A review of functions and mechanisms of clay soil conditioners and catalysts in thermal remediation compared to emerging photo-thermal catalysis.

High temperatures and providing sufficient time for the thermal desorption of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) from contaminated clay soils can lead to intensive energy consumption. Therefore, this article provides a critical review of the potential additives which can improve soil texture and increase the volatility of POPs, and then discusses their enhanced mechanisms for contributing to a green economy. Ca-based additives have been used to reduce plasticity of bentonite clay, absorb water and replenish system heat. In contrast, non-Ca-based additives have been used to decrease the plasticity of kaolin clay. The soil structure and soil plasticity can be changed through cation exchange and flocculation processes. The transition metal oxides and alkali metal oxides can be applied to catalyze and oxidize polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, petroleum and emerging contaminants. In this system, reactive oxygen species (•O2- and •OH) are generated from thermal excitation without strong chemical oxidants. Moreover, multiple active ingredients in recycled solid wastes can be controlled to reduce soil plasticity and enhance thermal catalysis. Alternatively, the alkali, nano zero-valent iron and nano-TiN can catalyze hydrodechlorination of POPs under reductive conditions. Especially, photo and photo-thermal catalysis are discussed to accelerate replacement of fossil fuels by renewable energy in thermal remediation.

A synthetic and transparent clay removes Microcystis aeruginosa efficiently.

Clay-algae flocculation is a promising method to remove harmful algal blooms (HABs) in aquatic ecosystems. Many HAB-generating species, such as Microcystis aeruginosa (M. aeruginosa), a common species in lakes, produce toxins and harm the environment, human health, and the economy. Natural clays, such as bentonite and kaolinite, and modification of these clays have been applied to mitigate HABs by forming large aggregates and settling down. In this study, we aim to examine the impact of laponite, a commercially available smectite clay that is synthetic, transparent, compatible with human tissues, and degradable, on removing HABs. We compare the cell removal efficiencies (RE) of laponite, two natural clays, and their polyaluminum chloride (PAC)-modified versions through clay-algae flocculation experiments. Our results show that the optimum concentrations of laponite, bentonite, kaolinite, PAC-modified bentonite, and PAC-modified kaolinite to remove 80 % of the M. aeruginosa cells from the water column are 0.05 g/L, 2 g/L, 4 g/L, 2 g/L and 0.3 g/L respectively. Therefore, to achieve the same cell removal efficiency, the amount of laponite needed is 40 to 80 times less than bentonite and kaolinite, and 6 times less than PAC-modified kaolinite. We demonstrate that the superior performance of laponite clay is because of its smaller particle size, which increases the encounter rate between cells and clay particles. Furthermore, experiments using water samples from Powderhorn Lake confirmed laponite's effectiveness in mitigating HABs. Our price analysis also suggests that this commercially-available clay, laponite, can be used in the field at a relatively low cost.

Effects of ionic strength and bentonite ratio on the migration of Cr(VI) in clayey soil-bentonite engineered barrier.

Soil-bentonite (S-B) barriers have been widely used for heavy metal pollution containment. This study conducted batch adsorption tests and diffusion-through tests to evaluate how ionic strength and bentonite ratio influence the migration of Cr(VI) in natural clay-bentonite mixtures. The test results indicated that the adsorption of Cr(VI) exhibited an obvious anion adsorption effect, the pH of the soil mixture increased with the addition of bentonite, resulting in a decrease in the positive surface charge. This change led to a decrease in Cr(VI) adsorption capacity, from 775.19 mg/kg for pure clay to 378 mg/kg for mixture samples with excessive bentonite. Furthermore, as the ionic strength increases from 0 to 0.1 M, the Cr(VI) adsorption capacity increases slightly due to the weakening of electrostatic repulsion on the clay particle surface, but the effective diffusion coefficient (De) increases by 21.97%. The compression of the diffusion double layer (DDL) under high ionic strength conditions enlarges the diffusion path and enhances the migration of Cr(VI) through the pore flow paths. Moreover, hydrated bentonite effectively fills the interaggregate pores of natural clay, thus creating narrower and more tortuous flow paths. However, excessive bentonite increases the pH value and pore volume, resulting in changes to the soil microstructure and disrupting the continuous skeleton of natural clay, which is unfavorable for Cr(VI) containment. Based on the study of the Cr(VI) contaminated site, a bentonite ratio of 2:10 is recommended for optimal natural performance of the natural clay-bentonite barrier.

