Thermal Characteristics of Hyperaccumulator and Fate of Heavy Metals during Thermal Treatment of Sedum plumbizincicola

Thermal treatment is one of the most promising disposal techniques for heavy metal- (HM)-enriched hyperaccumulators. However, the thermal characteristics and fate of HMs during thermal treatment of hyperaccumulator biomass need to be known in detail. A horizontal tube furnace was used to analyze the disposal process of hyperaccumulator biomass derived from a phyto-extracted field in which the soil was moderately contaminated with heavy metals. Different operational conditions regarding temperature and gas composition were tested. A thermo-dynamic analysis by advanced system for process engineering was performed to predict HM speciation during thermal disposal and SEM-EDS, XRD and sequential chemical extraction were used to characterize the heavy metals. The recovery of Zn, Pb and Cd in bottom ash decreased with increasing temperature but recovery increased in the fly ash. Recovery of Zn, Pb and Cd fluctuated with increasing air flow rate and the metal recovery rates were higher in the fly ash than the bottom ash. Most Cl, S, Fe, Al and SiO₂ were found as alkali oxides, SO₂, Fe₂(SO₄)₃, iron oxide, Ca₃Al₂O₆, K₂SiO₃ and SiO₂ instead of reacting with HMs. Thus, the HMs were found to occur as the pure metals and their oxides during the combustion process and as the sulfides during the reducing process.     

Analysis of the mechanism of intensification of fermentation process using yeast cells in a suspension of high-dispersed oxides

The differential microcalorimetry was used to explore an influence of particles of silicon dioxide, and also other high-dispersed oxides (0.05% of masses.) in water suspension of yeast cells on intensification of the process of their fermentation in endogenous metabolic conditions. It was shown that intensification of the processes of the vital activity of yeast microorganisms was observed in the specified interval of the concentration of silicon dioxide hydrosol particles. Mechanisms of interaction between SiO₂ particles and a surface of a cellular organism, as well as interaction between SiO₂ particles and one of metabolism products — carbon dioxide were studied. It was found out, that Al₂O₃, TiO₂ hydrosols also had a stimulating effect, but it is lower compared to that of SiO₂.     

Exposure to Al2O3 nanoparticles changes the fatty acid profile of the anaerobe Ruminococcus flavefaciens

One of the main mechanisms of nanoparticle toxicity is known to be the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) which primarily damage cell membranes. However, very limited data on membrane effects in anaerobic environments (where ROS could not be the cause of membrane damage) are available. In the following study, rumen anaerobe Ruminococcus flavefaciens 007C was used as a bacterial model to assess the potential effects of Al₂O₃ and TiO₂ nanoparticles on membranes in an anaerobic environment. Fatty acid profiles of cultures after exposure to Al₂O₃ or TiO₂ nanoparticles were analyzed and compared with the profiles of non-exposed cultures or cultures exposed to bulk materials. Analysis revealed dose–effect changes in membrane composition exclusively when cells were exposed to Al₂O₃ nanoparticles in a concentration range of 3–5 g/L, but were not present in cultures exposed to bulk material. On the other hand, the tested concentrations of nano-TiO₂ did not significantly affect the membrane profile of the exposed bacterium. The results suggest the possibility that Al₂O₃ induces changes in bacterial membranes by direct physical interaction, which was supported by TEM image analysis.     

Antibacterial effect of hydrogen peroxide-titanium dioxide suspensions in the decontamination of rough titanium surfaces

