Exploring the diverse applications of Carbohydrate macromolecules in food, pharmaceutical, and environmental technologies

Carbohydrates are a class of macromolecules that has significant potential across several domains, including the organisation of genetic material, provision of structural support, and facilitation of defence mechanisms against invasion. Their molecular diversity enables a vast array of essential functions, such as energy storage, immunological signalling, and the modification of food texture and consistency. Due to their rheological characteristics, solubility, sweetness, hygroscopicity, ability to prevent crystallization, flavour encapsulation, and coating capabilities, carbohydrates are useful in food products. Carbohydrates hold potential for the future of therapeutic development due to their important role in sustained drug release, drug targeting, immune antigens, and adjuvants. Bio-based packaging provides an emerging phase of materials that offer biodegradability and biocompatibility, serving as a substitute for traditional non-biodegradable polymers used as coatings on paper. Blending polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) with carbohydrate biopolymers, such as starch, cellulose, polylactic acid, etc., reduces the undesirable qualities of PHA, such as crystallinity and brittleness, and enhances the PHA's properties in addition to minimizing manufacturing costs. Carbohydrate-based biopolymeric nanoparticles are a viable and cost-effective way to boost agricultural yields, which is crucial for the increasing global population. The use of biopolymeric nanoparticles derived from carbohydrates is a potential and economically viable approach to enhance the quality and quantity of agricultural harvests, which is of utmost importance given the developing global population. The carbohydrate biopolymers may play in plant protection against pathogenic fungi by inhibiting spore germination and mycelial growth, may act as effective elicitors inducing the plant immune system to cope with pathogens. Furthermore, they can be utilised as carriers in controlled-release formulations of agrochemicals or other active ingredients, offering an alternative approach to conventional fungicides. It is expected that this review provides an extensive summary of the application of carbohydrates in the realms of food, pharmaceuticals, and environment.

Experimental evaluation of soapberry seed oil biodiesel performance in CRDI diesel engine

Due to the ongoing demand for alternative fuels for CI engines, biodiesel-based research has received support globally. In this study, soapberry seed oil produced by transesterification process to creates biodiesel. It is referred to as BDSS (Biodiesel of Soapberry Seed). According to criteria, the oil qualities are recognized, hence, three different blends and pure diesel were tested in CRDI (Common Rail Direct Injection) engines. The blends descriptions are: 10BDSS (10% BDSS + 90% diesel), 20BDSS (20% BDSS + 80% diesel), and 30BDSS (30% BDSS + 70% diesel). The outcomes of the related tests for combustion, performance, and pollution were contrasted with those achieved using 100% diesel fuel. In this case, the mixing has resulted in worse braking thermal efficiency than diesel and lower residual emissions with greater NOx emissions. The superior results were obtained by 30BDSS, which had BTE of 27.82%, NOx emissions of 1348 ppm, peak pressure of 78.93 bar, heat release rate (HRR) of 61.15 J/deg, emissions of CO (0.81%), HC (11 ppm), and smoke opacity of 15.38%.

Environmental remediation at vegetable marketplaces through production of biowaste catalysts for biofuel generation

Large quantities of vegetable biowaste are generated at marketplaces, usually in highly populated locations. On the other hand, nearby markets, hotels, and street shops generate much cooking oil waste and dispose of them in the sewage. Environmental remediation is mandatory at these places. Hence, this experimental work concentrated on preparing biodiesel using green plant wastes and cooking oil. Biowaste catalysts were produced from vegetable wastes and biofuel generated from waste cooking oil using biowaste catalysts to support diesel demand and Environmental remediation. Other organic plant wastes such as bagasse, papaya stem, banana peduncle and moringa oleifera are used as heterogeneous catalysts of this research work. Initially, the plant wastes are independently considered for the catalyst for biodiesel production; secondary, all plant wastes are mixed to form a single catalyst and used to prepare the biodiesel. In the maximum biodiesel yield analysis, the calcination temperature, reaction temperature, methanol/oil ratio, catalyst loading and mixing speed were considered to control the biodiesel production. The results reveal that the catalyst loading of 4.5 wt% with mixed plant waste catalyst offered a maximum biodiesel yield of 95%.

Impact of reactivity controlled compression ignition (RCCI) mode engine operation in diesel engine powered with B20 blend of waste cooking oil biodiesel

The purpose of this study is to conduct an experimental assessment of the impact of RCCI (reactivity regulated compression ignition) on the performance, emissions, and combustion of a CRDI engine. A fuel mix (20% biodiesel, 80% diesel, and a NaOH catalyst) is generated. The produced combination is evaluated for attributes using standards established by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM). The engine research included three distinct kinds of injections: 10% Pen RCCI, 20% Pen RCCI, and 30% Pen RCCI. Increasing the injection pressure increases the brake thermal efficiency, often known as BTE. NOx emissions increased as a consequence of higher injection pressures and improved combustion. However, when the injection rate is increased, the Specific Fuel Consumption (SFC) falls. The CO₂ and hydrocarbon emissions, as well as the smoke opacity values, increased as the charge increased. The resultant mixture may be utilized in a CI engine with pre-mixed ignition to improve overall engine performance as well as combustion characteristics.

