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Exposure scenario and risk assessment of infants and newborns to bisphenols and their derivatives from diapers
PublicationNewborns and infants are more sensitive to harmful compounds such as bisphenols and their derivatives because of their not fully developed detoxification mechanism. Exposure to these substances can lead to developmental problems and health consequences in adulthood. Since disposable baby diapers are used from the first days of life and remain in contact with the baby skin, it seems important to monitor the levels of endocrine disrupting chemicals...
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Local variability in snow concentrations of chlorinated persistent organic pollutants as a source of large uncertainty in interpreting spatial patterns at all scales
PublicationSingle point sampling, a widespread practice in snow studies in remote areas, due to logistical constraints, can present an unquantified error to the final study results. The low concentrations of studied chemicals, such as chlorinated persistent organic pollutants, contribute to the uncertainty. We conducted a field experiment in the Arctic to estimate the error stemming from differences in the composition of snow at short distances...
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Preparation and characterization of monometallic (Au) and bimetallic (Ag/Au) modified-titania photocatalysts activated by visible light
PublicationThe Au-TiO2 and Ag/Au-TiO2 nanoparticles have been prepared using a water-in-oil microemulsion system of water/AOT/cyclohexane and water/Triton X-100/cyclohexane. The obtained photocatalysts were subsequently characterized by a BET method, DRS spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron emission spectroscopy (XPS), scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) and X-ray powder diffraction analysis (XRD). For gold-doped titanium (IV) oxide...
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Surface sediments pollution due to shipwreck s/s “Stuttgart”: a multidisciplinary approach
PublicationShipwrecks may pose a serious source of pollution for marine ecosystems. For this reason, it is of great importance to perform a marine ecosystem risk assessment due to plausible wreck presence. One of elements of such an assessment is determining the state of the environment in the vicinity of the wreck. In the work presented, the results of studies on surface sediments samples collected around the s/s Stuttgart ship sunk during...
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Novel staphylococci nucH taxonomical marker used in identification of human-associated Staphylococcus succinus subsp. casei
PublicationThe aim of our study was to assess the sequencing of unique nucH gene fragment based on performed bioinformatics analysis as a novel diagnostic method for the identification of difficult to identify staphylococcal human pathogenic strains. Initially, PCR-RFLP-rrn analysis specific to the spacers between 16SrDNA and 23SrDNA followed by HhaI restriction analysis was performed. Further, sequencing of nucH and 16S rDNA genes fragments...
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Influence of water salinity on corrosion risk - the case of the southern Baltic Sea coast.
PublicationWater corrosivity in Gdansk Bay, Poland, the southern part of the Baltic Sea, was investigated. The analysed region is heavily industrialized, and the coastline is very diverse. Twenty-seven test points along the coastline were selected. Water parameters such as salinity, total dissolved solids content, resistivity, conductivity, oxygenation, pH and corrosion rate were determined. The results of the investigation are presented....
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Sampling Procedures in Studies of Cloud Water Composition: A Review
PublicationThe authors set out and classify the principles of operation of known types of cloud water collectors, and critically review their advantages and drawbacks. Analysis of the literature has yielded information on the parameters of various type of collectors—sampling time, the type of cloud from which the water sample was taken, droplet diameter collected with 50% efficiency (cut off), sample analytes/ parameters determined, types...
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Removal of phenolic inhibitor compounds from hydrolysates and post-fermentation broths by using a Hydrophobic Magnetic Deep Eutectic Solvent
PublicationHydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), furfural (FF), hydroquinone (HQ), and vanillin (VAN) are among the main inhibitors generated during most of biomass pre-treatments prior to fermentation processes. They are recognized as toxic to several fermentative microorganisms and therefore cause a decrease in biohydrogen or biofuel production (after hydrolysis). Moreover, if they are released into aqueous solutions (after fermentation), they can...
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Chemical Composition of Atmospheric Air in Nemoral Scots Pine Forests and Submountainous Beech Forests: The Potential Region for the Introduction of Forest Therapy
PublicationStudies show that forests are one of the main recreational destinations. This can be explained by their beneficial effects on the health of their visitors, which can be attributed to compounds from the terpene group. The aim of this research was to determine the chemical composition of air in the interiors of Nemoral Scots pine forests and submountainous beech forests, with the determination of compounds of the terpene group. Samples...
