Laboratory-scale Model Research Articles

Abstract A029: Novel high-purity CTC isolation technology for downstream analysis: A “Cell- Circuit” magnetophoretic-microfluidic hybrid device

Abstract Circulating Tumor Cells are the only blood analytes that contain comprehensive multi-omic information regarding living tumor cells. As such, CTCs are an essential tool for the precise diagnosis of cancer. This has led to increased interest in both enumeration, and more significantly, the downstream analysis of bulk and single CTCs. One primary technical limitation that limits adoption of CTCs into routine clinical practice is the ability to effectively isolate CTCs from non-target cells. While several technologies have been developed and commercialized including initial clinical adoption, most technologies have fundamental limitations in sample purity which limits the quality of downstream analysis. Another limitation is the number of steps needed to complete enrichment, especially in high purity isolation where 2 techniques are usually required to be performed in sequence. The authors propose a novel, single-cell isolation technology called L:Cell™. This technology utilizes precise micro-magnetic patterns to allow immuno-magnetically labeled cells to be isolated individually and directed to user-defined locations. Such “Cell-Circuits” enable parallel, computer-circuit-like manipulation of a large array of single cells – combining both precision and throughput. Passive and active single-cell control is made possible by circuit components such as gates, single-cell capacitors, and transistors. The technology also enables the classification of cells based on size in addition to the presence of magnetic beads. A "passive component" performs its function under an external rotating magnetic field, manipulating cells without the need for an electrical current. The majority of circuitry on-chip are such passive components, which enable the device's key advantage of parallelized control. In contrast, an "active component" is designed in conjunction with passive components to create a local magnetic field at specific locations. This allows cells to be rerouted or manipulated on-demand. Using active components, users can selectively isolate individual cells (e.g., based on size, morphology, or fluorescence). While micro-magnetophoretic technology has been explored by various research teams, the authors have advanced this technology further by micro-magnetic simulation and integrating microfluidic technology. This integration improves the inlet and outlet structures for cell samples and the alignment of particles’ flow, thereby maximizing the commercialization potential of this sophisticated technology. In lab-scale modeling, the authors demonstrated a high separation purity level of 92%. By allowing manipulation at single-cell level using magnetic fields only, the technology minimizes any stress on the cells during isolation processes. The authors developed a user- friendly interface utilizing microfluidic channels for the extraction of CTCs from whole blood using this hybrid device. Additionally, the authors are conducting further adaptation studies to apply this technology to various downstream techniques, such as genomic analysis and protein profiling. Citation Format: Chanhee Lee, Hun Heo, Youngwoo Park, Donghee Ko. Novel high-purity CTC isolation technology for downstream analysis: A “Cell- Circuit” magnetophoretic-microfluidic hybrid device [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference: Liquid Biopsy: From Discovery to Clinical Implementation; 2024 Nov 13-16; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Clin Cancer Res 2024;30(21_Suppl):Abstract nr A029.

Attenuation of bulk waves using locally resonant soil-coupled metabarriers

Abstract Low frequency ground-borne vibrations generated by transport infrastructure are one of the most serious causes of disturbance to the general population. One possibility to reduce this problem is to use the wave filtering properties of elastic metamaterials. However, their integration in the soil complicates the prediction of their response, and the influence of soil-structure interaction needs to be correctly evaluated for an efficient design. The aim of this work is to experimentally evaluate the efficiency of metamaterial trench barriers set in soil in attenuating vibrations, using low-frequency local resonance mechanisms. A lab scale model is proposed comprising different resonating structures and a cylindrical encasement is adopted to couple the structure to the soil. The influence of various parameters is evaluated, such as metamaterial structure, geometrical characteristics of the resonator, and constituent materials. Finite Element simulations are used to develop a suitable design, analysing mode shapes and resonance frequencies of structures with and without the surrounding encasement. Experimental modal analysis is then performed on the corresponding fabricated samples, providing both model validation and out-of-soil mechanical characterization. Finally, vibration transmission loss measurements are performed in a setup in which different resonant metamaterial barriers are embedded into the soil sample, allowing the evaluation of barrier performance. Results indicate that the metamaterial structures provide good attenuation of vibrations in selected intervals in the low to high frequency range (1–5 kHz), demonstrating the feasibility of the approach in a scaled sample. Preliminary data regarding the structures providing preferable design characteristics is also obtained. These results can be useful for the design of trench barriers scaled to large dimensions in more realistic applicative settings.