Magnetic porous Ag2O/Chitin nanostructure adsorbent for eco-friendly effective disposing azo dyes

Water treatment is as much important as it is to satisfying 11 worldwide sustainable development goals out of 17. The removal of Azo is much important as they are toxic and their existence in water, air and food can easily affect humans by triggering allergies, forming tumours etc. Azo contained Dyes Production was banned in many countries. This research aims to synthesize composite Nanorods and Nanospheres and characterize and test to remove Azo dyes from the wastewater. This research used a previously reported method to rapidly synthesize chitin magnetite nanocomposites (ChM) by co-precipitation while irradiating with ultrasound (US). Detailed structural characterization of ChM revealed a crystalline phase analogous to magnetite and spherical morphologies; extending the reaction time to 8 min yielded a "nanorod" type morphology. Both the morphologies displayed a nanoscale limit with particles averaging between 5 and 30 nm in size, resulting the superparamagnetic performance and saturation magnetization values between 45 and 58 emu/g. The nitrogen adsorption-desorption isotherms showed that the surface modification of ChMs resulted in a rise of specific surface area and pore size. Anionic azo dyes (methyl orange (MO) and reactive black 5 (RB5)) adsorption on the surface of nanocomposites was also demonstrated to be pH-dependent, with the reaction favoured for surface-modified samples at pH 4 and unmodified samples at pH 8. Adsorption capacity studies showed that molecule size effect and electrostatic attraction were two distinct adsorption processes for unmodified and modified ChMs. Chitin Magnetite nanoparticles appear to be a substitute for traditional anionic dye adsorbents. Additionally, the two key materials sources, chitin, and magnetite are inexpensive and easily accessible.

Porous nanocomposites for sorptive elimination of ibuprofen from synthetic wastewater and its molecular docking studies

Pharmaceuticals are a new developing pollutant that is threatening aquatic ecosystems and impacting numerous species in the ecosystem. The aim of this study is the green synthesis of TiO₂-Fe₂O₃-Chitosan nanocomposites in conjunction with Moringa olifera leaves extract and its applicability for ibuprofen removal. Various characterization studies were performed for the synthesized nanocomposites. Box-Behnken design (BBD) is employed to optimize pH, agitation speed, and composite dosage. Equilibrium results show that adsorption process matches with Langmuir isotherm, demonstrating adsorption on the nanocomposite's homogenous surface and follows pseudo-first-order kinetics. Using the BBD, pH, adsorbent dose, and agitation speed were examined as adsorption parameters. Ibuprofen elimination was demonstrated to be most successful at a pH of 7.3, using 0.05 g of nanocomposites at a rotational speed of 200 rpm. Thermodynamic parameters for ibuprofen sorption were carried out and the ΔH and ΔS was found to be 76.23 & 0.233. Molecular Docking was performed to find the interaction between the pollutant and the nanocomposite. UV-vis spectra confirm the 243 nm absorption band corresponding to the nanocomposite's surface plasmon resonances. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy spectra relate this band to a group of nanocomposites. The findings of this work emphasize the importance of TiO₂-Fe₂O₃-Chitosan nanocomposites for removing ibuprofen from wastewater.

Magnetic Co/CoOx@NCNT catalysts for activation of potassium peroxymonosulfate to deteriorate phenol from wastewater

Phenols are of much toxicological and they must be effectively removed from the wastewater from industries as well as sewage treatment. Such removal demands a special and strong composite. So, this piece of research aims to activate Potassium peroxymonosulfate (PPMS) with the large surface area of magnetite nitrogen-fixed porous carbon nanotube composites (Co/CoOx@NCNT). Increases in the graphitization degree and structural control brought about by the incorporation of reduced Graphite oxide (rGO) significantly increased the catalyst activity of Co/CoOx@NCNT. It was found that PPMS activation for phenol removal by Co/CoOx@NCNT was nearly as effective as by homogeneous Co²⁺, with nearly 100% removal efficiency in 10 min. Both high reusability and high recycling of Co/CoOx@NCNT were accomplished simultaneously by proving the technology of viability in practical applications. The PPMS activation mechanism in the Co/CoOx@NCNT/PPMS system was driven by the electron transmission from contaminants to PPMS through the sp^2- hybrid carbon nanotubes and nitrogen system. The selectivity of the Co/CoOx@NCNT/PPMS system to remove diverse organic compounds was determined by batch experiments. Due to the insignificant impact of radicals reactive on pollutant breakdown, the ability to inhibit species (such as Cl^- and natural organic materials) from a minor role was significantly decreased. These results not only shed light on the process of PPMS heterogeneous activation but also provided a framework for the balanced project of highly effective nanocarbon-based catalysts for PPMS activation.