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Investigation on air quality of specific indoor environments—spa salons located in Gdynia, Poland
PublicationDue to excessive application of essential oils and scented products in spa salons during aromatherapy and massage sessions, the elevated concentration of total volatile organic compounds (TVOCs), particularly terpenes, which are known as secondary organic aerosol (SOA) precursors, is expected there. This study was aimed at determination of VOCs with a particular regard to terpenes in air samples collected in selected spa salons...
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The ILs-assisted solvothermal synthesis of TiO2 spheres: the effect of ionic liquids on morphology and photoactivity of TiO2
PublicationEffect of the ionic liquid (IL) structure (chain length in the imidazolium cation) on morphology and photoactivity of TiO2 particles has been systematically investigated. The TiO2 microspheres have been successfully synthesized via facile solvothermal method assisted by ionic liquids, such as 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride [BMIM][Cl] and 1-decyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride [DMIM][Cl] using tetra-tert-butyl orthotitanate...
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Validation of atmospheric aerosols parallel sampling in a multifold device
PublicationIn this work, particulate matter was collected using an active sampling system consisting of a PM10 (<10 μm) inlet coupled to a multifold device containing six channels, connected to a vacuum pump. Each channel was equipped with a filter holder fitted with adequately chosen filters. The system was fixed on a metallic structure, which was placed on the roof of the laboratory building, at the Faculty of Sciences, in Lisbon. Sampling...
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Emissions and toxic units of solvent, monomer and additive residues released to gaseous phase from latex balloons
PublicationThis study describes the VOCs emissions from commercially available latex balloons. Nine compounds are determined to be emitted from 13 types of balloons of different colors and imprints in 30 and 60°C. The average values of total volatile organic compounds (TVOCs) emitted from studied samples ranged from 0.054 up to 7.18 μg∙g-1 and from 0.27 up to 36.13 μg∙g-1 for 30oC and 60oC, respectively. The dataset is treated with principal...
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Simplified probabilistic analysis of settlement of cyclically loaded soil stratum using point estimate method
PublicationThe paper deals with the probabilistic analysis of settlement of a non-cohesive soil layer subjected to cyclic loading. Originally, the settlement assessment is based on deterministic compaction model which requires integration of a set of differential equations. However, making use of the Bessel functions the settlement of the soil stratum can be calculated by means of simplified algorithm. The compaction model parameters were...
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Photocatalytic activity of nitrogen doped TiO2 nanotubes prepared by anodic oxidation: The effect of applied voltage, anodization time and amount of nitrogen dopant
PublicationNitrogen doped TiO2 nanotube arrays were prepared by anodizing Ti foils in an organic electrolyte containing specified amounts of urea as nitrogen precursor. The photocatalytic activity of the samples was evaluated by analyzing the degradation kinetics of phenol in water. The influence of tubes’ length, tubes’ surface morphology and amount of nitrogen in the TiO2 lattice on hydroxyl radical formation efficiency, photocatalytic...
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Methane formation over TiO2–based photocatalysts: reaction pathways
PublicationThe effects of organic impurities adsorbed or incorporated into semiconductors structure on the photocatalytic products are noteworthy. For this purpose, the as-prepared Ag, Au and Pdmodified TiO2 samples were exposed to UV-vis irradiation in various gas atmospheres (CO2, N2, 600 ppm CO2 in N2, and 13CO2) in order to clarify the route of CH4 formation in the process of photocatalytic CO2 reduction. In the presented research it...
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Influence of alkali metal cations on the photoactivity of crystalline and exfoliated amorphous WO3 – photointercalation phenomenon
PublicationIn order to investigate the effect of photointercalation on photoelectrochemical properties, two types of WO3-based photoanodes, bulk and exfoliated have been prepared and investigated. An aqueous exfoliation method is introduced for the simple fabrication of amorphous and hydrated WO3 nanomaterial using commercial bulk WO3 precursor. The comparison of obtained material with bulk WO3 was performed using Raman, UV–vis, and XPS as...
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Elementary analysis and energetic potential of the sludge from the Gdynia Dębogórze and Lębork wastewater treatment plants
PublicationThe paper aims to show the results of the elementary analysis of the sewage sludges from wastewater treatment plants in Gdynia Dębogórze and Lębork as well as measurements of the heat of combustion and the calculated calorific values according to regulation PN-93/Z-15008, taking into account water content and the composition of sewage sludge at different utilisation stages. The results presented in this paper are based on the analysis...
