Seaweeds as Biomonitoring System for Heavy Metal (HM) Accumulation and Contamination of Our Oceans

This research manuscript reports the heavy metal accumulation in four marine seaweeds sp. 1)?Caulerpa sertlatioides (Cuba);2) Caulerpa cf. brachypus;(Bali, Indonesia);3) Undaria pinnatifida (West-Donegal, Ireland);4) Ulva lactuca (Easters-Scheldt, the Netherlands). Mechanical pressure at 10 bar of fresh seaweed fronds casu quo biomass in the laboratory delivered seaweed moisture which was analyzed by Inductively Coupled Plasma Spectroscopy (ICP)-techniques for heavy-metals = [HM], (Al, As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mo, Ni, Pb & Zn). Three important observations were made: 1) The [HM] in the seaweed moisture is higher than in the surrounding seawater which directs to mechanism(s) of bio-accumulation;2) The accumulation factor [AF] is varying per metallic-cation with an overall trend for our four seaweeds and sampling locations for [HM] are: As & Co & Cu: 5000 - 10,000 μg/l;Ni & Zn: 3000 - 5000 μg/l;Cd: 2000 - 3000 μg/l;Cr: 1000 - 2000 μg/l;Al: 200 - 1000 μg/l;Mo & Pb & Fe: 0 - 200 μg/l range. 3) Seaweed moisture detected that [HM]: Pb & Zn & Fe—which all three could not be detected in the seawater—supports the view that seaweeds have a preference in their bio-accumulation mechanism for these three HM. Major conclusion is in general that “overall” for the macro-elements Ca, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, P & S in the moisture of the four seaweed species the concentration is lower in the seaweed species, or equals the concentration, in comparison to the surrounding sea water. For the HM (Al, As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Mo, Ni, Pb & Zn) the opposite is the case species and is the concentration “overall” higher in the seaweed species in comparison to the surrounding sea water. Further topics addressed include strategies of irrigation of the Sahara desert with the moisture out of seaweeds under conditions of low anthropogenic influences.

Apple of Sodom (<em>Calatropis procera</em>) Callus Extract, a Novel Skincare Active and Its Biological Activity in Skin Models When Combined with Dead Sea Water

Background: Calotropis procera (C. procera), is an authentic plant naturally grown in the flora of Dead Sea region. Despite its toxicity, C. procera presents healing properties. However, it has not been implemented yet in cosmetics as an active ingredient. Objective: The biological effects of C. procera callus extract on skin were elucidated solely and in combination with Dead Sea water (DSW). Methods: The capability of C. procera extract to protect against skin inflammation and irritation was tested on ex vivo human skin organ culture by LPS and SDS addition respectively. Viability and cytokine secretion were evaluated. The combination of C. procera extract with Dead Sea water was tested on full thickness skin equivalents. Gene expression and relevant biochemical markers for glycolysis, hypoxia and extracellular matrix balance were tested. Results: C. procera extract exhibits a protective biological activity against skin irritation and inflammation at the biochemical level. Furthermore, a combination of C. procera extract and DSW demonstrates a potential contribution for skin wellbeing via enhance energy production, resistance to hypoxia and extracellular matrix balance. Conclusions: Topical application of C. procera callus extract might support skin balance and wellbeing at the molecular level. Hence, it is recommended for new cosmetic formulae as standalone or in combination with Dead Sea water, in the effort to achieve anti-aging bio-activity that is working beyond skin aging symptoms, especially via skin calming effects and skin energy enhancement.

DISSOLVED OXYGEN DISTRIBUTION AND O_2 FLUXES ACROSS THE SEA-AIR INTERFACE IN EAST CHINA SEA WATERS

This study on the sectional and vertical distribution of dissolved oxygen （DO） and the O2 fluxes acrossthe sea-air interface in East China Sea （ESC） waters shows that the waters were in steady state and thatthe difference of DO was great in upper and bottom waters in Apr. 1994; but that seawater mixingwas strong and the difference of DO was small in upper and bettom waters in Oct. 1994. The above con-dusions were specially obvious in continental shelf waters under 100m. The DO maximum in subsurfacelayer waters appeared only at several stations and in general the DO in the waters decreased with depth.The horizontal distributions of O2 fluxes across the sea-air interface appeared in stripes in Leg 9404 whenmost regions covend were supersaturated with O2. seawater to air flux wn large, and that on section No.1was 1.594 L/m2·d. The horizontal distribution of O2 fluxes across the sea-air interface appeared lumpy inLeg 9410, when most regions covered were unsaturated with O2. O2 was dissolved from

