Mild temperature oxidation of phenol over rare earth exchanged aluminum pillared montmorillonites

Wastewater treatment and re-use of industrial process water are critical issues for the development of human activities and environment conservation. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the degradation of organic pollutants taking phenol as the model compound over aluminium pillared montmorillonite and the rare earth exchanged analogues, underlining the use of environ friendly clay catalysts for the effective removal of water pollutants. From the study it was noted that for reaction variables like temperature, peroxide load, catalyst load, phenol concentration etc, optimal values exist that must be taken into account for obtaining best results. The catalysts used were aluminium pillared montmorillonite prepared by partial hydrolysis method exchanged with La, Ce and Th metal salts at room temperature. Characterisation of the prepared systems were done using X-ray diffraction and surface area and pore volume measurements.The pillared montmorillonite showed considerable increase in basal spacing and BET surface area compared to parent montmorillonite

Occupational open globe injuries.

PURPOSE: Occupational ocular trauma is an important cause of acquired monocular blindness in a rapidly industrialising country like India. Knowledge of the epidemiology of occupational eye injuries is essential to formulate viable industrial safety measures. METHOD: We retrospectively reviewed all patients with occupational open globe injuries between 1994 and 1998. We documented the circumstances of the injuries, their clinical findings and the use of appropriate protective eyewear at the time of the injury. The visual acuity 6 months after the injury was the final outcome measure. RESULTS: In this study period we examined 43 patients with open globe injuries sustained at the work place. Thirty-four (79.1%) patients were young males. The iron and steel industry accounted for 19 (44.2%) cases while 8 (18.6%) patients each were from the agricultural, mining and other small scale industrial sectors. At the time of the injury, 33 (76.7%) were not wearing the recommended protective eyewear and 6 (13.9%) were under the influence of alcohol. The injuries were mild in 6 (13.9%), moderate in 18 (41.9%) and severe in 19 (44.2%) patients. At the end of 6 months, 2 (4.7%) patients had a visual acuity of 6/12 or better, 4 (9.3%) had a visual acuity of 6/18 to 6/60 and 29 (67.4.%) had a vision of <6/60. Eight (18.6%) patients were not available for follow up. CONCLUSIONS: Occupational open globe injuries are usually severe and are associated with a poor visual outcome. Mandatory use of protective eyewear and alcohol-free environment at the work place is likely to reduce the incidence of severe occupational open globe injuries.