Use of copper-functionalized cotton waste in combined chemical and biological processes for production of valuable chemical compounds

Cotton textiles modified with copper compounds have a documented mechanism of antimicrobial action against bacteria, fungi, and viruses. During the COVID-19 pandemic, there was pronounced interest in finding new solutions for textile engineering, using modifiers and bioactive methods of functionalization, including introducing copper nanoparticles and complexes into textile products (e.g. masks, special clothing, surface coverings, or tents). However, copper can be toxic, depending on its form and concentration. Functionalized waste may present a risk to the environment if not managed correctly. Here, we present a model for managing copper-modified cotton textile waste. The process includes pressure and temperature-assisted hydrolysis and use of the hydrolysates as a source of sugars for cultivating yeast and lactic acid bacteria biomass as valuable chemical compounds.

Zn Modification of Pd/TiO2/Ti Catalyst for CO Oxidation

The main goal of this study was to modify the activity of Pd/TiO₂/Ti catalyst in the reaction of CO oxidation by the addition of Zn. Plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) of Ti wire was conducted to produce a uniform porous layer of TiO₂. A mixture of Pd and Zn was then introduced by means of adsorption. After reduction treatment, the activity of the samples was examined by oxidation of 5% CO in a temperature range from 80-350 °C. Model catalysts with sufficient amounts of the metals for physico-chemical investigation were prepared to further investigate the reaction between Pd and Zn during CO oxidation. The structures and compositions of the samples were investigated using scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (TOF-SIMS), inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Modification of Pd/TiO₂/Ti catalyst by Zn with a Pd:Zn atomic ratio of 2:1 decreased the temperature of complete CO oxidation from 220 °C for Pd/TiO₂/Ti to 180 °C for Pd-Zn/TiO₂/Ti. The temperature of 50% CO conversion on Pd-Zn(2:1)/TiO₂/Ti was around 55 °C lower than in the reaction on monometallic Pd catalyst. The addition of Zn to the Pd catalyst lowered the binding energy of CO on the surface and improved the dissociative adsorption of oxygen, facilitating the oxidation of CO. FTIR showed that the bridging form of adsorbed CO is preferred on bimetallic systems. Analysis of the surface compositions of the samples (SEM-EDS, TOF-SIMS) showed higher amounts of oxygen on the bimetallic systems.

Assessment of the Authenticity of Whisky Samples Based on the Multi-Elemental and Multivariate Analysis

Two hundred and five samples of whisky, including 170 authentic and 35 fake products, were analyzed in terms of their elemental profiles in order to distinguish them according to the parameter of their authenticity. The study of 31 elements (Ag, Al, B, Ba, Be, Bi, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Li, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Sb, Sn, Sr, Te, Tl, U, V, Ca, Fe, K, Mg, P, S, Ti and Zn) was performed using the Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS), Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES) and Cold Vapor-Atomic Absorption (CVAAS) techniques. Additionally, the pH values of all samples were determined by pH-meter, and their isotopic ratios of ⁸⁸Sr/⁸⁶Sr, ⁸⁴Sr/⁸⁶Sr, ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr and ⁶³Cu/⁶⁵Cu were assessed, based on the number of counts by ICP-MS. As a result of conducted research, elements, such as Mn, K, P and S, were identified as markers of whisky adulteration related to the age of alcohol. The concentrations of manganese, potassium and phosphorus were significantly lower in the fake samples (which were not aged, or the aging period was much shorter than legally required), compared to the original samples (in all cases subjected to the aging process). The observed differences were related to the migration of these elements from wooden barrels to the alcohol contained in them. On the other hand, the sulfur concentration in the processed samples was much higher in the counterfeit samples than in the authentic ones. The total sulfur content, such as that of alkyl sulfides, decreases in alcohol with aging in the barrels. Furthermore, counterfeit samples can be of variable origin and composition, so they cannot be characterized as one group with identical or comparable features. Repeatedly, the element of randomness dominates in the production of these kinds of alcohols. However, as indicated in this work, the extensive elemental analysis supported by statistical tools can be helpful, especially in the context of detecting age-related adulteration of whisky. The results presented in this paper are the final part of a comprehensive study on the influence of selected factors on the elemental composition of whisky.

