Sonification Time Research Articles

Influence of sonication pretreatment on antiradical and anti-ACE activity of protein hydrolysates from fermented pork loins

The aim of this study was to assess whether ultrasound treatment (sonification time: 5, 15, and 30 min; constants: ∼40 kHz, ∼2.5 W cm2) can be applied prior to hydrolysis to enhance the anti-radical and angiotensin converting enzyme inhibiting (anti-ACE) effect of the hydrolysates from fermented pork loins. Enzymatic hydrolysis was performed using pepsin, followed by pancreatin. The influence of meat matrix on the course of hydrolysis, shaped using a lactic acid bacteria (LAB)-based starter culture, was also analyzed. It was found that proteases caused a systematic increase in the content of peptides, while pancreatin limited the peptide content in the protein hydrolysate from the loins subjected to spontaneous fermentation. Moreover, for these tests, sonication time had a negligible effect on the peptides content of the hydrolysates. On the other hand, for the sample of LAB-fermented products, both sonication time and stage of hydrolysis promoted the biological activity of the hydrolysates. Samples from the LAB-fermented meat had more peptides at the stage of digestion with pepsin and pancreatin, exhibiting much faster antiradical and anti-ACE activity compared to the control sample. The obtained results suggest that the use of LAB promotes the release of antiradical peptides during the two-step enzymatic hydrolysis, the duration of which can be shortened to achieve satisfactory biofunctionalities. Additional application of sonication pretreatment allows controlling the course of the hydrolysis, as the pro-health, biological effect of some protein-derived sequences is associated with the content of peptides.

A rapid extraction of toxic styrene from water and wastewater samples based on hydroxyethyl methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate immobilized on MWCNTs by ultra-assisted dispersive cyclic conjugation-micro-solid phase extraction

The styrene affected on human health and caused cancer and dysfunction in the central nervous system (CNS) and liver. So, sensitive techniques for the separation and determination of styrene in water and wastewater samples are necessary. In this study, a novel task-specific ionic liquid (TSIL) immobilized on multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs@[Hemim][BF4]) was synthesized with a new approach for extraction of styrene from water samples by ultra-assisted dispersive cyclic conjugation-micro-solid phase extraction procedure (USA-DCC-µ-SPE). Due to procedure, 30 mg of MWCNTs@[Hemim][BF4] was mixed with 20 mL of water or standard styrene solution (0.001–6.5 mg L−1) in the centrifuge Pyrex tube (CPT, 20 mL) by stirring for 12 min (25 °C). After extraction of styrene based on the cation/anion π–π interactions and imidazolium ring of TSIL with π system/vinyl group of styrene, the MWCNTs@[Hemim][BF4] adsorbents were collected at the bottom of the conical tube. The upper liquid phase set aside by the auto-sampler and 0.2 mL of ethyl benzene added to the remained solid phase at 70 °C. After back extraction of styrene in ethyl benzene, the styrene values were measured with a gas chromatography-flame ionization detector (GC-FID). All effective parameters such as the sample volume, the amount of sorbent, temperature, and the sonification time were studied. The linear range (LR), the detection limit (LOD) and re-usage of adsorbent were obtained 0.001–6.5 mg L−1, 0.26 μg L−1 and 18 times, respectively (r = 0.9997, RSD%=1.45). Due to TGA curve, the weight loss (7 wt%) for MWCNTs@[Hemim][BF4] was occurred at more than 350 °C. The absorption capacities of MWCNTs@[Hemim][BF4] and MWCNTs for 100–200 mg L−1 of standard styrene solution were obtained 183.2 mg g−1 and 24.8 mg g−1, respectively. The procedure was validated by GC–MS and spiking samples.

Effect of Filler Concentration and Time Sonication of ZnO Composite for Radar Absorbing Material Applications

Effects of filler concentration and sonication time on the structure, morphology, reflection loss and absorption percentage of ZnO composite was investigated. The structure, morphology, reflection loss and absorption percentage of the composite was investigated using X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and Vector Network Analyzer (VNA). The ZnO composite was made by solution mixing method with the epoxy resin as a filler varied of 10 wt%, 20 wt%, and 30 wt%. The hardener was mixed to the ZnO composite by the composition of 2: 1. The sonication time was varied of 30, 45 and 60 minutes. The XRD showed that the crystal structure of ZnO composite was confirmed as a hexagonal structure and the structure was not change for all composite. The VNA results showed that the optimum reflection loss value was-9.37042 dB at the frequency of 12.3 GHz for the filler composition of 20 wt% and sonification time of 45 minutes. On the other hand, the minimum reflection loss value was-6.86845 dB at the frequency of 12.3 GHz for the filler composition of 10 wt% and sonification time of 45 minutes. In addition, the optimum absorption percentage was 18 % at a filler composition of 10 wt% with 60 minutes sonication time. This study demonstrates a promising method to improve a microwave absorption of ZnO composites.

