Conventional Treatment Methods Research Articles

Preparation, characterization, and photocatalytic performance of atmospheric plasma-sprayed TiO2/Al2O3 coatings on glass substrates

Conventional methods for wastewater treatment are not always efficient in persistent organic pollutant degradation processes. Therefore, low-cost and effective methods of their removal from sewage are constantly sought. This study presents an attempt to fabricate thermally sprayed ceramic coatings on glass and their characterization. Granulation of TiO2, Al2O3, and their blends in different mass ratios was done. Assessment of actual density and specific surface area was performed, and TiO2, Al2O3, and TiO2/Al2O3 were then used as a coating material for the deposition on glass substrates in atmospheric plasma spraying. Surface analysis of coatings was done by evaluating their roughness and wettability. Both powder and coatings samples were characterized using the X-ray diffraction method and scanning electron microscopy. The photocatalytic activity was estimated in the Eosin Y degradation process under UV light. UV–Vis spectroscopy was applied to observe the changes in the dye concentration. Additional tests for color measurements before and after photodegradation were carried out using a sphere spectrophotometer in CIELab color space. Particle size distribution was examined for the powder samples after the granulation and d50 was stated at 48.42–63.28 µm. Characterization of coatings via roughness measurements showed the average roughness of a surface equal to 4.90–9.65 µm. Moreover, most of the coatings appeared to be hydrophobic with water contact angles between 100° and 130°. All of the coatings showed Eosin Y degradation ability and the highest efficiency was reached for 100T/C, A75T/C, and A50T/C samples and stated at 71%, 62%, and 51%, respectively.Graphical abstract

Effect of spinal and lower limb re-alignment protocol on bilateral medial compartment Osteoarthritis of knee in postmenopausal women

Objective:The alignment of spine-pelvis-lower extremity axis is significantly influenced by knee osteoarthritis. Joint alignment is the main bio-mechanical risk factor for progression of knee osteoarthritis. The purpose of this study was to find out the effect of spinal and lower limb realignment protocol on bilateral medial compartment knee osteoarthritis in postmenopausal women and to compare it with the conventional method of treatment for osteoarthritis of knee.Method: A study sample of 98 post-menopausal subjects having bilateral knee osteoarthritis with medial compartment involvement were selected and equally divided into two groups as the control group and the experimental group. Assessment of pain, knee range of motion, quadriceps and hip abductor strength, and posture for spinal and lower limb malalignment was taken before and after giving the treatment regime to both the groups. Comparison was carried out between the results of the two groups. Results:The results showed how significantly the mal-aligned structures were re-aligned after giving 8 weeks of realignment protocol and how significantly this resulted in better reduction of pain intensity and improvement in knee range of motion and strength of quadriceps and hip abductor muscles in experimental group as compared to the control group. Conclusion:Re-aligning the spinal and lower limb malalignment present in postmenopausal women with bilateral medial compartment knee osteoarthritis results in pain reduction associated with knee joint and improved knee range of motion and strength of quadriceps and hip abductor muscles in these individuals as compared to the ones receiving conventional physiotherapy.

Extraction and optimization of Austrocylindropuntia subulata powder as a novel green coagulant

Since the last decades, water stress challenges caused by climate change have posed a significant concern for the treatment and re-use of treated wastewater. Conventional treatment methods employ chemicals as coagulants-flocculants, which pose a serious threat. Hence, it has led to a gradual increase in the use of natural plants as promising safe alternatives. In the present work, the Austrocylindropuntia subulata plant was used for the first time as a coagulant-flocculant for wastewater treatment. The raw chlorenchyma powder of the plant was characterized by SEM, FTIR, and EDX, the results showed a very strong resemblance with the composition of the Opuntia ficus indica. The biocoagulant-flocculant was obtained by simple extraction using distilled water. An optimization dose test demonstrated that a mass of 0.1g decreases approximately 99% of turbidity. After a year of storage, the raw powder retained the same efficiency. The extract's coagulant-flocculant properties remained stable after three months of storage, but it developed an unpleasant odor and a brownish color due to microbial oxidation of organic components.

