Review
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Houda Ennaceri, Kristina Fischer, Agnes Schulze, Navid Reza Moheimani
Summary: Microalgae have the potential to be an excellent source of sustainable and renewable biofuel, but face challenges in terms of economic viability and upscale application. Membrane technology offers advantages in microalgal dewatering and biodiesel refining, but fouling is a major issue.
RENEWABLE & SUSTAINABLE ENERGY REVIEWS
(2022)
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Victor Okorie Mkpuma, Navid Reza Moheimani, Kristina Fischer, Agnes Schulze, Houda Ennaceri
Summary: Membrane technology is a potential solution for biomass recovery in the microalgal industry. However, fouling phenomenon hinders its development. One promising approach to enhance fouling resistance is membrane surface modification using zwitterionic materials, which show superior antifouling properties.
ALGAL RESEARCH-BIOMASS BIOFUELS AND BIOPRODUCTS
(2022)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Houda Ennaceri, Victor Okorie Mkpuma, Navid Reza Moheimani
Summary: Membrane fouling is a major challenge that hinders the sustainable application of membrane filtration-based microalgal harvesting at the industrial level. This review explores the potential of using nano-clay fillers for membrane surface modification to improve membrane performance and anti-fouling properties. Strategies for better incorporation of nano-clay in the polymer matrix of the membrane are summarized, and factors affecting membrane fouling are discussed in depth.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Victor Okorie Mkpuma, Navid Reza Moheimani, Houda Ennaceri
Summary: Membrane technology is a cost-effective and simple method for harvesting and dewatering microalgal biomass. However, membrane fouling hinders its large-scale application. This review discusses the fouling phenomenon in microalgal membrane filtration and strategies for mitigating membrane fouling, with a focus on enhancing the fouling resistance characteristics of the membrane surface.
ALGAL RESEARCH-BIOMASS BIOFUELS AND BIOPRODUCTS
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Xi Chen, Jiabin Gao, Yunchang Song, Yaping Gong, Meng Qi, Runlong Hao
Summary: An electrically conductive membrane was synthesized by incorporating multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) into polyvinyl chloride (PVC), showing enhanced antifouling performance during testing with yeast as a model foulant.
Article
Polymer Science
Elham Shokri, Bita Khanghahi, Elham Effati
Summary: Degradable membranes were obtained by blending PVC with PLA as a biodegradable polymer. The PVC/PLA(80/20) membrane with 20% PLA exhibited superior properties such as higher porosity, water uptake, and pure water flux. The addition of HAp up to 2.5% further improved the membrane properties, including porosity and antifouling properties.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED POLYMER SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Si-ruo Chen, Ting Wang, Xinyi Zhuo, Yu-xing Wang, Li-guang Wu
Summary: The study aims to enhance the permeation and anti-fouling performance of PVDF membrane. IL/PVDF and MXene-IL/PVDF mixed matrix membranes were fabricated and characterized. IL addition increased pore size and hydrophilicity, thereby improving water flux and anti-fouling performance. MXene-IL effectively prevented the loss of IL and resulted in high water flux and antifouling performance.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Siew Fen Chua, Alireza Nouri, Ebrahim Mahmoudi, Wei Lun Ang, Abdul Wahab Mohammad
Summary: Nitrogen-doped graphene quantum dot (NGQD) was used to enhance the surface chemistry and cross-linking degree in thin film nanocomposite (TFN) membrane for wastewater treatment. The incorporation of NGQD increased the hydrophilicity and surface roughness of TFN membranes, resulting in improved water permeability. Additionally, NGQD enhanced the rejection of divalent salt and improved the antifouling properties of the membrane. The minimal incorporation of NGQD increased the PA cross-linking degree and surface negativity, preventing the deposition of pollutants on the membrane surface.
