Wet Treatment Research Articles

Multifunctional Nanotherapeutics with Long-Acting Release against Macular Degeneration by Minimally Invasive Administration.

Neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a leading cause of blindness, requires frequent intravitreal injection of antivascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF), which could generate a succession of complications with poor patient compliance. The current VEGF-targeting therapies often fail in half of patients due to the complex pathologic microenvironment of excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and increased levels of inflammation are accompanied by choroidal neovascularization (CNV). We herein reported multifunctional nanotherapeutics featuring superior antioxidant and anti-inflammation properties that aim to reverse the pathological condition, alongside its strong targeted antiangiogenesis to CNV and its ability to provide long-term sustained bioactive delivery via the minimally invasive subconjunctival injection, so as to achieve satisfactory wet AMD treatment effects. Concretely, the nanomedicine was designed by coencapsulation of astaxanthin (AST), a red pigmented carotenoid known for its antioxidative, anti-inflammatory and antiapoptotic properties, and axitinib (AXI), a small molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitor that selectively targets the vascular epidermal growth factor receptor for antiangiogenesis, into the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA), which forms the nanodrug of PLGA@AST/AXI. Our results demonstrated that a single-dose subconjunctival administration of PLGA@AST/AXI showed a rational synergistic effect by targeting various prevailing risk factors associated with wet AMD, ensuring persistent drug release profiles, maintaining good ocular biocompatibility, and causing no obvious mechanical damage. Such attributes are vital and hold significant potential in treating ocular posterior segment diseases. Moreover, this nanotherapeutic strategy represents a versatile and broad-spectrum nanoplatform, offering a promising alternative for the complex pathological progression of other neovascular diseases.

Influence of Hydrothermal Carbonization (HTC) Temperature on Hydrochar and Process Liquid for Poultry, Swine, and Dairy Manure

Hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) is a promising technology for wet manure treatment by converting animal manure into valuable fuels, materials, and chemicals. Among other HTC process parameters, the temperature influences HTC products the most. As various animal manures have different compositions, it is not certain how the HTC temperature influences the hydrochar and HTC process liquid. To evaluate the temperature’s effect on HTC, three different manures (poultry, swine, and dairy) were hydrothermally carbonized at three different temperatures (180, 220, and 260 °C), and solid and liquid products were characterized for their morphology, elemental compositions, and ions. The carbon contents of the hydrochar reached as high as 38.98 ± 0.36% and 40.05 ± 0.57% for poultry and swine manure, respectively, when these manures were treated at 260 °C. Ammonium showed an around 30% increase in poultry manure hydrochar with the increase in the HTC temperature. In contrast, in swine manure, it decreased by around 80%, and in dairy manure, the HTC temperature did not have any remarkable effect on the ammonium content. The process liquids from HTC of dairy manure at 220 °C showed the most balanced distribution of different ions, with 4970 ± 673 ppm of sodium, 4354 ± 437 ppm of ammonium, 2766 ± 417 ppm of potassium, 978 ± 82 ppm of magnesium, 953 ± 143 ppm of calcium, 3607 ± 16 ppm of chloride, and 39 ± 7 ppm of phosphate. These results emphasize the manure-specific effects of the HTC temperature on both solid and liquid products, indicating the need for optimized strategies to enhance HTC processes for various types of animal manures.

Research on the enhancement material and culture method of soil aggregates composed of feldspathic sandstone and sand

