Modified diatomite for soil remediation and its implications for heavy metal absorption in Calendula officinalis

BACKGROUND

Among different adsorbents, natural and inorganic compounds such as diatomite are important and advantageous in terms of high efficiency and cost-effectiveness, and function in stabilizing heavy metals in the environment. Calendula officinalis, a plant known as a high accumulator of heavy metals, was cultivated in soil treated with varying concentrations of modified diatomite to demonstrate the efficiency of modified diatomite in stabilizating of heavy metals in soils, RESULTS: The modification of diatomite aimed to enhance Calendula officinalis adsorptive properties, particularly towards heavy metals such as lead (Pb), Zinc (Zn), Chromium (Cr), Nickle (Ni), and Copper (Cu), common contaminants in industrial soils. The experimental design included both control and treated soil samples, with assessments at regular intervals. Modified diatomite significantly decreased the bioaccumulation of heavy metals in contaminated soils except Zn, evidenced by decreased DTPA extractable heavy metals in soil and also heavy metal concentrations in plant tissues. Using 10% modified diatomite decreased 91% Pb and Cu, 78% Cr, and 79% Ni concentration of plants compared to the control treatment. The highest concentration of Zn in plant tissue was observed in 2.5% modified diatomite treatment. Remarkably, the application of modified diatomite also appeared to improve the nutrient profile of the soil, leading to enhanced uptake of key nutrients like phosphorus (P) 1.18%, and potassium (K) 79.6% in shoots and 82.3% in roots in Calendula officinalis. Consequently, treated plants exhibited improved growth characteristics, including shoots and roots height of 16.98% and 12.8% respectively, and shoots fresh and dry weight of 48.5% and 50.2% respectively., compared to those in untreated, contaminated soil.

CONCLUSION

The findings suggest promising implications for using such amendments in ecological restoration and sustainable agriculture, particularly in areas impacted by industrial pollution.

Ceria decorated porous diatom-xerogel as an effective adsorbent for the efficient removal of Eriochrome Black T

Diatomaceous earth or diatom (DE) are naturally available and low cost micro particles with distinct porous structure were used as an adsorbent for the removal of a hazardous dye, Eriochrome Black T (EBT). The surface modification of these DE were performed by sol-gel and hydrothermal methods to obtain a series of adsorbents such as diatom-ceria (DC), diatom-silica xerogel (DX), and diatom-silica xerogel-ceria (DXC). A cauliflower like morphology structure of ceria was observed on DE and DX. The adsorption performance of EBT was conducted by varying various parameters such as pH, adsorbent dosage, initial concentration, contact time and ionic strength. The materials DE, DC, DX and DXC showed the EBT removal efficiencies of 52, 77, 20, and 93%, respectively. The maximum adsorption capacity (qm) of DE, DC, DX and DXC was found to be 13.83, 23.64, 0.2 and 47.02 mgg^-1 for the adsorption of EBT, respectively. The selectivity of EBT towards DXC was evaluated by treating a mixture of anionic dyes. The dye removal experiments was performed in presence of inorganic salts, however the presence of these salts did not affect the removal efficiency of DXC. Furthermore, the reusability of DXC was studied by recycling it up to 5 times and even at 5th cycle a removal efficiency of ∼66.8% was found. Thus, these studies demonstrate that the DXC material could be a promising candidate for the removal of EBT via adsorption for real time application in water treatment.

Comparison of Jordanian and standard diatomaceous earth as an adsorbent for removal of Sm(III) and Nd(III) from aqueous solution

In this study, Jordanian diatomaceous earth (JDA) and commercial diatomaceous earth (standard diatomaceous earth, SDA) were used for adsorption of samarium (Sm)(III) and neodymium (Nd)(III) ions from aqueous solutions using batch technique as a function of initial concentration of metal ions, adsorbent dosage, ionic strength, initial pH solution, contact time, and temperature. Both adsorbents were characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller surface area, and cation exchange capacity (CEC). Maximum metal ion uptake was observed after 100 min of agitation, and the uptake has decreased with increasing temperature and reached a maximum at pH ≈ 5. Different types of adsorption isotherms and kinetic models were used to describe the Nd(III) and Sm(III) ion adsorption. The experimental data fitted within the following isotherms in the order Langmuir > Dubinin-Radushkevich (DR) > Freundlich and the pseudo-second-order kinetic model based on their coefficient of determination (R²), chi-square (χ²), and error function (F_error%) values. Maximum adsorption uptakes, according to the Langmuir model, were obtained as 188.679 mg/g and 185.185 mg/g for Sm(III) and 169.492 mg/g and 149.254 mg/g for Nd(III) by JDA and SDA, respectively. The results of thermodynamic parameters showed that the adsorption of Sm(III) and Nd(III) ions onto JDA and SDA is a feasible, spontaneous, exothermic, and entropy driven. The best recovery for Sm(III) and Nd(III) was obtained when the 0.05 M EDTA + 0.05 M H₃PO₄ mixture was used as an eluent.