Chlorinated paraffins as chlorine donors for the formation of 2- and 3-chloropropanediols in refined vegetable oils

The knowledge of chloropropanediols (MCPD) fatty acid esters formation pathways is an important condition for these processing contaminants mitigation. This study aimed to assess the potential of a group of lipophilic environmental contaminants, polychlorinated alkanes, commonly known as chlorinated paraffins (CPs), to contribute to the formation of MCPD esters. Laboratory-scale model systems representing vegetable oils contaminated with both a technical mixture of short-chained CPs and individual short-chained CPs were designed and subjected to heat treatment (230 °C, 2 h) to simulate the deacidification and deodorisation processes. A substantial increase in MCPD content (up to 3.4 times the control levels) was observed in systems spiked with a technical mixture. MCPD formation seems to correlate very well with the concentration of CPs in these systems. Based on the generated data, we can conclude that the processing of vegetable oils contaminated with CPs might contribute to elevated concentrations of MCPD.

Investigating supercritical flow characteristics and movement of sediment particles in a narrow channel bend using PTV and video footage

This experimental study investigates the cause of nonuniform invert abrasion observed at sediment bypass tunnel (SBT) bends by examining the variations in velocity distributions, turbulence properties, bed shear stress, and bulk sediment movements under three supercritical bend flow conditions, detailed investigation of such flow is scarce. Using a laboratory-scaled model (1:22) of the downstream bend at Solis SBT, Switzerland, the research utilized particle tracking velocimetry and high-speed cameras with spherical sandstones and glass spheres representing sediments. The results indicate that as the secondary currents develop in the flow direction, the flow properties and sediments redistribute across the channel: the high-momentum fluids are directed toward the outer wall, the bed shear stress increases toward the outer wall, and the sediments are pushed toward the inner wall, which then follow this path downstream, even in straight sections, despite lower bed shear stress. This distribution of sediments, driven by secondary currents, leads to deeper invert abrasions toward the inner wall at SBT bends and downstream sections. Thus, these abrasions are primarily influenced by sediment movement rather than the bed shear stress alone. The study's findings are also valuable for validating future numerical simulations.

An experimental investigation of the effect of barrier trench on vibration propagation on a laboratory scale model

Vibration waves caused by construction or mining operations may cause damage to nearby structures or sensitive machinery and equipment. Some measures are implemented to eliminate or reduce this negative environmental effect of vibration. The barrier trench, one of these methods, aims to reduce the vibration by creating a suitable barrier between the structure and the vibration source on the ground. In this study, the effect of trench depth and distance from the source on vibration waves was simulated with a designed laboratory-scale test set-up to determine the effective parameters in barrier trench use. In addition, the effects of the superimposition of the source vibration wave with the reflected and refracted vibration waves from the trench, which has not been previously discussed in the literature, were also investigated. A laboratory scale gypsum-plaster block with dimensions of 200 cm × 90 cm x 70 cm was prepared and a Schmidt hammer was used as the impact energy source to generate vibration throughout the gypsum block. A trench barrier was opened at different depths on the test block and 588 vibration recordings were taken by the vibration monitor in different locations of the designed set-up. Statistical analyses were performed using vibration measurement results, trench source distance, and trench depths. As a result, vibration estimation equations depending on trench depth and the distance between the vibration source point and the trench were developed and how the presence of trench affects vibration propagation is revealed. It was found that vibrations increase due to the superposition of the source and reflected waves in front of the barrier trench. As the barrier depth increases, it is understood that the vibrations emanating from the near-surface vibration energy source are better blocked by the barrier. Thus, this study provides fundamental information on designing barrier trenches to avoid adverse effects of vibrations.

