Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yu Huang, Paul Jeffrey, Marc Pidou
Summary: The filtration performance and fouling behavior of reverse osmosis membranes were investigated for the post-treatment of MBR effluents treating municipal wastewater. The study found that the combination of AnMBR with RO offers a more sustainable approach than with AeMBR, although it led to more fouling. RO can effectively remove disinfection by-products pre-cursors and achieve a water quality sufficient for indirect potable water reuse. Nutrients removal before RO membranes is recommended to limit fouling propensity and achieve a permeate of sufficient quality.
JOURNAL OF WATER PROCESS ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Bahar Ozbey Unal
Summary: In recent years, wastewater reuse has become increasingly important in industrial zones. Reverse osmosis (RO) membranes are commonly used for this purpose, but membrane fouling is a significant issue, affecting membrane performance and lifespan. This study conducted an autopsy analysis of a fouled RO membrane from an industrial wastewater reuse plant in Turkey, revealing the presence of inorganic scaling and molybdenum contamination. An effective chemical cleaning protocol was suggested. This study provides insights into fouling control strategies for industrial wastewater reuse.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Karlia D. S. Amaral, Julio A. Navoni
Summary: This study aimed to evaluate the desalination systems in 31 rural communities in the Brazilian semi-arid region and assess the potential of using brackish waters. The physical-chemical characteristics of groundwater and concentrate were analyzed to determine quality indexes for irrigation and animal watering. Most wells contained chlorinated sodium water with corrosive tendencies. Parameters such as conductivity, sulfate, and magnesium were linked to changes in water quality for animal watering. Chloride, sodium, and conductivity deviated the most from recommended limits for irrigation. While a majority of well waters and brackish waste were deemed unsuitable for plant cultivation, they were classified as excellent or good quality for animal production. With proper management and suitable technologies, it is possible to utilize brackish water and desalination by-products in the region.
PROCESS SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Joel Minier-Matar, Eman Alshamari, Mohsin Raja, Farhan Khan, Mashael Al-Maas, Altaf Hussain, Samer Adham
Summary: This study applied LC-OCD methodology to characterize organic compounds in industrial wastewater from a gas production facility, and evaluated the performance of a full-scale RO system with and without ACF pretreatment. The results showed that ACF pretreatment can effectively reduce membrane fouling.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Celine Garnier, Wafa Guiga, Marie-Laure Lameloise, Laure Degrand, Claire Fargues
Summary: This paper investigates the feasibility of using reverse osmosis or tight nanofiltration to treat cauliflower blanching wastewater, and validates the Solution-Diffusion model for glucose and fructose transfer.
JOURNAL OF FOOD ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Midori Yasui, Hikaru Iso, Shotaro Torii, Yasuhiro Matsui, Hiroyuki Katayama
Summary: Wastewater treatment for potable reuse is increasingly important globally, with advanced treatment processes like MF, UF and RO providing significant virus removal. Evaluating specific viruses like AiV, PMMoV, CGMMV, and crAssphage as process indicators, it was found that PMMoV and CGMMV are recommended indicators for physical virus removal in the overall water treatment process.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Andreia B. Santos, Alexandre Giacobbo, Marco Antonio S. Rodrigues, Andrea Moura Bernardes
Summary: In this study, the tertiary effluent from a Petrochemical Complex in Southern Brazil was treated using an integrated system of UF, RO, and EDI to produce industrial water for reuse. The system effectively removed impurities and met the quality requirements for reuse as clarified or demineralized water. The industrial reuse of this water can significantly reduce raw water collection and effluent disposal, thereby reducing the water footprint and increasing the sustainability of the petrochemical industry.
PROCESS SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Gema Perez, Pedro Gomez, Inmaculada Ortiz, Ane Urtiaga
Summary: Reclaimed water, through membrane technologies like ultrafiltration (UF) and reverse osmosis (RO), plays a crucial role in improving water resource utilization efficiency and meeting water quality requirements for industrial reuse. The integrated prototype operated in the wastewater treatment plant showed significant cost savings and effective water recovery, highlighting the importance of process variables and economic evaluation in water reclamation.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Nur'Aishah Ahmad Shahrim, Nada Mahmoud Abounahia, Aya Mohammed Ahmed El-Sayed, Haleema Saleem, Syed Javaid Zaidi
Summary: The utilization of membrane-based technology for the treatment of produced water is a new approach for water recovery. Reverse osmosis technology is widely used, and emerging technologies such as forward osmosis and membrane distillation are advancing. This study also discusses pilot scale studies and the challenges and future outlooks of using membrane-based technologies for produced water treatment.
JOURNAL OF WATER PROCESS ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
C. D. Venzke, D. U. Rizzana, A. Giacobbo, M. A. S. Rodrigues, T. He, A. M. Bernardes
Summary: The study explored the application of DCMD in treating ROC from petrochemical wastewater, finding that the oleophobic membrane demonstrated better efficiency and achieved a water recovery ratio of 90%.