Variable and Large Losses of Diagnostic Biomarkers After Simulated Cosmic Radiation Exposure in Clay- and Carbonate-Rich Mars Analog Samples.

Mars has been exposed to ionizing radiation for several billion years, and as part of the search for life on the Red Planet, it is crucial to understand the impact of radiation on biosignature preservation. Several NASA and ESA missions are looking for evidence of ancient life in samples collected at depths shallow enough that they have been impacted by galactic cosmic rays (GCRs). In this study, we exposed a diverse set of Mars analog samples to 0.9 Megagray (MGy) of gamma radiation to mimic 15 million years of exposure on the Martian surface. We measured no significant impact of GCRs on the total organic carbon (TOC) and bulk stable C isotopes in samples with initial TOC concentration > 0.1 wt. %; however, diagnostic molecular biosignatures presented a wide range of degradation that didn't correlate to factors like mineralogy, TOC, water content, and surface area. Exposure dating suggests that the surface of Gale crater has been irradiated at more than five times our dose, yet using this relatively low dose and "best-case scenario" geologically recalcitrant biomarkers, large and variable losses were nevertheless evident. Our results empasize the importance of selecting sampling sites at depth or recently exposed at the Martian surface.

Halloysite nanotubes enhanced polyimide/oxidized-lignin nanofiber separators for long-cycling lithium metal batteries.

The high energy density and robust cycle properties of lithium-ion batteries contribute to their extensive range of applications. Polyolefin separators are often used for the purpose of storing electrolytes, hence ensuring the efficient internal ion transport. Nevertheless, the electrochemical performance of lithium-ion batteries is constrained by its limited interaction with electrolytes and poor capacity for cation transport. This work presents the preparation of a new bio-based nanofiber separator by combining oxidized lignin (OL) and halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) with polyimide (PI) using an electrospinning technique. Analysis was conducted to examine and compare the structure, morphology, thermal characteristics, and EIS of the separator with those of commercially available polypropylene separator (PP). The results indicate that the PI@OL and PI-OL@ 10 % HNTs separators exhibit higher lithium ion transference number and ionic conductivity. Moreover, the use of HNTs successfully impeded the proliferation of lithium dendrites, hence exerting a beneficial impact on both the cycle performance and multiplier performance of the battery. Consequently, after undergoing 300 iterations, the battery capacity of LiFePO4|PI-OL@ 10 % HNTs|Li stays at 92.1 %, surpassing that of PP (86.8 %) and PI@OL (89.6 %). These findings indicate that this new bio-based battery separator (PI-OL@HNTs) has the great potential to serve as a substitute for the commonly used PP separator in lithium metal batteries.

Rapid in situ formation of κ-carrageenan-carboxymethyl chitosan-kaolin clay hydrogel films enriched with arbutin for enhanced preservation of cherry tomatoes.

Food waste resulting from perishable fruits and vegetables, coupled with the utilization of non-renewable petroleum-based packaging materials, presents pressing challenges demanding resolution. This study addresses these critical issues through the innovative development of a biodegradable functional plastic wrap. Specifically, the proposed solution involves the creation of a κ-carrageenan/carboxymethyl chitosan/arbutin/kaolin clay composite film. This film, capable of rapid in-situ formation on the surfaces of perishable fruits, adeptly conforms to their distinct shapes. The incorporation of kaolin clay in the composite film plays a pivotal role in mitigating water vapor and oxygen permeability, concurrently bolstering water resistance. Accordingly, tensile strength of the composite film experiences a remarkable enhancement, escalating from 20.60 MPa to 34.71 MPa with the incorporation of kaolin clay. The composite film proves its efficacy by preserving cherry tomatoes for an extended period of 9 days at 28 °C through the deliberate delay of fruit ripening, respiration, dehydration and microbial invasion. Crucially, the economic viability of the raw materials utilized in the film, coupled with the expeditious and straightforward preparation method, underscores the practicality of this innovative approach. This study thus introduces an easy and sustainable method for preserving perishable fruits, offering a cost-effective and efficient alternative to petroleum-based packaging materials.

