Article
Engineering, Environmental
Jennifer L. Goff, Yuwei Wang, Maxim Boyanov, Qiang Yu, Kenneth M. Kemner, Jeremy B. Fein, Nathan Yee
Summary: The study demonstrates that sulfhydryl functional groups in the extracellular polymeric substances of Bacillus subtilis play a key role in the adsorption of tellurite, controlling its binding on bacterial surfaces.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Marie-Laure Pons, Blanche Collin, Emmanuel Doelsch, Perrine Chaurand, Till Fehlauer, Clement Levard, Catherine Keller, Jerome Rose
Summary: The study investigated the Cd speciation in the plants Solanum nigrum and Solanum melongena using X-ray absorption spectroscopy. The results showed that Cd in roots and fresh leaves is mainly bound to thiol ligands, with a small contribution of inorganic S ligands in S. nigrum leaves. In the stems, there was an increase in Cd binding to -O ligands.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Antika Pranudta, Santanu Patra, Wantana Klysubun, Penphitcha Amonpattaratkit, Trung Thanh Nguyen, Van Hong Nguyen, Medhat Mohamed El-Moselhy, Surapol Padungthon
Summary: A hybrid anion exchanger impregnated with Fe/Mn nanoparticles (HA502P-Fe/Mn) was synthesized and its efficacy in removing trace As(III) and As(V) was evaluated through isotherms, kinetics, and characterization techniques. The adsorption capacities of HA502P-Fe/Mn for As(III) and As(V) were found to be 21,590 and 18,930 µg/g, respectively. X-ray absorption spectroscopy and density functional theory were used for characterizing the adsorption mechanisms. Fixed-bed column experiments showed that HA502P-Fe/Mn has a higher treatable bed volume compared to commercial adsorbents. Overall, HA502P-Fe/Mn is a promising adsorbent for As(III) removal due to its high adsorption capacity and regenerating ability.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Liqiang Cui, James A. Ippolito, Matt Noerpel, Kirk G. Scheckel, Jinlong Yan
Summary: When wheat straw biochar was applied to Cd-containing solutions, Cd and Zn concentrations decreased and Ca and Mg concentrations increased, while pH also increased. Similar responses were observed when biochar was added to Cd-contaminated paddy soil, indicating biochar's ability to sequester toxic elements and release necessary nutrients. Nutrient release correlated positively over time, while biochar application rate correlated negatively with toxic element sorption and pH.
Article
Physics, Applied
Juan-Jesus Velasco-Velez, Lorenz J. Falling, Denis Bernsmeier, Michael J. Sear, Pip C. J. Clark, Ting-Shan Chan, Eugen Stotz, Michael Haevecker, Ralph Kraehnert, Axel Knop-Gericke, Cheng-Hao Chuang, David E. Starr, Marco Favaro, Rik Mom
Summary: In situ x-ray spectroscopies are a powerful tool for studying the electronic structure of the electrode-electrolyte interface, but the design of spectro-electrochemical cells plays a crucial role in determining the measurements and processes that can be studied. It is important to choose the right cell design for the specific process of interest, and understanding the opportunities and limitations of different cell designs through case studies is essential for practical experiments.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICS D-APPLIED PHYSICS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Katarzyna Kluska, Giulia Veronesi, Aurelien Deniaud, Balint Hajdu, Bela Gyurcsik, Wojciech Bal, Artur Krezel
Summary: It has been demonstrated that Ag-I can replace Zn-II in zinc fingers, leading to the loss of biological function. X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) study reveals the structural features of AgnSn clusters formed in zinc fingers. The study shows that Ag-I predominantly coordinates with two sulfur donors with an average Ag-S distance of 2.41 angstrom. A mixed AgS2/AgS3 geometry is found in CCCH Ag-I-ZF. Furthermore, cooperative replacement of Zn-II ions with Ag2S2 clusters is observed in a three-zinc finger transcription factor protein 1MEY#, causing dissociation from its cognate DNA complex.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Weifeng Huang, Jianxin Kang, Tingwen Chen, Dawei Pang, Lihua Wang, Hang Wei, Changchun Yang, Dongfeng Zhang, Lin Guo
Summary: Nickel based magnetic nanocrystals have wide applications in magnetic and catalytic fields. Tunable magnetic properties of nickel can be achieved through non-magnetic doping or phase transformation. This study presents a way to control the magnetism of Au@Ni-carbide magnetic materials by adjusting the amount of carbon in the Ni layer, and provides solid evidence for the carbonation process from fcc-Ni to Ni X C instead of phase transformation to hcp-Ni. Further investigation reveals that the magnetism of the hybrids is mainly contributed from the residual fcc-Ni.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Qun He, Sicong Qiao, Quan Zhou, Yuzhu Zhou, Hongwei Shou, Pengjun Zhang, Wenjie Xu, Daobin Liu, Shuangming Chen, Xiaojun Wu, Li Song
Summary: In this study, a vacancy-rich nickel hydroxide stabilized Ir single-atom catalyst was reported, which achieved long-term stability in oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and higher mass activity than commercial catalyst. The active structure with high-valence and peripheral oxygen ligands-rich Ir sites confined onto the nickel oxyhydroxide surface was formed. The introduction of atomized Ir not only prevented the dissolution and agglomeration of Ir, but also suppressed the substrate dissolution in OER.
