Concentration Of Solution Research Articles

Amended soils with weathered coal exhibited greater resistance to aggregate breakdown than those with biochar: From the viewpoint of soil internal forces

Soil erosion is the first threat to soil functions. Reducing the soil aggregate breakdown strength is a key step to improve the soil’s ability to resist rainfall splash erosion. Soil internal forces have been found to be the initial and important forces driving aggregate turnover. The application of exogenous organic materials can effectively improve soil aggregate stability and the resistance to rainfall erosion of agricultural soils. However, from the perspective of soil internal forces, information about the reduction effects of the exogenous organic materials application on soil aggregate breakdown is scarce, especially in comparing the effects of different materials. In this study, weathered coal and biochar were individually applied to loamy clay soil at rates of 0 %, 1 %, 2 %, and 3 % (w/w). Soil internal forces, aggregate breakdown strength, and splash erosion rate of different amended soils were then examined after four years. The results showed that compared with unamended soils (0 %), both weathered coal and biochar applications clearly increased the van der Waals attractive pressure and thus decreased the positive net pressure between soil particles. Additionally, these materials reduced soil aggregate breakdown strength and splash erosion rate. The application effects of the two materials were increased with their application rates. Under a lower electrolyte concentration in soil solution (0.0001 mol L−1), the aggregate breakdown strength in the soils amended with weathered coal was lower than that with biochar by 9.6 %, 23.2 %, and 17.7 % (when the diameter of broken aggregate was < 10 μm) and by 10.3 %, 20.8 %, and 17.5 % (when the diameter of broken aggregate was < 20 μm) at the 1 %, 2 %, and 3 % application rates, respectively (P < 0.05). Additionally, soils amended with weathered coal exhibited lower splash erosion rates compared to those amended with biochar, particularly at the higher application rate of 3 %. From the viewpoint of soil internal forces, weathered coal appears to be a suitable exogenous organic material for improving soil aggregate stability and anti-erosion ability during rainfall events. Our findings provide valuable insights into utilizing exogenous materials to improve soil resistance to rainfall splash erosion, assisting agricultural soil management in areas frequently affected by rainfall erosion.

Influence of silica fume addition and content on the early hydration of calcium aluminate cement – The role of soluble silicon

Hydration of a commercial white calcium aluminate cement (CAC) at 23 °C was modified by silica fume (SF) addition in varying amounts. The process was followed by heat flow calorimetry, quantitative in-situ XRD analysis and Gillmore needle experiments supplemented by pore solution analysis, thermodynamic modelling, and 1H-TD-NMR measurements. Lower SF/cement ratios accelerate the hydration of CAC. Higher ratios trigger an intermediate heat flow event, which is correlated to increased setting rates. This intermediate event (IE) initiates an induction period of constant duration, which appears later with increasing SF/cement ratios. Results show the IE is caused by an initially hindered CA dissolution, in which dissolved silicon provided by SF plays a crucial role. Increasing the [Si] concentration in the pore solution leads to a further retardation of the IE and eventually prevents the entire hydration reaction if a critical amount is reached. A detailed model explaining the observed behavior is proposed.

Reconfigurable inverse design of phononic crystal sensor based on a deep learning accelerated evolution strategy

Phononic crystals offer valuable sensing capabilities due to their high sensitivity to changes in sound velocity of analytes. In this work, a reconfigurable inverse design approach of phononic crystal sensors is achieved using a deep learning accelerated evolution strategy. The training data is acquired through finite element method (FEM). Two multilayer perceptrons (MLP) are constructed and trained to predict the center frequency and bandwidth of a passband in the dispersion relation. Utilizing a two-step training approach enables rapid accuracy enhancements and swift reconstruction of network targets from NaCl to KCl solutions. The trained networks accelerate the optimization process, yielding a phononic crystal with good detection ability. Compared to FEM, invoking the trained networks can reduce optimization time by a factor of 105. The optimized and initial structures are both fabricated and experimentally tested. The robust linear relation between the resonant peak and the solution concentration indicates significant sensing value. The experimental results are in good agreement with the FEM simulations. In the detection of NaCl solution, the optimized phononic crystal sensor has a sensitivity increase of 375% and a Q-factor of 999%. Our research demonstrates that the data-driven deep learning network is a very powerful tool for the design and optimization of phononic crystal devices.