A comprehensive review on bio-stimulation and bio-enhancement towards remediation of heavy metals degeneration

Pollution of heavy metals is one of the risky contaminations that should be managed for all intents and purposes of general well-being concerns. The bioaccumulation of these heavy metals inside our bodies and pecking orders will influence our people in the future. Bioremediation is a bio-mechanism where residing organic entities use and reuse the squanders that are reused to one more form. This could be accomplished by taking advantage of the property of explicit biomolecules or biomass that is equipped for restricting by concentrating the necessary heavy metal particles. The microorganisms can't obliterate the metal yet can change it into a less harmful substance. In this unique circumstance, this review talks about the sources, poisonousness, impacts, and bioremediation strategies of five heavy metals: lead, mercury, arsenic, chromium, and manganese. The concentrations here are the ordinary strategies for bioremediation such as biosorption methods, the use of microbes, green growth, and organisms, etc. This review demonstrates the toxicity of heavy metal contamination degradation by biotransformation through bacterioremediation and biodegradation through mycoremediation.

Identifying global status and research hotspots of heavy metal remediation: A phase upgrade study

Impact of heavy metal (HM) pollution and its understanding on environment as well as human beings has grown a lot during the last few decades. The goal of this study is to create a scientometric study on heavy metal contamination, in the period 1989 to 2020, in order to provide futuristic goals for the new researchers on wastewater treatment. For this, a search was conducted in the Web of Science (WoS) and Scopus databases, related to heavy metal pollution. Totally, 37,154 records were collected during the study period from 1989 to 2020. The findings revealed that China, the United States, and India has most referenced papers across a wide range of trans disciplinary issues such as toxicity, technology, and pollution. As a result, this study concludes that more research on various treatment methods is required in order to obtain high-quality water for consumption and routine activities, with the incorporation of various treatment tasks poses various challenges for the upcoming future studies.

Evaluation of methyl orange adsorption potential of green synthesized chitosan-silver nanocomposite (CS-AgNC) and its notable biocompatibility on freshwater Tilapia (Oreochromis nitoticus)

Nanomaterials mainly nanocomposites possess unique physical and chemical properties which makes them superior and indispensable. Though much research has been focused on the properties and application of nanocomposites, the eco-toxicity assessment is one among top priority, which aims to protect the population of concerned biological component and their ecosystem. With this objective, the present study has undertaken an initiation to evaluate the efficacy of chitosan-silver nanocomposite for methyl orange adsorption property (CS-AgNC) and also assessed the toxicity impact on growth parameters of freshwater Tilapia. Batch in vitro studies showed that all the tested dosages of the nanocomposite were effectively adsorbing maximum concentration of methyl orange. The synthesized nanocomposite was administrated to the tested fishes followed by the determination of various growth, nutritional parameters, gene expression of enzymatic antioxidants and liver, and intestinal tissues histology. Obtained results indicated that nanocomposite treatment was not projected as a toxic impact on all the tested growth, and nutritional parameters. Histology study showed that the exposure of Tilapia to nanocomposite has not shown any detrimental effect on antioxidants gene expression and liver, intestinal tissue architecture. Hence, all these findings indicated that chitosan-silver nanocomposite prepared in our present system was found to be biocompatible which suggested the possible utilization and release of the nanocomposite into the divergent ecosystem without affecting non-target organisms (NTO).

Synthesis of metal-based functional nanocomposite material and its application for the elimination of paracetamol from synthetic wastewater

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs) like paracetamol and other substances released into the water system pose serious environmental issues. The current work examines the synthesis of a nanocomposite combined with Moringa olifera aqueous leaf extract as a reducing and stabilizing agent for the green synthesis of nanocomposites. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) were used to investigate metal based functional nanocomposites. The absorption band centered at a wavelength of 243 nm, which corresponds to the surface plasmon resonances of the produced nanocomposite, is confirmed in UV-vis spectra. The distinctive band at this particular wavelength is attributed to a particular group of nanocomposites based on the result from the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy spectra. The spherical with irregularly shaped aggregates was confirmed by transmission electron microscopy, and the average size of nanoparticles was found to be 1 nm. For the elimination of pharmaceutical contaminants such as paracetamol from aqueous solutions, the adsorptive characteristics of nanocomposites were examined. Temperature, pH, adsorbent dosage, and agitation speed were investigated as adsorption parameters using Box-Behnken Design (BBD). The best removal outcomes were found under the following circumstances: temperature at 303.15 K, pH = 7.5, 0.05 g of nanocomposites at 200 rpm. Based on the adsorption study, the kinetics was found to be pseudo first order (R² > 0.9481) which was validated and fitted by Langmuir isotherm (R² > 0.9973). The adsorption study confirms that it was adsorbed onto the synthesized nanocomposite and found to be present on the homogeneous surface.

