APTMS-BCAD modified magnetic iron oxide for magnetic solid-phase extraction of Cu(II) from aqueous solutions

Fabrication and characterization of new Fe3O4@SiO2@TiO2-CPTS-HBAP (FST-CH) nanoparticles for photocatalytic degradation and adsorption removal of rhodamine B dye in the aquatic environment

In this study, Fe3O4@SiO2@TiO2-CPTS-HBAP (FST-CH) nanoparticle was prepared for the simultaneous adsorption and photocatalytic degradation of aromatic chemical pollutants (Rhodamine B dye) in aqueous solution. FST-CH nanoparticle was characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Energy Dispersive X-Ray (EDX) Fluorescence Spectrometer and X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) spectroscopy. The photocatalytic activity of rhodamine B dye (RhB) was evaluated with a Kerman UV 8/18 vertical roller photoreactor. About 56% of RhB in aqueous medium was adsorbed by FST-CH nanoparticles with only 45 min of stirring in the dark, and about 77.01% was degraded or converted to other structures under the photoreactor for 120 min. The photocatalytic degradation of RhB (apparent rate constant: 0.0026 mg dm-3 min-1) occurred by a pseudo-second order reaction. In addition, the recovery of the prepared magnetic FST-CH nanoparticle by an external magnetic field, exhibiting good magnetic response and reusability, shows that the obtained magnetic FST-CH nanoparticle is stable and maintains high degradation ratio and catalyst recovery even after four cycles. Thus, the prepared FST-CH nanoparticle can be highly recommended for its use in potential applications of water decontamination.

A high-performance fluorescent hybrid material for fluorometric detection and removal of toxic Pb(ii) ions from aqueous media: performance and challenges

Lead(ii) is an extremely toxic heavy metal ion that causes various health problems that are difficult to recover from in many developing countries of the world. Fluorescence-based nanosensors have amazing characteristics such as high sensitivity/selectivity, portability, low detection limit, rapid on-site usability, low cost and capability for removal of heavy metal ions. In this paper, a new fluorescent hybrid material based on silica gel (Bodipy-Si) was developed via a click reaction between alkyne-terminal silica gel and azido-terminal Bodipy. The solid support surface was characterized by various techniques such as SEM, FT-IR, etc. The adsorption and fluorometric properties of the fluorescent nanoparticles were also examined using atomic absorption and fluorescence spectroscopies, and in the presence of metal ions, respectively. The results indicated that the prepared hybrid-fluorescent nanoparticles can be used in the removal and detection of toxic Pb(ii) ions. The limit of detection (LOD) was determined from the fluorescence data as 1.55 × 10-7 M and the maximum adsorption capacity was examined by AAS. The complexometric interactions between Pb(ii) and Bodipy-Si affect the adsorptions of the Pb(ii) metal ion at various concentrations.

Trace element levels in serum and gastric mucosa in patients with Helicobacter pylori positive and negative gastritis

BACKGROUND

Most trace elements are inhibited by Helicobacter pylori-infection, and variations in specific element levels are linked to the development of stomach cancer. This is the first study to show the relationship between serum and tissue concentrations of twenty-five trace elements and H. pylori infection status. This study purposed to define serum and tissue trace element levels of 25 healthy individuals with Helicobacter pylori-positive gastritis and Helicobacter pylori-negative gastritis and to reveal their relationship with the disease.

METHODS

Study groups consisted of sixty-two patients with Helicobacter pylori-positive, thirty-seven patients with Helicobacter pylori-negative, and thirty healthy individuals. Serum and tissue concentrations of twenty-five elements (aluminum, boron, arsenic, barium, calcium, beryllium, copper, cadmium, iron, chromium, mercury, lithium, potassium, magnesium, sodium, manganese, nickel, phosphorus, lead, scandium, strontium, selenium, tellurium, titanium, zinc) were defined by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry.

RESULTS

Except for copper, lithium, and strontium elements in serum samples, other trace elements differed significantly between the groups (p < 0.05). The serum chromium (p = 0.002), mercury (p = 0.001), boron (p < 0.001), and cadmium (p < 0.001) levels of H. pylori-negative gastritis and H. pylori-positive gastritis participants were significantly different, and their serum concentrations were less than 0.5 µ/l. Boron, barium, beryllium, chromium, lithium, phosphorus and strontium elements in tissue samples did not differ significantly between the groups (p > 0.05). Manganese, nickel, tellurium and titanium elements were not detected in tissue and serum samples. The mean concentrations of calcium, beryllium, chromium, iron, potassium, lithium, magnesium, scandium, and selenium were higher in the tissues of patients with H. pylori gastritis compared to healthy control tissues. Also, cadmium could not be detected in tissue samples. There was a significant difference between H. pylori-infected tissue and serum chromium levels (p = 0.001), with lower levels detected in tissue samples.

CONCLUSION

This is the first study that we are knowledgeable of that reports the concentrations of twenty five elements in both serum and tissue samples, as well as the relationship between trace elements and Helicobacter pylori-infection status. Dietary adjustment is indicated as an adjunct to medical therapy to stabilize trace elements because Helicobacter pylori bacteria cause inflammation and impair element absorption in gastritis patients. We also think that this study will shed light on studies on the relationship between Helicobacter pylori-trace elements and serum-tissue/healthy serum-tissue trace element levels of patients with Helicobacter pylori gastritis.