Intensification of Cr(VI) adsorption using activated carbon adsorbent modified with ammonium persulfate

Granular activated carbon has been modified by ammonium persulfate as a new adsorbent for Cr(VI) adsorption from aqueous solutions. The adsorbent was characterized by nitrogen adsorption–desorption isotherm data and infrared spectroscopy. The impact of different factors, such as the initial pH level of the solution, time, temperature, ionic strength, and initial concentration of the Cr(VI) ion, on the adsorption efficiencies of the adsorbent has been studied by batch experiments. Kinetic studies and the adsorption thermodynamics of Cr(VI) with ammonium persulfate-modified activated carbon adsorbent were carefully studied. The results showed that the Cr(VI) adsorption follows a pseudo-second-order kinetic model and the adsorption reaction is endothermic and spontaneous. The adsorption isotherm was scrutinized, and the fitting results showed that the Langmuir model could well represent the adsorption process. The maximum adsorption capacity of Cr(VI) onto persulfate-modified activated carbon was 108.69 mg g−1. The research results showed that using persulfate-modified activated carbon adsorbent can greatly remove Cr(VI) from aqueous solutions.

Effect of spinning solution concentration of high DP and high S-diad PVA polymer on the structural properties of high-strength and high-modulus PVA fiber

Effect of spinning solution concentration of high DP and high S-diad PVA polymer on the structural properties of high-strength and high-modulus PVA fiber

Preparation of Graphene Oxide (GO) incorporated-Polyvinylidene Fluoride (PVDF) Nanofiltration Membrane with Alkaline Post-Treatment for Textile Wastewater Treatment

The purpose of this research is to study the potential of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) polymer incorporated with graphene oxide (GO), following with the alkaline etching post-treatment process for dye waste water treatment. Its anti-oxidation properties of PVDF, have led to its choice as a host polymer due to its high thermal stability, great organic selectivity, and excellent chemical and mechanical resistance. In addition, the post-treatment with a NaOH solutions of varied concentration ranging from 0 M to 0.2 M for 30 minutes was conducted in alter the morphology of the fabricated membrane with the aim to increase the perm-selectivity of the membranes. Besides, the fabricated membranes were further characterized in terms of the chemical and physical properties using Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Contact Angle (CA), Ultraviolet Visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis), Atomic Microscopy (AFM) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The experimental results showed that the post-treatment has decreased the membrane flux of dye wastewater. Based on the obtained result, as the concentration of NaOH solution increased, the permeability increased. While the overall dye rejection of the membrane remained of above 90 %.

Study of Different Parameters on Removal of Methyl Violet Dye Using Coconut Shell Powder as an Adsorbent

The dyeing business is one of the most water- intensive industries. The effluent from the dyeing industry comprises a variety of chemicals and coloring compounds, and it must be properly treated before being dumped into any water body. However, dye house effluents are extremely difficult to treat properly because to their considerable variability in composition. In most cases, a combination of multiple techniques of treatment is required to eliminate all toxins from the wastewater. As a result, adsorption became one of the most efficient ways for removing color from textile effluent. In this paper, an attempt is made to remove the colored ingredient Methyl Violet present in the colored solution by using a cheaply available adsorbent, coconut shell powder of specific size. In this work, the effect of variation in the parameters like dosage of adsorbent, temperature of the solution and initial concentration of the solution are studied and the adsorption removal efficiency is studied through an experimental approach. The adsorbent used is dry coconut shell of size -100 BSS mesh number. The dosage of adsorbent was varied from 10 gms to 50 gms and It was discovered that the adsorption removal efficiency was varying between 72.9 % to 89.6 %. The Additional factors that were examined are effect of temperature on adsorption and effect of initial concentration. The temperatures varying from 500C to 700C. It was determined that the adsorption removal effectiveness of Methyl Violet was found out to be decreasing from 64.6 % at 500C to 47.9 % at 700C. Adsorption efficiency was shown to decrease as temperature increased. The initial adsorbent concentration ranged from 30 to 70 ppm. It was shown that increasing the starting concentration enhanced the adsorption removal effectiveness from 85% to 88%. Based on the results of the preceding experiments, it is possible to infer that coconut shell powder is an efficient adsorbent for removing Methyl Violet from waste water, with an 89.6% removal rate.

