Sample records for uv degradable lactic

  1. Water and UV degradable lactic acid polymers

    DOEpatents

    Bonsignore, Patrick V.; Coleman, Robert D.

    1996-01-01

    A water and UV light degradable copolymer of monomers of lactic acid and a modifying monomer selected from the class consisting of ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, P-dioxanone, 1,5 dioxepan-2-one, 1,4-oxathialan-2-one, 1,4-dioxide and mixtures thereof. These copolymers are useful for waste disposal and agricultural purposes. Also disclosed is a water degradable blend of polylactic acid or modified polylactic acid and high molecular weight polyethylene oxide wherein the high molecular weight polyethylene oxide is present in the range of from about 2 by weight to about 50% by weight, suitable for films. A method of applying an active material selected from the class of seeds, seedlings, pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers and mixtures thereof to an agricultural site is also disclosed.

  2. Water and UV degradable lactic acid polymers

    DOEpatents

    Bonsignore, P.V.; Coleman, R.D.

    1994-11-01

    A water and UV light degradable copolymer of monomers of lactic acid and a modifying monomer were selected from the class consisting of ethylene and polyethylene glycols, propylene and polypropylene glycols, P-dioxanone, 1,5 dioxepan-2-one, 1,4 -oxathialan-2-one, 1,4-dioxide and mixtures. These copolymers are useful for waste disposal and agricultural purposes. Also disclosed is a water degradable blend of polylactic acid or modified polylactic acid and high molecular weight polyethylene oxide where the high molecular weight polyethylene oxide is present in the range of from about 2% by weight to about 50% by weight, suitable for films. A method of applying an active material selected from the class of seeds, seedlings, pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers and mixtures to an agricultural site is also disclosed.

  3. Water and UV degradable lactic acid polymers

    DOEpatents

    Bonsignore, P.V.; Coleman, R.D.

    1996-10-08

    A water and UV light degradable copolymer is described made from monomers of lactic acid and a modifying monomer selected from the class consisting of ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, P-dioxanone, 1,5 dioxepan-2-one, 1,4-oxathialan-2-one, 1,4-dioxide and mixtures thereof. These copolymers are useful for waste disposal and agricultural purposes. Also disclosed is a water degradable blend of polylactic acid or modified polylactic acid and high molecular weight polyethylene oxide wherein the high molecular weight polyethylene oxide is present in the range of from about 2 by weight to about 50% by weight, suitable for films. A method of applying an active material selected from the class of seeds, seedlings, pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers and mixtures thereof to an agricultural site is also disclosed.

  4. Water and UV degradable lactic acid polymers

    DOEpatents

    Bonsignore, Patrick V.; Coleman, Robert D.

    1994-01-01

    A water and UV light degradable copolymer of monomers of lactic acid and a modifying monomer selected from the class consisting of ethylene and polyethylene glycols, propylene and polypropylene glycols, P-dioxanone, 1,5 dioxepan-2-one, 1,4 -oxathialan-2-one, 1,4-dioxide and mixtures thereof. These copolymers are useful for waste disposal and agricultural purposes. Also disclosed is a water degradable blend of polylactic acid or modified polylactic acid and high molecular weight polyethylene oxide wherein the high molecular weight polyethylene oxide is present in the range of from about 2% by weight to about 50% by weight, suitable for films. A method of applying an active material selected from the class of seeds, seedlings, pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers and mixtures thereof to an agricultural site is also disclosed.

  5. Impact of Lactic Acid on Cell Proliferation and Free Radical Induced Cell Death in Monolayer Cultures of Neural Precursor Cells

    PubMed Central

    Lampe, Kyle J.; Namba, Rachael M.; Silverman, Tyler R.; Bjugstad, Kimberly B.

    2009-01-01

    Biomaterials prepared from polyesters of lactic acid and glycolic acid, or a mixture of the two, degrade in the presence of water into the naturally occurring metabolites, lactic acid and glycolic acid. While the lactic acid degradation product that is released from biomaterials is well-tolerated by the body, lactic acid can influence the metabolic function of cells; it can serve as an energy substrate for cells, and has been shown to have antioxidant properties. Neural precursor cells, a cell population of considerable interest as a source of cells for neural tissue regeneration strategies, generate a high amount of reactive oxygen species, and when associated with a degradable biomaterial, may be impacted by released lactic acid. In this work, the effect of lactic acid on a neural cell population containing proliferative neural precursor cells was examined in monolayer culture. Lactic acid was found to scavenge exogenously added free radicals produced in the presence of either hydrogen peroxide or a photoinitiator (I2959) commonly utilized in the preparation of photopolymerizable biomaterials. In addition to its effect on exogenously added free radicals, lactic acid reduced intracellular redox state, increased the proliferation of the cell population, and modified the cell composition. The findings of this study provide insight into the role that lactic acid plays naturally on developing neural cells and are also of interest to biomaterials scientists that are focused on the development of degradable lactic-acid based polymers for cell culture devices. The effect of lactic acid on other cell populations may differ and should be characterized to best understand how cells function in degradable cell culture devices. PMID:19408314

  6. Poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)-lactic acid nanocarrier-based degradable hydrogels for restoring the vaginal microenvironment

    PubMed Central

    Rajan, Sujata Sundara; Turovskiy, Yevgeniy; Singh, Yashveer; Chikindas, Michael L.; Sinko, Patrick J.

    2014-01-01

    Women with bacterial vaginosis (BV) display reduced vaginal acidity, which make them susceptible to associated infections such as HIV. In the current study, poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) nanocarrier-based degradable hydrogels were developed for the controlled release of lactic acid in the vagina of BV-infected women. PEG-lactic acid (PEG-LA) nanocarriers were prepared by covalently attaching lactic acid to 8-arm PEG-SH via cleavable thioester bonds. PEG-LA nanocarriers with 4 copies of lactic acid per molecule provided controlled release of lactic acid with a maximum release of 23% and 47% bound lactic acid in phosphate buffered saline (PBS, pH 7.4) and acetate buffer (AB, pH 4.3), respectively. The PEG nanocarrier-based hydrogels were formed by cross-linking the PEG-LA nanocarriers with 4-arm PEG-NHS via degradable thioester bonds. The nanocarrier-based hydrogels formed within 20 min under ambient conditions and exhibited an elastic modulus that was 100-fold higher than the viscous modulus. The nanocarrier-based degradable hydrogels provided controlled release of lactic acid for several hours; however, a maximum release of only 10%–14% bound lactic acid was observed possibly due to steric hindrance of the polymer chains in the cross-linked hydrogel. In contrast, hydrogels with passively entrapped lactic acid showed burst release with complete release within 30 min. Lactic acid showed antimicrobial activity against the primary BV pathogen Gardnerella vaginalis with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 3.6 mg/ml. In addition, the hydrogels with passively entrapped lactic acid showed retained antimicrobial activity with complete inhibition G. vaginalis growth within 48 h. The results of the current study collectively demonstrate the potential of PEG nanocarrier-based hydrogels for vaginal administration of lactic acid for preventing and treating BV. PMID:25223229

  7. Effect of TiO2-Crystal Forms on the Photo-Degradation of EVA/PLA Blend Under Accelerated Weather Testing

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Van Cong, Do; Trang, Nguyen Thi Thu; Giang, Nguyen Vu; Lam, Tran Dai; Hoang, Thai

    2016-05-01

    Photo-degradation of poly (ethylene-co-vinyl acetate) (EVA)/poly (lactic acid) (PLA) blend and EVA/PLA/TiO2 nanocomposites was carried out under accelerated weather testing conditions by alternating cycles of ultraviolet (UV) light and moisture at controlled and elevated temperatures. The characters, properties, and morphology of these materials before and after accelerated weather testing were determined by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, colour changes, viscosity, tensile test, thermogravimetric analysis, and field emission scanning electron microscopy. The increases in the content of oxygen-containing groups, colour changes; the decreases in viscosity, tensile properties, and thermal stability of these materials after accelerated weather testing are the evidence for the photo-degradation of the blend and nanocomposites. After accelerated weather testing, the appearance of many micro-holes and micro-pores on the surface of the collected samples was observed. The photo-degradation degree of the nanocomposites depended on the TiO2-crystal form. Rutile TiO2 do not enhance the degradation, but anatase and mixed crystals TiO2 nanoparticles promoted the degradation of the nanocomposites. Particularly, the mixed crystals TiO2 nanoparticles showed the highest photo-catalytic activity of the nanocomposites.

  8. Effectiveness of chlorine, organic acids and UV treatments in reducing Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Yersinia enterocolitica on apples.

    PubMed

    Escudero, M E; Velázquez, L; Favier, G; de Guzmán, A M

    2003-06-01

    This study assessed the effectiveness of 200 and 500 ppm of chlorine and organic acids (0.5% lactic acid and 0.5% citric acid) in wash solutions, and UV radiation for reducing Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Yersinia enterocolitica on apples contaminated by two different methods. Residual levels of these pathogens after different treatments were compared. On dip inoculated apples, Y. enterocolitica reductions of 2.66 and 2.77 logs were obtained with 200 and 500 ppm chlorine combined with 0.5% lactic acid, respectively. The E. coli O157:H7 population decreased 3.35 log with 0.5% lactic acid wash solution, and 2.72 and 2.62 logs after 500 ppm chlorine and 500 ppm chlorine plus 0.5% lactic acid treatments, respectively. Similar reductions were obtained with UV radiation. On spot inoculated apples, significant (p < 0.05) decreases of 4.67 and 4.58 logs were observed in E. coli O157:H7 and Y. enterocolitica levels, respectively, after 500 ppm chlorine plus 0.5% lactic acid treatment as compared with the control. In sectioned apples, microorganisms infiltrated in inner core region and pulp were not significantly (p < 0.05) affected by disinfection treatments. No pathogens were detected in the natural microflora on apples. Reductions such as those obtained with 500 ppm chlorine plus 0.5% lactic acid solution were very proximal to the 5-log score required by FDA for apple disinfection.

  9. Stereocomplexation of low molecular weight poly(L-lactic acid) and high molecular weight poly(D-lactic acid), radiation crosslinking PLLA/PDLA stereocomplexes and their characterization

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Quynh, Tran Minh; Mai, Hoang Hoa; Lan, Pham Ngoc

    2013-02-01

    Poly(L-lactic acid)s (PLLAx) were synthesized from L-lactic acid by polycondensation. Different stereocomplexes were also obtained with equimolar mixtures of synthesized PLLAx and a commercial PDLA. The stereocomplexes were crosslinked with triallyl isocyanurate (TAIC) by gamma irradiation. Crosslinking density increased with radiation doses, the heavier the crosslinking network, the lower its swelling degree. The crosslinking structures were introduced in the stereocomplexes inhibiting the mobility for crystallization of PLLA molecules. Thermal and mechanical properties of PLA stereocomplexes were remarkably enhanced by radiation induced crosslinking. PLA stereocomplex does not seem to be degraded by PLLA degrading microorganisms existing in compost at room temperature, but the synthesized PLLA was significantly degraded.

  10. Industrial innovations for tomorrow: Advances in industrial energy-efficiency technologies. Degradable plastic made from potato peels

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Not Available

    Stimulated by public demand and state and federal legislation, industry has begun to develop bio- and photo- degradable plastics. so far, however, none of these degradable plastics meets all of the criteria for success - adequate physical and mechanical properties for the desired use, cost-effectiveness, and 100% degradability. Polylactic acid (PLA) plastic is one degradable plastic that shows promise. It has the desired properties and is 100% degradable. However, PLA plastic made by conventional techniques is not cost effective. Made from lactic acid, which is typically made form petroleum using a very costly synthesis process. Lactic acid can also bemore » made from carbohydrates (starches), found in food processing wastes such as potato wastes, cheese whey, and sorghum. Conversion of starch to simple sugars, and fermentation of these sugars can produce lactic acid.« less

  11. Strain improvement of Lactobacillus lactis for D-lactic acid production.

    PubMed

    Joshi, D S; Singhvi, M S; Khire, J M; Gokhale, D V

    2010-04-01

    Three mutants, isolated by repeated UV mutagenesis of Lactobacillus lactis NCIM 2368, produced increased D: -lactic acid concentrations. These mutants were compared with the wild type using 100 g hydrolyzed cane sugar/l in the fermentation medium. One mutant, RM2-24, produced 81 g lactic acid/l which was over three times that of the wild type. The highest D: -lactic acid (110 g/l) in batch fermentation was obtained with 150 g cane sugar/l with a 73% lactic acid yield. The mutant utilizes cellobiose efficiently, converting it into D-lactic acid suggesting the presence of cellobiase. Thus, this strain could be used to obtain D-lactic acid from cellulosic materials that are pre-hydrolyzed with cellulase.

  12. Degradation of Poly(L-Lactic Acid) and Bio-Composites by Alkaline Medium under Various Temperatures

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    Ribbons of poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and PLA containing 10 or 25 % Osage orange (OO) biocomposites of various sized heartwood particles were exposed to non-composting soil conditions either outdoors or in a greenhouse. No appreciable degradation was evident even after 208 day treatments. An artifici...

  13. Process for the preparation of lactic acid and glyceric acid

    DOEpatents

    Jackson, James E [Haslett, MI; Miller, Dennis J [Okemos, MI; Marincean, Simona [Dewitt, MI

    2008-12-02

    Hexose and pentose monosaccharides are degraded to lactic acid and glyceric acid in an aqueous solution in the presence of an excess of a strongly anionic exchange resin, such as AMBERLITE IRN78 and AMBERLITE IRA400. The glyceric acid and lactic acid can be separated from the aqueous solution. Lactic acid and glyceric acid are staple articles of commerce.

  14. Production of high molecular weight polylactic acid

    DOEpatents

    Bonsignore, Patrick V.

    1995-01-01

    A degradable high molecular weight poly(lactic acid). A poly(lactic acid) has a terminal end group of one of carboxyl or hydroxyl groups with low molecular weight poly(lactic acid) units coupled with linking agents of di-isocyanates, bis-epoxides, bis-oxazolines and bis-ortho esters. The resulting high molecular weight poly(lactic acid) can be used for applications taking advantage of the improved physical properties.

  15. Strain improvement and metabolic flux analysis in the wild-type and a mutant Lactobacillus lactis strain for L(+)-lactic acid production.

    PubMed

    Bai, Dong-Mei; Zhao, Xue-Ming; Li, Xin-Gang; Xu, Shi-Min

    2004-12-20

    The effects of initial glucose concentration and calcium lactate concentration on the lactic acid production by the parent strain, Lactobacillus lactis BME5-18, were studied. The results of the experiments indicated that glucose and lactate repressed the cell growth and the lactic acid production by Lactobacillus lactis BME5-18. A L(+)-lactic acid overproducing strain, Lactobacillus lactis BME5-18M, was screened by mutagenizing the parent strain with ultraviolet (UV) light irradiation and selecting the high glucose and lactate calcium concentration repression resistant mutant. Starting with a concentration of 100g L(-1) glucose, the mutant produced 98.6 g L(-1) lactic acid after 60 h in flasks, 73.9% higher than that of the parent strain. The L(+)-lactic acid purity was 98.1% by weight based on the amount of total lactic acid. The culture of the parent strain could not be analyzed well by conventional metabolic flux analysis techniques, since some pyruvate were accumulated intracellularly. Therefore, a revised flux analysis method was proposed by introducing intracellular pyruvate pool. Further studies demonstrate that there is a high level of NADH oxidase activity (12.11 mmol mg(-1) min(-1)) in the parent strain. The molecular mechanisms of the strain improvement were proposed, i.e., the high level of NADH oxidase activity was eliminated and the uptake rate of glucose was increased from 82.1 C-mmol (g DW h)(-1) to 98.9 C-mmol (g DW h)(-1) by mutagenizing the parent strain with UV, and therefore the mutant strain converts mostly pyruvate to lactic acid with a higher productivity (1.76 g L(-1) h(-1)) than the parent strain (0.95 g L(-1) h(-1)).

  16. Production of high molecular weight polylactic acid

    DOEpatents

    Bonsignore, P.V.

    1995-11-28

    A degradable high molecular weight poly(lactic acid) is described. The poly(lactic acid) has a terminal end group of one of carboxyl or hydroxyl groups with low molecular weight poly(lactic acid) units coupled with linking agents of di-isocyanates, bis-epoxides, bis-oxazolines and bis-ortho esters. The resulting high molecular weight poly(lactic acid) can be used for applications taking advantage of the improved physical properties.

  17. Synthesis and Hydrolytic Degradation of Substituted Poly(DL-Lactic Acid)s

    PubMed Central

    Tsuji, Hideto; Eto, Takehiko; Sakamoto, Yuzuru

    2011-01-01

    Non-substituted racemic poly(DL-lactic acid) (PLA) and substituted racemic poly(DL-lactic acid)s or poly(DL-2-hydroxyalkanoic acid)s with different side-chain lengths, i.e., poly(DL-2-hydroxybutanoic acid) (PBA), poly(DL-2-hydroxyhexanoic acid) (PHA), and poly(DL-2-hydroxydecanoic acid) (PDA) were synthesized by acid-catalyzed polycondensation of DL-lactic acid (LA), DL-2-hydroxybutanoic acid (BA), DL-2-hydroxyhexanoic acid (HA), and DL-2-hydroxydecanoic acid (DA), respectively. The hydrolytic degradation behavior was investigated in phosphate-buffered solution at 80 and 37 °C by gravimetry and gel permeation chromatography. It was found that the reactivity of monomers during polycondensation as monitored by the degree of polymerization (DP) decreased in the following order: LA > DA > BA > HA. The hydrolytic degradation rate traced by DP and weight loss at 80 °C decreased in the following order: PLA > PDA > PHA > PBA and that monitored by DP at 37 °C decreased in the following order: PLA > PDA > PBA > PHA. LA and PLA had the highest reactivity during polymerization and hydrolytic degradation rate, respectively, and were followed by DA and PDA. BA, HA, PBA, and PHA had the lowest reactivity during polymerization and hydrolytic degradation rate. The findings of the present study strongly suggest that inter-chain interactions play a major role in the reactivity of non-substituted and substituted LA monomers and degradation rate of the non-substituted and substituted PLA, along with steric hindrance of the side chains as can be expected. PMID:28824149

  18. Influence of sodium chloride, pH, and lactic acid bacteria on anaerobic lactic acid utilization during fermented cucumber spoilage.

    PubMed

    Johanningsmeier, Suzanne D; Franco, Wendy; Perez-Diaz, Ilenys; McFeeters, Roger F

    2012-07-01

    Cucumbers are preserved commercially by natural fermentations in 5% to 8% sodium chloride (NaCl) brines. Occasionally, fermented cucumbers spoil after the primary fermentation is complete. This spoilage has been characterized by decreases in lactic acid and a rise in brine pH caused by microbial instability. Objectives of this study were to determine the combined effects of NaCl and pH on fermented cucumber spoilage and to determine the ability of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) spoilage isolates to initiate lactic acid degradation in fermented cucumbers. Cucumbers fermented with 0%, 2%, 4%, and 6% NaCl were blended into slurries (FCS) and adjusted to pH 3.2, 3.8, 4.3, and 5.0 prior to centrifugation, sterile-filtration, and inoculation with spoilage organisms. Organic acids and pH were measured initially and after 3 wk, 2, 6, 12, and 18 mo anaerobic incubation at 25 °C. Anaerobic lactic acid degradation occurred in FCS at pH 3.8, 4.3, and 5.0 regardless of NaCl concentration. At pH 3.2, reduced NaCl concentrations resulted in increased susceptibility to spoilage, indicating that the pH limit for lactic acid utilization in reduced NaCl fermented cucumbers is 3.2 or lower. Over 18 mo incubation, only cucumbers fermented with 6% NaCl to pH 3.2 prevented anaerobic lactic acid degradation by spoilage bacteria. Among several LAB species isolated from fermented cucumber spoilage, Lactobacillus buchneri was unique in its ability to metabolize lactic acid in FCS with concurrent increases in acetic acid and 1,2-propanediol. Therefore, L. buchneri may be one of multiple organisms that contribute to development of fermented cucumber spoilage. Microbial spoilage of fermented cucumbers during bulk storage causes economic losses for producers. Current knowledge is insufficient to predict or control these losses. This study demonstrated that in the absence of oxygen, cucumbers fermented with 6% sodium chloride to pH 3.2 were not subject to spoilage. However, lactic acid was degraded by spoilage microorganisms in reduced salt, even with pH as low as 3.2. Efforts to reduce salt in commercial brining operations will need to include control measures for this increased susceptibility to spoilage. Lactobacillus buchneri was identified as a potential causative agent and could be used as a target in development of such control measures. Journal of Food Science © 2012 Institute of Food Technologists® No claim to original US government works.

  19. Comparative study of diethyl phthalate degradation by UV/H2O2 and UV/TiO2: kinetics, mechanism, and effects of operational parameters.

    PubMed

    Song, Chengjie; Wang, Liping; Ren, Jie; Lv, Bo; Sun, Zhonghao; Yan, Jing; Li, Xinying; Liu, Jingjing

    2016-02-01

    The photodegradation of diethyl phthalate (DEP) by UV/H2O2 and UV/TiO2 is studied. The DEP degradation kinetics and multiple crucial factors effecting the clearance of DEP are investigated, including initial DEP concentration ([DEP]0), initial pH values (pH0), UV light intensity, anions (Cl(-), NO(3-), SO4 (2-), HCO3 (-), and CO3 (2-)), cations (Mg(2+), Ca(2+), Mn(2+), and Fe(3+)), and humic acid (HA). Total organic carbon (TOC) removal is tested by two treatments. And, cytotoxicity evolution of DEP degradation intermediates is detected. The relationship between molar ratio ([H2O2]/[DEP] or [TiO2]/[DEP]) and degradation kinetic constant (K) is also studied. And, the cytotoxicity tests of DEP and its degradation intermediates in UV/H2O2 and UV/TiO2 treatments are researched. The DEP removal efficiency of UV/H2O2 treatment is higher than UV/TiO2 treatment. The DEP degradation fitted a pseudo-first-order kinetic pattern under experimental conditions. The K linearly related with molar ratio in UV/H2O2 treatment while nature exponential relationship is observed in the case of UV/TiO2. However, K fitted corresponding trends better in H2O2 treatment than in TiO2 treatment. The Cl(-) is in favor of the DEP degradation in UV/H2O2 treatment; in contrast, it is disadvantageous to the DEP degradation in UV/TiO2 treatment. Other anions are all disadvantageous to the DEP degradation in two treatments. Fe(3+) promotes the degradation rates significantly. And, all other cations in question inhibit the degradation of DEP. HA hinders DEP degradation in two treatments. The intermediates of DEP degradation in UV/TiO2 treatment are less toxic to biological cell than that in UV/H2O2 treatment.

  20. DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Coleman, R.

    Plastics can be made from starchy food waste. This article describes a method by which these plastics break down into harmless chemicals when exposed to sunlight, water or bacteria. Degradable trash bags and agricultural mulch films can replace some of the millions of pounds of nondegradable plastics used each year. Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory developed that involves enzymatically converting potato waste into glucose, fermenting the glucose to lactic acid using bacteria, and then using the lactic acid to construct fully degradable plastics.

  1. [Microwave assisted UV electrodeless discharge lamp photochemical degradation of 4-chlorophenol in aquatic solutions].

    PubMed

    Ai, Zhi-hui; Jiang, Jun-qing; Yang, Peng; Zhou, Tao; Lu, Xiao-hua

    2004-07-01

    A microwave assisted UV electrodeless discharge lamp system (MW/UV) was used for photo-degradation of 4CP simulated wastewater. In order to evaluate the degradation efficiency of 4CP, UV spectrophotometry and ion chromatography were used for determination of 4CP and Cl- respectively. The degradation rate in MW/UV system was higher than that in the UV system within 120min, which were 52.40% and 21.56% respectively. The degradation efficiency was improved by increasing pH value of the solution, aerating O2 gas, enhancing light intensity, or adding H2O2 oxidant. The degradation of 4CP under MW/UV accords with the first order kinetics equation.

  2. Degradation of acrylamide by the UV/chlorine advanced oxidation process.

    PubMed

    Gao, Ze-Chen; Lin, Yi-Li; Xu, Bin; Pan, Yang; Xia, Sheng-Ji; Gao, Nai-Yun; Zhang, Tian-Yang; Chen, Ming

    2017-11-01

    The degradation of acrylamide (AA) during UV/chlorine advanced oxidation process (AOP) was investigated in this study. The degradation of AA was negligible during UV irradiation alone. However, AA could be effectively degraded and mineralized during UV/chlorination due to the generation of hydroxyl radicals (OH). The degradation kinetics of AA during UV/chlorination fitted the pseudo-first order kinetics with the rate constant between AA and OH radicals being determined as 2.11 × 10 9  M -1  s -1 . The degradation rate and mineralization of AA during UV/chlorination were significantly promoted at acidic conditions as well as increasing chlorine dosage. The volatile degradation products of AA during UV/chlorination were identified using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and the degradation pathways were then proposed accordingly. The formation of disinfection by-products (DBPs) in Milli-Q water and tap water during UV/chlorination of AA was also investigated. The DBPs included chloroform, dichloroacetonitrile, trichloroacetonitrile, 2,2-dichloroacetamide and 2,2,2-trichloroacetamide. Furthermore, the variations of AA degradation during UV/chlorination in different real water samples were evaluated. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  3. Conditions and chemometrics for the determination of heavy metals in natural and waste waters by stripping voltammetry with UV irradiation

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Volkova, V.N.; Zakharova, E.A.; Khustenko, L.A.

    The number of supporting electrolytes for stripping voltammetry with photochemical oxygen deactivation was broadened. The following agents are recommended: formic, lactic, tartaric, citric, and malonic acids at pH 2-4; salts of lactic, tartaric, and citric acids at pH 6-7; and salts of lactic, tartaric, citric, and glutaric acids at pH 12-14. A rapid method was developed for simultaneously determining Zn, Cd, Pb, and Cu in a 0.5 M formic acid supporting electrolyte. The method is chemometrically sound and cost-effective.

  4. [Lactic acid bacteria proteinase and quality of fermented dairy products--A review].

    PubMed

    Zhang, Shuang; Zhang, Lanwei; Han, Xue

    2015-12-04

    Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) could synthesize cell envelope proteinase with weak activity, which primarily degrades casein. In addition to its crucial role in the rapid growth of LAB in milk, LAB proteinases are also of industrial importance due to their contribution to the formation of texture and flavor of many fermented dairy products. The proteolytic system, properties of proteinase, the degradation product of casein and its effect on the quality of fermented dairy products were reviewed in this manuscript.

  5. Comparative study of the degradation of carbamazepine in water by advanced oxidation processes.

    PubMed

    Dai, Chao-Meng; Zhou, Xue-Fei; Zhang, Ya-Lei; Duan, Yan-Ping; Qiang, Zhi-Min; Zhang, Tian C

    2012-06-01

    Degradation of carbamazepine (CBZ) using ultraviolet (UV), UV/H2O2, Fenton, UV/Fenton and photocatalytic oxidation with TiO2 (UV/TiO2) was studied in deionized water. The five different oxidation processes were compared for the removal kinetics of CBZ. The results showed that all the processes followed pseudo-first-order kinetics. The direct photolysis (UV alone) was found to be less effective than UV/H2O2 oxidation for the degradation of CBZ. An approximate 20% increase in the CBZ removal efficiency occurred with the UV/Fenton reaction as compared with the Fenton oxidation. In the UV/TiO2 system, the kinetics of CBZ degradation in the presence of different concentrations of TiO2 followed the pseudo-first order degradation, which was consistent with the Langmuir-Hinshelwood (L-H) model. On a time basis, the degradation efficiencies ofCBZ were in the following order: UV/Fenton (86.9% +/- 1.7%) > UV/TiO2 (70.4% +/- 4.2%) > Fenton (67.8% +/- 2.6%) > UV/H2O2 (40.65 +/- 5.1%) > UV (12.2% +/- 1.4%). However, the lowest cost was obtained with the Fenton process.

  6. Controlled Release System for Localized and Sustained Drug Delivery Applications

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Rodriguez, Lidia Betsabe

    Current controlled release formulations has many drawbacks such as excess of initial burst release, low drug efficiency, non-degradability of the system and low reproducibility. The present project aims to offer an alternative by developing a technique to prepare uniform, biodegradable particles ( ˜19 mum ) that can sustainably release a drug for a specific period of time. Chitosan is a natural polysaccharide that has many characteristics to be used for biomedical applications. In the last two decades, there have been a considerable number of studies affirming that chitosan could be used for pharmaceutical applications. However, chitosan suffers from inherent weaknesses such as low mechanical stability and dissolution of the system in acidic media. In the present study, chitosan microparticles were prepared by emulsification process. The model drug chosen was acetylsalicylic acid as it is a small and challenging molecule. The maximum loading capacity obtained for the microparticles was approximately 96%. The parameters for the preparation of uniform particles with a narrow size distribution were identified in a triangular phase diagram. Moreover, chitosan particles were successfully coated with thin layers of poly lactic-coglycolic acid (PLGA) and poly lactic acid (PLA). The performance of different layerswas tested for in vitro drug release and degradation studies. Additionally, the degradability of the system was evaluated by measuring the weight loss of the system when exposed to enzyme and without enzyme. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), atomic force microscopy (AFM) and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) were used to characterize the controlled release system. Additionally, the in vitro drug release was monitored by ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometry (UV-Vis) and liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MS). The results obtained from this project showed that it is possible to prepare biodegradable microparticles with a uniform size distribution and high drug loading efficiency. However, this could only be achieved with a hybrid system consisting of chitosan matrix interior and then exterior coating of PLGA or PLA. A two layer coating of PLGA 50:50 was shown to be optimal with sustainable controlled drug release for almost 5 days and with 91% of degradation (weight loss) in 8 weeks.

  7. Photodegradation of gallic acid under UV irradiation: insights regarding the pH effect on direct photolysis and the ROS oxidation-sensitized process of DOM.

    PubMed

    Du, Yingxun; Chen, Hui; Zhang, Yuanyuan; Chang, Yuguang

    2014-03-01

    In this study, the degradation of gallic acid (GA), a model compound for dissolved organic matter (DOM) in controlled UV/N2, UV/air, UV/Fe(3+)/N2, and UV/Fe(3+)/air systems was investigated to elucidate the contribution of direct photolysis and reactive oxygen species (ROS) oxidation to GA degradation at various pH values. In general, the order of the degradation rate of GA in these four systems was as follows: UV/Fe(3+)/air>UV/air>UV/Fe(3+)/N2≈UV/N2. In the UV/N2 system, GA underwent slow direct photolysis, the rate of which decreased with decreasing pH. In the UV/Fe(3+)/air system, the most rapid GA degradation was achieved at pH 5. ROS are mainly derived from two sources. The first source is attributed to the role of DO and the other is attributed to the interaction of Fe(3+) and DO. The contribution of ROS to GA oxidation is much greater (>71%) than that of direct photolysis (<29%) at each pH value and is most obvious at pH 5. H2O2 formation was detected during GA degradation in the UV/air and UV/Fe(3+)/air systems. Using ROS scavengers, it was found that oxidation by OH was the main mechanism of GA degradation in the UV/Fe(3+)/air system. Based on the experimental results, a mechanism for GA degradation and ROS formation involving the effect of pH was proposed. This study furthers our understanding of changes in DOM degradation mechanisms due to global acidification. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  8. Influence of UV dose on the UV/H2O2 process for the degradation of carbamazepine in wastewater.

    PubMed

    Somathilake, Purnima; Dominic, John Albino; Achari, Gopal; Langford, Cooper H; Tay, Joo-Hwa

    2018-05-02

    This study evaluates the influence of UV dose on degradation of carbamazepine (CBZ) in wastewater under UV-C (λ = 254 nm) photolysis with and without H 2 O 2 . The rate of degradation of CBZ exhibited a direct dependence on the intensity of incident UV irradiation as the rate of degradation was observed to increase linearly (R 2  = 0.98) with UV intensity between 1.67 and 8.95 × 10 17 photons/s. More than 95% of the CBZ that spiked in wastewater rapidly degraded within 4 min with a first-order rate constant of 1.2 min -1 for an optimum H 2 O 2 dose of 100 mg/L. Bench-scale continuous flow reactor experiments also showed that CBZ degraded with first-order kinetics at a rate constant of 1.02 min -1 . The kinetic parameters obtained for a continuous bench-scale reactor were in good agreement with the relationships developed through batch experiments with only a marginal deviation of ± 6.5%. The relationship between UV intensity and CBZ degradation rate obtained in this study was extrapolated to the UV disinfection unit of a wastewater treatment plant to predict possible degradation of CBZ during UV disinfection. The addition of 100 mg/L of H 2 O 2 to the secondary-treated effluent entering the UV disinfection unit is predicted to achieve over 60% degradation of CBZ.

  9. Degradation of porous poly(D,L-lactic-co-glycolic acid) films based on water diffusion.

    PubMed

    Huang, Ying-Ying; Qi, Min; Liu, Hong-Ze; Zhao, Hong; Yang, Da-Zhi

    2007-03-15

    Poly(D,L-lactic-co-glycolic acid) has been extensively used as a controlled release carrier for drug delivery due to its good biocompatibility, biodegradability, and mechanical strength. Effects of dense and porous film's degradation behavior have been systematically investigated up to 17 weeks in Hank's Simulated Body Fluid at 37 degrees C. The degradation of the films was studied by measuring changes in weight, molecular weight and its distribution, morphology, composition etc.. A special thing was that the differences in water diffusion in dense and porous structure films caused the different degradation behavior. According to the characteristic changes of various properties of films, the degradation process is suggested to be roughly divided into four stages, tentatively named as water absorption stage, dramatic loss of molecular weight or micro-pores formed stage, loss of weight or enlarged-pores formed stage, pores diminished or pores collapse stage.

  10. Biodegradation of chlorpyrifos by lactic acid bacteria during kimchi fermentation.

    PubMed

    Cho, Kye Man; Math, Reukaradhya K; Islam, Shah Md Asraful; Lim, Woo Jin; Hong, Su Young; Kim, Jong Min; Yun, Myoung Geun; Cho, Ji Joong; Yun, Han Dae

    2009-03-11

    We examined the role of microorganisms in the degradation of the organophosphorus (OP) insecticide chlorpyrifos (CP) during kimchi fermentation. During the fermentation of kimchi, 30 mg L(-1) of CP was added and its stability assayed during fermentation. CP was degraded rapidly until day 3 (83.3%) and degraded completely by day 9. Four CP-degrading lactic acid bacteria (LAB) were isolated from kimchi fermentation in the presence of 200 mg L(-1) CP and were identified as Leuconostoc mesenteroides WCP907, Lactobacillus brevis WCP902, Lactobacillus plantarum WCP931, and Lactobacillus sakei WCP904. CP could be utilized by these four strains as the sole source of carbon and phosphorus. Coumaphos (CM), diazinon (DZ), parathion (PT), and methylparathion (MPT) were also degraded by WCP907, WCP902, WCP931, and WCP904 when provided as sole sources of carbon and phosphorus.

  11. Solid state fermentation with lactic acid bacteria to improve the nutritional quality of lupin and soya bean.

    PubMed

    Bartkiene, Elena; Krungleviciute, Vita; Juodeikiene, Grazina; Vidmantiene, Daiva; Maknickiene, Zita

    2015-04-01

    The ability of bacteriocin-like inhibitory substance (BLIS)-producing lactic acid bacteria (LAB) to degrade biogenic amines as well as to produce L(+) and D(-)-lactic acid during solid state fermentation (SSF) of lupin and soya bean was investigated. In addition, the protein digestibility and formation of organic acids during SSF of legume were investigated. Protein digestibility of fermented lupin and soya bean was found higher on average by 18.3% and 15.9%, respectively, compared to untreated samples. Tested LAB produced mainly L-lactic acid in soya bean and lupin (D/L ratio 0.38-0.42 and 0.35-0.54, respectively), while spontaneous fermentation gave almost equal amounts of both lactic acid isomers (D/L ratio 0.82-0.98 and 0.92, respectively). Tested LAB strains were able to degrade phenylethylamine, spermine and spermidine, whereas they were able to produce putrescine, histamine and tyramine. SSF improved lupin and soya bean protein digestibility. BLIS-producing LAB in lupin and soya bean medium produced a mixture of D- and L-lactic acid with a major excess of the latter isomer. Most toxic histamine and tyramine in fermented lupin and soya bean were found at levels lower those causing adverse health effects. Selection of biogenic amines non-producing bacteria is essential in the food industry to avoid the risk of amine formation. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry.

  12. In Vitro Vascular Cell Adhesion and Proliferation on Alkaline Degraded Poly-lactic/glycolic Acid Polymers

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2002-04-01

    implanted gr~itf often leads to intimal hyperplasia which has resulted in occlusion of the regenerated vascular tissue [1, 2]. Since an endothelial... fibrovascular tissue ingrowth [I]. Clearly, the inability of poly(lactic acid) containing polymers to promote sufficient endothelialization presents serious

  13. Effect of nitrate, carbonate/bicarbonate, humic acid, and H2O2 on the kinetics and degradation mechanism of Bisphenol-A during UV photolysis.

    PubMed

    Kang, Young-Min; Kim, Moon-Kyung; Zoh, Kyung-Duk

    2018-08-01

    In this study, the effects of natural water components (nitrate, carbonate/bicarbonate, and humic acid) on the kinetics and degradation mechanisms of bisphenol A (BPA) during UV-C photolysis and UV/H 2 O 2 reaction were examined. The presence of NO 3 - (0.04-0.4 mM) and CO 3 2- /HCO 3 - (0.4-4 mM) ions increased BPA degradation during UV photolysis. Humic acid less than 3 mg/L promoted BPA degradation, but greater than 3 mg/L of humic acid inhibited BPA degradation. During the UV/H 2 O 2 reaction, all water matrix components acted as radical scavengers in the order of humic acid > CO 3 2- /HCO 3 -  > NO 3 - . All of the degradation reactions agreed with the pseudo-first-order kinetics. While eight byproducts (m/z = 122, 136, 139, 164, 181, 244, 273, 289) were identified in UV-C/NO 3 - photolysis reaction, four (m/z = 122, 136, 164, 244) and three byproducts (m/z = 122, 136, 164) were observed during UV-C/NO 3 - /CO 3 2- /HCO 3 - and UV-C/CO 3 2- /HCO 3 - reactions. Nitrogenated and hydrogenated byproducts were first observed during the UV-C/NO 3 - photolysis, but only hydrogenated byproducts as adducts were detected during the UV-C/NO 3 - /CO 3 2- /HCO 3 - photolysis. Nitrogenated and hydrogenated byproducts were formed in the early stage of degradation by OH or NO 2 radicals, and these byproducts were subsequently degraded into smaller compounds with further reaction during UV-C/NO 3 - and UV-C/NO 3 - /CO 3 2- /HCO 3 - reactions. In contrast, BPA was directly degraded into smaller compounds by β-scission of the isopropyl group by CO 3 - /HCO 3 radicals during UV-C/CO 3 2- /HCO 3 - reaction. Our results imply that the water components can change the degradation mechanism of BPA during UV photolysis. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  14. Promotion by humus-reducing bacteria for the degradation of UV254 absorbance in reverse-osmosis concentrates pretreated with O3-assisted UV-Fenton method.

    PubMed

    Xia, Jiaohui; Zhang, Hui; Ding, Shaoxuan; Li, Changyu; Ding, Jincheng; Lu, Jie

    2017-07-12

    The primary pollutants in reverse-osmosis concentrates (ROC) are the substances with the UV absorbance at 254 nm (UV 254 ), which is closely related to humic substances that can be degraded by humus-reducing bacteria. This work studied the degradation characteristics of humus-reducing bacteria in ROC treatment. The physiological and biochemical characteristics of humus-reducing bacteria were investigated, and the effects of pH values and electron donors on the reduction of humic analog, antraquinone-2, 6-disulfonate were explored to optimize the degradation. Furthermore, the O 3 -assisted UV-Fenton method was applied for the pretreatment of ROC, and the degradation of UV 254 absorbance was apparently promoted with their removal rate, reaching 84.2% after 10 days of degradation by humus-reducing bacteria.

  15. Degradation of oxcarbazepine by UV-activated persulfate oxidation: kinetics, mechanisms, and pathways.

    PubMed

    Bu, Lingjun; Zhou, Shiqing; Shi, Zhou; Deng, Lin; Li, Guangchao; Yi, Qihang; Gao, Naiyun

    2016-02-01

    The degradation kinetics and mechanism of the antiepileptic drug oxcarbazepine (OXC) by UV-activated persulfate oxidation were investigated in this study. Results showed that UV/persulfate (UV/PS) process appeared to be more effective in degrading OXC than UV or PS alone. The OXC degradation exhibited a pseudo-first order kinetics pattern and the degradation rate constants (k obs) were affected by initial OXC concentration, PS dosage, initial pH, and humic acid concentration to different degrees. It was found that low initial OXC concentration, high persulfate dosage, and initial pH enhanced the OXC degradation. Additionally, the presence of humic acid in the solution could greatly inhibit the degradation of OXC. Moreover, hydroxyl radical (OH•) and sulfate radical (SO4 (-)••) were identified to be responsible for OXC degradation and SO4 (-)• made the predominant contribution in this study. Finally, major intermediate products were identified and a preliminary degradation pathway was proposed. Results demonstrated that UV/PS system is a potential technology to control the water pollution caused by emerging contaminants such as OXC.

  16. Degradation of diclofenac by UV-activated persulfate process: Kinetic studies, degradation pathways and toxicity assessments.

    PubMed

    Lu, Xian; Shao, Yisheng; Gao, Naiyun; Chen, Juxiang; Zhang, Yansen; Xiang, Huiming; Guo, Youluo

    2017-07-01

    Diclofenac (DCF) is the frequently detected non-steroidal pharmaceuticals in the aquatic environment. In this study, the degradation of DCF was evaluated by UV-254nm activated persulfate (UV/PS). The degradation of DCF followed the pseudo first-order kinetics pattern. The degradation rate constant (k obs ) was accelerated by UV/PS compared to UV alone and PS alone. Increasing the initial PS dosage or solution pH significantly enhanced the degradation efficiency. Presence of various natural water constituents had different effects on DCF degradation, with an enhancement or inhibition in the presence of inorganic anions (HCO 3 - or Cl - ) and a significant inhibition in the presence of NOM. In addition, preliminary degradation mechanisms and major products were elucidated using LC-MS/MS. Hydroxylation, decarbonylation, ring-opening and cyclation reaction involving the attack of SO 4 • - or other substances, were the main degradation mechanism. TOC analyzer and Microtox bioassay were employed to evaluate the mineralization and cytotoxicity of solutions treated by UV/PS at different times, respectively. Limited elimination of TOC (32%) was observed during the mineralization of DCF. More toxic degradation products and their related intermediate species were formed, and the UV/PS process was suitable for removing the toxicity. Of note, longer degradation time may be considered for the final toxicity removal. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Inc.

  17. PPCP degradation by chlorine-UV processes in ammoniacal water: new reaction insights, kinetic modeling and DBP formation.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Ruochun; Meng, Tan; Huang, Ching-Hua; Ben, Weiwei; Yao, Hong; Liu, Ruini; Sun, Peizhe

    2018-06-15

    The combination of chlorine and UV (i.e. chlorine-UV process) has been attracting more attentions in recent years due to its ready incorporation into existing water treatment facilities to remove PPCPs. However, limited information is available on the impact of total ammonia nitrogen (TAN). This study investigated two model PPCPs, N,N-diethyl-3-toluamide (DEET) and caffeine (CAF), in the two stages of chlorine-UV process (i.e. chlorination and UV/chlor(am)ine) to elucidate the impact of TAN. During chlorination, the degradation of DEET and CAF was positively correlated with the overall consumption of total chlorine by TAN. Reactive nitrogen intermediates, including HNO/NO- and ONOOH/ONOO-, along with OH were identified as major contributors to the removal of DEET and CAF. During UV irradiation, DEET and CAF were degraded under UV/chlorine or UV/NH2Cl conditions. OH and Cl were the major reactive species to degrade DEET and CAF under UV/NH2Cl conditions, whereas OCl played a major role for degrading CAF under UV/chlorine conditions. Numerical models were developed to predict the removal of DEET and CAF under chlorination-UV process. Chlorinated disinfection byproducts were detected. Overall, this study presented kinetic features and mechanistic insights on the degradation of PPCPs under chlorine-UV process in ammoniacal water.

  18. Temperature Effects of Ultraviolet Irradiation on Material Degradation

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Mori, Kazuyuki; Ishizawa, Junichiro

    Ultraviolet rays (UV) cause organic materials to deteriorate. UV irradiation ground testing is therefore important to understand the “adequate lifetime assessment” and the “end-of-life (EOL) characteristic” of materials used in space. In previous experiments, high temperatures were found to accelerate the UV degradation of cross-linked ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (X-ETFE). This causes concern of potentially similar effects in other materials. In this study, we evaluated UV degradation at high temperatures and subsequently determined materials usable in space that had shown accelerated degradation due to UV irradiation at high temperatures.

  19. Degradation of DEET and Caffeine under UV/Chlorine and Simulated Sunlight/Chlorine Conditions.

    PubMed

    Sun, Peizhe; Lee, Wan-Ning; Zhang, Ruochun; Huang, Ching-Hua

    2016-12-20

    Photoactivation of aqueous chlorine could promote degradation of chlorine-resistant and photochemically stable chemicals accumulated in swimming pools. This study investigated the degradation of two such chemicals, N,N-diethyl-3-methylbenzamide (DEET) and caffeine, by low pressure ultraviolet (UV) light and simulated sunlight (SS) activated free chlorine (FC) in different water matrices. Both DEET and caffeine were rapidly degraded by UV/FC and SS/FC but exhibited different kinetic behaviors. The degradation of DEET followed pseudo-first-order kinetics, whereas the degradation of caffeine accelerated with reaction. Mechanistic study revealed that, under UV/FC, ·OH and Cl· were responsible for degradation of DEET, whereas ClO· related reactive species (ClOrrs), generated by the reaction between FC and ·OH/Cl·, played a major role in addition to ·OH and Cl· in degrading caffeine. Reaction rate constants of DEET and caffeine with the respective radical species were estimated. The imidazole moiety of caffeine was critical for the special reactivity with ClOrrs. Water matrix such as pH had a stronger impact on the UV/FC process than the SS/FC process. In saltwater matrix under UV/FC and SS/FC, the degradation of DEET was significantly inhibited, but the degradation of caffeine was much faster than that in nonsalty solutions. The interaction between Br - and Cl - may play an important role in the degradation of caffeine by UV/FC in saltwater. Reaction product analysis showed similar product patterns by UV/FC and SS/FC and minimal formation of chlorinated intermediates and disinfection byproducts.

  20. Metabolism of lactic acid in fermented cucumbers by Lactobacillus buchneri and related species, potential spoilage organisms in reduced salt fermentations

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    Recent evidence suggests that Lactobacillus buchneri may play an important role in spoilage-associated secondary fermentation of cucumbers. Lactic acid degradation during fermented cucumber spoilage is influenced by sodium chloride (NaCl) concentration, pH, and presence of oxygen. Objectives were to...

  1. Degradation of natural organic matter by UV/chlorine oxidation: Molecular decomposition, formation of oxidation byproducts and cytotoxicity.

    PubMed

    Wang, Wen-Long; Zhang, Xue; Wu, Qian-Yuan; Du, Ye; Hu, Hong-Ying

    2017-11-01

    The degradation of natural organic matters (NOMs) by the combination of UV and chlorine (UV/chlorine) was investigated in this study. UV/chlorine oxidation can effectively degrade NOMs, with the degradation of chromophores (∼80%) and fluorophores (76.4-80.8%) being more efficient than that of DOC (15.1-18.6%). This effect was attributed to the chromophores and fluorophores (double bonds, aromatic groups and phenolic groups) being preferentially degraded by UV/chlorine oxidation, particularly reactive groups with high electron donating capacity. Radical species •OH and •Cl were generated during UV/chlorine oxidation, with the contribution of •OH 1.4 times as high as that of •Cl. The degradation kinetics of different molecular weight (MW) fractions suggests that UV/chlorine oxidation degrades high MW fractions into low MW fractions, with the degradation rates of high MW fractions (>3000 Da) 4.5 times of those of medium MW fractions (1000-3000 Da). In comparison with chlorination alone, UV/chlorine oxidation did not increase the formation (30 min) and formation potential (24 h) of trihalomethanes, but instead promoted the formation and formation potential of haloacetic acids and chloral hydrate. Adsorbable organic halogen (AOX) formed from UV/chlorine oxidation of NOM were 0.8 times higher than those formed from chlorination. Cytotoxicity studies indicated that the cytotoxicity of NOM increased after both chlorination and UV/chlorine oxidation, which may be due to the formation of AOX. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  2. Photodegradation of 4-tert-butylphenol in aqueous solution by UV-C, UV/H2O2 and UV/S2O8(2-) system.

    PubMed

    Wu, Yanlin; Zhu, Xiufen; Chen, Hongche; Dong, Wenbo; Zhao, Jianfu

    2016-01-01

    The photolytic degradation of 4-tert-butylphenol (4-t-BP) in aqueous solution was investigated using three kinds of systems: UV-C directly photodegradation system, UV/H2O2 and UV/S2O8(2-) system. Under experimental conditions, the degradation rate of 4-t-BP was in the order: UV/S2O8(2-) > UV/H2O2 > UV-C. The reaction kinetics of UV/S2O8(2-) system were thoroughly investigated. The increase of S2O8(2-) concentration enhanced the 4-t-BP degradation rate, which was inhibited when the concentration of S2O8(2-) exceeded 4.0 mM. The highest efficacy in 4-t-BP degradation was obtained at pH 6.5. The oxidation rate of 4-t-BP could be accelerated by increasing the reaction temperature and irradiation intensity. The highest rate constant (kobs = 8.4 × 10(-2) min(-1)) was acquired when the reaction temperature was 45 °C. The irradiation intensity was measured by irradiation distance, and the optimum irradiation distance was 10 cm. Moreover, the preliminary mechanism of 4-t-BP degradation was studied. The bond scission of the 4-t-BP molecule occurred by the oxidation of SO4(•-), which dimerized and formed two main primary products. Under the conditions of room temperature (25 °C ± 1 °C) and low concentration of K2S2O8 (0.5 mM), 35.4% of total organic carbon (TOC) was removed after 8.5-h irradiation. The results showed that UV/S2O8(2-) system was effective for the degradation of 4-t-BP.

  3. UV testing of solar cells: Effects of antireflective coating, prior irradiation, and UV source

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Meulenberg, A.

    1993-01-01

    Short-circuit current degradation of electron irradiated double-layer antireflective-coated cells after 3000 hours ultraviolet (UV) exposure exceeds 3 percent; extrapolation of the data to 10(exp 5) hours (11.4 yrs.) gives a degradation that exceeds 10 percent. Significant qualitative and quantitative differences in degradation were observed in cells with double- and single-layer antireflective coatings. The effects of UV-source age were observed and corrections were made to the data. An additional degradation mechanism was identified that occurs only in previously electron-irradiated solar cells since identical unirradiated cells degrade to only 6 +/- 3 percent when extrapolated 10(exp 5) hours of UV illumination.

  4. Microwave-Enhanced Photolysis of Norfloxacin: Kinetics, Matrix Effects, and Degradation Pathways

    PubMed Central

    Liao, Wenchao; Sharma, Virender K.; Xu, Su; Li, Qingsong; Wang, Lei

    2017-01-01

    Degradation of norfloxacin (NOR) was studied using a combination of microwave and UV irradiation methods (MW/UV process). Remarkable synergistic effect was found between MW and UV light. The removal rate with the MW/UV process was much faster than that with UV light irradiation only. Degradation of NOR followed second-order kinetics and ~72% of NOR could be removed in the first 5 min of MW/UV reaction. Influence of inorganic ions (cations (K+, Mg2+, Ca2+, Cu2+) and anions (Cl−, SO42−, NO3−, CO32−)), humic acid (HA) and surfactants (cation, anion, and non-ionic) on the degradation of NOR by the MW/UV process was investigated. Among the ions, Cu2+ and NO3− ions inhibited the degradation of NOR. The presence of HA and surfactants in water showed a slight inhibition on the NOR removal. Furthermore, the NOR degradation in the MW/UV process was primarily caused by the ·OH-photosensitization steps. Seven intermediates formed by the oxidation of NOR were identified and three reaction pathways were proposed. Removals of NOR in tap water (TW), synthetic wastewater (WW), river water (RW), and seawater (SW) were also studied, which demonstrated that the MW/UV process was an effective oxidation technology for degrading fluoroquinolone antibiotics in different water matrices. PMID:29240671

  5. In vitro anti-inflammatory activity of selected oxalate-degrading probiotic bacteria: potential applications in the prevention and treatment of hyperoxaluria.

    PubMed

    Giardina, Silvana; Scilironi, Cristina; Michelotti, Angela; Samuele, Alberta; Borella, Fabio; Daglia, Maria; Marzatico, Fulvio

    2014-03-01

    Oxalate (Ox) is a very common component of the human diet, capable to collect in the renal tissue and bind calcium to form calcium oxalate (CaOx) crystals. A supersaturation of CaOx crystal may cause nephrocalcinosis and nephrolithiasis. The inflammation derived from the CaOx crystal accumulation, together with innate or secondary renal alterations, could strongly affect the renal function. In this case a consumption of probiotics with either oxalate-degrading activity at intestinal level and systemic anti-inflammatory activity could be an alternative approach to treat the subjects with excess of urinary oxalate excretion. 11 strains of lactic acid bacteria (Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria), already included in the list of bacteria safe for the human use, were investigated for their capability to degrade oxalate by mean of RP-HPLC-UV method and modulate inflammation in an in vitro model system based on peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Four promising bacterial strains (Lactobacillus plantarum PBS067, Lactobacillus acidophilus LA-14, Bifidobacterium breve PBS077, Bifidobacterium longum PBS078) were identified as innovative biological tools for the prevention and the therapeutic treatment of hyperoxaluria and the inflammatory events associated to the Ox accumulation. The oxalate-degrading activity of some probiotics and their capability to modulate the release of inflammation mediators could be exploited as a new nutraceutical and therapeutic approach for the treatment of oxalate accumulation and the related inflammatory state. © 2014 Institute of Food Technologists®

  6. Kinetics and degradation pathways of photolytic and photocatalytic oxidation of the anthelmintic drug praziquantel.

    PubMed

    Čizmić, Mirta; Ljubas, Davor; Ćurković, Lidija; Škorić, Irena; Babić, Sandra

    2017-02-05

    In this study, an anthelmintic drug, praziquantel(PZQ), was degraded using the direct photolysis, photocatalysis, and oxidation processes including UV radiation, TiO 2 film, and hydrogen peroxide. The photolytic degradation with predominant wavelengths of 185/254nm (UV-C) proved to be more efficient with a half-life of 3.13min compared to the radiation of 365nm (UV-A) where the degradation did not occur. In order to enhance the rate of PZQ photolytic degradation, H 2 O 2 was added, which resulted in two to three times higher degradation rates. In the photocatalytic degradation, TiO 2 film was used as catalyst. The degradation was ten times faster in the photocatalytic experiments where UV-C light (k=0.2390min -1 ) was used than in those with UV-A (k=0.0201min -1 ). Comparing the results from all performed experiments it can be concluded that the UV-C/TiO 2 /H 2 O 2 process yielded the highest degradation rate and complete degradation of PZQ was obtained in less than 7min. The degradation of PZQ followed the first order kinetics in all the experiments. The photo degradation was inhibited in the presence of methanol. The degradation pathways and the structural formulae of five degradation products (m/z 273, 269, 189, 147, 132) were proposed based on the liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry analysis. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  7. Effect of Sterilization Methods on Electrospun Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) Fiber Alignment for Biomedical Applications.

