Purification Technology Research Articles

An efficient process for decomposing perfluorinated compounds by reactive species during microwave discharge in liquid

Microwave discharge plasma in liquid (MDPL) is a new type of water purification technology with a high mass transfer efficiency. It is a kind of low-temperature plasma technology. The reactive species produced by the discharge can efficiently act on the pollutants. To clarify the application prospects of MDPL in water treatment, the discharge performance, practical application, and pollutant degradation mechanism of MDPL were studied in this work. The effects of power, conductivity, pH, and Fe2+ concentration on the amount of reactive species produced by the discharge were explored. The most common and refractory perfluorinated compounds (perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) in water environments are degraded by MDPL technology. The highest defluorination of PFOA was 98.8% and the highest defluorination of PFOS was 92.7%. The energy consumption efficiency of 50% defluorination (G50-F) of PFOA degraded by MDPL is 78.43 mg/kWh, PFOS is 42.19 mg/kWh. The results show that the MDPL technology is more efficient and cleaner for the degradation of perfluorinated compounds. Finally, the reaction path and pollutant degradation mechanisms of MDPL production were analyzed. The results showed that MDPL technology can produce a variety of reactive species and has a good treatment effect for refractory perfluorinated pollutants.

Occupational health of drilling waste workers as related to microbial exposure and waste treatment methods.

Exposure to microorganisms is a known contributor to occupational disease. This study assessed drilling waste workers' health status and investigated the potential of inhalable bioaerosols to elicit an immune response in vitro and in vivo. Venous blood and self-reported health data were collected from 56 and 73 Norwegian drilling waste workers, respectively. Immunological effects were assessed as Toll-like receptor (TLR) activation potential of personal air samples in vitro and biomarker expression in workers' plasma samples in vivo. Parameters, such as BMI, sex, and smoking habits, were considered along with factors such as purification technology of drilling waste when biomarker expression was interpreted. Symptom prevalence among exposed workers was compared to an unexposed control group. Personal air samples activated TLR signalling in vitro in 90% of all cases. The activation potential correlated significantly with work exposure to microbial agents and total dust. Significant differences in biomarker expression and symptom prevalence were identified between purification technologies and exposure groups. Drilling waste workers had significantly increased OR of skin irritation and respiratory symptoms compared to the control group. Exposure to microorganisms during the treatment of offshore drilling waste is an occupational health concern.

The safety and efficacy of regional citrate anticoagulation for multiple consecutive therapeutic plasma exchanges with fresh frozen plasma as a replacement solution.

Therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) is an important blood purification technology and most patients require multiple consecutive TPEs. Regional citrate anticoagulation (RCA) could be used for membrane therapeutic plasma exchange (mTPE). However, there is no research on the metabolic complications of the RCA for patients receiving multiple consecutive mTPEs with fresh frozen plasma (FFP) as a replacement solution. We retrospectively included patients who used RCA for multiple consecutive mTPEs with FFP as a replacement solution in Xijing Hospital from 2020 to 2022. We collected blood gas analysis and electrolyte results before and after mTPE treatment and analysed the anticoagulation effectiveness and metabolic complications of the RCA. A total of 33 patients who underwent 131 mTPE sessions were included, and 129 (98.5%) sessions were successfully completed. Severe hypocalcemia (19.1%) and metabolic alkalosis (58.5%) were frequently observed. In single mTPE sessions, there was a significant decrease in ionized calcium levels and significant increases in serum sodium, potassium, pH, bicarbonate, and base excess (BE) levels compared to pretreatment values. When comparing the values after the last treatment to the baseline values in all 33 patients, the serum sodium, pH, bicarbonate, and BE levels increased significantly, while the ionized calcium decreased significantly. The levels of pH, bicarbonate, and BE increased with the number of mTPE sessions, and the cumulative incidence of metabolic alkalosis reached 95.2% after the fifth treatment according to the Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. RCA is an effective anticoagulation method for patients undergoing mTPE with FFP as a replacement solution. However, the metabolic complications associated with RCA, especially hypocalcemia and metabolic alkalosis, frequently develop in patients who undergo multiple consecutive mTPEs with FFP.