Predictability of Al-Mn Alloy Exposure Time Based on Its As-Cast Weight and Corrosion Rate in Sea Water Environment

This paper presents the predictability of aluminium-manganese alloy exposure time based on its as-cast weight and corrosion rate in sea water environment. The validity of the derived model: α = 26.67γ + 0.55β?- 0.29 is rooted on the core expression: 0.0375α = γ + 0.0206β?- 0.0109 where both sides of the expression are correspondingly approximately equal. Statistical analysis of model-predicted and experimentally evaluated exposure time for each value of as-cast weight and alloy corrosion rate considered shows a standard error of 0.0017% & 0.0044% and 0.0140% & 0.0150% respectively. The depths of corrosion penetration (at increasing corrosion rate: 0.0104 - 0.0157 mm/yr) as predicted by derived model and obtained from experiment are 0.7208 × 10-4 & 1.0123 × 10-4 mm and 2.5460 × 10-4 & 1.8240 × 10-4 mm (at decreasing corrosion rate: 0.0157 - 0.0062 mm/yr) respectively. Deviational analysis indicates that the maxi- mum deviation of the model-predicted alloy exposure time from the corresponding experimental value is less than 10%.

Exposure to Hyaluronan and Radon-Containing Water during the Treatment of Periodontal Pockets

Hyaluronic acid (HA) preparations have emerged as pivotal components in contemporary dentistry, gaining widespread recognition for their multifaceted roles in various biological functions. Extensive literature underscores the significance of HA in maintaining tissue water balance, fostering cell proliferation, promoting rapid cell migration, influencing cell differentiation during organism development, and facilitating tissue regeneration. Notably, HA’s interactions with cell surface receptors contribute to the viscosity of synovial fluid, activate the immune system, and enhance cartilage elasticity. Beyond these established functions, HA has also been investigated for its potential involvement in determining and studying the hormetic effects of radon water, adding a novel dimension to its applications in dental research. A thorough exploration of existing studies reveals a nuanced understanding of how HA interventions impact the outcomes of dental procedures. The comprehensive scope of these investigations allows for a more accurate assessment of the potential effectiveness of specific interventions and provides valuable insights into post-procedural prognoses for individual patients. This synthesis of literature serves as the foundation for elucidating the intricate interplay between HA, radon exposure, and their relevance in modern dental practices.

Toxicity evaluation of produced formation waters after filtration treatment

During the last years many authors have char-acterized the produced formation waters (PFWs) with respect to chemical compounds and toxic-ity. Most of data are related to PFWs collected on offshore platform after treatment process. The available results showed that the particulate phase had an influence on PFW toxicity. As-suming the toxicity of PFWs treated on platform, the aim of this paper is to study the toxicity of these PFWs after a further filtration treatment carried out in laboratory. For this purpose PFWs were sampled from three natural gas platforms located in the Adriatic Sea (Italy) below treat-ment system. The eco-toxicological bioassays have been conducted on test-organisms be-longing to different trophic levels such as bac-teria, algae, crustaceans and fishes. The PFWs resulted toxic according to an overall assess-ment obtained through the bioassays. Further-more, it has been possible to identify the spe-cies that were more sensitive to the tested PFWs, namely Tigriopus fulvus, Dicentrarchus labrax and Vibrio fischeri. Besides, a chemical char-acterization was reported related to the con-taminants present in the PFWs to go with eco-toxicological assessment. Barium, zinc and manganese showed the most concentrations among the metals and the lower molecular weight components were common among the organic compounds. Some differences among PFWs were observed both for toxicity and chemical composition. The highest toxicity was recorded in PFWs (PFW1 and PFW2) containing the highest concentrations of some metals (Ba, Mn and Zn) and/or BTEX.

