1
|
Porcu S, Maloccu S, Corona A, Hazra M, David TC, Chiriu D, Carbonaro CM, Tramontano E, Ricci PC. Visible Light-Mediated Inactivation of H1N1 Virus UsingPolymer-Based Heterojunction Photocatalyst. Polymers (Basel) 2023; 15:polym15112536. [PMID: 37299335 DOI: 10.3390/polym15112536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Revised: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
It is well known that viruses cannot replicate on their own but only inside the cells of target tissues in the organism, resulting in the destruction of the cells or, in some cases, their transformation into cancer cells. While viruses have relatively low resistance in the environment, their ability to survive longer is based on environmental conditions and the type of substrate on which they are deposited. Recently, the potential for safe and efficient viral inactivation by photocatalysis has garnered increasing attention. In this study, the Phenyl carbon nitride/TiO2 heterojunction system, a hybrid organic-inorganic photocatalyst, was utilized to investigate its effectiveness in degrading the flu virus (H1N1). The system was activated by a white-LED lamp, and the process was tested on MDCK cells infected with the flu virus. The results of the study demonstrate the hybrid photocatalyst's ability to cause the virus to degrade, highlighting its effectiveness for safe and efficient viral inactivation in the visible light range. Additionally, the study underscores the advantages of using this hybrid photocatalyst over traditional inorganic photocatalysts, which typically only work in the ultraviolet range.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stefania Porcu
- Department of Physics, University of Cagliari, 09042 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Stefania Maloccu
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09124 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Angela Corona
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09124 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Moulika Hazra
- Department of Physics, University of Cagliari, 09042 Cagliari, Italy
| | | | - Daniele Chiriu
- Department of Physics, University of Cagliari, 09042 Cagliari, Italy
| | | | - Enzo Tramontano
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09124 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Pier Carlo Ricci
- Department of Physics, University of Cagliari, 09042 Cagliari, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Goswami M, Kumar V, Singh N, Kumar P. A biochemical and morphological study with multiple linear regression modeling-based impact prediction of ambient air pollutants on some native tree species of Haldwani City of Kumaun Himalaya, Uttarakhand, India. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023:10.1007/s11356-023-27563-4. [PMID: 37208511 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-27563-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/07/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
The current study was conducted around the province of Haldwani City, Uttarakhand, India, to understand the seasonal variation of ambient air pollutants (PM2.5, PM10, SO2, and NO2) and their impact on four tree species, i.e., neem (Azadirachta indica), mountain cedar (Toona ciliate), bottlebrush (Callistemon citrinus), and guava (Psidium guajava) during 2020-2021. Multiple linear regression (MLR)-based prediction analysis showed that the selected air quality variables (PM2.5, PM10, SO2, and NO2) had a significant impact on the biochemical responses of selected tree spp. including, pH, ascorbic acid (AA), total chlorophyll content (T. Chl.), relative water content (RWC), and dust deposition potential. In this, the coefficient of variance (R2) of the developed models was in the range of 0.70-0.98. The ambient air pollutants showed significant seasonal variations as depicted by using the air pollution tolerance index (APTI) and anticipated performance index (API). The tree species from polluted sites observed more pollution tolerance than the tree species from the control site. Regression analysis showed a significant positive association between the biochemical characteristics and APTI, with the highest influence by AA (R2 = 0.961) followed by T. Chl., RWC, and pH. The APTI and API score was observed as maximum for A. indica and minimum for C. citrinus. The impact of air pollutants on the morphology of foliar surface was investigated by the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and recorded various dust deposition patterns, stomatal blockages, and damage of guard cells in the trees growing along the polluted site (S2). The present study can assist environmental managers to examine the pollution-induced variables and develop an effective green belt for combating air pollution in polluted areas.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Meera Goswami
- Department of Zoology and Environmental Science, Agro-Ecology and Pollution Research Laboratory, Gurukul Kangri (Deemed to Be University), Haridwar, 249404, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Vinod Kumar
- Department of Zoology and Environmental Science, Agro-Ecology and Pollution Research Laboratory, Gurukul Kangri (Deemed to Be University), Haridwar, 249404, Uttarakhand, India.
