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Golgoli M, Farahbakhsh J, Najafi M, Khiadani M, Johns ML, Zargar M. Resilient forward osmosis membranes against microplastics fouling enhanced by MWCNTs/UiO-66-NH 2 hybrid nanoparticles. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 359:142180. [PMID: 38679179 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.142180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2024] [Revised: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
The escalating presence of microplastics (MPs) in wastewater necessitates the investigation of effective tertiary treatment process. Forward osmosis (FO) emerges as an effective non-pressurized membrane process, however, for the effective implementation of FO systems, the development of fouling-resistance FO membranes with high-performance is essential. This study focuses on the integration of MWCNT/UiO-66-NH2 as metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) nanocomposites in thin film composite (TFC) FO membranes, harnessing the synergistic power of hybrid nanoparticles in FO membranes. The results showed that the addition of MWCNT/UiO-66-NH2 in the aqueous phase during polyamide formation changed the polyamide surface structure, and enhanced membranes' hydrophilicity by 44%. The water flux of the modified FO membrane incorporated with 0.1 wt% MWCNTs/UiO-66-NH2 increased by 67% and the reverse salt flux decreased by 22% as in comparison with the control membrane. Moreover, the modified membrane showed improved antifouling behavior against both organic foulant and MPs. The MWCNT/UiO-66-NH2 membrane experienced 35% flux decline while the control membrane experienced 65% flux decline. This proves that the integration of MWCNT/UiO-66-NH2 nanoparticles into TFC FO membranes is a viable approach in creating advanced FO membranes with high antifouling propensity with potential to be expanded further to other membrane applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mitra Golgoli
- School of Engineering, Edith Cowan University, 270 Joondalup Drive, Joondalup, Perth, WA, 6027, Australia
| | - Javad Farahbakhsh
- School of Engineering, Edith Cowan University, 270 Joondalup Drive, Joondalup, Perth, WA, 6027, Australia
| | - Mohadeseh Najafi
- School of Engineering, Edith Cowan University, 270 Joondalup Drive, Joondalup, Perth, WA, 6027, Australia
| | - Mehdi Khiadani
- School of Engineering, Edith Cowan University, 270 Joondalup Drive, Joondalup, Perth, WA, 6027, Australia
| | - Michael L Johns
- Fluid Science & Resources Division, Department of Chemical Engineering, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, 6009, Australia
| | - Masoumeh Zargar
- School of Engineering, Edith Cowan University, 270 Joondalup Drive, Joondalup, Perth, WA, 6027, Australia.
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Nguyen AH, Oh S. Side effects of the addition of an adsorbent for the nitrification performance of a microbiome in the treatment of an antibiotic mixture. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 465:133034. [PMID: 38035522 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.133034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
This work determined the effect of biochar (BC) as an adsorbent on the nitrifying microbiome in regulating the removal, transformation, fate, toxicity, and potential environmental consequences of an antibiotic mixture containing oxytetracycline (OTC) and sulfamethoxazole (SMX). Despite the beneficial role of BC as reported in the literature, the present study revealed side effects for the nitrifying microbiome and its functioning arising from the presence of BC. Long-term monitoring revealed severe disruption to nitratation via the inhibition of both nitrite oxidizers (e.g., Nitrospira defluvii) and potential comammox species (e.g., Ca. Nitrospira nitrificans). Byproducts (BPs) more toxic than the parent compounds were found to persist at a high relative abundance, particularly in the presence of BC. Quantitative structure-activity relationship modeling determined that the physicochemical properties of the toxic BPs significantly differed from those of OTC and SMX. The results suggested that the BPs tended to mobilize and accumulate on the surface of the solids in the system (i.e., the BC and biofilm), disrupting the nitrifiers growing at the interface. Collectively, this study provides novel insights, demonstrating that the addition of adsorbents to biological systems may not necessarily be beneficial; rather, they may generate side effects for specific bacteria that have important ecosystem functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anh H Nguyen
- Department of Civil Engineering, College of Engineering, Kyung Hee University, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea
| | - Seungdae Oh
- Department of Civil Engineering, College of Engineering, Kyung Hee University, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea.
