Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yeling Zhu, Michael Chae, Birendra Adhikari, Vinay Khatri, Heather Kaminsky, Paolo Mussone, David C. Bressler
Summary: A novel flocculant was developed in this study using peptides from specified risk materials (SRMs) from the animal rendering industry, which achieved a similar settling rate but a more complete ultimate dewatering compared to a petrochemical-based flocculant (HPAM). The peptide-PAE materials reduced the fine solids' net surface charge and facilitated rapid aggregations of highly suspended solids, showing great potential for addressing waste sludge challenges for industrial sustainability.
ACS SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING
(2021)
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Hitesh Jethani, Umesh H. Hebbar
Summary: Plant-based biopolymers show potential applications in microalgal biomass harvesting, reducing energy consumption and costs through bio-flocculation technology, although there are some limitations. Further research is needed to investigate the impact of biopolymers on nutrient medium recycling, environmental impact, and techno-economic analysis in the future.
REVIEWS IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND BIO-TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Charikleia Zampeta, Chrysanthi Paparouni, Andreas Tampakopoulos, Zacharias Frontistis, Nikolina Charalampous, Stefanos Dailianis, P. G. Koutsoukos, C. A. Paraskeva, Dimitris V. Vayenas
Summary: Raw printing ink wastewater can be effectively treated using inorganic coagulants, organic flocculants, and hydrodynamic cavitation. This combined process can significantly reduce color, chemical oxygen demand, and total suspended solids, while also reducing treatment costs.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Luong N. Nguyen, Lisa Aditya, Hang P. Vu, Abu Hasan Johir, Lucia Bennar, Peter Ralph, Ngoc B. Hoang, Jakub Zdarta, Long D. Nghiem
Summary: Algae cultivation for wastewater treatment is gaining more attention due to its ability to recover nutrients and capture CO2 in the circular economy concept. However, there are technical and economic challenges in implementing algae-based wastewater treatment due to the complexity of wastewater and algal ecological characteristics. The use of phototrophic algae in this process faces challenges in supplying CO2 and illumination. Future research should focus on improving algae growth rate, environmental tolerance, and downstream processing, as well as analyzing biomass for carbon credit assessment and economic values.
CURRENT POLLUTION REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Tumpa R. Sarker, Venu Babu Borugadda, Venkatesh Meda, Ajay K. Dalai
Summary: Conversion of agricultural residues into biofuels, particularly fuel pellets, shows promise for generating heat and power in power plants. Bio-based additives, such as mustard meal and bio-oil, have been used to improve pellet quality. The composition of mustard meal, bio-oil, and water significantly influences the durability and mechanical strength of the pellets. Additionally, optimizing pelletization operating conditions, such as temperature and force, enhances pellet quality and mechanical strength.
BIOMASS & BIOENERGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Luminita Ghimici, Maria Magdalena Nafureanu, Marieta Constantin
Summary: Due to their non-toxicity, low price, and biodegradability, modified polysaccharides are increasingly used as flocculants in wastewater treatment. However, pullulan derivatives have been less utilized in wastewater purification processes. This article provides data on the removal of FeO and TiO2 particles from model suspensions using pullulan derivatives with pendant quaternary ammonium salt groups, trimethylammonium propyl carbamate chloride (TMAP(x)-P). The study evaluates the influence of various factors on the separation efficacy, including polymer ionic content, dose, initial solution concentration, dispersion pH and composition. UV-Vis spectroscopy measurements show a high removal efficacy of TMAP(x)-P for FeO particles (around 95% and more), while a lower clarification of TiO2 particles suspension is observed (removal efficiency between 68% and 75%). The zeta potential and particle aggregates size measurements indicate that the charge patch mechanism plays a crucial role in the metal oxide removal process. Surface morphology analysis/EDX data provide additional evidence regarding the separation process. The pullulan derivatives/FeO flocs exhibit good removal efficiency (90%) for Bordeaux mixture particles in simulated wastewater.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Haradhan Kolya, Chun-Won Kang
Summary: With the increasing demand for clean and safe water, the search for new materials for water treatment is crucial. Bio-based polymeric materials have emerged as a promising solution for water purification. This article highlights the advantages of these materials, such as biodegradability, low cost, and renewability. It discusses their applications in flocculation and adsorption, showcasing their effectiveness in removing contaminants. Furthermore, it addresses the future prospects and challenges associated with the development of bio-based polymeric materials for water treatment.
Review
Energy & Fuels
Lawal Sirajo, Muhammad Abbas Ahmad Zaini
Summary: The presence of orthophosphate in water can cause eutrophication, and the increasing discharge of orthophosphate due to agricultural and industrial activities has made eutrophication a global environmental issue. Agricultural waste adsorbents show promise in removing orthophosphate from wastewater, and their affinity can be enhanced through physical and chemical treatment. Studies on the potential of agricultural waste adsorbents for orthophosphate removal are limited.
