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Davies K, Allan MG, Nagarajan S, Townsend R, Asokan V, Watson T, Godfrey AR, Maroto-Valer MM, Kuehnel MF, Pitchaimuthu S. Photoelectrocatalytic Surfactant Pollutant Degradation and Simultaneous Green Hydrogen Generation. Ind Eng Chem Res 2023; 62:19084-19094. [PMID: 38020790 PMCID: PMC10655085 DOI: 10.1021/acs.iecr.3c00840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Revised: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
For the first time, we demonstrate a photoelectrocatalysis technique for simultaneous surfactant pollutant degradation and green hydrogen generation using mesoporous WO3/BiVO4 photoanode under simulated sunlight irradiation. The materials properties such as morphology, crystallite structure, chemical environment, optical absorbance, and bandgap energy of the WO3/BiVO4 films are examined and discussed. We have tested the anionic type (sodium 2-naphthalenesulfonate (S2NS)) and cationic type surfactants (benzyl alkyl dimethylammonium compounds (BAC-C12)) as model pollutants. A complete removal of S2NS and BAC-C12 surfactants at 60 and 90 min, respectively, by applying 1.75 V applied potential vs RHE to the circuit, under 1 sun was achieved. An interesting competitive phenomenon for photohole utilization was observed between surfactants and adsorbed water. This led to the formation of H2O2 from water alongside surfactant degradation (anode) and hydrogen evolution (cathode). No byproducts were observed after the direct photohole mediated degradation of surfactants, implying its advantage over other AOPs and biological processes. In the cathode compartment, 82.51 μmol/cm2 and 71.81 μmol/cm2 of hydrogen gas were generated during the BAC-C12 and S2NS surfactant degradation process, respectively, at 1.75 V RHE applied potential.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Michael G. Allan
- Department
of Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Swansea University, Singleton Park, SA2 8PP Swansea, Wales
| | - Sanjay Nagarajan
- Department
of Chemical Engineering, University of Bath, Bath BA2 7AY, U.K.
| | - Rachel Townsend
- Swansea
University Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Science,
Singleton Park, Swansea University, Swansea SA2 8PP, U.K.
| | - Vijayshankar Asokan
- Environmental
Inorganic Chemistry, Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, Kemivägen 10, S-412 96 Göthenburg, Sweden
| | - Trystan Watson
- SPECIFIC,
Faculty of Science and Engineering, Swansea
University, Swansea SA2 8PP, Wales
| | - A. Ruth Godfrey
- Swansea
University Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Science,
Singleton Park, Swansea University, Swansea SA2 8PP, U.K.
| | - M. Mercedes Maroto-Valer
- Research
Centre for Carbon Solutions (RCCS), Institute of Mechanical, Processing
and Energy Engineering, School of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh EH14 4AS, U.K.
| | - Moritz F. Kuehnel
- Department
of Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Swansea University, Singleton Park, SA2 8PP Swansea, Wales
- Fraunhofer
Institute for Wind Energy Systems IWES, Am Haupttor 4310, 06237 Leuna, Germany
| | - Sudhagar Pitchaimuthu
- SPECIFIC,
Faculty of Science and Engineering, Swansea
University, Swansea SA2 8PP, Wales
- Research
Centre for Carbon Solutions (RCCS), Institute of Mechanical, Processing
and Energy Engineering, School of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh EH14 4AS, U.K.
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Godfrey AR, Dunscombe J, Gravell A, Hunter A, Barrow MP, van Keulen G, Desbrow C, Townsend R. Use of QuEChERS as a manual and automated high-throughput protocol for investigating environmental matrices. Chemosphere 2022; 308:136313. [PMID: 36067814 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.136313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2022] [Revised: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Environmental pollution has strong links to adverse human health outcomes with risks of pollution through production, use, ineffective wastewater (WW) remediation, and/or leachate from landfill. 'Fit-for-purpose' monitoring approaches are critical for better pollution control and mitigation of harm, with current sample preparation methods for complex environmental matrices typically time-consuming and labour intensive, unsuitable for high-throughput screening. This study has shown that a modified 'Quick Easy Cheap Effective Rugged and Safe' (QuEChERS) sample preparation is a viable alternative for selected environmental matrices required for pollution monitoring (e.g. WW effluent, treated sludge cake and homogenised biota tissue). As a manual approach, reduced extraction times (hours to ∼20 min/sample) with largely reproducible (albeit lower) recoveries of a range of pharmaceuticals and biocidal surfactants have been reported. Its application has shown clear differentiation of matrices via chemometrics, and the measurement of pollutants of interest to the UK WW industry at concentrations significantly above suggested instrument detection limits (IDL) for sludge, indicating insufficient removal and/or bioaccumulation during WW treatment. Furthermore, new pollutant candidates of emerging concern were identified - these included detergents, polymers and pharmaceuticals, with quaternary ammonium compound (QAC) biocides observed at 2.3-70.4 mg/kg, and above levels associated with priority substances for environmental quality regulation (EQSD). Finally, the QuEChERS protocol was adapted to function as a fully automated workflow, further reducing the resource to complete both the preparation and analysis to <40 min. This operated with improved recovery for soil and biota (>62%), and when applied to a largely un-investigated clay matrix, acceptable recovery (88.0-131.1%) and precision (≤10.3% RSD) for the tested pharmaceuticals and biocides was maintained. Therefore, this preliminary study has shown the successful application of a high-throughput QuEChERS protocol across a range of environmental solids for potential deployment in a regulated laboratory.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Ruth Godfrey
- Swansea University Medical School, Singleton Park, Swansea, SA2 8PP, UK.
