#polycyclic aromatic compounds

[biology-geology-beaches-india]

The Research Diaries of S. Sunkavally. Page 249.

[allthecanadianpolitics]

The polluted water leaching from four massive open-pit coal mines in southern B.C.’s Elk Valley is well documented ��� fish-killing selenium, sulphates and nitrates that travel downstream into international watersheds along the U.S. border. Add to those boundary-hopping hazards one more contaminant that is airborne. An Alberta study recently published in Environmental Science & Technology Letters highlights the transport of toxic coal dust downwind over the Rocky Mountains into southern Alberta’s watersheds and communities. The study, conducted by researchers with the Alberta government and University of Alberta, sampled blackened snowpacks three kilometres to 60 kilometres downwind of Teck Resources’ mine sites over two winter periods in 2022 and 2023. After melting the dirty snow and assessing its chemical composition, they found vast quantities of polycyclic aromatic compounds, or PACs, a toxic class of organic contaminants.

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Tagging: @newsfromstolenland, @abpoli

[netmassimo]

A new image captured by the James Webb Space Telescope reveals new details of a protostar forming within the molecular cloud cataloged as L1527. The MIRI instrument offered new information on the ongoing processes that are leading to the birth of a new star. An accretion disk is barely visible edge-on and is important because the protostar is still absorbing materials from it and planets could form within it in the future. During its formation, the protostar emits jets of gas that collide with the remains of the surrounding cloud, generating the structures MIRI sees in a color that is blue in the top image (NASA, ESA, CSA, STScI) thanks to the presence of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), compounds that are common in space.

[kingdrawcse]

One of the Molecule Stars, "Sulflower"

"Sulflower," a fusion of 'sulfur' and 'flower,' boasts a sunflower-like structure. In 2006, Moscow State University synthesized this novel compound, the first fully sulfur-substituted polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon, with a planar structure and D8h symmetry. Fast forward to 2016, Dresden University of Technology's researchers created the second generation Sulflower (J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2017, DOI: 10.1021/jacs.6b12630), earning it a spot among the American Chemical Society's 'C& En News' magazine's 2017 'Molecules of the Year.'

[spacetimewithstuartgary]

Astronomers Discover New Building Blocks of Complex Organic Matter

CfA scientists help detect a new molecule in interstellar space as list of identified complex molecules grows

The element carbon is a building block for life, both on Earth and potentially elsewhere in the vast reaches of space. There should be a lot of carbon in space, but surprisingly, it's not always easy to find. 

While it can be observed in many places, it doesn’t add up to the volume astronomers would expect to see. The discovery of a new, complex molecule (1-cyanopyrene), challenges expectations about where the building blocks for carbon are found and how they evolve. 

Astronomers have long understood that certain carbon-rich stars are soot factories that release copious quantities of small molecular sheets of carbon into the interstellar medium. Scientists thought, however, that these types of carbon-rich molecules could neither survive the harsh conditions of interstellar space nor be re-formed there by combustion-like chemistry because the temperature is far too low.

Researchers from the Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian (CfA) helped lead this research. A paper describing these results was published today in the journal Science. 

“Our detection of 1-cyanopyrene gives us important new information about the chemical origin and fate of carbon -- the single most important element to complex chemistry both on Earth and in space,” said Bryan Changala of the CfA, a co-author of the Science paper. 

The 1-cyanopyrene molecule is made up of multiple fused benzene rings. It belongs to a class of compounds known as Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs), which were previously believed to form only at high temperatures in regions with lots of energy, like the environments surrounding aging stars. On Earth, PAHs are found in burning fossil fuels, and as char marks on grilled food. 

Astronomers study PAHs not just to learn about their particular lifecycle, but to learn more about how they interact with and reveal more about the interstellar medium (ISM) and celestial bodies around them. PAHs are believed to be responsible for the unidentified infrared bands observed in many astronomical objects. These bands arise from the infrared fluorescence of PAHs after they absorb ultraviolet (UV) photons from stars. The intensity of these bands reveal PAHs could account for a significant fraction of carbon in the ISM. 

However, the newly observed 1-cyanopyrene molecules were found in Taurus Molecular Cloud-1 (TMC-1), a cold interstellar cloud. Located in the Taurus constellation, TMC-1 has not yet begun forming stars, and the temperature is only about 10 degrees above absolute zero.

“TMC-1 is a natural laboratory for studying these molecules that go on to form the building blocks of stars and planets,” said Gabi Wenzel, a postdoctoral fellow at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology who led the lab work and is the first author on the Science paper.

“These are the largest molecules we’ve found in TMC-1 to date. This discovery pushes the boundaries of our understanding of the complexity of molecules that can exist in interstellar space,” said co-author Brett McGuire, an Assistant Professor of Chemistry at MIT and an adjunct astronomer at the National Science Foundation (NSF) National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO).

Astronomers used the NSF Green Bank Telescope, the largest fully steerable radio telescope in the world, to discover 1-cyanopyrene. Every molecule has a unique rotational spectrum, like a fingerprint, which allows for its identification. However, their large size and lack of a permanent dipole moment, can make some PAHs difficult – or even impossible – to detect. The observations of cyanopyrene can provide indirect evidence for the presence of even larger and more complex molecules in future observations. 

“Identifying the unique rotational spectrum of 1-cyanopyrene required the work of an interdisciplinary scientific team,” explains co-author Harshal Gupta, NSF Program Director for the Green Bank Observatory and Research Associate at the CfA. “This discovery is a great illustration of synthetic chemists, spectroscopists, astronomers, and modelers working closely and harmoniously.”

This research combined the expertise of astronomy and chemistry with measurements and analysis conducted in the molecular spectroscopy laboratory of Dr. Michael McCarthy at the CfA. 

“The microwave spectrometers developed at the CfA are unique, world-class instruments specifically designed to measure the precise radio fingerprints of complex molecules like 1-cyanopyrene,” said McCarthy. “Predictions from even the most advanced quantum chemical theories are still thousands of times less accurate than what is needed to identify these molecules in space with radio telescopes, so experiments in laboratories like ours are indispensable to these ground-breaking astronomical discoveries."