BIOMASS CONVERSION AND BIOREFINERY
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Calle Niemi, Francesco G. Gentili
Summary: The study tested the efficiency of cationic starch, chitosan, and acacia tannin S5T in harvesting microalgae grown in wastewater, with results showing that S5T worked with approximately the same efficiency in the two assayed species.
PHYSIOLOGIA PLANTARUM
(2021)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Styliani E. Biliani, Ioannis D. Manariotis
Summary: The efficiency of algal flocs biomass for treating primary and secondary effluent was investigated under static and mixing conditions with different hydraulic retention time (HRT). The biomass density of primary effluent fed cultures was 2.8 and 3.8 g L-1 under static and mixing conditions, respectively, while secondary effluent fed cultures achieved even higher density biomass of 7.8 and 6 g L-1. The algal floc biomass showed great effectiveness in removing organic matter and nutrients.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED PHYCOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Sadanand Pandey, Edwin Makhado, Sujeong Kim, Misook Kang
Summary: One of the main problems with water pollution is dye contamination, which has endangered the world's sources of drinking water. Adsorption methods, particularly biopolymer-based hydrogel nanocomposites, are shown to be effective in removing organic dyes from the environment. This research provides a critical review of the literature on the potential of hydrogel nanocomposites (HNCs) to remediate dye-contaminated water, with a focus on development prospects and optimal conditions for dye adsorption processes.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Ashish Guleria, Garima Kumari, Eder C. Lima, Deepankar Kumar Ashish, Vaishali Thakur, Kulvinder Singh
Summary: Lignocellulosic biomass, as an abundant and sustainable material, has been widely used for the removal of toxic pollutants from wastewater. Chemically modified biomass showed better biosorption ability compared to natural biomass. This review summarized the methods and modification strategies for the removal of inorganic pollutants by sustainable lignocellulosic biomass, highlighting grafting as a successful modification method.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Milica Svetozarevic, Natasa Sekuljica, Zorica Knezevic-Jugovic, Dusan Mijin
Summary: The study demonstrated the successful use of peroxidases extracted from potato peel and soybean hull for treatment of anthraquinone dye wastewater, achieving high biodegradation rates and showing their ability to operate at elevated temperatures.
ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION
(2021)
Article
Water Resources
Sharmin Sultana, Boloram Karmaker, A. S. M. Saifullah, Md Galal Uddin, Md Moniruzzaman
Summary: This study aims to identify alternative components that can be used as natural coagulants by using different regional clays as coagulants. The removal efficiency of physical properties, chemical properties, and heavy metals from wastewater was investigated. The results showed that the coastal clay of Patuakhali can be an economically viable coagulant.
APPLIED WATER SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Mengni Tao, Yu Kong, Zhaoqian Jing, Lin Guan, Qiusheng Jia, Yiwei Shen, Meijia Hu
Summary: This study explores the utilization of agricultural waste (corncob) to promote nitrogen removal in an up-flow constructed wetland (CW) and investigates the corncob dosage and nitrogen transformations in CW. The results show that a proper dosage of corncobs can efficiently and stably remove nitrogen residues, with enhanced nitrification and denitrification in the wetland.
JOURNAL OF WATER PROCESS ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
E. Jayakumar, S. Chittibabu, S. Shanmugasundaram, Lope G. Tabil
Summary: This study investigated the effect of pretreatment processes on the compression characteristics and quality of rice husk pellets. The results showed that microwave exposure with alkali pre-treatments significantly improved the chemical composition and quality of the pellets.
ENERGY SOURCES PART A-RECOVERY UTILIZATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Onu Onu Olughu, Lope G. Tabil, Tim Dumonceaux
Summary: This study investigated the ultrasonic delignification of switchgrass and its effects on the molecular and microstructure of the plant. Results showed that ultrasonic irradiation induced chemical and structural changes in switchgrass, potentially enhancing its applications in biofuel and bioproducts.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Cuong N. Dao, Abdul Salam, Nguyen Thi Kim Oanh, Lope G. Tabil
Summary: This study investigated the influence of length-to-diameter ratio, pine sawdust and sodium lignosulfonate on the quality of rice straw pellets. The results showed that these factors significantly affected the quality, energy content, and combustion behavior of the pellets.
Review
Energy & Fuels
Singara Veloo Kanageswari, Lope G. Tabil, Shahabaddine Sokhansanj
Summary: Using straw and herbaceous crops as alternatives to fossil fuels is gaining popularity due to stricter environmental regulations and higher costs associated with forest biomass. This study reviews available literature on dust generation from handling and processing of herbaceous biomass. Limited data suggests lower ignition temperature for herbaceous biomass compared to woody biomass.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Chukwuka Onyenwoke, Lope G. Tabil, Tim Dumonceaux, Duncan Cree, Edmund Mupondwa, Phani Adapa, Chithra Karunakaran
Summary: Steam explosion pretreatment improves the quality of biomass pellets made from sawdust and oat straw. The mechanical properties of the pellets are influenced by temperature, time, and moisture content. The treated biomass has higher heating value and tensile strength, and exhibits a more compact and cemented microstructure.
