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Water pollution with heavy metals is a major concern/threat posed to human health. Heavy metals such as zinc and copper, because of their cumulative effects on humans and other organisms, have harmful effects. This research was an experimental study in which effects of variables such as pH, contact time, concentrations of zinc and copper, adsorbent dose, and temperature were investigated on the efficiency of the adsorption process. Data were analyzed with different isotherms, and the kinetics and thermodynamics of the process were also determined. The results showed that the adsorption capacity increased by increasing pH, contact time, the concentration of zinc and copper, and reduction of the adsorbent dose. The adsorption capacity of carbon black nanoparticles for Zn and Cu was 34.56 and 47.36 mg/g, respectively. Comparison of the results of R2 showed that adsorption of Zn and Cu ions followed the Freundlich and Langmuir models, respectively. The results showed that carbon black nanoparticles can be an effective adsorbent for the removal of zinc and copper ions from aqueous solutions, the price of their synthesis is lower than that of many other nanoparticles, and they can be used in real terms.

Seedless barberry (Berberis vulgaris L. var. asperma) is one of the few unique crops grown only in Iran and southkhorasan. Barberry is a well known medicinal plant in Iran and has been widely used as food additive. The comprehensive survey of fungal contamination of barberry was undertaken in the market of Birjand, during March to June at 2012. Fungal infections of barberry were studied in thirty samples. Among these, Aspergillus spp., Penicillium spp. and Mucor spp. were major contaminants also the results showed that 57% of barberry was infected and most fungal species related to Aspergillus spp. and penicillium spp. Therefore it needs to undertake the management practices.

Background: Aging is identified as a risk factor for vitamin D deficiency (VDD) therefore this investigation was designed to determine the prevalence of VDD and its determinants in a sample of older adults. Methods: The data of this study were obtained from the baseline wave of the Longitudinal Aging Study (LAS). Demographic, past medical history, medication history, and smoking behavior were collected using an interview approach. The physical activity and nutritional status of the participants were assessed using a standard questionnaire. Anthropometric indices were measured according to a standard protocol then body mass index (BMI) was calculated. Serum vitamin D and calcium levels were measured by autoanalyzers. Univariate and multiple logistic regression models were applied to detect the associated factors with VDD. Results: Mean age of the participants was 71.82 (SD = 7.63) years. A total of 1319 people participated in our study, and 51.16% (n = 688) were female. A total of 8.42% (n = 111) of the participants had VDD and 17.06% of them (n = 225) had insufficient vitamin D levels. In the multivariable logistic regression model, the age group of 70–79 years in comparison with the age group of 60–69 years had a 43% less chance of VDD. Furthermore, being overweight (OR = 0.36, P = 0.01) and obese (OR = 0.35, P = 0.02), and taking vitamin D supplements (OR = 0.31, P = 0.04) were significantly associated with VDD. Conclusions: Our results showed that 25% of older adults had vitamin D deficiency or insufficiency. In addition, some modifiable lifestyle factors were associated with VDD. Given that, old age is considered a risk factor for VDD. Therefore, detection and improvement of VDD may be a preventive measure in at-risk subjects.

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