| | - Narendra Singh
- Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences, Nainital, 263001, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Pankaj Kumar
- Department of Zoology and Environmental Science, Agro-Ecology and Pollution Research Laboratory, Gurukul Kangri (Deemed to Be University), Haridwar, 249404, Uttarakhand, India
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Georgin J, Franco DSP, Netto MS, Manzar MS, Zubair M, Meili L, Piccilli DGA, Silva LFO. Adsorption of the First-Line Covid Treatment Analgesic onto Activated Carbon from Residual Pods of Erythrina Speciosa. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2023; 71:795-808. [PMID: 36087146 PMCID: PMC9463666 DOI: 10.1007/s00267-022-01716-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
In this study, the residual pods of the forest species Erythrina speciosa were carbonized with ZnCl2 to obtain porous activated carbon and investigated for the adsorptive removal of the drug paracetamol (PCM) from water. The PCM adsorption onto activated carbon is favored at acidic solution pH. The isothermal studies confirmed that increasing the temperature from 298 to 328 K decreased the adsorption capacity from 65 mg g-1 to 50.4 mg g-1 (C0 = 175 mg L-1). The Freundlich model showed a better fit of the equilibrium isotherms. Thermodynamic studies confirmed the exothermic nature (ΔH0 = -39.1066 kJ mol-1). Kinetic data indicates that the external mass transfer occurs in the first minutes followed by the surface diffusion, considering that the linear driving force model described the experimental data. The application of the material in the treatment of a simulated effluent with natural conditions was promising, presenting a removal of 76.45%. Therefore, it can be concluded that the application of residual pods of the forest species Erythrina speciosa carbonized with ZnCl2 is highly efficient in the removal of the drug paracetamol and also in mixtures containing other pharmaceutical substances.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jordana Georgin
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Federal University of Santa Maria, UFSM, Santa Maria, Brasil
| | - Dison S P Franco
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Universidad de la Costa, CUC, Calle 58 # 55-66, Barranquilla, Atlántico, Colombia
| | - Matias S Netto
- Department Chemical Engineering, Federal University of Santa Maria, 97105-900, Santa Maria, Brazil
| | - Mohammad Saood Manzar
- Department of Environmental Engineering, College of Engineering, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, P.O. Box 1982, Dammam, 31451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mukarram Zubair
- Department of Environmental Engineering, College of Engineering, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, P.O. Box 1982, Dammam, 31451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Lucas Meili
- Laboratory of Process, Center of Technology, Federal University of Alagoas, Maceió, AL, Brazil.
| | - Daniel G A Piccilli
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Federal University of Santa Maria, UFSM, Santa Maria, Brasil
| | - Luis F O Silva
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Universidad de la Costa, CUC, Calle 58 # 55-66, Barranquilla, Atlántico, Colombia
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Khongthaw B, Dulta K, Chauhan PK, Kumar V, Ighalo JO. Lycopene: a therapeutic strategy against coronavirus disease 19 (COVID- 19). Inflammopharmacology 2022; 30:1955-1976. [PMID: 36050507 PMCID: PMC9436159 DOI: 10.1007/s10787-022-01061-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Lycopene is a group of phytochemicals found in nature, primarily in fruits and vegetables. Lycopene is thought to protect against a variety of diseases attributed to its antioxidant capabilities. Lycopene has anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and immunity-boosting qualities, among other biological and pharmacological benefits. COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 19) is an infectious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which has recently emerged as one of the world's leading causes of death. Patients may be asymptomatic or show signs of respiratory, cytokine release syndrome, gastrointestinal, or even multiple organ failure, all of which can lead to death. In COVID-19, inflammation, and cytokine storm are the key pathogenic mechanisms, according to SARS-CoV-2 infection symptoms. ARDS develops in some vulnerable hosts, which is accompanied by an inflammatory "cytokine syndrome" that causes lung damage. Immunological and inflammatory markers were linked to disease severity in mild and severe COVID-19 cases, implying that inflammatory markers, including IL-6, CRP, ESR, and PCT were significantly linked with COVID-19 severity. Patients with severe illness have reduced levels of several immune subsets, including CD4 + T, NK, and CD8 + cells. As a result, lycopene can be commended for bolstering physiological defenses against COVID-19 infections.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Banlambhabok Khongthaw
- Shoolini University of Biotechnology and Management Sciences, Bajhol, Solan, Himachal Pradesh, 173229, India
| | - Kanika Dulta
- Shoolini University of Biotechnology and Management Sciences, Bajhol, Solan, Himachal Pradesh, 173229, India
| | - Pankaj Kumar Chauhan
- Shoolini University of Biotechnology and Management Sciences, Bajhol, Solan, Himachal Pradesh, 173229, India.