Combating Cholera in Syria: A Comprehensive Approach to Clean Water, Sanitation, and Vaccination

Introduction: This study presents a comprehensive strategy for combating cholera in Syria, with a focus on clean water initiatives, treatment, surveillance, and vaccination, and the critical role of clean water in halting disease transmission. Methods: The review design has involved a thorough research and review of existing literature and data on cholera outbreaks in Syria. It has also included an analysis of vaccination and treatment options, as well as an exploration of cholera surveillance systems and clean water initiatives. Results: Key findings have indicated that prioritizing access to clean water through community water management plans and water purification technologies is essential for cholera prevention. Case studies, supported by epidemiological data up to September 2023, have underscored the importance of clean water in stopping cholera spread. Conclusion: The study has highlighted the urgent need for a comprehensive strategy to protect millions in Syria through enhanced water, sanitation, and vaccination measures. It has advocated for improved cholera surveillance and response systems, along with continued efforts to ensure clean water access for all.

COMPLEX TECHNOLOGY OF THE CLEANING OF AGGLOMERATION GASES FROM DUST AND HARMFUL GASES WITH OBTAINING A GOOD PRODUCT

The purpose of the work is to improve the design of the dust-catching device of the sintering machine, to increase the efficiency of catching charged dust particles in laminar layers near the precipitating elements, the configuration and location of the elements of the precipitating elements, to establish the dependence of the effective (calculated) drift speed of charged dispersed particles on the speed of the medium being cleaned, with classical the process of electrogas purification and the combined flow of gases in electrofilters. It was established that the combined movement of gases in a modular unit ensures the charging of the entire population of dust particles to the limit values ​​by organizing a highly turbulent flow and keeping dust particles in the zones with the greatest tension in the corona charge covers, as well as effective trapping of charged dust particles in laminar layers near the precipitating elements . Mathematical modeling of the deposition block was carried out in order to optimize the configuration. The main dependences of the number and mutual location of precipitating elements to ensure maximum dust deposition were established. Studies of gas medium velocity spectra in models of new electrostatic precipitators have been carried out. The optimal live cross-sections of the aerodynamic partitions are determined to ensure favorable conditions for charging suspended particles and uniform distribution of the cleaned flow through the catching holes. The MV-2 modular type electric gas purification device with a capacity of 30 thousand nm3/h has been developed, based on innovative developments in the field of KEIT (combined electro-ion gas purification technology) in the field of conversion and control of cascade energy and aerodynamics of turbulent and laminar flows during inertial deposition dispersed suspension of flue gases. An apparatus for cleaning gases from a sinter machine with a capacity of up to 400,000 nm3/h is proposed. with an efficiency of 99 %, for replacing existing equipment (multicyclones). "MV-2JS" electric device was developed. This is a plasma-catalytic reactor, which allows you to produce the necessary amount of ozone in a low-cost way to oxidize the harmful components (SO2, NOx, CO) of the outgoing gases. The use of this device allows, in addition to the cleaning of flue gases from harmful gas impurities, to obtain commercial products (fertilizers, gypsum, sulfuric acid, etc.) at the output and to completely get rid of solid and liquid waste during gas desulfurization.

Rapid identification of invasive Brook Trout through CRISPR‐based environmental DNA detection

AbstractObjectiveInvasions of nonnative fish species, such as Brook Trout Salvelinus fontinalis, disrupt ecosystem function and adversely impact native populations through competition, hybridization, and predation. Timely detection of invasive species is crucial for effective management and prevention of further spread. Environmental DNA (eDNA) technology is a powerful tool for monitoring the spread of invasive species, especially in aquatic environments, where direct observation is challenging. While eDNA sampling is sensitive and cost‐effective, real‐time analysis remains a challenge.MethodsTo address this limitation, we developed eDNA detection tools, using CRISPR‐Cas12a technology, that facilitate the rapid identification of invasive Brook Trout and native cutthroat trout (Lahontan Cutthroat Trout Oncorhynchus henshawi, Westslope Cutthroat Trout O. lewisi, Rocky Mountain Cutthroat Trout O. virginalis, or Coastal Cutthroat Trout O. clarkii), without the need for specialized laboratory equipment. We employed this technology in Marsh Creek, a semi‐isolated tributary to the Sultan River in Washington State with no previous documentation of invasive Brook Trout.ResultWe successfully identified Brook Trout and cutthroat trout eDNA during on‐site analysis at Marsh Creek and found that the sensitivity of detecting these species can be increased with improvements in eDNA purification technology. Our results identified that Brook Trout were present in the lower reaches of the stream, particularly in areas of slow‐moving water.ConclusionThe portability and simplicity of this method offer the potential for streamside eDNA detection of invasive species, and it could become another tool in the fight against the spread of invasive Brook Trout in the western United States.

