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Biomacromolecules Aug 2023Nanocellulose is emerging as a sustainable building block in materials science. Surface modification via polymer grafting has proven to be effective in tuning diverse...
Nanocellulose is emerging as a sustainable building block in materials science. Surface modification via polymer grafting has proven to be effective in tuning diverse material properties of nanocellulose, including wettability of films and the reinforcement effect in polymer matrices. Despite its widespread use in various environments, the structure of a single polymer-grafted nanocellulose remains poorly understood. Here, we investigate the morphologies of polymer-grafted CNFs at water-mica and air-mica interfaces by using all-atom molecular dynamics simulation and atomic force microscopy. We show that the morphologies of the polymer-grafted CNFs undergo a marked change in response to the surrounding environment due to variations in the conformation of the surface polymer chains. Our results provide novel insights into the molecular structure of polymer-grafted CNFs and can facilitate the design and development of innovative biomass-based nanomaterials.
Topics: Polymers; Aluminum Silicates; Nanostructures; Molecular Structure
PubMed: 37499269
DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.3c00530 -
Journal of Environmental Management Feb 2024Secondary aluminum ash (SAD) disposal is challenging, particularly in developing countries, and presents severe eco-environmental risks. This paper presents the... (Review)
Review
Secondary aluminum ash (SAD) disposal is challenging, particularly in developing countries, and presents severe eco-environmental risks. This paper presents the treatment techniques, mechanisms, and effects of SAD at the current technical-economic level based on aluminum ash's resource utilization and environmental properties. Five recovery techniques were summarized based on aluminum's recoverability in SAD. Four traditional utilization methods were outlined as per the utilization of alumina in SAD. Three new utilization methods of SAD were summarized based on the removability (or convertibility) of aluminum nitride in SAD. The R-U-R (recoverability, utilizability, and removability) theory of SAD was formed based on several studies that helped identify the fingerprint of SAD. Furthermore, the utilization strategies of SAD, which supported the recycling of aluminum ash, were proposed. To form a perfect fingerprint database and develop various relevant techniques, future research must focus on an extensive examination of the characteristics of aluminum ash. This research will be advantageous for addressing the resource and environmental challenges of aluminum ash.
Topics: Aluminum; Aluminum Oxide; Recycling
PubMed: 38169267
DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.119939 -
Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Aug 2023The possibility of using Opuntia ficus indica fruit juice (OFIFJ) as a bioflocculant for conditioning the synthetic kaolin sludge and sewage sludge (region Oran,...
The possibility of using Opuntia ficus indica fruit juice (OFIFJ) as a bioflocculant for conditioning the synthetic kaolin sludge and sewage sludge (region Oran, Algeria, and Pau, France) was studied. Turbidity of the supernatant, dryness of the sludge cake, and total time of filtration (TTF) were examined parameters. Using vacuum filtration, lime was also tested as a chemical conditioner and gives good results on Lescar (France) sewage sludge in terms of cake's dryness, filtrate quality, turbidity (13.54%), and total time of filtration (TTF = 85.29%), comparing to the industrial polymer (Sedifloc 408C; turbidity; 8.33% and TTF: 2.94%). For the sewage sludge of Oran (Algeria), the results obtained with OFIFJ were compared to those obtained with the cladodes juice of the same plant OFIC, and also with a cationic polymer (Superfloc 8396). For an optimum dosage, it showed that OFIFJ has a flocculation activity as same as the cladodes juice OFIC for sludge conditioning and gives better results in terms of turbidity (dosage of 22.4 g/kg DM: 3.7 NTU for OFIC, dosage of 8.36: 3.63 NTU for OFIFJ. Dryness was enhanced from 14.91 to 22.93% (OFIC 16 g/kg DM) and to 24.48% (OFIF 20.9 g/kg DM) but for TTF, we found the opposite. In fact, this plant showed to be an available, biodegradable, and non-toxic flocculant. For kaolin synthetic sludge (30%), the optimum dosages of those conditioners were found to be 0.066 g kg for OFIC, comparing between vacuum filtration and filtration compression; turbidity was enhanced for both techniques, contrary to dryness. Concerning the Oran city sewage sludge, both turbidity and dryness were optimized. Same thing for the France sewage sludge, all the studied parameters were enhanced with the two studied bioflocculants.
