Article
Environmental Sciences
Dan Qu, Junhui Zhang, Dongjin Wan, Zhenhua Niu
Summary: A novel combined system of heterotrophic and bio-electrochemical hydrogen autotrophic (CHBHA) was developed for efficient removal of perchlorate using low chemical dosages and energy consumption. The system showed high perchlorate removal efficiency at different operational stages, with the heterotrophic part (H-part) playing a major role at optimal hydraulic retention times (HRTs) and acetate dosage. The system also demonstrated synergistic removal of perchlorate by the H-part and electrochemical hydrogen autotrophic part (E-part). The combined system significantly reduced energy costs compared to the single E-part system and improved effluent quality by converting perchlorate into active chlorine.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Thanh Ngoc-Dan Cao, Shiao-Shing Chen, Hau-Ming Chang, Saikat Sinha Ray, Faisal I. Hai, Thanh Xuan Bui, Hussnain Mukhtar
Summary: For the first time, an osmotic microbial fuel cell (OsMFC) was used to simultaneously remove hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)], organic pollutants, produce energy, and recycle water. The optimal catholyte concentration for Cr(VI) reduction was found to be 0.2 M NaCl, which exhibited high removal efficiency due to the thermodynamically favored low pH conditions.
SEPARATION AND PURIFICATION TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Yexin Dai, Shengling Li, Yajing Guo, Jun Ren, Lei Zhang, Xin Wang, Pingping Zhang, Xianhua Liu
Summary: In this study, a bio-photoelectrochemical system (BPES) was constructed to degrade tetracycline (TC) efficiently and generate electricity simultaneously. The system showed high columbic efficiency (CE) and mineralized current efficiency (MCE), with a maximum power density of 133 mW/m2 under light illumination. The primary active oxidant in the system was identified as superoxy group (?O2-), and a mechanism for enhanced TC degradation was proposed.
JOURNAL OF POWER SOURCES
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Ceren Yilmaz Akkaya, James P. Dombrowski, Erika Colin-Ulloa, Lyubov Titova, Timothy J. Lawton, Todd E. Alexander, Eric Brack, Christopher Drew, Pratap M. Rao
Summary: The article presents an improved synthesis protocol to obtain CuBiW2O8 (CBTO) as a functional material for photocatalytic reactions. The ultrafast dynamics of charge carriers after photoexcitation are investigated using transient absorption spectroscopy (TAS). The study demonstrates the high activity of CBTO for visible light-driven photocatalytic reactions, particularly in the photoreduction of Cr(vi). Radical quenching experiments reveal the involvement of OH radicals and O-2(-) radicals in the photoreduction process. The results suggest that CBTO prepared with the improved protocol is a stable and potentially reusable catalyst.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY A
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Liang Qiao, Ye Yuan, Chang Mei, Wanxin Yin, Chao Zou, Yanan Yin, Qingyuan Guo, Tianming Chen, Cheng Ding
Summary: The study demonstrated that NO2- can be supplied through reducing the by-product NO3- with denitrification cathode in an Anammox environment in-situ. The reduction of NO3- amount increased with an increase in Inf-NO3-, reaching a maximum reduction amount of 23.24% with the highest Coulombic efficiency of 3.56%.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yujie Feng, Wen Li, Jingkun An, Qian Zhao, Xin Wang, Jia Liu, Weihua He, Nan Li
Summary: This review focuses on the potential of carbon-based materials, particularly graphene and its derivatives, as noble-metal-free catalysts for the two-electron pathway of oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) to produce hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in electrochemical systems. It discusses the functions of graphene family in accelerating electron transfer and increasing oxygen transfer for cathodes, aiming to reveal the enhancement mechanisms for H2O2 production. The challenges and prospects for the future use of graphene family as catalysts for H2O2 production are also proposed in this review.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Lin Li, Xiufang Shang, Xiaojie Sun, Xinfeng Xiao, Jianliang Xue, Yu Gao, Hongge Gao
Summary: The gram-negative bacterial strain Stenotrophomonas acidaminiphila 4-1 was isolated for its ability to resist hexavalent chromium and showed promising potential for chromium removal. Results indicated a removal rate of 75.69% for Cr(VI) with an initial substrate concentration of 15 mg L-1.
ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Adikesavan Selvi, Mohamad S. AlSalhi, Sandhanasamy Devanesan, Murali Kannan Maruthamuthu, Panagal Mani, Aruliah Rajasekar
Summary: Intensive research efforts have focused on reducing toxic Cr(VI) to less toxic Cr(III), but many methods end up with improper removal or recurrence. This study characterized the biospheric bacterial community using Metagenomics and elucidated the bio-mechanisms behind the reduction of Cr(VI) to Cr(III) by FeS particles. The BEER approach effectively removed Cr and Fe in contaminated soil, with sulphide content enhancing Cr reduction and removal.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Shaoan Cheng, Zhengzhong Mao, Yi Sun, Jiawei Yang, Zhen Yu, Ruonan Gu
Summary: A novel EO-M system was proposed for simultaneous antibiotic degradation and bioelectrochemical conversion of CO2 to CH4, with a dual-chamber system comprising an anode for electrocatalytic generation of hydroxyl radicals and a CO2-reducing methanogenic biocathode. The system achieved high removal efficiencies for antibiotic and COD, and the enriched biocathode exhibited stable methane production and high coulombic efficiency. The energy consumption was reduced compared to a single electrochemical oxidation system, attributed to the lower cathodic overpotential in the EO-M system.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Ting Pan, Liu Wang, Yu Shen, Xinglong Zhang, Chengyang Luo, Hongfeng Li, Peng Wu, Hao Zhang, Weina Zhang, Serguei V. Savilov, Fengwei Huo
Summary: In this study, a hierarchically porous amorphous metal oxide catalyst was constructed, exhibiting superior electrocatalytic performance for NRR under ambient conditions. It has the potential to serve as an alternative electrocatalyst for NH3 synthesis.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
S. Georg, A. T. Puari, M. P. G. Hanantyo, T. Sleutels, P. Kuntke, A. ter Heijne, C. J. N. Buisman
Summary: This research presents an integrated BES and HRES system for ammonium recovery, combining the advantages of both systems to achieve high removal efficiency at low energy input. The HRES compensates for BES instability, resulting in overall high removal efficiency of 89-95%, but with an increased energy demand of 5.2-10.2 MJ/kgN.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Chidambaram Thamaraiselvan, Amit K. Thakur, Abhishek Gupta, Christopher J. Arnusch
Summary: The study demonstrated the successful fabrication of porous LIG electrodes on commercial water treatment membranes, showing efficient electrochemical removal of iohexol and chromium(VI). Multiple lasering resulted in significantly improved electrical conductivity of the electrodes, leading to efficient removal of undesirable compounds.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Linshan Zhang, Guozong Yue, Luming Yang, Deshun Huang
Summary: Ultra-thin MXene nanosheets (Nss) were easily prepared by delaminating and intercalating multi-layered MXene using tetramethylammonium hydroxide (TMAOH). MXene Nss, with electron-rich characteristics, abundant surface active sites, and negative charges, exhibited good reduction ability and adsorption capacities, effectively removing anion Cr(VI) through reduction and cation Cr(III) through adsorption. Batch adsorption tests were conducted to investigate pH impact, adsorption kinetics, and isotherms. MXene Nss demonstrated high adsorption capacities for both Cr(VI) and Cr(III) and potential as a general-purpose adsorbent for other metal cations.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Tianlie Luo, Qi Song, Jiaxiang Han, Yihua Li, Lifen Liu
Summary: In this study, RGO-Ni was used as a catalytic cathode to reduce CO2 to organics, showing higher catalytic activity and producing ethanol as the primary product. The reduction process on RGO-Ni cathode exhibited significantly increased power density and a 70% faradaic efficiency. The mechanism of CO2 reduction was suggested based on the analysis of reduction products using GC-MS.
