Research status and prospect of purification technology of sulfur-containing odor gas.

Catalytic purification of sulphur-containing malodorous gases has attracted wide attention because of its advantages of high purification efficiency, low energy consumption and lack of secondary pollution. The selection of efficient catalysts is the key to the problem, while the preparation and optimisation of catalysts depend on the analysis of experimental results and in-depth mechanistic analysis. By analysing the published literature, bibliometric analysis can identify existing research hotspots, the areas of interest and predict development trends, which can help to identify hot catalysts in the catalytic purification of sulphur-containing odours and to investigate their catalytic purification mechanisms. Therefore, this paper uses bibliometric analysis, based on Web Of Science and CNKI databases, CiteSpace and VOS viewer software to collate and analyse the literature on the purification of sulphur-containing odour pollutants, to identify the current research hotspots, to summarise the progress of research on the catalytic purification of different types of sulphur-containing odours, and to analyse their reaction mechanisms and kinetics. On this basis, the research progress of catalytic purification of different kinds of sulfur odour is summarized, and the reaction mechanism and dynamics are summarized.

Deciphering the molecular mechanisms underlying anti-pathogenic potential of a polyherbal formulation Enteropan® against multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Objective: Anti-pathogenic potential of a polyherbal formulation Enteropan® was investigated against a multidrug-resistant strain of the bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Methods: Growth, pigment production, antibiotic susceptibility, etc., were assessed through appropriate in vitro assays. Virulence of the test pathogen was assessed employing the nematode worm Caenorhabditis elegans as a model host. Molecular mechanisms underlining the anti-pathogenic activity of the test formulation were elucidated through whole transcriptome analysis of the extract-exposed bacterial culture. Results: Enteropan-pre-exposed P. aeruginosa displayed reduced (~70%↓) virulence towards the model host C. elegans. Enteropan affected various traits like biofilm formation, protein synthesis and secretion, quorum-modulated pigment production, antibiotic susceptibility, nitrogen metabolism, etc., in this pathogen. P. aeruginosa could not develop complete resistance to the virulence-attenuating activity of Enteropan even after repeated exposure to this polyherbal formulation. Whole transcriptome analysis showed 17% of P. aeruginosa genome to get differentially expressed under influence of Enteropan. Major mechanisms through which Enteropan exerted its anti-virulence activity were found to be generation of nitrosative stress, oxidative stress, envelop stress, quorum modulation, disturbance of protein homeostasis and metal homeostasis. Network analysis of the differently expressed genes resulted in identification of 10 proteins with high network centrality as potential targets from among the downregulated genes. Differential expression of genes coding for five (rpoA, tig, rpsB, rpsL, and rpsJ) of these targets was validated through real-time polymerase chain reaction too, and they can further be pursued as potential targets by various drug discovery programmes.

Biopriming with multifarious sulphur-oxidizing bacteria improve in vitro Vigna radiata L. (mung bean) and Brassica juncea L. (mustard) seed germination.