JOURNAL OF WATER PROCESS ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Xuan-Yuan Pei, Hong-Yu Ren, Bing-Feng Liu
Summary: A bioflocculation method assisted by fungal pellets was developed for efficient microalgae harvesting. The maximum flocculation efficiency of 99.4% was achieved under specific conditions. Various analytical techniques were used to explore the mechanism of bioflocculation, revealing the interaction between fungi and microalgae is related to the surface functional groups of fungal pellets.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Zhengyi Huang, Jiahao Liu, Ying Liu, Yanchao Xu, Renjie Li, Huachang Hong, Liguo Shen, Hongjun Lin, Biao-Qiang Liao
Summary: This study developed magnetic Ni@MXene nanoparticles and successfully elevated them to the PES membrane, resulting in a membrane with higher flux and anti-fouling ability. The membranes showed significantly improved flux recovery rates for protein and humic acid pollutants.
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Zhenyu Zhao, Koenraad Muylaert, Anthony Szymczyk, Ivo F. J. Vankelecom
Summary: This study explores a win-win strategy for high-density microalgal cultivation and low-cost harvesting through biofilm cultivation on a patterned membrane. The results show that optimal pH conditions play a significant role in enhancing both biofilm formation and microalgal harvesting.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Di Xu, Yifeng Qin, Yunqing Fang, Mingsheng Chen, Xudong Li, Junmeng Cai
Summary: The study investigated stainless steel membranes with different pore sizes for harvesting cyanobacteria. Results showed that the 2 μm membrane was preferable for practical applications due to its ability to process more filtrate volume before clogging. The pyrolysis cleaning method was found to be effective in removing foulants quickly while converting them into desirable products, but both cleaning methods could lead to pore enlargement.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Yongheng Yin, Hui Xu, Chenyang Zhang, Weiyuan Hao, Qiying Xia, Shanmin Gao
Summary: This study fabricates nanofiltration membranes with high water flux and antifouling performance by optimizing the chemical and physical structure of the membrane surface. Zwitterion-functionalized mesoporous silica nanoparticles are introduced into a polyamide separation layer on a porous polyethersulfone substrate. The hybrid membranes show a high water flux and superior antifouling performance.
JOURNAL OF THE TAIWAN INSTITUTE OF CHEMICAL ENGINEERS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Haiping Gao, Shifa Zhong, Raghav Dangayach, Yongsheng Chen
Summary: Ultrafiltration (UF) is a widely used membrane-based technology for water and wastewater treatment. This study employed machine learning to establish the correlation between membrane performance indices, membrane properties, and fabrication conditions. The loading of additives and the polymer content were found to be the most significant features affecting membrane performance. Our approach provides practical guidance for the design of separation membranes through data-driven virtual experiments.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Saly R. El-Dakkony, Mahmoud F. Mubarak, Hager R. Ali, Amany Gaffer, Y. M. Moustafa, A-H Abdel-Rahman
Summary: In this study, a novel composite membrane containing activated carbon thin film (ACTF) as an adsorbent was developed to enhance desalination efficiency and anti-fouling properties. By modifying waste materials to prepare ACTF and combining it with Nylon, the multifunctional membrane demonstrated improved purification efficiency and stability in desalination processes, even under high pressure conditions. Additionally, SEM examinations revealed a thin layer of sludge-type deposits on the membrane surface, indicating the successful prevention of inorganic fouling.
ARABIAN JOURNAL FOR SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Shaozhe Cheng, Haiyang Zhang, Lili Li, Tongbo Yu, Yongpeng Wang, Daoyong Tan, Xuezhi Zhang
Summary: This study analyzed the responsive compositions and functional groups of algogenic organic matter (AOM) involved in the dissolved air flotation (DAF) harvesting of M. flos-aquae. It was found that carbohydrates were the key components affecting harvesting efficiency, and carboxyl groups in uronic acid-containing carbohydrates were the major inhibitors. By proposing a conceptual model of charge competition and corresponding strategies, the inhibitory effect of carboxyl functional groups can be reduced.
