Facile Process Research Articles

An Eco-Friendly Synthesis Approach for Enhanced Photocatalytic and Antibacterial Properties of Copper Oxide Nanoparticles Using Coelastrella terrestris Algal Extract.

In the current scenario, the synthesis of nanoparticles (NPs) using environmentally benign methods has gained significant attention due to their facile processes, cost-effectiveness, and eco-friendly nature. In the present study, copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs) were synthesized usingaqueous extract of Coelastrella terrestrisalgae as a reducing, stabilizing, and capping agent. The synthesized CuO NPs were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV-visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), dynamic light scattering (DLS), and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). XRD investigation revealed that the biosynthesized CuO NPs were nanocrystalline with high-phase purity and size in the range of 4.26 nm to 28.51 nm. FTIR spectra confirmed the existence of secondary metabolites on the surface of the synthesized CuO NPs, with characteristic Cu-O vibrations being identified around 600 cm-1, 496 cm-1, and 440 cm-1. The FE-SEM images predicted that the enhancement of the algal extract amount converted the flattened rice-like structures of CuO NPs into flower petal-like structures. Furthermore, the degradation ability of biosynthesized CuO NPs was investigated against Amido black 10B (AB10B) dye. The results displayed that the optimal degradation efficacy of AB10B dye was 94.19%, obtained at 6 pH, 50 ppm concentration of dye, and 0.05 g dosage of CuO NPs in 90 min with a pseudo-first-order rate constant of 0.0296 min-1. The CuO-1 NPs synthesized through algae exhibited notable antibacterial efficacy against S. aureus with a zone of inhibition (ZOI) of 22 mm and against P. aeruginosa with a ZOI of 17 mm. Based on the findings of this study, it can be concluded that utilizing Coelastrella terrestris algae for the synthesis of CuO NPs presents a promising solution for addressing environmental contamination.

Simulation modelling of residual resource for hoisting mechanisms in the mining industry

The rationale for prolonging the operational life of the crane is rooted in the economic viability of conserving metal and energy, leading to ecological benefits. Cranes, being structures with a high metal content, contribute to pollution reduction by eliminating the necessity for additional manufacturing processes in mining, metallurgical, machinery plants, and energy supply facilities. To assess the remaining service life, statistical simulation modelling is employed. The objective is to showcase the feasibility of determining the residual resource within the time interval using the Monte Carlo method in simulation modelling. In this analysis, multiple random parameter values are generated, and calculations are performed to form a statistical distribution of the results. The reliability theory utilizes the Weibull distribution. Once the distribution parameters are established, the residual resource of the metal structure operating in the interval can be ascertained. A crane with a service life of more than twenty years is considered, and the quantity is modelled randomly within the range from zero to one. From twenty experiments, the results indicate an average resource with a confidence interval of few years.

Long-term pilot study on advanced treatment of lake water by ultrafiltration / nanofiltration

Advanced water treatment technologies, including ozone biologically activated carbon adsorption (O3-BAC), ultrafiltration (UF), and nanofiltration (NF), are essential for enhancing drinking water quality. O3-BAC and UF excel in pathogen, virus, and by-product removal, while NF promises enhanced contaminant elimination for high-quality water. However, the implementation of combined UF/NF dual-membrane treatment processes in large-scale water treatment facilities using surface water sources like lakes remains relatively novel. The lack of long-term operational data is the main reason for the limited widespread adoption. To address this, two pilot systems were established: one comprising ‘O3-BAC + pressure-driven UF(I) + NF(I) (Route 1 at 6.4m3/h)’, and the other ‘immersed UF(II) + NF(II) (Route 2 at 3.2m3/h)’, undergoing a year-long evaluation. The trials showed that the dual-membrane systems were effective and resistant to interference. Notably, they achieved removal efficiencies exceeding 98 % for turbidity, UV254 absorbance, fluorescence substances, and algae, alongside significant reductions in odor (80 %) and total dissolved solids (TDS) by 30 %. Both membrane systems display promising performance and O3-BAC is recommended as a pretreatment process. Analysis revealed that the primary constituents of membrane fouling on the NF membranes are aluminum silicate, SiO2, CaCO3 particles, and organic pollutants, which are typically formed through interactions between calcium ions and dissolved organic matter (DOM). The most effective cleaning protocol involves acidic-alkaline treatments. This study provides valuable operational insights into advanced treatment processes using dual-membrane combinations for water treatment plants that rely on lake water sources.