Effectiveness of Foam Rolling with Hip Strengthening versus Conventional Treatment in Iliotibial Band Tightness Among Osteoarthritis Patients

Background: The iliotibial band (ITB) tightness contributes to pain and functional limitations in osteoarthritis (OA) patients. The effectiveness of foam rolling (FR) combined with ITB stretching exercises versus conventional treatment methods targeting ITB tightness has not been thoroughly investigated. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of these modalities on passive range of motion (PROM) during hip adduction in OA patients. Methods: Three groups of OA patients (Foam Rolling alone-Group A, Conventional Exercises + Foam Rolling-Group B, and Hip strengthening + Foam Rolling-Group C) were assessed over 14 treatment sessions using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) scores and Ober's test for ITB tightness. Group A received foam rolling with hip strengthening, Group B underwent conventional treatment, and Group C was treated with a combination of methods. Results: All groups showed a marked decrease in WOMAC scores, indicating an improvement in pain and knee function. Group A exhibited a significant reduction in ITB tightness, with the mean Ober's test score initially increasing but then decreasing markedly by the 14th session. Group B and Group C also showed improvements, but Group A's protocol was the most effective in reducing ITB tightness. Conclusion: The study demonstrated that foam rolling with hip strengthening exercises is significantly effective in reducing ITB tightness and improving function in OA patients. This combination therapy may be considered a superior approach to conventional treatment methods for managing ITB-related symptoms in this population.

Comparative study of graphene oxide and copper oxide nanoparticle as surface modifiers in microfiltration membranes and adsorbents for efficient removal of textile dyes from contaminated water

Despite technological development, the textile industry still generates effluents with a high content of emerging contaminants, which are harmful to the environment. Conventional wastewater treatment methods struggle to remove emerging contaminants, necessitating advanced techniques. One promising solution is the modification of membranes and adsorption methods. The same modifying agents were used to modify the surface of microfiltration membranes and to create an adsorbent, allowing a comparison of the two processes in water treatment contaminated with dyes. Copper oxide nanoparticles were produced through green synthesis, and polyethersulfone microfiltration membranes were surface-modified using graphene oxide and copper oxide nanoparticles via a pressure-assisted method. Among the tested membranes, MF_GO1.0 + CuO3.0 showed the best performance, demonstrating a synergistic effect between the modifying agents, efficiently removing 97.69 % of Levafix Blue CA dye and recovering 84.88 % of the flux. It also exhibited outstanding removal rates (>99 %) for other textile dyes, such as Solophenyl Blue and Reactive Black 5. Membrane characterization revealed a decrease in contact angle for membranes modified with CuO and GO-CuO, rendering them more hydrophilic and improving permeability. Scanning Electron Microscopy depicted a compacted membrane, characteristic of graphene oxide, with nanoparticles on the surface. Chemical stability tests, conducted at neutral pH for 7 days, demonstrated no significant variation in permeability and contaminant removal. Although adsorption had limited effectiveness in removing the Levafix Blue CA dye, it provided valuable insights into the underlying mechanisms. Comparing membrane modification with adsorption, membranes displayed more efficiency in dye removal and showed enhanced antifouling properties. These results indicate the potential of modified membranes in treating dye-containing wastewater. As dye production increases, these innovative technologies offer promising solutions to reduce the environmental impact of textile industry effluents. By employing such advanced methods, we can work towards safeguarding our water resources and ecosystems from the harmful effects of textile wastewater pollution.

Physiologically driven nanodrug delivery system for targeted lung cancer treatment

Lung cancer remains a leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally, and a significant number of patients are ineligible for surgery, while chemoradiotherapy often shows limited efficacy, a systemic distribution, a low drug concentration at tumor sites, severe side effects, and the emergence of drug resistance. In this context, a nanodrug delivery system (NDDS) has emerged as a promising approach for lung cancer treatment, offering distinct advantages such as targeted delivery, responsiveness to the tumor microenvironment, site-specific release, and enhanced induction of apoptosis in cancer cells, ultimately leading to tumor growth inhibition or even elimination. This review aims to provide an overview of the physiological characteristics of lung cancer, highlight the limitations of conventional treatment methods, and extensively examine recent significant advancements in NDDS utilized for lung cancer therapy. The findings from this review lay the foundation for further development and optimization of NDDSs in the treatment of lung cancer.

