (IP) model reveals a three-stage adsorption process. The experimental equilibrium data fitted well with the three-parameter nonlinear Liu model, indicating a maximum adsorption capacity (Qmax) of 88.45 mg g-1 and suggesting monolayer or multilayer adsorption. Thermodynamic analysis showed favorable adsorption (ΔG° < 0), with an enthalpy change (ΔH° = -30.85 kJ mol-1) characteristic of physisorption involving hydrogen bonds and π-π interactions. The adsorption mechanism was attributed to forming a double layer (adsorbate-adsorbent and adsorbate-adsorbate).

Hybrid nanocellulose material as an adsorbent to remove reactive yellow 2 dye.

Textile dyes are frequently disposable in aqueous effluents, making it difficult to remove them from industrial effluents before their release to natural waters. This paper deals with the fabrication of cellulose-based adsorbents by reacting nanocelulose crystalline (nanocel) with N-[3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl]ethylenediamine (TMSPEDA), forming the hybrid (silylpropyl)ethylenediamine@nanocellulose (SPEDA@nanocel), which was employed as adsorbent for the uptake of reactive yellow 2 dye (RY-2) from aqueous effluents. Characterisation of SPEDA@nanocel was carried out using FTIR, SEM-EDS, XRD, TGA, surface area, pHpzc, and hydrophobicity/hydrophilicity ratio (HI). Also, adsorption studies were thoroughly investigated. The effect of initial pH indicated that the maximum uptake of RY-2 takes place at pH 2, which is an indication of the electrostatic mechanism. The kinetic data carried out with 250 and 500 mg L-1 RY-2 with SPEDA@nanocel followed better the nonlinear fractional-like pseudo-first-order model. The t0.5 and t0.95 for the dye uptake were about 30 and 141 min, respectively. The equilibrium data from 10 to 45 °C indicated that the Liu isotherm model was the best-fitted isothermal model. The maximum sorption capacity attained was 112.3 mg g-1 at 45 °C. The thermodynamic data have shown that the equilibrium was favorable and endothermic, and the ΔH° was compatible with an electrostatic attraction between RY-2 and SPEDA@nanocel. Experiments of desorption of loaded adsorbent showed promising results for real applications since at least 5 adsorption/desorption cycles could be employed without significant changes in the recovery and with high precision.

Adsorption of Direct Blue 53 dye from aqueous solutions by multi-walled carbon nanotubes and activated carbon.

Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) and powder activated carbon (PAC) were used as adsorbents for adsorption of Direct Blue 53 dye (DB-53) from aqueous solutions. The adsorbents were characterised using Raman spectroscopy, N2 adsorption/desorption isotherms, and scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The effects of initial pH, contact time and temperature on adsorption capacity of the adsorbents were investigated. At pH 2.0, optimum adsorption of the dye was achieved by both adsorbents. Equilibrium contact times of 3 and 4 h were achieved by MWCNT and PAC adsorbents, respectively. The general order kinetic model provided the best fit of the experimental data compared to pseudo-first order and pseudo-second order kinetic adsorption models. For DB-53 dye, the equilibrium data (298-323 K) were best fitted to the Sips isotherm model. The maximum sorption capacity for adsorption of the dye occurred at 323 K, with the values of 409.4 and 135.2 mg g(-1) for MWCNT and PAC, respectively. Studies of adsorption/desorption were conducted and the results showed that DB-53 loaded MWCNT could be regenerated (97.85%) using a mixture 50% acetone + 50% of 3 mol L(-1) NaOH. Simulated dye house effluents were used to evaluate the application of the adsorbents for effluent treatment (removal of 99.87% and 97.00% for MWCNT and PAC, respectively, were recorded).

Mental Health and Well-Being of Migrant Populations in Portugal Two Years after the COVID-19 Pandemic.

In Portugal, like in other European countries, the COVID-19 pandemic aggravated the risk of poverty and social exclusion faced by migrants. This study aimed to assess mental health and well-being, and their social determinants, among Brazilian and Cape Verdean immigrant populations two years after the COVID-19 pandemic while exploring the role of positive psychological factors such as resilience and perceived social support. We conducted a cross-sectional survey combining online and face-to-face questionnaires for data collection between February and November 2022 on dimensions of mental health considered potentially relevant to the post-pandemic context: psychological distress, anxiety, and depression. Overall, 604 immigrants were included (322 Brazilian and 282 Cape Verdean); 58.5% of those surveyed were women and 41.5% were men. The results revealed that gender (being a woman) was associated with both psychological distress and depression, higher education was associated with anxiety, and that, for the three mental health dimensions under analysis, the perception of discrimination and resilience were negative and positive predictors, respectively. Findings can inform the design and implementation of relevant public mental health promotion programs with a focus on equity targeted to the general population. Such programs would help to address the psychological and social impacts of this long-term, insidious global pandemic that has challenged governments, health care systems, health care professionals, individuals, families, and communities worldwide.