IMAGE: CfA scientists help detect a new molecule in interstellar space as list of identified complex molecules grows Credit: NSF/NSF NRAO/AUI/S. Dagnello

[larimar]

gettyimages

In celebration of the one year anniversary of NASA's James Webb Space Telescope, NASA has released this image looking at the early formation of stars in the Rho Ophiuchi cloud complex. ⁠ ⁠ This image reveals the Rho Ophiuchi cloud complex, the closest star-forming region to Earth on July 12, 2023. The young stars at the center of many of these disks are similar in mass to the Sun, or smaller. The heftiest in this image is the star S1, which appears amid a glowing cave it is carving out with its stellar winds in the lower half of the image. The lighter-colored gas surrounding S1 consists of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, a family of carbon-based molecules that are among the most common compounds found in space. ⁠ ⁠ These images are a composite of separate exposures acquired by the James Webb Space Telescope using the NIRCam instrument. Several filters were used to sample wide and narrow wavelength ranges. The color results from assigning different hues (colors) to each monochromatic (grayscale) image associated with an individual filter. I July 12, 2023 I 📷️: @nasa @nasawebb + ESA + CSA + STScI #GettyImagesNews

[materialsscienceandengineering]

Can biosurfactants increase microbiological oil degradation in North Sea seawater? An international research team from the universities of Stuttgart und Tübingen, together with the China West Normal University and the University of Georgia, have been exploring this question and the results have revealed the potential for a more effective and environmentally friendly oil spill response. Oil leaks into the oceans are estimated at approximately 1500 million liters annually worldwide. This leads to globally significant environmental pollution, as oil contains hazardous compounds such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons that can have toxic or mutagenic effects on organisms. Oil spills, particularly catastrophic ones resulting in the rapid release of large quantities of oil into the oceans, such as tanker accidents or incidents at oil drilling platforms like Deepwater Horizon in 2010, are especially devastating. In such oil spill incidents, large quantities of chemical dispersants, ranging in the millions of liters depending on the amount of oil, are routinely applied to dissolve oil slicks, prevent oil from reaching coastlines, and enhance oil dispersion in the water. The hope is that microbial oil degradation will be enhanced as a result. This is because special microorganisms that are widespread in nature can feed on crude oil components and break them down into harmless substances. This special ability of microbes naturally cleans oil-contaminated areas.

Read more.

[covenawhite66]

The Winchcombe meteorite not only contains organic materials but also appears to represent a new class of meteorites. It contains low amino acid abundance for a carbonaceous chondrite but unusual ratios among the amino acids and PAHs that are present. Winchcombe one of the first 40 meteorites whose origins within the asteroid belt could be traced.

Abstract

The rapid recovery of the Winchcombe meteorite offers a valuable opportunity to study the soluble organic matter (SOM) profile in pristine carbonaceous astromaterials. Our interests in the biologically relevant molecules, amino acids—monomers of protein, and the most prevalent meteoritic organics—polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are addressed by analyzing the solvent extracts of a Winchcombe meteorite stone using gas chromatography mass spectrometry. The Winchcombe sample contains an amino acid abundance of ~1132 parts-per-billion that is about 10 times lower than other CM2 meteorites. The detection of terrestrially rare amino acids, including α-aminoisobutyric acid (AIB); isovaline; β-alanine; α-, β-, and γ-amino-n-butyric acids; and 5-aminopentanoic acid, and the racemic enantiomeric ratios (D/L 

[eclecticfactoids]

Did you know space smells metallic? Astronauts have reported their spacesuits smell like welding fumes when they come back from a space walk.

"...thought to be due to the presence of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, compounds that form in the dust and debris of space." - science.howstuffworks.com

"The Rosetta spacecraft also detected compounds responsible for the smell of rotten eggs, bitter almonds and cat urine, boiling off from the surface of comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko." - sciencefocus.com

[de-temple]

What are the effects of PAHs on human health?

It is not clear that PAHs cause short-term health effects. Other compounds commonly found with PAHs may be the cause of short-term symptoms such as eye irritation, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and confusion. Long-term health effects of exposure to PAHs may include cataracts, kidney and liver damage, and jaundice.

http://www.idph.state.il.us › factsheets

Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarb

[ecoilindia]

Linking the Dots: Understanding Disease Connections to Cooking Oil

Cooking oil is a regular part of our diet, but it usually impacts health. All these chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease and cancer have been linked with oils we cook in. Understanding these connections makes you aware of making good choices that support healthier lives.

What are Cooking Oils?

Cooking oils are extracted from seeds, nuts, fruits, as well as animal fats and serve as a medium in frying, baking, and even flavoring food. Examples include olive oil, canola oil, sunflower oil, or butter. They vary greatly in nutrient compositions and health effects, so careful choice is required depending on specific needs and health priorities.

Types of Cooking Oils: A Comprehensive Guide

Understanding the different types of cooking oils can help you make healthier choices:

Vegetable Oils: Includes canola, soybean, and sunflower oils. High in omega-6 fatty acids.

Seed Oils: Flaxseed, sesame, and pumpkin seed oils are known for their distinct flavors and nutrient profiles.

Nut Oils: Almond, walnut, and hazelnut oils provide a rich source of healthy fats.

Animal Fats: Lard, tallow, and butter are solid at room temperature, higher in saturated fats.

Good Fats vs. Bad Fats: Science Behind Healthy Choices

Not all fats are created equal. Not all unsaturated fats are beneficial for heart health. But saturated and trans fats are linked to increasing cardiovascular risks. The right balance among these fats can be just right for healthy living.

The Disease Caused

The connection between cooking oils and diseases is significant because the type of oil, its composition, and how it’s used can impact your health. Here are some key points:

1. Cardiovascular Diseases

Caused By: High intake of trans fats and saturated fats from hydrogenated oils, margarine, and frequently reused frying oils.

Impact:

Reused frying oils undergo oxidative degradation, forming harmful compounds like trans fats.

These fats increase LDL (bad) cholesterol while decreasing HDL (good) cholesterol.

