Removing heavy metals from polluted surface water with a tannin-based flocculant agent

Dynamics of heavy metals during the development and decomposition of leaves of Avicennia marina and Kandelia obovata in a subtropical mangrove swamp

In mangrove wetlands, leaves make up a high proportion of the plant biomass and can accumulate heavy metals from contaminated sediment. Despite this, it is still unclear how heavy metal concentrations in leaves change as they develop and how metals in senescence leaves are recycled back into the mangrove ecosystems during decomposition. The present study aims to investigate the dynamics of six heavy metals (Cu, Zn, Cr, Ni, Cd, and Pb) in leaves of two common mangrove plants, Avicennia marina and Kandelia obovata, at different stages of development (young, mature, and senescent) and leaf litter decomposition (from 0 to 20 weeks). Based on litterbag experiments in a subtropical mangrove swamp, both plant species showed similar trends in alternations of the six heavy metals during leaf development, that was, decreased in Cu and Zn but increased in Pb, while Cr, Ni, and Cd remained steady. All heavy metals in litter gradually increased in concentration during decomposition. By the end of the 20-weeks decomposition, the concentrations of Cu, Zn, and Cd in decayed leaves were comparable to those in sediment, with Cu, Zn, and Cd at approximately 18, 75, and 0.2 mg·kg^-1, respectively, while Cr (66 mg·kg^-1), Ni (65 mg·kg^-1), and Pb (55 mg·kg^-1) were lower than those in sediment, indicating that metals were not retained in litter but recycled back to the sediment. Tannins in mangrove leaf litter might chelate heavy metals, affecting their migration and transformation of heavy metals in estuarine mangrove wetlands. The findings of our study provide insight into the interactions between toxic heavy metals and mangrove plant species during leaf development, representing the first example of how most metals would be retained in leaf litter during decomposition, thereby reducing their release to estuarine and marine ecosystems.

Studying Different Operating Conditions on Reverse Osmosis Performance in the Treatment of Wastewater Containing Nickel (II) Ions

The reverse osmosis performance in removing nickel ions from artificial wastewater was experimentally and mathematically assessed. The impact of temperature, pressure, feed concentration, and feed flow rate on the permeate flux and Ni (II) rejection % were studied. Experiments were conducted using a SEPA CF042 Membrane Test Skid-TFC BW30XFR with applied pressures of 10, 20, 30, and 40 bar and feed concentrations of 25, 50, 100, and 150 ppm with varying operating temperatures of 25, 35, and 45 °C, while the feed flow rate was changed between 2, 3.2, and 4.4 L/min. The permeate flux and the Ni (II) removal % were directly proportional to the feed temperature and operating pressure, but inversely proportional to the feed concentration, where the permeate flux increased by 49% when the temperature was raised from 25 to 45 °C, while the Ni (II) removal % slightly increased by 4%. In addition, the permeate flux increased by 188% and the Ni (II) removal % increased to 95.19% when the pressure was raised from 10 to 40 bar. The feed flow rate, on the other hand, had a negligible influence on the permeate flux and Ni (II) removal %. The temperature correction factor (TCF) was determined to be directly proportional to the feed temperature, but inversely proportional to the operating pressure; nevertheless, the TCF was unaffected either by the feed flow rate or the feed concentration. Based on the experimental data, mathematical models were generated for both the permeate flux and nickel removal %. The results showed that both models matched the experimental data well.

UV-Cured Chitosan-Based Hydrogels Strengthened by Tannic Acid for the Removal of Copper Ions from Water

In this work, a new environmentally friendly material for the removal of heavy metal ions was developed to enhance the adsorption efficiency of photocurable chitosan-based hydrogels (CHg). The acknowledged affinity of tannic acid (TA) to metal ions was investigated to improve the properties of hydrogels obtained from natural and renewable sources (CHg-TA). The hydrogel preparation was performed via a simple two-step method consisting of the photocrosslinking of methacrylated chitosan and its subsequent swelling in the TA solution. The samples were characterized using ATR-FTIR, SEM, and Folin-Ciocalteu (F&C) assay. Moreover, the mechanical properties and the ζ potential of CHg and CHg-TA were tested. The copper ion was selected as a pollutant model. The adsorption capacity (Qe) of CHg and CHg-TA was assessed as a function of pH. Under acidic conditions, CHg-TA shows a higher Qe than CHg through the coordination of copper ions by TA. At an alkaline pH, the phenols convert into a quinone form, decreasing the Qe of CHg-TA, and the performance of CHg was found to be improved. A partial TA release can occur in the copper solution due to its high hydrophilicity and strong acidic pH conditions. Additionally, the reusability of hydrogels was assessed, and the high number of recycling cycles of CHg-TA was related to its high mechanical performance (compression tests). These findings suggest CHg-TA as a promising green candidate for heavy metal ion removal from acidic wastewater.

Chromium (III) Ions Were Extracted from Wastewater Effluent Using a Synergistic Green Membrane with a BinaryCombination of D2EHPA and Kerosene

This study used a supported liquid membrane system (SLM) using Celgard 2400 polypropylene as the support, di(2-ethylhexyl) phosphoric acid (D2EHPA) as the carrier, and kerosene as the diluent. To obtain the best carrier concentration, D2EHPA concentrations between 0.04 and 0.6 M were used. The Cr (III) solutions used in the feed phase had various ionic strengths and were adjusted with NaCl at concentrations ranging from 0.25 to 1.75 M. To maintain a constant pH (4) in the feed phase, a 0.2 M acetic acid–sodium acetate buffer was utilized. Because the rate of Cr (III)-carrier complex formation at the interface of the feed solution and membrane increased up to 20 × 10−4 mol/L, it was discovered that transport of Cr (III) rose with an increase in chromium content in the feeding phase. For the optimization of the various stripping agents, HCl concentration was employed, from 0.25 M to 1.75 M. It was observed that Cr (III) transport increased with the increase in HCl concentration because the transport was at a pH gradient, which was the main driving force. Because of the fact that at the feed phase-membrane contact, D2EHPA combined with chromium ions to form the Cr (III)-carrier complex and released H+ protons, in the feed phase, the Cr (III)-carrier complex was diffused into a stripping phase, wherein Cr (III) ions were stripped and the carrier was reversibly protonated again.