The Preliminary Research of Sea Water District Heating and Cooling for Tallinn Coastal Area

This paper describes possibilities to utilize sea water for district heating and cooling purposes in Tallinn costal area. The sea water temperature profiles and suitability of heating and cooling generation are studied for continental climatic conditions. The district network study bases on 21 buildings located near to the Gulf of Finland. Industrial reversible heat pump technology is selected to cover heating and cooling loads for the new buildings. Combination of existing district heating and heat pump technology is considered for existing buildings. The results show possibilities, threats and need for further research of the sea water based heat pump district network implementation.

Petroleum geology controlled by extensive detachment thinning of continental margin crust: A case study of Baiyun sag in the deep-water area of northern South China Sea

The relationships between crustal stretching and thinning,basin structure and petroleum geology in Baiyun deep-water area were analyzed using large area 3D seismic,gravity,magnetic,ocean bottom seismic(OBS),deep-water exploration wells and integrated ocean drilling program(IODP).During the early syn-rifting period,deep-water area was a half-graben controlled by high angle faults influenced by the brittle extension of upper crust.In the mid syn-rifting period,this area was a broad-deep fault depression controlled by detachment faults undergone brittle-ductile deformation and differentiated extension in the crust.In the late syn-rifting period,this area experienced fault-sag transition due to saucer-shaped rheology change dominated by crustal ductile deformation.A broad-deep fault depression controlled by the large detachment faults penetrating through the crust is an important feature of deep-water basin.The study suggests that the broad-deep Baiyun sag provides great accommodation space for the development of massive deltaic-lacustrine deposition system and hydrocarbon source rocks.The differentiated lithospheric thinning also resulted in the different thermal subsidence during post-rifting period,and then controlled the development of continental shelf break and deep-water reservoir sedimentary environment.The high heat flow background caused by the strong thinning of lithosphere and the rise of mantle source resulted in particularities in the reservoir diagenesis,hydrocarbon generation process and accumulation of deep-water area in northern South China Sea.

Assessment of Minor and Trace Elements in Aquatic Macrophytes, Soils and Bottom Sediments Collected along Different Water Objects in the Black Sea Coastal Zone by Using Neutron Activation Analysis

The levels and compartmentalization of Na, Mg, Al, Cl, K, Ca, Sc, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Zn, As, Se, Br, Rb, Sr, Mo, Sb, I, Cs, Ba, La, Ce, Sm, Eu, Tb, Hf, Ta, Au, Th, and U in Phragmites australis (Cav.) Trin. ex Steud., Carex conescens L. and Cladophora sericea (Hudson) Kutzing from the Caucasian coast of the Black Sea-Anapa recreational region was investigated by Neutron Activation Analysis. The study touches upon subject of the sediment-to-plant and root-to-leaf elemental transfer as well as of the influence of anthropogenic pollution on wetland ecosystems in zone of resort. The content of the majority of considered elements was found higher in the belowground organs of P. australis than in the aboveground tissues while a reverse regularity was evidenced for C. conescens. The levels of elements decrease from bottom sediments to aquatic plants with the notable exception of the halogens Cl, Br and I that presented 5 to 100 fold higher content in plants than in sediments. The increased levels of As, Mo, and Sb in some soil and sediment samples most probably indicate the anthropogenic pollution. It recommends them for a continuous monitoring of the same area.

A Dead Sea Water-Enriched Body Cream Improves Skin Severity Scores in Children with Atopic Dermatitis

