Pilot study of temporal variations in lead bioaccessibility and chemical fractionation in some Chinese soils

The effect of ageing, following the addition of approximately 400mgkg(-1) lead (Pb) as Pb(NO(3))(2), on Pb bioaccessibility was examined in five typical Chinese soils using a physiologically based extraction test. Sequential extraction was employed to identify the source fraction(s) of bioaccessible Pb in the soils. Pb bioaccessibility decreased exponentially to nearly steady levels in mildly acidic or alkali (pH 6.09-7.43) soils, for both gastric (69.91-71.75%) and small intestinal (7.53-9.63%) phases within the first 2-4 weeks and 1-2 months of incubation, respectively; however, it took only 1-2 weeks for strongly acidic ( approximately pH 4.5) soils to reach nearly steady levels of Pb bioaccessibility (73.01-74.46% and 10.30-10.98% in the gastric and small intestinal phases, respectively). In addition to the water-soluble and exchangeable fractions, the carbonate fraction of mildly acidic or alkali soils appeared to be a third main source of bioaccessible Pb in the small intestinal phase; however, bioaccessible Pb was likely to derive principally from Pb in the water-soluble and exchangeable fractions of strongly acidic soils. Bioaccessible Pb in the gastric phase appeared to derive from all the fractions in all five studied soils, even the residual fraction.     

Impact of soil particle size and bioaccessibility on children and adult lead exposure in peri-urban contaminated soils

The impact of soil particle size and bioaccessibility on children and adult lead (Pb) exposure via the incidental soil ingestion pathway was assessed in 16 peri-urban contaminated soils. A comparison of Pb distribution across 4 particle size fractions (<50 μm, <100 μm, <250 μm and <2 mm) found increasing Pb concentrations associated with decreasing particle size fractions. Lead enrichment in the <50 μm particle size fraction was up to 5 times the concentration observed in the bulk soil. When gastric phase Pb bioaccessibility was determined in the <50, <100 and <250 μm particle size fractions using the SBRC assay, Pb bioaccessibility also increased with decreasing particle size fraction for 6 of the 16 soils tested. Assessment of children and adult Pb exposure indicated that particle size and bioaccessibility had a significant influence on the contribution of incidental soil ingestion to daily Pb intake values. Although the <250 μm particle size fraction is recommended for incidental soil ingestion calculations, using this fraction has the potential to underestimate Pb exposure due to the preferential adhesion of smaller particles to hands with elevated Pb concentrations.     

Natural attenuation processes for remediation of arsenic contaminated soils and groundwater

Arsenic (As) contamination presents a hazard in many countries. Natural attenuation (NA) of As-contaminated soils and groundwater may be a cost-effective in situ remedial option. It relies on the site intrinsic assimilative capacity and allows in-place cleanup. Sorption to solid phases is the principal mechanism immobilizing As in soils and removing it from groundwater. Hydroxides of iron, aluminum and manganese, clay and sulfide minerals, and natural organic matter are commonly associated with soils and aquifer sediments, and have been shown to be significant As adsorbents. The extent of sorption is influenced by As speciation and the site geochemical conditions such as pH, redox potential, and the co-occurring ions. Microbial activity may catalyze the transformation of As species, or mediate redox reactions thus influencing As mobility. Plants that are capable of hyperaccumulating As may translocate As from contaminated soils and groundwater to their tissues, providing the basis for phytoremediation. However, NA is subject to hydrological changes and may take substantial periods of time, thus requiring long-term monitoring. The current understanding of As NA processes remains limited. Sufficient site characterization is critical to the success of NA. Further research is required to develop conceptual and mathematical models to predict the fate and transport of As and to evaluate the site NA capacity. Engineering enhanced NA using environmentally benign products may be an effective alternative.     