    PubMed

    Valente, T A M; Silva, D M; Gomes, P S; Fernandes, M H; Santos, J D; Sencadas, V

    2016-02-10

    Medically approved sterility methods should be a major concern when developing a polymeric scaffold, mainly when commercialization is envisaged. In the present work, poly(lactic acid) (PLA) fiber membranes were processed by electrospinning with random and aligned fiber alignment and sterilized under UV, ethylene oxide (EO), and γ-radiation, the most common ones for clinical applications. It was observed that UV light and γ-radiation do not influence fiber morphology or alignment, while electrospun samples treated with EO lead to fiber orientation loss and morphology changing from cylindrical fibers to ribbon-like structures, accompanied to an increase of polymer crystallinity up to 28%. UV light and γ-radiation sterilization methods showed to be less harmful to polymer morphology, without significant changes in polymer thermal and mechanical properties, but a slight increase of polymer wettability was detected, especially for the samples treated with UV radiation. In vitro results indicate that both UV and γ-radiation treatments of PLA membranes allow the adhesion and proliferation of MG 63 osteoblastic cells in a close interaction with the fiber meshes and with a growth pattern highly sensitive to the underlying random or aligned fiber orientation. These results are suggestive of the potential of both γ-radiation sterilized PLA membranes for clinical applications in regenerative medicine, especially those where customized membrane morphology and fiber alignment is an important issue.

  8. Effect of total solid content and pretreatment on the production of lactic acid from mixed culture dark fermentation of food waste.

    PubMed

    Yousuf, Ahasa; Bastidas-Oyanedel, Juan-Rodrigo; Schmidt, Jens Ejbye

    2018-04-28

    Food waste landfilling causes environmental degradation, and this work assesses a sustainable food valorization technique. In this study, food waste is converted into lactic acid in a batch assembly by dark fermentation without pH control and without the addition of external inoculum at 37 °C. The effect of total solid (TS), enzymatic and aeration pretreatment was investigated on liquid products concentration and product yield. The maximum possible TS content was 34% of enzymatic pretreated waste, and showed the highest lactic acid concentration of 52 g/L, with a lactic acid selectivity of 0.6 g lactic /g totalacids . The results indicated that aeration pretreatment does not significantly improve product concentration or yield. Non-pretreated waste in a 29% TS system showed a lactic acid concentration of 31 g/L. The results showed that enzymatic pretreated waste at TS of 34% results in the highest production of lactic acid. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  9. Thermal Properties of Extruded Injection-Molded Poly (lactic acid) and Milkweed Composites: Degradation Kinectics and Enthalpic Relaxation

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    In order to determine the degree of compatibility between Poly (lactic Acid) (PLA) and different biomaterials, PLA was compounded with milkweed fiber, a new crop oil seed. After oil extraction, the remaining cake retained approximately 10% residual oil and 47% protein. The pressed seed cake (10% mo...

  10. Fermentation performance of lactic acid bacteria in different lupin substrates-influence and degradation ability of antinutritives and secondary plant metabolites.

    PubMed

    Fritsch, C; Vogel, R F; Toelstede, S

    2015-10-01

    The main objectives were to determine the influence of secondary plant metabolites and antinutritives in lupin seeds on the fermentation performance of lactic acid bacteria and to study their ability to degrade these substances. The suitability of lupin raw materials as fermentation substrates was examined. To evaluate the fermentation performance, microbial growth, metabolite formation and substrate uptake in three different lupin substrates was monitored. On the one hand, a lupin protein isolate, which contained only trace amounts of phytochemicals was used in the study. On the other hand, the flour of Lupinus angustifolius cv. Boregine and the flour of the alkaloid rich lupin Lupinus angustifolius cv. Azuro were inoculated with Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis, Pediococcus pentosaceus, Lactobacillus plantarum and Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis. The micro-organisms showed no significant differences in the fermentation performance on the different lupin flours. Similarly, the growth of most strains on lupin protein isolate was comparable to that on the lupin flours. The fermentation with Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis led to a significant decrease in flatulence causing oligosaccharides. During fermentation with Lactobacillus plantarum the phytic acid content was partially degraded. Neither the secondary plant metabolites nor the antinutritives of lupin flour inhibited the growth or metabolic activity of the tested micro-organisms. Therefore, lupin flour is suitable for lactic fermentation. Some strains showed the ability to degrade oligosaccharides or phytic acid. This work contributes to the fundamental knowledge of the metabolism of lactic acid bacteria during fermentation of lupin substrates. Fermentation of lupin raw materials could be used to improve the nutritional value of the substrates due to the reduction of antinutritives. © 2015 The Society for Applied Microbiology.

  11. Enhanced corrosion resistance and cytocompatibility of biodegradable Mg alloys by introduction of Mg(OH)2 particles into poly (L-lactic acid) coating

    PubMed Central

    Shi, Yong-juan; Pei, Jia; Zhang, Jian; Niu, Jia-lin; Zhang, Hua; Guo, Sheng-rong; Li, Zhong-hua; Yuan, Guang-yin

    2017-01-01

    A strategy of suppressing the fast degradation behaviour of Mg-based biomaterials by the introduction of one of Mg degradation products Mg(OH)2 was proposed according to the following degradation mechanism, Mg + 2H2O ⇋ Mg(OH)2 + H2↑. Specifically, Mg(OH)2 submicron particles were mixed into poly (L-lactic acid) (PLLA) to synthesize a composite coating onto hydrofluoric acid-pretreated Mg-Nd-Zn-Zr alloy. The in vitro degradation investigations showed that the addition of Mg(OH)2 particles not only slowed down the corrosion of Mg matrix, but also retarded the formation of gas pockets underneath the polymer coating. Correspondingly, cytocompatibility results exhibited significant improvement of proliferation of endothelial cells, and further insights was gained into the mechanisms how the introduction of Mg(OH)2 particles into PLLA coating affected the magnesium alloy degradation and cytocompatibility. The present study provided a promising surface modification strategy to tailor the degradation behaviour of Mg-based biomaterials. PMID:28150751

  12. Modelling the degradation and elastic properties of poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) films and regular open-cell tissue engineering scaffolds.

    PubMed

    Shirazi, Reyhaneh Neghabat; Ronan, William; Rochev, Yury; McHugh, Peter

    2016-02-01

    Scaffolding plays a critical rule in tissue engineering and an appropriate degradation rate and sufficient mechanical integrity are required during degradation and healing of tissue. This paper presents a computational investigation of the molecular weight degradation and the mechanical performance of poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) films and tissue engineering scaffolds. A reaction-diffusion model which predicts the degradation behaviour is coupled with an entropy-based mechanical model which relates Young׳s modulus and the molecular weight. The model parameters are determined based on experimental data for in-vitro degradation of a PLGA film. Microstructural models of three different scaffold architectures are used to investigate the degradation and mechanical behaviour of each scaffold. Although the architecture of the scaffold does not have a significant influence on the degradation rate, it determines the initial stiffness of the scaffold. It is revealed that the size of the scaffold strut controls the degradation rate and the mechanical collapse. A critical length scale due to competition between diffusion of degradation products and autocatalytic degradation is determined to be in the range 2-100μm. Below this range, slower homogenous degradation occurs; however, for larger samples monomers are trapped inside the sample and faster autocatalytic degradation occurs. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  13. High-power UV-LED degradation: Continuous and cycled working condition influence

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Arques-Orobon, F. J.; Nuñez, N.; Vazquez, M.; Segura-Antunez, C.; González-Posadas, V.

    2015-09-01

    High-power (HP) UV-LEDs can replace UV lamps for real-time fluoro-sensing applications by allowing portable and autonomous systems. However, HP UV-LEDs are not a mature technology, and there are still open issues regarding their performance evolution over time. This paper presents a reliability study of 3 W UV-LEDs, with special focus on LED degradation for two working conditions: continuous and cycled (30 s ON and 30 s OFF). Accelerated life tests are developed to evaluate the influence of temperature and electrical working conditions in high-power LEDs degradation, being the predominant failure mechanism the degradation of the package. An analysis that includes dynamic thermal and optical HP UV-LED measurements has been performed. Static thermal and stress simulation analysis with the finite element method (FEM) identifies the causes of package degradation. Accelerated life test results prove that HP UV-LEDs working in cycled condition have a better performance than those working in continuous condition.

  14. Degradation of chloramphenicol by UV/chlorine treatment: Kinetics, mechanism and enhanced formation of halonitromethanes.

    PubMed

    Dong, Huiyu; Qiang, Zhimin; Hu, Jun; Qu, Jiuhui

    2017-09-15

    Ultraviolet (UV)/chlorine process is considered as an emerging advanced oxidation process for the degradation of micropollutants. This study investigated the degradation of chloramphenicol (CAP) and formation of disinfection by-products (DBPs) during the UV/chlorine treatment. It was found that CAP degradation was enhanced by combined UV/chlorine treatment compared to that of UV and chlorination treatment alone. The pseudo-first-order rate constant of the UV/chlorine process at pH 7.0 reached 0.016 s -1 , which was 10.0 and 2.0 folds that observed from UV and chlorination alone, respectively. The enhancement can be attributed to the formation of diverse radicals (HO and reactive chlorine species (RCSs)), and the contribution of RCSs maintained more stable than that of HO at pH 5.5-8.5. Meanwhile, enhanced DBPs formation during the UV/chlorine treatment was observed. Both the simultaneous formation and 24-h halonitromethanes formation potential (HNMsFP) were positively correlated with the UV/chlorine treatment time. Although the simultaneous trichloronitromethane (TCNM) formation decreased with the prolonged UV irradiation, TCNM dominated the formation of HNMs after 24 h (>97.0%). According to structural analysis of transformation by-products, both the accelerated CAP degradation and enhanced HNMs formation steps were proposed. Overall, the formation of diverse radicals during the UV/chlorine treatment accelerated the degradation of CAP, while also enhanced the formation of DBPs simultaneously, indicating the need for DBPs evaluation before the application of combined UV/chlorine process. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  15. Degradation of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) by UV/chlorine oxidation: Radical roles, influencing factors, and degradation pathway.

    PubMed

    Ye, Bei; Li, Yue; Chen, Zhuo; Wu, Qian-Yuan; Wang, Wen-Long; Wang, Ting; Hu, Hong-Ying

    2017-11-01

    Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) is widely used in industry but is difficult to degrade. In this study, the synergistic effect of UV irradiation and chlorination on degradation of PVA was investigated. UV irradiation or chlorination alone did not degrade PVA. By contrast, UV/chlorine oxidation showed good efficiency for PVA degradation via generation of active free radicals, such as OH and Cl. The relative importance of these two free radicals in the oxidation process was evaluated, and it was shown that OH contributed more to PVA degradation than Cl did. The degradation of PVA followed pseudo first order kinetics. The rate constant k increased linearly from 0 min -1 to 0.3 min -1 with increasing chlorine dosage in range of 0 mg/L to 20 mg/L. However, when the chlorine dosage was increased above 20 mg/L, scavenging effect of free radicals occurred, and the degradation efficiency of PVA did not increase much more. Acidic media increased the degradation efficiency of PVA by UV/chlorine oxidation more than basic or neutral media because of the higher ratio of [HOCl]/[OCl - ], higher free radical quantum yields, and the lower free radical quenching effect under acidic conditions. Results of Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy showed that carbonyl groups in degradation products were formed during UV/chlorine oxidation, and a possible degradation pathway via alcohol to carbonyl was proposed. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  16. Impact of humic acid on the photoreductive degradation of perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) by UV/Iodide process.

    PubMed

    Sun, Zhuyu; Zhang, Chaojie; Chen, Pei; Zhou, Qi; Hoffmann, Michael R

    2017-12-15

    Iodide photolysis under UV illumination affords an effective method to produce hydrated electrons (e aq - ) in aqueous solution. Therefore, UV/Iodide photolysis can be utilized for the reductive degradation of many recalcitrant pollutants. However, the effect of naturally occurring organic matter (NOM) such as humic and fulvic acids (HA/FA), which may impact the efficiency of UV/Iodide photoreduction, is poorly understood. In this study, the UV photoreductive degradation of perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) in the presence of I - and HA is studied. PFOS undergoes a relatively slow direct photoreduction in pure water, a moderate level of degradation via UV/Iodide, but a rapid degradation via UV/Iodide/HA photolysis. After 1.5 h of photolysis, 86.0% of the initial [PFOS] was degraded in the presence of both I - and HA with a corresponding defluorination ratio of 55.6%, whereas only 51.7% of PFOS was degraded with a defluorination ratio of 4.4% via UV/Iodide illumination in the absence of HA. The relative enhancement in the presence of HA in the photodegradation of PFOS can be attributed to several factors: a) HA enhances the effective generation of e aq - due to the reduction of I 2 , HOI, IO 3 - and I 3 - back to I - ; b) certain functional groups of HA (i.e., quinones) enhance the electron transfer efficiency as electron shuttles; c) a weakly-bonded association of I - and PFOS with HA increases the reaction probability; and d) absorption of UV photons by HA itself produces e aq - . The degradation and defluorination efficiency of PFOS by UV/Iodide/HA process is dependent on pH and HA concentration. As pH increases from 7.0 to 10.0, the enhancement effect of HA improves significantly. The optimal HA concentration for the degradation of 0.03 mM PFOS is 1.0 mg L -1 . Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  17. Degradation of 40 selected pharmaceuticals by UV/H2O2.

    PubMed

    Wols, B A; Hofman-Caris, C H M; Harmsen, D J H; Beerendonk, E F

    2013-10-01

    The occurrence of pharmaceuticals in source waters is increasing. Although UV advanced oxidation is known to be an effective barrier against micropollutants, degradation rates are only available for limited amounts of pharmaceuticals. Therefore, the degradation of a large group of pharmaceuticals has been studied in this research for the UV/H2O2 process under different conditions, including pharmaceuticals of which the degradation by UV/H2O2 was never reported before (e.g., metformin, paroxetine, pindolol, sotalol, venlafaxine, etc.). Monochromatic low pressure (LP) and polychromatic medium pressure (MP) lamps were used for three different water matrices. In order to have well defined hydraulic conditions, all experiments were conducted in a collimated beam apparatus. Degradation rates for the pharmaceuticals were determined. For those compounds used in this research that are also reported in literature, measured degradation results are in good agreement with literature data. Pharmaceutical degradation for only photolysis with LP lamps is small, which is increased by using a MP lamp. Most of the pharmaceuticals are well removed when applying both UV (either LP or MP) and H2O2. However, differences in degradation rates between pharmaceuticals can be large. For example, ketoprofen, prednisolone, pindolol are very well removed by UV/H2O2, whereas metformin, cyclophosphamide, ifosfamide are very little removed by UV/H2O2. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  18. Sourdough Fermentation of Wheat Flour does not Prevent the Interaction of Transglutaminase 2 with α2-Gliadin or Gluten

    PubMed Central

    Engström, Niklas; Sandberg, Ann-Sofie; Scheers, Nathalie

    2015-01-01

    The enzyme transglutaminase 2 (TG2) plays a crucial role in the initiation of celiac disease by catalyzing the deamidation of gluten peptides. In susceptible individuals, the deamidated peptides initiate an immune response leading to celiac disease. Several studies have addressed lactic fermentation plus addition of enzymes as a means to degrade gluten in order to prevent adverse response in celiacs. Processing for complete gluten degradation is often harsh and is not likely to yield products that are of comparable characteristics as their gluten-containing counterparts. We are concerned that incomplete degradation of gluten may have adverse effects because it leads to more available TG2-binding sites on gluten peptides. Therefore, we have investigated how lactic acid fermentation affects the potential binding of TG2 to gluten protein in wheat flour by means of estimating TG2-mediated transamidation in addition to measuring the available TG2-binding motif QLP, in α2-gliadin. We show that lactic fermentation of wheat flour, as slurry or as part of sourdough bread, did not decrease the TG2-mediated transamidation, in the presence of a primary amine, to an efficient level (73%–102% of unfermented flour). Nor did the lactic fermentation decrease the available TG2 binding motif QLP in α2-gliadin to a sufficient extent in sourdough bread (73%–122% of unfermented control) to be useful for celiac safe food. PMID:25816160

  19. Degradation of pharmaceuticals in UV (LP)/H₂O₂ reactors simulated by means of kinetic modeling and computational fluid dynamics (CFD).

    PubMed

    Wols, B A; Harmsen, D J H; Wanders-Dijk, J; Beerendonk, E F; Hofman-Caris, C H M

    2015-05-15

    UV/H2O2 treatment is a well-established technique to degrade organic micropollutants. A CFD model in combination with an advanced kinetic model is presented to predict the degradation of organic micropollutants in UV (LP)/H2O2 reactors, accounting for the hydraulics, fluence rate, complex (photo)chemical reactions in the water matrix and the interactions between these processes. The model incorporates compound degradation by means of direct UV photolysis, OH radical and carbonate radical reactions. Measurements of pharmaceutical degradations in pilot-scale UV/H2O2 reactors are presented under different operating conditions. A comparison between measured and modeled degradation for a group of 35 pharmaceuticals resulted in good model predictions for most of the compounds. The research also shows that the degradation of organic micropollutants can be dependent on temperature, which is relevant for full-scale installations that are operated at different temperatures over the year. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  20. [Control on products of NDMA degradation by UV/O3].

    PubMed

    Xu, Bing-bing; Chen, Zhong-lin; Qi, Fei; Yang, Lei; Huang, Lu-xi

    2008-12-01

    Comparison experiments of two advanced oxidation processes, UV/O3 and UV/H2O2, were carried out to evaluate their degradation effect of N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) and controlling effect of dimethylamine (DMA) formation. The results showed that UV/H2O2 could enhance NDMA degradation, but could not control on the formation of DMA. UV/O3 was not only effective for NDMA degradation, but also was good at controlling on DMA formation. Furthermore, factors affecting the formation of DMA during degradation of NDMA by UV/O3 were studied. The formation of DMA decreased with O3 dosage increasing and DMA was 0.98 mg x L(-1) with 7.7 mg x L(-1) NDMA and 6.64 mg x L(-1) O3 dose. Solution pH had obvious effect on controlling of DMA formation during degradation of NDMA by UV/O3 . The formation of DMA lightly increased with pH increasing from acid to neutral but dramatically decreased in basic aqueous solution. The formation of DMA was only 0.3 mg x L(-1) when the initial concentration of NDMA was 7.7 mg x L(-1) under pH = 11.0 condition. UV/O3 had better controlling of DMA formation with lesser initial concentration of NDMA.

  1. The effects of lactate and acid on articular chondrocytes function: Implications for polymeric cartilage scaffold design.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Xiaolei; Wu, Yan; Pan, Zongyou; Sun, Heng; Wang, Junjuan; Yu, Dongsheng; Zhu, Shouan; Dai, Jun; Chen, Yishan; Tian, Naifeng; Heng, Boon Chin; Coen, Noelle D; Xu, Huazi; Ouyang, Hongwei

    2016-09-15

    Poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) and poly-l-lactate acid (PLLA) are biodegradable polymers widely utilized as scaffold materials for cartilage tissue engineering. Their acid degradation products have been widely recognized as being detrimental to cell function. However, the biological effects of lactate, rather than lactic acid, on chondrocytes have never been investigated. This is the major focus of this study. The amounts of lactate and the pH value (acid) of the PLGA and PLLA degradation medium were measured. The effects of PLGA and PLLA degradation medium, as well as different lactate concentrations and timing of exposure on chondrocytes proliferation and cartilage-specific matrix synthesis were investigated by various techniques including global gene expression profiling and gene knockdown experiments. It was shown that PLGA and PLLA degradation medium differentially regulated chondrocyte proliferation and matrix synthesis. Acidic pH caused by lactate inhibited chondrocyte proliferation and matrix synthesis. The effect of lactate on chondrocyte matrix synthesis was both time and dose dependent. A lactate concentration of 100mM and exposure duration of 8h significantly enhanced matrix synthesis. Lactate could also inhibit expression of cartilage matrix degradation genes in osteoarthritic chondrocytes, such as the major aggrecanase ADAMTS5, whilst promoting matrix synthesis simultaneously. Pulsed addition of lactate was shown to be more efficient in promoting COL2A1 expression. Global gene expression data and gene knock down experiments demonstrated that lactate promote matrix synthesis through up-regulation of HIF1A. These observed differential biological effects of lactate on chondrocytes would have implications for the future design of polymeric cartilage scaffolds. Lactic acid is a widely used substrate for polymers synthesis, PLGA and PLLA in particular. Although physical and biological modifications have been made on these polymers to make them be better cartilage scaffolds, little concern has been given on the biological effect of lactic acid, the main degradation product of these polymers, on chondrocytes. Our finding illustrates the differential biological function of lactate and acid on chondrocytes matrix synthesis. These results can facilitate future design of lactate polymers-based cartilage scaffolds. Copyright © 2016 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  2. Controlling the degradation kinetics of porous iron by poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) infiltration for use as temporary medical implants

    PubMed Central

    Yusop, Abdul Hakim Md; Daud, Nurizzati Mohd; Nur, Hadi; Kadir, Mohammed Rafiq Abdul; Hermawan, Hendra

    2015-01-01

    Iron and its alloy have been proposed as biodegradable metals for temporary medical implants. However, the formation of iron oxide and iron phosphate on their surface slows down their degradation kinetics in both in vitro and in vivo scenarios. This work presents new approach to tailor degradation behavior of iron by incorporating biodegradable polymers into the metal. Porous pure iron (PPI) was vacuum infiltrated by poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) to form fully dense PLGA-infiltrated porous iron (PIPI) and dip coated into the PLGA to form partially dense PLGA-coated porous iron (PCPI). Results showed that compressive strength and toughness of the PIPI and PCPI were higher compared to PPI. A strong interfacial interaction was developed between the PLGA layer and the iron surface. Degradation rate of PIPI and PCPI was higher than that of PPI due to the effect of PLGA hydrolysis. The fast degradation of PIPI did not affect the viability of human fibroblast cells. Finally, this work discusses a degradation mechanism for PIPI and the effect of PLGA incorporation in accelerating the degradation of iron. PMID:26057073

  3. Growth and Metabolism of Lactic Acid Bacteria during and after Malolactic Fermentation of Wines at Different pH

    PubMed Central

    Davis, C. R.; Wibowo, D. J.; Lee, T. H.; Fleet, G. H.

    1986-01-01

    Commercially produced red wines were adjusted to pH 3.0, 3.2, 3.5, 3.7, or 4.0 and examined during and after malolactic fermentation for growth of lactic acid bacteria and changes in the concentrations of carbohydrates, organic acids, amino acids, and acetaldehyde. With one exception, Leuconostoc oenos conducted the malolactic fermentation in all wines and was the only species to occur in wines at pH below 3.5. Malolactic fermentation by L. oenos was accompanied by degradation of malic, citric, and fumaric acids and production of lactic and acetic acids. The concentrations of arginine, histidine, and acetaldehyde also decreased at this stage, but the behavior of hexose and pentose sugars was complicated by other factors. Pediococcus parvulus conducted the malolactic fermentation in one wine containing 72 mg of total sulfur dioxide per liter. Fumaric and citric acids were not degraded during this malolactic fermentation, but hexose sugars were metabolized. P. parvulus and species of Lactobacillus grew after malolactic fermentation in wines with pH adjusted above 3.5. This growth was accompanied by the utilization of wine sugars and production of lactic and acetic acids. PMID:16347015

  4. Degradation of thiamethoxam and metoprolol by UV, O3 and UV/O3 hybrid processes: Kinetics, degradation intermediates and toxicity

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Šojić, D.; Despotović, V.; Orčić, D.; Szabó, E.; Arany, E.; Armaković, S.; Illés, E.; Gajda-Schrantz, K.; Dombi, A.; Alapi, T.; Sajben-Nagy, E.; Palágyi, A.; Vágvölgyi, Cs.; Manczinger, L.; Bjelica, L.; Abramović, B.

    2012-11-01

    SummaryA comprehensive study of the degradation of thiamethoxam (THIA) and metoprolol (MET) was conducted by using UV-induced photolysis (λ = 254 nm), ozonation, and a combination of these methods. In order to investigate how molecular structure of the substrate influences the rate of its degradation, we compared these three processes for the insecticide THIA and the drug MET (a β1-blocker). Of the three treatments applied, the UV photolysis and the combination of UV/O3 were found to be most effective in the degradation of THIA, while the UV/O3 process appeared to be the most efficient in terms of MET decay. The degradation kinetics was monitored by LC-DAD, and spectrophotometry, while the mineralization of the substrates was studied by TOC analysis. Reaction intermediates were studied in detail and a number of them were identified using LC-MS (ESI+/ESI-). Both parent compounds showed slight toxic effects towards algae Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata and bacteria Vibrio fischeri. However, the toxicity of the solutions containing also the degradation intermediates appeared to be much higher for all the test organisms. The inhibition/mortality rates were reduced most efficiently by the UV/O3 procedure. Ames test and Comet assay were used to follow the genotoxicity during the degradation of the studied compounds. Genotoxic intermediates were frequently detected in the case of MET in the UV treatment alone or in the presence of ozone. Treatments of THIA samples resulted less frequently in genotoxic intermediates. To our best knowledge, this work is the first genotoxicological investigation dealing with the photolytic degradation process of the studied compounds.

  5. Degradation of florfenicol in water by UV/Na2S 2O 8 process.

    PubMed

    Gao, Yu-Qiong; Gao, Nai-Yun; Deng, Yang; Yin, Da-Qiang; Zhang, Yan-Sen

    2015-06-01

    UV irradiation-activated sodium persulfate (UV/PS) was studied to degrade florfenicol (FLO), a phenicol antibiotic commonly used in aquaculture, in water. Compared with UV/H2O2 process, UV/PS process achieves a higher FLO degradation efficiency, greater mineralization, and less cost. The quantum yield for direct photolysis of FLO and the second-order rate constant of FLO with sulfate radicals were determined. The effects of various factors, namely PS concentration, anions (NO3 (-), Cl(-), and HCO3 (-)), ferrous ion, and humic acid (HA), on FLO degradation were investigated. The results showed that the pseudo-first-order rate constant increased linearly with increased PS concentration. The tested anions all adversely affected FLO degradation performance with the order of HCO3 (-) > Cl(-) > NO3 (-). Coexisting ferrous ions enhanced FLO degradation at a Fe(2+)/PS molar ratio under 1:1. HA significantly inhibited FLO degradation due to radical scavenging and light-screening effect. Toxicity assessment showed that it is capable of controlling the toxicity for FLO degradation. These findings indicated that UV/PS is a promising technology for water polluted by antibiotics, and the treatment is optimized only after the impacts of water characteristics are carefully considered.

  6. Physicochemical Properties and Applications of Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) for Use in Bone Regeneration

    PubMed Central

    Félix Lanao, Rosa P.; Jonker, Anika M.; Wolke, Joop G.C.; Jansen, John A.; van Hest, Jan C.M.

    2013-01-01

    Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) is the most often used synthetic polymer within the field of bone regeneration owing to its biocompatibility and biodegradability. As a consequence, a large number of medical devices comprising PLGA have been approved for clinical use in humans by the American Food and Drug Administration. As compared with the homopolymers of lactic acid poly(lactic acid) and poly(glycolic acid), the co-polymer PLGA is much more versatile with regard to the control over degradation rate. As a material for bone regeneration, the use of PLGA has been extensively studied for application and is included as either scaffolds, coatings, fibers, or micro- and nanospheres to meet various clinical requirements. PMID:23350707

  7. Degradation of clofibric acid in UV/chlorine disinfection process: kinetics, reactive species contribution and pathways

    PubMed Central

    Tang, Yuqing; Shi, Xueting; Liu, Yongze; Zhang, Liqiu

    2018-01-01

    As a potential endocrine disruptor, clofibric acid (CA) was investigated in this study for its degradation kinetics and pathways in UV/chlorine process. The results showed that CA in both UV photolysis and UV/chlorine processes could be degraded via pseudo-first-order kinetics, while it almost could not be degraded in the dark chlorination process. The observed rate constant (kobs) in UV photolysis was 0.0078 min−1, and increased to 0.0107 min−1 combining with 0.1 mM chlorine. The kobs increased to 0.0447 min−1 with further increasing the chlorine dosage from 0.1 to 1.0 mM, and reached a plateau at higher dosage (greater than 1.0 mM). The higher kobs was obtained at acid solution rather than basic solution. Moreover, the calculated contributions of radical species to kobs indicated that the HO• contributed significantly to CA degradation in acidic conditions, while the reactive chlorine species and UV direct photolysis dominated in neutral and basic solution. The degradation of CA was slightly inhibited in the presence of HCO3− (1 ∼ 50 mM), barely affected by the presence of Cl− (1 ∼ 200 mM) and greatly suppressed by humic acid (0 ∼ 5 mg l−1). Thirteen main degradation intermediates and three degradation pathways of CA were identified during UV/chlorine process. PMID:29515853

  8. Degradation of clofibric acid in UV/chlorine disinfection process: kinetics, reactive species contribution and pathways.

    PubMed

    Tang, Yuqing; Shi, Xueting; Liu, Yongze; Feng, Li; Zhang, Liqiu

    2018-02-01

    As a potential endocrine disruptor, clofibric acid (CA) was investigated in this study for its degradation kinetics and pathways in UV/chlorine process. The results showed that CA in both UV photolysis and UV/chlorine processes could be degraded via pseudo-first-order kinetics, while it almost could not be degraded in the dark chlorination process. The observed rate constant ( k obs ) in UV photolysis was 0.0078 min -1, and increased to 0.0107 min -1 combining with 0.1 mM chlorine. The k obs increased to 0.0447 min -1 with further increasing the chlorine dosage from 0.1 to 1.0 mM, and reached a plateau at higher dosage (greater than 1.0 mM). The higher k obs was obtained at acid solution rather than basic solution. Moreover, the calculated contributions of radical species to k obs indicated that the HO• contributed significantly to CA degradation in acidic conditions, while the reactive chlorine species and UV direct photolysis dominated in neutral and basic solution. The degradation of CA was slightly inhibited in the presence of [Formula: see text] (1 ∼ 50 mM), barely affected by the presence of Cl - (1 ∼ 200 mM) and greatly suppressed by humic acid (0 ∼ 5 mg l -1 ). Thirteen main degradation intermediates and three degradation pathways of CA were identified during UV/chlorine process.

  9. Comparison of various advanced oxidation processes for the degradation of 4-chloro-2 nitrophenol.

    PubMed

    Saritha, P; Aparna, C; Himabindu, V; Anjaneyulu, Y

    2007-11-19

    In the present study an attempt is made efficiently to degrade USEPA listed 4-chloro-2-nitrophenol (4C-2-NP), widely available in bulk drug and pesticide wastes using various advanced oxidation processes (AOPs). A comparative assessment using various AOPs (UV, H(2)O(2,) UV/H(2)O(2), Fenton, UV/Fenton and UV/TiO(2)) was attempted after initial optimization studies, viz., varying pH, peroxide concentration, iron concentration, and TiO(2) loading. The degradation of the study compound was estimated using chemical oxygen demand (COD) reduction and compound reduction using spectrophotometric methods and further validated with high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The degradation trends followed the order: UV/Fenton > UV/TiO(2) > UV/H(2)O(2) > Fenton > H(2)O(2) > UV(.) It can be inferred from the studies that UV/Fenton was the most effective in partial mineralization of 4C-2-NP. However, lower costs were obtained with H(2)O(2). Kinetic constants were evaluated using first order equations to determine the rate constant K.

  10. Detection of arc genes related with the ethyl carbamate precursors in wine lactic acid bacteria.

    PubMed

    Araque, Isabel; Gil, Joana; Carreté, Ramon; Bordons, Albert; Reguant, Cristina

    2009-03-11

    Trace amounts of the carcinogen ethyl carbamate can appear in wine by the reaction of ethanol with compounds such as citrulline and carbamyl phosphate, which are produced from arginine degradation by some wine lactic acid bacteria (LAB). In this work, the presence of arc genes for the arginine-deiminase pathway was studied in several strains of different species of LAB. Their ability to degrade arginine was also studied. To detect the presence of arc genes, degenerate primers were designed from the alignment of protein sequences in already sequenced LAB. The usefulness of these degenerate primers has been proven by sequencing some of the amplified PCR fragments and searching for homologies with published sequences of the same species and related ones. Correlation was found between the presence of genes and the ability to degrade arginine. Degrading strains included all heterofermentative lactobacilli, Oenococcus oeni , Pediococcus pentosaceus , and some strains of Leuconostoc mesenteroides and Lactobacillus plantarum .

  11. Ethyl Carbamate Formation Regulated by Lactic Acid Bacteria and Nonconventional Yeasts in Solid-State Fermentation of Chinese Moutai-Flavor Liquor.

    PubMed

    Du, Hai; Song, Zhewei; Xu, Yan

    2018-01-10

    This study aimed to identify specific microorganisms related to the formation of precursors of EC (ethyl carbamate) in the solid-state fermentation of Chinese Moutai-flavor liquor. The EC content was significantly correlated with the urea content during the fermentation process (R 2 = 0.772, P < 0.01). Differences in urea production and degradation were found at both species and functional gene levels by metatranscriptomic sequencing and culture-dependent analysis. Lactobacillus spp. could competitively degrade arginine through the arginine deiminase pathway with yeasts, and most Lactobacillus species were capable of degrading urea. Some dominant nonconventional yeasts, such as Pichia, Schizosaccharomyces, and Zygosaccharomyces species, were shown to produce low amounts of urea relative to Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Moreover, unusual urea degradation pathways (urea carboxylase, allophanate hydrolase, and ATP-independent urease) were identified. Our results indicate that EC precursor levels in the solid-state fermentation can be controlled using lactic acid bacteria and nonconventional yeasts.

  12. UV/chlorine as an advanced oxidation process for the degradation of benzalkonium chloride: Synergistic effect, transformation products and toxicity evaluation.

    PubMed

    Huang, Nan; Wang, Ting; Wang, Wen-Long; Wu, Qian-Yuan; Li, Ang; Hu, Hong-Ying

    2017-05-01

    Benzalkonium chlorides (BACs), as typical cationic surfactants and biocides widely applied in household and industrial products, have been frequently detected as micropollutants in many aquatic environments. In this study, the combination of UV irradiation and chlorine (UV/chlorine), a newly interested advanced oxidation process, was used to degrade dodecylbenzyldimethylammonium chloride (DDBAC). UV/chlorine showed synergistic effects on DDBAC degradation comparing to UV irradiation or chlorination alone. Radical quenching experiments indicated that degradation of DDBAC by UV/chlorine involved both UV photolysis and radical species oxidation, which accounted for 48.4% and 51.6%, respectively. Chlorine dosage and pH are essential parameters affecting the treatment efficiency of UV/chlorine. The pseudo first order rate constant (k obs, DDBAC ) increased from 0.046 min -1 to 0.123 min -1 in response to chlorine dosage at 0-150 mg/L, and the degradation percentage of DDBAC within 12 min decreased from 81.4% to 56.6% at pH 3.6-9.5. Five main intermediates were identified and semi-quantified using HPLC-MS/MS and a possible degradation pathway was proposed. The degradation mechanisms of DDBAC by UV/chlorine included cleavage of the benzyl-nitrogen bond and hydrogen abstraction of the alkyl chain. Trichloromethane (TCM), chloral hydrate (CH), trichloropropanone (TCP), dichloropropanone (DCP) and dichloroacetonitrile (DCAN) were detected using GC-ECD. The formation of chlorinated products increased rapidly initially, then decreased (TCM, TCP, DCP and DCAN) or remained stable (CH) with extended treatment. The actual formation of TCM peaked at 30 min (50.3 μg/L), while other chlorinated products did not exceed 10 μg/L throughout the process. Based on the luminescent bacterial assay, DDBAC solution underwent almost complete detoxification subjected to UV/chlorine treatment for 120 min, which is more effective than UV irradiation or chlorination alone. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  13. Degradation of 4-chloro 2-aminophenol using a novel combined process based on hydrodynamic cavitation, UV photolysis and ozone.

    PubMed

    Barik, Arati J; Gogate, Parag R

    2016-05-01

    The degradation of 4-chloro 2-aminophenol (4C2AP), an acute toxic organic compound, has been studied using different approaches based on the hydrodynamic cavitation (HC) with orifice plate as cavitating device, photolysis (UV) and ozonation (O3). The dependency of extent of degradation on operating parameters like operating pressure (2-5 bar), initial pH (3-8) and temperature (30-38 °C) have been established initially to maximize the efficacy of hydrodynamic cavitation. Subsequently the degradation has been studied using combined treatment strategies as HC+UV, HC+O3, UV+O3 and HC+UV+O3 at the established optimum parameters of operating temperature as 30 °C, initial pH of 6 and inlet pressure of 4 bar. The maximum extent of degradation as 96.85% and 73.6% reduction in TOC has been obtained using hydrodynamic cavitation in combination with UV photolysis and ozonation under the optimized operating conditions. The degradation products of 4C2AP have been identified using GC-MS. The present work has clearly established the efficacy of combined treatment approach (HC+UV+O3) for the removal of organic pollutant for the first time. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  14. Comparative investigation of X-ray contrast medium degradation by UV/chlorine and UV/H2O2.

    PubMed

    Kong, Xiujuan; Jiang, Jin; Ma, Jun; Yang, Yi; Pang, Suyan

    2018-02-01

    The degradation of iopamidol and diatrizoate sodium (DTZ) by UV/chlorine was carried out according to efficiency, mechanism, and oxidation products, and compared to that by UV/H 2 O 2 . The pseudo-first order rate (k') of iopamidol and DTZ was accelerated by UV/chlorine compared to that by UV and chlorine alone. k' of iopamidol and DTZ by UV/chlorine increased with increasing chlorine dosage. Both of iopamidol and DTZ could not be effectively removed by UV/H 2 O 2 compared to that by UV/chlorine. Secondary radicals (Cl 2 - and ClO) rather than primary radicals (HO and Cl) were demonstrated to be mainly responsible for the enhanced removal of iopamidol and DTZ by UV/chlorine. The oxidation products of iopamidol and DTZ resulting from UV/chlorine and UV/H 2 O 2 process were identified, and differences existed in the two systems. IO 3 - (the desired sink of I - ) was the major inorganic product in the UV/chlorine process whereas I - was the predominant inorganic product in the UV/H 2 O 2 process. The formation of chlorine-containing products during the degradation of iopamidol and DTZ by UV/chlorine was also observed. H-abstraction, additions, de-iodination were shared during the degradation of iopamidol by UV/chlorine and UV/H 2 O 2 . Neutral pH condition was preferred for the removal of iopamidol and DTZ by UV/chlorine. UV/chlorine could also be applied in real waters for the removal of iopamidol and DTZ. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  15. Inhibition of Insulin Degrading Enzyme and Insulin Degradation by UV-Killed Lactobacillus acidophilus.

    PubMed

    Neyazi, Nadia; Motevaseli, Elahe; Khorramizadeh, Mohammad Reza; Mohammadi Farsani, Taiebeh; Nouri, Zahra; Nasli Esfahani, Ensieh; Ghahremani, Mohammad Hossein

    2018-05-11

    Probiotics have beneficial effects on management of type 2 diabetes (T2D). The major hallmarks of T2D are insulin deficiency and insulin resistance which emphasize insulin therapy in onset of disease. Lactobacilli such as Lactobacillus acidophilus ( L. acidophilus ) have well known properties on prevention of T2D and insulin resistance but not on insulin degradation. Insulin-degrading enzyme (IDE) degrades insulin in the human body. We studied the effects of cell-free supernatant (CFS) and ultraviolet (UV)-killed L. acidophilus (ATCC 314) on IDE activity and insulin degradation in vitro. Cell growth inhibition by CFS and UV-killed L. acidophilus (ATCC 314) was studied and Western blotting and a fluoregenic assay was performed to determine IDE expression and its activity, respectively. Insulin degradation was evaluated by sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA). IDE expression and activity was reduced by CFS and UV-killed L. acidophilus (ATCC 314). Although, decreased enzyme expression and activity was not significant for CFS in contrast to MRL (MRS with same pH as CFS). Also, reduction in IDE activity was not statistically considerable when compared to IDE expression. Insulin degradation was increased by CFS but decreased by UV-killed L. acidophilus (ATCC 314).

  16. [Degradation of Organic Sunscreens 2-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzophenone by UV/ H2O2 Process: Kinetics and Factors].

    PubMed

    Feng, Xin-xin; Du, Er-deng; Guo, Ying-qing; Li, Hua-jie; Liu, Xiang; Zhou, Fang

    2015-06-01

    Organic sunscreens continue to enter the environment through people's daily consumption, and become a kind of emerging contaminants. The photochemical degradation of benzophenone-3 (BP-3) in water by UV/H2O2 process was investigated. Several factors, including the initial BP-3 concentration, H2O2 concentration, UV light intensity, coexisting cations and anions, humic acid and tert-butyl alcohol, were also discussed. The results showed that BP-3 degradation rate constant decreased with increasing initial BP-3 concentration, while increased with increasing H2O2 dosage and UV intensity. Coexisting anions could reduce the degradation rate, while coexisting ferric ions could stimulate the production of OH through Fenton-like reaction, further significantly accelerated BP-3 degradation process. The BP-3 degradation would be inhibited by humic acid or tert-butyl alcohol. The electrical energy per order (E(Eo)) values were also calculated to evaluate the cost of BP-3 degradation by UV/H2O2 process. The addition of ferric ions significantly reduced the value of E(Eo). The investigation of processing parameter could provide a reference for the practical engineering applications of benzophenone compounds removal by UV/H2O2 process.

  17. Distribution of electrical energy consumption for the efficient degradation control of THMs mixture in sonophotolytic process.

    PubMed

    Park, Beomguk; Cho, Eunju; Son, Younggyu; Khim, Jeehyeong

    2014-11-01

    Sonophotolytic degradation of THMs mixture with different electrical energy ratio was carried out for efficient design of process. The total consumed electrical energy was fixed around 50W, and five different energy conditions were applied. The maximum degradation rate showed in conditions of US:UV=1:3 and US:UV=0:4. This is because the photolytic degradation of bromate compounds is dominant degradation mechanism for THMs removal. However, the fastest degradation of total organic carbon was observed in a condition of US:UV=1:3. Because hydrogen peroxide generated by sonication was effectively dissociated to hydroxyl radicals by ultraviolet, the concentration of hydroxyl radical was maintained high. This mechanism provided additional degradation of organics. This result was supported by comparison between the concentration of hydrogen peroxide sole and combined process. Consequently, the optimal energy ratio was US:UV=1:3 for degradation of THMs in sonophotolytic process. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  18. Degradation mechanisms of Microcystin-LR during UV-B photolysis and UV/H2O2 processes: Byproducts and pathways.

    PubMed

    Moon, Bo-Ram; Kim, Tae-Kyoung; Kim, Moon-Kyung; Choi, Jaewon; Zoh, Kyung-Duk

    2017-10-01

    The removal and degradation pathways of microcystin-LR (MC-LR, [M+H] +  = 995.6) in UV-B photolysis and UV-B/H 2 O 2 processes were examined using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The UV/H 2 O 2 process was more efficient than UV-B photolysis for MC-LR removal. Eight by-products were newly identified in the UV-B photolysis ([M+H] +  = 414.3, 417.3, 709.6, 428.9, 608.6, 847.5, 807.4, and 823.6), and eleven by-products were identified in the UV-B/H 2 O 2 process ([M+H] +  = 707.4, 414.7, 429.3, 445.3, 608.6, 1052.0, 313.4, 823.6, 357.3, 245.2, and 805.7). Most of the MC-LR by-products had lower [M+H] + values than the MC-LR itself during both processes, except for the [M+H] + value of 1052.0 during UV-B photolysis. Based on identified by-products and peak area patterns, we proposed potential degradation pathways during the two processes. Bond cleavage and intramolecular electron rearrangement by electron pair in the nitrogen atom were the major reactions during UV-B photolysis and UV-B/H 2 O 2 processes, and hydroxylation by OH radical and the adduct formation reaction between the produced by-products were identified as additional pathways during the UV-B/H 2 O 2 process. Meanwhile, the degradation by-products identified from MC-LR during UV-B/H 2 O 2 process can be further degraded by increasing H 2 O 2 dose. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  19. Iohexol degradation in wastewater and urine by UV-based Advanced Oxidation Processes (AOPs): Process modeling and by-products identification.

    PubMed

    Giannakis, Stefanos; Jovic, Milica; Gasilova, Natalia; Pastor Gelabert, Miquel; Schindelholz, Simon; Furbringer, Jean-Marie; Girault, Hubert; Pulgarin, César

    2017-06-15

    In this work, an Iodinated Contrast Medium (ICM), Iohexol, was subjected to treatment by 3 Advanced Oxidation Processes (AOPs) (UV, UV/H 2 O 2 , UV/H 2 O 2 /Fe 2+ ). Water, wastewater and urine were spiked with Iohexol, in order to investigate the treatment efficiency of AOPs. A tri-level approach has been deployed to assess the UV-based AOPs efficacy. The treatment was heavily influenced by the UV transmittance and the organics content of the matrix, as dilution and acidification improved the degradation but iron/H 2 O 2 increase only moderately. Furthermore, optimization of the treatment conditions, as well as modeling of the degradation was performed, by step-wise constructed quadratic or product models, and determination of the optimal operational regions was achieved through desirability functions. Finally, global chemical parameters (COD, TOC and UV-Vis absorbance) were followed in parallel with specific analyses to elucidate the degradation process of Iohexol by UV-based AOPs. Through HPLC/MS analysis the degradation pathway and the effects the operational parameters were monitored, thus attributing the pathways the respective modifications. The addition of iron in the UV/H 2 O 2 process inflicted additional pathways beneficial for both Iohexol and organics removal from the matrix. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  20. A Fe(II)/citrate/UV/PMS process for carbamazepine degradation at a very low Fe(II)/PMS ratio and neutral pH: The mechanisms.

    PubMed

    Ling, Li; Zhang, Dapeng; Fan, Chihhao; Shang, Chii

    2017-11-01

    A novel Fe(II)/citrate/UV/PMS process for degrading a model micropollutant, carbamazepine (CBZ), at a low Fe(II)/PMS ratio and neutral pH has been proposed in this study, and the mechanisms of radical generation in the system was explored. With a UV dose of 302.4 mJ/cm 2 , an initial pH of 7, and CBZ, PMS, Fe(II) and citrate at initial concentrations of 10, 100, 12 and 26 μM, respectively, the CBZ degradation efficiency reached 71% in 20 min in the Fe(II)/citrate/UV/PMS process, which was 4.7 times higher than that in either the citrate/UV/PMS or Fe(II)/citrate/PMS process. The enhanced CBZ degradation in the Fe(II)/citrate/UV/PMS process was mainly attributed to the continuous activation of PMS by the UV-catalyzed regenerated Fe(II) from a Fe(III)-citrate complex, [Fe 3 O(cit) 3 H 3 ] 2- , which not only maintained Fe(III) soluble at neutral pH, but also increased 6.6 and 2.6 times of its molar absorbance and quantum yield as compared to those of ionic Fe(III), respectively. In the Fe(II)/citrate/UV/PMS process, the SO 4 •- produced from the fast reaction between PMS and the initially-added Fe(II) contributed 11% of CBZ degradation. The PMS activation by the UV radiation and regenerated Fe(II) contributed additional 14% and 46% of CBZ removal, respectively. The low iron and citrate doses and the fast radical generation at neutral pH make the Fe(II)/citrate/UV/PMS process suitable for degrading recalcitrant organic compounds in potable water. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  1. Kinetic models and pathways of ronidazole degradation by chlorination, UV irradiation and UV/chlorine processes.

    PubMed

    Qin, Lang; Lin, Yi-Li; Xu, Bin; Hu, Chen-Yan; Tian, Fu-Xiang; Zhang, Tian-Yang; Zhu, Wen-Qian; Huang, He; Gao, Nai-Yun

    2014-11-15

    Degradation kinetics and pathways of ronidazole (RNZ) by chlorination (Cl2), UV irradiation and combined UV/chlorine processes were investigated in this paper. The degradation kinetics of RNZ chlorination followed a second-order behavior with the rate constants calculated as (2.13 ± 0.15) × 10(2) M(-2) s(-1), (0.82 ± 0.52) × 10(-2) M(-1) s(-1) and (2.06 ± 0.09) × 10(-1) M(-1) s(-1) for the acid-catalyzed reaction, as well as the reactions of RNZ with HOCl and OCl(-), respectively. Although UV irradiation degraded RNZ more effectively than chlorination did, very low quantum yield of RNZ at 254 nm was obtained as 1.02 × 10(-3) mol E(-1). RNZ could be efficiently degraded and mineralized in the UV/chlorine process due to the generation of hydroxyl radicals. The second-order rate constant between RNZ and hydroxyl radical was determined as (2.92 ± 0.05) × 10(9) M(-1) s(-1). The degradation intermediates of RNZ during the three processes were identified with Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography - Electrospray Ionization - mass spectrometry and the degradation pathways were then proposed. Moreover, the variation of chloropicrin (TCNM) and chloroform (CF) formation after the three processes were further evaluated. Enhanced formation of CF and TCNM precursors during UV/chlorine process deserves extensive attention in drinking water treatment. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  2. Photodegradation of pharmaceuticals and personal care products during UV and UV/H2O2 treatments.

    PubMed

    Kim, Ilho; Yamashita, Naoyuki; Tanaka, Hiroaki

    2009-10-01

    Photodegradation characteristics of pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) and the effectiveness of H(2)O(2) addition for PPCPs photodegradation during UV treatment were examined in this study. Average k (1st order rate constant) value for all the PPCPs investigated increased by a factor of 1.3 by H(2)O(2) addition during UV treatment using biologically treated water (TW) spiked with the 30 PPCPs. Therefore, the effectiveness of H(2)O(2) addition for PPCPs removal during UV treatment in real wastewater treatment process was expected. It could be also known that H(2)O(2) addition would improve photodegradation rates of PPCPs highly resistant for UV treatment such as DEET, ethenzamide and theophylline. UV dose required for 90% degradation of each PPCP was calculated from k values obtained in UV and UV/H(2)O(2) treatment experiments using TW spiked with 30 PPCPs. For UV treatment, UV dose required for degrading each PPCP by 90% of initial concentration ranged from 38 mJ cm(-2) to 5644 mJ cm(-2), indicating that most of PPCPs will not be removed sufficiently in UV disinfection process in wastewater treatment plant. For UV/H(2)O(2) treatment, all the PPCPs except seven PPCPs including cyclophosphamide and 2-QCA were degraded by more than 90% by UV irradiation for 30 min (UV dose: 691 mJ cm(-2)), indicating that H(2)O(2) addition during UV treatment will be highly effective for improving the degradation of PPCPs by UV, even though much higher UV dose is still necessary comparing to for UV disinfection.

  3. Phenotypic and genotypic diversity of Lactobacillus buchneri strains isolated from spoiled, fermented cucumber.

    PubMed

    Daughtry, Katheryne V; Johanningsmeier, Suzanne D; Sanozky-Dawes, Rosemary; Klaenhammer, Todd R; Barrangou, Rodolphe

    2018-09-02

    Lactobacillus buchneri is a Gram-positive, obligate heterofermentative, facultative anaerobe commonly affiliated with spoilage of food products. Notably, L. buchneri is able to metabolize lactic acid into acetic acid and 1,2-propanediol. Although beneficial to the silage industry, this metabolic capability is detrimental to preservation of cucumbers by fermentation. The objective of this study was to characterize isolates of L. buchneri purified from both industrial and experimental fermented cucumber after the onset of secondary fermentation. Genotypic and phenotypic characterization included 16S rRNA sequencing, DiversiLab® rep-PCR, colony morphology, API 50 CH carbohydrate analysis, and ability to degrade lactic acid in modified MRS and fermented cucumber media. Distinct groups of isolates were identified with differing colony morphologies that varied in color (translucent white to opaque yellow), diameter (1 mm-11 mm), and shape (umbonate, flat, circular or irregular). Growth rates in MRS revealed strain differences, and a wide spectrum of carbon source utilization was observed. Some strains were able to ferment as many as 21 of 49 tested carbon sources, including inulin, fucose, gentiobiose, lactose, mannitol, potassium ketogluconate, saccharose, raffinose, galactose, and xylose, while others metabolized as few as eight carbohydrates as the sole source of carbon. All isolates degraded lactic acid in both fermented cucumber medium and modified MRS, but exhibited differences in the rate and extent of lactate degradation. Isolates clustered into eight distinct groups based on rep-PCR fingerprints with 20 of 36 of the isolates exhibiting >97% similarity. Although isolated from similar environmental niches, significant phenotypic and genotypic diversity was found among the L. buchneri cultures. A collection of unique L. buchneri strains was identified and characterized, providing the basis for further analysis of metabolic and genomic capabilities of this species to enable control of lactic acid degradation in fermented plant materials. Published by Elsevier B.V.

  4. Effect of matrix components on UV/H2O2 and UV/S2O8(2-) advanced oxidation processes for trace organic degradation in reverse osmosis brines from municipal wastewater reuse facilities.

    PubMed

    Yang, Yi; Pignatello, Joseph J; Ma, Jun; Mitch, William A

    2016-02-01

    When reverse osmosis brines from potable wastewater reuse plants are discharged to poorly-flushed estuaries, the concentrated organic contaminants are a concern for receiving water ecosystems. UV/hydrogen peroxide (UV/H2O2) and UV/persulfate (UV/S2O8(2-)) advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) may reduce contaminant burdens prior to discharge, but the effects of the high levels of halide, carbonate and effluent organic matter (EfOM) normally present in these brines are unclear. On the one hand, these substances may reduce process efficiency by scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS), hydroxyl (OH) and sulfate (SO4(-) radicals. On the other, the daughter radicals generated by halide and carbonate scavenging may themselves degrade organics, offsetting the effect of ROS scavenging. UV/H2O2 and UV/S2O8(2-) AOPs were compared for degradation of five pharmaceuticals spiked into brines obtained from two reuse facilities and the RO influent from one of them. For UV/H2O2, EfOM scavenged ∼75% of the OH, reducing the degradation efficiency of the target contaminants to a similar extent; halide and carbonate scavenging and the reactivities of associated daughter radicals were less important. For UV/S2O8(2-), anions (mostly Cl(-)) scavenged ∼93% of the SO4(-). Because daughter radicals of Cl(-) contributed to contaminant degradation, the reduction in contaminant degradation efficiency was only ∼75-80%, with the reduction driven by daughter radical scavenging by EfOM. Conversion of SO4(-) to more selective halogen and carbonate radicals resulted in a wider range of degradation efficiencies among the contaminants. For both AOPs, 250 mJ/cm(2) average fluence achieved significant removal of four pharmaceuticals, with significantly better performance by UV/S2O8(2-) treatment for some constituents. Accounting for the lower brine flowrates, the energy output to achieve this fluence in brines is comparable to that often applied to RO permeates. However, much higher fluence was required for the least reactive pharmaceutical. Comparing AOP application to the RO influent or brine, equal or greater removal was achieved for brine treatment for comparable energy input. AOP treatment of brines could be applied to reduce, but not eliminate, contaminant burdens prior to discharge. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  5. D-lactic acid production from cellooligosaccharides and beta-glucan using L-LDH gene-deficient and endoglucanase-secreting Lactobacillus plantarum.

    PubMed

    Okano, Kenji; Zhang, Qiao; Yoshida, Shogo; Tanaka, Tsutomu; Ogino, Chiaki; Fukuda, Hideki; Kondo, Akihiko

    2010-01-01

    In order to achieve direct fermentation of an optically pure D: -lactic acid from cellulosic materials, an endoglucanase from a Clostridium thermocellum (CelA)-secreting plasmid was introduced into an L: -lactate dehydrogenase gene (ldhL1)-deficient Lactobacillus plantarum (ldhL1) bacterial strain. CelA expression and its degradation of beta-glucan was confirmed by western blot analysis and enzyme assay, respectively. Although the CelA-secreting ldhL1 assimilated cellooligosaccharides up to cellohexaose (although not cellotetraose), the main end product was acetic acid, not lactic acid, due to the conversion of lactic acid to acetic acid. Cultivation under anaerobic conditions partially suppressed this conversion resulting in the production of 1.27 g/l of D: -lactic acid with a high optical purity of 99.5% from a medium containing 2 g/l of cellohexaose. Subsequently, D: -lactic acid fermentation from barley beta-glucan was carried out with the addition of Aspergillus aculeatus beta-glucosidase produced by recombinant Aspergillus oryzae and 1.47 g/l of D: -lactic was produced with a high optical purity of 99.7%. This is the first report of direct lactic acid fermentation from beta-glucan and a cellooligosaccharide that is a more highly polymerized sugar than cellotriose.