Brilliant blue FCF dye adsorption using magnetic activated carbon from Sapelli wood sawdust.

Sapelli wood sawdust-derived magnetic activated carbon (SWSMAC) was produced by single-step pyrolysis using KOH and NiCl2 as activating and magnetization agents. SWSMAC was characterized by several techniques (SEM/EDS, N2 adsorption/desorption isotherms, FTIR, XRD, VSM, and pHPZC) and applied in the brilliant blue FCF dye adsorption from an aqueous medium. The obtained SWSMAC was a mesoporous material and showed good textural properties. Metallic nanostructured Ni particles were observed. Also, SWSMAC exhibited ferromagnetic properties. In the adsorption experiments, adequate conditions were an adsorbent dosage of 0.75 g L-1 and a solution pH of 4. The adsorption was fast, and the pseudo-second-order demonstrated greater suitability to the kinetic data. The Sips model fitted the equilibrium data well, and the maximum adsorption capacity predicted by this model was 105.88 mg g-1 (at 55 °C). The thermodynamic study revealed that the adsorption was spontaneous, favorable, and endothermic. Besides, the mechanistic elucidation suggested that electrostatic interactions, hydrogen bonding, π-π interactions, and n-π interactions were involved in the brilliant blue FCF dye adsorption onto SWSMAC. In summary, an advanced adsorbent material was developed from waste by single-step pyrolysis, and this material effectively adsorbs brilliant blue FCF dye.

Comprehensive adsorption and spectroscopic studies on the interaction of magnetic biochar from black wattle sawdust with beta-blocker metoprolol.

The rise of contaminants of emerging concern in water-resources due to human activities has driven research toward wastewater treatment, specifically adsorption. The utilization of woody biomass for biochar production in adsorption has shown promise due to its high availability. This study shows the preparation of magnetic biochars (MB) from waste black wattle sawdust, utilizing ZnCl2 and NiCl2 (proportions: 1:0.5:0.5 = MB-0.5 and 1:1:1 = MB-1) as activating and magnetic agents. Synthesized via microwave-assisted-pyrolysis, MB boasts a high surface area (up to 765 m2.g-1) and functional groups, enhancing metoprolol medicine adsorption. Nonlinear kinetic and isothermal models were tested; the Avrami fractional-order kinetic model and Liu's isothermal model provided the best fits for experimental data. Thermodynamics and spectroscopic studies revealed spontaneous and exothermic adsorption processes, with physisorption magnitude and dominance of hydrogen-bond and π-π-interactions. MB can be easily extracted from an aqueous medium using magnetic fields, while adsorption capacity could be regenerated through green solvent elution.

Adsorption of Reactive Blue 4 dye from water solutions by carbon nanotubes: experiment and theory.

Multi-walled and single-walled carbon nanotubes were used as nanoadsorbents for the successful removal of Reactive Blue 4 textile dye from aqueous solutions. The adsorbents were characterised by infrared and Raman spectroscopy, N(2) adsorption/desorption isotherms and scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The effects of pH, shaking time and temperature on adsorption capacity were studied. In the acidic pH region (pH 2.0), the adsorption of the dye was favourable using both adsorbents. The contact time to obtain equilibrium isotherms at 298-323 K was fixed at 4 hours for both adsorbents. The general order kinetic model provided the best fit to the experimental data compared with pseudo-first order and pseudo-second order kinetic adsorption models. For Reactive Blue 4 dye, the equilibrium data (298 to 323 K) were best fitted to the Liu isotherm model. The maximum sorption capacity for adsorption of the dye occurred at 323 K, attaining values of 502.5 and 567.7 mg g(-1) for MWCNT and SWCNT, respectively. Simulated dyehouse effluents were used to check the applicability of the proposed nanoadsorbents for effluent treatment (removal of 99.89% and 99.98%, for MWCNT and SWCNT, respectively). The interaction of Reactive Blue 4 textile dye with single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) was investigated using first principles calculations based on density functional theory. Results from ab initio calculations indicated that Reactive Blue 4 textile dye could be adsorbed on SWCNT through an electrostatic interaction; these results are in agreement with the experimental predictions.