Biopriming seeds with beneficial bacteria has potential to enhance seed germination. Therefore, in this investigation, five sulphur-oxidizing bacterial cultures, viz., Pantoea dispersa SOB2, Bacillus velezensis SN06, Bacillus cereus SN20, Bacillus tropicus SN16, and Bacillus megaterium SN11, were evaluated for different plant growth-promoting traits and their impact on Vigna radiata L. (mung bean) and Brassica juncea L. (mustard) seed germination. Among these, three bacterial cultures Pantoea dispersa SOB2, Bacillus velezensis SN06, and Bacillus megaterium SN11 evinced potential for mineral solubilization on solid medium where Pantoea dispersa SOB2 had the maximum solubilization indices-3.06, 5.14, and 2.48 for phosphate, zinc, and potassium respectively. The culture also displayed higher indole acetic acid (113.12 µg/mL), gibberellic acid (162.66 µg/mL), ammonia (5.23 µg/mL), and siderophore (69.53%) production than other bacterial cultures whereas Bacillus cereus SN20 showed maximum exopolysaccharide production (9.26 g/L). Bacterial culture Pantoea dispersa SOB2 significantly ameliorated the germination rate (3.73 no./day) and relative seed germination (208%) of Brassica juncea L., while Bacillus velezensis SN06 and Bacillus cereus SN20 followed with germination rate and relative seed germination of 2.86 no./day and 207%, respectively. Pantoea dispersa SOB2 displayed lowest mean germination time 2.91 days followed by Bacillus megaterium SN11 with 3.19 days. Biopriming with sulphur-oxidizing bacterial cultures, germination parameters of Vigna radiata L. were also markedly improved. Pantoea dispersa SOB2 demonstrated the highest germination rate (6.72 no./day), relative seed germination (115.56%), and minimum mean generation time (1.73 days). Bacillus velezensis SN06 inoculation had a beneficial effect on the seedling growth of Vigna radiata L., whereas Pantoea dispersa SOB2 greatly aided the seedling growth of Brassica juncea L. Results corroborated a prominent positive correlation between seed germination and plant growth-promoting traits. This is the first study on Pantoea dispersa as sulphur oxidizer, displaying plant growth promoting traits and seed germination potential. The potent sulphur-oxidizing bacterial cultures possessing plant growth promoting activities enhanced seed germination under in vitro conditions that could be further explored in field as biofertilizers to enhance the growth and yield of Brassica juncea L. and Vigna radiata L. crop.

Enhancing wine shelf-life: Insights into factors influencing oxidation and preservation.

Background: Understanding the shelf life of wine is complex and involves factors such as aroma preservation, flavour development and market acceptance. Ageing potential, crucial for flavour complexity, exposes wine to oxidation, influenced by oxygen, temperature and light, with an impact on quality. This type of oxidation is non-enzymatic, is catalyzed by metal ions and alters colour and flavour. Scope and approach: This review examines the dynamics of wine preservation, focusing on oxidation and the impact of closure. Corks allow controlled oxygen transfer, while screw caps offer a nearly hermetic closure. Oxygen transfer rates vary, with natural corks having fluctuating rates and synthetic corks causing over-exposure. Additives such as sulphur dioxide and alternative substitute such as lysozyme and ascorbic acid are examined for their role in preventing oxidation and ensuring microbiological stability. Key findings and conclusions: Closure choice significantly affects wine preservation. Balancing oxygen exposure, temperature, and light is vital. Effective management, including the strategic use of preservatives and additives, is crucial for maintaining quality and extending shelf life. This review underscores the delicate equilibrium necessary for preserving wine quality from production to consumption.

Amino acid-sulphur decomposition in agricultural soil profile along a long-term recultivation chronosequence.

The significance of sulphur (S) availability for crop yield and quality is highlighted under the global S deficiency scenario. However, little is known about the temporal trend in belowground organic S mineralisation when restoring land to productive agricultural systems, particularly for the deeper soil parts. Therefore, we investigated the decomposition of 35S-labelled methionine in surface (0-30 cm) and subsurface soil (30-60 cm and 60-90 cm) over a 48-year recultivation chronosequence (sampled after1, 8, 14, 24 and 48 years). Soil total sulphur (TS) significantly (p < 0.05) increased in surface soil but not in subsurface soils after 48 years of recultivation. Overall, the immobilisation of 35S-methionine (35S-MB) in subsurface soils relative to year 1 significantly decreased over the chronosequence but did not change in the surface samples. The 35S-MB values in subsurface soils were positively corrected with soil carbon (C) stoichiometry (Pearson correlation, p < 0.05), suggesting the immobilisation of methionine was likely constrained by microbial C demand in deep soil. Compared to year 1, 35S-SO42- released from 35S-methionine significantly declined throughout the older (≥ 8 years) soil profiles. Significant (p < 0.05) changes in the organic 35S partition (35S immobilisation and 35S released as sulphate) were observed in year 8 after the soil was recultivated with N-fixing alfalfa or fertilisers. Whereas, after that (≥ 14 years), soil organic S partition remained affected when conventional tillage and agricultural crops dominated this site. Indicating that the effect of recultivation on organic S decomposition depends on the manner of recultivation management. Our study contributes to an improved understanding of amino acid S and organic S mineralisation under severe anthropogenic disturbance.