INNOVATIVE ANALYSIS OF MUD VOLCANO PATTERNS IN WESTERN AND SOUTHWESTERN PAKISTAN THROUGH SATELLITE IMAGERY

Mud volcanoes are geological features formed due to pressurized mud, water, gases accompanied by rocks that are expelled to the surface from underground. In Pakistan, there are more than 80 mud volcanoes. However, there is a lack of extensive, thorough mapping and analysis of Pakistan's mud volcanoes in the West and Southwest utilizing satellite image technologies. The present study aims to locate various clusters in South Western and Western regions of Pakistan, and to make a laboratory scale and conceptual model of mud volcanoes in this region to understand the underlying geological and tectonic processes. Firstly, we have used high-resolution satellite images to demarcate and identify various clusters and individual mud volcanoes. Secondly, mud volcanoes of a lesser-known western segment of Pakistan are the unexplored Pishin Basin (Qila Saifullah, Babu Cheena, Zhob). These mud volcanoes occur in distinct patterns which is the regional trend of Makran subduction zone and Pishin Basin. These mud volcanoes occur in clusters (Hingol National Park), and follow the regional structural trend of lineaments. Tracing these lineaments can help in the identification of more mud volcanoes. These active mud volcanoes release methane and hydrocarbons along with mud and water and can be identified by changes in the tone, and texture (Ormara) of the satellite image. However, few fossil or extinct mud volcanoes still have eroded (Gwadar) craters and are relatively diminished in size (~50m). They exhibit a wide variety of surface structures extruding gas and sometimes with bubbles having viscous hot fluid of mud. It could signify the presence of hydrocarbons beneath the surface. Chandragup mud volcano is an attractive place for Hindus, as they consider it a holy place. They are also important as a geoheritage and tourist sight and can generate significant revenue. Hingol National Park is a captivating site for those all over the world who adore to grasp nature thoroughly. These are significant as similar settings in other countries like Azerbaijan, Romania and New Zealand hold immense petroleum, geoheritage, geotourism and geothermal potential.

Multiscale Approach for Tuning Communication among Chemical Oscillators Confined in Biomimetic Microcompartments.

ConspectusInspired by the biological world, new cross-border disciplines and technologies have emerged. Relevant examples include systems chemistry, which offers a bottom-up approach toward chemical complexity, and bio/chemical information and communication technology (bio/chemical ICT), which explores the conditions for propagating signals among individual microreactors separated by selectively permeable membranes. To fabricate specific arrays of microreactors, microfluidics has been demonstrated as an excellent method. In particular, droplet-based microfluidics is a powerful tool for encapsulating biological entities and chemical reagents in artificial microenvironments, mostly water-in-oil microdroplets. In these systems, the interfaces are liquid-liquid, and their physicochemical properties are key factors for tuning the coupling between molecular diffusion. Simple and double emulsions, where aqueous domains are in equilibrium with oil domains through boundary layers of amphiphilic molecules, are organized assemblies with high interfacial-area-to-volume ratios. These membranes can be engineered to obtain different surface charges, single- or multilayer stacking, and a variable degree of defects in molecular packing. Emulsions find application in many fields, including the food industry, pharmaceutics, and cosmetics. Furthermore, micro- and nanoemulsions can be used to model the propagation of chemical species through long distances, which is not only vital for cell signaling but also significant in molecular computing. Here we present in-depth research on the faceted world of solutions confined in restricted environments. In particular, we focused on the multiscale aspects of structure and dynamics from molecular to micro and macro levels. The Belousov-Zhabotinsky chemical reaction, known for its robustness and well-documented oscillatory behavior, was selected to represent a generic signal emitter/receiver confined within microenvironments separated by liquid-liquid interfaces. In this pulse generator, the temporal and spatial progressions are governed by periodic fluctuations in the concentration of chemical species, which act as activatory or inhibitory messengers over long distances. When organized into "colonies" or arrays, these micro-oscillators exhibit emergent dynamical behaviors at the population level. These behaviors can be finely tuned by manipulating the geometrical distribution of the oscillators and the properties of the interfaces at the nanoscale. By carefully selecting the membrane composition, it is possible to drive the system toward either in-phase, antiphase, or mixed synchronization regimes among individual oscillators, depending on messenger molecules. This relatively simple lab-scale model replicates some of the communication strategies commonly found in biological systems, particularly those based on the passive diffusion of chemical and electrical signals. It can help shed light on fundamental life processes and inspire new implementations in molecular computing and smart materials.