KAJIAN PARAMETER KIMIA, FISIK DAN MIKROBIOLOGI SEBAGAI BAHAN BAKU AIR MINUM DALAM KEMASAN (AMDK) DI BALAI PENGELOLA AIR MINUM BANJARBAKULA

This study aims to evaluate the quality of drinking water in terms of chemical, physical, and microbiological parameters at Balai Pengeloaan Air Minum (BPAM) Banjarbakula” as raw material for Bottled Drinking Water (AMDK). Water samples were taken from two points, namely the Clearwell and reservoir, and tested to determine whether they meet the quality standards set out in the Minister of Health Regulation No. 2 Year 2023. The results showed that physical parameters, such as temperature and TDS, and chemical parameters, such as pH and heavy metals, were within the permissible quality standard limits. However, problems were found in the water turbidity parameter in the Clearwell, which exceeded the limit of 3 NTU, and the residual chlorine concentration in the reservoir, which exceeded the standard of 0.9 mg/L. For microbiological parameters, Escherichia coli contamination of 15 CFU/100ml and Total Coliform > 200 CFU/100ml were found in the Clearwell. Recommendations include upgrading the filtration system and disinfection control to ensure water quality remains within applicable standards or using Reverse Osmosis technology, the most modern water purification technology.

Highly efficient and salt resistant solar interface evaporator based on pressed wood flour with multi-level pores

Interfacial solar steam generation has garnered significant attention as an eco-friendly and sustainable technology for desalination and wastewater purification. Nevertheless, in challenging conditions such as strong brine and high-intensity settings, both the evaporation efficiency and the service life of the solar evaporator are inevitably diminished due to salt accumulation on the surface of interfacial solar evaporators. Here, a platelike evaporator that features high water evaporation rate in brine without salt accumulation is developed by rational design of polydopamine-coated wood powder with a hierarchical pore structure. This evaporator not only exhibits high water evaporation rate of 2.299 kg m−2 h−1 along with 155.4 % solar-to-steam conversion efficiency under 1 sun illumination, but also deliver exceptional salt accumulation resistance even in 20 wt% brine. With the advantages of a high light absorption rate, easy preparation process, and low cost, this evaporator shows promising potential in the field of solar steam generation and seawater desalination.

Synthesis and functional properties of reduced graphene oxide/bismuth-doped gadolinium ferrite composites

An upsurge in water pollution with developing age leads scientists to exploit new materials and technologies for water purification. Herein, we used a co-precipitation approach to prepare rGO/BixGd1-xFeO3 composites to tackle waste organic dyes in fresh water reservoirs. Bismuth at different concentrations is used to tailor the functionality of gadolinium ferrites deposited on reduced graphene oxide. X-ray diffraction pattern describes the unit cell structure of the composite to be distorted orthorhombic with crystallite sizes in the range of 20-15 nm which are confirmed by scanning electron microscopy. Band gaps are calculated by Tauc plots and are in the range 2.62-2.38 eV and 0.9945-0.2873 eV for direct and indirect calculations making these composites suitable photocatalysts. Textural analysis of the samples is carried by Brunauer-Emmett-Teller surface measurements and the surface area is found to be in the range 62.1 to 29.9 m2g−1. Dielectric studies prove that rGO/Bi0.05Gd0.95FeO3, with the highest dielectric constant and capacitance, is better semiconductor among all six synthesized composites. This result is further supported by impedance analysis. In the presence of ultraviolet-visible light, rGO/Bi0.05Gd0.95FeO3 shows 97.2% degradation of methylene blue dye, a common industrial pollutant, with rate constant 0.006 min−1 while rGO/GdFeO3 only degraded 72.6% of MB. The enhanced photocatalytic ability of rGO/Bi0.05Gd0.95FeO3 is evident through low band gap, small crystallite size, less electron-hole recombination in photoluminescence, large surface area and linear I-V response.

