Understanding Root Uptake of Nutrients, Toxic and Polluting Elements in Hydroponic Culture

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Importance of Selenium in the Environment and Human Health

Importance of Selenium in the Environment and Human Health contains a number of recent studies of the effect of selenium on environmental and human health. There are several issues related to environmental selenium and human health. A link has been noted between selenium status in soil-plants-human body, such as plants that extract selenium from the soil parenthetically, the influence of selenium content on food, the necessity for selenium supplementation in the common population, and the therapeutic effects of selenium in various diseases. This book explores the connection and interrelationships between selenium in the environment, plants, agriculture, biology, human health, animals, and molecular and biochemistry processes. It is an important book for research organizations, governmental research centers, academic libraries, and R&D facilities affiliated to recent research and studies of the effect of selenium on environmental and human health

The effects of dissolution on the silicon and oxygen isotope compositions of silica phytoliths

The δ30Si and δ18O values of silica phytoliths have applications for reconstructing paleoenvironmental conditions. This study examines the effect of partial dissolution and burning of phytoliths on their isotopic compositions, dissolution behaviour, and physical characteristics (specific surface area, mean particle size, and visual appearance) and discusses problems with the use of phytolith δ18O and δ30Si values that have been modified in soils in paleoclimate reconstruction. Dissolution experiments were conducted in batch reactors under a range of pH (4-10) and temperature (4-44˚C) conditions. The δ18O and δ30Si values of fresh phytoliths behave similarly as dissolution progresses, with values increasing until the solution is approximately 30-40% saturated with silicic acid. During this phase of the experiment the isotopic composition of the remaining silica is dominated by dissolution preferentially removing the light isotope (16O and 28Si) to the solution. After ~30-40% saturation back reactions begin to affect the isotopic composition of remaining silica, despite net movement in the forward direction (i.e. dissolution). The δ18O values of precipitated silica are determined by the δ18O value of water in the solution and the temperature of the experiment. The δ30Si values of precipitated silica are determined by the δ30Si value of silicic acid. Phytoliths subjected to burning at 700˚C have δ18O values that are 2.6 ‰ lower than unburned phytoliths while their δ30Si values remain unchanged. This suggests that heating results in the incorporation of 18O-depleted hydroxyl groups into the silica structure. Dissolution of burned phytoliths progressed more slowly than dissolution of fresh phytoliths in conditions that are less favourable for dissolution (i.e. low pH and T) and more quickly in conditions that are favourable (i.e. high pH and T). The δ18O values of partially dissolved burned phytoliths follow the same general trend as those of unburned phytoliths but with less overall change in δ18O values. Burning may increase silanol sites that are more susceptible to dissolution. We recommend caution in using the δ18O and δ30Si values of soil phytoliths in paleoclimate reconstructions. Care must be taken to identify alteration by dissolution or burning, which may not always be visually evident

To be afraid or not to be afraid? Bioaccumulation, bioindication and toxicity of heavy metals. Plants in the light of field and laboratory studies

Heavy metals that pose a threat to the environment include lead (Pb), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni) and mercury (Hg). Biomonitoring of environmental quality using plants is widely accepted as a reliable and inexpensive way of obtaining information on contamination also by heavy metals. It allows the assessment of the direction of changes in the natural environment and development of prognoses and methods for early warning related to predicted transformations in ecosystems. This paper presents the results of field and laboratory studies on floristic biodiversity in the areas of southern Poland related to extraction and processing of Zn and Pb ores. The paper also shows the selected plant defence mechanisms against the excess of heavy metals and the results of bioindication studies using different plant species, including the selected metallophytes related to the assessment of contamination levels and the most frequently used plant ecophysiological parameters. It is necessary to monitor contamination level, popularize knowledge and take action at the level of local authorities to mitigate adverse effects of human activity, bearing in mind possible bioaccumulation of heavy metals in the food chain and the adverse health effects associated with environmental contamination

Analysis, Development And Design For Early Fault Detection And Fire Safety In Lithium-Ion Battery Technology

Energy storage technologies in its natural form play a key role in the electrical infrastructure, renewable and mobility industry. This form includes the material nomenclature for cell. technology, battery module design, Battery enclosure system design, control, and communication strategy, chemistry profile of various cell technologies, formation and formfactors of cell structure, electrical and mechanical properties of a lithium-ion cell, behavior of the cell under high voltage, low voltage, elevated temperature and lower temperature, multiple charging of a lithium-ion batteries. Energy storage industry is growing rapidly, and the industry is experiencing an unprecedented safety concern and issues in terms of fire and explosion at cell and system level. There has been. other research conducted with proposed theories and recommendations to resolve these issues. The failure modes for energy storage systems can be derived using different methodologies such as failure mode effects analysis (FMEA). Early detection mode and strategies in lithium-ion batteries to overcome the failure modes can be caused by endothermic reaction in the cell, further protection. devices, fire inhibition and ventilation. Endothermic safety involves modifications of materials in anode, cathode, and electrolyte. Chemical components added to the battery electrolyte improve the characteristics helping in the improvement of solid-electrolyte interphase and stability. Traditional energy storage system protection device fuse at the cell level, and contactors at the rack level and circuit breakers, current interrupt devices, and positive temperature coefficient devices at the system level. This research will employ classical experimental methods to explore, review and evaluate all the five main energy technologies and narrow down to electrochemical energy storage technologies. with the two main market ready lithium-ion battery technology (LiFePO4/ G and NMC/G) technology cells and why are they valuable in the energy storage and E-mobility space. Also, will focus on the electrical, mechanical design, testing of the battery module into a rack system, advancements in battery chemistries, relevant modes, mechanisms of potential failures, and early detection strategies to overcome these failures. Finally, how the problems of fires, safety concerns and difficulty in transporting already fully assembled energy storage systems can be resolved and be demystified in lithium-ion technology. Keywords Control strategy, Energy storage system, electrolyte, failure mode, early detection, Lithium-Ion cell technology, Battey system