The Mu Us Sandy Land is a region characterized by wind-blown sand and soil erosion in northern China. To enhance the soil quality of this area, various organic materials were incorporated into the mixed soil at a volume ratio of 1:2 for feldspathic sandstone to sand. Culture was conducted in the field and under constant temperature conditions in laboratory culture chambers. Four treatments were established in the experiment, each calculated based on weight ratio and controlled (with no organic material added, CK); single application of straw (5% straw, P1); single application of biochar (5% biochar, P2); combined application of biochar and straw (5% biochar + 5% straw, P3). After 90 days of culture, soil samples were collected for analysis of various indicators such as soil aggregate particle size distribution, water stability of soil aggregates, mean weight diameter, mean geometric diameter, and fractal dimension using dry sieving and wet sieving methods. The objective is to establish a scientific basis and provide technical support for addressing the challenges associated with compound soil and implementing rational fertilization measures. The research results indicate that: (1) The quantity of aggregates > 0.25 mm under different treatments follows the order CK < P1 < P2 < P3, and the differences between treatments are significant (P < 0.05); (2) Soil water stability, mean weight diameter (MWD), mean geometric diameter (GMD), and fractal dimension of soil aggregates in compound soil with different organic material additions are superior to the control, and the effect of biochar on improving soil aggregates is better than that of corn straw. The combined application of both significantly improves the effect compared to single applications. In both culture modes, under wet sieving, the P3 treatment shows the highest MWD and GMD of soil aggregates, with an increase ranging from 3.45% to 85% and 4.55% to 38.46%, respectively, compared to other treatments. (3) The trend of fractal dimension among treatments is consistent: P3 < P2 < P1 < CK, and the differences between treatments are significant (P < 0.05). Moreover, there is a good negative correlation linear equation relationship between the fractal dimension (y) and WR > 0.25 (x) of compound soil, with a correlation coefficient of up to 0.9851. In conclusion, the incorporation of organic materials can effectively enhance the proportion of macroaggregates in compound soil consisting of Feldspathic sandstone and sand, thereby improving soil stability and erosion resistance. The optimal outcome is achieved through the combined application of biochar and straw. Indoor culture proves to be more effective than field culture, while wet sieving accurately reflects the structural characteristics of compound soil under both dry and wet sieving treatments.

Cumulative effect of molybdenum doping and nitrogen atmosphere on the properties of vanadium oxycarbide cermets with iron binder

The present study focuses on the effect of molybdenum and nitrogen on the microstructure and mechanical properties of VCxOy-Fe cermets. Samples with 0–23 at% Mo were fabricated using a wet synthesis route and heat treatment under Ar and N2 atmospheres. Phase transformations during heating were investigated by TGA-DSC in combination with XRD, and the resulting materials were analyzed by SEM/EDX. A doping level of 6–12 at% was found to be optimal, as it lowered the melting point of the metallic binder to 1320–1360 °C. Replacing argon with nitrogen further decreased the melting point to 1210–1240 °C and reduced the grain size. Depending on the sintering temperature, gas environment, and molybdenum content, the produced cermets were characterized by 92–97 % density, 17–29 vol% binder phase, 8–14 GPa hardness, and 6–9 MPa m0.5 fracture toughness. The average size of oxycarbide grains, their stoichiometry, and the amount of dissolved vanadium in the iron binder demonstrated a strong correlation with changes in mechanical properties.

Technical solution for purifying emissions of climate-active gases

The rising demand for food products and subsequent increase in agricultural production leads to heightened quantities of waste and by-products, particularly within the livestock industry. Traditional methods of livestock by-product disposal encompass intensive processing, including biodestruction processes. However, these processes tend to generate significant emissions of climate-active gases such as carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and ammonia. To mitigate environmental impacts, it is proposed to integrate an advanced gas-air emission purification system into the existing livestock by-product processing lines. (Research purpose) The objective is to develop a system for purifying emissions of climate-active gases, particularly ammonia, produced during the intensive biotechnological processing of livestock by-products. (Materials and methods) Based on the properties of the primary pollutants, possible methods for their removal from emissions were determined. Such methods include dry, wet, condensation, and biological treatment. The biopurification method was selected for its efficacy and optimal performance. (Results and discussion) As a technical solution, a sequential gas-air emission purification process was developed using biofilters equipped with a polymer carrier and organic substrates as fillers. The system is equipped with digital sensors for monitoring and controlling the operational workflow. A special feature of the proposed system design is the use of replaceable filter cartridges and an active irrigation system. (Conclusions) The research helped to identify main types, parameters and methods for purifying emissions of climate-active gases with a focus on ammonia. Emission purification with a digital workflow control system is carried out sequentially in a shell-and-tube condenser and a biofilter. The specific cooling surface is 1.09∙10–3 square meters per 1 cubic meter, the specifi c refrigerant consumption is 0.7 liters per 1 cubic meter. Optimal biofilter performance was attained at the temperature of 30 degrees Celsius, with 45-55 percent humidity, active acidity of 8-8.4 units, and residence time of 15-30 seconds in the filter layer. These conditions ensure a high degree of ammonia purification and long-term biofilter operation.

