Article
Environmental Sciences
Ana C. Barrios, Onur G. Apul, Francois Perreault
Summary: Bromide forms toxic disinfection by-products during disinfection, and current bromide removal technologies are often non-specific and costly due to naturally occurring competing anions. A silver-impregnated graphene oxide (GO) nanocomposite with increased selectivity towards bromide was developed, reducing the amount of silver needed for removal. The nanocomposite showed good bromide removal even under anionic competition, and the adsorption mechanism was found to be more selective than traditional silver-based methods. These findings provide strategies for designing efficient and selective adsorbents for bromide removal in water treatment.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Al-Bloushi Mohammed, Saththasivam Jayaprakash, Jeong Sanghyun, Al-Refaie Abdullah, Raju S. Arun Kumar, Kim Choon Ng, Amy L. Gary, Leiknes TorOve
Summary: Biofouling in open recirculating cooling water systems can lead to biological corrosion, affecting the efficiency of cooling towers. The use of biocides such as chlorine is an effective method to control biofouling.
ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Susete Pinteus, Marco F. L. Lemos, Celso Alves, Joana Silva, Rui Pedrosa
Summary: Biofouling is a common issue in maritime industries, leading to increased maintenance costs and the use of antifouling coatings with negative impacts on aquatic ecosystems. Marine organisms, especially seaweeds, show potential as sources of natural antifouling substances, with capabilities to defend against undesirable organisms.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Ricardo N. Pereira, Rui M. Rodrigues
Summary: The need for sustainable strategies in agriculture is crucial due to increased pressure on soil from agricultural expansion. Research on emergent protein sources shows great potential for value-added foods and biomaterials.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Faris M. Munshi, Jae-Hoon Hwang, Jungsu Park, Anwar Sadmani, Moonis Ali Khan, Byong-Hun Jeon, Woo Hyoung Lee
Summary: Efficient harvesting of microalgae can be achieved by combining forward osmosis technology with an electric field, which reduces membrane fouling, increases water flux, and enhances lipid content in algal biomass.
SEPARATION AND PURIFICATION TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Rui Chen, Han Zhang, Dachao Lin, Jinlong Wang, Yuanqing Guo, Xiaobin Tang, Weijia Gong, Heng Liang
Summary: Sunlight illumination negatively affected the performance of the gravity-driven membrane (GDM) system, leading to reduced removal of organic carbon, sulfamethoxazole (SMX), and fluorescent pollutants due to limited bacterial activity caused by algae proliferation. However, the removal rate of total phosphorus (TP) increased due to algal assimilation. Algae promoted the growth of a biofouling layer with high fluorescence intensity of pollutants, while long-term illumination reduced biodiversity and richness in the biofouling layer. Pseudomonas was dominant in the sunlight-based GDM, while Acinetobacter and Saccharimonadales were more prevalent in the GDM blank, and they were associated with SMX degradation. Additionally, algae reduced the degradation pathways of SMX. Considering GDM application in rural areas, long-term illumination should be avoided.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2023)
Article
Biophysics
Kiarash Ranjbari, Wey Lyn Lee, Ali Ansari, Ana C. Barrios, Fariya Sharif, Rafiqul Islam, Francois Perreault
Summary: This study focuses on the in-situ nucleation of silver nanoparticles on stainless steel to provide localized antibacterial action for biofouling control. Two different passivation approaches were compared, and it was found that sulfidized AgNPs exhibited the highest bacterial inactivation and were the preferred strategy for controlling biofilm formation on the stainless steel surfaces.
COLLOIDS AND SURFACES B-BIOINTERFACES
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Ankita Mazumder, Zinnia Chowdhury, Dwaipayan Sen, Chiranjib Bhattacharjee
Summary: The study found that the addition of silver-induced metallocomplex (AgS2) as a membrane cleaning agent has a significant effect on inhibiting the development of oil fouling and biofouling, improving the permeate flux recovery for PES and PSf membranes, and extending the membrane's longevity.
SURFACES AND INTERFACES
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Monika Poonia, Kayla Kurtz, Lindsay Green-Gavrielidis, Vinka Oyanedel-Craver, Geoffrey D. Bothun
Summary: This study presents a strategy combining direct-current electric potentials and surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) to characterize, remove, and prevent the formation of Ulva biofilm on gold-capped nanopillar SERS substrates. The results show that applying low negative potentials can decrease the density of Ulva and induce spore rupture. Furthermore, the highest negative applied potential can result in the association of antimicrobial copper microparticles with Ulva and the lowest Ulva density. This study highlights the potential of using low-voltage electric potentials to control Ulva biofouling on SERS marine sensors.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Yu Zhou, Dawei Zhang, Xin Song, Liqing Ma, Wanqi Qi, Weiying Li
Summary: This study investigated the application and biofouling behavior of metallic membranes in the treatment of algae-laden water. The findings show that metallic membranes can effectively remove algal cells and macromolecular organics, but have limited effects on micromolecules. The presence of algae and organics can lead to membrane fouling and decline in flux. The application of a pre-coated layer can significantly reduce membrane fouling.