The chemical decontamination of infected dental implants is essential for the successful treatment of peri-implantitis. The aim of this study was to assess the antibacterial effect of a hydrogen peroxide-titanium dioxide (H₂O₂–TiO₂) suspension against Staphylococcus epidermidis biofilms. Titanium (Ti) coins were inoculated with a bioluminescent S. epidermidis strain for 8 h and subsequently exposed to H₂O₂ with and without TiO₂ nanoparticles or chlorhexidine (CHX). Bacterial regrowth, bacterial load and viability after decontamination were analyzed by continuous luminescence monitoring, live/dead staining and scanning electron microscopy. Bacterial regrowth was delayed on surfaces treated with H₂O₂–TiO₂ compared to H₂O₂. H₂O₂-based treatments resulted in a lower bacterial load compared to CHX. Few viable bacteria were found on surfaces treated with H₂O₂ and H₂O₂–TiO₂, which contrasted with a uniform layer of dead bacteria for surfaces treated with CHX. H₂O₂–TiO₂ suspensions could therefore be considered an alternative approach in the decontamination of dental implants.     

哈密露天煤矿不同环境介质微生物群落特征分析

【背景】干旱区露天煤矿开采过程中产生的粉尘颗粒物加剧了土壤生态环境的恶化和矿区空气质量的下降,针对煤矿区土壤和粉尘颗粒物的微生物群落组成的研究鲜有报道。【目的】研究新疆哈密南湖乡露天煤矿土壤、粉尘及大气PM_2.5颗粒物中的微生物群落结构和多样性特征,并预测潜在的功能类群。【方法】采用高通量测序技术,对煤矿露天采坑区和电厂粉煤灰堆放区的土壤、粉尘及大气PM_2.5颗粒物的微生物真菌及细菌群落组成进行比对分析。【结果】矿区优势真菌类群来自子囊菌门(Ascomycota)和担子菌门(Basidiomycota),优势细菌类群来自变形菌门(Proteobacteria)和放线菌门(Actinobacteria)。真菌和细菌群落的丰富度及α多样性在整个矿区内无显著性差异,大气PM_2.5颗粒物的细菌群落生态位宽度显著大于露天采坑区和粉煤灰区。矿区内的土壤和PM_2.5颗粒物样本中均发现了一些丰度差异显著的功能类群,真菌特征功能类群为腐生营养型类群,细菌特征功能类群主要包括甲烷营养型类群、几丁质酶类细菌类群等。【结论】露天煤矿区粉尘可能对区域内土壤和PM_2.5颗粒物的微生物群落结构产生重要影响,具有煤组分降解功能的特定微生物类群可能是维持矿区土壤生态安全的重要微生物学机制之一。     

Design and synthesis of magnetic binary metal oxides nanocomposites through dopamine chemistry for highly selective enrichment of phosphopeptides

In this work, for the first time, magnetic binary metal oxides nanocomposites which integrated Zr and Ti into one entity on an atomic scale on polydopamine coated magnetic graphene (magG/PD/(Zr‐Ti)O₄) was designed and synthesized, and applied to the enrichment of phosphopeptides. The newly prepared magG/PD/(Zr‐Ti)O₄ composites gathered the advantages of large surface area, superparamagnetism, biocompatibility and the enhanced affinity properties to phosphopeptides. MagG/PD/ZrO₂, magG/PD/TiO₂, as well as the simple physical mixture of them were introduced to compare with magG/PD/(Zr‐Ti)O₄ composites. High sensitivity (1 pg/μL or 4.0 × 10^–11 M) and selectivity (weight ratio of β‐casein and BSA reached up to 1:8000) toward phosphopeptides were also presented for magG/PD/(Zr‐Ti)O₄ composites. Additionally, mouse brain tissue was chose as the real samples to further investigate the phosphopeptides enrichment ability of this new material.     