The impact of atmospheric air plasma treatment on the polyfunctional end-use polyester fabric using new synthetic pyrazole dye

Before gluing, bonding, and painting, a variety of materials' surfaces can be modified using the widely used plasma treatment technique. These materials include plastics, glass, metals, and wood. Materials' physical and chemical properties are changed in an environmentally responsible way to enhance or confer particular qualities. The recently used technology known as low-temperature atmospheric pressure plasma (LTAPP) allows heat-sensitive materials to be surface modified in a simple, one-step process. Polymer-based materials are frequently surface modified using LTAPP treatment to improve adhesion, printability, and surface sterility. Polyester's superior mechanical and physical qualities have led to its widespread use as a technical textile and garment material in the form of fibers, films, and plastics. Its limited versatility in terms of end use has been caused by its poor surface properties as the hydrophobic nature of polyester surface, roughness, the crystallinity, and lack of dyeability which are the main drawback restricting its use in different textile applications especially during wet treatments unlike natural fibers. In order to increase the fabric's hydrophilicity and dyeability, the surface of a polyester fabric was altered in this study using atmospheric pressure plasma treatment with atmospheric plasma jet and dielectric barrier discharge (APJ-DBD) technology in air. The primary obstacles in making dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma treatment suitable for industrial purposes are the extended duration of treatment and the utilization of elevated voltage levels. The combination between the atmospheric plasma jet and the dielectric barrier discharge reduces the optimal treatment time to 1 min and the applied voltage to 3.3 kV. After being exposed to oxygen plasma species for a brief period of time (between 30 and 300 s), and were analyzed using an X-ray diffraction machine, an X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), static contact angle, and a scanning electron microscope (SEM) to investigate changes in the morphology and chemical nature of the surface, respectively. Fabric wettability increased as a result of plasma treatment, which also increased the fabric's surface roughness, as demonstrated by SEM and X-ray diffraction. The contact angle decreases by increasing the treatment time. The dyeability of untreated and plasma-treated samples was examined with respect to washing, rubbing, perspiration, sublimation, and light fastness. Additionally, color strength was examined. Adequately, compared to the untreated fabric, polyester treated with plasma showed improved dyeing performances. The technical reactivity of poly (ethylene-terephthalate) (PET) fabrics was found to be effectively increased by atmospheric air plasma treatment, creating new avenues for surface modification in light of the expanding environmental and energy-saving concerns.

Digital etching of AlGaN/GaN heterostructures with GaN cap using inductively coupled oxygen plasma process combined with wet chemical treatment

In this work, AlGaN with a GaN cap has been etched in a cyclical process with ICP-RIE O2 plasma oxidation and wet etching in dilute HCl. The oxygen plasma ICP-RIE etching of the AlGaN at an ICP plasma power of 200 W and radio frequency bias power of 100 W led to an etch depth of ∼1.5 nm per digital cycle with increased surface roughness. The AlGaN remained unaffected by the wet etching process alone without any ICP-RIE O2 plasma oxidation, maintaining a surface roughness similar to that of the substrate. AlGaN was etched to a depth of ∼12 nm after six cycles of digital etching with an etch rate of 1.9–2.1 nm/cycle showing an improved surface roughness. The XPS analysis at each stage of the etching process reveals that the O2 plasma oxidation initially oxidizes the GaN cap and the AlGaN layer and is later effectively removed by the HCl solution. The digital etching method has proven effective in controlling etch depth and surface roughness, which are needed to fabricate AlGaN high electron mobility transistors.

