Search results for: PYROLYSIS, CHEMICAL ACTIVATION, WASTE BIOMASS, ACTIVATED BIOCARBON, ADSORPTION
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Implementation of advanced micropollutants removal technologies in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) - Examples and challenges based on selected EU countries
PublicationThe accumulation of micropollutants (MPs) and their increasing concentration in the aquatic environment are an emerging issue for water quality in the world. The complex web of exposure pathways, as well as the variety in the chemical structure and potency of MPs, represents enormous challenges for researchers and policy initiatives. In order to manage MPs, it has to be decided which of them have to be reduced and to what extent,...
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Deposition and Electrical and Structural Properties of La0.6Sr0.4CoO3 Thin Films for Application in High-Temperature Electrochemical Cells
PublicationLow-temperature deposition of electroceramic thin films allows the construction of new devices and their integration with existing large-scale fabrication methods. Developing a suitable low-cost deposition method is important to further advance the development of microdevices. In this work, we deposited a 1-lm-thick La0.6Sr0.4CoO3d (LSC) perovskite with high electrical conductivity on sapphire substrates at 400C and analyzed its...
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FROM HARVESTING TO DISTILLATION - EFFECT OF ANALYTICAL PROCEDURES ON THE YIELD AND CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF RHODODENDRON TOMENTOSUM (LEDUM PALUSTRE) ESSENTIAL OIL
PublicationRhododendron tomentosum possesses the anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antimicrobial properties, determined by the chemical composition of its essential oil. The effects of place (Miszewko, Lubichowo) and time of harvesting (June, November) as well as drying (air-drying, oven-drying, freeze-drying) and isolation (in Deryng, Clevenger and Likens-Nickerson apparatus) procedures on the yield and quality of R. tomentosum essential...
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A novel concept of negative CO2 emission power plant for utilization of sewage sludge
PublicationCarbon Capture and Storage (CSS) technology is considered an important “bridge technology”, allowing effective abatement of CO2 emissions for power units using fossil fuels. However, if biomass is used in a power plant, equipped with CCS system, negative CO2 emissions can be achieved. In practice, wide development of such technologies would enable not only reduction of CO2 emissions, but also reversal of the harm done so far. In...
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Release of selected chemical elements from shale drill cuttings to aqueous solutions of different pH
PublicationThe effect of pH changes on leachability of light and heavy metals from shale drill cuttings generated from unconventional shale gas production was investigated. Cuttings, being the primary byproduct generated from drilling operations, belong to the potentially hazardous type of wastes due to presence of heavy and radioactive elements and remains of drilling fluid. In this regard, assessment of potentially dangerous components...
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Modeling organic nitrogen conversions in activated sludge bioreactors
PublicationFor biological nutrient removal (BNR) systems designed to maximize nitrogen removal, the effluent total nitrogen (TN) concentration may range from 2.0 to 4.0 g N/m3 with about 25-50% in the form of organic nitrogen (ON). In this study, current approaches to modeling organic N conversions (separate processes vs. constant contents of organic fractions) were compared. A new conceptual model of ON conversions was developed and combined...
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Optimized photodegradation of palm oil agroindustry waste effluent using multivalent manganese–modified black titanium dioxide
PublicationThis article presents a methodological approach to use manganese (Mn3+Mn7+)-modified black titanium dioxide (Mn/BTiO2) as a photocatalyst to optimize and improve visible-light-driven photodegradation of treated agro-industrial effluent (TPOME). A modified wet chemical process was used to prepare BTiO2. The BTiO2 was then wet impregnated with Mn and calcined at 300 °C for 1 h to produce Mn/BTiO2. The activity of Mn/BTiO2 was investigated...
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Assessment of the water quality of Kłodnica River catchment using self-organizing maps
PublicationRisk assessment of industrial areas heavily polluted due to anthropogenic actions is of increasing concern worldwide. So is the case of Polish Silesia region where mostly heavy industry like smelters, mining, chemical industries as well as heat and electricity production facilities are being located. Such situation raises numerous questions about environmental state of local water bodies with special attention paid to the Kłodnica...
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Methods of liquid biofuels production - the bioethanol example.