Decoration of marigold flower-like CoMo LDH on reinforced cow manure-derived biochar as an effective peroxymonosulfate activator for degradation of Bisphenol A in water

Marigold flower-like CoMo layered double hydroxide (LDH) was decorated on biochar derived from cow manure (CoMo@BC) to act as an efficient activator for peroxymonosulfate (PMS), enabling the degradation of Bisphenol A (BPA) in water. The CoMo@BC/PMS system can eliminate up to 98% of BPA at a concentration of 0.044mM within 15min. High efficacy is sustained in the pH range of 5 to 9, underscoring the robustness and adaptability of the system. Furthermore, the catalyst exhibits excellent stability, retaining activity over five consecutive cycles. Versatility is highlighted by the capability to degrade over 88% of various organic pollutants, indicating broad-spectrum applicability in water treatment. A comprehensive mechanistic study has elucidated three distinct degradation pathways and identified six intermediates of BPA, providing valuable insights into the catalytic process. Overall, the research underscores the potential of CoMo@BC as a highly effective catalyst for advanced water treatment applications through PMS activation. Significant efficacy in eliminating organic pollutants suggests great promise for enhancing the sustainability and efficiency of water purification technologies.

A novel hybrid low-temperature thermal catalysis and radiative sky cooling system for day and night air purification and cooling

Thermal catalytic oxidation is an air purification technology that can efficiently and stably degrade volatile organic compounds. However, using thermal catalysis to purify indoor air in the summer can cause problems of indoor overheating. Radiative sky cooling is a passive cooling method that dissipates heat through reflection and radiation, which can provide sub-ambient cooling during day and night. In this study, a novel hybrid low-temperature thermal catalysis and radiative sky cooling system for day and night air purification and cooling was proposed, which combined thermal catalysis with radiative sky cooling, and used low-temperature driven thermal catalysts to solve the problem of indoor overheating in summer. A numerical model of the hybrid system was established to simulate the formaldehyde degradation and cooling performance of the system under different operating conditions. The results show that under summer conditions with an average daily temperature of 35°C and humidity levels between 70% and 80%, the system produced a total of 665.29 m³/m2 of clean air after running for an entire day. The average single-pass conversion rate of formaldehyde was 0.46, and the maximum temperature difference between indoor and outdoor air was 5°C. This provides guidance for the integration of the hybrid system with buildings.

Electro-activated peroxymonosulfate based on hollow cubic skeleton nanoflower cathode catalyst MoSe2/cubic nanocage (CNC) for enhanced degradation of norfloxacin: Performance, mechanism, degradation pathways and toxicity

Recently, antibiotic wastewater pollution has become increasingly serious. In this study, a novel hollow cubic framework self-supported nanoflower-like cathode catalyst (MoSe2/CNC) based on Co Fe prussian blue analogues (CoFePBA)-derived cubic nanocage (CNC) loaded with MoSe2 was successfully prepared and utilized in an electro-activated peroxymonosulfate (PMS) system for norfloxacin (NOR) degradation. Benefit from the combined structures of MoSe2, MoC, and Co/FeNC, the electrocatalytic activity and specific surface area were greatly improved. The effects of catalyst dosage and ratio, current, PMS concentration, electrolyte type, pH, as well as initial concentration were comprehensively investigated. Under the optimal conditions, NOR and TOC removal reached 92.70% and 82.17%, respectively, which was superior to the previous studies. Additionally, ·O2− was proved to be the primary reactive species for NOR degradation.·Based on density functional theory (DFT) and intermediates analysis, NOR underwent substitution and ring-opening reactions in the piperazine ring, substitution of fluoride ions, and cleavage of the carboxyl group and tetrahydropyridine ring, ultimately converting into water, carbon dioxide, and inorganic ions. Moreover, toxicity assessment and seed germination experiments demonstrated that the toxicity of NOR and intermediates were strongly decreased by electro-activated PMS system based on MoSe2/CNC cathode. Overall, this study not only contributes to the evolution of efficient and sustainable wastewater purification technology, but also provides valuable insights into the degradation of antibiotic wastewater.

