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In this study, we utilized lime mud waste from paper mills to synthesize calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2) nanoparticles (NPs) and investigate their application for the removal of phosphorus from aqueous solution. The NPs, composed of green portlandite with hexagonal shape, were successfully produced using a precipitation method at moderately high temperature. The crystal structure and characterization of the prepared Ca(OH)2 nanoparticles were analyzed by field emission scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction. The effects of Ca(OH)2 NP dosage and contact time on removal of phosphorus were also investigated. The results show that the green portlandite NPs can effectively remove phosphorus from aqueous solution. The phosphorus removal efficiencies within 10 min are 53%, 72%, 78%, 98%, and 100% with the different mass ratios of Ca(OH)2 NPs/phosphorus (CNPs/P) of 2.2, 3.5, 4.4, 5.3, and 6.2, respectively. Due to the efficient phosphorus removal, the calcium hydroxide nanoparticles (CNPs) could be a potential candidate for this application in domestic or industrial wastewater treatment.

For decades, researchers have debated whether climate change has an adverse impact on diseases, especially infectious diseases. They have identified a strong relationship between climate variables and vector’s growth, mortality rate, reproduction, and spatiotemporal distribution. Epidemiological data further indicates the emergence and re-emergence of infectious diseases post every single extreme weather event. Based on studies conducted mostly between 1990-2018, three aspects that resemble the impact of climate change impact on diseases are: (a) emergence and re-emergence of vector-borne diseases, (b) impact of extreme weather events, and (c) social upliftment with education and adaptation. This review mainly examines and discusses the impact of climate change based on scientific evidences in published literature. Humans are highly vulnerable to diseases and other post-catastrophic effects of extreme events, as evidenced in literature. It is high time that human beings understand the adverse impacts of climate change and take proper and sustainable control measures. There is also the important requirement for allocation of effective technologies, maintenance of healthy lifestyles, and public education.

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Objective: While myriads of studies have suggested that a survey of wound pH environment could indicate wound healing activities, it is not clear whether wound alkalinity can be used as a prognostic indicator of nonhealing wounds. Currently available systems cannot reliably assess the pH environment across wounds, which is the objective of this study. Approach: A disposable device, DETEC Ò pH, was developed and characterized on its ability to map wound alkalinity by pressing a freshly recovered wound dressing against its test surface. By comparing the wound's alkalinity and size reduction rates (*7 days) following pH measurement, we assessed the capability of wound alkalinity to prognosticate subsequent short-term wound size reduction rates. Results: The device had high accuracy and specificity in determining the alkalinity of simulated wound fluids soaked onto wound dressing. The type of wound dressing type had an insignificant effect on its detection sensitivity. Upon testing discarded wound dressings from human patients, the device quickly determined alkaline and acidic wounds. Finally, statistical analyses of wound size reduction rates in wounds with various alkalinities confirmed that wound alkalinity has a strong influence on, at least, short-term wound healing activity. Innovation: Without directly contacting the patient, this device provides a quick assessment of wound alkalinity to prognosticate immediate and short-term wound healing activities. Conclusion: DETEC Ò pH may serve as a prognosis device for wound care specialists during routine wound assessment to predict wound healing progress. This information can assist the decision-making process in a clinical setting and augur well for chronic wound treatment. DETEC Ò pH can also be used as an aid for home health care nurses or health care providers to screen nonhealing wounds outside clinics.