Internalization kinetics and cytoplasmic localization of functionalized diatomite nanoparticles in cancer cells by Raman imaging

Porous biosilica nanoparticles obtained from diatomites (DNPs) have been recently demonstrated to be non-toxic nanovectors of therapeutic agents in cancer cells. In this work, the internalization kinetics and intracellular spatial distribution of functionalized DNPs incubated with human lung epidermoid carcinoma cell line (H1355) up to 72 hours are investigated by Raman imaging. The label-free Raman results are compared with confocal fluorescence microscopy and photoluminescence (PL) data. Raman bands specifically assigned to DNPs and cellular components provide evidence that the nanovectors are internalized and co-localize with lipid environments. A considerable DNPs uptake in cells is observed within 6 hours, with equilibrium being achieved after 18 hours. The obtained data show the presence of DNPs up to 72 hours, without damage to cell viability or morphology. The PL measurements performed on DNPs not penetrating the cells at different incubation times are strongly correlated with the results obtained by Raman imaging and confocal microscopy analyses.

Efficacy of activated diatomaceous clay in reducing the toxicity of zearalenone in rats and piglets

Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the efficacy of an activated diatomaceous clay (ADC) in reducing the toxic effects of zearalenone (ZEA) in the diet of rats and piglets. In the rat experiment, 90 Sprague-Dawley female weanling rats with an initial BW of 45 ± 1.0 g were assigned to 1 of 6 dietary treatments for 28 d in a completely randomized design (CRD) with a 2 × 3 factorial arrangement (0 or 6 mg ZEA/kg feed and 0, 1, and 5 g ADC/kg feed). In the piglet experiment, 64 female piglets ([Large White × Landrace] × Pietrain with an initial BW of 14.9 ± 1.65 kg) were fed 1 of 8 experimental diets for 26 d in a CRD design with a 2 × 4 factorial arrangement (0 or 0.8 mg ZEA/kg feed and 0, 1, 2, and 5 g ADC/kg feed). The ADFI, ADG, and G:F were determined at the end of each experiment. At the conclusion of studies, serum samples were collected and rats and piglets were euthanized to determine visceral organ weights. The diet contaminated with ZEA did not alter the growth of rats and the relative weight of liver and kidneys. However, ZEA increased ( < 0.05) the relative weight of uterus, ovaries, and spleen and decreased ( < 0.05) the serum activities of alkaline phosphatase and alanine aminotransferase compared to the control group. Supplementation of ADC in the rat diets counteracted ( < 0.05) the observed toxic effects of ZEA on the uterus and ovaries weight. The diet contaminated with ZEA (0.8 mg/kg feed) increased ( < 0.05) the weight of the uterus and ovaries in piglets but did not modify the serum biochemical variables or the relative weight of other visceral organs. The addition of 5 g ADC/kg to the contaminated feed reduced the toxic effects of ZEA on uterus and ovary weights to that of the control group. Zearalenone (10.5 μg/kg bile) and α-zearalenol (5.6 μg/kg bile) residues were detected in the bile of piglets fed the ZEA treatment. Supplementation of ADC to diets contaminated with ZEA reduced ( = 0.001) ZEA content in bile compared to the ZEA treatments. The results of these experiments indicate that a long-term consumption of ZEA-contaminated diets stimulated growth of the reproductive tract in rats and piglets and the presence of ZEA residue in bile in piglets. These effects may be counteracted by the addition of ADC to the diet.