Preparation and performance of fluorescent-assisted photocatalytic self-cleaning coatings for enhanced NO degradation

Long afterglow materials have been utilized to reduce the dependence of photocatalytic air purification technology on light sources, but research on the synergistic application of light storage and visible light catalytic materials in self-cleaning coatings is limited. In this work, stable visible light catalytic material, (C3N4/Bi2WO6), was selected as the catalytic material. The afterglow powder mainly composed of strontium aluminate (SA) was used as a light storage material. A ternary composite photocatalytic material SA/C3N4/Bi2WO6 (SCBW) was prepared, which can work in both light and dark environments. Epoxy resin was introduced to construct coatings containing SCBW (CSCB). The high catalytic activity of SCBW is attributed to the heterojunction effect of various semiconductors and the improved interface, resulting in a degradation rate of nitrogen oxides (NO) reaching 75 % and proving the degradation effect on formaldehyde aqueous solution and organic dyes. Additionally, the synergistic effect of fluorescence characteristics and photocatalytic ability endow the material with superior antibacterial properties, while the self-cleaning functionality of CSCB enhances the durability of the coating. Finally, the mechanism of fluorescence-assisted enhanced photocatalytic self-cleaning coating was discussed, providing insights into the design of multifunctional photocatalytic self-cleaning coatings for air purification and pollutant separation.

Remarkable chlorobenzene absorption by carboxylic acid based deep eutectic solvents

A novel purification technology for the absorption of chlorobenzene (CB) using carboxylic acid based deep eutectic solvents (DESs) as absorbents was proposed and systematically investigated, combining experiments with microscopic molecular simulations. A series of newly designed DESs synthesized and evaluated for their CB absorption performance, revealing that DESs with quaternary phosphonate as hydrogen bond acceptors (HBAs) and long-chain fatty acid-based hydrogen bond donors (HBDs) exhibit remarkable CB absorption performance. Additionally, it illustrated that both the structure and acidity of HBD significantly impact the absorption capacity. Consequently, the DES comprising tetrabutylphosphonium chloride ([P4444][Cl]) and decanoic acid (DecA) with molar ratio of 1:2 was identified as the possessing optimal absorbent. Notably, after undergoing five cycles of absorption–desorption processes, the CB absorption capacity in [P4444][Cl]-DceA (1:2) was almost maintained at approximately 467 mg/g (Henry’s law constant of 4.90Pa m3/mol) at 30 °C. NMR characterization revealed no chemical bonding between [P4444][Cl]-DceA and CB, indicating that it’s a physical absorption process. Finally, the interaction mechanism was elucidated by COSMO-RS model, quantum chemical calculations and wave function analysis. This work fills the gap of CB removal by DES absorption and proves that DES is a promising green solvent for the removal of chlorinated volatile organic compounds.

Hygienic aspects of ensuring chemical safety of using new health-saving technologies for the utilization of biogas at solid municipal waste landfills

Introduction. Environmental health issues are currently among the most important for the population of large administrative and industrial centers. Improving the quality of the environment and creating comfortable living conditions for humans using environmentally friendly methods is one of the current topical areas in environmental hygiene. Materials and methods. The assessment of the effectiveness and chemical safety of the application of a new technology for the collection, purification, neutralization, and disposal of landfill gas for the content of a wide range of organic compounds C5–C20 at a municipal solid waste landfill was carried out using a chromato-mass spectrometric method that allows identifying and quantifying with sensitivity at and below hygienic standards a wide range of organic compounds C5–C20 in air with an unknown composition of pollutants. Results. As a result of the operation of the new landfill gas purification system at the solid waste landfill, the total concentration of pollutants, including marginal and aromatic hydrocarbons, oxygen-containing compounds (alcohols, carboxylic acids), organic sulfur-containing compounds, and sulfur dioxide decreased. As a result of the operation of the new landfill gas purification technology, 100% purification from odourous dialkyl sulfides and nitrogen-containing compounds has been achieved. However, at the outlet of the system, compounds not detected at the inlet were identified, which can be considered as products of combustion and transformation of hydrocarbons that are part of landfill gas, the presence of which indicates to the use of an oxidative process in the process of its disposal. Limitations. The study is limited to the application of the method of investigation of organic compounds with the molecular formula C5–C20. Conclusion. For an adequate assessment of the quality and chemical safety to human health of health-saving technologies, an important condition is the use of physical-chemical studies that identify and quantify dozens of pollutants simultaneously, which makes it possible to take into account the multiple componentness of the chemical composition and the possibility of adverse side effects in the form of toxic transformation of products affecting humans in real environmental pollution conditions.