A Laboratory Scale Model Analysis of Stock Raft Foundations and Ventilated Foundation Systems Constructed on Expansive Clay Soils

A Laboratory Scale Model Analysis of Stock Raft Foundations and Ventilated Foundation Systems Constructed on Expansive Clay Soils

Displacement and pressure of surrounding rock during shield tunnelling and supporting in low water content loess

Using a self-developed micro shield machine, a laboratory-scale experimental scheme for shield tunnelling and supporting was designed, and the soil displacement law and earth pressure on the segments during tunnel construction were studied. Based on a nonlinear elastic constitutive model describing the characteristics of loess, the UMAT subroutine was redeveloped and verified by conventional triaxial tests. It was then applied to the numerical simulation of shield tunnelling and supporting. The following are the findings: 1) The disturbance modes of surrounding rock directly above the shield tunnel under different boundaries are similar. The main disturbances occur approximately 4 m above the shield tunnel, extending to a distance of one segment outer diameter on either side of the tunnel's central axis. 2) The pressures on the top and bottom of the segments can be divided into rapid increase, slow increase, and stable fluctuation. These stages correspond to the processes of the segments getting out of the shield shell and the soil collapsing. 3) The largest surrounding rock pressure is at the vault, followed by that at the arch bottom, and the smallest is at both sides of the arch waist, which is consistent with the law obtained based on laboratory-scale model tests. The surrounding rock pressure values of the vault in the numerical simulation are consistent with the laboratory-scale model test results. These verify the reliability of the laboratory-scale model test and the UMAT subroutine based on the nonlinear elastic constitutive model of loess in simulating the shield tunnel construction in loess strata.

Projektowanie zakładu uzdatniania wody przy wsparciu modeli laboratoryjnych

The subject of the research focused on the possibilities of supporting the design of surface water treatment plants using laboratory models. Within the pilot study, the possibilities of using different water treatment processes in the treatment of water from the water reservoir Nové Mlýny in the Czech Republic were assessed. The planned treatment plant is to supply a future recreational site from a shallow reservoir with significant eutrophication and chemical industry in the drainage basin. Coagulation, sedimentation, dissolved air flotation, membrane filtration processes and adsorption on granular activated carbon were investigated. These processes were identified by the preliminary study as applicable to water treatment and it was necessary to determine which could be applied given the site conditions. Laboratory models for the individual processes were used during the laboratory testing. During the research, problems encountered were debugged and the models were modified and some extensions were added to the original models. The coagulation and sedimentation processes were investigated using conventional jar tests. The dissolved air flotation process was simulated using a modified jar test and a lab scale model. Different types and doses of coagulants, mixing parameters and residence times were investigated in the tests. Turbidity value was used as an optimization parameter due to its rapidity of determination and low cost. For some tests, potassium permanganate oxidizability (also known as the permanganate index) was also used as an evaluation parameter so that different evaluation parameters could be compared. In addition, for the dissolved air flotation process, the parameters of the produced sludge - its quantity, suspended solids content and chemical oxygen demand - were monitored. These parameters are crucial for discharge of waste water into the sewer and its costs. The adsorption tests on granular activated carbon were performed as batch tests. The evaluation parameter was the manganese index. Another possible variant of activated carbon tests is a continuous flow-through column. These columns also allow monitoring of the process of fouling and the evolution of the effluent over time. The pilot project then used the results of the laboratory tests to create a design for a treatment plant in the area of interest and selected parts of the project documentation. The pilot project demonstrated the usefulness of laboratory testing as a tool to support the design of drinking water treatment plants. At the same time, these tests allow for a faster and more certain identification of the appropriate water treatment technology and thus reduce the extent of semi-operational testing at the site, leading to a more efficient use of funds by investors.

Coupling Nitrate-Dependent Anaerobic Ethane Degradation with Anaerobic Ammonium Oxidation.

