Effluent quality improvement in sequencing batch reactor-based wastewater treatment processes using advanced control strategies.

The treatment of wastewater is highly challenging due to large fluctuations in flowrates, pollutants, and variable influent water compositions. A sequencing batch reactor (SBR) and modified SBR cycle-step-feed process (SSBR) configuration are studied in this work to effectively treat municipal wastewater while simultaneously removing nitrogen and phosphorus. To control the amount of dissolved oxygen in an SBR, three axiomatic control strategies (proportional integral (PI), fractional proportional integral (FPI), and fuzzy logic controllers) are presented. Relevant control algorithms have been designed using plant data with the models of SBR and SSBR based on ASM2d framework. On comparison, FPI showed a significant reduction in nutrient levels and added an improvement in effluent quality. The overall effluent quality is improved by 0.86% in FPI in comparison with PI controller. The SSBR, which was improved by precisely optimizing nutrient supply and aeration, establishes a delicate equilibrium. This refined method reduces oxygen requirements while reliably sustaining important biological functions. Focusing solely on the FPI controller's performance in terms of total air volume consumption, the step-feed SBR mechanism achieves an excellent 11.04% reduction in consumption.

Mesenchymal stem cells-derived extracellular vesicles for therapeutics of renal tuberculosis.

Extrapulmonary tuberculosis with a renal involvement can be a manifestation of a disseminated infection that requires therapeutic intervention, particularly with a decrease in efficacy of conventional regimens. In the present study, we investigated the therapeutic potency of mesenchymal stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles (MSC-EVs) in the complex anti-tuberculosis treatment (ATT). A rabbit model of renal tuberculosis (rTB) was constructed by injecting of the standard strain Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv into the cortical layer of the kidney parenchyma. Isolated rabbit MSC-EVs were intravenously administered once as an addition to standard ATT (isoniazid, pyrazinamide, and ethambutol). The therapeutic efficacy was assessed by analyzing changes of blood biochemical biomarkers and levels of anti- and pro-inflammatory cytokines as well as by renal computed tomography with subsequent histological and morphometric examination. The therapeutic effect of therapy with MSC-EVs was shown by ELISA method that confirmed a statistically significant increase of the anti-inflammatory and decrease of pro-inflammatory cytokines as compared to conventional treatment. In addition, there is a positive trend in increase of ALP level, animal weigh, and normalization of ADA activity that can indicate an improvement of kidney state. A significant reduction of the area of specific and interstitial inflammation indicated positive affect of MSC-EVs that suggests a shorter duration of ATT. The number of MSC-EVs proteins (as identified by mass-spectometry analysis) with anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory and immunoregulatory functions reduced the level of the inflammatory response and the severity of kidney damage (further proved by morphometric analysis). In conclusion, MSC-EVs can be a promising tool for the complex treatment of various infectious diseases, in particularly rTB.

Application of apophyllite and thomsonite natural zeolite as modified adsorbents for the removal of zinc from acid mine drainage.

Materials composed of natural zeolite have the potential to serve as highly effective adsorbents in the treatment of wastewater. The present study explores zeolite resin-based Apophyllite and Thomsonite as adsorbents for removing Zinc from acid mine drainage solution. The characteristics of the natural zeolites (Apophyllites and Thomsonite) are investigated using X-ray diffraction, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and Field emission scanning electron microscopy analysis. The removal of Zinc from AMD is explored, and the influence of metal ion concentration, resin dose, and pH is investigated using a batch exchange resin-based experimental method. Maximum zinc removal occurs in the pH range of 2-6 with an initial zinc content of 50-250 mg/L and a resin dosage of 25-700 mg/L, indicating that the adsorption process is pH-dependent. Various isotherm models, including those proposed by Freundlich and Langmuir as well as Redlich-Peterson, Dubinin, and Temkin, are used to verify the results of the experimental research. All these isotherm models' constants are determined. Both resins showed different sorption efficiencies at different operating conditions. However, highest Zn removal efficiency of 86.2% was observed for the Thomsonite zeolite resin whereas Apophyllite zeolite resin showed maximum Zn uptake of 81.6%. Thus, Thomsonite was found to be an effective sorbent.

A review of microbial fuel cell and its diversification in the development of green energy technology.