Visualization of the rolling motion of spheres connected with a rubber band using an image processing technique

The traditional physics laboratory has adopted a photogate and polarized light to measure rotation motion in a fixed system, but they are not applicable to rolling objects. Computer vision has played an increasingly important role in image analysis. The popularization of mobile phones, cameras and computers makes it possible to measure the rotation of an object in a simple but nonintrusive way in a physics laboratory. A ‘tracker’ has been used to analyze the rotation motion of large objects, such as vehicle wheels, by recognizing the position of a marker. However, it is still challenging to precisely recognize the marker in a small object via simple algorithms in a physics laboratory. In this paper, we introduce a facile image processing technique to visualize the rotation and spin motion of spheres by marking it with two red and green semi-spheres. A basic formula of projection was derived to analyze the expression of spin angles with the projection area of the semi-sphere. The precision and suitability of the image processing technique was proven to be effective through comparison with the photogate measurement technique. The image processing technique has also been used to analyze the rotation and spin motion of two spheres bonded with a rubber band. It provides not only the trajectory of sphere centers, but the evolution of spin angles, orbit diameter and orbit angles of spheres. By analyzing the relationship between spin angles and orbit diameter, it is clear that the rubber band experienced typical transformations between three different phases (twist, coil and supercoil) until the energy was exhausted. The method offers valuable insights into rotational dynamics, showcasing its potential for practical applications in the physics laboratory and in educational contexts.

Effective Charge Collection of Electron Transport Layers for High-Performance Quantum Dot Infrared Solar Cells.

Infrared (IR) solar cells, capable of converting low-energy IR photons to electron-hole pairs, are promising optoelectronic devices by broadening the utilization range of the solar spectrum to the short-wavelength IR region. The emerging PbS colloidal quantum dot (QD) IR solar cells attract much attention due to their tunable band gaps in the IR region, potential multiple exciton generation, and facile solution processing. In PbS QD solar cells, ZnO is commonly utilized as an electron transport layer (ETL) to establish a depleted heterostructure with a QD photoactive layer. However, band gap shrinkage of large PbS QDs makes it necessary to tailor the behaviors of the ZnO ETL for efficient carrier extraction in the devices. Herein, the characteristics of ZnO ETL are efficiently and flexibly tailored to match the QD layer by handily adjusting the postannealing process of ZnO ETL. With a suitable temperature, the well-matched energy level alignment and suppressed trap states are simultaneously achieved in the ZnO ETL, effectively reducing the nonradiative recombination and accelerating the electron injection from the QD layer to ETL. As a consequence, a high-performance PbS QD photovoltaic device with power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) of 10.09% and 1.37% is obtained under AM 1.5 and 1100 nm filtered solar illumination, demonstrating a simple and effective approach for achieving high-performance IR photoelectric devices.

Exploration of rice husk ash as a green corrosion inhibitor immersed in NH4Cl 7.5 % solution

The study reports the development of a liquid smoke solution of rice husk ash (RHA) as a green corrosion inhibitor in NH4Cl solution in approaching corrosion protection for refinery facilities. The recent utilization of RHA has a partial solution to address the possible chemical to form a filming layer to disconnect bare metal and their environment. This work prepared the RHA solution by condensing the RHA vapor before adding it to various concentrations. The corrosion test of potentiodynamic and electrochemicals intends to discover the inhibitor's corrosion resistance before examining the electronic transition corresponding to the contribution of several functional groups using Ultraviolet Visible (UV–Vis) and Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). Surface evaluation intends to unveil the nature of the corrosion by utilizing the Scanning Electronic and Atomic Force Microscope. The corrosion test result shows the depression of corrosion rate to 0.120 mmpy with high efficiency beyond 96 % in the addition of 7.5 ppm RHA inhibitor. The greater Nyquist semicircle diameter at high concentrations increases the adsorption of the RHA on the surface of C1018. The electronic transition of n–π* and π –π* shows an extensive contribution of CC, CO, and –OH based on the UV–Vis and FTIR test. The formation of a complex compound of Fe-(NH4Cl-RHA)n blocks the corrosion active sites to reduce the corrosion. This study paves the way for using RHA as an organic compound under NH4Cl conditions, such as in a refinery process facility.