Treatment of electroplating industry wastewater: a review on the various techniques

Water pollution by recalcitrant compounds is an increasingly important problem due to the continuous introduction of new chemicals into the environment. Choosing appropriate measures and developing successful strategies for eliminating hazardous wastewater contaminants from industrial processes is currently a primary goal. Electroplating industry wastewater involves highly toxic cyanide (CN), heavy metal ions, oils and greases, organic solvents, and the complicated composition of effluents and may also contain biological oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), SS, DS, TS, and turbidity. The availability of these metal ions in electroplating industry wastewater makes the water so toxic and corrosive. Because these heavy metals are harmful to living things, they must be removed to prevent them from being absorbed by plants, animals, and humans. As a result, exposure to electroplating wastewater can induce necrosis and nephritis in humans and lung cancer, digestive system cancer, anemia, hepatitis, and maxillary sinus cancer with prolonged exposure. For the safe discharge of electroplating industry effluents, appropriate wastewater treatment has to be provided. This article examines and assesses new approaches such as coagulation and flocculation, chemical precipitation, ion exchange, membrane filtration, adsorption, electrochemical treatment, and advanced oxidation process (AOP) for treating the electroplating industry wastewater. On the other hand, these physicochemical approaches have significant drawbacks, including a high initial investment and operating cost due to costly chemical reagents, the production of metal complexes sludge that needs additional treatment, and a long recovery process. At the same time, advanced techniques such as electrochemical treatment can remove various kinds of organic and inorganic contaminants such as BOD, COD, and heavy metals. The electrochemical treatment process has several advantages over traditional technologies, including complete removal of persistent organic pollutants, environmental friendliness, ease of integration with other conventional technologies, less sludge production, high separation, and shorter residence time. The effectiveness of the electrochemical treatment process depends on various parameters, including pH, electrode material, operation time, electrode gap, and current density. This review mainly emphasizes the removal of heavy metals and another pollutant such as CN from electroplating discharge. This paper will be helpful in the selection of efficient techniques for treatment based on the quantity and characteristics of the effluent produced.

Protein nanofibrils as versatile and sustainable adsorbents for an effective removal of heavy metals from wastewater: A review

Water is a valuable natural resource, which plays a crucial role in ecological survival as well as economic progress. However, the water quality has deteriorated in recent years as a result of urbanization, industrialization and human activities due to the uncontrolled release of industrial wastes, which can be extremely carcinogenic and non-degradable, in air, water and soil bodies. Such wastes showed the presence of organic and inorganic pollutants in high dosages. Heavy metals are the most obstinate contaminants, and they can be harmful because of having a variety of detrimental consequences to the ecosystem. The existing water treatment methods in many situations may not be sustainable or effective because of their high energy requirements and ecological impacts. In this review, state-of-the-art water treatment methods for the elimination of heavy metals with the help of protein nanofibrils are covered featuring a discussion on the strategies and possibilities of developing protein nanofibrils for the active elimination of heavy metals using kitchen waste as well as residues from the cattle, agriculture, and dairy industries. Further, the emphasis has been given to their environmental sustainability and economical aspects are also discussed.

Sustainable adsorbents for the removal of pharmaceuticals from wastewater: A review

Over the previous three decades, the worldwide use of pharmaceuticals has surged by more than 2.5 times. Although being considered essential to save many lives, pharmaceuticals have also emerged as a large source of complex environmental contaminants in recent decades. Consequently, the pharmaceuticals and their breakdown products are ending up into the water bodies thus progressively contaminating them and the surrounding environments. Based on recent studies concentrations in water sources are typically >0.1 μg/l and the concentration in treated water is typically >0.05 μg/l. These pharma drugs are removed from aquatic systems by processes such as oxidation, Ultraviolet degradation, reverse osmosis and nano-filtration. However, hazardous sludge creation, incomplete removal, expensive capital and operating costs, and the need for professional operating and maintenance personnel have all limited the economic sustainability of these systems. As a result, the presence of pharmaceuticals in water necessitates even more advanced technologies of purification to harvest clean water, yet present approaches are constrained by their high costs, low reusability, and disposal issues. Here, we review sustainable adsorbents for the removal of pharmaceuticals from wastewater. In this comprehensive review, an evaluation of water contamination caused by pharmaceutical compounds is discussed. An overview of current research on the employment of sustainable adsorbents for the removal of the major pharmaceuticals prevalent in water sources. Numerous aspects of high adsorption efficiencies of these pharmaceutical compounds with such sustainable adsorbents were observed; however, other factors, such as adsorbent regeneration and cost evaluation, must be taken into account in order to assess the true applicability of adsorbents.