  6. Influence of UV irradiation on hydroxypropyl methylcellulose polymer films

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Rao, B. Lakshmeesha; Shivananda, C. S.; Shetty, G. Rajesha; Harish, K. V.; Madhukumar, R.; Sangappa, Y.

    2018-05-01

    Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose (HPMC) biopolymer films were prepared by solution casting technique and effects of UV irradiation on the structural and optical properties of the polymer films were analysed using X-ray Diffraction and UV-Visible studies. From XRD data, the microcrystalline parameters (crystallite size (LXRD) and crystallinity (Xc)) were calculated and found to be decreasing with UV irradiation due to photo-degradation process. From the UV-Vis absorption data, the optical bandgap (Eg), average numbers of carbon atoms per conjugation length (N) of the polymer chain and the refractive index (n) at 550 nm (average wavelength of visible light) of virgin and UV irradiated HPMC films were calculated. With increase in UV exposure time, the optical bandgap energy (Eg) increases, and hence average number of carbon atoms per conjugation length (N) decreases, supports the photo-degradation of HPMC polymer films. The refractive index of the HPMC films decreases after UV irradiation, due to photo-degradation induced chain rearrangements.

  7. Chlorophyll degradation in aqueous mediums induced by light and UV-B irradiation: An UHPLC-ESI-MS study

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Petrović, Sanja; Zvezdanović, Jelena; Marković, Dejan

    2017-12-01

    Irreversible chlorophyll degradation induced by continuous white light illumination and UV-B irradiation in the aqueous mediums (with 10%, 30% and 50% of methanol) was investigated using the ultrahigh liquid chromatography coupled with diode array and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry detectors (UHPLC-DAD-ESIMS). The degradation was governed by energy input of photons: higher energy of UV-B irradiation induced faster chlorophyll degradation and accordingly faster products formation in comparison to the white light treatment. Main light- or/and UV-B-induced products of chlorophyll in the aqueous mediums were hydroxy-pheophytin a, pheophytin a and hydroxy-lactone-pheophytin a, accompanied with the corresponding epimers. Chlorophylls aggregation dominant in the aqueous medium with the highest methanol content (50%) play a protective role against the UV-B radiation and white light illumination.

  8. Photodegradation of pharmaceuticals in the aquatic environment by sunlight and UV-A, -B and -C irradiation.

    PubMed

    Kawabata, Kohei; Sugihara, Kazumi; Sanoh, Seigo; Kitamura, Shigeyuki; Ohta, Shigeru

    2013-01-01

    In order to investigate the effect of sunlight on the persistence and ecotoxicity of pharmaceuticals contaminating the aquatic environment, we exposed nine pharmaceuticals (acetaminophen (AA), amiodarone (AM), dapsone (DP), dexamethasone (DX), indomethacin (IM), naproxen (NP), phenytoin (PH), raloxifene (RL), and sulindac (SL)) in aqueous media to sunlight and to ultraviolet (UV) irradiation at 254, 302 or 365 nm (UV-C, UV-B or UV-A, respectively). Degradation of the pharmaceuticals was monitored by means of high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Sunlight completely degraded AM, DP and DX within 6 hr, and partly degraded the other pharmaceuticals, except AA and PH, which were not degraded. Similar results were obtained with UV-B, while UV-A was less effective (both UV-A and -B are components of sunlight). All the pharmaceuticals were photodegraded by UV-C, which is used for sterilization in sewage treatment plants. Thus, the photodegradation rates of pharmaceuticals are dependent on both chemical structure and the wavelength of UV exposure. Toxicity assay using the luminescent bacteria test (ISO11348) indicated that UV irradiation reduced the toxicity of some pharmaceuticals to aquatic organisms by decreasing their amount (photodegradation) and increased the toxicity of others by generating toxic photoproduct(s). These results indicate the importance of investigating not only parent compounds, but also photoproducts in the risk assessment of pharmaceuticals in aquatic environments.

  9. UV testing of INTELSAT-7, 7A, and 8 solar cells

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Meulenberg, A.

    1994-01-01

    A 4000 hour experiment, conducted in late 1992 through mid 1993, confirmed earlier results on the ultraviolet damage effects in covered solar cells of various types being used, or proposed for use, in INTELSAT programs. Two different UV test systems were used to identify systematic errors and to study the effects of UV source-bulb age on degradation rate. After correction for contamination and UV source-bulb aging, the extrapolated degradation rates for irradiated and unirradiated INTELSAT-5, -6 single AR(SAR) coated cells and INTELSAT-7, -7A, -8 double layer AR(DAR) coated cells in both the 1993 tests confirm the following hypotheses resulting from the 1992 experiment. (a) Irradiated cells display significantly more UV degradation than do the unirradiated cells for tests exceeding 2000 hours. The new data indicates that degradation effects from electron irradiation are proportional to t(exp 2) (the square of the UV hours), at least for times less than or equal to 3000 hours. (b) This difference does not depend upon entire reflective coating, cell resistivity, or manufacturer within the sensitivity and reproducibility of the experiment. (c) There is a clear difference in degradation rate between single AR coated cells (TiO(x)) and double layer AR coated cells (SiO(x) and Al2O3?). At 100,000 hours (11.4 years) the DAR coated cells display more degradation than do the SAR coated cells, even though at 1,000 hours the DAR cells display less degradation. (d) UV degradation rates, to modern covered silicon solar cells, at the beginning of bulb life drop from approximately 2 times the average rate to near zero after 2000 hours (average end-of-life for the xenon short-arc lamps used in the tests). The effects of 1 MeV electron irradiation (10(exp 15) e(-)/sq cm) prior to UV exposure are clearly indicated in the plot of percent change in cell open circuit voltage (Voc) versus percent change in short circuit current (Isc) during the UV test and post-test cleanup of the cells. Clearly, extended UV testing produces a permanent photo-induced redegradation of previously irradiated cells. However, this photo-induced redegradation may be caused by the long-wavelength light, not the UV light.

  10. DBP formation from degradation of DEET and ibuprofen by UV/chlorine process and subsequent post-chlorination.

    PubMed

    Aghdam, Ehsan; Xiang, Yingying; Sun, Jianliang; Shang, Chii; Yang, Xin; Fang, Jingyun

    2017-08-01

    The formation of disinfection by-products (DBPs) from the degradation of N,N-diethyl-3-methyl benzoyl amide (DEET) and ibuprofen (IBP) by the ultraviolet irradiation (UV)/chlorine process and subsequent post-chlorination was investigated and compared with the UV/H 2 O 2 process. The pseudo first-order rate constants of the degradation of DEET and IBP by the UV/chlorine process were 2 and 3.1 times higher than those by the UV/H 2 O 2 process, respectively, under the tested conditions. This was due to the significant contributions of both reactive chlorine species (RCS) and hydroxyl radicals (HO) in the UV/chlorine process. Trichloromethane, 1,1,1-trichloro-2-propanone and dichloroacetic acid were the major known DBPs formed after 90% of both DEET and IBP that were degraded by the UV/chlorine process. Their yields increased by over 50% after subsequent 1-day post-chlorination. The detected DBPs after the degradation of DEET and IBP comprised 13.5% and 19.8% of total organic chlorine (TOCl), respectively, and the proportions increased to 19.8% and 33.9% after subsequent chlorination, respectively. In comparison to the UV/H 2 O 2 process accompanied with post-chlorination, the formation of DBPs and TOCl in the UV/chlorine process together with post-chlorination was 5%-63% higher, likely due to the generation of more DBP precursors from the attack of RCS, in addition to HO. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier B.V.

  11. Pre-oxidation of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) by ultraviolet light (UV) promotes enhanced degradation of LDPE in soil.

    PubMed

    Tribedi, Prosun; Dey, Samrat

    2017-11-09

    Polyethylene represents nearly 64% of all the synthetic plastics produced and are mainly used for domestic and industrial applications. Their extensive use poses a serious environmental threat because of their non-biodegradable nature. Among all the polyethylene remediation strategies, in situ bioremediation happens to be the safest and efficient one. In the current study, efforts had been given to compare the extent of LDPE degradation under UV-treated and UV-untreated conditions by soil microcosm. Landfill soil was collected and UV-treated and UV-untreated LDPE were added separately to the soil following incubation under similar conditions. Electron microscopic images as well as the weight loss and the tensile strength results clearly revealed that UV-treated LDPE showed better degradation than the non-treated ones in soil. To elucidate the mechanism of this enhanced biodegradation, the bond spectra of differentially treated LDPE were analyzed by FTIR. The results obtained from bond spectra studies revealed that UV treatment increases both carbonyl and terminal double-bond index of the LDPE, thereby making it highly susceptible for microbial degradation. Moreover, incubation of UV-treated LDPE with soil favors better adherence of metabolically active and significantly higher number of microorganisms on it. Taken together, all these results demonstrate the higher microbial association and their better metabolic potential to the UV-treated LDPE that lead to enhanced degradation of the LDPE by the soil microorganisms.

  12. Kinetics and pathways of ibuprofen degradation by the UV/chlorine advanced oxidation process.

    PubMed

    Xiang, Yingying; Fang, Jingyun; Shang, Chii

    2016-03-01

    The UV/chlorine advanced oxidation process (AOP), which forms reactive species such as hydroxyl radicals (HO) and reactive chlorine species (RCS) such as chlorine atoms (Cl) and Cl2(-), is being considered as an alternative to the UV/H2O2 AOP for the degradation of emerging contaminants. This study investigated the kinetics and pathways of the degradation of a recalcitrant pharmaceutical and personal care product (PPCP)-ibuprofen (IBP)-by the UV/chlorine AOP. The degradation of IBP followed the pseudo first-order kinetics. The first-order rate constant was 3.3 times higher in the UV/chlorine AOP than in the UV/H2O2 AOP for a given chemical molar dosage at pH 6. The first-order rate constant decreased from 3.1 × 10(-3) s(-1) to 5.5 × 10(-4) s(-1) with increasing pH from 6 to 9. Both HO and RCS contributed to the degradation, and the contribution of RCS increased from 22% to 30% with increasing pH from 6 to 9. The degradation was initiated by HO-induced hydroxylation and Cl-induced chlorine substitution, and sustained through decarboxylation, demethylation, chlorination and ring cleavage to form more stable products. Significant amounts of chlorinated intermediates/byproducts were formed from the UV/chlorine AOP, and four chlorinated products were newly identified. The yield of total organic chlorine (TOCl) was 31.6 μM after 90% degradation of 50 μM IBP under the experimental conditions. The known disinfection by-products (DBPs) comprised 17.4% of the TOCl. The effects of water matrix in filtered drinking water on the degradation were not significant, demonstrating the practicality of the UV/chlorine AOP for the control of some refractory PPCPs. However, the toxicity of the chlorinated products should be further assessed. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  13. Photodegradation of sulfasalazine and its human metabolites in water by UV and UV/peroxydisulfate processes.

    PubMed

    Ji, Yuefei; Yang, Yan; Zhou, Lei; Wang, Lu; Lu, Junhe; Ferronato, Corinne; Chovelon, Jean-Marc

    2018-04-15

    The widespread occurrence of pharmaceuticals and their metabolites in natural waters has raised great concerns about their potential risks on human health and ecological systems. This study systematically investigates the degradation of sulfasalazine (SSZ) and its two human metabolites, sulfapyridine (SPD) and 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA), by UV and UV/peroxydisulfate (UV/PDS) processes. Experimental results show that SPD and 5-ASA were readily degraded upon UV 254 nm direct photolysis, with quantum yields measured to be (8.6 ± 0.8) × 10 -3 and (2.4 ± 0.1) × 10 -2  mol Einstein -1 , respectively. Although SSZ was resistant to direct UV photolysis, it could be effectively removed by both UV/H 2 O 2 and UV/PDS processes, with fluence-based pseudo-first-order rate constants determined to be 0.0030 and 0.0038 cm 2  mJ -1 , respectively. Second-order rate constant between SO 4 •- and SSZ was measured as (1.33 ± 0.01) × 10 9  M -1 s -1 by competition kinetic method. A kinetic model was established for predicting the degradation rate of SSZ in the UV/PDS process. Increasing the dosage of PDS significantly enhanced the degradation of SSZ in the UV/PDS process, which can be well predicted by the developed kinetic model. Natural water constituents, such as natural organic matter (NOM) and bicarbonate (HCO 3 - ), influenced the degradation of SSZ differently. The azo functional group of SSZ molecule was predicted as the reactive site susceptible to electrophilic attack by SO 4 •- by frontier electron densities (FEDs) calculations. Four intermediate products arising from azo bond cleavage and SO 2 extrusion were identified by solid phase extraction-liquid chromatography-triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (SPE-LC-MS/MS). Based on the products identified, detailed transformation pathways for SSZ degradation in the UV/PDS system were proposed. Results reveal that UV/PDS could be an efficient approach for remediation of water contaminated by SSZ and its metabolites. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  14. UV Degradation and Recovery of Perovskite Solar Cells

    PubMed Central

    Lee, Sang-Won; Kim, Seongtak; Bae, Soohyun; Cho, Kyungjin; Chung, Taewon; Mundt, Laura E.; Lee, Seunghun; Park, Sungeun; Park, Hyomin; Schubert, Martin C.; Glunz, Stefan W.; Ko, Yohan; Jun, Yongseok; Kang, Yoonmook; Lee, Hae-Seok; Kim, Donghwan

    2016-01-01

    Although the power conversion efficiency of perovskite solar cells has increased from 3.81% to 22.1% in just 7 years, they still suffer from stability issues, as they degrade upon exposure to moisture, UV light, heat, and bias voltage. We herein examined the degradation of perovskite solar cells in the presence of UV light alone. The cells were exposed to 365 nm UV light for over 1,000 h under inert gas at <0.5 ppm humidity without encapsulation. 1-sun illumination after UV degradation resulted in recovery of the fill factor and power conversion efficiency. Furthermore, during exposure to consecutive UV light, the diminished short circuit current density (Jsc) and EQE continuously restored. 1-sun light soaking induced recovery is considered to be caused by resolving of stacked charges and defect state neutralization. The Jsc and EQE bounce-back phenomenon is attributed to the beneficial effects of PbI2 which is generated by the decomposition of perovskite material. PMID:27909338

  15. UV Degradation and Recovery of Perovskite Solar Cells.

    PubMed

    Lee, Sang-Won; Kim, Seongtak; Bae, Soohyun; Cho, Kyungjin; Chung, Taewon; Mundt, Laura E; Lee, Seunghun; Park, Sungeun; Park, Hyomin; Schubert, Martin C; Glunz, Stefan W; Ko, Yohan; Jun, Yongseok; Kang, Yoonmook; Lee, Hae-Seok; Kim, Donghwan

    2016-12-02

    Although the power conversion efficiency of perovskite solar cells has increased from 3.81% to 22.1% in just 7 years, they still suffer from stability issues, as they degrade upon exposure to moisture, UV light, heat, and bias voltage. We herein examined the degradation of perovskite solar cells in the presence of UV light alone. The cells were exposed to 365 nm UV light for over 1,000 h under inert gas at <0.5 ppm humidity without encapsulation. 1-sun illumination after UV degradation resulted in recovery of the fill factor and power conversion efficiency. Furthermore, during exposure to consecutive UV light, the diminished short circuit current density (J sc ) and EQE continuously restored. 1-sun light soaking induced recovery is considered to be caused by resolving of stacked charges and defect state neutralization. The J sc and EQE bounce-back phenomenon is attributed to the beneficial effects of PbI 2 which is generated by the decomposition of perovskite material.

  16. Transformation efficiency and formation of transformation products during photochemical degradation of TCE and PCE at micromolar concentrations

    PubMed Central

    2014-01-01

    Background Trichloroethene and tetrachloroethene are the most common pollutants in groundwater and two of the priority pollutants listed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. In previous studies on TCE and PCE photolysis and photochemical degradation, concentration ranges exceeding environmental levels by far with millimolar concentrations of TCE and PCE have been used, and it is not clear if the obtained results can be used to explain the degradation of these contaminants at more realistic environmental concentration levels. Methods Experiments with micromolar concentrations of TCE and PCE in aqueous solution using direct photolysis and UV/H2O2 have been conducted and product formation as well as transformation efficiency have been investigated. SPME/GC/MS, HPLC/UV and ion chromatography with conductivity detection have been used to determine intermediates of degradation. Results The results showed that chloride was a major end product in both TCE and PCE photodegradation. Several intermediates such as formic acid, dichloroacetic acid, dichloroacetaldehyede, chloroform, formaldehyde and glyoxylic acid were formed during both, UV and UV/H2O2 treatment of TCE. However chloroacetaldehyde and chloroacetic acid were only detected during direct UV photolysis of TCE and oxalic acid was only formed during the UV/H2O2 process. For PCE photodegradation, formic acid, di- and trichloroacetic acids were detected in both UV and UV/H2O2 systems, but formaldehyde and glyoxylic acid were only detected during direct UV photolysis. Conclusions For water treatment UV/H2O2 seems to be favorable over direct UV photolysis because of its higher degradation efficiency and lower risk for the formation of harmful intermediates. PMID:24401763

  17. Transformation efficiency and formation of transformation products during photochemical degradation of TCE and PCE at micromolar concentrations.

    PubMed

    Dobaradaran, Sina; Lutze, Holger; Mahvi, Amir Hossein; Schmidt, Torsten C

    2014-01-08

    Trichloroethene and tetrachloroethene are the most common pollutants in groundwater and two of the priority pollutants listed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. In previous studies on TCE and PCE photolysis and photochemical degradation, concentration ranges exceeding environmental levels by far with millimolar concentrations of TCE and PCE have been used, and it is not clear if the obtained results can be used to explain the degradation of these contaminants at more realistic environmental concentration levels. Experiments with micromolar concentrations of TCE and PCE in aqueous solution using direct photolysis and UV/H2O2 have been conducted and product formation as well as transformation efficiency have been investigated. SPME/GC/MS, HPLC/UV and ion chromatography with conductivity detection have been used to determine intermediates of degradation. The results showed that chloride was a major end product in both TCE and PCE photodegradation. Several intermediates such as formic acid, dichloroacetic acid, dichloroacetaldehyede, chloroform, formaldehyde and glyoxylic acid were formed during both, UV and UV/H2O2 treatment of TCE. However chloroacetaldehyde and chloroacetic acid were only detected during direct UV photolysis of TCE and oxalic acid was only formed during the UV/H2O2 process. For PCE photodegradation, formic acid, di- and trichloroacetic acids were detected in both UV and UV/H2O2 systems, but formaldehyde and glyoxylic acid were only detected during direct UV photolysis. For water treatment UV/H2O2 seems to be favorable over direct UV photolysis because of its higher degradation efficiency and lower risk for the formation of harmful intermediates.

  18. Photo-producible and photo-degradable starch/TiO2 bionanocomposite as a food packaging material: Development and characterization.

    PubMed

    Goudarzi, Vahid; Shahabi-Ghahfarrokhi, Iman

    2018-01-01

    In current study, starch/TiO 2 bionanocomposites were produced by photochemical reactions as a biodegradable food packaging material. Physical, mechanical, thermal and water-vapor permeability properties were investigated. Then, the photo-degradation properties of nanocomposite films were studied. This is the first report of the photo-producible and photo-degradable bionanocomposite as a food packaging material. Film-forming solutions were exposed to ultraviolet A (UV-A) for different times. Our results showed that UV-A irradiation increased the hydrophobicity of starch films. With increasing UV-A exposure time, tensile strength and Young's modulus of the specimens were decreased. On the other hand, elongation at break of the films was increased with increasing UV-A irradiation. The glass transition temperature and melting point of the films were increased by increasing UV-A exposure time. Nevertheless, the results showed that photo-degradation properties of photo-produced starch/TiO 2 nanocomposite were significantly higher than virgin starch and virgin starch/TiO 2 films. According to obtain results and bibliography a schema was developed to describe the mechanism of photo-production and photo-degradation of starch/TiO 2 by UV-A ray. It can be concluded, the modification of starch based biopolymer by UV-A and nano-TiO 2 , is an easy and accessible process to improve the packaging properties and photo-degradability of biopolymer based films. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  19. PEG-based degradable networks for drug delivery applications

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ostroha, Jamie L.

    The controlled delivery of therapeutic agents by biodegradable hydrogels has become a popular mechanism for drug administration in recent years. Hydrogels are three-dimensional networks of polymer chains held together by crosslinks. Although the changes which the hydrogel undergoes in solution are important to a wide range of experimental studies, they have not been investigated systematically and the factors which influence the degree of swelling have not been adequately described. Hydrogels made of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) will generally resist degradation in aqueous conditions, while a hydrogel made from a copolymer of poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and PEG will degrade via hydrolysis of the lactic acid group. This ability to degrade makes these hydrogels promising candidates for controlled release drug delivery systems. The goal of this research was to characterize the swelling and degradation of both degradable and non-degradable gels and to evaluate the release of different drugs from these hydrogels, where the key variable is the molecular weight of the PEG segment. These hydrogels were formed by the addition and subsequent chemically crosslinking of methacrylate end groups. During crosslinking, both PEG and LA-PEG-LA hydrogels of varied PEG molecular weight were loaded with Vitamin B12, Insulin, Haloperidol, and Dextran. It was shown that increasing PEG molecular weight produces a hydrogel with larger pores, thus increasing water uptake and degradation rate. While many environmental factors do not affect the swelling behavior, they do significantly impact the degradation of the hydrogel, and thus the release of incorporated therapeutic agents.

  20. Photo degradation of methyl orange an azo dye by advanced Fenton process using zero valent metallic iron: influence of various reaction parameters and its degradation mechanism.

    PubMed

    Gomathi Devi, L; Girish Kumar, S; Mohan Reddy, K; Munikrishnappa, C

    2009-05-30

    Advanced Fenton process (AFP) using zero valent metallic iron (ZVMI) is studied as a potential technique to degrade the azo dye in the aqueous medium. The influence of various reaction parameters like effect of iron dosage, concentration of H(2)O(2)/ammonium per sulfate (APS), initial dye concentration, effect of pH and the influence of radical scavenger are studied and optimum conditions are reported. The degradation rate decreased at higher iron dosages and also at higher oxidant concentrations due to the surface precipitation which deactivates the iron surface. The rate constant for the processes Fe(0)/UV and Fe(0)/APS/UV is twice compared to their respective Fe(0)/dark and Fe(0)/APS/dark processes. The rate constant for Fe(0)/H(2)O(2)/UV process is four times higher than Fe(0)/H(2)O(2)/dark process. The increase in the efficiency of Fe(0)/UV process is attributed to the cleavage of stable iron complexes which produces Fe(2+) ions that participates in cyclic Fenton mechanism for the generation of hydroxyl radicals. The increase in the efficiency of Fe(0)/APS/UV or H(2)O(2) compared to dark process is due to continuous generation of hydroxyl radicals and also due to the frequent photo reduction of Fe(3+) ions to Fe(2+) ions. Though H(2)O(2) is a better oxidant than APS in all respects, but it is more susceptible to deactivation by hydroxyl radical scavengers. The decrease in the rate constant in the presence of hydroxyl radical scavenger is more for H(2)O(2) than APS. Iron powder retains its recycling efficiency better in the presence of H(2)O(2) than APS. The decrease in the degradation rate in the presence of APS as an oxidant is due to the fact that generation of free radicals on iron surface is slower compared to H(2)O(2). Also, the excess acidity provided by APS retards the degradation rate as excess H(+) ions acts as hydroxyl radical scavenger. The degradation of Methyl Orange (MO) using Fe(0) is an acid driven process shows higher efficiency at pH 3. The efficiency of various processes for the de colorization of MO dye is of the following order: Fe(0)/H(2)O(2)/UV>Fe(0)/H(2)O(2)/dark>Fe(0)/APS/UV>Fe(0)/UV>Fe(0)/APS/dark>H(2)O(2)/UV approximately Fe(0)/dark>APS/UV. Dye resisted to degradation in the presence of oxidizing agent in dark. The degradation process was followed by UV-vis and GC-MS spectroscopic techniques. Based on the intermediates obtained probable degradation mechanism has been proposed. The result suggests that complete degradation of the dye was achieved in the presence of oxidizing agent when the system was amended with iron powder under UV light illumination. The concentration of Fe(2+) ions leached at the end of the optimized degradation experiment is found to be 2.78 x 10(-3)M. With optimization, the degradation using Fe(0) can be effective way to treat azo dyes in aqueous solution.

  1. Degradation and mineralization of 2,4,6-trinitroresorcine in various photochemical systems.

    PubMed

    Khue, Do Ngoc; Chat, Nguyen Van; Minh, Do Binh; Lam, Tran Dai; Lan, Pham Hong; Loi, Vu Duc

    2013-05-01

    Comparison was observed for degradation and mineralization of the explosive 2,4,6-trinitroresorcine (TNR) in different photochemical systems TNR/UV, TNR/UV/TiO2, TNR/UV/H2O2, TNR/UV/O3, TNR/UV/TiO2/H2O2 and TNR/UV/TiO2/O3 using High Performance Liquid Chromatography coupled with Mass Spectrometry (HPLC/MS) and Total Organic Carbon (TOC) analysis. Addition of oxidizing agents such as H2O2 or O3 accelerated the rate of TNR conversion and mineralization. Highest reaction rate was obtained in TNR/UV/TiO2/H2O2 system. The intermediate products were characterized and identified by LS-MS technique. The similarity in intermediate products of TNR suggested the analogous reaction pathways of the TNR degradation by these different systems. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  2. A comprehensive study on the fabrication and properties of biocomposites of poly(lactic acid)/ceramics for bone tissue engineering.

    PubMed

    Tajbakhsh, Saeid; Hajiali, Faezeh

    2017-01-01

    The fabrication of a suitable scaffold material is one of the major challenges for bone tissue engineering. Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) is one of the most favorable matrix materials in bone tissue engineering owing to its biocompatibility and biodegradability. However, PLA suffers from some shortcomings including low degradation rate, low cell adhesion caused by its hydrophobic property, and inflammatory reactions in vivo due to its degradation product, lactic acid. Therefore, the incorporation of bioactive reinforcements is considered as a powerful method to improve the properties of PLA. This review presents a comprehensive study on recent advances in the synthesis of PLA-based biocomposites containing ceramic reinforcements, including various methods of production and the evaluation of the scaffolds in terms of porosity, mechanical properties, in vitro and in vivo biocompatibility and bioactivity for bone tissue engineering applications. The production routes range from traditional approaches such as the use of porogens to provide porosity in the scaffolds to novel methods such as solid free-form techniques. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  3. Microwave-assisted extraction with water for fast extraction and simultaneous RP-HPLC determination of phenolic acids in radix Salviae Miltiorrhizae.

    PubMed

    Fang, Xinsheng; Wang, Jianhua; Zhou, Hongying; Jiang, Xingkai; Zhu, Lixiang; Gao, Xin

    2009-07-01

    An optimized microwave-assisted extraction method using water (MAE-W) as the extractant and an efficient HPLC analysis method were first developed for the fast extraction and simultaneous determination of D(+)-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl) lactic acid (Dla), salvianolic acid B (SaB), and lithospermic acid (La) in radix Salviae Miltiorrhizae. The key parameters of MAE-W were optimized. It was found that the degradation of SaB was inhibited when using the optimized MAE-W and the stable content of Dla, La, and SaB in danshen was obtained. Furthermore, compared to the conventional extraction methods, the proposed MAE-W is a more rapid method with higher yield and lower solvent consumption with a reproducibility (RSD <6%). In addition, using water as extractant is safe and helpful for environment protection, which could be referred to as green extraction. The separation and quantitative determination of the three compounds was carried out by a developed reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatographic (RP-HPLC) method with UV detection. Highly efficient separation was obtained using gradient solvent system. The optimized HPLC analysis method was validated to have specificity, linearity, precision, and accuracy. The results indicated that MAE-W followed by HPLC-UV determination is an appropriate alternative to previously proposed method for quality control of radix Salviae Miltiorrhizae.

  4. Increased formation of halomethanes during chlorination of chloramphenicol in drinking water by UV irradiation, persulfate oxidation, and combined UV/persulfate pre-treatments.

    PubMed

    Wenhai, Chu; Tengfei, Chu; Erdeng, Du; Deng, Yang; Yingqing, Guo; Naiyun, Gao

    2016-02-01

    Ultraviolet/persulfate (UV/PS) has been widely used to generate sulfate radicals for degradation of water organic pollutants in previous studies. However, its impacts on disinfection byproduct formation during post-chlorination of degraded compounds is unclear. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impacts of UV irradiation, PS oxidation, and the combined UV/PS advanced oxidation process (AOP) pre-treatments on halomethane formation during the following chlorination of chloramphenicol (CAP), a model antibiotic commonly found in wastewater-impacted water. Results showed that CAP could be transformed to more trichloromethane (TCM) than monochloromethane (MCM) and dichloromethane (DCM) in the presence of excess chlorine. UV photolysis, PS oxidation and UV/PS AOP all directly decomposed CAP to produce halomethanes (HMs) before post-chlorination. Moreover, UV and UV/PS pre-treatments both enhanced the formation of all the HMs in the subsequent chlorination. PS pre-oxidation decreased the TCM formation during post-chlorination, but increased the yields of MCM, DCM and total HMs. UV pre-irradiation significantly increased the bromide utilization of HMs, whereas UV/PS pre-oxidation decreased the bromine incorporation and utilization of HMs from the chlorination of CAP in a low-bromide water. UV irradiation, PS oxidation, and UV/PS AOP can inactivate pathogens and degrade organic pollutants, but this benefit should be weighed against a potential risk of the increased halomethane formation from degraded organic pollutants with and without post-chlorination. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  5. Photocatalytic removal of doxycycline from aqueous solution using ZnO nano-particles: a comparison between UV-C and visible light.

    PubMed

    Pourmoslemi, Shabnam; Mohammadi, Ali; Kobarfard, Farzad; Amini, Mohsen

    2016-10-01

    Zinc oxide nano-particles were synthesized, characterized and used for photocatalytic degradation of doxycycline using UV-C and visible light. Effects of several operational factors including initial pH of antibiotic solution, initial antibiotic concentration and ZnO nano-particles loading amount were investigated. Comparing photocatalytic degradation and mineralization of doxycycline under UV-C and visible light showed successful application of the method under both light sources. However, reaction rate was higher under UV-C irradiation, which degraded doxycycline almost completely in 5 hours, and 68% mineralization was achieved. Synthesized ZnO nano-particles were successfully applied for photocatalytic degradation of doxycycline in a pharmaceutical wastewater sample. The process was fitted to the pseudo first order kinetic model with rate constants in the range of 6-22(×10 -3 ) mg L -1 min -1 with respect to initial concentration of doxycycline under UV-C irradiation. The Langmuir-Hinshelwood model was also employed for describing the photocatalytic reaction with surface reaction kinetic constant k c and equilibrium adsorption constant K LH values calculated as 0.12 mg L -1 min -1 and 2.2 L mg -1 , respectively. Degradation of doxycycline was followed by UV-visible spectroscopy and a validated stability indicating high-performance liquid chromatography method that was developed using stressed samples of doxycycline and could selectively determine doxycycline in the presence of its degradation products. Mass spectrometry was used for determining final degradation products.

  6. Phytate degrading activities of lactic acid bacteria isolated from traditional fermented food

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Damayanti, Ema; Ratisiwi, Febiyani Ndaru; Istiqomah, Lusty; Sembiring, Langkah; Febrisiantosa, Andi

    2017-03-01

    The objective of this study was to determine the potential of LAB with phytate degrading activity from fermented traditional food grain-based and legume-based. Lactic acid bacteria were isolated from different sources of traditional fermented food from Gunungkidul Yogyakarta Indonesia such as gembus tempeh (tofu waste), soybean tempeh, lamtoro tempeh (Leucaena bean) and kara tempeh. Isolation of LAB was performed using Total Plate Count (TPC) on de Man Rogosa Sharpe Agar (MRSA) medium supplemented with CaCO3. They were screened for their ability to degrade myo-inositol hexaphosphate or IP6 by using qualitative streak platemethod with modified de Man Rogosa-MorpholinoPropanesulfonic Acid Sharpe (MRS-MOPS) medium contained sodium salt of phytic acid as substrate and cobalt chloride staining (plate assay) method. The selected isolates were further assayed for phytase activities using quantitative method with spectrophotometer and the two selected isolates growth were optimized. Furthermore, thhe isolates that shown the highest phytase activity was characterized and identified using API 50 CH kitand 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The results showed that there were 18 LAB isolates obtained from samplesand 13 isolates were able to degrade sodium phytate based on qualitative screening. According to quantitative assay, the highest phytate degrading activities were found in TG-2(23.562 U/mL) and TG-1 (19.641 U/mL) isolated from gembus tempeh. The phytate activity of TG-2 was optimum at 37 °C with agitation, while the phytate activity of TG-1 was optimum at 45 °C without agitation. Characterization and identification of TG-2 isolate with the highest phytate degrading activity using API 50 CH and 16S rRNA showed that TG-2had homology with Lactobacillus fermentum. It could be concluded that LAB from from fermented traditional food grain-based and legume-based produced the extracellular phytase. Keywords: lactic acid bacteria, tempeh, phytatedegrading activity

  7. Mismatch repair proteins recruited to ultraviolet light-damaged sites lead to degradation of licensing factor Cdt1 in the G1 phase.

    PubMed

    Tanaka, Miyuki; Takahara, Michiyo; Nukina, Kohei; Hayashi, Akiyo; Sakai, Wataru; Sugasawa, Kaoru; Shiomi, Yasushi; Nishitani, Hideo

    2017-04-03

    Cdt1 is rapidly degraded by CRL4 Cdt2 E3 ubiquitin ligase after UV (UV) irradiation. Previous reports revealed that the nucleotide excision repair (NER) pathway is responsible for the rapid Cdt1-proteolysis. Here, we show that mismatch repair (MMR) proteins are also involved in the degradation of Cdt1 after UV irradiation in the G1 phase. First, compared with the rapid (within ∼15 min) degradation of Cdt1 in normal fibroblasts, Cdt1 remained stable for ∼30 min in NER-deficient XP-A cells, but was degraded within ∼60 min. The delayed degradation was also dependent on PCNA and CRL4 Cdt2 . The MMR proteins Msh2 and Msh6 were recruited to the UV-damaged sites of XP-A cells in the G1 phase. Depletion of these factors with small interfering RNAs prevented Cdt1 degradation in XP-A cells. Similar to the findings in XP-A cells, depletion of XPA delayed Cdt1 degradation in normal fibroblasts and U2OS cells, and co-depletion of Msh6 further prevented Cdt1 degradation. Furthermore, depletion of Msh6 alone delayed Cdt1 degradation in both cell types. When Cdt1 degradation was attenuated by high Cdt1 expression, repair synthesis at the damaged sites was inhibited. Our findings demonstrate that UV irradiation induces multiple repair pathways that activate CRL4 Cdt2 to degrade its target proteins in the G1 phase of the cell cycle, leading to efficient repair of DNA damage.

  8. Microbial communities responsible for the degradation of poly(lactic acid)/poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) blend mulches in soil burial respirometric tests.

    PubMed

    Jeszeová, Lenka; Puškárová, Andrea; Bučková, Mária; Kraková, Lucia; Grivalský, Tomáš; Danko, Martin; Mosnáčková, Katarína; Chmela, Štefan; Pangallo, Domenico

    2018-06-22

    The microbial communities responsible for the degradation of poly(lactic acid)/poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PLA/PHB) blend foils were investigated in 1 year long laboratory soil burial experiments. Different PLA/PHB foils were tested: (a) PLA/PHB original transparent foil, (b) PLA/PHB carbon black filled foil and (c) PLA/PHB black foil previously exposed for 90 days to sun light. The microbiome diversity of these three types of foil was compared with that identified from soil/perlite sample at the beginning of experiment and that developed on a cellulose mat. Culture-dependent and culture-independent (DGGE-cloning) approaches together with PLA, PHB and PLA/PHB degradation plate assays were employed. The cultivation strategy combined with degradation tests permitted the isolation and evaluation of several PLA/PHB blend degrading microorganisms such as members of the genera Bacillus, Paenibacillus, Streptomyces, Rhodococcus, Saccharothrix, Arthrobacter, Aureobasidium, Mortierella, Absidia, Actinomucor, Bjerkandera, Fusarium, Trichoderma and Penicillium. The DGGE-cloning investigation increased the information about the microbial communities occurring during bioplastic degradation detecting several bacterial and fungal taxa and some of them (members of the orders Anaerolineales, Selenomonadales, Thelephorales and of the genera Pseudogymnoascus and Pseudeurotium) were revealed here for the first time. This survey showed the microbiome colonizing PLA/PHB blend foils and permitted the isolation of several microorganisms able to degrade the tested polymeric blends.

  9. Silage fermentation and ruminal degradation of stylo prepared with lactic acid bacteria and cellulase.

    PubMed

    Li, Mao; Zhou, Hanlin; Zi, Xuejuan; Cai, Yimin

    2017-10-01

    In order to improve the silage fermentation of stylo (Stylosanthes guianensis) in tropical areas, stylo silages were prepared with commercial additives Lactobacillus plantarum Chikuso-1 (CH1), L. rhamnasus Snow Lact L (SN), Acremonium cellulase (CE) and their combination as SN+CE or CH1 + CE, and the fermentation quality, chemical composition and ruminal degradation of these silages were studied. Stylo silages treated with lactic acid bacteria (LAB) or cellulase, the pH value and NH 3 -N ⁄ total-N were significantly (P < 0.05) decreased while the ruminal degradability of dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (aNDFom) and acid detergent fiber (ADFom) were significantly (P < 0.05) increased compared to control. Compared to LAB or cellulase-treated silages, the DM, CP contents and relative feed value (RFV), and the ruminal degradability in LAB plus cellulase-treated silages were significantly (P < 0.05) higher, but the aNDFom content was significantly (P < 0.05) lower. CH1 + CE treatment was more effective in silage fermentation and ruminal degradation than SN+CE treatment. The results confirmed that LAB or LAB plus cellulase treatment could improve the fermentation quality, chemical composition and ruminal degradation of stylo silage. Moreover, the combined treatment with LAB and cellulase may have beneficial synergistic effects on ruminal degradation. © 2017 Japanese Society of Animal Science.

  10. Toxicological Assessment and UV/TiO2-Based Induced Degradation Profile of Reactive Black 5 Dye

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Bilal, Muhammad; Rasheed, Tahir; Iqbal, Hafiz M. N.; Hu, Hongbo; Wang, Wei; Zhang, Xuehong

    2018-01-01

    In this study, the toxicological and degradation profile of Reactive Black 5 (RB5) dye was evaluated using a UV/TiO2-based degradation system. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), thin layer chromatography (TLC), high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS) techniques were used to evaluate the degradation level of RB5. The UV-Vis spectral analysis revealed the disappearance of peak intensity at 599 nm (λmax). The FT-IR spectrum of UV/TiO2 treated dye sample manifest appearance of new peaks mainly because of the degraded product and/or disappearance of some characteristics peaks which were present in the untreated spectrum. The HPLC profile verified the RB5 degradation subject to the formation of metabolites at different retention times. A stable color removal higher than 96% with COD removal in the range of 74-82.3% was noted at all evaluated dye concentrations. The tentative degradation pathway of RB5 is proposed following a careful analysis of the intermediates identified by UPLC-MS. Toxicity profile of untreated and degraded dye samples was monitored using three types of human cell lines via MTT assay and acute toxicity testing with Artemia salina. In conclusion, the UV/TiO2-based degradation system could be effectively employed for the remediation of textile wastewater comprising a high concentration of reactive dyes.

  11. All Biomass and UV Protective Composite Composed of Compatibilized Lignin and Poly (Lactic-acid)

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kim, Youngjun; Suhr, Jonghwan; Seo, Hee-Won; Sun, Hanna; Kim, Sanghoon; Park, In-Kyung; Kim, Soo-Hyun; Lee, Youngkwan; Kim, Kwang-Jin; Nam, Jae-Do

    2017-03-01

    Utilization of carbon-neutral biomass became increasingly important due to a desperate need for carbon reduction in the issue of global warming in light of replacing petroleum-based materials. We used lignin, which was an abundant, low cost, and non-food based biomass, for the development of all biomass-based films and composites through reactive compatibilization with poly (lactic-acid) (PLA). Using a facile and practical route, the hydrophilic hydroxyl groups of lignin were acetylated to impose the compatibility with PLA. The solubility parameter of the pristine lignin at 26.3 (J/cm3)0.5 was altered to 20.9 (J/cm3)0.5 by acetylation allowing the good compatibility with PLA at 20.2 (J/cm3)0.5. The improved compatibility of lignin and PLA provided substantially decreased lignin domain size in composites (12.7 μm), which subsequently gave transparent and UV-protection films (visual transmittance at 76% and UV protection factor over 40). The tensile strength and elongation of the developed composite films were increased by 22% and 76%, respectively, and the biobased carbon content was confirmed as 96 ± 3%. The developed PLA/lignin composites provided 100% all-biomass contents and balanced optical and mechanical properties that could broaden its eco-friendly applications in various industries.

  12. Kinetic study of photocatalytic degradation of carbamazepine, clofibric acid, iomeprol and iopromide assisted by different TiO2 materials--determination of intermediates and reaction pathways.

    PubMed

    Doll, Tusnelda E; Frimmel, Fritz H

    2004-02-01

    The light-induced degradation of clofibric acid, carbamazepine, iomeprol and iopromide under simulated solar irradiation has been investigated in aqueous solutions suspended with different TiO2 materials (P25 and Hombikat UV100). Kinetic studies showed that P25 had a better photocatalytic activity for clofibric acid and carbamazepine than Hombikat UV100. For photocatalytic degradation of iomeprol Hombikat UV100 was more suitable than P25. The results can be explained by the higher adsorption capacity of Hombikat UV100 for iomeprol. The study also focuses on the identification and quantification of possible degradation products. The degradation process was monitored by determination of sum parameters and inorganic ions. In case of clofibric acid various aromatic and aliphatic degradation products have been identified and quantified. A possible multi-step degradation scheme for clofibric acid is proposed. This study proves the high potential of the photocatalytic oxidation process to transform and mineralize environmentally relevant pharmaceuticals and contrast media in water.

  13. Effects of wavelength and water quality on photodegradation of N-Nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA).

    PubMed

    Sakai, Hiroshi; Takamatsu, Tatsuro; Kosaka, Koji; Kamiko, Naoyuki; Takizawa, Satoshi

    2012-10-01

    N-Nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) is a potent carcinogen that yields a cancer risk of 10(-6) at concentrations as low as 0.7 ng L(-1). Tentative guideline values are set at 3 ng L(-1) in California, USA; 9 ng L(-1) in Ontario, Canada; 40 ng L(-1) nationwide in Canada; and 100 ng L(-1) by the World Health Organization. NDMA is a great concern in treating reclaimed water as well as drinking water. UV degradation can be considered effective degradation method. A 1-log reduction of NDMA is achieved by 1000 mJ cm(-2) of a 254-nm low pressure (LP) mercury UV lamp. However, a higher degradation efficiency than that provided by LP lamps is desired in practical treatment. In this study, the effects of wavelength and water quality were investigated to achieve higher degradation efficiency. The effects of wavelength were examined by comparing three UV lamps: a 222-nm Kr Cl Excimer UV lamp, a 254-nm LP mercury UV lamp, and a 230- to 270-nm filtered medium pressure (FMP) mercury UV lamp. The 222-nm lamp and FMP lamp achieved 4 times and 2.8 times higher degradation efficiency, respectively, than the conventional 254-nm LP lamp. Effects on water quality were also simulated by using absorption spectrum data of nitrate solutions and process water from a drinking-water treatment plant. In the simulation, the 222-nm lamp was affected by UV-absorbing compounds in the water, whereas the FMP lamp showed more stable degradation efficiency. Appropriate use of these three types of lamps could enhance the efficiency of degradation of NDMA. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  14. Stimulation of d- and l-lactate dehydrogenases transcriptional levels in presence of diammonium hydrogen phosphate resulting to enhanced lactic acid production by Lactobacillus strain.

    PubMed

    Singhvi, Mamata; Zendo, Takeshi; Iida, Hiroshi; Gokhale, Digambar; Sonomoto, Kenji

    2017-12-01

    The present study revealed the effect of nitrogen sources on lactic acid production and stimulation of d- and l-lactate dehydrogenases (LDH) of parent Lactobacillus lactis NCIM 2368 and its mutant RM2-24 generated after UV mutagenesis. Both the parent and mutant strains were evaluated for d-lactic acid production in control and modified media. The modified media did not show remarkable effect on lactic acid production in case of parent whereas mutant exhibited significant enhancement in d-lactic acid production along with the appearance of l-lactic acid in the broth. Both LDH activities and specific activities were found to be higher in mutant than the parent strain. These results suggested that the diammonium hydrogen phosphate in modified media triggered the expression of LDH genes leading to enhanced lactic acid production. This observation has been proved by studying the expression levels of d- and l-LDH genes of parent and mutant in control and modified media using quantitative RT-PCR technique. In case of mutant, the transcriptional levels of d-LDH and l-LDH increased ∼17 fold and ∼1.38 fold respectively in modified medium compared to the values obtained with control medium. In case of parent, no significant change in transcriptional levels of d- and l-LDH was found when the cells were grown in either control medium or modified medium. This study suggested that the mutant, RM2-24 has l-LDH gene which is expressed in presence of (NH 4 ) 2 HPO 4 resulting in l-lactic acid production. Co-production of l-lactic acid in d-lactic acid fermentation may be detrimental in the PLA production. Copyright © 2017 The Society for Biotechnology, Japan. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  15. Recent advances in application of UV light-emitting diodes for degrading organic pollutants in water through advanced oxidation processes: A review.

    PubMed

    Matafonova, Galina; Batoev, Valeriy

    2018-04-01

    Over the last decade, ultraviolet light-emitting diodes (UV LEDs) have attracted considerable attention as alternative mercury-free UV sources for water treatment purposes. This review is a comprehensive analysis of data reported in recent years (mostly, post 2014) on the application of UV LED-induced advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) to degrade organic pollutants, primarily dyes, phenols, pharmaceuticals, insecticides, estrogens and cyanotoxins, in aqueous media. Heterogeneous TiO 2 -based photocatalysis in lab grade water using UVA LEDs is the most frequently applied method for treating organic contaminants. The effects of controlled periodic illumination, different TiO 2 -based nanostructures and reactor types on degradation kinetics and mineralization are discussed. UVB and UVC LEDs have been used for photo-Fenton, photo-Fenton-like and UV/H 2 O 2 treatment of pollutants, primarily, in model aqueous solutions. Notably, UV LED-activated persulfate/peroxymonosulfate processes were capable of providing degradation in DOC-containing waters. Wall-plug efficiency, energy-efficiency of UV LEDs and the energy requirements in terms of Electrical Energy per Order (E EO ) are discussed and compared. Despite the overall high degradation efficiency of the UV LED-based AOPs, practical implementation is still limited and at lab scale. More research on real water matrices at more environmentally relevant concentrations, as well as an estimation of energy requirements providing fluence-based kinetic data are required. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  16. Nuclear translocation of p21{sup WAF1/CIP1} protein prior to its cytosolic degradation by UV enhances DNA repair and survival

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Lee, Ji Young; Kim, Hee Suk; Kim, Joo Young

    2009-12-25

    We previously reported that UV induced rapid proteasomal degradation of p21 protein in an ubiquitination-independent manner. Here, UV-induced p21 proteolysis was found to occur in the cytosol. Before cytosolic degradation, however, p21 protein translocated to and transiently accumulated in the nucleus. Nuclear translocation of p21 was not required for its degradation, but rather promoted DNA repair and cell survival. Overexpression of the wild type p21, but not the one with defective nuclear localization signal (NLS), reduced UV-induced DNA damage and cell death. Some of p21 protein translocated to the nucleus were associated with chromatin-bound PCNA and saved from UV-induced proteolysis.more » These data together show that p21 translocates to the nucleus to participate in DNA repair, while the rest is rapidly degraded in the cytosol. We propose that our findings reflect a mechanism to facilitate removal of damaged cells, enhancing DNA repair at the same time.« less

  17. Degradation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in crumb tyre rubber catalysed by rutile TiO2 under UV irradiation.

    PubMed

    Yu, Kai; Huang, Linyue; Lou, Lan-Lan; Chang, Yue; Dong, Yanling; Wang, Huan; Liu, Shuangxi

    2015-01-01

    The polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in crumb tyre rubber were firstly degraded under UV irradiation in the presence of rutile TiO2 and hydrogen peroxide. The effects of light intensity, catalyst amount, oxidant amount, initial pH value, co-solvent content, and reaction time on degradation efficiency of typical PAHs in crumb tyre rubber were studied. The results indicated that UV irradiation, rutile TiO2, and hydrogen peroxide were beneficial to the degradation of PAHs and co-solvent could accelerate the desorption of PAHs from crumb tyre rubber. Up to 90% degradation efficiency of total 16 PAHs could be obtained in the presence of rutile TiO2 (1 wt%) and hydrogen peroxide (1.0 mL) under 1800 µW cm(-2) UV irradiation for 48 h. The high molecular weight PAHs (such as benz(a)pyrene) were more difficult to be degraded than low molecular weight PAHs (such as phenanthrene, chrysene). Moreover, through the characterization of reaction solution and degradation products via GC-MS, it was proved that the PAHs in crumb tyre rubber were successfully degraded.

  18. UV and VUV photolysis vs. UV/H2O2 and VUV/H2O2, treatment for removal of clofibric acid from aqueous solution.

    PubMed

    Li, Wenzhen; Lu, Shuguang; Qiu, Zhaofu; Lin, Kuangfei

    2011-07-01

    Clofibric acid (CA), a metabolite of lipid regulators, was investigated in ultra-pure water and sewage treatment plant (STP) effluent at 10 degrees C under UV, vacuum UV (VUV), UV/H2O2 and VUV/H2O2 processes. The influences of NO3-, HCO3- and humic acid (HA) on CA photolysis in all processes were examined. The results showed that all the experimental data well fitted the pseudo-first-order kinetic model, and the apparent rate constant (k(ap)) and half-life time (t(1/2)) were calculated accordingly. Direct photolysis of CA through UV irradiation was the main process, compared with the indirect oxidation of CA due to the slight generation of hydroxyl radicals dissociated from water molecules under UV irradiation below 200 nm monochromatic wavelength emission. In contrast, indirect oxidation was the main CA degradation mechanism in UV/H2O2 and VUV/H2O2, and VUV/H2O2 was the most effective process for CA degradation. The addition of 20 mg L(-1) HA could significantly inhibit CA degradation, whereas, except for UV irradiation, the inhibitive effects of NO3- and HCO3- (1.0 x 10(-3) and 0.1 mol L(-1), respectively) on CA degradation were observed in all processes, and their adverse effects were more significant in UV/H2O2 and VUV/H2O2 processes, particularly at the high NO3- and HCO3- concentrations. The degradation rate decreased 1.8-4.9-fold when these processes were applied to a real STP effluent owing to the presence of complex constituents. Of the four processes, VUV/H2O2 was the most effective, and the CA removal efficiency reached over 99% after 40 min in contrast to 80 min in both the UV/H2O2 and VUV processes and 240 min in the UV process.

  19. The effect of the UV photon flux on the photoelectrocatalytic degradation of endocrine-disrupting alkylphenolic chemicals.

    PubMed

    da Silva, Salatiel Wohlmuth; Viegas, Cheila; Ferreira, Jane Zoppas; Rodrigues, Marco Antônio Siqueira; Bernardes, Andréa Moura

    2016-10-01

    The photoelectrocatalytic (PEC) degradation of 4-nonylphenol ethoxylate (NP4EO) using a low, moderate, or high UV photon flux in different treatment times was investigated. The byproducts were verified using gas chromatography with flame ionization detection (GC-FID) and gas chromatography with quadrupole mass analyzer (GC-qMS). The GC results showed that the use of a low (2.89 μmol m(-2)s(-1)) or a high (36.16 μmol m(-2)s(-1)) UV photon flux reaching the anode surface was associated to the production of alcohols and the toxic byproduct nonylphenol (NP), leading to the same degradation pathway. Meanwhile, the use of a moderate UV photon flux (14.19 μmol m(-2)s(-1)) reaching the anode surface did not produce alcohols or the NP toxic byproduct. This study demonstrates that different UV photon fluxes will have an influence in the degradation of NP4EO with or without generation of toxic byproducts. Furthermore, it is concluded that, after the determination of the UV photon flux able to degrade NP4EO without NP formation, the treatment time is essential in removal of NP4EO, since increasing the treatment time of 4 to 10 h, when using the PEC best conditions (moderate UV photon flux), implies in a higher treatment efficiency.

  20. Efficacy of antioxidants in human hair.

    PubMed

    Fernández, Estibalitz; Martínez-Teipel, Blanca; Armengol, Ricard; Barba, Clara; Coderch, Luisa

    2012-12-05

    Hair is exposed every day to a range of harmful effects such as sunlight, pollution, cosmetic treatments, grooming practices and cleansing. The UV components of sunlight damage human hair, causing fibre degradation. UV-B attacks the melanin pigments and the protein fractions (keratin) of hair and UV-A produces free radical/reactive oxygen species (ROS) through the interaction of endogenous photosensitizers. Hair was dyed and the efficacy of two antioxidant formulations was demonstrated after UV exposure by evaluating, surface morphology, protein and amino acid degradation, lipidic peroxidation, colour and shine changes and strength/relaxation properties. UV treatment resulted in an increase in protein and lipid degradation, changes in colour and shine and in adverse consequences for the mechanical properties. Natural antioxidants obtained from artichoke and rice applied to pretreated hair improved mechanical properties and preserved colour and shine of fibres, coating them and protecting them against UV. Furthermore, the lipidic peroxidation of the protein degradation caused by UV was reduced for some treated fibres, suggesting an improvement in fibre integrity. This was more marked in the case of the fibres treated using the artichoke extract, whereas the rice extract was better preserving shine and colour of hair fibres. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  1. Development of a HPLC-UV method for the quantitative determination of four short-chain fatty acids and lactic acid produced by intestinal bacteria during in vitro fermentation.

    PubMed

    De Baere, S; Eeckhaut, V; Steppe, M; De Maesschalck, C; De Backer, P; Van Immerseel, F; Croubels, S

    2013-06-01

    A rapid and sensitive HPLC-UV method for the quantitative determination of four short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and lactic acid (LA) produced during in vitro fermentation is presented. Extraction of SCFAs from supernatants of bacterial cultures is aggravated due to their polarity and volatility. Detection can only be performed at a short, non-selective UV wavelength (210nm), due to the lack of any significant chromophore. Therefore special attention was paid to the optimization of the sample preparation procedure and the HPLC-UV conditions. The final extraction procedure consisted of a liquid-liquid back extraction using diethylether. Prior to HPLC-UV analysis the samples were acidified (pH<2) in order to improve retention of the SCFA's and LA on the Hypersil Gold aQ column. Matrix-matched calibration graphs were prepared for all analytes of interest (range 0.5-50mM) and correlation and goodness-of-fit coefficients were between 0.9951-0.9993 and 3.88-8.27%, respectively. Limits of detection and quantification ranged from 0.13 to 0.33mM and 0.5 to 1.0mM, respectively. The results for the within-day and between-day precision and accuracy fell within the ranges specified. The reported validated method has been successfully used for the in vitro screening of supernatants of bacterial cultures for the presence of butyric acid, aiming to select for butyric acid-producing bacteria. In addition, the method has been used to determine the production pattern of selected fatty acids by bacterial species isolated from human feces and chicken caeca. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  2. Biodegradability of poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) after femtosecond laser irradiation

    PubMed Central

    Shibata, Akimichi; Yada, Shuhei; Terakawa, Mitsuhiro

    2016-01-01

    Biodegradation is a key property for biodegradable polymer-based tissue scaffolds because it can provide suitable space for cell growth as well as tailored sustainability depending on their role. Ultrashort pulsed lasers have been widely used for the precise processing of optically transparent materials, including biodegradable polymers. Here, we demonstrated the change in the biodegradation of a poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) following irradiation with femtosecond laser pulses at different wavelengths. Microscopic observation as well as water absorption and mass change measurement revealed that the biodegradation of the PLGA varied significantly depending on the laser wavelength. There was a significant acceleration of the degradation rate upon 400 nm-laser irradiation, whereas 800 nm-laser irradiation did not induce a comparable degree of change. The X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis indicated that laser pulses at the shorter wavelength dissociated the chemical bonds effectively, resulting in a higher degradation rate at an early stage of degradation. PMID:27301578

  3. Influence of UV lamp, sulfur(IV) concentration, and pH on bromate degradation in UV/sulfite systems: Mechanisms and applications.

