Article
Environmental Sciences
Evgenia Savastru, Dumitru Bulgariu, Citalin-Ioan Zamfir, Laura Bulgariu
Summary: Yeast biomass is an effective and low-cost material for biosorption of Co(II), Zn(II), and Cu(II) ions from aqueous solution. The optimal conditions for biosorption experiments were identified and the kinetics and equilibrium data were analyzed using various models, with the Dubinin-Radushkevich isotherm and pseudo-second order model showing the best fit. Structural characteristics of metal ions play a significant role in the biosorption process.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ankita Negi, Sushil Kumar Joshi, Narendra Singh Bhandari
Summary: This study explores the method of removing Pb (II) ions from water using Lantana camara leaves' biosorbent (LCLB). The findings suggest that LCLB can effectively eliminate Pb (II) ions under specific conditions (such as pH, temperature, and adsorbent dose), and the adsorption process is spontaneous and exothermic.
ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Maria Roniele Felix Oliveira, Katiany do Vale Abreu, Ana Lucia Eufrazio Romao, Dalila Maria Barbosa Davi, Carlos Emanuel de Carvalho Magalhaes, Elma Neide Vasconcelos Martins Carrilho, Carlucio Roberto Alves
Summary: The study showed that plant-based biomass derived from carnauba fruit exocarp has great potential as an adsorbent for removing toxic metals from aqueous medium. The optimal adsorbent concentration was found to be 5 g/L, and sorption studies at pH 5.0 showed that the pseudo-second order kinetic model best fit the experimental data, with equilibrium reached after 120 minutes of contact time.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Govindan Rajivgandhi, Govindan Ramachandran, Gnanasekaran Chackaravarthi, Muthuchamy Maruthupandy, Franck Quero, Chenthis Kanisha Chelliah, Natesan Manoharan, Naiyf S. Alharbi, Shine Kadaikunnan, Jamal M. Khaled, Wen-Jun Li
Summary: This study explores the biosorption potential ability of metal tolerant Bacillus cereus in an environment rich in Pb and Cu, and the results show that B. cereus can actively adsorb metal ions. Therefore, effective wastewater treatment methods are recommended.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Khairia M. Al-Qahtani, Mohamed H. H. Ali, Mohamed S. Abdelkarim, Afify D. G. Al-Afify
Summary: Two extremophilic biosorbents were used to successfully remove Cu(II), Ni(II), and Pb(II) from aqueous solutions. The biosorbents showed high affinity for these metal ions, with removal rates ranging from 73.6% to 100%, and the removal order was Pb(II) > Cu(II) > Ni(II). Both Langmuir and Freundlich models were suitable for describing the adsorption process, with the pseudo-second-order reaction model being more accurate than the pseudo-first-order model kinetically.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
R. Jayasree, P. Senthil Kumar, A. Saravanan, R. Hemavathy, P. R. Yaashikaa, P. Arthi, J. Shreshta, S. Jeevanantham, S. Karishma, Mariadhas Valan Arasu, Naif Abdullah Al-Dhabi, Ki Choon Choi
Summary: The study focused on using tamarind seeds as biosorbents to remove Pb(II) ions from synthetic solutions. Among the different biosorbents prepared, the ultrasonic-assisted surface-modified tamarind seeds displayed the highest adsorption capacity for Pb(II) ions removal.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Qian Li, Limin Wang, Rui Xu, Yongbin Yang, Huaqun Yin, Shengming Jin, Tao Jiang
Summary: Heavy metal pollution is a critical global issue, and bioremediation is considered a promising approach. This study investigated the biosorption characteristics of Cd(II), Pb(II), Cu(II), and Zn(II) from aqueous solutions using three phosphorus-accumulating organisms (PAOs) biomasses. The results showed that the biosorption capacity of the biosorbents to heavy metal ions was affected by the solution pH and increased with higher pH values. The experimental data of biosorption were well fitted with the Pseudo-second-order, Redlich-Peterson, and Temkin models, suggesting a hybrid chemical reaction-biosorption process.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Sheetal Kumari, Nitin Kumar Agrawal, Animesh Agarwal, Anil Kumar, Neeraj Malik, Dinesh Goyal, Vishnu D. Rajput, Tatiana Minkina, Pinki Sharma, Manoj Chandra Garg
Summary: Traditional freshwater sources have been over-abstracted, resulting in a worldwide water scarcity crisis. An investigation found that industrial wastewater samples contained high concentrations of Zn2+ and Pb2+, which are known to be highly harmful to humans and wildlife. This study used Streptomyces sp. as a biosorbent to effectively extract Zn2+ and Pb2+ from single and binary metal aqueous solutions. The biosorbent demonstrated high adsorption capacity and followed Freundlich isotherm, making it a potential alternative for removing Zn2+ and Pb2+ from aqueous solutions.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Murali Pujari, Komarabathina Srikanth, Killi Sunil, Adarsh Kumar Arya
Summary: This study investigated the potential of Hypnea musciformis algae as a biosorbent for removing indigo carmine dye from synthetic solution. The results showed that the optimal contact time was 25 minutes and the favorable pH was 5. The Freundlich isotherm best fit the experimental data, and the pseudo first order kinetic model described the experimental results the most accurately. The biosorption process was found to be endothermic.
ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRESS & SUSTAINABLE ENERGY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
R. Hemavathy, A. Saravanan, P. Senthil Kumar, Dai-Viet N. Vo, S. Karishma, S. Jeevanantham
Summary: The study investigated the utilization of Cassia fistula seeds for removing Pb(II) ions from the aqueous environment. Various adsorbents were characterized by FTIR and SEM, with parameters such as pH level, contact time, and dosage influencing the adsorption capacity. The modelling study indicated that Freundlich isotherm and Pseudo first order kinetics fit well for the adsorption process, with significant variations in the maximum adsorption measurements among different adsorbents.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yingnan Wang, Lingjian Kong, Meiling Wu, Haoran Ma, Zhanbin Huang
Summary: In this study, a coal-based humic acid residue (HAS) was modified using KMnO4 solution to improve the adsorption of Hg(II)/Pb(II) and named K-HAS. The adsorption behavior of K-HAS on Hg(II)/Pb(II) was described by the pseudo second order model and the Langmuir adsorption isotherm model. The adsorption mechanism of K-HAS for Hg(II)/Pb(II) mainly consisted of precipitation and complexation.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
A. Hashem, Latifa A. Mohamed, A. J. Fletcher, M. A. Sanousy, H. Younis, H. Mauof
Summary: The modified microcrystalline cellulose (TMCC) showed high affinity for Hg(II) ions from aqueous media, with a maximum adsorption capacity of 1140 mg/g under optimized conditions. The process involving chemisorption was best described by a pseudo-second order kinetic model. The results suggest potential application of TMCC in water treatment systems.
JOURNAL OF POLYMERS AND THE ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Mehmet Emin Kucuk, Iryna Makarava, Teemu Kinnarinen, Antti Hakkinen
Summary: In this study, NaP and LTA zeolites were successfully synthesized from woody biomass ash using alkali fusion-assisted hydrothermal method. The synthesized zeolites were tested for the adsorption of Cu(II), Cd(II), Pb(II), and Zn(II) ions. The results showed that the maximum adsorbed amount of metals followed the order Pb(II) > Cu(II) > Cd(II) > Zn(II) for both NaP and LTA zeolite. The kinetic data fit well with the pseudo-second order model, indicating chemisorption as the rate-limiting step. The isotherm data were well described by the Sips and Redlich-Peterson models, indicating a non-ideal heterogeneous adsorption process.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Giovana Gonalves Dusi, Geovana Silva Marques, Marina Loureno Kienteca, Marcelino Luiz Gimenes, Myriam Lorena Melgarejo Navarro Cerutti, Vtor Renan da Silva
Summary: In this study, sericin-alginate particles were used as a biosorbent to remove Cu(II) ions from an aqueous solution. The particles showed high biosorption capacity and reusability. This research demonstrates the potential of sericin-alginate particles as an environmentally friendly biosorbent.
SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY AND PHARMACY
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Othman M. Alzahrani, Aly E. Abo-Amer, Rehab M. Mohamed
Summary: Heavy metals are dangerous pollutants, but biosorption technology using microbial biomasses shows promise in removing them from wastewater. In this study, zinc and cadmium-resistant bacterial isolates were recovered from agricultural wastewater samples in Egypt, and Priestia megaterium PRJNA526404 was identified as a potential candidate for removing zinc and cadmium. The maximum biosorption capacity was achieved within 50 minutes at pH 7 and 8 for zinc and cadmium, respectively, using living and lyophelized biomass of Priestia megaterium PRJNA526404.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Larisa Popescu-Lipan, Anda Les, Marian Grigoras, Gabriel Ababei, Iuliana Motrescu, Georgiana Bulai, Florin Brinza, Dorina Creanga, Maria Balasoiu
Summary: The preparation and biocompatibility of antioxidant-coated magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) were studied in this research. Theoretical analysis focused on the interaction between gallic acid (GA) and ionic iron on the surface of nanoparticles, which increased reactivity and facilitated uniform dispersion in water and interaction with other biomedical molecules. Experimental results showed that an optimal method of coating the MNPs with GA at 80°C successfully preserved good crystallinity and magnetic properties suitable for biomedical applications. The study also assessed the fate of MNPs in the biosphere and their impact on photosynthesis in early developmental stages of seedlings. The slight positive variation in photosynthesis efficiency was attributed to the antioxidant properties of GA, which balanced the toxic effects of ROS generation catalyzed by iron ions from the MNP surface.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Evgenia Savastru, Dumitru Bulgariu, Citalin-Ioan Zamfir, Laura Bulgariu
Summary: Yeast biomass is an effective and low-cost material for biosorption of Co(II), Zn(II), and Cu(II) ions from aqueous solution. The optimal conditions for biosorption experiments were identified and the kinetics and equilibrium data were analyzed using various models, with the Dubinin-Radushkevich isotherm and pseudo-second order model showing the best fit. Structural characteristics of metal ions play a significant role in the biosorption process.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Mariana Minut, Mariana Diaconu, Mihaela Rosca, Petronela Cozma, Laura Bulgariu, Maria Gavrilescu
Summary: In this study, bacteria from the genus of Azotobacter, Bacillus and Pseudomonas were isolated from Phaseolus vulgaris roots and used as plant growth-promoting bacteria for various plants. The results showed that different bacteria had different effects on plant growth in both sterile and non-sterile soil. Bacillus had the most influence on Sinapis alba in sterile soil, while Pseudomonas had the greatest effect on root and shoot length in non-sterile soil. Azotobacter stimulated the growth of Brassica napus in non-sterile soil, while Bacillus had a positive effect on Amaranthus retroflexus. Azotobacter also promoted the growth of Rumex patientia and Panicum miliaceum, while Pseudomonas enhanced the growth of Linum usitatissimum in non-sterile soil. However, not all differences observed in plants with the selected bacteria were statistically significant compared to the control.
Article
Agronomy
Iuliana Motrescu, Mihai Alexandru Ciolan, Anca Elena Calistru, Gerard Jitareanu
Summary: In this study, a non-chemical solution method using non-thermal plasma discharge was utilized to stimulate the germination and growth of seeds for micro-greens. The strongest effects were observed when the discharge was produced in a closed environment, resulting in significant modifications in seed surface hydrophilicity and stimulation of growth. The reactive species generated by the plasma not only interacted with the seed surface but also penetrated inside, activating biological pathways and leading to improved growth. The results demonstrate the potential of this technology for enhancing micro-greens production.
Article
Plant Sciences
Constantin Lungoci, Iuliana Motrescu, Feodor Filipov, Cristina Mihaela Rimbu, Carmenica Doina Jitareanu, Carmen Simona Ghitau, Ioan Puiu, Teodor Robu
Summary: This study analyzed the effects of salt stress on Nepeta racemosa to explore its potential for cultivation in salinity-affected soils. Different concentrations of NaCl and Na2SO4 were used to simulate real salinity conditions, and the content of bioactive compounds was analyzed using environmental electron microscopy and spectrophotometric protocols. The results indicated that the impact of salinity on Nepeta racemosa varied depending on the salt type, and in some cases, the concentrations of bioactive compounds increased. There were also significant correlations between chlorophyll pigments, polyphenols, flavonoids, antioxidant activity, and yield.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Anda Les, Helmina Ardeleanu, Marian Grigoras, Iuliana Motrescu, Dorina Creanga, Daniela Pricop
Summary: This article focuses on the study of the interactions between perchlorate anions and cobalt ferrite magnetic nanoparticles. The nanoparticles were stabilized using perchloric acid and had a surface coating that allowed repulsive forces between particles to balance magnetic attraction. Quantum chemical modeling revealed the properties of perchlorate anions and their ability to interact with both metal cations and water molecules. Microstructural investigations confirmed the adequate surface coating of the nanoparticles, and a study on agricultural plantlets showed differences in photosynthesis pigment concentrations induced by the nanoparticles.
