Washing Method Research Articles

Sequential washing and eluent regeneration with agricultural waste extracts and residues for facile remediation of meta-contaminated agricultural soils

Washing with organic acids and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) is a promising technique for effective removal of potentially toxic metals from agricultural soils and the two key factors are the screening of inexpensive, high-efficiency, and environmentally friendly washing agents and the safe treatment of waste eluent. We used extracts from agro-forestry wastes (pineapple peel, lemon peel, grapefruit peel and gardening crabapple fruit) to develop a facile two-stage sequential washing method (extracts and/or citric acid (CA) and coupled with extracts) and regenerated waste eluent. The washing efficiencies of Cd and Cu were significantly increased by pineapple peel (PP) using two-stage sequential washing with the sequence of PP + CA-PP > CA-PP > PP-PP. The potential pollution risk from soil Cd was lowered by 33.0% from moderate to low risk, and soil nutrient contents increased. 80.9% of Cd and 81.3% of Cu in waste eluent were efficiently removed by the PP residues. The removal mechanisms of metals in soils and eluents by PP washing agents and residues can be attributed to acid activation, cation exchange and complexation between metal ions and carboxyl groups. Therefore, the PP extracts and residues are potentially suitable for the removal of Cd and Cu from polluted agricultural soils and washing waste eluents.

Oxygen-enriched Nanobubbles for a Green Reactive Washing Process

In this study, we used the new nanobubbles technology to create a green reactive washing process for the textile industry, as one of the most polluting sectors where environmentally friendly process designs are indispensable to protect the environment. With this technology, the possibility of eliminating the soaping-off step from the reactive washing sequence was investigated. For the design of an environmentally friendly reactive washing process, the effects of increasing the process temperature of the soaping-off step as well as the use of oxygen-enriched NBs in all washing steps after reactive dyeing with three different dyes were investigated. The results were evaluated by comparing the color coordinates, strength, and fastness of dyed cotton towels washed according to the conventional and alternative processes as well as examining the absorbance and chemical oxygen demand values of the washing baths. Alternative washings did not cause significant differences in color coordinates, while the lowest color strength and highest fastness values were obtained after washing with nanobubbles. The absorbance graphs showed that the most colorful baths belonged to the first bath of the nanobubble washing regime. Chemical oxygen demand measurements revealed that the alternative washing systems were more environmentally friendly than the conventional ones. Based on the results of this study, we concluded that it was possible to implement more eco-friendly washing methods by eliminating the use of soap.

The Death and Disposal of Sacred Texts

Abstract Both Islamic and Jewish thought display a sensitivity to the treatment of texts, particularly sacred texts. This article investigates Muslim debates on how to dispose of worn-out sacred texts. It argues that these debates were rooted in the precedent formed by the reported destruction of noncanonical copies of the Qurʾān by the third caliph ʿUthmān, and they featured various preferred and rejected methods of text disposal, including burning, washing, shredding, and burying. By the thirteenth century CE, these debates had yielded a robust theorization of worn-out texts as analogous to human corpses and thus deserving of respectful burial.

Influence of wash aids on Bacillus spore removal from an asphalt parking lot using two spray-based washing methods.

The goal of this study was to measure the removal efficacy of Bacillus atrophaeus spores from a parking lot using spray-based washing methods (a pressure washer and a garden hose) and wash aids. B. atrophaeus is a commonly used nonpathogenic surrogate for B. anthracis, the causative agent of anthrax and a deadly bioterrorism agent that would cause major disruptions and damage to public health should it be disseminated over an urban area. Five wash aids (1mM sodium chloride, an Instant Ocean® seawater solution, 0.01% Tween 20, 0.01% sodium dodecyl sulfate, and unamended tap water) were used along with two different spray sequences in this study. Across all treatment conditions, 3.7-6.4log10 colony forming unit were recovered in the runoff water, and 0.15%-23% of spores were removed from the surface of the parking lot. Pressure washing removed more spores than the garden hose, and for both types of washing methods, the first pass removed more spores than the subsequent passes. The Instant Ocean and Tween 20 wash aids were found to significantly increase the percentage of spore removal when using the pressure washer, but the overall increase was only 1%-2% compared to the tap water alone. This study provides public officials and emergency responders with baseline spore physical removal information for situations where a corrosive disinfectant might have a negative impact on the environment and washing is being considered as an alternative remediation approach.

