Adsorption of cobalt from aqueous solutions onto sepiolite

Adsorption of Co(II) ions from aqueous sepiolite suspensions has been systematically investigated as a function of several variables including activation conditions, solid to liquid ratio, pH and temperature. The results are analyzed to identify the mechanism of cobalt uptake by sepiolite. Both abstraction and real adsorption isotherms were constructed to isolate the precipitation of cobalt from the real adsorption. Also, for the first time a plausible correlation between the released Mg(II) ions from sepiolite matrix and those adsorbed Co(II) ions is made. A one to one ion exchange mechanism is found to describe the results. The data obtained from adsorption isotherms at different temperatures were fitted to various adsorption models to calculate thermodynamic quantities such as the free energy of adsorption, heat of adsorption and entropy of adsorption. The thermodynamic data indicate that Co(II) adsorption onto sepiolite is entropically driven and characterized by physical adsorption.

An infrared spectral match between GEMS and interstellar grains

Infrared spectral properties of silicate grains in interplanetary dust particles (IDPs) were compared with those of astronomical silicates. The approximately 10-micrometer silicon-oxygen stretch bands of IDPs containing enstatite (MgSiO3), forsterite (Mg2SiO4), and glass with embedded metal and sulfides (GEMS) exhibit fine structure and bandwidths similar to those of solar system comets and some pre-main sequence Herbig Ae/Be stars. Some GEMS exhibit a broad, featureless silicon-oxygen stretch band similar to those observed in interstellar molecular clouds and young stellar objects. These GEMS provide a spectral match to astronomical "amorphous" silicates, one of the fundamental building blocks from which the solar system is presumed to have formed.

The removal of chromium (VI) and lead (II) from groundwater using sepiolite-supported nanoscale zero-valent iron (S-NZVI)

In this study, the synthesis and characterization of sepiolite-supported nanoscale zero-valent iron particles (S-NZVI) was investigated for the adsorption/reduction of Cr(VI) and Pb(II) ions. Nanoscale zero-valent iron (NZVI) supported on sepiolite was successfully used to remove Cr(VI) and Pb(II) from groundwater with high efficiency. The removal mechanism was proposed as a two-step interaction including both the physical adsorption of Cr(VI) and Pb(II) on the surface or inner layers of the sepiolite-supported NZVI particles and the subsequent reduction of Cr(VI) to Cr(III) and Pb(II) to Pb(0) by NZVI. The immobilization of the NZVI particles on the surface of sepiolite could help to overcome the disadvantage of NZVI particles, which have strong tendency to agglomerate into larger particles, resulting in an adverse effect on both the effective surface area and reaction performance. The techniques of XRD, XPS, BET, Zeta potential, and TEM were used to characterize the S-NZVI and interaction between S-NZVI and heavy metals. The appropriate S-NZVI dosage was 1.6 g L(-1). The removal efficiency of Cr(VI) and Pb(II) by S-NZVI was not affected to any considerable extent by the presence of co-existing ions, such as H2PO4(-), SiO3(2-), Ca(2+) and HCO3(-). The Cr(VI) and Pb(II) removal kinetics followed a pseudo-first-order rate expression, and both Langmuir isotherm model and Freundlich isotherm model were proposed. The results suggested that supporting NZVI on sepiolite had the potential to become a promising technique for in situ heavy metal-contaminated groundwater remediation.