Fluoride removal using tartaric acid-modified rice husk biochar: Comprehensive batch and column studies

Tartaric Acid-modified Rice Husk biochar (TARH) was evaluated as an efficient and cost-effective adsorbent to eliminate Fluoride (F¯) ions from aqueous solutions. F¯ is a major contaminant in groundwater, and current conventional treatment methods have certain drawbacks in treating higher concentrations of fluoride. The adsorption efficiency of TARH was improved by pre-treating rice husk biochar using tartaric acid (organic acid), which was confirmed by FT-IR measurement, indicating the presence of carboxylic acids, hydroxyl groups, and amine surface functional groups. The study optimized fluoride batch adsorption experiments by considering the parameters affecting adsorption, including pH, contact time, initial concentration, and adsorbent dosage using the Central Composite Design (CCD) from Response Surface Methodology (RSM). Maximum fluoride adsorption of 74.73% was attained by TARH under ideal circumstances (an initial fluoride concentration of 32 mg/L, a pH of 7, 0.25 g/100 mL of adsorbent dosage, and 180 minutes contact duration). The CCD models showed an exceptional R2 value of 0.988 for fluoride adsorption, illustrating their efficacy. Three-dimensional response surface plots were visualized to analyse the effects of control parameters on %adsorption, and statistical analysis supported the validity of the CCD model. Isotherm models and adsorption kinetics were investigated. The adsorption exhibited monolayer adsorption according to the Langmuir isotherm model and a pseudo-second-order rate-limiting phase due to chemisorption. The column adsorption studies were performed for various experimental factors such as influent fluoride concentration (4–16 ppm), influent flow rate (4–8 mL/min), and fixed-bed depth (4–8 cm). The experimental data were examined using the Yoon-Nelson, Thomas, and BDST models, which revealed a substantial correlation between the experimental findings and model predictions. The effectiveness of TARH was examined by regeneration study and case study was performed to evaluate the fluoride removal from actual water samples.

Carbamazepine Adsorption onto Giant Macroporous Silica and Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference System Modeling

AbstractThere is an imperative need to eliminate pharmaceutical residues from aquatic environments due to their hazardous properties, including toxicity, mutagenicity, and carcinogenicity, particularly when present in water sources. Conventional water treatment methods have proven insufficient in addressing nano-pollutants such as pharmaceutical residues. Consequently, the ongoing quest for economically viable, sustainable, and environmentally friendly removal mechanisms persists. In this particular study, we employed Giant Macroporous Silica (GMS) derived from marine sponges as a promising biosorbent. GMS exhibits commendable characteristics, including a high specific surface area, swift mass transfer capabilities, and non-discriminatory adsorption qualities. The efficacy of GMS in adsorbing carbamazepine (CBZ), a common drug residue, was scrutinized under diverse experimental conditions, including a sorbate/sorbent ratio ranging from 0.005 to 1.500 weight ratio, contact times spanning from 0 to 240 min, and initial pH values ranging from 5 to 9. Remarkably, at a concentration of 1000 µg L−1, GMS demonstrated an attractive adsorption rate (98.88%) of carbamazepine at pH 7.07, within 90 min. To enhance our understanding, we developed an ANFIS model utilizing the experimental parameters as inputs. The developed model exhibited a high correlation coefficient of 0.9944% and a root mean square error (RMSE) of 1.6693, indicating its dependability in accurately predicting the adsorption of CBZ on GMS. The results of our study highlight the efficacy of GMS in adsorbing CBZ, suggesting its considerable potential for adsorbing other pharmaceutical residues and nano-pollutants. Furthermore, we propose the possibility of developing a solid-phase extraction cartridge from GMS.

Hybrid Sono-Photodynamic Combination Therapy Mediated by Water-Soluble Gallium Phthalocyanine Enhances the Cytotoxic Effect against Breast Cancer Cell Lines.