Evaluation of titanium dioxide and chromic oxide as digestibility markers in ponies fed alfalfa hay in relation to marker dosing frequency

In equines, Cr₂O₃ is widely accepted as an indigestible marker, but there are health concerns regarding the carcinogenic properties of Cr₂O₃. Recently, TiO₂ has been suggested to be an alternative digestibility marker in equines. However, a comparison between Cr₂O₃ and TiO₂ has not been made in equines. Six Welsh pony geldings (initial BW: 254±3 kg; 7 years of age) fed chopped alfalfa hay were used to evaluate the use of TiO₂ (Ti) and Cr₂O₃ (Cr) as markers for calculating apparent digestibility and to investigate the effect of frequency of marker administration on the measurement of digestibility values. Diets contained 4.65 kg dry matter (DM) chopped alfalfa hay supplemented with minerals, vitamins, TiO₂ (3.3 g Ti/day) and Cr₂O₃ (3.2 g Cr/day). Ponies were dosed with either 3.3 g Ti and 3.2 g Cr once daily (DF1) or with 1.65 g Ti and 1.60 g Cr twice daily (DF2). After adaptation to the diets and procedures for 14 days, voluntary voided faeces were collected quantitatively over 7 days and analysed for moisture, ash, Ti and Cr. Apparent total tract DM digestibility (DMD) and organic matter digestibility (OMD) were calculated using the total faecal collection (TFC) and marker method (Ti and Cr). The overall mean cumulative faecal recovery of Cr and Ti (as % of intake) were 102.0% and 96.6%, respectively. Mean daily faecal recoveries of Cr as well as of Ti were not different (P=0.323; P=0.808, respectively) between treatments. Overall daily faecal recovery of Cr differed (P=0.019) from 100% when the marker was dosed once daily, whereas overall daily faecal recovery was similar to 100% for both administration frequencies when Ti was used as a marker. For both markers, the coefficient of variation of the mean faecal marker recovery between horses was lower when the markers were administrated twice per day. Across treatments, cumulative DMD and OMD estimated with Ti were similar (P=0.345; P=0.418, respectively) compared with those values determined by TFC method. When Cr was used, the calculated cumulative DMD tended (P=0.097) to be greater compared with those estimated with TFC, and cumulative OMD values were overestimated (P=0.013). Orally supplemented Ti recovery in the faeces of ponies fed chopped alfalfa hay with Ti administered once or twice daily was close to 100%, making it the preferred marker for digestibility trials in equines.     

Samarium doped titanium dioxide nanoparticles as theranostic agents in radiation therapy

PurposeTitanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO₂ NPs) have been investigated for their role as radiosensitisers for radiation therapy. The study aims to increase the efficiency of these NPs by synthesising them with samarium.MethodsSamarium-doped TiO₂ NPs (Ti(Sm)O₂ NPs) were synthesised using a solvothermal method. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) were performed for characterising of the Ti(Sm)O₂ NPs. The intracellular uptake and cytotoxicity were assessed in vitro using A549 and DU145 cancer cell lines. Furthermore, the effect of dose enhancement and generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in response to 6 MV X-rays was evaluated. Additionally, the image contrast properties were investigated using computed tomography (CT) images.ResultsThe synthesised Ti(Sm)O₂ NPs were about 13 nm in diameter as determined by TEM. The XRD pattern of Ti(Sm)O₂ NPs was consistent with that of anatase-type TiO₂. EDS confirmed the presence of samarium in the nanoparticles. At 200 μg/ml concentration, no differences in cellular uptake and cytotoxicity were observed between TiO₂ NPs and Ti(Sm)O₂ NPs in both A549 and DU145 cells. However, the combination of Ti(Sm)O₂ NPs and X-rays elicited higher cytotoxic effect and ROS generation in the cells than that with TiO₂ NPs and X-rays. The CT numbers of Ti(Sm)O₂ NPs were systematically higher than that of TiO₂ NPs.ConclusionsThe Ti(Sm)O₂ NPs increased the dose enhancement of MV X-ray beams than that elicited by TiO₂ NPs. Samarium improved the efficiency of TiO₂ NPs as potential radiosensitising agent.     