Treatment of a BTo-X-contaminated gas stream with a biotrickling filter inoculated with microbes bound to a wheat bran/red wood powder/diatomaceous earth carrier

Microbes bound to a wheat bran/red wood powder/diatomaceous earth carrier were used as inoculants for a biotrickling filter (BTF) for treating gases contaminated with a mixture of benzene, toluene, and o-xylene (BTo-X). An overall removal efficiency of more than 87.9% was achieved after a start-up period of as low as 4days. At BTo-X loading rates (LRs) below 60.0g/m(3)h, the BTF's performance was similar for EBRTs of 90, 60, 45 and 30s with an elimination capacity (EC) almost approaching the LR; stable REs above 91.3% for benzene and toluene and above 82.8% for o-xylene were achieved. A maximum EC of 97.7g/m(3)h was obtained at inlet load of 146.4g/m(3)h. The mass ratio of carbon dioxide produced to the BTo-X removed was approximately 2.62, which confirmed complete degradation of BTo-X. The results demonstrate that microbes bound to a solid carrier can be an alternative to traditional liquid inoculums applied in BTFs and highlight their potential applicability to BTF technologies.

New process for alleviation of membrane fouling of modified hybrid MBR system for advanced domestic wastewater treatment

A pilot-scale hybrid membrane bioreactor using a submerged flat panel membrane was designed and applied for advanced treatment of domestic wastewater. The new process adapted to the hybrid membrane bioreactor exhibits substantial decrease in membrane fouling and much easier cleaning. In this study, the new process configurations including the addition of anoxic/anaerobic zones, the package of synthetic fibrous fabric carrier for biofilm attached growth, activated sludge recycling and modified dosage of polished diatomite with high activity and multi-functions were investigated to select the optimal operational parameters for the hybrid membrane bioreactor system. The carrier package in the aerobic zone contributed 3.65 g/L (maximum) of fixed biomass to the system, thus reducing the suspended biomass, and has decreased the membrane cleaning cycle remarkably. The operation performance at the sludge recycle rate 0, 100%, 200% and 300% showed that, the trans-membrane pressure of flat panel membrane declined sharply with the increase of sludge recycling rate within a certain range, and 200% was decided to be optimal for in the membrane bioreactor system. EPS concentration in each sludge recycling rate was 135 mg/L, 92 mg/L, 68 mg/L and 55 mg/L respectively. The addition of anoxic and anaerobic zones degraded some large molecular organic compounds, which facilitated the biodegradation and removal of organic substances in aerobic zone. The modified dosage of polished diatomite has played a major important role for both preventing of membrane from fouling and its much easier cleaning when it formed.

Association constants of Pb2+ with binding sites of fungal biomass using metal-based titrations

Biosorption is perceived as an alternative method for toxic heavy metal removal/recovery from aqueous effluents. This work focused on derivation of some key quantitative physico-chemical characteristics of a representative biosorbent material required for its further effective exploitation. The newly developed acid-base and metal-based titrator allowed the characterization of the chemisorption active sites of Rhizopus arrhizus biomass and the study of their metal affinity. This experimental approach, combined with an analytical method consisting of transforming the initial data enabled the calculation of the number and capacity of the reactive sites (Qads) and the metal affinity constants (Km) for lead sorption by R. arrhizus biomass. The pKm values for Rhizopus biomass varied between -3 and -6 for sites releasing no protons, -1 and 1 for sites releasing one proton, and > 8 for sites releasing two protons - combined with the Pb precipitation phenomenon. At low temperatures, the active binding site number was lower at lower lead concentrations whereas the precipitation was promoted at higher lead concentration values. Lead adsorption contributed modestly (11%) to its overall uptake and occurred at low lead concentrations onto strong and medium affinity binding sites. Micro-precipitation quickly commenced around active binding sites distinguished by their weak affinity whenever the solution lead concentrations reached 10(-6) or 10(-5) M and represented more than 85% of the total sorbed metal quantity. The work also demonstrated the usefulnes of the methodology reported here for characterizing complex biosorbent materials.

In vitro assessment of a chemically synthesized Shiga toxin receptor analog attached to chromosorb P (Synsorb Pk) as a specific absorbing agent of Shiga toxin 1 and 2