Breast cancer is a life-threatening disease that is gaining increasing importance due to its rising incidence, highlighting the need for novel treatment methods with the least disadvantages. Recently, scientists have focused on developing therapeutic treatment modalities for effective cancer treatment. In contrast to conventional cancer treatment methods such as immunotherapy, surgery, chemotherapy, or radiotherapy, photodynamic therapy (PDT) is gaining prominence. Besides, sonodynamic treatment (SDT) is a noninvasive therapeutic approach that uses ultrasound to induce high tissue penetration. In both methods, sensitizers are activated to generate cytotoxic reactive oxygen species such as •OH and 1O2. In particular, the combined use of hybrid and complementary treatment methods has become an important modality in cancer treatment in recent years. Sono-photodynamic therapy (SPDT), which is an important method applied in combination with PDT and SDT, has started to be preferred in terms of reducing potential side effects compared to monotherapy. One of the most important types of sensitizers used in PDT and SDT is known as phthalocyanines (Pcs). Motivated by these facts, this research presents the sono-photochemical, in vitro cytotoxicity, and theoretical evaluation of water-soluble gallium phthalocyanine (GaPc). The results indicate that the quantum yield of the generation of singlet oxygen increased in sono-photochemical studies (ΦΔ = 0.94), compared to photochemical studies (ΦΔ = 0.72). In vitro analyses revealed that GaPc did not exhibit significant cytotoxic effects at the specified varying concentration doses (1-20 μM). Furthermore, GaPc-mediated SPDT triggered cell death by inducing reactive oxygen species formation in the breast cancer cell line (MCF-7). The interaction mechanism of the GaPc with EGFR and VEGFR2 target proteins, which are critical regulators of metastasis, proliferation, and angiogenesis, was investigated by molecular docking simulation. GaPc has effective binding affinities against target proteins, and this affinity was found to be the highest against VEGFR2. Molecular docking results showed a good correlation with the obtained biological results. Eventually, this molecular building of the efficient water-soluble phthalocyanine-based sensitizer is a potential therapeutic for PDT, SDT, and SPDT applications.

Advancements in Photothermal Therapy Using Near-Infrared Light for Bone Tumors.

Bone tumors, particularly osteosarcoma, are prevalent among children and adolescents. This ailment has emerged as the second most frequent cause of cancer-related mortality in adolescents. Conventional treatment methods comprise extensive surgical resection, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. Consequently, the management of bone tumors and bone regeneration poses significant clinical challenges. Photothermal tumor therapy has attracted considerable attention owing to its minimal invasiveness and high selectivity. However, key challenges have limited its widespread clinical use. Enhancing the tumor specificity of photosensitizers through targeting or localized activation holds potential for better outcomes with fewer adverse effects. Combinations with chemotherapies or immunotherapies also present avenues for improvement. In this review, we provide an overview of the most recent strategies aimed at overcoming the limitations of photothermal therapy (PTT), along with current research directions in the context of bone tumors, including (1) target strategies, (2) photothermal therapy combined with multiple therapies (immunotherapies, chemotherapies, and chemodynamic therapies, magnetic, and photodynamic therapies), and (3) bifunctional scaffolds for photothermal therapy and bone regeneration. We delve into the pros and cons of these combination methods and explore current research focal points. Lastly, we address the challenges and prospects of photothermal combination therapy.

Current Status of Patent Research on Medical Micro-nano Robot

Abstract: Micro-nano robots have broad applications in sewage purification and DNA testing. Micro- nano robots have significant potential in the medical field， as they have higher therapeutic efficiency and safety than conventional treatment methods. Meanwhile, micro-nano robots provide a new method for treating many diseases. Therefore, as an emerging medical method, the development trend of micro-nano robots is receiving increasing attention. This study aims to provide a new approach to treating diseases that reduces the costs and risks of traditional medical treatments. This paper introduces the operation mechanism of micro-nano robots, summarizes representative patents of micronano robots in medicine, summarizes the classification according to the different driving modes, and analyzes their advantages, disadvantages, and uses. Through the investigation of many micro-nano robots, the current medical micro-nano robots are summarized and analyzed as generally challenging to prepare, difficult to control accurately, with a low degree of intelligence, and poor accuracy. Finally, the future development trend of medical micro-nano robots is overlooked. Optimizing the preparation method can significantly reduce the production cost of micro-nano robots. Mixing and driving modes can drive the micro-nano robots more efficiently. Improving the intelligence of micro-nano robots can allow them to perform more complex tasks. Improved imaging techniques allow for more precise control of the micro-nano robots. Finally, the article forecasts that micro-nano robots will develop towards the trends of non-toxic, intelligent, and controllable directions.