Insight into hemostatic performance and mechanism of natural mixed-dimensional Attapulgite clay.

Clay minerals have attracted wide attention as biomedical materials due to the unique crystal structure, abundant morphology and good biocompatibility. However, the relevant studies on the abundant natural mixed clay deposits were scarcely reported. Herein, the hemostatic performance of natural mixed-dimensional attapulgite clay (MDAPT) composed of one-dimensional attapulgite and multiple two-dimensional clay were systematically investigated based on the structural evolution using oxalic acid for different time. The results of hemostatic evaluation showed that MDAPT leached by oxalic acid with 1 h presented the shortest clotting time (134 ± 12.17 s), a 15.09 % and 41.74 % reduction of relative hemoglobin absorbance at 180 s and 120 s when compared with the control group, respectively, and an increase of 19.45 % of the blood clotting index in vitro, as well as MDAPT obtained the shortest bleeding time (158.5 ± 6.9 s), nearly 66 % and 31 % reduction blood loss as compared to the blank group and the YNBY group in vivo. This improvement was primarily ascribed to the synergistic effect of lamellar non-expandable illite, and nano rod-like attapulgite. Furthermore, the rapid hemostasis of MDAPT was also due to the joint effect of superhydrophobic property toward blood, minimizing blood loss, surface negative charge, metal ions from MDAPT structural skeleton, promoting an average increase of 21 % for platelet activation. The results suggested that MDAPT could be served as a promising efficient inorganic hemostatic materials, which provided a feasible strategy to realize the high-valued utilization of natural mixed clay resources.

Bioclay Enzyme with Bimetal Synergistic Sterilization and Infectious Wound Regeneration.

Bacteria invasion is the main factor hindering the wound-healing process. However, current antibacterial therapies inevitably face complex challenges, such as the abuse of antibiotics or severe inflammation during treatment. Here, a drug-free bioclay enzyme (Bio-Clayzyme) consisting of Fe2+-tannic acid (TA) network-coated kaolinite nanoclay and glucose oxidase (GOx) was reported to destroy harmful bacteria via bimetal antibacterial therapy. At the wound site, Bio-Clayzyme was found to enhance the generation of toxic hydroxyl radicals for sterilization via cascade catalysis of GOx and Fe2+-mediated peroxidase mimetic activity. Specifically, the acidic characteristics of the infection microenvironment accelerated the release of Al3+ from kaolinite, which further led to bacterial membrane damage and amplified the antibacterial toxicity of Fe2+. Besides, Bio-Clayzyme also performed hemostasis and anti-inflammatory functions inherited from Kaol and TA. By the combination of hemostasis and anti-inflammatory and bimetal synergistic sterilization, Bio-Clayzyme achieves efficient healing of infected wounds, providing a revolutionary approach for infectious wound regeneration.

Exploring the Efficacy of Using Geotrichum fermentans, Rhodotorula rubra, Kluyveromyce marxiamus, Clay Minerals, and Walnut Nutshells for Mycotoxin Remediation.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of nine different biological compounds to reduce mycotoxins concentrations. The hypothesis of this study was that a static in vitro gastrointestinal tract model, as an initial screening tool, can be used to simulate the efficacy of Geotrichum fermentans, Rhodotorula rubra, Kluyveromyce marxiamus yeast cell walls and their polysaccharides, red and white clay minerals, and walnuts nutshells claiming to detoxify AFB1, ZEA, DON, and T-2 toxin mycotoxins. Mycotoxin concentrations were analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with fluorescent (FLD) and ultraviolet detectors (UV). The greatest effects on reducing mycotoxin concentrations were determined as follows: for AFB1, inserted G. fermentans cell wall polysaccharides and walnut nutshells; for ZEA, inserted R. rubra and G. fermentans cell walls and red clay minerals; for DON, R. rubra cell wall polysaccharides and red clay minerals; and for T-2 toxin, R. rubra cell walls, K. marxianus, and G. fermentans cell wall polysaccharides and walnut nutshells. The present study indicated that selected mycotoxin-detoxifying biological compounds can be used to decrease mycotoxin concentrations.