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Natural radioactivity of solid and liquid phases from shale oil and gas prospection in Pomerania
PublicationIonizing radiation intensity data and estimation of equivalent absorbed dose from solid and liquid samples from prospection of shale gas and oil at selected sites in Pomerania are presented. Naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORM) are associated with geological formations or fluids and can be enhanced during oil and gas production. They appear in e.g. drilling cuttings, flow back water, produced water, scale and sludge....
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The interplay between dopant and a surface structure of the photocatalyst – The case study of Nb-doped faceted TiO2
PublicationAnatase nanoparticles, exposing the majority of the {0 0 1}, {1 0 0} and {1 0 1} facets were synthesized and doped with different niobium amount to investigate the self-trapping of the excess electrons and resulting photocatalytic activity. Photocatalyst structure and presence of excess electrons inside the obtained Nb-doped anatase samples was confirmed by the combination of structural and spectroscopic analyses. Only for the...
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Factors affecting the quality of bottled water
PublicationThe ever-increasing popularity of bottled water means that it is important to analyze not only its mineral content but also, above all,its content of possible contaminants, especially the organic ones. In this respect, bottled waters are a special case, because apartfrom organic chemical contaminants derived from the well from which they were acquired, their secondary contamination is alwayspossible, during treatment or storage...
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Effects of Addictive Substances During Pregnancy and Infancy and Their Analysis in Biological Materials
PublicationThe use of addictive substances during pregnancy is a serious social problem, not only because of effects on the health of the woman and child, but also because drug or alcohol dependency it detracts from childcare and enhances the prospect of child neglect and family breakdown. Developing additive substance abuse treatment programs for pregnant women is socially important and can help ensure the health of babies, prevent subsequent...
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The dose-dependet influence of zinc and cadmium contamination of soil on their uptake and glucosinolate content in white cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata f. alba)
PublicationThe relationship between the ability to accumulate heavy metals (represented by Cd and Zn) and to synthesize bioactive compounds (represented by glucosinolates[GLS]) was investigated in two cabbage cultivars. Plants were grown in the greenhouse of a phytotron under controlled conditions in soils spiked with two different Zn or Cd concentrations. The measurements of Cd and Zn contents in soil and cabbage (leaf) samples were performed...
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Assessment of ecotoxicity and total volatile organic compound (TVOC) emissions from food and children's toy products
PublicationThe development of new methods for identifying a broad spectrum of analytes, as well as highly selective tools to provide the most accurate information regarding the processes and relationships in the world, has been an area of interest for researchers for many years. The information obtained with these tools provides valuable data to complement existing knowledge but, above all, to identify and determine previously unknown hazards. Recently,...
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Determination of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and other organic pollutants in freshwaters on the western shore of Admiralty Bay (King George Island, Maritime Antarctica).
PublicationOrganic contamination in freshwater samples has never been investigated at the western shore of Admiralty Bay. Therefore, the presence of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in five different sites distributed along a shore running from the Arctowski Station to the Baranowski Glacier was studied. Moreover, organic compounds such as n-alkanes, toluene and ethylbenzene were also noted. Increased ΣPAHs in late Austral summer 2016...
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Antimicrobial resistance of Pseudomonas spp. isolated from wastewater and wastewater-impacted marine coastal zone
PublicationIn this study, species distribution and antimicrobial susceptibility of cultivated Pseudomonas spp. were studied in influent (INF), effluent (EFF), and marine outfall (MOut) of wastewater treatment plant (WWTP). The susceptibility was tested against 8 antimicrobial classes, active against Pseudomonas spp.: aminoglycosides, carbapenems, broad-spectrum cephalosporins from the 3rd and 4th generation, extended-spectrum penicillins,...
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The effect of calcination temperature on structure and photocatalytic properties of Au/Pd nanoparticles supported on TiO2
PublicationBimetallic nanoparticles, composed of two different metal elements, can exhibit peculiar electronic, optical, and catalytic or photocatalytic properties that are absent in the corresponding monometallic nanoparticles. We show the effect of calcination temperature (from 350 to 700°C) on the structure and the photocatalytic properties of Au/Pd-modified TiO2. The composition of the bimetallic Au/Pd nanoparticles in relation to their...