ANALYTICAL LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Alexandru Cocean, Georgiana Cocean, Maria Diaconu, Silvia Garofalide, Francisca Husanu, Bogdanel Silvestru Munteanu, Nicanor Cimpoesu, Iuliana Motrescu, Ioan Puiu, Cristina Postolachi, Iuliana Cocean, Silviu Gurlui
Summary: The study presented a new material produced by Pulsed Laser Deposition technique on hemp stalk target. The material has similar composition and nanostructures to the hemp stalk target, with good mechanical strength and adherence to the substrate. It also exhibits good gas and water sorption properties, making it suitable for functional applications in medicine and solar cells windows.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Dumitru Bulgariu, Lacramioara (Negrila) Nemes, Iftikhar Ahmad, Laura Bulgariu
Summary: The presence of high concentrations of metal ions in industrial metal coatings effluents has negative effects on the environment. To minimize their impact, it is important to reduce the concentration of metal ions before discharging the effluents. Sorption is an effective and low-cost method for reducing the concentration of metal ions. In this study, mustard waste biomass functionalized with an industrial polymeric thiocarbamate was used as a sorbent to remove Cu(II), Zn(II), and Co(II) ions from aqueous media. The results demonstrated the potential of this sorbent in treating wastewater contaminated with metal ions.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Laurentiu Adam, Loredana Judele, Iuliana Motrescu, Ion Rusu, Daniel Lepadatu, Roxana Dana Bucur
Summary: The meaning of technological progress lies in its ability to facilitate economic development and improve personal comfort. To achieve sustainability, the environmental impact of human activities at both micro and macro levels must be neutralized. This can be achieved intrinsically or through coercive and compensatory measures. However, if we consider the carbon dioxide emissions associated with the entire lifecycle of a product, true sustainability is difficult to achieve. Despite this, there are products, such as eco-sustainable hemp concrete, that can be carbon neutral or even carbon negative over time by absorbing and storing carbon dioxide. To optimize the mixture and material properties of hemp concrete, experiments using advanced experimental planning methods are necessary. These methods help establish the necessary framework for parameter optimization with minimal trials, allowing for the development of mathematical laws defining material characteristics within the studied domain.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Laid Kadri, Abdelkader Abderrahmane, Georgiana Bulai, Aurelian Carlescu, Corneliu Doroftei, Iuliana Motrescu, Silviu Gurlui, Liviu Leontie, Mohamed Adnane
Summary: TiO2-SiO2 nanocomposite thin films were fabricated and characterized, and their amorphous structure and homogeneous distribution were observed. The deposition temperature had an effect on the optical properties, with lower temperature resulting in increased light transmission in the visible and ultraviolet ranges.
Article
Agronomy
Alina Elena Marta, Cristina Slabu, Mihaela Covasa, Iuliana Motrescu, Constantin Lungoci, Carmenica Doina Jitareanu
Summary: Climate factors have a strong impact on grape growth and flavonoid composition, particularly due to heat and drought stress. This study analyzed four grape varieties from a vineyard to assess the effects of climate change on anthocyanin concentration and chlorophyll content, and to explore possible correlations between these parameters. The results highlight the adaptability of certain varieties to temperature increase and water deficit, with increased anthocyanin concentrations. Positive correlations between anthocyanin and chlorophyll concentrations were found in some cultivars during fruit development, while negative correlations were observed during water deficit for most varieties.
Article
Plant Sciences
Constantin Lungoci, Cristina Mihaela Rimbu, Iuliana Motrescu, Diana Serbezeanu, Cristina Elena Horhogea, Tachita Vlad-Bubulac, Carmen Simona Ghitau, Ioan Puiu, Andra-Sabina Neculai-Valeanu, Teodor Robu
Summary: The essential oil of Nepeta racemosa Lam. was extracted and characterized for its antimicrobial activity and potential applications. Gas chromatography coupled with mass spectroscopy revealed that the most abundant component in the essential oil was nepetalic acid (55.5%), followed by eucalyptol (10.7%) and other compounds at concentrations of about 5% or less. The essential oil, as well as the films and gels loaded with it, exhibited strong antibacterial activity against both gram-positive and gram-negative strains, suggesting their potential use in the food industry or biomedicine.
Article
Plant Sciences
Simona Dumitria Chirila, Irina Gabriela Cara, Iuliana Motrescu
Summary: This study analyzed the relationship between plant communities and environmental variables of Crambe tataria, a protected species in Europe and Romania. It found that C. tataria is mainly found in a limited number of plant communities, with elevation being the most important variable influencing its distribution. The species prefers alkaline soils rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, but high concentrations of arsenic and lead were also observed. The study also identified the degradation of FestucoBrometea xerophilic meadows in northeastern Romania due to overgrazing.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Carmen Solcan, Bogdan Gabriel Slencu, Lucia Carmen Trinca, Iuliana Motrescu, Adriana Petrovici, Gheorghe Solcan
Summary: This study assessed the effects of sodium selenite coexposure on testicular injuries induced by cadmium and lead in rats. Coexposure to selenium partially alleviated testicular damage, reduced expression of apoptosis-related proteins, and decreased accumulation of cadmium and lead.
Review
Environmental Sciences
Saravanan Praveen, Josephraj Jegan, Thillainayagam Bhagavathi Pushpa, Ravindiran Gokulan, Laura Bulgariu
Summary: This review summarizes the recent research on the use of biochar as a biosorbent for the removal of organic and inorganic pollutants, focusing on the dye removal field. The characteristics of biochar and the mechanisms of biosorption have been extensively studied, and biosorption models are useful for evaluating the efficiency of biochar as a biosorbent for dye removal techniques.