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In this study, the bioaccumulation and biosorption of aqueous metals (cadmium, copper, lead, zinc and trivalent chromium) by live and dead cells of Penicillium simplicissimum (isolate 10) were investigated and compared. Removal experiments under varying cell concentrations, pH and initial metal concentrations revealed that live cells generally achieved highest metal removal rates when 0.80 g fresh weight of cells was used, with metal solutions at pH 5 and concentrations of 50–100 mg L−1 (up to 150 and 200 mg L−1 for cadmium and lead, respectively). On the contrary, biosorption of metals by dead cells occurred at maximum rates when as little as 0.15 g dry weight of cells was used, in conditions of pH 5–7 (metal dependent) and lower metal concentration of 50 mg L−1. This comparative analysis suggested that although effective bioremediation by live cells required more cell biomass and preferred the five metals at concentrations of 50–100 mg L−1, the amount of metals removed by live cells were significantly higher (36.2–86.4% for 100 mg L−1 and pH 5) than by dead cells (8.5–58.9%). The results indicated that bioaccumulation is a favourable process that aids in metal removal together with biosorption, and is presumably more effective than the independent process of biosorption alone (by dead cells). Hence, the metal removal potential of P. simplicissimum, especially live cells of this indoor metal-tolerant isolate, may be applied to wastewaters for effective removal within optimum pH range and metal concentrations.

In the absence of various metal ions, live cells of Penicillium simplicissimum decolorized Crystal Violet (CV), Methyl Violet (MV), Malachite Green (MG) and Cotton Blue (CB) (75.6–90.8%, 0.5–2 h) more efficiently than dead cells (43.9–75.2%, 4 h). Cu(II) enhanced CB removal by live and dead cells (64.1–82.0%) but with Cd(II), Zn(II) and Cr(III), removal of CV, MV and MG were inhibited. Pb(II) inhibited dye removal by live cells (63.1–78.1%), while dead cells remained unaffected (40.6–74.0%). Dye removal was attributed to binding to hydroxyl, carbonyl, amino, phosphoryl and nitro groups based on FTIR analyses. Dye-metal-fungi interactions revealed new binding sites and non-involvement of specific functional groups that previously interacted with single dyes. Hence, this study indicated that isolate 10 (especially live cells) is capable of removing dyes from dye-metal solutions.

A non-white rot fungus, Penicillium simplicissimum (isolate 10), was investigated for its biodegradation activities towards toxic triphenylmethane (TPM) dyes such as Crystal Violet (CV), Methyl Violet (MV), Malachite Green (MG), and Cotton Blue (CB). High decolorization efficiencies of 98.7, 97.5, 97.1, and 96.1% were observed for CV, MV, MG, and CB, respectively, within 2 h of incubation in the dye solutions (50 mg L−1, pH 5.0, 25 ± 2 °C). UV–visible spectral analysis of dyes conducted before and after treatment with P. simplicissimum indicated the occurrence of biodegradation. This was confirmed when enzymatic analyzes revealed induced production of manganese peroxidase (MnP, EC 1.11.1.13; 23.31 U mL−1), tyrosinase (EC 1.14.18.1; 16.18 U mL−1), and triphenylmethane reductase activities (1.15 U mL−1), particularly in biodegrading MG. For MV and CB, increased activities of tyrosinase (20.35 and 18.74 U mL−1, respectively) were detected, whereas no enzyme activities were detected for CV. Dye biodegradation by P. simplicissimum led to reduced toxicity (particularly for MG) based on phytotoxicity and microbial toxicity assays. It was concluded that P. simplicissimum showed potential in biodegrading and detoxifying TPM dyes via MnP, tyrosinase and triphenylmethane reductase activities, resulting in less harmful treated dye solutions.

The isolate Coriolopsis sp. (1c3) was cultured on muslin cloth to induce formation of filamentous biofilm. The biofilm and the free-mycelium forms (control) were then used to treat two triphenylmethane dyes; Cotton Blue (CB) and Crystal Violet (CV). The biofilm comprised primarily of a compact mass of mycelium while sparse mycelium network was detected in free-mycelium forms. Results revealed significant decolourization activities by filamentous biofilm of 1c3 for CB (79.6%) and CV (85.1%), compared to free-mycelium forms (72.6 and 58.3%, for CB and CV, respectively). Biodegradation occurred in both biofilm and free-mycelium forms. FTIR spectra revealed that biofilm formation (stacking of mycelium), did not have severe implications to the number and types of functional groups available for dye biosorption. The findings here suggested that formation of biofilm in 1c3 was induced effectively on muslin cloth, leading to enhanced decolourization activities. This technology is simple, feasible and can be adopted and further improved to obtain biofilm to enhance their dye removal efficiency in aqueous solutions.