| | | | - Anthony Gravell
- Natural Resources Wales Analytical Services, Singleton Park, Swansea, SA2 8PP, UK
| | - Ann Hunter
- Swansea University Medical School, Singleton Park, Swansea, SA2 8PP, UK
| | - Mark P Barrow
- Department of Chemistry, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, UK
| | | | - Claire Desbrow
- Biotage GB Limited, Dyffryn Business Park, Hengoed, CF82 7TS, UK
| | - Rachel Townsend
- Swansea University Medical School, Singleton Park, Swansea, SA2 8PP, UK
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3
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Godfrey AR, Townsend R, Desbrow C, Felion C. QuEChERS: a simple extraction for monitoring quaternary ammonium biocide pollution in soils and antimicrobial resistance. Anal Methods 2020; 12:4387-4393. [PMID: 32940267 DOI: 10.1039/d0ay01324b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs) are broad-spectrum disinfectants used in a range of everyday materials. Their high usage rates, limited regulation and reporting has meant their environmental release is largely uncontrolled and impact unknown. With links to antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and adsorption to wastewater solids (that are recycled), there is a need for more controlled disposal measures and monitoring. These environmental matrices are highly complex requiring methods that are often laborious and costly to undertake. Using a robust quantitative reversed-phase LC-MS/MS method, we have shown that an 'off the shelf' QuEChERS product can reliably extract (<10% RSD) aromatic and aliphatic QACs anticipated within municipal, industrial and agricultural waste from water and soil, with reduced matrix effects of 95.7-104.4% for recoveries of up to 53% from soil when combined with extract dilution. Therefore, unlike current literature, this work has shown that, with minimal development, the QuEChERS product can provide a rapid, effective and low cost preparation for quantifying QAC pollution and monitoring AMR.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Ruth Godfrey
- Swansea University Medical School, Singleton Park, SA2 8PP, UK.
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4
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Sullivan GL, Prigmore RM, Knight P, Godfrey AR. Activated carbon biochar from municipal waste as a sorptive agent for the removal of polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), phenols and petroleum based compounds in contaminated liquids. J Environ Manage 2019; 251:109551. [PMID: 31563055 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2019.109551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2019] [Revised: 08/23/2019] [Accepted: 09/07/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Wastewater (WW) sludge cake is problematic to dispose of with treatment unable to remove organic pollutants. Typical disposal options include landfill or deposition on agricultural land, at considerable expense and environmental impact. Pyrolysis can recycle this waste to biochar however, additional unwanted organic pollutants are generated, differing in composition and volume according to the feedstock. These pollutants can be captured in solvent impingers or 'scrubbers' to avoid environmental release but lead to alternative waste. Both activated carbon and biochar are proven clean-up methods for organic pollutants with pine wood biochar showing changes in extraction selectivity with preparation temperature. Activated carbon biochar (ACB) from pine wood has also been successfully compared as a substitute at reduced cost and improved efficacy. To our knowledge, ACB from sludge cake has remained untested along with its application to clean-up solvent scrubbers. We have investigated this material from two WW treatment plants (UK and Ghana) as a sorbent, generated at 400 and 700 °C, to minimise contamination of liquids from pyrolysis and, petrochemicals in the event of a spill. This study confirmed the use and selective production of ACB for preferential clean-up of specific pollutants. Despite high temperature pine wood ACB proving most effective in removing petrochemical mixtures (>76%) extractions of equivalent repeatability and reasonable recovery were achieved with low temperature sludge cake ACB. This re-use of waste sludge cake offers improved thermochemical (recycling) and WW process efficiency, limiting the environmental impact and overall operational costs, minimising waste for disposal.