Clay-polymer nanocomposites for effective water treatment: opportunities, challenges, and future prospects.

The metal intoxication and its associated adverse effects to humans have led to the research for development of water treatment technologies from pollution hazards. Therefore, development of cheaper water remediation technologies is more urgent than ever. Clays and clay minerals are naturally occurring, inexpensive, non-toxic materials possessing interesting chemical and physical properties. As a result of interesting surface properties, these have been developed as efficient absorbent in water remediation. Recently, clay-polymer nanocomposites have provided a cost-effective technological platform for removing contaminants from water. Covering research advancements from past 25 years, this review highlights the developments in clay-polymer nanocomposites and their advanced technical applications are evaluated with respect to the background and issues in remediation of toxic metals and organic compounds from water. The extensive analysis of literature survey of more than two decades suggests that future work need to highlight on advancement of green and cost-effective technologies. The development of understanding of the interaction and exchange between toxin and clay-polymer composites would provide new assembly methods of nanocomposites with functional molecules or nanomaterials need to be extended to increase the detection and extraction limit to parts per trillion.

Natural peloids originating from subsea depths of 200 m in the hupo basin, South Korea: physicochemical properties for potential pelotherapy applications.

The present study firstly reports surface sediment from the subsea depth of 200 m as a potential natural peloid. The fine-silt sediment exhibited a consistent clay mineral composition dominated by illite, chlorite, kaolinite, and diatomite. The most abundant clay mineral was illite/mica, with other minerals loosely packed in a face-to-face orientation. The thermal conductivity, specific heat capacity, and cation-exchange capacity of the sediment were in the range 0.855-0.885 W/m K, 2.718-2.821 J/g °C, and 23.06-32.96 cmol/kg, respectively. The concentrations of most toxic elements in the sediment were considerably lower than the limits set by domestic cosmetic regulations and other international standards. The analyzed samples exhibited similar properties to those of previously reported peloids, thus making them suitable for use in the field of pelotherapy; furthermore, the consistency in data across a wide peloid-distribution area is expected to enable economically viable mining. Future investigations should aim to to evaluate the long-term effects on the skin, the bioavailability of potentially hazardous substances, and the therapeutic efficacy for various skin conditions.

Characterization and application of the nanocompiste packaging films containing clay and TiO2 on preservation of tomato fruit under cold storage.

BACKGROUND: Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum), a valuable economic crop worldwide, often goes to waste due to improper packaging and handling. In the present study, three types of low-density polyethylene nanocomposite films containing 3% clay (Closite 20A), 3% TiO2 nanoparticles, and their combination were synthesized using melt blending method, and evaluated on the quality parameters of tomato fruit during 42 days of storage at 4 °C. RESULTS: Transmission electron microscopy confirmed the degree of dispersion and exfoliation of the nanoparticles. The TiO2/clay-nanocomposite films exhibited notable enhancements in Young's modulus and tensile strength compared to conventional films. The addition of clay and TiO2 nanoparticles resulted in reduced permeability to CO2, O2, and water vapor. Fruits packed with clay/TiO2 nanocomposite films showed decreased ethylene production, mitigated weight loss, and maintained pH, titratable acidity, total soluble solids, and firmness. Furthermore, clay/TiO2 nanocomposite films enhanced membrane stability, decreased membrane lipid peroxidation, and enhanced catalase and ascorbate peroxidase enzyme activity in fruits. CONCLUSIONS: The relatively good exfoliation of clay nanoparticles and the proper dispersion of TiO2 nanoparticles, which were confirmed by TEM, led to an increase in mechanical and physical properties in the Clay/TiO2 nanocomposite. This film displayed more potential in maintaining the quality properties of tomato fruit during cold storage. Therefore, this film can be considered a practical solution for minimizing pathogen risks and contamination, and enhancing the overall quality of tomato fruit.

Biocompatibility of nano/micro-sized pyrophyllite particles by pulmo, liver, kidney and gastric mucosis cells.

