Aromatic Functional Groups Research Articles

Organic fertilization improves soil aggregation through increases in abundance of eubacteria and products of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi

An important goal of sustainable agriculture is to maintain soil quality. Soil aggregation, which can serve as a measure of soil quality, plays an important role in maintaining soil structure, fertility, and stability. The process of soil aggregation can be affected through impacts on biotic and abiotic factors. Here, we tested whether soil management involving application of organic and mineral fertilizers could significantly improve soil aggregation and if variation among differently fertilized soils could be specifically attributed to a particular biotic and/or abiotic soil parameter. In a field experiment within Central Europe, we assessed stability of 1–2 mm soil aggregates together with other parameters of soil samples from differently fertilized soils. Application of compost and digestates increased stability of soil aggregates. Most of the variation in soil aggregation caused by different fertilizers was associated with soil organic carbon lability, occurrence of aromatic functional groups, and variations in abundance of eubacteria, total glomalins, concentrations of total S, N, C, and hot water extractable C. In summary, we have shown that application of compost and digestates improves stability of soil aggregates and that this is accompanied by increased soil fertility, decomposition resistance, and abundance of total glomalins and eubacteria. These probably play significant roles in increasing stability of soil aggregates.

Aqueous-phase Oxidation of Dissolved Organic Matter (DOM) from Extracts of Ambient Aerosols

Recently, a large number of laboratory studies have focused on the aqueous-phase photochemistry of single organic compound in atmospheric condensed phases, yet few studies have been conducted on the aqueous-phase photochemical oxidation of real-world complex dissolved organic matter (DOM). Therefore, in this work, we report experimental results for the photochemical oxidation of DOM extracts from ambient fine aerosol samples upon direct photolysis or against OH oxidation, under both simulated sunlight and ultraviolet irradiation conditions. The products at different stages of photolysis were analyzed via UV-vis and spectroscopy and soot-particle aerosol mass spectrometry (SP-AMS) to investigate their optical and chemical characteristics. The results demonstrate the effective degradation of DOM under UV irradiation, and the f44 values of the corresponding products aremuch lower than under sunlight irradiation. A variety of carboxylic acids were generated during liquid-phase photolysis, and oxalic acid was found to be the most abundant. The light absorbance and concentration of HULIS did not change significantly under sunlight illumination; however, under UV and UV+·OH conditions, the concentration of HULIS increased continuously with reaction time. The HULIS concentration at 23 h was approximately four times the initial value, indicating the formation of brown carbon species with carboxyl, hydroxyl, and aromatic and other functional groups. Our results show that the increase in light absorptivity and formation rate of brown carbon from DOM are limited when aqueous-phase oxidation occurs under sunlight illumination. In comparison, DOM can constantly decompose into HULIS or small molecules under ultraviolet light illumination, and the light absorptivity of the remaining organic matter may be relatively high, resulting in final products with a high unit mass absorption efficiency (MAE). We have investigated the aqueous-phase oxidation of actual filter extracts for the first time, and our results provide valuable insights to the formation of air pollution complexes.

Evaluation of characteristics and microbial community of anaerobic granular sludge under microplastics and aromatic carboxylic acids exposure

The influences of polyether sulfone (PES) microplastics and different structures aromatic carboxylic acids such as benzoic acid (BA), phthalic acid (PA), hemimellitic acid (HA), and 1-naphthoic acid (1-NA) on the performances and characteristics of anaerobic granular sludge as well as the microbial community were investigated. The chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal efficiency was the highest in the experimental group with 40 mg/L BA, reaching 90.1%. The inhibitory effect of aromatic carboxylic acids addition on the 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) activity was more obvious than that on 2-para (iodo-phenyl)-3(nitrophenyl)-5(phenyl) tetrazolium chloride (INT) activity. Compared with the control group (only 0.5 g/L PES microplastics, 60.6 mg TF·g TSS·h−1), the inhibition effect of TTC activity was 32.5 mg TF·g TSS·h−1 and 44.3 mg TF·g TSS·h−1 in the 40 mg/L HA and 40 mg/L 1-NA experimental groups, respectively. When aromatic carboxylic acids were added, the activities of acetate kinase and coenzyme F420 in the anaerobic granular sludge decreased. The excitation-emission matrix (EEM) fluorescence spectra indicated that loosely bound extracellular polymeric substances (LB-EPS) began to decay. After the addition of different aromatic carboxylic acids, the CC and CH functional groups of the anaerobic granular sludge increased, suggesting that aromatic carboxylic acids migrated to the surface of anaerobic granular sludge, such a transfer would lead to changes in anaerobic granular sludge performance. High-throughput sequencing technology showed that the dominant microbial communities in the anaerobic granular sludge were Proteobacteria, Methanothrix, and Methanomicrobia. After the addition of aromatic carboxylic acids, the relative abundances of Proteobacteria, Methanobacterium, and Methanospirillum increased. In the presence of PES, 1-NA had the most serious toxicity to the anaerobic granular sludge.

