Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Michael Suess, Alex De Visscher
Summary: Different steady states in a toluene biodegrading biofilter were explored experimentally and numerically. Results showed that a gradual increase of the toluene inlet concentration leads to a consistently low exit concentration, with a drastic increase indicating an alteration in steady state. A model that includes nitrogen and biomass dynamics accurately reproduced the experimental relationship between inlet and outlet concentration. The importance of the study lies in understanding the behavior and dynamics of a toluene biodegrading biofilter.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
P. Galbraith, R. Henry, D. T. McCarthy
Summary: This study investigates the potential of significant antimicrobial-producing plants to enhance the removal of faecal microorganisms in stormwater biofilters. The results show that biofilters with Melaleuca fulgens and Melaleuca linariifolia have a higher bacterial inactivation rate compared to Carex appressa biofilters. The rhizosphere, however, supports prolonged survival of faecal bacteria. Further research on antimicrobial-producing plants like melaleucas is recommended for improved faecal pathogen treatment in biofilters.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Quang A. Dang, Peter A. Gostomski
Summary: The study implemented a proportional-integral feedback control system to control the gas phase toluene concentration in a lab-scale differential biofilter. The control system performed well for toluene concentrations in the range of 10 - 300 ppm, but exhibited nonlinearity requiring different tuning parameters.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Sara Kianpour, Hiwa Hossaini, Meghdad Pirsaheb, Heshmatollah Nourmoradi
Summary: This study investigated the biodegradation kinetic parameters and substrate inhibitory effect of toluene in pine cone/compost biofilter. The experimental results showed that toluene could be completely removed at different flow rates and concentrations, with a maximum elimination capacity of 24.875 gm-3h-1 and a biofilm thickness of 80μm.
AIR QUALITY ATMOSPHERE AND HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
P. Baltrenas, T. Janusevicius, A. Zagorskis, E. Baltrenaite-Gediene
Summary: The study evaluated the performance of two plate-type biofilters in treating air contaminated with ammonia vapour at different temperatures, with the wavy lamellar plate biofilter showing the highest efficiency at 28 degrees Celsius. Different microorganisms predominated in the biofilters' packing material at different polluted air temperatures.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Shuguang Li, S. M. Chithra, P. N. Sudha, Sagar Ningonda Sankeshwari, S. Vignesh, T. Muthukani Vairavel, Vediyappan Govindan, Mohamed Abdalbagi, Bandar M. Fadhl, Basim M. Makhdoum, M. Ijaz Khan
Summary: This paper presents a mathematical model applied to investigate different aspects of the biofiltration process, specifically in the biofilm phase and in the gas phase. The study focuses on the removal of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted from various industries. The model successfully predicts the cross-inhibition effect of n-propanol on toluene removal and considers the impact of physical and biological parameters on the prediction. The proposed solution is verified by comparing it with numerical solutions.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYDROGEN ENERGY
(2023)
Article
Agronomy
Tatiana A. Timofeeva, Vladimir K. Chebotar, Dmitriy V. Demidov, Sofia E. Gaidukova, Irina V. Yakovleva, Anastasia M. Kamionskaya
Summary: Soil microorganisms, especially P-solubilizing microorganisms (PSMs) of the genus Bacillus, can increase the availability of phosphorus for plants. In this two-year study, the ability of PSMs to release soluble P from apatite concentrates was evaluated using ryegrass as a model plant. The combination of specific Bacillus strains and standard grinding apatite concentrate had the greatest effect on plant growth and biomass accumulation.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Vladimir Mironov, Ivan Moldon, Anna Shchelushkina, Vitaly Zhukov, Nataliya Zagustina
Summary: This study investigated the microbiological processes occurring during the bio-drying of municipal wastewater sludge in the Moscow region. The moisture content of the sludge decreased by 19.7% within 21 days, with Bacillus spp. identified as the main organic matter degraders. Bacillus bacteria dominated during the period of highest organic matter mineralization and moisture loss, accounting for 43.5-84.6% of the bacterial community. Amaricoccus reached its highest abundance in the middle of bio-drying. The results provide insights for modeling the optimization and safety of bio-drying processes.