Poultry evisceration and cross-contamination – Effectiveness of local air extraction and mechanical barriers

Poultry evisceration poses a risk of airborne carcass contamination with pathogens. While prior research has identified this hazard, ventilation strategies to mitigate it remain underexplored. This study employed computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations using Star-CCM+ software to evaluate the efficacy of local exhaust ventilation and mechanical barriers against airborne contamination. Particle deposition under various scenarios was assessed. The simulations demonstrated near-complete prevention of both direct and indirect airborne contamination with local exhaust ventilation. Mechanical barriers surrounding carcasses significantly reduced particle deposition (18–96%) on subsequent carcasses, although localized increases in contamination were observed in specific circumstances. Overall, implementing local exhaust ventilation and, to a lesser extent, mechanical barriers, shows promise for minimizing carcass contamination during poultry evisceration. These findings warrant further research to refine ventilation design and operational parameters for enhanced biosecurity in poultry processing facilities.

AMP, ADP, and ATP Concentrations Differentially Affected by Meat Processing, Manufacturing, and Nonmeat Ingredients

Given its presence in a wide spectrum of soils relevant to food process hygiene, the biological metabolite adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is used as a target for surface hygiene assessments in food processing facilities. Yet, ample evidence demonstrates that ATP is depleted into adenosine di- (ADP) and monophosphate (AMP) homologs resulting in a loss of sensitivity for ATP-based hygiene assays. Yet, there are few studies that denote the degree of these shifts under routine processing conditions such as those encountered during various meat processing steps that may likely alter redox potential and adenosine profiles (e.g., tissue/cellular disruption, application of reducing additives, fermentation, or thermal treatment steps). In this study, meat samples were collected from homogenized beef tissue treated with nonmeat ingredients (sodium chloride, sodium nitrite, sodium erythorbate, natural smoke condensate, and sodium acid pyrophosphate) during manufacture at predetermined steps, and from retail meat products purchased from local markets. Concentrations of ATP, ADP, AMP, and AXP (sum concentration of all homologs) in a lab setting and in situ meat processing venues were determined and compared. Greater differences in AXP were seen during manufacture, where ADP generally comprised ∼90% as a mole fraction of AXP across all treatments, with the exception of the final cook step where AMP predominated. ATP concentrations averaged 2 log values lower than ADP and AMP. Adenosine profiles in retail samples followed similar trends with minimal ATP concentrations with ADP predominant in uncooked samples and AMP predominant in cooked samples. Resultingly, meat processing steps during product manufacture will alter AXP-reliant test sensitivities which should be considered when such technologies are utilized for hygiene verification in meat processing.

Control of Fungal Pathogens Associated with Post-Harvest Rot Agents of Groundnut using Plant Extracts

Post-harvest losses due to fungal pathogens pose a significant threat to groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) production, affecting both food security and economic stability. In this study, we investigated the potential of plant extracts as eco-friendly alternatives for controlling fungal pathogens associated with post-harvest rot of groundnut. Four plant species, including neem (Azadirachta indica), garlic (Allium sativum), ginger (Zingiber officinale), and turmeric (Curcuma longa), were selected based on their known antimicrobial properties. Crude extracts were prepared from these plants and evaluated for their antifungal activity against common post-harvest rot agents, including Aspergillus spp., Fusarium spp., and Penicillium spp. The agar well diffusion method was employed to assess the inhibitory effects of the plant extracts against the fungal pathogens. Additionally, a control trial was conducted using leaf extracts of neem and drumstick (Moringa oleifera), with phytochemical analysis performed to determine the composition of bioactive compounds. The results revealed significant antifungal activity of all tested plant extracts, with neem extract exhibiting the highest efficacy against fungal pathogens. Phytochemical analysis indicated the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, phenols, tannins, saponins, and terpenoids in the leaf extracts, highlighting their potential as sources of natural bioactive compounds. These findings suggest that plant extracts offer promising alternatives to synthetic fungicides for controlling post-harvest rot pathogens in groundnut. Further research is warranted to optimize the efficacy of plant extracts and elucidate their mechanisms of action for practical applications in groundnut storage and processing facilities.

