Praseodymium and warming interactions in mussels: Comparison between observed and predicted results

Being a crucial element for technological development, praseodymium (Pr) has been increasingly used, leading to a rise in its concentration in aquatic systems. However, its potential threats to organisms remain poorly understood. Besides contamination, organisms are also threatened by climate change-related factors, including warming. It is important to evaluate how climate change-related factors may influence the effects of contaminants. To address this, histopathological and biochemical analyses were performed in adult mussels of Mytilus galloprovincialis, following a 28-day exposure to Pr (10 μg/L) and warming (4 °C increase) separately, and in combination. Additionally, biochemical and physiological alterations were analysed in the sperm of mussels after 30-min exposure to the same treatments. Furthermore, it was used the Independent Action model to predict the interaction between Pr and warming. The results showed, in the case of adults, an increase in superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) activities. However, it was insufficient, leading to histopathological injuries, redox imbalance, and cellular damage. In the case of sperm, Pr induced an increase of mitochondrial activity and respiration rate, in response to the increase in systemic metabolic rate and oxygen demand. Warming increased the metabolism, and induced redox imbalance and cellular damage in adults. In sperm, warming induced lipid peroxidation and a decrease in velocity. Warming induced some alterations in how adult mussels responded to Pr, activating catalase instead of SOD, and in addition to GSTs, also activated carboxylesterases. However, it was not enough to avoid redox imbalance and cellular damage. In the case of sperm, the combination induced a decrease in H2O2 production, and higher oxygen demand, which prevented the decrease in motility and velocity. This study highlights the limitations of using models and emphasizes the importance of studying the impacts of emerging contaminants, such as rare earth elements, and their combination with climate change-related factors. Under environmental conditions, chronic exposure to the combined effect of different stressors might generate impacts at higher biological levels. This may affect organisms' respiratory and filtration capacity, nutrient absorption, defence capacity against infections or diseases, and sperm viability, ultimately resulting in reduced growth and reproduction, with consequences at the population level.

Optimizing the White Light Emission of Pr3+ Activated SrCeO3 Perovskite by Controlling the Excitation Wavelength for High CRI wLED Applications

The current research illustrates excitation energy-triggered photoluminescent characteristics of Pr3+ions in SrCeO3 providing a practical approach for developing high CRI wLED and its applications. SrCeO3: xPr3+ (x = 0, 0.005, 0.01, 0.02, 0.03 wt) perovskites synthesized by fuel excess gel combustion method generate high CRI (~98) for wLED applications. Crystalline phosphors with orthorhombic structures having space group Pnma were confirmed by XRD. The unit cell volume expansion occurred with an increase in Pr3+ concentration was verified through the Rietveld refinement technique. Surface morphology, particle distribution, and size were observed via FE-SEM imaging, and detected a well-defined regular distorted spherical structure with average grain size 0.826 μm for Pr3+ doped SrCeO3. Elemental mapping and EDS analysis identified the uniform distribution and elemental purity of SrCeO3: 0.01 Pr3+. Further, the molecular vibrations and modes were analyzed from the Raman spectrum. Moreover, the average particle size assessed via TEM analysis was found to be ~83.2 nm, consistent with XRD analysis. UV-visible absorption spectra for optical energy-band gap analysis showed a decrease in band gap energy with an increase in Pr3+ concentration, realizing an effective energy transfer from Ce4+ to Pr3+. PL measurements showed a huge variety of emission transitions, corresponding to excitations 290 nm, 321 nm, 373 nm, and 449 nm. The critical dopant concentration instigated by concentration quenching was 1 wt% Pr3+, ascribed to dipole-dipole interaction. The fluorescence lifetime of the optimal sample was 4.835 μs. Commission International de I'Eclairage (CIE) diagram exposes the white light emanation of SrCeO3: Pr3+. Among which white light with high CRI (~98) and comparably low CCT (~6311 K) was obtained for SrCeO3: 0.01 Pr3+ at 373 nm excitation. The obtained results recommend that SrCeO3: Pr3+ perovskite as an efficient white phosphor for fabricating high-performance wLEDs.

