Removal of Pb2+ Ions from Water by Poly(Acrylamide-co-Sodium Methacrylate) Hydrogels

The application of poly(acrylamide-co-sodium methacrylate) (AAm/SMA) hydrogel for the removal of Pb2+ ions from aqueous solutions has been investigated using batch adsorption technique. The extent of adsorption was investigated as a function of pH, adsorbent dose, and temperature. The Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra showed that -NH2 and -COOH groups are involved in Pb2+ ion adsorption. The obtained results were analyzed by pseudo-first-order, pseudo-second-order, and intraparticle diffusion models using both linear and nonlinear methods. It was found that the Pb2+ ion adsorption followed pseudo-first-order kinetics. Nonlinear regression analysis of six isotherms, Langmuir, Freundlich, Redlich-Peterson, Toth, Dubinin-Radushkevich, and Sips, have been applied to the sorption data, while the best interpretation was given by Redlich-Peterson. Based on the separation factor, R (L), the Pb2+ ion adsorption is favorable, while the negative values of a dagger G indicates that the Pb2+ ion adsorption on the investigated hydrogel is spontaneous

Gregarious behaviour in a salamander: attraction to conspecific chemical cues in burrow choice

International audienceGregarious behaviour (i.e. living in groups in contrast to a solitary life) is commonly observed in mammals, but rarely documented in amphibians. Environmental features and/or animal mutual attractions can promote the formation of aggregations that may both reduce the risks of dehydration and predation and increase mate access and fitness. Luschan's salamander (Mertensiella luschani) lives in permanently arid Mediterranean environments; individuals shelter in cracks and crevices and leave only during favourable periods. In this study we examined the role of chemical tracks, in self and conspecific recognition (i.e. gregarious/solitary behaviour), on the social structure of this species. Our results show that juveniles and adults of both sexes use chemical scents deposited on substrate to relocate their shelter. In contrast to numerous other salamander species, Luschan's salamanders also use social information, conveyed by conspecific scents, to identify a safe shelter. Furthermore, this scent marking does not play a role in sexual attraction but allows sex discrimination. This species exhibits gregarious behaviour (i.e. conspecific attraction) as a possible adaptation to dry environments. We discuss both ultimate and proximate factors in the evolution from a solitary to a gregarious life