Tailoring ZnS nanostructures through precipitation-cum-hydrothermal synthesis for enhanced wastewater purification and antibacterial treatment.

This study presents a novel blend of synthesis techniques for shape-controlled ZnS nanoparticles. Zinc sulfide (ZnS) nanoparticles with distinct morphologies cauliflower-like microstructures (∼4.5 µm) and uniform nanospheres (200-700 nm) were synthesized through an innovative blend of precipitation and hydrothermal techniques. Capping with polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) significantly decreased crystallite size (3.93 nm-2.36 nm), modulated the band gap (3.57 eV-3.71 eV), and dramatically influenced morphology, highlighting the novelty of shape-controlled synthesis and its impact on optoelectronic and functional properties. X-ray diffraction confirmed crystallinity and revealed the size-controlling influence of PVP. UV-vis spectroscopy suggested potential tuning of optical properties due to band gap widening upon PVP capping. Field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) unveiled distinct morphologies: cauliflower-like microstructures for ZnS and uniform nanospheres (200-700 nm) for PVP-ZnS. Both structures were composed of smaller spherical nanoparticles, demonstrating the role of PVP in promoting controlled growth and preventing agglomeration. High-resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM) images depicted that the majority of nanoparticles maintain a spherical shape, though slight deviations from perfect sphericity can be discerned. Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy confirmed that successful PVP encapsulation is crucial for shaping nanospheres and minimizing aggregation through steric hindrance. Photocatalytic activity evaluation using methylene blue (MB) dye degradation revealed significantly faster degradation by PVP-ZnS under ultraviolet (UV) irradiation (within 60 min as compared to 120 min for ZnS), showcasing its superior performance. This improvement can be attributed to the smaller size, higher surface area, and potentially optimized band gap of PVP-ZnS. Additionally, PVP-ZnS exhibited promising antibacterial activity against S. aureus and P. aeruginosa, with increased activity at higher nanoparticle concentrations.

Monolithic stationary phases prepared via cyclic anhydride ring-opening polymerization as tunable platforms for chromatographic applications.

Polymer monolithic stationary phases were prepared based on a cyclic anhydride as a reactive and tunable platform via ring-opening post-polymerization using primary amines, octadecylamine and benzylamine. The characterization techniques indicated the insertion of the functional groups into the original monoliths and confirmed the amidation reactions. The post-polymerization modification also improved the monolith's thermal and mechanical stability and induced significant improvement in their surface area. The stationary phases were synthesized inside small dimension stainless-steel columns (2.1 mm i.d. × 50 mm length). The prepared columns before and after modifications have been tested for the separation of the alkylbenzene series and some polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) as model compounds. In all cases, the chromatographic performance in terms of the height equivalent to a theoretical plate on the functionalized monoliths was remarkably improved when compared with that on the unmodified monolith, which was between 9.59-39.49 µm and 4.08-31.50 µm using monoliths modified with octadecylamine and benzylamine, respectively. Under the same chromatographic conditions, the functionalization of monoliths with octadecylamine provided more hydrophobic interactions and enhanced the retention of alkylbenzenes, while the modification of monoliths with benzyl groups improved the separation and the retention of the PAHs through the strong π-π interactions. However, post-modification polymerization with octadecylamine and benzylamine enhanced the separation efficiency of the prepared columns toward all studied compounds. The repeatability of the injections on the same column and the reproducibility of the prepared columns have been studied for some selected parameters and estimated in terms of percent relative standard deviation (%RSD) for some of the studied compounds. The repeatability of the prepared columns was ≤9.42% (n = 5) based on run-to-run injections and ≤9.48% based on day-to-day injections for five successive days. The reproducibility levels, on the other hand, were ≤20.95% for all studied parameters in all cases. To assess their performance for the analysis of real samples, the applicability of the prepared columns was examined for the separation of the active ingredients extracted from some commercial pharmaceutical formulations and for the separation of tea water extract constituents. The validation data show the suitability of the columns for practical use in the routine analysis of these samples.

A novel porous lignocellulosic standing hierarchical hydroxyapatite for enhanced aqueous copper(II) removal.