Sequential Nucleophilic Aromatic Substitution Reactions of Activated Halogens.

Building blocks have been identified that can be functionalised by sequential nucleophilic aromatic substitution. Some examples are reported that involve the formation of cyclic benzodioxin and phenoxathiine derivatives from 4,5-difluoro-1,2-dinitrobenzene, racemic quinoxaline thioethers, and sulfones from 2,3-dichloroquinoxaline and (2-aminophenylethane)-2,5-dithiophenyl-4-nitrobenzene from 1-(2-aminophenylethane)-2-fluoro-4,5-dinitrobenzene. Four X-ray single-crystal structure determinations are reported, two of which show short intermolecular N-O…N "π hole" contacts.

High sulphur oil of Type II kerogen of the oil shales from Western Central Jordan based on molecular structure and kinetics.

Organic rich sedimentary rocks of the Late Cretaceous Muwaqqar Formation from the Lajjun outcrop in the Lajjun Sub-basin, Western Central Jordan were geochemically analyzed. This study integrates kerogen microscopy of the isolated kerogen from 10 oil shale samples with a new finding from unconventional geochemical methods [i.e., ultimate elemental (CHNS), fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and pyrolysis-gas chromatography (Py-GC)] to decipher the molecular structure of the analyzed isolated kerogen fraction and evaluate the kerogen composition and characteristics. The optical kerogen microscopy shows that the isolated kerogen from the studied oil shales is originated from marine assemblages [i.e., algae, bituminite and fluorescence amorphous organic matter] with minor amounts of plant origin organic matter (i.e., spores). This finding suggests that the studied kerogen is hydrogen-rich kerogen, and has the potential to generate high paraffinic oil with low wax content. The dominance of such hydrogen-rich kerogen (mainly Type II) was confirmed from the multi-geochemical ratios, including high hydrogen/carbon atomic of more than 1.30 and high A-factor of more than 0.60. This claim agrees with the molecular structure of the kerogen derived from Py-GC results, which suggest that the studied kerogen is mainly Type II-S kerogen exhibiting the possibility of producing high sulphur oils during earlier stages of diagenesis, according to bulk kinetic modeling. The kinetic models of the isolated kerogen fraction suggest that the kerogen conversion, in coincidence with a vitrinite reflectance range of 0.55-0.60%, commenced at considerably lower temperature value ranges between 100 and 106 °C, which have produced oils during the early stage of oil generation. The kinetic models also suggest that the commercial amounts of oil can generate by kerogen conversion of up to 50% during the peak stage of oil window (0.71-0.83%) at relatively low geological temperature values in the range of 122-138 °C. Therefore, further development of the Muwaqqar oil shale successions is highly approved in the shallowly buried stratigraphic succession in the Lajjun Sub-basin, Western Central Jordan.

The effect of nitrogen-sulphur fertilizer with nitrification inhibitor on winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) nutrition.