Fabrication of high aspect ratio AlN nanopillars by top-down approach combining plasma etching and wet etching

This study proposes a top-down approach for fabricating high aspect ratio AlN pillars with m-oriented nonpolar sidewalls, which will serve as the first building block for the fabrication of core-shell UV-LEDs. Such structures are achieved through a two-step process, combining a chlorine plasma etching, followed by a wet chemical etching with KOH. In this work, the mechanisms driving the AlN etching in chlorine plasma are discussed. In particular, we highlight the impact of the ratio between ion flux and radical flux on AlN etch rates, pillar profiles, and crystal orientation-dependent etching. We also identify two mechanisms of passivation layer formation on the pillar sidewalls that contribute to the pattern slope: redeposition of the carrier wafer etch by-products and Aluminium line of sight redeposition, both phenomena are also driven by the ionic bombardment. Low ionic bombardment (either low ion over radical flux ratio or low ion energy) has been identified as plasma conditions allowing the patterning of anisotropic AlN pillars but with the formation of a-nonpolar facets. Due to the inability to obtain m-oriented sidewalls using Cl2 plasma etching alone, we show that the use of a KOH wet etching treatment allows verticalizing the pillars and revealing smooth m-facets on the pillars’ sidewalls if suitable m-oriented hard mask is used. In this wet etching step, we highlight the key role played by the hard mask and its initial shape during the wet etching if straight and m-oriented pillars are desired.

Removal of lead ions onto potassium-type fine-grained zeolite prepared from dry or wet milling treatment

Potassium-type zeolite (KZ) was prepared from coal fly ash by hydrothermal activation treatment using potassium hydroxide solution and potassium-type fine-grained zeolite was prepared by dry milling (KZ-D) or wet milling (KZ-W). The effects of the different treatments on the Pb2+ adsorption performance were assessed. KZ-W resulted in a much smaller particle diameter (0.61 ± 0.12 µm) than KZ-D (1.4 ± 0.48 µm) and KZ (6.5 ± 0.49 µm). KZ-W also realized a higher pore volume, mean pore diameter, and specific surface area, than KZ-D and KZ. Additionally, KZ-W realized a greater Pb2+ adsorption capacity (242.6 mg/g) than KZ (195.3 mg/g) or KZ-D (188.9 mg/g). The adsorption phenomena were fitted to the Freundlich and Langmuir models to clarify the Pb2+ adsorption mechanism, and then both models showed a good fit to the experimental data (the correlation coefficients of 0.914–0.996 for Freundlich model and 0.897–0.981 for Langmuir model). Additionally, the ion exchange capability, elemental distribution, and binding energy before and after adsorption were analyzed. The results indicated that the physicochemical characteristics of the tested adsorbent surface affected the Pb2+ adsorption capacity in the aqueous phase. According to kinetics, the pseudo-second-order model matched the experimental data (the correlation coefficients of 0.996–0.999). The samples also demonstrated selective adsorption of Pb2+ in a binary solution. The results demonstrated that KZ-W can effectively remove Pb2+ from the aqueous phase and that it may be a useful tool for preventing contamination of water bodies.

Annealing Process on Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor Channel Properties for Quasivertical GaN‐on‐Sapphire Trench Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor Field‐Effect Transistor

Quasivertical gallium nitride trench‐gate metal–oxide–semiconductor field‐effect transistors with different etch radio frequency power and the impact of the order of annealing process in tetramethylammonium hydroxide wet treatment have been fabricated and studied. The high‐power device has a threshold voltage of 5.3 V and a maximum saturation current density of 552 A cm−2, whereas the low‐power device has a threshold voltage of 4.5 V and a maximum saturation current density of 650 A cm−2. However, the low‐power device has more severe off‐state leakage due to more fixed charges and defects on the device surface. Furthermore, the annealing process serves as an additional step before wet treatment. Scanning electron mircoscope image indicates that annealing at high temperatures prior to etching can eliminate surface oxide and redistribute surface imperfections, resulting in a smoother sidewall morphology. The relationship between temperature and mobility confirms the impact of the crystal surface feature on device performance.