Enhanced photocatalytic degradation of caffeine using Co-Zn/Al2O3 nanocomposite

This work focuses on the synthesis and characterization of photocatalytic activity of Co-Zn/Al₂O₃ nanocomposite obtained by calcination of Co-loaded Zn/aluminum layered double hydroxide by wet impregnation method. The catalyst was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), BET and UV-DRS. The evaluation of catalytic activity was investigated for the degradation of emerging pharmaceutical pollutant caffeine in aqueous solutions under UV irradiation. The process parameters were optimized for the maximum removal of caffeine. A maximum caffeine removal of 92% was obtained with the optimal conditions at the catalytic dosage of 0.5 g/L, contact time of 50 min, initial concentration of 50 mg/L, and pH of 9.5. The batch experimental data coincide well with the pseudo first order kinetic model, the rate constant of 0.012 min^-1, with the R² value of 0.875-0.938. The regeneration study reveals that the catalyst has high stability and maximum removal efficiency. Hence, the synthesized nanocatalyst is considered a potential photo catalyst for removing the pharmaceutical pollutant caffeine from aqueous solutions.

Effect of green synthesized nano-titanium synthesized from Trachyspermum ammi extract on seed germination of Vigna radiate

The current work investigates the conditional influence on Vigna radiate seed germination in vitro and in vivo using the green chemistry approach for the manufacture of titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO₂ NPs) from seed extract of Trachyspermum ammi (T. ammi). Ultraviolet spectroscopy (UV-Vis), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) were used to analyze the TiO₂ NPs produced. The crystalline nature of TiO₂ NP was revealed by XRD data, and TEM investigation revealed an irregularity in TiO₂ NP shape with a size of 17.5 nm. UV absorbance at 315 nm for the TiO₂ NPs was observed using Ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometer. The antioxidant potential of the synthesized nanoparticle was discovered to be good. In case of seed germination studies, six concentrations (25, 50 100, 150, 200, and 250 μg mL^{- 1}) of TiO₂ NPs were examined along with the control on Vigna radiata seeds. Germination parameters such as seed vigor index (SVI), germination percentage (GP), germination value (GV) root length (RL) and shoot length (SL) of the Vigna radiata seedlings were observed and results revealed that the green synthesized TiO₂ NPs were significantly improved. The results indicated that the TiO₂ NP affected the plant growth more specifically at lower concentration (50 μg mL^-1) of TiO₂ NPs. Overall, the findings of this present study stipulated that the green TiO₂ NP production can enhance the growth of Vigna radiate under in vitro and in vivo conditions.

Green synthesis of titanium dioxide nanoparticles using plant biomass and their applications- A review

Biosynthesized nanoparticles have sparked a lot of interest as rapidly growing classes of materials for different applications. Plants are considered to be one of the most suitable sources for Green synthesis (GS) as they follow the environment-friendly route of biosynthesis of nanoparticles (NPs). This article focuses on the excavation of Titanium dioxide (TiO₂) NP from different parts of plants belonging to a distinct classification of taxonomic groups. During the process of biological synthesis of titanium NPs from plants, the extract derived from plant sources such as from root, stem, leaves, seeds, flowers, and latex possesses phytocompounds that tend to serve as both capping as well as reducing agents. TiO₂NP is one of the most commonly used engineered nanomaterials in nanotechnology-based consumer products. This article will provide an overview of the GS and characterization of TiO₂NPs from plant extracts of different taxonomic groups. Lastly, this review summarizes the current applications of TiO₂NPs.

Synthesis of magnesium nanocomposites decked with multilayer graphene (MG) and its application for the adsorptive removal of pollutant

Fossil fuel burning is the exclusive of key causes for greenhouse fume Carbon dioxide (CO₂). Magnesium nanocomposites synthesized in combination with graphene were characterized and their performance in adsorbing CO₂ is validated. The novelty of this work is the use of magnesium oxide decked MG to capture CO₂. The magnesium nanocomposites decked with multilayer graphene (MG) were prepared using a simple combustion process. BET surface area of 1480 m²g^-1 makes it desirable for adsorbing CO₂ molecules. FTIR analysis after adsorption of CO₂ shows peak mid position at 3470.45 cm^-1, 1300-1000 cm^-1, 1603 cm^-1, and 1114.30 cm^-1 corresponding to the functional groups R-C-O, R-OH, R-COOH, -alkyne, Si-O-Si, and R-C-O-H shifted, signifying that chemisorption has taken place. The effect of many experimental parameters like adsorbent mass, period, and concentration of CO₂ was optimized during the experiments. A maximum of 92.2% of CO₂ was adsorbed at a concentration of 5 × 10^{- 4} M at the optimum contact of 70 min. During the experiment, the saturation point was attained at 70 min. Experiment results were best fitting to Langmuir adsorption isotherm; the maximum monolayer adsorption capacity of MG was 7.067 × 10^-3 mol/g/min. The kinetics of CO₂ on MG was labeled by Pseudo-second-order and R² value nearly 0.988.