Assessment of bioremediation possibilities of technical grade hexachlorocyclohexane (tech-HCH) contaminated soils

Hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH) is a broad spectrum insecticide still used in some of the developing countries, though developed countries have banned or curtailed its use. Even in those countries where the use of t-HCH has been discontinued for a number of years, the problem of residues of all isomers of t-HCH remains because of its high persistence. These insecticides in the soil disturb the delicate equilibrium between microorganisms and their environment. Few reports on the degradation of t-HCH isomers in soil are present in literature, and very little information is available on the effect of these t-HCH isomers on soil microflora. In the present study, an attempt has been made to see the microbial diversity in the uncontaminated soils and the effect of application of t-HCH on the soil microflora. The soil was spiked with t-HCH and incubated, at regular time intervals the soil samples were analyzed for microbial diversity as well as t-HCH isomers residues. The results show that at higher concentrations of t-HCH, microbial populations were inhibited and the inhibited populations did not reappear even after prolonged incubation. Potential t-HCH degrading cultures were isolated and subjected to further acclimation in order to enhance their degradation capacity. The results are presented and discussed in this paper.     

酱油中铅含量的测定

在酱油的铅测定中,加入氯化钯基体改进剂,间接测定酱油中的铅,不需要样品消化过程,并消除了背景干扰,提高了效率.检测结果令人满意。     

In Vitro and In Vivo Evaluation of Glibenclamide in Solid Dispersion Systems

The purpose of this work is to improve the dissolution and bioavailability characteristics of glibenclamide as compared to Daonil® tablets (Hoechst). Solid dispersions of glibenclamide in Gelucire 44/14 (Formula 1) and in polyethylene glycol 6000 (PEG 6000) (Formula 2) were prepared by fusion method. In vitro dissolution studies showed that the dispersing systems containing glibenclamide and Gelucire 44/14 or PEG 6000 gave faster dissolution rates than the reference product Daonil. The in vivo bioavailability study was assessed in six healthy male volunteers in crossover design with a 1‐week washout period. Both formulas were found to be significantly different from Daonil with regard to the extent of absorption as indicated by the area under serum concentration‐time curve. Both formulas are not significantly different from Daonil with respect to time of peak plasma concentration (T_max). It is concluded from this pilot study that the ranking of the in vitro dissolution is similar to the ranking of in vivo availability. The ranking of the three preparations in term of dissolution rate and extent of absorption is as follows: Formula 2?>?Formula 1?>?Daonil.     

Increased bioavailability of celecoxib under fed versus fasted conditions is determined by postprandial bile secretion as demonstrated in a dynamic gastrointestinal model

The objective of this study was to utilize physiologically relevant dynamic dissolution testing with the TNO intestinal model (TIM-1) in vitro gastrointestinal model to investigate the bioaccessibility of celecoxib. A single 200-mg dose of celecoxib was evaluated under average adult human physiological conditions simulated in the TIM-1 system. The in vitro data were compared with the clinically established pharmacokinetic data. When expressed as a percent of drug that progresses from the duodenum to the jejunum and ileum compartments (bioaccessible sites), the study demonstrated a 2-fold increase in the total bioaccessibility for celecoxib when co-administered with a high-fat meal as opposed to co-administration with a glass of water (fasted conditions). That increase in bioaccessibility was similar to a 1.2 to 1.6-fold increase in systemic exposure in adults and children following co-administration with a high-fat meal when compared to the exposure measured when celecoxib was co-administered with only water. Following that comparison, the flexibility of the TIM-1 system was used to more specifically investigate individual parameters of gastrointestinal conditions, such as the rate of bile secretion (emptying of the bile bladder) that accompanies high-fat meal consumption. We demonstrated that increased bile secretion after co-administration of a high-fat meal played a more important role in the increased celecoxib bioaccessibility than did the food matrix. This indicates that in humans without a bile bladder the exposure of celecoxib administered with food might be as low as under fasted state.     

Laboratory treatability testing of soils contaminated with lead and PCBs using particle-size separation and soil washing.

A soil treatability study was conducted using particle-size separation and soil washing to reduce the volume of material contaminated with polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and lead at a Superfund site. Soil washing using surfactant was effective at removing 95% of PCBs into fine material and residual wash water. Results indicate that almost 80% of the material contaminated with up to 140 mg/kg PCBs could be treated to concentrations below 10 mg/kg using soil washing with surfactant. There did not appear to be a difference in lead removal using either particle size separation or soil washing, although the lead data have high uncertainty because of soil heterogeneity. Lead concentrations in soil were reduced from as high as 1700 to < or =150 mg/kg and from 560 to < or =220 mg/kg in about half of the material using particle size separation.     