Structural and Electrochemical Study of Al2O3 and TiO2 Coated Li1.2Ni0.13Mn0.54Co0.13O2 Cathode Material Using ALD

Nanolayers of Al₂O₃ and TiO₂ coatings were applied to lithium‐ and manganese‐rich cathode powder Li_1.2Ni_0.13Mn_0.54Co_0.13O₂ using an atomic layer deposition (ALD) method. The ALD coatings exhibited different surface morphologies; the Al₂O₃ surface film appeared to be uniform and conformal, while the TiO₂ layers appeared as particulates across the material surface. In a Li‐cell, the Al₂O₃ surface film was stable during repeated charge and discharge, and this improved the cell cycling stability, despite a high surface impedance. The TiO₂ layer was found to be more reactive with Li and formed a Li_xTiO₂ interface, which led to a slight increase in cell capacity. However, the repetitive insertion/extraction process for the Li⁺ ions caused erosion of the surface protective TiO₂ film, which led to degradation in cell performance, particularly at high temperature. For cells comprised of the coated Li_1.2Ni_0.13Mn_0.54Co_0.13O₂ and an anode of meso‐carbon‐micro‐beads (MCMB), the cycling stability introduced by ALD was not enough to overcome the electrochemical instability of MCMB graphite. Therefore, protection of the cathode materials by ALD Al₂O₃ or TiO₂ can address some of the capacity fading issues related to the Li‐rich cathode at room temperature.     

Exfoliated oral mucosa cells as bioindicators of short- and long-term systemic titanium contamination

BackgroundHumans are exposed to exogenous sources of titanium-containing particles that can enter the body mainly by inhalation, ingestion, or dermal absorption. Given the widespread use of biomaterials in medicine, the surface of a titanium (Ti) biomedical device is a potential endogenous source of Ti ions and/or Ti-containing particles, such as TiO₂ micro-(MPs) and nano-particles (NPs), resulting from biotribocorrosion processes. Ti ions or Ti-containing particles may deposit in epithelial cells of the oral mucosa, and the latter may therefore serve as bioindicators of short and long-term systemic Ti contamination. The aim of the present study was to histologically and quantitatively evaluate the presence of Ti traces in cells exfoliated from the oral mucosa as possible bioindicators of systemic contamination with this metal at short and long-term experimental time pointsMethodsThirty Wistar rats were intraperitoneally injected with a suspension of titanium dioxide (TiO₂) (0.16 g/100 g body weight of TiO₂ in 5 ml of NaCl 0.9%) using 5 nm NPs (Group: TiO₂-NP5; n = 10), 45 µm MPs (Group: TiO₂-MP45; n = 10), or vehicle alone (Control group; n = 10). At one and six months post-injection, right-cheek mucosa cells were obtained by exfoliative cytology using a cytobrush; they were spray fixed and stained using Safranin or the Papanicolaou technique. The smears were cytologically evaluated (light microscopy) to determine the presence of particulate material, which was also analyzed microchemically (SEM-EDS). Left-cheek mucosa cells were similarly obtained and re-suspended in 5 ml of PBS (pH: 7.2–7.4); the samples corresponding to each group were pooled together and analyzed spectrometrically (ICP-MS) to determine Ti concentration in each of the studied groups. Blood samples were obtained for histological determination of the presence of particulate material on Safranin-stained blood smears and determination of plasma concentration of Ti by ICP-MSResultsDifferent size and shape metal-like particles were observed inside and outside epithelial cells in TiO₂-NP5 and TiO₂-MP45 cytological smears at both one and six months post-injection. EDS analysis showed the presence of Ti in the particles. ICP-MS revealed higher Ti concentrations in both TiO₂ injected groups compared to the control group. In addition, Ti concentration did not vary with time or particle size. Monocytes containing particles were observed in blood smears of TiO₂-exposed animals one- and six-months post-injection. Plasma levels of Ti were significantly higher in TiO₂-NP5- and TiO₂-MP45- exposed animals than in controls (p < 0.05), and Ti concentration was significantly higher at one month than at six months in both TiO₂-exposed groups (p < 0.05).ConclusionsCells exfoliated from the oral mucosa could be used as bioindicators of short- and long-term systemic contamination with Ti. Exfoliative cytology could be used as a simple, non-invasive, and inexpensive diagnostic method for monitoring biotribocorrosion of Ti implants and patient clinical follow-up.     

