Physicochemical characteristics, mutagenicity and genotoxicity of airborne particles under industrial and rural influences in Northern Lebanon.

In this work, the main objectives were to assess the mutagenic and genotoxic effects of fine particulate matter collected in an industrial influenced site in comparison with a non-industrial influenced one (rural site) and to relate the particulate matter (PM) composition to the observed genotoxic effects. At the industrial influenced site, higher concentrations of phosphates, trace metals, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in particles could be related to the contributions of quarries, fertilizer producer, cement plants, and tires burning. Gasoline and diesel combustion contributions were evidenced in particles collected at both sites. Particles collected under industrial influence showed a higher mutagenic potential on three tested strains of Salmonella typhimurium (TA98, YG1041, and TA102), and especially on the YG1041, compared to particles from the rural site. Furthermore, only particles collected in the vicinity of the industrial site showed a tendency to activate the SOS responses in Escherichia coli PQ37, which is indicative of DNA damage as a result of exposure of the bacteria cells to the action of mutagenic samples. The mutagenicity and genotoxicity of the industrial PM2.5-0.3 particulates may be attributed to its composition especially in organic compounds. This study showed that proximity of industries can affect local PM composition as well as PM genotoxic and mutagenic potential.

Steam reforming of ethanol for hydrogen production over Cu/Co-Mg-Al-based catalysts prepared by hydrotalcite route.

The performances of different 5Cu/CoxMg6-xAl2 (x = 0; 2; 4; 6) catalysts prepared by the wet impregnation method were investigated in the ethanol steam-reforming reaction (ESR) at 450 °C during 4 h under a steam/ethanol ratio of 3 (S/E = 3). The best catalyst among the prepared solids was 5Cu/Co6Al2 as it showed a complete ethanol conversion and the highest hydrogen and carbon dioxide productivities. However, following 50 h of aging, the catalyst deactivated due to the formation of a high amount of carbonaceous products detected by differential scanning calorimetry/thermogravimetry. On the other hand, the 5Cu/Co2Mg4Al2 catalyst showed a much lower quantity of coke deposition with no deactivation due to the basic character conferred by the magnesium oxide phase.

Detection of adsorbed O2- species on CeO2 solid impregnated with Ag2+ ions during its thermal treatment under a H2 atmosphere, an EPR study.

10% Ag/CeO2 solid was prepared by the impregnation method. When the solid is calcined at 400 °C, three types of Ag2+ species are formed. One of them is more thermally stable compared to the others. The adsorption on the solid of O2 or H2 molecules gives an adsorbed O2- species on the surface, detected by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR). The mobility of oxygen in CeO2 and the nature of cations loaded on this support can be the origin of the adsorbed O2- species particularly when the solid is treated under H2 molecules.

Influence of the presence of ruthenium on the activity and stability of Co-Mg-Al-based catalysts in CO2 reforming of methane for syngas production.

Hydrogen production by methane dry reforming is an important yet challenging process. A performing catalyst will favor the thermodynamic equilibrium while ensuring good hydrogen selectivity. We hereby report the synthesis of Co x Mg6-x Al2 (with x = 2 and 6) mixed oxide catalysts synthesized via hydrotalcite precursors and the synthesis of a ruthenium-based catalyst on a cobalt, magnesium, and aluminum mixed oxide supports Ru/Co x Mg6-x Al2 (with x = 2 and 6). The impregnation of ruthenium on the hydrotalcites was performed in two ways: by impregnation on the dried hydrotalcite and by memory effect on hydrotalcite calcined at 500 °C. The deposition of ruthenium by memory effect of the magnesium and cobalt support allows the generation of both metallic and basic sites which provides an active and stable catalyst for the dry reforming reaction of methane.

Catalytic oxidation of propylene, toluene, carbon monoxide, and carbon black over Au/CeO2 solids: comparing the impregnation and the deposition-precipitation methods.

Au/CeO2 solids were prepared by two methods: deposition-precipitation (DP) and impregnation (Imp). The prepared solids were calcined under air at 400°C. Both types of catalysts have been tested in the total oxidation of propylene, toluene, carbon monoxide, and carbon black. Au/CeO2-DP solids were the most reactive owing to the high number of gold nanoparticles and Au⁺ species and the low concentration of Cl⁻ ions present on its surface compared to those observed in Au/CeO2-Imp solids.

Determination and assessment of total mercury levels in local, frozen and canned fish in Lebanon.

Fish is an important constituent of the Lebanese diet. However, very little attention in our area is given to bring awareness regarding the effect of the toxicity of mercury (Hg) mainly through fish consumption. This study aimed to report analytical data on total mercury levels in several fish species for the first time in thirty years and to also made individuals aware of the presence and danger from exposure to mercury through fish consumption. Fish samples were selected from local Lebanese markets and fisheries and included 94 samples of which were fresh, frozen, processed, and canned fish. All values were reported as microgram of mercury per gram of fish based on wet weight. The level of mercury ranged from 0.0190 to 0.5700 microg/g in fresh samples, 0.0059 to 0.0665 microg/g in frozen samples, and 0.0305 to 0.1190 microg/g in canned samples. The data clearly showed that higher levels of mercury were detected in local fresh fish as opposed to other types thus placing consumers at higher risk from mercury exposure. Moreover, the data revealed that Mallifa (yellowstripe barracuda/Sphyraena chrysotaenia), Sargous (white seabream/Diplodus sargus), Ghobbos (bogue/Boops boops), and shrimp (Penaeus sp.) were among the types containing the highest amounts of mercury. On the other hand, processed fish such as fish fillet, fish burger, small shrimp and crab are found to contain lower levels of mercury and are associated with lower exposure risks to mercury. Lebanese population should therefore, be aware to consume limited amounts of fresh local fish to minimize exposure to mercury.