From the cellular to tissue alterations induced by two rare earth elements in the mussel species Mytilus galloprovincialis: Comparison between exposure and recovery periods

The global effort to achieve carbon neutrality has led to an increased demand for renewable energy technologies and their raw materials, namely rare earth elements (REEs). These elements possess unique properties and are used in various applications. However, the increased use of REE-based technologies has resulted in higher amounts of electronic waste, leading to elevated REEs concentrations found in the aquatic environment, with poorly understood threats to wildlife. Praseodymium (Pr) and europium (Eu) are two REEs that, despite their potential environmental risks, have almost unknown effects on aquatic organisms. Therefore, the present study aimed to assess the impacts of different concentrations of Pr and Eu (0, 10, 20, 40, and 80 μg/L) in the mussel species Mytilus galloprovincialis, as well as their ability to recover from exposure to the highest concentration. Mussels accumulated both elements in a dose-dependent manner, with the accumulation of Pr being higher. Accompanying the increase of metabolism, mussels exposed to Pr not only enhanced the activity of the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (up to 40 μg/L) and glutathione reductase (at 80 μg/L) but also the activity of the biotransformation enzymes carboxylesterases (CbE's) and glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) (at 80 μg/L). Nevertheless, these defence mechanisms were not sufficient to prevent cellular damage. All the Eu concentrations induced cellular damage, despite an increase in the activity of biotransformation enzymes (CbE's and GSTs) in mussel tissue. According to the histopathology assessment, mussels were not able to recover after exposure to both elements and lower concentrations induced higher injuries in digestive tubules. This study highlights that exposure to Pr and Eu had adverse effects on M. galloprovincialis, even at the lowest tested concentration, which may eventually impact mussels' growth, reproductive capacity, and survival.

Removal of 142Pr from nuclear purity water using hydroxyapatite

The adsorption of praseodymium using hydroxyapatite was evaluated. The hydroxyapatite (HAP) was characterized by X-ray diffraction (JCPDS 01-04-3708), scanning electron microscopy, BET specific surface area (54.2 m²/g), and point of zero charge (6.5). Adsorption kinetics and isotherms were evaluated at pH of 3 and ¹⁴²Pr was determined using a gamma spectrometer. The adsorption of praseodymium was fast (1 min of contact) with an adsorption capacity of 1.68 mg/g and the data were best adjusted to the pseudo-second-order model, whereas the data of adsorption isotherm were best adjusted to the Langmuir model with a maximum adsorption capacity of 39.16 ± 0.20 mg/g. The thermodynamic parameters indicated that a physicochemical mechanism took place in the adsorption of praseodymium by HAP (adsorption enthalpy = 31.65 kJ/mol), the randomness of the system increased (adsorption entropy = 0.16 kJ/mol), and according with Gibbs free energy, the adsorption process was spontaneous at high temperature. The praseodymium in the hydroxyapatite is stable, it could not be desorbed using different solutions (ammonium sulfate, calcium chloride, sodium chloride, hydrochloric acid, and sodium hydroxide).

Praseodymium trivalent ion is an effective inhibitor of mitochondrial basic amino acids and carnitine/acylcarnitine carriers

We herein report the identification of the lantanide praseodymium trivalent ion Pr³⁺ as inhibitor of mitochondrial transporters for basic amino acids and phylogenetically related carriers belonging to the Slc25 family. The inhibitory effect of Pr³⁺ has been tested using mitochondrial transporters reconstituted into liposomes being effective in the micromolar range, acting as a competitive inhibitor of the human basic amino acids carrier (BAC, Slc25A29), the human carnitine/acylcarnitine carrier (CAC, Slc25A20). Furthermore, we provide computational evidence that the complete inhibition of the transport activity of the recombinant proteins is due to the Pr³⁺ coordination to key acidic residues of the matrix salt bridge network. Besides being used as a first choice stop inhibitor for functional studies in vitro of mitochondrial carriers reconstituted in proteoliposomes, Pr³⁺ might also represent a useful tool for structural studies of the mitochondrial carrier family.