Optimizing maintenance logistics on offshore platforms with AI: Current strategies and future innovations

Offshore platforms are vital assets for the oil and gas industry, serving as the primary facilities for exploration, extraction, and processing. Maintenance logistics plays a crucial role in ensuring these platforms operate efficiently and safely. However, the remote and harsh environments of offshore platforms present significant challenges for maintenance activities. Traditional maintenance strategies often struggle to meet the demands of these environments, leading to inefficiencies, increased costs, and potential safety risks. This review discusses the application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in optimizing maintenance logistics on offshore platforms. Current strategies involve a combination of preventive, predictive, and corrective maintenance approaches. Preventive maintenance schedules regular inspections and replacements based on predetermined intervals, while predictive maintenance utilizes data analytics to predict equipment failures and plan maintenance activities accordingly. Corrective maintenance addresses issues as they arise, often in response to unexpected failures. AI offers opportunities to enhance these strategies by leveraging advanced data analytics, machine learning, and optimization algorithms. AI-enabled predictive maintenance can analyze vast amounts of data from sensors, historical maintenance records, and environmental factors to forecast equipment failures with greater accuracy. This allows for proactive maintenance planning, minimizing downtime and reducing maintenance costs. Furthermore, AI can optimize maintenance logistics by improving resource allocation and scheduling. Through real-time monitoring and analysis, AI systems can prioritize maintenance tasks based on urgency, equipment criticality, and resource availability. This ensures that maintenance crews are deployed efficiently, reducing idle time and improving overall productivity. Future innovations in AI for maintenance logistics on offshore platforms include the integration of Internet of Things (IoT) devices and autonomous systems. IoT sensors can provide real-time data on equipment condition and environmental factors, enabling more precise predictive maintenance models. Autonomous maintenance robots equipped with AI algorithms can perform routine inspections and minor repairs, reducing the need for human intervention in hazardous environments. However, implementing AI in offshore maintenance logistics also poses challenges, including data quality, cybersecurity, and workforce readiness. Ensuring data accuracy and reliability is crucial for effective AI models, requiring robust data collection and management processes. Cybersecurity measures must be strengthened to protect AI systems from malicious attacks that could disrupt operations or compromise safety. Additionally, workforce training and education are essential to prepare personnel for working alongside AI systems and interpreting AI-generated insights. Optimizing maintenance logistics on offshore platforms with AI offers significant benefits in terms of efficiency, cost savings, and safety. By leveraging AI technologies, current maintenance strategies can be enhanced, and future innovations can revolutionize offshore maintenance practices, making operations more sustainable and resilient in the face of evolving challenges.

Synthesis, Characterization of ZnO-based Nanocomposites and its Effect on the Viscosity of Gasoline Engine Lubricating Oil

This study represents the synthesis, characterization of ZnO nanoparticles and encapsulated composites with MWCNT, sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) for the lubricating performance in petrol engine oil. The facile sol-gel process was used to synthesize ZnO and ZnO-based nanocomposites followed by annealing at 500 ºC. ZnO-based nanocomposite samples were prepared by adding different secondary encapsulating agents such as MWCNT (with different wt.% of 1, 2 and 3), SDS and CTAB. The as-synthesized ZnO and ZnO-based nanocomposite samples were further dispersed in 20W40 grade engine oil separately by taking 50 mL volume of oil. Different amounts of the synthesized samples of 50 mg, 100 mg and 150 mg were blended with the lubricant accordingly by the sonication process. After that the viscosity performances were carried out for all the prepared samples. The dynamic and kinematic viscosity were measured using a redwood viscometer and the temperature varied throughout the analysis at 34, 44 and 55 ºC to observe the optimum temperature effect on viscosity performance. The objective of this work is to determine the temperature effects on the viscosity of commercial lubricant 20W40 grade by blending with different suspended novel nanomaterials.