JOURNAL OF WATER PROCESS ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Joanna Marszalek, Renata Zylla
Summary: The study successfully purified model textile wastewater using a two-stage membrane filtration process, and the purified wastewater was reused in dyeing fibers without affecting the dyeing quality.
Review
Polymer Science
Yexin Dai, Miao Liu, Jingyu Li, Ning Kang, Afaque Ahmed, Yanping Zong, Jianbo Tu, Yanzhen Chen, Pingping Zhang, Xianhua Liu
Summary: This article is a literature review of the development and future directions of graphene-based membranes in the field of water desalination. Literature published between 2011 and 2022 was analyzed using bibliometric methods, and the recent advances, remaining gaps, and strategies for future research were discussed.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Marjana Simonic
Summary: The aim of this study was to purify mixed wastewater from three different production processes for reuse as process water. Neutralization and reverse osmosis techniques were used to successfully remove pollutants from the wastewater, meeting emission standards.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Chen Cheng, Xiaofei Huang, Prakhar Prakash, Satish Chilekar, Rich Franks
Summary: This article presents an experimental study using high temperature reverse osmosis membranes to treat produced water, demonstrating high boron rejection and stable rejection rates for boron and TDS at high temperatures. The calibrated membrane software was used for system-level design, showing good alignment with lab test results.
Review
Energy & Fuels
Bourhan Tashtoush, Wa 'ed Alyahya, Malak Al Ghadi, Jamal Al-Omari, Tatiana Morosuk
Summary: This paper provides a comprehensive overview of advanced water desalination systems powered by renewable energy sources, with a specific focus on solar energy. The study evaluates the current advancements in driving water desalination processes using renewable energy, identifies research gaps, challenges, and recommendations, and assesses the performance and potential improvement of hybrid desalination systems.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Leone Mazzeo, Marco Cocchi, Mauro Capocelli, Vincenzo Piemonte
Summary: This paper introduces a new continuous two phase bioreactor (C-TPPB) configuration for the removal and degradation of xenobiotic compounds from wastewaters. A mathematical model was developed and validated, and a dimensionless analysis was conducted to detect the design criteria. The removal of 4-NtiroPhenol was used as a case study to develop a preliminary design algorithm.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING RESEARCH & DESIGN
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Velia Minicozzi, Almerinda Di Venere, Anna Maria Caccuri, Giampiero Mei, Luisa Di Paola
Summary: In this study, computational analysis of the Molecular Dynamics of TRAF2-C was performed to identify patterns in the interactions between the three chains. The results show that two chains exhibit strongly correlated motion, while the third chain follows a freer motion. Detailed analysis of the correlation matrix reveals specific interface residues that characterize the interaction of the more independent subunit with the other two. These findings suggest that a few critical residues in the protein quaternary structure may finely tune the equilibrium between the trimer and the dissociated species, potentially facilitating the regulation of oligomerization and dissociation in vivo.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Eleonora Nicolai, Velia Minicozzi, Luisa Di Paola, Rosaria Medda, Francesca Pintus, Giampiero Mei, Almerinda Di Venere
Summary: This study investigates the conformational dynamics and structural features of two amine oxidases using fluorescence spectroscopy measurements and molecular dynamics simulations. The results show slight but significant differences in the local structure of the two enzymes, which exhibit asymmetry. These findings provide a new rationale for the functioning of amine oxidases as homodimers.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Hamid Hadi-Alijanvand, Luisa Di Paola, Guang Hu, David M. Leitner, Gennady M. Verkhivker, Peixin Sun, Humanath Poudel, Alessandro Giuliani
Summary: The spike protein of SARS-CoV2 and its interaction with the human receptor ACE2 play a central role in the infection process. Vaccines are important for preventing severe effects and transmission, but there is still a need for drugs that specifically target the spike protein. This study uses computational modeling to explore the interaction of spike protein with ACE2, focusing on its allosteric regulation, which could provide important insights for understanding the virus and developing potential treatments.
Article
Physics, Multidisciplinary
Luisa Di Paola, Humanath Poudel, Mauro Parise, Alessandro Giuliani, David M. Leitner
Summary: This research investigates the activation of G-protein-coupled receptors through molecular switches and studies the allosteric properties of beta 2-AR using Protein Contact Networks. The statistical analysis of topological and structural properties along the molecular dynamics trajectory reveals the activation pattern and emphasizes the significance of network formalism in uncovering functional features of protein molecules.
Article
Computer Science, Information Systems
Federico D'Antoni, Lorenzo Petrosino, Alessandro Marchetti, Luca Bacco, Silvia Pieralice, Luca Vollero, Paolo Pozzilli, Vincenzo Piemonte, Mario Merone
Summary: This study proposes a layered meta-learning approach based on multi-expert systems to predict adverse events in patients with type 1 diabetes. Three deep neural networks are used to specialize in predicting hypoglycemia, hyperglycemia, or euglycemia. The outputs of the experts are then passed to a meta-learner to provide the final classification. The approach is able to predict hypoglycemia events with an average time gain of 22.8 minutes and hyperglycemia events with an average advance of 24.0 minutes.