CaSnO3: Pr3+ phosphor for new application in temperature sensing

CaSnO₃: Pr³⁺ phosphor for new application in temperature sensing was investigated. CaSnO₃: 0.3%Pr³⁺ had distorted orthorhombic perovskite structure and Pr³⁺ occupied Ca²⁺ sites due to their similar ionic radii. CaSnO₃: 0.3%Pr³⁺ had spherical particles with mean size of 0.816 μm. The electric dipole-dipole interaction could explain the concentration quenching mechanism. The chromaticity coordinates were (0.1324, 0.3847), located in greenish-blue region and the average afterglow decay time was 60.2 s for CaSnO₃: 0.15%Pr³⁺, which had potential applications for LED and emergency lighting. CaSnO₃: 0.3%Pr³⁺ had the activated energy of 0.380 eV. The maximum relative temperature sensitivity for CaSnO₃: 0.3%Pr³⁺ was 7.57% K^-1 at 298 K and relative sensitivity was as high as 6722.76/T² K^-1, which was better than that of most Pr³⁺ doped phosphors and had potential application in temperature sensing. Moreover, the possible luminescence and long afterglow mechanisms and thermal quenching process of ³P₀ level through IVCT state were proposed.

Additivity of optical emissions applied to neodymium and praseodymium quantification in metallic didymium and (Nd,Pr)-Fe-B alloy samples by low-resolution atomic emission spectrometry: An evaluation of the mathematical approach used to solve spectral interferences

In this work, the effectiveness of a mathematical approach to solve the spectral interferences involved in the optical emission of two chemical species (neodymium and praseodymium) when using monochromators with low-resolution in atomic spectrometry is evaluated. Although recent technological advances have promoted spectrometers equipped with high-resolution monochromators, which have a great instrumental capability in the separation of nearby lines and consequently avoid spectral interferences, many laboratories still have old spectrometers installed with insufficient resolution to overcome such interferences. In order to evaluate a mathematical approach based on Lambert-Beer's Law, the optical emissions of neodymium and praseodymium were monitored on a low-resolution (200 pm) flame atomic emission spectrometry (F-AES). These two elements were strategically chosen as an application model because they exhibit similar physicochemical properties, joint occurrence in nature and because they are increasingly used in the manufacture of super-magnets, a material increasingly required by the high technology industry. The effectiveness of the mathematical approach was evaluated in three different ways: (i) by recovery of the analytes in synthetic mixtures containing known quantities of the species; (ii) by spike and recovery trials on a representative blend of dissolved samples and (iii) by comparing the results obtained with another analytical method: Inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) with a higher spectral resolution. The results indicate the effectiveness of this simple mathematical approach, allow the "survival" of instruments equipped with low-resolution monochromators and demonstrate the applicability of this approach to spectral correction. In addition, this work contributes an analytical method for the quantification of neodymium and praseodymium in metallic alloy samples involved in the production of super-magnets, aiding in the strict quality control of these materials.

Praseodymium sorption on Laminaria digitata algal beads and foams

Algal (Laminaria digitata) beads and algal foams have been prepared by a new synthesis mode and the sorbents were tested for praseodymium sorption in batch and fixed-bed like systems (recirculation or one-pass modes), respectively. Metal binding occurs through ion-exchange with Ca(II) ions used for ionotropic gelation of alginate contained in the algal biomass and eventually with protons. Sorption isotherms at pH 4 are described by the Langmuir and the Sips equations with maximum sorption capacities close to 110-120mgPrg-1. Uptake kinetics are fitted by the pseudo-second order reaction rate equation for both beads and foams; in the case of beads the Crank equation also gives good fit of experimental data. Metal is successfully desorbed using 2M HCl/0.05M CaCl2 solutions and the sorbent can be efficiently re-used for a minimum of 5 cycles with negligible decrease in sorption/desorption properties and appreciable concentrating effect (around 8-10 times the initial metal concentration). Tested in continuous mode, the algal foam shows typical breakthrough curves that are fitted by the Yan method; desorption is also efficient and allows under the best conditions to achieve a concentration factor close to 8.