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Lopez-Herguedas N, Irazola M, Alvarez-Mora I, Mijangos L, Bilbao D, Etxebarria N, Zuloaga O, Olivares M, Prieto A. Evaluating membrane bioreactor treatment for the elimination of emerging contaminants using different analytical methods. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 463:132833. [PMID: 37918067 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.132833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Revised: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
Since wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) were not originally designed to eliminate contaminants of emerging concern (CECs), alternative strategies like membrane bioreactor (MBR) technology are gaining importance in achieving effective CEC removal and minimising their environmental impact. In this study, composite wastewater samples were collected from the biggest WWTP in the Basque Country (Galindo, Biscay) and the performance of two secondary treatments (i.e. conventional activated sludge treatment, CAS, and MBR) was assessed. The combination of a suspect screening approach using liquid chromatography tandem high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS) and multitarget analysis by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) allowed the detection of approximately 200 compounds in the WWTP effluents. The estimated removal efficiencies (REs) revealed that only 16 micropollutants exhibited enhanced removal by MBR treatment (RE > 70% or 40 - 60%). The environmental risk posed by the non-eliminated compounds after both treatments remained similar, being anthracene, clarithromycin, bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) and dilantin the most concerning pollutants (RQ > 1). The Microtox® bioassay confirmed the MBR's efficiency in removing baseline toxicity, while suggesting a similar performance of CAS treatment. These minimal differences between treatments call into question the worthiness of MBR treatment and emphasise the need to seek more efficient alternative treatment methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Lopez-Herguedas
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Leioa, Basque Country, Spain; Research Centre for Experimental Marine Biology and Biotechnology (PIE), University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Plentzia, Basque Country, Spain.
| | - M Irazola
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Leioa, Basque Country, Spain; Research Centre for Experimental Marine Biology and Biotechnology (PIE), University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Plentzia, Basque Country, Spain
| | - I Alvarez-Mora
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Leioa, Basque Country, Spain; Research Centre for Experimental Marine Biology and Biotechnology (PIE), University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Plentzia, Basque Country, Spain
| | - L Mijangos
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Leioa, Basque Country, Spain; Research Centre for Experimental Marine Biology and Biotechnology (PIE), University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Plentzia, Basque Country, Spain
| | - D Bilbao
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Leioa, Basque Country, Spain; Research Centre for Experimental Marine Biology and Biotechnology (PIE), University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Plentzia, Basque Country, Spain
| | - N Etxebarria
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Leioa, Basque Country, Spain; Research Centre for Experimental Marine Biology and Biotechnology (PIE), University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Plentzia, Basque Country, Spain
| | - O Zuloaga
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Leioa, Basque Country, Spain; Research Centre for Experimental Marine Biology and Biotechnology (PIE), University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Plentzia, Basque Country, Spain
| | - M Olivares
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Leioa, Basque Country, Spain; Research Centre for Experimental Marine Biology and Biotechnology (PIE), University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Plentzia, Basque Country, Spain
| | - A Prieto
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Leioa, Basque Country, Spain; Research Centre for Experimental Marine Biology and Biotechnology (PIE), University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Plentzia, Basque Country, Spain