Pyrophyllite is the least studied natural clay in terms of its potential in biomedical applications, although there are many deposits of this aluminosilicate around the world. Genotoxicity study was performed in vitro for this mineral. Subsequently, Wister rats were exposed to the pyrophyllite micronized to below 100 µm. After the exposure period, histology of the lung, liver, kidney and gastric tissues were performed, followed by the stereological and hematological analysis. The physicochemical analyses revealed typical XRD characteristics of pyrophyllite clay with particle-size distribution ranging 50 nm-100 µm with stable mineral composition and unique buffering property to pH around 8. The results showed that there were no cytotoxic effects on to THP-1 cells, or genotoxicity of pyrophyllite measured by the Comet assay. In vivo studies are accompanied by the thorough physicochemical characterization of the micronized pyrophyllite. Histology of the lung tissue proved presence of an inflammatory reaction. On the other hand, gastric tissue has shown the selective accumulation of nanoparticles in enterocytes of the stomach only, as supported by ultrastructural analysis. Liver and kidney tissues have shown tolerability for pyrophyllite particles. The results give directions for further comprehensive studies of potential biomedical applications of the pyrophyllite.

Zinc-exchanged montmorillonite clay: A promising slow-release nanofertilizer for rice (Oryza sativa L.).

This study is to examine zinc exchanged montmorillonite (Zn-MMT) as a potential slow release nanofertilizer for rice crop. The effective intercalation of zinc within the montmorillonite inter layers was firmly established via analytical techniques including Zeta potential, FE-SEM (Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy) with Energy Dispersive X-ray Analysis (EDAX), Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR). The efficacy of Zn-MMT was examined by evaluating its ability to facilitate controlled zinc release, as confirmed through an incubation study. Subsequently, the kinetics of zinc release was analyzed by different mathematical models such as Zero-order kinetics, First-order kinetics, the Higuchi model, and the Korsmeyer-Peppas model. From the pot culture study spanning 90 days the results indicated that Zn-MMT had significantly high plant height, Leaf Area Index (LAI), Dry Matter Production (DMP), number of tillers per hill, panicles length, increased grain and straw yield, in comparison with conventional zinc sulphate (ZnSO4). Total phenol, total protein and total chlorophyll content were significantly at higher levels with Zn-MMT treated rice crops as compared to conventional fertilizers and control. A similar trend was seen with phytochemicals such as Indole Acetic Acid (IAA), Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) and Carbonic Anhydrase (CA). Notably, rice grains harvested from Zn-MMTtreated crops exhibited significantly higher zinc content than those using other treatments. This Zn-MMT can be confirmed as a better alternative to conventional zinc sulphate fertilizers owing to its slow-release of nutrient into the soil and thus increased zinc use efficiency.

Heteroaggregation and deposition behaviors of carboxylated nanoplastics with different types of clay minerals in aquatic environments: Important role of calcium(II) ion-assisted bridging.

The widespread utilization of plastic products ineluctably leads to the ubiquity of nanoplastics (NPs), causing potential risks for aquatic environments. Interactions of NPs with mineral surfaces may affect NPs transport, fate and ecotoxicity. This study aims to investigate systematically the deposition and aggregation behaviors of carboxylated polystyrene nanoplastics (COOH-PSNPs) by four types of clay minerals (illite, kaolinite, Na-montmorillonite, and Ca-montmorillonite) under various solution chemistry conditions (pH, temperature, ionic strength and type). Results demonstrate that the deposition process was dominated by electrostatic interactions. Divalent cations (i.e., Ca2+, Mg2+, Cd2+, or Pb2+) were more efficient for screening surface negative charges and compressing the electrical double layer (EDL). Hence, there were significant increases in deposition rates of COOH-PSNPs with clay minerals in suspension containing divalent cations, whereas only slight increases in deposition rates of COOH-PSNPs were observed in monovalent cations (Na+, K+). Negligible deposition occurred in the presence of anions (F-, Cl-, NO3-, CO32-, SO42-, or PO43-). Divalent Ca2+ could incrementally facilitate the deposition of COOH-PSNPs through Ca2+-assisted bridging with increasing CaCl2 concentrations (0-100 mM). The weakened deposition of COOH-PSNPs with increasing pH (2.0-10.0) was primarily attributed to the reduce in positive charge density at the edges of clay minerals. In suspensions containing 2 mM CaCl2, increased Na+ ionic strength (0-100 mM) and temperature (15-55 ◦C) also favored the deposition of COOH-PSNPs. The ability of COOH-PSNPs deposited by four types of clay minerals followed the sequence of kaolinite > Na-montmorillonite > Ca-montmorillonite > illite, which was related to their structural and surface charge properties. This study revealed the deposition behaviors and mechanisms between NPs and clay minerals under environmentally representative conditions, which provided novel insights into the transport and fate of NPs in natural aquatic environments.