Behavioral deficits and neural damage of Caenorhabditis elegans induced by three rare earth elements

Rare earth elements (REEs) are widely used in industry, agriculture, medicine and daily life in recent years. However, environmental and health risks of REEs are still poorly understood. In this study, neurotoxicity of trichloride neodymium, praseodymium and scandium were evaluated using nematode Caenorhabditis elegans as the assay system. Median lethal concentrations (48 h) were 99.9, 157.2 and 106.4 mg/L for NdCl₃, PrCl₃ and ScCl₃, respectively. Sublethal dose (10-30 mg/L) of these trichloride salts significantly inhibited body length of nematodes. Three REEs resulted in significant declines in locomotor frequency of body bending, head thrashing and pharyngeal pumping. In addition, mean speed and wavelength of crawling movement were significantly reduced after chronic exposure. Using transgenic nematodes, we found NdCl₃, PrCl₃ and ScCl₃ resulted in loss of dendrite and soma of neurons, and induced down-expression of dat-1::GFP and unc-47::GFP. It indicates that REEs can lead to damage of dopaminergic and GABAergic neurons. Our data suggest that exposure to REEs may cause neurotoxicity of inducing behavioral deficits and neural damage. These findings provide useful information for understanding health risk of REE materials.

Molecular distribution and toxicity assessment of praseodymium by Spirodela polyrrhiza

Aquatic macrophytes are known to accumulate and bioconcentrate metals. In this study, the physiological, biochemical, and ultrastructural responses of Spirodela polyrrhiza to elevated concentrations of praseodymium (Pr), ranging from 0 to 60μM, were investigated over 20 d exposure. The results showed that the accumulation of Pr in S. polyrrhiza occurred in a concentration-dependent manner. The accumulation of Pr in biomacromolecules decreased in the order of cellulose and pectin (65-69%), crude proteins (18-25%), crude polysaccharides (6-10%), crude lipids (3%-4%). Significant increases in malondialdehyde (MDA), and decreases in photosynthetic pigment, soluble protein, and unsaturated fatty acids showed that Pr induced oxidative stress. Inhibitory effects on photosystem II and the degradation of the reaction center proteins D1 and D2 were revealed by chlorophyll a fluorescence transients, immunoblotting, and damage to chloroplast ultrastructure. Significant increases in cell death were observed in Pr-treated plants. However, S. polyrrhiza can combat Pr induced oxidative injury by activating various enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants. These results will improve understanding of the biological consequences of rare earth elements (REEs) contamination, particularly in aquatic bodies.

Pr(III) luminescence enhancement by chelation in solution and in sol-gel glass

Due to the weak emission of lanthanide ions in solution, it is common practice to form complexes of the lanthanide ions with organic ligands that strongly absorbs light and transfers the energy to the lanthanide ion center via the antenna effect. The organic ligands 2-6-pyridinedicarboxylate (L1) and the polytonic diazine (N-N) ligand L2 (C22H16N12O2) were used to synthesize two Pr(III) complexes, namely: Pr-L1 (Na3[Pr(C7H3NO4)3]) and Pr-L2. The prepared complexes were further encapsulated in an optically transparent sol-gel glass. The synthesized ligands and complexes were characterized by FTIR and (1)H NMR. Room temperature luminescence of Pr-L1 and Pr-L2 complexes in solution and in sol-gel glass were investigated using a spectrofluorometer. Excitation at the maximum absorption wavelength of the ligands (280nm) resulted in the typical visible luminescence (centered at around 600nm) resulting from the (1)D2→(3)H4 transition of the Pr(III) ion, which contributes to the efficient energy transfer from the absorbing ligand L1 to the chelated Pr(III) ion (an antenna effect) while the Pr(III) luminescence is not efficiently sensitized by ligand L2. The obtained emission spectra indicated that the excitation energy level for the central Pr(III) is in a slightly lower location than ligand L1 excitation triplet (T1) level and can accept the energy transfer from T1 efficiently.

Novel functionalized mesopore of SBA-15 as prospective sorbent for praseodymium and lutetium

In the present work, results of γ-irradiation on normal and functionalized SBA-15 by aurintricarboxylic acid have been reported. Characterization of normal and functionalized SBA-15 particles before and after γ-irradiation was carried out using Fourier-transform infrared technique. Aurintricarboxylic acid ligand connected to SBA-15 was also analyzed using UV/Vis spectrophotometer. The modified sorbent was then used as a new sorbent for separation of trace amounts of praseodymium and lutetium ions from nuclear waste waters in batch techniques. Based on the results of distribution coefficients determination, and investigation of sorption process in various conditions, the parameters were optimized for separation lanthanides. It can be concluded that the functionalized SBA-15 is a promising sorbent for praseodymium and lutetium cations.