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  • articleNo Access

    Nano-bioremediation, a new approach to degrade veterinary antibiotics from environment

    Nano-bioremediation is an interdisciplinary approach that includes nanotechnology and bioremediation. This process has emerged as a potential solution for diminishing the harmful effect of pharmaceuticals from soil. Overuse of these antibiotics in animal husbandry has led to their accumulation in soil, posing risks to environment and humans. This review provides a concise overview about the present scenario of nano-bioremediation research in the context of veterinary drug detected from soil, also the mechanism and efficacy of nanoparticle-based remediation methods compared to traditional methods. The key areas such as metal-based photolysis, catalytic green chemistry and green nanotechnology are also explored in detail, highlighting their specific mechanisms for antibiotic degradation. The review also emphasizes the toxic effects of veterinary antibiotics on soil, plants, animals and humans, underscoring the benefits of nano-bioremediation over conventional methods. Nanoparticles are prepared in a manner so that they can efficiently absorb, degrade, or metabolize the veterinary drugs present in the soil. Bioremediation along with nanotechnology increases the potential of microorganisms to degrade toxic micropollutants into simple byproducts. Using nano-bioremediation technique, it was observed that the concentration of veterinary antibiotics was substantially reduced. The collegial work of nanoparticles and microbial actions significantly increase the complete degradation efficiency, making nano-bioremediation a promising green technology for soil remediation.

  • articleNo Access

    PIXE ANALYSIS OF URBAN ROADSIDE SOIL

    In order to study the influence of motor vehicles on a local soil environment, depth profiles of elemental concentration of urban roadside soil were investigated by means of thick-target PIXE analysis. For comparison, we analyzed the soil sampled in a university campus with very low traffic intensity. From the measured depth profiles, it was found that the roadside surface layers up to the depth of approximately 5 cm from the ground level are highly polluted by S and Zn. According to cluster analysis this pollution can be attributed to the deposition of tire dust due to the heavy vehicular traffic volumes on the highways.

  • articleNo Access

    MULTIELEMENTAL ANALYSIS BY PIXE OF CHINAMPA SOILS IN MEXICO CITY

    Chinampas are island plots (500-1000 m2) constructed of soil scooped from the bottom of the lake and surrounded by canals. Over 40 agricultural species, including vegetables, cereals, and flowers, are produced on chinampas and consumed by approximately 100,000 people. This agro-ecosystem, once one of the most diverse and productive, at present is at risk of disappearing, mainly as a consequence of the severe pollution of the irrigation water. To evaluate the relationship between the accumulation of metals and physical soil properties, total trace metals Fe, Cu, Mn and Zn and total heavy metals Pb, Ni, and Cr in soils were determined by Particle Induced X-Ray Emission (PIXE). This method provides a very suitable technique for treating a large number of samples because sample preparation is simple and determination of a large number of elements is simultaneous. Three sites were chosen because of their long history of pollution: Xochimilco, San Luis Tlaxialtemalco and Mixquic in Mexico City. Soil properties were determined by conventional analytical methods. Soils were found to be high in organic matter content, high in sodicity and salinity, and with an alkaline pH. The metals present in the samples are in the following order of abundance: Fe>Mn>Cr>Zn>Cu>Pb.