| | - Vinod Kumar
- Department of Life Sciences, Graphic Era (Deemed to be University), Dehradun, Uttarakhand, 248002, India
| | - Joshua O Ighalo
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, P. M. B. 5025, Awka, Nigeria.
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Patlolla AK, Smith Z, Tchounwou P. Indirect Impacts of COVID-19 on the Environment: A Global Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOMEDICAL AND CLINICAL ANALYSIS 2022; 2:9-19. [PMID: 36267598 PMCID: PMC9580545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Coronavirus (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which has plagued the Earth for the past two years and brought much controversy along with it. This report aims to analyze how the Covid-19 pandemic has had indirect effects on the environment. The onset of the pandemic has not only caused havoc disrupting routine average and businesses, but also claimed at least five million lives worldwide. This prompted the governments and the World Health Organization (WHO) to formulate measures to contain the transmission and the impact of the disease on the populations. Quarantine measures, movement restrictions, lockdowns and curfews, and travel bans are some of the most effective response methods that have helped the world contain the pandemic's spread. The adopted measures have had an indirect impact on the environment, opening the global community to numerous opportunities and threats. This report provides a critical analysis of how the Covid-19 pandemic has had indirect effects on the environment, examining how the response and containment measures have affected the environment. It focuses on air quality, water demand and quality, climate change, afforestation and deforestation, wildlife resurgence, littering, traffic congestion, noise reduction and changed human activities. It explores how the Covid-19 containment measures have had an environmental impact with a keen interest in the earlier areas.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anita K. Patlolla
- RCMI-Center for Environmental Health, CSET, Jackson State University, Jackson, MS, USA.,Department of Biology, CSET, Jackson State University, Jackson, MS, USA.,Corresponding author: Anita K. Patlolla, Assistant Professor, Department of Biology, CSET, Jackson State University, 1400 Lynch Street, PO. Box 18540, Jackson, MS-39217, USA, Tel: +601-979-0210;
| | - Zavier Smith
- Environmental Science Ph.D., Program, Jackson State University, Jackson, MS, USA
| | - Paul Tchounwou
- RCMI-Center for Environmental Health, CSET, Jackson State University, Jackson, MS, USA.,Department of Biology, CSET, Jackson State University, Jackson, MS, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Water Quality and Water Pollution in Time of COVID-19: Positive and Negative Repercussions. WATER 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/w14071124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
On 11 March 2020, the World Health Organization declared the new COVID-19 disease a pandemic. Most countries responded with a lockdown to reduce its effects, which brought beneficial consequences to the environment in many regions, but the pandemic also raised a series of challenges. This review proposes an assessment of the COVID-19 pandemic positive and negative impacts on water bodies on different continents. By applying a search protocol on the Web of Science platform, a scientific bank of 35 compatible studies was obtained out of the 62 open-access articles that were initially accessible. Regarding the positive impacts, the SARS-CoV-2 monitoring in sewage waters is a useful mechanism in the promptly exposure of community infections and, during the pandemic, many water bodies all over the world had lower pollution levels. The negative impacts are as follows: SARS-CoV-2 presence in untreated sewage water amplifies the risk to human health; there is a lack of adequate elimination processes of plastics, drugs, and biological pollution in wastewater treatment plants; the amount of municipal and medical waste that pollutes water bodies increased; and waste recycling decreased. Urgent preventive measures need to be taken to implement effective solutions for water protection.