BRASH Syndrome: A Case Report.

BACKGROUND BRASH syndrome is a newly recognized clinical entity characterized by bradycardia, renal failure, atrioventricular blockade, shock, and hyperkalemia. Patients with BRASH syndrome often have severe bradycardia that is refractory to antidotes and chronotropic medications. In these situations, transvenous pacemaker and renal replacement therapy may be necessary. Therefore, rapid diagnosis and correct management of this entity are crucial to reduce mortality. We report a case and the management of BRASH syndrome in the Emergency Department. CASE REPORT A 76-year-old man with chronic kidney disease stage 3, essential hypertension and psoriasis, and receiving atenolol presented to the Emergency Department with lethargy and weakness that started 3 days ago, with rapid deterioration into shock. His initial laboratory tests revealed hyperkalemia, metabolic acidosis, and acute kidney injury. His initial electrocardiogram was remarkable for sinus bradycardia with junctional escape rhythm with ventricular rate of 26 bpm. A chest X-ray was normal. Transthoracic echocardiogram showed normal systolic and diastolic function. Atenolol was immediately held. He was treated with potassium-lowering agents and vasoactive drugs. Due to the persistence of bradycardia, even after reversal of hyperkalemia, a temporary transvenous pacemaker was placed. Renal replacement therapy was not required. Renal function improved and heart rate stabilized at 80 bpm. The patient was discharged and advised to avoid atrioventricular-blocking agents, with Cardiology follow-up. CONCLUSIONS BRASH syndrome is a serious complication due to a combination of hyperkalemia, hypotension, and bradycardia in the setting of kidney dysfunction and medications that block the atrioventricular node. Hemodynamic support and temporary pacemaker use may be needed to manage this entity.

More Powerful Twistron Carbon Nanotube Yarn Mechanical Energy Harvesters.

Stretching a coiled carbon nanotube (CNT) yarn can provide large, reversible electrochemical capacitance changes, which convert mechanical energy to electricity. Here, it is shown that the performance of these "twistron" harvesters can be increased by optimizing the alignment of precursor CNT forests, plastically stretching the precursor twisted yarn, applying much higher tensile loads during precoiling twist than for coiling, using electrothermal pulse annealing under tension, and incorporating reduced graphene oxide nanoplates. The peak output power for a 1 and a 30 Hz sinusoidal deformation are 0.73 and 3.19 kW kg-1 , respectively, which are 24- and 13-fold that of previous twistron harvesters at these respective frequencies. This performance at 30 Hz is over 12-fold that of other prior-art mechanical energy harvesters for frequencies between 0.1 and 600 Hz. The maximum energy conversion efficiency is 7.2-fold that for previous twistrons. Twistron anode and cathode yarn arrays are stretched 180° out-of-phase by locating them in the negative and positive compressibility directions of hinged wine-rack frames, thereby doubling the output voltage and reducing the input mechanical energy.

Factors associated with Marburg hemorrhagic fever: analysis of patient data from Uige, Angola.

BACKGROUND: Reliable on-site polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing for Marburg hemorrhagic fever (MHF) is not always available. Therefore, clinicians triage patients on the basis of presenting symptoms and contact history. Using patient data collected in Uige, Angola, in 2005, we assessed the sensitivity and specificity of these factors to evaluate the validity of World Health Organization (WHO)-recommended case definitions for MHF. METHODS: Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify independent predictors of PCR confirmation of MHF. A data-derived algorithm was developed to obtain new MHF case definitions with improved sensitivity and specificity. RESULTS: A MHF case definition comprising (1) an epidemiological link or (2) the combination of myalgia or arthralgia and any hemorrhage could potentially serve as an alternative to current case definitions. Our data-derived case definitions maintained the sensitivity and improved the specificity of current WHO-recommended case definitions. CONCLUSIONS: Continued efforts to improve clinical documentation during filovirus outbreaks would aid in the refinement of case definitions and facilitate outbreak control.

Reducing Sexual and Reproductive Health Inequities Between Natives and Migrants: A Delphi Consensus for Sustainable Cross-Cultural Healthcare Pathways.

