Ultrasonic Treatment Research Articles

Construction of robust superhydrophobic surfaces with electrothermal, photothermal properties using simple spraying method

In this study, robust superhydrophobic surfaces with electrothermal, photothermal properties were fabricated by simple spraying method. In more detail, multiwall carbon nanotube (MWCNT) and silica were deliberately sprayed onto the wet poly(amide imide) (PAI) surface to construct intensive conductive network with hierarchical porous structure. The composite coating showed superhydrophobic with a water contact angle (CA) of greater than 155o and sliding angle (SA) of lower than 5o, conductivity of approaching to 1 kΩ sq-1. As expected, the composite coating possessed passive anti-icing property owing to its high CA, and the freezing time at -20 °C was obviously delayed from 150 to 600 s. On the other hand, the surface temperature respectively increased by 40 °C and 35 °C under the assistance of electric (voltage of 36 V) or light (0.23 W cm-2 irradiation) power, and the active anti-icing function can still work even under a such low temperature of -15 °C. It is worth noting that the heat generated by Joule effect was fixed on the conductive surfaces, and thus the composite coating showed good thermal insulation due to the low thermal conductivity of PAI substrate (0.298 W/mK) and hierarchical porous structure of composite coating. In addition, the surfaces showed high mechanical robust and durability, and the superhydrophobic and conductive properties were nearly unaffected even they suffered from lots of tests such as sandpaper abrasion, ultrasonic treatment, strong acid or strong alkali immerse, UV irradiation, and hot water jet impacting. Therefore, this study offered a simple way to fabricate electrothermal and photothermal surfaces for practical anti-icing/de-icing applications.

Efficient Extraction and Characterization of Pectin from Pomelo Peel by Sequential Ultrasonic and Radio Frequency Treatment

Efficient Extraction and Characterization of Pectin from Pomelo Peel by Sequential Ultrasonic and Radio Frequency Treatment

Study on the effects of ultrasonic impact treatment on the local mechanical properties of welded joints based on the digital image correlation

In this study, UIT was used to strengthen the local mechanical properties of welded joints, and the influence of UIT on the local mechanical properties of welded joints was analyzed by 3D-DIC technology. At the same time, the mechanism of UIT on the microstructure and properties of welded joints was revealed by microstructure observation. By measuring the full-field strain process of the welded joint after UIT under uniaxial tensile load, the curve of the strain in the local area with time is obtained. At the same time, the Ramberg-Osgood equation and Considère criterion are used to fit the material constitutive relationship at each point in the local area. The results show that UIT significantly improves the yield strength of the WM and the tensile strength of the BM. This study provides technical and theoretical support for the preparation of high-quality welded joints by UIT technology.

Effect of thermal and non-thermal processing methods on the Structural and Functional Properties of Whey Protein from Donkey Milk

This study evaluated the impact of thermal, ultrasonication, and UV treatment on the structural and functional properties of whey proteins from donkey milk (DWP). Whey proteins exhibited notable stability in non-heat-treated environments, while their structural and functional characteristics were notably impacted by excessive heat treatment. The application of high-temperature long-time thermal treatment (HTLT) resulted in a decrease in fluorescence intensity, foaming and emulsification stability, and considerable damage to the active components of the proteins. Specifically, the preservation of lysozyme activity was only 23%, and lactoferrin and immunoglobulin G exhibited a significant loss of 70% and 77%, respectively. Non-thermal treatment methods showed superior efficacy in preserving the active components in whey proteins compared with heat treatment. Ultrasonic treatment has demonstrated a notable capability in diminishing protein particle size and turbidity, and UV treatment has been observed to have the ability to oxidize internal disulfide bonds within proteins, consequently augmenting the presence of free sulfhydryl groups, which were beneficial to foaming and emulsification stability. This study not only offers a scientific basis for the processing and application of DWP but also serves as a guide to produce dairy products, aiding in the development of dairy products tailored to specific health functions.

