[Evaluation of powdered activated carbon efficiency in removal of dissolved organic carbon in water treatment]

Powdered Activated-carbon is known as a suitable absorbent for organic materials. The aim of this research is evaluation of Powdered Activated-Carbon [PAC] efficiency in removal of Dissolved Organic Carbon [DOC] in water treatment in Isfahan. The increase of PAC for DOC reduction has done in three paths in the Isfahan water treatment plant [WTP]. These paths including: 1] Intake up to entrance of WTP 2] Intake to exit of WTP 3] Between entrance and exit of waterworks. The paths were simulated by the Jar test system. Then DOC and UV[254] absorption were analyzed and SUVA parameter for samples and activated-carbon adsorption isotherm was calculated. The injected PAC doses of 20,40,60,80 and 100 mg/l caused decreasing in DOC and UV [254] absorption in every sample in all paths. The average of this decrease, from intake to WTP.s exit [second path] was the greatest 69.8 +/- 3.9% and the common WTP process had capability of removing 35% of DOC. The first path also showed that PAC can reduce 33 +/- 2% DOC of raw water by itself. Activated-carbon absorption results were adhered from Freundlich adsorption isotherm. In the third path there was less DOC removal efficiency than excepted when Activated-Carbon injected in rapid mixed basin with coagulant. Powdered activated carbon porosity reduction due to effect of coagulant can be the reason for this issue. Also according to different paths, the point of intake is more suitable for powdered activated carbon addition

Adult oncology and chronically ill patients: comparison of depression, anxiety and caregiver's quality of life

A diagnosis of cancer can be devastating for patients and their loved ones. We compared the intensity of anxiety and depression for 30 terminally ill cancer patients and 30 chronically ill patients and the quality of life of their most attendant caregivers. Hamilton depression and anxiety scales were used with the patients and the quality of life scale [family] was used with the caregivers. Cancer patients and their caregivers had significantly higher scores on these scales and suffered more from depression and anxiety than chronically ill patients and caregivers. Cancer patient caregivers also had poorer quality of life than did caregivers of the chronically ill