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Silvia Del Giorno, Federico DAntoni, Vincenzo Piemonte, Mario Merone
Summary: This study aims to develop a fully-automated glycemic control system based on a Dyna-Q Reinforcement Learning algorithm that can automatically decide insulin infusion without requiring carbohydrate information from the patient. Validated on data from 10 in silico patients, the system achieves effective glycemic control while ensuring safety.
BIOMEDICAL SIGNAL PROCESSING AND CONTROL
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Leone Mazzeo, Davide Marzi, Irene Bavasso, Vincenzo Piemonte, Luca Di Palma
Summary: Phytoremediation of arsenic-contaminated water using the fern Pteris vittata was successful, and its waste roots were tested as a low-cost bio-adsorbent to remove methylene blue from water in a fixed-bed adsorption configuration. Column runs were carried out to evaluate the mass transfer mechanism and a correlation equation was obtained. The technology is ready to be tested at larger scales within the specified range.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Marco Cocchi, Lorenzo Cafiero, Doina De Angelis, Maria Beatrice Falasconi, Vincenzo Piemonte, Riccardo Tuffi, Stefano Vecchio Ciprioti
Summary: Valuable hydrocarbon oil and gas can be produced from marine plastic litter (MPL) through thermal, catalytic pyrolysis. The low-cost H-X zeolite synthesized from coal fly ash showed better degradation performance compared to the two commercial zeolites commonly used in the industrial cracking field.
ACS SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Emma Palo, Vittoria Cosentino, Gaetano Iaquaniello, Vincenzo Piemonte, Emmanuel Busillo
Summary: Currently, the majority of hydrogen production relies on CO2 emission-intensive methods such as natural gas reforming and coal gasification. Water-splitting electrolysis using renewable energy is a cleaner alternative, but it requires significant energy input. To promote the clean energy transition, it is crucial to develop low-carbon hydrogen production routes that can replace current methods and meet increasing demands. The utilization of methane cracking as an alternative to steam reforming coupled with CCS has gained attention. This article presents a model for the kinetic mechanisms involved in methane cracking with molten metals, validated using experimental data and used for reactor scaling.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Tamara Boscarino, Leone Mazzeo, Franca Abbruzzese, Mario Merone, Vincenzo Piemonte
Summary: This study explores the feasibility of developing a novel and cost-effective extracorporeal liver support device that can be used as a transitional therapy to transplantation. The results show that dispersing the adsorbent particles in dialysis fluid performs better than not using dialysis fluid. Further studies will focus on optimizing these models to develop a more compact and wearable device, although the clinical applicability of these models is still distant.
BIOENGINEERING-BASEL
(2023)
Review
Energy & Fuels
Vera Marcantonio, Luisa Di Paola, Marcello De Falco, Mauro Capocelli
Summary: Biomass gasification is an effective and reliable technology for producing energy and fuels with zero carbon emissions. This review paper focuses on literature models, including kinetic models, thermodynamic models, and computational fluid dynamic models, to describe the biomass gasification process. The aim of the study is to compare the strengths and weaknesses of these models and provide guidance on when to use each approach.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Filippo Alessandro Fornaro, Antonio Zarli, Claudio Serangeli, Annarita Salladini, Vincenzo Piemonte, Gaetano Iaquaniello, Luisa Di Paola
Summary: The global fishing industry generates a substantial amount of waste, including valuable bioactive compounds. Extracting these compounds from fish waste is a promising way to reduce waste and create new products with positive impacts on human health and the environment. The combination of supercritical fluid-CO2 extraction with innovative separation technologies allows for efficient utilization of fish waste with minimal environmental impact.
WASTE AND BIOMASS VALORIZATION
(2023)
Proceedings Paper
Computer Science, Information Systems
Elisabetta Torre, Luisa Francini, Ermanno Cordelli, Rosa Sicilia, Silvia Manfrini, Vincenzo Piemonte, Paolo Soda
Summary: This article introduces a study on making insulin pens smart using information technology to promote injection therapy for diabetes patients and address the issues of injection site rotation and lipodystrophies. The results show high accuracy in injection site recognition and lipodystrophies detection.
2022 IEEE 35TH INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM ON COMPUTER-BASED MEDICAL SYSTEMS (CBMS)
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Federico D'Antoni, Lorenzo Petrosino, Fabiola Sgarro, Antonio Pagano, Luca Vollero, Vincenzo Piemonte, Mario Merone
Summary: This study shows that both the Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) and Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) Recurrent Neural Network models effectively predict glucose levels in pediatric patients with high numerical and clinical accuracy. Implementing these models on edge computing boards, the inference time is suitable for real-time applications, and there is no significant decrease in performance.
BIOENGINEERING-BASEL
(2022)