Underestimated humic acids release and influence on anaerobic digestion during sludge thermal hydrolysis

Humic-like acids (HAs) are abundant in sewage sludge but mainly bonded with solids. Thus, their influences are often neglected in conventional digestion processes. Currently thermal hydrolysis pretreatment (THP) has been widely adopted in sludge anaerobic digestion (AD) to enhance hydrolysis of complex matters and further to improve methane production. However, the impacts of enhanced release of HAs and the mechanisms involved are not well understood and need to be further investigated because the substantial amounts of HAs present in AD could severely threaten the sludge AD processes. Results in the present study indicated that the concentration of soluble HAs in sludge was elevated by 90 times due to the THP, from 8 mg/L in raw sludge to 727 mg/L in the pretreated sludge hydrolyzed at 180 °C. Moreover, the structural characteristics of soluble HAs, including aromatic condensation degree, elemental composition and functional group, also showed substantial differences with the increased temperature of the THP. Furthermore, the release of HAs presented significant influences on sludge digestion. Acidification rate was inhibited by over 50% with 0.4 g/L of HAs, whereas methanogenesis was improved by nearly 200% with 0.8 g/L HAs and inhibited about 50% with 2.0 g/L. The activities of proteinase and co-enzyme F420 were decreased by 20% and increased by 19%, respectively, under HAs stress at 0.6 g/L for 5 days. Moreover, molecular structural changes of soluble HAs also contributed to the influences. Especially, the E4/E6 value representing the degree of HAs aromatic condensation and C/N ratio of soluble HAs were closely correlated with their inhibition degree to sludge hydrolysis. The findings of this study demonstrate that the influences of HAs are evident and also vary to the different steps of anaerobic digestion processes, which shall not be negligible during the sludge digestion that is with THP. Due to the rate-limiting step was methanogenesis in the AD process of pretreated sludge by thermal hydrolysis, HAs concentration was recommended at low level, for example around 1.0 g/L, to accelerate or not limit methanogenesis.

Lignin-enhanced reduction of structural Fe(III) in nontronite: Dual roles of lignin as electron shuttle and donor

Lignin is a major component of plant-derived soil organic matter (SOM) in soils and sediments. Fe-bearing clay minerals are widely distributed in these environments and often co-exist with lignin. While previous studies have reported the electron shuttling and donating roles of certain redox-active SOM in the dissimilatory reduction of structural Fe(III) in Fe-bearing clay minerals, the role of lignin in this process remains unknown. Here we studied this role by incubating an Fe-rich smectite (nontronite NAu-2) with two types of lignin (soluble and insoluble) in the absence and presence of an Fe(III)-reducing bacterium Shewanella putrefaciens CN32 under anaerobic condition. Lactate was added in some experiments as an extra electron donor. The results demonstrated that both soluble and insoluble lignins abiotically reduced structural Fe(III) in NAu-2. The reduction extent was proportional to lignin concentration. After abiotic reaction, lignin served as either electron shuttle or electron donor in the presence of CN32: (1) When lactate was present, lignin served as an electron shuttle to enhance the rate of Fe(III) reduction; (2) When lactate was absent, lignin served as an electron donor for Fe(III) reduction. Although the ultimate biotic Fe(III) reduction extents were similar in the presence of either soluble or insoluble lignin, the reduction rates with soluble lignin were higher than those with insoluble lignin, likely owing to their different electron transfer mechanisms. After interaction with NAu-2 and/or CN32, soluble lignin structure largely remained intact, but with some decreases of humic/fulvic acid-like and protein-like compounds, aromatic functional groups (e.g., CH, CO, COOH), and aliphatic/aromatic compounds. An increase of semiquinone-like organic radicals was observed after lignin interaction with NAu-2. These chemical changes of lignin were likely coupled with the reduction of structural Fe(III) in nontronite. Upon reduction, the nontronite did not display much dissolution and mineral transformation. The findings of this study provide insights into the role of lignin in promoting mineral-microbe interactions and have significant implications for coupled Fe and C biogeochemical cycles in soils and sediments.

