Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Nongmaithem Debeni Devi, Xiao Sun, Lingkan Ding, Vaibhav V. Goud, Bo Hu
Summary: This study investigated the use of primary municipal wastewater as a growth medium for microalgae and found that the novel strain Scenedesmus sp. DDVG I showed superior biomass and lipid production in a mixotrophic mode. The strain also exhibited high essential amino acid content and efficient bioremediation of chemical oxygen demand and total nitrogen in the wastewater.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Yefan Qing, Wei Gao, Yantong Long, Yijin Kang, Chen Xu
Summary: In this study, a Ti-based metal-organic framework (MOF) was functionalized by introducing amidoxime groups, resulting in excellent Cr(VI) adsorption performance.
INORGANIC CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Geetanjali Yadav, Sabarathinam Shanmugam, Ramachandran Sivaramakrishnan, Deepak Kumar, Thangavel Mathimani, Kathirvel Brindhadevi, Arivalagan Pugazhendhi, Karthik Rajendran
Summary: Microalgae-based wastewater treatment is proposed as a viable alternative to conventional activated sludge process, converting organics and nutrients in wastewater to algae and returning reclaimed water to the environment. Despite commercial potential, challenges and limitations exist that need to be addressed.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Mitra Ataabadi, Mehran Hoodaji, Arezoo Tahmourespour
Summary: This study investigated the ability of biofilm-producing bacteria supported on clinoptilolite to absorb and reduce chromium (VI) from contaminated aqueous solutions. The results showed that Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATHA23 exhibited high tolerance towards chromium (VI) and could produce biofilm on clinoptilolite, which significantly enhanced chromium (VI) removal efficiency.
ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY AND HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Wenmin Wang, Xing Xin, Bing Li, Haiming Huang, Xiaoning Liu, Lan Song, Xiaofeng Wu, Yuefei Huang
Summary: The presence of organic matter affects the speciation variation of heavy metals during phosphorus recovery. Citric acid promotes the toxicity shifting of Cr and Cu to a stable state, while humic acid and tetracycline promote their shift to an active state. Chelating agents can reduce heavy metal contents in recovered struvite, but they also significantly inhibit the phosphorus recovery efficiency.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Hao Zhang, Haifeng Zhou
Summary: Industrial lignins, especially pulping black liquor lignin, show promising adsorption performance for Cr(VI) removal from wastewater. The adsorption process is primarily chemisorption, leading to the reduction of toxic Cr(VI) to less harmful Cr(III). This research provides potential for the effective utilization of industrial lignins in wastewater treatment.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Tao Zeng, Zhiquan Jin, Shuqi Li, Jiawen Bao, Zheqing Huang, Yi Shen, Haiyan Zhang, Da Wang, Shuang Song
Summary: The ultramild block polymerization strategy was used to control the exposure of structural terminations in covalent triazine-based frameworks (CTFs), leading to enhanced photoactivity for the simultaneous oxidation of bisphenol A (BPA) and the reduction of hexavalent chromium (Cr(vi)). The generated structural terminations with cyano (-CN) and hydroxy (-OH) groups served as optimal adsorption sites and pi-conjugated electron donor-acceptor dyads, accelerating charge transfer.
CHEMICAL COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Xiaojing Yang, Ziwen Zhao, Bach Van Nguyen, Shota Hirayama, Caixing Tian, Zhongfang Lei, Kazuya Shimizu, Zhenya Zhang
Summary: This study utilized algal-bacterial AGS for Cr(VI) bioremediation, achieving a significant total Cr removal efficiency increase with external electron donor supply. Addition of antibiotic or metabolic inhibitor negatively affected bacterial AGS but not algal-bacterial AGS, with analysis showing that algal-bacterial AGS secreted more EPS favoring Cr(VI) reduction under Cr(VI) exposure. Chemical fractionation results indicated a low environmental risk of Cr-loaded algal-bacterial AGS after biosorption of hazardous heavy metals from wastewater.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Farai Masinire, Dorcas O. Adenuga, Shepherd M. Tichapondwa, Evans M. N. Chirwa
Summary: The study found that vetiver grass is effective in removing Cr(VI) from wastewater, with higher removal rates observed under acidic conditions and with higher grass density. At low initial concentrations, chromium was mainly distributed in the underground parts of the plants, while at higher concentrations, it accumulated in the leaf mass fraction.
