Removal of Zinc from Aqueous Solution by Optimized Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunches Biochar as Low Cost Adsorbent.

This study aims to produce optimized biochar from oil palm empty fruit bunches (OPEFB), as a green, low cost adsorbent for uptake of zinc from aqueous solution. The impact of pyrolysis conditions, namely, highest treatment temperature (HTT), heating rate (HR), and residence time (RT) on biochar yield and adsorption capacity towards zinc, was investigated. Mathematical modeling and optimization of independent variables were performed employing response surface methodology (RSM). HTT was found to be the most influential variable, followed by residence time and heating rate. Based on the central composite design (CCD), two quadratic models were developed to correlate three independent variables to responses. The optimum production condition for OPEFB biochar was found as follows: HTT of 615°C, HR of 8°C/min, and RT of 128 minutes. The optimum biochar showed 15.18 mg/g adsorption capacity for zinc and 25.49% of yield which was in agreement with the predicted values, satisfactory. Results of the characterization of optimum product illustrated well-developed BET surface area and porous structure in optimum product which favored its sorptive ability.

Angiosarcoma of skull in a pregnant woman: case report and review of the literature.

Angiosarcoma is a rare tumor of bone that uncommonly involves the skull. Primary neoplasms of the skull represent 2.6% of primary neoplasms of bone. We wish to report a case of angiosarcoma of he skull in an 18-year-old pregnant woman who presented with a rapidly growing left frontotemporal mass. Neuroimaging revealed a left frontotemporal mass with destruction of diploic space and both tables and with extension to the subgaleal and epidural spaces. The patient underwent surgery and the tumor was removed totally. Histological features of angiosarcoma were seen in the pathology study. She received adjuvant chemotherapy and radiation therapy. She has remained well during 6 years of follow-up with no evidence of recurrence. Angiosarcoma is a rare malignant bone tumor of vascular origin. Our case is the only female patient with skull angiosarcoma that has been reported so far.