Structural evaluation of sol-gel derived lead strontium titanate diffusion barrier for integration in lead zirconate titanate transducer design

Sol-gel derived Pb₄₀Sr₆₀TiO₃ (PST) thin film has been investigated as a diffusion barrier for integrating in PbZr₃₀Ti₇₀O₃ (PZT) device structures on Si substrates. PST film was deposited on SiO₂/Si substrate and annealed at a relatively low temperature range of 550-600 °C producing a crack-free, smooth and textured surface. Following deposition on PST/SiO₂/Si template PZT thin film was crystallised exhibiting random grain orientations and an insertion of the bottom Pt/Ti electrode forming PZT/Pt/Ti/PST/SiO₂/Si stacks promoted the preferred PZT (111) perovskite phase. PZT (111) peak intensity gradually decreased along with slight increase of the PZT (110) peak with increasing annealing temperature of the buffer PST film. The dielectric and ferroelectric properties of the PZT with barrier PST deposited at 550 °C were assessed. The dielectric constant and loss factor were estimated as 390 and 0.034 at 100 kHz respectively and the remnant polarisation was 28 µC/cm² at 19 V. The performance of the PZT/PST device structures was compared to similar PZT transducer stacks having widely used barrier TiO₂ layer.     

Self-Microemulsifying Drug Delivery Systems (SMEDDS) for Improving In Vitro Dissolution and Oral Absorption of Pueraria Lobata Isoflavone

The aim of our investigation was to develop and characterize self-microemulsifying drug delivery systems (SMEDDS) of Pueraria lobata isoflavone to improve its in vitro dissolution and oral absorption in beagle dogs. SMEDDS consisted of oil (ethyl oleate), a surfactant (Tween 80), and a cosurfactant (Transcutol P). In all the SMEDDS, the level of Pueraria lobata isoflavone was fixed at 20% w/w of the vehicle. The in vitro self-microemulsification properties and droplet size analysis of SMEDDS were studied following their addition to water under mild agitation. A pseudoternary phase diagram was constructed identifying the efficient self-microemulsification region. From these investigations, an optimized formulation was selected and its dissolution and bioavailability were compared with a tablet formulation in beagle dogs. The in vitro dissolution rate of puerarin from SMEDDS was more than threefold faster than that from Yufengningxin tablets (Pueraria lobata isoflavone tablets). A 2.5-fold increase in the relative bioavailability was observed for the SMEDDS compared with Yufengningxin tablets. The absolute bioavailability of the SMEDDS was 82.32 ± 15.51%, which was significantly improved compared with that of Yufengningxin tablets. These results demonstrate the potential of SMEDDS as an efficient way of improving the oral absorption of Pueraria lobata isoflavone.     

Self-Microemulsifying Drug Delivery Systems (SMEDDS) for Improving In Vitro Dissolution and Oral Absorption of Pueraria Lobata Isoflavone

The aim of our investigation was to develop and characterize self-microemulsifying drug delivery systems (SMEDDS) of Pueraria lobata isoflavone to improve its in vitro dissolution and oral absorption in beagle dogs. SMEDDS consisted of oil (ethyl oleate), a surfactant (Tween 80), and a cosurfactant (Transcutol P). In all the SMEDDS, the level of Pueraria lobata isoflavone was fixed at 20% w/w of the vehicle. The in vitro self-microemulsification properties and droplet size analysis of SMEDDS were studied following their addition to water under mild agitation. A pseudoternary phase diagram was constructed identifying the efficient self-microemulsification region. From these investigations, an optimized formulation was selected and its dissolution and bioavailability were compared with a tablet formulation in beagle dogs. The in vitro dissolution rate of puerarin from SMEDDS was more than threefold faster than that from Yufengningxin tablets (Pueraria lobata isoflavone tablets). A 2.5-fold increase in the relative bioavailability was observed for the SMEDDS compared with Yufengningxin tablets. The absolute bioavailability of the SMEDDS was 82.32 ± 15.51%, which was significantly improved compared with that of Yufengningxin tablets. These results demonstrate the potential of SMEDDS as an efficient way of improving the oral absorption of Pueraria lobata isoflavone.     