SEPARATION AND PURIFICATION TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Samarjeet Singh Siwal, Qibo Zhang, Adesh Kumar Saini, Vijai Kumar Gupta, Dave Roberts, Vipin Saini, Frederic Coulon, Bhawna Pareek, Vijay Kumar Thakur
Summary: This article discusses the importance of the food-energy-water nexus, with a focus on the structure and application in biorefineries and bioelectro-chemical systems. Through analysis of energy efficiency and valuable product recoveries, technologies for enhancing resource utilization efficiency and reducing environmental impacts are explored.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Vaikundamoorthy Ramalingam, Harshavardhan Mohan, Inho Hwang
Summary: In this study, a reduced graphene oxide (RGO) decorated with monodisperse superparamagnetic Fe3O4 (RGO-IO) nanocomposite was successfully prepared and confirmed through various spectroscopic and microscopic techniques. The nanocomposite exhibited good dispersibility and homogenous composition, as well as excellent electrochemical performance. It showed low cytotoxicity and promoted cellular growth. Moreover, the nanocomposite induced the formation of muscle cells and adipocytes, and upregulated the expression of marker proteins. This study is of great significance for the application of nanomaterials in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.
JOURNAL OF ALLOYS AND COMPOUNDS
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
E. Thenmozhi, M. Harshavardhan, S. Kamala-Kannan, V Janaki
Summary: A shell-type mesoporous silica-manganese dioxide (MPS-(MnO2)) nanocomposite was prepared and studied for its photodegradation of Methylene blue (MB) in synthetic solution under visible light. SiO2 doping was found to decrease the band gap of MnO2, increasing the visible light absorption. Under optimized conditions, MPS-(MnO2) efficiently degraded 89.4% of MB from the synthetic solution.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Suhwan Yoo, Harshavardhan Mohan, Hyeon Seung Oh, Gitae Kim, Jae R. Hahn, Taeho Shin
Summary: The synthesized Pd@PdS core shell nanocubes demonstrated high efficiency in degrading methylparaben, attributed to enhanced light absorption and charge transfer at the core-shell interface.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ga Hyeon Ha, Harshavardhan Mohan, Hyeon Seung Oh, Gitae Kim, Kamala-Kannan Seralathan, Taeho Shin
Summary: The widespread use of antibiotics has led to their continuous release and presence in the ecosystem, resulting in the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in aquatic environments. In this study, Ag/Ag2S@BiOI nanowires were synthesized and used as photocatalysts for the degradation of a model antibiotic, tetracycline. The nanowires showed efficient degradation performance under optimal conditions and exhibited negligible toxicity towards cells, indicating their potential as promising photocatalysts.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Harshavardhan Mohan, Natesan Karthi, Pavithra Muthukumar Sathya, Vaikundamoorthy Ramalingam, Srivalli Thimmarayan, Mohammad Amjad Hossain, Adithan Aravinthan, Taeho Shin
Summary: This study synthesized (Zn, Ni)-ferrite nanoparticles using a chemical co-precipitation method and evaluated their cytotoxicity and osteogenic properties. The results showed that these nanoparticles had low toxicity and could potentially be used as biomaterials in regenerative medicine.
JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL AND ENGINEERING CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Vino Udappusamy, Harshavardhan Mohan, Rajan Thinagaran
Summary: This study found that the essential oil-loaded nano-emulsion formulation of Lantana camara L. had a mosquitocidal effect and could reduce the activity of acetylcholinesterase and alkaline phosphatase. This suggests that nano-emulsion has the potential for mosquito management.
ARCHIVES OF MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Harshavardhan Mohan, Sethumathavan Vadivel, Saravanan Rajendran
Summary: Harmful algal blooms (HABs) are a global problem caused by human activities such as eutrophication and climate change. Photocatalysis has been identified as the most promising solution for removing HABs, with advantages over other methods.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Harshavardhan Mohan, Ga Hyeon Ha, Hyeon Seung Oh, Gitae Kim, Taeho Shin
Summary: This study synthesized a nanocomposite of transition metal selenide and g-C3N4 for photocatalytic water splitting. The nanocomposite exhibited high rates of hydrogen and oxygen evolution, as well as enhanced photocatalytic degradation of a dye compound.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Harshavardhan Mohan, Sethumathavan Vadivel, Se-Won Lee, Jeong-Muk Lim, Nanh Lovanh, Yool-Jin Park, Taeho Shin, Kamala-Kannan Seralathan, Byung-Taek Oh
Summary: The WO3/Zeolite/V2O5 (TZV) composite synthesized through co-precipitation showed excellent degradation efficiency for Bisphenol-A (BpA) compared to bare V2O5. The composite had high crystallinity and no free particles on the zeolite surface. Photocatalytic degradation studies and material analysis demonstrated the high efficiency and stability of the composite, as well as its environmental friendliness.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Harshavardhan Mohan, Sethumathavan Vadivel, Pavithra Muthukumar Sathya, Manabu Fujii, Ga Hyeon Ha, Gitae Kim, Taeho Shin
Summary: Photocatalytic water splitting using nanocomposites of manganese oxynitride and reduced graphene oxide showed enhanced efficiency due to large surface area, increased light absorption, and interfacial charge transfer. The hydrogen evolution rates increased with the content of graphene oxide in the composites, indicating the important role of reduced graphene oxide. The photocatalysts also displayed stability and recyclability after multiple uses.