Determination of Metallic Impurities by ICP-MS Technique in Eyeshadows Purchased in Poland. Part I

Eye shadows, which are products willingly and frequently used by women and even children, have been reported in literature to contain toxic metals. In this work, a total of 94 eye shadows samples available on the Polish market were collected. Eye shadow products have been selected in order to include several parameters important from the point of view of the typical consumer such as: product type (mat/pearl), consumer group (for adults and children), price range (very cheap, medium price, expensive and very expensive), color (twelve different colors were tested), manufacturer (eight brands were investigated) or country of production (four countries were included). The concentration of selected metals (Ag, Ba, Bi, Cd, Pb, Sr, Tl) was determined by ICP-MS technique after the sample extraction with a mixture of nitric acid and hydrogen peroxide in a microwave closed system. For Ag, Cd and Tl, some results were below the established limit of quantification for the employed technique. The presence of strontium, barium, lead and bismuth was confirmed in all studied samples. The obtained results for analyzed elements were, in general, quite comparable with the data reported by other authors. A small number of samples exceeding the permissible values (two samples were beyond the limit value for Cd of 0.5 mg/kg and one exceed the acceptable concentration for Pb of 10 mg/kg) also proves a relatively good condition of the Polish cosmetics market and suggests insubstantial risk for the potential consumers. The results gathered for some of the eye shadows intended for children turned out to be alarmingly high, in particular for elements such as Cd. The highest concentration of Cd reached almost 4 mg/kg, while of Pb amounted to 16 mg/kg. The presence of the statistically significant differences was confirmed for all included parameters with an exception of the color of the eye shadow. Considering the results acquired only for Cd and Pb with respect to the country of origin, the least contaminated cosmetics by metallic impurities seem to be the one produced in Canada, while the ones presenting the highest health risk among all studied eye shadows are make-up cosmetics originating from Poland and Italy. Multivariate analysis of a large data set using CA methods and PCA provided valuable information on dependencies between variables and objects.

Elemental Characterization of Ciders and Other Low-Percentage Alcoholic Beverages Available on the Polish Market

Seventy-three samples of alcoholic beverages and juices that were purchased on the Polish market and home-made were analyzed for their elemental profiles. The levels of 23 metals were determined by ICP-MS (Ag, Ba, Bi, Cd, Co, Cr, Li, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sr and Tl), ICP-OES (Al, B, Ca, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Na, Ti and Zn) and CVAAS (Hg) techniques in twenty-five samples of ciders widely available on the Polish market; six samples of home-made ciders; two samples of juices used in the production of these ciders; and forty samples of low-percentage, flavored alcoholic beverages based on beer. The gathered analytical data confirmed that the final elemental fingerprint of a product is affected by the elemental fingerprint of the ingredients used (apple variety) as well as the technology and equipment used by the producer, and in the case of commercial ciders, also the impact of type of the packaging used was proven. These factors are specific to each producer and the influence of the mentioned above parameters was revealed as a result of the performed analysis. Additionally, the inclusion of the home-made ciders in the data set helped us to understand the potential origin of some elements, from the raw materials to the final products. The applied statistical tests revealed (Kruskal–Wallis and ANOVA) the existence of statistically significant differences in the concentration of the following metals: Ag, Al, B, Bi, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Li, Mg, Na, Ni, Ti and Zn in terms of the type of cider origin (commercial and home-made). In turn, for different packaging (can or bottle) within one brand of commercial cider, the existence of statistically significant differences for Cu, Mn and Na was proved. The concentrations of all determined elements in the commercial cider from the Polish market and home-made cider samples can be considered as nontoxic, because the measured levels of elements indicated in the regulations were lower than the allowable limits. Moreover, the obtained results can be treated as preliminary for the potential authentication of products in order to distinguish the home-made (fake) from the authentic products, especially for premium-class alcoholic beverages.

The impact of demographic factors, behaviors and environmental exposure to mercury content in the hair of the population living in the region of Lodz (central Poland)

The aim of this work was to access the influence of different factors such as sex, age, fish consumption, hair dyeing or smoking habit on the content of mercury in human hair samples. The research was carried on 444 samples (102 males and 342 females) collected from the population of people living in the region of Lodz (central Poland). The content of mercury in human hair samples was determined using the Mercury Analyzer MA 3000 (Nippon Instruments, Japan). The obtained results were elaborated using Statistica ver. 10.0 software. The mean value of mercury in investigated human hair samples was found to be 0.174±0.137mg/kg. We observed the statistically significant correlations (p<0.05) between the content of Hg in hair of the studied population and factors such as gender, age, and fish consumption. However, no statistically significant differences were found in relation to cosmetic treatment such as hair dyeing or smoking.

