Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
A. Kamel, M. Fuentes, A. M. Palacios, M. J. Rodrigo, M. Vivar
Summary: Experimental results showed that the 268 nm wavelength was the most effective for inactivating E. coli, Enterococcus faecalis, and Clostridium perfringens, with the 307 nm wavelength demonstrating significantly lower inactivation rates. Clostridium perfringens required higher UV doses and longer times for complete inactivation.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Srija Arasavilli, Prakash Ajay Taksal, Bidus Kanti Das, Shamik Chowdhury, Jayanta Bhattacharya
Summary: A novel green graphitic carbon (GGC)-supported Cu2O-Ag2O composite was synthesized and showed excellent photocatalysis-aided antibacterial activity. Under optimal photo-chemical conditions, the composite completely inactivated Escherichia coli and Enterococcus faecalis within 45 to 60 minutes of irradiation. Holes were identified as the main reactive oxygen species (ROS) responsible for the antibacterial activity.
JOURNAL OF WATER PROCESS ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
M. Vivar, M. Fuentes, J. Torres, M. J. Rodrigo
Summary: The study evaluated the efficacy of the SolWat hybrid system for solar water disinfection and photovoltaic energy generation in tertiary treatment plants, showing that it can achieve microbial disinfection and allow for water reuse in various applications. Additionally, the research found that Clostridium perfringens was the most resistant bacteria compared to E. coli and Enterococcus faecalis.
JOURNAL OF WATER PROCESS ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Ruwani Karunarathna, Khawaja Ashfaque Ahmed, Kalhari Goonewardene, Thushari Gunawardana, Shanika Kurukulasuriya, Mengying Liu, Ashish Gupta, Shelly Popowich, Lisanework Ayalew, Betty Chow-Lockerbie, Philip Willson, Musangu Ngeleka, Susantha Gomis
Summary: Coinfection of Enterococcus faecalis and Escherichia coli in chicken embryos leads to high neonatal chicken mortality. Although E. faecalis can colonize the internal organs of chicken embryos, it does not induce inflammation or expression of virulence genes. Additionally, cytokine dysregulation may play a role in the increased mortality of coinfected neonatal chickens.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Aradhana Basu, Ananyo Jyoti Misra, Meerambika Behera, Susanta Kumar Behera, Ashish Kumar Nayak, Nabin Kumar Dhal, Amrita Mishra, Bijoy Kumar Satpathy, Cecilia Stalsby Lundborg, Suraj K. Tripathy
Summary: The study demonstrates successful photocatalytic disinfection of MDR Escherichia coli using Alumina/ZnO heterostructures. The proposed technique shows efficacy in disinfecting various bacteria and exhibits biocompatibility towards animal models.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Maocai Shen, Zhuotong Zeng, Long Li, Biao Song, Chengyun Zhou, Guangming Zeng, Yaxin Zhang, Rong Xiao
Summary: This study found that the presence of microplastics significantly reduces the efficiency of ultraviolet and chlorine disinfection in water/wastewater treatment, and the efficiency decreases with the increase of microplastics concentration or the decrease of disinfectant dosage.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Alba Giraldez, Antia Fdez-Sanroman, Daniel Terron, M. Angeles Sanroman, Marta Pazos
Summary: In recent years, the issue of pathogens in the environment has gained widespread concern. New research has been conducted on removing pathogens and persistent pollutants from water. The study evaluated the effectiveness of the nanostructure copper-organic framework, HKUST-1, as a catalyst for eliminating Escherichia coli and generating sulphate radicals through peroxymonosulphate (PMS) activation. The disinfection process was optimized and achieved complete elimination of Escherichia coli growth after 30 minutes using a concentration of 60.5 mg/L HKUST-1 and 0.1 mM PMS. A novel development involving encapsulating HKUST-1 on polyacrylonitrile was proposed to overcome operational limitations and enable continuous treatment in a flow disinfection process.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