The advancement of microbial fuel cell technology is rapidly growing, with extensive research and well-established methodologies for enhancing structural performance. This terminology attracts researchers to compare the MFC devices on a technological basis. The architectural and scientific successes of MFCs are only possible with the knowledge of engineering and technical fields. This involves the structure of MFCs, using substrates and architectural backbones regarding electrode advancement, separators and system parameter measures. Knowing about the MFCs facilitates the systematic knowledge of engineering and scientific principles. The current situation of rapid urbanization and industrial growth is demanding the augmented engineering goods and production which results in unsolicited burden on traditional wastewater treatment plants. Consequently, posing health hazards and disturbing aquatic veracity due to partial and untreated wastewater. Therefore, it's sensible to evaluate the performance of MFCs as an unconventional treatment method over conventional one to treat the wastewater. However, MFCs some benefits like power generation, stumpy carbon emission and wastewater treatment are the main reasons behind the implementation. Nonetheless, few challenges like low power generation, scaling up are still the major areas needs to be focused so as to make MFCs sustainable one. We have focused on few archetypes which majorities have been laboratory scale in operations. To ensure the efficiency MFCs are needed to integrate and compatible with conventional wastewater treatment schemes. This review intended to explore the diversification in architecture of MFCs, exploration of MFCs ingredients and to provide the foreseen platform for the researchers in one source, so as to establish the channel for scaling up the technology. Further, the present review show that the MFC with different polymer membranes and cathode and anode modification presents significant role for potential commercial applications after change the system form prototype to pilot scale.

ZIF-8 decorated cellulose acetate mixed matrix membrane: An efficient approach for textile effluent treatment.

The textile industry is the second largest water-intensive industry and generates enormous wastewater. The dyes and heavy metals present in the textile effluent, even at their lower concentrations, can cause an adverse effect on the environment and human health. Recently, mixed matrix membranes have gained massive attention due to membrane property enhancement caused by incorporating nanofillers/additives in the polymer matrix. This current study examines the efficacy of ZIF-8/CA membrane on dye removal and treatment of real-time textile industry effluent. Initially, ZIF-8 nanoparticles were synthesized using a probe sonicator. The XRD, FT-IR, and SEM analysis confirmed the formation of crystalline and hexagonal facet ZIF-8 nanoparticles. The ZIF-8 nanoparticles were dispersed into a cellulose acetate matrix, and a membrane was prepared using the "phase inversion method." The membrane was characterized using FT-IR and SEM analysis, which endorse incorporating ZIF-8 into the polymer matrix. Later, the efficacy of the ZIF-8/CA membrane was verified by dye removal studies. The dye removal studies on crystal violet, acid red 13, and reactive black 5 reveal that the membrane is ∼85% efficient in dye removal, and the studies were further extended to real-time textile effluent treatment. The studies on textile effluent prevail that ZIF-8/CA membrane is also proficient in removing chemical oxygen demand (COD) ∼70%, total organic carbon (TOC) ∼80%, and heavy metals such as lead, chromium, and cadmium from textile wastewater and proved to be efficient in treating the textile effluent.

Unveiling Various Facades of Tinospora cordifolia Stem in Food: Medicinal and Nutraceutical Aspects.

Natural products with curative properties are gaining immense popularity in scientific and food research, possessing no side effects in contrast to other drugs. Guduchi, or Tinospora cordifolia, belongs to the menispermaceae family of universal drugs used to treat various diseases in traditional Indian literature. It has received attention in recent decades because of its utilization in folklore medicine for treating several disorders. Lately, the findings of active phytoconstituents present in herbal plants and their pharmacological function in disease treatment and control have stimulated interest in plants around the world. Guduchi is ethnobotanically used for jaundice, diabetes, urinary problems, stomachaches, prolonged diarrhea, skin ailments, and dysentery. The treatment with Guduchi extracts was accredited to phytochemical constituents, which include glycosides, alkaloids, steroids, and diterpenoid lactones. This review places emphasis on providing in-depth information on the budding applications of herbal medicine in the advancement of functional foods and nutraceuticals to natural product researchers.

Hybrid hydrodynamic cavitation (HC) technique for the treatment and disinfection of lake water.