Topics: Opuntia; Sewage; Fruit and Vegetable Juices; Kaolin; Environmental Monitoring; Polymers
PubMed: 37651056
DOI: 10.1007/s10661-023-11766-w -
Journal of Hazardous Materials May 2024Heavy metals (HMs) are common contaminants with major concern of severe environmental and health problems. This study evaluated the effects of organo-mineral amendments...
Heavy metals (HMs) are common contaminants with major concern of severe environmental and health problems. This study evaluated the effects of organo-mineral amendments (mesquite biochar (MB), zeolite (ZL) and bentonite (BN) alone and in combination) applied at different rates to promote the maize (Zea mays L.) growth by providing essential nutrient and improving the soil physio-chemical properties under zinc (Zn) and lead (Pb) contamination. Result revealed that the incorporation of organo-mineral amendments had significantly alleviated Pb and Zn contamination by maize plants and improved the physiological and biochemical attributes of plants. Combined application of organo-mineral amendments including BMA-1, BMA-2 and BMA-3 performed excellently in terms of reducing Pb and Zn concentrations in both leaves (19-60%, 43-75%, respectively) and roots (24-59%, 42-68%, respectively) of maize. The amendments decreased the extractable, reducible, oxidisable and residual fractions of metals in soil and significantly reduced the soil DTPA-extractable Pb and Zn. BMA-1 substantially improved antioxidant enzyme activities in metal-stressed plants. This study indicated that combined use of organo-mineral amendments can effectively reduce the bioavailability and mobility of Pb and Zn in co-contaminated soils. Combined application of organo-mineral amendments could be viable remediation technology for immobilization and metal uptake by plants in polluted soils.
Topics: Zea mays; Bentonite; Zeolites; Lead; Soil Pollutants; Metals, Heavy; Zinc; Charcoal; Soil
PubMed: 38447373
DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.133927 -
Environmental Geochemistry and Health Aug 2023The risks associated with the use of peloids in thermal centers, spas, or at home, must be tested to develop appropriate safety guidelines for peloids formulations and...
The risks associated with the use of peloids in thermal centers, spas, or at home, must be tested to develop appropriate safety guidelines for peloids formulations and the release of substances of high concern. Additionally, the beneficial effects of some elements on human health should be assessed to aid in interpreting the therapeutic action and effectiveness of pelotherapy on dermatological or osteomuscular disorders. Therefore, a methodology was developed to better understand the biogeochemical behavior of the elements in formulated peloids. Two peloids were formulated with the same clay and two different sulfurous mineral-medicinal waters for 90 days, with light stirring every 15 days. Bentonite clay, with a high content of smectite and Ca and Mg as the main exchangeable cations, and high heat capacity, was used. The selected mineral-medicinal waters were collected from two Portuguese thermal centers with recognized therapeutic efficacy for rheumatic, respiratory and dermatological pathologies. The peloids were used without drying and withdrawn directly from the maturation tank, and a mixture of bentonite and demineralized water was prepared as a reference sample. A stabilized, ready-to-use, artificial perspiration test was used to simulate the peloids' interaction with skin. Thirty-one elements extracted from the two prepared peloids were analyzed using ICP-MS. The data were analyzed and related to the mineralogical composition of the original clay and supernatant composition of the maturation tanks. The content of some potentially toxic elements and metals' bioaccessibility by perspiration showed very low solubility and undetectable amounts extracted from the studied samples. This analytical method provided reliable information on dermal exposure and the identification of some elements that may enter the systemic circulation, requiring implementation of surveillance and control measures.
Topics: Humans; Bentonite; Clay; Minerals; Sulfur; Mineral Waters
PubMed: 37341890
DOI: 10.1007/s10653-023-01639-z -
Scientific Reports Sep 2023Novel CuO/Ag nanocomposites added zeolite (CAZ) were successfully fabricated, and their effectiveness as an antibacterial on S. aureus and MB removal was evaluated. EDX,...
Novel CuO/Ag nanocomposites added zeolite (CAZ) were successfully fabricated, and their effectiveness as an antibacterial on S. aureus and MB removal was evaluated. EDX, XRD, and FTIR confirm the presence of the elemental compositions of CAZ. Friable CuO nanorods (10-70 nm in diameter) existed on the surface of the zeolite. Pure zeolite had a higher band gap (5.433 eV) and lower MB removal efficiency than CAZ. The adsorption method by CAZ was more effective at removing MB than photodegradation. 0.10 CAZ had the highest removal effectiveness (~ 99%) and adsorption capacity (~ 70.4 mg g) of MB. The inhibitory zone diameter for 0.005 CAZ against S. aureus was 20 mm, while 0.01 CAZ had a diameter of 17 mm. Azithromycin, ceftriaxone, and erythromycin antibiotics demonstrated lower or no efficacy against S. aureus than CAZ. Significant antibacterial activities and wastewater treatment were achieved by CAZ. The combination of photodegradation and adsorption enhanced pollutant removal. It will be interesting to study further the optimal molar ratio for MB removal (0.10 CAZ) in future investigations.