G. Ruas, M. L. Serejo, S. L. Farias, P. Scarcelli, M. A. Boncz
Summary: The study showed that using a consortium of microalgae and bacteria in algaebacterial systems significantly improved the removal of different bacteria. Addition of CO2 or O2 enhanced the removal of certain bacteria but could decrease the removal of others. Different light cycles also had an impact on the removal of different bacteria.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
So-Seum Yong, Jae-Ik Lee, Dong-Hyun Kang
Summary: This study investigated the photocatalytic activity of TiO2-based photocatalysts in inactivating foodborne pathogens in various environments. The results showed that Degussa P25 under UVA exhibited the highest bactericidal effects.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Abhishek Parolia, Haresh Kumar, Srinivasan Ramamurthy, Thiagarajan Madheswaran, Fabian Davamani, Malikarjuna Rao Pichika, Kit-Kay Mak, Amr S. Fawzy, Umer Daood, Allan Pau
Summary: The study focused on the antibacterial effect of propolis nanoparticles as an endodontic irrigant against Enterococcus faecalis biofilm and compared it with other irrigants, revealing that PN300 was significantly more effective in reducing CFUs compared to other groups. In addition, PN300 showed similar antibacterial efficacy to 6% NaOCl and 2% CHX at different time intervals and depths.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Juan Li, Ruixian Yang, DanDan Hu, Yanchong Xu, Zhanqiang Ma
Summary: This study investigated the disinfection performance of S-doped g-C3N4 nanosheets (S-CNNs) under visible light and found that S doping and the 2D structure of S-CNNs had a synergistic effect on photocatalytic disinfection. Scavenger experiments revealed that center dot O-2(-) and h(+) were the predominant reactive species. Additionally, the disinfection activity of S-CNNs was higher than that of bulk g-C3N4.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yahan Yu, Zhaokun Xiong, Bingkun Huang, Xinhao Wang, Ye Du, Chuanshu He, Yang Liu, Gang Yao, Bo Lai
Summary: In this study, a highly efficient E-peroxone process with graphite felt as ODE was developed for the simultaneous removal of pharmaceutical contaminants and inactivation of pathogenic microorganisms in real hospital wastewater. The TOC removal rate of real hospital wastewater could reach 93.9% under optimal conditions. Furthermore, 110 pharmaceutical compounds were efficiently degraded in the E-peroxone system, demonstrating its effectiveness in eliminating pharmaceuticals. The E-peroxone process also exhibited excellent disinfection effects and could completely inactivate Escherichia coli in the hospital wastewater.
ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Huanxin Fang, Hongkun Quan, Yuhang Zhang, Qiang Li, Yihui Wang, Sheng Yuan, Shujian Huang, Cheng He
Summary: The combination of E. coli and E. faecalis, as well as C. psittaci, can induce typical salpingitis and yolk peritonitis in laying hens and breeder ducks. Experimental inoculation of birds confirmed the pathogenicity and impact of these pathogens.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Mohamed E. El Zowalaty, Bibek Lamichhane, Linda Falgenhauer, Shakeel Mowlaboccus, Oliver T. Zishiri, Stephen Forsythe, Yosra A. Hemly
Summary: This study reports the isolation, molecular detection, and phylogenetic analysis of Enterococcus strains, and identifies multiple antimicrobial resistance genes in these strains. The findings highlight the significance of genomic surveillance in monitoring antimicrobial resistance in food chain animals.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Xudong Yang, Jun Duan, Xian Zhang, Hongyu Zhang, Xinlei Liu, Yueqi Feng, Maosheng Zheng
Summary: Water pollution has become a serious problem, and photocatalysis shows promise in removing pollutants. In this study, Nb2O5/g-C3N4 (NO/CN) composite materials were prepared, which exhibited improved photocatalytic properties and achieved 95% inactivation of Escherichia coli and effective removal of organic pollutants.