FERMENTATION-BASEL
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Blanca Araya, Camilo Diaz, Jessica San Martin, Alberto Vergara-Fernandez, German Aroca, Felipe Scott
Summary: Alkylpyrazines are volatile compounds that give pleasant aromas to baked and roasted foods, but they can also be a nuisance during food processing. This study found that the filamentous fungus Fusarium solani can effectively degrade 2,5-methylpyrazine (DMP) as a carbon and energy source. High-throughput DNA sequencing showed that Fusarium solani was the dominant member in the biofilter community, indicating its pivotal role in pollutant abatement.
JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL TECHNOLOGY AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Roger Jay L. De Vela, Peter Alan Gostomski
Summary: The differential biotrickling filter (DBTF) achieved high elimination capacity through high gas recycle rate and low liquid addition rate, showing promise in improving industrial biofiltration performance. However, operational issues affecting its long-term reliability were observed.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Mang'era Samwel Mnyoro, Renalda N. Munubi, Lars-Flemming Pedersen, Sebastian W. Chenyambuga
Summary: This study compared the performance of different biofilter media and found that coconut shells can be used as a sustainable alternative to plastic in recirculating aquaculture systems. Further studies are recommended to compare coconut shells with other biofilter media and assess their effects on water quality parameters and durability.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Amie C. McElroy, Matthew E. Ogles, Michael R. Hyman, Detlef R. U. Knappe
Summary: A gravity-fed, cometabolic biofiltration system was developed to degrade 1,4-dioxane in drinking water. Results showed that trace levels of 1,4-dioxane can be sustained degraded in biofilters using n-butane as primary substrate, and filter media properties and EBCT affect the efficiency of biofiltration.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Geoffrey Peterson, Timothy Jones, Diana Rispoli, Shokouh Haddadi, Vadoud Niri
Summary: Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are significant indoor air pollutants that can be effectively reduced using plants. This study compares the efficacy of different indoor plants in simultaneously removing multiple hazardous VOCs. The concentrations of each compound were monitored over time, and the efficiency of removal per leaf area for all compounds by each plant was determined and reported.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Milena Marycz, Yadira Rodriguez, Jacek Gebicki, Raul Munoz
Summary: This study systematically compared the potential of a conventional fungal biofilter (BF) and a fungal biotrickling filter (BTF) for the abatement of a mixture of hydrophobic volatile organic compounds (VOCs), confirming the ability of Candida subhashii to degrade n-hexane, trichloroethylene, toluene, and alpha-pinene.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Luis R. Lopez de Leon, Kelsey E. Deaton, Marc A. Deshusses
Summary: A mathematical model of a capillary microbioreactor treating VOC vapors was developed and experimentally validated. The model accurately described or predicted VOC vapor removal and mineralization to CO2 under different operating conditions. Parametric sensitivity analysis showed that the system performance was limited by kinetics rather than by mass transfer. Overall, the model and approach described in this work help understand the performance and limits of microbioreactors and serve as important tools for process optimization.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Zhisheng Yao, Rui Wang, Xunhua Zheng, Baoling Mei, Zaixing Zhou, Baohua Xie, Haibo Dong, Chunyan Liu, Shenghui Han, Zhongjun Xu, Klaus Butterbach-Bahl, Jianguo Zhu
Summary: Elevated atmospheric CO2 levels are expected to significantly impact N2O emissions and crop yields in Chinese subtropical rice systems. While ECO2 can increase crop yields and reduce N2O emissions when sufficient N fertilization is applied, no significant effects on N2O emissions were observed for treatments with insufficient fertilization. Mitigating N2O emissions under ECO2 is associated with plant N uptake and reduced soil N availability.
GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Zhongjun Xu, Zhiyuan Qin, Tingting Zhang, Xiaochun Chen
Summary: Ethyl acetate, a common VOC from solvent use, was effectively treated by catalytic ozonation using mesoporous manganese oxide (MnOx) catalysts. Among the MnOx samples, beta-MnO2 showed the highest activity and long-term stability for ethyl acetate degradation, indicating the difficulty of complete mineralization of ethyl acetate. Lower gas hourly space velocity (GHSV) led to higher CO2 selectivity and more intermediate products during the catalytic ozonation process.
ASIA-PACIFIC JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jingyun Liu, Zirui Liu, Zhiqiang Ma, Shuanghong Yang, Dan Yao, Shuman Zhao, Bo Hu, Guiqian Tang, Jie Sun, Mengtian Cheng, Zhongjun Xu, Yuesi Wang
Summary: This study conducted continuous measurements of HONO and related parameters at an urban site in Beijing during intense summer and winter campaigns, revealing highly variable HONO levels and deriving additional unknown sources. Using a box model based on MCM, the research explored the chemistry and sources of HONO, finding differences in the major sources of HONO between summer and winter.
ATMOSPHERIC ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Nini Pang, Jian Gao, Pusheng Zhao, Yali Wang, Zhongjun Xu, Fahe Chai
Summary: The study examined the impact of fireworks emissions during the Spring Festival on PM2.5 concentrations and chemical components in four cities in China. Results indicated significant influence of fireworks displays on air quality, emphasizing the importance of stringent control measures during festive periods.
ATMOSPHERIC ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Shuanghong Yang, Zirui Liu, Jiayun Li, Shuman Zhao, Zhongjun Xu, Wenkang Gao, Bo Hu, Yuesi Wang
Summary: By investigating the chemistry of ultrafine particles during nucleation events in urban Beijing, it was found that nitrate and organics were the main contributors to aerosol growth, while cooking-related OA enhanced the transition stage, and nitrate and more-oxidized OOA dominated the subsequent growth of aerosol to ambient-atmosphere sizes. Through quantifying the physical and chemical properties of aerosol particle growth, the detailed processes of nucleation-initiated PM2.5 pollution episodes were evaluated and provided observational evidence on the formation mechanism of winter haze pollution in the megacity of Beijing.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yifan Shi, Simeng Wang, Jianing Guo, Zhongjun Xu, Shuguang Wang, Yimin Sang
Summary: Inoculation with arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi can enhance the phytoremediation of soils polluted by polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) by increasing plant biomass and improving soil characteristics. This meta-analysis showed that AM inoculation significantly decreased soil PAHs concentration and had positive effects on plant biomass and soil biological activity. Although effects varied with different factors, few negative effects of AM inoculation were observed. This study confirmed the feasibility of using AM fungi to enhance the phytoremediation of PAHs-contaminated soil.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Yuanyuan Zhuang, Zhongjun Xu, Xirong Zhang, Mengyun Jiang, Peng Liu, Shaobo Chen, Ying Liu, Zizhen Han
Summary: MnxCe1-xO2 nanorod catalysts with high catalytic performance and long-term stability were synthesized and the synergistic effect between surface acidity and oxygen vacancy played a critical role in the catalytic ozonation of DCE.
SEPARATION AND PURIFICATION TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Shaobo Chen, Zhongjun Xu, Peng Liu, Yuanyuan Zhuang, Mengyun Jiang, Xirong Zhang, Zizhen Han, Ying Liu, Xiaochun Chen
Summary: This study identified solvents in widely used pesticide products in China and evaluated the VOC emissions and ozone formation potential. The results showed significant VOC emissions from agricultural pesticide applications, especially for insecticides, and emphasized the need to reduce the use of solvents with high volatility coefficients and large MIR values.
ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Zhen Jiang, Yifan Shi, Xiaochun Chen, Zhongjun Xu, Shuguang Wang
Summary: This study developed a combined hydrogel solution based on sodium alginate and carboxymethyl cellulose sodium (CHS-SC) and tested its membrane in controlling the emission of odor pollutants from polluted soil. The results showed that CHS-SC membrane effectively controlled the emission of three odor pollutants. CHS-SC membrane had higher control rates for odor pollutants at high ambient temperature, short storage time of CHS-SC, and low odor pollutant concentration than at low ambient temperature, long storage time of CHS-SC, and high odor pollutant concentration, respectively.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Zhongjun Xu, Shaobo Chen, Minjie Sang, Zhaotong Wang, Xin Bo, Qian You
Summary: To improve the ecological environment, provinces in China have set ambitious goals for the electrification of fossil-fuel-powered vehicles (FVs) and the promotion of electric vehicles (EVs). Hainan is the first province to propose a clean energy target that schedules the banning of new FVs sales from 2030. Therefore, Hainan is a good case study to illustrate how this policy might improve regional air quality over the coming years.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Xirong Zhang, Zhongjun Xu, Mengyun Jiang, Shaobo Chen, Zizhen Han, Ying Liu, Yongchun Liu
Summary: Efficient and stable catalysts with chlorine resistance are developed for the catalytic ozonation of 1,2-dichloroethane. Ce-O-Cu bonds anchored on titanium nanotubes form a strong electronic metal-metal interaction (EMMI) coordination structure. The optimized catalyst 1Ce1Cu/TNTs shows a high conversion rate of 1,2-dichloroethane and good water resistance.
SEPARATION AND PURIFICATION TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Nini Pang, Bingyou Jiang, Zhongjun Xu
Summary: In recent heating seasons in China, the concentrations of air pollutants have decreased significantly, except for ozone. PM2.5 and PM10 are the major contributors to health risks, especially with worsening PM2.5 pollution. The western Hebei and northern Henan regions have higher health-risk levels, and the health-risk based air quality index (HAQI) shows spatial agglomeration effects.
ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Xirong Zhang, Zhongjun Xu, Mengyun Jiang, Ying Liu, Zizhen Han
Summary: In this study, a series of CexMn1-xO2 mixed oxides confined on tubular titanium nanotubes (TNTs) were prepared and evaluated for catalytic ozonation of chlorinated volatile organic compounds (CVOCs). The Ce doping on MnO2/TNTs facilitated the formation of surface lattice defects, leading to an increased density of oxygen vacancies but a decreased number of strong-acidity sites. The Ce0.3Mn0.7O2/TNTs catalyst exhibited a DCE removal efficiency of 96.7% with a CO2 selectivity of 86.0% over 18 hours, and demonstrated good reproducibility and moderate water vapor resistance at room temperature. The catalytic activity of the CexMn1-xO2/TNTs catalysts was significantly influenced by acidity content and oxygen vacancy concentration. Furthermore, three possible reaction pathways of DCE decomposition were proposed based on the analysis of six types of by-products and Fukui index.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Mengyun Jiang, Zhongjun Xu, Tingting Zhang, Xirong Zhang, Ying Liu, Peng Liu, Xiaochun Chen
Summary: FeS@SBA-15 catalyst was successfully synthesized and applied for the degradation of imidacloprid in wastewater through persulfate activation. The catalyst showed high removal efficiency due to the improved dispersion of FeS and abundant surface sites. The system exhibited stable catalytic activity over a wide range of pH, temperature, inorganic ions, and humic acid. The degradation pathways of imidacloprid were identified and the detoxification of formed compounds was analyzed. These findings provide new insights into the application of FeS@SBA-15 catalyst in wastewater treatment and the removal mechanism of imidacloprid.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Tianjian Zhao, Fushuai Xu, Shaobo Chen, Zhongjun Xu, Dan Yu
Summary: In this study, Mn/Ce oxide nanorods were prepared as catalysts and subjected to vacuum deoxidation to enhance oxygen vacancies for efficient catalytic ozonation of p-xylene. The vacuum-deoxidated Mn0.5Ce0.5Ox catalyst showed the optimal structure and performance.
SEPARATION AND PURIFICATION TECHNOLOGY
(2024)