Correction: Silver nanoparticles from insect wing extract: Biosynthesis and evaluation for antioxidant and antimicrobial potential

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0241729.].

Effect of the functional group of polyethylene glycol on the characteristics of copper pillars obtained by electroplating

Five polyethylene glycol (PEG)-based compounds with varying terminal functional groups were investigated as suppressors to investigate the effect of different terminal functional groups on the ability of PEG-based suppressors to inhibit Cu pillar electroplating. The inhibition ability of the suppressors increased with increasing steric hindrance of the aromatic functional group and length of the alkyl group. PEG-based compounds bearing terminal functional groups with large steric hindrances significantly impeded the diffusion of electroplating accelerator, thus enhancing the inhibitory effect. When the molecular weight of PEG was less than 1000, possessing a terminal functional group had a greater effect on the inhibitory ability than increasing the molecular weight. The wetting ability of the electrolyte increased as the inhibitory ability of the suppressor increased. The significant steric effect of PEG p-(1,1,3,3-tetramethyl butyl)-phenyl ether was confirmed, which contributed to the convex shape of the Cu pillars and the growth of small-sized Cu grains. Conversely, the interaction between PEG and Cu electrode surface was weak. Thus, flat-top Cu pillars were obtained when PEG was used as the suppressor.

Exposure to Landfill Leachates Affects the Embryonic Development of Zebrafish, Danio rerio: A Case Study in Yucatan, Mexico.

We report the chemical characterisation and toxic effects of municipal solid waste landfill leachates on the embryonic development of Danio rerio. The results of the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) revealed the presence of nitrogen-containing groups and aromatic functional groups associated with highly toxic pollutants such as ammonia and heavy metal-humic complexes. Mortalities of up to 93 and 100% were observed in 1:64 and 1:32 landfill leachate dilutions, v/v, respectively. The hatching percentages of the fish were also severely affected, with very low percentages ranging from 0 to 33.3% for 1:32, 1:64 and 1:128 dilutions, v/v. Morphologically, a developmental arrest was evident for all treatments. This study reveals the high toxicity of landfill leachates that could contaminate the aquifer of the Yucatan Peninsula and threaten the health of living organisms.

Synthesis, in vitro and in silico anti-bacterial analysis of piperine and piperic ester analogues.

A set of 12 analogues of piperine was designed, replacing the amide functional group of the molecule with different aliphatic and aromatic ester functional groups. Molecular docking studies of these molecules with FDA-approved target proteins for anti-bacterial drugs were done. The binding energy of the proteins and the ligands were low and the analogues were found to be drug-like based on the ADME results; hence, the molecules were synthesized. The synthesized compounds were tested for their anti-bacterial property against six bacterial species via Agar well-diffusion method. Acinetobacter baumannii, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterococcus faecalis and Staphylococcus epidermidis were the strains tested. The overall susceptibility is higher in gram-positive. The analogues showed better activity than piperine. The analogues, propyl piperic ester (P3) and 2-fluorophenyl piperic ester (P9) and 4-fluorophenyl piperic ester (P10) showed comparatively bigger inhibition zones for all the strains.

Molecular structure characterization of bituminous coal in Northern China via XRD, Raman and FTIR spectroscopy

Bituminous coal is used widely for a variety of applications despite causing a range of problems within processes. The complexity and heterogeneity of the molecular structure of coal is one of the reasons for problems during use. Investigation into the molecular structure of the bituminous coal is reported from using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, and Fourier Transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy experiments on four coal samples from coal mines in Northern China. The average lateral sizes (La), stacking heights (Lc) and interlayer spacing (d002) of the coal samples’ crystallite structures derived from the XRD ranged from 25.78 to 27.93 Å, 17.27 to 25.88 Å and 3.40 to 3.52 Å, respectively; and the G-D1, ID1/IG and La of the samples ranged from 245.06 to 249.63 cm−1, 2.18 to 2.48 and 18.16 to 20.64 Å, respectively. The FTIR spectra reveals that coal samples incorporate oxygen-containing functional groups, aliphatic functional groups, aromatic functional groups and hydroxyl functional groups. Results show these four coal samples contained a low degree of ordered microcrystalline units with a low degree of aromatic conformation. The samples have the largest proportion of oxygenated functional groups, followed by aromatic structures, aliphatic structures and hydroxyl groups. Results from this study could inform the ongoing study of molecular structural characteristics of bituminous coal as well as help our understanding of properties such as wettability and pore structure.