Such imbalance leads to plaque buildup in arteries (atherosclerosis), heightening the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular issues.

2. Obesity

Caused By: Excessive consumption of high-calorie oils like those used for deep frying (soybean, canola, and sunflower oils).

Impact:

Frying oils are calorie-dense, and reused oils may contain degraded fats that increase caloric intake without adding nutritional value.

The consumption of fried foods leads to weight gain and obesity, a major risk factor for Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers.

3. Type 2 Diabetes

Caused By: Diets high in omega-6 fatty acids (from soybean and corn oil) and trans fats formed during frying.

Impact:

Reusing frying oils leads to the formation of trans fats, which impair insulin function, increasing the risk of insulin resistance.

Omega-6 fatty acids in these oils can cause inflammation, contributing to the development of Type 2 diabetes.

4. Cancer

Caused By: Repeated use of cooking oil (reusing frying oil) and excessive consumption of refined oils high in omega-6.

Impact:

Reused and overheated oils release harmful compounds like acrylamide, acrolein, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which are carcinogenic.

High omega-6 intake can increase inflammation, raising the risk of cancers such as breast, prostate, and colorectal cancer.

5. Liver Diseases (Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease — NAFLD)

Caused By: Excessive intake of refined vegetable oils, trans fats, and omega-6-rich frying oils.

Impact:

Reusing frying oils generates oxidized fats that contribute to fat buildup in the liver, leading to NAFLD.

Over time, this can cause liver inflammation, fibrosis, or even cirrhosis.

6. Inflammatory Diseases (Arthritis, Inflammatory Bowel Disease)

Caused By: Imbalance between omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids, especially from reused frying oils high in omega-6.

Impact:

Repeatedly frying food increases omega-6 fatty acid levels, promoting the production of pro-inflammatory compounds.

Chronic inflammation can worsen conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease.

7. Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)

Caused By: Excessive intake of trans fats from reused oils and omega-6 fatty acids.

Impact:

Trans fats from reused frying oils contribute to endothelial dysfunction, damaging blood vessels and leading to hypertension.

An imbalanced omega-6 intake can cause inflammation, disrupting blood pressure regulation.

8. Digestive Issues

Caused By: Overconsumption of deep-fried foods using reused cooking oils with a low smoke point.

Impact:

Deep-fried foods, especially when prepared with reused oils, can slow down digestion and lead to bloating, indigestion, and acid reflux.

Rancid or degraded oils may irritate the gastrointestinal lining, causing discomfort and inflammation.

9. Neurodegenerative Diseases (Alzheimer’s, Dementia)

Caused By: Long-term consumption of trans fats and degraded frying oils.

Impact:

Trans fats in reused frying oils contribute to inflammation and oxidative stress, factors linked to cognitive decline.

Diets high in these unhealthy fats have been associated with an increased risk of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and dementia.

Conclusion: Making Informed Choices About Cooking Oils

Choosing the right cooking oil is crucial for maintaining good health. By understanding the differences in oil types, their nutritional profiles, and their effects on disease risk, you can make better dietary decisions that support long-term wellness.

Source: https://ecoil.in/news-and-blogs/linking-the-dots-understanding-disease-connections-to-cooking-oil

[baijian188]

Business Briefcase Detection

Items tested in the luggage quality inspection report:

Physical properties, mechanical properties, color fastness, chemical properties, breaking strength, sewing strength, color fastness to rubbing, aging resistance, abrasion resistance, color sublimation, harmful substances, heavy metals, azo dyes, formaldehyde, phthalates, organic tin compounds, flame retardants, alkyl phenols, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, etc

[chemanalystdata]

Naphthalene Price | Prices | Pricing | News | Database | Chart

 Naphthalene is a crucial chemical compound in various industrial applications, playing a significant role in the production of numerous products such as mothballs, plastics, and dyes. Over the years, naphthalene prices have experienced fluctuations due to a myriad of factors, including raw material availability, energy costs, global demand trends, and regulatory changes. Understanding the dynamics behind the pricing of naphthalene is essential for stakeholders in industries that depend on this versatile compound.

One of the primary factors influencing naphthalene prices is the cost of raw materials, primarily crude oil and coal tar, from which naphthalene is derived. Since naphthalene is a hydrocarbon, it is closely linked to the oil market, and any changes in crude oil prices can have a direct impact on its production cost. Global oil prices have been notably volatile in recent years due to geopolitical tensions, supply chain disruptions, and shifting policies concerning fossil fuels. As a result, naphthalene prices tend to mirror these fluctuations. When crude oil prices surge, the cost of producing naphthalene also rises, leading to higher market prices. Conversely, when oil prices stabilize or decline, there is usually a corresponding decrease in naphthalene prices.

Get Real Time Prices for Naphthalene: https://www.chemanalyst.com/Pricing-data/naphthalene-1130

In addition to raw material costs, energy prices are another significant factor affecting naphthalene prices. Manufacturing naphthalene requires substantial energy input, especially in the extraction and distillation processes. Therefore, the cost of electricity, natural gas, and other energy sources can significantly influence the price of naphthalene. Energy prices can be affected by a variety of external factors, including government policies on energy production, global energy supply-demand balance, and regional disruptions. When energy prices rise, the cost of producing naphthalene increases, which is then passed on to consumers in the form of higher prices.

Global demand also plays a pivotal role in determining naphthalene prices. The compound is widely used in the construction, chemical, and textile industries, among others. When there is a surge in demand from these sectors, it can lead to higher naphthalene prices. For instance, during periods of robust economic growth, industrial activity tends to increase, thereby driving up the demand for chemicals like naphthalene. Similarly, the development of new applications for naphthalene in sectors such as pharmaceuticals or electronics can create fresh demand, pushing prices higher. Conversely, during economic downturns, when industrial activity slows, demand for naphthalene may decrease, leading to a drop in prices.