The microbial oxidation of short-chain gaseous alkanes (SCGAs, consisting of ethane, propane, and butane) serves as an efficient sink to mitigate these gases' emission to the atmosphere, thus reducing their negative impacts on air quality and climate. "Candidatus Alkanivorans nitratireducens" are recently found to mediate nitrate-dependent anaerobic ethane oxidation (n-DAEO). In natural ecosystems, anaerobic ammonium-oxidizing (anammox) bacteria may consume nitrite generated from nitrate reduction by "Ca. A. nitratireducens", thereby alleviating the inhibition caused by nitrite accumulation on the metabolism of "Ca. A. nitratireducens". Here, we demonstrate the coupling of n-DAEO with anammox in a laboratory-scale model system to prevent nitrite accumulation. Our results suggest that a high concentration of ethane (6.9-7.9%) has acute inhibition on anammox activities, thus making the coupling process a significant challenge. By maintaining ethane concentrations within the range of 1.7-5.5%, stable ethane and ammonium oxidation, nitrate reduction, and dinitrogen gas generation without nitrite accumulation were finally achieved. After the accomplished coupling of n-DAEO with anammox, nitrate reduction rates increased by 8.1 times compared to the rate observed with n-DAEO alone. Microbial community profiling via 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing showed "Ca. A. nitratireducens" (6.6-12.9%) and anammox bacteria "Candidatus Kuenenia" (3.4-5.6%) were both dominant in the system, indicating they potentially form a syntrophic partnership to jointly contribute to nitrogen removal. Our findings offer insights into the cross-feeding interaction between "Ca. A. nitratireducens" and anammox bacteria in anoxic environments.

A new method for solids residence time distribution measurement in continuous fluidized beds

Accurate measurement of solids residence time distribution (RTD) is an important and challenging issue in developing fluidized bed reactors with continuous solids feeding and discharging. In this study, we proposed a new method for measuring solids residence time distribution, where coked bulk material was used for solids tracer and high-precision element analyzers were used to determine solids tracer fraction. A calibration procedure was established to achieve high-accuracy measurement of solids tracer fraction. The following validation tests had successfully proved the pseudo-CSTR solids flow pattern under different operating conditions and the staging effect of an inserted horizontal baffle in a small laboratory-scale fluidized bed cold model, which demonstrate the feasibility and advantages of this new solids RTD measurement method.

Influence of lateral variations in décollement strength on the structure of fold-and-thrust belts: Insights from viscous wedge models

Fold-and-thrust belts (FTBs) evolve over a mechanically weak basal décollement that separates the overlying intensely deformed rocks from the underlying less deformed ones. Although deformation structures in FTBs commonly show lateral continuity, a closer inspection reveals distinctive variations in structural style (e.g., fold style) along and across mountain belts. This study uses laboratory-scale viscous models to investigate the influence of lateral décollement strength variations on the spatio-temporal evolution of strain patterns in FTBs. These experiments, simulating crustal-scale deformation, show notable changes in the mode of tectonic wedge growth, including the topographic evolution and ductile strain pattern distribution. For example, the deformation front propagates faster over weakly coupled décollement than the laterally adjacent strongly coupled segment, leading to along-strike variations of the topographic slope and curved outline of the deformation front. Constrictional strain, characteristic of regions of weak coupling, is transient and replaced by flattening strain beyond ∼20 % bulk shortening. The latter prevails in regions over strong décollement, whereas complex strain histories mark the transition zone between weak and strong décollements. Based on our modelling results, we propose that variations in décollement strength may cause the segmentation of deformation processes and the development of transverse faults in FTBs.

Utilizing data-driven algorithms for blind modal parameter identification of structures from output-only video measurements

In structural dynamics and vibration analysis, modal identification plays a pivotal role in understanding and characterizing the dynamic behavior of complex systems. Traditional modal analysis techniques heavily rely on accurate sensor placement and knowledge of the excitation forces, which may not always be feasible or practical in real-world scenarios. Recently, non-contact video-based modal analysis methods for structures with arbitrary complexity using computer vision techniques have gained much importance. But these methods need to know ahead of time where the structure's natural frequency ranges are, and they use steerable pyramids, which are complicated multi-scale image decomposition filters. To address these issues, a blind modal identification technique is suggested to extract the modal parameters (modal frequency and mode shapes) from the recorded structural vibration video signal. The proposed algorithm for unsupervised machine learning is the Non-Negative Matrix Factorization (NNMF) method, which is combined with the Generalized Complexity Pursuit (GCP) method for blind source separation. The NNMF algorithm is directly applied to the raw pixel-time series made from the video data to get the temporal components, which are then separated using GCP to find the individual modal frequencies and mode shapes. The above algorithm is first validated on a numerical model and then implemented on laboratory scale models (cantilever, single-degree, and multi-degree frame models). Finally, the proposed methodology is implemented on real-world recorded structural vibration videos to determine its noise sensitivity, such as the Tacoma Narrows bridge and the London Millennium footbridge. The modal parameters extracted are compared with those from the available literature for validation. The estimation errors obtained from all the validations are well below 1%, which makes the technique quite suitable and reliable for structural vibration monitoring by identifying and reproducing complex vibration modes.