Direct and Rapid Analysis of the Adhesion of Bacteria to Solid Surfaces: Interaction of Fluorescently Labeled Rhodococcus Strain GIN-1 (NCIMB 40340) Cells with Titanium-Rich Particles

A fluorimetric assay which enables direct and accurate analysis of the adhesion of bacteria to solid particles was developed. The assay is based on labeling of the bacteria with fluorescamine, which reacts with primary amino groups on the cell surface to yield a yellow fluorescence that is easily detectable by both fluorescence microscopy and spectrofluorimetry. As an example, fluorescent labeling of Rhodococcus strain GIN-1 (NCIMB 40340) cells enabled the detection and quantitative determination of their adsorption to TiO(inf2) and coal fly ash particles. Exposure of the cells to 10% acetone during the labeling reaction affected neither their viability nor their ability to adhere to these particles. Only a small fraction (^sim2%) of the total cell protein was labeled by fluorescamine upon staining of intact bacterial cells, which may indicate preferential labeling of certain proteins. Specificity studies carried out with the fluorescence assay confirmed previous findings that Rhodococcus strain GIN-1 cells possess high affinities for TiO(inf2), ZnO, and coal fly ash and low affinities for other metal oxides. In principle, the newly developed fluorimetric assay may be used for determination of cell adhesion to any solid matrix by either microscopic examination or epifluorescence measurements. In the present work, the adhesion of several other microorganisms to TiO(inf2) particles was tested as well, but their ability to adhere to these particles was significantly lower than that of Rhodococcus strain GIN-1 cells.     

Atomic‐Layer‐Deposited Aluminum and Zirconium Oxides for Surface Passivation of TiO2 in High‐Efficiency Organic Photovoltaics

The reduction in electronic recombination losses by the passivation of surfaces is a key factor enabling high‐efficiency solar cells. Here a strategy to passivate surface trap states of TiO₂ films used as cathode interlayers in organic photovoltaics (OPVs) through applying alumina (Al₂O₃) or zirconia (ZrO₂) insulating nanolayers by thermal atomic layer deposition (ALD) is investigated. The results suggest that the surface traps in TiO₂ are oxygen vacancies, which cause undesirable recombination and high electron extraction barrier, reducing the open‐circuit voltage and the short‐circuit current of the complete OPV device. It is found that the ALD metal oxides enable excellent passivation of the TiO₂ surface followed by a downward shift of the conduction band minimum. OPV devices based on different photoactive layers and using the passivated TiO₂ electron extraction layers exhibit a significant enhancement of more than 30% in their power conversion efficiencies compared to their reference devices without the insulating metal oxide nanolayers. This is a result of significant suppression of charge recombination and enhanced electron extraction rates at the TiO₂/ALD metal oxide/organic interface.     

EVIDENCE FOR MECHANOSENSITIVE TRANSMEMBRANE ION CHANNELS OF SMALL CONDUCTANCE IN MAGNETOTACTIC BACTERIA

To determine whether or not mechanosensitive (MS) ion channels are present in the magnetotactic bacterium Magnetospirillum magnetotacticum, techniques for spheroplast preparation in Escherichia coli were adapted for this bacterium. This resulted in the formation of 2–3-μm spheroplasts, which were used for patch clamp analysis. Ion channel activity in M. magnetotacticum was compared with that of the MS of small conductance (MscS) in E. coli. This comparison reveals the presence of MscS-like channels in M. magnetotacticum and, as this bacterium produces intracellular magnetite (Fe₃O₄) particles similar to those found in the human brain, provides a model for investigation of the effects of magnetic fields on MS ion channels in magnetite-bearing cells.     

