Inverse gas chromatography (IGC) at zero surface coverage was used for determining the surface characteristics of a slate sample. Previously this sample had been characterized by means of X-ray diffraction (XRD), chemical analysis, infrared (IR) spectroscopy and nitrogen adsorption. Quartz, muscovite and chlorite were the minerals foming the slate. A well-defined mesoporous structure with pores of 15 Å of interlayer distance was observed. Chemical analysis and IR spectroscopy corroborated the X-ray results. The surface characteristics of the slate were defined in relation to nonspecific and specific interactions with organic molecules. In accordance with the nonspecific interactions, the London component (γ_S^D) of the surface free energy gave an estimation of the surface energy of the slate sample. The obtained values for γ_S^D were 140.0, 124.8, 108.2 and 96.8 mN m^-1 at 100, 110, 120 and 130 °C, respectively. These values were characteristic of an inorganic sample of high surface energy. The values of the thermodynamic variables—differential heat of adsorption, free energy and entropy of adsorption—were in accordance with these results. At the same time, specific interactions were characterized by the η_π parameter and the acid-base (K_A, K_B) indices. The positive value of η_π (0.09 kJ mol^-1) indicated the presence of Lewis acidic sites on the slate surface. The value of K_A (acid index) of 1.17 was higher than the value of K_B (base index) of 0.37; this result confirmed the acidic nature of the studied slate's surface.

With increasing urbanization and industrialization, soil and forest resources are facing considerable pressure, as well as the demand for water for domestic, agricultural, and industrial activities. Therefore, it is essential to conduct regular assessments of water quality and ensure that water is consistently maintained in the context of ecosystem services (ESs). Our objective was to apply the driving forces–pressures–state–impacts–responses (DPSIR) model to understand the cause–effect relationships and interactions with anthropogenic pressures on deforestation and water quality in the Talgua River watershed and associated valley and plain areas in central-eastern Honduras. Physicochemical and microbiological analyses were conducted to determine the water quality index (NSF–WQI) and other contamination indexes. The results identified high contamination by coliforms, up to 920.00 NPM/100 mL, and high levels of contamination by organic matter (ICOMO, 0.65), solids (ICOSUS, 0.79), mineralization (ICOMI, 0.99), and the presence of bacteria (BPI, 8.50), as well as the development of eutrophication processes (ICOTRO), resulting in generally low water quality. These problems were caused by the socio-demographic and economic growth of the area, as well as the high demand for water, vulnerability to climate change, and intense agro-livestock and industrial activity, which led to deforestation processes, changes in land use, and contamination of natural water bodies that impacted the overexploitation of aquifers. After applying the DPSIR model, strategies are proposed for the management and administration of the watershed aimed at preserving the water, soils, and forest resources, while promoting stakeholder, business, education sector, and public administration participation.

Ionic liquids (ILs) and deep eutectic solvents (DESs) are the two most widely used neoteric solvents. Recently, our group described how the simple addition of acetic acid (AcOH) to 1-Ethyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride (EMIMCl) could promote the transition from the original IL to an eutectic mixture of EMIMCl and AcOH. Herein, we studied how cellulose regeneration and EMIMCl recovery from EMIMCl solutions of cellulose could be benefited by the significant differences existing between EMIMCl- and EMIMCl·AcOH-based mixtures and the easy switching from one to the other. Finally, we also demonstrated that the transition could also be accomplished by addition of acetic anhydride and water so that the process could be eventually useful for the achievement of highly acetylated cellulose.