Performance evaluation of polymer-marine biomass based bionanocomposite for the adsorptive removal of malachite green from synthetic wastewater

In this experimental investigation, feasibility and performance of a polymer hybrid bio-nano composite were evaluated to remove malachite green (MG) under controlled environment conditions. The polymer hybrid bio-nanocomposite was characterized using FTIR, SEM and EDS. The influence of operating variables, namely effect of pH (2-11), nanocomposite dosage (20-100 mg), initial MG concentration (10- 200 mg/L), contact time (10-120 min) and temperature (298-318 K) were explored. The maximum removal efficiency (RE) of 99.79% was achieved at neutral pH at the dosage level of 50 mg with the initial MG concentration of 150 mg/L in 40 min. The equilibrium results revealed that the adsorption of MG data fitted to Langmuir isotherm (R² > 0.970) indicating monolayer adsorption. The maximum adsorption capacity of polymer hybrid nanocomposite was found to be 384.615 mg/g. Kinetic studies were performed using five kinetic models and results showed the pseudo second order model fitted very well with the MG adsorption data (R² > 0.990). The thermodynamic results confirmed that MG adsorption onto polymer hybrid nanocomposite is feasible and (ΔS ^ͦ = 0.2893 kJ/mol K), spontaneous (ΔH ^ͦ = 81.103 kJ/mol K) and exothermic (ΔG ^ͦ < 0). A mechanism is also proposed for the removal of MG using the polymer nanocomposite and identified that electrostatic attraction and hydrogen bonding as the major mechanism for removal of MG. FTIR results confirmed the presence of carboxyl (-COO) and hydroxyl (-OH) groups which helped in effective binding of cationic dye. The overall results revealed that polymer nanocomposite could be used as a potential adsorbent for removing MG from aqueous solution.

Synthesis and characterization of nano zerovalent iron-kaolin clay (nZVI-Kaol) composite polyethersulfone (PES) membrane for the efficacious As2O3 removal from potable water samples

In this study, Kaolin clay, a mining material, was used as an abundant and available mineral as zero-valent iron-kaolinite composites for As₂O₃ removal from the water samples. The composites were made by the sodium borohydrate reduction method. The existence of Fe⁰ in the produced composites was confirmed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis. The membranes are prepared with zerovalent nano Iron-Kaolin and PES. The synthesized composites were then mixed with polyethersulfone to prepare the membranes S1, S2, and S3 with varying compositions. Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) analysis of the produced membranes showed the porous structure and the contact angle of membranes increased the hydrophilicity. The membranes were explored for the removal of As₂O₃ (AsIII) in potable water samples. The filtration studies were carried out using the syringe filtration setup. Analysis of the arsenic (III) solution was carried out, before and after the filtration process using Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES), which showed a maximum of 50% reduction in its original concentration. The filtered membrane is analyzed for arsenic by Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX) technique. Thus, the synthesized membrane effectively sieves the arsenic in water samples.

Application of a polymer-magnetic-algae based nano-composite for the removal of methylene blue - Characterization, parametric and kinetic studies

The potential ability of synthesized PPy-Fe₃O₄-SW nano-composite to remove Methylene Blue (MB) from synthetic textile dye solution was investigated under batch conditions. Through parametric studies, the influence of process parameters namely solution pH, on the effective performance of nano-composite was studied. PPy - Fe₃O₄- SW nano-composite removed 99.14% of MB at the optimized conditions of pH-10, temperature - 25 °C, initial MB concentration - 50 mg/L, nano-composite dosage - 20 mg and contact time - 20 min. PPy - Fe₃O₄- SW nano-composite has a maximum sorption capacity of 666.66 mg/g. The kinetics and isotherm study revealed that the chromium adsorption obeys pseudo second order (PSO) model (R² = 0.9941) and Freundlich isotherm (R² = 0.9910) respectively. The PSO kinetic constant (K₂) was found to be 0.000442 (g/mg) min. The thermodynamic feasibility was confirmed through negative values of standard free energy at all tested conditions. The characteristics of adsorption study were analyzed and the results of FTIR, SEM and EDS confirmed the uptake of MB by PPy-Fe₃O₄-SW nano-composite.

Surface modified polymer-magnetic-algae nanocomposite for the removal of chromium- equilibrium and mechanism studies

The present work explains the sorption ability of a novel nano-composite, Polypyrrole -iron oxide-seaweed (PPy - Fe₃O₄ - SW), for Cr(VI) removal. The influence of operating parameters, namely pH, contact time, nanocomposite dosage, initial Chromium concentration and operating temperature, on the hexavalent chromium removal was studied. The novel nano-composite was analyzed using FTIR, SEM and EDS to confirm the sorption of Cr(VI) and to understand the mechanism of sorption. PPy - Fe₃O₄- SW nano-composite removed 96.36% of Cr(VI) at the optimized conditions of pH = 2, temperature = 30 °C, initial Cr(VI) concentration = 50 mg/L, nanocomposite dosage = 100 mg and contact time = 30min. PPy-Fe₃O₄-SW nanocomposite has a maximum sorption capacity of 144.93 mg/g. The kinetic studies revealed that the metal adsorption obeys pseudo second order (PSO) model and the sorption was found to be monolayer in nature as confirmed by Langmuir isotherm (R² > 0.9985). Electrostatic interaction and ion-exchange are identified as the fundamental mechanisms for Cr(VI) sorption on PPy-Fe₃O₄-SW composite.