Multi-component removal of Pb(II), Cd(II), and As(V) over core-shell structured nanoscale zero-valent iron@mesoporous hydrated silica

The application of nanomaterials for the removal of heavy metals has received a great deal of attention because of their high efficiencies in the environment. But it is difficult to remove multiple heavy metals simultaneously with high efficiency and stability. Herein, the core-shell structured nanoscale zero-valent iron (nZVI) encapsulated with mesoporous hydrated silica (nZVI@mSiO₂) were prepared for efficient removal of heavy metals including Pb(II), Cd(II), and metalloid As(V). The material prepared uniformly with a high surface area (147.7 m² g^-1) has a nZVI core with the particle size of 20-60 nm and a modified dendritic mesoporous shell of 19 nm. 0.15 g L^-1 of the optimal material exhibited an extraordinary performance on removing Cd(II) and the maximum adsorption capacity for Pb(II), Cd(II), and As(V) reached 372.2 mg g^-1, 105.2 mg g^-1, and 115.2 mg g^-1 with a pH value at 5.0, respectively. The dissolved iron during the reaction showed that the mesoporous silica (mSiO₂) played an important role in enhancing the stability of nZVI. In addition, the competitive relationship between the coexistence of two heavy metals was discussed and it was found that the removal efficiency of the material for both was improved when Cd(II) and As(V) were removed synergistically.

Reductive immobilization of Cr(VI) in contaminated water by tannic acid

The rapid reductive immobilization of Cr(VI) from the aqueous solution was achieved by reduction to Cr(III) using tannic acid (TA), and subsequent pH-triggering precipitation of the organo-Cr(III) complexes formed in the redox reaction. The effects of TA concentration, temperature, and solution pH on the reduction of Cr(VI) were examined by batch experiments, and the rapid redox reduction followed a second-order kinetics with respect to Cr(VI) concentration in the pH range of 2.0-3.0. UV-visible spectra, FTIR, and XPS confirmed the complete detoxification of Cr(VI) concomitant with carboxylation of partial phenolic hydroxyls in TA. Synchronously, the reduced Cr(III) coordinated with carboxyl groups in oxidized TA (OTA) to form complexes, which exhibited remarkable pH-dependent size distribution characteristics as illustrated by SEM images and sequential filtration/ultrafiltration. The resulted Cr(III) complexes could aggregate into colloids with larger size and precipitate out at pH range of 6.0-8.0 via cross-linking, thereby leading to 93% Cr and 89% TOC immobilization. An eco-friendly and cost-effective method for Cr(VI) elimination and immobilization is provided because polyphenols are natural polymers derived from plants.

Tannin-based coagulants: Current development and prospects on synthesis and uses

Population growth, industrialization, urbanization, and agriculture lead to a decrease in the availability of clean water. Coagulation/flocculation is one of the most common operations in water, urban wastewater, and industrial effluents treatment systems. Usually, this process is achieved using conventional coagulants that have their performance affected by pH, are poorly biodegradable, produce a huge volume of sludge, and are associated with degenerative diseases. As a substitute for these chemicals, natural coagulants have been highly researched for the last ten/fifteen years, especially the tannin-based (TB) ones. This review paper highlights the advantages of using these greener products to treat different types of water, wastewater, and effluents, especially from dairy, cosmetics, laundries, textile, and other industries. TB coagulants can successfully remove turbidity, color, suspended solids, soluble organic (chemical/biochemical oxygen demand) and inorganic matter (total phosphate, and heavy metals), and microorganisms. TB coagulants are compatible with other treatment technologies and can be used as coagulant-aid to reduce the consumption of chemicals. TB coagulants can reduce operating costs of water treatment due to less alkalinity consumption, as pH adjustment is sometimes unnecessary, and the production of a smaller volume of biodegradable sludge. TB coagulants can be synthesized by valorizing wastes/by-products, from the bark of some specific trees and skins/pomace of different fruits and vegetables. The strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) on TB coagulants are discussed. The progress of TB coagulants is promising, but some threats should be overcome, especially on tannin extraction and cationization. The market competition with conventional coagulants, the feasibility of application in real waters, and the reluctance of the industries to adapt to new technologies are other weaknesses to be surpassed.

Application of a combined response surface methodology (RSM)-artificial neural network (ANN) for multiple target optimization and prediction in a magnetic coagulation process for secondary effluent from municipal wastewater treatment plants

In this study, an enhanced coagulation-flocculant process incorporating magnetic powder was used to further treat the secondary effluent of domestic wastewater from a municipal wastewater treatment plant. The purpose of this work was to improve the discharged water quality to the surface water class IV standard of China. A novel approach using a combination of the response surface methodology and an artificial neural network (RSM-ANN) was used to optimize and predict the total phosphorus (TP) pollutant removal and turbidity. This work was first evaluated by RSM using the concentrations of coagulant, magnetic powder, and flocculant as the controllable operating variables to determine the optimal TP removal and turbidity. Next, an ANN model with a back-propagation algorithm was constructed from the RSM data along with the non-controllable variables, raw TP concentration, and raw water turbidity. Under the optimized experimental conditions (28.42 mg/L coagulant, 623 mg/L magnetic powder, and 0.18 mg/L flocculant), the TP and turbidity removal reached 88.79 ± 5.45% and 63.48 ± 9.60%, respectively, compared with 83.28% and 59.80%, predicted by the single RSM model, and 87.71 ± 5.74% and 64.62 ± 10.75%, predicted by the RSM-ANN model. The treated water were 0.17 ± 6.69% mg/L of TP and 2.46 ± 5.09% NTU of turbidity, respectively, which completely met the surface water class IV standard (TP < 0.3 mg/L; turbidity < 3 NTU). Therefore, this work demonstrated that the discharged water quality was completely improved using the magnetic coagulation process. In addition, the combined RSM-ANN approach could have potential application in municipal wastewater treatment plants.