A synthetic analog of Shiga toxin (Stx) receptor (Synsorb Pk) was quantitatively assessed to determine whether it can protect human renal adenocarcinoma cells (ACHN cells) from the cytotoxicity of Stx1 and Stx2 by coincubation experiments. Coincubation of 100 and 20 ng of Stxl and Stx2 with 50 mg of Synsorb Pk for 1 hr at 37 C in 1 ml of Eagle's Minimum Essential Medium supplemented with 1% (v/v) non-essential amino acid and 10% (v/v) fetal calf serum protected 50% of the cells from the cytotoxic effect. Chromosorb P, an inert matrix control, did not absorb the Stxs at all. Heat-treatment (boiled for 10 min) to Synsorb Pk caused a 50% decrease in Stx2-binding activity, but did not effect the Stx1 binding. Further, Stxs bound to Synsorb Pk could be demonstrated. When 20 mg of Synsorb Pk was coincubated for 30 min at 37 C in 1 ml of phosphate-buffered saline with 1 and 10 ng or more of Stx1 or Stx2, respectively, the toxins could be detected on the surface when the bound toxins on Synsorb Pk were used as the solid phase in enzyme immunoassay. The amount of 100 ng/ml of both Stxl and Stx2 appeared to saturate 20 mg/ml of Synsorb Pk after coincubating for 30 min at 37 C. While assessing the Stxs' binding activity to Synsorb Pk, it was demonstrated that Stxl had a higher affinity to Pk trisaccharide than Stx2. These observations provide useful information on the effectiveness of Synsorb Pk to trap and eliminate free Stxs produced in the gut of patients infected by Stx-producing Escherichia coli, and to prevent the progression of hemorrhagic colitis to hemolytic uremic syndrome.

Colonization by diatoms and antirheumatic activity of thermal mud

We have identified diatoms among other thermophilic microorganisms as the main agents for the colonization of thermal mud resulting in a 'maturation' which renders the mud suitable to be used for mud-pack treatment of osteoarthrosis patients. The main effects of the diatom growth are the progressive enrichment of mud extracts in chlorophyll a parallel to the building up of a sulfoglycolipid endowed with an anti-inflammatory action. The sulfoglycolipid was also produced by diatoms isolated from the mud and cultivated in vitro.

A phase I study of chemically synthesized verotoxin (Shiga-like toxin) Pk-trisaccharide receptors attached to chromosorb for preventing hemolytic-uremic syndrome

A double-blind, placebo-controlled study was conducted to document possible side effects associated with oral consumption of synthetic verotoxin (VT, shiga-like toxin) Pk-trisaccharide receptor sequences attached to Chromosorb (Synsorb-Pk) by healthy adult volunteers. Synsorb-Pk reclaimed from volunteer stool samples was also analyzed to determine if its VT-binding activity was affected by exposure to the pH extremes and digestive processes of the human gastrointestinal tract. No participant reported any Synsorb-Pk-related adverse reactions, and no clinically important trends in laboratory data were evident. Synsorb-Pk recovered from stools retained its ability to absorb VT in polymyxin extracts of VT-producing Escherichia coli and also neutralized VT when mixed in vitro with VT-positive stools from children with hemorrhagic colitis or hemolytic-uremic syndrome (HUS). These results suggest a potential use for Synsorb-Pk in preventing HUS in patients infected with VT-producing E. coli.

The pH dependence of the binding of pro-urokinase to fibrin/celite

A re-examination of the affinity of pro-urokinase (pro-UK), HMW and LMW-urokinase (UK) to fibrin/Celite was undertaken in order to explain how the chance purification of pro-UK from freshly voided urine by fibrin/Celite affinity chromatography may be reconciled with the subsequent observations that pro-UK failed to bind significantly to fibrin clots in plasma. A significant pH dependence of pro-UK binding to fibrin/Celite was found. Substantial binding of pro-UK (native or recombinant from E. coli), but not of the two-chains forms, was seen at about pH 6.5, which is in the normal pH range of pooled, freshly voided urine. By contrast, at pH 7.4 fibrin binding of pro-UK was much reduced, though it was still significantly greater than that of HMW or LMW-UK. This finding helps to explain the fibrin-binding of pro-UK in freshly voided urine but not in blood. In order to determine if this pH dependence was the sole explanation for why pro-UK could not be isolated by this method from stored urine, the stability of pro-UK in urine was evaluated by incubating 125I-labeled pro-UK in urine. Incubation for up to 4 days (37 degrees C) was not accompanied by any degradation of the single-chain pro-UK as evidenced by autoradiography under reducing conditions. It was concluded that the alkaline shift in pH which occurs in urine left standing, rather than the degradation of pro-UK, explained why freshly voided urine was found to be essential. Clot lysis studies at pH 6.5 and 7.4 showed no promotion of fibrinolysis at the pH which favored fibrin/Celite binding. Therefore, while the present study defines the conditions under which pro-UK may be purified from urine by fibrin/Celite chromatography, it provides no evidence that this binding phenomenon plays any role in fibrinolysis.