Laboratory and numerical simulations of infiltration process and solute transport in karst vadose zone

Groundwater in karst systems is a vital resource, which is often highly vulnerable to contaminants that infiltrate through the vadose zone. Understanding the processes of water and contaminant infiltration in the vadose zone is extremely important for protecting and managing karst water resources. A laboratory-scale physical model based on a typical conceptual model of the karst vadose zone was constructed to characterize the influence of the rainfall intensity and internal structure on the infiltration process and solute transport in the karst vadose zone under controlled conditions. Five factors, including the rainfall intensity, the surface slope, the degree of karstification, the thickness of the transfer zone, and the existence of epikarst, were considered in laboratory experiments. A corresponding lumped-parameter model was subsequently developed to further analyze and investigate the water and solute infiltration processes in the laboratory scale physical model. Recession- and breakthrough curves generated from the lab experiments and the water and solute loss from each reservoir generated from the simulation results were analyzed. The downward trend of breakthrough curves' peak value and the variation of solute loss's proportion in three rainfall events demonstrate that both the increase in thickness and karstification degree will intensify the buffer effect of the karst vadose zone, and this buffer effect is mainly affected by the slow flow system which can be inferred from the increasing percentage of cumulative discharge of slow reservoir (qS). With increasing karstification degree, the recession coefficient (α) exhibits opposite trends depending on the existence of epikarst or not, indicating the karstification degree has a more significant effect on hydraulic conductivity (K) when an epikarst is present while affecting effective porosity (φ) more noticeably in the absence of epikarst. The rainfall intensity affects the results of both experimental and numerical simulation most significantly. The percentage of discharge and solutes flowing from the slow reservoir (qS and msoil_S) have negative correlations with rainfall intensity, suggesting a greater influence on fast flow with increasing rainfall intensity.

Terraced slope metasurface in granular media

SUMMARY In this work, the propagation and attenuation of vertically polarized surface waves when interacting with terraced slopes is studied experimentally and numerically. To validate the devised simulation, a laboratory-scale physical model is tested in order to examine the attenuation properties of this well-known artificial landform. The experiment involves formation of a terraced slope, in a laboratory setup, via use of an unconsolidated granular medium made of silica microbeads. This granular medium exhibits a gravity-induced power-law stiffness profile, resulting in a depth-dependent velocity profile. A piezoelectric actuator was used to excite vertically polarized surface acoustic modes localized near the surface of the medium. The three components of the particle velocity field of these modes were measured by means of a 3-D laser Doppler vibrometer. In accordance with the terraced slope, a simple inclined plane was further tested to investigate and highlight the differences in terms of wave propagation along these two different ground formations. The results of this research provide significant experimental evidence that the terraced slopes form mechanisms which attenuate low-frequency surface waves, thus acting as metasurfaces. This work suggests the use of laboratory-scale physical models to investigate the wave propagation in different landforms, which extend beyond typical horizontal ground morphologies, and which could be linked to atypical wave propagation properties, possibly even influencing propagation of seismic waves.

Model Studies on Settlement of an Expansive Soil Slope Stabilized with GGBS

Expansive soils present significant challenges in civil engineering due to their tendency to undergo volumetric changes with variations in moisture content, often resulting in slope instability and settlement issues. This study investigates the effectiveness of stabilizing expansive soil slopes using Ground Granulated Blast Furnace Slag (GGBS) as an additive. The research employs laboratory-scale model studies to simulate the behaviour of expansive soil slopes subjected to varying levels of GGBS stabilization. The settlement characteristics of the stabilized slopes are analysed under different loading conditions and moisture contents. Experimental results indicate that the incorporation of GGBS enhances the properties of expansive soils, reducing settlement and improving slope stability. The findings contribute to the understanding of sustainable solutions for mitigating settlement issues in expansive soil slopes, offering insights for practical applications in geotechnical engineering.