Mechanical properties of polymer composite films with ZnO nanoparticles synthesized in low-temperature plasma under ultrasonic cavitation

Abstract In this study, polymer nanocomposite materials consisting of the copolymer of ethylene and vinyl acetate as a matrix and nanoparticles of zinc oxide as a filler have been obtained and examined by physicochemical and mechanical methods. Zinc oxide nanoparticles used in this study were fabricated using the plasma discharge under the effect of intensive ultrasonic cavitation. To ensure that resulting nanocomposites will acquire homogeneous distribution of filler nanoparticles, solution technology was utilized followed by the melt compounding technique, and also nanoparticles treated and non-treated with ultrasound were applied. The fabricated samples of nanocomposite material films were examined by X-ray phase analysis, then X-ray fluorescence analysis as well as scanning electron microscopy. The differences between the samples were demonstrated: when the nanoparticles without ultrasonic treatment were used, the particles were found to be more strongly aggregated within the bulk of the composite material and the average size of particles was visually larger in comparison to the sample filled with nanoparticles subjected to ultrasonic action. Finally, studies of the tensile strength and relative deformation of the samples were carried out. From the results of mechanical tests, it can be seen that, according to both studied parameters, there is an optimal concentration of ZnO nanoparticles. For tensile strength, the highest result was obtained at a concentration of nanoparticles of 3%, and for the relative elongation to rupture of the sample, the highest value was achieved at a concentration of nanoparticles of 2%.

Study of Amino Acid Profile and Solubility of Pea Protein Isolate for the Production of Beverages for Psychiatric Patients

Abstract Excessive intake of saturated fatty acids and physiologically imbalanced amino acids worsens the patient’s psychotic condition, creating the risk of developing psychosis and other comorbidities. Therefore, to ensure the optimal amount of amino acids and improve the psychotic state, pea protein isolate is an alternative to nutritional supplementation. The aim of the study was to analyse the amino acid profile of pea protein isolates and their solubility to evaluate their potential for the development of beverages for patients with psychiatric disorders. In the study, the amino acid profile analysis of organic and conventional pea protein isolates was performed using high performance liquid chromatography mass spectrometry. To evaluate solubility, pea protein isolates were treated in an ultrasonic bath and at different pH concentrations. The results showed that organic pea protein isolate showed a higher composition of essential amino acids (41.27%) and semi-essential amino acids (8.37%) than conventional pea protein isolate. Organic pea protein isolate was able to provide a more appropriate amino acid composition to meet the amino acid needs of patients with psychiatric disorders. Organic and conventional pea protein isolates had higher solubility in the ultrasonic bath of 20 min and in the alkaline environment. The solubility between the two pea protein isolates was not significantly different, but the ultrasonic bath treatment and different pH concentrations were significant, which gave insight and further application in beverage production.

Corrosion and tribocorrosion resistance of superhydrophobic LPBF-NiTi alloys surface fabricated by nanosecond laser and ultrasonic fluorination

NiTi alloys have been extensively studied for their excellent super-elasticity (SE) and shape memory effects (SME). With the development of laser powder bed fusion (LPBF), it is possible to process the complex structure of NiTi alloy, which results in the mechanical properties of LPBF-NiTi alloys receiving great attention. However, the processing method is different from the traditional one, which not only has an impact on the mechanical properties but also seriously affects the anti-corrosion resistance and causes a substantial deterioration. In the research work of this paper, nanosecond laser processing was used to fabricate the bionic mastoid-shaped micro-nano structure on the LPBF-NiTi alloys. An efficient and convenient ultrasonic fluorination treatment was used to achieve the full surface coverage of FAS-17 in 10 min, and the superhydrophobic LPBF-NiTi alloy surface (CA ~ 157°) was successfully achieved. The constructed superhydrophobic LPBF-NiTi alloy surface exhibits excellent anti-corrosion resistance compared with the original surface, and the icorr from (4.42 ± 0.5) × 10−7 A·cm−2 reduced to (3.21 ± 0.5) × 10−9 A·cm−2. Meanwhile, the superhydrophobic surface showed outstanding stability in the 15-day immersion test n 3.5 wt% NaCl solution. And it is also stable after the tribocorrosion tests in 3.5 wt% NaCl solution at 1 N and 5 N pressures. The remarkable anti-corrosion resistance and stability of the superhydrophobic surface can be attributed to the micro-nano structure rich in the TiO2 oxide layer, the air layer formed by the superhydrophobic surface insulates the corrosive liquid and the stable hydrophobic agent film.

