The extraction of salts by layered (bentonite) and fibrous (sepiolite) clay poultices from stone materials currently used in Heritage buildings was studied. Analyses were performed on stones affected by salts but not submitted to humidity, and also on stones affected by salts and simultaneously submitted to continuous or intermittent humidity during the salt-extraction process. From the experimental results and the statistical analysis, the application of two successive poultices is sufficient for an efficient extraction of Cl− and NO3- in the absence of humidity. However, under humid conditions, the efficiency of the method is reduced considerably. For SO42-, the use of hydrotalcites (anionic clays) is recommended for more effective extraction.

In this work, we address the difficulty of reliably identifying traces of life on Mars. Several independent lines of evidence are required to build a compelling body of proof. In particular, we underline the importance of correctly interpreting the geological and mineralogical context of the sites to be explored for the presence of biosignatures. We use as examples to illustrate this, ALH84001 (where knowledge of the geological context was very limited) and other terrestrial deposits, for which this could be properly established. We also discuss promising locations and formations to be explored by ongoing and future rover missions, including Oxia Planum, which, dated at 4.0 Ga, is the most ancient Mars location targeted for investigation yet.

Experiments were conducted to determine the influence of spray carrier salts, UV light, and temperature on sethoxydim phytotoxicity to oat or yellow foxtail. Spray solution pH and ions present were both important to sethoxydim phytotoxicity to oat. Sodium and calcium salts were antagonistic to sethoxydim phytotoxicity only when the spray carrier pH exceeded 7. Ammonium salts and ammonium hydroxide were synergistic with sethoxydim, and the synergism was independent of spray solution pH. Ammonium sulfate, but not ammonium hydroxide, overcame sodium bicarbonate antagonism of sethoxydim. The antagonism of sethoxydim phytotoxicity by sodium bicarbonate was greatest in the presence of UV light and most pronounced when treated plants were exposed to mid-day sunlight. Sodium bicarbonate or low temperature may reduce the speed of sethoxydim absorption allowing for greater UV degradation of unabsorbed sethoxydim on the leaf surface.

Various Mars missions have detected Cl atoms, chlorides and perchlorates in martian surface materials. The global soils, in particular, always contain significant levels of observable Cl. Direct evidence points to this Cl being in the form of both chlorides and perchlorates, and possibly also chlorates and other oxychlorines. The most widespread measurements have been of Cl atoms, and cannot discern the chemical form. However, from separate evidence of perchlorate obtained at high latitudes (Phoenix lander) and low latitudes (Curiosity rover), it is likely that perchlorates are widespread, albeit in varying proportions relative to the total amount of ubiquitous Cl.

The present study characterizes the main deterioration mechanisms affecting the early 17th frescoes of Casa de Fresco, the only known example in Portugal of a semi-underground leisure room richly decorated with a balcony over a water well. Frescoes from the vault are at risk due to salt weathering and biodeterioration. The aim of the research was identification of the deterioration materials, determination of their origin, and their effect on the frescoes before future intervention. Scanning electron microscopy with an energy-dispersive X-ray detector (SEM-EDS) was used to determine salt morphology and microanalysis. The mineralogical characterization was performed by X-ray powder diffraction, complemented with µ-Raman and µ-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Biological assessment was evaluated with optical microscopy and SEM-EDS. Bacterial and fungal isolation and identification were performed using standard culture media and methods according to Bergey’s Manual of Systematic Bacteriology and from the Compendium of Soil Fungi. The results show that Ca and Ca-Mg carbonates from the paint renderings are the predominant salt species affecting the site. Bacterial strains from the genera Bacillus and Pseudomonas and fungal strains from the Cladosporium spp. and Penicillium spp. were isolated in the salt formations, within and between the mortar layers. Azurite, malachite, and smalt paint layers are the most affected by the weathering conditions.

Lysozyme, a low-molecular weight basic protein, is an important component of the antibacterial system in milk. Lysozyme activity is higher in buffalo milk (60±3·9×10−3 units/ml) than in bovine milk (29·1±1·5×10−3 units/ml). Buffalo colostrum contains five-times more lysozyme activity than mature milk (Priyadarshini & Kansal, 2002a). Lysozyme activity in buffalo milk is not influenced by the parity of animal or stage of lactation, but it increases during extreme weather (winter and summer). Lysozyme in buffalo milk is more stable than in cow milk during storage and heat treatment. A sharp increase in milk lysozyme has been observed in buffaloes with sub-clinical mastitis (Priyadarshini & Kansal, 2002a).