Nitrate removal from aqueous solution by adsorption onto various materials

In this study sepiolite, sepiolite activated by HCl, slag and powdered activated carbon were used as adsorbent with a particle size was between 71 and 80 microm (200-170 mesh). NaNO3 solution (100 mg/l) was used in batch adsorption experiments for nitrate removal. First kinetic studies were carried out and it was determined that slag was not effective for nitrate removal, then contact time, pH and adsorbent dosage effects on nitrate removal by adsorption were investigated using other adsorbents except slag. The equilibrium time was found to be 30, 45, 5 min for sepiolite, powdered activated carbon and activated sepiolite, respectively. The most effective pH value for nitrate removal was 2 for powdered activated carbon. pH value did not affect nitrate removal significantly for other adsorbents. Adsorbent dosages were varied from 5 to 20 g/l solutions. An increase in adsorbent dosage increased the percent removal of nitrate. A series of isotherm studies were undertaken and the data evaluated for compliance with the Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models. To investigate the adsorption mechanisms, three simplified kinetic models, i.e., first-, second-order and intraparticle diffusion were tested. Adsorption followed second-order rate kinetics. The correlation coefficients for second order kinetic model are greater than 0.996. Experimental data show that sepiolite activated by HCl was effective for nitrate removal.

Adsorption of Acid Red 57 from aqueous solutions onto surfactant-modified sepiolite

The adsorption of Acid Red 57 (AR57) onto surfactant-modified sepiolite was investigated in aqueous solution in a batch system with respect to contact time, pH and temperature. The surface modification of surfactant-modified sepiolite was controlled using the FTIR technique. The pseudo-first-order, pseudo-second-order kinetic models and the intraparticle diffusion model were used to describe the kinetic data and the rate constants were evaluated. The experimental data fitted very well the pseudo-second-order kinetic model and also followed the intraparticle diffusion model up to 90 min, whereas diffusion is not only the rate controlling step. The Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption models were applied to describe the equilibrium isotherms and the isotherm constants were also determined. The Freundlich model agrees with experimental data well. The activation energy, change of free energy, enthalpy and entropy of adsorption were also evaluated for the adsorption of AR57 onto surfactant-modified sepiolite. The results indicate that surfactant-modified sepiolite could be employed as low-cost material for the removal of textile dyes from effluents.

Highly effective adsorption of heavy metal ions by a thiol-functionalized magnesium phyllosilicate clay

A thiol-functionalized layered magnesium phyllosilicate material (called Mg-MTMS), prepared by a direct and cost-effective co-condensation synthesis, has been investigated as a high-capacity adsorbent for heavy metal ions. Structural characterization by powder X-ray diffraction, infrared spectroscopy, solid-state 13C and 29Si NMR spectroscopies, and elemental analyses confirms the smectite-type structure and the high organic moiety content of this material. Mg-MTMS was found to be highly effective for the adsorption of Hg(II), Pb(II), and Cd(II) ions, exhibiting unprecedented metal ion uptake capacities of 603, 365, and 210 mg of metal/g of adsorbent, respectively. Mg-MTMS shows an equivalent affinity for the three metal ions, removing them from mixed metal solutions with an equal ion uptake capacity (approximately 400 mg of metal/g of adsorbent). Metal-loaded Mg-MTMS can be regenerated by acid treatment without altering the adsorbent properties. The high effectiveness of Mg-MTMS for the capture of metal ions is attributed to both the high concentration of complexing thiol groups (6.4 mmol of SH/g of Mg-MTMS) and the expansion capability of the framework, which facilitates the accessibility of the binding sites.