Biological and Chemical Approaches for Controlling Harmful Microcystis Blooms.

The proliferation of harmful cyanobacterial blooms dominated by Microcystis aeruginosa has become an increasingly serious problem in freshwater ecosystems due to climate change and eutrophication. Microcystis-blooms in freshwater generate compounds with unpleasant odors, reduce the levels of dissolved O2, and excrete microcystins into aquatic ecosystems, potentially harming various organisms, including humans. Various chemical and biological approaches have thus been developed to mitigate the impact of the blooms, though issues such as secondary pollution and high economic costs have not been adequately addressed. Red clays and H2O2 are conventional treatment methods that have been employed worldwide for the mitigation of the blooms, while novel approaches, such as the use of plant or microbial metabolites and antagonistic bacteria, have also recently been proposed. Many of these methods rely on the generation of reactive oxygen species, the inhibition of photosynthesis, and/or the disruption of cellular membranes as their mechanisms of action, which may also negatively impact other freshwater microbiota. Nevertheless, the underlying molecular mechanisms of anticyanobacterial chemicals and antagonistic bacteria remain unclear. This review thus discusses both conventional and innovative approaches for the management of M. aeruginosa in freshwater bodies.

Efficient Dye Extraction from Wastewater Using Indium-MOF-Immobilized Polyvinylidene Fluoride Membranes with Selective Filtration for Enhanced Remediation.

Industrial activities have led to releasing harmful substances into the environment, necessitating the elimination of these toxic compounds from wastewater. Organic dyes, commonly found in industrial effluents, pose a threat to ecosystems and human health. Conventional treatment methods often suffer from limitations such as high cost and poor efficiency. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have emerged as promising materials for selective separation, including membrane filtration (MF). Mixed-matrix membranes (MMMs) combining MOFs with polymers offer improved filtration properties. In this study, MMMs were fabricated by incorporating synthesized In-MOF with a polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) polymer (In-MOF@PVDF MMMs) using the nonsolvent-induced phase separation process. The MMMs were evaluated for the MF of various organic dyes, achieving notable removal efficiencies. The membrane containing 20% In-MOF (M4) demonstrated exceptional performance, removing 99% of the methylene blue (MB) dye. Additionally, membrane M4 effectively filtered Azure A (AZA), Azure B (AZB), and toluidine blue O (TOLO) with a removal efficiency of 99%. However, for Rhodamine B (RHB) and methyl orange (MO), the removal efficiencies were slightly lower at 74 and 39%, respectively. Further, these membranes are utilized in selective dye filtration in the MB+/RHB+ and MB+/MO- systems, where the selectivity was found for MB. The isothermal and DFT studies revealed the membrane's behavior with dye mixtures, while water stability and regeneration studies confirmed its durability. Thus, these findings highlight the potential of In-MOF@PVDF MMMs for effective and selective dye removal in wastewater treatment applications.

Nanoremediation and Antioxidant Potential of Biogenic Silver Nanoparticles Synthesized Using Leucena's Leaves, Stem, and Fruits.

Synthetic dyes are persistent organic environmental pollutants that can cause extensive damage to living beings and to the ecosystem as a whole. Cost-effective, sustainable, and efficient strategies to deal with this type of pollution are necessary as it commonly resists conventional water treatment methods. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) synthesized using the aqueous extract from the leaves, stem, and fruits of Leucaena leucocephala (Leucena) were produced and characterized through UV-vis, TEM, EDS, SDL, XPS, XRD, and zeta potential, and they proved to be able to promote adsorption to remediate methylene blue and tartrazine pollution in water. The nanoremediation was performed and did not require direct exposure to sunlight or any special lamp or a specific reduction agent. The AgNPs produced using the extract from the leaves exhibited the best performance in nanoremediation and also presented antioxidant activity that surpassed the one from butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT). Consequently, it is an interesting nanotool to use in dye nanoremediation and/or as an antioxidant nanostructure.