CHINESE CHEMICAL LETTERS
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Leonardo Fanton, Frida Loria, Mario Amores, M. Ruth Pazos, Cristina Adan, Rafael A. Garcia-Munoz, Javier Marugan
Summary: This study investigated the proliferation of osteoblast precursor cells on the surfaces of TiO2 nanowires (TNWs) grown by electrochemical anodization. The results showed lower cell proliferation rates on TNW surfaces compared to control samples without significant differences in cell survival. The relatively thin diameter and high density of TNWs may have affected cell proliferation.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Angela Garcia-Gil, Ling Feng, Jose Moreno-SanSegundo, Stefanos Giannakis, Cesar Pulgarin, Javier Marugan
Summary: This study evaluates the mechanisms of photonic inactivation and integrates them into a kinetic model of solar inactivation of E. coli. It includes models for both direct photonic inactivation and damage caused by radicals, as well as other reactions and their contribution to inactivation. The synergistic effect of photonic damage and thermal inactivation is also considered in the model.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Shabila Perveen, Cristina Pablos, Ken Reynolds, Simon Stanley, Javier Marugan
Summary: This study reveals the presence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB) in the effluent of a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) and the growth of ARB/ARGs in microplastic biofilms. The abundance of viable ARB in the microplastic biofilms increased between days 3 and 5 and then decreased on days 7 and 9. ARGs were detected in the microplastic biofilms in both tap water and WWTP effluent.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Cristina Adan, Cristina Pablos, Patricia Misis, Sandra Pascua, Javier Marugan
Summary: Immobilised TiO2 nanotube (TiO2-NT) electrodes were grown via electrochemical anodisation in an aqueous solution containing fluoride ions at different voltages. The photoactivity of the TiO2-NT electrodes was found to increase with the length of the nanotubes and the anodising potential. The TiO2-NT30V electrode generated free chlorine with enough concentration to achieve high levels of inactivation of bacteria and fungi, suggesting that it could be a promising alternative for in situ chlorine-based disinfection.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Conor Reddick, Cintia Casado, Ken Reynolds, Simon Stanley, Cristina Pablos, Javier Marugan
Summary: In this study, radiometry and the discrete ordinate method (DOM) were utilized to determine the ideal target surface size and working distance for achieving highly uniform illumination from UVA LED lamps. The measurements conducted using scanning radiometry technique showed good agreement between horizontal incident radiation and full surface incident radiation measurements, with maximum uniformity found at a 15 mm working distance. The DOM simulation results also demonstrated good agreement with radiometry, indicating maximum uniformity at a 20 mm working distance. These findings highlight the potential of DOM simulations as a fast, low-cost, and reliable tool for designing UV lamps in various applications.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Raffaella Pizzichetti, Ken Reynolds, Cristina Pablos, Cintia Casado, Eric Moore, Simon Stanley, Javier Marugan
Summary: This study evaluated the degradation of diclofenac using UV-B and UV-C LEDs alone and in combination with hydrogen peroxide and free chlorine. The UV-LEDs showed positive synergy in advanced oxidation processes, but the overall electricity demand was similar to UV alone due to the energy cost of the oxidants. Different kinetic degradation mechanisms at different wavelengths were proposed, and no significant synergy was found for the dual-wavelength system. The work highlights the potential of using wavelength-specific LEDs in water treatments.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Miguel Martin-Somer, Cristina Pablos, Cristina Adan, Rafael van Grieken, Javier Marugan
Summary: In recent years, the improved efficiency of UV LED devices has led to an increase in research on UV LED water treatment. This paper provides an in-depth review of recent studies on the suitability and performance of UV LED-driven processes for water disinfection. The effects of different UV wavelengths and their combinations on the inactivation of microorganisms and repair mechanisms were analyzed. The use of UVC and 280 nm radiation showed potential for efficient water disinfection.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Luca Carena, Angela Garcia-Gil, Javier Marugan, Davide Vione
Summary: Chromophoric dissolved organic matter (CDOM) plays a crucial role in the photodegradation of contaminants in sunlit surface-water environments. It has been found that the sunlight absorption by CDOM can be approximated based on its monochromatic absorption at 560 nm, allowing for the assessment of CDOM photoreactions globally and particularly in the 60 degrees S to 60 degrees N latitude belt. By utilizing global lake databases and organic matter estimates, the steady-state concentrations of CDOM triplet states (3CDOM*) can be determined, with high values predicted in Nordic latitudes during summer.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Cintia Casado, Veronica Yunta, Javier Marugan
Summary: This work presents a novel methodology for simulating photochemical processes for water disinfection using computational fluid dynamics (CFD). The methodology calculates and visualizes the disinfection performance as microorganisms move through the photoreactor by combining hydrodynamics, statistical trajectories, and radiation distribution. This approach allows for real-time monitoring of the disinfection process by coupling the cumulative radiation dose with inactivation kinetics.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Clara Sanchez-Perez, Sriluxmi Srimurugananthan, Carlos Sotelo-Vazquez, Sanjayan Sathasivam, Mingyue Wang, Javier Marugan, Ivan P. P. Parkin, Claire J. J. Carmalt
Summary: ZnO thin film coatings were synthesized by aerosol-assisted chemical vapor deposition (AACVD) with different Zn : O ratios, and the synthetic parameters for self-texturing were analyzed. The effects of Zn environment and temperature on the morphology of the coatings were evaluated. A non-pyrophoric molecular precursor was investigated and found to produce 002-oriented, compact, transparent ZnO thin coatings with minimal carbon contamination at 300°C and fast growth rates (>40 nm min(-1)). This new deposition approach provides a rapid method to achieve optoelectronic coatings at ambient pressure.