Effect of ultrasonic and mechanical vibration treatments on evolution of Mn-rich phases and mechanical properties of Al−12Si−4Cu−1Ni−1Mg−2Mn piston alloys

Effects of ultrasonic vibration (UV) and mechanical vibration (MV) on the Mn-rich phase modification and mechanical properties of Al−12Si−4Cu−1Ni−1Mg−2Mn piston alloys were investigated. The results show that the UV and UV+MV treatments can significantly refine and fragmentize the microstructures. In addition, UV treatment can significantly passivate the primary Mn-rich Al15Mn3Si2 intermetallics. The formation mechanisms of refinement and passivation of the grains and non-dendrite particles were discussed. Compared with the gravity die-cast alloys, the UV and UV+MV treated alloys exhibit improved tensile and creep resistance at room and elevated temperatures. These results can be attributed to the refinement of the α(Al) grains and the secondary intermetallics, the increased proportion of refined heat-resistant precipitates, and the formation of nano-sized Si particles. The ultimate tensile strength of the UV treated alloys at 350 °C exceeds that of commercial piston alloys. This indicates the high application potential of the developed piston alloys in density diesel engines.

Effectiveness of respiratory protective equipment in reducing inhalation and contact exposure risks of dental workers during ultrasonic scaling

The high-concentration droplets produced from ultrasonic scaling treatments may carry many pathogens. The close contact between dental workers and patients significantly amplifies their exposure risk to these droplets. Although various types of respiratory protective equipment (RPE) are utilized by dental workers during treatments, their effectiveness in reducing the risks associated with inhalation and contact exposure remains uncertain. In this study, computational fluid dynamics technology was employed to investigate the impact of RPE type, surgery duration, air changes per hour (ACH), and air distribution on the risks related to inhalation and deposition exposure. The results revealed that wearing masks considerably reduced the risk of inhalation exposure for dental workers, with a decrease in inhalation fractions from 25.3 ppm (without RPE) to 1.3–4.5 ppm (with RPE). Combining blue surgical masks and face shields decreased the risk of inhalation fraction by 5% compared to wearing no RPE. Notably, there was over 60% of spray droplets landed on the patient's head; however, only approximately 5%, 6%, 8%, and 3% were deposited on the patient's body, doctor's body, floor, and dental chair, respectively. Increasing ventilation from 3 to 9 ACH decreased dental workers' inhalation fraction by 9.8 ppm. Type III (with the inlet and outlet at opposite walls) decreased the suspension fraction by 4.3% compared with Type II (with the inlet and outlet at the same wall) while achieving a near-zero inhalation fraction of dental workers. These findings offer valuable insights for mitigating cross-infection risks between dental workers and patients in dental clinics.

Drying methods on fruit quality and antioxidant activity of two rare edible fungi (Dictyophora rubrovolvata and Phallus impudicus L.)

Fresh D. rubrovolvata and P. impudicus are perishable due to their high water content and strong postharvest respiration, which seriously affect their edible value and economic benefits. Drying performs the crucial role in maintaining the quality of edible fungi and extending their shelf life, while the extraction method after drying is also important to the material composition and functional properties of edible fungi. According to the color difference and texture indicators, 45 °C was found to be the optimal temperature choice for both hot-air and vacuum drying. In addition, polysaccharide content in the extract of dried D. rubrovolvata was higher than that of P. impudicus, while the polyphenol abundance in the extract of dried P. impudicus was better than that of D. rubrovolvata. Hot water extraction or thermal ultrasonic treatment was beneficial for the antioxidant activity in D. rubrovolvata and P. impudicus extracts. Based on the correlation analysis, it was showed that polyphenols contributed significantly more to the antioxidant capacity of D. rubrovolvata and P. impudicus, especially P. impudicus, than that of polysaccharides. The related results provided new insights into the improvement of product quality and the development of functional products for D. rubrovolvata and P. impudicus.

Designing a sonicating static mixer for the production of Thermoplastic Vulcanisate by devulcanization of waste rubber

AbstractThe continuous ultrasonic process was utilized to devulcanize waste rubber/PE (Polyethylene) blends at varying waste rubber concentrations (5%, 10%, 20%, 30%, and 40%). The ultrasonic horn was designed as a static mixer, ensuring the distribution of ultrasonic waves in both parallel and cross‐flow directions. This helped devulcanize the blend uniformly. Both the ultrasonically treated blends and their untreated counterparts were tested for comparative analysis. Results demonstrated that at lower waste rubber concentrations of 5%, 10%, and 20% the ultrasonic treatment effectively helped in dispersing the waste rubber within the matrix. However, with higher concentrations of waste rubber 30% and 40%, the ultrasonically treated samples exhibited signs of uncuring, as evident in their thermal, mechanical, and rheological properties.