The high input of nitrogen is often required in today's agriculture, especially for the most cultivated crops largely involved in human and animal nutrition, such as winter wheat. Nitrogen is a mobile nutrient in the soil, and the high doses of N are often associated with possible losses through volatilization or leaching. One of the possible options to increase nitrogen use efficiency is the application of fertilizers with inhibitors. The main objective of the presented three-year experiment established under the field conditions at the two experimental sites was to examine the effect of nitrogen-sulphur fertilizer (ammonium nitrate sulphate) with the inhibitors of nitrification (IN) (dicyandiamide and 1,2,4 triazole). In addition to the nitrogen content in two forms, this fertilizer also contains sulphur, which can possibly enhance the utilization of nitrogen due to their well-known synergy. The treatments included in the experiment were: 1. Unfertilized, 2. N technology 3. N + S technology and 4. N + S + IN. The total dose of applied N for every fertilized treatment was 159 kg/ha. Treatments 2 and 3 were fertilized with three split doses of N, treatment 4 was fertilized only two times due to the addition of IN (a higher dose of fertilizer in the second application). The results obtained from the three-year experiment showed a significantly higher yield of grain (8.18 t/ha) after the fertilization with N + S + IN in comparison with N + S (7.67 t/ha) and N (7.61 t/ha), which proved the positive effect of IN on nitrogen use efficiency during the vegetation. The differences between qualitative parameters of wheat grain (hectolitre weight, protein and gluten content) were evaluated as statistically insignificant for each fertilized treatment. This similar result is likely due to the IN application, which provided a continuous nitrogen supply during vegetation comparable to the three split nitrogen applications. Thus, our results showed, that the addition of IN to the higher dose of fertilizer applied earlier in the vegetation can provide comparable results in terms of quality to the technologies based on three split fertilizations. The three-year experiment established at two experimental sites has proved, that the application of ammonium sulphate nitrate fertilizers with IN in a higher dose is a better option to the commonly used nitrogen technology, which was also supported by the economic evaluation and the highest net profit.

From bubbling to circulating fluidized bed combustion-development and comparison.

The most significant introduction of fluidized bed combustion technology took place about 50 years ago. Initially the combustion beds were of the bubbling type. Once the designs had reached commercial application, several drawbacks were discovered: Erosion on in-bed heat-exchanger tubes, insufficient combustion and desulphurization efficiencies with coal, unfavourable scale-up to electric utility-size. The problems were solved by applying circulating systems. The present text compares these bubbling and circulating designs. It is concluded that the bubbling bed may not be suitable for coal combustion, but for biomass and organic waste most of the drawbacks disappear, and the bubbling bed, being simpler, may have an economic advantage over CFB that should be considered. In addition, combinations of CFB and BFB are quite favourable in many applications.

Influence of different stress factors during the elaboration of grape must's pieddecuve on the dynamics of yeast populations during alcoholic fermentation.

The pieddecuve (PdC) technique involves using a portion of grape must to undergo spontaneous fermentation, which is then used to inoculate a larger volume of must. This allows for promoting autochthonous yeasts present in the must, which can respect the typicality of the resulting wine. However, the real impact of this practice on the yeast population has not been properly evaluated. In this study, we examined the effects of sulphur dioxide (SO2), temperature, ethanol supplementation, and time on the dynamics and selection of yeasts during spontaneous fermentation to be used as PdC. The experimentation was conducted in a synthetic medium and sterile must using a multi-species yeast consortium and in un-inoculated natural grape must. Saccharomyces cerevisiae dominated both the PdC and fermentations inoculated with commercial wine yeast, displaying similar population growth regardless of the tested conditions. However, using 40 mg/L of SO2 and 1% (v/v) ethanol during spontaneous fermentation of Muscat of Alexandria must allowed the non-Saccharomyces to be dominant during the first stages, regardless of the temperature tested. These findings suggest that it is possible to apply the studied parameters to modulate the yeast population during spontaneous fermentation while confirming the effectiveness of the PdC methodology in controlling alcoholic fermentation.

A case of prolonged corneal sulfur foreign bodies and review of literature.

