Recovery of copper (II) absorbed in biomass of Cladosporium cladosporioides

The biosorption process, characterized by the use of biomass for removing metals from aqueous solutions, is an attractive technology using inactive and dead biomasses to remove heavy metals from aqueous solutions in the absence of metabolic activity necessary for intracellular accumulation. The desorption process, which concentrates the metal previously absorbed for possible reuse, is also important. The desorption of copper (Cu) (II) associated with the biomass of Cladosporium cladosporioides (Fres) de Vries was evaluated following the biosorption process (adsorption). Specifically, four eluents were used (all at a concentration 0.1 mol L-1), sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid, ethylenediaminetetraacetate disodium and calcium chloride, as well as the recovery of Cu (II) desorbed as copper sulfate. After 120 h, 97 % of Cu in solution had been adsorbed. C. cladosporioides can efficiently adsorb Cu (II). Further, 0.1 mol L-1 sulfuric acid was viable and the most efficient for the desorption of the absorbed metal, while ensuring viability of C. cladosporioides after desorption, which is important for the reuse of the biomass in cycles of sorption-desorption

Bioremediation of Metalliferous Wastes and Products using Inactivated Microbial Biomass

426-443In a developing country like India,. the rush for rapid industrial development coupled with lack of awareness about metal toxicity has become a serious concern to environmentalists. Some technologies, which are used in developed countries for detoxifying metals from industrial effluents, cannot be used in India due to economic constraints. Therefore, there is an urgent need for developing an economical and environment-friendly technology. At the same time, it is essential to prevent the loss of metals through the effluents. The 'Metal Biosorption' process provides a promising alternative method for economical recovery of metals

Piezoresistivity of conducting polyaniline/BaTiO<SUB>3</SUB> composites

Conducting polyaniline/barium titanate (PANI/BaTiO<SUB>3</SUB>) composites exhibiting piezoresistivity properties have been synthesized by the in situ deposition technique by placing a fine grade powder of BaTiO<SUB>3</SUB> in the polymerization reaction mixture. The polyaniline was formed preferentially on the ceramic particles giving a much higher yield for PANI than in absence of the BaTiO<SUB>3</SUB> These composites exhibited piezoresistivity with the piezosensitivity being maximum at a certain composition. The current-voltage characteristics clearly revealed a nonlinear space charge controlled charge transport process. A large hysteresis in these characteristics was also observed which was dependent on the BaTiO<SUB>3</SUB> content in a composite. The various results have been explained on the basis of the charge transport mechanism in the heterogeneous conducting material having insulating domains dispersed in it

Clear Cell Variant of Mucoepidermoid Carcinoma-Maxillary Region: A Case Report

The clear cell variant of mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC) has been described in the major and minor salivary glands, oral cavity, skin and the bronchus. We report a case of clear cell variant of MEC of maxillary region in a 60 year old male who presented with a huge, disfiguring, lobulated maxillary mass. To our knowledge, this variant has not been previously reported in the maxillary region

Evidence for second-order optical nonlinearity in γ-ray induced partially cross-linked polyacrylonitrile

The first direct evidence for second-order nonlinearity in partially cross-linked polyacrylonitrile is reported. The cross-linking in γ -ray-induced polymerized neat acrylonitrile is well supported by UV-vis spectroscopy, FTIR, and <SUP>13</SUP>C CP/MAS solid-state NMR. The second harmonic generation (SHG) powder test was employed to access the preliminary information about the occurrence of second-order nonlinear effect. The second harmonic generation is accomplished without the application of an external electric field, thus illustrating the importance of structural changes imparted by high-energy photon flux. Second-order nonlinearity in the present case is expected due to the small ? conjugation imparted by cross-linking through -C═N across polymeric chains coupled with the noncentrosymmetric molecular structure. Second harmonic intensity as high as 80% of that for powder urea has been observed

Simple Interrupted and Continuous Interlocking Suturing Techniques Comparison in Maxillofacial Trauma – A Randomized Controlled Trial

Aim: To compare the efficacy of simple interrupted and continuous interlocking suturing techniques using 3-0 vicryl (polyglactin) sutures. Method: The study sample included 20 patients (16 males and four females) with maxillofacial trauma requiring ORIF (Open Reduction and Internal Fixation) of maxilla or mandible fractures. They were randomly allocated to two groups (Group A and Group B). Patients in the age group of 20-50 years, requiring ORIF under local anesthesia or general anesthesia through an intraoral approach and incision measuring 4-6 cm were included in the study. Exclusion criteria included patients requiring extra-oral incisions, comminuted fractures with acute illness, infection, pregnancy, immune compromised conditions and patients not willing to participate in the study. Surgical site was closed in single layer using 3-0 vicryl sutures. Intraoperatively, time taken for suturing, wound dehiscence and wound healing were monitored on third, seventh and 30th day post-operatively. Results: In terms of time taken for suturing, dehiscence of wound and wound healing, continuous interlocking sutures showed superior results than that of simple interrupted sutures. Conclusion: Even though simple interrupted suturing is an easy technique, continuous interlocking suturing technique showed superior results. However, surgeons operating maxillofacial trauma may have their own point of view and selection of technique depends on individual preferences.</jats:p