PublicationEthanol is used in chemical and food industry, mainly either in the synthesis or as a solvent. The newest application of ethanol is as a fuel. This alcohol, produced on an industrial scale from crop waste, is widely known under the name bioethanol. It could be used as a fuel by itself or in a mixture with gasoline. Today, there are several technologies for bioethanol production known. The relatively simple method of obtaining bioethanol...
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METHODS OF LIQUID BIOFUEL PRODUCTION – THE BIOETHANOL EXAMPLE
PublicationEthanol is used in chemical and food industry, mainly either in the synthesis or as a solvent. The newest application of ethanol is as a fuel. This alcohol, produced on an industrial scale from crop waste, is widely known under the name bioethanol. It could be used as a fuel by itself or in a mixture with gasoline. Today, there are several technologies for bioethanol production known. The relatively simple method of obtaining bioethanol...
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Application of the Anammox Process for Treatment of Liquid Phase Digestate
PublicationThe liquid phase of the digestate (LPD) contains a relatively high concentration of nitrogen, with total ammonium nitrogen being the dominant form of nitrogen, as well as other essential nutrients such as phosphorus and potassium. Consequently, it must be treated before it is released into the environment. However, there are no reports of co-purification of LPD in the anammox process in sequencing batch reactor with granular sludge,...
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Analytical procedures for the determination of surfactants in environmental samples
PublicationBecause of their specific physical and chemical properties (amphiphilicity, solubility in polar and nonpolar liquids, ability to form micelles, adsorption at phase boundaries, low toxicity) surfactants (surface-active compounds) are widely applied in industry and in the household. As their applications are on a very large scale, it has become necessary to acquire a more detailed understanding of their environmental fate.In the...
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Nanostructure and dielectric behavior of vanadate glasses containing BaTiO3
PublicationThe ac and dc electrical conductivity of barium titanate doped bismuth-vanadate as-quenched and heat-treated materials was measured in the frequency range from 1 mHz to 1 MHz and in the temperature range from 153 K to 423 K with the impedance spectroscopy method. The microstructure was investigated by means of XRD, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM) and confocal microscopy. The obtained results showed...
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The optimization of enzyme immobilization at Au-Ti nanotextured platform and its impact onto the response towards glucose in neutral media
PublicationThe market of non-invasive glucose sensors is drastically growing due to increasing number of people suffering from diabetes. Therefore, there is a significant need for any improvement in the field of biosensors that can be used for monitoring glucose level in human body. In recent years the emphasis is put onto the modification of electrode material with enzymes possessing recognition centre specific towards particular molecules....
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The impact of precipitation and external carbon source addition on biological nutrient removal in activated sludge systems - experimentalinvestigation and mathematical modeling
PublicationThe aim of this study was to determine the effects of chemical precipitation and addition of external carbonsources on the denitrification capability and enhanced biological phosphorus removal (EBPR) interactions atthe 'Wschod' WWTP (600,000 PE) in Gdansk (northern Poland). For this purpose, different kinds of batch experimentswere carried out with the settled wastewater (without pretreatment and after coagulation-flocculation)and...
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The impact of precipitation and external carbon source addition on biological nutrient removal in activated sludge systems – experimental investigation and mathematical modeling
PublicationThe aim of this study was to determine the effects of chemical precipitation and addition of external carbonsources on the denitrification capability and enhanced biological phosphorus removal (EBPR) interactions atthe ‘Wschod’ WWTP (600,000 PE) in Gdansk (northern Poland). For this purpose, different kinds of batch experimentswere carried out with the settled wastewater (without pretreatment and after coagulation-flocculation)and...
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Efficient Extraction of Fermentation Inhibitors by Means of Green Hydrophobic Deep Eutectic Solvents
PublicationThe methods for hydrogen yield efficiency improvements, the gaseous stream purification in gaseous biofuels generation, and the biomass pretreatment are considered as the main trends in research devoted to gaseous biofuel production. The environmental aspect related to the liquid stream purification arises. Moreover, the management of post-fermentation broth with the application of various biorefining techniques gains importance....