Combined system for wastewater treatment: ozonization and coagulation via tannin-based agent for harvesting microalgae by dissolved air flotation

This study evaluated the performance of urban wastewater treatment in pilot-plant by an integrated system consisting of anaerobic reactor, microalgae cultivation, Venturi tube ozone recirculation, coagulation/flocculation with tannin-based agent natural coagulant, and dissolved air flotation (DAF). Ozone concentrations (without ozone, 0.13 and 0.25 mg O₃/mg of biomass) and tannin dosages (65, 85 and 105 mg/L) were evaluated regarding microalgae separation and their influences on wastewater treatment performance. During the experiments, it was verified that the treatment efficiency increased when ozone was applied and with higher tannin dosages. The best results were found with 0.13 mg O₃/mg of biomass and 105 mg/L of tannin, obtaining excellent removal of turbidity removal (99.4%), apparent colour at 420 nm (94.5%), TN (83.2%), N-NH₃ (100%), TOC (86.8%), BOD₅ (86.5%) and COD (100%), 47.6% reduction in electric conductivity, 46.1% in TDS, 66.4% TP removal for the integrated system and 84% microalgae biomass recovery were obtained. Our results showed that the system proved to be a viable alternative for the treatment of urban wastewater and the recovery of microalgae through the insertion of ozone via Venturi tube combined with tannin-based agent.

Iron rich self-assembly micelles on the Doce River continental shelf

After the Fundão iron ore mining dam rupture in November 2015, yellow/ocher emulsions never before reported on the continental shelf adjacent to the Doce River began to be seen, both in coalesced and foam forms. XRD analyses pointed to a prevailing composition of iron and kaolinite with a substantial contribution of an organic-metallic compound, measured in multiple periods over 2 years of sampling. Optical microscopy images allowed the identification of micelles composed of nanoparticles of iron oxyhydroxide making up this emulsion. The generation of dendritic snowflake-shaped microcrystals on fiber filters after water sample filtration and heating confirmed the presence of micelles composed of iron oxyhydroxide nanoparticles enveloped by organic polymers. After losing water, the micelles may act as a self-assembly template seed, where the polymer acts in the oriented adsorption of nanoparticles according to their crystallographic structure. The study brought to light the distinct behavior of a portion of the tailings material, which has already been reported to not have the same flocculation process as the clay minerals previously found in the suspended particulate material (SPM) before the dam rupture.

Development of Quebracho (Schinopsis balansae) Tannin-Based Thermoset Resins

One of the major challenges currently in the field of material science is finding natural alternatives to the high-performing plastics developed in the last century. Consumers trust synthetic products for their excellent properties, but they are becoming aware of their impact on the planet. One of the most attractive precursors for natural polymers is tannin extracts and in particular condensed tannins. Quebracho (Schinopsis balansae) extract is one of the few industrially available flavonoids and can be exploited as a building block for thermoset resins due to its phenol-like reactivity. The aim of this study was to systematically investigate different hardeners and evaluate the water resistance, thermal behavior, and chemical structure of the quebracho tannin-based polymers in order to understand their suitability as adhesives. It was observed that around 80% of the extract is resistant to leaching when 5% of formaldehyde or hexamine or 10% of glyoxal or furfural are added. Additionally, furfuryl alcohol guarantees high leaching resistance, but only at higher proportions (20%). The quebracho-based formulations showed specific thermal behavior during hardening and higher degradation resistance than the extract. Finally, these polymers undergo similar chemistry to those of mimosa, with exclusive reactivity of the A-ring of the flavonoid.

A review on adsorptive separation of toxic metals from aquatic system using biochar produced from agro-waste

Water is a basic and significant asset for living beings. Water assets are progressively diminishing due to huge populace development, industrial activities, urbanization and rural exercises. Few heavy metals include zinc, copper, lead, nickel, cadmium and so forth can easily transfer into the water system either direct or indirect activities of electroplating, mining, tannery, painting, fertilizer industries and so forth. The different treatment techniques have been utilized to eliminate the heavy metals from aquatic system, which includes coagulation/flocculation, precipitation, membrane filtration, oxidation, flotation, ion exchange, photo catalysis and adsorption. The adsorption technique is a better option than other techniques because it can eliminate heavy metals even at lower metal ions concentration, simplicity and better regeneration behavior. Agricultural wastes are low-cost biosorbent and typically containing cellulose have the ability to absorb a variety of contaminants. It is important to note that almost all agro wastes are no longer used in their original form but are instead processed in a variety of techniques to improve the adsorption capacity of the substance. The wide range of adsorption capacities for agro waste materials were observed and almost more than 99% removal of toxic pollutants from aquatic systems were achieved using modified agro-waste materials. The present review aims at the water pollution due to heavy metals, as well as various heavy metal removal treatment procedures. The primary objectives of this research is to include an overview of adsorption and various agriculture based adsorbents and its comparison in heavy metal removal.

Removal of Pb2+ Ions by ZSM-5/AC Composite in a Fixed-Bed Bench Scale System

This investigation suggests the implementation of ZSM-5 activated carbon composite as a prolific adsorbent for the continuous elimination of Pb2+ ions from water. Continuous adsorption experiments were performed by varying three parameters such as process flow rate (2-6 mL min-1), bed height (2-6 cm), and initial concentration (250–750 mg L-1). The highest loading capacity of the fixed-bed 213.3 mg L-1 was achieved with optimal values of 2 mL min-1 of flow rate, bed height of 6 cm, and initial concentration of 750 mg L-1, respectively. The breakthrough curves and saturation points were found to appear quickly for increasing flow rates and initial concentration and vice versa for bed depth. The lower flow rates with higher bed depths have exhibited optimal performances of the fixed-bed column. The mechanism of adsorption of Pb2+ ions was found to be ion exchange with Na+ ions from ZMS-5 and pore adsorption onto activated carbon. The breakthrough curves were verified with three well-known mathematical models such as the Adams-Bohart, Thomas, and Yoon-Nelson models. The later models showed the best fit to the column data over the Adams-Bohart model that can be utilized to understand the binding of Pb2+ ions onto the composite. Regeneration of ZSM-5/activated carbon was achieved successfully with 0.1 M HCl within 60 min of contact time. The outcomes conclude that ZSM-5 activated carbon composite is a prolific material for the continuous removal of water loaded with Pb2+ ions.