Human hair analysis in relation to similar environmental and occupational exposure

The aim of this work was to assess the influence of various factors on the elemental composition of the investigated hair samples. The studied population consisted of students of Faculty of Chemistry at Lodz University of Technology and included 95 subjects. The following elements: Co, Cr, Cu, Li, Sr, Pb were determined by inductively coupled plasma time-of-flight mass spectrometry ICP-TOF-MS. The obtained results were elaborated using Statistica ver. 10.0 software. Statistically significant differences were observed for the content of Cr, Li, Pb and Sr as the impact of sex, and Sr-as the effect of cosmetic treatment. Based on the calculated Spearman correlation coefficients, a statistically significant correlation between the concentration of pairs of metals were found for Pb=f(Co, Cr, Cu); Sr=f(Cu); Li=f(Cr), Cr=f(Li, Pb), Co=f(Pb) and Cu=f(Pb, Sr). A statistically negative correlation was obtained for Sr-Li. In the population two groups were distinguished: males and females; smokers and non-smokers.

Trace elements in seminal plasma of men from infertile couples

INTRODUCTION

An analysis of lead, zinc, cadmium and other trace elements in semen of men from infertile couples was performed to determine the association between abnormal semen parameters and enviromental or occupational exposure to some trace metals.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Presence of manganese, cobalt, nickel, copper, zinc, molybdenum, cadmium, tin and lead was measured in seminal plasma of 34 men from infertile couples using spectrometry with time-of-flight analysis. Correlations among sperm parameters and trace metals were determined using cluster analysis and Pearson's correlation coefficient.

RESULTS

Abnormally high concentrations of lead, cadmium, zinc and cobalt were found in 23 seminal plasma of men from infertile couples. The most consistent evidence was determined for an association between high cadmium concentration in seminal plasma and sperm count, motility and morphology below reference limits (p < 0.01). A correlation of significantly increased tin level and reduced sperm count in semen of men with limited fertility potential was observed (p = 0.04).

CONCLUSIONS

In our study we observed a correlation of tin level with sperm count in semen of men with limited fertility potential.

The impact of nanosilver addition on element ions release form light-cured dental composite and compomer into 0.9% NaCl

The aim of this paper was to identify and to assess in semi-quantified way the release of different ions from composite and compomer restorative materials subjected to 0.9% NaCl solution, which simulates the environment of the human body. In the present study, the number of ions (Al, Ag, Ba, Sr, Ti) released from dental fillings over time (one week, one month and 3 months), in different temperatures (23°C, 37°C) and depending on the materials applied (unmodified/modified with nanosilver) was investigated. The results suggest that nanosilver addition influences directly on the process of metal ion releasing into 0.9% NaCl solution. The increase in the number of counts of metal ions was observed in the solutions in which samples modified with nanosilver were kept. Higher amount of metal ion release was observed for composite samples rather than for compomer materials. The study revealed that in general the number of released metal ions increases with the time of storage (for metal ions: Ti, Ba, Sr) and at higher temperature (Ag, Ti, Ba). Reverse tendency observed for silver ion release versus incubation time may be caused by the process of silver adsorption, which takes place on the surface of analyzed material and test-tube walls, where samples were incubated.

The impact of nanosilver addition on element ions release form light-cured dental composite and compomer into 0.9% NaCl

The aim of this paper was to identify and to assess in semi-quantified way the release of different ions from composite and compomer restorative materials subjected to 0.9% NaCl solution, which simulates the environment of the human body. In the present study, the number of ions (Al, Ag, Ba, Sr, Ti) released from dental fillings over time (one week, one month and 3 months), in different temperatures (23°C, 37°C) and depending on the materials applied (unmodified/modified with nanosilver) was investigated. The results suggest that nanosilver addition influences directly on the process of metal ion releasing into 0.9% NaCl solution. The increase in the number of counts of metal ions was observed in the solutions in which samples modified with nanosilver were kept. Higher amount of metal ion release was observed for composite samples rather than for compomer materials. The study revealed that in general the number of released metal ions increases with the time of storage (for metal ions: Ti, Ba, Sr) and at higher temperature (Ag, Ti, Ba). Reverse tendency observed for silver ion release versus incubation time may be caused by the process of silver adsorption, which takes place on the surface of analyzed material and test-tube walls, where samples were incubated.

Evaluation of resin composites modified with nanogold and nanosilver

Silver and gold have been used for centuries as antimicrobial agents. The aim of the study was to investigate diametral tensile strength, microhardness, ion release and light transmission of experimental resin composites. Flowable dental composite SDR (Dentsply, United Kingdom) was modified by nanogold, nanosilver and silica addition. The metal ion release, light transmission study, microhardness, Diametral Tensile Strength were evaluated. The experimental nanosilver-containing composites released significant amounts of Al, Si, Sr and Ba ions up to 30 days, and negligible silver ion amounts. Significant Ag ion release occurred in nanosilver- and nanogoldmodified composite. Resin composites modified with nanogold and nanosilver deposited on silica carrier exhibit lower light transmission and have opaque appearance. All experimental composites exhibited higher microhardness in comparison to non-modified resin composites. Diametral Tensile Strength of the experimental composites was comparable to the control group.