Silver nanoparticles from insect wing extract: Biosynthesis and evaluation for antioxidant and antimicrobial potential.

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are among the most widely synthesized and used nanoparticles (NPs). AgNPs have been traditionally synthesized from plant extracts, cobwebs, microorganisms, etc. However, their synthesis from wing extracts of common insect; Mang mao which is abundantly available in most of the Asian countries has not been explored yet. We report the synthesis of AgNPs from M. mao wings extract and its antioxidant and antimicrobial activity. The synthesized AgNPs were spherical, 40-60 nm in size and revealed strong absorption plasmon band around at 430 nm. Highly crystalline nature of these particles as determined by Energy-dispersive X-ray analysis and X-ray diffraction further confirmed the presence of AgNPs. Hydrodynamic size and zeta potential of AgNPs were observed to be 43.9 nm and -7.12 mV, respectively. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy analysis revealed the presence of characteristic amide proteins and aromatic functional groups. Thin-layer chromatography (TLC) and Gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS) analysis revealed the presence of fatty acids in the wings extract that may be responsible for biosynthesis and stabilization of AgNPs. Further, SDS-PAGE of the insect wing extract protein showed the molecular weight of 49 kDa. M. mao silver nanoparticles (MMAgNPs) exhibit strong antioxidant, broad-range antibacterial and antifungal activities, (66.8 to 87.0%), broad-range antibacterial and antifungal activities was found with maximum zone of inhibition against Staphylococcus aureus MTCC 96 (35±0.4 mm) and Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ricini (86.6±0.4) which signifies their biomedical and agricultural potential.

Inhibition performance of microcapsule material on coal oxidation

The frequent occurrence of coal spontaneous combustion (CSC) poses a serious threat to coal mine production safety. Inhibitor fire extinguishing technology has therefore played an important role in reducing CSC in recent years. Microcapsule material is a combined fire extinguishing material that has shown a good effect in preventing CSC. In this study, microcapsule materials were fabricated with short-chain ammonium polyphosphate as the core material and melamine–formaldehyde resin as the capsule material. The microcapsule materials were uniformly mixed with coal samples according to mass ratios of 1:4, 1:5, and 1:6. The quality change of the microcapsule material during heating was detected from thermogravimetric experiments. The results show that microcapsule material decomposition can be divided into five stages. The ammonium polyphosphate begins to decompose at 151.1 °C and the decomposition rate of the microcapsule material reaches a maximum at 200 °C Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy was used to detect the distribution of functional groups during coal oxidation before and after the addition of different microcapsule ratios. The results show that microcapsule materials can reduce the number of hydroxyl and aliphatic hydrocarbons in coal and enhance the stability of aromatic hydrocarbons and oxygenic functional groups. We also performed synchronous thermal analyzer experiments to monitor the temperatures of each characteristic point in the coal oxidation and heating process. The results show that the microcapsule material can reduce the coal mass loss rate, delay the temperature of heat equilibrium by around 100 °C reduce the heat release by more than 4560 J g–1, and increase the maximum temperature of the heat release rate by at least 14 °C. These materials therefore effectively reduce the coal-oxygen composite reaction rate and delay the CSC process.

Light absorption properties and molecular profiles of HULIS in PM2.5 emitted from biomass burning in traditional "Heated Kang" in Northwest China.