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Copper Slag as a Potential Waste Filler for Polyethylene-Based Composites Manufacturing
PublicationThe present study aimed to analyze the application of waste material from copper production– copper slag (ŻŻL) as filler for composites based on the high-density polyethylene (HDPE). Copper slag filler was introduced in the amounts of 1–20 wt%, and its influence on the appearance (color analysis), chemical structure (Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy), microstructure (optical microscopy), as well as static (tensile...
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Electrochemical determination of nitroaromatic explosives at boron-doped diamond/graphene nanowall electrodes: 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene and 2,4,6-trinitroanisole in liquid effluents
PublicationThe study is devoted to the electrochemical detection of trace explosives on boron-doped diamond/graphene nanowall electrodes (B:DGNW). The electrodes were fabricated in a one-step growth process using chemical vapour deposition without any additional modifications. The electrochemical investigations were focused on the determination of the important nitroaromatic explosive compounds, 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) and 2,4,6-trinitroanisole...
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Antimicrobial resistance of fecal indicators in muncipal wastewater treatment plant
PublicationAntimicrobial resistance of fecal coliforms (n = 153) and enterococci (n = 199) isolates was investigated in municipal wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) based on activated sludge system. The number of fecal indicators (in influent and effluent as well as in the aeration chamber and in return activated sludge mixture) was determined using selective media. Susceptibility of selected strains was tested against 19 (aminoglycosides,...
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Properties and applications of thermostable proteases sourced from Deinococcus geothermalis.
PublicationThe growing interest of extremophiles results from the fact that their enzymes arestable and active under harsh environment conditions. These type of biocatalysts are attractivedue to the fact that can be used in industrial processes that were previously regarded asincompatible with biological materials. Among extremozymes the largest group constitutethermozymes. Currently it is estimated that approximately 40% of enzymes used...
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New Procedures for Control of Industrial Effluents Treatment Processes
PublicationThis work presents the procedures for monitoring volatile organic compounds during treatment of industrial effluents. The investigation was carried out for a specific effluent—caustic effluent from bitumen production. The developed procedures enable more detailed control of the effectiveness of wastewater treatment than standard procedures. Caustic effluents from bitumen production have a complex physicochemical form and consist...
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Growth and Isolation of Large Area Boron‐Doped Nanocrystalline Diamond Sheets: A Route toward Diamond‐on‐Graphene Heterojunction
PublicationMany material device applications would benefit from thin diamond coatings, but current growth techniques, such as chemical vapor deposition (CVD) or atomic layer deposition require high substrate and gas‐phase temperatures that would destroy the device being coated. The development of freestanding, thin boron‐doped diamond nanosheets grown on tantalum foil substrates via microwave plasma‐assisted CVD is reported. These diamond...
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Multiple transcriptional factors regulate transcription of the rpoE gene in Escherichia coli under different growth conditions and when the lipopolysaccharide biosynthesis is defective.
PublicationThe RpoE sigma factor is essential for the viability of Escherichia coli. RpoE regulates extracytoplasmic functions including lipopolysaccharide (LPS) translocation and some of its non-stoichiometric modifications. Transcription of the rpoE gene is positively autoregulated by EσE and by unknown mechanisms that control the expression of its distally located promoter(s). Mapping of 5′ ends of rpoE mRNA identified five new transcriptional...
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Application of BDD thin film electrode for electrochemical decomposition of heterogeneous aromatic compounds
PublicationThe aim of the presented study is to investigate the applicability of electrochemical oxidation of aromatic compounds containing heteroatoms, e.g. waste from production of pesticides or pharmaceutics, at a borondoped diamond (BDD) electrode. The BDD electrodes were synthesized by microwave plasma enhanced chemical vapour deposition (MW PE CVD). Investigation of the electrode surface by optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy...
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Cast polyurethanes obtained from reactive recovered polyol intermediates via crude glycerine decomposition process
PublicationIn this work, the possibility of applying intermediates from polyurethane waste recycling in polyurethane synthesis was presented. Polyurethanes were synthesised in a two-step method using a mixture of petrochemical polyol and glycerolysate, used as a reactive component, 4,4-diphenylmethane diisocyanate (MDI) and 1,4-buthanediol (BD). Glycerolysates were produced during decomposition of polyurethane elastomer by crude glycerine...