Potentially toxic metal-polluted water resources are a heavily discussed topic the pollution by potentially toxic metals can cause significant health risks. Nanomaterials are actively developed towards providing high specific surface area and creating active adsorption sites for the treatment and remediation of these polluted waters. In an effort to tackle the limitations of conventional type adsorbents, nano-hydroxyapatite (HAp) was developed in this study by in situ generation onto wood powder, resulting in the formation of uniform hybrid powder (HAp@wood composite) structure consisting of HAp nanoparticles that showed the removal efficiency up to 80 % after 10 min; the maximum adsorption capacity for Cu(II) ions (98.95 mg/g-HAp) was higher compared to agglomerated nano-HAp (72.85 mg/g-HAp). The adsorption capacity of Cu(II) remained stable (89.85-107.66 mg/g-HAp) during the four adsorption-desorption cycles in multi-component system, thereby demonstrating high selectivity for Cu(II). This approach of using nanoparticle is relatively simple yet effective in improving the adsorption of potentially toxic metals and the developed approach can be used to develop advanced nanocomposites in commercial wastewater treatment.

Fabrication of Ru loaded MgB2 with guar gum hybrid for photocatalytic degradation of crystal violet.

Today, dyes/pigment-based materials are confronting a serious issue in harming marine ecology. Annihilate these serious water pollutants using photoactive 2D nanohybrid catalysts showed promising comparativeness over available photocatalysts. In the present work, a facile route to decorate Ruthenium (Ru) on 2D MgB2 flower-like nanostructures was developed via ecofriendly guar gum biopolymer substantial template (MgB2/GG@Ru NFS) and its photocatalytic performance was reported. Synthesis of MgB2@Ru, MgB2/GG@Ru NFS and commercial MgB2, was studied by FTIR, XRD, FE-SEM, EDX, AFM, TEM, UV-vis spectra, and XPS analysis. From the results, the MgB2/GG@Ru NFS exhibited a superior photocatalytic performance (99.7 %) than its precursors MgB2@Ru (79.7 %), and MgB2 (53.7 %), with the degradation efficiency of the crystal violet (CV) within 100 min under visible light irradiation. The proposed photo-catalyst MgB2/GG@Ru NFS showed negligible loss of photocatalytic activity even after five successive cycles, revealing its reusability and enhanced stability due to the network structure. The photocatalytic mechanism for MgB2/GG@Ru NFS was evaluated by trapping experiment of active species, verifying that superoxide (O2-) and electron (e-) contributed significant role in the dye degradation.

Biochar-based geopolymer nanocomposite for COD and phenol removal from agro-industrial biorefinery wastewater: Kinetic modelling, microbial community, and optimization by response surface methodology.

Agro-industrial biorefinery effluent (AIBW) is considered a highly polluting source responsible for environmental contamination. It contains high loads of chemical oxygen demand (COD), and phenol, with several other organic and inorganic constituents. Thus, an economic treatment approach is required for the sustainable discharge of the effluent. The long-term process performance, contaminant removal and microbial response of AIBW to rice straw-based biochar (RSB) and biochar-based geopolymer nanocomposite (BGC) as biosorbents in an activated sludge process were investigated. The adsorbents operated in an extended aeration system with a varied hydraulic retention time of between 0.5 and 1.5 d and an AIBW concentration of 40-100% for COD and phenol removal under standard conditions. Response surface methodology was utilised to optimize the process variables of the bioreactor system. Process results indicated a significant reduction of COD (79.51%, 98.01%) and phenol (61.94%, 74.44%) for BEAS and GEAS bioreactors respectively, at 1 d HRT and AIBW of 70%. Kinetic model analysis indicated that the Stover-Kincannon model best describes the system functionality, while the Grau model was better in predicting substrate removal rate and both with a precision of between R2 (0.9008-0.9988). Microbial communities examined indicated the abundance of genera, following the biosorbent addition, while RSB and BGC had no negative effect on the bioreactor's performance and bacterial community structure of biomass. Proteobacteria and Bacteroidetes were abundant in BEAS. While the GEAS achieved higher COD and phenol removal due to high Nitrosomonas, Nitrospira, Comamonas, Methanomethylovorans and Acinetobacter abundance in the activated sludge. Thus, this study demonstrated that the combination of biosorption and activated sludge processes could be promising, highly efficient, and most economical for AIBW treatment, without jeopardising the elimination of pollutants or the development of microbial communities.