Dead Sea (DS) mud and water are known for their unique composition of minerals, and for their therapeutic properties on inflammatory skin diseases. The objective of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of an emollient cream enriched with DS water in children with atopic dermatitis (AD). Eighty six AD children were randomized in a double-blind controlled study to receive twice-daily topical treatment with a body cream enriched with DS minerals (TP) compared to two types of control: 1) DM, DS minerals with lower DS water concentrations than TP, and 2) an emollient (E) with no DS minerals. Efficacy was assessed by a change in clinical skin severity scores: SCORing Atopic Dermatitis (SCORAD), investigator’s global assessment (IGA) and patient global assessment (PGA) as well as by objective physiological parameters: transepidermal water loss (TEWL), stratum corneum hydration (SCH), affected body surface area (BSA) and Objective Severity Assessment of Atopic Dermatitis (OSAAD). The total length of the trial was 12 weeks divided to 6 visits at weeks 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 12. The study showed that both TP and DM creams improved OSAAD scores. Only TP improved TEWL and SCH. TP was the most effective regarding TEWL, SCH and OSAAD compared to DM and E. Treatment with E decreased more significantly IGA score compared to TP. Although within each treatment group significant improvements in SCH, BSA, SCORAD, IGA and PGA were observed, the reduction in BSA, SCORAD and PGA was not significantly different among the groups. Our results clearly show the benefits of TP as a leave on-skin emulsion enrich with DS water in terms of skin barrier function. Thus, TP can serve as an effective adjuvant treatment for AD skin as well as for its maintenance.

Performance of a Horizontal Flow Constructed Reed Bed Filter for Municipal Wastewater Treatment: The Case Study of the Prototype Installed at Gaston Berger University, Saint-Louis, Senegal

In Saint-Louis, Senegal, a constructed wetland with horizontal flow reed beds (FHa and FHb) has demonstrated significant efficacy in treating municipal wastewater. Analyzing various treatment stages, the system showed only a slight temperature variation, from an influent average of 26.3°C to an effluent of 24.7°C. Electrical conductivity decreased from 1331 mS/cm to 974.5 mS/cm post-primary treatment, with suspended solids (SS) dramatically reduced from 718.9 mg/L to 5.7 mg/L in the final effluent. Biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5) and chemical oxygen demand (COD) saw a notable decrease, from initial levels of 655.6 mg/L and 1240 mg/L to 2.3 mg/L and 71.3 mg/L, respectively. Nitrogenous compounds (N-TN) and phosphates () also decreased significantly, indicating the system’s nutrient removal capacity. Microbiological analysis revealed a reduction in fecal coliforms from 7.5 Ulog/100ml to 1.8 Ulog/100ml and a complete elimination of helminth eggs. The presence of Phragmites and Typha was instrumental in enhancing these reductions. The system’s compliance with the Senegalese standards for disposal into natural environments, WHO recommendations for unrestricted water reuse in irrigation, and the European legislation for water reuse was established. The effluent quality met the stringent criteria for various classes of agricultural reuse, illustrating the system’s potential for sustainable water management. This wetland model presents a robust solution for water-stressed regions, ensuring environmental protection while supporting agricultural needs. The study calls for ongoing research to further refine the system for optimal, reliable wastewater treatment and water resource sustainability.

Protective Effects of a Novel Preparation Consists of Concentrated Dead Sea Water and Natural Plants Extracts against Skin Photo-Damage

Background: Exposure to solar UV rays has deleterious effects on skin appearance through physiological and structural alterations that eventually lead to skin photo-damage. Aims: To test the photo-protective effect of a novel preparation, Dead Sea Osmoter Concentrate (DSOC), containing high concentration of Dead Sea water. Methods: Human skin organ culture was used as a model to assess the biological effects of UVB irradiation and the protective effect of topical application of DSOC preparation. Skin pieces were analyzed for mitochondrial activity by Alamar blue (resazurin) assay, for apoptosis by caspase 3 assay, for detoxification by proteasome 20S sub-unit activity and for skin hydration by aquaporin 3 (AQP3) membrane channels expression. Human subjects were tested to evaluate the effect of DSOC Serum, a topical formula for facial skin, on skin hydration by a corneometer. Results: UVB irradiation induced cell apoptosis in the epidermis of skin organ cultures and decreased their proteasome activity and AQP3 expression. Topical application of DSOC significantly attenuated all these effects. In human subjects, an elevation in the intense skin moisture, which was higher relatively to subjects’ regular moisturizer, was observed. Moreover, DSOC Serum boosted the hydration effect together with regular moisturizer. Conclusions: The results clearly demonstrate that DSOC preparation can significantly improve the skin capability in coping with UVB rays stress in different cellular functions such as anti-apoptotic properties as well as detoxification and hydration recovery that can attenuate biological effects of skin photo-damage. Topical application of DSOC Serum had contributed to skin appearance by a strong hydration impact, also as a booster.