Recent Advances in Polysaccharides Derived from the Genus Panax: Preparation Strategies, Structural Profiles, Functional Properties and Structure-Activity Relationships.

Plants from the Panax genus have significant medicinal and nutritional benefits. Many Panax species are traditionally used in Chinese medicine and have gained popularity as food and health products because of their tonic effects and high safety. Their key bioactive components include polysaccharides, which are hydrophilic biomolecules that have demonstrated significant potential in the food and pharmaceutical industries because of their multiple health-promoting qualities, such as immunomodulatory, antitumor, antiaging, blood glucose and blood lipid regulation, antiviral, hepatoprotective, and gastrointestinal protective properties. Additionally, polysaccharides are abundant in health products made from the genus Panax, such as energy drinks and herbal teas. However, compared with more extensively studied components, such as ginsenosides and saponins, polysaccharides from the genus Panax (GPPs) have been the subject of relatively limited research. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the extraction and purification technology, structural characteristics, biological activities, applications, and structure-activity relationships of GPPs. Ultimately, this information establishes a theoretical foundation for the further development and application of GPPs in nutrition and medicine.

Comparative study of zirconium-zinc oxide thin films on ceramic and glass substrates: Structural, optical, and photocatalytic properties

This study investigates the structural, optical, and photocatalytic properties of zirconium-doped zinc oxide (Zr) thin films deposited on ceramic and glass substrates. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis revealed that all samples exhibited a polycrystalline wurtzite structure, with grain sizes ranging from 25 to 43 nm for ceramic substrates and 19 to 32 nm for glass substrates. UV–visible absorbance measurements indicated that Zr films absorbed visible light around 410 nm, with the band gap widening to 2.93 eV on ceramic substrates. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed that Zr doping significantly affected the morphology of thin films, resulting in rougher surfaces and larger grains on ceramic substrates. Photocatalytic tests demonstrated that the 5 wt% Zr on DD1Z ceramic achieved a degradation efficiency of 61.44 % for orange II dye after 5 h of UV irradiation. In contrast, Zr on ceramic substrates achieved only 18.56 %, and the bare DD1Z substrate reached just 4.02 %. These findings highlight the superior photocatalytic performance of Zr on ceramic substrates, indicating their potential for advanced water purification technologies. The mechanism of photolysis was investigated using hole/radical scavengers, revealing that Zr-ZnO networks enhance the adsorption of hydroxyl ions on the surface. This acts as a trap site, reducing hole/electron pair recombination and thus increasing activity and photodegradation efficiency.

Fabrication of LTA zeolite core and UiO-66 shell structures via surface zeta potential modulation and sequential seeded growth for zeolite/polymer composite membranes

Zeolite-based polymer composites have garnered significant attention for their applications in separation, catalysis, and energy storage, owing to the unique properties of zeolites. The development of core–shell structures provides a promising strategy to enhance these properties, enabling the fine-tuning of zeolite characteristics within composite films. In this study, we present an innovative approach that leverages surface zeta potential differences to facilitate the growth of an organophilic metal–organic framework (MOF) on hydrophilic zeolite surfaces. Specifically, UiO-66 was successfully attached and grown on Linde Type A (LTA) zeolite particles, resulting in the formation of a robust core–shell structure (LTA@UiO-66). This core–shell architecture significantly minimized interfacial voids when embedded into a polyimide (PI, Matrimid® 5218) matrix, yielding composite films (LTA@UiO-66/PI) with superior mechanical integrity and enhanced gas-separation performance. The LTA@UiO-66/PI films demonstrated remarkable ideal selectivity for O2/N2 (10.7) and CO2/CH4 (47), outperforming traditional LTA/PI composites. These enhancements are attributed to the synergistic effects between the LTA core and the UiO-66 shell, which preserve the molecular sieving capability of the zeolite while ensuring strong adhesion and a void-free interface with the polymer matrix. The findings underscore the significant potential of zeolite-based core–shell structures in advancing industrial applications, particularly in the domains of sustainable gas separation and purification technologies.