MINERALS ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Shivangi Singh, Emmanuvel Arputharaj, Hans-Uwe Dahms, Anil Kumar Patel, Yeou-Lih Huang
Summary: This study successfully synthesized chitosan/polyvinyl alcohol, poly(ethyleneimine), and Fe3O4 impregnated beads for the co-removal of Cr(VI) and toxic azo-dyes from wastewater. The adsorbent showed magnetism and enhanced physisorption due to its high specific-porosity and surface functional groups. It demonstrated a high adsorption capacity for different pollutants and confirmed the potential for real-world applications.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Abraham F. Moreno-Garcia, Elier Ekberg Neri-Torres, Violeta Y. Mena-Cervantes, Raul Hernandez Altamirano, Gabriel Pineda-Flores, Rosa Luna-Sanchez, Montserrat Garcia-Solares, Jorge Vazquez-Arenas, Jessica K. Suastes-Rivas
Summary: A native microalgae consortium (NMC) isolated from a wastewater treatment plant has been shown to effectively remove Cr(III) contaminants, with potential for producing biofuels in biorefineries. The consortium's high adsorption efficiency and molecular characterization indicate promising features for sustainable resource-efficient biomass use in a circular bioeconomy.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Shuoqi Ren, Yuchen Wang, Zijian Han, Qiwei Zhang, Chongwei Cui
Summary: A highly efficient absorbent, PDA/MgAl-LDH, was developed in this study by modifying polydopamine film on Mg-Al layered double hydroxide to remove Cr(VI) from wastewater. The study systematically investigated the absorption performance and mechanisms, providing insights into the interaction between PDA and Cr(VI) as well as Cr(III) for potential wastewater treatment applications.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Baoxiu Zhao, Hao Xu, Keliu Zhang, Bo Gao, Yilin Wang, Qi Wang, Kaixin Zhang, Yue Huang, Jincheng Li
Summary: CQDs/TiO2 photocatalyst has been synthesized and its application in the simultaneous removal of Cr(VI) and organics has been investigated. The experimental results demonstrate that CQDs/TiO2 can effectively absorb visible light, accelerate the transfer of photoelectrons and suppress the recombination of photoinduced carriers. CQDs/TiO2 can remove Cr(VI) and organics simultaneously under optimized conditions.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Huawen Han, Peizhi Song, Zhuoshan Cai, Weijun Dong, Aman Khan, Ke Yang, Yitian Fang, Pu Liu, Ondrej Masek, Xiangkai Li
Summary: This study developed a magnetic biochar (MB) to immobilize a novel chromate reductase NfoR via covalent binding, which showed enhanced activity in reducing Cr(VI) to Cr(III). The mechanism of Cr(VI) reduction by MB-NfoR was found to involve NfoR catalysis and persistent free radicals (PFRs). The addition of Cu(II) further increased the activity of MB-NfoR. Application-wise, MB-NfoR was effective in simultaneous removal of Cr(VI) and Cu(II) in smelting wastewater, without phytotoxicity and with enrichment of oligotrophic bacteria.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Cong Chen, Pengfei Liu, Yubao Li, Hailong Tian, Yanyang Zhang, Xiangyong Zheng, Renlan Liu, Min Zhao, Xianfeng Huang
Summary: This study achieved efficient removal of Cr(III)-organic complexes and simultaneous recovery of Cr from wastewater by using an electro-peroxone process with activated carbon fiber electrodes. The process effectively curtails the formation of highly toxic Cr(VI) and prevents the generation of Cr enriched waste sludge. Mechanism studies show that the electro-generated H2O2 reacts with O-3 to generate abundant HO., which sequentially oxidizes Cr(III) to Cr(VI). The ACF electrodes demonstrate excellent reusability, and the process is effective for Cr(III) complexed with other ligands and in real electroplating wastewater.
Review
Environmental Sciences
Shengnan Li, Xue Li, Shih-Hsin Ho
Summary: This review article focuses on the application of microalgae in CO2 sequestration for wastewater treatment and biodiesel production. It introduces the CO2 fixation mechanism by microalgae and discusses the factors affecting CO2 sequestration in microalgae. The production process of biodiesel from various wastewater sources and the use of life cycle assessment and techno-economic analysis in biodiesel production are also discussed. The article concludes by considering the research challenges and future prospects.