Evaluation of efficiency and capacity of thermal, chemical and ultrasonic regeneration of tetracycline exhausted activated carbon

ABSTRACT Emerging pollutants have received increasing attention because of their potential environmental risks. As conventional treatment processes are not able to completely remove emerging pollutants, such as drugs, for example, the adsorption process is considered a complementary treatment. However, after some time of use, the adsorbent solids used in this type of process become saturated and there may be a higher demand for replacement of these materials, resulting in a large amount of solid waste. In this context, the objective of this study was to evaluate regeneration techniques of adsorbent solid depleted with emerging tetracycline pollutant. For this, tests were performed using three regenerative methods – thermal, chemical and ultrasonic, where through them were analyzed the influence of temperature, type of solvent and sonification time, respectively. Virgin, saturated and regenerated solids were characterized by their physical structure, micro and mesopore distribution and scanning electron microscopy. For all techniques employed, the regeneration efficiency reached values ⁣⁣above 85%. Thermal treatments at 200°C, 100% methanol solution, 100% deionized water with 60 °C heating and ultrasonic treatment at 5 and 20 minutes were chosen as the most viable methods for the study of adsorption/desorption cycles. Compared to the others, the heat treatment at 200°C remained with consistent results until the sixth cycle, presenting a regenerative capacity of 90%. Therefore, it has been selected as the most suitable regenerative agent, ensuring that CAG can be regenerated and used repeatedly in the treatment of tetracycline contaminated waters.

Application of Ultrasound Waves and Nano-Bubbles for Inactivation of Escherichia coli in Sludge

Sludge treatment in wastewater treatment plants is one of the most difficult challenges for professionals and officials. Disinfection has become a challenging aspect of treatment because of the rapid elevation of health standards and the growing concern for pollution-free water resources. Chemical disinfection methods, like chlorination and ozonation, are often not environmental friendly (because of production of some undesirable by-products such as trihalomethanes) so alternative methods for disinfection are needed and the objective of this study is to determine the effect of ultrasonic waves with low wavelength and the high level of energy to improve removal rate of Escherichia coli in sludge and determine the optimum operating parameters of the ultrasonic method. In this research, variables include ultrasound density (0.375, 0.75, 1, 1.3 and 2.5) W per 1 mL and time (1, 5, 10, 15 and 30) min. Furthermore, the impact of these variables on the E. coli inactivation in sludge is measured. The results shows a significant increase in rate of E. coli bacteria reduction by increase of ultrasound density from 0.375 to 2.5 W/mL. By increasing of sonication time from 1 minute to 30 min, the similar increase in rate of E. coli bacteria reduction was observed. The experiments determined that the optimum operating parameters be sonification time of 30 min, ultrasound density of 2.5 W/mL in the frequency of 20 kHz. Inactivation rate of E. coli in these circumstances was 99.43% that is more than 2 logs. Based on the results of this research, high power and low-frequency ultrasound waves are capable of eliminating nearly all the E. coli bacteria population at relatively short irradiation time and they could remove E. coli and disinfect the sludge hence could increase the treatment rate.

Soil conservation management with cover crops: effects on critical energy levels, release and dispersion of aggregates

ABSTRACT The normalized dispersion index (NDI) and the b/a index are commonly used to express the stability of aggregates measured by ultrasound. However, few studies have used the critical energy (CE) extracted from modeling to explain the effects of soil use and management on soil aggregation. The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of soil cover on the CE level required for dispersion of aggregates of a Typic Hapludalf. Soil samples collected from the 0.0-0.05 m depth were evaluated in five different managements with cover plants: perennial soybean (PS), peanuts (P), spontaneous vegetation (SV), black oat/forage turnip (BOFT), and black oat/hairy vetch (BOHV). Aggregates ? 2 mm of the treatments were exposed to ultrasonic irradiation during 0, 30, 60, 120 and 180 s. The specific applied energies were calculated based on sonification time and potency: 0, 745, 1490, 2980, and 4470 J·g–1. After each sonification, sand (2000-53 ?m), silt (53-2 ?m) and clay (< 2 ?m) were quantified. The mass of aggregates of each size class was modeled as a function of the ultrasonic energy. The CE, the NDI and the b/a indexes were coefficients extracted from these models. Cover crops influenced the critical energy levels required for dispersion of aggregates of the Typic Hapludalf. However, our methodology did not prove management systems with intercrops of the cover crops, as black oats and vetch, contribute more effectively to the increase of soil aggregation.

