Histochemical detection of GM1 ganglioside using cholera toxin-B subunit. Evaluation of critical factors optimal for in situ detection with special emphasis to acetone pre-extraction

A comparison of histochemical detection of GM1 ganglioside in cryostat sections using cholera toxin B-subunit after fixation with 4% formaldehyde and dry acetone gave tissue-dependent results. In the liver no pre-treatment showed detectable differences related to GM1 reaction products, while studies in the brain showed the superiority of acetone pre-extraction (followed by formaldehyde), which yielded sharper images compared with the diffuse, blurred staining pattern associated with formaldehyde. Therefore, the aim of our study was to define the optimal conditions for the GM1 detection using cholera toxin B-subunit

Bioaccumulation and Toxicity of Organic Chemicals in Terrestrial Invertebrates

Terrestrial invertebrates are key components in ecosystems, with crucial roles in soil structure, functioning, and ecosystem services. The present chapter covers how terrestrial invertebrates are impacted by organic chemicals, focusing on up-to-date information regarding bioavailability, exposure routes and general concepts on bioaccumulation, toxicity, and existing models. Terrestrial invertebrates are exposed to organic chemicals through different routes, which are dependent on both the organismal traits and nature of exposure, including chemical properties and media characteristics. Bioaccumulation and toxicity data for several groups of organic chemicals are presented and discussed, attempting to cover plant protection products (herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, and molluscicides), veterinary and human pharmaceuticals, polycyclic aromatic compounds, polychlorinated biphenyls, flame retardants, and personal care products. Chemical mixtures are also discussed bearing in mind that chemicals appear simultaneously in the environment. The biomagnification of organic chemicals is considered in light of the consumption of terrestrial invertebrates as novel feed and food sources. This chapter highlights how science has contributed with data from the last 5 years, providing evidence on bioavailability, bioaccumulation, and toxicity derived from exposure to organic chemicals, including insights into the main challenges and shortcomings to extrapolate results to real exposure scenarios

Influence of ionic strenght and pH of dispersed feeds on microfiltration

The fluences of particle shape, -potencial and size with change of pH and ionic strenght on permeate flux during the microiltration o model dispersions (two different china clays with mean particle sizes 3.5 m and 1.5 um) on flat sheet ceramic membranes (ZrO2, mean size o pores 0.2 mm) have been studied. The experimental filtration system and the dispersion characterisation experiments are presented. The results of the experiments show that -potential of the particleshas considerable impact on the magnitude of the cake resistance and hence on the permeate flux. The effects are especially pronounced during the microfiltration of dispersion in the area close to isoelectric point of dispersion, where the dispersionhas tendency to instability and the particles tend to aggregate. The effects resulted in higher porosity filter cakes (deposits) and a lower value of filter cake resistance, and hence to a permeate flux that increased to double the value of a non-treated dispersion. These observations are caused the particle interactions

Strategy towards producing relevant and reliable data for the hazard assessment of micro- and nanoplastics in agricultural soils

Micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) are widespread emerging contaminants with many potential direct and indirect effects on soil ecosystems. Ecological soil MNP hazard assessment is thus crucial for a proper risk assessment and the development of environmental protection regulations. However, current hazard assessment testing approaches are hampered by the absence of guidelines, harmonization, and standard reference materials. This article discusses the need for improving testing approaches and provides specific recommendations to increase the relevance and reliability of ecotoxicity data. Our recommendations focus on environmentally relevant experimental designs, guidelines for MNP test materials selection and characterization, analysis of MNPs and additives in soil and biota, and a proposal for relevant soil physicochemical properties to be assessed during ecotoxicity testing. This article brings novelty to the field of ecological hazard assessment of MNPs in soil by providing specific recommendations much needed in this field