Achromobacter xylosoxidans as a new microorganism strain colonizing high-density polyethylene as a key step to its biodegradation

This study presents results of research on isolation new bacteria strain Achromobacter xylosoxidans able to effect on the structure of high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polymer resistant to degradation in environment. New strain of A. xylosoxidans PE-1 was isolated from the soil and identified by analysis of the 16S ribosome subunit coding sequences. The substance to be degraded was HDPE in the form of thin foil films. The foil samples were analyzed with Attenuated Total Reflectance Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) as well as scanning electron microscope (SEM), and the results revealed degradation of chemical structure of HDPE. About 9 % loss of weight was also detected as a result of A. xylosoxidans PE-1 effect on HDPE foil. On the basis of comparative spectral analysis of the raw material before the bacteria treatment and the spectrum from a spectra database, it was assumed that the HDPE was the only source of carbon and energy for the microorganisms. No fillers or other additives used in the plastic processing were observed in HDPE before experiments. This is the first communication showing that A. xylosoxidans is able to modify chemical structure of HDPE, what was observed both on FTIR, in mass reduction of HDPE and SEM analysis. We also observed quite good growth of the bacteria also when the HDPE was the sole carbon source in the medium. These results prove that A. xylosoxidans is an organism worth applying in future HDPE biodegradation studies

Tocochromanols and fatty acid composition in flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) accessions

Flax, Linum usitatissimum, cultivars are grown throughout the world. Flax oil is a dietary source of polyunsaturated fatty acids, vitamin E, as well as phospholipids, sterols, and phenolic acids. Linseed plays a pivotal role in protecting cells from oxidative damage associated diseases, i.e., atherosclerosis, neurodegenerative disorders, cancer, and inflammation. In this study, two groups of L. usitatissimum seeds were used to evaluate and compare the content and composition of tocochromanols (vitamin E) and fatty acids. Group I included accessions originating from Poland and the Ukraine, while Group II encompassed worldwide flax cultivars (such as from the United States, Argentina, and Italy). A comparison of the tocochromanol profiles showed a higher content in Group I, although there were no significant differences in tocopherol content and composition between the genotypes within this group. All accessions in Groups I and II contained γ-tocotrienol and plastochromanol-8, which confirms the high nutritional value of flaxseeds. The composition of fatty acids varied depending on the varieties, with linolenic acid showing the greatest discrepancy. Based on the tocochromanol content and fatty acid composition, we conducted a principal component analysis (PCA) and cluster analysis, which revealed a greater similarity among the accessions in Group I. An analysis of the tocochromanol and fatty acid composition of flaxseeds is important from an agronomic and medicinal perspective and can be used to select the most appropriate flax cultivar

Is the merA gene sufficient as a molecular marker of mercury bacterial resistance?

Gene encoding mercuric ion reductase, merA is a crucial component of the mer operon for reduction of nonorganic mercury ions into less toxic form. The merA gene or its fragments are commonly used as a molecular marker of bacterial resistance to mercury. In this study, it was tested whether the merA gene can be considered as a molecular marker of mercury bacterial resistance. For this purpose, the presence of the mer operon in bacteria isolated from the microbiota of Tussilago farfara L. growing in post-industrial mercury-contaminated and non-contaminated areas was verified by merA gene identification. Mercury resistance was determined by analyzing the bacterial growth parameters in standard Luria-Bertani (LB) medium with mercury concentration of 0.01% (w/v) and in medium without mercury addition. The results obtained showed that the merA gene was present in all T. farfara L. bacterial isolates growing in both mercury-contaminated and noncontaminated soils, however, only the isolates from mercury-contaminated areas were able to grow under mercury conditions. Although merA is commonly regarded as a molecular marker of bacterial mercury resistance, results of our research indicate the need for a verification of that statement/thesis and further investigation of bacterial mercury resistance to indicate other its key markers, structures, or mechanisms

Atmospheric particulate matter in Tarnów City (Southern Poland) : short time investigation of a space-time variability in the winter of 2019