Controlling algal growth using ultrasonic technology and conceptual implementation in the real-life system

ABSTRACT The present work reports a study on the interactive response of algae and other microorganisms coexisting in a natural water body to ultrasonic treatment for effective algal growth inhibition using ultrasonic treatments. The cellular damage caused by treatment was also visualised through SEM imaging. For an ultrasonic exposure of 10–30 min at 30 kHz frequency with ultrasonic power dissipated in the range of 4.2–12.5 W, the reduction in the algal cell density was changed from 37.82 to –52.73% after 7 days of observation period. The gradual decrease in the chlorophyll concentration signified the reduced photosynthetic activity after treatment. The damage created on the cell membrane by ultrasound was evaluated through the increased permeability of electrolytes from the cells and the rise in the conductivity of water. Following the lab-scale experimental studies and interpretation of the results obtained, field trials were carried out at a local natural pond (40*35 sq. metre) for 6 months and secondary clarifier in a local industry (20 m diameter) for 2 months, with some system working based on low power ultrasonic transmitters (power ∼ 25 W/h and frequency 20–40 kHz) and promising improvement in water quality could be observed with 85% and more than 95% algae removal efficiency, respectively.

Ultrasonic destruction of surfactants

This study investigates the effectiveness of ultrasonic (US) treatment in removing and mineralizing surfactants in wastewater. It examines the complex mechanisms and variables (acoustic conditions, solution temperature, initial dose, etc.) that affect sonolytic processes. The effect of water matrix components (such as salts and the presence of secondary pollutants) on process performance is thoroughly investigated. Various treatments are analyzed through a detailed comparison of synergistic hybridization processes. The study also provides a comprehensive review of current environmental applications and explores potential directions for surfactant degradation using ultrasound. Insightful information is presented to advance sustainable wastewater treatment techniques. The literature review clearly reveals the promising future of sonotreatment for degrading various surfactants under different conditions. The use of multifrequency mechanisms and the integration of other advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) with the US process have significantly enhanced the energy efficiency of the sonochemical system. Additionally, the results highlight the need to focus on developing new sonoreactor designs, identifying degradation intermediates, and hybridizing the sonochemical system under innovative operating conditions.

The impact of frequency and power on the ultrasonic purification of aluminum alloy

In this study, the variations in hydrogen content and oxide content in alloys under 0 W, 500 W, 1000 W, 1500 W, 2000 W, 2500 W, 3000 W, and at 20 kHz, 30 kHz, 40 kHz were investigated. Hydrogen content was assessed using porosity and computed tomography, while oxygen content in the alloy was measured using element analyzer and elemental scanning. Compared to other conditions, the melt had the lowest hydrogen and oxide contents at a frequency of 20 kHz and an ultrasonic power of 2500 W, with values of 0.099 cm3/100 g and 0.0015 %, respectively. Experimental observations also indicate that the variations in hydrogen content and oxide content in the alloy during ultrasonic treatment are almost similar. In most cases, lower hydrogen content corresponds to lower oxide content in the same alloy. This is because hydrogen bubbles and oxides become a single entity. At the same time, ultrasonic purification increases the tensile strength of the alloy to 200.1 MPa and the elongation rate to 0.72 %. This study primarily investigates the relationship between hydrogen bubbles and oxides in aluminum melt under different ultrasonic frequencies and power levels, providing significant reference for the purification of various fluids under ultrasonic fields.