Metabolic Regulation of Endothelial Cells: A New Era for Treating Wet Age-Related Macular Degeneration.

Wet age-related macular degeneration (wet AMD) is a primary contributor to visual impairment and severe vision loss globally, but the prevailing treatments are often unsatisfactory. The development of conventional treatment strategies has largely been based on the understanding that the angiogenic switch of endothelial cells (ECs) is mainly dictated by angiogenic growth factors. Even though treatments targeting vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), like ranibizumab, are widely administered, more than half of patients still exhibit inadequate or null responses, suggesting the involvement of other pathogenic mechanisms. With advances in research in recent years, it has become well recognized that EC metabolic regulation plays an active rather than merely passive responsive role in angiogenesis. Disturbances of these metabolic pathways may lead to excessive neovascularization in angiogenic diseases such as wet AMD, therefore targeted modulation of EC metabolism represents a promising therapeutic strategy for wet AMD. In this review, we comprehensively discuss the potential applications of EC metabolic regulation in wet AMD treatment from multiple perspectives, including the involvement of ECs in wet AMD pathogenesis, the major endothelial metabolic pathways, and novel therapeutic approaches targeting metabolism for wet AMD.

Sonoprocesses for sustainable textile processing and nanofinishing: a review

The textile sector is widely acknowledged as one of the most environmentally damaging sectors globally, primarily due to its high consumption of water and energy, utilization of chemicals, and the discharge of waste water containing a complex mixture of hazardous substances. The incorporation of nanotechnology, particularly through wet processes involving nano finishes, while enhancing textile functionality, further exacerbates these environmental concerns. Consequently, the exploration and promotion of sustainable methodologies are imperative across all wet treatments in textile processing. Among the potential solutions, sonoprocesses stand out as a promising avenue for mitigating resource consumption, and supporting environmentally friendly synthesis and application of nanomaterials to textiles. Sonoprocesses offer the advantage of carrying processes at low temperature and pressure, and the use of aqueous media instead of organic solvents. This comprehensive review delves into the multifaceted applications of sonoprocesses within the textile realm, with a specific emphasis on the synthesis and application of nanomaterials to textiles. Discussing the diverse applications of sonoprocesses, this study will pave the way for the integration of these techniques within the textile industry, ultimately aiming for widespread adoption on a commercial scale. This will help in promoting sustainable practices and reducing the ecological footprint of the textile sector.

Wet steam method for reducing attached cells of Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes on Hass avocado

The consumption of avocados and their products has been linked to outbreaks of illness caused by Salmonella enterica and Listeria monocytogenes. These pathogens have been isolated from avocados collected from farms and markets. After contact with the avocado epicarp, the cells of Salmonella and L. monocytogenes can become loosely attached (LA) by suspension in a film of water and attraction by electrostatic forces, or strongly attached (SA) by physical and irreversible attachment mechanisms. Attached cells may have greater resistance to agents used to decontaminate the fruit. The effect of applying wet steam (WS) to the epicarp of Hass avocados on the reduction LA and SA counts of Salmonella and L. monocytogenes was evaluated as a function of the exposure time. The inoculated avocados were washed and exposed to WS for 30, 45, and 60 s inside a treatment chamber. Salmonella was found to be more susceptible to WS than L. monocytogenes. The efficacy of steam in reducing LA and SA cell numbers was similar for both pathogens. Steaming avocados for 60 s reduced LA Salmonella and L. monocytogenes cells by 4.6 and 4.8 log CFU/avocado, whereas SA cells were decreased by 5.2 and 4.4 log CFU/avocado, respectively.•Steaming the avocados for 60 s produced the greatest reduction in loosely and strongly attached cells for both pathogens.•Wet steam treatment efficiently eliminated the loosely and strongly attached cells of both pathogens.•The Listeria monocytogenes attached cells showed greater resistance to steam treatment than Salmonella.