BACKGROUND: This case mainly describes a relatively rare case of an old mineral-like corneal foreign body that existed for up to 20 years, and did not significantly affect the visual quality of the patient. CASE PRESENTATION: A 56-year-old male miner complained of right eye vision loss for 3 years, swollen and painful for 4 months. Admission examination: Best corrected visual acuity was no light perception in the right eye and 20/20 in the left eye. Anterior segment examination: A large number of spot-like grayish-brown mineral foreign bodies in the conjunctiva of the nasal conjunctiva, emulsified silicone oil floating in the anterior chamber, Corneal foreign bodies in the right eye were widely distributed in the upper cortex and the proelastic layer. There were fewer foreign bodies in the left cornea. Previous medical history, 20 years ago due to forging and burning sulphur mine explosion, resulting in a large number of ore foreign bodies in the conjunctiva of both eyes. As these corneal foreign bodies did not affect the visual quality of the patient, we adopted a conservative treatment plan, did not remove these foreign bodies, and only carried out symptomatic treatment for the patient's secondary ocular hypertension. The patient was followed up normally in the outpatient department, and no cornea-related complications occurred up to now. CONCLUSIONS: First of all, it is necessary to understand the source and nature of the foreign body in patients with corneal and conjunctival foreign body injuries. In the second, for the old corneal metal foreign body, when the patient's visual acuity is stable and there are no symptoms of corneal irritation and inflammatory reaction, it can be Conservative treatment or outpatient follow-up observation. In the end, corneal Optical coherence tomography imaging should not be ignored, which is very important for determining the depth of embedding and the location of the corneal foreign body.

The Affective Charge of Sulphur and Salt in Working with Compulsion.

The author presents a long analysis of a patient, Giulia, whose obstinate will to achieve evokes the workings of alchemical sulphur at its fieriest and a dread of its coniunctio with alchemical salt. Jung's description of these symbols in Mysterium Coniunctionis offers a useful imaginal perspective to clinical work in the area of compulsion and its possible transformations. Right from the start, the analytic relationship appeared to be mirrored and affected by this alchemical perspective. However, it was only after much time, uncertainty and emotional endurance that a fuller psychological experience of sulphur and salt could be accessed, allowing the analysis to take a more imaginative and mercurial turn. In the course of his work with Giulia the author has witnessed and experienced a range of intense affects-the many colours that the combustion of sulphur can generate-whether on the verge of unstoppable creation or ruthless destruction, often of archetypal intensity. This experience has been lived through and has undergone a transformative relation with salt, which until then had lived a dissociated existence in the fixed trauma of the compulsion and in a nocturnal underworld of tears.

L'auteur présente la longue analyse d'une patiente, Giulia, dont la volonté obstinée de réussir fait penser à l'activité du soufre alchimique à son point le plus ardent et à la crainte terrible de son coniunctio avec le sel alchimique. La description que fait Jung de ces symboles dans Mysterium Coniunctionis fournit une perspective imaginale qui est utile pour le travail clinique dans le domaine de la compulsion et de ses transformations possibles. Dès le début, la relation analytique semblait être reflétée et affectée par cette perspective alchimique. Cependant, ce fut seulement après beaucoup de temps, d'incertitude et d'endurance émotionnelle qu'une expérience psychologique plus complète du soufre et du sel a pu être atteinte, ce qui a permis à l'analyse de prendre une tournure plus imaginative et plus mercurienne. Durant son travail avec Giulia l'auteur a été témoin et a éprouvé un éventail d'affects intenses ­ les multiples couleurs que la combustion du souffre peut générer ­ que ce soit au bord d'une création irrésistible ou d'une destruction impitoyable, souvent d'une intensité archétypale. Cette expérience a été traversée et a subi une relation transformative avec le sel, qui jusqu'alors avait vécu une existence dissociée dans le traumatisme figé de la compulsion et dans les enfers nocturnes des larmes.

El autor presenta un largo análisis de una paciente, Giulia, cuya obstinada voluntad de logro evoca el funcionamiento del azufre alquímico en su forma más ardiente y el temor a su coniunctio con la sal alquímica. La descripción que Jung hace de estos símbolos en Mysterium Coniunctionis ofrece una perspectiva imaginal útil para el trabajo clínico en el ámbito de la compulsión y sus posibles transformaciones. Desde el principio, la relación analítica pareció reflejarse y verse afectada por esta perspectiva alquímica. Sin embargo, fue sólo después de mucho tiempo, incertidumbre y resistencia emocional que pudo accederse a una más plena experiencia psicológica de azufre y sal, lo cual permitió que el análisis tomara un giro más imaginativo y mercurial. En el transcurso de su trabajo con Giulia, el autor ha sido testigo y ha experimentado una gama de intensas emociones ­los múltiples colores que puede generar la combustión del azufre­, ya sea al borde de una creación imparable o de una destrucción despiadada, a menudo de intensidad arquetípica. Esta experiencia pudo ser atravesada y ha experimentado una relación transformadora con la sal, la cual hasta entonces había vivido una existencia disociada en la fijeza compulsiva del trauma y en un submundo nocturno de lágrimas.