Another factor that has a substantial impact on naphthalene prices is regulatory and environmental policies. In recent years, there has been a growing global focus on environmental sustainability, which has led to stricter regulations on the production and use of chemicals. Naphthalene, being a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon, is subject to stringent regulations in many countries due to its potential environmental and health risks. Compliance with these regulations often necessitates the adoption of cleaner and more expensive production methods, which in turn raises the cost of naphthalene. Furthermore, in regions where environmental regulations are more rigorous, there may be additional costs related to waste disposal and emissions control, further driving up the price of naphthalene.

In addition to environmental regulations, trade policies and tariffs can also influence naphthalene prices. Many countries impose tariffs on imported chemicals, including naphthalene, to protect domestic industries. Changes in trade policies, such as the imposition of new tariffs or the removal of existing ones, can have an immediate impact on naphthalene prices. For instance, if a major exporter of naphthalene faces higher tariffs in its target markets, it may raise its prices to offset the added costs, leading to a global price hike. On the other hand, if trade barriers are reduced, the increased competition in the market may drive prices down.

Supply chain disruptions can also cause significant price fluctuations in the naphthalene market. Natural disasters, geopolitical tensions, and logistical challenges can all affect the supply of raw materials needed to produce naphthalene, as well as the transportation of the finished product. For example, if a major supplier of coal tar or crude oil experiences a production shutdown, the reduced availability of raw materials can lead to a supply crunch, driving up naphthalene prices. Similarly, disruptions in transportation networks, such as port closures or shipping delays, can affect the timely delivery of naphthalene, creating temporary shortages and price spikes.

Moreover, competition among producers also affects naphthalene prices. The naphthalene market is highly competitive, with numerous manufacturers vying for market share. Companies that can produce naphthalene more efficiently or at a lower cost often gain a competitive edge, allowing them to offer more competitive prices. Technological advancements in production processes can also help reduce manufacturing costs, leading to lower prices for consumers. However, if a major producer exits the market or scales back production, it can reduce the overall supply of naphthalene, causing prices to rise.

Currency exchange rates are another factor that can influence naphthalene prices, especially in international trade. Since naphthalene is traded globally, fluctuations in exchange rates can affect the price of imported or exported naphthalene. For instance, if the currency of a major exporting country depreciates relative to the currencies of its trading partners, the price of naphthalene in international markets may decrease, making it more competitive. Conversely, if the currency strengthens, the price of naphthalene may rise, potentially reducing demand in price-sensitive markets.

Finally, market speculation and investor sentiment can also contribute to short-term price volatility in the naphthalene market. Just like other commodities, naphthalene prices can be influenced by speculators who buy and sell based on their expectations of future market trends. If investors believe that naphthalene prices will rise due to anticipated supply shortages or increased demand, they may buy in bulk, driving up prices in the short term. Conversely, if they expect prices to fall, they may sell off their holdings, causing a temporary dip in prices.

In conclusion, naphthalene prices are influenced by a complex interplay of factors, including raw material costs, energy prices, global demand, regulatory policies, trade dynamics, supply chain disruptions, competition, currency exchange rates, and market speculation. Understanding these factors is essential for businesses and consumers who rely on naphthalene, as it allows them to anticipate price changes and make informed purchasing decisions. By keeping an eye on these variables, stakeholders can better navigate the volatile naphthalene market and manage the financial impact of price fluctuations.

Get Real Time Prices for Naphthalene: https://www.chemanalyst.com/Pricing-data/naphthalene-1130

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[particle196]

The Science of Gas Particle Partitioning 

Gas-Particle Partitioning is a process that describes the distribution of chemical compounds between the gas phase and particulate matter (solid or liquid) in the atmosphere. It plays a crucial role in determining the fate, transport, and effects of atmospheric pollutants, especially semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs) and certain inorganic species. Understanding gas-particle partitioning is essential for air quality modeling, climate change predictions, and health impact assessments. Key Concepts: Semi-Volatile Organic Compounds (SVOCs): These are compounds that can exist in both the gas and particulate phases under atmospheric conditions. Examples include polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), pesticides, and some industrial chemicals. Partitioning Mechanisms: Gas-particle partitioning depends on various physicochemical factors: Vapor Pressure: Compounds with higher vapor pressures tend to remain in the gas phase, while lower vapor pressure compounds favor the particulate phase. Temperature: Higher temperatures generally favor the gas phase, while lower temperatures encourage condensation onto particles. Particle Size and Composition: Particles rich in organic carbon or water can more readily absorb semi-volatile compounds. Relative Humidity: Moisture can affect the water-soluble components of particles, impacting partitioning behavior. Absorption and Adsorption: Absorption: Occurs when a gas-phase compound dissolves into the organic or aqueous fraction of a particle. Organic aerosols play a key role in absorbing SVOCs. Adsorption: Refers to the attachment of gas molecules onto the surface of solid particles, usually driven by the surface area of particles like soot or dust. Partition Coefficients: The gas-particle partition coefficient (Kp) quantifies how a compound distributes between the gas and particulate phases. It is a function of temperature, pressure, and the properties of both the compound and the particles: Kp=CgCp Where Cp is the concentration of the compound in the particle phase and Cg is its concentration in the gas phase. Influence on Atmospheric Processes: Gas-particle partitioning affects: Atmospheric Lifetimes: Compounds in the gas phase can be removed through processes like photolysis and oxidation, while those in the particle phase can be removed via deposition. Transport: Gas-phase pollutants can travel long distances, while particle-bound compounds may have more localized impacts. Health Effects: Particle-bound pollutants, such as PAHs, can be inhaled deep into the lungs, where they pose greater health risks. Applications: Air Quality Modeling: Accurate representation of gas-particle partitioning is essential for predicting the concentrations of pollutants. Climate Modeling: Particles can affect radiative forcing by scattering or absorbing sunlight, and partitioning processes determine the composition and size distribution of aerosols. Health Risk Assessment: Understanding the partitioning of toxic compounds helps assess exposure risks related to inhalation of fine particulate matter. Conclusion: The science of gas-particle partitioning is a critical component of atmospheric chemistry, influencing environmental pollution dynamics, climate processes, and public health. It involves complex interactions between gases and particles, governed by physical and chemical properties, and is influenced by various atmospheric conditions.