A study on soil aggregate stability and splash erosion under exogenous electrolyte conditions in the karst region of Southwest China

Study areaKarst region in Guangxi Province, Southwest China. Study focusBoth soil properties and rainfall characteristics have a critical influence on splash erosion and aggregate stability. However, the impact of electrolytes on splash erosion has received less attention. In this study, soils from 4 typical land use types (cropland, orchard, artificial forest and secondary forest) in karst region were utilized as the research objects. NaCl, KCl, and MgCl2 solutions of different concentrations were used to determine the stability of the aggregates via fast wetting (FW) treatment of Le Bissonnais (LB) method and the characteristics of splash erosion via simulated rainfall experiments. New hydrological insights for the regionResults revealed that both the land use types and electrolyte significantly influenced the soil aggregate stability and splash characteristics. Specifically, the change in land use from cropland to orchard, artificial forest and secondary forest significantly increased the aggregate stability, thus decreasing soil erodibility. The aggregate stability decreased and the total splash rate increased as the electrolyte concentration increased. The total splash erosion rate of the 4 soils was positively correlated with the <0.5 mm particle size released by aggregate fragmentation under simulated rainfall conditions. The results can provide a theoretical basis for soil erosion control and soil quality improvement in the karst region of Southwest China.

Performance evaluation of a wet air oxidation reactor with external circulation for high-chemical oxygen demand wastewater treatment

The presence of high-concentration organic contaminants in wastewater poses considerable risks to the health of both humans and ecosystems. Wet air oxidation (WAO) is an attractive treatment option, but current dilution and retreatment processes do not align with economic and environmental principles. Here we report an external circulation wet oxidation treatment process that utilizes oxidizing liquids to reduce feed concentration. By coupling energy consumption model with computational fluid dynamics model, we explore the optimal parameters for an industrial external circulation reactor. A 90 kt/a external circulation wastewater treatment system has been established, achieving a 21.6% increase in chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal efficiency and a 34.8% reduction in energy consumption. These findings provide a promising pathway for the efficient, low-energy treatment of high-concentration organic wastewater while minimizing freshwater resource consumption.

Surface modification of rare earth elements to enhance the electrochemical stability of Ni-rich Co-free cathodes

The Ni-rich Co-free cathode materials are considered the most optimistic choice for the long-term economic development of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) due to the limited supply and high prices of cobalt. In this study, a uniform samarium oxide (Sm2O3) layer was coated on the surface of LiNi0.8Mn0.17Fe0.03O2 (NMF) cathode materials through wet subsequent heat treatment. Compared with the unmodified cathode materials, the modified cathode materials exhibit better electrochemical performance at high voltage. The specific discharge capacity of the modified cathode materials increased from 37.5 mAh g−1 (NMF) to 118.2 mAh g−1 after 200 cycles at 1 C and the retention rate increased from 21.18% to 69.77%. The samarium oxide coating effectively inhibits the reaction between the cathode materials and the electrolyte. Therefore, our study proposes a simple and scalable method for modifying nickel-rich cobalt-free cathode materials.

Wet Field Bi-Polar Surgical Treatment for Retinopathy

Retinopathy is a major cause due to high blood sugar and it affects the major nerves damage in the back of our eyes. This poor management of sugar levels in our daily intakes and it initiates major cause in human vision. Diabetic retinopathy rectification has most important favored for the every patient whose are affected by the diabetic mellitus. Surgery and surgical instrument based retinopathy has a most featured approach. Wet-field bi- polar cautery is an instrument to reduce the unwanted progressive tissue in our eyes. This device or temperature generated has controlled with the aid of sensor and microcontroller devices. This sensor based temperature optimization has increased the performance of the device. The current scenarios of the device and temperature level have explicated via various electronic devices and improve the surgical performance. Thus the efficiency and effectiveness of the system has most useful for the diabetic retinopathy patients.

