A batch and fixed bed column study for fluorescein removal using chitosan modified by epichlorohydrin.

This study evaluates the feasibility of commercial chitosan (CQ) and modified chitosan (MQ) by epichlorohydrin to be used as a solid phase to remove fluorescein (FSC) from aqueous solutions by two different approaches: in batch and on a fixed column bed. For the batch study, all parameters that influence sorption capacity were evaluated, such as: pH, mass, ionic strength, temperature and time of contact. In the optimized condition, 75% removal was obtained for FSC using CQ, while the modification allowed an increase up to 99%, as well as an increase in the stability of the polymer. In the fixed column bed study, the influence of all the parameters was evaluated through breakthrough curves, and the thermodynamics parameters of each approach were obtained. The results of these studies demonstrate that the modification with epichlorohydrin enhanced the sorptive properties (from 35% to 95% in fixed bed experiments) and the polymer stability (making it insoluble), making it suitable to be used in wastewater treatment.

Determination of cocaine in Real banknotes circulating at the State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

This paper shows the result of a study on the extent of cocaine contamination in Real banknotes in circulation in the state of Rio de Janeiro (Brazil). A study of the percentage of contaminated banknotes was made, as well as a study on the contamination of banknotes based on different values, and a study of contamination depending on the region where the banknote was collected. The idea of this last study was to verify if the peculiar characteristics of the region of study (in particular, the city of Rio de Janeiro) influence the amount of cocaine in the banknotes. Some regions have higher consumption/drug trafficking of cocaine than others. Also, some contaminated banknotes confiscated directly from drug dealers and users were analyzed. Also, is showed in this paper all the optimization of the available analytical techniques for making the measurements possible.

Flow injection determination of cobalt after its sorption onto polyurethane foam loaded with 2-(2-thiazolylazo)-p-cresol (TAC).

This paper reports the development of a new methodology for determination of cobalt in water samples by using a flow injection system with loaded PUF as solid phase to preconcentrate analytes. Procedure is based on on-line retention of Co(III) ions (generated in alkaline medium by Co(II) oxidation) in a minicolumn packed with a polyether type polyurethane foam loaded with TAC (2-(2-thiazolylazo)-p-cresol) and elution with 2 mol l(-1) HCl directly to the flame atomic absorption spectrometer nebulizer. Several chemical and flow variables that could affect the performance of this system were investigated as well as the possible interferents. For 2 min of preconcentration time (10.0 ml of sample volume) the system achieved a detection limit 3.2 mug l(-1), a R.S.D. 5% at 20 mug l(-1) and an analytical throughput 24 h(-1). Whereas for 3 min of preconcentration time (15.0 ml of sample volume) a detection limit 2.4 mug l(-1), a R.S.D. under 8% at 10 mug l(-1) and a sampling frequency 17 h(-1) were reported.

Flow injection-FTIR determination of dithiocarbamate pesticides.

A flow injection Fourier transform infrared spectrometric procedure has been developed for the determination the dithiocarbamate pesticides Ziram and Thiram in solid samples. All the operations involved, such as extraction, filtration and measurement, were integrated in the experimental set-up in order to avoid excessive manipulation of samples and standards. Ultrasonic assisted and mechanical extraction were evaluated for the solubilization of the analytes and, additionally, the effect of carrier flow rate, sample loop volume and the ratio between sample mass and volume of solvent employed were studied. Quantitative extractions with chloroform were obtained for both Ziram and Thiram, after 5 and 2 min, respectively, of mechanical shaking of sample slurries. Absorbance measurement, in the wavenumber range of 1600-1460 cm-1 for Ziram and 1400-1315 cm-1 for Thiram, was carried out, and the area values of the peaks obtained, as a function of time, were interpolated in external calibration lines prepared from standard solutions of Ziram and Thiram in chloroform. Analyses of commercial formulations and spiked soil samples incubated two weeks were in a good agreement with values found by other methodologies. Absolute detection limits of 400 micrograms for Ziram and 785 micrograms for Thiram and variation coefficients of 6.4% and 2.5% were obtained by use of the aforementioned methodology.

Spectrophotometric determination of carbaryl by on-line elution after its preconcentration onto polyurethane foam.

An analytical methodology has been developed for the UV-spectrophotometric determination of carbaryl in waters after its preconcentration onto a polyether type polyurethane foam followed by on-line elution. The aforementioned strategy offers an easy way for in-field sampling and to improve the analytical sensitivity. Several chemical and flow variables (mass of sorbent, sample flow rate, sample volume and carrier flow rate) were studied to ensure the best performance of the system. Recovery studies, carried out on natural water samples spiked with known amounts of carbaryl at concentration levels between 250 and 500 mug l(-1), provided recovery percentages between 94 and 105%. A detection limit of 12 mug l(-1) was achieved and a variation coefficient of 3.4% was obtained at 0.50 mug ml(-1).

[Complicated liver hydatid: experience at one center]. / Hidatidosis hepática complicada: experiencia de un solo centro.

The object of the present paper is to show four patients treated at the "Ricardo Gutiérrez" Children's Hospital, with diagnosis of complicated liver hydatid disease, since april 1977 until january 1997. The four patients were previously healthy, and were admitted with acute symptomatology, which varied depending on the kind of complication. They were all studied before surgery, except for one patient, with simple x-ray, abdominal ultrasonography, and in some cases with computerized tomography; in addition blood serologic analysis were performed, which allowed us 100% effectiveness in the diagnosis. The observed complications were two intrabiliary rupture of the hydatid cyst, one infection of the cyst, and one intra abdominal rupture. All patients underwent surgery, which confirmed the diagnosis, and an uneventful follow up of 20 years in the first child. In spite of the infrequent presentation of the complicated hydatid disease, in an endemic region it is not impossible for it to be seen. In this case it will require a well trained team of specialists, to solve not only the problems that the diagnosis and treatment mean, but also the possibility of a correct follow-up, with the resolution of the possible obstacle that might show-up for the disease itself, and from the changes that the surgery produces.