Direct shear behaviors of excavated clay reinforced with geocomposite drainage layer encapsulated in thin sand layers.

The objective of this study is to assess the effectiveness of a novel structure comprising a geocomposite drainage layer and a thin sand layer (GDL + sand) in mitigating the rapid dumping of excavated clay and its associated issues, such as landslides. Two sets of direct shear tests were conducted to investigate the influence of sand layer thickness and compaction degree on the interface shear behavior of the GDL + sand structure. As the sand layer thickness increased, both the interface shear strength and friction angle gradually increased, first more sharply and then at a slower rate toward stability, while the interface cohesion decreased gradually. The optimal sand layer thickness for achieving the most effective reinforcement in stabilizing the clay was identified as 10 mm. A higher sand layer compaction degree was found to result in increased interface shear strength, interface friction angle, and interface cohesion. Building on these findings, the reinforcing efficiency of the GDL + sand structure was investigated through mechanism analysis in comparison to that of a geogrid + sand structure and GDL structure as per the interface friction coefficient. The ranking of interface friction coefficients among the three structures emerged as: geogrid + sand > GDL + sand > GDL. These results suggests that the GDL + sand structure exhibits superior reinforcement efficiency compared to the GDL structure and offers better drainage efficiency than the geogrid + sand structure.

Bacterial nanocellulose-clay film as an eco-friendly sorbent for superior pollutants removal from aqueous solutions.

The persistent water treatment and separation challenge necessitates innovative and sustainable advances to tackle conventional and emerging contaminants in the aquatic environment effectively. Therefore, a unique three-dimensional (3D) network composite film (BNC-KC) comprised of bacterial nanocellulose (BNC) incorporated nano-kaolinite clay particles (KC) was successfully synthesized via an in-situ approach. The microscopic characterization of BNC-KC revealed an effective integration of KC within the 3D matrix of BNC. The investigated mechanical properties of BNC-KC demonstrated a better performance compared to BNC. Thereafter, the sorption performance of BNC-KC films towards basic blue 9 dye (Bb9) and norfloxacin (NFX) antibiotic from water was investigated. The maximum sorption capacities of BNC-KC for Bb9 and NFX were 127.64 and 101.68 mg/g, respectively. Mechanistic studies showed that electrostatic interactions, multi-layered sorption, and 3D structure are pivotal in the NFX/Bb9 sorption process. The intricate architecture of BNC-KC effectively traps molecules within the interlayer spaces, significantly increasing sorption efficiency. The distinctive structural configuration of BNC-KC films effectively addressed the challenges of post-water treatment separation while concurrently mitigating waste generation. The environmental evaluation, engineering, and economic feasibility of BNC-KC are also discussed. The cost estimation assessment of BNC-KC revealed the potential to remove NFX and Bb9 from water at an economically viable cost.

Adsorption of sulfamethoxazole and ethofumesate in biochar- and organoclay-amended soil: Changes with adsorbent aging in the laboratory and in the field.