Bioremediation of Cr(VI) in contaminated soils

Ex situ treatment of hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) contaminated soil using a bioreactor-biosorption system was evaluated as a novel remediation alternative. Leaching of Cr(VI) from the contaminated soil using various eluents showed that desorption was strongly affected by the solution pH. The leaching process was accelerated at alkaline conditions (pH 9). Though, desorption potential of ethylene diamine tetra acetic acid (EDTA) was the maximum among various eluents tried, molasses (5 g/L) could also elute 72% of Cr(VI). Cr(VI) reduction studies were carried out under aerobic and facultative anaerobic conditions using the bacterial isolates from contaminated soil. Cr(VI) reduction was moderately higher in aerobic conditions than in facultative anaerobic conditions. The effect of various electron donors on Cr(VI) reduction was also investigated. Among five electron donors screened, peptone (10 g/L) showed maximum Cr(VI) reduction followed by molasses (10 g/L). The time required for complete Cr(VI) reduction was increased with increase in the initial Cr(VI) concentration. However, specific Cr(VI) reduction was increased with increase in initial Cr(VI) concentration. Sulfates and nitrates did not compete with Cr(VI) for accepting the electrons. A bioreactor was developed for the detoxification of Cr(VI). Above 80% of Cr(VI) reduction was achieved in the bioreactor with an initial Cr(VI) concentration of 50 mg/L at an HRT of 8 h. An adsorption column was developed using Ganoderm lucidum (a wood rooting fungus) as the adsorbent for the removal of trivalent chromium (Cr(III)) and excess electron donor from the effluent of the bioreactor. The specific Cr(III) adsorption capacity of G. lucidum in the column was 576 mg/g. The new biosystem seems to be a promising alternative for the ex situ bioremediation of Cr(VI) contaminated soils.     

In vivo evaluation of two novel controlled-release nitrendipine formulations

The objective of this work is to assess two novel controlled-release nitrendipine formulations, i.e., sustained-release nitrendipine microspheres having solid dispersion structure and a novel pH-dependent gradient-release delivery system for nitrendipine in healthy male volunteers, which were prepared by current authors. Domestic commercial nitrendipine tablets and Baypress™ nitrendipine tablets were employed as reference formulations. In a randomized, single-dose, fasting-state, crossover study design with a 1-week washout period, each subject received a 40-mg nitrendipine formulation. Plasma samples were collected over a 25-hour period after oral administration and were analyzed by a validated method using high performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection. Pharmacokinetic parameters were determined using a noncompartmental analysis. The results provided evidence that the time to maximum plasma concentration of two novel controlled-release nitrendipine formulations were statistically significant prolonged in comparison with that of Baypress™ nitrendipine tablets. The relative bioavailabilities of test formulations were intensively improved compared with the domestic nitrendipine tablets, while the ratio is in a range of 80-120% in comparison with Baypress™ nitrendipine tablets. It is concluded that the two types of controlled-release systems are feasible for improving the dissolution rate of nitrendipine and obtaining a long-acting in vivo as well.     

In Vivo Evaluation of Two Novel Controlled-Release Nitrendipine Formulations

The objective of this work is to assess two novel controlled-release nitrendipine formulations, i.e., sustained-release nitrendipine microspheres having solid dispersion structure and a novel pH-dependent gradient-release delivery system for nitrendipine in healthy male volunteers, which were prepared by current authors. Domestic commercial nitrendipine tablets and Baypress? nitrendipine tablets were employed as reference formulations. In a randomized, single-dose, fasting-state, crossover study design with a 1-week washout period, each subject received a 40-mg nitrendipine formulation. Plasma samples were collected over a 25-hour period after oral administration and were analyzed by a validated method using high performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection. Pharmacokinetic parameters were determined using a noncompartmental analysis. The results provided evidence that the time to maximum plasma concentration of two novel controlled-release nitrendipine formulations were statistically significant prolonged in comparison with that of Baypress? nitrendipine tablets. The relative bioavailabilities of test formulations were intensively improved compared with the domestic nitrendipine tablets, while the ratio is in a range of 80–120% in comparison with Baypress? nitrendipine tablets. It is concluded that the two types of controlled-release systems are feasible for improving the dissolution rate of nitrendipine and obtaining a long-acting in vivo as well.     