    PubMed

    Xiao, Qian; Wang, Ting; Yu, Shuili; Yi, Peng; Li, Lei

    2017-03-15

    Bromate (BrO 3 - ) is a possible human carcinogen regulated worldwide at a strict standard of 10 μg/L in drinking water. Removal of BrO 3 - by advanced reduction processes (ARPs) has attracted much attention due to its high reduction efficiency and easier combination with ultraviolet (UV) disinfection. In this study, we employed a UV/sulfite process to degrade BrO 3 - and studied the effects of UV lamp, sulfur(IV) concentration, and pH on effectiveness of the system in degrading BrO 3 - . Low-pressure UV lamps (UV-L) instead of medium-pressure UV lamps (UV-M) were selected because of the high ultraviolet-C (UV-C) efficiency of UV-L. The increased sulfur(IV) concentration is proportionally correlated with enhanced degradation kinetics. BrO 3 - reduction was improved by increasing pH when pH is within 6.0-9.0, and principal component analysis demonstrated that pH is the most influential factor over sulfur(IV) concentration and type of UV lamp. Degradation mechanisms at different pH levels were subsequently investigated. Results showed that the reduction reactions are induced by hydrated electron (e aq - ) at pH > 9.0, by H at pH 4.0, and by both e aq - and H at pH 7.0. Effective quantum efficiency for the formation of e aq - and H in the photocatalytic systems was determined to be 0.109 ± 0.001 and 0.034 ± 0.001 mol E -1 , respectively. Furthermore, mass balance calculation of bromine and sulfur at pH 7 showed that bromide, sulfate and possibly dithionate ions were the major products, and a degradation pathway was proposed accordingly. Moreover, UV/sulfite processes could reduce the initial bromate concentration of 0.1 mM by 82% and 95% in the presence and absence of O 2 in tap water respectively, and 99% in the absence of O 2 in deionized water within 20 min at pH 9.0 and 2.0 mM sulfur (IV). Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  4. Comparison of classical fenton, nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA)-Fenton, UV-Fenton, UV photolysis of Fe-NTA, UV-NTA-Fenton, and UV-H2O2 for the degradation of cyclohexanoic acid.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Ying; Klamerth, Nikolaus; Chelme-Ayala, Pamela; Gamal El-Din, Mohamed

    2017-05-01

    The treatment of a naphthenic acid model compound, cyclohexanoic acid, with classical Fenton, UV-H 2 O 2 , UV-Fenton, nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA)-Fenton, UV-NTA-Fenton, and UV photolysis of Fe-NTA processes at pHs 3 and 8 was investigated. At 1.47 mM H 2 O 2 , 0.089 mM Fe, and 0.18 mM NTA, the UV-NTA-Fenton process at pH 3 exhibited the highest H 2 O 2 decomposition (100% in 25 min), CHA removal (100% in 12 min) with a rate constant of 0.27 ± 0.025 min -1 , and NTA degradation (100% in 6 min). Due to the formation of H 2 O 2 -Fe(III)NTA adduct, the total Fe concentration in the UV-NTA-Fenton system (0.063 mM at the end of the reaction) at pH 8 was much higher than that in the UV photolysis of Fe(III)NTA process (0.024 mM). The co-complexing effect of borate buffer helped to keep iron soluble; however, it imposed a negative influence on the CHA degradation in the UV-NTA-Fenton process (68% CHA removal in 60 min in the borate buffer compared to 92% in MilliQ water). The results demonstrated that the most efficient process for the CHA degradation under the experimental conditions was the UV-NTA-Fenton process at pH 3. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  5. VIIRS VisNIR/SMWIR end of life sensitivity predictions

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Murgai, Vijay; Nelson, Neil; Johnson, Eric; Yokoyama, Karen

    2012-09-01

    The Visible/Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) is a key sensor on the Suomi National Polar-orbiting Partnership (NPP) satellite launched on October 28, 2011 into a polar orbit of 824 km nominal altitude. VIIRS collects radiometric and imagery data of the Earth's atmosphere, oceans, and land surfaces in 22 spectral bands spanning the visible and infrared spectrum from 0.4 to 12.5 μm. The radiometric response for VIIRS spectral bands in the 600 - 2300 nm wavelength range (I1, M5, M6, M7 / I2, M8, M9, M10 / I3, M11), which started with significant signal to noise ratio margin at beginning of life, has shown some degradation on orbit. This degradation has been correlated with UV exposure of the VIIRS optics. UV exposure of witness samples from the Rotating Telescope Assembly (RTA) mirrors by Aerospace Corporation showed reflectance loss with the same spectral signature as the response degradation observed for VIIRS. The investigation and root cause determination for the VIIRS response degradation are discussed in separate papers. A model of VIIRS throughput degradation has been developed from witness sample UV exposure test results made by Aerospace. A direct relationship is assumed between UV dose (fluence) and the reflectance degradation of the RTA mirrors. The UV dose on orbit for the primary mirror is proportional to the incident earthshine and its solid angle of view. For subsequent mirrors the UV dose is weighted by solid angle and preceding mirror UV reflectance. UV dose is converted to reflectance change based on witness sample exposure measurements. The change in VIIRS throughput is calculated by multiplying the reflectance of the four RTA mirrors and agrees with the on-orbit measured response changes as a function of UV exposure time. Model predictions of the radiometric sensitivity for the affected VIIRS bands show positive margin at end of life for all affected bands.

  6. Sulfamethazine degradation in water by the VUV/UV process: Kinetics, mechanism and antibacterial activity determination based on a mini-fluidic VUV/UV photoreaction system.

    PubMed

    Li, Mengkai; Wang, Chen; Yau, Miaoling; Bolton, James R; Qiang, Zhimin

    2017-01-01

    A mini-fluidic VUV/UV photoreaction system (MVPS) was developed in our previous study, and it was demonstrated as a powerful tool for studies on pollutant degradation by the VUV/UV process. In this study, we investigated the VUV/UV photodegradation of sulfamethazine (SMN), one of the most frequently detected antibiotics in the environment. The determination methods of photochemical kinetic parameters (e.g., photon fluence-based rate constant and quantum yield) were developed based on the MVPS. The photon fluence-based reaction rate constants for SMN degradation by UV alone and VUV/UV processes were determined as 0.07 × 10 3 and 4.11 × 10 3  m 2  einstein -1 , respectively, while their quantum yields were calculated as 0.019 and 0.369, respectively. The second-order reaction rate constant between hydroxyl radical (HO • ) and SMN was determined to be 8.9 × 10 9  M -1  s -1 in VUV/UV irradiation experiments, which were conducted without addition of any other chemical. The pH effect on the SMN degradation by the VUV/UV process arose principally from SMN and HO speciation. In addition, six byproducts were identified and the potential degradation pathways of SMN including hydroxylation and SO 2 elimination were proposed. The antibacterial activity of the SMN solution, assessed by the growth inhibition tests of Escherichia coli, decreased by about 80% after VUV/UV treatment up to a photon fluence of 3.58 × 10 -3  einstein m -2 . This study has developed methods for the determination of photochemical kinetic parameters using the newly developed MVPS and has demonstrated that the VUV/UV process is an effective technology to remove sulfonamide antibiotics in water. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  7. Removal of trace level amounts of twelve sulfonamides from drinking water by UV-activated peroxymonosulfate.

    PubMed

    Cui, Changzheng; Jin, Lei; Jiang, Lei; Han, Qi; Lin, Kuangfei; Lu, Shuguang; Zhang, Dong; Cao, Guomin

    2016-12-01

    Trace levels of residual antibiotics in drinking water may threaten public health and become a serious problem in modern society. In this work, we investigated the degradation of twelve sulfonamides (SAs) at environmentally relevant trace level concentrations by three different methods: ultraviolet (UV) photolysis, peroxymonosulfate (PMS) oxidation, and UV-activated PMS (UV/PMS). Sulfaguanidine, sulfadiazine, sulfamerazine, sulfamethazine, sulfathiazole, sulfamethoxydiazine, and sulfadimethoxine were be effectively removed by direct UV photolysis and PMS oxidation. However, sulfanilamide, sulfamethizole, sulfamethoxazole, sulfisoxazole, and sulfachloropyridazine were not completely degraded, despite prolonging the UV irradiation time to 30min or increasing the PMS concentration to 5.0mg·L -1 . UV/PMS provided more thorough elimination of SAs, as demonstrated by the complete removal of 200ng·L -1 of all SAs within 5min at an initial PMS concentration of 1.0mg·L -1 . UV/PMS promoted SA decomposition more efficiently than UV photolysis or PMS oxidation alone. Bicarbonate concentration and pH had a negligible effect on SA degradation by UV/PMS. However, humic acid retarded the process. Removal of 200ng·L -1 of each SA from a sample of sand-filtered effluent from a drinking water treatment plant (DWTPs) was quickly and completely achieved by UV/PMS. Meanwhile, about 41% of the total organic carbon (TOC) was eliminated. Scavenging experiments showed that sulfate radical (SO 4 - ) was the predominant species involved in the degradation. It is concluded that UV/PMS is a rapid and efficient method for removing trace-level SAs from drinking water. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  8. Significant role of UV and carbonate radical on the degradation of oxytetracycline in UV-AOPs: Kinetics and mechanism.

    PubMed

    Liu, Yiqing; He, Xuexiang; Duan, Xiaodi; Fu, Yongsheng; Fatta-Kassinos, Despo; Dionysiou, Dionysios D

    2016-05-15

    Carbonate radical (CO3(•-)), a selective oxidant, reacts readily with electron-rich compounds through electron transfer and/or hydrogen abstraction. In this study, the role of CO3(•-) in degrading oxytetracycline (OTC) by UV only, UV/H2O2 and UV/persulfate (UV/PS) advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) in the presence of HCO3(-) or CO3(2-) was investigated. For UV only process, the presence of photosensitizers, i.e., nitrate (NO3(-)) and natural organic matter (NOM), had different impacts on OTC degradation, i.e., an enhancing effect by NO3(-) due to the generation of HO(•) and a slight inhibiting effect by NOM possibly due to a light scattering effect. Differently for UV/H2O2 and UV/PS processes, the presence of NO3(-) hardly influenced the destruction of OTC. Generation of CO3(•-) presented a positive role on OTC degradation by UV/NO3(-)/HCO3(-). Such influence was also observed in the two studied AOPs in the presence of both bicarbonate and other natural water constituents. When various natural water samples from different sources were used as reaction matrices, UV only and UV/H2O2 showed an inhibiting effect while UV/PS demonstrated a comparable or even promoting effect in OTC decomposition. After elucidating the potential contribution of UV direct photolysis via excited state OTC* at an elevated reaction pH condition, putative OTC transformation byproducts via CO3(•-) reaction were identified by ultra-high definition accurate-mass quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry (QTOF/MS). Five different reaction pathways were subsequently proposed, including hydroxylation (+16 Da), quinonization (+14 Da), demethylation (-14 Da), decarbonylation (-28 Da) and dehydration (-18 Da). The significant role of UV at high pH and CO3(•-) on OTC removal from contaminated water was therefore demonstrated both kinetically and mechanistically. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  9. New down-converter for UV-stable perovskite solar cells: Phosphor-in-glass

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Roh, Hee-Suk; Han, Gill Sang; Lee, Seongha; Kim, Sanghyun; Choi, Sungwoo; Yoon, Chulsoo; Lee, Jung-Kun

    2018-06-01

    Degradation of hybrid lead halide perovskite by UV light is a crucial issue that limits the commercialization of lead halide perovskite solar cells (PSCs). To address this problem, phosphor-in-glass (PiG) is used to convert UV to visible light. Down-conversion of UV light by PiG dramatically increases UV-stability of PSCs and enables PSCs to harvest UV light that is currently wasted. Performance of PSCs with PiG layer does not change significantly during 100 h-long UV-irradiation, while conventional PSCs degrade quickly by 1 h-long UV-irradiation. After 100 h long UV-irradiation, power conversion efficiency of PSCs with PiG is 440% larger than that of conventional PSCs. This result points a direction toward PSCs which are very stable and highly efficient under UV light.

  10. Effect of medium-pressure UV-lamp treatment on disinfection by-products in chlorinated seawater swimming pool waters.

    PubMed

    Cheema, Waqas A; Manasfi, Tarek; Kaarsholm, Kamilla M S; Andersen, Henrik R; Boudenne, Jean-Luc

    2017-12-01

    Several brominated disinfection by-products (DBPs) are formed in chlorinated seawater pools, due to the high concentration of bromide in seawater. UV irradiation is increasingly employed in freshwater pools, because UV treatment photodegrades harmful chloramines. However, in freshwater pools it has been reported that post-UV chlorination promotes the formation of other DBPs. To date, UV-based processes have not been investigated for DBPs in seawater pools. In this study, the effects of UV, followed by chlorination, on the concentration of three groups of DBPs were investigated in laboratory batch experiments using a medium-pressure UV lamp. Chlorine consumption increased following post-UV chlorination, most likely because UV irradiation degraded organic matter in the pool samples to more chlorine-reactive organic matter. Haloacetic acid (HAA) concentrations decreased significantly, due to photo-degradation, but the concentrations of trihalomethanes (THMs) and haloacetonitriles (HANs) increased with post-UV chlorination. Bromine incorporation in HAAs was significantly higher in the control samples chlorinated without UV irradiation but decreased significantly with UV treatment. Bromine incorporation was promoted in THM and HAN after UV and chlorine treatment. Overall, the accumulated bromine incorporation level in DBPs remained essentially unchanged in comparison with the control samples. Toxicity estimates increased with single-dose UV and chlorination, mainly due to increased HAN concentrations. However, brominated HANs are known in the literature to degrade following further UV treatment. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  11. Simulation and comparative study on the oxidation kinetics of atrazine by UV/H₂O₂, UV/HSO₅⁻ and UV/S₂O₈²⁻.

    PubMed

    Luo, Congwei; Ma, Jun; Jiang, Jin; Liu, Yongze; Song, Yang; Yang, Yi; Guan, Yinghong; Wu, Daoji

    2015-09-01

    This study comparatively investigated atrazine (ATZ) degradation by irradiation at the wavelength of 254 nm in the presence of peroxides including hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), peroxymonosulfate (HSO5(-)), and persulfate (S2O8(2-)) at various initial ATZ concentrations and oxidant dosages. The effects of water matrix, such as carbonate/bicarbonate (HCO3(-)/CO3(2-)), chloride ions (Cl(-)), and natural organic matter (NOM), were evaluated on these three advanced oxidation processes. A simple steady-state kinetic model was developed based on the initial rates of ATZ destruction, which could well describe the apparent pseudo-first-order rate constants (k(app), s(-1)) of ATZ degradation in these three processes. The specific roles of reactive species (i.e., HO·, SO4(-·), CO3(-·), and Cl2(-·)) under various experimental conditions were quantitatively evaluated based on their steady-state concentrations obtained from this model. Modeling results showed that the steady-state concentrations of HO· and SO4(-·) decreased with the increase of CO3(2-)/HCO3(-) concentration, and the relative contribution of HO· to ATZ degradation significantly decreased in UV/H2O2 and UV/HSO5(-) systems. On the other hand, the scavenging effect of HCO3(-)/CO3(2-) on the relative contribution of SO4(-·) to ATZ degradation was lower than that on HO·. The presence of Cl(-) (0.5-10 mM) significantly scavenged SO4(-·) but had slightly scavenging effect on HO· at the present experimental pH, resulting in greater decrease of k(app) in the UV/S2O8(2-) than UV/H2O2 and UV/HSO5(-) systems. Higher levels of Cl2(-·) were generated in the UV/S2O8(2-) than those in the UV/H2O2 and UV/HSO5(-) systems at the same Cl(-) concentrations. NOM significantly decreased k(app) due to its effects of competitive UV absorption and radical scavenging with the latter one being dominant. These results improve the understanding of the effects of water constituents for ATZ degradation in the UV-based oxidation processes. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  12. Production of Optically Pure D-Lactic Acid by the Combined use of Weissella sp. S26 and Bacillus sp. ADS3.

    PubMed

    Li, Qingxin; Hudari, Mohammad Sufian Bin; Wu, Jin Chuan

    2016-01-01

    Optically pure D-lactic acid was produced from glucose, xylose, or starch by the combined use of Weissella sp. S26 and Bacillus sp. ADS3, two native bacterial strains isolated from Singapore environment. Weissella sp. S26 was used to ferment various sugars to lactic acid rich in D-isomer followed by sterilization of the broth and inoculation of Bacillus sp. ADS3 cells to selectively degrade acetic acid (if any) and L-lactic acid. In a simultaneous saccharification and fermentation of starch by Weissella sp. S26 in 1 L of modified MRS medium containing 50 g/L starch at 30 °C, lactic acid reached 24.2 g/L (23.6 g/L of D-isomers and 0.6 g/L of L-isomers), and acetic acid was 11.8 g/L at 37 h. The fermentation broth was sterilized at 100 °C for 20 min and cooled down to 30 °C followed by inoculation of Bacillus sp. ADS3 (10 %, v/v), and the mixture was kept at 30 °C for 115 h. Acetic acid was completely removed, and L-lactic acid was largely removed giving an optical purity of D-lactic acid as high as 99.5 %.

  13. Destruction of microcystins (cyanotoxins) by UV-254 nm-based direct photolysis and advanced oxidation processes (AOPs): influence of variable amino acids on the degradation kinetics and reaction mechanisms.

    PubMed

    He, Xuexiang; de la Cruz, Armah A; Hiskia, Anastasia; Kaloudis, Triantafyllos; O'Shea, Kevin; Dionysiou, Dionysios D

    2015-05-01

    Hepatotoxic microcystins (MCs) are the most frequently detected group of cyanobacterial toxins. This study investigated the degradation of common MC variants in water, MC-LR, MC-RR, MC-YR and MC-LA, by UV-254 nm-based processes, UV only, UV/H2O2, UV/S2O8(2-) and UV/HSO5(-). Limited direct photolysis of MCs was observed, while the addition of an oxidant significantly improved the degradation efficiency with an order of UV/S2O8(2-) > UV/HSO5(-) > UV/H2O2 at the same initial molar concentration of the oxidant. The removal of MC-LR by UV/H2O2 appeared to be faster than another cyanotoxin, cylindrospermopsin, at either the same initial molar concentration or the same initial organic carbon concentration of the toxin. It suggested a faster reaction of MC-LR with hydroxyl radical, which was further supported by the determined second-order rate constant of MCs with hydroxyl radical. Both isomerization and photohydration byproducts were observed in UV only process for all four MCs; while in UV/H2O2, hydroxylation and diene-Adda double bond cleavage byproducts were detected. The presence of a tyrosine in the structure of MC-YR significantly promoted the formation of monohydroxylation byproduct m/z 1061; while the presence of a second arginine in MC-RR led to the elimination of a guanidine group and the absence of double bond cleavage byproducts. It was therefore demonstrated in this study that the variable amino acids in the structure of MCs influenced not only the degradation kinetics but also the preferable reaction mechanisms. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  14. The design, synthesis, and characterization of poly(carbonate-ester)s based on dihydroxyacetone for use as potential biomaterials

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Weiser, Jennifer Rose

    The creation of new devices and materials with desirable biomedical characteristics, such as biocompatibility and easily tunable physico-chemical parameters, has played a key role in the advancement of the biomedical industry. In recent years, the combination of classical engineering principles with polymer chemistry has led to a wide range of materials that influence the manner in which drugs are delivered, tissues are engineered, and surgery is performed. The work presented in this thesis is focused on the design, synthesis, and characterization of a poly(carbonate-ester) biomaterial based on lactic acid (LA) and a carbonate form of dihydroxyacetone (DHAC) as vehicles for controlled release. The goal of this work was to synthesize a variety of pLAx- co-DHACy copolymers and characterize their behavior to better understand their structure/function relationships. The results show that random copolymers based on dihydroxyacetone and lactic acid are easily and reliably producible, with unique characteristics. In vitro degradation studies showed that the poly(carbonate-ester)s had an unexpected degradation pattern, in that the carbonate bond was more labile to hydrolysis than that of the ester bond. The resulting degradation pattern made from these biomaterials did not appear to have an acidic interior environment, due to a lack of visible viscous core commonly seen with bulk degrading lactic acid based polymers. Due to the insolubility of the poly(carbonate-ester)s, exploration of copolymer degradation was determined by the development of a newly discovered technique to quantify dihydroxyacetone release from the matrix using the bicinchoninic acid assay. Finally, the release kinetics and mechanism from these poly(carbonate-ester)s was studied following the incorporation of two different model proteins, bovine serum albumin and lysozyme. Their release behaviors and activities were analyzed to explore the controlled release capabilities of these materials and to identify their potential for the effective release of proteins.

  15. Hydrolytic breakdown of lactoferricin by lactic acid bacteria.

    PubMed

    Paul, Moushumi; Somkuti, George A

    2010-02-01

    Lactoferricin is a 25-amino acid antimicrobial peptide fragment that is liberated by pepsin digestion of lactoferrin present in bovine milk. Along with its antibacterial properties, lactoferricin has also been reported to have immunostimulatory, antiviral, and anticarcinogenic effects. These attributes provide lactoferricin and other natural bioactive peptides with the potential to be functional food ingredients that can be used by the food industry in a variety of applications. At present, commercial uses of these types of compounds are limited by the scarcity of information on their ability to survive food processing environments. We have monitored the degradation of lactoferricin during its incubation with two types of lactic acid bacteria used in the yogurt-making industry, Streptococcus thermophilus and Lactobacillus delbrueckii ssp. bulgaricus, with the aim of assessing the stability of this milk protein-derived peptide under simulated yogurt-making conditions. Analysis of the hydrolysis products isolated from these experiments indicates degradation of this peptide near neutral pH by lactic acid bacteria-associated peptidases, the extent of which was influenced by the bacterial strain used. However, the data also showed that compared to other milk-derived bioactive peptides that undergo complete degradation under these conditions, the 25-amino acid lactoferricin is apparently more resistant, with approximately 50% of the starting material remaining after 4 h of incubation. These findings imply that lactoferricin, as a natural milk protein-derived peptide, has potential applications in the commercial production of yogurt-like fermented dairy products as a multi-functional food ingredient.

  16. Efficient removal of endosulfan from aqueous solution by UV-C/peroxides: a comparative study.

    PubMed

    Shah, Noor S; He, Xuexiang; Khan, Hasan M; Khan, Javed Ali; O'Shea, Kevin E; Boccelli, Dominic L; Dionysiou, Dionysios D

    2013-12-15

    This study explored the efficiency of UV-C-based advanced oxidation processes (AOPs), i.e., UV/S2O8(2-), UV/HSO5(-), and UV/H2O2 for the degradation of endosulfan, an organochlorine insecticide and an emerging water pollutant. A significant removal, 91%, 86%, and 64%, of endosulfan, at an initial concentration of 2.45 μM and UV fluence of 480 mJ/cm(2), was achieved by UV/S2O8(2-), UV/HSO5(-), and UV/H2O2 processes, respectively, at a [peroxide]0/[endosulfan]0 molar ratio of 20. The efficiency of these processes was, however, inhibited in the presence of radical scavengers, such as alcohols (e.g., tertiary butyl alcohol and isopropyl alcohol) and natural organic matter (NOM). The inhibition was also influenced by common inorganic anions in the order of nitrite > bicarbonate > chloride > nitrate ≈ sulfate. The observed pseudo-first-order rate constant decreased while the degradation rate increased with increasing initial concentration of the target contaminant. The degradation mechanism of endosulfan by the AOPs was evaluated revealing the main by-product as endosulfan ether. Results of this study suggest that UV-C-based AOPs are potential methods for the removal of pesticides, such as endosulfan and its by-products, from contaminated water. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  17. Effect of TiO2 photocatalytic activity in a HDPE-based food packaging on the structural and microbiological stability of a short-ripened cheese.

    PubMed

    Gumiero, Matteo; Peressini, Donatella; Pizzariello, Andrea; Sensidoni, Alessandro; Iacumin, Lucilla; Comi, Giuseppe; Toniolo, Rosanna

    2013-06-01

    A high density polyethylene (HDPE)/calcium carbonate (CaCO(3)) film containing TiO(2) was prepared via blown film extrusion process. The photocatalytic properties of this film were evaluated by voltammetric, UV-Vis spectrophotometric and gas chromatographic measurements following the decomposition rate of suitably selected molecular probes, such as 4-hydroxybenzoic acid and methylene blue. The film containing 1% w/w of TiO(2) displayed a profitable and reproducible photoinduced degradation activity towards target organic compounds. The effect of packaging photocatalytic activity on the structural and microbiological stability of a short-ripened cheese was studied. Cheese structure was assessed by dynamic, small deformation rheological tests. A container consisting of a multilayer material, where the layer brought in contact with the food, made from the HDPE+CaCO(3)+TiO(2) composite matrix, was able to provide a greater maintenance of the original cheese structure than a rigid container currently used, mainly due to the inhibition of lactic acid bacteria and coliforms. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  18. Detoxification of corn stover and corn starch pyrolysis liquors by Pseudomonas putida and Streptomyces setonii suspended cells and plastic compost support biofilms.

    PubMed

    Khiyami, Mohammad A; Pometto Iii, Anthony L; Brown, Robert C

    2005-04-20

    Plant biomass can be liquefied into fermentable sugars (levoglucosan then to glucose) for the production of ethanol, lactic acid, enzymes, and more by a process called pyrolysis. During the process microbial inhibitors are also generated. Pseudomonas putida (ATCC 17484) and Streptomyces setonii75Vi2 (ATCC 39116) were employed to degrade microbial inhibitors in diluted corn stover (Dcs) and diluted corn starch (Dst) pyrolysis liquors. The detoxification process evaluation included measuring total phenols and changes in UV spectra, a GC-MS analysis, and a bioassay, which employed Lactobacillus casei subsp. rhamosus (ATCC 11443) growth as an indicator of detoxification. Suspended-cell cultures illustrated limited detoxification ability of Dcs and Dst. P. putida and S. setoniiplastic compost support (PCS) biofilm continuous-stirred-tank-reactor pure cultures detoxified 10 and 25% (v/v) Dcs and Dst, whereas PCS biofilm mixed culture also partially detoxified 50% (v/v) Dcs and Dst in repeated batch culture. Therefore, PCS biofilm mixed culture is the process of choice to detoxify diluted pyrolysis liquors.

  19. Treatment of oily port wastewater effluents using the ultraviolet/hydrogen peroxide photodecomposition system.

    PubMed

    Siedlecka, Ewa Maria; Stepnowski, Piotr

    2006-08-01

    This paper presents the nonselective degradation of mechanically pretreated oily wastewater by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in the presence and absence of UV irradiation. The effect of chemical oxidation on wastewater biodegradability was also examined. The exclusive use of H2O2 photolyzed by daylight results in quite efficient degradation rates for the low peroxide concentrations used. Higher hydrogen peroxide concentrations inhibit degradation of organic contaminants in the wastewater. The degradation rates of all contaminants are relatively high with an advanced oxidation system (UV/H2O2), but degradation efficiencies are not distinguishably different when 20 or 45 minutes of UV irradiation is used. The excess of H2O2 used in the process can inhibit phenolic degradation and may lead to the formation of a new phenolic fraction. The biodegradability of port wastewater did not increase significantly following the application of the advanced oxidation process.

  20. Oxalate enhanced degradation of Orange II in heterogeneous UV-Fenton system catalyzed by Fe3O4@γ-Fe2O3 composite.

    PubMed

    Dai, Huiwang; Xu, Shuying; Chen, Jianxin; Miao, Xiaozeng; Zhu, Jianxi

    2018-05-01

    Oxalate enhanced mechanism of Fe 3 O 4 @γ-Fe 2 O 3 was developed to provide novel insight into catalytic process regulation of iron oxide catalysts in heterogeneous UV-Fenton system. And the iron oxide composite of Fe 3 O 4 @γ-Fe 2 O 3 was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and nitrogen adsorption-desorption isotherms. The results showed that large amount of iron could be leached from catalyst in the presence of oxalate, which promoted the homogeneous UV-Fenton reactions in solution. Orange II degradation could be significantly enhanced with the increase of the ratio of homogeneous UV-Fenton process to heterogeneous UV-Fenton process. The optimum concentration of oxalate determined by experiment was 0.5 mM in oxalate enhanced heterogeneous UV-Fenton system. On this condition, the pseudo-first-order rate constant value of Orange II degradation was 0.314 min -1 , which was 2.3 times as high as that in heterogeneous UV-Fenton system. The removal rates of color and TOC were 100% and 86.6% after 20 min and 120 min treatment, respectively. In addition, the iron ions in solution could be almost completely adsorbed back to the catalyst surface in later degradation stages of Orange II. During the recycle experiments, the results showed that the increase of pH in solution and the sorption of intermediates on the catalyst surface would hinder oxalate enhanced process and lead to a decrease of degradation rate of Orange II in oxalate enhanced heterogeneous UV-Fenton system. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  1. Solar ultraviolet irradiation induces decorin degradation in human skin likely via neutrophil elastase.

    PubMed

    Li, Yong; Xia, Wei; Liu, Ying; Remmer, Henriette A; Voorhees, John; Fisher, Gary J

    2013-01-01

    Exposure of human skin to solar ultraviolet (UV) irradiation induces matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) activity, which degrades type I collagen fibrils. Type I collagen is the most abundant protein in skin and constitutes the majority of skin connective tissue (dermis). Degradation of collagen fibrils impairs the structure and function of skin that characterize skin aging. Decorin is the predominant proteoglycan in human dermis. In model systems, decorin binds to and protects type I collagen fibrils from proteolytic degradation by enzymes such as MMP-1. Little is known regarding alterations of decorin in response to UV irradiation. We found that solar-simulated UV irradiation of human skin in vivo stimulated substantial decorin degradation, with kinetics similar to infiltration of polymorphonuclear (PMN) cells. Proteases that were released from isolated PMN cells degraded decorin in vitro. A highly selective inhibitor of neutrophil elastase blocked decorin breakdown by proteases released from PMN cells. Furthermore, purified neutrophil elastase cleaved decorin in vitro and generated fragments with similar molecular weights as those resulting from protease activity released from PMN cells, and as observed in UV-irradiated human skin. Cleavage of decorin by neutrophil elastase significantly augmented fragmentation of type I collagen fibrils by MMP-1. Taken together, these data indicate that PMN cell proteases, especially neutrophil elastase, degrade decorin, and this degradation renders collagen fibrils more susceptible to MMP-1 cleavage. These data identify decorin degradation and neutrophil elastase as potential therapeutic targets for mitigating sun exposure-induced collagen fibril degradation in human skin.

  2. Release of tetracycline hydrochloride from electrospun poly(ethylene-co-vinylacetate), poly(lactic acid), and a blend.

    PubMed

    Kenawy, El-Refaie; Bowlin, Gary L; Mansfield, Kevin; Layman, John; Simpson, David G; Sanders, Elliot H; Wnek, Gary E

    2002-05-17

    Electrospun fiber mats are explored as drug delivery vehicles using tetracycline hydrochloride as a model drug. The mats were made either from poly(lactic acid) (PLA), poly(ethylene-co-vinyl acetate) (PEVA), or from a 50:50 blend of the two. The fibers were electrospun from chloroform solutions containing a small amount of methanol to solubilize the drug. The release of the tetracycline hydrochloride from these new drug delivery systems was followed by UV-VIS spectroscopy. Release profiles from the electrospun mats were compared to a commercially available drug delivery system, Actisite (Alza Corporation, Palo Alto, CA), as well as to cast films of the various formulations.

  3. Mitotic UV Irradiation Induces a DNA Replication-Licensing Defect that Potentiates G1 Arrest Response

    PubMed Central

    Morino, Masayuki; Nukina, Kohei; Sakaguchi, Hiroki; Maeda, Takeshi; Takahara, Michiyo; Shiomi, Yasushi; Nishitani, Hideo

    2015-01-01

    Cdt1 begins to accumulate in M phase and has a key role in establishing replication licensing at the end of mitosis or in early G1 phase. Treatments that damage the DNA of cells, such as UV irradiation, induce Cdt1 degradation through PCNA-dependent CRL4-Cdt2 ubiquitin ligase. How Cdt1 degradation is linked to cell cycle progression, however, remains unclear. In G1 phase, when licensing is established, UV irradiation leads to Cdt1 degradation, but has little effect on the licensing state. In M phase, however, UV irradiation does not induce Cdt1 degradation. When mitotic UV-irradiated cells were released into G1 phase, Cdt1 was degraded before licensing was established. Thus, these cells exhibited both defective licensing and G1 cell cycle arrest. The frequency of G1 arrest increased in cells expressing extra copies of Cdt2, and thus in cells in which Cdt1 degradation was enhanced, whereas the frequency of G1 arrest was reduced in cell expressing an extra copy of Cdt1. The G1 arrest response of cells irradiated in mitosis was important for cell survival by preventing the induction of apoptosis. Based on these observations, we propose that mammalian cells have a DNA replication-licensing checkpoint response to DNA damage induced during mitosis. PMID:25798850

  4. Photocatalytic degradation of 17α-ethinylestradiol (EE2) in the presence of TiO2-doped zeolite.

    PubMed

    Pan, Zhong; Stemmler, Elizabeth A; Cho, Hong Je; Fan, Wei; LeBlanc, Lawrence A; Patterson, Howard H; Amirbahman, Aria

    2014-08-30

    Current design limitations and ineffective remediation techniques in wastewater treatment plants have led to concerns about the prevalence of pharmaceutical and personal care products (PPCPs) in receiving waters. A novel photocatalyst, TiO2-doped low-silica X zeolite (TiO2-LSX), was used to study the degradation of the pharmaceutical compound, 17α-ethinylestradiol (EE2). The catalyst was synthesized and characterized using XRD, BET surface analysis, SEM-EDAX, and ICP-OES. The effects of different UV light intensities, initial EE2 concentrations, and catalyst dosages on the EE2 removal efficiency were studied. A higher EE2 removal efficiency was attained with UV-TiO2-LSX when compared with UV-TiO2 or UV alone. The EE2 degradation process followed pseudo-first-order kinetics. A comprehensive empirical model was developed to describe the EE2 degradation kinetics under different conditions using multiple linear regression analysis. The EE2 degradation mechanism was proposed based on molecular calculations, identification of photoproducts using HPLC-MS/MS, and reactive species quenching experiments; the results showed that oxidative degradation pathways initiated by hydroxyl radicals were predominant. This novel TiO2-doped zeolite system provides a promising application for the UV disinfection process in wastewater treatment plants. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  5. DFT and TD-DFT insights, photolysis and photocatalysis investigation of three dyes with similar structure under UV irradiation with and without TiO2 as a catalyst: Effect of adsorption, pH and light intensity

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Bendjabeur, Seyfeddine; Zouaghi, Razika; Zouchoune, Bachir; Sehili, Tahar

    2018-02-01

    TiO2-mediated photocatalytic degradation of three triphenylmethane dyes (basic fuchsin, acid fuchsin and Gentian violet), was investigated in aqueous suspensions in the presence and the absence of titanium dioxide P25 Degussa as photocatalyst. The photodegradation process was investigated using UV-A (365 nm) and UV-C (254 nm) light alone and UV-A in the presence of TiO2·The effects of various operational parameters were investigated such as: the effect of adsorption in the dark, the influence of pH, the influence of irradiation wavelength and the effect of light intensity. The study of the effect of various parameters reveals that the photolysis of dyes increases with the increase of light intensity, the degradation rate under UV-C (254 nm) was found better than under UV-A 365 nm. The photocatalytic degradation was found to follow the same order of adsorption. The decolorization and the degradation kinetics were found to follow the pseudo-first-order kinetics. The mineralization of dye was found to follow the same order of disappearance as the photocatalytic degradation and depended directly to its functional groups and its number of carbons. Additionally, density functional theory (DFT) was applied for calculations of both electronic structure and spectroscopic properties of the studied compounds, where the obtained results of the three dyes show that the theoretical electronic spectra and the experimental UV-visible ones are similar in shapes, positions and intensities.

  6. Degradation and mineralization of organic UV absorber compound 2-phenylbenzimidazole-5-sulfonic acid (PBSA) using UV-254nm/H2O2.

    PubMed

    Abdelraheem, Wael H M; He, Xuexiang; Duan, Xiaodi; Dionysiou, Dionysios D

    2015-01-23

    Various studies have revealed the non-biodegradable and endocrine disrupting properties of sulfonated organic UV absorbers, directing people's attention toward their risks on ecological and human health and hence their removal from water. In this study, UV-254nm/H2O2 advanced oxidation process (AOP) was investigated for degrading a model UV absorber compound 2-phenylbenzimidazole-5-sulfonic acid (PBSA) and a structurally similar compound 1H-benzimidazole-2-sulfonic acid (BSA), with a specific focus on their mineralization. At 4.0mM [H2O2]0, a complete removal of 40.0μM parent PBSA and 25% decrease in TOC were achieved with 190min of UV irradiation; SO4(2-) was formed and reached its maximum level while the release of nitrogen as NH4(+) was much lower (around 50%) at 190min. Sulfate removal was strongly enhanced by increasing [H2O2]0 in the range of 0-4.0mM, with slight inhibition in 4.0-12.0mM. Faster and earlier ammonia formation was observed at higher [H2O2]0. The presence of Br(-) slowed down the degradation and mineralization of both compounds while a negligible effect on the degradation was observed in the presence of Cl(-). Our study provides important technical and fundamental results on the HO based degradation and mineralization of SO3H and N-containing UV absorber compounds. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  7. Effects of process variables and kinetics on the degradation of 2,4-dichlorophenol using advanced reduction processes (ARP).

    PubMed

    Yu, Xingyue; Cabooter, Deirdre; Dewil, Raf

    2018-05-24

    This study aims at investigating the efficiency and kinetics of 2,4-DCP degradation via advanced reduction processes (ARP). Using UV light as activation method, the highest degradation efficiency of 2,4-DCP was obtained when using sulphite as a reducing agent. The highest degradation efficiency was observed under alkaline conditions (pH = 10.0), for high sulphite dosage and UV intensity, and low 2,4-DCP concentration. For all process conditions, first-order reaction rate kinetics were applicable. A quadratic polynomial equation fitted by a Box-Behnken Design was used as a statistical model and proved to be precise and reliable in describing the significance of the different process variables. The analysis of variance demonstrated that the experimental results were in good agreement with the predicted model (R 2  = 0.9343), and solution pH, sulphite dose and UV intensity were found to be key process variables in the sulphite/UV ARP. Consequently, the present study provides a promising approach for the efficient degradation of 2,4-DCP with fast degradation kinetics. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  8. The Methoxyflavonoid Isosakuranetin Suppresses UV-B-Induced Matrix Metalloproteinase-1 Expression and Collagen Degradation Relevant for Skin Photoaging.

    PubMed

    Jung, Hana; Lee, Eunjoo H; Lee, Tae Hoon; Cho, Man-Ho

    2016-09-01

    Solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation is a main extrinsic factor for skin aging. Chronic exposure of the skin to UV radiation causes the induction of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), such as MMP-1, and consequently results in alterations of the extracellular matrix (ECM) and skin photoaging. Flavonoids are considered as potent anti-photoaging agents due to their UV-absorbing and antioxidant properties and inhibitory activity against UV-mediated MMP induction. To identify anti-photoaging agents, in the present study we examined the preventative effect of methoxyflavonoids, such as sakuranetin, isosakuranetin, homoeriodictyol, genkwanin, chrysoeriol and syringetin, on UV-B-induced skin photo-damage. Of the examined methoxyflavonoids, pretreatment with isosakuranetin strongly suppressed the UV-B-mediated induction of MMP-1 in human keratinocytes in a concentration-dependent manner. Isosakuranetin inhibited UV-B-induced phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling components, ERK1/2, JNK1/2 and p38 proteins. This result suggests that the ERK1/2 kinase pathways likely contribute to the inhibitory effects of isosakuranetin on UV-induced MMP-1 production in human keratinocytes. Isosakuranetin also prevented UV-B-induced degradation of type-1 collagen in human dermal fibroblast cells. Taken together, our findings suggest that isosakuranetin has the potential for development as a protective agent for skin photoaging through the inhibition of UV-induced MMP-1 production and collagen degradation.

  9. Degradation of sinigrin by Lactobacillus agilis strain R16.

    PubMed

    Llanos Palop, M; Smiths, J P; Brink, B T

    1995-07-01

    Forty-two lactobacilli were screened for their potential to degrade glucosinolate sinigrin. One of them, strain R16, demonstrated a high level of sinigrin degradation; it was identified as Lactobacillus agilis. The sinigrin degrading activity of L. agilis R16 could only be demonstrated when intact cells were used. The products of sinigrin degradation are allyl-isothiocyanate (AITC) and glucose (which is further fermented to DL-lactic acid), suggesting that myrosinase activity is involved. The activity was induced by the presence of sinigrin. Glucose inhibited the myrosinase activity, even in induced cells. Lactobacillus agilis R16 was able to grow on an extract of brown mustard seed and caused glucosinolate degradation.

  10. Degradation of paracetamol by advance oxidation processes using modified reticulated vitreous carbon electrodes with TiO(2) and CuO/TiO(2)/Al(2)O(3).

    PubMed

    Arredondo Valdez, H C; García Jiménez, G; Gutiérrez Granados, S; Ponce de León, C

    2012-11-01

    The degradation of paracetamol in aqueous solutions in the presence of hydrogen peroxide was carried out by photochemistry, electrolysis and photoelectrolysis using modified 100 pores per inch reticulated vitreous carbon electrodes. The electrodes were coated with catalysts such as TiO(2) and CuO/TiO(2)/Al(2)O(3) by electrophoresis followed by heat treatment. The results of the electrolysis with bare reticulated vitreous carbon electrodes show that 90% paracetamol degradation occurs in 4 h at 1.3 V vs. SCE, forming intermediates such as benzoquinone and carboxylic acids followed by their complete mineralisation. When the electrolysis was carried out with the modified electrodes such as TiO(2)/RVC, 90% degradation was achieved in 2 h while with CuO/TiO(2)/Al(2)O(3)/RVC, 98% degradation took only 1 h. The degradation was also carried out in the presence of UV reaching 95% degradation with TiO(2)/RVC/UV and 99% with CuO/TiO(2)/Al(2)O(3)/RVC/UV in 1 h. The reactions were followed by spectroscopy UV-Vis, HPLC and total organic carbon analysis. These studies show that the degradation of paracetamol follows a pseudo-first order reaction kinetics. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  11. Effects of the acid-tolerant engineered bacterial strain Megasphaera elsdenii H6F32 on ruminal pH and the lactic acid concentration of simulated rumen acidosis in vitro.

    PubMed

    Long, M; Feng, W J; Li, P; Zhang, Y; He, R X; Yu, L H; He, J B; Jing, W Y; Li, Y M; Wang, Z; Liu, G W

    2014-02-01

    The aim of this study was to examine the effects of the acid-tolerant engineered bacterial strain Megasphaera elsdenii H6F32 (M. elsdenii H6F32) on ruminal pH and the lactic acid concentrations in simulated rumen acidosis conditions in vitro. A mixed culture of ruminal bacteria, buffer, and primarily degradable substrates was inoculated with equal numbers of M. elsdenii H6 or M. elsdenii H6F32. The pH and lactic acid concentrations in the mixed culture were determined at 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, and 18 h of incubation. Acid-tolerant M. elsdenii H6F32 reduced the accumulation of lactic acid and increased the pH value. These results indicate that acid-tolerant M. elsdenii H6F32 could be a potential candidate for preventing rumen acidosis. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  12. Non-Metal Doped Titania Photocatalysts for the Degradation of Neonicotinoid Insecticides Under Visible Light Irradiation.

    PubMed

    Joseph, Amala Infant Joice; Thiripuranthagan, Sivakumar

    2018-05-01

    Recombination of e-/h+ pair, the major issue of any titania based photocatalytic material, is addressed here by doping non-metals such as C, N, B, F into the lattice of nano TiO2. The as-synthesised catalysts were characterized by using various instrumental techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV-Diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV-DRS), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Nanosize of titania was confirmed by both XRD and TEM studies. Visible light inactivity of TiO2 is overcome by C, N, B, F doped titania catalysts in the degradation of neonicotinoid type insecticides namely imidacloprid (IMI) and thiamethoxam (TMX). The degradation efficiencies of the catalysts under different irradiations namely UV, visible and solar were compared. Among the catalysts, CNBF/TiO2 degraded IMI completely at 150, 240 and 330 min whereas TMX has been degraded completely at 210, 270 and 420 min under UV, solar and visible irradiations respectively. The recyclability test of CNBF/TiO2 confirmed its stability towards photocatalytic reaction.

  13. Degradation of diclofenac sodium using combined processes based on hydrodynamic cavitation and heterogeneous photocatalysis.

    PubMed

    Bagal, Manisha V; Gogate, Parag R

    2014-05-01

    Diclofenac sodium, a widely detected pharmaceutical drug in wastewater samples, has been selected as a model pollutant for degradation using novel combined approach of hydrodynamic cavitation and heterogeneous photocatalysis. A slit venturi has been used as cavitating device in the hydrodynamic cavitation reactor. The effect of various operating parameters such as inlet fluid pressure (2-4 bar) and initial pH of the solution (4-7.5) on the extent of degradation have been studied. The maximum extent of degradation of diclofenac sodium was obtained at inlet fluid pressure of 3 bar and initial pH as 4 using hydrodynamic cavitation alone. The loadings of TiO2 and H2O2 have been optimised to maximise the extent of degradation of diclofenac sodium. Kinetic study revealed that the degradation of diclofenac sodium fitted first order kinetics over the selected range of operating protocols. It has been observed that combination of hydrodynamic cavitation with UV, UV/TiO2 and UV/TiO2/H2O2 results in enhanced extents of degradation as compared to the individual schemes. The maximum extent of degradation as 95% with 76% reduction in TOC has been observed using hydrodynamic cavitation in conjunction with UV/TiO2/H2O2 under the optimised operating conditions. The diclofenac sodium degradation byproducts have been identified using LC/MS analysis. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  14. Kinetic and mechanistic study of microcystin-LR degradation by nitrous acid under ultraviolet irradiation.

    PubMed

    Ma, Qingwei; Ren, Jing; Huang, Honghui; Wang, Shoubing; Wang, Xiangrong; Fan, Zhengqiu

    2012-05-15

    Degradation of microcystin-LR (MC-LR) in the presence of nitrous acid (HNO(2)) under irradiation of 365nm ultraviolet (UV) was studied for the first time. The influence of initial conditions including pH value, NaNO(2) concentration, MC-LR concentration and UV intensity were studied. MC-LR was degraded in the presence of HNO(2); enhanced degradation of MC-LR was observed with 365nm UV irradiation, caused by the generation of hydroxyl radicals through the photolysis of HNO(2). The degradation processes of MC-LR could well fit the pseudo-first-order kinetics. Mass spectrometry was applied for identification of the byproducts and the analysis of degradation mechanisms. Major degradation pathways were proposed according to the results of LC-MS analysis. The degradation of MC-LR was initiated via three major pathways: attack of hydroxyl radicals on the conjugated carbon double bonds of Adda, attack of hydroxyl radicals on the benzene ring of Adda, and attack of nitrosonium ion on the benzene ring of Adda. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  15. Oxidation of ethylenethiourea in water via ozone enhanced by UV-C: identification of transformation products.

    PubMed

    Bottrel, Sue Ellen C; Pereira, Pedro C; de Oliveira Pereira, Renata; Leão, Mônica M D; Amorim, Camila C

    2018-06-25

    Ethylenethiourea (ETU) is a toxic degradation product of one class of fungicide which is largely employed in the world, the ethylenebisdithiocarbamates. In this study, ETU was degraded by ozonation enhanced by UV-C light irradiation (O 3 /UV-C) in aqueous medium. Degradation experiments were conducted at natural pH (6.8) and neutral pH (7.0, buffered). ETU was promptly eliminated from the reactive medium during ozonation in the presence and absence of light. Within the first few minutes of reaction conducted in natural pH, the pH decreased quickly from 6.8 to 3.0. Results show that ETU mineralization occurs only in the reaction conducted in neutral pH and that it takes place in a higher rate when enhanced by UV-C irradiation. Main intermediates formed during the O3/UV-C experiments in different conditions tested were also investigated and three different degradation mechanisms were proposed considering the occurrence of direct and indirect ozone reactions. At pH 7, ethylene urea (EU) was quickly generated and degraded. Meanwhile, at natural pH, besides EU, other compounds originated from the electrophilic attack of ozone to the sulfur atom present in the contaminant molecule were also identified during reaction and EU was detected within 60 min of reaction. Results showed that ozonation enhanced by UV-C promotes a faster reaction than the same system in the absence of light, and investigation of the toxicity is recommended.

  16. Screening of Indigenous Oxalate Degrading Lactic Acid Bacteria from Human Faeces and South Indian Fermented Foods: Assessment of Probiotic Potential

    PubMed Central

    Kavitha, Murugan; Selvi, M. S.; Selvam, Govindan Sadasivam

    2014-01-01

    Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) have the potential to degrade intestinal oxalate and this is increasingly being studied as a promising probiotic solution to manage kidney stone disease. In this study, oxalate degrading LAB were isolated from human faeces and south Indian fermented foods, subsequently assessed for potential probiotic property in vitro and in vivo. Based on preliminary characteristics, 251 out of 673 bacterial isolates were identified as LAB. A total of 17 strains were found to degrade oxalate significantly between 40.38% and 62.90% and were subjected to acid and bile tolerance test. Among them, nine strains exhibited considerable tolerance up to pH 3.0 and at 0.3% bile. These were identified as Lactobacillus fermentum and Lactobacillus salivarius using 16S rDNA sequencing. Three strains, Lactobacillus fermentum TY5, Lactobacillus fermentum AB1, and Lactobacillus salivarius AB11, exhibited good adhesion to HT-29 cells and strong antimicrobial activity. They also conferred resistance to kanamycin, rifampicin, and ampicillin, but were sensitive to chloramphenicol and erythromycin. The faecal recovery rate of these strains was observed as 15.16% (TY5), 6.71% (AB1), and 9.3% (AB11) which indicates the colonization ability. In conclusion, three efficient oxalate degrading LAB were identified and their safety assessments suggest that they may serve as good probiotic candidates for preventing hyperoxaluria. PMID:24723820

  17. High UV light performance for the degradation of Rhodamine B dye by synthesized Bi2S3ZnO nanocomposite

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sangareswari, M.; Meenakshi Sundaram, M.

    2017-05-01

    Heterogeneous photocatalytic degradation of organics in water and wastewater by large band gap semiconductors has offered an attractive alternative for environmental remediation. Zinc oxide is a very fast and efficient catalyst because of its wide band gap and large exciton binding energy. In this study, an efficient Bi2S3ZnO was synthesized by sonochemical method. The obtained product was further characterized by TEM, SEM, XRD, FT-IR and UV-DRS analysis. Scanning electron microscopy images revealed that Bi2S3ZnO has flower-like structure. The synthesized flower-like Bi2S3ZnO nanocomposites were more efficient than commercial ZnO for the degradation of organic contaminants under UV light irradiation. The prepared material shows enhanced photocatalytic activity on Rhodamine B dye solution under UV light irradiation. The percentage removal of dye was calculated by UV-Vis spectrophotometer. In addition, Bi2S3ZnO showed tremendous photocatalytic stability after seven cycles under UV light irradiation. A possible mechanism for the photocatalytic oxidative degradation was also discussed. It is concluded that the Bi2S3ZnO nanocomposite acts as an excellent photocatalyst for the decomposition of RhB and it could be a potential material for essential wastewater treatment.

  18. Photocatalytic degradation of p,p'-DDT under UV and visible light using interstitial N-doped TiO₂.

    PubMed

    Ananpattarachai, Jirapat; Kajitvichyanukul, Puangrat

    2015-01-01

    1,1,1-trichloro-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl)ethane (or p,p'-DDT) is one of the most persistent pesticides. It is resistant to breakdown in nature and cause the water contamination problem. In this work, a major objective was to demonstrate the application of N-doped TiO2 in degradation and mineralization of the p,p'-DDT under UV and visible light in aqueous solution. The N-doped TiO2 nanopowders were prepared by a simple modified sol-gel procedure using diethanolamine (DEA) as a nitrogen source. The catalyst characteristics were investigated using XRD, SEM, TEM, and XPS. The adsorption and photocatalytic oxidation of p,p'-DDT using the synthesized N-doped TiO2 under UV and visible light were conducted in a batch photocatalytic experiment. The kinetics and p,p'-DDT degradation performance of the N-doped TiO2 were evaluated. Results show that the N-doped TiO2 can degrade p,p'-DDT effectively under both UV and visible lights. The rate constant of the p,p'-DDT degradation under UV light was only 0.0121 min(-1), whereas the rate constant of the p,p'-DDT degradation under visible light was 0.1282 min(-1). Under visible light, the 100% degradation of p,p'-DDT were obtained from N-doped TiO2 catalyst. The reaction rate of p,p'-DDT degradation using N-doped TiO2 under visible light was sixfold higher than that under UV light. According to Langmuir-Hinshelwood model, the adsorption equilibrium constant (K) for the N-doped TiO2 under visible light was 0.03078 L mg(-1), and the apparent reaction rate constant (k) was 1.3941 mg L(-1)-min. Major intermediates detected during the p,p'-DDT degradation were p,p'-DDE, o,p'-DDE, p,p'-DDD and p,p'-DDD. Results from this work can be applied further for the breakdown of p,p'-DDT molecule in the real contaminated water using this technology.

  19. Blends of low molecular weight of poly lactic acid (PLA) with gondorukem (gum rosin)

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kaavessina, Mujtahid; Distantina, Sperisa; Chafidz, Achmad; Utama, Aditya; Anggraeni, Venisa Mega Puteri

    2018-02-01

    The utilization of plastic was increasing as well as the increasing its demand in wide range application. Consequently, the number of plastic litter will increase and make more serious environmental problems. This research concerns to minimize waste problems by designing biodegradable plastic. In this research, biodegradable plastic was made of poly lactic acid (PLA) and gondorukem (Gum rosin, Resina colophonium) as the plasticizer. The effect of gondorukem towards PLA properties such as rheology and degradability was investigated. The research divided into two steps: (i) the polycondensation of lactic acid (LA) and (ii) modification of obtained poly lactic acid. In the first step, polycondensation was done in N2 atmosphere (138°C) for 30 hours and added 0.1 %w of SnCl2 as catalyst. Bulk modification was conducted by blending of gondurukem in varied weight (0.5, 1, and 2 g in 10 g of PLA). Furthermore, the modified PLA was analyzed its molecular structure, biodegradability and rheological property. The presence of gondorukem enhanced the biodegradability of poly lactic acid. Gondorukem could act as the plasticizer. It is confirmed that the complex viscosity of PLA melt decreased upon the addition of gondorukem

  20. Rad51 recombinase prevents Mre11 nuclease-dependent degradation and excessive PrimPol-mediated elongation of nascent DNA after UV irradiation

    PubMed Central

    Vallerga, María Belén; Mansilla, Sabrina F.; Federico, María Belén; Bertolin, Agustina P.; Gottifredi, Vanesa

    2015-01-01

    After UV irradiation, DNA polymerases specialized in translesion DNA synthesis (TLS) aid DNA replication. However, it is unclear whether other mechanisms also facilitate the elongation of UV-damaged DNA. We wondered if Rad51 recombinase (Rad51), a factor that escorts replication forks, aids replication across UV lesions. We found that depletion of Rad51 impairs S-phase progression and increases cell death after UV irradiation. Interestingly, Rad51 and the TLS polymerase polη modulate the elongation of nascent DNA in different ways, suggesting that DNA elongation after UV irradiation does not exclusively rely on TLS events. In particular, Rad51 protects the DNA synthesized immediately before UV irradiation from degradation and avoids excessive elongation of nascent DNA after UV irradiation. In Rad51-depleted samples, the degradation of DNA was limited to the first minutes after UV irradiation and required the exonuclease activity of the double strand break repair nuclease (Mre11). The persistent dysregulation of nascent DNA elongation after Rad51 knockdown required Mre11, but not its exonuclease activity, and PrimPol, a DNA polymerase with primase activity. By showing a crucial contribution of Rad51 to the synthesis of nascent DNA, our results reveal an unanticipated complexity in the regulation of DNA elongation across UV-damaged templates. PMID:26627254

  1. Study on Photocatalytic Properties of TiO2 Nanoparticle in various pH condition

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Nasikhudin; Diantoro, M.; Kusumaatmaja, A.; Triyana, K.