Biochars and organoclays have been proposed as efficient adsorbents to reduce the mobility of agrochemicals in soils. However, following their application to soils, these adsorbents undergo changes in their physicochemical properties over time due to their interaction with soil components. In this study, the adsorption capacity of a commercial biochar and a commercial organoclay for the antibiotic sulfamethoxazole (SFMX) and the pesticide ethofumesate (ETFM) was evaluated over aging periods of 3 months in the laboratory and 1 year in the field, subsequent to their application to a Mediterranean soil. The results showed that the adsorption of SFMX and ETFM in the soil amended with the adsorbents was greater than in the unamended soil, but for both chemicals, adsorption decreased with aging of the adsorbents in the soil. Characterization of the adsorbents before and after aging revealed physical blocking of adsorption sites by soil components. The loss of adsorption capacity of the adsorbents upon aging led to higher leaching of SFMX and ETFM in the soil containing field-aged adsorbents, although leaching remained lower than in unamended soil. Our findings reveal that, under the Mediterranean environment studied, the efficacy of the studied materials as adsorbents is maintained to a considerable extent for at least one year after their field application, which would have positive implications in their use for attenuating the dispersion of agricultural contaminants in the environment.

In-vivo evaluation of the adverse effects of ochratoxin A on broiler chicken health and adsorption efficacy of indigenous and commercial clay of Balochistan, Pakistan.

Mycotoxins in animal feed pose health risks and economic losses, but using various adsorbent types could potentially protect animals from mycotoxicosis. The study aimed to assess the effect of OTA on the health of broiler chickens and to envisage the ameliorative potential of clay adsorbents. The objectives of this in vivo study were to investigate the effects of OTA on productivity, biochemical parameters, fecal residues, and the preventive effects of indigenous and commercial clay of Balochistan as adsorbents to alleviate the adverse effects of exposure. Male broiler chickens (n = 160) were treated with 400 µg/kg OTA and 0.5 g/kg clay adsorbent for 42 days, with feed and water available in an ad libitum manner. The amount of OTA in diet and fecal residues was assessed through HPLC. The administration of OTA in the diet, resulted in a significant (p < 0.05) decrease in the average daily gain (ADG) and average daily feed intake (ADFI) while increasing the feed conversion ratio (FCR) as compared to the control group. Furthermore, no significant (p > 0.05) differences were found between the weight gain of broiler chickens fed without OTA (positive control) and that of chickens fed adsorbent. The group given a diet containing OTA without adsorbents as compared to the control and adsorbent-supplemented group has shown a significant (p < 0.05) increase in the relative weight of the liver, kidney, gizzard, and proventriculus while decreasing the relative weight of the spleen and bursa of Fabricius. Alterations in the levels of serum total protein (TP), cholesterol (CHL), serum urea (SU), enzymatic activity (aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine transaminase (ALT)), and creatinine were observed in the OTA-intoxicated and adsorbent-supplemented groups as compared to the control group. Adsorbent supplementation resulted in a significantly (p < 0.05) higher OTA content in the faeces. It can be concluded from the results of this study, that OTA intoxication negatively affects the health of broiler chickens, and the clay of Balochistan has shown effective adsorption potential against OTA.

Quaternized chitosan/polyvinyl alcohol anion exchange membrane enhanced by functionalized attapulgite clay with an ionic "chain-ball" surface structure.

Biomass chitosan has garnered considerable interest for alkaline anion exchange membranes (AEMs) due to its eco-friendly and sustainable characteristics, low reactant permeability and easily modifiable nature, but it still faces the trade-off between high hydroxide conductivity and sufficient mechanical properties. Herein, a novel functionalized attapulgite clay (f-ATP) with a unique ionic "chain-ball" surface structure was prepared and incorporated with quaternized chitosan (QCS)/polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) matrix to fabricate high-performance composite AEMs. Due to the strengthened interfacial bonding between f-ATP nanofillers and the QCS/PVA matrix, composite membranes are synergistically reinforced and toughened, achieving peak tensile strength and elongation at break of 24.62 MPa and 33.8 %. Meanwhile, abundant ion pairs on f-ATP surface facilitate ion transport in the composite AEMs, with the maximum OH- conductivity of 46 mS cm-1 at 80 °C and the highest residual IEC of 83 % after alkaline treatment for 120 h. Moreover, the assembled alkaline direct methanol fuel cell exhibits a remarkable power density of 49.3 mW cm-2 at 80 °C. This work provides a new strategy for fabricating high-performance anion exchange membranes.