More Info: https://physicistparticle.com/ 

Contact : contact@physicistparticle.com

[mectech1]

The Significance of Vegetable Oil Refining; Get Refining Equipment’s from Mectech

The refining of edible oils is an important step in guaranteeing the safety, quality, and acceptability of oils for human consumption. Conducting this process in an edible oil refinery plant guarantees quality. Here are the main reasons why edible oil refining is important.

Improvement in Oil Quality

Impurities are removed from crude oils, which may include phospholipids, free fatty acids, colours, and trace metals. Degumming, neutralization, bleaching, and deodorization are examples of refining operations that eliminate contaminants, resulting in a cleaner, more stable oil.

Refined oils are more resistant to oxidation and rancidity, allowing them to last longer while keeping their nutritional and sensory characteristics.

Safety & Health

The refining process removes potentially dangerous compounds such as pesticides, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and heavy metals, making the oil safe to use.

Reduction of Free Fatty Acids (FFAs): High levels of FFAs in crude oil can result in disagreeable flavours and shorter shelf life. Neutralization reduces FFA levels, enhancing the oil's taste and stability.

Improved Sensory Attributes

Better Flavour and Odour: Deodorization eliminates volatile chemicals that create unpleasant flavours and odours, resulting in a neutral-tasting oil that is more palatable and adaptable in culinary applications.

Enhanced Appearance: Bleaching removes pigments and other colourants, resulting in a clearer, more visually appealing oil.

Compliance with Standards and Regulations

Meeting the Food Safety Standards: Refined oils meet national and international food safety requirements, making them safe and fit for human consumption.

Labelling and Marketing: Oils that satisfy regulatory criteria can be labelled and sold as refined, high-quality products, boosting consumer confidence and marketability.

Versatility in Culinary Applications

Wider Application: Refined oils can be used in a range of cooking processes, such as frying, baking, and salad dressings, without altering the flavour of the meal.

Consistent Quality: The refining process guarantees that the oil remains consistent in quality, which is important for both food manufacturers and consumers.

Economic Benefits:

Refined oils have a higher market value than crude oils because of their superior quality and longer shelf life.

By-Product Utilisation: The refining process generates byproducts such as soap stock and spent bleaching earth, which can be used in other sectors to increase economic value.

Environmental Considerations

Waste Management: Modern refining plants use ecologically friendly procedures to manage waste and limit their environmental impact. For example, byproducts can be used to generate energy or as raw materials in other operations.

Energy Efficiency: Technological advancements have made refining operations more efficient, lowering the overall carbon footprint of oil production.

Conclusion

The importance of edible oil refining stems from its ability to convert crude oils into high-quality, safe, and adaptable products fit for human consumption. Refining improves the sensory properties, stability, and safety of oils, increasing their marketability and shelf life. Furthermore, compliance with food safety requirements and environmental concerns highlight the value of refining in the edible oil business. Overall, edible oil refining is a key procedure that ensures that consumers receive high-quality products while also contributing to the industry's economic and environmental sustainability.

Mectech is India's largest manufacturer of vegetable oil refinery plants. The solvent extraction and distillation processes produce crude oil, which contains inherent harmful constituents such as Free Fatty Acids (FFAs), gums, sediments, odoriferous and colouring materials, phosphatides, hydrocarbons, traces of pesticides, and heavy metals that must be refined for human consumption. Refining is the process of removing undesirable ingredients from extracted oil in an edible oil refinery plant without sacrificing valuable features or altering the composition.

The company has served as a catalyst since 1978 in the development and growth of India's oil and fats industry by manufacturing and supplying customized, highly energy efficient, innovative, turnkey projects, plant, and equipment for oil extraction, pretreatment, and refining, modification of oil and fat, value-added specialty products, oleo chemicals like fatty acid distillation or waste product recoveries, bio diesel, and filters.

In a number of projects, Mectech has competed with well-known global brands on technological advancement, innovation, productivity, and cost effectiveness. Check the website for more information.

SOURCE

[snehagoogle]

Life, whether it is tall and wide

Life, whether it is tall and wide like me or a microbe growing in my body

The most important thing for us to live is air

If we see, then water is necessary after that

And the most important thing among all these is light according to the right temperature

It is said that even though this air, water and light on earth is correct, the beginning of life had to be left behind by 2 billion years

Will life flow like this on the surface of Mars

Apart from where space has also robbed air and water

It is believed that light is intact

But the surface of Mars has been so damaged due to the rain of meteorites that it is almost impossible for water to return there

It is said that bacteria remain in the dusty atmosphere of Mars

Are microbes present on Mars

Our results imply that microbial life under appropriate conditions could have been present on Mars in the past and/or today in the subsurface, and that the regolith does not contain any bactericidal agents.17 Oct 2023

Evidence for Microbial Life on Mars: Fossilized Bacteria?

American Museum of Natural History

https://www.amnh.org › fossil-microbes-mars

In 1996, a team of scientists led by David McKay of NASA’s Johnson Space Flight Center announced that they had discovered evidence for microscopic fossil life in a meteorite from Mars.

From the start, the evidence was both fascinating and controversial, and to this day it remains so.

The meteorite in question had escaped from Mars 16 million years ago when an asteroid or comet collided with the planet and blasted out a crater. The 2-kilogram fragment of Martian rock then moved in an elliptical orbit around the Sun until it was swept up by the Earth about 13,000 years ago. It landed in glacial Antarctica, where it remained until 1984, when a meteorite-hunting party picked it up it in the Allan Hills. The specimen was designated ALH84001. At first, no one suspected that it came from Mars.About ten years later, scientists examined ALH84001 more closely and found that it was not an ordinary meteorite, but one of the so-called SNC meteorites, which come from Mars. Meteorites of this class all contain traces of gas having a composition identical to the Martian atmosphere. Each of the dozen other SNC Martian meteorites then known had crystallized within the last 1.3 billion years, after Mars had become a frozen desert. But ALH84001 was over 4 billion years old, and had presumably existed at a time when liquid water was common on the surface of Mars. Liquid water is essential to life as we know it. For that reason ALH84001 attracted the attention of McKay and his team, who thought that the rock might preserve microscopic and chemical evidence of ancient life on Mars.

