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The aim of this research was to synthesize alginate beads. The beads were modified with a mixture of three different species of algae. Both synthesized beads were evaluated for the efficiency of Cd(II) removal from aqueous solutions as one of the currently most sustainable metal removal methods. The focus was on the characterization of synthesized beads and their stability. The characterization was performed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The specific surface area was determined. Cd(II) ion standard solutions were brought into contact with unmodified and modified beads. The experimental results showed that the most influential factors on biosorption are pH value and temperature. The maximum biosorption of Cd(II) ions was achieved at 181.0 mg/g. Kinetic and thermodynamic studies were carried out. The data obtained followed pseudo-second-order kinetics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, the treatment efficiency of advanced oxidation processes H2O2/UV enhanced by the addition of a manganese catalyst complex (MnTACN) was investigated on a model dye solution and a real dye-house effluent. The experimental results were evaluated in terms of absorbance (A) and total organic carbon (TOC) reduction. The major degradation products of the model dye solution were identified by high resolution gas chromatography/mass spectrometry analyses. In addition, the toxicity of the final reaction solution after H2O2/UV/MnTACN treatment to Vibrio fischeri bacteria was determined. The results showed that the addition of the H2O2/UV/MnTACN system at different concentrations of the catalyst solution increased the decolourisation rate compared to H2O2/UV for both the model dye solution and real dye-house effluent.

Direct determination of mercury species in real environmental samples is challenging due to their trace concentrations and low ionisation energy. In this investigation, a microwave-assisted and aqua regia digestion method is proposed for the analysis of trace inorganic mercury. Measurements were performed using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) method in soil, digestate and waste samples. The detection limits of the proposed method were found to be 0.03 and 0.115 mg/kg for mercury at 184.9 and 194.2 nm, respectively. The accuracy of the method with respect to the systematic and constant errors was confirmed by the analysis of certified reference material (CRM) (> 95 % recovery with < 15 % relative standard deviation RSD). The method was successfully applied for the determination of mercury in solid wastes listed in the Decree on Burdening of Soil with Waste Spreading and the Decree on the Treatment of Biodegradable Waste and the Use of Compost or Digestate in the Republic of Slovenia (Official Gazzette of the Republic of Slovenia, No. 34/08 and 61/11 and No 99/13, 56/15 and 56/18). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bioplastic composite material was developed from polylactic acid used as basic polymer and microalgae. Two types of biomaterials were prepared based on the proportion of microalgae and polylactic acid. The mass ratios were set to 5:95 and 10:90. First, spirulina was chosen as initial material and then a mixed culture of microalgae community from the biogas digestate treatment. The aim of the research was to study the characteristics of materials in order to determine whether the algal biomass community could be used in the production of bioplastics. It was found out that microalgae do not significantly impact the properties of the polylactic acid material. The degree of material crystallinity increased, the melting temperature reduced, and the modules of losses increased.

The aim of the present research was to develop probiotic delivery systems intended for short-term application in feminine hygiene products. For this, freeze-dried and fresh probiotics (Lactobacillus paragasseri K7), encapsulated into hydroxy-β-cyclodextrins, with and without inulin used as a prebiotic, were at first electrospun onto inert polypropylene carrier fabrics, in order to establish the optimal spinning conditions and confirm the successful formation of fibers. The characteristics of the functionalized materials were analyzed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). In order to evaluate the functionality of the probiotic delivery systems, in the subsequent stage of the research, the optimum electrospinning formulation was deposited, under the defined optimal conditions, on a different carrier material, namely, a cellulose-based cotton stripe, to get a preliminary demonstration of the suitability of the developed material for its intended application as a feminine hygiene product. For this, the antioxidant properties of the materials and the probiotic release were observed. Experimental results confirmed that the material (cellulose-based cotton stripe/deposited nanofiber) possessed antioxidant properties and released probiotics within 4 hours, being in agreement with the recommended use of such products. This preliminary research underscores the potential usability and applicability of the developed material for tampon use, considering its anti-inflammatory property and beneficial effects in maintaining healthy vaginal microbiota. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Laboratory scale filtration tests utilizing leachate were conducted to investigate fouling and filtration performance of nanofiltration membranes. The work presented in this study is conducted on real samples rather than model water. Physico-chemical analyses showed that the leachate contained a lot of organic substances, exceeding 20000 mg/L O2 expressed as chemical oxygen demand. Proper pre-treatment method must be chosen in order to reduce fouling index. Coagulation pre-treatment using poly-aluminium chloride was chosen. Two thin film polysulfone membranes were used, purchased by Osmonic Desal. The focus of this research is to assess the influence of the particle size and zeta-potential of the colloidal fraction in leachate on nanofiltration performance. The isoelectric point of both membranes was 4.7 and 4.3, respectively. The fouled membranes were negatively charged over the pH range with isoelectric point shifting to the left (lower pH) indicating the foulant material mainly not charged. It was confirmed by its zeta-potential, measured at -2 mV.