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Affiliation(s)
- G L Sullivan
- Institute of Mass Spectrometry, School of Medicine, Swansea University, SA2 8PP, UK; Hendre Holdings Ltd, Excal House, Capel Hendre, SA18 3SJ, UK.
| | - R M Prigmore
- Hendre Holdings Ltd, Excal House, Capel Hendre, SA18 3SJ, UK.
| | - P Knight
- Hendre Holdings Ltd, Excal House, Capel Hendre, SA18 3SJ, UK.
| | - A R Godfrey
- Institute of Mass Spectrometry, School of Medicine, Swansea University, SA2 8PP, UK.
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Bell NGA, Godfrey AR. Highlights from Faraday Discussion: Meeting Challenges in the Analysis of Complex Natural Mixtures, Edinburgh, UK. Chem Commun (Camb) 2019; 55:10335-10341. [DOI: 10.1039/c9cc90334h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Against a backdrop of the golden gorse covered volcano (extinct) illuminated with strong sunshine, 98 delegates from around the world gathered in the John McIntyre Conference Centre, The University of Edinburgh, to discuss the most challenging of analytical problems: complex mixtures.
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Godfrey AR, Jones L, Davies M, Townsend R. Miltefosine: a novel internal standard approach to lysophospholipid quantitation using LC-MS/MS. Anal Bioanal Chem 2017; 409:2791-2800. [PMID: 28161751 PMCID: PMC5366175 DOI: 10.1007/s00216-017-0223-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2016] [Revised: 01/23/2017] [Accepted: 01/24/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Understanding and determining levels of lysophospholipids (LPLs) is of increasing interest to the bioanalytical community as they may be targeted for preparative removal as a matrix interference or as a lead substance as a biomarker of disease. Studies monitoring levels of LPLs have used a range of approaches for quantitation whereby those using an internal standard have used either deuterated analogues of the target LPL or alternative LPLs containing an odd number of carbon atoms within its chain, which can be expensive and difficult to distinguish with other LPLs, respectively. A structural analogue, miltefosine, was investigated as a novel internal standard to quantify a selection of lysophosphatidylcholines (LPCs) of clinical interest. A reverse phase C18 LC-MS/MS method was characterised for 16:0-LPC, 18:1-LPC and 18:0-LPC, showing good sensitivity and linearity for all compounds, with limit of detection (LOD) values <1 μg/mL and R 2 ≥ 0.97. Quality control (QC) samples were studied to determine accuracy and precision of the method, with values <15% variation for each compound at multiple concentrations. As an example application, we have used this method to detect the amount of LPC breakthrough following solid phase extraction (SPE) of plasma to quantify LPCs as a target species and to remove them as matrix interferences under various conditions typical to clinical work. This study showed that changes in sample pH could adversely affect the capture of the LPCs and their contribution as matrix interferences, with 3.6 μg/mL of 18:1-LPC observed following plasma extraction. Graphical Abstract A novel internal standard approach to lysophospholipid quantitation in extracted plasma using miltefosine, with analysis by LC-MS/MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Ruth Godfrey
- Institute of Mass Spectrometry, School of Medicine, Swansea University, Singleton Park, Swansea, SA2 8PP, UK.
| | - Lewis Jones
- Institute of Mass Spectrometry, School of Medicine, Swansea University, Singleton Park, Swansea, SA2 8PP, UK
| | - Mairead Davies
- Institute of Mass Spectrometry, School of Medicine, Swansea University, Singleton Park, Swansea, SA2 8PP, UK
| | - Rachel Townsend
- Institute of Mass Spectrometry, School of Medicine, Swansea University, Singleton Park, Swansea, SA2 8PP, UK
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Abstract
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Analysis of the chemical composition
of surfaces by liquid sampling
devices interfaced to mass spectrometry is attractive as the sample
stream can be continuously monitored at good sensitivity and selectivity.
A sampling probe has been constructed that takes discrete liquid samples
(typically <100 nL) of a surface. It incorporates an electrostatic
lens system, comprising three electrodes, to which static and pulsed
voltages are applied to form a conical “liquid tip”,
employed to dissolve analytes at a surface. A prototype system demonstrates
spatial resolution of 0.093 mm2. Time of contact between
the liquid tip and the surface is controlled to standardize extraction.
Calibration graphs of different analyte concentrations on a stainless
surface have been measured, together with the probe’s reproducibility,
carryover, and recovery. A leucine enkephalin-coated surface demonstrated
good linearity (R2 = 0.9936), with a recovery
of 90% and a limit of detection of 38 fmol per single spot sampled.