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Mohammadreza Behjoee, Obiora S. Agu, Lope G. Tabil, Oon-Doo Baik, Catherine Hui Niu
Summary: The effects of die temperature, compressive force, and biomass type on biosorbent pellet quality and interactions were investigated. Four pelletized biosorbents with high density, strength, and water uptake capacity were developed using statistical optimization methods, showing potential for industrial application.
INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Mohammadreza Behjoee, Mohammad Amin Zamiri, Lope G. Tabil, Oon-Doo Baik, Catherine Hui Niu
Summary: Adsorption process is a feasible approach for gas dehydration in the industry. Canola meal and oat hull have promising potential as low-cost bio-based adsorbents with high water uptake capacities. Densified biosorbent pellets with controlled properties were used for industrial usage. The research focuses on sorption equilibrium, thermodynamics, and reusability of the pellets. The results showed different isotherm types and stable performance of the pellets.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Chukwuka Onyenwoke, Lope G. Tabil, Tim Dumonceaux, Duncan Cree, Edmund Mupondwa
Summary: This study investigated the effects of torrefaction and binders on the quality of oat straw pellets. The results showed that torrefaction improved the physiochemical and thermal properties of the pellets, but not the tensile strength. The addition of binders during pelletization increased the tensile strength and improved several other properties of the pellets.
BIOENERGY RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Peyman Alizadeh, Lope G. G. Tabil, Edmund Mupondwa, Xue Li, Duncan Cree
Summary: This study simulates and compares the technoeconomic feasibility of bioenergy production from sawdust under four different scenarios. The results show that the approach of producing torrefied pellets, furfural, and acetic acid, along with co-generated heat and electricity, is more advantageous in terms of multiproducts and profitability compared to other alternatives.
Review
Energy & Fuels
Obiora S. Agu, Lope G. Tabil, Edmund Mupondwa
Summary: Remote community initiatives for renewable energy in Canada are rapidly increasing, but with different numbers, success rates, and strategies. Coordinating technology deployment and long-term policies is critical to meet low-carbon transition goals. Renewable resources can provide subsidized energy, create sustainable infrastructure, and enhance economic viability in integration with social values. The transition to renewable energy is crucial for sustaining remote and indigenous communities in Canada by providing local, clean, and low-carbon emission energy. This paper identifies 635 renewable resource projects deployed to improve electricity supply and highlights the achievable goal of balancing demand and sustainable development before and after 2050 through energy efficiency and social value.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Peyman Alizadeh, Edmund Mupondwa, Lope G. Tabil, Xue Li, Duncan Cree
Summary: This study compares the environmental impacts of pellet production from different types of wood sawdust and subsequent electricity generation. The results show that torrefied (TF) pellets are more environmentally friendly in most impact categories, except for ozone layer depletion and aquatic eutrophication. Steam exploded (SE) treatment is the most damaging alternative for pellet production, especially in terms of global warming. After environmental impact analysis, it is found that electricity generation from SE pellets causes more damage to the environment compared to other feedstock paths.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Cuong N. Dao, Lope G. Tabil, Edmund Mupondwa, Tim Dumonceaux
Summary: In this study, solid-state fermentation of Camelina sativa residues (camelina straw, CS) and Panicum virgatum (switchgrass, SG) by Trametes versicolor 52J (TV52J), Trametes versicolor m4D (TVm4D), and Phanerochaete chrysosporium (PC) was optimized. The microbial pretreatment significantly improved the physical properties and enzymatic digestibility of the treated pellets, while negligibly affecting the energy content. It was recommended to use the microbially pretreated CS for densification and combustion, and the microbially pretreated SG for biochemical conversion.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Chukwuka Onyenwoke, Lope G. Tabil, Edmund Mupondwa, Duncan Cree, Phani Adapa
Summary: Torrefaction pretreatment is a method to convert biomass into high-quality biofuel. The study found that torrefaction can improve the thermal and physicochemical properties of biomass pellets, but it also reduces the tensile strength of the pellets. Therefore, the addition of binders is necessary to enhance the tensile strength of the pellets.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Peyman Alizadeh, Tim Dumonceaux, Lope G. G. Tabil, Edmund Mupondwa, Majid Soleimani, Duncan Cree
Summary: This study explores steam explosion pre-treatment of wood sawdust for high-quality biofuel pellets. Optimal conditions were determined for steam-treated biomass, resulting in improved pellet density and tensile strength, as well as lower nitrogen and sulfur contents for cleaner energy production.
CLEAN TECHNOLOGIES
(2022)
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Pabitra Chandra Das, Alec Roger Vista, Lope G. Tabil, Oon-Doo Baik
Summary: This article introduces the biosynthesis process of cannabinoids, the postharvest operations used in the cannabis industry, and their impact on cannabinoid yield and quality. The importance of the drying process is emphasized, and novel pre-treatments for improvement are discussed. Additionally, the effects of other postharvest operations are explored, highlighting the need for critical investigation of each operation.
BIOENGINEERING-BASEL
(2022)