Sorption of acid red 57 from aqueous solution onto sepiolite

Sepiolite, a highly porous mineral, is becoming widely used as an alternative material in areas where sorptive, catalytic and rheological applications are required. High ion exchange capacity and high surface area and more importantly its relatively cheap price make it an attractive adsorbent. In this study, the adsorption of acid red 57 by natural mesoporous sepiolite has been examined in order to measure the ability of this mineral to remove coloured textile dyes from wastewater. For this purpose, a series of batch adsorption tests of acid red 57 from aqueous sepiolite solutions have been systematically investigated as a function of parameters such as pH, ionic strength and temperature. Adsorption equilibrium was reached within 1h. The removal of acid red 57 decreases with pH from 3 to 9 and temperature from 25 to 55 degrees C, whereas it increases with ionic strength from 0 to 0.5 mol L(-1). Adsorption isotherms of acid red on sepiolite were determined and correlated with common isotherm equations such as Langmuir and Freundlich models. It was found that the Langmuir model appears to fit the isotherm data better than the Freundlich model. The physical properties of this adsorbent were consistent with the parameters obtained from the isotherm equations. Approximately, 21.49% weight loss was observed. The surface area value of sepiolite was 342 m2 g(-1) at 105 degrees C, and it increased to 357 m2 g(-1) at 200 degrees C. Further increase in temperature caused channel plugging and crystal structure deformation, as a result the surface area values showed a decrease with temperature. The data obtained from adsorption isotherms at different temperatures have been used to calculate some thermodynamic quantities such as the Gibbs energy, heat and entropy of adsorption. The thermodynamic data indicate that acid red 57 adsorption onto sepiolite is characterized by physical adsorption. The dimensionless separation factor (RL) have shown that sepiolite can be used for removal of acid red 57 from aqueous solutions. The sorption capacity of the sepiolite is comparable to the other available adsorbents, and it is quite cheaper.

Preparation and characterisation of silicone-based coatings filled with carbon nanotubes and natural sepiolite and their application as marine fouling-release coatings

This article reports on the preparation and partial characterisation of silicone-based coatings filled with low levels of either synthetic multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) or natural sepiolite (NS). The antifouling and fouling-release properties of these coatings were explored through laboratory assays involving representative soft-fouling (Ulva) and hard-fouling (Balanus) organisms. The bulk mechanical properties of the coatings appeared unchanged by the addition of low amounts of filler, in contrast to the surface properties, which were modified on exposure to water. The release of Ulva sporelings (young plants) was improved by the addition of low amounts of both NS and MWCNTs. The most profound effect recorded was the significant reduction of adhesion strength of adult barnacles growing on a silicone elastomer containing a small amount (0.05%) of MWCNTs. All the data indicate that independent of the bulk properties, the surface properties affect settlement, and more particularly, the fouling-release behaviour, of the filled materials.

Evaluation of the effectiveness of sepiolite, bentonite, and phosphate amendments on the stabilization remediation of cadmium-contaminated soils

A pot trial was conducted to assess the effectiveness of sepiolite, bentonite, and phosphate on the immobilization remediation of cadmium (Cd)-contaminated soils using a set of variables, namely, physiological traits, sequential extraction procedure, plant growth and Cd concentration, and soil enzymatic activities and microbial population. Results showed that superoxide dismutase and peroxidase activities in the leaves of Oryza sativa L. and catalase activities in soils were stimulated after applying the amendments. However, soluble protein contents in leaves and urease and invertase activities in soils were reduced from 7.1% to 31.7%, 1.0%-23.3%, and 21.1%-62.5%, respectively, compared with the control. Results of the sequence extraction procedures revealed that the exchangeable fraction of Cd in soils was mostly converted into carbonated-associated forms. The water soluble plus exchangeable fraction (SE) of Cd in soil decreased when treated with single and compound materials of sepiolite, bentonite and phosphate, which resulted in 13.2%-69.2% reduction compared with that of CK (control test). The amendments led to decreased Cd concentrations in roots, stems, leaves, brown rice, and rice hull by 16.2%-54.5%, 16.6%-42.8%, 19.6%-59.6%, 5.0%-68.2%, and 6.2%-20.4%, respectively. Higher bacterial and actinomycete amount indicated that remediation measures improved soil environmental quality. Composite amendments could be more efficiently used for the stabilization remediation of Cd contaminated soils with low Cd uptake and translocation in the plants and available contents of Cd in soil.