Eco-friendly and efficient sulfamic acid functionalized MIL-53 (Al) nanocomposite for removal of hazardous pollutants from wastewater and catalytic synthesis of 3,4-dihydropyrimidinone pharmacological moiety

This study proposed the facile synthesis of sulfamic acid functionalized MIL-53 (Al) (SA@MIL-53(Al)) nanocomposite for dual-functional pollutant removal and catalytic synthesis. The composite was synthesized through a facile, straightforward, and one-step solvothermal process. Furthermore, different analysis techniques like XRD, SEM, XPS, FT-IR, and TGA were applied to examine the prepared composites' structure properties, confirming the successful preparation of functionalized frameworks. Several factors, including the initial concentration of pollutants, adsorbent dosage, pH, and pHpzc, have been established to optimize the suitable parameters for adsorption. 25 wt.% SA@MIL-53(Al) has the greatest adsorption capacities of 146.5, 97.7, and 35.5 mg g−1 for removing MB, CR dyes, and Pb (II), respectively. The rate-limiting steps were also discussed, and the experimental adsorption measurements obeyed the Langmuir and the pseudo-second-order kinetic models. Moreover, the fabricated composites were used as catalysts to produce 3,4-dihydropyrimidinone (3,4-DHP). 50 wt.% SA@MIL-53(Al) demonstrated the highest efficiency, nearly 92.0 %, with great durability and stability.

Solvent-tolerant lignosulfonate-attapulgite/calcium carbonate coating on nylon filter mesh for oily water treatment

Due to the rapid increasing drainage of oily wastewater, robust and durable filtration materials with underwater superoleophobic coatings are highly desired. The existing underwater superoleophobic filter materials for oil/water separation are always subject to mechanical and chemical damages, causing the significant loss of superoleophobicity. Herein, a robust and tolerant nylon filter mesh (NFM) with underwater superoleophobicity was fabricated through simple layer-by-layer (LBL) assembly of lignosulfonate (LS), attapulgite (APT) nanorods, calcium ion, and carbonate on NFM. Compared with LS@CaCO3 assembly, the obtained LS-APT@CaCO3 assembly on NFM exhibits good micro/nano-structure, uniform distribution, and excellent underwater superoleophobicity (oil contact angle: > 156°). Moreover, after the fabricated mesh is subjected to the immersion in corrosive environments (acid, base, and salt aqueous solutions) and hot water as well as severe mechanical scratch, the oil contact angle are still higher than 147.5°, implying superb durability. More importantly, the as-obtained NFM is able to treat a variety of oil/pure water and oil/corrosive solution mixtures with separation efficiencies of over 98.2 %. Therefore, the as-prepared mesh has a huge application potential in oil-polluted water remediation due to the simple, facile, and eco-friendly preparation process.

Pemanfaatan Limbah Kulit Pisang dan Kulit Nanas sebagai Bahan Baku Pembuatan Pupuk Organic Cair (POC)

Organic fertilizers are defined as fertilizers derived from plants or animals that have gone through an engineering process to improve soil biological, physical, and chemical properties. Organic fertilizers in this study were made from basic ingredients in the form of waste banana peels and pineapple peels. Pineapple and banana peels are often found in the form of waste from food and beverage processing facilities that are collected and not used. Therefore, in this study we made liquid organic fertilizer (POC) from banana and pineapple peel waste. The purpose of this study was to examine the quality of liquid organic fertilizer (POC) products with parameters of pH, temperature, and C-Organic content compared with quality standards according to the Decree of the Minister of Agriculture of the Republic of Indonesia No. 261 / KPTS / SR.310 / M / 4/ 2019 concerning Minimum Technical Requirements for Organic Fertilizers, Biological Fertilizers and Soil Improvements. The production of POC in this study was carried out using the anaerobic method, where the fermentation process itself was carried out for 14 days using Effective Microorganisms (EM4) as a bioactivator. The results of this study indicate that the highest temperature in POC made from banana peels was obtained during the initial fermentation time of 33 oC and the lowest temperature was obtained during the 3-day fermentation time of 25 oC, while in POC made from pineapple peel, the highest temperature was obtained during the initial fermentation time. of 33.5 oC and the lowest temperature was obtained during the 9-day fermentation time of 26 oC. The initial pH value for POC made from banana peels is 5 and the final pH is 4. While for POC pineapple peel, the initial pH value is 3 and the final pH is 4. For the C-Organic content in the initial POC peel the results are 0.095% and final C-Organic content of 0.021%. Meanwhile, the initial C-Organic content in the POC of pineapple peel was 0.037% and the final C-Organic content was 0.013%. The final value of the pH parameter is in accordance with the quality standard, which is 4-9 for pH, while the final value of the C-Organic parameter is not in accordance with the quality standard where the C-Organic content according to the quality standard is a minimum of 10%.