Article
Physics, Nuclear
Dong-Xi Wang, Yan-Lin Ye, Cheng-Jian Lin, Jia-Hao Chen, Kai Ma, Jia-Xing Han, Hui-Ming Jia, Lei Yang, Li-Sheng Yang, Zi-Yao Hu, Ying Chen, Wei-Liang Pu, Gen Li, Zhi-Wei Tan, Hong-Yu Zhu, Tian-Peng Luo, Shan-Hao Zhong, Da-Hu Huang, Jian-Ling Lou, Xiao-Fei Yang, Qi-Te Li, Jin-Yan Xu, Zai-Hong Yang, Kang Wei
Summary: In this experiment, a transfer reaction and cluster-decay were performed to study the resonant states and multiple clustering configurations in 24Mg. The obtained results serve as important validation for theoretical descriptions.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Haiyang Zhang, Cheng Li, Lili Li, Shaozhe Cheng, Peizhong Wang, Lianjun Sun, Junbo Huang, Xuezhi Zhang
Summary: Coagulation-based dissolved air flotation (DAF) is an efficient and economical method for removing algae from eutrophicated water. The optimal floc structures for Microcysts aeruginosa coagulation-flotation were visually uncovered using a novel technology based on Python-OpenCV. The size and fractal dimension of the flocs were found to determine the rising velocity, and the results provide a theoretical foundation for the design of DAF systems and the selection of optimal operating conditions for cyanobacteria blooms prevention and control.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Mengguang Han, Ying Chen, Lijuan Sun, Miao Yu, Rui Li, Shuaifeng Li, Jianrong Su, Biao Zhu
Summary: By using plant trait-based approaches, this study examined the linkages between rhizosphere soil microbial activity and plant resource acquisition strategy in a subtropical evergreen mixed forest. The findings revealed significant correlations between diverse rhizosphere soil microbial activities and plant resource acquisition, indicating species-specific differences.
JOURNAL OF ECOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Haiyang Zhang, Lili Li, Shaozhe Cheng, Cheng Li, Fangzhou Liu, Peizhong Wang, Lianjun Sun, Junbo Huang, Wen Zhang, Xuezhi Zhang
Summary: Co-coagulation flotation (CCF) is a novel flotation technology that is more efficient in algal removal compared to traditional mechanical coagulation flotation (MCF). This study compared the algal removal performance of continuous CCF and MCF using water samples from Lake Dianchi with severe Microcystis aeruginosa blooms. The results showed that CCF saved more than 50% of the coagulant/flocculant dosage compared to MCF while achieving a removal efficiency of over 95%. The flocs formed in CCF were larger, more spherical, and had a higher fractal dimension compared to those in MCF.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Soil Science
Ying Chen, Mengguang Han, Xia Yuan, Huakun Zhou, Xinquan Zhao, Joshua P. Schimel, Biao Zhu
Summary: Soils in alpine ecosystems store a large amount of carbon. Long-term warming has been found to lead to significant loss of surface soil carbon (mostly in the mineral-associated heavy fraction) in an alpine shrubland. This loss is likely due to the suppression of the microbial (particularly fungal) pathway to soil carbon formation and/or stimulating the utilization of stable soil carbon (i.e. heavy fraction) by microbes.
SOIL BIOLOGY & BIOCHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Mingmeng Liu, Lili Li, Muhammad Mubashar, Xuhui Su, Yangchun Liang, Haiyang Zhang, Xuezhi Zhang
Summary: Based on a technical-economic analysis using data from a drinking water treatment plant in Guangxi, China, this study investigates the responses of different treatment processes to varied algal concentrations. It proposes cost-effective drinking water treatment processes and identifies the benefits of switching from sedimentation to DAF as algae concentrations increase. The research results provide a foundation for a cost-effective drinking water treatment strategy that can control coagulation dosage and backwash interval in algae-laden raw water.
Article
Biophysics
Yibin Zhang, Yong Chen, Qianling Zhang, Yizhen Liu, Xueji Zhang
Summary: The ASCas system is a cascade CRISPR-Dx system that eliminates pre-amplification of nucleic acid and achieves amplification-free, ultra-sensitive (1 aM), and ultra-fast (20 min) RNA detection.
BIOSENSORS & BIOELECTRONICS
(2023)
Article
Soil Science
Xudong Wang, Jiguang Feng, Gukailin Ao, Wenkuan Qin, Mengguang Han, Yawen Shen, Mengli Liu, Ying Chen, Biao Zhu
Summary: Globally increasing nitrogen deposition is recognized as an important regulator of soil microbial communities. Our meta-analysis of a global dataset revealed that N addition significantly reduced soil bacterial diversity, especially in cropland and with urea addition. However, there was no significant effect on fungal diversity or microbial richness. N addition did shift microbial community structure, likely due to microbial adaptation to N-excess, but had no significant effect on beta-diversity. Soil pH was identified as the most important factor regulating the responses of soil bacterial diversity and richness to N addition.