Anharmonic force constants extracted from first-principles molecular dynamics: applications to heat transfer simulations

A systematic method to calculate anharmonic force constants of crystals is presented. The method employs the direct-method approach, where anharmonic force constants are extracted from the trajectory of first-principles molecular dynamics simulations at high temperature. The method is applied to Si where accurate cubic and quartic force constants are obtained. We observe that higher-order correction is crucial to obtain accurate force constants from the trajectory with large atomic displacements. The calculated harmonic and anharmonic force constants are, then, combined with the Boltzmann transport equation (BTE) and non-equilibrium molecular dynamics (NEMD) methods in calculating the thermal conductivity. The BTE approach successfully predicts the lattice thermal conductivity of bulk Si, whereas NEMD shows considerable underestimates. To evaluate the linear extrapolation method employed in NEMD to estimate bulk values, we analyze the size dependence in NEMD based on BTE calculations. We observe strong nonlinearity in the size dependence of NEMD in Si, which can be ascribed to acoustic phonons having long mean-free-paths and carrying considerable heat. Subsequently, we also apply the whole method to a thermoelectric material Mg2Si and demonstrate the reliability of the NEMD method for systems with low thermal conductivities.

Recent advances in ceramics for dentistry

For the last ten years, the application of high-technology processes to dental ceramics allowed for the development of new materials such as heat-pressed, injection-molded, and slip-cast ceramics and glass-ceramics. The purpose of the present paper is to review advances in new materials and processes available for making all-ceramic dental restorations. Concepts on the structure and strengthening mechanisms of dental ceramics are provided. Major developments in materials for all-ceramic restorations are addressed. These advances include improved processing techniques and greater mechanical properties. An overview of the processing techniques available for all-ceramic materials is given, including sintering, casting, machining, slip-casting, and heat-pressing. The most recent ceramic materials are reviewed with respect to their principal crystalline phases, including leucite, alumina, forsterite, zirconia, mica, hydroxyapatite, lithium disilicate, sanidine, and spinel. Finally, a summary of flexural strength data available for all-ceramic materials is included.

Reliability and stability of immobilization remediation of Cd polluted soils using sepiolite under pot and field trials

Long-term effectiveness and persistence are two important criterias to evaluate alternative remediation technology of heavy metal polluted soils. Pot and field studies showed addition of sepiolite was effective in immobilizing Cd in polluted soils, with significant reduction in TCLP extracts (0.6%-49.6% and 4.0%-32.5% reduction in pot and field experiments, respectively) and plant uptake (14.4%-84.1% and 22.8%-61.4% declines in pot and field studies, correspondingly). However, the applications of sepiolite offered a limited guarantee for the safety of edible vegetables in Cd-polluted soils, depending on the soil type, the Cd pollution type and level, and the dose and application frequency of chemical amendments. Bioassays, such as plant growth, soil enzymatic activities and microbial community diversity, indicated a certain degree of recovery of soil metabolic function. Therefore, sepiolite-assisted in situ remediation is cost-effective, environmentally friendly, and technically applicable, and can be successfully used to reduce Cd enter into the food chain on field scale.

Adsorption of Acid Blue 193 from aqueous solutions onto DEDMA-sepiolite

The adsorption of Acid Blue 193 (AB193) onto dodecylethyldimethylammonium (DEDMA)-sepiolite was investigated in aqueous solution in a batch system with respect to contact time, pH and temperature. The surface modification of DEDMA-sepiolite was examined by the FT-IR technique. The pseudo-first-order, pseudo-second-order kinetic models and the intraparticle diffusion model were used to describe the kinetic data and the rate constants were evaluated. The experimental data fitted very well with the pseudo-second-order kinetic model and also followed the simple external diffusion model up to initial 10 min and then by intraparticle diffusion model up to 75 min, whereas diffusion is not only the rate-controlling step. The adsorption capacities of natural sepiolite and DEDMA-sepiolite at pH 1.5 and 20 degrees C were (1.19 and 2.57) x 10(-4) mol g(-1), respectively. The above results indicate that DEDMA-sepiolite has around two times higher adsorption capacity than natural sepiolite. The Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption models were applied to describe the equilibrium isotherms and the isotherm constants were also determined. The Freundlich model agrees with experimental data well. The activation energy, change of Gibbs free energy, enthalpy and entropy of adsorption were also evaluated for the adsorption of AB193 onto DEDMA-sepiolite.