Topics: Zeolites; Staphylococcus aureus; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Nanocomposites
PubMed: 37696834
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-40790-6 -
Water Research Jun 2023The environmental behavior of radioactive cesium (RCs) in contaminated areas is generally governed by soil and sediment components and natural weathering conditions. In...
The environmental behavior of radioactive cesium (RCs) in contaminated areas is generally governed by soil and sediment components and natural weathering conditions. In this study, desorption tests and spectroscopic approaches were used to explore the interaction between the weathering of micaceous minerals (i.e., biotite and phlogopite) and the adsorption of Cs and the critical role of weathering in the environmental behavior of RCs. Results showed that the reaction sequence between weathering and Cs adsorption significantly affected the surface species of Cs and the structure of biotite and phlogopite. Regardless of whether it occurred before, after, or during Cs adsorption, weathering generated more high-affinity adsorption sites, namely, interlayer sites (ITs) and frayed edge sites (FESs), to different extents, and then facilitated the uptake of Cs at FESs and ITs on micaceous minerals in a poorly exchangeable state. Cs stabilized the micaceous mineral structure once it was absorbed within collapsed interlayers by hindering cation exchange and preventing further destruction during weathering. As important weathering factors, high temperature and Ca content promoted the binding of Cs in the interlayers of biotite and phlogopite by enhancing interlayer cation exchange. These findings are beneficial for a better understanding of the environmental behaviors of RCs in the hydrosphere and pedosphere.
Topics: Cesium Radioisotopes; Adsorption; Cesium; Minerals; Aluminum Silicates
PubMed: 37121199
DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2023.119918 -
Environmental Science and Pollution... Jul 2023A group of Bacillus sp. was extracted from monosodium glutamate wastewater. Lignocellulose/montmorillonite composite was selected as the carrier....
A group of Bacillus sp. was extracted from monosodium glutamate wastewater. Lignocellulose/montmorillonite composite was selected as the carrier. Lignocellulose/montmorillonite composite immobilized Bacillus sp./calcium alginate microspheres were prepared by immobilized microorganism techniques. The microspheres were used to treat monosodium glutamate wastewater with significantly reduced ammonia nitrogen (NH-N) and chemical oxygen demand (COD) concentrations. The optimum preparation conditions of microspheres in the treatment of NH-N and COD of monosodium glutamate wastewater were studied. The concentration of sodium alginate was 2.0 wt%, lignocellulose/montmorillonite was 0.06 wt%, Bacillus sp. was 1.0 wt%, CaCl solution was 2.0 wt%, coagulation time was 12 h, and the removal capacities of NH-N and COD were 44832 and 78345 mg/L, respectively. The surface structure, element content, functional group change, and crystal structure of the microspheres were characterized by SEM, EDS, and other methods. The results showed that the -COOH in lignocellulose/montmorillonite and the -OH in the Bacillus sp. form intermolecular hydrogen bonds. The Si-O and Al-O bonds in lignocellulose/montmorillonite reacted with sodium ions in sodium alginate. New crystal structures appear inside the material after crosslinking, and the microspheres was formed. Thus, the study has shown that the microspheres were successfully prepared and contributes to the treatment of NH-N and COD in monosodium glutamate wastewater. This work can provide an interesting strategy for the removal of COD and NH-N in industrial wastewater by reasonably combining bio-physicochemical processes.