Unveiling the Nexus: Sulphur Dioxide Exposure, Proximity to Mining, and Respiratory Illnesses in Kankoyo: A Mixed-Methods Investigation.

The emission of sulphur dioxide (SO 2) from mining activities presents significant health hazards, particularly to communities near industrial zones. This mixed-methods study investigates the nexus between (SO 2) exposure and respiratory health in Kankoyo Township, Zambia. Employing community engagement, expert interviews, spatial analysis, and a retrospective examination of 15 years of health and (SO 2) data, the research identified a troubling correlation between (SO 2) exposure and adverse respiratory health effects among the local population. Expert interviews highlighted that respiratory issues constituted approximately 75% of health complications, with a notable reduction in asthma cases following the installation of a monitoring station and upgrades to smelter operations. Spatial analysis demonstrated that (SO 2) levels in Kankoyo exceeded the Zambian Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA) limits by 1713% identifying it as a significant pollution hotspot. Additionally, wind profile analysis indicated frequent low-speed winds from the east-northeast (ENE), contributing to pollutant accumulation. Based on these insights, the study recommends implementing real-time pollution data sharing, affordable air quality sensors, addressing medication shortages, establishing specialized respiratory clinics, launching IT-driven awareness campaigns, and further research into additional pollutants and confounding factors.

Bioactive sulfur-containing amides from the leaves of Glycosmis lucida.

Two new sulphur-containing amides, glylucidamides C-D (1-2), along with twelve known analogues (3-14) were isolated and characterised from the leaves of Glycosmis lucida. The chemical structures of 1 and 2 were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic methods and the known compounds were identified by comparisons their data with those reported in the literatures. All new compounds were evaluated for their anti-inflammatory activities via examining the inhibitory activity on nitric oxide (NO) production induced by lipopolysaccharide in mouse macrophage RAW 264.7 cells in vitro.

How do different marine engine fuels and wet scrubbing affect gaseous air pollutants and ozone formation potential from ship emissions?

Sulphur Emission Control Areas (SECAs), mandated by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), regulate fuel sulphur content (FSC) to mitigate the environmental and health impact of shipping emissions in coastal areas. Currently, FSC is limited to 0.1% (w/w) within and 0.5% (w/w) outside SECAs, with exceptions for ships employing wet sulphur scrubbers. These scrubbers enable vessels using non-compliant fuels such as high-sulphur heavy fuel oils (HFOs) to enter SECAs. However, while sulphur reduction via scrubbers is effective, their efficiency in capturing other potentially harmful gases remains uncertain. Moreover, emerging compliant fuels like highly aromatic fuels or low-sulphur blends lack characterisation and may pose risks. Over three years, we assessed emissions from an experimental marine engine at 25% and 75% load, representative of manoeuvring and cruising, respectively. First, characterizing emissions from five different compliant and non-compliant fuels (marine gas oil MGO, hydro-treated vegetable oil HVO, high-, low- and ultra-low sulphur HFOs), we calculated emission factors (EF). Then, the wet scrubber gas-phase capture efficiency was measured using compliant and non-compliant HFOs. NOx EF varied among fuels (5200-19700 mg/kWh), with limited scrubber reduction. CO (EF 750-13700 mg/kWh) and hydrocarbons (HC; EF 122-1851 mg/kWh) showed also insufficient abatement. Carcinogenic benzene was notably higher at 25% load and about an order of magnitude higher with HFOs compared to MGO and HVO, with no observed scrubber reduction. In contrast, carbonyls such as carcinogenic formaldehyde and acetaldehyde, acting as ozone precursors, were effectively scrubbed due to their polarity and water solubility. The ozone formation potential (OFP) of all fuels was examined. Significant EF differences between fuels and engine loads were observed, with the wet scrubber providing limited or no reduction of gaseous emissions. We suggest enhanced regulations and emission abatements in the marine sector to mitigate gaseous pollutants harmful to human health and the environment.