ACS APPLIED ENERGY MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Harshavardhan Mohan, Sethumathavan Vadivel, Manabu Fujii, Ga Hyeon Ha, Gitae Kim, Hye Rin Lee, Taeho Shin
Summary: In this study, a nanocomposite of PdS nanodisks coupled on self-assembled Nb2O5 superstructures was prepared and shown to be an efficient photocatalyst for water splitting, producing oxygen and hydrogen. Various characterization techniques were used to compare the physical and chemical properties and advantages of the nanocomposite with bare Nb2O5 superstructure and PdS nanoparticles. The synthesized nanocomposite exhibited a hydrogen evolution rate of 665 μmol g(-1) min(-1) and an oxygen evolution rate of 211 μmol g(-1) min(-1), which is twice and three times higher, respectively, than that of Nb2O5 superstructure and PdS nanoparticles. The composite remained structurally intact even after six treatment cycles, indicating its practical applicability.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Santu Shrestha, Kamal Prasad Sapkota, Insup Lee, Md Akherul Islam, Anil Pandey, Narayan Gyawali, Jeasmin Akter, Harshavardhan Mohan, Taeho Shin, Sukmin Jeong, Jae Ryang Hahn
Summary: A facile two-step synthesis method was developed to prepare ternary hetero-composites of ZnO, CuO, and SWCNTs, showing enhanced photocatalytic activity. Among them, ZSC3 exhibited the highest efficiency in degrading methylene blue, Congo red, and Rhodamine B under simulated sunlight.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Harshavardhan Mohan, Ga Hyeon Ha, Gitae Kim, Hye Rin Lee, Hakju Lee, Kyoungsoo Kim, Taeho Shin
Summary: The renewability and zero carbon emissions of hydrogen make it a promising clean energy resource. Photocatalytic water-splitting, despite its low efficiency, has been extensively researched for hydrogen production. In this study, bimetallic transition metal selenides were synthesized and evaluated for their photocatalytic water splitting efficiencies. Among the compounds tested, CMSc exhibited the highest hydrogen evolution rate and also showed great potential in degrading pollutants. Thus, CMSc can be identified as a highly efficient photocatalyst for both environmental and energy applications.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Sethumathavan Vadivel, Bappi Paul, Harshavardhan Mohan
Summary: In this study, a one-dimensional iron oxychloride (FeOCl) needles embedded on the surface of Bi5O7Br squares were successfully synthesized to form a core-shell structured FeOCl/Bi5O7Br heterojunction. Various analytical techniques confirmed the successful formation of core-shell FeOCl/Bi5O7Br nanocrystals. The core-shell structure significantly improved visible light absorption and charge separation efficiency, leading to enhanced photocatalytic degradation of tetracycline under visible light.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Julieta Celeste Martin Tempestti, Harshavardhan Mohan, Pavithra Muthukumar Sathya, Se-Won Lee, Janaki Venkatachalam, Byung-Taek Oh, Kamala-Kannan Seralathan
Summary: In this study, Enterococcus gallinarum (JT-02) was isolated and identified from animal farm waste sludge, showing the ability to biodegrade p-nitrophenol (PNP). The optimal conditions for PNP biodegradation by strain JT-02 were determined through single-factor experiments. It was found that the best setups included PNP concentration of 100 mg/L, pH 7, temperature of 30 degrees C, agitation speed of 150 rpm, and inoculum dose of 3% (v/v). Under these conditions, the bacteria degraded 98.21% of PNP within 4 days. The intermediates produced during PNP biodegradation were identified using High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) analysis, and the biodegradation pathway was elucidated. Phytotoxicity studies with Vigna radiata seeds confirmed the applicability and efficiency of PNP biodegradation.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)