Review
Chemistry, Physical
Francisco Zaera
Summary: Catalysis in industrial chemical processes has long been studied through various spectroscopic techniques like vibrational and X-ray spectroscopies, allowing for a molecular-level understanding of catalytic mechanisms. These techniques help researchers explore the intricate details of catalytic processes and advancements in the field.
JOURNAL OF CATALYSIS
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Blanche Collin, Melanie Auffan, Emmanuel Doelsch, Olivier Proux, Isabelle Kieffer, Philippe Ortet, Catherine Santaella
Summary: The influence of environmentally widespread soil bacteria on the biotransformation of ceria nanomaterials (NMs) has been poorly understood. This study used high-energy resolution fluorescence detected X-ray absorption spectroscopy to investigate the speciation of Ce in a model soil bacterium exposed to different sizes and shapes of CeO2 NMs. The findings revealed that the size of the CeO2 NMs drives the biotransformation process, with smaller particles exhibiting higher rates of reduction. The study also identified specific organic acid metabolites secreted by the bacterium that can induce significant reduction in CeO2 NMs.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Yogesh Kumar, S. Tripathi, Mangla Nand, R. Jangir, V. Srihari, A. Das, R. Singh, U. Deshpande, S. N. Jha, A. Arya
Summary: This study investigated the effect of Nd doping on the structural, optical, and electronic properties of lanthanum monazite structure. Pure and Nd-doped LaPO4 powders were prepared and analyzed for their composition, oxidation states, crystal structure, and bandgaps. The results confirmed the successful substitution of Nd in the LaPO4 matrix and provided insights into the local structure using extended X-ray absorption fine structure analysis.
JOURNAL OF ALLOYS AND COMPOUNDS
(2022)
Review
Chemistry, Physical
George E. Cutsail, Serena DeBeer
Summary: X-ray spectroscopy plays a significant role in catalysis research by providing essential electronic and geometric structural information. The development of dedicated synchrotron-based X-ray emission spectrometers has expanded experimental capabilities, offering more detailed data. There is a continuous demand for conventional XAS applications and the integration with more advanced techniques.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Aekkacha Tananonchai, Mau-Tsu Tang, Chih-Wen Pao, Pantawat Sampanpanish, Waraporn Tanthanuch, Somchai Tancharakorn
Summary: In this study, a fast-growing and highly tolerant plant, Pennisetum purpureum, was used as a Cd hyperaccumulator associated with EDTA. The presence of EDTA significantly increased the Cd accumulation in the shoots and roots of P. purpureum. The imaging and spectroscopy results revealed that Cd was accumulated in different tissues of the plant, and the addition of EDTA led to the formation of Cd-S bonding in addition to Cd-N/O bonding.
RADIATION PHYSICS AND CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Mauricio Lopez Luna, Janis Timoshenko, David Kordus, Clara Rettenmaier, See Wee Chee, Adam S. Hoffman, Simon R. Bare, Shamil Shaikhutdinov, Beatriz Roldan Cuenya
Summary: The study investigates the structural and chemical evolution of oxide-supported iron nanoparticles during the activation stages and the CO2 hydrogenation reaction, revealing the preferential formation of iron surface oxides under reaction conditions. The results highlight the important role played by the oxide support in the final structure and composition of nanosized catalysts.