Review
Environmental Sciences
Sheng-Nan Li, Chaofan Zhang, Fanghua Li, Nan-Qi Ren, Shih-Hsin Ho
Summary: Algae-bacteria consortia treatment is a promising method for aqueous remediation. This review aims to summarize recent literature on the mechanism of algal selection and enrichment, interactions between algae and bacteria, chemical signaling, aqueous remediation using algae-bacteria consortia, and advanced treatment techniques. The review also highlights current challenges and future perspectives in algae-bacteria consortia wastewater treatment, including establishing interaction networks, understanding chemical exchange, using machine learning to track interactions, and integrating advanced treatment techniques.
CRITICAL REVIEWS IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Thermodynamics
Congyu Zhang, Wei-Hsin Chen, Shih-Hsin Ho
Summary: The study found that torrefaction significantly changes the morphology of corncob, resulting in higher calorific value and larger surface area. Increasing torrefaction temperature and duration led to higher weight loss percentage of elemental C, H, and O, enhancing fuel properties.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Xin Ni Law, Wai Yan Cheah, Kit Wayne Chew, Mohamad Faizal Ibrahim, Young-Kwon Park, Shih-Hsin Ho, Pau Loke Show
Summary: Microalgae are attracting attention for their potential biorefinery use or value-added products, with their biomass being converted into volatile biochar through recommended thermochemical conversion techniques. The resulting biochar has desirable properties such as high surface area and pore volume, abundant surface functional groups, and high adsorption capacity. The characteristics of biochar significantly influence the adsorption mechanisms of pollutants from wastewaters, with specific adsorption of organic and inorganic pollutants being reviewed in terms of capacity and efficiency. Future challenges and improvements in the application of microalgal-based biochar in wastewater treatment are also discussed.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Rui Hu, Haowen Feng, Haixing Chang, Zhuanqin Wei, Chaofan Zhang, Nianbing Zhong, Yue Zhang, Shicheng Zhang, Shih-Hsin Ho
Summary: This study proposes a technique integrating granular activated carbon (GAC) pretreatment and microalgae bioremediation to improve the utilization efficiency of reverse osmosis concentrate (ROC). The technique achieves efficient nitrogen and phosphorus removal, as well as high microalgal biomass and lipid yield, which is conducive to energy valorization. The chromaticity degradation mechanism of ROC is revealed through three-dimensional fluorescence spectroscopy visualization analysis.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yuhao Chu, Chaofan Zhang, Xi Chen, Xue Li, Nanqi Ren, Shih-Hsin Ho
Summary: In recent years, the use of microalgae for the bioremediation of pharmaceuticals has gained attention. While most studies have focused on the removal performance of microalgae, their defensive response to pharmaceuticals during wastewater treatment has been overlooked. This study investigated the defensive systems of microalgae in synthetic wastewater and found that pharmaceuticals could bind to EPS, alleviating their direct toxicity to microalgae. Physiological analyses showed increased activity of antioxidant enzymes, suggesting a reduction in oxidative stress. Additionally, enzyme activities related to biotransformation and detoxification were upregulated, indicating the potential for the degradation and transformation of pharmaceuticals in microalgae.
CHINESE CHEMICAL LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Zhengguang Shi, Haibo Huang, Chengyu Wang, Mingxue Huo, Shih-Hsin Ho, Hsu-Sheng Tsai
Summary: This article systematically reviews the recent progress of TMDs/Gr heterostructures in metal-ion batteries, focusing on the construction of TMDs/Gr heterostructures, related physical properties, and their application in batteries. The merits and drawbacks of different preparation methods are summarized and discussed, and the performance of TMDs/Gr composites as electrode materials for various metal-ion batteries is reviewed and investigated. This review aims to provide a reference for the electrochemical research of TMDs/Gr composites and outline the prospects and future challenges of their application in metal-ion batteries.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Xuefei Tan, Chaofan Zhang, Huangzhao Wei, Peng Shi, Haixing Chang, Shih-Hsin Ho
Summary: Biochar has been widely recognized as an efficient method for removing antibiotics, but it usually requires the addition of oxidants to obtain oxygen-containing functional groups. In this study, a environmentally friendly adsorbent called Chlamydomonas BC (CBC) was fabricated using a simple pyrolysis process, which contained carbon-oxygen functional groups that played a crucial role in sulfathiazole adsorption. The main mechanisms of sulfathiazole adsorption were identified as H-bonding, electron donor-acceptor interactions, and electrostatic attraction.