The viable but non-culturable (VBNC) status of Shewanella putrefaciens (S. putrefaciens) with thermosonication (TS) treatment

Although thermosonication (TS) treatment has been widely used in food sterilization, the viable but non‐culturable (VBNC) of bacteria with TS treatment has still concerned potential food safety and public health. The molecular mechanism of VBNC status of bacteria with TS treatment is not clearly known. Therefore, in this study, we used Shewanella putrefaciens, which was a common putrefactive bacteria in aquatic products, to study the VBNC state of bacteria with TS treatment. Firstly, our results revealed that S. putrefaciens still could enter the VBNC state after TS treatments: 50 kHz, 300 W, 30 min ultrasonic treatment and 70 °C heating; Subsequently, we found the VBNC state of S. putrefaciens can resist the damage of TS treatment, such as cell wall break, DNA degradation, etc; Finally, four-dimensional data-independent acquisition-based proteomics showed that under VBNC state, S. putrefaciens upregulated functional proteins to resist TS treatment, such as: ribosomal proteins to accelerate the synthesis of stress proteins to counteract TS treatments, ornithine decarboxylase SpeF and MraY to repair TS treatment-induced damage, etc. Meanwhile, S. putrefaciens downregulates metabolic and transport functional proteins such as dehydrogenase to reduce the metabolism. Importantly, among those proteins, the ribosomal transcriptional regulatory protein family, such as rpsB, etc, may be the key proteins for S. putrefaciens entering VBNC state. This finding can provide some new strategies for preventing VBNC status of bacteria with TS treatment, such as: inhibition of key proteins, etc.

Effects of Different Extraction Methods on the Structural and Functional Properties of Soluble Dietary Fibre from Sweet Potatoes.

In this study, hot water treatment (WT), ultrasonic treatment (UT), ultrasonic-sodium hydroxide treatment (UST), ultrasonic-enzyme treatment (UET), and ultrasonic-microwave treatment (UMT) were used to treat sweet potatoes. The structural, physicochemical, and functional properties of the extracted soluble dietary fibres (SDFs) were named WT-SDF, UT-SDF, UST-SDF, UET-SDF, and UMT-SDF, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermal properties, and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) analysis were employed. The structural results indicated that the UST-SDF exhibited the best thermal stability, highest crystallinity, and maximum specific surface area. Moreover, compared to hot water extraction, ultrasonic extraction, or ultrasonic extraction in combination with other methods, enhanced the physicochemical and functional properties of the SDF, including extraction yield, water-holding capacity (WHC), oil-holding capacity (OHC), glucose adsorption capacity (GAC), glucose dialysis retardation index (GDRI), sodium cholate adsorption capacity (SCAC), cholesterol adsorption capacity (CAC), nitrite ion adsorption capacity (NIAC), and antioxidant properties. Specifically, the UST-SDF and UMT-SDF showed better extraction yield, WHC, OHC, GAC, CAC, SCAC, and NIAC values than the other samples. In summary, these results indicate that UST and UMT could be applied as ideal extraction methods for sweet potato SDF and that UST-SDF and UMT-SDF show enormous potential for use in the functional food industry.

Exploring Conventional and Green Extraction Methods for Enhancing the Polyphenol Yield and Antioxidant Activity of Hyssopus officinalis Extracts.

Hyssopus officinalis L. (HO) is, as one of the most prevalently utilized plants, used in traditional medicine to cure various diseases as well as the in food and cosmetic industries. Moreover, HO is a rich source of polyphenols with potent antioxidant properties. However, the studies on the extraction of such compounds from HO are scanty and sparse. This study aims to optimize the extraction of polyphenols and maximize the antioxidant activity in HO extracts. A comprehensive experimental design was employed, encompassing varied extraction parameters to determine the most effective ones. Alongside conventional stirring (ST), two green approaches, the ultrasonic treatment (US) and the pulsed electric field (PEF), were explored, either alone or in combination. The extracted polyphenolic compounds were identified with a high-performance liquid chromatography-diode array detector (HPLC-DAD). According to the results, the employment of ST along with an ethanolic solvent at 80 °C for 150 min seems beneficial in maximizing the extraction of polyphenols from HO, resulting in extracts with enhanced antioxidant activity. The total polyphenol was noted at 70.65 ± 2.76 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/g dry weight (dw) using the aforementioned techniques, and the antioxidant activity was noted as 582.23 ± 16.88 μmol ascorbic acid equivalents (AAE)/g dw (with FRAP method) and 343.75 ± 15.61 μmol AAE/g dw (with the DPPH method). The as-prepared extracts can be utilized in the food and cosmetics industries to bestow or enhance the antioxidant properties of commercial products.

How does particle size of spent coffee ground affect the physicochemical properties of isolated cellulose nanosphere?