Polyethylene glycol and chitosan functionalized manganese oxide nanoparticles for antimicrobial and anticancer activities.

Biocompatible polymer-functionalized magnetic nanoparticles could offer promising applications in biomedical sciences. We fabricated polymer functionalized tri-manganese tetra oxide (Mn3O4) nanoparticles with the co-precipitation method and an octahedral crystal structure having a crystallite size of 10-17 nm was identified via XRD analyses. The SEM graph depicted the non-uniform and smooth surface of PEG-functionalized Mn3O4 NPs as compared to Mn3O4 and chitosan-coated Mn3O4 NPs. Elemental composition in the prepared sample was examined by EDX analysis. Various modes such as MnO, MnOH, OH, symmetric, and anti-symmetric of CH2 attached to the spectrum of Mn3O4 NPs were observed with FTIR analysis. The magnetization factor decreased and increase the coreacivity and retentivity of surface functionalized Mn3O4-NPs was calculated via VSM analysis. In-vitro bioassay, antibacterial activity was tested against Escherichiacoli, Bacillus cereus, and anti-fungal activities against two Fusarium strains indicated clear antimicrobial activities. The MTT assay to examine the anticancer activity against the MCF-7 cancer cell line was performed and the T1 MRI contrast agent demonstrated that PEG-coated Mn3O4 NPs exhibited anti-cancer activities. We propose that surface-functionalized magnetic NPs used for the treatment of cancer by using a remote controlled process of hyperthermia therapy.

Controlling metal ion migration in contaminated groundwater with Iraqi clay barriers for water resource protection.

This study investigates the effectiveness of using Iraqi clay as a low-permeability layer to prevent the migration of lead and nickel ions in groundwater-aquifers. Tests of batch operation have been conducted to determine the optimal conditions for removing Pb2+ ions, which were found to be 120 minutes of contact time, a pH of 5, 0.12 g of clay per 100 mL of solution, and an agitation of 250 rpm. These conditions resulted in a 90% removal efficiency for a 50 mg L-1 initial concentration of lead ions. To remove nickel ions with an efficiency of 80%, the optimal conditions were 60 minutes of contact time, a pH of 6, 12 g of clay per 100 mL of solution, and an agitation of 250 rpm. Several sorption models were evaluated, and the Langmuir formula was found to be the most effective. The highest sorption capacities were 1.75 and 137 mg g-1 for nickel and lead ions, respectively. The spread of metal ions was simulated using finite element analysis in the COMSOL multiphysics simulation software, taking into account the presence of a clay barrier. The results showed that the barrier creates low-discharge zones along the down-gradient of the barrier, reducing the rate of pollutant migration to protect the water sources.

Metal pollution in freshwater fish: A key indicator of contamination and carcinogenic risk to public health.

Metals are micropollutants that cannot be degraded by microorganisms and are infiltrated into various environmental media, including both freshwater and marine water. Metals from polluted water are absorbed by many aquatic species, especially fish. Fish is a staple food in the diets of many regions in the world; hence, both the type and concentration of metals accumulated and transferred from contaminated water sources to fish must be determined and assessed. In this study, the heavy metal concentration was determined and assessed in fish collected from freshwater sources via published literature and Estimated Daily Intake (EDI), Target hazard quotient (THQ), and Carcinogenic Risk (CR) analyses, aiming to examine the metal pollution in freshwater fish. The fish was used as a bioindicator, and Geographic information system (GIS) was sued to map the polluted regions. The results confirmed that Pb was detected in fish sampled at 28 locations, Cr at 24 locations, Cu and Zn at 30 locations, with values Pb detected ranging from 0.0016 mg kg-1 to 44.3 mg kg-1, Cr detected ranging from 0.07 mg kg-1 to 27 mg kg-1, Cu detected ranging from 0.031 mg kg-1 to 35.54 mg kg-1, and Zn detected ranging from 0.242 mg kg-1 to 103.2 mg kg-1. The strongest positive associations were discovered between Cu-Zn (r = 0.74, p < 0.05) and Cr-Zn (r = 0.57, p < 0.05). Spatial distribution maps depicting the consumption of fish as food and its corresponding Pb and Cr intake revealed a higher incidence of both carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic health concerns attributed to Pb and Cr in the region with populations consuming the fish.