Review
Environmental Sciences
Zeyuan Wang, Yuhao Chu, Haixing Chang, Peng Xie, Chaofan Zhang, Fanghua Li, Shih-Hsin Ho
Summary: This review discusses the use of microalgae-bacteria consortia for antibiotics removal. The mechanisms, influencing factors, and future research perspectives are introduced. Three innovative treatment systems and three advanced techniques are presented. Concrete implementing schemes of the advanced techniques are provided. Current challenges and future research directions are summarized, along with recommendations for enhancing antibiotics removal efficiency.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Xuanye Chen, Wenhua Zhang, Weixin Huang
Summary: In this study, a comparative DFT calculation was conducted to understand the elementary surface reactions of CO hydrogenation reactions on Cu and ZnCu alloy surfaces. The results revealed that the reaction pathways and rate-limiting steps were different on ZnCu alloy and Cu surfaces. The key difference lies in the desorption of CH3OH* species on ZnCu alloy surface, which produces CH3OH, while on Cu surface, it undergoes H*-assisted decomposition to CH3* and eventually to CH4. These findings provide a comprehensive understanding of CO hydrogenation reactions on Cu and ZnCu alloy surfaces.
CHINESE CHEMICAL LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Congyu Zhang, Fanghua Li, Shih-Hsin Ho, Wei-Hsin Chen, Duleeka Sandamali Gunarathne, Pau Loke Show
Summary: This study evaluates the effect of potassium carbonate activation on solid biofuel production from microalgae through oxidative torrefaction. The research reveals that potassium carbonate can improve the physical and chemical properties of torrefied microalgae, leading to increased energy value and graphitization degree of solid biofuel.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Hong Fang, Junjie Liu, Ruijuan Ma, Yiping Zou, Shih-Hsin Ho, Jianfeng Chen, Youping Xie
Summary: This study isolated and identified the coding genes of CsLCYB and CsLCYE in the lutein-enriched microalga Chlorella sorokiniana FZU60. Bioinformatics analysis revealed the key structural domains of CsLCYB and CsLCYE. CsLCYB efficiently beta-cyclized lycopene to produce beta-carotene, while CsLCYE exhibited strong epsilon-monocyclase activity for delta-carotene production and weak -bicyclic activity for -carotene production. Co-expression of CsLCYB and CsLCYE resulted in the major production of alpha-carotene, suggesting the potential for high-level lutein production in C. sorokiniana FZU60.
Review
Chemistry, Physical
Xuefei Tan, Huiwen Wang, Xiaoyan Guo, Shih-Hsin Ho
Summary: This review focuses on wastewater treatment methods based on catalytic technology, with an emphasis on developing greener, more efficient, and economically favorable catalysts using agricultural residues. The main discussions include the preparation of biochar, improving catalytic performance, interactions between biochar surface properties and pollutants, and designing biochar-based catalysts for efficient pollutant degradation. The aim is to provide a waste disposal alternative for environmental pollution alleviation and the promotion of green chemistry and sustainable development.
Review
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Abdallah Abdelfattah, Sameh Samir Ali, Hassan Ramadan, Eslam Ibrahim El-Aswar, Reham Eltawab, Shih-Hsin Ho, Tamer Elsamahy, Shengnan Li, Mostafa M. El-Sheekh, Michael Schagerl, Michael Kornaros, Jianzhong Sun
Summary: The rapid expansion of the global economy and human population has led to a shortage of water resources suitable for direct human consumption, making water remediation a global priority. Microalgae cultivation in various types of wastewaters has shown promise in removing contaminants from industrial and urban effluents. Microalgae-based wastewater treatment has gained attention for its low energy requirements, ability to thrive in diverse environmental conditions, and potential to transform wastewater nutrients into valuable compounds. This review highlights the application of microalgae in wastewater remediation, including the removal of various pollutants and the potential for resource recovery through different mechanisms.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND ECOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Ke Wang, Yue Wang, Shiyu Zhang, Yi-di Chen, Rupeng Wang, Shih-Hsin Ho
Summary: Aquatic pollution caused by antibiotics poses a significant threat to human health and the ecosystem. In this study, a hierarchical cheese-like porous Spirulina residue biochar activated by KHCO3 was fabricated to efficiently remove sulfathiazole (STZ). The activated biochar exhibited significantly enhanced surface properties, including larger specific surface areas and higher adsorption capacity for STZ compared to the original biochar. The adsorption behavior of the activated biochar followed the pseudo-second-order and Langmuir models, and the adsorption process was spontaneous and exothermic. The main mechanisms for STZ adsorption were considered to be pore filling and electrostatic interaction, with contributions from pi-pi electron donor-acceptor interaction and hydrogen bond.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND ECOTECHNOLOGY
(2022)