Additive Manufacturing of Micro‐Architected Copper based on an Ion‐Exchangeable Hydrogel

AbstractAdditive manufacturing (AM) of copper through laser‐based processes poses challenges, primarily attributed to the high thermal conductivity and low laser absorptivity of copper powder or wire as the feedstock. Although the use of copper salts in vat photopolymerization‐based AM techniques has garnered recent attention, achieving micro‐architected copper with high conductivity and density has remained elusive. In this study, we present a facile and efficient process to create complex 3D micro‐architected copper structures with superior electrical conductivity and hardness. The process entails the formulation of an ion‐exchangeable photoresin, followed by the utilization of digital light processing (DLP) printing to sculpt 3D hydrogel scaffolds, which were transformed into Cu2+‐chelated polymer frameworks (Cu‐CPFs) with a high loading of Cu2+ ions through ion exchange, followed by debinding and sintering, results in the transformation of Cu‐CPFs into miniaturized copper architectures. This methodology represents an efficient pathway for the creation of intricate micro‐architected 3D metal structures.

Additive Manufacturing of Micro-Architected Copper based on an Ion-Exchangeable Hydrogel.

Additive manufacturing (AM) of copper through laser-based processes poses challenges, primarily attributed to the high thermal conductivity and low laser absorptivity of copper powder or wire as the feedstock. Although the use of copper salts in vat photopolymerization-based AM techniques has garnered recent attention, achieving micro-architected copper with high conductivity and density has remained elusive. In this study, we present a facile and efficient process to create complex 3D micro-architected copper structures with superior electrical conductivity and hardness. The process entails the formulation of an ion-exchangeable photoresin, followed by the utilization of digital light processing (DLP) printing to sculpt 3D hydrogel scaffolds, which were transformed into Cu2+-chelated polymer frameworks (Cu-CPFs) with a high loading of Cu2+ ions through ion exchange, followed by debinding and sintering, results in the transformation of Cu-CPFs into miniaturized copper architectures. This methodology represents an efficient pathway for the creation of intricate micro-architected 3D metal structures.

Characterizing Spoilage of Coconut-based Creamers: A Multifaceted Approach to Identify Problematic Bacteria and Their Potential Sources in a New Product Category

Beverage innovation is a growing trend with a reliance on comanufacturing relationships to launch products quickly. A recent comanufacturing relationship is the utilization of dairy processing facilities to process plant-based beverages using high-temperature short-time (HTST) pasteurization. While the shelflife of HTST bovine milk is well established at 21 days, retailers are expecting new refrigerated beverages to achieve a 60-day shelflife. Little is known about the microbial stability of these new beverages, particularly those with complex formulations. Our objective was to identify bacterial taxa leading to the spoilage of four coconut-based creamers and their potential sources (raw ingredients or packaging). We used a multifaceted approach including plate counting and 16S rRNA metabarcoding to monitor microbial growth in products throughout shelflife (60 d, 4 °C), and cold enrichment (7 °C, 11 d) of ingredients and packaging. Nearly all product units (25/26) had elevated microbial loads (>4.3 log CFU/mL) prior to the 60-d target, with early spoilage detected at 21 d. Key spoilage taxa included Pseudomonas, Streptococcus, Aerococcus, Paenibacillus, Sphingomonas, and Oceanobacillus. Pseudomonas were responsible for “early” product spoilage (21–32 d), whereas Oceanobacillus were important in products with very “late” spoilage (60–62 d). All key spoilage taxa were identified in cold enrichments of multiple units of waxboard cartons. Paenibacillus was the dominant bacterium in 47% (10/21) of product units. In addition to carton samples, Paenibacillus was also identified in one raw ingredient (mushroom extract). Metabarcoding identified Listeria sensu stricto as a dominant taxon in three individual product units from three distinct production lots. Listeria was also found in 31% (5/16) of cold enrichments of individual cartons. Taxa responsible for spoilage of plant-based beverages were identified as well as demonstrating packaging as an important contamination source.