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Visible light activity of rare earth metal doped (Er3+, Yb3+ or Er3+/Yb3+) titania photocatalysts
PublicationA series of Er3+-TiO2, Yb3+-TiO2 and Er3+/Yb3+-TiO2 photocatalysts were obtained via sol-gel method, using rare earth metal (RE) precursor ranging from 0.25 to 10 mol%. The experiments demonstrated that phenol in aqueous solutions was successfully degraded under visible light (> 450 nm) using RE3+-TiO2. The as-prepared samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron emission spectroscopy (XPS), UV-Vis...
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Investigation of ecological parameters of a gas turbine combustion chamber with steam injection for the floating production, storage, and offloading vessel
PublicationThe article is dedicated to the investigation of the possibility of using the contact type gas turbine cycle with steam injection into the combustion chamber for the floating production, storage, and offloading vessel in order to increase the specific power and efficiency and reduce emissions of toxic components. A new approach is proposed, associated with the use of the two-stage injection of superheated steam into a gas turbine...
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Monitoring of odors emitted from stabilized dewatered sludge subjected to aging using proton transfer reaction–mass spectrometry
PublicationOne of the potential emission sources of odorous compounds from wastewater treatment plants is sludge processing. The odorous compounds released from dewatered sludge can result in odor nuisance. This study concerns the use of flux hood chamber combined with proton transfer reaction—time of flight—mass spectrometry (PTR-MS) technique for periodical monitoring of odorous compounds emitted from aged, stabilized dewatered sludge samples...
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Do morphometric parameters and geological conditions determine chemistry of glacier surface ice? Spatial distribution of contaminants present in the surface ice of Spitsbergen glaciers (European Arctic)
PublicationAbstract The chemism of the glaciers is strongly determined by long-distance transport of chemical substances, and their wet and dry deposition on the glacier surface. This paper concerns spatial distribution of metals, ions, and dissolved organic carbon, as well as the differentiation of physicochemical parameters (pH, electrical conductivity) determined in ice surface samples collected from four Arctic glaciers during the summer...
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N-doped carbon nanospheres as selective fluorescent probes for mercury detection in contaminated aqueous media: chemistry, fluorescence probing, cell line patterning, and liver tissue interaction
PublicationA precise nano-scale biosensor was developed here to detect Hg2+ in aqueous media. Nitrogen-doped carbon nanospheres (NCS) created from the pyrolysis of melamine–formaldehyde resin were characterized by FESEM, XRD, Raman spectra, EDS, PL, UV–vis spectra, and N2 adsorption–desorption, and were used as a highly selective and sensitive probe for detecting Hg2+ in aqueous media. The sensitivity of NCS to Hg2+ was evaluated by photoluminescence...
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Photoactivity of decahedral TiO2 loaded with bimetallic nanoparticles: Degradation pathway of phenol-1- 13 C and hydroxyl radical formation
PublicationDecahedral TiO2decorated with bimetallic nanoparticles were synthesized via radiolysis and photode-position method. The effect of bimetallic surface composition (Ag Pt, Ag Au, Au Pd, Au Pt) as well asdeposition technique (simultaneous or sequential) on the photocatalytic activity in phenol degradationand efficiency of hydroxyl radicals generation under UV–vis light irradiation were investigated. Modifiedand pristine decahedral...
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The effect of gold shape and size on the properties and visiblelight-induced photoactivity of Au-TiO2
PublicationtIn the present investigation, TiO2modified with a different geometry and size of gold particles, suchas nanospheres (NSPs), nanostars (NSTs) and nanorods (NRs), were prepared by the immobilizationmethod. The effect of the gold shape, size and TiO2matrix type (TiO2microspheres or rutile TIO-6 TiO2)were systematically investigated. The obtained photocatalysts were thoroughly characterized by UV–visdiffuse-reflectance spectroscopy...
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First report of seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection in sheep in Pomerania, northern Poland
PublicationIntroduction and objective. Toxoplasmosis is parasitic disease which has economic relevance for both veterinary and human medicine. In sheep, toxoplasmosis is a major cause of abortion and can thus cause reproductive problems. The current study aimed to determine the occurrence of anti-Toxoplasma gondii IgG antibodies in sheep from 13 districts of northern Poland and thereby obtain actual data about T. gondii seroprevalence in...
