Optimizing the Recovery of Rare Earth Elements from Spent Fluorescent Lamps by Living sp.

Given the significant industrial applications of rare earth elements (REEs), supply chain constraints, and negative environmental impacts associated with their extraction, finding alternative sources has become a critical challenge. Previously, we highlighted the potential of living sp. in the removal and pre-concentration of Y from a solution obtained by sequential acid leaching of spent fluorescent lamps (SFLs).

Application of response surface methodology and box-behnken design for the optimization of mercury removal by Ulva sp.

Mercury (Hg) is a global and top priority contaminant, toxic at low concentrations. Although it has been progressively eliminated from processes, this metal continues to circulate in the atmosphere, soil, and water. In this work, the Response Surface Methodology (RSM) combined with a Box-Behnken Design (3 factors - 3 levels) was used to optimize key operational conditions that influence the removal and uptake of Hg by living macroalga Ulva sp.

Validation of a methodology to quantify macro, micro, and potentially toxic elements in food matrices.

To routinely assess whether consumed food meets international guidelines, a single analytical method able to quantify minerals and potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in real food matrices is required. This work validated a simple and efficient method to quantify nine elements in different food matrices by ICP-MS. Samples from local markets (chicken, mussels, fish, rice, and seaweed) and certified reference materials were digested with HNO 68 % and HO 30 %.

Cellulose biomembrane versus collagenase dressing for the treatment of chronic venous ulcers: a randomized, controlled clinical trial.

Cellulose biomembranes may be used for difficult-to-treat ulcers. To assess the efficacy and safety of cellulose biomembranes compared to a collagenase dressing for the treatment of chronic venous ulcers. A randomized, controlled clinical trial was performed using two groups: one treated with collagenase dressing and the other with cellulose biomembrane over a 90-day (T90) period.

Removal and recovery of Critical Rare Elements from contaminated waters by living Gracilaria gracilis.

The experiments performed in this work proved the ability of Gracilaria gracilis to concentrate and recover Critical Rare Elements (CRE) from contaminated waters. The importance of recycling these elements is related to their very limited sources in Nature and progressive use in technologies. Moreover, their mining exploitation has negative environmental impact, and recent studies point them as new emerging pollutants.