Electrocatalytic sensing of propyl gallate in real-time food samples using a synergistic Sm-MOF@GCN composite modified glassy carbon electrode

A novel electrochemical sensor has been developed using the sonochemically synthesized samarium metal–organic framework (Sm-MOF) and the graphitic carbon nitride (GCN) composite for the selective determination of propyl gallate (PG). The as-synthesized Sm-MOF@GCN composite was characterized by XRD, XPS, and FESEM. The morphological studies of the prepared Sm-MOF@GCN composite revealed the bar-shaped Sm-MOF and porous sheet-like morphology of GCN. The combined effect of the Sm-MOF and GCN enhance the current density response and lowers the oxidation potential, which was beneficial for the electrochemical sensing of PG. Moreover, the high electrochemical active surface area (EASA) (0.0649 cm2) and the rate constant value (Ko) of 1.44x10-5 cm s−1 confirm the faster electron transfer kinetics at the interface of Sm-MOF@GCN composite. However, the developed Sm-MOF@GCN composite possesses linear range from 0.02 to 60 µM with a nanomolar detection level (2.05 nM), high sensitivity (0.1914 μA μM−1 cm−2), excellent reproducibility, repeatability, and stability for up to 30 days towards the PG detection. Finally, the Sm-MOF@GCN composite-modified electrocatalyst was utilized for the quantification of PG in foodstuffs such as instant noodles, cookies, cakes, and oils. The result of the study, the Sm-MOF@GCN composite displayed good recovery results, making it a promising candidate for detecting PG in real-world samples in view of its binder-free approach and facile fabrication process.

PROPOSED BY DISPOSAL OF MUNCIPAL SOLID WASTE BY BIO METHANATION IN GADHINGLAJ CITY

In India Bio-Methanation in conventional biogas plant have been proposed as one of the appropriate alternative sources of energy which can counter the escalating demand of fossil fuels. In India large quantity of waste generates produce per day and hence the noof biogas installation of biogas plant is increasing rapidly and the trend is expected to continue at least for the foreseeable future. Biogas plant like many other energy generating technologies is not free from environmental problem. Biogas production requires anaerobic digestion. The biogas plant creates an organic processing facility to create biogas which will be more cost effective, eco friendly, cut down on landfill waste, generate a high quality renewable fuel and reduce Carbon Dioxide and Methane emission. The anaerobic digestion of kitchen waste produces biogas, which primarily consist of methane (CH4 ) and Carbon Dioxide (CO2). Biogas can be used as energy source and also for numerous purposes. But any possible application requires knowledge and information about composition and quantity of constituent in the biogas produced.

New insights into the mechanism causing the loss of anti-corrosion property of superhydrophobic titanium surfaces

In this paper, we provide new insights into the mechanism causing the loss of anti-corrosion property of superhydrophobic titanium (SHP Ti) during potentiodynamic polarization (PDP) measurements. The water contact angle and sliding angle values of the SHP Ti, produced by a facile two-step process: anodizing and coating, were >160° and 6±2°, respectively. The anodization of Ti resulted in randomly distributed micro-clusters of TiO2-xCly covering the Ti surface homogeneously while the low surface energy organic coatings were inhomogeneous in coverage and specifically distributed over the micro-clusters alone of the anodized titanium surface. The electrochemical impedance (EIS) analysis of the SHP CP-Ti samples has shown more than an order of magnitude improvement in their barrier /polarization resistance (Rp) values at ∼ 100 MΩ.cm2 suggesting the effectiveness of the SHP coatings as a barrier against corrosion in neutral chloride environments. However, the Rp values (∼ 10 M Ω.cm2) of the SHP coatings obtained from the PDP analysis were an order of magnitude lower than the Rp values derived from the EIS. SHP CP-Ti samples showed dual passive range behaviour with an initial narrow passive region due to the porous anodized TiO2-xCly layer while the later stage passivity due to the barrier TiO2 layer, where the outer anodized porous TiO2-xCly layer was less effective against corrosion in neutral chloride media. Detailed analysis showed that in PDP, the sample lost its SHP because of the permeation of electrolyte into the hierarchical surface, due to its sensitivity to polarization, owing to the lower thickness of the organic layers. The mechanism involved in the loss of SHP and the limitation of the PDP technique for the corrosion analysis of SHP / organic coatings on metal surfaces is highlighted.