Pilot‐Scale Evaluation of Spiral‐Wound Modules in Osmotically Assisted Reverse Osmosis

AbstractThe osmotically assisted reverse osmosis (OARO) process is gaining attention for cost‐effective aqueous solution concentration. However, there is a lack of pilot‐scale studies. This research used two spiral‐wound modules in a pilot‐scale plant. The first one, an adapted commercial reverse osmosis module, showed no positive results, likely due to excessive membrane thickness and high internal concentration polarization. In contrast, the second one consisting of a novel forward osmosis prototype demonstrated promising outcomes, achieving water fluxes exceeding 2 L m−2 h−1 even at high salt concentrations (50 g L−1) and relatively low applied pressures (above 12 bar). The study highlights OARO potential, underscores limitations, and emphasizes the need for dedicated module design.

Application of Microbial-Induced Carbonate Precipitation for Disintegration Control of Granite Residual Soil

Granite residual soil is widely distributed in Southeastern China. Such soils exhibit mechanical characteristics such as loose, rich cracks and easy disintegration, resulting in severe soil erosion disasters under rainfall conditions. Microbial-induced carbonate precipitation (MICP) is a green alternative for soil stabilization. In this study, a new strategy for the disintegration control of granite residual soil using MICP technology is proposed. The effects of the bacterial solution concentration, the cementation solution concentration, and the treatment cycle are investigated through a disintegration test. The optimal treatment parameters for granite residual soil using MICP technology are determined by analyzing the disintegration processes and residual quality indicators of disintegration. The results show that the treated samples have three types of disintegration: complete disintegration, incomplete disintegration, and non-disintegration. The precipitated calcium carbonate (CaCO3) bonds the soil particles and fills the pores. Taking into account the effectiveness and cost and a bacterial solution concentration OD600 = 0.75, five cycles of MICP treatment with a cementation solution concentration of 1.2 mol/L is optimal for the disintegration control of granite residual soil. The cementation-action effects of CaCO3 are verified through scanning electron microscopy (SEM) tests with an energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscope. These findings suggest that MICP is a promising candidate to control the disintegration of granite residual soil.

Concentration of solutions for non-autonomous double-phase problems with lack of compactness

The present paper is devoted to the study of the following double-phase equation -div(|∇u|p-2∇u+με(x)|∇u|q-2∇u)+Vε(x)(|u|p-2u+με(x)|u|q-2u)=f(u)inRN,\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\begin{aligned} -\ ext {div}(|\ abla u|^{p-2}\ abla u+\\mu _{\\varepsilon }(x)|\ abla u|^{q-2}\ abla u)+V_{\\varepsilon }(x)(|u|^{p-2}u+\\mu _{\\varepsilon }(x)|u|^{q-2}u)=f(u)\\quad \ ext{ in }\\quad \\mathbb {R}^{N}, \\end{aligned}$$\\end{document}where N≥2\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$N\\ge 2$$\\end{document}, 1<p<q<N\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$1<p<q<N$$\\end{document}, q<p∗\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$q<p^{*}$$\\end{document} with p∗=NpN-p\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$p^{*}=\\frac{Np}{N-p}$$\\end{document}, μ:RN→R\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\mu :\\mathbb {R}^{N}\\rightarrow \\mathbb {R}$$\\end{document} is a continuous non-negative function, με(x)=μ(εx)\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\mu _{\\varepsilon }(x)=\\mu (\\varepsilon x)$$\\end{document}, V:RN→R\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$V:\\mathbb {R}^{N}\\rightarrow \\mathbb {R}$$\\end{document} is a positive potential satisfying a local minimum condition, Vε(x)=V(εx)\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$V_{{{\\,\\mathrm{\\varepsilon }\\,}}}(x)=V({{\\,\\mathrm{\\varepsilon }\\,}}x)$$\\end{document}, and the nonlinearity f:R→R\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$f:\\mathbb {R}\\rightarrow \\mathbb {R}$$\\end{document} is a continuous function with subcritical growth. Under natural assumptions on μ\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\mu $$\\end{document}, V and f, by using penalization methods and Lusternik–Schnirelmann theory we first establish the multiplicity of solutions, and then, we obtain concentration properties of solutions.