Influence of clay mineral structure and surfactant nature on the adsorption capacity of surfactants by clays

Adsorption of three surfactants of different nature, Triton X-100 (TX100) (non-ionic), sodium dodecylsulphate (SDS) (anionic) and octadecyltrimethylammonium bromide (ODTMA) (cationic) by four layered (montmorillonite, illite, muscovite and kaolinite) and two non-layered (sepiolite and palygorskite) clay minerals was studied. The objective was to improve the understanding of surfactant behaviour in soils for the possible use of these compounds in remediation technologies of contaminated soils by toxic organic compounds. Adsorption isotherms were obtained using surfactant concentrations higher and lower than the critical micelle concentration (cmc). These isotherms showed different adsorption stages of the surfactants by the clay minerals, and were classified in different subgroups of the L-, S- or H-types. An increase in the adsorption of SDS and ODTMA by all clay minerals is observed up to the cmc of the surfactant in the equilibrium solution is reached. However, there was further TX100 adsorption when the equilibrium concentration was well above the cmc. Adsorption constants from Langmuir and Freundlich equations (TX100 and ODTMA) or Freundlich equation (SDS) were used to compare adsorption of different surfactants by clay minerals studied. These constants indicated the surfactant adsorption by clay minerals followed this order ODTMA>TX100>>SDS. The adsorption of TX100 and ODTMA was higher by montmorillonite and illite, and the adsorption of SDS was found to be higher by kaolinite and sepiolite. Results obtained show the influence of clay mineral structure and surfactant nature on the adsorption capacity of surfactants by clays, and they indicate the interest to consider the soil mineralogical composition when one surfactant have to be selected in order to establish more efficient strategies for the remediation of soils and water contaminated by toxic organic pollutants.

A three-year in-situ study on the persistence of a combined amendment (limestone+sepiolite) for remedying paddy soil polluted with heavy metals

In order to study the persistence of a combined amendment (LS, limestone+sepiolite) for remedying paddy soil polluted with the heavy metals Pb and Cd, a three-year in-situ experiment was conducted in a paddy soil near a mining area in southern Hunan, China. LS was applied at rates of 0, 2, 4, and 8g/kg (w/w); rice was subsequently planted for the three consecutive years of 2012 (first season), 2013 (second season), and 2014 (third season). Experimental results indicated that LS significantly increased soil pH values for all three seasons, and the enhancement ranked as follows: first season>second season>third season. Under the experimental conditions, the effect of LS on decreasing exchangeable concentrations of soil Pb and Cd was as follows: first season (97.6-99.8% for Pb and 88.3-98.9% for Cd)>second season (80.7-97.7% for Pb and 28.3-88.0% for Cd)>third season (32.6-97.7% for Pb and 8.3-71.4% for Cd); the effect of LS on reducing Pb concentrations in brown rice was: first season (73.5-81.2%)>third season (29.6-68.1%)>second season (0-9.7%), and that for reducing Cd concentrations in brown rice was third season (72.7-81.0%)>first season (56.1-66.8%)>second season (20.9-32.3%). For all three seasons, the effect of LS on reducing Cd content in brown rice was better than that for Pb. The highest translocation factors for Pb and Cd were from rice straw to husk, implying that the husk of rice plants was the main organ in which heavy metals accumulated. The effect of LS for decreasing soil exchangeable Cd content was relatively persistent, but that for Pb gradually decreased with time, implying that LS was more suitable for the long-term remediation of Cd-polluted soil than Pb-polluted soil.