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Phytoavailability of potentially toxic elements from industrially contaminated soils to wild grass
PublicationTopsoil and grass samples from 14 sites located in different distances from three copper mining factories and a copper smelter were collected in Srednogorie, Bulgaria. The paper discusses results of studies on the mobility of potentially toxic elements (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, Zn) from contaminated soils to wild grass Cynodon dactylon in terms of transfer (TF: soil to plant) and phytoavailability (PF: EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic...
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Conversion of waste biomass to designed and tailored activated chars with valuable properties for adsorption and electrochemical applications
PublicationWaste biomass, a renewable energy source, is inexpensive material that has great potential in sorp-tion and electrochemical application. The selected waste materials (corncobs, coconut shells, wal-nuts, and pistachio husks) allow to close the production cycle and enable material recycling, which are important aspects in the hierarchy of waste management. The proposed methodology for pro-duction and activation of biochars can be...
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A multi‑criteria approach to investigate spatial distribution,sources, and the potential toxicological effect of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in sediments of urban retention tanks
PublicationBottom sediments deposited in retention tanks (RTs) located on two urban streams (Oliwski and Strzyza) in the central part of Gdansk (Poland) were analysed for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons’ (PAHs) content. PAHs were extracted from samples with methylene chloride, then the extracts were subjected to clean-up applying the solid phase extraction (SPE) method. Quantitative and qualitative determination of 16 PAHs was performed...
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Remote Work Support Needs of Employees with Autism Spectrum Disorder in Poland: Perspectives of Individuals with Autism and Their Coworkers
PublicationBackground and Aims: With remote work becoming more common across industries, employees with autism may experience different work support needs from neurotypical peers. However, the specific remote work needs of this group of employees are underexplored in the literature. We aim to propose ways to assess workplace digital adaptation needs for individuals with autism and a framework for communicating these needs to employers. Methods:...
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Rare earth ions doped K 2 Ta 2 O 6 photocatalysts with enhanced UV–vis light activity
PublicationNew rare earth-doped K2Ta2O6 photocatalysts were successfully synthesized by hydrothermal method. The effect of dopant type (Y,Yb,Ho,Pr,Er) and amount of rare earth precursor (2,4,8 and 10 mol%) on the physicochemical and photocatalytic properties of RE-K2Ta2O6 have been investigated. All as-prepared materials were characterized by UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller specific surface area measurement,...
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Psychometric properties of the polish version of the job-related affective well-being scale
PublicationObjectives: The aim of this study was to verify psychometric properties of the Polish version of the Job-related Affective Well-being Scale (JAWS). Specifically, theoretical 4-factor structure (based on the dimensions of pleasure and arousal) and reliability of the original – 20-item JAWS (van Katwyk et al., 2000) and the shortened – 12-item (Schaufeli and Van Rhenen, 2006) versions were tested. Material and Methods: Two independent...
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CARDIOVASCULAR RISK FACTORS AMONG POLISH EMPLOYEES OF UNIFORMED SERVICES
PublicationObjectives: Employees of uniformed services (EoUS) were screened for cardiovascular risk factors. Material and Methods: A total of 1138 EoUS (age M±SD 49.9±6.0 years) and 263 controls (age M±SD 54.4±9.7 years) under the care of the cardiology clinic in Gdańsk, Poland,were included in the study. Medical history and blood samples were collected, and a physical examination was performed. Ten-year cardiovascular risk of death was...
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Similar concentration of surfactants in rural and urban areas
PublicationSince surfactants are used in various products, they end up in surface and wastewater. Surfactants may therefore impact ecosystems and living organisms. Actually, only few anionic surfactants and some alkylphenols are regulated. There is no comprehensive evaluation of surfactants in the atmosphere, surfaces and waters of areas of increasing anthropic levels. Here, we measured the levels of cationic, anionic and nonionic surfactants...
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Optimization of vortex-assisted supramolecular solvent-based liquid liquid microextraction for the determination of mercury in real water and food samples
PublicationA novel method was developed for sample preparation for spectrophotometric determination of Hg(II) in water and food samples. The method was based on vortex-assisted supramolecular solvent-assisted liquid-liquid microextraction (VA-SUPRASs-LLME). Analytical parameters such as pH, chelating agent, solvent type and volume, vortex time and salting out effect were optimized. Surface and normal probability plots were drawn for the variables...