Studying the effect of raw material particle size on the properties of isolated nanocellulose is crucial for enhancing material performance, optimizing processing techniques, and promoting sustainability in various industrial applications. Therefore, this study aims to extract and characterize nanocellulose from spent coffee ground (SCG) with different particles size (A: 850–1000, B: 500–850, C: 350–500 μm). For this purpose, SCGs were purified using alkaline and bleaching agents to extract cellulose, followed by acid hydrolysis (sulfuric acid 64 %, 45 °C, 1 h) combined with ultrasonication treatment to produce nanocellulose. The obtained nanocelluloses were characterized in terms of morphology, size distribution, sulfur content, ζ-potential, crystallinity, crystal size, thermal stability, and re-dispersibility in water. Atomic force microscopy confirmed the production of spherical nanocellulose (CNS) with diameter ranging from 65.21 nm in A-CNS to 49.31 and 48.06 nm in B and C-CNS, respectively. The ζ-potential of fresh dispersions decreased with particle size, from −44 mV for A-CNS to −41 mV and −40 mV for B and C-CNS, respectively. The sulfur content also decreased gradually from 214.30 (A-CNS) to 191.29 mmol/kg (C-CNS). All CNS were relatively thermally stable, with thermal analysis showing enhanced stability for A-CNS. The crystallinity index (64–69 %) and the crystal size (2.21–2.39 nm) of CNS were not affected by the particle sizes. In summary, the CNS dimensions, ζ-potential of fresh dispersions, sulfur content and thermal stability of CNS varied significantly among samples, depending on the particle size of SCG. Therefore, it is strongly recommended that researchers choose the optimum particle size for producing nanocellulose for the desired applications.

Chemical synthesis and electrochemical performance of Hausmannite Mn3O4/rGO composites for supercapacitor applications

A simple approach for the preparation of hausmannite Mn3O4/rGO composites for supercapacitor electrodes is reported. The individual Mn3O4 and rGO phases were synthesized by dry ball milling and the modified Hummers method, respectively. Subsequently, composites with different Mn3O4/rGO ratios were prepared by ultrasonic treatment. The physicochemical and electrochemical properties were characterized. In addition, the electrochemical performance of an electrode supercapacitor was tested in two different configurations: a three-electrode cell and a symmetric supercapacitor (SSC). The three-electrode cell showed an excellent specific capacitance of 525 F·g1 at 5 mV·s1. To investigate practical applications, Mn3O4/rGO were used as electrodes to construct symmetric supercapacitors. The composite with a volume ratio of Mn3O4:rGO of 7:3 showed a remarkable stability of 85 % after 5000 charge-discharge cycles. This SSC also delivered an energy density of 6.25 W·h·kg−1 at a power density of 125 W·h·kg−1 with a current density of 0.5 A·g−1, and 5.36 W·h·kg−1 at a power density of 500 W·h·kg−1 and 2 A·g−1.

A multifunctional barium-modified geopolymer foam for the efficient and flexible treatment of high-sulfate coal mine drainage

Adsorption is a low-energy and easy-to-perform technique that can directly remove pollutants from water. However, owing to material limitations in terms of the adsorption capacity, efficiency, cost, and pollutant type, the application of this method is challenging in high-sulfate coal mine drainage (CMD) purification. Based on a coal mine in Erdos (China) with high-sulfate CMD, a multifunctional Ba-modified geopolymer foam (Ba/GPF) adsorbent was developed, and its ion adsorption efficiency was verified, along with its application performance in a practical situation. The excellent pore structure of Ba/GPF adsorbent allowed the dynamic removal of SO42− (>86%), Ca2+ and Mg2+ (>99%), Na+ (>50%), K+ (>77%), TDS (>60%), and suspended solids (>97%) from actual CMD. Furthermore, the addition of Na2CO3 combined with ultrasonic and acid treatment effectively removed the BaSO4 crystals to recover the regeneration capacity of Ba/GPF. Importantly, the adsorption capacity decreased by only 25.9% after 8 regeneration cycles. Subsequently, Ba/GPF was applied on a small scale to an actual coal mine, and its effectiveness was verified. This adsorbent can therefore be considered applicable in energy-free working conditions, such as those found in underground producing mine goafs. Overall, the Ba/GPF shows promising potential for the efficient and flexible treatment of high-sulfate wastewater.