Structural and functional properties of whey protein isolate-inulin conjugates prepared with ultrasound or wet heating method.

Whey protein isolate (WPI) generally represents poor functional properties such as thermal stability, emulsifying activity and antioxidant activity near its isoelectric point or high temperatures, which limit its application in the food industry. The preparation of WPI-polysaccharide covalent conjugates based on Maillard reaction is a promising method to improve the physical and chemical stability and functional properties of WPI. In this research, WPI-inulin conjugates were prepared through wet heating method and ultrasound method and their structural and functional properties were examined. In conjugates, the free amino acid content was reduced, the high molecular bands were emerged at sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), new C-N bonds were formed in Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and fluorescence intensity was reduced compared with WPI. Furthermore, the result of circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy also showed that the secondary structure of conjugates was changed. Conjugates with ultrasound treatment had better structural properties compared with those prepared by wet heating treatment. The functional properties such as thermal stability, emulsifying activity index (EAI), emulsion stability (ES) and antioxidant activity of conjugates with wet heating treatment were significantly improved compared with WPI. The EAI and ES of conjugates with ultrasound treatment were the highest, but the thermal stability and antioxidant activity were only close to that of the conjugates with wet heating treatment for 2 h. This study revealed that WPI-inulin conjugates prepared with ultrasound or wet heating method not only changed the structural characteristics of WPI but also could promote its functional properties including thermal stability, EAI, ES and antioxidant activity. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Enhancing pozzolanic activity of fly ash via dry and wet milling: A comparative study for sustainable construction material enhancement

This investigation delineates the enhancement of fly ash (FA) properties through mechanical treatments for sustainable construction applications and reducing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. FA, a byproduct of coal combustion in power generation, inherently exhibits limited pozzolanic activity. This research evaluates the impact of particle size reduction via dry and wet milling treatments on FA's pozzolanic behavior. The study's comparative analysis involves three FA variants: untreated raw material, dry-milled, and wet-milled FA. Extensive characterization encompassed chemical composition, physical properties, and microstructural features. Results demonstrate a marked improvement in pozzolanic activity in milled FAs, with wet milling yielding superior outcomes in particle size reduction (98% diminution compared to raw FA) and pozzolanic reactivity. The comparative assessment underscores wet milling's efficacy over dry milling and untreated FA in enhancing FA's performance as a sustainable construction material. In light of these findings, the study advocates for continued exploration of FA treatments, aiming to optimize their utility in eco-friendly construction practices.

Distribution of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFASs) in a Waste-to-Energy Plant─Tracking PFASs in Internal Residual Streams.

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) constitute a diverse group of man-made chemicals characterized by their water- and oil-repellent properties and persistency. Given their widespread use in consumer products, PFASs will inevitably be present in waste streams sent to Waste-to-Energy (WtE) plants. We have previously observed a subset of PFASs in residual streams (ashes, treated process water, and flue gas) from a WtE plant. However, the transport and distribution of PFASs inside the WtE plant have remained unaddressed. This study is part of a comprehensive investigation to create a synoptic overview of the distribution of PFASs in WtE residues. PFASs were found in all sample types except for boiler ash. The total levels of 18 individual PFASs (Σ18PFASs) in untreated flue gas ranged from 5.2 to 9.5 ng m-3, decreasing with 35% ± 10% after wet flue gas treatment. Σ18PFASs in the condensate ranged from 46 to 50 ng L-1, of which perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA) made up 90% on a ng L-1 basis. PFHxA was also dominant in filter ash, where Σ18PFASs ranged from 0.28 to 0.79 ng g-1. This study shows that flue gas treatment can capture some PFASs and transfer them into WtE residues.