An investigation on effect of ultrasound waves on sludge treatment

Sludge treatment in wastewater treatment plants are one of the most difficult challenges. The purpose of this study is to determine the effect of ultrasonic waves on soluble chemical oxygen demand (SCOD), temperature and pH of the sludge during improving the sludge dewatering properties. In this research variables include ultrasound density and Time. With the increase of time, the SCOD also increased, which is due to increasing exposure of cells and microorganisms to sonification. This Enhancing Contacts with ultrasound waves leads to increasing cell wall collapse and the withdrawal of intracellular water, proteins and nutrients into the sludge. Also with the increase of ultrasound density, the rate of SCOD increase has raised. This means an increase of SCOD of the sludge and it is due to the higher import of energy and production of nano-bubbles and damage of cells and biological flocs. By increasing the ultrasound density and sonification time, the temperature was significantly increased.

The Effect of NADES Ratio Solvent and Sonication Time in Extraction of Papaya Sap for Bio-insecticide Production

Along with the increasing quantity of agriculture in Indonesia, should be followed by improving the quality of agriculture. Generally one of the indicators or parameters commonly used to indicate the quality of agriculture is the number of pests that damage plants in certain areas. The control of disturbing organisms on the plant can be minimized by the bio-insecticide production of Carica papaya which is tapped and extracted with ultrasonic-assisted using a mixed NADES solvent from Cholin chloride (ChCl) and Oxalic acid (Ox) with varying sonification time for 10, 20, 30 minutes and solvent ratio of 1: 2 and 2: 1. Bio-insecticide was produced by conducting qualitative enzyme activity of with lowry method and quantitatively using UV / Vis spectrophotometer aid with 750 nm wavelength and efficacy test. The best extraction result was obtained at NADES solvent with 1: 2 ratio with extraction time for 30 min with extraction time for 30 minutes yielding protein concentration equal to 7,23 ppm and tyrosine concentration equal to 7,9 ppm. Bio-insecticide samples effectively kill grayak caterpillars with 100% mortality within 5-7 days.

Multiobjective Optimization of Total Monomeric Anthocyanins and Total Flavonoids Contents in Ultrasound‐Assisted Extraction from Purple Potato Tubers

AbstractThe total monomeric anthocyanins (TAC) and total flavonoids (except anthocyanins) contents (TFC) in ultrasound‐assisted extraction from purple potato tubers have been established by analytical methods. In order to study the influences of two ultrasound‐assisted extraction parameters (sonification time and solvent/solid ratio) on TAC and TFC, a 23 experimental design was performed. The second‐order polynomials calculated by regression have shown very good predictions. The sensitivity of the considered ultrasound‐assisted extraction parameters have been investigated by Monte Carlo simulations. The simultaneous maximization of TAC and TFC was the aim of a multiobjective optimization problem which has been solved by two methods, namely weighted sum and Pareto‐optimal front. The maximum of TAC is obtained for the lower bound value of sonification time (5 min) and for a solvent/solid ratio of 20.66. The maximum of TFC is obtained for a sonification time of 13.39 min and for a solvent/solid ratio of 21.09.Practical ApplicationsAnthocyanins and flavonoids present an important antioxidative activity and can play an important role in protection against neuronal and cardiovascular diseases, cataract, cancer, diabetes and aging‐related disorders. This research explored the use of polynomial regression of experimental data, sensitivity analysis and multiobjective optimization to find the best values of sonification time and solvent/solid ratio for maximization of total monomeric anthocyanins and total flavonoids contents in ultrasound‐assisted extraction from purple potato tubers. Both multiobjective optimization methods used here give large sets of optimal solutions. From these can be selected the solution corresponding to the best compromise of two objectives. On the base of the experimental and mathematical investigations it is proposed a small scale, batch industrial process.

WPŁYW CZASU NADŹWIĘKAWIANIA NA GENERACJĘ LKT I MASĘ OSADU W PROCESIE FERMENTACJI OSADÓW ŚCIEKOWYCH

Application of ultrasonic fields with a power of 300 W and the frequency 25 kHz, causes changes in the sewage sludge and in content of volatile fatty acids produced during the sludge anaerobic digestion. These changes depend on the applicable sonification time. The most favourable time was assumed to be 15 minutes. The differences have been observed at concentrations of volatile fatty acids generated, although 1/5 of the sludge volume was sonificated. This resulted in an average 15% increase in VFA content compared to non-sonificated sludge. At the same time, a higher degree of sludge organic matter decomposition was obtained, which had a positive effect on the sludge stabilization. The sludge disintegration via sludge sonification caused also a higher reduction in sludge weight (total solids).