Adsorption mechanism of cationic surfactants onto acid- and heat-activated sepiolites

Systematic adsorption tests were carried out to determine the uptake of typical quaternary amines, dodecyltrimethylammonium bromide and hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide and a primary amine, dodecylamine hydrochloride by sepiolite. Bottle adsorption tests conducted with untreated, acid- and heat-activated sepiolites exhibit two distinct regions. The first stage is characterized by low rate and governed through an ion exchange process between ammonium ions and magnesium ions in the octahedral sheet. The second stage is ascribed to a combination of chain-chain interactions through Van der Waals forces and ion exchange process. Despite several-fold increases in surface areas upon activation, surprisingly no improvement in adsorption is observed. The observed differences are explained on the basis of partial collapse of the sepiolite crystal structure, the removal of zeolitic and bound waters and modification of the pore size distribution of sepiolite upon treatments.

Synthesis and degradation of nucleic Acid components by formamide and cosmic dust analogues

We show the unprecedented one-pot synthesis of a large suite of pyrimidines (including cytosine and uracil) and purines from formamide in the presence of cosmic-dust analogues (CDAs) of olivines. Since the major problem in the origin of informational macromolecules is the instability of their precursors, we also investigate the stabilizing effect of CDAs on the intrinsic instability of oligonucleotides in formamide.

Elastic constants, Vickers hardness, and fracture toughness of fluorrichterite-based glass–ceramics

OBJECTIVES

To determine the elastic constants, Vickers hardness, and indentation fracture toughness of fluorrichterite glass-ceramics in the system SiO2-MgO-CaO-Na2O-K2O-F.

METHODS

Five glass compositions were prepared with increasing sodium content. The compositions were melted at 1400 degrees C for 2 h and cast into 60 x 12 mm rods. Discs (1.5 x 12 mm) were cut from the glass rods, nucleated in the temperature range 600-650 degrees C for 1 h and crystallized at 900 degrees C for 0.5 h. The density of the glass-ceramics was measured by Archimedes' method. The elastic constants were determined by standard ultrasonic velocity technique. The fracture toughness was evaluated by the indentation technique. The indentation crack patterns and microstructure were investigated by scanning electron microscopy. The crystalline phases were identified by X-ray diffraction. A commercially available lithium disilicate glass-ceramic served as control.

RESULTS

The fluorrichterite glass-ceramics containing 3.8 and 5.6 wt% sodium had the lowest mean fracture toughness. The glass ceramic containing 1.9 wt% sodium and the control material had the highest mean fracture toughness. The values obtained for these two materials (2.26 +/- 0.15 MPa m0.5 and 2.29 +/- 0.31 MPa m0.5, respectively), were not significantly different (p = 0.997). There was no linear relationship between the amount of sodium present in the glass-ceramic composition and the mean fracture toughness. The fluorrichterite glass ceramics exhibited a dual microstructure consisting of both fluorrichterite and mica crystals.

SIGNIFICANCE

Higher fracture toughness appeared to be associated with a higher density of fluorrichterite crystals.

Surface modification of sepiolite with quaternary amines

This study was aimed at elucidating the mechanism of adsorption of quaternary amines, stearyldimethylbenzylammoniumchloride (SDBAC), as monomers and as micelles, distearyldimethylammoniumchloride (DDAC) and hexadecyltrimethylammoniumchloride (HTAC), on the surface of sepiolite. The adsorption capacity for these surfactants onto sepiolite, calculated by fitting the experimental data to the Langmuir-Freundlich equation, were 324% (SDBAC), 278% (DDAC), and 258% (HTAC) of the cation exchange capacity of sepiolite. The Mg(2+) ions released during the exchange process were higher than the CEC value of sepiolite because of the simultaneous dissolution of the present minerals. The water adsorption decreased with the increasing surfactant loading up to 250 mmol/kg of sepiolite, which can be ascribed to an intensification of the hydrophobic properties. With loadings above 250 mmol/kg, the water adsorption increases. Simple kinetic analysis of SDBAC adsorption was performed. The properties and the type of bonding between the surfactants and sepiolite were investigated by DT, TG, and DTG analysis. During the gradual heating in oxidizing atmosphere, the adsorbed organic material is oxidized giving rise to significant exothermic peaks. The exothermic peak temperatures in the range 200-500 degrees C depended on the surfactant loadings and provided evidence of the formation of multilayers on the sepiolite surface.