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Ungureanu C, Răileanu S, Zgârian R, Tihan G, Burnei C. State-of-the-Art Advances and Current Applications of Gel-Based Membranes. Gels 2024; 10:39. [PMID: 38247761 PMCID: PMC10815837 DOI: 10.3390/gels10010039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2023] [Revised: 12/09/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Gel-based membranes, a fusion of polymer networks and liquid components, have emerged as versatile tools in a variety of technological domains thanks to their unique structural and functional attributes. Historically rooted in basic filtration tasks, recent advancements in synthetic strategies have increased the mechanical strength, selectivity, and longevity of these membranes. This review summarizes their evolution, emphasizing breakthroughs that have positioned them at the forefront of cutting-edge applications. They have the potential for desalination and pollutant removal in water treatment processes, delivering efficiency that often surpasses conventional counterparts. The biomedical field has embraced them for drug delivery and tissue engineering, capitalizing on their biocompatibility and tunable properties. Additionally, their pivotal role in energy storage as gel electrolytes in batteries and fuel cells underscores their adaptability. However, despite monumental progress in gel-based membrane research, challenges persist, particularly in scalability and long-term stability. This synthesis provides an overview of the state-of-the-art applications of gel-based membranes and discusses potential strategies to overcome current limitations, laying the foundation for future innovations in this dynamic field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camelia Ungureanu
- Department of General Chemistry, Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnologies, The National University of Science and Technology POLITEHNICA Bucharest, Gheorghe Polizu 1-7 Street, 011061 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Silviu Răileanu
- Department of Automation and Industrial Informatics, Faculty of Automatic Control and Computer Science, The National University of Science and Technology POLITEHNICA Bucharest, Splaiul Independenţei 313 Street, 060042 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Roxana Zgârian
- Department of General Chemistry, Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnologies, The National University of Science and Technology POLITEHNICA Bucharest, Gheorghe Polizu 1-7 Street, 011061 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Grațiela Tihan
- Department of General Chemistry, Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnologies, The National University of Science and Technology POLITEHNICA Bucharest, Gheorghe Polizu 1-7 Street, 011061 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Cristian Burnei
- Clinical Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology II, Clinical Emergency Hospital, Calea Floreasca 8, 014461 Bucharest, Romania;
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Sun XH, Ma M, Tian R, Chai HM, Wang JW, Gao LJ. One-Pot Hydrothermal Method Preparation of Cerium-Nitrogen-Codoped Carbon Quantum Dots from Waste Longan Nucleus as a Fluorescent Sensor for Sensing Drug Rifampicin. ACS OMEGA 2023; 8:34859-34867. [PMID: 37780005 PMCID: PMC10536864 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.3c04242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
Currently, the large-scale application of carbon quantum dots (CQDs) is usually limited by their low quantum yield and detection limit. Herein, the abandoned longan nucleus was used as a carbon source to synthesize cerium-nitrogen-codoped carbon quantum dots (Ce/N-CQDs) with strong luminescence intensity. In this work, the fluorescent properties and fluorescent quantum yield of CQDs may be improved by the single cerium-doped carbon quantum dots (Ce-CQDs) and the single nitrogen-doped carbon quantum dots (N-CQDs). Nevertheless, the Ce/N-CQDs exhibited intense fluorescence with a high quantum yield. Compared with CQDs, the quantum yield of Ce/N-CQDs was significantly increased from 5 to 32% and showed high photostability and good water solubility. The Ce/N-CQDs can be used for the direct detection of rifampicin (RFP) in human serum. The concentration demonstrated a good linear relationship in the range of 1.0 × 10-7-9.0 × 10-6 mol/L, with a detection limit of 9.6 × 10-8 mol/L.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue-Hua Sun
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of
Chemical Reaction Engineering, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Yan’an University, Yan’an 716000, P. R. China
| | - Min Ma
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of
Chemical Reaction Engineering, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Yan’an University, Yan’an 716000, P. R. China
| | - Rui Tian
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of
Chemical Reaction Engineering, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Yan’an University, Yan’an 716000, P. R. China
| | - Hong-Mei Chai
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of
Chemical Reaction Engineering, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Yan’an University, Yan’an 716000, P. R. China
| | - Jian-Wei Wang
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of
Chemical Reaction Engineering, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Yan’an University, Yan’an 716000, P. R. China
| | - Lou-Jun Gao
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of
Chemical Reaction Engineering, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Yan’an University, Yan’an 716000, P. R. China
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