Plant active products and emerging interventions in water potabilisation: disinfection and multi-drug resistant pathogen treatment

Background

This review aims at establishing the emerging applications of phytobiotics in water treatment and disinfection.

Results

Statistical analysis of data obtained revealed that the use of plant product in water treatment needs more research attention. A major observation is that plants possess multifaceted components and can be sustainably developed into products for water treatment. The seed (24.53%), flower (20.75), leaf (16.98%) and fruit (11.32%) biomasses are preferred against bulb (3.77%), resin (1.89%), bark (1.89%) and tuber (1.89%). The observation suggests that novel applications of plant in water treatment need further exploration since vast and broader antimicrobial activities (63.63%) is reported than water treatment application (36.37%).

Conclusions

This review has revealed the existing knowledge gaps in exploration of plant resources for water treatment and product development. Chemical complexity of some plant extracts, lack of standardisation, slow working rate, poor water solubility, extraction and purification complexities are limitations that need to be overcome for industrial adoption of phytochemicals in water treatment. The field of phytobiotics should engage modern methodologies such as proteomics, genomics, and metabolomics to minimise challenges confronting phytobiotic standardisation. The knowledge disseminated awaits novel application for plant product development in water treatment.

Screening of Ion Exchange Resins for Hazardous Ni(II) Removal from Aqueous Solutions: Kinetic and Equilibrium Batch Adsorption Method

The development of new, cheaper, and more effective technologies to decrease the amount of wastewater containing heavy metals and to improve the quality is indispensable. Adsorption has become one of the alternative treatment methods. A small number of studies focusing on the batch technique for nickel ion removal by the new generation ion exchangers are described in the literature. In this paper, the Ni(II) removal from aqueous solutions using the ion exchange resins of different types was investigated. The experiments were conducted at different HCl and HCl/HNO3 concentrations, and the initial concentration was 100 mg Ni(II)/L. The investigation of the Ni(II) desorption from the chosen resins were carried out. The Ni(II) removal efficiency and the rate of removal are shown on the kinetic curves and the rate constants as well as kinetic parameters were collected and compared. The isotherm parameters were calculated and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy with the attenuated total reflection spectra was performed to determine the nature of adsorption. The experimental results showed that the Ni(II) percentage removal is high and Lewatit MonoPlus TP220 could be an alternative for the treatment of nickel(II) containing wastewaters.

Analysis of Commercial Proanthocyanidins. Part 6: Sulfitation of Flavan-3-Ols Catechin and Epicatechin, and Procyanidin B-3

Proanthocyanidins (PACs) are natural plant-derived polymers consisting of flavan-3-ol monomers. Quebracho (Schinopsis lorentzii and balansae) heartwood and mimosa (Acacia mearnsii) bark extracts are the major industrial sources of PACs. These commercial extracts are often sulfited to reduce their viscosity and increase their solubility in water. The chemical process of sulfitation is still poorly understood regarding stereochemical influences during the reaction and during the cleavage of the interflavanyl bond of oligomers. To gain a better understanding of sulfitation, two diastereomeric flavan-3-ol monomers were sulfited under industrial conditions, and procyanidin B-3 (catechin-4α→8-catechin) were sulfited to investigate interflavanyl bond cleavage with sulfitation at C-4. Treatment of diastereomeric flavan-3-ols 2R,3S-catechin and 2R,3R-epicatechin with NaHSO3 at 100 °C in aqueous medium afforded the enantiomeric (1R,2S)- and (1S,2R)-1-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-2-hydroxy-3-(2,4,6-trihydroxyphenyl)propane-1-sulfonic acid, respectively. Utilizing computational NMR PD4 calculations it was determined that the direction of stereoselective nucleophilic attack is controlled by the C-3 configuration of the flavan-3-ols catechin and epicatechin. Sulfitation of the catechin-4α→8-catechin dimer 7 (procyanidin B-3) under the same conditions led to the cleavage of the interflavanyl bond yielding the C-4 sulfonic acid substituted catechin momomer. From the heterocyclic ring coupling constants it was determined that nucleophilic attack occurs from the β-face of the dimer leading to the 2,3-trans-3,4-cis isomer as product.

Recent Achievements in Polymer Bio-Based Flocculants for Water Treatment

Polymer flocculants are used to promote solid-liquid separation processes in potable water and wastewater treatment. Recently, bio-based flocculants have received a lot of attention due to their superior advantages over conventional synthetic polymers or inorganic agents. Among natural polymers, polysaccharides show many benefits such as biodegradability, non-toxicity, ability to undergo different chemical modifications, and wide accessibility from renewable sources. The following article provides an overview of bio-based flocculants and their potential application in water treatment, which may be an indication to look for safer alternatives compared to synthetic polymers. Based on the recent literature, a new approach in searching for biopolymer flocculants sources, flocculation mechanisms, test methods, and factors affecting this process are presented. Particular attention is paid to flocculants based on starch, cellulose, chitosan, and their derivatives because they are low-cost and ecological materials, accepted in industrial practice. New trends in water treatment technology, including biosynthetic polymers, nanobioflocculants, and stimulant-responsive flocculants are also considered.