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE
(2024)
Review
Engineering, Environmental
Deepa Suresh, Pei Sean Goh, Ahmad Fauzi Ismail, Tuck Whye Wong
Summary: This review discusses conventional and advanced biofouling evaluation techniques used in reverse osmosis membranes, covering the fundamentals, mechanisms, impacts, and prevention strategies of reverse osmosis biofouling. While conventional techniques offer versatility and ease of use, advanced methods provide real-time and accurate monitoring, allowing for timely cleaning and improved performance.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Longbin Qi, Tianjia Jiang, Rongning Liang, Wei Qin
Summary: In this study, a method based on surface modification of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) to endow ISE membranes with anti-biofouling properties was described. The Ag NPs modified K+-ISE exhibited significantly improved anti-biofouling properties while retaining its original potentiometric ion response properties. This approach shows potential for enhancing the antifouling abilities of other polymeric membrane-based electrochemical sensors in complex environmental samples.
SENSORS AND ACTUATORS B-CHEMICAL
(2021)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Alexander B. Tesler, Lucia H. Prado, Ingo Thievessen, Anca Mazare, Patrik Schmuki, Sannakaisa Virtanen, Wolfgang H. Goldmann
Summary: Wetting of surfaces is important in biological and industrial processes, but related problems still remain unsolved, affecting the safety and expenses of modern society. In this study, we investigated the application of a new nontoxic repellent technology, LISS, on metallic substrates, which showed excellent anti-corrosion and anti-biofouling characteristics even on severely damaged surfaces.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yang Yu, Yi Yang, Ling Yu, Kok Yuen Koh, J. Paul Chen
Summary: In this study, a silver nanoparticles-graphene oxide hybrid nanosheet was synthesized as a bactericidal agent to mitigate membrane biofouling, significantly impacting the membrane performance and lifespan. Through surface modification, the membrane exhibited excellent anti-microbial activity, effectively reducing the adhesion of Pseudomonas aeruginosa on the membrane surface.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Carla Calabrese, Valeria La Parola, Simone Cappello, Annamaria Visco, Cristina Scolaro, Leonarda Francesca Liotta
Summary: Silica, titania, and mixed silica-titania powders were used as supports for loading copper and silver, resulting in nanomaterials with antifouling properties. The titania-based coatings showed better adhesion than silica-based coatings and the commercial topcoat.
Article
Microscopy
A. Karali, A. P. Kao, R. Meeson, M. Roldo, G. W. Blunn, G. Tozzi
Summary: This study investigated the strain distribution and load-bearing capacity in regenerating fractures using in situ XCT mechanics and DVC. The results showed significant variation and inhomogeneity in the 3D strain distribution in the regenerating tissues of the fracture gap, which was associated with the presence of unmineralised tissue observed in histological images.
JOURNAL OF MICROSCOPY
(2022)
Article
Microscopy
Alberto Sensini, Gregorio Pisaneschi, Davide Cocchi, Alexander Kao, Gianluca Tozzi, Andrea Zucchelli
Summary: Vitreous enamel steels (VES) are metal-ceramic composite materials with gas bubbles trapped inside the enamel layer during the manufacturing process. High-resolution X-ray computed tomography (micro-CT) can be used to investigate and optimize VES, providing valuable information for future research on these composite materials.
JOURNAL OF MICROSCOPY
(2022)
Article
Mechanics
Antigoni Barouni, Colin Lupton, Chulin Jiang, Abu Saifullah, Khaled Giasin, Zhongyi Zhang, Hom N. Dhakal
Summary: This study investigates the fatigue behavior of composite laminates with flax and glass fiber hybrid reinforcements. The hybrid configuration shows a great effect on fatigue life, with the alternating layers of flax and glass demonstrating the best performance and significantly lower probability of failure compared to other configurations. Fabrication-induced defects and fiber-matrix interface also play a role in influencing fatigue life and overall performance of the structures.