The probe is compact and can be fitted into automated sample analysis
equipment having potential for rapid analysis of surfaces at a good
spatial resolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Gareth Brenton
- Institute of Mass Spectrometry, College of Medicine, Swansea University , Singleton Park, Swansea SA2 8PP, U.K
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Godfrey AR, Brenton AG. Accurate mass measurements and their appropriate use for reliable analyte identification. Anal Bioanal Chem 2012; 404:1159-64. [PMID: 22699234 DOI: 10.1007/s00216-012-6136-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2012] [Revised: 05/15/2012] [Accepted: 05/21/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Accurate mass instrumentation is becoming increasingly available to non-expert users. This data can be mis-used, particularly for analyte identification. Current best practice in assigning potential elemental formula for reliable analyte identification has been described with modern informatic approaches to analyte elucidation, including chemometric characterisation, data processing and searching using facilities such as the Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS) Registry and Chemspider.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Ruth Godfrey
- Institute of Mass Spectrometry, College of Medicine, Swansea University, Swansea, UK.
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Brenton AG, Godfrey AR. Accurate mass measurement: terminology and treatment of data. J Am Soc Mass Spectrom 2010; 21:1821-1835. [PMID: 20650651 DOI: 10.1016/j.jasms.2010.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2010] [Revised: 06/15/2010] [Accepted: 06/15/2010] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
High-resolution mass spectrometry has become ever more accessible with improvements in instrumentation, such as modern FT-ICR and Orbitrap mass spectrometers. This has resulted in an increase in the number of articles submitted for publication quoting accurate mass data. There is a plethora of terms related to accurate mass analysis that are in current usage, many employed incorrectly or inconsistently. This article is based on a set of notes prepared by the authors for research students and staff in our laboratories as a guide to the correct terminology and basic statistical procedures to apply in relation to mass measurement, particularly for accurate mass measurement. It elaborates on the editorial by Gross in 1994 regarding the use of accurate masses for structure confirmation. We have presented and defined the main terms in use with reference to the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) recommendations for nomenclature and symbolism for mass spectrometry. The correct use of statistics and treatment of data is illustrated as a guide to new and existing mass spectrometry users with a series of examples as well as statistical methods to compare different experimental methods and datasets.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Gareth Brenton
- Institute of Mass Spectrometry, Grove Building, School of Medicine, Swansea University, Swansea, Wales, United Kingdom.
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Godfrey AR, Brenton AG, Forbes-Robertson S. Investigating dansyl compounds as novel matrices for matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionisation proteomics. Rapid Commun Mass Spectrom 2010; 24:160-164. [PMID: 19960502 DOI: 10.1002/rcm.4369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
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Brenton AG, Godfrey AR, Alamri M, Stein BK, Williams CM, Hunter AP, Wyatt MF. Analysis of large historical accurate mass data sets on sector mass spectrometers. Rapid Commun Mass Spectrom 2009; 23:3484-3487. [PMID: 19813284 DOI: 10.1002/rcm.4269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
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Godfrey AR, Williams CM, Dudley E, Newton RP, Willshaw P, Mikhail A, Bastin L, Brenton AG. Investigation of uremic analytes in hemodialysate and their structural elucidation from accurate mass maps generated by a multi-dimensional liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry approach. Rapid Commun Mass Spectrom 2009; 23:3194-3204. [PMID: 19718779 DOI: 10.1002/rcm.4235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Historically, structural elucidation of unknown analytes by mass spectrometry alone has involved tandem mass spectrometry experiments using electron ionization. Most target molecules for bioanalysis in the metabolome are unsuitable for detection by this previous methodology. Recent publications have used high-resolution accurate mass analysis using an LTQ-Orbitrap with the more modern approach of electrospray ionization to identify new metabolites of known metabolic pathways. We have investigated the use of this methodology to build accurate mass fragmentation maps for the structural elucidation of unknown compounds. This has included the development and validation of a novel multi-dimensional LC/MS/MS methodology to identify known uremic analytes in a clinical hemodialysate sample. Good inter- and intra-day reproducibility of both chromatographic stages with a high degree of mass accuracy and precision was achieved with the multi-dimensional liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) system. Fragmentation maps were generated most successfully using collision-induced dissociation (CID) as, unlike high-energy CID (HCD), ions formed by this technique could be fragmented further. Structural elucidation is more challenging for large analytes >270 Da and distinguishing between isomers where their initial fragmentation pattern is insufficiently different. For small molecules (<200 Da), where fragmentation data may be obtained without loss of signal intensity, complete structures can be proposed from just the accurate mass fragmentation data. This methodology has led to the discovery of a selection of known uremic analytes and two completely novel moieties with chemical structural assignments made.
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Affiliation(s)
- A R Godfrey
- Institute of Mass Spectrometry, School of Medicine, Swansea University, Singleton Park, Swansea SA2 8PP, UK.
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