Phytochelatins (PCs), a family of heavy metal-inducible peptides important in the detoxification of heavy metals, have been identified in plants and some microorganisms, including Schizosaccharomyces pombe, but not in animals. PCs are synthesized enzymatically from glutathione (GSH) by PC synthase in the presence of heavy metal ions. In Arabidopsis, the CAD1 gene, identified by using Cd-sensiti...

The great potential of nanoporous membranes for water filtration and chemical separation has been challenged by the trade-off between selectivity and permeability. Here we report on nanoporous polymer membranes with an excellent balance between selectivity and permeability of ions. Our membranes are fabricated by irradiating 2-μm-thick polyethylene terephthalate Lumirror® films with GeV heavy i...

Direct irradiation of atropisomeric α-substituted acrylanilides in the presence of alkali metal ions gave high ee values in the 3,4-dihydro-2-quinolin-2-one photoproduct, while in the absence of alkali metal ions, racemic photoproduct was observed. The heavy atom effect leading to enhanced triplet yields alters the reactive pathway leading to the observed enantioselectivity in the photoproduct.

In this report, we systematically studied the effects of different metal ions on the fluorescence of common thiolate ligand capped quantum dots. Generally, heavy metal ions exhibited much more significant fluorescence quenching. Also, the coordination capability and steric hindrance of the ligand jointly affect the quenching efficiency.

Background: Heavy metals, even at low concentrations, are harmful to human health and environment. Cadmium as a heavy metal is highly toxic and can cause serious threat to living organisms. This research was designed to evaluate the adsorption potential of modified magnetic iron nanoparticles by 2-(5-bromo-2-pyridylazo)-5-diethylaminophenol ligand for the removal of cadmium ions from water solu...

Mercury ion (Hg2+) is recognized as one of the most toxic metal ions for the environment and for human health. Techniques utilized in the detection of Hg2+ are an important factor. Herein, a simple thymine was successfully employed as the surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy sensor for Hg2+ ion detection. The limit of detection (LOD) of the developed sensor is better than 0.1 nM (0.02 ppb). This...

Keep in mind the importance of cadmium, cobalt and nickel ions as environmentally and economically strategic heavy metals, the application of two acidic extractants, named bis(2-diethylhexyl)phosphoric acid (DEHPA) and 2-thenoyltrifluoroacetone (HTTA), was assessed for the extraction-recovery of these ions from leached solution of spent rechargeable Ni-Cd batteries. The conditions for leach...

Tannins gel was investigated as an adsorbent for heavy metal ions, such as lead, cadmium, copper, and others. The gel used in the present work was made by Mitsubishi Nuclear Fuel Co. Ltd. (MNF). It was found that the gel showed high adsorption capacity of heavy metal ions and the adsorption isotherms were correlated well by the Langmuir equation. The maximum adsorption capacity was influenced b...