Water reclamation from lakes needs to be accomplished efficiently and affordably to ensure the availability of clean, disinfected water for society. Previous treatment techniques, such as coagulation, adsorption, photolysis, ultraviolet light, and ozonation, are not economically feasible on a large scale. This study investigated the effectiveness of standalone HC and hybrid HC + H2O2 treatment techniques for treating lake water. The effect of pH (3 to 9), inlet pressure (4 to 6 bar), and H2O2 loading (1 to 5 g/L) were examined. At pH = 3, inlet pressure of 5 bar and H2O2 loadings of 3 g/L, maximum COD and BOD removal were achieved·H2O2 was observed to significantly improve the performance of the HC when used as a chemical oxidant. In an optimal operating condition, a COD removal of 54.5 % and a BOD removal of 51.5 % using HC alone for 1 h is observed. HC combined with H2O2 removed 64 % of both COD and BOD. The hybrid HC + H2O2 treatment technique resulted in a nearly 100% removal of pathogens. The results of this study indicate that the HC-based technique is an effective method for removing contaminants and disinfection of the lake water.

Prospect of Bioactive Curcumin Nanoemulsion as Effective Agency to Improve Milk Based Soft Cheese by Using Ultrasound Encapsulation Approach.

The aim of this paper was to determine the effect of stabilized curcumin nanoemulsions (CUNE) as a food additive capable of directionally acting to inhibit molecules involved in dairy products' quality and digestibility, especially cheese. The objects were cheeses made from the milk of higher grades with addition of a CUNE and a control sample. The cheeses were studied using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) in terms of organoleptic properties, such as appearance, taste, and aroma. The results show that the addition of CUNEs improved the organoleptic properties compared to the control cheese by 150% and improved its shelf life. The SEM study shows that formulation with CUNE promotes the uniform distribution of porosity. The CUNE-based cheese shows a better sensory evaluation compared to the emulsion without curcumin. CUNE-processed cheese provided better antioxidant and antimicrobial analysis than the control sample and offers added value to the dairy sector.

Photocatalytic decolourization of Rhodamine-B dye by visible light active ZIF-8/BiFeO3 composite.

In this work, preparation of ZIF-8 supported BiFeO3 photocatalyst by ultrasound cavitation technique was reported. The synthesized materials were characterized using solid UV absorption spectroscopy, Raman Spectroscopy, and SEM. The catalytic function of synthesized photocatalyst under ultraviolet and visible light was examined for the decolourization of Rhodamine-B (Rh-B) dye. To understand the action of the photocatalyst on Rh-B decolorization, the influence of different operating parameters such as wt% of ZIF-8 in composite, catalyst dosage, initial dye concentration, initial solution pH, and source of light was examined. The obtained results show that 40.7 wt% of ZIF-8/BiFeO3 composite exhibited the highest possible photocatalytic behaviour against decolorization of Rh-B dye. The acidic pH of the solution had shown greater effectiveness in removing Rh-B dye. The tests and study demonstrate that the hybrid ZIF-8/BiFeO3 has a stronger photocatalytic activity for decolorization of the Rh-B dye relative to the ZIF-8 MOF and BiFeO3. The synthesized ZIF-8/BiFeO3 demonstrated outstanding photocatalytic behaviour in the presence of ultraviolet and visible light towards the removal of Rh-B dye from the aqueous media.

Ultrasound-Assisted Stable Curcumin Nanoemulsion and Its Application in Bakery Product.

The quality of the bread has been always an important issue and needs to be improved. Curcumin nanoemulsion provides an antioxidant and other nutritional value to the bakery products. Our aim was to determine the effect of curcumin nanoemulsions as a food additive on the quality and digestibility of breads. Curcumin nanoemulsion was stabilized by using Tween 80 and an ultrasound approach and its incorporation of curcumin nanoemulsion into bread formulation as the replacement of margarine. The objects of the study were the obtained bread from wheat flour, namely, control sample, CuNE containing sample, and raw curcumin containing bread sample. The results of the sensory evaluation of prototype bread suggest that curcumin nanoemulsion does affect organoleptic properties of bread. The result of antioxidant activity for curcumin nanoemulsion bread is higher (31.59%) compared to a control bread (20.59%). Also, in addition to a positive effect, there is an increase in the total strain and the elasticity of the crumb of bread compared to the control bread. SEM (scanning electron microscope) study shows that formulation with nanoemulsion promotes uniform distribution of fine pores (porosity).