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Recycling of Waste Rubber by Thermo-Mechanical Treatment in a Twin-Screw Extruder
PublicationRecycling of waste tires is a significant issue considering both environmental and economic aspects. One of the leading recycling routes is the shredding of tires resulting in the generation of ground tire rubber. This material can be easily introduced into various polymer matrices as a filler, reducing the use of conventionally applied petroleum-based materials. In such cases, it is essential to ensure sufficient interfacial compatibility,...
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Microplastics in water resources: Global pollution circle, possible technological solutions, legislations, and future horizon
PublicationBeneath the surface of our ecosystems, microplastics (MPs) silently loom as a significant threat. These minuscule pollutants, invisible to the naked eye, wreak havoc on living organisms and disrupt the delicate balance of our environment. As we delve into a trove of data and reports, a troubling narrative unfolds: MPs pose a grave risk to both health and food chains with their diverse compositions and chemical characteristics....
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Experimental and predicted physicochemical properties of monopropanolamine-based deep eutectic solvents
PublicationIn this work, the novel deep eutectic solvents (DESs) based on 3-amino-1-propanol (AP) as hydrogen bond donor (HBD) and tetrabutylammonium bromide (TBAB) or tetrabutylammonium chloride (TBAC) or tetraethylammonium chloride (TEAC) as hydrogen bond acceptors (HBAs) were synthesized with different molar ratios of 1: 4, 1: 6 and 1: 8 salt to AP. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy measurements were performed to provide an evidence...
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Boron-Doped Diamond/GaN Heterojunction—The Influence of the Low-Temperature Deposition
PublicationWe report a method of growing a boron-doped diamond film by plasma-assisted chemical vapour deposition utilizing a pre-treatment of GaN substrate to give a high density of nucleation. CVD diamond was deposited on GaN substrate grown epitaxially via the molecular-beam epitaxy process. To obtain a continuous diamond film with the presence of well-developed grains, the GaN substrates are exposed to hydrogen plasma prior to deposition....
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Experimental and predicted physicochemical properties of monopropanolamine-based deep eutectic solvents
PublicationIn this work, the novel deep eutectic solvents (DESs) based on 3-amino-1-propanol (AP) as hydrogen bond donor (HBD) and tetrabutylammonium bromide (TBAB) or tetrabutylammonium chloride (TBAC) or tetraethylammonium chloride (TEAC) as hydrogen bond acceptors (HBAs) were synthesized with different molar ratios of 1:4, 1:6 and 1:8 salt to AP. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy measurements were performed to provide an evidence...
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Screening stability, thermochemistry, and chemical kinetics of 3-hydroxybutanoic acid as a bifunctional biodiesel additive
PublicationThe thermo-kinetic aspects of 3-hydroxybutyric acid (3-HBA) pyrolysis in the gas phase were investigated using density functional theory (DFT), specifically the M06-2X theoretical level in conjunction with the cc-pVTZ basis set. The obtained data were compared with benchmark CBS-QB3 results. The degradation mechanism was divided into 16 pathways, comprising 6 complex fissions and 10 barrierless reactions. Energy profiles were calculated...
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Właściwości fizykochemiczne i możliwości zastosowania preparatu biosurfaktantowego wytwarzanego przez Pseudomonas PS-17
PublicationPraca dotyczy właściwości fizykochemicznych nieoczyszczonego biosurfaktantu wytwarzanego przez szczep Pseudomonas PS-17 (biokompleksu ramnolipidowego RL53) oraz możliwości jego zastosowania w rafinacji olejów roślinnych. W części literaturowej przedstawiono zarys wiedzy na temat toksyczności i biodegradowalności biosurfaktantów, a także na temat wybranych właściwości fizykochemicznych tych związków, takich jak zdolność do micelizacji...
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Microbial and chemical quality assessment of the small rivers entering the South Baltic. Part II: Case study on the watercourses in the Puck Bay catchment area
PublicationDue to its location, Puck Bay is an area particularly vulnerable to pollution of anthropogenic origin. The aim of the study was to assess the water quality of small watercourses entering the inner part of Puck Bay. The paper presents the results of chemical and microbiological analyses of 10 rivers and canals at their estuaries located on the western shore of the internal Puck Bay. The following environmental parameters were analyzed:...