Application of gas chromatography-triple quadrupole mass spectrometry in the quantification-confirmation of pesticides and polychlorinated biphenyls in eggs at trace levels

A new multiresidue method has been developed and validated for the simultaneous analysis of 57 compounds, including organochlorine and organophosphorus pesticide residues (OCPs and OPPs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), in eggs at trace levels by gas chromatography coupled to triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (GC-QqQ-MS/MS). Egg samples were extracted by a simple and fast matrix solid phase dispersion (MSPD) procedure using C18 as sorbent, and ethyl acetate and acetonitrile saturated in n-hexane (85:15, v/v) as elution solvent with a simultaneous clean up with Florisil in-line. The QqQ analyzer acquired data in selected reaction monitoring (SRM) mode, permitting both quantification and confirmation in a single injection with a running time reduced up to 17.70 min. Recovery was in the range of 70-110% and 70-106% at 15 and 50 microg/kg, respectively. Precision values expressed as relative standard deviation (RSD) were lower than 20%. Linearity in the range of 10-150 microg/kg provided determination coefficients (R(2)) higher than 0.98 for all compounds. Limits of detection (LODs) for pesticides were < or =2.25 microg/kg and limits of quantification (LOQs) ranged from 0.02 to 7.78 microg/kg. LODs for PCBs were < or =0.41 microg/kg and LOQ were < or =0.71 microg/kg. The method was applied to real samples. Endosulfan sulphate and p,p'-DDE were found in two samples at concentrations below the first calibration level.

pH-independent drug release of an extremely poorly soluble weakly acidic drug from multiparticulate extended release formulations

Extended release mini matrix tablets for 8-Prenylnaringenin (8-PN), an extremely poorly soluble weakly acidic drug, were developed by using polyvinylacetate/polyvinylpyrrolidone as matrix former. Mini matrix tablets were manufactured by direct compression or wet granulation technique. With conventional modified release formulations, the drug demonstrated pH-dependent release due to pH-dependent solubility of the drug substance (i.e., increasing solubility at higher pH-values). In order to achieve pH-independent drug release two classes of pH-modifying agents (water-soluble vs. water-insoluble) were studied with respect to their effect on the dissolution of 8-PN. Addition of water-soluble salts of weak acids (sodium carbonate and sodium citrate) failed in order to achieve pH-independent 8-PN release. In contrast, addition of water insoluble salts of a strong base (magnesium hydroxide and magnesium oxide) was found to maintain high pH-values within the mini matrix tablets during release of 8-PN at pH 1 over a period of 10 h. The micro-environmental conditions for the dissolution of the weakly acidic drug were kept almost constant, thus resulting in pH-independent drug release. Compound release from mini matrix tablets prepared by wet granulation was faster compared to the drug release from tablets prepared by direct compression.

The zeta potential of mineral fibres

For the first time, the zeta (ξ) potential of pathogenic mineral fibres (chrysotiles, amphiboles and erionite) was systematically investigated to shed light on the relationship between surface reactivity and fibre pathogenicity. A general model explaining the zeta potential of chrysotile, amphiboles and erionite has been postulated. In double distilled water, chrysotiles showed positive values while crocidolite and erionite showed negative values. In contact with organic solutions, all fibres exhibited negative values of zeta potential. The decrease of the surface potential is deemed to be a defensive chemical response of the macrophage cells to minimize hemolytic damage. Negatively charged surfaces favour the binding of collagen and redox activated Fe-rich proteins, to form the so-called asbestos bodies and prompt the formation of HO via the reaction with peroxide (H2O2+e(-)→HO+HO(-)). An additional mechanism accounting for higher carcinogenicity is possibly related to the Ca(2+) sequestration by the fibres with surface negative potential, impairing the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway. It was also found that with a negative zeta potential, the attractive forces prevailed over repulsions and favoured processes such as agglomeration responsible of a tumorigenic chronic inflammation.