Recent advances in aqueous virus removal technologies.

The COVID-19 outbreak has triggered a massive research, but still urgent detection and treatment of this virus seems a public concern. The spread of viruses in aqueous environments underlined efficient virus treatment processes as a hot challenge. This review critically and comprehensively enables identifying and classifying advanced biochemical, membrane-based and disinfection processes for effective treatment of virus-contaminated water and wastewater. Understanding the functions of individual and combined/multi-stage processes in terms of manufacturing and economical parameters makes this contribution a different story from available review papers. Moreover, this review discusses challenges of combining biochemical, membrane and disinfection processes for synergistic treatment of viruses in order to reduce the dissemination of waterborne diseases. Certainly, the combination technologies are proactive in minimizing and restraining the outbreaks of the virus. It emphasizes the importance of health authorities to confront the outbreaks of unknown viruses in the future.

The physical, mechanical, thermal and barrier properties of starch nanoparticle (SNP)/polyurethane (PU) nanocomposite films synthesised by an ultrasound-assisted process.

This article reports on the ultrasound-assisted acid hydrolysis for the synthesis and evaluation of starch nanoparticles (SNP) as nanofillers to improve the physical, mechanical, thermal, and barrier properties of polyurethane (PU) films. During the ultrasonic irradiation, dropwise addition of 0.25 mol L-1 H2SO4 was carried out to the starch dispersion for the preparation of SNPs. The synthesized SNPs were blended uniformly within the PU matrix using ultrasonic irradiation (20 kHz, 220 W pulse mode). The temperature was kept constant during the synthesis (4 °C). The nanocomposite coating films were made with a regulated thickness using the casting method. The effect of SNP content (wt%) in nanocomposite coating films on various properties such as morphology, water vapour permeability (WVP), glass transition temperature (Tg), microbial barrier, and mechanical properties was studied. The addition of SNP to the PU matrix increased the roughness of the surface, and Tg by 7 °C, lowering WVP by 60% compared to the PU film without the addition of SNP. As the SNP concentration was increased, the opacity of the film increased. The reinforcement of the SNP in the PU matrix enhanced the microbial barrier of the film by 99.9%, with the optimal content of SNP being 5%. Improvement in the toughness and barrier properties was observed with an increase in the SNP content of the film.

WITHDRAWN: Recent Advances and Reports on Encapsulation in the Food Matrix: A Review

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Ultrasound-assisted synthesis of nanoemulsion/protein blend for packaging application.

In the present work, we studied the formation of sunflower oil nanoemulsion using ultrasound techniques. Later, we investigated the development of active films based on a mixture of whey protein containing sunflower oil base nanoemulsion with different concentrations (10, 25, and 50% of total whey protein). The prepared film was by analyzing using the Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and field-emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM). The film shows no changes in its integrity and crystallinity compared to the virgin film. The presence of nanoemulsion improves the mechanical properties from 2.75 MPa to 3.52 MPa while it decreases the water vapor permeability from 3.4 × 10-10 to 1.3 × 10-10g/m.s.Pa for concentrations NE (50% of Whey protein). The antioxidant activity for Tween 20 nanoemulsion is 38.7% compared to 36.1% for Tween 80 nanoemulsion. The antimicrobial activity of the film contains sunflower nanoemulsion higher than virgin films. The results showed the potential of blend film of whey protein with nanoemulsion for active films for novel food protection.

A review on recent advances in hydrogen energy, fuel cell, biofuel and fuel refining via ultrasound process intensification.

Hydrogen energy is one of the most suitable green substitutes for harmful fossil fuels and has been investigated widely. This review extensively compiles and compares various methodologies used in the production, storage and usage of hydrogen. Sonochemistry is an emerging synthesis process and intensification technique adapted for the synthesis of novel materials. It manifests acoustic cavitation phenomena caused by ultrasound where higher rates of reactions occur locally. The review discusses the effectiveness of sonochemical routes in developing fuel cell catalysts, fuel refining, biofuel production, chemical processes for hydrogen production and the physical, chemical and electrochemical hydrogen storage techniques. The operational parameters and environmental conditions used during ultrasonication also influence the production rates, which have been elucidated in detail. Hence, this review's major focus addresses sonochemical methods that can contribute to the technical challenges involved in hydrogen usage for energy.