    2018-04-01

    Titanium dioxide has been widely studied for its ability to photocatalytic and applications have high performance for photovoltaic applications. In this paper TiO2 nanoparticle was investigated for the degradation of methylene blue under UV light in various pH condition. The TiO2 nanoparticle was characterized by SEM and XRD. The results showed that TiO2 nanoparticle has the structure of anatase and have a particle size of 27 nm. The photocatalytic activity of TiO2 nanoparticle show that the degradation of methylene blue under UV light have dye removal of 97% dye was degraded in 3 h, but the degradation of methylene blue without UV light have dye removal of 15% dye was degraded in 3 h. It indicated that The photocatalytic activity of TiO2 nanoparticle could occur if there the UV light. If not UV light the photocatalytic activity cannot occurs, the degradation of Methylene Blue 15% is not a photocatalytic activity but it is adsorption of Methylene Blue by TiO2 nanoparticle. The photocatalytic activity of TiO2 nanoparticle has pH-sensitive. The photocatalytic activity of TiO2 nanoparticle in acid condition (pH 4.1) is 40%, in neutral condition (pH 7.0) is 90%, and in base condition (pH 9.7) is 97%. The highest photocatalytic activity occurs in base condition, it causes in base condition OH- can be direct reaction with a hole to produce hydroxyl radical (OH*).

  2. PEF and UV combined system for pathogen microorganisms inactivation in liquid food products

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Cramariuc, R.; Popa, M.; Tudorache, A.; Brînduşe, E.; Kontek, A.; Mitelut, A.; Fotescu, L.; Cramariuc, B.; Geicu, M.; Nisiparu, L.

    2011-06-01

    Pulsed electrical field (PEF) treatment is a non-thermal food preservation technology based on the use of the electrical field in impulses applied in order to inactivate and control pathogen microorganisms in foods. This technology is highly appreciated for its ability to prolong the shelf life of the treated product without the use of heat and also for its ability to preserve the product's sensory qualities and nutritional value as well as for the microbiological control of the treated products. This paper presents the PEF and UV treatment methods, or a combination between the two, for microbe inactivation in liquid products. The experiments were carried out using yeasts, lactic bacteria and acetic bacteria in the following systems: stand-alone treatments (PEF or UV) or in combination (UV+PEF or PEF+UV). The results of these experiments showed that one can obtain total inactivation of microorganisms using the combined UV+PEF system, thus leading to the possibility of increasing liquid food products quality as compared to the quality obtained using thermal pasteurization.

  3. DFT and TD-DFT insights, photolysis and photocatalysis investigation of three dyes with similar structure under UV irradiation with and without TiO2 as a catalyst: Effect of adsorption, pH and light intensity.

    PubMed

    Bendjabeur, Seyfeddine; Zouaghi, Razika; Zouchoune, Bachir; Sehili, Tahar

    2018-02-05

    TiO 2 -mediated photocatalytic degradation of three triphenylmethane dyes (basic fuchsin, acid fuchsin and Gentian violet), was investigated in aqueous suspensions in the presence and the absence of titanium dioxide P25 Degussa as photocatalyst. The photodegradation process was investigated using UV-A (365nm) and UV-C (254nm) light alone and UV-A in the presence of TiO 2 ·The effects of various operational parameters were investigated such as: the effect of adsorption in the dark, the influence of pH, the influence of irradiation wavelength and the effect of light intensity. The study of the effect of various parameters reveals that the photolysis of dyes increases with the increase of light intensity, the degradation rate under UV-C (254nm) was found better than under UV-A 365nm. The photocatalytic degradation was found to follow the same order of adsorption. The decolorization and the degradation kinetics were found to follow the pseudo-first-order kinetics. The mineralization of dye was found to follow the same order of disappearance as the photocatalytic degradation and depended directly to its functional groups and its number of carbons. Additionally, density functional theory (DFT) was applied for calculations of both electronic structure and spectroscopic properties of the studied compounds, where the obtained results of the three dyes show that the theoretical electronic spectra and the experimental UV-visible ones are similar in shapes, positions and intensities. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier B.V.

  4. Selecting the best AOP for isoxazolyl penicillins degradation as a function of water characteristics: Effects of pH, chemical nature of additives and pollutant concentration.

    PubMed

    Villegas-Guzman, Paola; Silva-Agredo, Javier; Florez, Oscar; Giraldo-Aguirre, Ana L; Pulgarin, Cesar; Torres-Palma, Ricardo A

    2017-04-01

    To provide new insights toward the selection of the most suitable AOP for isoxazolyl penicillins elimination, the degradation of dicloxacillin, a isoxazolyl penicillin model, was studied using different advanced oxidation processes (AOPs): ultrasound (US), photo-Fenton (UV/H 2 O 2 /Fe 2+ ) and TiO 2 photocatalysis (UV/TiO 2 ). Although all processes achieved total removal of the antibiotic and antimicrobial activity, and increased the biodegradability level of the solutions, significant differences concerning the mineralization extend, the pH of the solution, the pollutant concentration and the chemical nature of additives were found. UV/TiO 2 reached almost complete mineralization; while ∼10% mineralization was obtained for UV/H 2 O 2 /Fe 2+ and practically zero for US. Effect of initial pH, mineral natural water and the presence of organic (glucose, 2-propanol and oxalic acid) were then investigated. UV/H 2 O 2 /Fe 2+ and US processes were improved in acidic media, while natural pH favored UV/TiO 2 system. According to both the nature of the added organic compound and the process, inhibition, no effect or enhancement of the degradation rate was observed. The degradation in natural mineral water showed contrasting results according to the antibiotic concentration: US process was enhanced at low concentration of dicloxacillin followed by detrimental effects at high substrate concentrations. A contrary effect was observed during photo-Fenton, while UV/TiO 2 was inhibited in all of cases. Finally, a schema illustrating the enhancement or inhibiting effects of water matrix is proposed as a tool for selecting the best process for isoxazolyl penicillins degradation. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  5. Photochemical and photocatalytic degradation of trans-resveratrol.

    PubMed

    Silva, Cláudia Gomes; Monteiro, Judith; Marques, Rita R N; Silva, Adrián M T; Martínez, Cristina; Canle, Moisés; Faria, Joaquim Luís

    2013-04-01

    Photochemical and photocatalytic degradation of the emerging pollutant trans-resveratrol has been studied under different irradiation wavelengths and using different TiO2 catalysts. trans-Resveratrol was more easily degraded when irradiated using the whole spectral range (UV-Vis) rather than with UV and near-UV to visible irradiation. The main intermediate of trans-resveratrol phototransformation was identified as its isomer cis-resveratrol. Different TiO2 catalysts were used to carry out the photocatalytic degradation of trans-resveratrol. Catalysts properties such as crystallite dimensions, surface area and presence of hydroxy surface groups are shown to be crucial to the photocatalytic efficiency of the materials tested. From the point of view of trans-resveratrol abatement, the photocatalytic process was more efficient than the pure photochemical one resulting in higher degradation rates and higher organic content removal. Six photoproducts of trans-resveratrol phototransformation were identified mainly resulting from the attack of the hydroxyl radical to the organic molecule.

  6. The kinetics of photocatalytic degradation of aliphatic carboxylic acids in an UV/TiO2 suspension system.

    PubMed

    Chen, Q; Song, J M; Pan, F; Xia, F L; Yuan, J Y

    2009-10-01

    Kinetic studies on the photocatalytic degradation of aliphatic carboxylic acids were carried out in a slurry photoreactor with in-situ monitoring, employing artificial UV light as the source of energy and nano-TiO2 powder as the catalyst. The influences on the photocatalytic degradation such as the initial concentration of reactant (C0), catalyst dosage (CTiO2), UV intensity (Ia) and pH value have been investigated. Good agreement has been obtained between the value calculated by Langmuir-Freundlich-Hinshelwood (L-F-H) model and experimental data, with coefficient of multiple determination (R2) varying from 0.880 to 0.999. The L-F-H model has been proven to be feasible in describing the kinetic characteristic of the photocatalytic degradation of aliphatic carboxylic acids. Moreover, the apparent reaction rate constant (k) of the photocatalytic degradation of dicarboxylic acids is higher than that of monocarboxylic acids with the same carbon atoms. This shows that the photocatalytic degradation rate is favoured by different chemical structure.

  7. Miscibility and in vitro osteocompatibility of biodegradable blends of poly[(ethyl alanato) (p-phenyl phenoxy) phosphazene] and poly(lactic acid-glycolic acid)

    PubMed Central

    Deng, Meng; Nair, Lakshmi S.; Nukavarapu, Syam P.; Kumbar, Sangamesh G.; Jiang, Tao; Krogman, Nicholas R.; Singh, Anurima; Allcock, Harry R.; Laurencin, Cato T.

    2007-01-01

    Previously we demonstrated the ability of ethyl glycinato substituted polyphosphazenes to neutralize the acidic degradation products and control the degradation rate of poly(lactic acid-glycolic acid) by blending. In this study, blends of high strength poly[(50% ethyl alanato) (50% p-phenyl phenoxy) phosphazene] (PNEA50PhPh50) and 85:15 poly(lactic acid-glycolic acid) (PLAGA) were prepared using a mutual solvent approach. Three different solvents, methylene chloride (MC), chloroform (CF) and tetrahydrofuran (THF) were studied to investigate solvent effects on blend miscibility. Three different blends were then fabricated at various weight ratios namely 25:75 (BLEND25), 50:50 (BLEND50), and 75:25 (BLEND75) using THF as the mutual solvent. The miscibility of the blends was evaluated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Among these, BLEND25 was miscible while BLEND50 and BLEND75 were partially miscible. Furthermore, BLEND25 formed apatite layers on its surface as evidenced in a biomimetic study performed. These novel blends showed cell adhesion and proliferation comparable to PLAGA. However, the PNEA50PhPh50 component in the blends was able to increase the phenotypic expression and mineralized matrix synthesis of the primary rat osteoblasts (PRO) in vitro. Blends of high strength poly[(50% ethyl alanato) (50% p-phenyl phenoxy) phosphazene] (PNEA50PhPh50) and 85:15 poly(lactic acid-glycolic acid) (PLAGA) are promising biomaterials for a variety of musculoskeletal applications. PMID:17942150

  8. The PM2.5 capture of poly (lactic acid)/nano MOFs eletrospinning membrane with hydrophilic surface

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wang, Yating; Dai, Xiu; Li, Xu; Wang, Xinlong

    2018-03-01

    In this article, metal organic frameworks (MOFs) material is introduced in the poly (lactic acid) (PLA) by electrospinning to fabricate the nanocomposite membrane. The acrylic acid (AA) is grafted onto the membrane under UV light. The prepared membrane is studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), x-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetry (TG), contact angle test and tensile strength test. The SEM image and XRD indicate that nano MOFs particles adhere to the membrane. Contact angle test shows that grafting AA on the composite fiber membrane improves its hydrophilicity effectively. TG analyses show that the particulate matter (PM) capture capacity of PLA membrane with 2 wt% ZIF-8 content is 22%, which rises to 37% after grafting.

  9. Selection of Streptococcus lactis Mutants Defective in Malolactic Fermentation

    PubMed Central

    Renault, Pierre P.; Heslot, Henri

    1987-01-01

    An enrichment medium and a new sensitive medium were developed to detect malolactic variants in different strains of lactic bacteria. Factors such as the concentration of glucose and l-malate, pH level, and the type of indicator dye used are discussed with regard to the kinetics of malic acid conversion to lactic acid. Use of these media allowed a rapid and easier screening of mutagenized streptococcal cells unable to ferment l-malate. A collection of malolactic-negative mutants of Streptococcus lactis induced by UV, nitrosoguanidine, or transposonal mutagenesis were characterized. The results showed that several mutants were apparently defective in the structural gene of malolactic enzyme, whereas others contained mutations which may either inactivate a putative permease or affect a regulatory sequence. PMID:16347282

  10. Kinetics and mechanisms of cylindrospermopsin destruction by sulfate radical-based advanced oxidation processes.

    PubMed

    He, Xuexiang; de la Cruz, Armah A; O'Shea, Kevin E; Dionysiou, Dionysios D

    2014-10-15

    Cylindrospermopsin (CYN) is a potent cyanobacterial toxin frequently found in water bodies worldwide raising concerns over the safety of drinking and recreational waters. A number of technologies have been investigated to remove and/or degrade cyanotoxins with advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) being among the most promising and effective for water detoxification. In this study, the degradation of CYN by sulfate radical-based UV-254 nm-AOPs was evaluated. The UV/S2O8(2-) (UV/peroxydisulfate) was more efficient than UV/HSO5(-) (UV/peroxysulfate) and UV/H2O2 (UV/hydrogen peroxide) processes when natural water samples were used as reaction matrices. The observed UV fluence based pseudo-first-order rate constants followed the expected order of radical quantum yields. The presence of 200 μM natural organic matter (NOM) as carbon slightly inhibited the destruction of CYN; 1.24 mg L(-1)NO3(-) (nitrate) had no significant influence on the removal efficiency and 50 μg L(-1) Fe(2+) [iron (2+)] or Cu(2+) [copper (2+)] improved the performance of UV/S2O8(2-). The addition of tert-butyl alcohol (t-BuOH; hydroxyl radical scavenger) in the reaction yielded byproducts that indicated specific sites in CYN preferentially attacked by sulfate radicals (SRs). The predominant CYN degradation byproduct was P448 consistent with fragmentation of the C5C6 bond of the uracil ring. The subsequent formation of P420 and P392 through a stepwise loss of carbonyl group(s) further supported the fragmentation pathway at C5C6. The byproduct P432 was identified exclusively as mono-hydroxylation of CYN at tricyclic guanidine ring, whereas P414 was detected as dehydrogenation at the tricyclic ring. The elimination of sulfate group and the opening of tricyclic ring were also observed. The possible degradation pathways of CYN by SR-AOP were presented. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  11. The synergetic effect of UV rays on the decomposition of xylene in dielectric barrier discharge plasma and photocatalyst process

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Li, Wenjuan; Gu, Zhenyu; Teng, Fuhua; Lu, Jianhai; Dong, Shibi; Miao, Xiaoping; Wu, Zhongbiao

    2018-06-01

    The degradation of xylene in the dielectric barrier discharge plasma and photocatalyst process was studied, focusing on the synergetic effect of UV rays from plasma process and external UV lamps on the decomposition of xylene. The results showed that xylene could be decomposed by the discharge process in plasma system, whereas the UV rays from plasma process was very weak. After adding TiO2, the removal efficiency of xylene and energy yield in plasma process were enhanced since energetic particles activated the catalysis of TiO2. The removal efficiency of xylene and energy field in plasma and photocatalyst process combined with external UV lamps were further enhanced attributed to the degradation effect of plasma, the catalysis of TiO2 activated by plasma, the photolysis of UV rays and the photocatalysis of photocatalyst. The synergetic effect of UV rays from external UV lamps was obvious.

  12. VUV/UV light inducing accelerated phenol degradation with a low electric input.

    PubMed

    Li, Mengkai; Wen, Dong; Qiang, Zhimin; Kiwi, John

    2017-01-23

    This study presents the first evidence for the accelerated degradation of phenol by Fenton's reagent in a mini-fluidic VUV/UV photoreaction system (MVPS). A low-pressure mercury lamp used in the MVPS led to a complete degradation of phenol within 4-6 min. The HO˙ and HO 2 ˙ originating from both Fenton's reagent and VUV photolysis of water were identified with suitable radical scavengers. The effects of initial concentrations of phenol, H 2 O 2 and Fe 3+ as well as solution pH on phenol degradation kinetics were examined. Increasing the initial phenol concentration slowed down the phenol degradation, whereas increasing the initial H 2 O 2 or Fe 3+ concentration accelerated the phenol degradation. The optimal solution pH was 3.7. At both 254 and 185 nm, increasing phenol concentration enhanced its absorption for the incident photons. The reaction mechanism for the degradation of phenol was suggested consistent with the results obtained. This study indicates that the VUV/UV photo-Fenton process has potential applications in the treatment of industrial wastewater containing phenol and related aromatic pollutants.

  13. Impact of UV irradiation on multiwall carbon nanotubes in nanocomposites: formation of entangled surface layer and mechanisms of release resistance

    PubMed Central

    Nguyen, Tinh; Petersen, Elijah J.; Pellegrin, Bastien; Gorham, Justin M.; Lam, Thomas; Zhao, Minhua; Sung, Lipiin

    2017-01-01

    Multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) are nanofillers used in consumer and structural polymeric products to enhance a variety of properties. Under weathering, the polymer matrix will degrade and the nanofillers may be released from the products potentially impacting ecological or human health. In this study, we investigated the degradation of a 0.72 % (by mass) MWCNT/amine-cured epoxy nanocomposite irradiated with high intensity ultraviolet (UV) light at various doses, the effects of UV exposure on the surface accumulation and potential release of MWCNTs, and possible mechanisms for the release resistance of the MWCNT surface layer formed on nanocomposites by UV irradiation. Irradiated samples were characterized for chemical degradation, mass loss, surface morphological changes, and MWCNT release using a variety of analytical techniques. Under 295 nm to 400 nm UV radiation up to a dose of 4865 MJ/m2, the nanocomposite matrix underwent photodegradation, resulting in formation of a dense, entangled MWCNT network structure on the surface. However, no MWCNT release was detected, even at very high UV doses, suggesting that the MWCNT surface layer formed from UV irradiation of polymer nanocomposites resist release. Four possible release resistance mechanisms of the UV-induced MWCNT surface layer are presented and discussed. PMID:28603293

  14. Isolation and characterization of a bacterium that degrades various polyester-based biodegradable plastics.

    PubMed

    Teeraphatpornchai, T; Nakajima-Kambe, T; Shigeno-Akutsu, Y; Nakayama, M; Nomura, N; Nakahara, T; Uchiyama, H

    2003-01-01

    Microorganisms isolated from soil samples were screened for their ability to degrade various biodegradable polyester-based plastics. The most active strain, designated as strain TB-13, was selected as the best strain for degrading these plastics. From its phenotypic and genetic characteristics, strain TB-13 was closely related to Paenibacillus amyloyticus. It could degrade poly(lactic acid), poly(butylene succinate), poly(butylene succinate-co-adipate), poly(caprolactone) and poly(ethylene succinate) but not poly(hydroxybutylate-co-valerate). However, it could not utilize these plastics as sole carbon sources. Both protease and esterase activities, which may be involved in the degradation of plastic, were constitutively detected in the culture broth.

  15. 40 CFR 721.8775 - Substituted pyridines.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-07-01

    ... tertiary waste treatment will occur, or treatment in a lined, self-contained solar evaporation pond where...-contained solar evaporation pond where UV light will degrade the substance, the number of kilograms per day... a lined, self-contained solar evaporation pond where UV light will degrade the substance, the number...

  16. 40 CFR 721.8775 - Substituted pyridines.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... tertiary waste treatment will occur, or treatment in a lined, self-contained solar evaporation pond where...-contained solar evaporation pond where UV light will degrade the substance, the number of kilograms per day... a lined, self-contained solar evaporation pond where UV light will degrade the substance, the number...

  17. Controls on dissolved organic matter (DOM) degradation in a headwater stream: the influence of photochemical and hydrological conditions in determining light-limitation or substrate-limitation of photo-degradation

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Cory, R. M.; Harrold, K. H.; Neilson, B. T.; Kling, G. W.

    2015-11-01

    We investigated how absorption of sunlight by chromophoric dissolved organic matter (CDOM) controls the degradation and export of DOM from Imnavait Creek, a beaded stream in the Alaskan Arctic. We measured concentrations of dissolved organic carbon (DOC), as well as concentrations and characteristics of CDOM and fluorescent dissolved organic matter (FDOM), during ice-free periods of 2011-2012 in the pools of Imnavait Creek and in soil waters draining to the creek. Spatial and temporal patterns in CDOM and FDOM in Imnavait Creek were analyzed in conjunction with measures of DOM degradation by sunlight and bacteria and assessments of hydrologic residence times and in situ UV exposure. CDOM was the dominant light attenuating constituent in the UV and visible portion of the solar spectrum, with high attenuation coefficients ranging from 86 ± 12 m-1 at 305 nm to 3 ± 1 m-1 in the photosynthetically active region (PAR). High rates of light absorption and thus light attenuation by CDOM contributed to thermal stratification in the majority of pools in Imnavait Creek under low-flow conditions. In turn, thermal stratification increased the residence time of water and DOM, and resulted in a separation of water masses distinguished by contrasting UV exposure (i.e., UV attenuation by CDOM with depth resulted in bottom waters receiving less UV than surface waters). When the pools in Imnavait Creek were stratified, DOM in the pool bottom water closely resembled soil water DOM in character, while the concentration and character of DOM in surface water was reproduced by experimental photo-degradation of bottom water. These results, in combination with water column rates of DOM degradation by sunlight and bacteria, suggest that photo-degradation is the dominant process controlling DOM fate and export in Imnavait Creek. A conceptual model is presented showing how CDOM amount and lability interact with incident UV light and water residence time to determine whether photo-degradation is "light-limited" or "substrate-limited". We suggest that degradation of DOM in CDOM-rich streams or ponds similar to Imnavait is typically light-limited under most flow conditions. Thus, export of DOM from this stream will be less under conditions that increase the light available for DOM photo-degradation (i.e., low flows, sunny days).

  18. Degradation characteristic of monoazo, diazo and anthraquinone dye by UV / H2O2 process

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Abidin, Che Zulzikrami Azner; Fahmi, Muhammad Ridwan; Fazara, Md Ali Umi; Nadhirah, Siti Nurfatin

    2014-10-01

    In this study, the degradation characteristic of monoazo, diazo and anthraquinone dye by UV / H2O2 process was evaluated based on the trend of color, chemical oxygen demand (COD) and total organic carbon (TOC) removal. Three types of dyes consist of monoazo, diazo and anthraquinone dyes were used to compare the degradation mechanism of the dyes. The UV / H2O2 experiments were conducted in a laboratory scale cylindrical glass reactor operated in semi-batch mode. The UV/Vis characterization of monoazo, diazo and anthraquinone dye indicated that the rapid degradation of the dyes by UV / H2O2 process is meaningful with respect to decolourization, as a result of the azo bonds and substitute antraquinone chromophore degradation. However, this process is not efficient for aromatic amines removal. The monoazo MO was difficult to be decolorized than diazo RR120 dye, which imply that number of sulphonic groups in the dye molecules determines the reactivity with hydroxyl radical. The increased in COD removal is the evidence for oxidation and decreased in carbon content of dye molecules. TOC removal analysis shows that low TOC removal of monoazo MO and diazo RR120, as compared to anthraquinone RB19 may indicate an accumulation of by-products that are resistant to the H2O2 photolysis.

  19. Identification of intermediates, acute toxicity removal, and kinetics investigation to the Ametryn treatment by direct photolysis (UV254), UV254/H2O2, Fenton, and photo-Fenton processes.

    PubMed

    de Oliveira, Dirce Martins; Cavalcante, Rodrigo Pereira; da Silva, Lucas de Melo; Sans, Carme; Esplugas, Santiago; de Oliveira, Silvio Cesar; Junior, Amilcar Machulek

    2018-02-09

    This paper reports the degradation of 10 mg L -1 Ametryn solution with different advanced oxidation processes and by ultraviolet (UV 254 ) irradiation alone with the main objective of reducing acute toxicity and increase biodegradability. The investigated factors included Fe 2+ and H 2 O 2 concentrations. The effectiveness of the UV 254 and UV 254 /H 2 O 2 processes were investigated using a low-pressure mercury UV lamp (254 nm). Photo-Fenton process was explored using a blacklight blue lamp (BLB, λ = 365 nm). The UV 254 irradiation process achieved complete degradation of Ametryn solution after 60 min. The degradation time of Ametryn was greatly improved by the addition of H 2 O 2 . It is worth pointing out that a high rate of Ametryn removal was attained even at low concentrations of H 2 O 2 . The kinetic constant of the reaction between Ametryn and HO ● for UV 254 /H 2 O 2 was 3.53 × 10 8  L mol -1  s -1 . The complete Ametryn degradation by the Fenton and photo-Fenton processes was observed following 10 min of reaction for various combinations of Fe 2+ and H 2 O 2 under investigation. Working with the highest concentration (150 mg L -1 H 2 O 2 and 10 mg L -1 Fe 2+ ), around 30 and 70% of TOC removal were reached within 120 min of treatment by Fenton and photo-Fenton processes, respectively. Although it did not obtain complete mineralization, the intermediates formed in the degradation processes were hydroxylated and did not promote acute toxicity of Vibrio fischeri. Furthermore, a substantial improvement of biodegradability was obtained for all studied processes.

  20. Photocatalytic degradation of ofloxacin and evaluation of the residual antimicrobial activity.

    PubMed

    Peres, M S; Maniero, M G; Guimarães, J R

    2015-03-01

    Ofloxacin is an antimicrobial agent frequently found in significant concentrations in wastewater and surface water. Its continuous introduction into the environment is a potential risk to non-target organisms or to human health. In this study, ofloxacin degradation by UV/TiO2 and UV/TiO2/H2O2, antimicrobial activity (E. coli) of samples subjected to these processes, and by-products formed were evaluated. For UV/TiO2, the degradation efficiency was 89.3% in 60 min of reaction when 128 mg L(-1) TiO2 were used. The addition of 1.68 mmol L(-1) hydrogen peroxide increased degradation to 97.8%. For UV/TiO2, increasing the catalyst concentration from 4 to 128 mg L(-1) led to an increase in degradation efficiency. For both processes, the antimicrobial activity was considerably reduced throughout the reaction time. The structures of two by-products are presented: m/z 291 (9-fluoro-3-methyl-10-(methyleneamino)-7-oxo-2,3-dihydro-7H-[1,4]oxazino[2,3,4-ij]quinoline-6-carboxylic acid) and m/z 157 ((Z)-2-formyl-3-((2-oxoethyl)imino)propanoic acid).

  1. Degradation Mechanism of Cyanobacterial Toxin Cylindrospermopsin by Hydroxyl Radicals in Homogeneous UV/H2O2 Process

    EPA Science Inventory

    The degradation of cylindrospermopsin (CYN), a widely distributed and highly toxic cyanobacterial toxin (cyanotoxin), remains poorly elucidated. In this study, the mechanism of CYN destruction by UV-254 nm/H2O2 advanced oxidation process (AOP) was investigated by mass spectrometr...

  2. Improved AOX degradation in UV oxidative waste water treatment by dialysis with nanofiltration membrane.

    PubMed

    Seiss, M; Gahr, A; Niessner, R

    2001-09-01

    In this article, the wastewater treatment by UV oxidation with and without preceding desalination is compared. The influence of different chloride concentrations on the TOC degradation and AOX concentration is analyzed. Nanofiltration membrane dialysis is used to separate the chloride ions from wastewater. It is demonstrated that a reduction of the chloride concentration leads to a faster TOC degradation compared to the treatment of non-desalinated wastewater. Furthermore, the additional formation of AOX during the process could be avoided in effect leading to a significant degradation of native AOX.

  3. The effect of simulated low earth orbit radiation on polyimides (UV degradation study)

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Forsythe, John S.; George, Graeme A.; Hill, David J. T.; Odonnell, James H.; Pomery, Peter J.; Rasoul, Firas A.

    1995-01-01

    UV degradation of polyimide films in air and vacuum were studied using UV-visible, ESR, FTIR, and XPS spectroscopies. The UV-visible spectra of polyimide films showed a blue shift in the absorption compared to Kapton. This behavior was attributed to the presence of bulky groups and kinks along the polymer chains which disrupt the formation of a charge transfer complex. The UV-visible spectra showed also that UV irradiation of polyimides result extensively in surface degradation, leaving the bulk of the polymer intact. ESR spectra of polyimides irradiated in vacuum revealed the formation of stable carbon-centered radicals which give a singlet ESR spectrum, while polyimides irradiated in air produced an asymmetric signal shifted to a lower magnetic field, with a higher g value and line width. This signal was attributed to oxygen-cenetered radicals of peroxy and/or alkoxy type. The rate of radical formation in air was two fold higher than for vacuum irradiation, and reached a plateau after a short time. This suggests a continuous depletion of radicals on the surface via an ablative degradation process. FTIR, XPS, and weight loss studies supported this postulate. An XPS study of the surface indicated a substantial increase in the surface oxidation after irradiation in air. The sharp increase in the C-O binding energy peak relative to the C-C peak was believed to be associated with an aromatic ring opening reaction.

  4. Implementation of UV-based advanced oxidation processes in algal medium recycling.

    PubMed

    Wang, Wenxuan; Sha, Jun; Lu, Zhiying; Shao, Senlin; Sun, Peizhe; Hu, Qiang; Zhang, Xuezhi

    2018-09-01

    Algae show great potential as sustainable feedstock for numerous bioproducts. However, large volume of water consumption during algal biomass production makes that the culture media recycling is a necessity due to economic and environmental concern. To avoid the negative effect of enriched organic matters in the harvested culture media, pre-treatment prior to medium replenishment and reuse is required. In this study, degradation of algenitic organic matters (AOM) in the culture media by UV-based photolysis processes (i.e., direct UV, UV/peroxydisulfate (PDS), UV/H 2 O 2 , and UV/NH 2 Cl) was explored. The results showed that UV, UV/PDS, UV/H 2 O 2 and UV/NH 2 Cl caused a decrease of SUVA for 29.9%, 35.4%, 40.45%, and 22.6%, respectively, though the organic matter was almost not mineralized. Fluorescence excitation-emission matrix combined with parallel factor analysis indicated that UV/PDS and UV/H 2 O 2 degraded 47.26%-56.31% of the fulvic-like and humic-like fractions in AOM. Powder activated carbon absorption and growth evaluation for the AOPs-treated media indicated that UV/PDS and UV/H 2 O 2 processes not only could remove the growth inhibitors in the media, but were also beneficial to the algae growth. These results suggested that UV/PDS and UV/H 2 O 2 could effectively degrade the hydrophobic components in AOM and converted the growth inhibition fraction of AOM in the recycled media into nutrient source for algal growth. Different from the general application of UV-based AOP in the wastewater treatment, this study provided an innovative idea about how to pre-treat AOM in the media recycling: utilization rather than removal, which was a more sustainable and environment-friendly technology. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  5. A biodegradable vascularizing membrane: a feasibility study.

    PubMed

    Kaushiva, Anchal; Turzhitsky, Vladimir M; Darmoc, Marissa; Backman, Vadim; Ameer, Guillermo A

    2007-09-01

    Regenerative medicine and in vivo biosensor applications require the formation of mature vascular networks for long-term success. This study investigated whether biodegradable porous membranes could induce the formation of a vascularized fibrous capsule and, if so, the effect of degradation kinetics on neovascularization. Poly(l-lactic acid) (PLLA) and poly(dl-lactic-co-glycolic) acid (PLGA) membranes were created by a solvent casting/salt leaching method. Specifically, PLLA, PLGA 75:25 and PLGA 50:50 polymers were used to vary degradation kinetics. The membranes were designed to have an average 60mum pore diameter, as this pore size has been shown to be optimal for inducing blood vessel formation around nondegradable polymer materials. Membrane samples were imaged by scanning electron microscopy at several time points during in vitro degradation to assess any changes in pore structure. The in vivo performance of the membranes was assessed in Sprague-Dawley rats by measuring vascularization within the fibrous capsule that forms adjacent to implants. The vascular density within 100microm of the membranes was compared with that seen in normal tissue, and to that surrounding the commercially available vascularizing membrane TheraCyte. The hemoglobin content of tissue containing the membranes was measured by four-dimensional elastic light scattering as a novel method to assess tissue perfusion. Results from this study show that slow-degrading membranes induce greater amounts of neovascularization and a thinner fibrous capsule relative to fast degrading membranes. These results may be due both to an initially increased number of macrophages surrounding the slower degrading membranes and to the maintenance of their initial pore structure.

  6. Assessment of degradation byproducts and NDMA formation potential during UV and UV/H2O2 treatment of doxylamine in the presence of monochloramine.

    PubMed

    Farré, Maria José; Radjenovic, Jelena; Gernjak, Wolfgang

    2012-12-04

    UV-C radiation is the U.S. EPA recommended technology to remove N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) during drinking and recycled water production. Frequently, H(2)O(2) is added to the treatment to remove other recalcitrant compounds and to prevent NDMA reformation. However, the transformation of NDMA precursors during the UV and UV/H(2)O(2) process and the consequences for NDMA formation potential are currently not well understood, in particular in the presence of monochloramine. In this study, doxylamine has been chosen as a model compound to elucidate its degradation byproducts in the UV and UV/H(2)O(2) process and correlate those with changes to the NDMA formation potential. This study shows that during UV treatment in the presence and absence of monochloramine, NDMA formation potential can be halved. However, an increase of more than 30% was observed when hydrogen peroxide was added. Ultrafast liquid chromatography coupled to quadrupole-linear ion trap mass spectrometer was used for screening and structural elucidation of degradation byproducts identifying 21 chemical structures from the original parent compound. This work shows that further oxidation of NDMA precursors does not necessarily lead to a decrease in NDMA formation potential. Degradation byproducts with increased electron density in the vicinity of the dimethylamino moiety, for example induced by hydroxylation, may have a higher yield of nucleophilic substitution and subsequent NDMA formation compared to the parent compound during chloramination. This work demonstrates the need to consider the formation of oxidation byproducts and associated implications for the control and management of NDMA formation in downstream processes and distribution when integrating oxidative treatments into a treatment train generating either drinking water or recycled water for potable reuse.

  7. Microwave discharge electrodeless lamps (MDELs). Part IX. A novel MDEL photoreactor for the photolytic and chemical oxidation treatment of contaminated wastewaters.

    PubMed

    Horikoshi, Satoshi; Tsuchida, Akihiro; Shinomiya, Tomohiro; Serpone, Nick

    2015-12-01

    This article reports on the fabrication and enhanced performance of a novel microwave discharge electrodeless lamp (MDEL) consisting of a three layered cylindrical structure that was effective in the remediation of wastewater containing the 2,4-D herbicide and the near total sterilization of bacteria-contaminated pond water (E. coli and other microorganisms) through photolysis with the emitted vacuum-UV (185 nm) and UVC (254 nm) light from the MDEL and through chemical oxidation with reactive oxygen species (ROS) produced by the photolysis of dioxygen and air oxygen through one of the photoreactors. The flow rates of the 1.0 L contaminated waters were 0.6 and 1.2 L min(-1). The integrated UV/ROSO2 and UV/ROSair methods used to carry out the degradation of 2,4-D and sterilization processes were more effective than either the UV method alone or the ROSO2 and ROSair methods for short time periods (5 or 8 min). At a lower flow rate, 79% of 2,4-D was degraded by the UV/ROSO2 method and 55% by UV/ROSair after 8 min. At a faster flow rate of 1.2 L min(-1), degradation of 2,4-D in 1.0 L volume of water was 84% and 77% complete by the UV/ROSO2 and the UV/ROSair method, respectively, after 8 min of irradiation. The number of kills of E. coli bacteria was nearly quantitative (98 and 99%) by the UV/ROSO2 and UV/ROSair methods after treating the contaminated water for 5 min. The decrease of total viable microorganisms in pond water was 90% and 80% after 5 min of microwave irradiation at a flow rate of 1.2 L min(-1) by the integrated methods UV/ROSO2 and UV/ROSair, respectively. The rate of flow of oxygen gas through the photoreactor impacted the extent of degradation and the related dynamics of the 2,4-D herbicide.

  8. Preparation and Characterization of Films Extruded of Polyethylene/Chitosan Modified with Poly(lactic acid)

    PubMed Central

    Quiroz-Castillo, Jesús Manuel; Rodríguez-Félix, Dora Evelia; Grijalva-Monteverde, Heriberto; Lizárraga-Laborín, Lauren Lucero; Castillo-Ortega, María Mónica; del Castillo-Castro, Teresa; Rodríguez-Félix, Francisco; Herrera-Franco, Pedro Jesús

    2014-01-01

    The use of mixtures of synthetic and natural polymers is a potential option to reduce the pollution by plastic waste. In this work, the method for the chemical modification of chitosan with poly(lactic acid) was developed; then, the preparation of films of blends of polyethylene and chitosan-poly(lactic acid) produced by an extrusion method using polyethylene-graft maleic anhydride as a compatibilizer. It was possible to obtain films with a maximum content of 20 wt% and 30 wt%, chitosan, with and without compatibilizer, respectively. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis showed a homogeneous surface on all films. The addition of the compatibilizer had a significant effect on the mechanical properties of the films, such as an increase in Young’s modulus and a decrease in the elongation at break; additionally, the compatibilizer promotes thermal degradation in a single step and gives the film a slight increase in thermal resistance. These results are attributed to an improved interaction in the interface of polyethylene and chitosan-poly(lactic acid), promoted by the compatibilizer. PMID:28787928

  9. Controls on dissolved organic matter (DOM) degradation in a headwater stream: the influence of photochemical and hydrological conditions in determining light-limitation or substrate-limitation of photo-degradation

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Cory, R. M.; Harrold, K. H.; Neilson, B. T.; Kling, G. W.

    2015-07-01

    We investigated how absorption of sunlight by chromophoric dissolved organic matter (CDOM) controls the degradation and export of DOM from Imnavait Creek, a beaded stream in the Alaskan Arctic. We measured concentrations of dissolved organic carbon (DOC), as well as concentrations and characteristics of CDOM and fluorescent dissolved organic matter (FDOM), during ice-free periods of 2011-2012 in the pools of Imnavait Creek and in soil waters draining to the creek. Spatial and temporal patterns in CDOM and FDOM in Imnavait Creek were analyzed in conjunction with measures of DOM degradation by sunlight and bacteria and assessments of hydrologic residence times and in situ UV exposure. CDOM was the dominant light attenuating constituent in the UV and visible portion of the solar spectrum, with high attenuation coefficients ranging from 86 ± 12 m-1 at 305 nm to 3 ± 1 m-1 in the photosynthetically active region (PAR). High rates of light absorption and thus light attenuation by CDOM contributed to thermal stratification in the majority of pools in Imnavait Creek under low-flow conditions. In turn, thermal stratification increased the residence time of water and DOM, and resulted in a separation of water masses distinguished by contrasting UV exposure (i.e., UV attenuation by CDOM with depth resulted in bottom waters receiving less UV than surface waters). When the pools in Imnavait Creek were stratified, DOM in the pool bottom water closely resembled soil water DOM in character, while the concentration and character of DOM in surface water was reproduced by experimental photo-degradation of bottom water. These results, in combination with water column rates of DOM degradation by sunlight and bacteria, suggest that photo-degradation is the dominant process controlling DOM fate and export in Imnavait Creek. A conceptual model is presented showing how CDOM amount and lability interact with incident UV light and water residence time to determine whether photo-degradation is "light-limited" or "substrate-limited". We suggest that degradation, and thus export, of DOM in CDOM-rich streams or ponds similar to Imnavait is typically light-limited under most flow conditions.

  10. Mechanical and degradation properties of biodegradable Mg strengthened poly-lactic acid composite through plastic injection molding.

    PubMed

    Butt, Muhammad Shoaib; Bai, Jing; Wan, Xiaofeng; Chu, Chenglin; Xue, Feng; Ding, Hongyan; Zhou, Guanghong

    2017-01-01

    Full biodegradable magnesium alloy (AZ31) strengthened poly-lactic acid (PLA) composite rods for potential application for bone fracture fixation were prepared by plastic injection process in this work. Their surface/interfacial morphologies, mechanical properties and vitro degradation were studied. In comparison with untreated Mg rod, porous MgO ceramic coating on Mg surface formed by Anodizing (AO) and micro-arc-oxidation (MAO)treatment can significantly improve the interfacial binding between outer PLA cladding and inner Mg rod due to the micro-anchoring action, leading to better mechanical properties and degradation performance of the composite rods.With prolonging immersion time in simulated body fluid (SBF) solution until 8weeks, the MgO porous coating were corroded gradually, along with the disappearance of original pores and the formation of a relatively smooth surface. This resulted in a rapidly reduction in mechanical properties for corresponding composite rods owing to the weakening of interfacial binding capacity. The present results indicated that this new PLA-clad Mg composite rods show good potential biomedical applications for implants and instruments of orthopedic inner fixation. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  11. Lactic Acid and Biosurfactants Production from Residual Cellulose Films.

    PubMed

    Portilla Rivera, Oscar Manuel; Arzate Martínez, Guillermo; Jarquín Enríquez, Lorenzo; Vázquez Landaverde, Pedro Alberto; Domínguez González, José Manuel

    2015-11-01

    The increasing amounts of residual cellulose films generated as wastes all over the world represent a big scale problem for the meat industry regarding to environmental and economic issues. The use of residual cellulose films as a feedstock of glucose-containing solutions by acid hydrolysis and further fermentation into lactic acid and biosurfactants was evaluated as a method to diminish and revalorize these wastes. Under a treatment consisting in sulfuric acid 6% (v/v); reaction time 2 h; solid liquid ratio 9 g of film/100 mL of acid solution, and temperature 130 °C, 35 g/L of glucose and 49% of solubilized film was obtained. From five lactic acid strains, Lactobacillus plantarum was the most suitable for metabolizing the glucose generated. The process was scaled up under optimized conditions in a 2-L bioreactor, producing 3.4 g/L of biomass, 18 g/L of lactic acid, and 15 units of surface tension reduction of a buffer phosphate solution. Around 50% of the cellulose was degraded by the treatment applied, and the liqueurs generated were useful for an efficient production of lactic acid and biosurfactants using L. plantarum. Lactobacillus bacteria can efficiently utilize glucose from cellulose films hydrolysis without the need of clarification of the liqueurs.

  12. Oxidative degradation of tetramethylammonium hydroxide (TMAH) by UV/persulfate and associated acute toxicity assessment.

    PubMed

    Huang, Jingting; Wang, Kai-Sung; Liang, Chenju

    2017-07-29

    Tetramethylammonium hydroxide (TMAH) is widely used in high-tech industries as a developing agent. Ultraviolet (UV) light-activated persulfate (PS, S 2 O 8 2- ) can be used to generate strongly oxidative sulfate radicals, and it also exhibits the potential to treat TMAH-containing wastewater. This study initially investigated the effect of S 2 O 8 2- concentration and UV strength on the UV/S 2 O 8 2- process for the degradation of TMAH in a batch reactor. The results suggested that 15 watts (W) of UV-activated S 2 O 8 2- at concentrations of 10 or 50 mM resulted in pseudo-first-order TMAH degradation rate constants of 3.1-4.2 × 10 -2 min -1 , which was adopted for determining the hydraulic retention time (HRT) in a continuous stirred tank reactor (CSTR). The operating conditions (15 W UV/10 mM S 2 O 8 2- ) with a HRT of 129 min resulted in stable residual concentrations of S 2 O 8 2- and TMAH at approximately 2.6 mM and 20 mg L -1 in effluent, respectively. Several TMAH degradation intermediates including trimethylamine, dimethylamine, and methylamine were also detected. The effluent was adjusted to a neutral pH and evaluated for its biological acute toxicity using Cyprinus carpio as a bioassay organism. The "bio-acute toxicity unit" (TU a ) was determined to be 1.41, which indicated that the effluent was acceptable for being discharged into an aquatic ecosystem.

  13. Photochemical degradation of triazine herbicides - comparison of homogeneous and heterogeneous photocatalysis.

    PubMed

    Klementova, Sarka; Zlamal, Martin

    2013-04-01

    Photochemical degradation of atrazine under different conditions was studied and compared, namely degradation via photocatalysis on TiO2, UV C photolysis, and homogeneous photocatalysis in the presence of added ferric ions. The reaction rate constants in heterogeneous photocatalytic reactions on TiO2 and of photolytic degradation by means of UV C light are similar, 0.018 min(-1) and 0.020 min(-1), respectively. The reaction rate constants in homogeneous photocatalytic reactions with Fe(III) added depend strongly on the Fe(III) concentration, 0.0017 min(-1) for 1.6 × 10(-6) mol l(-1) Fe(III) to 0.105 min(-1) for 3.3 × 10(-4) mol l(-1) Fe(III). In all types of reactions, dechlorination was observed; in homogeneous photocatalytic reactions and in UV C (250-300 nm) photolysis, dechlorination proceeds with a 1 : 1 stoichiometry to atrazine degradation, in photocatalytic reactions on TiO2, dechlorination measured as chloride ion release reaches only 1/5 of the substrate degradation. In photocatalytic reactions on TiO2, mineralisation of 40% carbon was observed.

  14. Formation of environmentally persistent free radicals as the mechanism for reduced catechol degradation on hematite-silica surface under UV irradiation.

    PubMed

    Li, Hao; Pan, Bo; Liao, Shaohua; Zhang, Di; Xing, Baoshan

    2014-05-01

    Iron is rich in soils, and is recently reported to form stable complexes with organic free radicals, generating environmentally persistent free radicals (EPFRs). The observation may challenge the common viewpoint that iron is an effective catalyst to facilitate the degradation of various organic chemicals. But no study was specifically designed to investigate the possible inhibited degradation of organic chemicals because of the formation of EPFRs in dry environment. We observed that catechol degradation under UV irradiation was decreased over 20% in silica particles coated with 1% hematite in comparison to uncoated silica particles. Stabilized semiquinone or quinine and phenol radicals were involved in HMT-silica system. EPFR formation was thus the reason for the reduced catechol degradation on HMT-silica surface under UV irradiation at ambient temperature. EPFRs should be incorporated in the studies of organic contaminants geochemical behavior, and will be a new input in their environmental fate modeling. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  15. Degradation of plastic carrier bags in the marine environment.

    PubMed

    O'Brine, Tim; Thompson, Richard C

    2010-12-01

    There is considerable concern about the hazards that plastic debris presents to wildlife. Use of polymers that degrade more quickly than conventional plastics presents a possible solution to this problem. Here we investigate breakdown of two oxo-biodegradable plastics, compostable plastic and standard polyethylene in the marine environment. Tensile strength of all materials decreased during exposure, but at different rates. Compostable plastic disappeared from our test rig between 16 and 24 weeks whereas approximately 98% of the other plastics remained after 40 weeks. Some plastics require UV light to degrade. Transmittance of UV through oxo-biodegradable and standard polyethylene decreased as a consequence of fouling such that these materials received ∼ 90% less UV light after 40 weeks. Our data indicate that compostable plastics may degrade relatively quickly compared to oxo-biodegradable and conventional plastics. While degradable polymers offer waste management solutions, there are limitations to their effectiveness in reducing hazards associated with plastic debris. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  16. Degradation characteristic of monoazo, diazo and anthraquinone dye by UV/H{sub 2}O{sub 2} process

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Abidin, Che Zulzikrami Azner, E-mail: zulzikrami@unimap.edu.my, E-mail: drfahmi@unimap.edu.my, E-mail: umifazara@unimap.edu.my, E-mail: fatinnadhirah89@gmail.com; Fahmi, Muhammad Ridwan, E-mail: zulzikrami@unimap.edu.my, E-mail: drfahmi@unimap.edu.my, E-mail: umifazara@unimap.edu.my, E-mail: fatinnadhirah89@gmail.com; Fazara, Md Ali Umi, E-mail: zulzikrami@unimap.edu.my, E-mail: drfahmi@unimap.edu.my, E-mail: umifazara@unimap.edu.my, E-mail: fatinnadhirah89@gmail.com

    2014-10-24

    In this study, the degradation characteristic of monoazo, diazo and anthraquinone dye by UV/H{sub 2}O{sub 2} process was evaluated based on the trend of color, chemical oxygen demand (COD) and total organic carbon (TOC) removal. Three types of dyes consist of monoazo, diazo and anthraquinone dyes were used to compare the degradation mechanism of the dyes. The UV/H{sub 2}O{sub 2} experiments were conducted in a laboratory scale cylindrical glass reactor operated in semi-batch mode. The UV/Vis characterization of monoazo, diazo and anthraquinone dye indicated that the rapid degradation of the dyes by UV/H{sub 2}O{sub 2} process is meaningful with respectmore » to decolourization, as a result of the azo bonds and substitute antraquinone chromophore degradation. However, this process is not efficient for aromatic amines removal. The monoazo MO was difficult to be decolorized than diazo RR120 dye, which imply that number of sulphonic groups in the dye molecules determines the reactivity with hydroxyl radical. The increased in COD removal is the evidence for oxidation and decreased in carbon content of dye molecules. TOC removal analysis shows that low TOC removal of monoazo MO and diazo RR120, as compared to anthraquinone RB19 may indicate an accumulation of by-products that are resistant to the H{sub 2}O{sub 2} photolysis.« less

  17. Quantitative assessment on the contribution of direct photolysis and radical oxidation in photochemical degradation of 4-chlorophenol and oxytetracycline.

    PubMed

    Liu, Yiqing; He, Xuexiang; Fu, Yongsheng; Dionysiou, Dionysios D

    2016-07-01

    In UV-254 nm/H2O2 advanced oxidation process (AOP), the potential degradation pathways for organic pollutants include (1) hydrolysis, (2) direct H2O2 oxidation, (3) UV direct photolysis, and (4) hydroxyl radical (HO(•)) reaction. In this study, the contribution of these pathways was quantitatively assessed in the photochemical destruction of 4-chlorophenol (4-CP), demonstrating pathways (3) and (4) to be predominantly responsible for the removal of 4-CP by UV/H2O2 in 50 mM phosphate buffer solution. Increasing reaction pH could significantly enhance the contribution of direct photolysis in UV/H2O2 process. The contribution of HO(•) oxidation was improved with increasing initial H2O2 concentration probably due to the increased formation of HO(•). Presence of sodium carbonate (Na2CO3) as in UV/H2O2/Na2CO3 system promoted the degradation of 4-CP, with carbonate radical (CO3 (•-)) reaction and direct photolysis identified to be the main contributing pathways. The trends in the contribution of each factor were further evaluated and validated on the degradation of the antibiotic compound oxytetracycline (OTC). This study provides valuable information on the relative importance of different reaction pathways on the photochemical degradation of organic contaminants such as 4-CP and OTC in the presence and absence of a CO3 (•-) precursor.

  18. Synthesis and characterization of titanate nanotube/single-walled carbon nanotube (TNT/SWCNT) porous nanocomposite and its photocatalytic activity on 4-chlorophenol degradation under UV and solar irradiation

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Payan, A.; Fattahi, M.; Jorfi, S.; Roozbehani, B.; Payan, S.

    2018-03-01

    The titanate nanotube/single-wall carbon nanotube (TNT/SWCNT) nanocomposites from different titania precursors were prepared by a two-step hydrothermal process. These nanocomposites were characterized by XRD, BET, Raman, FESEM, TEM, EDX, EDS, EIS, UV-vis DRS and FTIR techniques. The FESEM and TEM images showed the high porous nanocomposites with two types of tubular structure relating to TNTs and SWCNTs which were interwoven together uniformly. The XRD and Raman analysis further corroborated the chemical interaction between the SWCNT and the TNT in the nanocomposites. The photocatalytic performance of the as-synthesized composites were examined by the photodegradation of 4-CP under solar and UV illumination. The results revealed an impressive enhancement in photocatalytic activity of the nanocomposites under both irradiation conditions comparison to bare TNPs and TNTs. Amongst the TNT/SWCNT nanocomposites, 10% loading of SWCNT under UV irradiation and 5% loading of SWCNT under solar irradiation exhibited the maximum photocatalytic performance while the photocatalytic degradation efficiency of nanocomposites were not affected considerably by the type of precursor. Moreover, the mechanism and role of SWCNT were investigated and the plausible degradation pathways of 4-CP was suggested. TOC analyses was performed for determination of 4-CP mineralization rate and results showed complete mineralization after 240 and 390 min under UV and solar irradiation, respectively. The trapping experiments corroborated the O2- and OH radicals as the main reactive species in 4-CP degradation process. Langmuir-Hinshelwood kinetic model was fittingly matched with the experimental data (R2: 0.9218 and 0.9703 for UV and solar irradiation). Additionally, the stability of the nanocomposites were investigated and revealed 8% decrease in degradation efficiency after four cycles.

  19. Advanced functionalization of polyhydroxyalkanoate via the UV-initiated thiol-ene click reaction.

    PubMed

    Tajima, Kenji; Iwamoto, Kosuke; Satoh, Yasuharu; Sakai, Ryosuke; Satoh, Toshifumi; Dairi, Tohru

    2016-05-01

    Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) incorporating vinyl-bearing 3-hydroxyalkanoates were prepared in 8.5-12.9 g L(-1) yield. The molar ratios (0-16 mol%) of the vinyl-bearing 3-hydroxyalkanoate derivatives were controlled by the continuous feeding of undecylenate at various concentrations. Subsequently, the PHAs were functionalized by UV-initiated thiol-ene click reaction and chemical modification. (1)H NMR spectra suggested that 3-mercaptopropionic acid and 2-aminoethanethiol were successfully introduced into the vinyl-bearing PHA. Subsequently, chemical modification using fluorescein or a fibronectin active fragment (GRGDS) was attempted. The former yielded a PHA derivative capable of emitting fluorescence under UV irradiation, which was useful for determining the miscibility of PHA in a composite film comprising poly-ʟ-lactic acid (PLLA) and PHA. In the latter case, PHA bearing GRGDS peptides exhibited cell adhesiveness, suggesting that its biocompatibility was improved upon peptide introduction. Taken together, the UV-initiated thiol-ene click reaction was demonstrated to be useful in PHA modification.

  20. PLA recycling by hydrolysis at high temperature

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Cristina, Annesini Maria; Rosaria, Augelletti; Sara, Frattari, E-mail: sara.frattari@uniroma1.it

    In this work the process of PLA hydrolysis at high temperature was studied, in order to evaluate the possibility of chemical recycling of this polymer bio-based. In particular, the possibility to obtain the monomer of lactic acid from PLA degradation was investigated. The results of some preliminary tests, performed in a laboratory batch reactor at high temperature, are presented: the experimental results show that the complete degradation of PLA can be obtained in relatively low reaction times.

  1. Efficient dechlorination of chlorinated solvent pollutants under UV irradiation by using the synthesized TiO2 nano-sheets in aqueous phase.