Effect of Pyrolysis on iron-metal organic frameworks (MOFs) to Fe3C @ Fe5C2 for diesel production in Fischer-Tropsch Synthesis.

The Fischer-Tropsch Synthesis (FTS) is a significant catalytic chemical reaction that produces ultra-clean fuels or chemicals with added value from a syngas mixture of CO and H2 obtained from biomass, coal, or natural gas. The presence of sulfur is not considered good for producing liquid fuels for(FTS). In this study, we reveal that the presence of sulfur in ferric sulfate Fe2(SO4)3 MOF provides the high amount, 52.50% of light hydrocarbons in the carbon chain distribution. The calcined ferric nitrate Fe(NO3)3 MOF reveals the highest 93.27% diesel production. Calcination is regarded as an essential factor in enhancing liquid fuel production. Here, we probed the calcination effect of Metal Organic Framework (MOF) on downstream application syngas to liquid fuels. The XRD results of MOF. N and P. MOF.N shows the formation of the active phase of iron carbide (Fe5C2), considered the most active phase of FTS. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images of iron sulfate MOF catalyst (P.MOF.S) reveals that the existence of sulfur creates pores inside the particles due to the reaction of free water molecules with the sulfur derivate. The surface functional groups of prepared MOFs and tested MOFS were analyzed by Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). The thermal stability of prepared MOFS was analyzed by Thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA). The surface areas and structural properties of the catalysts were measured by N2-Physiosorption technique.

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.

Waste valorization as low-cost media engineering for auxin production from the newly isolated Streptomyces rubrogriseus AW22: Model development.

Indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) represents a crucial phytohormone regulating specific tropic responses in plants and functions as a chemical signal between plant hosts and their symbionts. The Actinobacteria strain of AW22 with high IAA production ability was isolated in Algeria for the first time and was characterized as Streptomyces rubrogriseus through chemotaxonomic analysis and 16 S rDNA sequence alignment. The suitable medium for a maximum IAA yield was engineered in vitro and in silico using machine learning-assisted modeling. The primary low-cost feedstocks comprised various concentrations of spent coffee grounds (SCGs) and carob bean grounds (CBGs) extracts. Further, we combined the Box-Behnken design from response surface methodology (BBD-RSM) with artificial neural networks (ANNs) coupled with the genetic algorithm (GA). The critical process parameters screened via Plackett-Burman design (PBD) served as BBD and ANN-GA inputs, with IAA yield as the output variable. Analysis of the putative IAA using thin-layer chromatography (TLC) and (HPLC) revealed Rf values equal to 0.69 and a retention time of 3.711 min, equivalent to the authentic IAA. AW 22 achieved a maximum IAA yield of 188.290 ± 0.38 µg/mL using the process parameters generated by the ANN-GA model, consisting of L-Trp, 0.6%; SCG, 30%; T°, 25.8 °C; and pH 9, after eight days of incubation. An R2 of 99.98%, adding to an MSE of 1.86 × 10-5 at 129 epochs, postulated higher reliability of ANN-GA-approach in predicting responses, compared with BBD-RSM modeling exhibiting an R2 of 76.28%. The validation experiments resulted in a 4.55-fold and 4.46-fold increase in IAA secretion, corresponding to ANN-GA and BBD-RSM models, respectively, confirming the validity of both models.

Synthesis and characterization of silver nanoparticle embedded cellulose-gelatin based hybrid hydrogel and its utilization in dye degradation.