Stabilization of cadmium contaminated soils using synthesized zeolite

This research investigates the effect of synthesized zeolite on stabilizing Cd-contaminated soil, using 0.01 M CaCl₂ leaching solution in batch and column experiments. The zeolite was synthesized from fly ash obtained from a Coal-Fired Power Plant, by adding 2 N NaOH and subjecting to 90°C for 24 h. The experiment used two groups of soil samples: (1) addition of Cd to four series of background soils: Pinchen, Jente, Erlin and Chengchung; (2) actual contaminated soils from Chungsing and Tsasta sites. The result of the batch experiment indicates that the addition of zeolite reduces Cd leaching from all types of contaminated soils. The more zeolite added, the lower Cd concentrations were detected in the leaching solution. The stabilized Cd in soils in the presence of zeolite is also demonstrated in the column experiments; the leachate contains insignificant Cd, and Cd depth analysis of the soil columns shows little Cd migration. For example, for Pinchen and Jente soils, after 12 and 49 pore volumes of leaching solution, the remaining Cd levels in the soils were 12% and 35%, respectively, of the original Cd values with no zeolite added, as compared to 96% and 99% in the presence of 16% zeolite. The higher cation exchange capacity of the zeolite/soil mixtures and higher pH are responsible for stabilizing Cd in soils. The effect is most useful in application to the acidic sandy soils to prevent contaminated heavy metals from leaching.     

Enhancement of gastrointestinal absorption of isoliquiritigenin by nanostructured lipid carrier

Isoliquiritigenin (ISL) has various pharmacological effects. Our previous studies demonstrated that the oral bioavailability of ISL was low and the concentration-time profiles of ISL exhibited double peaks after oral administration in rat, but the underlying mechanisms remained unknown. The objective of this study was to clarify the gastrointestinal (GI) absorptive characteristics of ISL using in situ intestinal perfusion model as well as explain double peaks phenomenon after oral administration and to evaluate the potential of using nanostructured lipid carrier (NLC) as an oral delivery carrier for poorly water soluble drugs. The results showed that the absorption percent in the stomach for 2 h was less than 10%, the absorption process of intestine was first-order process with passive diffusion mechanism, and the main absorptive segment was colon. Isoliquiritigenin-loaded nanostructured lipid carrier (ISL-NLC) could enhance oral absorption of ISL. The reason for the Double Peak Phenomenon following oral administration in ISL plasma concentrations versus time profiles is Variability of Absorption within different regions of the gut, very low absorption from the stomach, jejunum, duodenum and ileum compared with the absorption from the colon. A pharmacokinetic study was conducted in rats after a single dose oral administration of ISL at 20 mg/kg in the form of either ISL-NLC or isoliquiritigenin solution (ISL-Sol). The AUC _(0∼∞) values were 5.43 ± 0.67 μg h mL⁻¹ and 29.60 ± 2.88 μg h mL⁻¹ after administration of the ISL-Sol and ISL-NLC, respectively. The relative bioavailability of ISL-NLC to isoliquiritigenin was 545%. Our studies provide evidence that NLC are valuable as an oral delivery carrier to enhance the absorption of a poorly water soluble drug, ISL.     

