Article
Environmental Sciences
Amr Aboulela, Matthieu Peyre Lavigne, Tony Pons, Mansour Bounouba, Maud Schiettekatte, Pascale Lepercq, Myriam Mercade, Cedric Patapy, Samuel Meulenyzer, Alexandra Bertron
Summary: This study investigated the biodeterioration of cement-based materials in sewer environments by simulating a biochemical attack. The results showed that the nature of the material did not affect the formation of polythionates, while the pH of the leached solutions played a significant role. Additionally, an imbalance reaction of tetrathionate was observed, leading to the formation of reduced sulfur compounds. Numerical models were developed to estimate the amount of sulfur compounds based on the pH evolution. The influence of cementitious materials on microbial populations was not significant.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Tom Damion, Piyush Chaunsali
Summary: This article explores the acid resistance of calcium sulfoaluminate (CSA) cement and evaluates the effect of chemical composition on acid resistance using acid neutralisation capacity (ANC) as a measure. The tests reveal that high ye'elimite CSA cement demonstrates better acid resistance compared to other binders.
CEMENT AND CONCRETE RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Hammad A. Khan, Muhammad Yasir, Arnaud Castel
Summary: This research presents a laboratory simulation of microbially induced corrosion (MIC) to evaluate the performance of different types of cement mortar. Sulphur oxidizing microbes were grown in liquid media containing thiosulphate ion to simulate the bacterial attachment phase and acid attack of corrosion. Various investigations were conducted to estimate the deterioration of mortars over time, including visual, physical, chemical and microstructural analyses. The results showed the resistance of calcium aluminate cement mortar to biocorrosion and the dependence of acid formation and microbial growth on the type of mortar. Scanning electron microscopy was used to predict the depth of degradation and morphological variations at the microstructural level, indicating the suitability of this testing method for simulating sewer biocorrosion.
CEMENT & CONCRETE COMPOSITES
(2022)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Shahin Zokaei, Hocine Siad, Mohamed Lachemi, Obaid Mahmoodi, Mustafa Sahmaran
Summary: This study investigates the self-healing capability of ECCs produced using calcium aluminate cement (CAC) instead of conventional ordinary Portland cement (OPC). The results show that CAC can be used to produce ECCs with high mechanical strengths, and the addition of fly ash (FA) can further improve the mechanical properties, as well as the self-healing efficiency of ECCs.
CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Jennifer Astoveza, Romain Trauchessec, Sylvie Migot-Choux, Ratana Soth, Yiannis Pontikes
Summary: The hydration of an iron-rich NFM slag incorporated in CAC-PC-calcium sulfate ternary binders was investigated in this study. The slag addition was found to mitigate excessive expansion and maintain acceptable mechanical strength over 180 days. The study also provided insights into the activation effect of PC and the evolution of phase assemblage.
CEMENT AND CONCRETE RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Solmoi Park, Jun Kil Park, Namkon Lee, Min Ook Kim
Summary: The study found that metakaolin-blended PC has the highest compressive strength, while exposure to seawater can retard the hydration rate of SCMs and enhance the strength development of the neat PC system. Additionally, exposure to seawater can lead to the formation of reaction products such as Cl-AFm and brucite.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Laura Boquera, J. Ramon Castro, Anna Laura Pisello, Claudia Fabiani, Antonella D'Alessandro, Filippo Ubertini, Luisa F. Cabeza
Summary: The incorporation of recycled materials in cement can reduce energy consumption and CO2 emissions. This study focuses on assessing the thermal stability and performance of different cementitious materials under high temperature conditions. The results show that calcium aluminate cement paste mixtures maintain their integrity, while ordinary Portland cement paste mixtures are prone to deterioration. However, certain supplementary cementitious materials, such as chamotte, fly ash, and ground granulated blast furnace slag, can improve the performance reliability of ordinary Portland cement paste mixtures.
JOURNAL OF ENERGY STORAGE
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Laura Boquera, J. Ramon Castro, Anna Laura Pisello, Claudia Fabiani, Antonella DAlessandro, Filippo Ubertini, Luisa F. Cabeza
Summary: The incorporation of recycled materials in concrete as a partial replacement of cement is an alternative strategy for decreasing energy-intensive and CO2 emissions, with a focus on the thermal stability of different materials under high temperature conditions. Compatibility between cement types and supplementary materials is crucial for reliability, and the addition of supplementary materials does not increase thermal conductivity.
JOURNAL OF ENERGY STORAGE
(2022)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Kai Wu, Hao Han, Christiane Roessler, Linglin Xu, H. M. Ludwig
Summary: The study shows that replacing part of calcium aluminate cement (CAC) with reactive rice husk ash (RHA) can reduce the impact on environment and lower the CO2 footprint of cement. RHA accelerates hydration and improves early strength of CAC, with an optimal substitution amount of less than 40% to balance strength and microstructure development.
CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Elsa Qoku, Thomas A. Bier, Gert Schmidt, Jorgen Skibsted
Summary: This study investigates the hydration and evolution of solid phase assemblage in ternary cement pastes as a function of sulphate source. The results show that the type of sulphate influences the amounts of crystalline hydrates and X-ray amorphous phases. In long-term hydration, formulations containing anhydrite exhibit the highest amount of ettringite, while gypsum-containing samples develop a higher fraction of AFm phases and X-ray amorphous hydrates. The type of sulphate source also impacts the hydration of silicate-bearing phases.
CEMENT & CONCRETE COMPOSITES
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Aron Berhanu Degefa, Seunghee Park, Beomjoo Yang, Solmoi Park
Summary: A model for predicting the degree of reaction of supplementary cementitious materials in hydrated cement was developed using machine learning. The model reliably predicts the reaction degree of different materials and is influenced by water-to-cement ratio, curing time, and oxide composition.
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Rachid Zentar, Hongwei Wang, Dongxing Wang
Summary: The study evaluated the efficiency of using novel and green binder CSA cement to solidify Dunkirk sediments. The compaction performance of CSA-/OPC-solidified sediments was significantly improved, and mechanical performance increased with binder content and curing time. A simple model was established to predict binder type or amount easily, optimizing material properties and cost. The results also demonstrated the valorization potential of solidified sediment in road construction.
CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Loris Calgaro, Silvia Contessi, Alessandro Bonetto, Elena Badetti, Giorgio Ferrari, Gilberto Artioli, Antonio Marcomini
Summary: This study applied a solidification/stabilization process to contaminated soil, successfully obtaining reusable granular materials by using a combination of ordinary Portland cement and calcium aluminate cement to create various binders. Through experiments and analysis, the mechanisms involved in the retention of heavy metals were elucidated, and the wet conditioning process was found to improve the materials' performance.
JOURNAL OF SOILS AND SEDIMENTS
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Ceramics
Alexander Engbert, Johann Plank
Summary: The research discovered that fillers have a significant impact on the hydration of CAC, especially materials such as microsilica, fine limestone powder, and α- and γ-Al(2)O(3) which accelerate the reaction. This acceleration effect depends on the specific surface area of the fillers, where the negative surface charge of the fillers attracts calcium ions, facilitating the hydration of CAC.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CERAMIC SOCIETY
(2021)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Lewis J. McDonald, M. Ara Carballo-Meilan, Ricardo Chacartegui, Waheed Afzal
Summary: This study discusses the feasibility of reducing carbon emissions in Portland cement production by using calcium carbonate, and analyzes the impact of calcium carbonate addition on cement properties through experiments and literature review.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Z. Kazemi, M. R. Neyshabouri, H. Bayat, B. Asgari Lajayer, E. D. van Hullebusch
Summary: The performance of artificial neural networks (ANNs), multi-objective group method of data handling (mGMDH), and multivariate linear regression (MLR) was compared for estimating the least limiting water range (LLWR). The results showed that ANNs were the most accurate and reliable tool for LLWR prediction, while mGMDH and MLR ranked lower. Soil attributes had predictive ability for LLWR estimation.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Teklit Gebregiorgis Ambaye, Mentore Vaccari, Shiv Prasad, Eric D. van Hullebusch, Sami Rtimi
Summary: Chitosan is a natural fiber that has been gaining attention for its non-toxic, renewable, and biocompatible properties. Recent research has shown that combining chitosan with cellulose can lead to applications in various industrial sectors. Chitosan and cellulose nano-composite materials are seen as promising, low-cost products for environmental remediation.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Arash Hemati, Nasser Aliasgharzad, Reza Khakvar, Nasser Delangiz, Behnam Asgari Lajayer, Eric D. van Hullebusch
Summary: This study investigated the influence of feedstock composition and addition of lignocellulose degrading bacterial isolates on compost quality. The results showed that feedstocks with higher lignin percentage exhibited higher respiration activity, acidity, nitrate concentration, and other parameters, while feedstocks with lower lignin content had higher humic acid and carboxylic group's density. Addition of bacterial consortium prolonged the thermophilic phase and reduced compost production duration.
