A study of the chemical and physical properties of cashew nut shell ash for use in cement materials.

A study of the chemical and physical properties of cashew nut shell ash for use in cement materials. Ash occupies a prominent place among agro-industrial wastes, as it is derived from energy generation processes. Several types of ash have pozzolanic reactivity, and might be used as replacement material for cement, resulting in less energy waste and lower cost. This work aimed to investigate the physical and chemical properties of the cashew nut shell ash (CNSA), by performing the following measurement tests: chemical analysis, bulk density, specific mass, leaching and solubilization process, X-ray diffraction (XrD), specific surface area (BET) and pozzolanicity analysis with cement and lime. The results indicate a low reactivity of CNSA and the presence of heavy metals, alkalis and phenol.

Establishment of the comet assay in the freshwater snail Biomphalaria glabrata (Say, 1818)

The single cell gel eletrophoresis or the comet assay was established in the freshwater snail Biomphalaria glabrata. For detecting DNA damage in circulating hemocytes, adult snails were irradiated with single doses of 2.5. 5, 10 and 20 Gy of Co-60 gamma radiation. Genotoxic effect of ionizing radiation was detected at all doses as a dose-related increase in DNA migration. Comet assay in B. glabrata demonstrated to be a simple, fast and reliable tool in the evaluation of genotoxic effects of environmental mutagens. (c) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.