Optimization of process variables for the biosorption of chromium using Hypnea valentiae

In this study, Hypnea valentiae, a red alga is used as a sorbent for the removal of chromium from aqueous solutions. The biosorption potential of Hypnea valentiae was investigated in batch experiments. The process parameters were optimized using response surface methodology. Based on the central composite design, quadratic model was developed to correlate the variables to the response. The most influential factor on each experimental design response was identified from the analysis of variance (ANOVA). The optimum conditions for the maximum biosorption of chromium are pH – 2.8, temperature – 48.2oC, sorbent dosage – 5.3 g/L, metal concentration – 103 mg/L and contact time – 27 min. At these optimized conditions the maximum removal was found to be 94.5%.

Anaerobic mixed consortium (AMC) mediated enhanced biosynthesis of silver nano particles (AgNPs) and its application for the removal of phenol

In this research, silver nano particle (AgNP), was synthesized through a novel anaerobic mixed consortium mediation method and applied for the removal of phenol. The best operating conditions for the fabrication of silver nanoparticles were identified through response surface methodology (RSM) and the maximum yield was found to be 2.65 g/100 ml of anaerobic mixed consortium at optimal conditions of pH-8.6, temperature-90 °C, silver nitrate concentration-3 mg/ml and inoculum volume-3 ml. The synthesized nano particle exhibited a maximum phenol removal of 87.65% was achieved at pH:5.8. The synthesized silver nanoparticles were characterized by superior surface area (19.26 m²/g) and the stability was confirmed by thermo gravimetric analysis (upto 500 °C). The surface morphology was well explained using High Resolution Transmission Emission Microscopy (HR-TEM) and Scanning Electron Microscope with EDS (SEM-EDS) techniques. X-ray Diffraction (XRD) analysis confirmed the changes in crystalline structure due to the adsorption of phenol. Kinetic experiments fitted well with the intra-particle diffusion model. The nature of adsorption of phenol was confirmed as monolayer by the goodness of fit with Langmuir isotherm (R² > 0.9969).

Sustainable removal of cadmium from contaminated water using green alga - Optimization, characterization and modeling studies

This research study reported the feasibility of cadmium removal using green algae, Caulerpa scalpelliformis, under controlled environmental conditions. The algal biosorbent could effectively remove cadmium under broad range of test conditions, namely, initial pH (3-6), adsorbent mass (0.5-2.5 gL^-1) and shaking speed (60-100 rpm). The best operating conditions were identified using Central Composite Design under Response Surface methodology and found to be pH - 4.9, adsorbent mass - 2.1 gL^-1 and shaking speed - 90 rpm. Equilibrium studies were conducted and monolayer sorption was identified as the mechanism, confirmed by Langmuir isotherm (R² = 0.9920). The maximum Cd uptake achieved at optimal conditions was 111.11 mg g^-1. The kinetic constants of the best fit model (pseudo second order) were determined. The thermodynamic feasibility was verified (ΔG ^ͦ < 0) and the biosorption process was found to be endothermic (ΔH ^ͦ > 0). The mass transfer studies shows that the mass transfer coefficient was inversely related to the temperature. Presence of favorable surface functional groups and enhanced surface area confirmed the suitability of the synthesized biosorbent for effective removal of cadmium.

Green synthesis of bio-functionalized nano-particles for the application of copper removal - characterization and modeling studies

Green technology for the synthesis of nanoparticles has gained momentum due to its cost-effectiveness and eco-friendly nature. In this research study, silver nanoparticles (AgNps) were synthesized using an eco-friendly biological method involving the use of marine algae, Halimeda gracilis. The surface properties of the synthesized silver nanoparticles were studied using UV-visible spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy methods. During the synthesis of nano particles, the parameters namely temperature (30 °C to 90 °C), pH (6-10), silver nitrate (AgNO₃) concentration (1-3 mg/ml) and quantity of algal extract (1-3 ml) were optimized to improve the production of AgNPs. The application of the synthesized silver nanoparticles for the adsorptive removal of copper from aqueous and industrial wastewater was investigated. Intra-particle diffusion mechanism was identified to be controlling step in metal removal. Regeneration of sorbent was carried out using 2.0 M HCl and the reusability was verified for 6 cycles. A removal efficiency of copper (64.8%) from electroplating wastewater demonstrated the industrial application potential of the synthesized silver nanoparticles.

Kinetics studies on the removal of Methyl ethyl ketone using cornstack based biofilter

The performance of cornstack based biofilter inoculated with a mixed culture was evaluated for gas phase MEK removal under various operating conditions. Experiments were carried out at different flow rates (0.03-0.12m³h^-1) and various initial concentrations (0.2-1.2g^-3). A maximum elimination capacity (EC) of 35g^-3h^-1 was achieved at an inlet loading rate of 60g^-3h^-1 with a removal efficiency of 95%. High elimination capacity reached with this system could have been due to the dominant presence of filamentous fungi among others. The experimental results were compared with the values obtained from the Ottengraf-van den Oever model for zero-order diffusion-controlled region. The critical inlet concentration, critical inlet load and biofilm thickness were estimated using the model predictions.