Three-Dimensional Spatial Distribution of the Sedimentation Rate of Chloride Ions on a Tropical Island

Chlorine ions in the air are a key factor in the corrosion of offshore buildings. Mastering the distribution law of the chloride ion settlement rate (RCl−) in three-dimensional (3D) spatiality is helpful in protecting offshore buildings. The self-designed “kite-hanging wet candle method” was used to collect chloride ions in the air, using ion chromatography to analyze the chloride ion concentration of the sample solution, and obtained the annual RCl− in the offshore atmosphere at different vertical heights, using the Pearson correlation coefficient method to analyze the influence of environmental factors on the RCl−. The results show that the RCl− has a significant linear relationship with temperature, relative humidity and wind speed. Among them, the RCl− is positively correlated with temperature and negatively correlated with wind speed and relative humidity. In the vertical height range of 10–100 m, the RCl− presents a “⊂”-shaped distribution. In the range of 10–30 m, the RCl− is mainly controlled by the impact of ocean spray; in the range of 30–80 m, the RCl− is mainly controlled by marine aerosols; and in the range of 80 m–100 m, the RCl− is mainly controlled by marine aerosols and wind speed. Under the influence of wind direction and wind speed, the RCl− of the windward side is higher than that of the leeward side at different monitoring points, which are close to the coastline and at a low vertical height. Studying the distribution of the RCl− in 3D spatiality can effectively prevent and reduce its impact on offshore buildings.

Influence of carbonate-inducing bacteria on desulfurization effect of medium and high sulfur coal gangue under spraying and preparation of desulfurized coal gangue mortar

Medium and high sulfur coal gangue (MHSCG) presents challenges for safe application on civil engineering building materials due to the high content of unstable pyrite, of which the acidic oxidation products are against alkali cementitious materials. For better utilization of MHSCG, in this research, the carbonate-inducing bacterium Sporosarcina Pasteurii with its nutrient (urea) and mineralization source (calcium) was firstly explored in MHSCG desulfurization leaching tests, revealing the mechanism of desulfurization. On this basis, the desulfurizing modification on MHSCG sand by the bacteria under different factors of OD600, urea and calcium was conducted. Moreover, the gangue sand was used to prepare the desulfurized coal gangue mortar (DCGM) and the relevant mechanical properties and influence mechanisms were discussed. The results of total sulfur and XRD analysis show that Sporosarcina Pasteurii can accelerate the desulfurization in the 7-days-spraying modification. When the optimum dosages of OD600 (0.84) and urea solution concentration (1.41 mol/L) are adopted, the total sulfur can be reduced by 33.66∼36.32 %. The total sulfur has been further reduced by 7.69 % compared with group without calcium as calcium concentration is 1.56 mol/L. The introduction of calcium can enhance the mechanical properties of MHSCG and DCGM although the desulfurization treatment has a negative impact on them. The crushing index of MHSCG sand at most decreases 10.44 % from it without calcium. When OD600 is about 0.90, urea concentration is about 1.50 mol/L and calcium concentration is about 1.49 mol/L, the 28-d compressive strength of DCGM increases to 32.01 MPa, 76.85 % higher than group without calcium, and 23.54 % higher than raw-material preparing mortar.

Synergistic effects of selenium and zinc on Bletilla striata (Thunb.) Reichb. F. growth and polysaccharide antioxidation.