SOIL BIOLOGY & BIOCHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Xinyao Yang, Chuanghao Guo, Qianling Zhang, Yong Chen, Yizhen Liu, Xueji Zhang
Summary: The outbreak of the novel coronavirus has had a serious impact on both human health and global economic development. Timely diagnosis and isolation have been identified as the most effective measures to prevent the spread of the epidemic. However, the current PCR-based molecular diagnostic platform is expensive, difficult to operate, and requires stable power resources, making it challenging to implement in low-resource areas. This study has developed a portable, low-cost, and reusable molecular diagnostic device based on solar energy photothermal conversion strategy. It incorporates a sunflower-like light tracking system to improve light utilization, enabling its use in both high and low-light areas. Experimental results demonstrate that the device can detect SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid samples as low as 1 aM within 30 minutes.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Wenkuan Qin, Ying Chen, Xudong Wang, Hongyang Zhao, Yanhui Hou, Qiufang Zhang, Xiaowei Guo, Zhenhua Zhang, Biao Zhu
Summary: The structure and function of plant communities in alpine meadow ecosystems are influenced by climate warming, as shown in a field manipulation experiment on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau. The experiment revealed that plant species diversity, biomass, and net primary productivity generally resisted warming, but plant community composition gradually changed. Legumes' biomass significantly decreased by 45%, while forbs' biomass increased by 84% due to favorable growth conditions. Overall, short-term warming can affect plant community composition by altering interspecific competition and survival strategies, leading to changes in plant productivity and carbon dynamics in alpine meadow ecosystems.
FUNDAMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Yong Chen, Yibin Zhang, Siyuan Luo, Xinyao Yang, Conghui Liu, Qianling Zhang, Yizhen Liu, Xueji Zhang
Summary: This study presents a foldback-crRNA-enhanced CRISPR/Cas13a (FCECas13a) system that overcomes the limitations of conventional CRISPR/Cas13a system in detecting ultrashort sncRNAs. The FCECas13a system utilizes a 3'-terminal foldback crRNA that forms a double strand with the target ultrashort sncRNA, activating the Cas13a nuclease and achieving accurate detection.
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
H. Zhang, S. Yang, X. Zhang
Summary: This study successfully applied a convolutional neural network model to recognize and classify microalgae, and proposed a new method to improve the accuracy of identifying different species of Microcystis within the same genus, providing a new solution for machine recognition of microalgae.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Junjie Zhang, Qingling Liu, Mingmeng Liu, Cong Xu, Haiyang Zhang, Xuezhi Zhang
Summary: This study investigated the temporal trends and spatial differences in algae in the Nanwan Reservoir and developed an algal growth model. The results showed that water temperature and initial biomass concentration were critical factors influencing algal growth rate. The model accurately predicted algal growth for the next 30 days and provided a 60-day early warning period.
Article
Meteorology & Atmospheric Sciences
Suding Yang, Xin Li, Limin Zeng, Xuena Yu, Ying Liu, Sihua Lu, Xiaofeng Huang, Dongmei Zhang, Haibin Xu, Shuchen Lin, Hefan Liu, Miao Feng, Danlin Song, Qinwen Tan, Jinhui Cui, Lifan Wang, Ying Chen, Wenjie Wang, Haijiong Sun, Mengdi Song, Liuwei Kong, Yi Liu, Linhui Wei, Xianwu Zhu, Yuanhang Zhang
Summary: In this study, a multi-channel whole-air sampling equipment was developed and deployed on an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) platform to continuously observe volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the planetary boundary layer (PBL). The equipment includes a solenoid valve and lightweight quartz sampling canisters with minimal adsorption loss and good reproducibility. The UAV platform also integrates online instruments for measuring O3, NO2, CO, SO2, and meteorological parameters. By using this newly developed UAV system, vertical profiles of VOCs and trace gases during the evolution of the PBL in south-western China were successfully obtained.
ATMOSPHERIC MEASUREMENT TECHNIQUES
(2023)