The Potential Use of Natural Clinoptilolite Zeolite for Crude Oil Spill Removal from Sea Water

Accidental spillage or drainage from land of crude oil to the marine environment will potentially cause serious damage to the environment and marine life. Many efforts have been focused on the use of most efficient adsorbent to remove the oil and/or oil-decomposing agent from the water. The current study was aimed at to evaluate the most abundantly-available natural zeolite dominated by clinoptilolite mineral and pronounced molecular sieve characteristics as crude oil spill removal in sea water. Bayah-originated zeolite was characterized by using X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, pore distribution and average size, gas sorption capacity, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). A laboratory experiments were conducted by reacting a 100-mesh zeolite with and without microbial enrichment to crude oil in a 250 mL sea water (3.7% NaCl and pH 6.7) jar at different oil/zeolite ratios,??i.e.?50%, 100%, 200%, and 400% (v/w) with three replicates. Observations were made on the stability of zeolite-oil mixture for one week, the weight of zeolite mixed with oil, the oil adsorbed by the zeolite, and free oil after 24-hrs settling. The results indicate that zeolite has highly potential as crude oil adsorbent and the highest oil sorption obtained at zeolite/oil ratio of 1:1 with 86.3% oil adsorbed or 0.87 mL oil per gram zeolite. Enrichment of zeolite with?Bacillus subtilis?improved the adsorbed oil by the mineral.

KELEA: A Natural Energy That Seemingly Reduces Intermolecular Hydrogen Bonding in Water and Other Liquids

The alternative cellular energy (ACE) pathway was initially identified as a non-immunological defense mechanism against virus infections. It is particularly relevant to the suppression of stealth adapted viruses, which are not normally recognized by the cellular immune system. Many of the methods able to enhance the ACE pathway are consistent with the transfer of a natural energy to the body’s fluids. Additional support for this premise is provided in this paper. The vapor pressure and rate of evaporation of activated water, ethanol and gasoline increase to beyond atmospheric pressure over time. The term KELEA (kinetic energy limiting electrostatic attraction) is proposed for a natural energy that increases the volatility of fluids, seemingly through the loosening of intermolecular hydrogen bonding. KELEA activated fluids have many potential health, agricultural and industrial applications, as well as providing the opportunity for fundamental research.

Protective mechanism of testosterone on cognitive impairment in a rat model of Alzheimer's disease

Cognitive dysfunction in Alzheimer's disease is strongly associated with a reduction in synaptic plasticity, which may be induced by oxidative stress. Testosterone is beneficial in learning and memory, although the underlying protective mechanism of testosterone on cognitive performance remains unclear. This study explored the protective mechanism of a subcutaneous injection of 0.75 mg testosterone on cognitive dysfunction induced by bilateral injections of amyloid beta 1–42 oligomers into the lateral ventricles of male rats. Morris water maze test results demonstrated that testosterone treatment remarkably reduced escape latency and path length in Alzheimer's disease rat models. During probe trials, testosterone administration significantly elevated the percentage of time spent in the target quadrant and the number of platform crossings. However, flutamide, an androgen receptor antagonist, inhibited the protective effect of testosterone on cognitive performance in Alzheimer's disease rat models. Nissl staining, immunohistochemistry, western blot assay, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay results showed that the number of intact hippocampal pyramidal cells, the dendritic spine density in the hippocampal CA1 region, the immune response and expression level of postsynaptic density protein 95 in the hippocampus, and the activities of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase were increased with testosterone treatment. In contrast, testosterone treatment reduced malondialdehyde levels. Flutamide inhibited the effects of testosterone on all of these indicators. Our data showed that the protective effect of testosterone on cognitive dysfunction in Alzheimer's disease is mediated via androgen receptors to scavenge free radicals, thereby enhancing synaptic plasticity.