Remediation of poly-and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contaminated soil using gas fractionation enhanced technology

This study investigated a gas fractionation enhanced soil washing method for poly-and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) removal from contaminated soil. With the assistance of gas fractionation, PFAS removal was increased by a factor of 9, compared to the conventional soil washing method. Pre-extraction (pre-treatment) of the soil with water before gas fractionation enhanced PFAS removal from soil. The optimum extraction time varied based on the soil particle size, since it will change the swelling time of the soil. The influence of various operational conditions such as water to soil mass ratio (W:S ratio), gas type in fractionation, gas flowrate, fractionation time and soil pre-treatment condition have been studied to identify the critical influencing factors. Among various W:S ratios (2, 4, 5, 6, 8, and 10) studied, higher W:S ratio resulted in better PFAS removals, but PFAS removal began to plateau as the W:S ratio increased. PFAS removal could be improved by repeated treatment with low water consumption. Air, oxygen, and ozone generated by air and oxygen were used, in which ozone generated by oxygen achieved the highest PFAS removals of 55.9%. Among different fractionation times (10 min, 20 min and 30 min), a fractionation time of 20 min achieved better total PFAS removal for studied soil, because PFOS was the dominant species in the total PFAS. However, the removal of some PFAS species, such as PFHxS, would be increased with extended fractionation time. With constant fractionation time (10 min), PFAS removal performance improved with the increasing gas flowrate.

Impact of Washing Processes on RNA Quantity and Quality in Patient-Derived Colorectal Cancer Tissues.

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a common and lethal cancer worldwide. Extraction of high-quality RNA from CRC samples plays a key role in scientific research and translational medicine. Specimen collection and washing methods that do not compromise RNA quality or quantity are needed to ensure high quality specimens for gene expression analysis and other RNA-based downstream applications. We investigated the effect of tissue specimen collection and different preparation processes on the quality and quantity of RNA extracted from surgical CRC tissues. Materials and Methods: After surgical resection, tissues were harvested and prepared with various washing processes in a room adjacent to the operating room. One hundred fourteen tissues from 36 CRC patients were separately washed in either cold phosphate-buffered saline reagent (n = 34) or Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium (DMEM; n = 34) for 2-3 minutes until the stool was removed, and unwashed specimens served as controls (n = 34). Six tissue specimens were washed and immersed in DMEM for up to 1 hour at 4°C. Before RNA extraction, all specimens were kept in the stabilizing reagent for 3 months at -80°C. RNA was extracted, and the concentration per milligram of tissue was measured. RNA quality was assessed using the RNA integrity number (RIN) value. Results: Different washing processes did not result in significant differences in RNA quantity or RIN values. In the six tissues that were washed and immersed in DMEM for 1 hour, RIN values significantly decreased. The quality of the extracted RNA from most specimens was excellent with the average RIN greater than 7. Conclusions: RNA is stable in specimens washed in different processes for short periods, but RIN values may decrease with prolonged wash times.

Effect of ethanol washing on porcine pulmonary artery wall decellularization using sodium dodecyl sulfate.

To determine the effectiveness of ethanol (EtOH) washing on porcine pulmonary artery (PA) wall decellularization using sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), we compared three different washing methods (phosphate-buffered saline [PBS], pH 9 alkali, and EtOH washing). Fresh porcine PA walls were decellularized using 0.5% SDS and 0.5% sodium deoxycholate (SDC). The decellularized tissues were rinsed using three different washing techniques. Histological, biochemical, and mechanical analyses were conducted. Implantation into the subcutaneous tissue of rats and patch implantation into the carotid artery of dogs were performed as preliminary in vivo studies. The decellularization protocol based on SDS and SDC effectively removed the cells. The major extracellular matrix (ECM) structures (collagen, elastic fiber, and glycosaminoglycan) were properly preserved with the 75% EtOH-washing method. Significantly reduced residual SDS content was identified in EtOH-washed tissues compared to that in the other methods. No significant difference in the mechanical strength test was observed between the washing methods, and the EtOH-washing method showed better results in the metabolic activity test compared to the PBS-washing method. In the rat study model, no acute rejection or massive calcification was observed. The in vivo preliminary canine study showed better cell repopulation in the EtOH-washed group. EtOH washing of SDS-based decellularized porcine PA wall can reduce the residual SDS content and preserve ECM structures, especially the elastin content, and could also enhance cell repopulation after re-implantation.