The main objective of this review is to present the latest research results regarding the importance of the torrefaction process for different biomass materials in the last 12-year period. Despite the fact that the potential of renewable energy sources has been analyzed, research regarding that of energy derived from waste biomass still remains in the infancy state. Torrefaction is known to be one of the most effective methods for enhancing the energy efficiency of biomass. Among different types of torrefactions, the focus in this study is mostly on dry torrefaction. The influential factors, like temperature and residence time, and physico-chemical properties of torrefied products, and the prospective of torrefaction due to its reduced impact on environment, are discussed in-depth. This review provides valuable insights into the torrefaction process, which is conducive to upgrading biomass for achieving net zero carbon emissions, as it has been stated in several works that torrefied biomass can be used instead of coal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The membrane bioreactor (MBR) system was investigated regarding its nitrate removal capacity from drinking water. The performance of a pilot-scale MBR was tested, depending on the operational parameters, using sucrose as a carbon source. Drinking water from the source was introduced into the reactor in order to study the influence of flow-rate on the nitrate removal and denitrification efficiency of drinking water. The content of the nitrate was around 70 mg/L and the C/N ratio was 3:1. Nitrate removal efficiencies above 90% were obtained by flow-rates lower than 4.8 L/h. The specific denitrification rates varied between 0.02 and 0.16 g/L NO3/ (g/L MLSS•d). The efficiencies and nitrate removal were noticeably affected by the flow-rate and hydraulic retention times. At the maximum flow-rate of 10.2 L/h still 68% of the nitrate had been removed, whilst the highest specific denitrification rate was achieved at 0.2738 g/L NO3/ (g/L) MLSS•d). The maximum reactor removal capacity was calculated at 8.75 g NO3/m3•h.

The drinking water from a small drinking water system contained arsenic in a concentration of about 50 μg/L. Chemical analyses showed that the pentavalent form of arsenic was present. Since the MCL value is 10 μg/L, it was necessary to implement a technological treatment to make the water suitable for drinking. In order to do so, two technologies were suggested: activated alumina and α-FeOOH (TehnoArz, TA) adsorption media. Experiments using both adsorption media were performed on a laboratory scale. It was possible to remove arsenic to below 1 μg/L. The maximal adsorption capacity was found to be 12.7 mg of As5+ per gram of α-FeOOH. Moreover, all the important physico-chemical parameters of the water remained practically unchanged after the treatment. Only a slight release of iron from the media was observed. The Fe-As bond was studied by means of chemical analysis and X-ray powder diffraction. Finally, in addition to showing the capability of arsenic removal by α-FeOOH, a comprehensive optimization of the technological parameters of the selected technology is provided.

An electrolysed solution of sodium chloride was examined for its disinfection potential in drinking and bathing water. The electrolysis of NaCl ((=1%) in tap water was performed at room temperature using a 10 A electric current in an electrolysis apparatus. Some laboratory tests were made, initially to determine the stability and efficiency of the disinfectant. Chemical and microbiological measurements of the treated water (according to DIN 19643 for bathing water) were then carried out before and after addition of the disinfectant agent.