Process Intensification Approach Using Microreactors for Synthesizing Nanomaterials-A Critical Review.

Nanomaterials have found many applications due to their unique properties such as high surface-to-volume ratio, density, strength, and many more. This review focuses on the recent developments on the synthesis of nanomaterials using process intensification. The review covers the designing of microreactors, design principles, and fundamental mechanisms involved in process intensification using microreactors for synthesizing nanomaterials. The microfluidics technology operates in continuous mode as well as the segmented flow of gas-liquid combinations. Various examples from the literature are discussed in detail highlighting the advantages and disadvantages of microfluidics technology for nanomaterial synthesis.

Recent Advances in Ultrasound-Assisted Synthesis of Nano-Emulsions and their Industrial Applications.

BACKGROUND: Colloidal systems are used in various industrial and medical applications. Nanoparticles have good physio-chemical properties that enhance the performance of the system. Nano-emulsions can be synthesized by ultrasonication. Ultrasonication is the simplest method as compared to other available methods. The purpose of this article is to review the recent advances in ultrasound- assisted nano-emulsion synthesis and challenges regarding the safety of the nano-emulsion. METHODS: Application of the nano-emulsions in the various industrial and medical processes like drug delivery process, food industry, pesticide industry and cosmetics industry is also reviewed. RESULTS: Ultrasound-assisted synthesis of nano-emulsions is a simple method as compared to other synthesis methods of the nano-emulsions. Nano-emulsions have potential applications in the cosmetic, drug delivery, pesticides and industry. CONCLUSION: Fabrication of the nano-emulsions is different for each application and product. Physiochemical properties should be strictly monitored in the nano-emulsions as they influence the efficiency of the nano-emulsions greatly. Ostwald ripening is the main phenomenon for the nano-emulsions mechanism.

Synthesis of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) from cotton using ultrasound-assisted acid hydrolysis.

This present work reports the synthesis of Cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) from cotton using an ultrasound-assisted acid hydrolysis. Further, the synthesized CNCs was comprehensively characterized using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) to analyze surface functional groups and X-ray diffraction (XRD) in studying structural characteristics. Differential Thermal Analysis (DTA) and Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) have been used to study the thermal properties of CNCs. Morphology of CNCs was studied using a Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). The crystallite size was found to be 10-50 nm using XRD data and the average particle size to be 221 nm using PSD analysis.

Sonochemical approach for synthesis of zinc oxide-poly methyl methacrylate hybrid nanoparticles and its application in corrosion inhibition.

Hybrid nanoparticles (HNPs) with zinc oxide and polymethyl metha acrylate (inorganic/ polymer) were synthesized through the exploitation of ultrasound approach. The synthesized HNPs were further characterized employing transmission electron microscopy and x-ray diffraction. ZnO-PMMA based HNPs exhibit excellent protection properties to mild steel from corrosion when gets exposed to acidic condition. Electrochemical impendence spectroscopy (EIS) analysis was accomplished to evaluate the corrosion inhibition performance of MS panel coated with 2 wt% or 4 wt% of HNPs and its comparison with bare panel and that of loaded with only standard epoxy coating., Tafel plot and Nyquist plot analysis depicted that the corrosion current density (Icorr) decreases from 16.7 A/m2 for bare material to 0.103 A/m2 for 4% coating of HNPs. Applied potential (Ecorr) values shifted from negative to positive side. These results were further supported by qualitative analysis. The images taken over a period of time indicated the increase in lifetime of MS panel from 2 to 3 days for bare panel to 10 days for HNPs coated panel, showing that ZnO-PMMA HNPs have potential application in metal protection from corrosion by forming a passive layer.

Effect of process parameters on the recovery of lactose in an antisolvent acetone/acetone-ethanol mixture: A comparative study based on sonication medium.

Recovery of lactose from the whey using sonocrystallization was studied experimentally. The effect of sonication medium and irradiation power levels was evaluated using three different ultrasonic equipments. Effects of various parameters such as sonication time, pH of the medium, antisolvent (acetone and acetone-ethanol mixture) and concentration of lactose were determined. The optimal parametric conditions were analyzed using differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, particle size distribution, and zeta potential measurements. Overall, the highest lactose recovery was obtained using a mixture of acetone and ethanol as antisolvent in bath sonication as well as atomization process.