The increasing number of international migrants (ranging from 153 million in 1990 to ~272 million in 2019) brought to attention the wide variation of national contexts concerning the policy measures to protect migrants' rights and ensuring their equal access to basic and essential services, namely in health. Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) is a key component to the overall health and quality of life and is impacted by power inequities inherent to society's institutions, environment, economics, and culture. In Portugal, guidelines for intervention in SRH are insufficient, a gap that is more pronounced with migrant populations due to the absence of culturally sensitive indicators to assess and monitor SRH. The aim of this work was 2-fold: to identify good practices in the SRH field, with a particular focus, whenever possible, on migrant populations, and to identify relevant and inclusive indicators to monitor SRH in Portugal. A Delphi panel (via online survey) with 66 experts (researchers, teachers, and health professionals) and 16 stakeholders (non-governmental organizations, civil society, and governmental organizations) was implemented in two rounds. Panelists were asked to state their level of agreement (5-point Likert-type scale) regarding four different SRH areas: Sexual Health, Reproductive Health, Social-Structural Factors, and Good Practices. Items were based on literature review and a World Café with 15 experts and stakeholders. Participation rate was 68% and response rate was 97% on the first round. From the initial list of 142 items, a total of 118 (83%) items were approved by consensus. Findings may provide extended opportunities for the healthcare system to engage in better informed decisions and more inclusive and integrative strategies regarding SRH, contributing to build political measures toward sexual and reproductive justice.

A pandemic recap: lessons we have learned.

On January 2020, the WHO Director General declared that the outbreak constitutes a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. The world has faced a worldwide spread crisis and is still dealing with it. The present paper represents a white paper concerning the tough lessons we have learned from the COVID-19 pandemic. Thus, an international and heterogenous multidisciplinary panel of very differentiated people would like to share global experiences and lessons with all interested and especially those responsible for future healthcare decision making. With the present paper, international and heterogenous multidisciplinary panel of very differentiated people would like to share global experiences and lessons with all interested and especially those responsible for future healthcare decision making.

Adsorption of amoxicillin onto high surface area-activated carbons based on olive biomass: kinetic and equilibrium studies.

This study presents the extraction of antibiotic amoxicillin (AMX) from aqueous solution employing activated carbons (AC) from olive biomass (OB). Two AC were prepared using ZnCl2 (activator agent), and a conventional muffle furnace (ACF) or microwave oven (ACMW). The structure, morphology, and textural properties from both AC were analyzed by scanning electron microscope (SEM), pH of point-zero-charge (pHPZC), infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and N2 adsorption/desorption isotherms. AC with mesoporous structures rich in oxygenated groups and high specific area (as high as 1742 m2 g-1) were helpful for the efficient and fast adsorption of AMX. The Avrami kinetic nonlinear equation showed the best fitting for the empirical data when related to the pseudo-1st and pseudo-2nd order. The isothermal experimental data followed the Liu nonlinear model, displaying at 25 °C the maximum sorption capacity of 237.02 and 166.96 mg g-1 for the ACF and ACMW, respectively. An adsorption test with synthetic hospital effluent was carried out to evaluate the possibility of applying both adsorbents in wastewater purification. The purification efficiency was up to 94.4% and 91.96% for ACF and ACMW, respectively. Therefore, the AC obtained from OB (containing a mixture of seed, pulp, and olive peel) has a high potential for application in removing emerging contaminants from the wastewater.

Single-step pyrolysis for producing magnetic activated carbon from tucumã (Astrocaryum aculeatum) seed and nickel(II) chloride and zinc(II) chloride. Application for removal of nicotinamide and propanolol.

The present research describes the synthesis of new nanomagnetic activated carbon material with high magnetization, and high surface area prepared in a single pyrolysis step that is used for the carbonization, activation, and magnetization of the produced material. The pyrolysis step of tucumã seed was carried out in a conventional tubular oven at 600 °C under N2-flow. It was prepared three magnetic carbons MT-1.5, MT-2.0, MT-2.5, that corresponds to the proportion of biomass: ZnCl2 always 1:1 and varying the proportion of NiCl2 of 1.5, 2.0, and 2.5, respectively. These magnetic nanocomposites were characterized by Vibrating Sample Magnetometer (VSM), X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, hydrophobic/hydrophilic balance, CHN/O elemental analysis, modified Boehm titration, N2 adsorption-desorption isotherms; and pHpzc. All the materials obtained presented Ni particles with an average crystallite size of less than 33 nm. The MT-2.0 was employed for the removal of nicotinamide and propranolol from aqueous solutions. Based on Liu isotherm, the Qmax was 199.3 and 335.4 mg g-1 for nicotinamide and propranolol, respectively. MT-2.0 was used to treat simulated pharmaceutical industry effluents attaining removal of all organic compounds attaining up to 99.1 % of removal.