Tarnów is a city where air pollution is a major problem during the wintertime. An acceptable level of PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations are exceeded very often. The main reason of this situation is individual housing and their heat system based on ineffective old units based on hard coal and sometimes even people use waste as a fuel. The city has two air quality monitoring stations and a private network for measurements of particulate matter. However, there is still a lack of information on air quality in some areas of the city. For obtaining full information on the air quality in Tarnów, readings from the monitoring station and field measurements were carried out. The obtained information allowed to determine which areas of the city are most exposed to the occurrence of smog in the heating season. So far, air quality measurements in Tarnów have not been conducted at the same time for so many collections.The most polluted air occurs in Krzyż District but air quality should be improved in all city. The best air quality has been observed for locations where heat is available from municipal heating plant e.g. Słoneczna Str. Presented research work shows that air quality in Tarnów City is very unhealthy because of particulate matter pollution. In the winter time the main problem is too high concentration of PM2.5, but also PM10 concentration. Those parameters are very frequently exceeded. The worst air quality occurs in the evenings (8 p.m.), but in the mornings (8 a. m.) air quality is highly polluted too. When air quality in Tarnów City is bad situation concerns all localisations. The similar situation is observed when air quality is good or acceptable. The main conclusion is that for locations where heat is available from heat plant is not generated individually by domestic sources, the situation is the most comfortable. Our investigation covered short period, but it is preliminary study and this important issue will be continued in the future

Pre-assessment of the essential oils adulteration

W artykule przedstawiono wyniki badań nad oceną możliwości zafałszowania olejków eterycznych dostępnych na polskim rynku. Badania przeprowadzono za pomocą analizy z zakresu podczerwieni (FTIR) na próbkach olejków: drzewa herbacianego, eukaliptusowego, ylang-ylang i paczulowego. Otrzymane widma FTIR porównano z widmem oleju (tłuszczu) roślinnego. Na podstawie przeprowadzonej analizy stwierdzono, że olejek paczulowy zostały zafałszowany, natomiast w przypadku olejku ylang-ylang zastosowana metoda analityczna nie daje możliwości jednoznacznej informacji dotyczącej zafałszowania olejku.The paper presents the results of investigation on the assessment of the possibility of adulteration of essential oils available on the Polish market. The research was carried out by means of an infrared (FTIR) analysis on samples of the following oils: tea tree, eucalyptus, ylang-ylang and patchouli. The obtained FTIR spectra were compared with that of vegetable oil (fat). Based on the analysis, it was found that the patchouli oil was adulterated. ATR-FTIR is not very useful method sufficiently reliable method to confirm adulteration of ylang-ylang oil

Oczyszczacz powietrza – indywidualna ochrona przed pyłem powietrza wewnętrznego

The research work presents the findings of testing air purified using two commercial air purifiers available on the local market. Tests were carried out in the office and bedroom of a residential building. The results obtained show a high (75-93%) yield of air purification from particulate matter. Particulate matters fractions such as: PM1, PM2.5, PM4.0, PM10 and total suspended particulates (TSP) were analysed by means professional dust meter. A very strong correlation of particulate matter (PM) contents were found in individual particle classes during equipment operation. Obtained results approve high efficiency of equipment operation in the total range of measured values. This study is one of the first in the topic of assessing the effectiveness of PM purification, taking into account various dust fractions. This study should be useful for individual customers and for public utilities during purchase decisions.W artykule zaprezentowano wyniki badań powietrza poddanego oczyszczaniu za pomocą dwóch urządzeń komercyjnych dostępnych na polskim rynku. Badania przeprowadzono w pomieszczeniu biurowym i sypialni domu mieszkalnego. Otrzymane wyniki wskazują na wysoki (75-93%) stopień oczyszczenia powietrza. Analizom poddano takie frakcje pyłowe jak: PM1, PM2,5, PM4,0, PM10 i pył całkowity (TSP). Stwierdzono bardzo silną korelację zawartości pyłów w poszczególnych klasach ziarnowych pyłów podczas pracy urządzeń. Oznacza to wysoką skuteczność pracy urządzeń w całym zakresie mierzonych zawartości zanieczyszczeń pyłowych. Opracowanie to jest jednym z pierwszych w zakresie oceny skuteczności oczyszczania pyłów z uwzględnieniem różnych frakcji pyłowych i może stanowić materiał pomocniczy dla użytkowników indywidualnych oraz decydentów rozważających zakup urządzeń oczyszczających powietrze dla jednostek oświatowych

Occurrence of pharmaceuticals in surface waters

This is a short review on the increasing problem of pharmaceutical pollution in surface waters. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are medicines that are widely used to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and reduce a high body temperature. The paper presents a literature review on the content of NASIDs in surface waters. Due to the continuous growth of the world's population and the increasing use of pharmaceuticals, the threat to aquatic ecosystems is increasing. Every day, huge loads of pollution are discharged into rivers and seas. Depending on used technology the effectiveness of wastewater treatment varies considerably. The level of removal efficiency by wastewater treatments depends on physicochemical properties of the individual pharmaceutics and on the type of wastewater treatment technology. Therefore, it is recommended to conduct research on removal efficiency of main drug residues in Polish wastewater treatment plants and, if necessary, apply the best available technologies in this area