Kinetic and equilibrium studies in removing lead ions from aqueous solutions by natural sepiolite

The capacity of sepiolite for the removal of lead ions from aqueous solution was investigated under different experimental conditions. The Langmuir and Freundlich equations, which are in common use for describing sorption equilibrium for wastewater-treatment applications, were applied to data. The constants and correlation coefficients of these isotherm models for the present system at different conditions such as pH, temperature and particle size were calculated and compared. The equilibrium process was well described by the Langmuir isotherm model and the maximum sorption capacity was found to be 93.4 mg/g for the optimal experimental condition. The thermodynamic parameters (DeltaG(o), DeltaH(o) and DeltaS(o)) for lead sorption on the sepiolite were also determined from the temperature dependence. The influences of specific parameters such as the agitation speed, particle size and initial concentration for the kinetic studies were also examined. The sorption kinetics were tested for first order reversible, pseudo-first order and pseudo-second order reaction and the rate constants of kinetic models were calculated. The best correlation coefficients were obtained using the pseudo-second order kinetic model, indicating that lead uptake process followed the pseudo-second order rate expression.

Contribution of cobalt ion precipitation to adsorption in ion exchange dominant systems

Contribution of metal ion precipitation to the adsorption of Co2+ ions from aqueous solutions onto sepiolite has been analyzed as a function of pH. Abstraction and precipitation isotherms are constructed to isolate the precipitation of cobalt from the real adsorption. The contribution of all cobalt species against pH is calculated from the available solubility products or acid constants. It is found that at pH 8.2, which is the onset of cobalt hydroxide precipitation, the distribution of adsorbed cobalt species is as follows: 92% Co2+, 7% CoOH+ and 1% Co(OH)2. The experimental values are in accord with the calculated uptake of cobalt species onto sepiolite. Adsorption of cobalt ions onto sepiolite before precipitation of cobalt is governed by ion exchange between the released Mg2+ ions from sepiolite matrix and those adsorbed Co2+ ions; this behavior differs from typical oxide (titanium dioxide) and silicate (quartz) minerals. However, adsorption of cobalt onto the same materials including sepiolite follows the same trend after the region of cobalt precipitation despite distinct differences in their charge profiles.

Phosphate removal from wastewaters by a naturally occurring, calcium-rich sepiolite

Developing an easily handled and cost-effective phosphate absorbent is crucial for the control of water eutrophication. In this study, a naturally occurring, calcium-rich sepiolite (NOCS) was evaluated for its feasibility as a phosphate absorbent candidate. Batch studies showed that phosphate sorption on NOCS followed a stepwise isotherm for concentrations between 5 and 1000 mg P/l, and the phosphate sorption was fitted well by the Freundlich equation. The estimated maximum phosphorus sorption capacity was 32.0 mg P/g, which was quite high compared with other natural materials and was comparable to some efficient manmade P absorbents. The NOCS sorption kinetics followed a pseudo-first-order model with an R(2) value of 0.999. The adsorption of phosphate was highly pH dependent. Phosphate adsorption decreased moderately with increasing pH values from 3.0 to 6.0, and it decreased sharply in alkaline conditions. Ionic strength, sulfate, nitrate and chloride anions had no effects on the phosphate removal capacity of NOCS, but fluoride and bicarbonate anions exerted large effects. Phosphorus fractionation indicated that phosphate removed from the solution was primarily formed as a calcium-bound phosphorus precipitation, which was further confirmed by SEM-EDS analysis. Moreover, phosphate was barely (<1.5%) desorbed from the phosphorus-adsorbed sepiolite regardless of pH value.