Low-Density Microplastics in Recreational Parks of Al Ain, United Arab Emirates: Abundance, Composition, and Potential Effects on Soil Health

Microplastics (MPs) have been an emerging concern due to their harmful effects on the ecosystem and are ubiquitous in various habitats, from marine to terrestrial environments. However, studies on the presence of MPs in recreational areas are limited. One of the previous works has reported that urban recreational parks are considered “sinks” for plastic debris, including MPs. In this study, low-density MPs (LD-MPs) in soil samples collected from recreational parks of Al Ain, United Arab Emirates (UAE) were isolated by density flotation method. Results showed that these parks have varying levels of LD-MPs caused by various anthropogenic activities, such as sludge use and application of reclaimed water from wastewater treatment facilities in those areas. These plastic particles were isolated in 87% of the soil samples, with an average concentration of 1550 ± 340 MPs/kg. Predominantly, these comprised large LD-MPs (300 - 5000 μm), with red and blue being the most common colors. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy identified possible synthetic polymers, including polyethylene and polypropylene. Additionally, a negative correlation was observed between LD-MP concentration and soil pH and moisture content, indicating potential adverse effects on soil health. These findings highlight the need for monitoring and managing microplastic pollution in urban recreational areas to mitigate its ecological impacts.

Scientific Investigation of the Paintings from the Agarbiciu (Cluj County) Wooden Church

The investigation of the painting materials (pigments, binders and varnish) of Agarbiciu wooden church painted walls was done by employing both nondestructive (XRF and reflection FTIR spectroscopy for pigments) and destructive methods (FTIR spectroscopy and GC-MS spectrometry for pigments and binders). The digital restoration of the interior of the wooden church was done using the physical-chemical composition of the painting layer, a metadata set that describes the timeline, detailed photographic documentation and the 3D scanned interior of the church.

Tribological and Physicochemical Analysis of Squid Pen High-density Polyethylene Biocomposite for Medical Application

High-Density Polyethylene(HDPE)wear debris generated in the hip joint prothesis leads to its loosening.The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential of Squid Pen(SP)on the tribological and physicochemical properties of HDPE matrix.Biocomposites filled with 0,5,10,15 and 20 wt.%SP were elaborated by hot compression molding.Wear tests were carried out using a reciprocating pin-on-disc tribometer.Rockwell hardness,Fourier-Transform infra-red(FTIR)analysis,Scanning Electron Microscopy(SEM)of the biocomposite were analysed.FTIR analysis results of the biocomposites showed that an increase in the crystallinity rate was obtained with the addition of SP filler.Only 10 wt.%of SP has a significant effect on the hardness of the composite.The correlation between the friction coefficient and the wear resistance of the composite was investigated.The 5 wt.%SP-HDPE biocomposite has the lowest friction coefficient value with a decrease in the specific wear rate,compared to the unfilled HDPE.The SEM results showed that SP wear debris played an important role as a third roller body at the interface reducing the friction coefficient of the composite.It was concluded that the HDPE biocomposite could be successfully reinforced with 5 wt.%of SP.

Evaluation of antibacterial activity of bioactive compounds obtained from the seaweed Chondrococcus hornemanni on ichthyopathogenic bacteria affecting marine ornamental fish

Objective:To investigate antibacterial effects of extracts from the seaweed Chondrococcushornemanni(C.hornemanni)on bacterial pathogens of marine ornamental fish.Method:Methanol extract obtained from C.hornemanni showed a broad and high antibacterial activity against four fish pathogens including Providencia rettgeri,Aeromonas hydrophila,Vibrioalginoticus and Vibrio parahaemolyticus.The crude extract obtained from the dried seaweeds was fractionated and purified using column chromatography.Purified extracts were analyzed with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy(FTIR)for identifying the functional groups.Phytoconstituents of the active fraction were further identified by means of gas chromatography and mass spectrometric(GC-MS)analysis.Result:The first fraction of the extracts showed effective inhibitory activity against Aeromonashydrophila and Vibrio parahaemolyticus at a concentration of 100μL.However,Vibrio alginolyticus and Providencia rettgeri had shown a moderately lesser inhibitory response to the extract.Conclusion:Hence,it is concluded that extracts of seaweed C.hornemanni,contain potential bioactive compounds with a considerable antibiotic activity.