Selenium (Se) is a beneficial trace element for plants, while zinc (Zn) is a vital micronutrient. Bletilla striata (Thunb.) Reichb. F. is widely recognized as a medicinal herb. In this study, Se and Zn were introduced to determine the medicinal properties of B. striata. The plant's biomass, polysaccharides, Se and Zn contents, and the antioxidant properties of polysaccharide solutions were all examined. A notable increase in polysaccharide synthesis in B. striata tubers was observed following the application of 0.2 kg ha-1 of Se, and 1.0 kg ha-1 of Zn, either individually or in combination. Se and Zn content in polysaccharides were 3.33 to 3.77 mg kg-1 and 82.82 to 121.78 mg kg-1, at 1.0 kg ha-1 Se and 10.0 kg ha-1 Zn treatments, respectively. These values were 2.1-3.1 times and 1.8-2.8 times higher than those observed in control samples. Polysaccharide antioxidation has resulted in an increase in antioxidant activity as the concentration of polysaccharide solutions increased. The largest scavenging of 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radicals and the most excellent reducingpower of the polysaccharide solutions were observed when a mixture of Se and Zn was applied at a rate of 1.0 kg ha-1 and 10.0 kg ha-1. The individual application of Se at 1.0 kg ha-1 and Zn at 10.0 kg ha-1 also resulted in significant DPPH radicals scavenging and reduced power. These data suggested that Se-Zn enriched B. striata is a new source of Se and Zn supplementation and an antioxidant resource.

Enhancement mechanism of microbial mineralization modified coal gangue aggregate properties

Preparing concrete with coal gangue as the aggregate has significant environmental and economic advantages. Nevertheless, the fundamental characteristics of the manufactured concrete are significantly impacted by the high water absorption and low strength of coal gangue aggregate. The present study employs the microbial-induced carbonate precipitation (MICP) technique to efficiently enhance the characteristics of coal gangue aggregate (CGA). Starting from the circumstances of microbial mineralization, the effects of pH, temperature, and time on the capacity of bacteria for mineralization were taken into consideration. Following solution immersion treatment with varying concentrations of urea, calcium ions, and bacterial solution, the patterns of water absorption, crushing index, apparent density, and ultrasonic pulse resistance of CGA were examined. The precipitates produced by microbial mineralization, the micro-morphology, and the pore structure of the aggregate surface were all characterized, and the mechanism of the modification of CGA by MICP was revealed through the use of scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffractometer (XRD), and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) techniques. Investigations were also conducted on the mechanical characteristics of modified coal gangue aggregate concrete. The results showed that the water absorption and crushing index of the CGA with optimal modification effect (M-CGA) decreased by 18.5 % and 24.1 %, respectively, which was attributed to the fact that the calcium carbonate formed in the cracks and pores of the CGA filled the aggregates and prevented the penetration of water. The 28-day compressive strength, split tensile strength, and flexural strength of modified coal gangue aggregate concrete prepared from M-CGA were increased by 8.13 %, 13.88 %, and 8.53 %, respectively. MICP is an effective method to improve the properties of CGA, which is conducive to the waste recycling of coal gangue.

Effects of Saline–Alkali Composite Stress on the Growth and Soil Fixation Capacity of Four Herbaceous Plants

Plants play a crucial role in soil fixation and enhancement of slope stability, and saline–alkaline stress is one of the main restrictions inhibiting plant growth and development. At present, there is a lack of research on the effects of saline–alkaline composite stress on the mechanical properties of the root system and the erosion resistance of the root–soil complex. In this study, three gradients of saline–alkaline composite stress treatments and a control of saline-free treatment was set up for Oenothera biennis, Perilla frutescens, Echinops sphaerocephalus, and Lychnis fulgens. The plant salt damage rate, osmotic index, antioxidant enzyme activity and plant root morphological indicators were measured. The biomechanical characteristics were determined by stretching tests, the resistance of the plant was measured by a whole-plant vertical uprooting test, and the anti-erosion capacity of the root soil composite was measured by scrubbing test. The results showed that, at 200 mM, the salt damage index and salt damage rate of the four plants, in descending order, were as follows: E. sphaerocephalus &lt; L. fulgens &lt; O. biennis &lt; P. frutescens. Among them, SOD of Perilla frutescens did not play an obvious protective role, and the substantial changes in CAT and POD, as well as the content of soluble sugars, soluble proteins, and proline, showed its sensitivity to saline and alkaline stresses. Root growth was also significantly suppressed in all four plants, the 100- and 200-mM concentrations of saline solution significantly reduced the average tensile strength of O. biennis and P. frutescens, while the saline–alkali solution of 200 mM significantly reduced the elongation of E. sphaerocephalus and L. fulgens, and significantly elevated the soil detachment rate of the root–soil composite for E. sphaerocephalus. Additionally, all three concentrations of saline treatments significantly reduced the pullout resistance of all 4 plants. There was a negative power rate relationship between tensile resistance and root diameter in four plant species, while the relationship between tensile strength and root diameter showed a negative power law only for L. fulgens treated with 0–50 mM saline solution. There was no significant correlation between elongation and root diameter in the four plants. P. frutescens had the greatest tensile resistance and strength, as well as the lowest rate of elongation, while L. fulgens possessed the greatest pullout resistance, and both had comparable resistance to erosion of the root–soil complex. Therefore, compared to the other three plants, L. fulgens is more suitable for soil reinforcement applications on saline slopes.

