This study reports creative preparation of MnO 2 -biochar (MBR) via MnO 2 modification of biochar (BR) derived from aerobically composted swine manure. SEM coupled with EDX analyzer, TEM, XRD, BET, and FT-IR were employed to examine the surface properties and pore structures of MBR and BR. Adsorption experiments of Pb(II) and Cd(II) including isotherms, kinetics, and thermodynamics as well as the influence of pH on zeta-potential were also investigated. The results indicated that MBR showed rougher and larger surface area and pore volume than BR. In batch adsorption, MBR showed superior adsorption performance (maximum capacity for Pb 268.0 mg/g and Cd 45.8 mg/g) to BR (Pb 127.75 and Cd 14.41 mg/g). The adsorption process was pH-dependent, and the removal efficiency reached its maximum at 0.2 g/L dosage of MBR, after which it declined. Finally, X-ray photoelectron spectrometer (XPS) studies indicated the oxidative Mn 4+ on MBR, and suggested that apart from electrostatic attachment, specific adsorption (i.e., Pb/Cd−O or hydroxyl binding) and ion exchange were the removal mechanisms of metal ions. Therefore, this modification method toward BR was promising for wastewater treatment of heavy metal pollution.

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This review provides a comprehensive overview of amidoxime-based materials for uranium recovery and removal from the perspectives of synthesis, characterizations, types, influence factors, binding mechanisms, and cost evaluation.

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In response to several influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 infections that developed in passengers after they traveled on the same 2 flights from New York, New York, USA, to Hong Kong, China, to Fuzhou, China, we assessed transmission of influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 virus on these flights. We defined a case of infection as onset of fever and respiratory symptoms and detection of virus by PCR in a passenger or crew member of either flight. Illness developed only in passengers who traveled on the New York to Hong Kong flight. We compared exposures of 9 case-passengers with those of 32 asymptomatic control-passengers. None of the 9 case-passengers, compared with 47% (15/32) of control-passengers, wore a face mask for the entire flight (odds ratio 0, 95% CI 0–0.71). The source case-passenger was not identified. Wearing a face mask was a protective factor against influenza infection. We recommend a more comprehensive intervention study to accurately estimate this effect.