Four fungal isolates: Simplicillium chinense (iso 9, accession no. KX425621), Penicillium simplicissimum (iso 10, KP713758), Trichoderma asperellum (iso 11, KP792512), and Coriolopsis sp. (1c3, KM403574) were subjected to a series of induced-tolerance training under high metal concentrations to determine if greater tolerance could be achieved from constant exposure to such conditions. Adaptive tolerance assay (Tolerance Index, TI) and Field-Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy with Energy Dispersive X-ray (SEM-EDX) characterized their metal tolerance. “Untrained” S. chinense, P. simplicissimum and T. asperellum showed tolerance towards 4000–4500 ppm Al(III) (TI: 0.64–0.71), 1000 ppm Cr(III) (0.52–0.83) and Pb(II) (0.32–0.88). With tolerance training, tolerance towards 2000–6000 ppm Al(III), 500–3000 ppm Pb(II) and 2000–3000 ppm Cr(III) were achieved (TI: 0.01–0.82) compared to untrained cultures (0.00–0.59). In contrast, tolerance training for Coriolopsis sp. and P. simplicissimum was less successful, with TI values similar or lower than untrained cultures. SEM-EDX analysis proposed biosorption and bioaccumulation as mechanisms for metal removal. The latter was demonstrated with the removal of Cr(III) and Pb(II) by S. chinense (12.37 and 11.52 mg g−1, respectively) and T. asperellum (10.44 and 7.50 mg g−1). Induced-tolerance training may render benefit in the long run, but this delicate approach is suggestively species and metal dependent.

The metal removal efficiency of live and dead fungal cells of Penicillium simplicissimum (isolate 10, KP713758) was tested against 100 ppm toxic metals Cd, Cu, Pb, Zn and trivalent Cr in single-metal solutions and in mixtures with 50 ppm triphenylmethane (TPM) dyes (Cotton Blue, Crystal Violet, Methyl Violet, and Malachite Green). Results revealed that live cells were more effective at removing metals from single (10.8–70.0%) and dye-metal mixtures (5.3–62.2%) than dead cells (5.1–27.4%). The dyes in dye-metal mixtures influenced metal uptake capacity. All four dyes inhibited the uptake of Cd (0.9–7.1%), Zn (5.3–7.7%), Cu (5.0–25.8%) and Cr (47.3–60.7%) by live cells. The exception was the enhance removal of Pb by live cells (48.6 to 56.3–62.2%) in the presence of dye (MG or CB). Pb uptake was not affected by MV (51.8%), but was inhibited by CV (31.9%). For dead cells, uptake of metals (Cd, Cr and Zn) in single (3.2–27.4%) and dye-metal solutions (0.7–27.4%) was similar, whilst removal of Cu (6.4–13.5%) and Pb (33.6–44.0%) was inhibited by all four dyes. P. simplicissimum is concluded to have potential to remove toxic metals even in the presence of TPM dyes, with preferred use of live cells than dead cells.

Pollutants are toxic to living organisms and the environment. Removal of these pollutants using biological agents has been attempted, with many of these successfully performed by a variety of bacteria and fungi. In recent years, a group of microorganisms known as endophytes have been explored for their bioremediation potential. Endophytes are microorganisms that exist in the tissues of the host plant and have traditionally been studied for their plant growth-promoting properties, biocontrol activities, and production of bioactive compounds. Their bioremediation potential is new and has tremendous room for research and development. Endophytes are, therefore, interesting microorganisms in our effort to discover new tools for the bioremediation of pollutants. In this chapter, the nature of endophytes, their tolerance to pollutants, and their application and mechanisms in removing pollutants such as toxic metals and triphenylmethane dyes are discussed. Examples of known endophytic species are also highlighted, and the methods in bioprospecting for these endophytic isolates are also discussed.

Penicillium simplicissimum (isolate 10), a metal tolerant fungus, tolerated 1000 mg/L Cu and 500 mg/L Zn, but were inhibited by Cd (100 mg/L), evident by the Tolerance Index (TI) of 0.88, 0.83, and 0.08, respectively. Live cells of P. simplicissimum were more effective in removing Cr (88.6%), Pb (73.7%), Cu (63.8%), Cd (33.1%), and Zn (28.3%) than dead cells (5.3–61.7%). Microscopy approach via SEM-EDX and TEM-EDX suggested that metal removal involved biosorption and bioaccumulation, with metal precipitates detected on the cell wall, and in the cytoplasm and vacuoles. FTIR analysis revealed metals interacted with amino, carbonyl, hydroxyl, phosphoryl (except Cd) and nitro groups in the cell wall. Biosorption and bioaccumulation of metals by live cells reduced Cu and Pb toxicity, observed from good root and (4.00–4.28 cm) and shoot (8.07–8.36 cm) growth of Vigna radiata in the phytotoxicity assay.