The present work describes the synthesis of a cellulose and gelatin based hydrogel by the grafting of poly(acrylic acid) using ammonium persulphate (APS)-glutaraldehyde as the initiator-crosslinker system. The structure of the hydrogel was studied through scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and FTIR. The maximum swelling rate of C-G-g-poly(AA) was found to be 92 g g-1 at pH 10. The size and structure of the prepared silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were studied through TEM and zeta potential, and it was found that the synthesized AgNPs were spherical and the size range was 11-30 nm. The reduction process followed pseudo 1st order kinetics. EtBr and eosin dye degradation were more than 4 times faster, when AgNPs were used with sodium borohydride. Thus, it can be concluded that the synthesized C-G-g-poly(AA) AgNPs hybrid hydrogel is effective for the reduction and degradation of carcinogenic dyes in wastewater.

Montmorillonite-based polymethacrylate composite monoliths as stationary phase materials for food and pharmaceutical analysis in capillary liquid and gas chromatography.

This work relates to the preparation of novel and promising stationary phases containing inorganic-organic composites for capillary liquid and gas chromatography. A naturally occurring montmorillonite was introduced to polymethacrylate monoliths, then used under different conditions of GC and HPLC at the same time. The performance of the columns was evaluated for the separation of alkane and alkylbenzene series in GC and capillary HPLC, respectively. While the bare monoliths failed to separate the model analytes, montmorillonite-based polymethacrylate allowed a full separation of the mixtures with Rs≥1.42. The columns were applied for the determination of myrcene and limonene isomers in the peel extracts of some fruits using GC, and for the analysis of active ingredients including aspirin, vitamin-C, caffeine, and ibuprofen extracted from common drugs using capillary HPLC. In GC, fast separation was achieved in 1.0 min with Rs of 6.53. The columns exhibited the best efficiency for myrcene with 20,900 plates/m. Using the capillary HPLC columns, the active ingredients were resolved in 10 min with Rs≥5.72. The efficiency values located between 12,800-21,700 plates/m in all cases. The developed methods were found to be linear in the range of 0.10-10.0 and 0.20-180 µg/mL for GC and HPLC, respectively. In comparison with commercial columns, the results in GC methods reveal that, despite their much shorter length, the prepared columns proved a faster separation with higher efficiency and comparable detection limits and chromatographic resolution. The prepared HPLC capillaries exposed lower run times and detection limits with comparable efficiency and resolution, and consume fewer samples and mobile phase solvents. The results demonstrate that the montmorillonite-based polymethacrylate composites are applicable as stationary phases for routine analysis and quality control of important fields such as food and pharmaceutical samples.

Salinity mitigates cadmium-induced phytotoxicity in quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) by limiting the Cd uptake and improved responses to oxidative stress: implications for phytoremediation.

Cadmium (Cd) contamination and soil salinity are the main environmental issues reducing crop productivity. This study aimed to examine the combined effects of salinity (NaCl) and Cd on the physiological and biochemical attributes of quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.). For this purpose, 30-day-old plants of quinoa genotype "Puno" were transplanted in Hoagland's nutrient solution containing diverse concentrations of Cd: 0, 50, 100, 200 µM Cd, and salinity: 0, 150, and 300 mM NaCl. Results demonstrated that plant growth, stomatal conductance, and pigment contents were significantly lower at all Cd concentrations than the control plants. Quinoa plants exhibited improved growth and tolerance against Cd when grown at a lower level of salinity (150 mM NaCl) combined with Cd. In contrast, the elevated concentration of salinity (300 mM NaCl) combined with Cd reduced shoot and root growth of experimental plants more than 50%. Combined application of salinity and Cd increased Na (25-fold), while lessened the Cd (twofold) and K (1.5-fold) uptake. A blend of high concentrations of Na and Cd caused overproduction of H2O2 (eightfold higher than control) contents and triggered lipid peroxidation. The activities of antioxidant enzymes: ascorbate peroxidase (APX), catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POD), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were 13, 12, 7 and ninefold higher than control to mitigate the oxidative stress. Due to restricted root to shoot translocation, and greater tolerance potential against Cd, the quinoa genotype, Puno, is suitable for phytostabilization of Cd in saline soils.