Remediation of TCE contaminated soils by in situ EK-Fenton process

The treatment performance and cost analysis of in situ electrokinetic (EK)-Fenton process for oxidation of trichloroethylene (TCE) in soils were evaluated in this work. In all experiments, an electric gradient of 1V/cm, de-ionized water as the cathode reservoir fluid and a treatment time of 10 days were employed. Treatment efficiencies of TCE were evaluated in terms of the electrode material, soil type, catalyst type, and catalyst dosage and granular size if applicable. Test results show that graphite electrodes are superior to stainless steel electrodes. It was found that the soil with a higher content of organic matter would result in a lower treatment efficiency (e.g. a sandy loam is less efficient than a loamy sand). Experimental results show that the type of catalyst and its dosage would markedly affect the reaction mechanisms (i.e. "destruction" and "removal") and the treatment efficiency. Aside from FeSO4, scrap iron powder (SIP) in the form of a permeable reactive wall was also found to be an effective catalyst for Fenton reaction to oxidize TCE. In general, the smaller the granular size of SIP, the lower the overall treatment efficiency and the greater the destruction efficiency. When a greater quantity of SIP was used, a decrease of the overall treatment efficiency and an increase of percent destruction of TCE were found. Experimental results have shown that the quantity of electro-osmotic (EO) flow decreased as the quantity of SIP increased. It has been verified that the treatment performances are closely related to the corresponding EO permeability. Results of the cost analysis have indicated that the EK-Fenton process employed in this work is very cost-effective with respect to TCE destruction.     

Evaluation of monolithic osmotic tablet system for nifedipine delivery in vitro and in vivo

The aim of this study was to evaluate the monolithic osmotic tablet system (MOTS) containing a solid dispersion with the practically water-insoluble drug nifedipine in vitro and in vivo. In the drug release study in vitro, the release profiles of this system had almost zero-order kinetics. The influences of tablet formulation variables, sizes of the delivery orifice, membrane variables, and values of pH in the dissolution medium on nifedipine release from MOTS have been investigated. The results provided evidence that the tablet core played an important role in MOTS. While orifice sizes and membrane variables affected the nifedipine release rate, MOTS was independent of the dissolution medium. The appropriate orifice size was found to be in the range of 0.5-1.0 mm. The coating membrane incorporating hydrophilic polyethylene glycol (PEG) formed a porous structure. The human pharmacokinetics and relative bioavailability of MOTS containing nifedipine were compared with a commercial Adalat® osmotic tablet system containing an equivalent dose of nifedipine following an oral single dose of 30 mg given to each of 11 healthy volunteers in an open, randomized crossover study in vivo. The relative bioavailability for MOTS was 112%. There was no statistically significant difference in the pharmacokinetic parameters between two dosage forms. It is concluded that the monolithic osmotic tablet controlled release system is feasible for a long-acting preparation as a once-daily treatment.     

Arsenic and lead release from fly ash stabilized/solidified soils under modified semi-dynamic leaching conditions

A fly ash-based stabilization/solidification (S/S) technique was investigated using field soil samples contaminated with arsenic (As) and lead (Pb). A semi-dynamic leaching test was used to evaluate the effectiveness of the S/S treatment. By assessing the cumulative fractions of leached As and Pb, the effective diffusion coefficient (D(e)) and a leachability index (LX) were measured and used for evaluating the effectiveness of the S/S treatment. Overall, As release was reduced by 98.3% and Pb release was reduced by 98.5% upon addition of 25% Class C fly ash. The mean D(e) decreased significantly and the mean LX was always above 9 for all treated samples, indicating that the treated soils were acceptable for "controlled utilization". The mechanism controlling As leaching from all treated samples appeared to be a mixture of wash-off and diffusion. Diffusive As release was proportional to fly ash content. The mechanism controlling Pb leaching when samples were treated with 25% fly ash appeared to be wash-off.     

Removal of aqueous lead ions by hydroxyapatites: equilibria and kinetic processes

The capacity of hydroxyapatite (HAp) to remove lead from aqueous solution was investigated under different conditions, namely initial metal ion concentration and reaction time. The sorption of lead from solutions containing initial concentrations from 0 to 8000 mg/L was studied for three different HAp powders. Soluble Pb and Ca monitoring during the experiment allows characterizing the mechanism of lead uptake. Dissolution of calcium is followed by the formation of a solid solution, Pb(x)Ca(10-x)(PO4)6(OH)2, with a Ca/P ratio decreasing continuously. Langmuir-Freundlich classical adsorption isotherms modeled adsorption data. The adsorption capacities calculated from this equation vary from 330 to 450 mg Pb/g HAp for the different solids. Modeling of the sorption process allows to determine theoretical saturation times and residual lead concentrations at equilibrium.