BIOMASS CONVERSION AND BIOREFINERY
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Arash Hemati, Hossein Ali Alikhani, Ladan Ajdanian, Mehdi Babaei, Behnam Asgari Lajayer, Eric D. van Hullebusch
Summary: Humic acid and vermicompost enriched with bacteria have significant positive effects on the growth and yield of rapeseed, while commercial humic acid and indole-3-acetic acid are not recommended.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Vishnu D. Rajput, Tatiana Minkina, Bilal Ahmed, Vipin Kumar Singh, Saglara Mandzhieva, Svetlana Sushkova, Tatiana Bauer, Krishan K. Verma, Shengdao Shan, Eric D. van Hullebusch, Bing Wang
Summary: Biochar has diverse applications in agriculture and environmental remediation, with nano-biochar showing potential for remediating hazardous contaminants and improving crop productivity. Further research is needed, as investigations into nano-biochar are still in the early stages. Nano-enhanced biochar has significant benefits, but could also pose toxicity risks in aquatic and terrestrial environments.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2022)
Editorial Material
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
H. Zhou, E. D. van Hullebusch
LETTERS IN APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Microbiology
Farzad Rahmati, Behnam Asgari Lajayer, Najmeh Shadfar, Peter M. van Bodegom, Eric D. van Hullebusch
Summary: The demand for innovative and reliable methods to clean up crude oil spills is increasing due to the growing demand for petroleum products. Biological and physico-chemical remediation technologies, particularly the involvement of microorganisms such as bacteria, are efficient in degrading petroleum hydrocarbons. Biodegradation is considered to be one of the most sustainable and efficient techniques for removing PHCs. However, the environmental factors affecting the performance of microorganisms in hydrocarbon degradation are still unclear, limiting our understanding of how to select and inoculate microorganisms for cleaning technologies. This review article explores the latest discoveries in bioremediation techniques and discusses the environmental factors and microbial strains involved in biodegradation of PHCs in marine environments.
Review
Microbiology
Hans-Curt Flemming, Eric D. van Hullebusch, Thomas R. Neu, Per H. Nielsen, Thomas Seviour, Paul Stoodley, Jost Wingender, Stefan Wuertz
Summary: In this review, the authors revisit the understanding of the biofilm matrix and discuss the diversity of its components and the novel aspects of their functional interactions. The biofilm matrix plays a crucial role in stabilizing microbial cells and fulfilling various functions. It is dynamic and influenced by physico-chemical and biological interactions as well as environmental conditions.
NATURE REVIEWS MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Ling Feng, Weiwei Song, Nihal Oturan, Minoo Karbasi, Eric D. van Hullebusch, Giovanni Esposito, Stefanos Giannakis, Mehmet A. Oturan
Summary: This study investigated the removal of the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug Naproxen from water using electrochemical advanced oxidation processes. The degradation of Naproxen followed a pseudo-first-order reaction rate kinetic and several reaction intermediates were identified. The study also proposed a detailed oxidation pathway for Naproxen by hydroxyl radicals.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sunanda Mishra, Shreya Ghosh, Eric D. D. van Hullebusch, Shikha Singh, Alok Prasad Das
Summary: Pollution caused by end-of-life electronics is a rapidly increasing threat and a global concern. Improper disposal of electronic wastes can have hazardous effects on living organisms and ecosystems. Bioleaching, as an eco-friendly technique, is a cost-effective and efficient method for recycling valuable elements from electronic waste.
APPLIED BIOCHEMISTRY AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Editorial Material
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ahmed M. Khalil, Eric D. van Hullebusch, Mohamed M. Chehimi
CHEMISTRY AFRICA-A JOURNAL OF THE TUNISIAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Venkata Sai Reddy Ramireddy, Rakshitha Kurakula, Padmanaban Velayudhaperumal Chellam, Anina James, Eric D. van Hullebusch
Summary: The present study analyzes the degraded products of three azo dyes and predicts their toxicity using in silico methods. The results suggest that the degradation products are toxic and may accumulate in the environment. Proper treatment of these products is crucial.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Lata Rani, Arun Lal Srivastav, Jyotsna Kaushal, Dericks P. Shukla, Tien Duc Pham, Eric D. van Hullebusch
Summary: This paper provides a detailed discussion on the sources of uranium in the water environment, its effects on human health, as well as the application and mechanisms of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) as adsorbents for uranium removal. MOFs, with their high surface area and porosity, are considered promising adsorbents for removing uranium from contaminated water.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Susan George, Maria Rosaria Mattei, Luigi Frunzo, Giovanni Esposito, Eric D. van Hullebusch, Fernando G. Fermoso
Summary: Dosing trace metals can improve biogas production in anaerobic digesters by stimulating microorganisms involved in metabolic pathways. Existing metal speciation models fail to accurately predict the effects of trace metals on anaerobic digestion, indicating the importance of considering non-ideal aqueous phase chemistry in defining metal speciation and labile fractions. A dynamic model was proposed in this study, which successfully predicted the effects of trace metals under different conditions.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Kun Zheng, Marc F. Benedetti, Eric D. van Hullebusch
Summary: Advanced high-tech applications heavily rely on technology critical elements (TCEs) such as indium, gallium, and germanium. Recovering these elements from end-of-life products offers a potential solution to address TCEs shortages. The review highlights recent advances in recovery methods for indium, gallium, and germanium from electronic waste, emphasizing the challenges and potential solutions for separation and purification. Optimizing and implementing these e-waste recovery protocols will enhance the circularity of these TCEs.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Shaofeng Zhou, Wenwen An, Cuifen Gan, Meiying Xu
Summary: Bacteria generate and release extracellular reactive oxygen species (eROS), which significantly contribute to the natural ROS pool and play a crucial role in metabolic interactions of bacteria with their environment. Understanding the behavior of eROS-generating bacteria and its environmental implications is of great importance in the cycling of biogeochemical elements, transformation of organic matter, and regulation of antibiotic resistance genes.