Effect of amino acid on the surface adsorption and micellar properties of surface active ILs varying in cationic head groups.

The interfacial along with bulk characteristics of the aqueous solutions of ILs with dissimilar cationic head group viz. 1-dodecyl-3-methylimidazolium bromide ([C12mim][Br]), and N-dodecyl-N-methylmorpholinium bromide ([Mor1,12][Br]) in the absence and the presence of an amino acid L-Methionine as an external additive have been examined by electrical conductivity, UV-Visible, surface tension, and DLS measurements. The CMC values, and the lowest maximum surface excess concentration (Гmax) achieved from all three techniques, and surface tension measurements respectively displayed more surface activity of the [C12mim][Br] than the [Mor1,12][Br]. Also, the morpholinium head group is less hazardous than imidazolium, it can be utilised to design ILs that are greener, mainly in combination with polar, small, and non-toxic side chains and anions.

The influence of heterostructured TiO2/ZnO nanomaterials for the removal of azo dye pollutant.

In recent times, there has been an inspired research on combining semiconducting metal oxides for improved industrial applications. Significantly, wastewater removal is concerned and the researchers are finding new methodologies for removing azo dyes that possess a high level of carcinogenic effects. In this connection, this work investigates the photocatalytic activity of synthesized TiO2/ZnO nanocomposite irradiated under UV and visible light. The application of the work involves the removal of methylene blue (MB) dye solution. Initial work begins with the novel synthesis of TiO2/ZnO coupled system by integrated sol-gel and thermal decomposition methods. Then, various characterization techniques brought out the existing properties of the prepared TiO2/ZnO catalyst. The X-ray diffraction measurements showed the assorted tetragonal and hexagonal structures. The spherical shape mixed with hexagonal shaped particles were perceived via transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Besides, from photoluminescence spectrum (PL) results, the TiO2/ZnO coupled system displayed slowing down of charge recombination, because of the intermediate states that helps in intensifying the photocatalytic activity. The dual absorption bands corresponding to UV region were deep-rooted from UV-vis spectroscopy. Further, the valuable application of the catalyst in removing methylene blue (MB) dye under both UV and visible light was carried out. The catalyst had displayed 90% of degradation within 40 min under UV light conditions. The other hand, visible light illumination of the catalyst provides divergent results as it possess lesser light absorption. Therefore, this catalyst was unable to yield visible light photocatalytic activity. Hence, this captivating research would bring the wastewater treatment progression using UV light.

Electrochemical detection of hydrogen peroxide using micro and nanoporous CeO2 catalysts.

In this research work, focus has been made on a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) modified commercial micro and synthesized nano-CeO2 for the detection of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Firstly, CeO2 nanoleaves were prepared by solvothermal route. Both commercially available micro CeO2 and synthesized nano-CeO2 structures were analyzed by different characterization techniques. The Raman spectra of synthesized nano CeO2 has more oxygen vacancies than micro CeO2. SEM images revealed that the synthesized CeO2 acquired leaf-like morphology. The catalyst nano CeO2 offered mesoporosity from nitrogen adsorption-desorption isotherms with massive sites of activation for increasing efficiency. Experiments on determining H2O2 using micro CeO2 or nano-CeO2/GCE was conducted using cyclic voltammetry (CV) and amperometry. Enhanced H2O2 reduction peak current with lower potential was observed in nano-CeO2/GCE. The influence of scan rate and H2O2 concentration on the performance of nano-CeO2/GCE were also studied. The obtained results have indicated that nano-CeO2/GCE showed improved electrochemical sensing behavior towards the reduction of H2O2 than micro-CeO2/GCE and bare GCE. A linear relationship was obtained over 0.001 µM-0.125 µM concentration of H2O2, with good sensitivity 141.96 µA µM-1 and low detection limit of 0.4 nM. Hence, the present nano-CeO2 system will have a great potential with solvothermal synthesis approach in the development of electrochemical sensors.