Three Types of Evidence

To avoid the possible terrestrial contaminants picked up by the meteorite in Antarctica, the team obtained their samples from the solid interior volume of the rock. They found that cracks within the meteorite contain orange-tinted carbonate globules, which resemble limestone cave deposits. This sort of material can form only in the presence of liquid water. McKay and his colleagues found three kinds of evidence that they interpreted in terms of ancient microbial life on Mars:

The globules contained traces of complex organic compounds called polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which might be the decay products of microbes.

The globules contained microscopic grains of magnetite (a magnetic iron oxide) and of iron sulfide, two compounds rarely found together in the presence of carbonates, unless produced by bacterial metabolism.

The carbonate globules, when examined with an electron microscope, were found to be covered in places with large numbers of worm-like forms that resemble fossilized bacteria.

McKay and his colleagues conceded from the start that any one of these lines of evidence could be interpreted without recourse to biology. However they judged that the presence of all three in association with the carbonate globules made a persuasive case for ancient life on Mars. Other scientists at once began to subject the evidence to intense critical scrutiny, which is an expected and essential part of the scientific process.

Some geochemists found evidence that the carbonate globules were formed at temperatures up to 300º C, too hot for the survival of any known microbial life on Earth. But others concluded that the globules may have formed at temperatures below 100º C. This now seems to be the case.

What about the PAHs? Chemical theory and experiments show that organic (carbon-based) molecules are formed non-biologically within giant interstellar clouds of gas and dust. The solar system was born in such an environment. Organic molecules produce PAHs when heated, so these materials would have been present on the Earth and on Mars from the beginning. Ordinary soot contains PAHs. McKay and his colleagues soon conceded that the organic carbon evidence for fossil life on Mars was weak.

The evidence from the magnetite and iron sulfide grains is more substantial. In size and shape, most of the magnetite grains closely resemble those produced by terrestrial bacteria. No one has yet demonstrated a non-biological formation mechanism for such grains in association with iron sulfide. The evidence so far suggests that such materials require a biological origin.

What about the objects said to resemble fossil bacteria? Microscopists contend that shape alone is often misleading, because non-biological processes can produce objects that superficially resemble bacteria. The size of the supposed Martian fossils is also a contentious issue. Many of the worm-like objects in ALH84001 are just a few tens of nanometers across, or about a tenth the size of the smallest-known bacteria on Earth. But the minimum amount of molecular “equipment” needed to keep a bacterium alive (including the DNA and ribosomes to translate the genetic code into proteins) would require a volume equal to a 200-nanometer sphere. In other words, these so-called Martian fossils are just too small to have ever been alive.

But just a moment. How can we be sure that any hypothetical Martian life would use the same kind of biochemistry as terrestrial bacteria? Does all life have to be based on molecules as large and complex as DNA? Some scientists have reported finding so-called “nanobacteria” in a wide range of environments. These mysterious objects are as small as the alleged Martian microbes, and are conceivably living organisms, or fragments of organisms. Before the evolution of DNA, ribosomes, and complex proteins on Earth, simpler ancestral life forms must have existed. Those primitive organisms would have lost out in competition by the far more complex bacteria that later evolved on Earth, but their fossilized remains might still be found. And perhaps such things have been found in the Martian meteorite.

For several years, the general current of scientific opinion was running against the biological interpretation of the evidence from ALH84001. But recent studies of the magnetite grains provide increased support to a biological origin. Scientists continue to study ALH84001 and the other Martian meteorites. And they are planning a mission to bring samples back from Mars. While the evidence from ALH84001 remains controversial, it has without question stimulated a major new effort in the search for life, ancient or extant, on Mars.

The possibility that life exists today on Mars received a boost with the publication in June 2000 of orbiter images showing geologically fresh erosion channels on the slopes of Martian craters. The evidence suggests that there may be liquid water in geological formations not far below the surface of Mars. Perhaps this water breaks out at the surface intermittently and excavates channels before it rapidly boils into the thin Martian air. And where there is subsurface liquid water, there may be life. Stay tuned.

This is an excerpt from COSMIC HORIZONS: ASTRONOMY AT THE CUTTING EDGE, edited by Steven Soter and Neil deGrasse Tyson, a publication of the New Press. © 2000 American Museum of Natural History. 

Translate Hindi

जीवन चाहे वो मेरे जैसे लंबे चौड़े हो या मेरे ही शरीर में पलते हुए सुक्ष्मजीव ही क्यों न हो

हमें जीने के लिए सबसे मुख्य जरूरी सामान ही है हवा

देखा जाए तो उसके बाद जरूरी है पानी

और इन सबसे अहम जो है वो है सही तापमान अनुसार रोशनी

कहा जाता है पृथ्वी में यह हवा पानी रोशनी सही भाव जताते हुए भी जीवन की शुरूआत होने में 2 विलियन वर्ष पीछे छोड़ने पड़े थे

क्या ऐसे ही बन जाएगा मंगल की सतह में जीवन ��ारा

उपर से जहां में से हवा पानी को भी लूट ली है अंतरीक्ष

माना की रोशनी बरकरार है

मगर मंगल की सतह इतने घाएल हो चुका है मेटीओराइट की वरसात के कारण की वहां पानी वापस होना जैसे नामुमकिन ही है

कहा जाता है बैक्टीरिया मगल की धूल भरी वातावरण होता रहता है

क्या मंगल ग्रह में माइक्रोब्स मौजूद है

हमारे परिणामों से पता चलता है कि उचित परिस्थितियों में सूक्ष्मजीवी जीवन अतीत में मंगल ग्रह पर और/या आज भी उपसतह पर मौजूद हो सकता था, और रेगोलिथ में कोई जीवाणुनाशक एजेंट नहीं होते हैं।17 अक्टूबर 2023

मंगल ग्रह पर सूक्ष्मजीवी जीवन के साक्ष्य: जीवाश्म बैक्टीरिया?