Laboratory investigations of coupled polyethylene–sand–soft soil shallow foundations

This study investigates clayey soil from a road project situated in the district of Lodhran, Punjab, Pakistan. The subgrade prepared with the soil distorted due to heaving after a certain period of its construction. First, laboratory tests were conducted to explore the reason for this problem, examining the fundamental engineering properties of soil. The test results show that the soil acts as a soft material when water content reaches 30%, significantly reducing its strength. The soft soil is generally considered unsuitable for civil work due to its poor performance behaviour. So, the performance of clayey soil was examined in the study at its soft state by coupling it with stronger materials, such as polyethylene polymeric reinforcement and sand, developing laboratory-scale foundation models. Based on the model studies, the study proposes a sustainable polyethylene–sand–soft soil model, which shows 155 and 56% higher ultimate bearing capacity (BC) than soft soil and sand-reinforced soft soil foundations. The changes in BC occur due to the reinforcement action of the polyethylene reinforcement, which is associated with its tensile membrane action effects and interlock bonding at the soil-reinforcement interface. Practically, the study can reduce the dependency of industry practitioners on sand materials. Using polyethylene in civil work is viable for environmental sustainability.

A Comprehensive Strategy for Stepwise Design of a Lab PROTOTYPE for the Removal of Emerging Contaminants in Water Using Cyclodextrin Polymers as Adsorbent Material.

The significant environmental issue of water pollution caused by emerging contaminants underscores the imperative for developing novel cleanup methods that are efficient, economically viable, and that are intended to operate at high capacity and under continuous flows at the industrial scale. This study shows the results of the operational design to build a prototype for the retention at lab scale of pollutant residues in water by using as adsorbent material, insoluble polymers prepared by β-cyclodextrin and epichlorohydrin as a cross-linking agent. Laboratory in-batch tests were run to find out the adsorbent performances against furosemide and hydrochlorothiazide as pollutant models. The initial evaluation concerning the dosage of adsorbent, pH levels, agitation, and concentration of pharmaceutical pollutants enabled us to identify the optimal conditions for conducting the subsequent experiments. The adsorption kinetic and the mechanisms involved were evaluated revealing that the experimental data perfectly fit the pseudo second-order model, with the adsorption process being mainly governed by chemisorption. With KF constant values of 0.044 (L/g) and 0.029 (L/g) for furosemide and hydrochlorothiazide, respectively, and the determination coefficient (R2) being higher than 0.9 for both compounds, Freundlich yielded the most favorable outcomes, suggesting that the adsorption process occurs on heterogeneous surfaces involving both chemisorption and physisorption processes. The maximum monolayer adsorption capacity (qmax) obtained by the Langmuir isotherm revealed a saturation of the β-CDs-EPI polymer surface 1.45 times higher for furosemide (qmax = 1.282 mg/g) than hydrochlorothiazide (qmax = 0.844 mg/g). Based on these results, the sizing design and building of a lab-scale model were carried out, which in turn will be used later to evaluate its performance working in continuous flow in a real scenario.

The Efficiency of a Biological Reactor in a Domestic Wastewater Treatment Plant Operating Based on ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) Material and Recycled PUR (Polyurethane) Foam

The primary objective of this research was to assess the efficacy of a novel solution under conditions closely resembling those of real-world scenarios. Biological beds, or filters, hold significant potential for widespread implementation in individual households, particularly in areas with dispersed housing. The system’s aim was to improve the quality of wastewater treated in on-site domestic biological treatment plants. A pivotal aspect of the project involved developing a prototype research installation for conducting comprehensive testing. Our installation system consisted of several components designed to create a laboratory-scale model for domestic wastewater treatment. The model comprised four biological reactors filled with ABS material and secured by a PUR frame. Additionally, the tested model included a controller for wastewater dosing control, a septic tank as a reservoir, and four tanks for collecting purified wastewater. Through regression analysis using the Generalized Linear Model (GLM), a correlation between CODCr and TSS was revealed. This study presents the research findings concerning the development of a prototype installation that incorporates an advanced reactor or filter. The data derived from this research have the potential to contribute to the creation of products that enhance the performance and efficiency of household wastewater treatment systems.