How does exposure to dibuthyl phthalate affect antioxidant enzyme activity in adult zebrafish (Danio rerio)?4 answersExposure to dibutyl phthalate (DBP) affects antioxidant enzyme activity in adult zebrafish. Studies show that DBP exposure leads to a reduction in antioxidant enzyme levels, such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx). Additionally, long-term exposure to low concentrations of DBP results in significant alterations in gene expression along the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis and liver, with hepatic vitellogenin gene transcription being downregulated in both males and females. Furthermore, exposure to DBP causes oxidative stress and related gene changes in zebrafish tissues, with more severe oxidative stress observed at higher concentrations or longer exposure times. These findings collectively indicate that DBP exposure disrupts antioxidant enzyme activity in adult zebrafish, highlighting the toxicological impact of this chemical on aquatic organisms.
How to detect phthalates in food?4 answersPhthalates can be detected in food using various methods. One approach is the development of a point-of-care, screen-printed, disposable paper device integrated with buckypaper for efficient detection of phthalates. Another method is the use of a chemiluminescent enzyme immunoassay (CL-ELISA) with luminol as the substrate for horseradish peroxidase. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) using electron ionization (EI) has also been commonly used for the analysis of phthalates in food, including edible oil. Additionally, a fluorescence ratio immunosensor method using dual-emission carbon quantum dots has been reported for sensitive and specific detection of phthalates. These methods provide different approaches for detecting phthalates in food, offering options for researchers and regulators to ensure food safety and quality.
What is the purpose of SiO2 nanoparticle as reinforcement material for wastewater applications?4 answersSiO2 nanoparticles are used as reinforcement materials for wastewater applications to improve the retention efficiency of heavy metals. The addition of nano-TiO2 and nano-CeO2 to nanosilica-based materials, specifically mesoporous silica, enhances their heavy metal retention properties. The uniform deposition of SiO2 nanoparticles on the surface of Si3N4 hollow fiber membranes improves their selectivity and suppresses fouling phenomena, resulting in high separation performance in filtration experiments. The modification of thin-film composite forward osmosis membranes with different types of SiO2 nanoparticles, such as virgin SiO2, dried SiO2, and APTES-modified SiO2, enhances their hydrophilicity and water flux, leading to high permeate flux and acceptable reverse solute flux. SiO2 nanoparticles also have potential applications in rubber reinforcement for improving the mechanical, dynamic, and thermal properties of rubbers.
How can nanomaterials be used in analytical chemistry?4 answersNanomaterials are extensively used in analytical chemistry for various applications. They are crucial for understanding the behavior of engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) and for the detection, identification, and quantification of nanomaterials in different samples. Nanoparticles, which are a type of nanomaterial, have gained attention due to their potential in medicine, cosmetics, chemistry, and advanced materials. Nanomaterials possess unique physicochemical and electrochemical characteristics that make them suitable for analytical analysis. Analytical chemistry techniques and methodological approaches are used to isolate, purify, and determine the composition of nanomaterials, as well as to characterize their size, shape, and structure. Standardized methods for analyzing the surface chemistry of nanoparticles are still being developed, as the surface chemistry greatly influences their properties. Overall, nanomaterials play a significant role in advancing analytical chemistry and enabling various scientific fields.
How Nanotechnology is Used in Water Purification?5 answersNanotechnology is used in water purification to address the global problem of water pollution and contamination. It offers efficient and cost-effective methods for eliminating pollutants from contaminated water. Nanomaterials, such as metallic nanoparticles, nanocomposites, and nanoadsorbents, have unique properties that aid in water remediation. These properties include pollutant adsorption, photoinhibition, nanocatalytic properties, transformation of toxic materials, and pathogen inactivation. Nanotechnology-based techniques, such as nanofiltration and nanoscale zerovalent iron (ZVI), have been used for wastewater treatment. The use of nanoparticles in water treatment offers advantages such as low cost, high efficiency, and recyclability. Nanotechnologies have the potential to provide affordable solutions for effective and resource-efficient water treatment, addressing the challenge of clean water availability.
What are the latest research findings regarding phthalates in bottled water in Bangladesh?5 answersThe latest research findings regarding phthalates in bottled water in Bangladesh indicate that local branded bottled water may not be following standard guidelines and quality control steps properly, highlighting the need for improvement in their standard operating processes. Additionally, a study analyzing phthalates in bottled water from over 20 countries found that the detection frequency of targeted phthalates was highest for dibutyl phthalate (DBP) and di-2-(ethyl hexyl) phthalate (DEHP), with the highest levels of DEHP found in bottled water from Thailand, Croatia, Czech Republic, Saudi Arabia, and China. However, the human daily intake-based risk assessment revealed that phthalates in bottled water studied would not pose a serious concern on public health. Further research is needed to systematically examine the phthalates-related safety of bottled water.