Penicillium simplicissimum (isolate 10, KP713758), a contaminant from indoor wastewater was studied for biosorption and biodegradation activities towards triphenylmethane (TPM) dyes. This newly discovered isolate demonstrated strong decolorization activities towards Methyl Violet (MV, 100 mg l−1), Crystal Violet (CV, 100 mg l−1) and Cotton Blue (CB, 50 mg l−1), with 98%, 95% and 82% removed within 13, 14 and 1 day(s). Malachite Green (MG, 100 mg l−1), the most recalcitrant dye, was partially decolorized (54%) by day 14. The biodegradation potential of P. simplicissimum was detected by the reduction in dye spectra peaks. Induced lignin peroxidase and NADH-DCIP reductase activities further suggested biodegradation potential. Batch studies revealed that decolorization activities of P. simplicissimum were influenced by the biomass used, initial dye concentrations, oxygen availability and cell viability, with optimum decolorization achieved using 2 g biomass, 100 mg l−1 dye concentration and in the absence of oxygen (except for CB).

This thesis explores the potential of metal-tolerant fungi to remove toxic metals and triphenylmethane dyes from aqueous solutions. Five fungal isolates from different uncontaminated and metal-contaminated sources revealed varying tolerance levels, adaptability and removal efficacy for metals. The removal process involved biosorption and bioaccumulation mechanisms. Further investigations on lesser studied Penicillium simplicissimum indicated the removal potential of live and dead fungal cells for metals in single solutions as well as dye-metal mixtures. The optimum conditions for metal uptake were also established. The findings suggest that Penicillium simplicissimum is a promising candidate to treat wastewater containing toxic metals and dyes.

The key issue for the oil filter product sand operating status of the transformer oil filter, and in-depth research, based on the research and development of the transformer oil filtering device charged. Charged transformer oil filtering device structure includes an external oil circulation system, internal purification systems and automatic control and protection system of three parts. The device has also explained the conventional oil filter and oil filter charged two modes, when conventional oil filter modes election, workflow is identical with ordinary oil filter; If you choose to live oil filtering mode, you need to set the control variable range and start monitoring and adjustment, transformer oil filtering method has been put live field application, its efficiency and reliability of the actual verification.

Along with the continuous improvement of China's science and technology, pattern recognition calculation methods have attained a rapid development, among which the new algorithms have been popularized and applied in pattern recognition. The angle of pattern refers to the intersection angle between two adjacent vectors, and owns the geometrical characteristics such as stretching, displacement, and rotation invariance, which are better unification for pattern characteristics. In this paper, the angle-based pattern recognition algorithm is mainly analyzed.

Triphenylmethane (TPM) dyes are a group of aromatic, synthetic dyes used widely in industrial processes. The discharge of these dyes into the environment demands strict monitoring and treatment due to their toxicity and cancer-inducing possibilities. The inexpensive, environmental-friendly biological treatment of TPM dyes using microfungi is an attractive remediation approach compared to the conventional physico-chemical methods. A diverse population of microfungi (comprising of members with microscopic fruiting bodies), such as white-rot and non-white-rot fungi, have demonstrated potential in removing TPM dyes via biosorption and biodegradation. Enzymes involved in dye decolourization include laccase, lignin peroxidase, manganese peroxidase and reductases. The biosorption and biodegradation activities of microfungi are influenced by nutrients, pH, temperature, initial dye concentration and biomass concentration. This chapter discusses the various strains of microfungi with TPM dye-decolourizing potential, as well as their mechanisms, optimum conditions and some current technological applications for these useful microfungi to remove TPM dyes.

Triphenylmethane dyes (TPM) are recalcitrant colorants brought into the environment. In this study, a lesser-known white rot fungus Coriolopsis sp. (1c3), isolated from compost of Empty Fruit Bunch (EFB) of oil palm, was explored for its decolorization potential of TPM dyes. The isolate 1c3 demonstrated good decolorization efficiencies in the treatment of Crystal Violet (CV; 100 mg l −1 ), Methyl Violet (MV; 100 mg l −1 ) and Cotton Blue (CB; 50 mg -1 ), with 94%, 97% and 91%, within 7, 7 and 1 day(s), respectively. Malachite Green (MG; 100 mg l −1 ) was the most recalcitrant dye, with 52% decolorization after 9 days. Dye removal by 1c3 was presumably via biosorption, whereby the process was determined to be influenced by fungal biomass, initial dye concentrations and oxygen requirements. Biodegradation was also a likely mechanism responsible for dye removal by 1c3, occurred as indicated by the reduction of dye spectra peaks. Detection of laccase, lignin peroxidase and NADH-DCIP reductase activities further substantiate the possible occurrence of biodegradation of TPM dyes by 1c3.

Professor DONG Gui-rong's theoretical principle and manipulation points for peripheral facial paralysis were introduced in details from the angels of syndrome differentiation, timing, acupoint prescription and needling methods. For the syndrome differentiation and timing, the professor emphasized to check the treatment timing and follow the symptoms, which should be treated by stages, besides, it was necessary to find and distinguish the reason and nature of diseases to have a combined treatment of tendons and muscles. For the acupoint prescription and needling methods, he has proposed that the acupoints selection should be compatible of distal and lacal, and made a best of Baihui (GV 20) to regulate the whole yang qi, also he has paid much attention to the needling methods and staging treatment. Under the consideration of late stage of peripheral facial paralysis, based on syndrome differentiation Back-shu points have been selected to regulate zang-fu function, should achieve much better therapeutic effect.