Decontamination of Mixed Paper and Plastic Municipal Solid Waste Increases Low and High Temperature Conversion Yields

With the implementation of China’s Green Fence Policy and the following National Sword Policy, there is a need to divert previously accepted waste materials away from the landfill. Mixed plastic and paper wastes that are too contaminated to be economically recycled can be used for conversion into fuels and products. The effect of common contaminants present in waste streams must be determined to make municipal solid waste (MSW) a viable alternative to agricultural feedstocks for conversion. In this study, MSW was sourced from a dual stream materials recovery facility (MRF) in Emmet County, Michigan and characterized via mass balance. The most common contaminants in mixed paper and plastic were quantified and targeted for decontamination when mixed paper was explored for low temperature conversion pathways and plastics for high temperature conversion pathways. Ink, stickies, and plastic contamination were sorted out of the mixed paper stream and did not have an impact on sugar yields during enzymatic hydrolysis (EH). Although no improvement in yield was found, it was noted that copy paper within the mixed paper stream had an elevated pH and higher concentration of fermentation inhibitors, suggesting that intrinsic properties of some paper types may not be ideal for EH and fermentation conversion. Dilute alkaline pretreatment and mechanical refining of mixed paper increased the EH yield of mixed paper, suggesting this previously established process could be used as a decontamination method. “Dirt” and particulates were washed from mixed plastic using either an aqueous detergent or a non-aqueous chemical washing method. Liquid oil yields were increased during microwave assisted fast pyrolysis. All decontamination techniques met the cost target of less than $30/dry ton with plastic decontamination ranging from $18.16 to $24.81/dry ton. Because dilute alkaline pre-treatment and mechanical refining is considered part of the conversion process, the decontamination cost during feedstock preprocessing was considered $0/dry ton.

A pH-responsive phosphoprotein surface washing fluid for cleaning oiled shoreline: Performance evaluation, biotoxicity analysis, and molecular dynamic simulation

Oil spill accidents can cause negative impacts on the shoreline ecosystem and endanger public health. In the present study, an innovative green surface washing method based on sodium caseinate (NaCas) was proposed for the cleanup of oiled sand that is removed from the shoreline and treated by washing ex-situ. The comprehensive performance evaluation, biotoxicity analysis, and molecular dynamic simulation were conducted to explore the washing process. The addition of NaCas was able to decrease both surface and interfacial tensions, thereby facilitating oil diffusion and leading to a higher oil removal performance. NaCas fluid displayed a comparable washing performance with some surfactants. The factorial analysis demonstrated that three individual factors (temperature, pH, and NaCas concentration) and three interactive effects (temperature/salinity, temperature/pH, and salinity/pH) had a significant impact on the washing performance of NaCas fluid. Notably, the washing effluent displayed good pH responsiveness, generating a super-clean supernatant with low turbidity and oil concentration. Moreover, biotoxicity tests proved that the presence of NaCas could relieve the toxicity caused by oil droplets by enhancing the chlorophyll concentration and decreasing the reactive oxygen species (ROSs) content, respectively. The molecular dynamic simulation further revealed that NaCas could break the oil layer on the sand surface and move the oil droplets away from the sand. NaCas fluid is a promising candidate for oiled shoreline cleanup due to its low cost, good biocompatibility, pH responsiveness, and high oil removal efficiency.