Improving the surface quality of additive manufactured polyamide parts using conventional treatment methods

Additive manufacturing processes have progressed in years past from not only being prototyping methods to also being end-product manufacturing methods. However, there are many challenges hindering higher industrial adoption rates of additive manufacturing such as low surface quality of the manufactured parts. Post-process surface treatment methods can play a key role in addressing this challenge. In this work, three mechanical methods were applied to selective laser-sintered polyamide 12 (PA12) parts with the aim of improving the surface quality. The effects of the methods regarding the surface integrity characteristics were evaluated. The results show improved surface roughness across all three methods: from initial Ra of 7.09 μm to 0.055 μm Ra, 0.28 μm Ra and 0.45 μm Ra by grinding, diamond turning and milling on the surfaces oriented upwards during fabrication respectively. Across the three methods, surface hardness was slightly reduced: with a maximum reduction of 2.5% by diamond turning.

Catalytic reduction of nitrogen monoxide using iron–nickel oxygen carriers derived from electroplating sludge: Novel method for the collaborative emission decrease of polluting gases

The valorization of electroplating sludge (ES) for high added value presents greater economic and environmental benefits than conventional treatment methods such as thermal processing, solidification, and landfill. Inspired by the mechanism of chemical looping combustion (CLC), this study developed a novel cost-effective method for denitrification by preparing FeNi-OCs from ES to achieve the synergistic reduction of CO and NO emissions. The phase structure, micromorphology, and valence state changes of the FeNi-OC catalyst during the CO-catalyzed reduction of NO and the pathway for catalytic denitrification using FeNi-OCs were analyzed. Results showed that CO could reduce FeNi-OCs to FeNi, and the reduced FeNi was subsequently oxidized back to FeNi-OCs by NO, a process analogous to CLC. During experiments, the simultaneous consumption of CO and NO gases was observed at 350 °C. This phenomenon was highly pronounced at 600 °C, where the CO and NO concentrations decreased from initial values of 8550 and 470 ppm, respectively, to 6719 and 0 ppm, respectively, with conversion rates of 21.41 % and 100 %, respectively. Hence, synergistic emission reduction was achieved. Further experiments also indicated that the addition of 1.5 % ES during iron ore sintering could substantially reduce the CO and NO concentrations in the sintering flue gas from 1268.32 and 244.81 ppm, respectively, to 974.51 and 161.11 ppm, respectively.

Enhancing nutrient and water recovery from liquid digestate: A comparative study of selective electrodialysis and conventional treatment methods

Ultrafiltration and reverse osmosis proved effective in treating the liquid fraction of anaerobically digested sewage sludge, both with and without an intermediate selective electrodialysis treatment step. The incorporation of selective electrodialysis significantly increased clean water recovery rates (from 38% to 88%) while concurrently reducing its dissolved solids load by almost two orders of magnitude, from 869.0 to 10.3 mg/L. Selective electrodialysis efficiently separated ions into stable fractions that could be post-processed to produce tailored solid fertilizers, such as struvite and ammonium sulfate, on demand. Throughout the system, heavy metals and pharmaceuticals were monitored for potential toxicity and harm to ecosystems. Heavy metals in the effluents of the treatment process both with and without the selective electrodialysis inclusion were below regulatory limits. Traces of ibuprofen, ciprofloxacin, oxytetracycline, and tetracycline were found in ultrafiltration and reverse osmosis concentrates. Currently, there are no established regulations for monitoring pharmaceuticals in digestate, but their presence could potentially complicate the direct use of these concentrates in agricultural applications.

Electrochemically fast preparation of superhydrophobic copper mesh for high-efficiency oil spill adsorption and oil-water separation