Topics: Wastewater; Sodium Glutamate; Bacillus; Bentonite; Alginates
PubMed: 37338687
DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-28230-4 -
Advances in Colloid and Interface... May 2024Zeolite imidazole framework (ZIF) materials are a class of metallic organic framework (MOF) materials that have several potential applications in the food and other... (Review)
Review
Zeolite imidazole framework (ZIF) materials are a class of metallic organic framework (MOF) materials that have several potential applications in the food and other industries. They consist of metal ions or clusters of metal ions coordinated with imidazole-based organic linkers, creating a three-dimensional solid structure with well-defined pores and channels. ZIFs possess several important features, including high porosity, tunable pore sizes, high surface areas, adjustable surface chemistries, and good stabilities. These characteristics make them highly versatile materials that can be used in a variety of applications, including smart and active food packaging. Based on their controllable compositions, dimensions, and pore sizes, the properties of ZIFs can be tailored for a diverse range of applications, including energy storage, sensing, separation, encapsulation, and catalysis. In this article, we focus on recent progress and potential applications of ZIFs in food packaging materials. Previous studies have shown that ZIFs can significantly improve the optical, mechanical, barrier, thermal, sustainability, and preservative properties of packaging materials. Moreover, ZIFs can be used as carriers to encapsulate, protect, and control the release of bioactive agents in packaging materials. ZIFs are capable of selectively adsorbing and releasing molecules based on their size, shape, and surface properties. These unique characteristics make them particularly suitable for smart or active food packaging applications. By selectively removing gases (such as oxygen, carbon dioxide, water, or ethylene) ZIFs can improve the shelf life and quality of packaged foods. In addition, they can be employed to control the growth of spoilage microorganisms and minimize oxidation reactions, thereby enhancing the freshness and extending the shelf life of foods. They may also be used to create sensors capable of detecting and indicating food spoilage. For instance, ZIFs that change color or release specific compounds when spoilage products are present can provide visual or chemical indications of food deterioration. This feature is especially valuable in ensuring the safety and quality of packaged food, as it enables consumers and retailers to easily identify spoiled products. ZIFs can be functionalized using various additives, including antioxidants, antimicrobials, pigments, and flavors, which can improve the preservative and sensory properties of packaged foods. Moreover, ZIF-based packaging materials offer sustainability benefits. Unlike traditional plastic packaging, ZIFs are biodegradable and can easily be disposed of without causing harm to the environment, thereby reducing the adverse effects of plastic waste materials. The application of ZIFs in smart/active food packaging offers exciting possibilities for enhancing the shelf life, quality, and safety of foods. With further research and development, ZIF-based packaging could become a sustainable alternative to plastic-based packaging in the food industry. An important aim of this review article is to stimulate further research on the development and application of ZIFs within food packaging materials.
Topics: Food Packaging; Zeolites; Imidazoles; Metal-Organic Frameworks; Nanostructures; Surface Properties; Porosity
PubMed: 38604082
DOI: 10.1016/j.cis.2024.103153 -
Chemosphere Nov 2023Coal gangue is a kind of solid waste produced in the process of coal mining and washing. Its silicon aluminum silicon aluminum oxide content is high, respectively, which...
Preparation and characterization of ZSM-5 molecular sieve using coal gangue as a raw material via solvent-free method: Adsorption performance tests for heavy metal ions and methylene blue.
Coal gangue is a kind of solid waste produced in the process of coal mining and washing. Its silicon aluminum silicon aluminum oxide content is high, respectively, which are suitable for resource utilization as raw materials for Si-Al molecular sieving. In this paper, a novel, simple, low-cost, and environmentally friendly process was carried out to prepare ZSM-5 zeolite by solvent free method after calcination, acid leaching, and alkali melting. The obtained samples were characterized by Energy Dispersive Spectrometer (EDS), Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP), Thermo-gravimetry Analysis (TG), X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometer (FTIR) X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and N adsorption isotherm. The characteristics of the raw materials and the adsorption mechanism of the prepared samples were characterized. Through a series of pretreatment such as calcined acid leaching and alkali melting of the raw materials, the silicon-aluminum ratio of the sample reaches 1.749, and the maximum specific surface area of the sample can reach 252.59 m/g. The obtained samples were used to adsorb heavy metal ions and methylene blue solution, and the removal rate of lead ions and methylene blue solution was more than 95%. The theoretical maximum adsorption capacity of Pb ion, methylene blue solution and copper ion can reach 232.56 mg/g and 118.34 mg/g. The adsorption process is mainly chemical adsorption. The product could be suitable for removing both heavy metal ions and cationic dyes from the wastewater and had broad application prospects.
Topics: Methylene Blue; Solvents; Adsorption; Coal; Aluminum; Silicon; Water Pollutants, Chemical; Metals, Heavy; Aluminum Oxide; Ions; Alkalies; Kinetics
PubMed: 37567260
DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.139741