MATERIALS ADVANCES
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Kris O'Dowd, Azahara Martinez-Garcia, Isabel Oller, Maria Inmaculada Polo-Lopez, Seila Couso-Perez, Elvira Ares-Mazas, Hipolito Gomez-Couso, Angela Garcia-Gil, Javier Marugan, Ramesh Marasini, Kevin G. McGuigan, Suresh C. Pillai
Summary: It is predicted that by 2025, over 50% of the global population will lack access to safe drinking water. Solar Disinfection (SODIS) using polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles has been identified as a suitable and low-cost method for water disinfection in rural areas. This study examines the use of polypropylene (PP) transparent jerrycans (TJC) as an alternative container for SODIS. The PP TJC demonstrated effective inactivation of microorganisms, non-toxicity to human cells, but degraded after two weeks of accelerated ageing.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Sarita S. Nair, Ramesh Marasini, Lyndon Buck, Rita Dhodapkar, Javier Marugan, K. Vijaya Lakshmi, Kevin G. McGuigan
Summary: There are various POU water treatment technologies available for removing or reducing microbial pathogens in untreated drinking water. However, uncertainty remains regarding the most suitable technology for rural populations. To compare different options, the study uses a life cycle assessment (LCA) approach, considering environmental impacts and analyzing direct carbon dioxide emission, particulate matter formation, and smog formation.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
A. Raffaella P. Pizzichetti, Cristina Pablos, Carmen Alvarez-Fernandez, Ken Reynolds, Simon Stanley, Javier Marugan
Summary: This study investigates the kinetic and mechanistic aspects of microfiltration membrane fouling by polyamide (PA) and polystyrene (PS) particles, as well as the interactions between microplastics and the membrane during filtration. The results show that the prevailing mechanisms were pore blocking and cake layer formation. The kinetics of these mechanisms were influenced by the differences in particle shape, size distribution, and surface charge between PA and PS particles. Increasing the working transmembrane pressure resulted in optimal working conditions for both PA and PS filtration. The fouling induced by PA particles was higher due to their higher hydrophobicity and smaller size, while PS particles caused more abrasion on the membrane surface. Membrane fouling increased hydrophobicity and roughness, leading to further fouling. Modelling membrane fouling can improve the removal efficiency of microplastics and reduce secondary pollution.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Miguel Martin-Somer, Maria Dolores Molina-Ramirez, Maria Luisa Perez-Araujo, Rafael van Grieken, Javier Marugan
Summary: This study examines how to optimize the efficiency of solar light utilization in various UV-based photochemical water treatment processes. The use of sunlight in compound parabolic collector (CPC) photoreactors is compared to using solar energy for electricity generation in photovoltaic (PV) power systems that power LED lighting sources. Seven different solar processes were investigated for chemical oxidation and bacterial inactivation. The results showed that the most efficient process for oxidation of chemicals is PV-UVC LED+H2O2, while the most efficient process for bacterial inactivation is PV-UVC LED+H2O2. The study highlights the need to evaluate the optimal approach in reactor engineering for water-energy applications, considering the current and future improvements in PV and LED technology.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Maurice I. Osotsi, Xin Ling, Siqi Fu, Yuqin Xiong, Wang Zhang, Zhang Di, Javier Marugan
Summary: The BW-ZnWO4_x photocatalyst, prepared by combining Papilio paris wings and ZnWO4, effectively degraded levofloxacin and tetracycline antibiotics as well as hexavalent chromium, under UV, visible, and NIR light irradiation. This bio-inspired material shows potential for applications in solar harvesting and storage systems, security systems, and water treatment.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2023)