Boosting hydrogen production in Rhodospirillum rubrum by syngas-driven photoheterotrophic adaptive evolution.

Rhodospirillum rubrum is a photosynthetic purple non-sulphur bacterium with great potential to be used for complex waste valorisation in biotechnological applications due to its metabolic versatility. This study investigates the production of hydrogen (H2) and polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) by R. rubrum from syngas under photoheterotrophic conditions. An adaptive laboratory evolution strategy (ALE) has been carried out to improve the yield of the process. After 200 generations, two evolved strains were selected that showed reduced lag phase and enhanced poly-3-hydroxybutyrate (PHB) and H2 synthesis compared to the parental strain. Genomic analysis of the photo-adapted (PA) variants showed four genes with single point mutations, including the photosynthesis gene expression regulator PpsR. The proteome of the variants suggested that the adapted variants overproduced H2 due to a more efficient CO oxidation through the CO-dehydrogenase enzyme complex and confirmed that energy acquisition was enhanced through overexpression of the photosynthetic system and metal cofactors essential for pigment biosynthesis.

A systematic mid-infrared spectroscopic study of thermally processed H2S ices.

The positive identification of the molecular components of interstellar icy grain mantles is critically reliant upon the availability of laboratory-generated mid-infrared absorption spectra which can be compared against data acquired by ground- and space-borne telescopes. However, one molecule which remains thus far undetected in interstellar ices is H2S, despite its important roles in astrochemical and geophysical processes. Such a lack of a detection is surprising, particularly in light of its relative abundance in cometary ices which are believed to be the most pristine remnants of pre-solar interstellar ices available for study. In this paper, we present the results of an extensive and quantitative mid-infrared spectroscopic characterisation of H2S ices deposited at 20, 40, and 70 K and thermally processed to sublimation in an ultrahigh-vacuum system. We anticipate our results to be useful in confirming the detection of interstellar H2S ice using high-resolution and high-sensitivity instruments such as the James Webb Space Telescope, as well as in the identification of solid H2S in icy environments in the outer Solar System, such as comets and moons.

PCA and fuzzy clustering-based delineation of soil nutrient (S, B, Zn, Mn, Fe, and Cu) management zones of sub-tropical Northeastern India for precision nutrient management.

Understanding the spatial distribution of plant available soil nutrients and influencing soil properties and delineation soil nutrient management zones (MZs) are important for implementing precision nutrient management options (PNMO) in an area to achieve maintainable crop production. We assessed spatial distribution pattern of plant available sulphur (S) (PAS), boron (B) (PAB), zinc (PAZn), manganese (PAMn), iron (PAFe), and copper (PACu), and soil organic carbon (SOC), pH, and electrical conductivity (EC) to delineate soil nutrients MZs in northeastern region of India. A total of 17,471 representative surface (0-15 cm depth) soil samples were collected from the region, processed, and analysed for above-mentioned soil parameters. The values of PAS (0.22-99.2 mg kg-1), PAB (0.01-6.45 mg kg-1), PAZn (0.05-13.9 mg kg-1), PAMn (0.08-158 mg kg-1), PAFe (0.50-472 mg kg-1), PACu (0.01-19.2 mg kg-1), SOC (0.01-5.80%), pH (3.19-7.56) and EC (0.01-1.66 dS m-1) varied widely with coefficient of variation of 15.5-108%. The semivariogram analysis highlighted exponential, Gaussian and stable best fitted models for soil parameters with weak (PACu), moderate (PAB, PAZn, PAFe, SOC, pH, and EC) and strong (PAS, and PAMn) spatial dependence. The ordinary kriging interpolation revealed different distribution patterns of soil parameters. About 14.8, 27.5, and 3.40% area of the region had PAS of ≤15.0 mg kg-1, PAB of ≤0.50 mg kg-1, and PAZn of had ≤0.90 mg kg-1, respectively. About 67.5, and 32.5% area had SOC content >1.00 and < 1.00%, respectively. Soil pH was ≤5.50, and >5.50 to ≤6.50 in 41.7 and 40.3% area of the region, respectively. The techniques of principal component analysis and fuzzy c-mean algorithm clustering produced 6 MZs of the region with different areas and values of soil parameters. The MZs had different levels of deficiency pertaining to PAS, PAB, and PAZn. The produced MZ maps could be used for managing PAS, PAB, PAZn, SOC and soil pH in order to implement PNMO. The study highlighted the usefulness of MZ delineation technique for implementation of PNMO in different cultivated areas for sustainable crop production.