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WAYS TO IMPROVE THE EFFICIENCY OF WASTEWATER TREATMENT OF A CARDBOARD AND PAPER MILL
PublicationThe results of research on physical and chemical methods for the preliminary treatment of wastewater of a cardboard and paper factory in Khmelnytskyi region of Ukraine are presented. At the cardboard and paper factory, wastewater is treated at a sewage treatment plant, which includes sand traps, primary radial sedimentation tanks, aeration tanks with activated sludge regenerators, secondary radial sedimentation tanks, and bioponds....
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Efficacious Alkaline Copper Corrosion Inhibition by a Mixed Ligand Copper(II) Complex of 2,2′-Bipyridine and Glycine: Electrochemical and Theoretical Studies
PublicationA mixed ligand copper(II) complex, namely, [Cu(BPy)(Gly)Cl]⋅2H2O (CuC) (BPy=2,2′-bipyridine and Gly=glycine), was synthesized and characterized. The synthesized CuC complex was tested as inhibitor to effectively mitigate the corrosion of copper in alkaline solutions using the linear sweep voltammetry (LSV) and linear polarization resistance (LPR) techniques. For the sake of comparison, such two D.C. electrochemical techniques were...
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Formaldehyde detection with chemical gas sensors based on WO3 nanowires decorated with metal nanoparticles under dark conditions and UV light irradiation
PublicationWe report results of formaldehyde gas (CH2O) detection under dark conditions and UV light irradiation with pristine tungsten trioxide nanowires (WO3 NWs) and metal nanoparticles decorated WO3 NWs gas sensing layers. The resistive layers were deposited by one step aerosol assisted chemical vapor deposition (AACVD) on commercial alumina substrates with 10-pair interdigitated platinum electrodes. The elaborated gas sensors, based...
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Hybrid systems using hydrodynamic cavitation/ultrasound/Fenton processes for effective treatment of wastewater
PublicationThe present situation of rapid growth in industrialization generates complex recalcitrant pollutants that are challenging to degrade by conventional wastewater treatment processes. The new generation pollutants such as non-metals in cosmetics or household cleaning chemicals and radioactive compounds which are recalcitrant are the emerging threat to the ecosystem. The headstrong micro and macro pollutants present in wastewater are...
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Tuning of food wastes bioavailability as feedstock for bio-conversion processes by acoustic cavitation and SPC, SPS, or H2O2 as external oxidants
PublicationThe growing amount of food wastes makes them a suitable source for the generation of bioproducts through anaerobic digestion. Appropriate hydrolysis of the feedstock can enhance the efficiency of production of desired products. In this work, acoustic cavitation (AC) was employed as a pretreatment method to enhance hydrolysis stage by the modification of model (potato-based) food waste for increase in soluble chemical oxygen demand...
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Nanostructure of the laser-modified transition metal nanocomposites for water splitting
PublicationAlthough hydrogen is considered by many to be the green fuel of the future, nowadays it is primarily produced through steam reforming, which is a process far from ecological. Therefore, emphasis is being put on the development of electrodes capable of the efficient production of hydrogen and oxygen from water. To make the green alternative possible, the solution should be cost-efficient and well processable, generating less waste...
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Management of Urban Waters with Nature-Based Solutions in Circular Cities—Exemplified through Seven Urban Circularity Challenges
PublicationNature-Based Solutions (NBS) have been proven to effectively mitigate and solve resource depletion and climate-related challenges in urban areas. The COST (Cooperation in Science and Technology) Action CA17133 entitled “Implementing nature-based solutions (NBS) for building a resourceful circular city” has established seven urban circularity challenges (UCC) that can be addressed effectively with NBS. This paper presents the outcomes...
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Trophic Transfer of Mercury in a Temperate Marine Food Web, Southern Baltic Sea
PublicationMercury (Hg) is considered to be one of the most dangerous global environmental pollutants. The toxicity and bioavailabilityof Hg depend on its chemical form, and the greatest hazard is posed by the organomercurial compounds. Hg is introduced into the human body primarily through the consumption of fish and seafood. Despite numerous studies on Hg in marine organisms, there is still a gap in the knowledge on Hg uptake and...