Developing an efficient explainable artificial intelligence approach for accurate reverse osmosis desalination plant performance prediction: application of SHAP analysis

In recent decades, securing drinkable water sources has become a pressing concern for populations in various regions worldwide. Therefore, to address the growing need for potable water, contemporary water purification technologies can be employed to convert saline sources into drinkable supplies. Therefore, the prediction of important parameters of desalination plants is a key task for designing and implementing these facilities. In this regard, artificial intelligence techniques have proven to be powerful assets in this field. These methods offer an expedited and effective means of estimating effective parameters, thus catalyzing their implementation in real-world scenarios. In this study, the predictive accuracy of six different machine learning models, including Natural Gradient-based Boosting (NGBoost), Adaptive Boosting (AdaBoost), Categorical Boosting (CatBoost), Support vector regression (SVR), Gaussian Process Regression (GPR), and Extremely Randomized Tree (ERT) was evaluated for modelling the parameter of permeate flow as a key element in system efficiency, energy consumption, and water quality using six various input combinations of feed water salt concentration, condenser inlet temperature, feed flow rate, and evaporator inlet temperature. The next phase of this research employed the SHAP interpretability method to illustrate the impact of individual variables on the model's output. Moreover, the predictive performance of the developed frameworks was evaluated using a set of five dependable statistical measures: RMSE, NS, MAE, MAPE and R 2. These indicators were utilized to provide a robust means of gauging the precision of the model's forecasts. A comparative analysis of the outcomes, as measured by the RMSE criteria, revealed that the SVR technique (RMSE = 0.125 L/(h·m2)) exhibited superior performance compared to NGBoost (RMSE = 0.163 L/(h·m2)), AdaBoost (RMSE = 0.219 L/(h·m2)), CatBoost (RMSE = 0.149 L/(h·m2)), GPR (RMSE = 0.156 L/(h·m2)), and ERT (RMSE = 0.167 L/(h·m2)) methodologies in predicting permeate flow rates. The modelling outcomes obtained during the evaluation stage demonstrated the efficacy of the SVR algorithm in enhancing the precision of permeate flow forecasts, utilizing relevant input variables.

Enhancing nanofiltration performance with tannic acid and polyvinyl alcohol interlayers for improved water permeability and selective solute rejection

Global water shortages have significantly intensified the demand for efficient and sustainable water purification technologies. Nanofiltration (NF) plays a crucial role in desalination, providing distinct advantages by removing a variety of pollutants including heavy metals and organic compounds, all while consuming minimal energy. Traditional NF membranes often struggle to balance high rejection with satisfactory permeability. This study advances NF technology by utilizing polysulfone as a durable substrate and introducing tannic acid (TA)-polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) interlayer to enhance structural robustness and functional capabilities of membranes. Through streamlined one-step coating followed by precise interfacial polymerization, this approach optimizes monomer piperazine storage and dispersion on substrate, effectively controlling its diffusion rate, resulting in a thinner polyamide (PA) layer. These strategic enhancements not only lead to a significant increase in permeability to 216.3 L·m−2·h−1·MPa−1 and an impressive rejection for Na2SO4 of 99.04 % but also ensure enhanced long-term operational stability. The innovative TA-PVA interlayer sets new benchmarks for high-performance NF membranes by combining environmental friendliness with cost-effectiveness, making it ideal for large-scale industrial applications. This unique composition promotes sustainability and economic efficiency in water treatment technologies, and underscoring the vast potential for expanding the production and application of advanced NF systems.