Preparation of Raspberry-Like Adsorbed Silica Nanoparticles via Miniemulsion Polymerization Using a Glycerol-Functionalized Silica Sol

A series of polymer/SiO2 organic-inorganic composite microspheres were successfully prepared through miniemulsion polymerization. A TEM study indicated that the composite microspheres had raspberry-like morphology and silica particles were successfully deposited onto the surfaces of organic polymer microspheres. The average particle size and the silica content of composite microspheres could range from 180 nm to 240 nm and 15 ∼ 35 wt%, respectively. The influence of reaction conditions such as the amount of emulsifier, the sonification frequency and sonification time, the amount of silica sol, butyl acrylate (BA) on the particle size, silica content and morphology of composite microspheres have been studied.

Synthesis of Monodisperse Silver Nanoparticles by Sonolysis of Silver Carboxylates

AbstractMonodisperse, crystalline silver nanoparticles are synthesized by sonolytically assisted decomposition of silver oxalate and oleate precursors in dibenzylether. Oleic acid and oleylamine are used as capping agents. The diameters of the obtained particles vary from 6 to 10 nm depending on the sonification time and the precursor material. The particles are stable in non‐polar media. A 2D and 3D assembly of the as‐prepared nanoparticles is observed. Particle sizes and dispersities are characterized by transmission electron microscopy and image analysis. The decomposition characteristics of the different precursor compounds are investigated using UV–Vis spectroscopy and thermogravimetry.

Influence of excessive sludge conditioning on the efficiency of anaerobic stabilization process and biogas generation

In the paper the problem of excessive sludge anaerobic stabilization process intensification by combined pretreatment method i.e. alkaline hydrolysis and ultrasonic field active action was discussed. Combination of the mentioned methods, base on different mechanisms of action allow to obtain high pretreatment efficiency i.e. essential increase of sludge disintegration degree and the course of sludge anaerobic stabilization process. The fermentation processes having periodical character were conducted in the laboratory scale in the mesophilic conditions in the eight laboratory bulbs being models of fermentation chamber as well as in the fermentation chamber of Applikon. Process of alkaline pretreatment was conducted in the ambient temperature, in the time of 24 h and in the hermetic plastic bottles of 5 dm 3 volume. The following solid hydroxides were applied: Mg(OH) 2, Ca(OH) 2, KOH and NaOH. The supersonic disintegrator UD–20 (TECHPAN Warsaw, Poland) was used, with a ceramic transducer and power output of 180 W. The used waves has the frequency of ca. 22 kHz. Applied sonification time was of 30 ÷ 480 s and the vibration amplitude was of 8 ÷ 16 μm. In anaerobic stabilization process of excessive sludge after alkaline pretreatment aided with ultrasonic field for about 2-time increase of volatile solids reduction was obtained. Sludge pretreatment intensified the biogas production of about 4-time, as compared to untreated sludge. The connection of alkaline hydrolysis and active ultrasonic field action has influence on the high effectiveness of excessive sludge stabilization process.

Ultrasound as a pre-oxidation for biological landfill leachate treatment

In this study, the effects of low energy ultrasound irradiation on landfill leachate treatment by means of sequencing bath reactor were investigated. The aim of this work was to estimate the influence of leachate irradiation time on aerobic treatment efficiency. The sonification of the leachate was carried out in static conditions using the disintegrator UD-20. The field frequency of 22 kHz (the power output equals to 180 W) and amplitude of 12 microm was applied. The sonification time was changed in the range of 30-140 s. It was found that ultrasonic pretreatment enhances the subsequent aerobic digestion resulting in a better degradation of landfill leachate. The sonification of raw leachate leads to enhancement of COD and ammonia removal as compare to experiment without ultrasound.