Photosynthetic Water Use Efficiency of Heritage and Modern Potatoes under Limited and Unlimited Water Environments

Photosynthetic capacity for heritage (Taewa) and modern potato cultivars were compared at different water and nitrogenregimes in the glasshouse and field. The glasshouse was 2*2*4 factorial design with two irrigation: 100% ET and 60% ET;two applied N: 50 kg N ha-1 and 200 kg N ha-1, two Taewa (Moe Moe, Tutaekuri) and two modern potatoes (Moonlight, Agria). The 2009/2010 field experiment was a split-plot, with irrigation and rain-fed regimes as the main treatments: four potatoes above were sub-treatments. The 2010/2011 field experiment was a split-split-plot, with three water regimes as the main treatments: three cultivars (Moe Moe, Tutaekuri, and Agria) were subplots;two N rates were sub-sub-treatments. Gaseous exchange was measured by CIRAS-2 at different days from emergence. Leaf water potential was measured using pressure chamber method. Taewa achieved high photosynthetic WUE in glasshouse and 2010/2011 experiment by maintaining high An, low gs and low Ci compared to modern cultivars (p The An, gs and T increased with irrigation and N increase while decreasing Ci (p < 0.01). Water stress significantly increased VPD resulting in low An and photosynthetic WUE in Moonlight in the glasshouse. The leaf water potential for Taewa was very tolerant while modern potatoes were weakened by water stress. The study indicated that Taewa can be scheduled at partial irrigation without more detrimental effects on photosynthetic capacity while modern potatoes need full irrigation to avoid detrimental effects on photosynthetic capacity.

Assessment of Sea Water Inundation Along Daboo Creek Area in Indus Delta Region, Pakistan

Indus Deltaic Region(IDR) in Pakistan is an erosion vulnerable coast due to the high deep water wave energy. Livelihood of millions of people depends on the fisheries and mangrove forests in IDR. IDR consists of many creeks where Daboo is a major creek located at southeast of the largest city of Pakistan, Karachi. Unfortunately, there has been no detailed study to analyze the damages of sea water intrusion at a large temporal and spatial scale. Therefore, this study is designed to estimate the effects of sea water inundation based on changing sea water surface salinity and sea surface temperature(SST). Sea surface salinity and SST data from two different surveys in Daboo creek during 1986 and 2010 are analyzed to estimate the damages and extent of sea water intrusion. Mean salinity has increased 33.33% whereas mean SST decreased 13.79% from 1987 to 2010. Spatio-temporal analysis of creek area using LANDSAT 5 Thematic mapper(TM) data for the years 1987 and 2010 shows significant amount of erosion at macro scale. Creek area has increased approximately 9.93%(260.86 m^2 per year) which is roughly equal to 60 extensive sized shrimp farms. Further Land Use Land Cover(LULC) analyses for years 2001 and 2014 using LANDSAT 7 Enhanced Thematic Mapper Plus(ETM+) has indicated 42.3% decrease in cultivated land. Wet mud flats have spread out at the inner mouth of creek with enormous increase of 123.3%. Significant sea water intrusion has increased the area of barren land by 37.9%. This also resulted in overall decrease of 6.7% in area covered by mangroves. Therefore, this study recorded a significant evidence of sea water intrusion in IDR that has caused serious damages to community living in the area, economical losses. Additionally, it has also changed the environment by reducing creek biological productivity as reported by earlier studies over other regions of the world.

Observed characteristics of the North Yellow Sea water masses in summer

In this paper,we characterize the North Yellow Sea (NYS) water masses in summer by analyzing temperature and salinity data surveyed in 2006.The Liaonan Coastal Water is characterized by low salinity westward and southward flow paths.The westward path flows parallel to land,turns to the south,then to the southeast adjacent to the mouth of the Lüshun River,where it mixes with other coastal water directly to the southwest.It becomes the main source of low salinity water in the deep water area west of 123°E.The high-salinity Lubei Coastal Water is the remnant of the winter Lubei Coastal Water,which is located mostly in a small area between Yantai and Weihai,and does not originate in the Bohai Sea Coastal Water.The two NYS zones demarcated at 123°E have distinctly different temperature and salinity characteristics.There are two high-salinity centers east of 123°E,whereas there is low-salinity water to the west whose temperature and salinity structures are complex,composed of the coastal water south of Chengshantou,the Liaonan Coastal Water and the Bohai Sea Water.