Humic-like substances (HULIS) in PM2.5 emitted from biomass burning (BB), including maize cob, wheat straw, maize straw, wood branch, and wood, in a traditional "Heated Kang" were investigated. The relative abundances, optical properties, chemical functional groups, and molecular components in HULIS were characterized using total organic carbon (TOC) analyzer, ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-vis), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and Fourier-transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometer (FT-ICR/MS), respectively. The emission factors (EF) of HULIS-C (in term of carbon weight, EFHULIS-C) from BB were in the range of 0.83 to 5.17g/kg fuel, with a mean value of 1.93±1.31g/kg fuel. The HULIS-C accounted for 15.0-37.8% and 9.1-12.6% of fractions in organic carbon (OC) and PM2.5, respectively, suggesting that BB is an important emission source of atmospheric HULIS. The FT-IR spectra showed BB HULIS mainly contain O-containing, aliphatic CH, and aromatic CC functional groups. The presences of carboxyl group and OH band demonstrated the uniqueness of maize straw and wood burning. Moreover, the higher ratio of CH3 and -CH2 groups could be used to distinguish the wood branches from the maize cob. CHO and CHON were much dominant in BB HULIS, which accounted for 44.6-47.6% and 50.1-54.2%, respectively, to the total molecular mass. The positive correlation between MAE365 and AAE in term of number concentration of CHNO implied that the CHNO species could greatly influence on the light absorption properties of the BB HULIS. The CHO and S-containing compounds (i.e., CHNOS and CHOS, that is CHNOS+CHOS) showed weak light absorbances of the BB HULIS. The BB HULIS from maize straw had relatively high molecular weight in comparison to that in other BB emissions. The highest and lowest aromaticity were seen on the wood burning and maize cob, respectively.

Adding the activated carbon of rice husk to increase hydrogen production on water electrolysis

Water electrolysis is decomposing water (H2O) into Oxygen and Hydrogen with the help of electric current. At present, the conventional electrolysis efficiency is around 50%. The use of catalysts is partly engineered to increase the hydrogen production. In this paper, activated carbons from rice husk (RHAC) of 50 ppm and 100 ppm were added as the catalyst to increase Hydrogen production. FTIR tests showed that RHAC had an aromatic ring functional group with magnetic field. By the help of ImageJ software, it was proven that RHAC surface has an electric charge dominated by a positive charge. The magnetic field weakens the hydrogen bonding, while the electric charge increases the solution acidity, and makes it a good electrical conductor. As a result, greater addition of RHAC increases Hydrogen production. The largest hydrogen production of 8.2 ml for 10 minutes was obtained by the addition of 100 ppm.

Hydrothermal carbonization of spent mushroom substrate: Physicochemical characterization, combustion behavior, kinetic and thermodynamic study

Hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) was employed for the conversion of the spent mushroom substrate (SMS) into a carbonaceous hydrochar. The effect of operating temperature (180, 200, 220, 240, and 260 °C) on the physicochemical, structural, and combustion properties of the obtained hydrochars was analyzed. The HTC treatment caused the increase of the higher heating value (HHV) and the lower heating value (LHV) of hydrochars for 58 % and 65 % in comparison with SMS, respectively. Analysis of morphology and functional groups showed the formation of microspheres and cracks on the hydrochar surface, which are predominantly dominated by aromatic and oxygen-rich functional groups. Thermal and kinetics analysis showed that HTC treatment improves the combustion behavior of the obtained solids. Combustion kinetic parameters of SMS and hydrochars were determined by the methods of Kissenger-Akahira-Sunose (KAS) and Flynn-Wall-Ozawa (FWO). The thermodynamic parameters and pre-exponential factors reveal a complex mechanism of SMS and hydrochars decomposition process.

Chemical functional groups of extractives, cellulose and lignin extracted from native Leucaena leucocephala bark

Bark from trees is considered a worthless raw material. However, this resource could be economically beneficial if utilized efficiently due to its rich chemical compounds. In this study, an ethanol toluene-soluble extractive, alpha-cellulose and lignin obtained from Leucaena leucocephala bark were characterized to determine their chemical functional groups. Based on FTIR spectral analysis, the results indicated that the bands of the functional groups of the extractive from the original bark remain unchanged; however, the absorbance intensity was found to be weaker in the group frequency and fingerprint regions. Removal of extractive, pectin, hemicellulose and lignin from the bark indirectly increased the strong absorbance intensity of cellulose. Broad peaks of OH stretching found in all spectra were assigned to the presence of phenolic OH and aliphatic structures for extractive and aromatic structures of lignin. It was revealed that aromatic functional groups were mainly found in the extractive, while water, carbonyl and ether were the dominant groups in cellulose, and methyl, methylene, carbonyl and carboxyl groups were enriched in lignin.Graphic abstract

Dissolved biochar promoted photodegradation of tetracycline in aqueous environment

As one of the frequently detected antibiotics in aqueous environment, the environmental behaviour of tetracycline has received increasing attention. Dissolved biochar (DBC) is an essential component of dissolved organic matter (DOM) in water enviroment. However, the effect of DBC on the photodegradation of tetracycline was unclear. This study investigated the impact of DBC on the photodegradation of tetracycline in aqueous solution under light illumination. The main components of DBC were humic acid-like and fulvic acid-like, accounting for 78.2% of the total components. The DBC surface had more oxygen-containing functional groups and aromatic functional groups. DBC increased the photodegradation of tetracyline by 46.9%, which was related to the component and structure of DBC. These findings would provid theoretical support for the environmental behaviour of DBC and tetracycline in aqueous environment.