    PubMed

    Ndong, Landry Biyoghe Bi; Ibondou, Murielle Primaelle; Miao, Zhouwei; Gu, Xiaogang; Lu, Shuguang; Qiu, Zhaofu; Sui, Qian; Mbadinga, Serge Maurice

    2014-05-01

    Titanium dioxide (TiO2), which is the widely used photo-catalyst, has been synthesized by simple hydrothermal solution containing tetrabutyl titanate and hydrofluoric acid. The synthesized product has been applied to photo-degradation in aqueous phase of chlorinated solvents, namely tetrachloroethene (PCE), trichloroethene (TCE) and 1,1,1-trichloroethane (TCA). The photo-degradation results revealed that the degradation of these harmful chemicals was better in UV/synthesized TiO2 system compared to UV/commercial P25 system and UV only system. The photo-catalytic efficiency of the synthesized TiO2 was 1.4, 1.8 and 3.0 folds higher compared to the commercial P25 for TCA, TCE and PCE degradation, respectively. Moreover, using nitrobenzene (NB) as a probe of hydroxyl radical (·OH), the degradation rate was better over UV/synthesized TiO2, suggesting the high concentration of ·OH generated in UV/synthesized TiO2 system. In addition, ·OH concentration was confirmed by the strong peak displayed in EPR analysis over UV/synthesized TiO2 system. The characterization result using XRD and TEM showed that the synthesized TiO2 was in anatase form and consisted of well-defined sheet-shaped structures having a rectangular outline with a thickness of 4 nm, side length of 50 nm and width of 33 nm and a surface 90.3 m(2)/g. XPS analysis revealed that ≡Ti-F bond was formed on the surface of the synthesized TiO2. The above results on both photocatalytic activity and the surface analysis demonstrated the good applicability of the synthesized TiO2 nano-sheets for the remediation of chlorinated solvent contaminated groundwater. Copyright © 2014 The Research Centre for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  2. Design and characterization of a conductive nanostructured polypyrrole-polycaprolactone coated magnesium/PLGA composite for tissue engineering scaffolds.

    PubMed

    Liu, Haixia; Wang, Ran; Chu, Henry K; Sun, Dong

    2015-09-01

    A novel biodegradable and conductive composite consisting of magnesium (Mg), polypyrrole-block-ploycaprolactone (PPy-PCL), and poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) is synthesized in a core-shell-skeleton manner for tissue engineering applications. Mg particles in the composite are first coated with a conductive nanostructured PPy-PCL layer for corrosion resistance via the UV-induced photopolymerization method. PLGA matrix is then added to tailor the biodegradability of the resultant composite. Composites with different composition ratios are examined through experiments, and their material properties are characterized. The in vitro experiments on culture of 293FT-GFP cells show that the composites are suitable for cell growth and culture. Biodegradability of the composite is also evaluated. By adding PLGA matrix to the composite, the degrading time of the composite can last for more than eight weeks, hence providing a longer period for tissue formation as compared to Mg composites or alloys. The findings of this research will offer a new opportunity to utilize a conductive, nanostructured-coated Mg/PLGA composite as the scaffold material for implants and tissue regeneration. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  3. CE-UV/VIS and CE-MS for monitoring organic impurities during the downstream processing of fermentative-produced lactic acid from second-generation renewable feedstocks.

    PubMed

    Laube, Hendrik; Matysik, Frank-Michael; Schmidberger, Andreas; Mehlmann, Kerstin; Toursel, Andreas; Boden, Jana

    2016-01-01

    During the downstream process of bio-based bulk chemicals, organic impurities, mostly residues from the fermentation process, must be separated to obtain a pure and ready-to-market chemical. In this study, capillary electrophoresis was investigated for the non-targeting downstream process monitoring of organic impurities and simultaneous quantitative detection of lactic acid during the purification process of fermentatively produced lactic acid. The downstream process incorporated 11 separation units, ranging from filtration, adsorption and ion exchange to electrodialysis and distillation, and 15 different second-generation renewable feedstocks were processed into lactic acid. The identification of organic impurities was established through spiking and the utilization of an advanced capillary electrophoresis mass spectrometry system. A total of 53 % of the organic impurities were efficiently removed via bipolar electrodialysis; however, one impurity, pyroglutamic acid, was recalcitrant to separation. It was demonstrated that the presence of pyroglutamic acid disrupts the polymerization of lactic acid into poly lactic acid. Pyroglutamic acid was present in all lactic acid solutions, independent of the type of renewable resource or the bacterium applied. Pyroglutamic acid, also known as 5-oxoproline, is a metabolite in the glutathione cycle, which is present in all living microorganisms. pyroglutamic acid is found in many proteins, and during intracellular protein metabolism, N-terminal glutamic acid and glutamine residues can spontaneously cyclize to become pyroglutamic acid. Hence, the concentration of pyroglutamic acid in the lactic acid solution can only be limited to a certain amount. The present study proved the capillary electrophoresis system to be an important tool for downstream process monitoring. The high product concentration encountered in biological production processes did not hinder the capillary electrophoresis from separating and detecting organic impurities, even at minor concentrations. The coupling of the capillary electrophoresis with a mass spectrometry system allowed for the straightforward identification of the remaining critical impurity, pyroglutamic acid. Although 11 separation units were applied during the downstream process, the pyroglutamic acid concentration remained at 12,900 ppm, which was comparatively high. All organic impurities found were tracked by the capillary electrophoresis, allowing for further separation optimization.

  4. The Effect of UV Aging on Antimicrobial and Mechanical Properties of PLA Films with Incorporated Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles

    PubMed Central

    Mizielińska, Małgorzata; Kowalska, Urszula; Jarosz, Michał; Sumińska, Patrycja; Landercy, Nicolas; Duquesne, Emmanuel

    2018-01-01

    The aim of this study was to examine the influence of accelerated UV-aging on the activity against chosen microorganisms and the mechanical properties of poly-lactic acid (PLA) films enhanced with ZnO nanoparticles. The pure PLA films and tri-layered PLAZnO1%/PLA/PLAZnO1% films of 150 µm thickness were extruded. The samples were treated with UV-A and Q-SUN irradiation. After irradiation the antimicrobial activity and mechanical properties of the films were analyzed. The results of the study demonstrated that PLA films did not inhibit the growth of Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, Escherichia coli, Bacillus atrophaeus, and Candida albicans cells. PLA films with incorporated zinc oxide nanoparticles decreased the number of analyzed microorganisms. Accelerated UV aging had no negative effect on the activity of the film containing nano-ZnO against Gram-positive bacteria, but it influenced the activity against Gram-negative cells and C. albicans. Q-SUN irradiation decreased the antimicrobial effect of films with incorporated nanoparticles against B. cereus. UV-A and Q-UV irradiation did not influence the mechanical properties of PLA films containing incorporated ZnO nanoparticles. PMID:29670066

  5. The Effect of UV Aging on Antimicrobial and Mechanical Properties of PLA Films with Incorporated Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles.

    PubMed

    Mizielińska, Małgorzata; Kowalska, Urszula; Jarosz, Michał; Sumińska, Patrycja; Landercy, Nicolas; Duquesne, Emmanuel

    2018-04-18

    The aim of this study was to examine the influence of accelerated UV-aging on the activity against chosen microorganisms and the mechanical properties of poly-lactic acid (PLA) films enhanced with ZnO nanoparticles. The pure PLA films and tri-layered PLAZnO1%/PLA/PLAZnO1% films of 150 µm thickness were extruded. The samples were treated with UV-A and Q-SUN irradiation. After irradiation the antimicrobial activity and mechanical properties of the films were analyzed. The results of the study demonstrated that PLA films did not inhibit the growth of Staphylococcus aureus , Bacillus cereus , Escherichia coli , Bacillus atrophaeus , and Candida albicans cells. PLA films with incorporated zinc oxide nanoparticles decreased the number of analyzed microorganisms. Accelerated UV aging had no negative effect on the activity of the film containing nano-ZnO against Gram-positive bacteria, but it influenced the activity against Gram-negative cells and C. albicans . Q-SUN irradiation decreased the antimicrobial effect of films with incorporated nanoparticles against B. cereus . UV-A and Q-UV irradiation did not influence the mechanical properties of PLA films containing incorporated ZnO nanoparticles.

  6. Homogenous UV/periodate process in treatment of p-nitrophenol aqueous solutions under mild operating conditions.

    PubMed

    Saien, Javad; Fallah Vahed Bazkiaei, Marzieh

    2018-07-01

    Aqueous solutions of p-nitrophenol (PNP) were treated with UV-activated potassium periodate (UV/KPI) in an efficient photo-reactor. Either periodate or UV alone had little effect; however, their combination led to a significant degradation and mineralization. The response surface methodology was employed for design of experiments and optimization. The optimum conditions for treatment of 30 mg/L of the substrate were determined as [KPI] = 386.3 mg/L, pH = 6.2 and T = 34.6°C, under which 79.5% degradation was achieved after 60 min. Use of 25 and 40 kHz ultrasound waves caused the degradation to enhance to 88.3% and 92.3%, respectively. The intermediates were identified by gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy analysis, leading to propose the reaction pathway. The presence of water conventional bicarbonate, chloride, sulfate and nitrate anions caused unfavorable effects in efficiency. Meanwhile, the kinetic study showed that PNP degradation follows a pseudo-first-order reaction and the activation energy was determined. The irradiation energy consumption required for one order of magnitude degradation was estimated as 11.18 kWh/m 3 . Accordingly, comparison with the previously reported processes showed the superiority of PNP treatment with the employed process.

  7. pH induced polychromatic UV treatment for the removal of a mixture of SMX, OTC and CIP from water.

    PubMed

    Avisar, D; Lester, Y; Mamane, H

    2010-03-15

    Water and wastewater effluents contain a vast range of chemicals in mixtures that have different chemical structures and characteristics. This study presents a treatment technology for the removal of mixtures of antibiotic residues (sulfamethoxazole (SMX), oxytetracycline (OTC) and ciprofloxacin (CIP)) from contaminated water. The treatment combines pH modification of the water to an optimal value, followed by a photolytic treatment using direct polychromatic ultraviolet (UV) irradiation by medium pressure UV lamp. The pH adjustment of the treated water leads to structural modifications of the pollutant's molecule thus may enhance direct photolysis by UV light. Results showed that an increase of water pH from 5 to 7 leads to a decrease in degradation rate of SMX and an increase in degradation rate of OTC and CIP, when studied separately and not in a mixture. Thus, the optimal pH values for UV photodegradation in a mixture, involve initial photolysis at pH 5 and then gradually changing the pH from 5 to 7 during the UV exposure. For example, this resulted in 99% degradation of SMX at pH 5 and enhanced degradation of OTC and CIP from 54% and 26% to 91% and 96% respectively when pH was increased from 5 to 7. Thus the pH induced photolytic treatment has a potential in improving treatment of antibiotics in mixtures. (c) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  8. Degradation of naproxen by UV, VUV photolysis and their combination.

    PubMed

    Arany, Eszter; Szabó, Rita Katalin; Apáti, László; Alapi, Tünde; Ilisz, István; Mazellier, Patrick; Dombi, András; Gajda-Schrantz, Krisztina

    2013-11-15

    Naproxen is a widely used nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug. Recently, this medicine was detected both in natural waters (up to 1.5 μg L(-1)) and in sewage treatment plant effluents (up to 5.2 μg L(-1)). Moreover, naproxen is only partly eliminated by classical processes used in sewage treatment plants. Therefore, its degradation is of utmost interest. Advanced oxidation processes proved to be the most suitable methods for the elimination of persistent organic contaminants. In this work ultraviolet (UV, 254 nm), vacuum ultraviolet photolysis (VUV, 172 nm) and their combination (UV/VUV, 254/185 nm) were investigated. The efficiency of the methods increased in the following order: UV < VUV < UV/VUV photolysis. However, VUV irradiation was found to mineralize the contaminant molecule most effectively. The chemical structures of three out of four aromatic by-products and of some aliphatic carboxylic acids were presumed. The effects of dissolved O2 and the initial concentration of naproxen on the degradation were also investigated. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  9. The role of oxygen in the liquid fermentation of wheat bran.

    PubMed

    Savolainen, Otto I; Coda, Rossana; Suomi, Katja; Katina, Kati; Juvonen, Riikka; Hanhineva, Kati; Poutanen, Kaisa

    2014-06-15

    The extensive use of wheat bran as a food ingredient is limited due to its bitter taste and hard texture. To overcome these, some preprocessing methods, such as fermentation with yeast and lactic acid bacteria or enzymatic treatments have been proposed. The current work studied microbial communities, acidification, ethanol formation and metabolite profile of wheat bran fermented in either aerated or anaerobic conditions. In aerated conditions, yeasts grew better and the production of organic acids was smaller, and hence pH was higher. In anaerobic conditions, lactic acid bacteria and endogenous heterotrophic bacteria grew better. Aeration had a large effect on the sourdough metabolite profile, as analyzed by UPLC-qTOF-MS. Anaerobic conditions induced degradation of ferulic and caffeic acids, whereas the amount of sinapic acid increased. Aeration caused degradation of amino acids and hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives of polyamines. The results suggest that the control of oxygen could be used for tailoring the properties of bran sourdough. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  10. Functional properties of lactic acid bacteria isolated from ethnic fermented vegetables of the Himalayas.

    PubMed

    Tamang, Jyoti Prakash; Tamang, Buddhiman; Schillinger, Ulrich; Guigas, Claudia; Holzapfel, Wilhelm H

    2009-09-30

    A total of 94 strains of Lactic acid bacteria (LAB), previously isolated from ethnic fermented vegetables and tender bamboo shoots of the Himalayas, were screened for functional properties such as acidification capacity, enzymatic activities, degradation of antinutritive factors and oligosaccharides, production of biogenic amines, hydrophobicity and adherence to mucus secreting HT29 MTX cells. Strong acidification and coagulation activities of LAB strains were recorded. Most of the LAB strains showed antimicrobial activities against the used indicator strains; however, only Lb. plantarum IB2 (BFE 948) isolated from inziangsang, a fermented leafy vegetable product, produced a bacteriocin against Staphylococcus aureus S1. LAB strains showed enzymatic activities and also degraded oligosaccharides. Almost all the strains of LAB were non-producers of biogenic amines except few strains. Some strains of Lb. plantarum showed more than 70% hydrophobicity. Adherence to the mucus secreting HT29 MTX cells was also shown by seven strains indicating their probiotic nature.

  11. Gamma-aminobutyric acid fermentation with date residue by a lactic acid bacterium, Lactobacillus brevis.

    PubMed

    Hasegawa, Momoko; Yamane, Daisuke; Funato, Kouichi; Yoshida, Atsushi; Sambongi, Yoshihiro

    2018-03-01

    Dates are commercially consumed as semi-dried fruit or processed into juice and puree for further food production. However, the date residue after juice and puree production is not used, although it appears to be nutrient enriched. Here, date residue was fermented by a lactic acid bacterium, Lactobacillus brevis, which has been generally recognized as safe. Through degradation of sodium glutamate added to the residue during the fermentation, γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which reduces neuronal excitability, was produced at the conversion rate of 80-90% from glutamate. In order to achieve this GABA production level, pretreatment of the date residue with carbohydrate-degrading enzymes, i.e., cellulase and pectinase, was necessary. All ingredients used for this GABA fermentation were known as being edible. These results provide us with a solution for the increasing commercial demand for GABA in food industry with the use of date residue that has been often discarded. Copyright © 2017 The Society for Biotechnology, Japan. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  12. Study of nanoscale structures in hydrated biomaterials using small-angle neutron scattering

    PubMed Central

    Luk, Arnold; Murthy, N. Sanjeeva; Wang, Wenjie; Rojas, Ramiro; Kohn, Joachim

    2012-01-01

    Distribution of water in three classes of biomedically relevant and degradable polymers was investigated using small-angle neutron scattering. In semicrystalline polymers, such as poly(lactic acid) and poly(glycolic acid), water was found to diffuse preferentially into the noncrystalline regions. In amorphous polymers, such as poly(D,L-lactic acid) and poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid), the scattering after 7-days of incubation was attributed to water in microvoids that form following the hydrolytic degradation of the polymer. In amorphous copolymers containing hydrophobic segments (desaminotyrosyl-tyrosine ethyl ester) and hydrophilic blocks (poly(ethylene glycol) PEG), a sequence of distinct regimes of hydration were observed: homogeneous distribution (~ 10 Å length scales) at <13 wt% PEG (~ 1 water per EG), clusters of hydrated domains (~50 Å radius) separated at 24 wt% PEG (1 to 2 water per EG), uniformly distributed hydrated domains at 41 wt% PEG (~ 4 water per EG), and phase inversion at > 50 wt% PEG ( > 6 water per EG ). Increasing PEG content increased the number of these domains with only a small decrease in distance between the domains. These discrete domains appeared to coalesce to form submicron droplets at ~60 °C, above the melting temperature of crystalline PEG. Significance of such observations on the evolution of μm size channels that form during hydrolytic erosion is discussed. PMID:22227373

  13. Construction of Nontoxic Polymeric UV-Absorber with Great Resistance to UV-Photoaging

    PubMed Central

    Huang, Zhong; Ding, Aishun; Guo, Hao; Lu, Guolin; Huang, Xiaoyu

    2016-01-01

    In this article, we developed a series of new nontoxic polymeric UV-absorbers through covalently attaching a benzophenone derivative onto the main chain of poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) via mild and quantitative click chemistry. Azide groups were firstly introduced into the backbone of PVC via a nucleophilic reaction without affecting polymeric skeleton. Copper-catalyzed Husigen-Click cycloaddition reaction was performed between the pendant azide groups of PVC and alkynyl of (2-hydroxy-4-(prop-2-ynyloxy)phenyl)(phenyl)methanone at ambient temperature for affording the desired PVC-based UV-absorbers (PVC-UV) with different amounts of benzophenone moieties, which displayed great resistance to photoaging without degradation while exposed to UV irradiation. These polymeric UV-absorbers also showed good solubilities in common organic solvents and no cytotoxicity vs. HaCat cell. Small amounts of PVC-UV were homogeneously mixed with PVC as additive for stabilizing PVC against UV-photoaging without degradation and releasing small molecule even after 200 h while keeping thermal stability. This route of polymeric additive clearly paved an efficient way for solving the puzzle of separation of small molecule additive. PMID:27138547

  14. Observation of the degradation of three types of plastic pellets exposed to UV irradiation in three different environments.

    PubMed

    Cai, Liqi; Wang, Jundong; Peng, Jinping; Wu, Ziqing; Tan, Xiangling

    2018-07-01

    Plastic debris represents one of the most prevalent and persistent pollution problems in the marine environment. In particular, microplastics that are mainly degraded from larger plastic debris have become a growing environmental concern. However, studies on the degradation of plastics in the aquatic environment that hydrobios reside in have been limited, while several studies regarding the degradation of plastics have been conducted under outdoor or accelerated weathering conditions. Thus, observation of the degradation of three types of virgin plastic pellets exposed to UV irradiation in three different environments (i.e., simulated seawater, ultrapure water, and a waterless (air) condition) was carried out. Data on the changes in physical and chemical properties were collected. The FTIR spectra showed that hydroxyl groups and carbonyl groups developed in three types of weathered plastic pellets under the air and ultrapure water environmental conditions after 3months of UV irradiation, while only carbonyl groups were found in plastic pellets in the simulated seawater environment. In contrast, the Raman spectra showed no significant changes in the weathered plastic pellets, but there were different intensities of characteristic peaks after exposure to UV irradiation. In addition, SEM images illustrated that granular oxidation, cracks and flakes were common patterns during degradation, and the plastic pellets in the three different environments experienced different levels of chemical weathering. We suggest that further studies on the degradation processes of plastic debris are needed to predict the fate of plastic debris in the environment. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  15. Lactic acid fermentation of cassava dough into agbelima.

    PubMed

    Amoa-Awua, W K; Appoh, F E; Jakobsen, M

    1996-08-01

    The souring of cassava dough during fermentation into the fermented cassava meal, agbelima, was investigated. Four different types of traditional inocula were used to ferment the dough and increases in titrable acidity expressed as lactic acid from 0.31-0.38 to 0.78-0.91% (w/w) confirmed the fermentation to be a process of acidification. The microflora of all inocula and fermenting dough contained high counts of lactic acid bacteria, 10(8)-10(9) cfu/g in all inocula and 10(7)-10(8), 10(8)-10(9) and 10(9) cfu/g at 0, 24 and 48 h in all fermentations. Lactobacillus plantarum was the dominant species of lactic acid bacteria during all types of fermentation accounting for 51% of 171 representative isolates taken from various stages of fermentation. Other major lactic acid bacteria found were Lactobacillus brevis, 16%, Leuconostoc mesenteroides, 15% and some cocci including Streptococcus spp. whose numbers decreased with fermentation time. The lactic acid bacteria were responsible for the souring of agbelima through the production of lactic acid. All L. plantarum, L. brevis and L. mesenteroides isolates examined demonstrated linamarase as well as other enzymatic activities but did not possess tissue degrading enzymes like cellulase, pectin esterase and polygalacturonase. The aroma profile of agbelima did not vary with the type of inoculum used and in all samples the build-up of aroma compounds were dominated by a non-identified low molecular weight alcohol, 1-propanol, isoamyl alcohol, ethyl acetate, 3-methyl-1-butanol and acetoin. Substantial reductions occurred in the levels of cyanogenic compounds present in cassava during fermentation into agbelima and detoxification was enhanced by the use of inoculum.

  16. Clofibric acid degradation in UV254/H2O2 process: effect of temperature.

    PubMed

    Li, Wenzhen; Lu, Shuguang; Qiu, Zhaofu; Lin, Kuangfei

    2010-04-15

    The degradation of clofibric acid (CA) in UV(254)/H(2)O(2) process under three temperature ranges, i.e. T1 (9.0-11.5 degrees C), T2 (19.0-21.0 degrees C) and T3 (29.0-30.0 degrees C) was investigated. The effects of solution constituents including NO(3)(-) and HCO(3)(-) anions, and humic acid (HA) on CA degradation were evaluated in Milli-Q waters. CA degradation behaviors were simulated with the pseudo-first-order kinetic model and the apparent rate constant (k(ap)) and half-life time (t(1/2)) were calculated. The results showed that higher temperature would favor CA degradation, and CA degradation was taken place mostly by indirect oxidation through the formation of OH radicals in UV(254)/H(2)O(2) process. In addition, the effects of both NO(3)(-) and HCO(3)(-) anions at two selected concentrations (1.0x10(-3) and 0.1 mol L(-1)) and HA (20 mg L(-1)) on CA degradation were investigated. The results showed that HA had negative effect on CA degradation, and this effect was much more apparent under low temperature condition. On the other hand, the inhibitive effect on CA degradation at both lower and higher concentrations of bicarbonate was observed, and this inhibitive effect was much more apparent at higher bicarbonate concentration and lower temperature condition. While, at higher nitrate concentration the inhibitive effect on CA degradation under three temperature ranges was observed, and with the temperature increase this negative effect was apparently weakened. However, at lower nitrate concentration a slightly positive effect on CA degradation was found under T2 and T3 conditions. Moreover, when using a real wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) effluent spiked with CA over 99% of CA removal could be achieved under 30 degrees C within only 15 min compared with 40 and 80 min under 20 and 10 degrees C respectively, suggesting a significant promotion in CA degradation under higher temperature condition. Therefore, it can be concluded that temperature plays an important role in CA degradation in UV/H(2)O(2) process. 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  17. Engineering and Development Support of General Decon Technology for the U.S. Army’s Installation Restoration Program. Task 2. Treatment of Explosives Contaminated Lagoon Sediment. Phase 1. Literature Review and Evaluation

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1982-04-01

    128 32. Effects of UV, Ozone and UV-Ozone on the Degradation of Pink Water at Zero Flow ............ ................. 130 33. Formation of...Nitrate Ion During UV-Ozonolysis of TNT in Zero Flow Mode ........ ... ........................ ..... 132 34. Detailed Analysis of Run 7-12...the Degradation of Pink Water at Zero Flow* (Layne et al., 1980) *This figure represents a combination of Figures 5 and 7 in the report. 130 - -+ TNT

  18. Assessment of the roles of reactive oxygen species in the UV and visible light photocatalytic degradation of cyanotoxins and water taste and odor compounds using C-TiO2.

    PubMed

    Fotiou, Theodora; Triantis, Theodoros M; Kaloudis, Triantafyllos; O'Shea, Kevin E; Dionysiou, Dionysios D; Hiskia, Anastasia

    2016-03-01

    Visible light (VIS) photocatalysis has large potential as a sustainable water treatment process, however the reaction pathways and degradation processes of organic pollutants are not yet clearly defined. The presence of cyanobacteria cause water quality problems since several genera can produce potent cyanotoxins, harmful to human health. In addition, cyanobacteria produce taste and odor compounds, which pose serious aesthetic problems in drinking water. Although photocatalytic degradation of cyanotoxins and taste and odor compounds have been reported under UV-A light in the presence of TiO2, limited studies have been reported on their degradation pathways by VIS photocatalysis of these problematic compounds. The main objectives of this work were to study the VIS photocatalytic degradation process, define the reactive oxygen species (ROS) involved and elucidate the reaction mechanisms. We report carbon doped TiO2 (C-TiO2) under VIS leads to the slow degradation of cyanotoxins, microcystin-LR (MC-LR) and cylindrospermopsin (CYN), while taste and odor compounds, geosmin and 2-methylisoborneol, were not appreciably degraded. Further studies were carried-out employing several specific radical scavengers (potassium bromide, isopropyl alcohol, sodium azide, superoxide dismutase and catalase) and probes (coumarin) to assess the role of different ROS (hydroxyl radical OH, singlet oxygen (1)O2, superoxide radical anion [Formula: see text] ) in the degradation processes. Reaction pathways of MC-LR and CYN were defined through identification and monitoring of intermediates using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) for VIS in comparison with UV-A photocatalytic treatment. The effects of scavengers and probes on the degradation process under VIS, as well as the differences in product distributions under VIS and UV-A, suggested that the main species in VIS photocatalysis is [Formula: see text] , with OH and (1)O2 playing minor roles in the degradation. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  19. Development and Validation of a Stability-indicating Reversed-phase UPLC-UV Method for the Assay of Imidacloprid and Estimation of its Related Compounds.

    PubMed

    Tian, Jingzhi; Rustum, Abu

    2018-02-01

    Imidacloprid is used as an active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) in veterinary drugs to control fleas and ticks for dogs and cats. Here we are reporting for the first time a validated stability-indicating reversed-phase UPLC-UV method for the assay of imidacloprid and estimation of its related compounds. The stability-indicating capability of this method has been demonstrated by a forced degradation study. All related compounds including processing impurities, imidacloprid API and degradates from stressed samples were well separated from each other. Structures of major degradates from forced degradation study were elucidated through UPLC-MS/MS and key degradation pathways were proposed from the proposed chemical structures of major degradates. The UPLC-UV method is carried out using an HSS T3 column (C18, 2.1 × 30 mm, 1.8 μm particle size) maintained at 30°C with mobile phase A (0.05% v/v of phosphoric acid in water) and mobile phase B (methanol/acetonitrile 75/25 v/v). Analytes are separated by a gradient elution and detected at 270 nm. The UPLC method is green and fast with only 6.5 min run time and about 3.5 ml mobile phase consumption for each sample analysis. The UPLC-UV method was validated according to ICH guidelines. © The Author 2017. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

  20. Oxidation of Sulfonamides in Aqueous Solution by UV-TiO2-Fe(VI).

    PubMed

    Ma, Yan; Zhang, Kejia; Li, Cong; Zhang, Tuqiao; Gao, Naiyun

    2015-01-01

    The photocatalytic degradation of sulfonamides in aqueous TiO2 suspension under UV irradiation has been investigated using potassium ferrate as electron acceptors. The results showed that the stability of Fe(VI) is dependent on pH significantly, and the stability reduces obviously in the presence of UV-TiO2. The experiments indicated that Fe(VI) could effectively scavenge the conduction band electrons from the surface of TiO2. The photocatalytic oxidation of sulfonamides with Fe(VI) was found to be much faster than that without Fe(VI). The SD, SM, and SMX concentration was greatly reduced by 89.2%, 83.4%, and 82.0%, respectively, after 10 min with UV-TiO2-Fe(VI), comparing to 65.2%, 66.0%, and 71.9%, respectively, with Fe(VI) only in the dark and 71.3%, 72.7%, and 76.0%, respectively, with UV-TiO2. The pH value of solution significantly influenced the sulfonamides degradation in UV-TiO2-Fe(VI) system. The degradation amount of sulfonamides after 10 min was a maximum at pH 7. The intermediate products of sulfonamides oxidation by UV-TiO2-Fe(VI) were analysed by LC-HESI-MS-MS and the results suggested that a majority of sulfonamides turned into large-molecule products without complete mineralization.

  1. Oxidation of Sulfonamides in Aqueous Solution by UV-TiO2-Fe(VI)

    PubMed Central

    Ma, Yan; Zhang, Kejia; Li, Cong; Zhang, Tuqiao; Gao, Naiyun

    2015-01-01

    The photocatalytic degradation of sulfonamides in aqueous TiO2 suspension under UV irradiation has been investigated using potassium ferrate as electron acceptors. The results showed that the stability of Fe(VI) is dependent on pH significantly, and the stability reduces obviously in the presence of UV-TiO2. The experiments indicated that Fe(VI) could effectively scavenge the conduction band electrons from the surface of TiO2. The photocatalytic oxidation of sulfonamides with Fe(VI) was found to be much faster than that without Fe(VI). The SD, SM, and SMX concentration was greatly reduced by 89.2%, 83.4%, and 82.0%, respectively, after 10 min with UV-TiO2-Fe(VI), comparing to 65.2%, 66.0%, and 71.9%, respectively, with Fe(VI) only in the dark and 71.3%, 72.7%, and 76.0%, respectively, with UV-TiO2. The pH value of solution significantly influenced the sulfonamides degradation in UV-TiO2-Fe(VI) system. The degradation amount of sulfonamides after 10 min was a maximum at pH 7. The intermediate products of sulfonamides oxidation by UV-TiO2-Fe(VI) were analysed by LC-HESI-MS-MS and the results suggested that a majority of sulfonamides turned into large-molecule products without complete mineralization. PMID:26347888

  2. Analysis of 16S rRNA gene lactic acid bacteria (LAB) isolate from Markisa fruit (Passiflora sp.) as a producer of protease enzyme and probiotics

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Hidayat, Habibi

    2017-03-01

    16S rRNA gene analysis of bacteria lactic acid (LAB) isolate from Markisa Kuning Fruit (Passiflora edulis var. flavicarpa) as a producer of protease enzyme and probiotics has been done. The aim of the study is to determine the protease enzyme activity and 16S rRNA gene amplification using PCR. The calculation procedure was done to M4 isolate bacteria lactic acid (LAB) Isolate which has been resistant to acids with pH 2.0 in the manner of screening protease enzyme activity test result 6.5 to clear zone is 13 mm againts colony diametre is 2 mm. The results of study enzyme activity used spectrophotometer UV-Vis obtainable the regression equation Y=0.02983+0.001312X, with levels of protein M4 isolate is 0.6594 mg/mL and enzyme activity of obtainable is 0.8626 unit/ml while the spesific enzyme activity produced is 1.308 unit/mg. Then, 16S rRNA gene amplificatiom and DNA sequencing has been done. The results of study showed that the bacteria species contained from M4 bacteria lactic acid (LAB) isolate is Weisella cibiria strain II-I-59. Weisella cibiria strain II-I-59 is one of bacteria could be utilized in the digestive tract.

  3. UV and visible activation of Cr(III)-doped TiO2 catalyst prepared by a microwave-assisted sol-gel method during MCPA degradation.

    PubMed

    Mendiola-Alvarez, S Y; Guzmán-Mar, J L; Turnes-Palomino, G; Maya-Alejandro, F; Hernández-Ramírez, A; Hinojosa-Reyes, L

    2017-05-01

    Photocatalytic degradation of 4-chloro-2-methylphenoxyacetic acid (MCPA) in aqueous solution using Cr(III)-doped TiO 2 under UV and visible light was investigated. The semiconductor material was synthesized by a microwave-assisted sol-gel method with Cr(III) doping contents of 0.02, 0.04, and 0.06 wt%. The catalyst was characterized using X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), nitrogen physisorption, UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), and atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS). The photocatalytic activity for the photodegradation of MCPA was followed by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and total organic carbon (TOC) analysis. The intermediates formed during degradation were identified using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Chloride ion evolution was measured by ion chromatography. Characterization results showed that Cr(III)-doped TiO 2 materials possessed a small crystalline size, high surface area, and mesoporous structure. UV-Vis DRS showed enhanced absorption in the visible region as a function of the Cr(III) concentration. The Cr(III)-doped TiO 2 catalyst with 0.04 wt% of Cr(III) was more active than bare TiO 2 for the degradation of MCPA under both UV and visible light. The intermediates identified during MCPA degradation were 4-chloro-2-methylphenol (CMP), 2-(4-hydroxy-2-methylphenoxy) acetic acid (HMPA), and 2-hydroxybuta-1,3-diene-1,4-diyl-bis (oxy)dimethanol (HBDM); the formation of these intermediates depended on the radiation source.

  4. Phenol-Oxidizing Peroxidases Contribute to the Protection of Plants from Ultraviolet Radiation Stress1

    PubMed Central

    Jansen, Marcel A.K.; van den Noort, Ria E.; Tan, M.Y. Adillah; Prinsen, Els; Lagrimini, L. Mark; Thorneley, Roger N.F.

    2001-01-01

    We have studied the mechanism of UV protection in two duckweed species (Lemnaceae) by exploiting the UV sensitivity of photosystem II as an in situ sensor for radiation stress. A UV-tolerant Spirodela punctata G.F.W. Meyer ecotype had significantly higher indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) levels than a UV-sensitive ecotype. Parallel work on Lemna gibba mutants suggested that UV tolerance is linked to IAA degradation rather than to levels of free or conjugated IAA. This linkage is consistent with a role for class III phenolic peroxidases, which have been implicated both in the degradation of IAA and the cross-linking of various UV-absorbing phenolics. Biochemical analysis revealed increased activity of a specific peroxidase isozyme in both UV-tolerant duckweed lines. The hypothesis that peroxidases play a role in UV protection was tested in a direct manner using genetically modified tobacco (Nicotiana sylvestris). It was found that increased activity of the anionic peroxidase correlated with increased tolerance to UV radiation as well as decreased levels of free auxin. We conclude that phenol-oxidizing peroxidases concurrently contribute to UV protection as well as the control of leaf and plant architecture. PMID:11457952

  5. A Structure Identification and Toxicity Assessment of the Degradation Products of Aflatoxin B₁ in Peanut Oil under UV Irradiation.

    PubMed

    Mao, Jin; He, Bing; Zhang, Liangxiao; Li, Peiwu; Zhang, Qi; Ding, Xiaoxia; Zhang, Wen

    2016-11-12

    Aflatoxins, a group of extremely hazardous compounds because of their genotoxicity and carcinogenicity to human and animals, are commonly found in many tropical and subtropical regions. Ultraviolet (UV) irradiation is proven to be an effective method to reduce or detoxify aflatoxins. However, the degradation products of aflatoxins under UV irradiation and their safety or toxicity have not been clear in practical production such as edible oil industry. In this study, the degradation products of aflatoxin B₁ (AFB₁) in peanut oil were analyzed by Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatograph-Thermo Quadrupole Exactive Focus mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry (UPLC-TQEF-MS/MS). The high-resolution mass spectra reflected that two main products were formed after the modification of a double bond in the terminal furan ring and the fracture of the lactone ring, while the small molecules especially nitrogen-containing compound may have participated in the photochemical reaction. According to the above results, the possible photodegradation pathway of AFB₁ in peanut oil is proposed. Moreover, the human embryo hepatocytes viability assay indicated that the cell toxicity of degradation products after UV irradiation was much lower than that of AFB₁, which could be attributed to the breakage of toxicological sites. These findings can provide new information for metabolic pathways and the hazard assessment of AFB₁ using UV detoxification.

  6. Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen-dependent Rapid Recruitment of Cdt1 and CRL4Cdt2 at DNA-damaged Sites after UV Irradiation in HeLa Cells*

    PubMed Central

    Ishii, Takashi; Shiomi, Yasushi; Takami, Toshihiro; Murakami, Yusuke; Ohnishi, Naho; Nishitani, Hideo

    2010-01-01

    The licensing factor Cdt1 is degraded by CRL4Cdt2 ubiquitin ligase dependent on proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) during S phase and when DNA damage is induced in G1 phase. Association of both Cdt2 and PCNA with chromatin was observed in S phase and after UV irradiation. Here we used a micropore UV irradiation assay to examine Cdt2 accumulation at cyclobutane pyrimidine dimer-containing DNA-damaged sites in the process of Cdt1 degradation in HeLa cells. Cdt2, present in the nucleus throughout the cell cycle, accumulated rapidly at damaged DNA sites during G1 phase. The recruitment of Cdt2 is dependent on prior PCNA chromatin binding because Cdt2 association was prevented when PCNA was silenced. Cdt1 was also recruited to damaged sites soon after UV irradiation through its PIP-box. As Cdt1 was degraded, the Cdt2 signal at damaged sites was reduced, but PCNA, cyclobutane pyrimidine dimer, and XPA (xeroderma pigmentosum, complementation group A) signals remained at the same levels. These findings suggest that Cdt1 degradation following UV irradiation occurs rapidly at damaged sites due to PCNA chromatin loading and the recruitment of Cdt1 and CRL4Cdt2, before DNA damage repair is completed. PMID:20929861

  7. A Structure Identification and Toxicity Assessment of the Degradation Products of Aflatoxin B1 in Peanut Oil under UV Irradiation

    PubMed Central

    Mao, Jin; He, Bing; Zhang, Liangxiao; Li, Peiwu; Zhang, Qi; Ding, Xiaoxia; Zhang, Wen

    2016-01-01

    Aflatoxins, a group of extremely hazardous compounds because of their genotoxicity and carcinogenicity to human and animals, are commonly found in many tropical and subtropical regions. Ultraviolet (UV) irradiation is proven to be an effective method to reduce or detoxify aflatoxins. However, the degradation products of aflatoxins under UV irradiation and their safety or toxicity have not been clear in practical production such as edible oil industry. In this study, the degradation products of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) in peanut oil were analyzed by Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatograph-Thermo Quadrupole Exactive Focus mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry (UPLC-TQEF-MS/MS). The high-resolution mass spectra reflected that two main products were formed after the modification of a double bond in the terminal furan ring and the fracture of the lactone ring, while the small molecules especially nitrogen-containing compound may have participated in the photochemical reaction. According to the above results, the possible photodegradation pathway of AFB1 in peanut oil is proposed. Moreover, the human embryo hepatocytes viability assay indicated that the cell toxicity of degradation products after UV irradiation was much lower than that of AFB1, which could be attributed to the breakage of toxicological sites. These findings can provide new information for metabolic pathways and the hazard assessment of AFB1 using UV detoxification. PMID:27845743

  8. Complement and UV-irradiated photoreceptor outer segments increase the cytokine secretion by retinal pigment epithelial cells.

    PubMed

    Lueck, Katharina; Hennig, Maren; Lommatzsch, Albrecht; Pauleikhoff, Daniel; Wasmuth, Susanne

    2012-03-15

    Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is accompanied by increased complement activation, and by lipofuscin accumulation in retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells due to incomplete degradation of photoreceptor outer segments (POS). The influence of POS, ultraviolet (UV)-irradiated POS and human complement sera (HCS) on cytokine secretion from RPE cells was therefore examined. RPE cells were incubated with POS or UV-POS every other day for 1 week. The autofluorescence (AF) was measured photometrically and by flow cytometry. Senescence-associated genes were analyzed by RT-PCR. Internalization and degradation of POS were determined using phagocytosis and degradation assays, and lysosomal function by neutral red uptake. RPE cells in polycarbonate cell culture inserts were incubated apically with POS or UV-POS and afterward basally with HCS. C7-deficient HCS was used as control. The integrity of the cell monolayer was assessed by measuring the transepithelial electrical resistance (TER) and the permeability. Interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, and vascular endothelial growth factor were quantified by ELISA. POS treatment led to an increased AF and senescence marker expression, which were further elevated in response to UV-POS. UV-POS were preferentially accumulated over POS and the lysosomal function was impaired due to UV-POS. HCS intensified the cytokine production compared with controls. POS had no effect, though UV-POS combined with HCS induced a significant increase in all cytokines. RPE cultivation with UV-POS might serve as a model to investigate the accumulation of lipofuscin-like structures. The enhanced cytokine secretion due to UV-POS with HCS may account for an increased susceptibility for lipofuscin-loaded cells to complement, inducing a proinflammatory environment as observed in AMD.

  9. Removal of pharmaceutically active compounds from synthetic and real aqueous mixtures and simultaneous disinfection by supported TiO2/UV-A, H2O2/UV-A, and TiO2/H2O2/UV-A processes.

    PubMed

    Bosio, Morgana; Satyro, Suéllen; Bassin, João Paulo; Saggioro, Enrico; Dezotti, Márcia

    2018-05-01

    Pharmaceutically active compounds are carried into aquatic bodies along with domestic sewage, industrial and agricultural wastewater discharges. Psychotropic drugs, which can be toxic to the biota, have been detected in natural waters in different parts of the world. Conventional water treatments, such as activated sludge, do not properly remove these recalcitrant substances, so the development of processes able to eliminate these compounds becomes very important. Advanced oxidation processes are considered clean technologies, capable of achieving high rates of organic compounds degradation, and can be an efficient alternative to conventional treatments. In this study, the degradation of alprazolam, clonazepam, diazepam, lorazepam, and carbamazepine was evaluated through TiO 2 /UV-A, H 2 O 2 /UV-A, and TiO 2 /H 2 O 2 /UV-A, using sunlight and artificial irradiation. While using TiO 2 in suspension, best results were found at [TiO 2 ] = 0.1 g L -1 . H 2 O 2 /UV-A displayed better results under acidic conditions, achieving from 60 to 80% of removal. When WWTP was used, degradation decreased around 50% for both processes, TiO 2 /UV-A and H 2 O 2 /UV-A, indicating a strong matrix effect. The combination of both processes was shown to be an adequate approach, since removal increased up to 90%. H 2 O 2 /UV-A was used for disinfecting the aqueous matrices, while mineralization was obtained by TiO 2 -photocatalysis.

  10. Mechanisms of Bond Cleavage during Manganese Oxide and UV Degradation of Glyphosate: Results from Phosphate Oxygen Isotopes and Molecular Simulations.

    PubMed

    Jaisi, Deb P; Li, Hui; Wallace, Adam F; Paudel, Prajwal; Sun, Mingjing; Balakrishna, Avula; Lerch, Robert N

    2016-11-16

    Degradation of glyphosate in the presence of manganese oxide and UV light was analyzed using phosphate oxygen isotope ratios and density function theory (DFT). The preference of C-P or C-N bond cleavage was found to vary with changing glyphosate/manganese oxide ratios, indicating the potential role of sorption-induced conformational changes on the composition of intermediate degradation products. Isotope data confirmed that one oxygen atom derived solely from water was incorporated into the released phosphate during glyphosate degradation, and this might suggest similar nucleophilic substitution at P centers and C-P bond cleavage both in manganese oxide- and UV light-mediated degradation. The DFT results reveal that the C-P bond could be cleaved by water, OH - or • OH, with the energy barrier opposing bond dissociation being lowest in the presence of the radical species, and that C-N bond cleavage is favored by the formation of both nitrogen- and carbon-centered radicals. Overall, these results highlight the factors controlling the dominance of C-P or C-N bond cleavage that determines the composition of intermediate/final products and ultimately the degradation pathway.

  11. Influence of process parameters on the effectiveness of photooxidative treatment of pharmaceuticals.

    PubMed

    Markic, Marinko; Cvetnic, Matija; Ukic, Sime; Kusic, Hrvoje; Bolanca, Tomislav; Bozic, Ana Loncaric

    2018-03-21

    In this study, UV-C/H 2 O 2 and UV-C/[Formula: see text] processes as photooxidative Advanced oxidation processes were applied for the treatment of seven pharmaceuticals, either already included in the Directive 2013/39/EU "watch list" (17α- ethynylestradiol, 17β-estradiol) or with potential to be added in the near future due to environmental properties and increasing consumption (azithromycin, carbamazepine, dexamethasone, erythromycin and oxytetracycline). The influence of process parameters (pH, oxidant concentration and type) on the pharmaceuticals degradation was studied through employed response surface modelling approach. It was established that degradation obeys first-order kinetic regime regardless structural differences and over entire range of studied process parameters. The results revealed that the effectiveness of UV-C/H 2 O 2 process is highly dependent on both initial pH and oxidant concentration. It was found that UV-C/[Formula: see text] process, exhibiting several times faster degradation of studied pharmaceuticals, is less sensitive to pH changes providing practical benefit to its utilization. The influence of water matrix on degradation kinetics of studied pharmaceuticals was studied through natural organic matter effects on single component and mixture systems.

  12. Experimental and computational studies of poly-L-lactic acid for cardiovascular applications: recent progress

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Naseem, Raasti; Zhao, Liguo; Liu, Yang; Silberschmidt, Vadim V.

    2017-12-01

    Stents are commonly used in medical procedures to alleviate the symptoms of coronary heart disease, a prevalent modern society disease. These structures are employed to maintain vessel patency and restore blood flow. Traditionally stents are made of metals such as stainless steel or cobalt chromium; however, these scaffolds have known disadvantages. An emergence of transient scaffolds is gaining popularity, with the structure engaged for a required period whilst healing of the diseased arterial wall occurs. Polymers dominate a medical device sector, with incorporation in sutures, scaffolds and screws. Thanks to their good mechanical and biological properties and their ability to degrade naturally. Polylactic acid is an extremely versatile polymer, with its properties easily tailored to applications. Its dominance in the stenting field increases continually, with the first polymer scaffold gaining FDA approval in 2016. Still some challenges with PLLA bioresorbable materials remain, especially with regard to understanding their mechanical response, assessment of its changes with degradation and comparison of their performance with that of metallic drug-eluting stent. Currently, there is still a lack of works on evaluating both the pre-degradation properties and degradation performance of these scaffolds. Additionally, there are no established material models incorporating non-linear viscoelastic behaviour of PLLA and its evolution with in-service degradation. Assessing these features through experimental analysis accompanied by analytical and numerical studies will provide powerful tools for design and optimisation of these structures endorsing their broader use in stenting. This overview assesses the recent studies investigating mechanical and computational performance of poly(l-lactic) acid and its use in stenting applications.

  13. VUV/UV light inducing accelerated phenol degradation with a low electric input† †Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available. See DOI: 10.1039/c6ra26043h Click here for additional data file.

    PubMed Central

    Li, Mengkai; Wen, Dong

    2017-01-01

    This study presents the first evidence for the accelerated degradation of phenol by Fenton's reagent in a mini-fluidic VUV/UV photoreaction system (MVPS). A low-pressure mercury lamp used in the MVPS led to a complete degradation of phenol within 4–6 min. The HO˙ and HO2˙ originating from both Fenton's reagent and VUV photolysis of water were identified with suitable radical scavengers. The effects of initial concentrations of phenol, H2O2 and Fe3+ as well as solution pH on phenol degradation kinetics were examined. Increasing the initial phenol concentration slowed down the phenol degradation, whereas increasing the initial H2O2 or Fe3+ concentration accelerated the phenol degradation. The optimal solution pH was 3.7. At both 254 and 185 nm, increasing phenol concentration enhanced its absorption for the incident photons. The reaction mechanism for the degradation of phenol was suggested consistent with the results obtained. This study indicates that the VUV/UV photo-Fenton process has potential applications in the treatment of industrial wastewater containing phenol and related aromatic pollutants. PMID:28496972

  14. Effect of organic manure on sorption and degradation of azoxystrobin in soil.

    PubMed

    Ghosh, Rakesh Kumar; Singh, Neera

    2009-01-28

    Information on pesticide degradation and factors influencing are important in predicting the levels of pesticide remaining in soils and allow assessment of potential risk associated with exposure. The present study reports the sorption and degradation of azoxystrobin [methyl (E)-2-{2-(6-(2-cyanophenoxy)pyrimidin-4-yloxy)phenyl}-3-methoxyacrylate] in a sandy loam soil. The fungicide was moderately sorbed, and the Freundlich adsorption parameter K(f) (1/n) values in natural and 5% compost-amended soils were 9.31 and 13.72, respectively. Sorption showed hysteresis with 32.5 and 14.7% of sorbed fungicide desorbed from the natural and 5% compost-amended soils, respectively. Azoxystrobin was more persistent in the aerobic soil than the anaerobic soil with half-life values of 107.47 and 62.69 days, respectively. Amendment of compost (5%) to the soil enhanced the degradation of fungicide, and the respective half-life values in aerobic and anaerobic soils were 73.39 and 38.58 days, respectively. Azoxystrobin acid was recovered as the only metabolite of azoxystrobin degradation in soils. Both sunlight and UV light affected the persistence of azoxystrobin with fungicide degraded at a faster rate in UV light than in sunlight. Soil acts as a screen and slows the fungicide degradation under sunlight and UV light.

  15. Degradation pathways of aniline in aqueous solutions during electro-oxidation with BDD electrodes and UV/H2O2 treatment.

    PubMed

    Benito, Aleix; Penadés, Aida; Lliberia, Josep Lluis; Gonzalez-Olmos, Rafael

    2017-01-01

    In this work, it has been studied the mineralization of aniline, a toxic substance of low biodegradability typically found in many industrial wastewaters, through electro-oxidation using boron doped diamond (BDD) electrodes and photo-oxidation (UV photolysis and UV/H 2 O 2 treatments). It was observed that in electro-oxidation and UV/H 2 O 2 , it was feasible to reach aniline mineralizations higher than 85%. Two different degradation routes have been observed during the aniline oxidation in these two treatments. The first route was the mineralization pathway, in which aniline was oxidized to CO 2 , water and nitrate. The second route was the polyaniline pathway in which polyanilines of high molecular weight are formed. The intermediate compounds involved in both degradation routes are different depending on the treatment used. In the electro-oxidation, denitrification processes were also observed. From an economical point of view, electro-oxidation of aniline using BDD electrodes is more interesting than UV/H 2 O 2 due it has an 87% lower operational cost. So, electro-oxidation using BDD electrodes seems to be a more suitable technique for the mineralization of wastewater containing aniline than UV or H 2 O 2 based technologies. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  16. Degradation in PV Encapsulation Transmittance: An Interlaboratory Study Toward a Climate-Specific Test

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Miller, David C.; Hacke, Peter L.; Kempe, Michael D.

    2015-06-14

    Reduced optical transmittance of encapsulation resulting from ultraviolet (UV) degradation has frequently been identified as a cause of decreased PV module performance through the life of installations in the field. The present module safety and qualification standards, however, apply short UV doses only capable of examining design robustness or 'infant mortality' failures. Essential information that might be used to screen encapsulation through product lifetime remains unknown. For example, the relative efficacy of xenon-arc and UVA-340 fluorescent sources or the typical range of activation energy for degradation is not quantified. We have conducted an interlaboratory experiment to provide the understanding thatmore » will be used towards developing a climate- and configuration-specific (UV) weathering test. Five representative, known formulations of EVA were studied in addition to one TPU material. Replicate laminated silica/polymer/silica specimens are being examined at 14 institutions using a variety of indoor chambers (including Xe, UVA-340, and metal-halide light sources) or field aging. The solar-weighted transmittance, yellowness index, and the UV cut-off wavelength, determined from the measured hemispherical transmittance, are examined to provide understanding and guidance for the UV light source (lamp type) and temperature used in accelerated UV aging tests. Index Terms -- reliability, durability, thermal activation.« less

  17. Degradation in PV Encapsulation Transmittance: An Interlaboratory Study Towards a Climate-Specific Test: Preprint

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Miller, David C.; Annigoni, Eleonora; Ballion, Amal

    2015-08-12

    Reduced optical transmittance of encapsulants resulting from ultraviolet (UV) degradation has frequently been identified as a cause of decreased PV module performance through the life of service in the field. The present module safety and qualification standards, however, apply short UV doses only capable of examining design robustness or 'infant mortality' failures. Essential information that might be used to screen encapsulation through product lifetime remains unknown. For example, the relative efficacy of xenon-arc and UVA-340 fluorescent sources or the typical range of activation energy for degradation is not quantified. We have conducted an interlaboratory experiment to provide the understanding thatmore » will be used towards developing a climate- and configuration-specific (UV) weathering test. Five representative, known formulations of EVA were studied in addition to one TPU material. Replicate laminated silica/polymer/silica specimens are being examined at 14 institutions using a variety of indoor chambers (including Xenon, UVA-340, and metal-halide light sources) or field aging. The solar-weighted transmittance, yellowness index, and the UV cut-off wavelength, determined from the measured hemispherical transmittance, are examined to provide understanding and guidance for the UV light source (lamp type) and temperature used in accelerated UV aging tests.« less

  18. Degradation in PV Encapsulation Transmittance: An Interlaboratory Study Towards a Climate-Specific Test

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Miller, David C.; Annigoni, Eleonora; Ballion, Amal

    2015-06-14

    Reduced optical transmittance of encapsulants resulting from ultraviolet (UV) degradation has frequently been identified as a cause of decreased PV module performance through the life of service in the field. The present module safety and qualification standards, however, apply short UV doses only capable of examining design robustness or 'infant mortality' failures. Essential information that might be used to screen encapsulation through product lifetime remains unknown. For example, the relative efficacy of xenon-arc and UVA-340 fluorescent sources or the typical range of activation energy for degradation is not quantified. We have conducted an interlaboratory experiment to provide the understanding thatmore » will be used towards developing a climate- and configuration-specific (UV) weathering test. Five representative, known formulations of EVA were studied in addition to one TPU material. Replicate laminated silica/polymer/silica specimens are being examined at 14 institutions using a variety of indoor chambers (including Xenon, UVA-340, and metal-halide light sources) or field aging. The solar-weighted transmittance, yellowness index, and the UV cut-off wavelength, determined from the measured hemispherical transmittance, are examined to provide understanding and guidance for the UV light source (lamp type) and temperature used in accelerated UV aging tests.« less

  19. Fructose as a novel photosensitizer: Characterization of reactive oxygen species and an application in degradation of diuron and chlorpyrifos.

    PubMed

    Nayak, Shaila; Muniz, Juan; Sales, Christopher M; Tikekar, Rohan V

    2016-02-01

    The objective of this study was to identify reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated from the exposure of fructose solution to the 254 nm ultraviolet (UV) light and evaluate whether fructose can be used as a photosensitizer for accelerated photo-degradation of diuron and chlorpyrifos. We demonstrated that hydrogen peroxide, singlet oxygen ((1)O2) and acidic photolysis products were generated upon UV exposure of fructose. Consistent with these findings, UV induced degradation of chlorpyrifos and diuron was accelerated by the presence of 500 mM fructose. The average first order photo-degradation rate constants in the absence and presence of 500 mM fructose were 0.92 and 2.07 min(-1) respectively for diuron and 0.04 and 0.07 min(-1) for chlorpyrifos. The quantum yields (ɸ) for direct photo-degradation of diuron and chlorpyrifos were 0.003 and 0.001 respectively. In the presence of 500 mM fructose, these values increased to 0.006 and 0.002 respectively. Thus, fructose may be an effective photosensitizer. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  20. Hydrothermal preparation of silver telluride nanostructures and photo-catalytic investigation in degradation of toxic dyes

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Gholamrezaei, Sousan; Salavati-Niasari, Masoud; Ghanbari, Davood; Bagheri, Samira

    2016-01-01

    Different morphologies of Ag2Te nanostructures were synthesized using TeCl4 as a new precursor and hydrazine hydrate as reducing agent by a hydrothermal method. Various parameters that affect on morphology and purity of nanostructures were optimized. According to our experiments the best time and temperature for preparation of this nanostructure are 12 h and 120 °C. The photo-catalytic behaviour of nanostructures in presence of UV- visible light for degradation of methyl orange was investigated. Results show that the presence of UV light is necessary for an efficient degradation of dye in aqueous solution. On the other hand, as observations propose the Ag2Te reveal a strong photoluminescence peak at room temperature that could be attributed to high level transition in the semiconductor. Nanostructures were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) techniques and UV-visible scanning spectrometer (UV-Vis).

  1. Photocatalytic activity of Fe-doped CaTiO₃ under UV-visible light.

    PubMed

    Yang, He; Han, Chong; Xue, Xiangxin

    2014-07-01

    The photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue (MB) over Fe-doped CaTiO₃ under UV-visible light was investigated. The as-prepared samples were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM) equipped with an energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS) system, Fourier transform infrared spectra (FT-IR), and UV-visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS). The results show that the doping with Fe significantly promoted the light absorption ability of CaTiO₃ in the visible light region. The Fe-doped CaTiO₃ exhibited higher photocatalytic activity than CaTiO₃ for the degradation of MB. However, the photocatalytic activity of the Fe-doped CaTiO₃ was greatly influenced by the calcination temperature during the preparation process. The Fe-doped CaTiO₃ prepared at 500°C exhibited the best photocatalytic activity, with degradation of almost 100% MB (10ppm) under UV-visible light for 180 min. Copyright © 2014. Published by Elsevier B.V.