Oxidative stress, metabolic and histopathological alterations in mussels exposed to remediated seawater by GO-PEI after contamination with mercury

The modern technology brought new engineering materials (e.g. nanostructured materials) with advantageous characteristics such as a high capacity to decontaminate water from pollutants (for example metal(loid)s). Among those innovative materials the synthesis of nanostructured materials (NSMs) based on graphene as graphene oxide (GO) functionalized with polyethyleneimine (GO-PEI) had a great success due to their metal removal capacity from water. However, research dedicated to environmental risks related to the application of these materials is still non-existent. To evaluate the impacts of such potential stressors, benthic species can be a good model as they are affected by several environmental constraints. Particularly, the mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis has been identified by several authors as a bioindicator that responds quickly to environmental disturbances, with a wide spatial distribution and economic relevance. Thus, the present study aimed to evaluate the impacts caused in M. galloprovincialis by seawater previously contaminated by Hg and decontaminated using GO-PEI. For this, histopathological and biochemical alterations were examined. This study demonstrated that mussels exposed to the contaminant (Hg), the decontaminant (GO-PEI) and the combination of both (Hg + GO-PEI) presented an increment of histopathological, oxidative stress and metabolic alterations if compared to organisms under remediated seawater and control conditions The present findings highlight the possibility to remediate seawater with nanoparticles for environmental safety purposes.

Implementation of Modified Acacia Tannin by Mannich Reaction for Removal of Heavy Metals (Cu, Cr and Hg)

The modified tannin by Mannich reaction was investigated for wastewater treatment. The removal of heavy metals, such as copper, chromium and mercury, in industrial wastewater was evaluated through the coagulation–flocculation technique, using modified Acacia tannin (MAT) as a coagulant agent. The successful tannin modification was evaluated by infrared spectopometry (FTIR), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR); monitoring the removal of heavy metals was performed by atomic absorption (AA) and a direct mercury analyzer (DMA). Additionally, the parameters of water quality, total suspended solids (TSS), turbidity and chemical oxygen demand (COD) were assessed. Different doses of MAT were evaluated (375 ppm, 750 ppm, 1250 ppm and 1625 ppm) and three different levels of pH (4, 7 and 10). The highest percentages of removal obtained were copper 60%, chromium 87%, mercury 50%–80%, COD 88%, TSS 86% and turbidity 94%, which were achieved with the dose of 375 ppm of MAT at pH 10. The coagulation–flocculation process with the modified Acacia tannin is efficient for the removal of conventional parameters and for a significant removal of the metals studied.

Nickel ion removal from aqueous solutions through the adsorption process: a review

Recently, removal of nickel ions has been gaining a lot of attention because of the negative impact of nickel ions on the environment. The aim of this review paper is to organize the scattered available information on removal of nickel ions from aqueous solutions through the adsorption process. Survey on investigated materials suggests that composite- and polymer-based adsorbents have the most effective capability for nickel adsorption. The composite material class, i.e. CaCO3-maltose, followed by biopolymer-based material showed the highest Ni(II) adsorption capacity of 769.23 and 500 mg/g, respectively. The importance of treatment parameters (i.e. pH, temperature, contact time, and metal ion concentration) is discussed, together with their effect on the underlying physicochemical phenomena, giving particular attention to the adsorption/desorption mechanism. It was ascertained that adsorption of nickel ions is pH dependent and the optimal pH range for adsorption of Ni(II) ions was in range of 6–8. In general, nickel adsorption is an endothermic and spontaneous process that mainly occurs by forming a monolayer on the adsorbent (experimental data are often fitted by Langmuir isotherms and pseudo-second-order kinetics). Regeneration (i.e. desorption) is also reviewed, suggesting that acidic eluents (e.g. HCl and HNO3) allow, in most of the cases, an efficacious spent adsorbent recovery. The percentage use of desorption agents followed the order of acids (77%) > chelators (8.5%) > alkalis (8%) > salts (4.5%) > water (2%). Helpful information about adsorption and desorption of nickel ions from aqueous solutions is provided.

Changes in Microcystis aeruginosa cell integrity and variation in microcystin-LR and proteins during Tanfloc flocculation and floc storage

The objective of this study was to determine the influence of Tanfloc on Microcystis aeruginosa cell integrity, microcystin-LR (MC-LR), and proteins during flocculation and floc storage. The effects of Tanfloc addition, stirring, and floc storage time were considered to minimize cell damage and the release of MC-LR and proteins. Optimal flocculation conditions (Tanfloc dosage 10.42 mg L^-1, rapid agitation for 0.36 min at 568.88 rpm and slow agitation for 14.14 min at 12.1 rpm) were obtained using the response surface methodology. Up to 98.9% of the M. aeruginosa cells were removed intact at low Tanfloc dosage. During floc storage, Tanfloc initially protected the cells. After 8 d, large-scale cell lysis occurred because Tanfloc had substantially decomposed. Nevertheless, Tanfloc also extended the extracellular MC-LR and protein release time to 8 d. This delay ensured adequate time to decontaminate sludge containing the algae, thereby reducing the risk of secondary pollution. In addition, the low cost of Tanfloc facilitates its widespread application in the management of harmful algal blooms.

Adsorption studies of cadmium onto magnetic Fe3O4@FePO4 and its preconcentration with detection by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry

Superparamagnetic Fe₃O₄@FePO₄ nanoparticles with core shell structure were prepared by coating iron phosphate on the surface of Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles by liquid phase deposition method. The prepared materials were characterized by vibrating sample magnetometer, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffractometer, Fourier transform infrared spectrometer, nano Zetasizer, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Raman spectrometer. These characterization methods were also used to describe the adsorption mechanism. The obtained composite material was used for the adsorption of a heavy metal element, cadmium. Its unique magnetic properties are favorable for rapid separation and preconcentration of trace cadmium from aqueous solutions. About 100% sorption was achieved at pH 7 for 1mL, 10μgL^-1 of cadmium. Batch adsorption experiments show that the adsorption fits Langmuir model, and a maximum adsorption capacity 13.51mgg^-1 is derived for Cd(II). The retained Cd(II) could be readily recovered by 200μL of HNO₃ (0.01molL^-1). The cadmium in the eluate is quantified with detection by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry (ETAAS). A sample volume of 2000μL creates an enrichment factor of 10.3, along with a detection limit of 0.021µgL^-1 (3σ, n=7) and a RSD of 1.3% (0.1µgL^-1, n=7) within a linear calibration range of 0.05-0.5µgL^-1. The practical applicability of this procedure was validated by analyzing cadmium contents in a certified reference material (GBW08608) and two environmental water samples.