Bio-Decolorization of Synthetic Dyes by a Halophilic Bacterium Salinivibrio sp.

Synthetic dyes, extensively used in various industries, act as pollutants in the aquatic environment, and pose a significant threat to living beings. In the present study, we assessed the potential of a halophilic bacterium Salinivibrio kushneri HTSP isolated from a saltpan for decolorization and bioremediation of synthetic dyes. The genomic assessment of this strain revealed the presence of genes encoding the enzymes involved in decolorization mechanisms including FMN-dependent NADH azoreductase Clade III, which cleave the azo bond of the dye, and the enzymes involved in deamination and isomerization of intermediate compounds. The dye decolorization assay was performed using this bacterial strain on three water-soluble dyes in different concentrations: Coomassie brilliant blue (CBB) G-250 (500–3,000 mg/L), Safranin, and Congo red (50–800 mg/L). Within 48 h, more than 80% of decolorization was observed in all tested concentrations of CBB G-250 and Congo red dyes. The rate of decolorization was the highest for Congo red followed by CBB G-250 and then Safranin. Using UV-Visible spectrometer and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) analysis, peaks were observed in the colored and decolorized solutions. The results indicated a breakdown of dyes upon decolorization, as some peaks were shifted and lost for different vibrations of aromatic rings, aliphatic groups (–CH2, –CH3) and functional groups (–NH, –SO3H, and –SO3−) in decolorized solutions. This study has shown the potential of S. kushneri HTSP to decolorize dyes in higher concentrations at a faster pace than previously reported bacterial strains. Thus, we propose that our isolated strain can be utilized as a potential dye decolorizer and biodegradative for wastewater treatment.

Heavy metals absorption by excessive activated sludge of biological treatment facilities

The study was conducted at the biological treatment facilities of Veliky Novgorod. It has been established that the main percentage of metals is contained in the organic component of the conditionally solid phase of excess activated sludge. Based on the study of the elemental composition of the excess activated sludge, it is concluded that organic compounds containing aromatic, aliphatic and amine-containing functional groups are very diverse in the excess activated sludge. Main classes of substances making up the excess activated sludge are established. The mass fractions of the main classes of organic compounds established by the rational method are in good agreement with the analysis of the main classes of organic compounds that make up the excess activated sludge of biological treatment plants. The main compounds making up the inorganic component of the conditionally solid phase of excess activated sludge are determined. The study reveals a large variety of both organic and inorganic compounds in the excess activated sludge, which are able to bind heavy metal ions from aqueous medium due to physical and chemical interactions.

Recycling of Plastic Wastes in Tiruvannamalai City: Thermal Cracking of Waste Plastic into Gasoline Products under Various Operating Conditions

Due to the environmental threats of municipal plastic waste generation, plastic waste is obvious to recycle for a satisfying plastic-free environment. Lots of techniques are available for plastic waste recycling; however, the thermal cracking was found as a powerful technology to decrease plastic waste pollution simultaneously, producing petroleum-derived products. The objective of this investigation is to convert high-quality gasoline fuel from the plastic-based glucose bottles (GB) by the thermal cracking process at moderate reaction conditions. In this investigation, the waste plastic was thermally cracked in a batch reactor at a temperature range between 350-500°C, and the reaction time varied from 60-120 min, respectively. As a result, the most extreme yield percentage of liquid fuel 72.80% was obtained at an optimum temperature of 450°C and 90 min of reaction time. The derived liquid fuel contains mainly of aromatic functional groups (C=C stretch), and that is made out of gasoline-range hydrocarbons with a carbon number of C4-C28. Henceforth, the produced liquid fuel was termed as aromatic liquid hydrocarbon fuel (ALHF), and that would be recommended for use as commercial gasoline fuel.