Destabilization and exchange removal of arsenic in contaminated soils by washing: A new remediation strategy with high efficiency and low mineral loss

Mineral loss is considered a reason of the adverse effect induced by soil washing. In this research, we established a destabilization and exchange removal strategy, whose removal efficiency is higher but whose Fe mineral loss extent is lower than that of traditional soil washing method in the same dosage. In our research, three destabilizers, including oxalic acid (OA), citric acid (CA), tartaric acid (TA), and one exchanger KH2PO4 (KP), were used as single and composite agents for soil washing of As-contaminated soil. The influence of dosage, pH, washing time, and As fractions change along with time were carefully investigated. Our results showed a higher As removal efficiency and lower iron loss extent by composite washing agents than single agents. The removal efficiency was in the order of OA&KP>OA>CA&KP>CA>TA>KP at the concentration of 0.4 mol/L. The Fe loss extent was OA>OA&KP>CA&KP>CA>TA>KP. The mechanism was supposed to be the synergistic effect between destabilizer and exchanger, in which Fe minerals were destabilized by the former and benefitted by the latter to absorb on the mineral surface instead of As. In addition to a low iron loss extent, this strategy is a potential fertilizer, which benefits the reuse of washed soils and soil function recovery. Thus, destabilization and exchange removal strategy will be a more suitable method compared with traditional soil washing methods for contaminated soils.Capsule: The synergistic effect between organic acids and phosphate gives us novel insights into remediation of arsenic-contaminated soils more environment-friendly.

Froth-Flotation Separation as an Alternative for the Treatment of Soil Enriched with Fluorine Derived from Mica.

Fluorine (F) enrichment originating from natural sources is difficult to remove using chemical washing methods due to the large chemical-resistant residual fraction. This study evaluates the feasibility of using a froth-flotation separation method to remediate soil with a high F concentration caused by mica weathering, and it investigates the optimal conditions for this process, including pH of the slurry, collector dosage, and sample mechanical preparation strategy. The established optimum conditions are pH 3.5, 300 mg/kg collector dosage (tallow amine acetate), which can effectively separate quartz and mica, and a sieving-and-milling strategy that involves discarding particles of size < 0.05 mm, milling those in the range of 0.5–2.0 mm (until < approx. 0.3 mm), and mixing particles with sizes in the range of 0.05–0.5 mm. The target contamination level of 400 mg/kg for the test soil was not met after the first flotation separation process. However, after milling the residue of the first process and subjecting it to a second flotation separation process, the required contamination level was achieved. Consequently, the proposed froth-flotation separation process can be used as a successful alternative technique to remediate F-enriched soils from natural origin that have highly chemical-resistant forms.

Quantification of silver nanoparticle interactions with yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae studied using single-cell ICP-MS.

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have been used in many fields due to their anticancer, antimicrobial, and antiviral potential. Single-cell ICP-MS (SC-ICP-MS) is an emerging technology that allows for the rapid characterization and quantification of a metal analyte across a cell population in a single analysis. In this study, a new rapid and sensitive SC-ICP-MS method was developed to quantitatively study the interactions of AgNPs with yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The method can quantify the cell concentration, silver concentration per cell, and profile the nanoparticle distribution in a yeast cell population. AgNP dosing time, concentration, and AgNP size were quantitatively evaluated for their effects on AgNP-yeast cell interactions. The results showed that the initial uptake of AgNPs was rapid and primarily driven by the mass of Ag per cell. The optimal dosing particle concentrations for highest uptake were approximately 1820, 1000, and 300 AgNPs/cell for 10, 20, and 40 nm AgNPs, respectively. Furthermore, this study also validated a washing method for the application to a microorganism for the first time and was used to quantitatively determine the amount of cell surface–adsorbed AgNPs and intracellular AgNPs. These results indicated that the mass (Ag in ag/cell) ratios of intracelluar vs cell surface-adsorbed AgNPs were similar for different AgNP sizes. This high throughput and ultrasensitive SC-ICP-MS method is expected to have many potential applications, such as optimization of methods for green synthesis of AgNPs, nanotoxicity studies, and drug delivery. This is the first quantification study on the interactions of AgNPs and S. cerevisiae using SC-ICP-MS.Graphical abstract Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00216-022-03937-4.