Collapse
|
7
|
Gwenzi W, Selvasembian R, Offiong NAO, Mahmoud AED, Sanganyado E, Mal J. COVID-19 drugs in aquatic systems: a review. ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMISTRY LETTERS 2022; 20:1275-1294. [PMID: 35069060 PMCID: PMC8760103 DOI: 10.1007/s10311-021-01356-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
The outbreak of the human coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has induced an unprecedented increase in the use of several old and repurposed therapeutic drugs such as veterinary medicines, e.g. ivermectin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, protein and peptide therapeutics, disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs and antimalarial drugs, antiretrovirals, analgesics, and supporting agents, e.g. azithromycin and corticosteroids. Excretion of drugs and their metabolites in stools and urine release these drugs into wastewater, and ultimately into surface waters and groundwater systems. Here, we review the sources, behaviour, environmental fate, risks, and remediation of those drugs. We discuss drug transformation in aquatic environments and in wastewater treatment systems. Degradation mechanisms and metabolite toxicity are poorly known. Potential risks include endocrine disruption, acute and chronic toxicity, disruption of ecosystem functions and trophic interactions in aquatic organisms, and the emergence of antimicrobial resistance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Willis Gwenzi
- Biosystems and Environmental Engineering Research Group, Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, Faculty of Agriculture, Environment and Food Systems, University of Zimbabwe, P.O. Box MP 167, Mount Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Rangabhashiyam Selvasembian
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Chemical and Biotechnology, SASTRA Deemed University, Thanjavur, Tamilnadu 613401 India
| | - Nnanake-Abasi O. Offiong
- International Centre for Energy and Environmental Sustainability Research (ICEESR), University of Uyo, Uyo, Nigeria
- Department of Chemical Sciences, Faculty of Computing and Applied Sciences, Topfaith University, Mkpatak, Nigeria
| | - Alaa El Din Mahmoud
- Environmental Sciences Department, Faculty of Science, Alexandria University, Alexandria, 21511 Egypt
- Green Technology Group, Faculty of Science, Alexandria University, Alexandria, 21511 Egypt
| | - Edmond Sanganyado
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology, Institute of Marine Science, Shantou University, Shantou, 515063 China
| | - Joyabrata Mal
- Department of Biotechnology, Motilal Nehru National Institute of Technology Allahabad, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh India
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Photocatalytic Inactivation of Viruses Using Graphitic Carbon Nitride-Based Photocatalysts: Virucidal Performance and Mechanism. Catalysts 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/catal11121448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The prevalence of lethal viral infections necessitates the innovation of novel disinfection techniques for contaminated surfaces, air, and wastewater as significant transmission media of disease. The instigated research has led to the development of photocatalysis as an effective renewable solar-driven technology relying on the reactive oxidative species, mainly hydroxyl (OH●) and superoxide (O2●−) radicals, for rupturing the capsid shell of the virus and loss of pathogenicity. Metal-free graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4), which possesses a visible light active bandgap structure, low toxicity, and high thermal stability, has recently attracted attention for viral inactivation. In addition, g-C3N4-based photocatalysts have also experienced a renaissance in many domains, including environment, energy conversion, and biomedical applications. Herein, we discuss the three aspects of the antiviral mechanism, intending to highlight the advantages of photocatalysis over traditional viral disinfection techniques. The sole agenda of the review is to summarize the significant research on g-C3N4-based photocatalysts for viral inactivation by reactive oxidative species generation. An evaluation of the photocatalysis operational parameters affecting viral inactivation kinetics is presented. An overview of the prevailing challenges and sustainable solutions is presented to fill in the existing knowledge gaps. Given the merits of graphitic carbon nitride and the heterogeneous photocatalytic viral inactivation mechanism, we hope that further research will contribute to preventing the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic and future calamities.
Collapse
|