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Elicitation strategies for the improvement of essential oil content in Rhododendron tomentosum (Ledum palustre) bioreactor-grown microshoots
PublicationRhododendron tomentosum Harmaja, previously Ledum palustre L., is a fragrant plant growing in swampy areas, which is characterized by well-known repellent properties and the anti-arthritic potential. In the present study, R. tomentosum microshoots cultivated in RITA® bioreactor, providing the alternative, environment-independent source of the valuable essential oil, were treated for 7 days with copper and nickel salts, methyl jasmonate,...
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Nitrification, denitrification, and dephosphatation capability of activated sludge during co-treatment of intermediate-age landfill leachates with municipal wastewater
PublicationThis study focuses on the possible use and efficacy of the co-treatment of landfill leachate (intermediate-age) with municipal wastewater. The nitrification, denitrification, and dephosphatation capability of activated sludge acclimated with a mixture of raw municipal wastewater (RWW) with gradually increasing amounts of raw landfill leachate (RLL) (from 0.5 to 5% v/v) were tested. Biochemical tests were conducted simultaneously...
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Formation of Highly Conductive Boron-Doped Diamond on TiO2 Nanotubes Composite for Supercapacitor or Energy Storage Devices
PublicationIn the present paper, we report the phenomena of the formation of the novel composite nanostructures based on TiO2 nanotubes (NTs) over-grown by thin boron-doped diamond (BDD) film produced in Microwave Plasma Enhanced Chemical Vapor Deposition (PE MWCVD). The TiO2 nanotube array overgrown by boron-doped diamond immersed in 0.1 M NaNO3 can deliver high specific capacitance of 7.46 mF cm−2. The composite electrodes were characterized...
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Seeding enhancement for microcrystaline diamond layers growth on non-diamond substrates
PublicationThe present paper gives an overview on the possible methods of seeding substrates for diamond layers growth. Diamond in reason of his properties is very desirable material in microelectronic, biomedical and waste treatment sensors. Microcrystalline diamond for these applications must be grown on silicon substrate in microwave plasma assisted chemical vapor deposition (MPACVD). To grow diamond on non-diamond surface pre-growth...
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An optimal designed experiment for the alkaline hydrolysis of feather keratin
PublicationFeathers, burdensome waste from the poultry industry, can be a cheap source of keratin, a protein with excellent physico- chemical, biological, and mechanical properties. Acid and alkaline hydrolyses are usually adopted for isolation of keratin from its natural resources. This study aimed at assessing the statistically significant effect of input variables in the alkaline hydrolysis of keratin from chicken feathers on the process...
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Chemical-Assisted Mechanical Lapping of Thin Boron-Doped Diamond Films: A Fast Route Toward High Electrochemical Performance for Sensing Devices
PublicationThere is an urgent need for an effective and economically viable increase in electrochemical performance of boron-doped diamond (BDD) electrodes that are used in sensing and electrocatalytic applications. Specifically, one must take into consideration the electrode heterogeneity due to nonhomogenous boron-dopant distribution and the removal of sp2 carbon impurities saturating the electrode, without interference in material integrity....
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Conductive printable electrodes tuned by boron-doped nanodiamond foil additives for nitroexplosive detection
PublicationAn efficient additive manufacturing-based composite material fabrication for electrochemical applications is reported. The composite is composed of commercially available graphene-doped polylactide acid (G-PLA) 3D printouts and surface- functionalized with nanocrystalline boron-doped diamond foil (NDF) additives. The NDFs were synthesized on a tantalum substrate and transferred to the 3D-printout surface at 200 °C. No other electrode...
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Structure-Property Relationship and Multiple Processing Studies of Novel Bio-Based Thermoplastic Polyurethane Elastomers
PublicationCurrently, the growing demand for polymeric materials has led to an increased need to develop effective recycling methods. This study focuses on the multiple processing of bio-based thermoplastic polyurethane elastomers (bio-TPUs) as a sustainable approach for polymeric waste management through mechanical recycling. The main objective is to investigate the influence of two reprocessing cycles on selected properties of bio-TPUs....