  2. Photo-, sono- and sonophotocatalytic degradation of methylene blue using Fe3O4/ZrO2 composites catalysts

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kristianto, Y.; Taufik, A.; Saleh, R.

    2017-07-01

    In the present work, magnetite material Fe3O4/ZrO2 with various molar ratios was prepared by the two-step method (sol-gel followed by the ultrasonic-assisted method). The as-prepared samples were fairly characterized by various characterization methods, such as X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Vibrating Sample Magnetometer (VSM), Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) and Thermal Gravimetric Analysis (TGA). The catalytic performance of the as-prepared samples was evaluated based on the degradation of methylene blue under UV light, ultrasound and combination of UV and ultrasound irradiation. The results revealed that the sample with Fe3O4:ZrO2 molar ratio of 0.5:1 showed the best catalytic performance under UV, ultrasound and UV + ultrasound irradiation. The degradation of methylene blue follows the order: sonophotocatalytic > sonocatalytic > photocatalytic. In addition, the effect of various scavengers has also been studied. Furthermore, all prepared samples could be used as a convenient recyclable catalyst.

  3. Photocatalytic degradation of model textile dyes in wastewater using ZnO as semiconductor catalyst.

    PubMed

    Chakrabarti, Sampa; Dutta, Binay K

    2004-08-30

    Semiconductor photocatalysis often leads to partial or complete mineralization of organic pollutants. Upon irradiation with UV/visible light, semiconductors catalyze redox reactions in presence of air/O2 and water. Here, the potential of a common semiconductor, ZnO, has been explored as an effective catalyst for the photodegradation of two model dyes: Methylene Blue and Eosin Y. A 16 W lamp was the source of UV-radiation in a batch reactor. The effects of process parameters like, catalyst loading, initial dye concentration, airflow rate, UV-radiation intensity, and pH on the extent of photo degradation have been investigated. Substantial reduction of COD, besides removal of colour, was also achieved. A rate equation for the degradation based on Langmuir-Hinshelwood model has been proposed.

  4. Consolidated bioprocessing of lignocellulosic biomass to lactic acid by a synthetic fungal-bacterial consortium.

    PubMed

    Shahab, Robert L; Luterbacher, Jeremy S; Brethauer, Simone; Studer, Michael H

    2018-05-01

    Consolidated bioprocessing (CBP) of lignocellulosic feedstocks to platform chemicals requires complex metabolic processes, which are commonly executed by single genetically engineered microorganisms. Alternatively, synthetic consortia can be employed to compartmentalize the required metabolic functions among different specialized microorganisms as demonstrated in this work for the direct production of lactic acid from lignocellulosic biomass. We composed an artificial cross-kingdom consortium and co-cultivated the aerobic fungus Trichoderma reesei for the secretion of cellulolytic enzymes with facultative anaerobic lactic acid bacteria. We engineered ecological niches to enable the formation of a spatially structured biofilm. Up to 34.7 gL -1 lactic acid could be produced from 5% (w/w) microcrystalline cellulose. Challenges in converting pretreated lignocellulosic biomass include the presence of inhibitors, the formation of acetic acid and carbon catabolite repression. In the CBP consortium hexoses and pentoses were simultaneously consumed and metabolic cross-feeding enabled the in situ degradation of acetic acid. As a result, superior product purities were achieved and 19.8 gL -1 (85.2% of the theoretical maximum) of lactic acid could be produced from non-detoxified steam-pretreated beech wood. These results demonstrate the potential of consortium-based CBP technologies for the production of high value chemicals from pretreated lignocellulosic biomass in a single step. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  5. Sorption and degradation of selected organic UV filters (BM-DBM, 4-MBC, and OD-PABA) in laboratory water-sediment systems.

    PubMed

    Li, Sheng; Lu, Guanghua; Xie, Zhengxin; Ding, Jiannan; Liu, Jianchao; Li, Yi

    2016-05-01

    Organic UV filters that have been widely used in sunscreens and other personal care products have drawn much public concern because of their widespread contamination in the environment and their potential ecological risks to ecosystems. We selected three UV filters with high frequency of detection in the environment, namely butyl methoxy dibenzoylmethane (BM-DBM), ethylhexyl dimethyl p-aminobenzoate (OD-PABA), and 4-methylbenzylidene camphor (4-MBC), to investigate the sorption and degradation behaviors of these compounds in lab-scale water-sediment systems set up with natural water and sediment samples collected from different rivers and lakes (i.e., Yangtze River, Qinhuai River, Xuanwu Lake, and Mochou Lake) in Nanjing, East China. The sorption isotherms of these UV filters were well described by the Freundlich equation (C s   = K f  × C w (n) ). The sorption of three UV filters in four sediments was all linear or close to it, with n values between 0.92 and 1.13. A moderate to strong sorption affinity was observed for these compounds, and the sorption appears to be irreversible. For the combined sorption and degradation studies, sorption was found to be a primary mechanism for the disappearance of these UV filters from the water phase, and biotransformation appears to be the predominant factor for the degradation of the target compounds in the water-sediment systems. All three UV filters were found to be slightly resistant to the microbes in these systems, with DT50total and DT90total values-the disappearance time (DT) describes the time in which the initial total mass of the UV filters in the whole system is reduced by 50 and 90 %-ranging between 18 and 31 days and 68 and 101 days, respectively.

  6. Photo-degradation of clofibric acid by ultraviolet light irradiation at 185 nm.

    PubMed

    Li, Wenzhen; Lu, Shuguang; Chen, Nuo; Gu, Xiaogang; Qiu, Zhaofu; Fan, Ji; Lin, Kuangfei

    2009-01-01

    As a metabolite of lipid regulators, clofibric acid (CA) was investigated in this study for its ultraviolet (UV) degradation at monochromatic wavelength of 185 nm using Milli-Q water and sewage treatment plant (STP) effluent. The effects of CA initial concentration, solution pH, humic acid (HA), nitrate and bicarbonate anions on CA degradation performances were evaluated. All CA degradation patterns well fitted the pseudo-first-order kinetic model. The results showed that OH generated from water photolysis by UV185 irradiation was involved, resulting in indirect CA photolysis but contributed less to the whole CA removal when compared to the main direct photolysis process. Acid condition favored slightly to CA degradation and other constituents in solution, such as HA (5.0-100.0 mg L(-1)), nitrate and bicarbonate anions (1.0x10(-3) mol L(-1) and 0.1 mol L(-1)), had negative effects on CA degradation. When using real STP effluent CA degradation could reach 97.4% (without filtration) and 99.3% (with filtration) after 1 hr irradiation, showing its potential mean in pharmaceuticals removal in UV disinfection unit. Mineralization tests showed that rapid chloride ion release happened, resulting in no chlorinated intermediates accumulation, and those non-chlorinated intermediate products could further be nearly completely degraded to CO2 and H2O after 6 hrs.

  7. UV-Ilmenite based photo-catalysis in lignin based black liquor

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Amriani, F.; Abimanyu, H.; Natsir, M.; Sutrizal, L.; Nursin, A.

    2018-03-01

    Ilmenite can be found abundantly in iron sand from sea shore along Wolowo beach in Button district, Southeast Sulawesi, Indonesia. The ability of ilmenite in degrading lignin in black liquor has been investigated. The results of lignin degradation process in black liquor are supposed to be the potential resources for fungicide such as coniferyl, sinapyl, and p-coumaryl alcohol. The process was conducted in 10 watt ultraviolet (UV) light chamber with two parameters applying include exposure time and ilmenite composition. Two scheme of process are used by differentiating the feed, raw black liquor (scheme 1) and the liquor after adding of 1% sodium hydroxide into lignin-based sludge (scheme 2). Decolourization and lignin degradation analysis after the process were conducted by using UV-Vis spectrophotometer and LCMS, respectively. The results showed that the treatment from the scheme 1 was better than the scheme 2. Both lignin degradation and decolourization can effectively result in more than 31% by using 0.3 g ilmenite for 10 minutes UV exposure. The interim analysis by liquid chromatography-mass spectrophotometer (LCMS) exhibits the suspected target in range 309.4 to 311.39 g/mol as p-coumaryl alcohol while two other targets did not found in chromatogram. Thus, this research requires further evaluation and development to maximise the degradation result so the final goal can be achieved successfully.

  8. An efficient and environment-friendly method of removing graphene oxide in wastewater and its degradation mechanisms.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Chao-Zhi; Li, Ting; Yuan, Yang; Xu, Jianqiang

    2016-06-01

    Graphene and graphene oxide (GO) have already existed in air, water and soil due to their popular application in functional materials. However, degradation of graphene and GO in wastewater has not been reported. Degradation of GO plays a key role in the elimination of graphene and GO in wastewater due to graphene being easily oxidized to GO. In this paper, GO was completely degraded to give CO2 by Photo-Fenton. The degradation intermediates were determined by UV-vis absorption spectra, elemental analysis (EA), fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). Experimental results showed that graphene oxide was completely degraded to give CO2 after 28 days. Based on UV, FT-IR, LC-MS spectra and EA data of these degradation intermediates, the degradation mechanisms of GO were supposed. This paper suggests an efficient and environment-friendly method to degrade GO and graphene. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  9. Biodegradation of thermoplastic starch and its blends with poly(lactic acid) and polyethylene: influence of morphology

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    The room temperature mineralization of thermoplastic starch (TPS) with a high glycerol content and its blends with low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and polylactic acid (PLA) are examined under controlled degradation conditions. These results are correlated with the morphologies and continuity behavio...

  10. Preparation and enhanced visible-light photocatalytic H2-production activity of CdS-sensitized Pt/TiO2 nanosheets with exposed (001) facets.

    PubMed

    Qi, Lifang; Yu, Jiaguo; Jaroniec, Mietek

    2011-05-21

    CdS-sensitized Pt/TiO(2) nanosheets with exposed (001) facets were prepared by hydrothermal treatment of a Ti(OC(4)H(9))(4)-HF-H(2)O mixed solution followed by photochemical reduction deposition of Pt nanoparticles (NPs) on TiO(2) nanosheets (TiO(2) NSs) and chemical bath deposition of CdS NPs on Pt/TiO(2) NSs, successively. The UV and visible-light driven photocatalytic activity of the as-prepared samples was evaluated by photocatalytic H(2) production from lactic acid aqueous solution under UV and visible-light (λ ≥ 420 nm) irradiation. It was shown that no photocatalytic H(2)-production activity was observed on the pure TiO(2) NSs under UV and/or visible-light irradiation. Deposition of CdS NPs on Pt/TiO(2) NSs caused significant enhancement of the UV and visible-light photocatalytic H(2)-production rates. The morphology of TiO(2) particles had also significant influence on the visible-light H(2)-production activity. Among TiO(2) NSs, P25 and the NPs studied, the CdS-sensitized Pt/TiO(2) NSs show the highest photocatalytic activity (13.9% apparent quantum efficiency obtained at 420 nm), exceeding that of CdS-sensitized Pt/P25 by 10.3% and that of Pt/NPs by 1.21%, which can be attributed to the combined effect of several factors including the presence of exposed (001) facets, surface fluorination and high specific surface area. After many replication experiments of the photocatalytic hydrogen production in the presence of lactic acid, the CdS-sensitized Pt/TiO(2) NSs did not show great loss in the photocatalytic activity, confirming that the CdS/Pt/TiO(2) NSs system is stable and not photocorroded. © The Owner Societies 2011

  11. Enhanced Antimicrobial Activity Based on a Synergistic Combination of Sublethal Levels of Stresses Induced by UV-A Light and Organic Acids.

    PubMed

    de Oliveira, Erick F; Cossu, Andrea; Tikekar, Rohan V; Nitin, Nitin

    2017-06-01

    The reduction of microbial load in food and water systems is critical for their safety and shelf life. Conventionally, physical processes such as heat or light are used for the rapid inactivation of microbes, while natural compounds such as lactic acid may be used as preservatives after the initial physical process. This study demonstrates the enhanced and rapid inactivation of bacteria based on a synergistic combination of sublethal levels of stresses induced by UV-A light and two food-grade organic acids. A reduction of 4.7 ± 0.5 log CFU/ml in Escherichia coli O157:H7 was observed using a synergistic combination of UV-A light, gallic acid (GA), and lactic acid (LA), while the individual treatments and the combination of individual organic acids with UV-A light resulted in a reduction of less than 1 log CFU/ml. Enhanced inactivation of bacteria on the surfaces of lettuce and spinach leaves was also observed based on the synergistic combination. Mechanistic investigations suggested that the treatment with a synergistic combination of GA plus LA plus UV-A (GA+LA+UV-A) resulted in significant increases in membrane permeability and intracellular thiol oxidation and affected the metabolic machinery of E. coli In addition, the antimicrobial activity of the synergistic combination of GA+LA+UV-A was effective only against metabolically active E. coli O157:H7. In summary, this study illustrates the potential of simultaneously using a combination of sublethal concentrations of natural antimicrobials and a low level of physical stress in the form of UV-A light to inactivate bacteria in water and food systems. IMPORTANCE There is a critical unmet need to improve the microbial safety of the food supply, while retaining optimal nutritional and sensory properties of food. Furthermore, there is a need to develop novel technologies that can reduce the impact of food processing operations on energy and water resources. Conventionally, physical processes such as heat and light are used for inactivating microbes in food products, but these processes often significantly reduce the sensory and nutritional properties of food and are highly energy intensive. This study demonstrates that the combination of two natural food-grade antimicrobial agents with a sublethal level of physical stress in the form of UV-A light can greatly increase microbial load inactivation. In addition, this report elucidates the potential mechanisms for this synergistic interaction among physical and chemical stresses. Overall, these results provide a novel approach to develop antimicrobial solutions for food and water systems. Copyright © 2017 American Society for Microbiology.

  12. Investigation of lactic acid bacterial strains for meat fermentation and the product's antioxidant and angiotensin-I-converting-enzyme inhibitory activities.

    PubMed

    Takeda, Shiro; Matsufuji, Hisashi; Nakade, Koji; Takenoyama, Shin-Ichi; Ahhmed, Abdulatef; Sakata, Ryoichi; Kawahara, Satoshi; Muguruma, Michio

    2017-03-01

    In the lactic acid bacteria (LAB) strains screened from our LAB collection, Lactobacillus (L.) sakei strain no. 23 and L. curvatus strain no. 28 degraded meat protein and tolerated salt and nitrite in vitro. Fermented sausages inoculated strains no. 23 and no. 28 showed not only favorable increases in viable LAB counts and reduced pH, but also the degradation of meat protein. The sausages fermented with these strains showed significantly higher antioxidant activity than those without LAB or fermented by each LAB type strain. Angiotensin-I-converting-enzyme (ACE) inhibitory activity was also significantly higher in the sausages fermented with strain no. 23 than in those fermented with the type strain. Higher ACE inhibitory activity was also observed in the sausages fermented with strain no. 28, but did not differ significantly from those with the type strain. An analysis of the proteolysis and degradation products formed by each LAB in sausages suggested that those bioactivities yielded fermentation products such as peptides. Therefore, LAB starters that can adequately ferment meat, such as strains no. 23 and no. 28, should contribute to the production of bioactive compounds in meat products. © 2016 Japanese Society of Animal Science.

  13. Cdt2-mediated XPG degradation promotes gap-filling DNA synthesis in nucleotide excision repair

    PubMed Central

    Han, Chunhua; Wani, Gulzar; Zhao, Ran; Qian, Jiang; Sharma, Nidhi; He, Jinshan; Zhu, Qianzheng; Wang, Qi-En; Wani, Altaf A

    2015-01-01

    Xeroderma pigmentosum group G (XPG) protein is a structure-specific repair endonuclease, which cleaves DNA strands on the 3′ side of the DNA damage during nucleotide excision repair (NER). XPG also plays a crucial role in initiating DNA repair synthesis through recruitment of PCNA to the repair sites. However, the fate of XPG protein subsequent to the excision of DNA damage has remained unresolved. Here, we show that XPG, following its action on bulky lesions resulting from exposures to UV irradiation and cisplatin, is subjected to proteasome-mediated proteolytic degradation. Productive NER processing is required for XPG degradation as both UV and cisplatin treatment-induced XPG degradation is compromised in NER-deficient XP-A, XP-B, XP-C, and XP-F cells. In addition, the NER-related XPG degradation requires Cdt2, a component of an E3 ubiquitin ligase, CRL4Cdt2. Micropore local UV irradiation and in situ Proximity Ligation assays demonstrated that Cdt2 is recruited to the UV-damage sites and interacts with XPG in the presence of PCNA. Importantly, Cdt2-mediated XPG degradation is crucial to the subsequent recruitment of DNA polymerase δ and DNA repair synthesis. Collectively, our data support the idea of PCNA recruitment to damage sites which occurs in conjunction with XPG, recognition of the PCNA-bound XPG by CRL4Cdt2 for specific ubiquitylation and finally the protein degradation. In essence, XPG elimination from DNA damage sites clears the chromatin space needed for the subsequent recruitment of DNA polymerase δ to the damage site and completion of gap-filling DNA synthesis during the final stage of NER. PMID:25483071

  14. Non-hydroxyl radical mediated photochemical processes for dye degradation.

    PubMed

    Liu, Xitong; Song, Xiaojie; Zhang, Shujuan; Wang, Mengshu; Pan, Bingcai

    2014-04-28

    Using solar energy for the decontamination of wastewater is a promising solution to the water-energy nexus. Current advanced oxidation processes have an unsatisfactory efficiency in the treatment of dye wastewater due to the non-selectivity of hydroxyl radicals. More efficient photochemical approaches for dye degradation are highly needed. Three diketones, biacetyl, acetylacetone, and acetonylacetone, were proven to be potent activators for the photodecoloration of azo, triarylmethane and anthraquinone dyes. The photodegradation kinetics of Acid Orange 7 in the UV/diketone processes was much faster than that in the UV/H2O2 system. Photo-induced energy and electron transfer were possible mechanisms for dye degradation in the diketone systems. Adducts of dye and acetylacetone were identified, indicating a unique dye degradation route through adduct formation and decomposition. Unlike acting only as the target substrate of ˙OH in advanced oxidation processes, the dyes played vital roles in the UV/diketone processes. The findings here provide new insights for designing more efficient technologies for environmental remediation, based on diketone photochemistry.

  15. [Photodegradation of naproxen in aqueous systems by UV irradiation: mechanism and toxicity of photolysis products].

    PubMed

    Ma, Du-juan; Liu, Guo-guang; Lü, Wen-ying; Yao, Kun; Zhou, Li-hua; Xie, Cheng-ping

    2013-05-01

    This paper studies the degradation mechanism, the reaction kinetics and the toxicity of photolysis products of naproxen in waters under UV irradiation (120 W mercury lamp) by quenching experiments of reactive oxygen species (ROS), oxygen concentration experiment and toxicity evaluation using Vibrio fischeri bacteria. The results demonstrated that NPX could be degraded effectively by UV irradiation and the photolysis pathways was the sum of the degradation by direct photolysis and self-sensitization via ROS, and the contribution rates of self-sensitized photodegradation were 0.1%, 80.2%, 35.7% via *OH, (1)O2, O2*-, respectively. The effect of oxygen concentration illustrated that dissolved oxygen had an inhibitory effect on the direct photodegradation of NPX, and the higher the oxygen content, the more obvious the inhibitory effect. The toxicity evaluation illustrated the formation of some intermediate products that were more toxic than NPX during the photodegradation of NPX. The process of NPX degradation in all cases could be fitted by the pseudo first-order kinetics model.

  16. The I domain of the AAA+ HslUV protease coordinates substrate binding, ATP hydrolysis, and protein degradation

    PubMed Central

    Sundar, Shankar; Baker, Tania A; Sauer, Robert T

    2012-01-01

    In the AAA+ HslUV protease, substrates are bound and unfolded by a ring hexamer of HslU, before translocation through an axial pore and into the HslV degradation chamber. Here, we show that the N-terminal residues of an Arc substrate initially bind in the HslU axial pore, with key contacts mediated by a pore loop that is highly conserved in all AAA+ unfoldases. Disordered loops from the six intermediate domains of the HslU hexamer project into a funnel-shaped cavity above the pore and are positioned to contact protein substrates. Mutations in these I-domain loops increase KM and decrease Vmax for degradation, increase the mobility of bound substrates, and prevent substrate stimulation of ATP hydrolysis. HslU-ΔI has negligible ATPase activity. Thus, the I domain plays an active role in coordinating substrate binding, ATP hydrolysis, and protein degradation by the HslUV proteolytic machine. PMID:22102327

  17. Tantalum oxide and barium sulfate as radiopacifiers in injectable calcium phosphate-poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) cements for monitoring in vivo degradation.

    PubMed

    Hoekstra, Jan Willem M; van den Beucken, Jeroen J J P; Leeuwenburgh, Sander C G; Bronkhorst, Ewald M; Meijer, Gert J; Jansen, John A

    2014-01-01

    Monitoring the degradation of calcium phosphate-based bone substitute materials in vivo by means of noninvasive techniques (e.g., radiography) is often a problem due to the chemical resemblance of those substitutes with the mineral phase of bone. In the view of that, the present study aimed at enhancing the radiopacity of calcium phosphate cement enriched with poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (CPC-PLGA) microspheres, by adding tantalum oxide (Ta2O5) or the more traditional radiopacifier barium sulfate (BaSO4). The radiopacifying capacity of these radiopacifiers was first evaluated in vitro by microcomputed tomography (μCT). Thereafter, both radiopacifiers were tested in vivo using a distal femoral condyle model in rabbits, with subsequent ex vivo μCT analysis in parallel with histomorphometry. Addition of either one of the radiopacifiers proved to enhance radiopacity of CPC-PLGA in vitro. The in vivo experiment showed that both radiopacifiers did not induce alterations in biological performance compared to plain CPC-PLGA, hence both radiopacifiers can be considered safe and biocompatible. The histomorphometrical assessment of cement degradation and bone formation showed similar values for the three experimental groups. Interestingly, μCT analysis showed that monitoring cement degradation becomes feasible upon incorporation of either type of radiopacifier, albeit that BaSO4 showed more accuracy compared to Ta2O5. Copyright © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc., a Wiley Company.

  18. Inactivation of microorganisms in apple juice using an ultraviolet silica-fiber optical device.

    PubMed

    Lu, Gang; Li, Chaolin; Liu, Peng; Cui, Haibo; Xia, Yong; Wang, Jianfeng

    2010-09-02

    Most juices are opaque to ultraviolet (UV) due to the high-suspended solids in them and therefore the conventional UV treatment, generally used for water treatment, cannot be used for treating juices. In order to achieve a high germicidal efficiency of UV processing, an optical device with silica optical fibers for UV light delivery was designed. Its suitability for application could be shown in experiments with Escherichia coli, Lactobacillus brevis, Saccharomyces cerevisiae and naturally contaminating microorganisms as test microorganisms. The thin-film thickness for treating apple juice was optimized. At 2.0-mm film thickness, E. coli and L. brevis were reduced by up to 6 log orders with the UV dose of 23.7 m J/cm(2) and the optical-fiber distribution density of 15 fibers/cm(2), while only about 4-log reduction of S. cerevisiae was achieved under the same condition. Naturally contaminating lactic acid bacteria, Enterobacteriaceae and yeasts and moulds in freshly extracted apple juice were reduced to below 10 CFU/ml. These results indicate that this optical device could be used to improve microbial safety and extend shelf-life of apple juice. Copyright (c) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  19. Rhodamine B in dissolved and nano-bound forms: Indicators for light-based advanced oxidation processes.

    PubMed

    Shabat-Hadas, Efrat; Mamane, Hadas; Gitis, Vitaly

    2017-10-01

    Rhodamine B (RhB) is a water-soluble fluorescent dye that is often used to determine flux and flow direction in biotechnological and environmental applications. In the current research, RhB in soluble (termed free) and virus-bound (termed nano-bound) forms was used as an efficiency indicator for three environmental processes. The degradation of free and nano-bound RhB by (i) direct UV photolysis and (ii) UV/H 2 O 2 advanced oxidation process (AOP) was studied in a collimated beam apparatus equipped with medium-pressure mercury vapor lamp. The degradation by (iii) solar light-induced photocatalysis was studied in a solar simulator with titanium dioxide and bismuth photocatalysts. Results showed negligible RhB degradation by direct UV and solar light, and its nearly linear degradation by UV/H 2 O 2 and photocatalysis/photosensitization in the presence of a solid catalyst. Considerable adsorption of free RhB on bismuth-based catalyst vs. no adsorption of nano-bound RhB on this catalyst or of any form of the dye on titanium dioxide produced two important conclusions. First, the better degradation of free RhB by the bismuth catalyst suggests that close proximity of a catalyst hole and the decomposing molecule significantly influences degradation. Second, the soluble form of the dye might not be the best option for its use as an indicator. Nano-bound RhB showed high potential as an AOP indicator, featuring possible separation from water after the analysis. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  20. In vivo biocompatibility, sustained-release and stability of triptorelin formulations based on a liquid, degradable polymer.

    PubMed

    Asmus, Lutz R; Tille, Jean-Christophe; Kaufmann, Béatrice; Melander, Louise; Weiss, Torsten; Vessman, Kerstin; Koechling, Wolfgang; Schwach, Grégoire; Gurny, Robert; Möller, Michael

    2013-02-10

    Hexylsubstituted poly(lactic acid) (hexPLA) is a viscous polymer, which degrades in the presence of water similar to the structure related poly(lactic acid). With hydrophilic active compounds, like Triptorelin acetate, the lipophilic polymer was formulated in form of parenterally injectable suspensions. This first in vivo study toward the biocompatibility of hexPLA implants in rats over 3 months in comparison to in situ forming poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) formulations is presented here. The hexPLA implants showed only a mild acute inflammation at the injection site after application, which continuously regressed. In contrast to the PLGA formulations, hexPLA did not provoke an encapsulation of the implant with extracellular matrix. Prior to the formulation application, the stability of Triptorelin inside the hexPLA matrix was assessed under different storage conditions and in the presence of buffer to simulate a peptide degrading environment. At 5°C Triptorelin showed a stability of 98% inside the polymer for at least 6 months. The stability was still 78% at an elevated temperature of 40°C. HexPLA protected the incorporated peptide from the surrounding aqueous environment, which resulted in 20% less degradation inside the polymer compared to the solution. This protection effect supports the use of Triptorelin-hexPLA formulations for parenteral sustained-release formulations. In a second in vivo evaluation in Wistar Hannover rats, formulations containing 5% and 10% Triptorelin in the polymeric matrix released the active compound continuously for 6 months. The formulations showed a higher release during the initial 7 days, which is necessary for the clinical use to down-regulate all GnRH-receptors. Afterwards, a zero order drug release was observed over the first 3 months. After 3 months, the plasma levels decreased slowly but remained at effective concentrations for the total of 6 months. Furthermore, a qualitative in vitro-in vivo correlation was observed, possibly facilitating future optimization of the Triptorelin-hexPLA sustained-release formulations. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  1. Strain improvement of Sporolactobacillus inulinus ATCC 15538 for acid tolerance and production of D-lactic acid by genome shuffling.

    PubMed

    Zheng, Huijie; Gong, Jixian; Chen, Tao; Chen, Xun; Zhao, Xueming

    2010-02-01

    Improvement of acid tolerance and production of D-lactic acid by Sporolactobacillus inulinus ATCC 15538 was performed by using recursive protoplast fusion in a genome shuffling format. The starting population was generated by ultraviolet irradiation, diethyl sulfate mutagenesis, and pH-gradient filter and then, subjected for the recursive protoplast fusion. The concentration of lysozyme, time, and temperature for enzyme treatment were optimized by response surface methodology based on the central composite design. Based on contour plots and variance analysis, the model predicted a maximum Y (multiply protoplasts formation ratio by protoplasts regeneration ratio), 60.4%, and the corresponding above used values were 7.75 mg/ml lysozyme, 1.59 h, and 38 degrees C. A pH-5-resistant recombinant, F3-4, was obtained after three rounds of genome shuffling and its production of D-lactic acid reached 93.4 g/l in a 5 L bioreactor, which was increased by 39.8% and 119% in comparison with that of UV generated strain and the original strain S. inulinus ATCC 15538, respectively. The subculture experiments indicated that F3-4 was genetically stable.

  2. Low levels of iron enhance UV/H2O2 efficiency at neutral pH.

    PubMed

    Ulliman, Sydney L; McKay, Garrett; Rosario-Ortiz, Fernando L; Linden, Karl G

    2018-03-01

    While the presence of iron is generally not seen as favorable for UV-based treatment systems due to lamp fouling and decreased UV transmittance, we show that low levels of iron can lead to improvements in the abatement of chemicals in the UV-hydrogen peroxide advanced oxidation process. The oxidation potential of an iron-assisted UV/H 2 O 2 (UV 254  + H 2 O 2  + iron) process was evaluated at neutral pH using iron levels below USEPA secondary drinking water standards (<0.3 mg/L). Para-chlorobenzoic acid (pCBA) was used as a hydroxyl radical (HO) probe to quantify HO steady state concentrations. Compounds degraded by different mechanisms including, carbamazepine (CBZ, HO oxidation) and N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA, direct photolysis), were used to investigate the effect of iron on compound degradation for UV/H 2 O 2 systems. The effects of iron species (Fe 2+ and Fe 3+ ), iron concentration (0-0.3 mg/L), H 2 O 2 concentration (0-10 mg/L) and background water matrix (low-carbon tap (LCT) and well water) on HO production and compound removal were examined. Iron-assisted UV/H 2 O 2 efficiency was most influenced by the target chemical and the water matrix. Added iron to UV/H 2 O 2 was shown to increase the steady-state HO concentration by approximately 25% in all well water scenarios. While CBZ removal was unchanged by iron addition, 0.3 mg/L iron improved NDMA removal rates in both LCT and well water matrices by 15.1% and 4.6% respectively. Furthermore, the combination of UV/Fe without H 2 O 2 was also shown to enhance NDMA removal when compared to UV photolysis alone indicating the presence of degradation pathways other than HO oxidation. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  3. Application of UV-irradiated Fe(III)-nitrilotriacetic acid (UV-Fe(III)NTA) and UV-NTA-Fenton systems to degrade model and natural occurring naphthenic acids.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Ying; Chelme-Ayala, Pamela; Klamerth, Nikolaus; Gamal El-Din, Mohamed

    2017-07-01

    Naphthenic acids (NAs) are a highly complex mixture of organic compounds naturally present in bitumen and identified as the primary toxic constituent of oil sands process-affected water (OSPW). This work investigated the degradation of cyclohexanoic acid (CHA), a model NA compound, and natural occurring NAs during the UV photolysis of Fe(III)-nitrilotriacetic acid (UV-Fe(III)NTA) and UV-NTA-Fenton processes. The results indicated that in the UV-Fe(III)NTA process at pH 8, the CHA removal increased with increasing NTA dose (0.18, 0.36 and 0.72 mM), while it was independent of the Fe(III) dose (0.09, 0.18 and 0.36 mM). Moreover, the three Fe concentrations had no influence on the photolysis of the Fe(III)NTA complex. The main responsible species for the CHA degradation was hydroxyl radical (OH), and the role of dissolved O 2 in the OH generation was found to be negligible. Real OSPW was treated with the UV-Fe(III)NTA and UV-NTA-Fenton advanced oxidation processes (AOPs). The removals of classical NAs (O 2 -NAs), oxidized NAs with one additional oxygen atom (O 3 -NAs) and with two additional oxygen atoms (O 4 -NAs) were 44.5%, 21.3%, and 25.2% in the UV-Fe(III)NTA process, respectively, and 98.4%, 86.0%, and 81.0% in the UV-NTA-Fenton process, respectively. There was no influence of O 2 on the NA removal in these two processes. The results also confirmed the high reactivity of the O 2 -NA species with more carbons and increasing number of rings or double bond equivalents. This work opens a new window for the possible treatment of OSPW at natural pH using these AOPs. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  4. Kinetics of patulin degradation in model solution, apple cider and apple juice by ultraviolet radiation.

    PubMed

    Zhu, Yan; Koutchma, Tatiana; Warriner, Keith; Shao, Suqin; Zhou, Ting

    2013-08-01

    Patulin is a mycotoxin produced by a wide range of molds involved in fruit spoilage, most commonly by Penicillium expansum and is a health concern for both consumers and manufacturers. The current study evaluated feasibility of monochromatic ultraviolet (UV) radiation at 253.7 nm as a possible commercial application for the reduction of patulin in fresh apple cider and juice. The R-52G MINERALIGHT® UV bench top lamp was used for patulin destruction. It was shown that 56.5%, 87.5%, 94.8% and 98.6% reduction of patulin can be achieved, respectively, in the model solution, apple cider, apple juice without ascorbic acid addition and apple juice with ascorbic acid addition in 2-mm thickness sample initially spiked by 1 mg·L(-1) of patulin after UV exposure for 40 min at UV irradiance of 3.00 mW·cm(-2). A mathematic model to compare the degradation rate and effective UV dose was developed. The effective UV doses that were directly absorbed by patulin for photochemical reaction were 430, 674, 724 and 763 mJ·cm(-3), respectively. The fluence-based decimal reduction time was estimated to 309.3, 31.3, 28.9 and 5.1 mW·cm(-2)·min, respectively, in four media mentioned above. The degradation of patulin followed the first-order reaction model. The time-based and fluence-based reaction rate constants were determined to predict patulin degradation. The time-based reaction rate constant of samples treated in dynamic regime with constant stirring (model solution: 2.95E-4 s(-1), juice: 4.31E-4 s(-1)) were significantly higher than samples treated in static regime (model solution: 2.79E-4 s(-1), juice: 3.49E-4 s(-1), p < 0.05) when applied UV irradiance and sample thickness were consistent. The reaction rate constant of patulin degradation in apple juice was significantly higher than model solution (p < 0.05). Although further investigations are still needed, the results of this study demonstrated that UV radiation may be an effective method for treating patulin-containing apple cider and juice.

  5. Metal oxide semiconductors for dye degradation

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Adhikari, Sangeeta; Sarkar, Debasish, E-mail: dsarkar@nitrkl.ac.in

    2015-12-15

    Highlights: • Hydrothermal synthesis of monoclinic and hexagonal WO{sub 3} nanostructures. • Nanocuboid and nanofiber growth using different structure directing agents. • WO{sub 3}–ZnO nanocomposites for dye degradation under UV and visible light. • High photocatalytic efficiency is achieved by 10 wt% monoclinic WO{sub 3}. • WO{sub 3} assists to trap hole in UV and arrests electron in visible light irradiation. - Abstract: Organic contaminants are a growing threat to the environment that widely demands their degradation by high efficient photocatalysts. Thus, the proposed research work primely focuses on the efficient degradation of methyl orange using designed WO{sub 3}–ZnO photocatalystsmore » under both UV and visible light irradiation. Two different sets of WO{sub 3} nanostructures namely, monoclinic WO{sub 3} (m-WO{sub 3}) and hexagonal WO{sub 3} (h-WO{sub 3}) synthesizes in presence of a different structure directing agents. A specific dispersion technique allows the intimate contact of as-synthesized WO{sub 3} and ultra-violet active commercial ZnO photocatalyst in different weight variations. ZnO nanocrystal in presence of an optimum 10 wt% m-WO{sub 3} shows a high degree of photocatalytic activity under both UV and visible light irradiation compared to counterpart h-WO{sub 3}. Symmetrical monoclinic WO{sub 3} assists to trap hole in UV, but electron arresting mechanism predominates in visible irradiation. Coupling of monoclinic nanocuboid WO{sub 3} with ZnO proves to be a promising photocatalyst in both wavelengths.« less

  6. Comparative study of UV/TiO2, UV/ZnO and photo-Fenton processes for the organic reactive dye degradation in aqueous solution.

    PubMed

    Peternel, Igor T; Koprivanac, Natalija; Bozić, Ana M Loncarić; Kusić, Hrvoje M

    2007-09-05

    In this study advanced oxidation processes (AOPs), UV/TiO(2), UV/ZnO and photo-Fenton, were applied in order to degrade C.I. Reactive Red 45 (RR45) dye in aqueous solution. The effects of key operating parameters, such as initial pH, catalyst and hydrogen peroxide dosage as well as the effect of initial dye concentration on decolorization and mineralization extents were studied. Primary objective was to determine the optimal conditions for each of the processes. The influence of added zeolite on the process efficiency was also studied. UV/vis spectrophotometric and total organic carbon (TOC) measurements were performed for determination of decolorization and mineralization extents. It has been found that photo-Fenton process was the most efficient with 74.2% TOC removal and complete color removal achieved after a 1h treatment.

  7. Comparison of different advanced oxidation processes for the degradation of two fluoroquinolone antibiotics in aqueous solutions.

    PubMed

    Bobu, Maria; Yediler, Ayfer; Siminiceanu, Ilie; Zhang, Feifang; Schulte-Hostede, Sigurd

    2013-01-01

    In this study a comparative assessment using various advanced oxidation processes (UV/H(2)O(2), UV/H(2)O(2)/Fe(II), O(3), O(3)/UV, O(3)/UV/H(2)O(2) and O(3)/UV/H(2)O(2)/Fe(II)) was attempted to degrade efficiently two fluoroquinolone drugs ENR [enrofloxacin (1-Cyclopropyl-7-(4-ethyl-1-piperazinyl)-6-fluoro-1,4-dihydro-4-oxo-3-quinolonecarboxylic acid)] and CIP [ciprofloxacin (1-cyclopropyl-6-fluoro-4-oxo-7-(piperazin-1-yl)-quinoline-3-carboxylic acid)] in aqueous solutions at a concentrations of 0.15 mM for each drug. The efficiency of the applied oxidation processes (AOPs) has been estimated by the conversion of the original substrate (X(ENR) and X(CIP)) and the reduction of chemical oxygen demand (COD), total organic carbon (TOC). Special emphasis was laid on the effect of varying reaction pH as well as of the applied oxidant doses on the observed reaction kinetics for each advanced oxidation processes. High degradation efficiencies, particularly in terms of rates of TOC and COD abatement, were obtained for photo-Fenton assisted ozonation [O(3)/UV/H(2)O(2)/Fe(II)], compared to other advanced oxidation processes. At pH 3 and 25°C best results for the degradation of both investigated drugs were achieved when 10 mM H(2)O(2), 0.5 mM Fe(II) and an initial dose of 8.5 mg L(-1) ozone were applied. In addition, the evolution of toxicity of the reaction mixtures for different AOPs has been studied by the bioluminescence test (LUMIStox 300).

  8. Photo-assisted electrochemical degradation of polychlorinated biphenyls with boron-doped diamond electrodes.

    PubMed

    Gutiérrez-Hernández, Rubén F; Bello-Mendoza, Ricardo; Hernández-Ramírez, Aracely; Malo, Edi A; Nájera-Aguilar, Hugo A

    2017-09-19

    The capacity of the photo electro-Fenton (PEF) process to degrade a mixture of seven polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) congeners was studied. Boron-doped diamond (BDD) sheets were used as anode and cathode in the experimental electrolytic cell that contained Na 2 SO 4 0.05 M at pH 3 as supporting electrolyte for the electro generation of H 2 O 2 at the cathode. The effects of UV light intensity (254 and 365 nm), current density (8, 16 and 24 mA cm -2 ) and ferrous ion dosage (0.1, 0.2 and 0.3 mM) on PCB (C 0 = 50 μg L -1 ) degradation were evaluated. The highest level of PCB degradation (97%) was achieved with 16 mA cm -2 of current density, 0.1 mM of ferrous ion and UV light at 365 nm as irradiation source after 6 h of reaction. PCB28, PCB52 and PCB101 were not detected after 0.5, 1.5 and 3 h of reaction, respectively. The degradation of PCB138, PCB153, PCB180 and PCB209 was also high (>95%). The PEF system outperformed other oxidation processes (electro-Fenton, anodic oxidation, Fenton, photo-Fenton and UV photolysis) in terms of reaction rate and degradation efficiency. These results demonstrate for the first time the degradation of PCB209, the most highly chlorinated PCB congener, by an advanced electrochemical oxidation process.

  9. A comparative approach of methylparaben photocatalytic degradation assisted by UV-C, UV-A and Vis radiations.

    PubMed

    Doná, Giovanna; Dagostin, João Luiz Andreoti; Takashina, Thiago Atsushi; de Castilhos, Fernanda; Igarashi-Mafra, Luciana

    2018-05-01

    Due to the widespread use of methylparaben (MEP) and its high chemical stability, it can be found in wastewater treatment plants and can act as an endocrine disrupting compound. In this study, the photocatalytic degradation and mineralization of MEP solutions were evaluated under UV-A, UV-C and Vis radiations in the presence of the photocatalyst TiO 2 . In this sense, the effects of the catalyst load, pH and MEP initial concentration were studied. Remarkably higher reaction rates and total photodegradation were achieved in systems assisted by UV-C radiation. The complete degradation was achieved after 60 min of reaction using the MEP concentration of 30 mg L -1 at pH 9 and 500 mg L -1 TiO 2 . The experimental data apparently followed a Langmuir-Hinshelwood kinetic model, which could predict 88-98% of the reaction behavior. For the best photodegradation condition, the model predicted an apparent reaction rate constant (k app ) equal to 0.0505 min -1 and an initial reaction rate of 1.5641 mg (L min) -1 . Mineralization analyses showed high removal for MEP and derived compounds from the initial solution when using UV-C after 90 min of reaction. The lower toxicity was also confirmed by in vivo tests using MEP solutions previously treated by photocatalysis.

  10. Degradation of modified carbon black/epoxy nanocomposite coatings under ultraviolet exposure

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ghasemi-Kahrizsangi, Ahmad; Shariatpanahi, Homeira; Neshati, Jaber; Akbarinezhad, Esmaeil

    2015-10-01

    Degradation of epoxy coatings with and without Carbon Black (CB) nanoparticles under ultraviolet (UV) radiation were investigated using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) was used to obtain a good dispersion of CB nanoparticles in a polymer matrix. TEM analysis proved a uniform dispersion of modified CB nanoparticles in epoxy coating. The coatings were subjected to UV radiation to study the degradation behavior and then immersed in 3.5 wt% NaCl. The results showed that the electrochemical behavior of neat epoxy coating was related to the formation and development of microcracks on the surface. The occurrence of microcracks on the surface of the coatings and consequently the penetration of ionic species reduced by adding CB nanoparticles into the formulation of the coatings. CB nanoparticles decreased degradation of CB coatings by absorbing UV irradiation. The ATR-FTIR results showed that decrease in the intensity of methyl group as main peak in presence of 2.5 wt% CB was lower than neat epoxy. In addition, the reduction in impedance of neat epoxy coating under corrosive environment was larger than CB coatings. The CB coating with 2.5 wt% nanoparticles had the highest impedance to corrosive media after 2000 h UV irradiation and 24 h immersion in 3.5 wt% NaCl.

  11. The role of UV-irradiation pretreatment on the degradation of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid in water.

    PubMed

    Tchaikovskaya, O; Sokolova, I; Mayer, G V; Karetnikova, E; Lipatnikova, E; Kuzmina, S; Volostnov, D

    2011-01-01

    The degradation of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) in water by the combination process of UV-irradiation, humic acids and activated sludge treatment has been studied. The photoreaction rate of all irradiated samples was lowest for the sample irradiated at 308 nm (the XeCl excilamp) in the absence and in the presence of humic acids, and highest for the sample irradiated at 222 nm (the KrCl excilamp). Photolysis of 2,4-D has been shown to enhance the subsequent microbial degradation. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

  12. Measurement requirements and techniques for degradation studies and lifetime prediction testing of photovoltaic modules

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Noel, G. T.; Sliemers, F. A.; Derringer, G. C.; Wood, V. E.; Wilkes, K. E.; Gaines, G. B.; Carmichael, D. C.

    1978-01-01

    Tests of weathering and aging behavior are being developed to characterize the degradation and predict the lifetimes of low-cost photovoltaic arrays. Environmental factors which affect array performance include UV radiation, thermal energy, water, oxygen (generally involved in synergistic effects with UV radiation or high temperatures), physical stress, pollutants (oxides of nitrogen, sulfur dioxide and ozone), abrasives and dirt. A survey of photovoltaic array testing has shown the need to establish quantitative correlations between certain measurable properties (carbonyl formation, glass transition temperature, and molecular weight change) and modes of degradation and failure.

  13. Heterogeneous UV/Fenton degradation of bisphenol A catalyzed by synergistic effects of FeCo2O4/TiO2/GO.

    PubMed

    Bai, Xue; Lyu, Lingling; Ma, Wenqiang; Ye, Zhengfang

    2016-11-01

    A new method for bisphenol A (BPA) degradation in aqueous solution was developed. The characteristics of BPA degradation in a heterogeneous ultraviolet (UV)/Fenton reaction catalyzed by FeCo 2 O 4 /TiO 2 /graphite oxide (GO) were studied. The properties of the synthesized catalysts were characterized using scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and vibrating sample magnetometry. FeCo 2 O 4 and TiO 2 were grown as spherical shape, rough surface, and relatively uniform on the surface of GO (FeCo 2 O 4 /TiO 2 /GO). Batch tests were conducted to evaluate the effects of the initial pH, FeCo 2 O 4 /TiO 2 /GO dosage, and H 2 O 2 concentration on BPA degradation. In a system with 0.5 g L -1 of FeCo 2 O 4 /TiO 2 /GO and 10 mmol L -1 of H 2 O 2 , approximately 90 % of BPA (20 mg L -1 ) was degraded within 240 min of UV irradiation at pH 6.0. The reused FeCo 2 O 4 /TiO 2 /GO catalyst retained its activity after three cycles, which indicates that it is stable and reusable. The heterogeneous UV/Fenton reaction catalyzed by FeCo 2 O 4 /TiO 2 /GO is a promising advanced oxidation technology for treating wastewater that contains BPA.

  14. Oxidative degradation of endotoxin by advanced oxidation process (O3/H2O2 & UV/H2O2).

    PubMed

    Oh, Byung-Taek; Seo, Young-Suk; Sudhakar, Dega; Choe, Ji-Hyun; Lee, Sang-Myeong; Park, Youn-Jong; Cho, Min

    2014-08-30

    The presence of endotoxin in water environments may pose a serious public health hazard. We investigated the effectiveness of advanced oxidative processes (AOP: O3/H2O2 and UV/H2O2) in the oxidative degradation of endotoxin. In addition, we measured the release of endotoxin from Escherichia coli following typical disinfection methods, such as chlorine, ozone alone and UV, and compared it with the use of AOPs. Finally, we tested the AOP-treated samples in their ability to induce tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) in mouse peritoneal macrophages. The production of hydroxyl radical in AOPs showed superior ability to degrade endotoxin in buffered solution, as well as water samples from Korean water treatment facilities, with the ozone/H2O2 being more efficient compared to UV/H2O2. In addition, the AOPs proved effective not only in eliminating E. coli in the samples, but also in endotoxin degradation, while the standard disinfection methods lead to the release of endotoxin following the bacteria destruction. Furthermore, in the experiments with macrophages, the AOPs-deactivated endotoxin lead to the smallest induction of TNF-α, which shows the loss of inflammation activity, compared to ozone treatment alone. In conclusion, these results suggest that AOPs offer an effective and mild method for endotoxin degradation in the water systems. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  15. A novel catalytic ceramic membrane fabricated with CuMn2O4 particles for emerging UV absorbers degradation from aqueous and membrane fouling elimination.

    PubMed

    Guo, Yang; Song, Zilong; Xu, Bingbing; Li, Yanning; Qi, Fei; Croue, Jean-Philippe; Yuan, Donghai

    2018-02-15

    A novel catalytic ceramic membrane (CM) for improving ozonation and filtration performance was fabricated by surface coating CuMn 2 O 4 particles on a tubular CM. The degradation of ultraviolet (UV) absorbers, reduction of toxicity, elimination of membrane fouling and catalytic mechanism were investigated. The characterization results suggested the particles were well-fixed on membrane surface. The modified membrane showed improved benzophenone-3 removal performance (from 28% to 34%), detoxification (EC 50 as 12.77%) and the stability of catalytic activity. In the degradation performance of model UV absorbers, the developed membrane significantly decreased the UV254 and DOC values in effluent. Compared with a virgin CM, this CM ozonation increased water flux as 29.9% by in-situ degrade effluent organic matters. The CuMn 2 O 4 modified membrane enhanced the ozone self-decompose to generate O 2 - and initiated the chain reaction of ozone decomposition, and subsequently reacted with molecule ozone to produce OH. Additionally, CM was able to promote the interaction between ozone and catalyst/organic chemicals to form H 2 O 2 that promoted the formation of OH. This catalytic ceramic membrane combining with ozonation showed potential applications in emerging pollutant degradation and membrane fouling elimination, and acted as a novel ternary technology for wastewater treatment and water reuse. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  16. Ensiling Characteristics and the In situ Nutrient Degradability of a By-product Feed-based Silage.

    PubMed

    Kim, Y I; Oh, Y K; Park, K K; Kwak, W S

    2014-02-01

    This study was conducted to evaluate the ensiling characteristics and the in situ degradability of a by-product feed (BF)-based silage. Before ensilation, the BF-based mixture was composed of 50% spent mushroom substrate, 21% recycled poultry bedding, 15% ryegrass straw, 10.8% rice bran, 2% molasses, 0.6% bentonite, and 0.6% microbial inoculant on a wet basis and ensiled for up to 4 weeks. The BF-based silage contained on average 39.3% moisture, 13.4% crude protein (CP), and 52.2% neutral detergent fiber (NDF), 49% total digestible nutrient, and 37.8% physically effective NDF1.18 on a dry matter (DM) basis. Ensiling the BF-based silage for up to 4 weeks affected (p<0.01) the chemical composition to a small extent, increased (p<0.05) the lactic acid and NH3-N content, and decreased (p<0.05) both the total bacterial and lactic acid bacterial counts from 10(9) to 10(8) cfu/g when compared to that before ensiling. These parameters indicated that the silage was fermented and stored well during the 4-week ensiling period. Compared with rice or ryegrass straws, the BF-based silage had a higher (p<0.05) water-soluble and filterable fraction, a lower insoluble degradable DM and CP fraction (p<0.05), a lower digestible NDF (p<0.05) fraction, a higher (p<0.05) DM and CP disappearance and degradability rate, and a lower (p<0.05) NDF disappearance and degradability rate. These results indicated that cheap, good-quality BF-based roughage could be produced by ensiling SMS, RPB, rice bran, and a minimal amount of straw.

  17. Capillary electrophoresis method for the analysis of organic acids and amino acids in the presence of strongly alternating concentrations of aqueous lactic acid.

    PubMed

    Laube, Hendrik; Boden, Jana; Schneider, Roland

    2017-07-01

    During the production of bio-based bulk chemicals, such as lactic acid (LA), organic impurities have to be removed to produce a ready-to-market product. A capillary electrophoresis method for the simultaneous detection of LA and organic impurities in less than 10 min was developed. LA and organic impurities were detected using a direct UV detection method with micellar background electrolyte, which consisted of borate and sodium dodecyl sulfate. We investigated the effects of electrolyte composition and temperature on the speed, sensitivity, and robustness of the separation. A few validation parameters, such as linearity, limit of detection, and internal and external standards, were evaluated under optimized conditions. The method was applied for the detection of LA and organic impurities, including tyrosine, phenylalanine, and pyroglutamic acid, in samples from a continuous LA fermentation process from post-extraction tapioca starch and yeast extract.

  18. Photochemical Degradation of the Anticancer Drug Bortezomib by V-UV/UV (185/254 nm) Investigated by (1)H NMR Fingerprinting: A Way to Follow Aromaticity Evolution.

    PubMed

    Martignac, Marion; Balayssac, Stéphane; Gilard, Véronique; Benoit-Marquié, Florence

    2015-06-18

    We have investigated the removal of bortezomib, an anticancer drug prescribed in multiple myeloma, using the photochemical advanced oxidation process of V-UV/UV (185/254 nm). We used two complementary analytical techniques to follow the removal rate of bortezomib. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) is a nonselective method requiring no prior knowledge of the structures of the byproducts and permits us to provide a spectral signature (fingerprinting approach). This untargeted method provides clues to the molecular structure changes and information on the degradation of the parent drug during the irradiation process. This holistic NMR approach could provide information for monitoring aromaticity evolution. We use liquid chromatography, coupled with high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC-MS), to correlate results obtained by (1)H NMR and for accurate identification of the byproducts, in order to understand the mechanistic degradation pathways of bortezomib. The results show that primary byproducts come from photoassisted deboronation of bortezomib at 254 nm. A secondary byproduct of pyrazinecarboxamide was also identified. We obtained a reliable correlation between these two analytical techniques.

  19. Mechanism insight of PFOA degradation by ZnO assisted-photocatalytic ozonation: Efficiency and intermediates.

    PubMed

    Wu, Dan; Li, Xukai; Tang, Yiming; Lu, Ping; Chen, Weirui; Xu, Xiaoting; Li, Laisheng

    2017-08-01

    Zinc oxide (ZnO) nanorods were prepared by a directly pyrolysis method and employed as catalyst for perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) degradation. Comparative experiments were conducted to discuss the catalytic activity and flexibility of ZnO. After ZnO addition, the best PFOA degradation efficiency (70.5%) was achieved by ZnO/UV/O 3 system, only 9.5% by sole ozonation and 18.2% by UV 254 light irradiation. PFOA degradation was sensitive with pH value and temperature. The better PFOA removal efficiency was achieved at acidic condition. A novel relationship was found among PFOA degradation efficiency with hydroxyl radicals and photo-generated holes. Hydroxyl radicals generated on the surfaces of ZnO nanorods played dominant roles in PFOA degradation. PFOA degradation was found to follow the photo-Kolbe reaction mechanism. C 2 -C 7 shorter-chain perfluorocarboxylic acids and fluoride ion were detected as main intermediates during PFOA degradation process. Based on the results, a proposal degradation pathway was raised. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  20. α-Amylase in Vaginal Fluid: Association With Conditions Favorable to Dominance of Lactobacillus.

    PubMed

    Nasioudis, Dimitrios; Beghini, Joziani; Bongiovanni, Ann Marie; Giraldo, Paulo C; Linhares, Iara M; Witkin, Steven S

    2015-11-01

    Vaginal glycogen is degraded by host α-amylase and then converted to lactic acid by Lactobacilli. This maintains the vaginal pH at ≤4.5 and prevents growth of other bacteria. Therefore, host α-amylase activity may promote dominance of Lactobacilli. We evaluated whether the α-amylase level in vaginal fluid is altered in women with bacterial vaginosis (BV) and vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) and whether its concentration was associated with levels of lactic acid isomers and host mediators. Vaginal fluid was obtained from 43 women with BV, 50 women with VVC, and 62 women with no vulvovaginal disorders. Vaginal fluid concentrations of α-amylase, secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor (SLPI), hyaluronan, hyaluronidase-1, β-defensin, and elafin were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Vaginal concentrations of neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) 8, and d- and l-lactic acid levels in these patients were previously reported. The median vaginal fluid α-amylase level was 1.83 mU/mL in control women, 1.45 mU/mL in women with VVC, and 1.07 mU/mL in women with BV. Vaginal levels of α-amylase were correlated with d-lactic acid (P = .003) but not with l-lactic acid (P > .05) and with SLPI (P < .001), hyaluronidase-1 (P < .001), NGAL (P = .001), and MMP-8 (P = .005). The exfoliation of glycogen-rich epithelial cells into the vaginal lumen by hyaluronidase-1 and MMP-8 may increase glycogen availability and promote α-amylase activity. The subsequent enhanced availability of glycogen breakdown products would favor proliferation of Lactobacilli, the primary producers of d-lactic acid in the vagina. Concomitant production of NGAL and SLPI would retard growth of BV-related bacteria. © The Author(s) 2015.

  1. Pilot-scale UV/H2O2 advanced oxidation process for municipal reuse water: Assessing micropollutant degradation and estrogenic impacts on goldfish (Carassius auratus L.).