INTERNATIONAL BIODETERIORATION & BIODEGRADATION
(2024)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Ji-Dong Gu, Tim Ford, Bryce Mitton, Ralph Mitchell
Summary: Plastics and microplastics are widely present and accumulating in the environment, leading to increasing public attention. In addition to packaging plastics, materials from industries such as electronics, space and aviation are also accumulating, but receiving less attention. The production of degradable and biodegradable plastics is seen as a way to reduce environmental impacts, but enhancing the non-degradability of functional polymers is also a feasible option. Microbial colonization and deterioration pose significant challenges to these materials.
INTERNATIONAL BIODETERIORATION & BIODEGRADATION
(2024)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Justyna Bohacz, Michal Mozejko
Summary: This study evaluated the keratinolytic activity of 37 strains of Trichophyton ajelloi and found that pigmented strains isolated from loamy soil were more efficient in degrading native feather keratin, while non-pigmented strains isolated from chernozem showed better abilities. The keratinolytic activity increased over time, as evidenced by the increase in extracellular keratinase activity and release of soluble proteins and peptides. Protease activity peaked in the first 7 days and again on day 28 of culture. The release of ammonium and sulfate ions, associated with an increase in pH, reached its maximum on day 21. Three pigment-producing strains were among the most active in releasing large amounts of ammonium and sulfate ions. The biodegradation of feather waste by Trichophyton ajelloi strains can be used to produce fertilizers suitable for plants with high sulfur requirements.
INTERNATIONAL BIODETERIORATION & BIODEGRADATION
(2024)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Joseph M. Suflita, Brenda J. Little
Summary: This article reviews the major achievements of the International Biodeterioration & Biodegradation Society (IBBS) on its 50th anniversary and provides recommendations for addressing new challenges and developments based on personal experiences.
INTERNATIONAL BIODETERIORATION & BIODEGRADATION
(2024)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Zhenyan Lin, Tuo Jin, Xin Xu, Xiao Yin, Dan Zhang, Mengjiao Geng, Chunyu Pang, Gongwen Luo, Lizhi Xiong, Jianwei Peng, Jiangchi Fei
Summary: The incomplete recycle of residual mulch film (RMF) in recent years has led to an increase in plastic fragments in soil, posing a serious threat to the soil ecological environment. In this study, seven potential plastic-degrading microorganisms were screened and identified from film-mulched vegetable fields. The degradation ability experiments showed that both single strains and mixed strains demonstrated varying levels of degradation of RMF.
INTERNATIONAL BIODETERIORATION & BIODEGRADATION
(2024)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Tiina Belt, Michael Altgen, Muhammad Awais, Martin Nopens, Lauri Rautkari
Summary: This study investigated the degradation of heat-treated wood by brown rot fungi and found that the decay increased the hygroscopicity of wood in the decaying state. Furthermore, it was observed that heat-treated samples were more susceptible to fungal decay compared to untreated samples, which may be related to the increase in moisture content.
INTERNATIONAL BIODETERIORATION & BIODEGRADATION
(2024)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Marta Cicardi, Davide Bernasconi, Luca Martire, Linda Pastero, Giulia Caneva, Sergio E. Favero-Longo
Summary: This study investigated the phenomenon of Centimetric circular areas Uncolonized by Microbial Biofilms (CUMBs) on natural and heritage stone surfaces. The analysis revealed a compatibility in distribution and size between CUMBs and lichen thalli, suggesting a lichen origin for some CUMBs. Microscopic analysis also showed similar modifications in marble layers beneath CUMBs and lichens, indicating a possible alteration of stone properties by lichens.
INTERNATIONAL BIODETERIORATION & BIODEGRADATION
(2024)