Adsorption of methylene blue from aqueous solution on pyrolyzed petrified sediment

The adsorption kinetics of methylene blue on pyrolyzed petrified sediment (PPS) has been performed using a batch-adsorption technique. The effects of various experimental parameters, such as initial dye concentration, contact time, and temperature were investigated. The pseudo-first-order and pseudo-second-order kinetic models were used to describe the kinetic data. The best correlation coefficient was obtained using the pseudo first-order kinetic model, which shows that the adsorption of methylene blue followed the pseudo-first-order rate expression and the rate constants were evaluated. The Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption isotherm models were applied to describe the equilibrium isotherms and the isotherm constants were determined. It was found that the data fitted well to Langmuir and Freundlich models. The activation energy of adsorption was also evaluated for the adsorption of methylene blue onto pyrolyzed sediment. It was found about 8.5 kJ mol(-1). Thermodynamics parameters DeltaG(o), DeltaH(o), DeltaS(o) were calculated, indicating that this process can be spontaneous and endothermic. The adsorption enthalpy and entropy were found as 14-18.5 kJ mol(-1) and 52.8-67 J mol(-1) K(-1), respectively. The results obtained from the adsorption process using PPS as adsorbent was subjected to student's t-test.     

Spectrophotometric assay of the interaction between malaria erythrocyte lysates with methylene blue and neutral red dyes

Changes of oxidative processes induced in mouse erythrocytes by Plasmodium berghei were studied in the presence of methylene blue, neutral red or of both cationic redox dyes. The results are discussed in terms of redox and metachromatic modifications of the dyes which are produced by malarial and normal erythrocyte lysates.     

Hydrogen peroxide and hydroxyl radical formation by methylene blue in the presence of ascorbic acid

Summary Using ESR we have demonstrated the formation of the ascorbate free radical from sodium ascorbate, methylene blue and light. In oxygen uptake experiments we have observed the production of hydrogen peroxide while spin trapping experiments have revealed the iron catalyzed production of the hydroxyl free radical in this system. The presence of this highly reactive radical suggests that it could be the radical that initiates free radical damage in this photodynamic system.     

Rheological properties of the blood and erythrocyte suspension after exposure to zootoxins

The rheological properties of blood (viscosity, suspension stability and deformation of red blood cells) have been studied under the influence of zootoxins. It has been shown that the toxins Apis mellifera, Mesobuthus eupeus, Agkistrodon blomhoffii in vitro exert essential effect on haemorheological indexes.     

Effects of exercise on rats subjected to tail suspension

Deterioration of vital functions is observed in living organisms in microgravity. However, this deterioration can be arrested by adequate exercises. In this study, utilizing tail suspension in rats to simulate microgravity, we examined the influence of running exercise every other day on blood constituents, visceral parameters, and muscles.     

Hypothalamic cyclic AMP after the injection of ovarian steroids into ovariectomized rats

The effect of ovarian steroids on the concentration of adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP) in the hypothalamus was studied in ovariectomized rats. Ovariectomized rats exhibited a lower cAMP concentration than intact rats. The administration of a single dose of estradiol benzoate (50 micrograms/kg body weight) resulted 3 days later in a rise of cAMP values, but levels did not reach those observed in estrous rats. Progesterone (2 mg/rat) injected 3 days after the priming dose of estradiol benzoate produced 4 h later no further changes in hypothalamic cAMP. The changes in hypothalamic cAMP concentration induced by estrogen treatment depend, at least in part, on noradrenergic inputs, since they were prevented by the injection of the norepinephrine synthesis inhibitor, diethyldithiocarbamate. In addition, administration of the beta-blocking agent, propranolol, to estradiol- and estradiol-progesterone-treated rats lowered the concentration of cAMP in the hypothalamus in a dose-dependent manner. In contrast, the administration of an alpha-blocking agent, phenoxybenzamine, had no effect at the tested concentration. The results of this study indicate that estrogen increases cAMP concentration in the hypothalamus by a noradrenergic mechanism involving beta-receptors. Moreover, the findings suggest that estrogen induces an increase in the number of beta-receptor sites, whereas progesterone increases the apparent propranolol sensitivity for these receptor sites.     

Determination of sulfate after chromatography and toluidine blue complex formation

A rapid and simple method for the determination of sulfate involving a complex formation between inorganic sulfate and the dye, toluidine blue O, after chromatography, is presented. The method can be used for the determination of sulfate in the presence of interfering ions such as phosphate and citrate. Most of the ions have a different chromatographic migration in the solvent system employed. An added advantage is the measurement of the labile sulfate of mucopolysaccharides with accuracy.     

Biosorption of methylene blue from aqueous solution using free and polysulfone-immobilized Corynebacterium glutamicum: batch and column studies

The amino acid fermentation industry waste, Corynebacterium glutamicum, has been found to possess excellent biosorption capacity towards methylene blue (MB). Due to practical difficulties in solid-liquid separation and biomass regeneration, C. glutamicum was immobilized in a polysulfone matrix. The pH edge experiments revealed that neutral or alkaline pH values favored MB biosorption. Isotherm experiments indicated that C. glutamicum, when in immobilized state, exhibited slightly inferior dye uptake compared to free biomass. Also considering the two forms, immobilized biomass took a long time to attain equilibrium. An attempt to identify the diffusion limitations in immobilized beads was successful, with the Weber-Morris model clearly indicating intraparticle as the rate controlling step. Regeneration of the free biomass was not possible as it tended to become damaged under strong acidic conditions. On the other hand, immobilized biomass performed well with 99% desorption of MB from the biosorbent with the aid of 0.1 mol/l HCl. The immobilized biomass was also successfully regenerated and reused for three cycles without significant loss in sorption capacity. An up-flow packed column loaded with immobilized biomass was employed for the removal of MB. The column performed well in the biosorption of MB, exhibiting a delayed and favorable breakthrough curve with MB uptake and % removal of 124 mg/g biomass and 70.1%, respectively.