अमेरिकी प्राकृतिक इतिहास संग्रहालय

https://www.amnh.org › fossil-microbes-mars

1996 में, नासा के जॉनसन स्पेस फ़्लाइट सेंटर के डेविड मैकके के नेतृत्व में वैज्ञानिकों की एक टीम ने घोषणा की कि उन्होंने मंगल ग्रह से एक उल्कापिंड में सूक्ष्म जीवाश्म जीवन के साक्ष्य खोजे हैं।

शुरू से ही, साक्ष्य आकर्षक और विवादास्पद दोनों थे, और आज भी वे ऐसे ही हैं।

विचाराधीन उल्कापिंड 16 मिलियन वर्ष पहले मंगल ग्रह से बच गया था जब एक क्षुद्रग्रह या धूमकेतु ग्रह से टकराया था और एक गड्ढा बन गया था। मंगल ग्रह की चट्टान का 2 किलोग्राम का टुकड़ा तब तक सूर्य के चारों ओर एक अण्डाकार कक्षा में घूमता रहा जब तक कि लगभग 13,000 साल पहले पृथ्वी द्वारा इसे अपने साथ नहीं ले लिया गया। यह ग्लेशियल अंटार्कटिका में उतरा, जहाँ यह 1984 तक रहा, जब एक उल्का-शिकारी दल ने इसे एलन हिल्स में उठाया। नमूने को ALH84001 नामित किया गया था। पहले तो किसी को संदेह नहीं था कि यह मंगल ग्रह से आया है। लगभग दस साल बाद, वैज्ञानिकों ने ALH84001 की अधिक बारीकी से जाँच की और पाया कि यह कोई साधारण उल्कापिंड नहीं था, बल्कि तथाकथित SNC उल्कापिंडों में से एक था, जो मंगल ग्रह से आते हैं। इस वर्ग के सभी उल्कापिंडों में गैस के निशान होते हैं जिनकी संरचना मंगल ग्रह के वायुमंडल के समान होती है। तब ज्ञात दर्जन भर अन्य SNC मंगल ग्रह के उल्कापिंडों में से प्रत्येक पिछले 1.3 बिलियन वर्षों में क्रिस्टलीकृत हुए थे, जब मंगल ग्रह एक जमे हुए रेगिस्तान में बदल गया था। लेकिन ALH84001 4 बिलियन वर्ष से अधिक पुराना था, और संभवतः उस समय अस्तित्व में ��ा जब मंगल की स��ह पर तरल पानी आम था। जैसा कि हम जानते हैं, तरल पानी जीवन के लिए आवश्यक है। इसी कारण से ALH84001 ने मैकके और उनकी टीम का ध्यान आकर्षित किया, जिन्होंने सोचा कि चट्टान मंगल पर प्राचीन जीवन के सूक्ष्म और रासायनिक साक्ष्य को संरक्षित कर सकती है।

तीन प्रकार के साक्ष्य

अंटार्कटिका में उल्कापिंड द्वारा उठाए गए संभावित स्थलीय संदूषकों से बचने के लिए, टीम ने चट्टान के ठोस आंतरिक आयतन से अपने नमूने प्राप्त किए। उन्होंने पाया कि उल्कापिंड के भीतर की दरारों में नारंगी रंग के कार्बोनेट ग्लोब्यूल्स हैं, जो चूना पत्थर की गुफा के जमाव से मिलते जुलते हैं। इस तरह की सामग्री केवल तरल पानी की उपस्थिति में ही बन सकती है। मैकके और उनके सहयोगियों को तीन तरह के साक्ष्य मिले, जिनकी उन्होंने मंगल पर प्राचीन सूक्ष्मजीव जीवन के संदर्भ में व्याख्या की:

गोलाकारों में पॉलीसाइक्लिक एरोमैटिक हाइड्रोकार्बन (PAHs) नामक जटिल कार्बनिक यौगिकों के निशान थे, जो सूक्ष्मजीवों के क्षय उत्पाद हो सकते हैं।

इन गोलकों में मैग्नेटाइट (एक चुंबकीय लौह ऑक्साइड) और लौह सल्फाइड के सूक्ष्म कण थे, ये दो यौगिक कार्बोनेट की उपस्थिति में एक साथ बहुत कम पाए जाते हैं, जब तक कि जीवाणु चयापचय द्वारा उत्पादित न हों। कार्बोनेट गोलकों की जब इलेक्ट्रॉन माइक्रोस्कोप से जांच की गई, तो पाया गया कि वे कई जगहों पर बड़ी संख्या में कृमि जैसे रूपों से ढके हुए थे जो जीवाश्म बैक्टीरिया से मिलते जुलते थे।

मैके और उनके सहयोगियों ने शुरू से ही माना कि इनमें से किसी भी साक्ष्य की व्याख्या जीवविज्ञान का सहारा लिए बिना की जा सकती है। हालाँकि उन्होंने यह निर्णय लिया कि कार्बोनेट ग्लोब्यूल्स के साथ तीनों की उपस्थिति मंगल ग्रह पर प्राचीन जीवन के लिए एक प्रेरक मामला बनाती है। अन्य वैज्ञानिकों ने तुरंत साक्ष्य की गहन आलोचनात्मक जांच शुरू कर दी, जो वैज्ञानिक प्रक्रिया का एक अपेक्षित और आवश्यक हिस्सा है।

कुछ भू-रसायनज्ञों ने इस बात के प्रमाण पाए कि कार्बोनेट ग्लोब्यूल्स 300º C तक के तापमान पर बने थे, जो पृथ्वी पर किसी भी ज्ञात सूक्ष्मजीव जीवन के जीवित रहने के लिए बहुत अधिक है। लेकिन अन्य लोगों ने निष्कर्ष निकाला कि ग्लोब्यूल्स 100º C से कम तापमान पर बने हो सकते हैं। अब ऐसा लगता है कि यह सच है।