Impacts of coagulation-flocculation treatment on the size distribution and bioavailability of trace metals (Cu, Pb, Ni, Zn) in municipal wastewater

This study investigated the impact of coagulation-flocculation treatment on metal form and bioavailability in municipal wastewater. Real humus effluent samples were separated into particulate, colloidal and truly dissolved fractions before and after treatment with either ferric chloride (FeCl₃) or the biopolymer Floculan. Results revealed that both reagents effectively (≥48%) eliminated Cu, Pb and Zn from the particulate fraction and removed Cu and Zn from the colloidal fraction in conjunction with colloidal organic carbon (COC). Although organics in the truly dissolved fraction were resistant to removal, Floculan reduced Cu in this fraction by 72% owing to the complexation of free Cu ions to phenol and amino groups along the polymeric chains, revealing an additional removal pathway. In fact, COC removed in the CF process by Floculan was replaced with truly dissolved compounds, input as a result of this reagents organic composition. Floculan, therefore, reduced the soluble concentration of Cu and Zn without changing the DOC concentration, thus reducing the bioavailability of these metals in treated effluent. FeCl₃ did not reduce the bioavailability of target metals, thus did not deliver any environmental benefit. This work provides important information for the selection and development of high performance coagulants to improve metal removal.

Response surface methodology investigation into optimization of the removal condition and mechanism of Cr(Ⅵ) by Na2SO3/CaO

The removal of Cr(Ⅵ) by chemical reduction-precipitation is widely applied in wastewater treatment plants. Nevertheless, the formation of Cr(OH)₃ with gel properties has weak settlement performance, making it necessary to add a coagulant aid to reduce the settling time and improve the settling effect. In this investigation, a high concentration of Cr(Ⅵ) was removed using Na₂SO₃ as a reducing agent and CaO as a coagulant. An improved reduction and precipitation experiment was modeled by applying a three-factor central composite experimental design (CCD). To reveal as many mechanisms as possible for Cr_T removal, other verification experiments were performed. The Cr_T removal efficiency decreased, which can be explained by the following three reasons: dissolution of Cr(Ⅲ), competition for adsorption between Ca²⁺ and Cr(Ⅲ) at different coagulation times, and formation of a solubility complex with Cr(Ⅲ) due to the surplus SO₃^2- in solution. The increasing Cr_T removal efficiency can be explained by the following two reasons: dissolved Ca²⁺ from CaO can neutralize CrO₂^- that is produced by the dissolution of Cr(OH)₃ in alkaline solution and can broaden the optimal final pH range of coagulation. Ca²⁺ could also strengthen the Cr_T removal through adsorption bridging and co-precipitation with CaO as the core of flocs.

A tannin-based agent for coagulation and flocculation of municipal wastewater: Chemical composition, performance assessment compared to Polyaluminum chloride, and application in a pilot plant

Chemical composition and flocculation efficiency were investigated for a commercially produced tannin - based coagulant and flocculant (Tanfloc). The results of Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDX) confirmed what claimed about the chemical composition of Tanfloc. For moderate polluted municipal wastewater investigated in both jar test and pilot plant, Tanfloc showed high turbidity removal efficiency of approximately 90%, while removal efficiencies of BOD₅ and COD were around 60%. According to floc size distribution, Tanfloc was able to show distinct performance compared to Polyaluminum chloride (PAC). While 90% of flocs produced by Tanfloc were smaller than 144 micron, they were smaller than 96 micron for PAC. Practically, zeta potential measurement showed the cationic nature of Tanfloc and suggested coincidence of charge neutralization and another flocculation mechanism (bridging or patch flocculation). Sludge Volumetric Index (SVI) measurements were in agreement with the numbers found in the literature, and they were less than 160 mL/g. Calcium cation as flocculation aid showed significant improvement of flocculation efficiency compared to other cations. Finally Tanfloc showed competing performance compared to PAC in terms of turbidity, BOD₅ and COD removal, floc size and sludge characteristics.

Adsorptive removal of nickel(II) ions from aqueous environment: A review

Among various methods adsorption can be efficiently employed for the treatment of heavy metal ions contaminated wastewater. In this context the authors reviewed variety of adsorbents used by various researchers for the removal of nickel(II) ions from aqueous environment. One of the objectives of this review article is to assemble the scattered available enlightenment on a wide range of potentially effective adsorbents for nickel(II) ions removal. This work critically assessed existing knowledge and research on the uptake of nickel by various adsorbents such as activated carbon, non-conventional low-cost materials, nanomaterials, composites and nanocomposites. The system's performance is evaluated with respect to the overall metal removal and the adsorption capacity. In addition, the equilibrium adsorption isotherms, kinetics and thermodynamics data as well as various optimal experimental conditions (solution pH, equilibrium contact time and dosage of adsorbent) of different adsorbents towards Ni(II) ions were also analyzed. It is evident from a literature survey of more than 190 published articles that agricultural solid waste materials, natural materials and biosorbents have demonstrated outstanding adsorption capabilities for Ni(II) ions.