Oily wastewater and marine oil spills are a massive environmental and human threat. Conventional oil spill treatment methods include adsorption by absorbent materials, dispersants or adsorbents, and in situ burning. Superhydrophobic materials, as a material that can achieve oil-water separation, have great potential for application in oil spill treatment. Research on superhydrophobic oil spill treatment mainly focuses on materials such as sponges and fabrics. Although these materials can effectively perform oil-water separation or oil spill adsorption, they also have the disadvantages of complicated preparation methods and high costs. Here, we present a miniature device for oil-water separation and oil spill collection and recovery. The superhydrophobic copper mesh box can be used on its own as an oil-water separation device or in combination with a commercial polyurethane sponge as a miniature oil-absorbing device. The robust copper mesh is prepared in two steps: anodizing and impregnation. The superhydrophobic copper mesh had a high oil separation flux (32,330Lm-2 h-1) and efficiency (97%), which remained high (28,560Lm-2 h-1) and efficient (95%) after 20 cycles of separation. The combined micro oil adsorption device can adsorb different oils and fats on the water surface, and it has good reusability with oil adsorption capacity and efficiency up to 15.28g/g and 98% and still has good oil adsorption capacity (11.54g/g) and efficiency (94.6%) after 20 cycles of adsorption. Therefore, the prepared micro oil-absorbing device has promising application prospects in oil-water separation, oil spill cleanup, etc. Environmental ImplicationThis study demonstrates a facile electrochemical approach to prepare a miniature device for high-efficiency oil-water separation and oil spill collection and recovery. The modified copper mesh's separation flux could reach 32,330Lm-2 h-1, showing great promise in oil-water separation and oil spill cleanup.

Sustainable production of graphene quantum dots from rice husk for photo‐degradation of organochlorine pesticides

AbstractThe controlled synthesis of two‐dimensional nanocrystals of graphene particles instead of amorphous carbon quantum dots is highly challenging and requires tremendous efforts to optimize the reaction conditions. It has been observed that as a significant bio‐compatible zero‐dimensional material, graphene quantum dots are considered as a novel material for opto‐electronics, energy, biological and environmental applications. However, very few are known about their utilization in photocatalytic degradation of pesticides, especially organochlorine pesticides which are resistant to removal by conventional wastewater treatment methods. In this work, graphene quantum dots were produced from rice husk at relatively low temperatures, resulting in an average particle size of 3.3 nm. The high resolution transmission electron microscopy clearly showed the formation of spherical quantum dots having lattice fringes and the selected area electron diffraction pattern showed the crystallinity of the graphene quantum dots. A study of photodegradation of three highly toxic organochlorine pesticides namely, dichlorodiphenyl trichloro ethane, cypermethrin and fenvalerate were carried out using as‐synthesized graphene quantum dots from rice husk. Interestingly, all these pesticides were found to be degraded around 60 % to 70 % under visible light conditions. It confirmed that synthesized graphene quantum dots from rice husk can act as prominent photocatalyst for the degradation of pesticides and other pollutants.

Characterization of novel solar based nitrogen doped titanium dioxide photocatalytic membrane for wastewater treatment

The increasing presence of microbial and emerging organic contaminants pose detrimental effects on the environment and ecosystem such as diseases, pandemics and toxicity. Most of these synthetic pollutants are biorecalcitrant and therefore persist in the environment. Conventional water treatment methods are not effective thereby necessitating the development of advanced techniques such as photocatalysis and membrane processes. In this study, visible light-driven photocatalytic membrane was synthesized through the immobilization of nitrogen-doped nanoparticles onto the polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) membrane and performance evaluated with E.coli microbial contaminant removal. Characterization was done using Fourier transform infrared spectra, X-ray diffraction (XRD), water contact angle, Scanning Electron Microscopy-Energy Dispersive X-ray (SEM-EDX). The Nitrogen-doping of titanium dioxide red-shifted the light absorption to a visible range of 440 nm from 400 nm. Nitrogen dopant was detected at 1420 cm−1and 1170 cm−1 for nitrogen doped nanoparticles and 1346-1417 cm−1 for nitrogen doped titanium dioxide PVDF membrane. SEM-EDX confirmed presences of nitrogen in nitrogen doped titanium dioxide nanoparticles on membrane surface with nitrogen elemental composition of 0.01 % wt. The water contact angle reduced by 81.39o from 120.14o to 38.75o because of PVA immobilization of nitrogen-doped titanium dioxide and glutaraldehyde crosslinking. Nitrogen doping resulted in visible light active photocatalytic membranes with better hydrophilicity and fouling resistance. 8.42 E.coli log removal and a relative flux of 0.35 was obtained within 75 min. The developed photocatalytic membrane enables the use of sunlight hence a less costly method for decontamination of wastewater.