Fabrication of Nano-engineered Transparent Conducting Oxides by Pulsed Laser Deposition

Nanosecond Pulsed Laser Deposition (PLD) in the presence of a background gas allows the deposition of metal oxides with tunable morphology, structure, density and stoichiometry by a proper control of the plasma plume expansion dynamics. Such versatility can be exploited to produce nanostructured films from compact and dense to nanoporous characterized by a hierarchical assembly of nano-sized clusters. In particular we describe the detailed methodology to fabricate two types of Al-doped ZnO (AZO) films as transparent electrodes in photovoltaic devices: 1) at low O₂ pressure, compact films with electrical conductivity and optical transparency close to the state of the art transparent conducting oxides (TCO) can be deposited at room temperature, to be compatible with thermally sensitive materials such as polymers used in organic photovoltaics (OPVs); 2) highly light scattering hierarchical structures resembling a forest of nano-trees are produced at higher pressures. Such structures show high Haze factor (>80%) and may be exploited to enhance the light trapping capability. The method here described for AZO films can be applied to other metal oxides relevant for technological applications such as TiO₂, Al₂O₃, WO₃ and Ag₄O₄.     

Binding and direct electrochemistry of OmcA, an outer-membrane cytochrome from an iron reducing bacterium, with oxide electrodes: A candidate biofuel cell system

Dissimilatory iron-reducing bacteria transfer electrons to solid ferric respiratory electron acceptors. Outer-membrane cytochromes expressed by these organisms are of interest in both microbial fuel cells and biofuel cells. We use optical waveguide lightmode spectroscopy (OWLS) to show that OmcA, an 85 kDa decaheme outer-membrane c-type cytochrome from Shewanella oneidensis MR-1, adsorbs to isostructural Al₂O₃ and Fe₂O₃ in similar amounts. Adsorption is ionic-strength and pH dependent (peak adsorption at pH 6.5-7.0). The thickness of the OmcA layer on Al₂O₃ at pH 7.0 [5.8 ± 1.1 (2σ) nm] from OWLS is similar, within error, to that observed using atomic force microscopy (4.8 ± 2 nm). The highest adsorption density observed was 334 ng cm⁻² (2.4 × 10¹² molecules cm⁻²), corresponding to a monolayer of 9.9 nm diameter spheres or submonolayer coverage by smaller molecules. Direct electrochemistry of OmcA on Fe₂O₃ electrodes was observed using cyclic voltammetry, with cathodic peak potentials of −380 to −320 mV versus Ag/AgCl. Variations in the cathodic peak positions are speculatively attributed to redox-linked conformation change or changes in molecular orientation. OmcA can exchange electrons with ITO electrodes at higher current densities than with Fe₂O₃. Overall, OmcA can bind to and exchange electrons with several oxides, and thus its utility in fuel cells is not restricted to Fe₂O₃.     

Fabrication of two- and three-dimensional model catalyst systems with monodispersed platinum nanoparticles as active metal building blocks

Well-defined Pt monodispersed nanoparticles within the catalytically relevant 1–10 nm size regime were synthesized in solution phase by several synthetic methods which differed in the choice of reducing agent, surface stabilizer, reaction temperature and solvent. Three-dimensional model catalysts were fabricated by incorporating the metal nanoparticles into ordered channels of high surface area mesoporous oxides such as SiO₂, Al₂O₃ and Ta₂O₅ through either sonication or direct synthesis of the oxide support around the particles. Deposition of the same nanocrystals onto silica supports by means of the Langmuir–Schaeffer technique produced two-dimensional model catalysts.     