Article
Physics, Multidisciplinary
N. Jourdain, L. Lecherbourg, V Recoules, P. Renaudin, F. Dorchies
Summary: The ultrafast dynamics of the loss of crystalline periodicity in femtosecond laser heated warm dense copper was studied using x-ray absorption near-edge structures above the L3 edge. A characteristic time of approximately 1 ps was observed for energy densities ranging from 1 to 5 MJ/kg, with the experimental data well reproduced by two-temperature hydrodynamic simulations, indicating a thermal phase transition.
PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS
(2021)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Mengfei Li, Karel Matous, Robert Nerenberg
Summary: Biofilms are typically heterogeneous in morphology, structure, and composition, resulting in nonuniform mechanical properties. This study used an image-based modeling approach to map the non-Newtonian viscosity of biofilms at a pixel-scale, showing that a heterogeneous model predicts deformations more accurately than a homogeneous one. The spatial distribution of non-Newtonian viscosity plays a crucial role in determining the stress distribution in biofilms.
BIOTECHNOLOGY AND BIOENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Enzo Leiva-Aravena, Mario A. Vera, Robert Nerenberg, Eduardo D. Leiva, Ignacio T. Vargas
Summary: The research investigated the biofilm formation ability of Ancylobacter sp. TS-1 on different materials and the oxidation process of arsenic (III), finding that graphite and zeolite were more favorable materials. The oxidation rate of arsenic (III) was significantly high, suggesting that biofilm reactors based on TS-1 are highly promising for pre-treatment of high-As (III) polluted waters.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Zhiyue Wang, Patricia Perez-Calleja, Robert Nerenberg, Paige J. Novak, Satoshi Ishii
Summary: A new model was developed to describe the encapsulated growth and activity of Nitrosomonas europaea, with smaller encapsulants predicted to improve ammonia oxidation. Excessive aeration caused the breakage of encapsulants, leading to unpredictable microbial release and washout. The flexible modeling approach can be used to engineer and optimize encapsulated systems for enhanced biological nitrogen removal.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
B. Kim, R. Nerenberg
Summary: This research investigates the impact of eukaryotic predation on nitrifying membrane-aerated biofilm reactor (MABR) biofilms. The results suggest that predation weakens the structural stability of nitrifying MABR biofilms, reduces nitrification efficiency, and alters bacterial community composition and biofilm physical properties.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Patricia Perez-Calleja, Emily Clements, Robert Nerenberg
Summary: The membrane aerated biofilm reactor (MABR) is a novel technology that supplies oxygen to biofilms using gas-supplying membranes. MABs and CABs behave differently in terms of ammonium oxidation fluxes and nitritation efficiencies. The impact of a low membrane mass transfer coefficient can be mitigated by increasing the oxygen supply pressure.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE-WATER RESEARCH & TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Matthew Skiles, Euijin Yang, Orad Reshef, Diego Robalino Munoz, Diana Cintron, Mary Laura Lind, Alexander Rush, Patricia Perez Calleja, Robert Nerenberg, Andrea Armani, Kasey M. Faust, Manish Kumar
Summary: Converting traditional in-person conferences to virtual conferences can significantly improve diversity, equity, and inclusion, mainly due to reduced financial and personal-life burdens. However, further development of virtual networking features and poster sessions is needed to achieve widespread adoption and acceptance of this new format.
NATURE SUSTAINABILITY
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Marcela Vega, Aura Ontiveros-Valencia, Ignacio T. Vargas, Robert Nerenberg
Summary: This study explores the addition of chlorate to increase the abundance of perchlorate-reducing bacteria (PRB) and improve the removal of perchlorate. The results show that chlorate can double the abundance of PRB and reduce the concentration of perchlorate to low microgram per liter levels. Although chlorate addition has a significant inhibitory effect on sulfate reduction, it can quickly recover once the addition is stopped.
APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Bruno Garcia Silva, Patricia Perez-Calleja, Eugenio Foresti, Robert Nerenberg
Summary: The foam-aerated biofilm reactor (FABR) is a novel biofilm process that can simultaneously remove carbon and nitrogen from wastewater. This research explored biofilm development within the foam sheet and determined the impact of advective transport on mass transfer and performance. The study found that a dense nitrifying biofilm formed on the aerated side of the foam, while the rest of the foam sheet had a high porosity foam-biofilm layer.
ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
B. Read-Daily, S. Ben Maamar, F. Sabba, S. Green, R. Nerenberg
Summary: This study found that N2O has a significant impact on mixed denitrifying communities. The presence of N2O alone selects for a low-diversity, fully denitrifying community, while the presence of N2O with NO2- or NO3- promotes more diverse microbial communities.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Mengfei Li, Yanina Nahum, Karel Matous, Paul Stoodley, Robert Nerenberg
Summary: This study investigates the effects of biofilm mechanical heterogeneity on the results obtained by rheometry. Both experiments and simulations show that the biofilm properties determined by rheometry are strongly influenced by the weakest portion of the biofilm. The findings suggest caution should be exercised when interpreting rheometry data, particularly when the mechanical properties are stratified.
BIOTECHNOLOGY AND BIOENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Mengfei Li, Patricia Perez-Calleja, Bumkyu Kim, Cristian Picioreanu, Robert Nerenberg
Summary: We have found that a high cell density band forms in heterotrophic membrane-aerated biofilms, and this unique behavior is explained in this study. The density of biofilms affects reaction rates, growth rates, substrate diffusion, and mechanical behavior. However, the mechanisms and dynamics of biofilm density development are poorly understood. Through optical coherence tomography, the density development of a membrane-aerated biofilm was observed and analyzed, revealing the formation of a high-density layer in the biofilm interior over time. This dense layer is influenced by changes in growth rates and can be explained using a mathematical model.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Emily Clements, Christopher Irwin, Alexandros Taflanidis, Kyle Bibby, Robert Nerenberg
Summary: This research explores different purging strategies to minimize water age and water use in premise plumbing systems. The study finds that higher purging frequency and volume result in lower water ages but higher water use. Smart purging based on the time of last use can effectively reduce water age without excessive water consumption. By scheduling purging around occupancy behavior, such as before occupants wake up or return from work, water age can be minimized while maintaining lower variability. Larger purging volumes have a greater impact on water age, but there are diminishing returns.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
B. Kim, C. S. Madukoma, J. D. Shrout, R. Nerenberg
Summary: This study investigated the impact of extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) production on membrane-based biofilm reactors. By eliminating the Pel polysaccharide, one of the main EPS components, the production of EPS was altered. The biofilm density and growth kinetics of two strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa were compared, confirming that reducing Pel production led to a decrease in overall EPS production. The results showed that lower EPS production had positive effects on bacterial growth kinetics and reactor performance, leading to more efficient treatment processes.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Emily Clements, Christopher Irwin, Jacob Koestner, Alexandros Taflanidis, Kyle Bibby, Robert Nerenberg
Summary: This research proposes using statistical tools to assess water age distributions and highlights that average water age is not a reliable indicator of water quality. The study demonstrates that changes in occupancy have a greater impact on water age than changes in average water demand.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE-WATER RESEARCH & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Bumkyu Kim, Jacob Novitch, Aura Ontiveros-Valencia, Marcela Vega, Robert Nerenberg
Summary: This study evaluated the effectiveness of a liquid-permeable membrane biofilm reactor in supplying performance-enhancing chemicals to the base of a biofilm. The results showed that adding chlorate to a denitrifying biofilm increased the abundance of specialized bacteria and maintained high denitrification efficiency. In a nitrifying biofilm, adding a protozoan inhibitor resulted in increased biofilm thickness and higher removal efficiency of ammonium.
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Xinze Lu, Geoffrey J. Gilleaudeau, Brian Kendall
Summary: The Late Ordovician mass extinction is the first major extinction event in the Phanerozoic, but the reasons for the decline in global biodiversity before the extinction are not well understood.
GEOCHIMICA ET COSMOCHIMICA ACTA
(2024)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Junyao Kang, Daniel D. Gregory, Benjamin Gill, Shiqiang Huang, Changxin Lai, Zhaoshan Chang, Huan Cui, Ivan Belousov, Shuhai Xiao
Summary: Sedimentary pyrite is an important geological archive, but it can be altered by diagenetic and hydrothermal processes. This study successfully trained machine learning algorithms to distinguish pyrite origins using trace element data. The approach was validated and applied to identify the origins of pyrite in two sedimentary successions in South China.
GEOCHIMICA ET COSMOCHIMICA ACTA
(2024)