Electrochemical oxidation of palm oil mill effluent using platinum as anode: Optimization using response surface methodology.

This work investigates the electrochemical oxidation of palm oil mill effluent (POME) treatment using platinum (Pt) as anode and graphite as a cathode. The response surface methodology was used to investigate the relationships between different factors conditions (voltage, electrolysis time and chemical support) and responses of the treatment (chemical oxygen demand reduction, colour removal, and total oil removal). A quadratic mathematical model was chosen for all responses using Box-Behnken Design (BBD) with R2 0.9853 for COD reduction, R2 0.9478 for colour removal and R2 0.9185 for total oil removal. According to Derringer's function desirability, under the optimum condition (Voltage 15, electrolysis time 2 h, and 19.95 mg/L NaCl) of POME treatment, 84% of COD reduction, 98% of colour removal and 99% total oil of removal could be achieved. These results indicate that platinum as an anode material is effective for the electrochemical oxidation treatment of POME.

Lanthanum doped magnetic polyaniline for removal of phosphate ions from water.

Herein, magnetic polyaniline was modified with lanthanum nanoparticles (MPANI@La) as adsorbent, aiming to the treatment of high phosphate-containing aquatic solutions. High valent lanthanum doped with polyaniline was a promising adsorbent to uptake phosphate ions with possible electrostatic interaction and cation exchange process. The functional groups, composition, surface morphology, and magnetic property of the adsorbent were investigated using Fourier Transform-Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX), Scanning Electron Microscopic (SEM), and Vibrating Sample Magnetometer (VSM), respectively. During the experimental process, MPANI@La has removed phosphate ions from water >90%, with 80 mg adsorbent, and shaking for 150 min at room temperature. In this regard, the process was fitted with the Pseudo-second-order kinetic model (R2 > 0.999) and the Langmuir isotherm (R2 > 0.99). The proposed nanoparticles provided an appropriate adsorption capacity (qm) of 45.24 mg.g-1 at pH 4 for phosphate ions. Besides, the adsorbent can be used with an efficiency of 92.49% up to three times that reduced to 52.89% after ten times. In addition, the adsorption process was justified by thermodynamics which confirmed the proposed adsorption mechanism. Hence, the models were provided surface adsorption, monolayer pattern, and the physical mechanism of the phosphate removal process using MPANI@La. Hence the proposed adsorbent can be used as an alternative adsorbent in environmental water remediation.

Thermodynamic valorisation of lignocellulosic biomass green sorbents for toxic pollutants removal.

Various toxic heavy metals have become hazardous to human health as well as the environment. This research has been focused on a biosorption/bioremoval process of chromium (III), copper (II) and lead (II) ions from an aqueous solution by utilizing lignocellulosic biomass of Citrus limon peel (CLP) powder. CLP powder biomass was selected based on dietary fibre components having greater potential to remove target heavy metal ions in order to purify wastewater by following the eco-friendly biosorption method. At optimum conditions, the observed maximum removal efficiency of 97.47, 87.13 and 95.71% for Cr, Cu and Pb ions, respectively, was observed. An investigation has been made as a work of pH, CLP amount and temperature. The presented bio-removal processes by prepared CLP biosorbent manifested as a temperature-independent. Langmuir isotherm model was found an excellent fit of the isotherm data for tested systems with the calculated biosorption capacities of 111.11 (Cr), 76.92 (Cu) and 100 (Pb) mg/g. The positive ΔH values for selected target heavy metal ions, except lead ions, confirmed that the reaction was spontaneous and endothermic. A cooperative mechanism of second-order and intraparticle diffusion models during the adsorption processes of all three target ions was established with a higher coefficient of determination and more closely anticipated take-up (adsorption capacity). Furthermore, the interaction of -OH and -COOH functional groups of CLP that have a major role in the removal of Cr, Cu and Pb ions from single-ion aqueous solution and/or a surface biosorption was confirmed based on the results presented by SEM-EDS and FTIR analysis. Analysis from XRD revealed peak corresponding to amorphous cellulose type I as observed by FT-IR analysis.