Toxcity of Molybdenum Trioxide

Molybdenum is an essential element with relatively low toxicity. Enzymes containing molybdenum catalyze basic metabolic reactions in the carbon, sulfur, and nitrogen cycles. Elimination of molybdenum occurs via the kidney and usually is complete within several weeks.

Molybdenosis (teart) is a form of molybdenum toxicity that produces a disease in ruminants similar to copper-deficiency. Little data are available on the human toxicity of molybdenum. A gout-like syndrome and pneumoconiosis have been associated with excessive concentrations of molybdenum, but the inadequate design of the studies prevents an adequate determination of the etiology of these effects.

Desciption

Molybdenum Trioxide (MoO3), white / light gray / green powder, shaped like talcum powder, slightly soluble in water, soluble in alkali and acid, high purity, reaction with phosphoric acid can generate phosphomolybdic acid. The main applications for Molybdenum Trioxide is that it is used as raw material for the production of molybdenum metal. Molybdic acid can be produced with Molybdenum trioxide, by dissolving it slighty in water Molybdenum Trioxide . It is also a component of the co-catalyst used in the industrial production of acrylonitrile by the oxidation of propene and ammonia.

Human Health Effects

Evidence for Carcinogenicity:

A3; Confirmed animal carcinogen with unknown relevance to humans. /Molybdenum, soluble compounds, as Mo/

Human Toxicity Excerpts:

Pneumoconiosis with x-ray findings and subjective symptoms has been reported in 3 out of 19 workers exposed to metallic molybdenum and molybdenum trioxide. Exposure varied between 1 and 19 mg/cu m for 4-7 years.

Skin, Eye and Respiratory Irritations:

Exposure to molybdenum trioxide produces irritation of the eyes and the mucous membranes of the nose and throat.

Toxcity

We investigated the antibacterial efficiency of molybdenum trioxide (MoO3) nanoplates against four types of pathogenic bacteria. MoO3 nanoplates are synthesized by a simple wet chemical approach. X-ray diffraction and FT-IR analysis showed the presence of an orthorhombic phase of MoO3 nanoplates. Field emission scanning electron microscope studies confirmed the formation of plate-like structures of MoO3.

The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of MoO3 nanoplates against pathogenic bacteria was evaluated using a microdilution method. MICs such as 8 μg/mL (against Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhimurium), 16 μg/mL (against Enterococcus faecalis), and 8 μg/mL (against Bacillus subtilis) show that MoO3 nanoplates have predominant antibacterial activity compared to the standard antibiotic, kanamycin. Evaluation of bacterial enzymatic (β-d-galactosidase) activity in the hydrolysis of o-nitrophenol and β-d-galactopyranoside suggested the disruption of the bacterial cell wall mechanism responsible for bacterial toxicity.