Uday Turaga

Mobility of polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in soil in the presence of carbon nanotubes

Being a potential risk to the environment, a fate study of carbon nanotube (CNT) in the environment is urgently needed. A study of CNT impacts on the bioavailability of other conventional contaminants in a terrestrial system is particularly rare. This study explored PAH leaching behaviors in the presence of CNTs with column leaching tests. Four PAHs (Naphthalene, fluorene, phenanthrene, and pyrene), three CNTs (f-SWNTs, MWNTs, f-MWNTs), and a sandy loam soil were involved in this study. We found that at a concentration of 5mg/g, CNTs could significantly retain PAHs in soil. Such a strong PAH retention was caused by low mobilities of CNTs and their strong PAH sorption capacities. This study illustrated that the properties of both sorbents (e.g. available surface area and micropore volume) and sorbates (e.g. hydrophobicity and molecular volume) influenced the mobility of PAHs in soil.

A survey of neonicotinoid use and potential exposure to Northern Bobwhite (Colinus virginianus) and Scaled quail (Callipepla squamata) in the rolling plains of Texas and Oklahoma

Northern bobwhite (quail) (Colinus virginianus) and scaled quail (Callipepla squamata) populations have declined dramatically in the Rolling Plains ecoregion of Texas and Oklahoma (USA). There is rising concern about potential toxicity of neonicotinoids to birds. To investigate this concern, the authors examined crops of 81 northern bobwhite and 17 scaled quail to determine the presence or absence of seeds treated with 3 neonicotinoids (clothianidin, imidacloprid, and thiamethoxam). No treated seeds were found in the 98 crops examined. Liver samples from all 98 quail were collected and analyzed for neonicotinoid residues. Analysis revealed very low concentrations of neonicotinoids within the quail liver samples. The results suggest there is little to no risk of direct toxicity to quail from neonicotinoids. Environ Toxicol Chem 2016;35:1511-1515.

Nanomaterials for Defense Applications

Nanotechnology has found a number of applications in electronics and healthcare. Within the textile field, applications of nanotechnology have been limited to filters, protective liners for chemical and biological clothing and nanocoatings. This chapter presents an overview of the applications of nanomaterials such as nanofibers and nanoparticles that are of use to military and industrial sectors. An effort has been made to categorize nanofibers based on the method of production. This chapter particularly focuses on a few latest developments that have taken place with regard to the application of nanomaterials such as metal oxides in the defense arena.

The Influence of Soil pH on the Uptake of Silver Nanoparticles in a Terrestrial System

The production and use of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) are increasing in the United States and across the globe. The Ag NPs may enter the terrestrial ecosystem with the application of sewage sludge as a fertilizer on agricultural farms. The present study investigated the influence of soil pH on the uptake of Ag NPs by insects. Two insects A. domesticus and T. molitor were selected for the experiment. The insects were exposed to Ag NPs under different soil pH including: 5, 6, 7, 8 (control), and 9. The Ag NPs were characterized prior to the study with transmission electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering, and powder X-ray diffraction techniques. The concentration of silver in insects was measured with inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy. Increased levels of silver in insects was observed in normal and alkaline soil as compared to acidic soil treatment groups. Additionally, there was no significant difference due to insect species in the silver uptake.

Advances in materials for chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) protective clothing

Abstract: Chemical, biological and nuclear (CBN) threats are still a major challenge faced by civilized nations. As these threats have become unconventional these days, solutions to tackle them should also be unconventional in nature. In other words, it is not possible for a single discipline to come up with a solution to counter CBN threat agents. In the CBN defense program, there are three main aspects, which include: 1) sensing the threat agents; 2) protection from the threat agents; and 3) preserving after attacks. Fibrous materials can be involved in all three aspects of CBN counter-measures. This chapter briefly discusses the characteristics of the CBN threat agents and their counter-measure strategies involving textile materials. New developments such as dry decontamination wipes and nanotechnology-based protective materials are highlighted in this chapter.