异化铁还原细菌LQ25还原重金属Cr (VI)的特性研究

[背景] 异化铁还原细菌能够在还原Fe （III）的同时将毒性较大的Cr （VI）还原成毒性较小的Cr （III）,解决铬污染的问题。[目的] 基于丁酸梭菌（Clostridium butyricum） LQ25异化铁还原过程制备生物磁铁矿,开展异化铁还原细菌还原Cr （VI）的特性研究。[方法] 构建以氢氧化铁为电子受体和葡萄糖为电子供体的异化铁培养体系。菌株LQ25培养结束时制备生物磁铁矿。设置不同初始Cr （VI）浓度（5、10、15、25和30 mg/L）,分别测定菌株LQ25对Cr （VI）还原效率以及生物磁铁矿对Cr （VI）的还原效率。[结果] 菌株LQ25在设置的Cr （VI）浓度范围内都能良好生长。当Cr （VI）浓度为15 mg/L时,在异化铁培养条件下,菌株LQ25对Cr （VI）的还原率为63.45%±5.13%,生物磁铁矿对Cr （VI）的还原率为87.73%±9.12%,相比菌株还原Cr （VI）的效率提高38%。pH变化能影响生物磁铁矿对Cr （VI）的还原率,当pH 2.0时,生物磁铁矿对Cr （VI）的还原率最高,几乎达到100%。电子显微镜观察发现生物磁铁矿表面有许多孔隙,X-射线衍射图谱显示生物磁铁矿中Fe （II）的存在形式是Fe （OH）₂。[结论] 基于异化铁还原细菌制备生物磁铁矿可用于还原Cr （VI）,这是一种有效去除Cr （VI）的途径。     

Hexavalent chromium bioreduction and chemical precipitation of sulphate as a treatment of site-specific fly ash leachates

Most of the power generation globally is by coal-fired power plants resulting in large stockpiles of fly ash. The trace elements associated with the ash particles are subjected to the leaching effects of precipitation which may lead to the subsequent contamination of surface and groundwater systems. In this study, we successfully demonstrate an efficient and sustainable dual treatment remediation strategy for the removal of high levels of Cr⁶⁺ and SO₄ ^2? introduced by fly ash leachate generated by a power station situation in Mpumalanga, South Africa. The treatment consisted of a primary fixed-bed bioreactor kept at a reduction potential for Cr⁶⁺ reduction. Metagenome sequencing clearly indicated a diverse bacterial community containing various bacteria, predominantly of the phylum Proteobacteria which includes numerous species known for their ability to detoxify metals such as Cr⁶⁺. This was followed by a secondary BaCO₃/dispersed alkaline substrate column for SO₄ ^2? removal. The combination of these two systems resulted in the removal of 99% Cr⁶⁺ and 90% SO₄ ^2?. This is the first effective demonstration of an integrated system combining a biological and chemical strategy for the remediation of multi-contaminants present in fly ash leachate in South Africa.     

Immobilization ofKluyvera citrophila penicillins acylase on controlled-pore ceramics

Penicillin acylase was purified fromKluyvera citrophila and immobilized on glutaraldehyde derivatives of silanized controlled-pore ceramics. The behaviour of the enzyme attached to TiO₂, Al₂O₃ and SiO₂ in the hydrolytic reaction are compared with that of the native enzyme as well as of the enzyme bound to CNBr-activated Sepharose 4B. The enzyme immobilized on TiO2 shows an efficiency of about 95% on the basis of protein bound. The penicillin acylase attached to SiO₂, unlike the enzyme immobilized on TiO₂, Al₂O₃ and Sepharose looses activity markedly in every cycle of use.     

Respiratory inhibitors of a magnetic bacterium Magnetospirillum sp. AMB-1 capable of growing aerobically

Respiratory inhibitors of a magnetic bacterium Magnetospirillum sp. AMB-1, which is able to grow aerobically, were investigated using a microbial electrode system. The respiration of strain AMB-1 was inhibited by 2-heptyl-4-hydroxyquinoline N-oxide (HQNO), KCN and dicumarol. Strain AMB-1 cannot grow in the presence of these inhibitors under aerobic conditions. On the other hand, strain AMB-1 can grow and form magnetite (Fe₃O₄) particles with HQNO and KCN under anaerobic conditions. Growth and magnetite formation of strain AMB-1 were reduced by dicumarol, which also inhibited iron reduction under anaerobic conditions, whereas iron reduction was not inhibited by HQNO and KCN.