Cd-Resistant Strains of B. cereus S5 with Endurance Capacity and Their Capacities for Cadmium Removal from Cadmium-Polluted Water

The goal of this study was to identify Cd-resistant bacterial strains with endurance capacity and to evaluate their ability to remove cadmium ions from cadmium-polluted water. The Bacillus cereusS5 strain identified in this study had the closest genetic relationship with B. cereus sp. Cp1 and performed well in the removal of Cd²⁺ions from solution. The results showed that both the live and dead biomasses of the Cd²⁺-tolerant B. cereus S5 strain could absorb Cd²⁺ ions in solution but that the live biomass of the B. cereus S5 strain outperformed the dead biomass at lower Cd²⁺concentrations. An analysis of the cadmium tolerance genes of B. cereus S5 identified ATPase genes that were associated with cadmium tolerance and involved in the ATP pumping mechanism. The FTIR spectra revealed the presence of amino, carboxyl and hydroxyl groups on the pristine biomass and indicated that the cadmium ion removal ability was related to the structure of the strain. The maximum absorption capacity of the B. cereus S5 strain in viable spore biomass was 70.16 mg/g (dry weight) based on a pseudo-second-order kinetic model fit to the experimental data. The Langmuir and Langmuir-Freundlich isotherm adsorption models fit the cadmium ion adsorption data well, and the kinetic curves indicated that the adsorption rate was second-order. For Cd²⁺ concentrations (mg/L) of 1–109 mg/L, good removal efficiency (>80%) was achieved using approximately 3.48–10.3 g/L of active spore biomass of the B. cereus S5 strain. A cadmium-tolerant bacteria-activated carbon-immobilized column could be used for a longer duration and exhibited greater treatment efficacy than the control column in the treatment of cadmium-polluted water. In addition, a toxicity assessment using mice demonstrated that the biomass of the B. cereus S5 strain and its fermentation products were non-toxic. Thus, the isolated B. cereus S5 strain can be considered an alternative biological adsorbent for use in emergency responses to severe cadmium pollution and in the routine treatment of trace cadmium pollution.

Influence of operating parameters on the performance of magnetic seeding flocculation

In the present study, magnetic seeding flocculation was applied to remove copper (200 mg/L) and turbidity (180 mg/L) from simulated microetch copper waste. Fe3O4 particles (40 to 1600 mesh) were used as magnetic seeds. Poly-aluminum chloride (PAC) and anionic polyacrylamide (PAM) were added as coagulant and flocculant, respectively. The effect of operating factors, such as the dosages of the coagulant and flocculant, initial pH of the wastewater, and dosage and size of the magnetic seeds, on copper and turbidity removal was systematically investigated. In addition, settling speed, floc-size distribution, and volume of sludge were measured with and without the addition of magnetic seeds to compare the efficiency of magnetic seeding to that of traditional flocculation. The results indicated that the highest settling speed, the largest floc size, and the smallest volume of sludge were obtained simultaneously when the dosage and size of magnetic seeds were 2.0 g/L and 300–400 mesh, respectively. High removal efficiencies of 98.53 and 94.72 % for copper and turbidity, respectively, were also achieved under this condition; values that are 4.11 and 0.61 % higher, respectively, than those found in traditional flocculation. The high performance might be attributed to efficient collision of particles and slightly moderate vortex centrifugal force of inertia among the magnetic seeds, which could produce larger magnetic flocs with lower moisture.

Optimization of electrocoagulation (EC) process for the purification of a real industrial wastewater from toxic metals

In the present work, the efficiency evaluation of electrocoagulation (EC) in removing toxic metals from a real industrial wastewater, collected from Aspropyrgos, Athens, Greece was investigated. Manganese (Mn), copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) at respective concentrations of 5 mg/L, 5 mg/L and 10 mg/L were present in the wastewater (pH=6), originated from the wastes produced by EBO-PYRKAL munitions industry and Hellenic Petroleum Elefsis Refineries. The effect of operational parameters such as electrode combination and distance, applied current, initial pH and initial metal concentration, was studied. The results indicated that Cu and Zn were totally removed in all experiments, while Mn exhibited equally high removal percentages (approximately 90%). Decreasing the initial pH and increasing the distance between electrodes, resulted in a negative effect on the efficiency and energy consumption of the process. On the other hand, increasing the applied current, favored metal removal but resulted in a power consumption increase. Different initial concentrations did not affect metal removal efficiency. The optimal results, regarding both cost and EC efficiency, were obtained with a combination of iron electrodes, at 2 cm distance, at initial current of 0.1 A and pH=6. After 90 min of treatment, maximum removal percentages obtained were 89% for Mn, 100% for Cu and 100% for Zn, at an energy consumption of 2.55 kWh/m(3).

Formation of abiological granular sludge - a facile and bioinspired proposal for improving sludge settling performance during heavy metal wastewater treatment

Heavy metal contamination in wastewater poses a severe threat to the environment and public health. Chemical precipitation is the most conventional process for heavy metal wastewater treatment. However, the flocculent structure of chemical precipitation sludge raises the problem of poor sludge settling performance that is difficult to overcome. Inspired by the biological granular sludge (BGS) formation process, we report here a facile and effective strategy to produce abiological granular sludge (ABGS) to solve this problem. In this procedure, controlled double-jet precipitation was performed to simulate the cell multiplication process in BGS formation by controlling the solution supersaturation. Meanwhile, ZnO seeds and flocculant polyacrylamide were added to simulate the role of nuclei growth and extracellular polymeric substances in BGS formation process, respectively. This procedure generates ABGS with a dense structure, large size and regular spherical morphology. The settling velocity of ABGS can reach up to 3.0cms(-1), significantly higher than that of flocculent sludge (<1cms(-1)).