Optimization, equilibrium, kinetic, thermodynamic and desorption studies on the sorption of Cu(II) from an aqueous solution using marine green algae: Halimeda gracilis

The aptitude of marine green algae Helimeda gracilis for sorption of Cu(II) ions from an aqueous solution was studied in batch experiments. The effect of relevant parameters such as function of pH, sorbent dosage, agitation speed and contact time was evaluated by using Response surface methodology (RSM). A maximum percentage removal of Cu (II) by Halimeda gracilis occurs at pH-4.49, sorbent dosage-1.98g/L, agitation speed-119.43rpm and contact time-60.21min. Further, the sorbent was characterized by using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis. Experimental data were analyzed in terms of pseudo-first order, pseudo-second order, intraparticle diffusion, power function and elovich kinetic models. The results showed that the sorption process of Cu(II) ions followed well pseudo-second order kinetics. The sorption data of Cu(II) ions at 308.15K are fitted to Langmuir, Freundlich, Dubinin-Radushkevich (D-R), Temkin, Sips and Toth isotherms. Sorption of Cu(II) onto marine green algae Helimeda gracilis followed the Langmuir and Toth isotherm models (R(2)=0.998 and R(2)=0.999) with the maximum sorption capacity of 38.46 and 38.07mg/g. The calculated thermodynamic parameters such as ΔG°, ΔH° and ΔS° showed that the sorption of Cu(II) ions onto Helimeda gracilis biomass was feasible, spontaneous and endothermic. Desorption study shows that the sorbent could be regenerated using 0.2M HCl solution, with up to 89% recovery.

Synthesis of silver nanoparticle and its application

In this work, silver nanoparticles have been synthesized by wet chemical technique, green synthesis and microbial methods. Silver nitrate (10(-3)M) was used with aqueous extract to produce silver nanoparticles. From the results it was observed that the yield of nanoparticles was high in green synthesis. The size of the silver nanoparticles was determined from Scanning Electron Microscope analysis (SEM). Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was carried out to determine the presence of biomolecules in them. Its cytotoxic effect was studied in cancerous cell line and normal cell line. MTT assay was done to test its optimal concentration and efficacy which gives valuable information for the use of silver nanoparticles for future cancer therapy.

Fermentative production and optimization of mevastatin in submerged fermentation using Aspergillus terreus

The main objective of the study is to enhance the mevastatin production using Plackett–Burman (PB) and central composite design (CCD) by Aspergillus terreus in submerged fermentation (SmF). Eight nutrients were chosen for a PB design with 12 experimental runs. A maximum mevastatin production of 170.4 mg L⁻¹ was obtained in PB design. Response surface methodology (RSM) is a sequential procedure with an initial objective to lead the experimenter rapidly and efficiently along a path of improvement toward the general vicinity of the optimum. The individual and interactive effects of these variables were studied by conducting the fermentation run at randomly selected and different levels of all five factors. Experiments were conducted to optimize the medium constituents like glycerol, CuCl₂·2H₂O, FeSO₄·7H₂O, KH₂PO₄ and MgSO₄·7H₂O. At the optimum condition, a maximum mevastatin production of 701 mg L⁻¹ was obtained.

Optimization, kinetics, and modeling of inulinase production by K. marxianus var. marxianus

Pressmud, a by-product from the sugarcane industry, was used as a carbon source for the production of inulinase in solid-state fermentation (SSF). Statistical experimental designs were employed to screen the nutrients and optimize the media composition for the production of inulinase by Kluyveromyces marxianus var. marxianus. Eighteen various nutrients were selected for preliminary screening of production medium component by Plackett-Burman design (PBD) technique. Five nutrients were found to be significant for inulinase production and they were optimized by central composite design (CCD). The optimal media components for solid-state fermentation of inulinase using pressmud were (g/gds): corn steep liquor, 0.06072; urea, 0.01916; beef extract, 0.00957; FeSO4 · 7H2O, 0.00013; K2HPO4, 0.00441. The effect of moisture content and substrate concentration was also studied. From the results it was found that a maximum inulinase activity of 288 U/gds occurs at the moisture content of 65% and substrate concentration of 10 g. The constants in the Michaelis-Menten equation were evaluated and a high R (2) value implied the fitness of the model. Artificial neural network (ANN) modeling was also employed to predict the inulinase production.

Enhanced inulinase production by Streptomyces sp. in solid state fermentation through statistical designs

In this work, inulinase was produced by solid state fermentation by Streptomyces sp. using copra waste as carbon source. The nutrients were screened by Plackett-Burman design. From the pareto chart it was found that the nutrients, namely, soya bean cake, MgSO4·7H2O and (NH4)2SO4 were found to be most significant nutrient components. Hence, these three components were selected for further optimization using central composite design (CCD) in response surface methodology (RSM). The optimum conditions were soya bean cake: 0.05711 g/gds, MgSO4·7H2O: 0.00063 g/gds and (NH4)2SO4: 0.00772 g/gds. Under these optimized conditions, the production of inulinase was found to be 131 U/gds. The constants in the Michaelis-Menten equation were evaluated and high R2 value implies the fitness of the model.