In vivo evaluation of oxidized multiwalled-carbon nanotubes-mediated hyperthermia treatment for breast cancer

Breast cancer is one of the most common types of cancer that contribute to high mortality worldwide. Hyperthermia (HT) was introduced as one of the alternative treatments to treat breast cancer but has major drawback of damaging normal adjacent cells. This study explores the integration effect of multiwalled‑carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) in combination with hyperthermia treatment for breast cancer therapy regimes. In this study, acid-functionalized MWCNTs (ox-MWCNTs) were prepared by acid washing methods using H2SO4/HNO3 (98%/68%) with the ratio of 3:1 (ν/ν) and characterized by colloidal dispersibility test, FTIR, TGA, XRD, FESEM and EDX analysis. EMT6 tumor-bearing mice were treated with ox-MWCNTs in combination with local HT at 43 °C. The tumor progression was monitored and the influence of immune response was evaluated. Results from this study demonstrated that mice from ox-MWCNTs in combination with local HT treatment group experienced complete tumor eradication, accompanied by a significant increase in median survival of the mice. Histological and immunohistochemical analysis of tumor tissues revealed that tumor treated with combined treatment underwent cell necrosis and there was a significant reduction of proliferating cells when compared to the untreated tumor. This observation is also accompanied with an increase in Hsp70 expression in tumor treated with HT. Flow cytometry analysis of the draining lymph nodes showed an increase in dendritic cells infiltration and maturation in mice treated with combined treatment. In addition, a significant increase of tumor-infiltrated CD8+ and CD4+ T cells along with macrophages and natural killer cells was observed in tumor treated with combined treatment. Altogether, results presented in this study suggested the potential of ox-MWCNTs-mediated HT as an anticancer therapeutic agent, hence might be beneficial in the future of breast cancer treatment.

Edukasi Pencegahan Corona Virus Disease (Covid19) dalam Menghadapi New Normal melalui Whatsapp Group di Desa Pematang Lumut Kecamatan Betara

The rise of the spread of covid-19 in the world, including Indonesia, especially in Pematang Lumut Village, Tangung Jabung Barat Regency, Jambi Province, worries all parties. Corona virus is a pandemic disease in 2019, where one of the handling and prevention can be done by complying with health protocols. Community service activities were carried out in November-December 2020 with a discussion method and conveying material and pictorial posters related to the corana virus sent via Whatsapp Group. In this pictorial poster there are 4 things, namely (1) Education about Covid-19, (2) Good and Correct Hand Washing Methods, (3) Social Distancing, (4) How to Use Masks. This community service activity begins with a pre-test and ends with a post-test online survey regarding the level of compliance with health protocols during the new normal. This Community Service (PKM) aims to be used as a source of knowledge for the people of Pematang Lumut Village, Betara District, Tanjung Jabung Barat Regency, and can help pay more attention to and comply with health protocols in undergoing New Normal. The results of this activity which were evaluated both through Google Form and the question and answer via Whatsapp Group, were that the average community was satisfied and experienced an increase in understanding of COVID-19 prevention by complying with health protocols.

Coalbed methane recovery enhanced by screen pipe completion and jet flow washing of horizontal well double tubular strings

This paper proposes a novel method of screen pipe completion and jet flow washing of horizontal well double tubular strings to enhance coalbed methane (CBM) recovery. The specially designed double tubular strings structure achieved the critical functions, including maintaining wellbore stability and providing an efficient channel for CBM transport by the outer string screen pipe system, and the continuous well flushing operation by the inner string jet flow washing system to remove coal fine blockage, reduce reservoir damage from drilling and fracturing fluids and improve the permeability. The field application achieved the average daily gas production was increased from less than 1000 m3/d to 11,500 m3/d in coal seam No. 15 of Panhe block in the southeast of Qinshui Basin in China, which is a breakthrough for enhancing the CBM recovery of coal seam No. 15 as typical TDCs reservoir with the permeability ranged from 0.08 mD to 0.15 mD that is far below 1.0 mD as the critical value for CBM commercial development. In summary, it can be suggested as an adaptive approach for enhancing the CBM recovery and is significant for releasing the gas productivity of tremendous CBM resources of the strong deformation TDCs.