High PVC film‐forming composite latex particles via miniemulsification, part 1: Preparation

AbstractMiniemulsification technology was used to encapsulate TiO2 particles inside a styrene/n‐butyl acrylate copolymer with high loading levels (11 to 70% PVC (pigment volume concentration)). In this approach, a St/BA copolymer dissolved in toluene in the presence of a costabilizer (hexadecane) was mixed with a dispersion of TiO2 particles in toluene and sonified, and then emulsified in an aqueous surfactant solution by sonification. The effect of sonification time on both the dispersibility of the TiO2 particles in the presence of the copolymer and hexadecane and on the encapsulated particle size was investigated. Particle size analysis by dynamic light scattering showed that these composite latexes are quite stable. It was also found that as the TiO2 loading increased from 11 to 43% PVC, the particle size of the TiO2 dispersion decreased while the polymer‐encapsulated TiO2 particle size increased. The effect of surfactant concentration (sodium lauryl sulfate, SLS) on the encapsulated particle size was investigated using four different SLS concentrations in the 11% PVC system. The results showed that as the SLS concentration increased the particle size decreased, as expected. Also it was found that the minimum surfactant concentration that gives stable encapsulated TiO2 particles is above 10 mM SLS. The role of HD in the recipe was studied for an artificial latex containing no TiO2 and one prepared at 11% PVC, in terms of particle size before and after solvent stripping, and its effect on the Tg. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 101: 4504–4516, 2006

Enhancing Anaerobic Fermentation of Sewage Sludge for Increasing Biogas Generation

The article presents results of biogas generation from sewage sludge after applying two pretreatment methods: sonification and thermal hydrolysis. Original results and literature data of the ultrasonic field influence on biogas generation were compared with literature data concerning effectiveness of the thermal hydrolysis. Sludge pretreatment by the ultrasonic field intensified the biogas production as the amounts of biogas was of ca. 20–24% higher, as compared to the nontreated sludge. The highest generation of biogas was observed after a shorter time. The degree of organic matter reduction was of 45–47%. The content of volatile fatty acids dropped down to 139 mg CH3COOH dm−3 during 20 days. During the thermal pretreatment of sludge the amounts of generated biogas were ca. 25% higher, as compared to nontreated sludge. The maximum biogas production of 0.92 dm3 was observed in the day 9 of fermentation. To-date results indicate that efficiency of ultrasonic disintegration depends on sonification time, type of heads, as well as power and frequency transmitted to heads.

A technique to assess small-scale heterogeneity of chemical properties in soil aggregates

A new method is presented which allows the separation of the soil aggregate exterior from the aggregate core. The method employs a combination of aggregate freezing with rapid separation of aggregate exteriors using ultrasonic energy. The factors influencing the thickness of the removed aggregate surface layer include water content of the aggregate prior to freezing, temperature difference between that of the frozen aggregate and that of the liquid it is submerged in during sonification, sonification time and energy, and the type of the immersion liquid. The success of the method and the thickness of the removed aggregate surface were examined using barium (Ba2+) as a tracer. Barium (as BaCl2) is rapidly absorbed by soil and is present at only very low levels in natural soils. Surface layers of 0.2–0.4 cm thickness were successfully removed from aggregates of 1–4�cm diameter. Two examples are given from soils in northern NSW to demonstrate the occurrence of small-scale hetero-geneity in soil chemical properties. Compared with the surface fraction, a 4–7% higher calcium concentration was found in the core fraction of a clay loam soil (Dermosol). Conversely, on a cracking clay soil (Vertosol), atrazine concentration was around 15 times greater in the aggregate surface fractions compared with core fractions. Compared with the traditional estimation of soil chemical properties on homogenised bulk soil samples, it is suggested that separate analysis of aggregate surface and core fractions could provide useful additional information on the relationships between soil properties and environmental responses.

Electron microscopic study of human sperm membrane isolation

Our purpose was to isolated pure, homogeneous human sperm membranes, free of cellular contaminants. Donor semen samples collected after masturbation were stored at -70 degrees C and eventually pooled. Each attempt at sperm membrane isolation required 800 x 10(6) spermatozoa which were sonicated by ultrasound (40% output; Vibra Cell). The effect of sonication time (3 x 5, 3 x 15, and 180 sec) on membrane isolation was investigated. Sonicated samples were centrifuged (500 g, 5 min) and the supernatant was pipetted off. The supernatant of the centrifuged sample was layered on either a sucrose cushion (supernatant on 1.6 M sucrose) or a discontinuous sucrose gradient and centrifuged (100,000 g, 1 hr). Contents of supernatants of sonicated samples and fractions (sucrose interfaces) were then fixed in 1.0% tannic acid and 2.5% buffered glutaraldehyde and examined electron microscopically using standard procedures. (1) The optimal sonification time was found to be 3 x 15 sec. (2) Membrane isolation using a sucrose cushion was found to be inadequate, showing significant cellular contamination. (3) Sperm membrane isolation from the sucrose interface between 0.75 and 1.05 M sucrose was found to be most effective. The advantage of this method is its simplicity. The drawback of this method is the large number of spermatozoa required for membrane purification.