Utilization of copra waste for the solid state fermentative production of inulinase in batch and packed bed reactors

In this study, screening and optimization of nutrients for inulinase production using copra waste has been studied. Plackett-Burman Design (PBD) was employed to screen the significant nutrients for inulinase production. Response surface methodology (RSM) was used to evaluate the effects of nutrient components in the medium. The second order regression equation provides the inulinase activity as the function of K2HPO4, ZnSO4 · 7H2O and soya bean cake. The optimum conditions are: K2HPO4--0.0047 g/gds, ZnSO4 · 7H2O - 0.02677 g/gds and soya bean cake--0.06288 g/gds. At these optimized conditions, experiments were performed in packed bed bioreactor to optimize the process variables like air flow rate, packing density, particle size and moisture content. The optimum conditions were: air flow rate--0.76 L/min, packing density--38 g/L, particle size--10/14 mesh and moisture content--60%. At the optimized conditions, a maximum inulinase production of 239 U/gds was achieved.

Optimization of Inulinase Production from Garlic by Streptomyces sp. in Solid State Fermentation Using Statistical Designs

Plackett-Burman design was employed for screening 18 nutrient components for the production of inulinase using Garlic as substrate by Streptomyces sp. in solid-state fermentation (SSF). From the experiments, 4 nutrients, namely, NH(4)NO(3), MnSO(4)·7H(2)O, Soya bean cake, and K(2)HPO(4) were found to be most significant nutrient components. Hence, these 4 components are selected. The selected components were optimized using response surface methodology (RSM). The optimum conditions are NH(4)NO(3)-6.63 mg/gds, MnSO(4)·7H(2)O-26.16 mg/gds, Soya bean cake-60.6 mg/gds, and K(2)HPO(4)-5.24 mg/gds. Under these conditions, the production of inulinase was found to be 76 U/gds.

Optimization, equilibrium and kinetics studies on sorption of Acid Blue 9 using brown marine algae Turbinaria conoides

In the present study, the parameters, temperature, adsorbent dose, contact time, adsorbent size and agitation speed were optimized for Acid Blue 9 removal from aqueous medium by using response surface methodology (RSM). The optimum conditions for maximum removal of Acid Blue 9 from an aqueous solution of 100 mg/l were found as follows: temperature (33 degrees C), adsorbent dose (3 g/l), contact time (225 min), adsorbent size (85 mesh (0.177 mm)) and agitation speed (226 rpm). At these optimized conditions, batch adsorption experiments were conducted to study the effect of pH and initial dye concentration for the removal Acid Blue 9 dye. Kinetic and equilibrium studies were carried out for the experimental results. From the kinetic studies it was found that pseudo second order model suits the system well. From the equilibrium studies, the Freundlich and Redlich-Peterson isotherm fit the data well.

Optimization of process parameters for the extraction of chromium (VI) by emulsion liquid membrane using response surface methodology

The emulsion liquid membrane technique was used for the extraction of hexavalent chromium ions from aqueous solution of waste sodium dichromate recovered from the pharmaceutical industry wastewater. The liquid membrane used was composed of kerosene oil as the solvent, Span-80 as the surfactant and potassium hydroxide as internal reagent. Trioctyl amine and Aliquat-336 were used as carriers. The emulsion stability was carried out at different surfactant concentration, agitation speed and emulsification time. Statistical experimental design was applied for the optimization of process parameters for the extraction of chromium by emulsion liquid membrane. The effects of process parameters namely, agitation speed, membrane to emulsion (M/E) ratio and carrier concentration on the extraction of chromium were optimized using a response surface method. The optimum conditions for the extraction of chromium (VI) using response surface methodology for Trioctyl amine were: agitation speed--201.369rpm, M/E ratio--0.5887% (v/v) and carrier concentration--4.0932% (v/v) and for Aliquat-336: agitation speed--202.097 rpm, M/E ratio--0.5873% (v/v) and carrier concentration --3.9211% (v/v). At the optimized condition the maximum chromium extraction was found to be 89.2% and 96.15% using Trioctyl amine and Aliquat-336, respectively.

Aerobic digestion of starch wastewater in a fluidized bed bioreactor with low density biomass support

A solid-liquid-gas, multiphase, fluidized bed bioreactor with low density particles was used in this study to treat the high organic content starch industry wastewater. The characteristics of starch wastewater were studied. It shows high organic content and acidic nature. The performance of a three phase fluidized bed bioreactor with low density biomass support was studied under various average initial substrate concentrations, by varying COD values (2250, 4475, 6730 and 8910 mg/L) and for various hydraulic retention times (8, 16, 24, 32 and 40 h) based on COD removal efficiency. The optimum bed height for the maximum COD reduction was found to be 80 cm. Experiments were carried out in the bioreactor at an optimized bed height, after the formation of biofilm on the surface of low-density particles (density=870 kg/m(3)). Mixed culture obtained from the sludge, taken from starch industry effluent treatment plant, was used as the source for microorganisms. From the results it was observed that increase in initial substrate concentration leads to decrease in COD reduction and COD reduction increases with increase in hydraulic retention time. The optimum COD removal of 93.8% occurs at an initial substrate concentration of 2250 mg/L and for the hydraulic retention time of 24h.