पीएएच के बारे में क्या? रासायनिक सिद्धांत और प्रयोग बताते हैं कि कार्बनिक (कार्बन-आधारित) अणु गैस और धूल के विशाल अंतरतारकीय बादलों के भीतर गैर-जैविक रूप से बनते हैं। सौर मंडल का जन्म ऐसे ही वातावरण में हुआ था। कार्बनिक अणु गर्म होने पर पीएएच का उत्पादन करते हैं, ��सलिए ये पदार्थ पृथ्वी और मंगल पर शुरू से ही मौजूद रहे होंगे। साधारण कालिख में PAHs होते हैं। मैके और उनके सहयोगियों ने जल्द ही स्वीकार किया कि मंगल ग्रह पर जीवाश्म जीवन के लिए कार्बनिक कार्बन सबूत कमजोर थे। मैग्नेटाइट और आयरन सल्फाइड कणों से प्राप्त सबूत अधिक ठोस हैं। आकार और आकृति में, अधिकांश मैग्नेटाइट कण स्थलीय बैक्टीरिया द्वारा उत्पादित कणों से मिलते-जुलते हैं। अभी तक किसी ने भी आयरन सल्फाइड के साथ ऐसे कणों के लिए गैर-जैविक निर्माण तंत्र का प्रदर्शन नहीं किया है। अब तक के सबूत बताते हैं कि ऐसी सामग्रियों के लिए जैविक उत्पत्ति की आवश्यकता होती है। जीवाश्म बैक्टीरिया से मिलते-जुलते कहे जाने वाले ऑब्जेक्ट्स के बारे में क्या? माइक्रोस्कोपिस्ट का तर्क है कि केवल आकार अक्सर भ्रामक होता है, क्योंकि गैर-जैविक प्रक्रियाएँ ऐसी वस्तुओं का उत्पादन कर सकती हैं जो सतही तौर पर बैक्टीरिया से मिलती-जुलती हैं। कथित मंगल ग्रह के जीवाश्मों का आकार भी एक विवादास्पद मुद्दा है। ALH84001 में कृमि जैसी कई वस्तुएँ केवल कुछ दसियों नैनोमीटर के व्यास की हैं, या पृथ्वी पर सबसे छोटे ज्ञात बैक्टीरिया के आकार का लगभग दसवाँ हिस्सा हैं। लेकिन एक जीवाणु को जीवित रखने के लिए आवश्यक आणविक "उपकरण" की न्यूनतम मात्रा (जिसमें आनुवंशिक कोड को प्रोटीन में अनुवाद करने के लिए डीएनए और राइबोसोम शामिल हैं) के लिए 200-नैनोमीटर के गोले के बराबर आयतन की आवश्यकता होगी। दूसरे शब्दों में, ये तथाकथित मार्टियन जीवाश्म इतने छोटे हैं कि कभी जीवित नहीं रहे होंगे।

लेकिन जरा रुकिए। हम कैसे सुनिश्चित हो सकते हैं कि कोई भी काल्पनिक मार्टियन जीवन स्थलीय बैक्टीरिया के समान ही जैव रसायन का उपयोग करेगा? क्या सभी जीवन डीएनए जैसे बड़े और जटिल अणुओं पर आधारित होना चाहिए? कुछ वैज्ञानिकों ने कई तरह के वातावरण में तथाकथित "नैनोबैक्टीरिया" खोजने की सूचना दी है। ये रहस्यमयी वस्तुएँ कथित मार्टियन सूक्ष्मजीवों जितनी ही छोटी हैं, और संभवतः जीवित जीव या जीवों के टुकड़े हैं। पृथ्वी पर डीएनए, राइबोसोम और जटिल प्रोटीन के विकास से पहले, सरल पैतृक जीवन रूप मौजूद रहे होंगे। वे आदिम जीव बाद में पृथ्वी पर विकसित हुए बहुत अधिक जटिल बैक्टीरिया से प्रतिस्पर्धा में हार गए होंगे, लेकिन उनके जीवाश्म अवशेष अभी भी मिल सकते हैं। और शायद ऐसी चीजें मंगल ग्रह के उल्कापिंड में पाई गई हैं।

कई वर्षों से, वैज्ञानिक राय की आम धारा ALH84001 से प्राप्त साक्ष्य की जैविक व्याख्या के विरुद्ध चल रही थी। लेकिन मैग्नेटाइट कणों के हालिया अध्ययन जैविक उत्पत्ति के लिए अधिक समर्थन प्रदान करते हैं। वैज्ञानिक ALH84001 और अन्य मंगल ग्रह के उल्कापिंडों का अध्ययन जारी रखते हैं। और वे मंगल ग्रह से नमूने वापस लाने के लिए एक मिशन की योजना बना रहे हैं। जबकि ALH84001 से प्राप्त साक्ष्य विवादास्पद बने हुए हैं, इसने बिना किसी संदेह के मंगल ग्रह पर जीवन, प्राचीन या विद्यमान, की खोज में एक बड़े नए प्रयास को प्रेरित किया है।

मंगल ग्रह पर आज जीवन मौजूद होने की संभावना को जून 2000 में ऑर्बिटर छवियों के प्रकाशन के साथ बढ़ावा मिला, जिसमें मंगल ग्रह के क्रेटरों की ढलानों पर भूगर्भीय रूप से ताज़ा कटाव चैनल दिखाए गए थे। साक्ष्य बताते हैं कि मंगल की सतह से बहुत नीचे भूवैज्ञानिक संरचनाओं में तरल पानी हो सकता है। शायद यह पानी सतह पर रुक-रुक कर निकलता है और पतली मंगल ग्रह की हवा में तेज़ी से उबलने से पहले चैनल खोदता है। और जहाँ सतह के नीचे तरल पानी है, वहाँ जीवन हो सकता है। देखते रहिए।

यह कॉस्मिक होराइजन्स: एस्ट्रोनॉमी एट द कटिंग एज से एक अंश है, जिसे स्टीवन सोटर और नील डीग्रास टायसन ने संपादित किया है, यह न्यू प्रेस का एक प्रकाशन है। © 2000 अमेरिकन म्यूजियम ऑफ नेचुरल हिस्ट्री।