Collective dynamics of liquid sulphur across the polymerisation transition temperature probed by inelastic x-ray scattering.

Inelastic x-ray scattering (IXS) experiments on liquid sulphur were carried out below (140 ∘C) and above (180 ∘C) the polymerisation temperatureTλof about 159 ∘C to investigate changes in the collective dynamics of this unique liquid, that exhibits a liquid-liquid transition. As reported earlier, broad longitudinal acoustic excitation signals were observed at both temperatures, and only the width of the quasielastic peaks slightly decreased when the temperature crossed the transition temperature. A model analysis was performed using a generalised Langevin formalism with a memory function having one thermal and two viscoelastic decay channels with the help of simple sparse modelling, and large positive deviations from the hydrodynamic sound velocity by 51%-54% were observed. The fast viscoelastic relaxation timeτµis close to the correlation times of intermolecular stretching and bending motions of local sulphur connections in both ring and chain structures, and is similar to those of other molecular liquids. The small contrasts in the IXS spectra across theλtransition result in large changes in only the slow viscoelastic decay timeταof the memory function. Theταvalue at 140 ∘C matches the mixed internal/external torsional modes of S8molecules well, whereas that at 180 ∘C has no corresponding molecular motion mode. The kinematic viscosity values at theQ→0limit are much smaller than the minimum values of macroscopic shear viscosity, indicating that large changes in relaxation dynamics are expected withQin the GHz and MHz excitation regimes.

Air pollution in Bialowieza forest: Analysis of short-term trends from 2014 to 2021.

Air pollution caused by sulphur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) has negative impacts on forest health and can initiate forest dieback. Long-term monitoring and analysis of these pollution are carried out in Bialowieza Forest in NE Poland due to the threats from abiotic, biotic and anthropogenic factors. The main objective of our study was to monitor the levels and trends of air pollutant deposition in Bialowieza Forest. During a short-term monitoring period over six years (2014-2021), the concentration of SO2 in the air decreased significantly (from 2.03 µg m-3 in December 2015 to 0.20 µg m-3 in July 2016), while the concentration of NO2 in the air showed a non-significant decrease (from 8.24 µg m-3 in December 2015 to 1.61 µg m-3 May 2016). There was no significant linear trend in the wet deposition of S-SO4 anions. Mean monthly S-SO4 deposition varies between 4.54 and 94.14 mg m-2month-1. Wet nitrogen deposition, including oxidized nitrogen (N-NO3) and reduced nitrogen (N-NH4), showed a non-significant increase. Mean monthly precipitation of N-NO3 and N-N H4 ranged from 1.91 to 451.73 mg m-2month-1. Neither did total sulphur deposition nor total nitrogen deposition exceed the mean deposition values for forests in Europe (below 6 ha-1yr-1 and 3-15 ha-1yr-1, respectively). Our results indicate that air pollutants originate from local sources (households), especially from the village of Bialowieza, as demonstrated by the level and spatial distribution of air pollutant deposition. This indicates that air pollutants from the village of Bialowieza could spread to other parts of Bialowieza Forest in the future and may have a negative impact on forest health and can initiate forest dieback. It is therefore important to continue monitoring air pollution to assess the threats to this valuable forest ecosystem.