Selective Separation of Lithium from Leachate of Spent Lithium-Ion Batteries by Zirconium Phosphate/Polyacrylonitrile Composite: Leaching and Sorption Behavior

This study introduces a straightforward and effective amorphous ZrP/polyacrylonitrile composite ion exchange method for separating Li from the leachate of spent Li-ion batteries (NMC 111). The cathode materials were leached with a series of optimized experiments. The influence of operating variables, including the H2SO4 concentration, temperature, H2O2 concentration, and pulp density, on leaching efficiency was examined to determine the optimal conditions for sorption experiments. The leaching efficiencies of Li, Co, Ni, and Mn were found to be 99.9%, 99.5%, 98.8%, and 99.9%, respectively. Subsequently, batch sorption experiments were performed by using am-ZrP/PAN, including the determination of the effect of pH, sorption kinetics, and the sorption isotherm. The effect of pH on adsorption was examined in 1 mmol/L equimolar solutions of Li, Ni, Mn, and Co. Li was separated from Mn, Co, and Ni in the leaching liquor. The adsorbent for Mn, Co, and Ni sorption better fitted pseudo-second-order kinetics. High selectivity for Li was observed, even at the higher solution concentration of 15 mM Li, Ni, Co and Mn. In addition, the column loading process demonstrated selectivity for Li over Co, Ni, and Mn metal ions. The preliminary evaluation of the whole process with mass flow demonstrated that it would be feasible to achieve full separation and metal recovery by integrating a combined hydrometallurgical method in future studies. However, much work is still needed to develop a practical separation flowsheet.

Effects of antiseptic irrigation solutions on osseointegration in a cementless tibial implantation mouse model.

Despite the success of standard antiseptic irrigation solutions in reducing periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) rates, there is still a need for more effective solutions. Synergistic use of povidone-iodine (PI) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) has shown promising results; however, the optimal solution concentration balancing bactericidal activity and osseointegration remains unknown. This study aims to evaluate the impact of these antiseptic irrigation solutions on osseointegration and the bone-implant interface strength in vivo. Forty C57BL/6 mice underwent bilateral tibial implantation surgery and were randomly allocated into three groups receiving 0.3% PI, 10% PI mixed with 3% H2O2, or saline as irrigation solutions intraoperatively. Assessments were performed on postoperative Days 1 and 28, including plain radiographs, microcomputed tomography (microCT) evaluation, histological analysis, immunohistochemistry, and biomechanical pull-out testing. No wound complications were observed. MicroCT scans revealed no differences in peri-implant trabecular bone parameters. Biomechanical pull-out testing showed no differences in the bone-implant interface strength across groups. Histological analysis indicated no differences in bone and bone marrow percentage areas among treatment groups. Immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated no differences among groups in peri-implant osteocalcin, osterix, or endomucin-positive cells. In conclusion, using either antiseptic irrigation solution showed no differences in osseointegration parameters compared to the control group, demonstrating safety and the absence of toxicity. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Dilute 0.3% povidone-iodine and a 1:1 combination of 10% povidone-iodine mixed with 3% hydrogen peroxide can be safely used during primary and revision total joint arthroplasty without compromising osseointegration or causing wound complications.