COMPOSITE STRUCTURES
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Composites
Sameer A. Awad, Mohammad Jawaid, Hassan Fouad, Naheed Saba, Hom Nath Dhakal, Othman Y. Alothman, Eman M. Khalaf
Summary: This study investigated the chemical interactions, mechanical, and thermal properties of alkali-treated and untreated hybrid fibers incorporated with bio phenolic matrix. The results showed that alkali treatment improved the tensile strength and modulus of the fiber composites and enhanced the interfacial bonding between the fibers and the phenolic resin.
POLYMER COMPOSITES
(2022)
Editorial Material
Energy & Fuels
Jovana Radulovic
Review
Energy & Fuels
Ayah Marwan Rabi, Jovana Radulovic, James M. Buick
Summary: Liquid air energy storage (LAES) has emerged as a viable option for medium-to-long-term electrical energy storage, offering high volumetric energy density and overcoming geographical constraints. LAES involves liquefying and storing air for later electricity generation. While LAES has been studied for decades, its potential as an energy storage method has only recently gained renewed attention.
Article
Polymer Science
Moumita Sit, Saeid Dashatan, Zhongyi Zhang, Hom Nath Dhakal, Moussa Khalfallah, Nicolas Gamer, Jarren Ling
Summary: The study aimed to assess the impact of fillers on the mechanical characteristics of biodegradable composites, providing a solution for long-term durability in point-of-purchase industries. The inclusion of calcium carbonate (CaCO3) fillers in flax fibre-reinforced composites was investigated after accelerated UV radiation exposure. Different types of flax fibre-reinforced poly lactic acid (PLA) biocomposites with and without fillers were fabricated and assessed. The results showed that the presence of fillers significantly improved the performance of the biocomposites after UV exposure.
Article
Polymer Science
Pooria Khalili, Mikael Skrifvars, Hom Nath Dhakal, Saeid Hosseinpour Dashatan, Mikael Danielsson, Alexia Feiner Gracia
Summary: Sandwich composites consisting of regenerated cellulose fabric and bio-based polypropylene as facings, as well as virgin and recycled polyamide textiles as core materials, were produced using compression moulding techniques. The addition of thicker recycled textile improved the bending stiffness and peak flexural force. Substituting one layer of recycled textile for two layers of virgin material provided good impact energy absorption capacity and maximum force. Tensile strength varied among the different composite materials, but no evidence of fiber tow debonding, fiber bundle splitting, or delamination was observed.
Review
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Ifeoluwa Elemure, Hom Nath Dhakal, Michel Leseure, Jovana Radulovic
Summary: This literature review examines the application of lean and green practices in the Sub-Saharan African manufacturing industry, including the context, barriers, drivers, tools, and critical success factors. The study highlights the importance of identifying and implementing lean and green practices within the region to address operational and sustainability challenges. By utilizing the right tools and models, the region can overcome current challenges and achieve significant cost reduction.
Review
Polymer Science
Muneer Ahmed. Musthaq, Hom Nath Dhakal, Zhongyi Zhang, Antigoni Barouni, Rizal Zahari
Summary: Studies on the effects of environmental conditions on natural fibres and their composites have gained significant attention. The hydrophilic nature of natural fibres makes them prone to water absorption, which negatively impacts the mechanical properties of natural-fibre-reinforced composites (NFRCs). NFRCs, used in lightweight materials for automobile and aerospace components, need to withstand extreme temperatures and humid conditions worldwide. This paper critically discusses the impact performance of NFRCs under environmental conditions, focusing on moisture ingress and relative humidity as damage mechanisms.
Article
Engineering, Manufacturing
Saeid Hosseinpour Dashatan, Moumita Sit, Zhongyi Zhang, Erwan Grossmann, Jeremy Millot, Ya Huang, Hom Nath Dhakal
Summary: This study investigates the damping and viscoelastic properties of flax/epoxy composites and their carbon fiber hybrid laminates. The results show that the location and number of flax plies contribute to the damping behavior, while the bending stiffness is mainly influenced by the position of carbon plies. The damping ratio varies for each vibration mode, and the trade-off between flexural stiffness and damping ratio can lead to significant improvements in specific configurations.
COMPOSITES PART A-APPLIED SCIENCE AND MANUFACTURING
(2023)
Review
Materials Science, Composites
Sikiru Oluwarotimi Ismail, Emmanuel Akpan, Hom N. Dhakal
Summary: Sustainability and environmental protection have led to the use of renewable and biobased materials, such as fibre reinforced composites, in various applications. However, natural plant fibres are less superior in performance and durability compared to synthetic fibres. By combining natural and synthetic fibres in a hybrid composite, the disadvantages of one can be compensated by the other, achieving sustainability and cost minimization.
COMPOSITES PART C: OPEN ACCESS
(2022)
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)