Dust deposition effect on photovoltaic modules performance and optimization of cleaning period: A combined experimental–numerical study

The main purposes of this study are: i) evaluating magnitude of error in predicting soiling power loss of photovoltaic (PV) modules based on the measurement of short-circuit current; ii) presenting simple experimental models for estimating dust effect on the PV power generation; and finally iii) finding an optimal cleaning schedule for a utility-scale solar power station located in a semi-arid environment. The results showed that, on average, soiling short-circuit current loss underestimates actual soiling power loss by approximately 9%, and with increasing dust density this value also increases. The soiling rate in the first week of dust deposition was evaluated to be 0.27%/day, meanwhile, for the last week it was 0.13%/day. This observation confirmed that the exponential model is more accurate than linear and power relations for estimating dust effect on PV systems in the case study. The optimal cleaning period of a solar farm was obtained 17.50 and 6.39 days, for the manual and machine-assisted washing methods, respectively. The sensitivity analysis regarding the effect of environmental variables on the optimal cleaning period was addressed at last. The results indicated that such analysis is necessary in order to find a reliable estimate for optimal cleaning period in PV power plants.

Development of Soil Washing Method for Oil-Contaminated Fine Soil

Development of Soil Washing Method for Oil-Contaminated Fine Soil

Magnetic graphene oxide for methylene blue removal: adsorption performance and comparison of regeneration methods.

A series of Fe3O4-graphene oxide (GO) composite materials (MGOs) with abundant surface area, rich oxygen-containing functional groups, and magnetic properties were prepared in a facile coprecipitation method and then employed for the adsorptive removal of methylene blue (MB) from water. The kinetic data were better fitted in the pseudo-second-order model than in the pseudo-first-order model, and the intraparticle diffusion model revealed the two-step diffusion process including diffusion in the boundary layer and in the porous structures. The maximum adsorption amounts of MB were calculated to be 37.5-108mg/g at 25°C and pH 9 using the Langmuir isotherm model. Thermodynamic study showed that the adsorption process was spontaneous, with ΔH° of 23.0-49.6kJ/mol and ΔS° of 131-249J∙mol-1∙K-1. The adsorption amount of MB increased with pH in the range of 4-10. Inorganic ions including Na+ and Ca2+ suppressed the adsorption of MB, and the more pronounced impact of Ca2+ was ascribed to its higher valence state. The cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) surfactant showed a stronger inhibitory effect than Ca2+. The adsorption mechanism was proposed to be a combination of electrostatic interactions, hydrophobic adsorption, and electron donor-acceptor interactions. Two methods were used for the regeneration of spent MGO, and the results showed that the peroxomonosulfate (PMS) oxidation method was more favorable than the acid washing method, considering the better regeneration ability and lower amount of washing water used. Finally, the reaction mechanism of PMS oxidation was analyzed based on quenching tests and in situ open circuit potential measurements, which proved that OH and 1O2 played dominant roles and that the fine adsorption ability of MGO promoted the reaction between them and MB.

Correct Handwashing Education According to WHO Guidelines at MI Muhammadiyah Needs Magelang District

At the beginning of 2020, the world was shocked by the emergence of a new disease outbreak, Covid-19, which was caused by the SARS COV-2 virus. The school environment is one of the places that is vulnerable to the spread of this virus. An effective preventive measure against the spread of Covid-19 is the application of clean and healthy living habits (PHBS) in the school environment, one of which is the habit of washing hands. However, not all residents in the school understand how to wash their hands properly. The purpose of this service activity is to provide education about proper hands washing according to WHO for MI Muhammadiyah Need in Magelang Regency. The material needed for the implementation of the activity is a hand sanitizer liquid made from 70% active alcohol as a hand disinfectant. Implementation of community service activities using demonstration methods and hands-on practice of hands washing according to WHO. Based on this service activity, not all members of the MI Muhammadiyah Need was known the steps for hands washing properly according to WHO. Through this service, school residents are given knowledge and practice the 8 steps of hand washing according to WHO using a handsanitizer. Thus, school residents are expected to be able to apply proper hand washing methods in their daily life and socialize it to other individuals school residents are given knowledge and practice the 8 steps of hand washing according to WHO using a handsanitizer. Thus, school residents are expected to be able to apply proper hand washing methods in their daily life and socialize it to other individuals school residents are given knowledge and practice the 8 steps of hand washing according to WHO using a handsanitizer. Thus, school residents are expected to be able to apply proper hand washing methods in their daily life and socialize it to other individuals

Preparation of electrochromic film by combination of electrostatic spray method/in-situ washing method

Preparation of electrochromic film by combination of electrostatic spray method/in-situ washing method