Enhancing Sustainability in PLA Membrane Preparation through the Use of Biobased Solvents

For the first time, ultrafiltration (UF) green membranes were prepared through a sustainable route by using PLA as a biopolymer and dihydrolevoclucosenone, whose trade name is Cyrene™ (Cyr), dimethyl isosorbide (DMI), and ethyl lactate (EL) as biobased solvents. The influence of physical-chemical properties of the solvent on the final membrane morphology and performance was evaluated. The variation of polymer concentration in the casting solution, as well as the presence of Pluronic® (Plu) as a pore former agent, were assessed as well. The obtained results highlighted that the final morphology of a membrane was strictly connected with the interplaying of thermodynamic factors as well as kinetic ones, primarily dope solution viscosity. The pore size of the resulting PLA membranes ranged from 0.02 to 0.09 μm. Membrane thickness and porosity varied in the range of 0.090–0.133 mm of 75–87%, respectively, and DMI led to the most porous membranes. The addition of Plu to the casting solution showed a beneficial effect on the membrane contact angle, allowing the formation of hydrophilic membranes (contact angle &lt; 90°), and promoted the increase of pore size as well as the reduction of membrane crystallinity. PLA membranes were tested for pure water permeability (10–390 L/m2 h bar).

Synthesis of silver (Ag) nano/micro-particles via green process using Andrographis paniculata leaf extract as a bio-reducing agent

In this work silver nano/micro-particles have been synthesized using sambiloto (Andrographis paniculata) plant extract as a bio-reducing agent. The effects of different plant extract concentrations, AgNO3 precursor concentrations, and reaction time on the synthesized silver nano/micro-particles were investigated. The silver nano/micro-particles samples were then analyzed using UV-Vis spectrophotometer (UV-Vis), X-Ray Diffractometer (XRD), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM), Particle Size Analyzer (PSA), and Fourier Transform Infra-Red (FTIR) spectroscopy. The UV-Vis absorbance spectrum of the colloid silver nano/micro-particles exhibited that all samples had absorbance peaks at a wavelength around 450 nm, confirming the formation of silver nano/micro-particles. It was also found that the UV-Vis absorbance peak of the silver nano/micro-particles inversely increased with decreasing AgNO3 solution concentration. Whereas, the higher the sambiloto extract concentration the higher the UV-Vis absorbance peaks. The UV-Vis absorbance peak increased with increasing synthesis time, suggesting that silver nano/micro-particles became more prominent. The UV-Vis absorbance peaks of the silver nano/micro-particles were about 0.0462, 0.0637, 0.0729, and 0.0936 at reaction time of 5, 10, 20, and 40 min, respectively. The XRD analysis result confirmed that the synthesized silver nano/micro-particles were in the form of nanocrystals with a face-centered cubic centered without any impurities. Additionally, the FESEM images showed that the silver nano/micro-particles had the primary particle size of 150-300 nm. There was the formation of some secondary particles with the size of about 0.7-1.5?m due to the agglomeration of primary particles. The particle size distribution analysis further confirmed the presence of primary and secondary particles. Meanwhile, the FTIR analysis confirmed the presence of four main peaks, linked to functional groups in the sambiloto extract and involved in the creation of silver nano/micro-particles.

Cation interception and permeability characteristics of bentonite barriers exposed to NaCl and NH4Cl solutions

ABSTRACT High concentrations of Na+ and NH4+ in landfill leachate lead to deterioration of bentonite barrier and pose a threat to the environment. This study focused on the pollution interception and permeability characteristics of the bentonite barrier exposed to NaCl and NH4Cl solutions. Based on previous findings, salt solution concentrations were established at 74.80, 37.40, 18.70, and 9.4 mmol/L. The bentonite contents in the mixture were set at 0, 5, 10, and 15%. The results indicate that the samples exhibit better interception of NH4+ compared to Na+. This difference arises from the cation exchange sequence, the size of the hydration radius, and the hydrogen bonding of the two cations. Additionally, the difference in hydration enthalpy between the two cations leads to variations in the swelling of bentonite, resulting in a higher permeability coefficient in NH4Cl solution. This study shows that although bentonite barriers have better interception for NH4+, they exhibit greater permeability in NH4Cl solution, increasing the risk of leachate carrying other contaminants.