    PubMed

    Shu, Zengquan; Singh, Arvinder; Klamerth, Nikolaus; McPhedran, Kerry; Bolton, James R; Belosevic, Miodrag; Gamal El-Din, Mohamed

    2016-09-15

    Low concentrations (ng/L-μg/L) of emerging micropollutant contaminants in municipal wastewater treatment plant effluents affect the possibility to reuse these waters. Many of those micropollutants elicit endocrine disrupting effects in aquatic organisms resulting in an alteration of the endocrine system. A potential candidate for tertiary municipal wastewater treatment of these micropollutants is ultraviolet (UV)/hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) as an advanced oxidation process (AOP) which was currently applied to treat the secondary effluent of the Gold Bar Wastewater Treatment Plant (GBWWTP) in Edmonton, AB, Canada. A new approach is presented to predict the fluence-based degradation rate constants (kf') of environmentally occurring micropollutants including carbamazepine [(0.87-1.39) × 10(-3) cm(2)/mJ] and 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) [(0.60-0.91) × 10(-3) cm(2)/mJ for 2,4-D] in a medium pressure (MP) UV/H2O2 system based on a previous bench-scale investigation. Rather than using removal rates, this approach can be used to estimate the performance of the MP UV/H2O2 process for degrading trace contaminants of concern found in municipal wastewater. In addition to the ability to track contaminant removal/degradation, evaluation of the MP UV/H2O2 process was also accomplished by identifying critical ecotoxicological endpoints (i.e., estrogenicity) of the treated wastewater. Using quantitative PCR, mRNA levels of estrogen-responsive (ER) genes ERα1, ERα2, ERβ1, ERβ2 and NPR as well as two aromatase encoding genes (CYP19a and CYP19b) in goldfish (Carassius auratus L.) were measured during exposure to the GBWWTP effluent before and after MP UV/H2O2 treatment (a fluence of 1000 mJ/cm(2) and 20 mg/L of H2O2) in spring, summer and fall. Elevated expression of estrogen-responsive genes in goldfish exposed to UV/H2O2 treated effluent (a 7-day exposure) suggested that the UV/H2O2 process may induce acute estrogenic disruption to goldfish principally because of the possible formation of various oxidation by-products. However, prolonged exposure of goldfish (60 days) in UV/H2O2 treated effluent showed a restoration trend of ER gene expressions, especially in the summer. Collectively, our findings provide valuable indications regarding the long-term in vivo assessment of the MP UV/H2O2 process for removing/degrading endocrine disrupting compounds detected in the municipal wastewater effluents. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  2. Utilization of a Biodegradable Mulch Sheet Produced from Poly(Lactic Acid)/Ecoflex®/Modified Starch in Mandarin Orange Groves

    PubMed Central

    Tachibana, Yuya; Maeda, Takuya; Ito, Osamu; Maeda, Yasukatsu; Kunioka, Masao

    2009-01-01

    We have developed a mulch sheet made by inflation molding of PLA, Ecoflex® and modified starch, which all have different biodegradabilities. A field test of use as an agricultural mulch sheet for mandarin oranges was carried out over two years. The mechanical properties of the mulch sheet were weakened with time during the field test, but the quality of the mandarin oranges increased, a result of the controlled degradation of the sheet. The most degradable modified starch degraded first, allowing control of the moisture on the soil. Accelerator mass spectroscopy was used for evaluation of the biomass carbon ratio. The biomass carbon ratio decreased by degradation of the biobased materials, PLA and modified starch in the mulch sheet. PMID:19812715

  3. UV stabilization of wood by nano metal oxides dispersed in propylene glycol.

    PubMed

    Nair, Sreeja; Nagarajappa, Giridhar B; Pandey, Krishna K

    2018-06-01

    Nanoparticles of some of the metal oxides are known to have high UV protective efficiency. The UV filtering efficiency of nanoparticles invariably depends on their size and stability in the dispersion. In the present work, a stable dispersion of nanoparticles of three metal oxides, zinc oxide (ZnO), cerium oxide (CeO 2 ) and titanium dioxide (TiO 2 ), was prepared in propylene glycol (PG) using ultrasonication. The method is easy and useful as no additional surfactant or dispersant is needed. The particle size and its distribution was confirmed by Scanning Electron Microscopy and Dynamic Light Scattering. The stability of dispersion was assessed by UV-visible absorption spectroscopy. The UV stability of wood surfaces of Wrightia tinctoria coated with nanodispersions of ZnO, CeO 2 and TiO 2 was evaluated under laboratory conditions in an accelerated weathering tester. Changes in the colour and FTIR spectra of exposed specimens were measured periodically. Rapid colour darkening (yellowing) was observed in uncoated and PG coated specimens. In contrast, nanodispersion coated specimens prevented photo-yellowing considerably with significant reduction in colour changes examined by CIE L*, a*, b* and ΔE*. Increase in concentration of nanoparticles in the dispersion imparted higher resistance to UV induced degradation. However, increased concentration of nanoparticles reduced the transparency of the coating. FTIR analysis indicated rapid degradation of lignin in uncoated and PG coated specimens due to UV exposure. Coating of wood surfaces with nanodispersions restricted lignin degradation. The study also demonstrates the potential of propylene glycol as a dispersant for developing stable and efficient UV protective nanodispersions for wood coating. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  4. Photodegradation of ibuprofen under UV-Vis irradiation: mechanism and toxicity of photolysis products.

    PubMed

    Li, Fu Hua; Yao, Kun; Lv, Wen Ying; Liu, Guo Guang; Chen, Ping; Huang, Hao Ping; Kang, Ya Pu

    2015-04-01

    The photodegradation of ibuprofen (IBP) in aqueous media was studied in this paper. The degradation mechanism, the reaction kinetics and toxicity of the photolysis products of IBP under UV-Vis irradiation were investigated by dissolved oxygen experiments, quenching experiments of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and toxicity evaluation utilizing Vibrio fischeri. The results demonstrated that the IBP degradation process could be fitted by the pseudo first-order kinetics model. The degradation of IBP by UV-Vis irradiation included direct photolysis and self-sensitization via ROS. The presence of dissolved oxygen inhibited the photodegradation of IBP, which indicated that direct photolysis was more rapid than the self-sensitization. The contribution rates of ·OH and (1)O2 were 21.8 % and 38.6 % in self-sensitization, respectively. Ibuprofen generated a number of intermediate products that were more toxic than the base compound during photodegradation.

  5. Nitroxides are more efficient inhibitors of oxidative damage to calf skin collagen than antioxidant vitamins.

    PubMed

    Venditti, Elisabetta; Scirè, Andrea; Tanfani, Fabio; Greci, Lucedio; Damiani, Elisabetta

    2008-01-01

    Reactive oxygen species generated upon UV-A exposure appear to play a major role in dermal connective tissue transformations including degradation of skin collagen. Here we investigate on oxidative damage to collagen achieved by exposure to (i) UV-A irradiation and to (ii) AAPH-derived radicals and on its possible prevention using synthetic and natural antioxidants. Oxidative damage was identified through SDS-PAGE, circular dichroism spectroscopy and quantification of protein carbonyl residues. Collagen (2 mg/ml) exposed to UV-A and to AAPH-derived radicals was degraded in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Upon UV-A exposure, maximum damage was observable at 730 kJ/m2 UV-A, found to be equivalent to roughly 2 h of sunshine, while exposure to 5 mM AAPH for 2 h at 50 degrees C lead to maximum collagen degradation. In both cases, dose-dependent protection was achieved by incubation with muM concentrations of nitroxide radicals, where the extent of protection was shown to be dictated by their structural differences whereas the vitamins E and C proved less efficient inhibitors of collagen damage. These results suggest that nitroxide radicals may be able to prevent oxidative injury to dermal tissues in vivo alternatively to commonly used natural antioxidants.

  6. Combined Silicon and Gallium Arsenide Solar Cell UV Testing

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Willowby, Douglas

    2005-01-01

    The near and long-term effect of UV on silicon solar cells is relatively understood. In an effort to learn more about the effects of UV radiation on the performance of GaAs/Ge solar cells, silicon and gallium arsenide on germanium (GaAs/Ge) solar cells were placed in a vacuum chamber and irradiated with ultraviolet light by a Spectrolab XT 10 solar simulator. Seventeen GaAs/Ge and 8 silicon solar cells were mounted on an 8 inch copper block. By having all the cells on the same test plate we were able to do direct comparison of silicon and GaAs/Ge solar cell degradation. The test article was attached to a cold plate in the vacuum chamber to maintain the cells at 25 degrees Celsius. A silicon solar cell standard was used to measure beam uniformity and any degradation of the ST-10 beam. The solar cell coverings tested included cells with AR-0213 coverglass, fused silica coverglass, BRR-0213 coverglass and cells without coverglass. Of interest in the test is the BRR-0213 coverglass material manufactured by OCLI. It has an added Infrared rejection coating to help reduce the solar cell operating temperature. This coverglass is relatively new and of interest to several current and future programs at Marshall. Due to moves of the laboratory equipment and location only 350 hours of UV degradation have been completed. During this testing a significant leveling off in the rate of degradation was reached. Data from the test and comparisons of the UV effect of the bare cells and cells with coverglass material will be presented.

  7. Study of temperature and irradiation influence on the physicochemical properties of Aspirin

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Al-Maydama, Hussein M.; Abduljabbar, Adlia A.; Al-Maqtari, Maher A.; Naji, Khalid M.

    2018-04-01

    Pure Aspirin samples were treated with a wide spectrum of light (γ-ray, UV- lamp and sunlight) and 40 °C temperature at various time of exposure. The changes in the thermal degradation parameters, crystalline structure, morphology and purity due to radiation and temperature treatments of Aspirin were pursued by comparing their TGA, XRD, SEM and HPLC results. The non-isothermal thermogravimetric analysis curves (TG, DTG and DSC) at 10 °C min-1 heating rate, under nitrogen flow and overheating range of 25-650 °C showed two degradation steps for the treated and untreated Aspirin samples. Accordingly, their thermal behavior and thermal stability were determined. Aspirin samples treated with 40 °C and UV-12 h were proven to be of the lowest thermal stability as their TDTG values (166.7 and 168.8 °C) were lower than that of the untreated sample (TDTG = 181 °C). The degradation kinetics parameters (i.e. activation energy, pre-exponential factor and order of reaction), life time prediction and thermodynamic parameters (ΔG*, ΔH* and ΔS*) were worked out using the Coats-Redfern (CR) expression and standard equations. The lowest activation energy (104.3 kJ mol-1) associated with the highest degradation rate was observed for the UV-12 h treated Aspirin sample. Crystallinity percentage was estimated from XRD and DSC, whereas, morphology and purity changes due to treatments were detected by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and HPLC. The significant change in crystallinity from the XRD results of the treated Aspirin samples occurred in the (32.2%-58.7%) range. The photocatalytic degradation of Aspirin samples before and after treatments was carried out using TiO2/sunlight system. The photocatalytic degradation of all samples followed pseudo first order kinetics and the shelf life, rate of reaction and efficiency of degradation were determined and discussed. The highest degradation percentage (∼99%) and the associated lowest shelf life (4.3-5.8 min) were observed in the photocatalytic degradation of the 40 °C, UV-12 h, γ-ray-aqueous and sunlight treated samples.

  8. Nanostructured hydroxyapatite/poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) composite coating for controlling magnesium degradation in simulated body fluid.

    PubMed

    Johnson, Ian; Akari, Khalid; Liu, Huinan

    2013-09-20

    Biodegradable magnesium (Mg) and its alloys have many attractive properties (e.g. comparable mechanical properties to cortical bone) for orthopedic implant applications, but they degrade too rapidly in the human body to meet clinical requirements. Nanostructured hydroxyapatite (nHA)/poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) composite coatings provide synergistic properties for controlling degradation of Mg-based substrates and improving bone-implant integration. In this study, nHA/PLGA composites were spin coated onto Mg-based substrates and the results showed that the nHA/PLGA coatings retained nano-scale features with nHA dispersed in PLGA matrix. In comparison with non-coated Mg, the nHA/PLGA composite coated Mg increased the corrosion potential and decreased the corrosion current in revised simulated body fluid (rSBF). After 24 h of immersion in rSBF, increased calcium phosphate (CaP) deposition and formation of Mg-substituted CaP rosettes were observed on the surface of the nHA/PLGA coated Mg, indicating greater bioactivity. In contrast, no significant CaP was deposited on the PLGA coated Mg. Since both PLGA coating and nHA/PLGA coating showed some degree of delamination from Mg-based substrates during extended immersion in rSBF, the coating processing and properties should be further optimized in order to take full advantage of biodegradable Mg and nHA/PLGA nanocomposites for orthopedic applications.

  9. Susceptibility of nine organophosphorus pesticides in skimmed milk towards inoculated lactic acid bacteria and yogurt starters.

    PubMed

    Zhou, Xin-Wei; Zhao, Xin-Huai

    2015-01-01

    Previous research has shown that fresh milk might be polluted by some organophosphorus pesticides (OPPs). In this study the dissipation of nine OPPs, namely chlorpyrifos, chlorpyrifos-methyl, diazinon, dichlorvos, fenthion, malathion, phorate, pirimiphos-methyl and trichlorphon, in skimmed milk was investigated to clarify their susceptibility towards lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and yogurt starters. Skimmed milk was spiked with nine OPPs, inoculated with five strains of LAB and two commercial yogurt starters at 42 °C for 24 and 5 h respectively and subjected to quantitative OPP analysis by gas chromatography. Degradation kinetic constants of these OPPs were calculated based on a first-order reaction model. OPP dissipation in the milk was enhanced by the inoculated strains and starters, resulting in OPP concentrations decreasing by 7.0-64.6 and 7.4-19.2% respectively. Totally, the nine OPPs were more susceptible to Lactobacillus bulgaricus, as it enhanced their degradation rate constants by 18.3-133.3%. Higher phosphatase production of the assayed stains was observed to bring about greater OPP degradation in the milk. Both LAB and yogurt starters could enhance OPP dissipation in skimmed milk, with the nine OPPs studied having different susceptibilities towards them. Phosphatase was a key factor governing OPP dissipation. The LAB of higher phosphatase production have more potential to decrease OPPs in fermented foods. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry.

  10. Nanostructured hydroxyapatite/poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) composite coating for controlling magnesium degradation in simulated body fluid

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Johnson, Ian; Akari, Khalid; Liu, Huinan

    2013-09-01

    Biodegradable magnesium (Mg) and its alloys have many attractive properties (e.g. comparable mechanical properties to cortical bone) for orthopedic implant applications, but they degrade too rapidly in the human body to meet clinical requirements. Nanostructured hydroxyapatite (nHA)/poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) composite coatings provide synergistic properties for controlling degradation of Mg-based substrates and improving bone-implant integration. In this study, nHA/PLGA composites were spin coated onto Mg-based substrates and the results showed that the nHA/PLGA coatings retained nano-scale features with nHA dispersed in PLGA matrix. In comparison with non-coated Mg, the nHA/PLGA composite coated Mg increased the corrosion potential and decreased the corrosion current in revised simulated body fluid (rSBF). After 24 h of immersion in rSBF, increased calcium phosphate (CaP) deposition and formation of Mg-substituted CaP rosettes were observed on the surface of the nHA/PLGA coated Mg, indicating greater bioactivity. In contrast, no significant CaP was deposited on the PLGA coated Mg. Since both PLGA coating and nHA/PLGA coating showed some degree of delamination from Mg-based substrates during extended immersion in rSBF, the coating processing and properties should be further optimized in order to take full advantage of biodegradable Mg and nHA/PLGA nanocomposites for orthopedic applications.

  11. Purification Techniques of Bacteriocins from Lactic Acid Bacteria and Other Gram-Positive Bacteria

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Saavedra, Lucila; Sesma, Fernando

    The search for new antimicrobial peptides produced by lactic acid ­bacteria and other Gram-positive microorganisms has become an interesting field of research in the past decades. The fact that bacteriocins are active against numerous foodborne and human pathogens, are produced by generally regarded as safe (GRAS) microorganisms, and are readily degraded by proteolytic host systems makes them attractive candidates for biotechnological applications. However, before suggesting or choosing a new bacteriocin for future technology developments, it is necessary to elucidate its biochemical structure and its mode of action, which may be carried out once the bacteriocin is purified to homogeneity. This chapter focuses on describing the main strategies used for the purification of numerous bacteriocins.

  12. Quantifying the degradation of TNT and RDX in a saline environment with and without UV-exposure.

    PubMed

    Sisco, Edward; Najarro, Marcela; Bridge, Candice; Aranda, Roman

    2015-06-01

    Terrorist attacks in a maritime setting, such as the bombing of the USS Cole in 2000, or the detection of underwater mines, require the development of proper protocols to collect and analyse explosive material from a marine environment. In addition to proper analysis of the explosive material, protocols must also consider the exposure of the material to potentially deleterious elements, such as UV light and salinity, time spent in the environment, and time between storage and analysis. To understand how traditional explosives would be affected by such conditions, saline solutions of explosives were exposed to natural and artificial sunlight. Degradation of the explosives over time was then quantified using negative chemical ionization gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC/NCI-MS). Two explosives, trinitrotoluene (TNT) and cyclotrimethylenetrinitramine (RDX), were exposed to different aqueous environments and light exposures with salinities ranging from freshwater to twice the salinity of ocean water. Solutions were then aged for up to 6 months to simulate different conditions the explosives may be recovered from. Salinity was found to have a negligible impact on the degradation of both RDX and TNT. RDX was stable in solutions of all salinities while TNT solutions degraded regardless of salinity. Solutions of varying salinities were also exposed to UV light, where accelerated degradation was seen for both explosives. Potential degradation products of TNT were identified using electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS), and correspond to proposed degradation products discussed in previously published works [1]. Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd.

  13. Dependence of transformation product formation on pH during photolytic and photocatalytic degradation of ciprofloxacin.

    PubMed

    Salma, Alaa; Thoröe-Boveleth, Sven; Schmidt, Torsten C; Tuerk, Jochen

    2016-08-05

    Ciprofloxacin (CIP) is a broad-spectrum antibiotic with five pH dependent species in aqueous medium, which makes its degradation behavior difficult to predict. For the identification of transformation products and prediction of degradation mechanisms, a new experimental concept making use of isotopically labeled compounds together with high resolution mass spectrometry was successfully established. The utilization of deuterated ciprofloxacin (CIP-d8) facilitated the prediction of three different degradation pathways and the corresponding degradation products, four of which were identified for the first time. Moreover, two molecular structures of previously reported transformation products were revised according to the mass spectra and product ion spectra of the deuterated transformation products. Altogether, 18 transformation products have been identified during the photolytic and photocatalytic reactions at different pH values (3, 5, 7 and 9). In this work the influence of pH on both reaction kinetics and degradation mechanism was investigated for direct ultraviolet photolysis (UV-C irradiation) and photocatalysis (TiO2/UV-C). It could be shown that the removal rates strongly depended on pH with highest removal rates at pH 9. A comparison with those at pH 3 clearly indicated that under acidic conditions ciprofloxacin cannot be easily excited by UV irradiation. We could confirm that the first reaction step for both oxidative treatment processes is mainly defluorination, followed by degradation at the piperazine ring of CIP. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  14. Comparative histological evaluation of new tyrosine-derived polymers and poly (L-lactic acid) as a function of polymer degradation.

    PubMed

    Hooper, K A; Macon, N D; Kohn, J

    1998-09-05

    Previous studies demonstrated that poly(DTE carbonate) and poly (DTE adipate), two tyrosine-derived polymers, have suitable properties for use in biomedical applications. This study reports the evaluation of the in vivo tissue response to these polymers in comparison to poly(L-lactic acid) (PLLA). Typically, the biocompatibility of a material is determined through histological evaluations as a function of implantation time in a suitable animal model. However, due to changes that can occur in the tissue response at different stages of the degradation process, a fixed set of time points is not ideal for comparative evaluations of materials having different rates of degradation. Therefore the tissue response elicited by poly(DTE carbonate), poly(DTE adipate), and PLLA was evaluated as a function of molecular weight. This allowed the tissue response to be compared at corresponding stages of degradation. Poly(DTE adipate) consistently elicited the mildest tissue response, as judged by the width and lack of cellularity of the fibrous capsule formed around the implant. The tissue response to poly(DTE carbonate) was mild throughout the 570 day study. However, the response to PLLA fluctuated as a function of the degree of degradation, exhibiting an increase in the intensity of inflammation as the implant began to lose mass. At the completion of the study, tissue ingrowth into the degrading and disintegrating poly(DTE adipate) implant was evident while no comparative ingrowth of tissue was seen for PLLA. The similarity of the in vivo and in vitro degradation rates of each polymer confirmed the absence of enzymatic involvement in the degradation process. A comparison of molecular weight retention, water uptake, and mass loss in vivo with two commonly used in vitro systems [phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) and simulated body fluid (SBF)] demonstrated that for the two tyrosine-derived polymers the in vivo results were equally well simulated in vitro with PBS and SBF. However, for PLLA the in vivo results were better simulated in vitro using PBS.

  15. Aqueous photodegradation and toxicity of the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons fluorene, dibenzofuran and dibenzothiophene

    PubMed Central

    Shemer, Hilla; Linden, Karl G.

    2007-01-01

    Decay kinetics resulting from the application of UV and UV/H2O2 to the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) fluorene, dibenzofuran and dibenzothiophene was studied. Batch experiments were conducted with both low pressure monochromatic (253.7 nm) and medium pressure polychromatic (200–300 nm) UV sources alone or in the presence of up to 25 mg/L hydrogen peroxide, in a quasi-collimated beam apparatus. Degradation of all three PAHs, by both UV and UV/H2O2, exhibited pseudo-first order reaction kinetics and low quantum yields ranging from 1.4×10−3 to 1.8×10−2 mol/E using both UV lamps. Toxicity testing using a bioluminesence inhibition bioassay was correlated to the decay in concentration of the PAHs as analyzed analytically using HPLC. Results demonstrated that treatment efficacy of oxidative PAH degradation measured by following the decay of the target compound is best complemented by also evaluating the toxicity of the treated water due to byproduct formation concerns. PMID:17217979

  16. Microwave synthesis of pure and doped cerium (IV) oxide (CeO2) nanoparticles for methylene blue degradation.

    PubMed

    El Rouby, W M A; Farghali, A A; Hamdedein, A

    2016-11-01

    Cerium (IV) oxide (CeO 2 ), samarium (Sm) and gadolinium (Gd) doped CeO 2 nanoparticles were prepared using microwave technique. The effect of microwave irradiation time, microwave power and pH of the starting solution on the structure and crystallite size were investigated. The prepared nanoparticles were characterized using X-ray diffraction, FT-Raman spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscope. The photocatalytic activity of the as-prepared CeO 2 , Sm and Gd doped CeO 2 toward degradation of methylene blue (MB) dye was investigated under UV light irradiation. The effect of pH, the amount of catalyst and the dye concentration on the degradation extent were studied. The photocatalytic activity of CeO 2 was kinetically enhanced by trivalent cation (Gd and Sm) doping. The results revealed that Gd doped CeO 2 nanoparticles exhibit the best catalytic degradation activity on MB under UV irradiation. For clarifying the environmental safety of the by products produced from the degradation process, the pathways of MB degradation were followed using liquid chromatography/mass spectroscopy (LC/MS). The total organic carbon content measurements confirmed the results obtained by LC/MS. Compared to the same nanoparticles prepared by another method, it was found that Gd doped CeO 2 prepared by hydrothermal process was able to mineralize MB dye completely under UV light irradiation.

  17. A study on radiation technological degradation of organic chloride wastewater--exemplified by TCE and PCE.

    PubMed

    Huang, Sheng-Kai; Hsieh, Ling-Ling; Chen, Chia-Chieh; Lee, Po-Hsiu; Hsieh, Bor-Tsung

    2009-01-01

    This paper describes the potential of using gamma radiation technology to degrade trichloroethylene (TCE) and perchloroethylene (PCE) wastewater. The experimental method is divided into two parts: (1) using the gamma-ray to irradiate the TCE and PCE solution, the dose-rate is 10Gy/minute, the irradiation dosage is 0-2.5kGy and (2) self-making the UV irradiation system, the tube specification is 254nm and 6W, and turning on 8 tubes at the same time to make the irradiation. The efficiency of degradation ratio for gamma-ray is better than UV in the range of 0.1-250ppm; for example, as for the concentration of 0.1ppm, when TCE is degraded to D(90) and T(90), the gamma-ray only needed 46.7Gy and took about 4.67 minutes, but UV needed to take about 28.1 minutes. The dose-concentration equations of TCE and PCE are: TCE: y=44.58+8.832x, R(2)=0.999; and PCE: y=81.33+12.81x, R(2)=0.997. We verified that the radiation technology is able to effectively degrade the organic chlorine wastewater without yielding the secondary pollution, and the TCE and PCE that degraded by using gamma-ray will be reached US-EPA and Taiwan Effluent Standard (5ppb).

  18. Photocatalytic degradation of aniline using an autonomous rotating drum reactor with both solar and UV-C artificial radiation.

    PubMed

    Durán, A; Monteagudo, J M; San Martín, I; Merino, S

    2018-03-15

    The aim of this work was to evaluate the performance of a novel self-autonomous reactor technology (capable of working with solar irradiation and artificial UV light) for water treatment using aniline as model compound. This new reactor design overcomes the problems of the external mass transfer effect and the accessibility to photons occurring in traditional reaction systems. The UV-light source is located inside the rotating quartz drums (where TiO 2 is immobilized), allowing light to easily reach the water and the TiO 2 surface. Several processes (UV, H 2 O 2 , Solar, TiO 2 , Solar/TiO 2 , Solar/TiO 2 /H 2 O 2 and UV/Solar/H 2 O 2 /TiO 2 ) were tested. The synergy between Solar/H 2 O 2 and Solar/TiO 2 processes was quantified to be 40.3% using the pseudo-first-order degradation rate. The apparent photonic efficiency, ζ, was also determined for evaluating light utilization. For the Solar/TiO 2 /H 2 O 2 process, the efficiency was found to be practically constant (0.638-0.681%) when the film thickness is in the range of 1.67-3.87 μm. However, the efficiency increases up to 2.67% when artificial UV light was used in combination, confirming the efficient design of this installation. Thus, if needed, lamps can be switched on during cloudy days to improve the degradation rate of aniline and its mineralization. Under the optimal conditions selected for the Solar/TiO 2 /H 2 O 2 process ([H 2 O 2 ] = 250 mg/L; pH = 4, [TiO 2 ] = 0.65-1.25 mg/cm 2 ), 89.6% of aniline is degraded in 120 min. If the lamps are switched on, aniline is completely degraded in 10 min, reaching 85% of mineralization in 120 min. TiO 2 was re-used during 5 reaction cycles without apparent loss in activity (<2%). Quantification of hydroxyl radicals and dissolved oxygen allows a chemical-based explanation of the process. Finally, the UV/Solar/TiO 2 /H 2 O 2 process was found to have lower operation costs than other systems described in literature (0.67 €/m 3 ). Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  19. Patulin reduction in apple juice from concentrate by UV radiation and comparison of kinetic degradation models between apple juice and apple cider.

    PubMed

    Assatarakul, Kitipong; Churey, John J; Manns, David C; Worobo, Randy W

    2012-04-01

    Patulin, a mycotoxin produced by several genera of fungi, including Byssochlamys, Aspergillus, and Penicillium, has been an important concern in apple cider and apple juice due to its toxicity and health consequences. In this study, the effects of UV on the patulin level, physical and chemical properties, and sensory attributes in apple juice from concentrate were investigated. Kinetic modeling of patulin reduction by UV radiation in apple juice from concentrate was calculated and compared with the degradation rate observed previously in apple cider. From an initial patulin contamination of approximately 1,000 ppb (μg/liter), the UV exposure, ranging from 14.2 mJ/cm(2) (one pass) to 99.4 mJ/cm(2) (seven passes), was successful in reducing patulin levels by 72.57% ± 2.76% to 5.14% ± 0.70%, respectively. Patulin reduction by UV radiation followed first-order kinetic modeling in a fashion similar to first-order microbial inactivation. An exponential correlation between UV exposure and the percentage of patulin remaining was observed, giving an r(2) value of 0.9950. Apple juice was repeatedly exposed to 14.2 mJ/cm(2) for each treatment, and patulin levels were significantly decreased when compared with the level obtained with the previous UV exposure treatment. While there were no significant differences in the percentages of titratable acidity and ascorbic acid (P > 0.05), there were minor yet random sampling differences in pH and degrees Brix (1 °Brix is 1 g of sucrose in 100 g of solution; the °Brix represents the soluble solids content of the solution as percentage by weight [%, wt/wt]) (P ≤ 0.05). A significant difference (P ≤ 0.05) in sensory perception for the finished apple juice was detected between the control and the full seven-pass UV radiation treatment using an experienced consumer panel and a triangle test. Patulin reduction by UV radiation from both the current study and a previous study involving apple cider was compared, which showed that both matrices strongly fit a first-order kinetic degradation model. However, the kinetic constant for degradation in apple juice was approximately 5.5 times greater than that observed in an apple cider matrix.

  20. Contamination and UV ageing of diffuser targets used in satellite inflight and ground reference test site calibrations

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Vaskuri, Anna; Greenwell, Claire; Hessey, Isabel; Tompkins, Jordan; Woolliams, Emma

    2018-02-01

    Diffuser reflectance targets are key components in in-orbit calibrations and for verifying ground reference test sites. In this work, Spectralon, Diffusil, and Heraeus diffusers were exposed to exhaust gases and ultraviolet (UV) radiation in the ambient air conditions and their degradations were monitored by measuring changes in spectral reflectances. Spectralon is a state-of-the-art diffuser made of polytetrafluoroethylene, and Diffusil and Heraeus diffusers are made of fused silica with gas bubbles inside. Based on the contamination tests, Spectralon degrades faster than fused silica diffusers. For the samples exposed to contamination for 20 minutes, the 250 nm - 400 nm total diffuse spectral reflectance of Spectralon degraded 3-5 times more when exposed to petrol-like emission and 16-23 times more when exposed to diesel-like emission, compared with Diffusil. When the reflectance changes of Spectralon were compared with those of Heraeus, Spectralon degraded 3-4 times more when exposed to petrol-like emission for 20 minutes and 5-7 times more when exposed to diesel-like emission for 7.5 minutes. When the samples contaminated were exposed to UV radiation in the ambient air, their reflectance gradually restored back to the original level. In conclusion, fused silica diffusers are more resistant to hydrocarbon contaminants present in ground reference test sites, and thus more stable under UV radiation in the air.

  1. Photocatalytic degradation of cylindrospermopsin under UV-A, solar and visible light using TiO2. Mineralization and intermediate products.

    PubMed

    Fotiou, Theodora; Triantis, Theodoros; Kaloudis, Triantafyllos; Hiskia, Anastasia

    2015-01-01

    Cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) are considered an important water quality problem, since several genera can produce toxins, called cyanotoxins that are harmful to human health. Cylindrospermopsin (CYN) is an alkaloid-like potent cyanotoxin that has been reported in water reservoirs and lakes worldwide. In this paper the removal of CYN from water by UV-A, solar and visible light photocatalysis was investigated. Two different commercially available TiO2 photocatalysts were used, i.e., Degussa P25 and Kronos-vlp7000. Complete degradation of CYN was achieved with both photocatalysts in 15 and 40 min under UV-A and 40 and 120 min under solar light irradiation, for Degussa P25 and Kronos vlp-7000 respectively. Experiments in the absence of photocatalysts showed that direct photolysis was negligible. Under visible light irradiation only the Kronos vlp-7000 which is a visible light activated catalyst was able to degrade CYN. A number of intermediates were identified and a complete degradation pathway is proposed, leading to the conclusion that hydroxyl radical attack is the main mechanism followed. TOC and inorganic ions (NO2-, NO3-, SO4(2-) and NH4+) determinations suggested that complete mineralization of CYN was achieved under UV-A in the presence of Degussa P25. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  2. Kinetic removal of haloacetonitrile precursors by photo-based advanced oxidation processes (UV/H2O2, UV/O3, and UV/H2O2/O3).

    PubMed

    Srithep, Sirinthip; Phattarapattamawong, Songkeart

    2017-06-01

    The objective of the study is to evaluate the performance of conventional treatment process (i.e., coagulation, flocculation, sedimentation and sand filtration) on the removals of haloacetonitrile (HAN) precursors. In addition, the removals of HAN precursors by photo-based advanced oxidation processes (Photo-AOPs) (i.e., UV/H 2 O 2 , UV/O 3 , and UV/H 2 O 2 /O 3 ) are investigated. The conventional treatment process was ineffective to remove HAN precursors. Among Photo-AOPs, the UV/H 2 O 2 /O 3 was the most effective process for removing HAN precursors, followed by UV/H 2 O 2 , and UV/O 3 , respectively. For 20min contact time, the UV/H 2 O 2 /O 3 , UV/H 2 O 2 , and UV/O 3 suppressed the HAN formations by 54, 42, and 27% reduction. Increasing ozone doses from 1 to 5 mgL -1 in UV/O 3 systems slightly improved the removals of HAN precursors. Changes in pH (6-8) were unaffected most of processes (i.e., UV, UV/H 2 O 2 , and UV/H 2 O 2 /O 3 ), except for the UV/O 3 system that its efficiency was low in the weak acid condition. The pseudo first-order kinetic constant for removals of dichloroacetonitrile precursors (k' DCANFP ) by the UV/H 2 O 2 /O 3 , UV/H 2 O 2 and standalone UV systems were 1.4-2.8 orders magnitude higher than the UV/O 3 process. The kinetic degradation of dissolved organic nitrogen (DON) tended to be higher than the k' DCANFP value. This study firstly differentiates the kinetic degradation between DON and HAN precursors. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  3. Extraction of phenolic compounds from extra virgin olive oil by a natural deep eutectic solvent: Data on UV absorption of the extracts.

    PubMed

    Paradiso, Vito Michele; Clemente, Antonia; Summo, Carmine; Pasqualone, Antonella; Caponio, Francesco

    2016-09-01

    This data article refers to the paper "Towards green analysis of virgin olive oil phenolic compounds: extraction by a natural deep eutectic solvent and direct spectrophotometric detection" [1]. A deep eutectic solvent (DES) based on lactic acid and glucose was used as green solvent for phenolic compounds. Eight standard phenolic compounds were solubilized in the DES. Then, a set of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) samples (n=65) were submitted to liquid-liquid extraction by the DES. The standard solutions and the extracts were analyzed by UV spectrophotometry. This article reports the spectral data of both the standard solutions and the 65 extracts, as well as the total phenolic content of the corresponding oils, assessed by the Folin-Ciocalteu assay.

  4. Ultraviolet-ozone treatment reduces levels of disease-associated prion protein and prion infectivity

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Johnson, C.J.; Gilbert, P.; McKenzie, D.; Pedersen, J.A.; Aiken, Judd M.

    2009-01-01

    Background. Transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs) are a group of fatal neurodegenerative diseases caused by novel infectious agents referred to as prions. Prions appear to be composed primarily, if not exclusively, of a misfolded isoform of the cellular prion protein. TSE infectivity is remarkably stable and can resist many aggressive decontamination procedures, increasing human, livestock and wildlife exposure to TSEs. Findings. We tested the hypothesis that UV-ozone treatment reduces levels of the pathogenic prion protein and inactivates the infectious agent. We found that UV-ozone treatment decreased the carbon and prion protein content in infected brain homogenate to levels undetectable by dry-ashing carbon analysis or immunoblotting, respectively. After 8 weeks of ashing, UV-ozone treatment reduced the infectious titer of treated material by a factor of at least 105. A small amount of infectivity, however, persisted despite UV-ozone treatment. When bound to either montmorillonite clay or quartz surfaces, PrPTSE was still susceptible to degradation by UV-ozone. Conclusion. Our findings strongly suggest that UV-ozone treatment can degrade pathogenic prion protein and inactivate prions, even when the agent is associated with surfaces. Using larger UV-ozone doses or combining UV-ozone treatment with other decontaminant methods may allow the sterilization of TSE-contaminated materials. ?? 2009 Aiken et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.

  5. Efficacy of ultraviolet radiation as an alternative technology to inactivate microorganisms in grape juices and wines.

    PubMed

    Fredericks, Ilse N; du Toit, Maret; Krügel, Maricel

    2011-05-01

    Since sulphur dioxide (SO(2)) is associated with health risks, the wine industry endeavours to reduce SO(2) levels in wines with new innovative techniques. The aim of this study was, therefore, to investigate the efficacy of ultraviolet radiation (UV)-C (254 nm) as an alternative technology to inactivate microorganisms in grape juices and wines. A pilot-scale UV-C technology (SurePure, South Africa) consisting of an UV-C germicidal lamp (100 W output; 30 W UV-C output) was used to apply UV-C dosages ranging from 0 to 3672 J l(-1), at a constant flow rate of 4000 l h(-1) (Re > 7500). Yeasts, lactic and acetic acid bacteria were singly and co-inoculated into 20 l batches of Chenin blanc juice, Shiraz juice, Chardonnay wine and Pinotage wine, respectively. A dosage of 3672 J l(-1), resulted in an average log(10) microbial reduction of 4.97 and 4.89 in Chardonnay and Pinotage, respectively. In Chenin blanc and Shiraz juice, an average log(10) reduction of 4.48 and 4.25 was obtained, respectively. UV-C efficacy may be influenced by liquid properties such as colour and turbidity. These results had clearly indicated significant (p < 0.05) germicidal effect against wine-specific microorganisms; hence, UV-C radiation may stabilize grape juice and wine microbiologically in conjunction with reduced SO(2) levels. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  6. A new five-coordinated copper compound for efficient degradation of methyl orange and Congo red in the absence of UV-visible radiation.

    PubMed

    Han, Li-Juan; Kong, Ya-Jie; Yan, Ting-Jiang; Fan, Lu-Tong; Zhang, Qi; Zhao, Hua-Jun; Zheng, He-Gen

    2016-11-22

    A new copper-based coordination compound Cu 2 (2,2'-bipy) 2 (pfbz) 4 (1) (where 2,2'-bipy = 2,2'-bipyridine; pfbz = pentafluorobenzoate), was hydrothermally synthesized and structurally characterized. Compound 1 having a binuclear structure consists of two copper cations and two oxygen atoms alternately in a plane square arrangement. In the presence of very small amounts of H 2 O 2 , the catalytic properties of compound 1 for the degradation of methyl orange (MO) are excellent in the absence of UV-visible radiation. Moreover, compound 1 presents suitable properties for degradation of Congo red (CR). Our results indicated that the five-coordinated copper compound, 1, will be a promising candidate for efficient degradation of organic dyes.

  7. Magnetic cobalt ferrite composite as an efficient catalyst for photocatalytic oxidation of carbamazepine.

    PubMed

    He, Yongzhen; Dai, Chaomeng; Zhou, Xuefei

    2017-01-01

    A magnetic spinel cobalt ferrite nanoparticle composite (CFO) was prepared via an ultrasonication-assisted co-precipitation method. The morphological structure and surface composition of CFO before and after reaction were investigated by using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, indicating the consumption of iron oxide during photodegradation. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and vibrating sample magnetometry confirm the preparation of the ferrite nanoparticle composite and its magnetic properties. The prepared CFO was then used for the photocatalytic degradation of carbamazepine (CBZ) as an example of pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) from aqueous solution. The effects of the nanocomposite dosage, contact time, and solution pH on the photodegradation process were investigated. More than 96% of the CBZ was degraded within 100 min at 0.2 g·L -1 CFO in the presence of UV light. The reactive species for CBZ degradation in the CFO/UV system was identified as hydroxyl radicals by the methanol scavenging method. Combined with the detection of leached iron ions during the process, the CBZ degradation mechanism can be presumed to be heterogeneous and homogeneous photocatalytic degradation in the CFO/UV system. Furthermore, iminostilbene and acridine were detected as intermediate products by GC-MS.

  8. Photocatalytic degradation of methyl orange, methylene blue and rhodamine B with AgCl nanocatalyst synthesised from its bulk material in the ionic liquid [P6 6 6 14]Cl.

    PubMed

    Rodríguez-Cabo, Borja; Rodríguez-Palmeiro, Iago; Corchero, Raquel; Rodil, Rosario; Rodil, Eva; Arce, Alberto; Soto, Ana

    2017-01-01

    The photocatalytic degradation of wastewater containing three industrial dyes belonging to different families, methyl orange (MO), methylene blue (MB) and Rhodamine B (RhB), was studied under UV-Vis irradiation using synthesised silver chloride nanoparticles. The nanocatalyst was prepared by a dissolution/reprecipitation method starting from the bulk powder and the ionic liquid trihexyl(tetradecyl)phosphonium chloride, [P 6 6 6 14 ]Cl, without addition of other solvents. The obtained catalyst was characterised by UV-Vis absorbance, X-ray powder diffraction, transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The decolourisation of the samples was studied by UV-Vis absorbance at the corresponding wavelength. Starting from 10 ppm dye solutions and 1 g L -1 of the synthesised AgCl nanoparticles, degradation efficiencies of 98.4% for MO, 98.6% for MB and 99.9% for RhB, were achieved in 1 h. The degradation mechanisms for the different dyes were studied. Comparison with other frequently used nanocatalysts, namely P-25 Degussa, TiO 2 anatase, Ag and ZnO, highlights the strong catalytic activity of AgCl nanoparticles. Under the same experimental conditions, these nanoparticles led to higher (more than 10%) and faster degradations.

  9. Degradation of Polymeric Brominated Flame Retardants: Development of an Analytical Approach Using PolyFR and UV Irradiation.

    PubMed

    Koch, Christoph; Dundua, Alexander; Aragon-Gomez, Jackelyn; Nachev, Milen; Stephan, Susanne; Willach, Sarah; Ulbricht, Mathias; Schmitz, Oliver J; Schmidt, Torsten C; Sures, Bernd

    2016-12-06

    Many well-established methods for studying the degradation of brominated flame retardants are not useful when working with polymeric and water insoluble species. An example for this specific class of flame retardants is PolyFR (polymeric flame retardant; CAS No 1195978-93-8), which is used as a substituent for hexabromocyclododecane. Although it has been on the market for two years now, almost no information is available about its long time behavior in the environment. Within this study, we focus on how to determine a possible degradation of both pure PolyFR as well as PolyFR in the final insulation product, expanded polystyrene foam. Therefore, we chose UV radiation followed by analyses of the total bromine content at different time points via ICP-MS and identified possible degradation products such as 2,4,6-tribromophenol through LC-MS. These results were then linked with measurements of the adsorbable organically bound bromine and total organic carbon in order to estimate their concentrations. With respect to the obtained 1 H NMR, GPC, and contact angle results, the possibility for further degradation was discussed, as UV irradiation can influence the decomposition of molecules in combination with other environmental factors like biodegradation.

  10. Reductive and oxidative degradation of iopamidol, iodinated X-ray contrast media, by Fe(III)-oxalate under UV and visible light treatment.

    PubMed

    Zhao, Cen; Arroyo-Mora, Luis E; DeCaprio, Anthony P; Sharma, Virender K; Dionysiou, Dionysios D; O'Shea, Kevin E

    2014-12-15

    Iopamidol, widely employed as iodinated X-ray contrast media (ICM), is readily degraded in a Fe(III)-oxalate photochemical system under UV (350 nm) and visible light (450 nm) irradiation. The degradation is nicely modeled by pseudo first order kinetics. The rates of hydroxyl radical (OH) production for Fe(III)-oxalate/H2O2/UV (350 nm) and Fe(III)-oxalate/H2O2/visible (450 nm) systems were 1.19 ± 0.12 and 0.30 ± 0.01 μM/min, respectively. The steady-state concentration of hydroxyl radical (OH) for the Fe(III)-oxalate/H2O2/UV (350 nm) conditions was 10.88 ± 1.13 × 10(-14) M and 2.7 ± 0.1 × 10(-14) M for the Fe(III)-oxalate/H2O2/visible (450 nm). The rate of superoxide anion radical (O2(-)) production under Fe(III)-oxalate/H2O2/UV (350 nm) was 0.19 ± 0.02 μM/min with a steady-state concentration of 5.43 ± 0.473 × 10(-10) M. Detailed product studies using liquid chromatography coupled to Q-TOF/MS demonstrate both reduction (multiple dehalogenations) and oxidation (aromatic ring and side chains) contribute to the degradation pathways. The reduction processes appear to be initiated by the carbon dioxide anion radical (CO2(-)) while oxidation processes are consistent with OH initiated reaction pathways. Unlike most advanced oxidation processes the Fe(III)-oxalate/H2O2/photochemical system can initiate to both reductive and oxidative degradation processes. The observed reductive dehalogenation is an attractive remediation strategy for halogenated organic compounds as the process can dramatically reduce the formation of the problematic disinfection by-products often associated with oxidative treatment processes. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  11. Simulation and experiment on the catalytic degradation of high-concentration SF6 on TiO2 surface under UV light

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zhang, Ying; Li, Yalong; Cui, Zhaolun; Chen, Dachang; Zhang, Xiaoxing

    2018-05-01

    The high-temperature effect gas SF6 is used in the power industry, and its emissions are increasing daily. Therefore, the degradation of SF6 is particularly important. In this work, SF6 with a high concentration of 2% was degraded using the catalytic principle of TiO2 under UV light at normal temperature and pressure. Experimental results proved that this method can effectively degrade SF6. Moreover, the addition of TiO2 can effectively increase the degradation rate of SF6. The degradation of eight pieces of TiO2 with a unit area of 3 cm2 was 8.98% after 3 h of catalysis. FTIR spectral analysis showed that the main degradation products were SO2F2, SiF4, SF4, and SO2. Adding H2O can further increase the degradation rate, which can reach 27.22% in 3 h. The main degradation products were SO2F2, SiF4, SF4, SiH4, HF, and SO2. Finally, simulations verified the catalytic decomposition of SF6 on the surface of TiO2.

  12. Ageing and degradation determines failure mode on sea urchin spines.

    PubMed

    Merino, Monica; Vicente, Erika; Gonzales, Karen N; Torres, Fernando G

    2017-09-01

    Sea urchin spines are an example of a hard natural composite with mineral and organic phases. The role of the organic phase in the response to mechanical stress was assessed by promoting the degradation of such spines by exposing them to ageing and ultraviolet (UV) irradiation. Thermal and structural characterization of the irradiated samples show that this UV irradiation treatment promotes degradation of the organic and inorganic phase of spines. Uniaxial compression tests carried out on aged and UV irradiated samples showed that both treatments affected the mechanical properties of the spines. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images of failed specimens were used to analyze the failure mechanisms of the compressed spines. The analysis of the fracture surfaces showed that the failure mechanisms of spines were modified as a consequence of UV irradiation, leading in the last case to mostly brittle fracture surfaces. We suggest that the proteins responsible for the formation of calcite also determine the mechanical properties and the failure mode of spines. This system can be used as a model for the study of the failure modes of other natural and synthetic hard composites. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  13. Functionalized hexagonal boron nitride nano-coatings for protection of transparent plastics

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Van Tran, Thu; Usta, Aybala; Asmatulu, Ramazan

    2016-04-01

    Nanocoating is the result of a coating application of nanomaterials to build a consistent network of molecules in a paint to protect the surfaces of various materials and devices. Hexagonal Boron Nitride (h-BN) is in two dimensional form with excellent thermal, mechanical and chemical properties. These BN nanocoatings are also a thermally insulating material for heat management. After adding functionalized h-BNs into paints or other coatings, they will absorb the harmful UV part of sunlight and prevent coating against the environmental degradations. The impacts of the environmental factors on the coatings can be substantially eliminated. In the present study, h-BNs were modified with [2-(2-Aminoethylamino) propyl] trimethoxysilane and uniformly dispersed into the polyurethane coatings with different amounts, such as 0.1, 0.2, 0.4, and 0.8wt% to increase hardness and water resistance, and decrease the UV degradation level of coatings and transparent plastics. The prepared samples were characterized by using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), UV-Vis Spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), Water Contact Angle, and Differential Scanning Calorimeter (DSC). The test results showed that the nanocoatings with functionalized h-BN provided excellent physical and chemical behaviors against the UV and other physical degradations on the substrates.

  14. Degradation of estrone in water and wastewater by various advanced oxidation processes.

    PubMed

    Sarkar, Shubhajit; Ali, Sura; Rehmann, Lars; Nakhla, George; Ray, Madhumita B

    2014-08-15

    A comprehensive study was conducted to determine the relative efficacy of various advanced oxidation processes such as O3, H2O2, UV, and combinations of UV/O3, UV/H2O2 for the removal of estrone (E1) from pure water and secondary effluent. In addition to the parent compound (E1) removal, performance of the advanced oxidation processes was characterized using removal of total organic carbon (TOC), and estrogenicity of the effluent. Although E1 removal was high for all the AOPs, intermediates formed were more difficult to degrade leading to slow TOC removal. Energy calculations and cost analysis indicated that, although UV processes have low electricity cost, ozonation is the least cost option ($ 0.34/1000 gallons) when both capital and operating costs were taken into account. Ozonation also is superior to the other tested AOPs due to higher removal of TOC and estrogenicity. The rate of E1 removal decreased linearly with the background TOC in water, however, E1 degradation in the secondary effluent from a local wastewater treatment plant was not affected significantly due to the low COD values in the effluent. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  15. Photocatalytic fuel cell (PFC) and dye self-photosensitization photocatalytic fuel cell (DSPFC) with BiOCl/Ti photoanode under UV and visible light irradiation.

    PubMed

    Li, Kan; Xu, Yunlan; He, Yi; Yang, Chen; Wang, Yalin; Jia, Jinping

    2013-04-02

    A fuel cell that functioned as a photo fuel cell (PFC) when irradiated with UV light and as a dye self-photosensitization photo fuel cell (DSPFC) when irradiated with visible light was proposed and investigated in this study. The system included a BiOCl/Ti plate photoanode and a Pt cathode, and dye solutions were employed as fuel. Electricity was generated at the same time as the dyes were degraded. 26.2% and 24.4% Coulombic efficiency were obtained when 20 mL of 10 mg · L(-1) Rhodamine B solution was treated with UV for 2 h and visible light for 3 h, respectively. Irradiation with natural and artificial sunlight was also evaluated. UV and visible light could be utilized at the same time and the photogenerated current was observed. The mechanism of electricity generation in BiOCl/Ti PFC and DSPFC was studied through degradation of the colorless salicylic acid solution. Factors that affect the electricity generation and dye degradation performance, such as solution pH and cathode material, were also investigated and optimized.

  16. Synthesis and photocatalytic activity of ytterbium-doped titania/diatomite composite photocatalysts

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Tang, Wenjian; Qiu, Kehui; Zhang, Peicong; Yuan, Xiqiang

    2016-01-01

    Ytterbium-doped titanium dioxide (Yb-TiO2)/diatomite composite materials with different Yb concentrations were prepared by sol-gel method. The phase structure, morphology, and chemical composition of the as-prepared composites were well characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) diffuse reflection spectroscopy. The XRD and Raman spectroscopy analysis indicated that the TiO2 existed in the form of pure anatase in the composites. The SEM images exhibited the well deposition and dispersion of TiO2 nanoparticles with little agglomeration on the surfaces of diatoms. The UV-vis diffuse reflection spectra showed that the band gap of TiO2 could be narrowed by the introduction of Yb species, which was further affected by doping concentration of Yb. The photocatalytic activity of synthesized samples was investigated by the degradation of methylene blue (MB) under UV light irradiation. It was observed that the photocatalytic degradation followed a pseudo-first-order kinetics according to the Langmuir-Hinshelwood model. Compared to TiO2 and TiO2/diatomite, the Yb-TiO2/diatomite composites exhibited higher photocatalytic activity toward degradation of MB using UV light irradiation.

  17. Nanocrystalline semiconductor doped rare earth oxide for the photocatalytic degradation studies on Acid Blue 113: A di-azo compound under UV slurry photoreactor.

    PubMed

    Suganya Josephine, G A; Mary Nisha, U; Meenakshi, G; Sivasamy, A

    2015-11-01

    Preventive measures for the control of environmental pollution and its remediation has received much interest in recent years due to the world-wide increase in the contamination of water bodies. Contributions of these harmful effluents are caused by the leather processing, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, textile, agricultural and other chemical industries. Nowadays, advanced oxidation processes considered to be better option for the complete destruction of organic contaminants in water and wastewater. Acid Blue 113 is a most widely used di-azo compound in leather, textile, dying and food industry as a color rending compound. In the present study, we have reported the photo catalytic degradation of Acid Blue 113 using a nanocrystalline semiconductor doped rare earth oxide as a photo catalyst under UV light irradiation. The photocatalyst was prepared by a simple precipitation technique and were characterized by XRD, FT-IR, UV-DRS and FE-SEM analysis. The experimental results proved that the prepared photo catalyst was nanocrystalline and highly active in the UV region. The UV-DRS results showed the band gap energy was 3.15eV for the prepared photo catalyst. The photodegradation efficiency was analyzed by various experimental parameters such as pH, catalyst dosage, variation of substrate concentration and effect of electrolyte addition. The photo degradation process followed a pseudo first order kinetics and was continuously monitored by UV-visible spectrophotometer. The experimental results proved the efficacy of the nanocrystalline zinc oxide doped dysprosium oxide which are highly active under UV light irradiations. It is also suggested that the prepared material would find wider applications in environmental remediation technologies to remove the carcinogenic and toxic moieties present in the industrial effluents. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  18. Effect of advanced oxidation processes on the micropollutants and the effluent organic matter contained in municipal wastewater previously treated by three different secondary methods.

    PubMed

    Giannakis, Stefanos; Gamarra Vives, Franco Alejandro; Grandjean, Dominique; Magnet, Anoys; De Alencastro, Luiz Felippe; Pulgarin, César

    2015-11-01

    In this study, wastewater from the output of three different secondary treatment facilities (Activated Sludge, Moving Bed Bioreactor and Coagulation-Flocculation) present in the municipal wastewater treatment plant of Vidy, Lausanne (Switzerland), was further treated with various oxidation processes (UV, UV/H2O2, solar irradiation, Fenton, solar photo-Fenton), at laboratory scale. For this assessment, 6 organic micropollutants in agreement with the new environmental legislation requirements in Switzerland were selected (Carbamazepine, Clarithromycin, Diclofenac, Metoprolol, Benzotriazole, Mecoprop) and monitored throughout the treatment. Also, the overall removal of the organic load was assessed. After each secondary treatment, the efficiency of the AOPs increased in the following order: Coagulation-Flocculation < Activated Sludge < Moving Bed Bioreactor, in almost all cases. From the different combinations tested, municipal wastewater subjected to biological treatment followed by UV/H2O2 resulted in the highest elimination levels. Wastewater previously treated by physicochemical treatment demonstrated considerably inhibited micropollutant degradation rates. The degradation kinetics were determined, yielding: k (UV) < k (UV/H2O2) and k (Fenton) < k (solar irradiation) < k (photo-Fenton). Finally, the evolution of global pollution parameters (COD & TOC elimination) was followed and the degradation pathways for the effluent organic matter are discussed. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  19. Chemometric evaluation of the volatile profile of probiotic melon and probiotic cashew juice.

    PubMed

    de Godoy Alves Filho, Elenilson; Rodrigues, Tigressa Helena Soares; Fernandes, Fabiano André Narciso; Pereira, Ana Lucia Fernandes; Narain, Narendra; de Brito, Edy Sousa; Rodrigues, Sueli

    2017-09-01

    The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of the lactic acid fermentation on volatile compounds of melon and cashew apple juices. The effect of the fermentation processing on the volatile profile of probiotic juices was assessed by HS-SPME/GC-MS coupled to chemometrics with 67.9% and 81.0% of the variance in the first principal component for melon and cashew juices, respectively. The Lactobacillus casei fermentation imparted a reduction of ethyl butanoate, ethyl-2-methylbutirate, and ethyl hexanoate for melon juice; and of ethyl acetate, ethyl-2-methyl butanoate, ethyl crotonate, ethyl isovalerate, benzaldehyde, and ethyl hexanoate for cashew juice. Measurements of the stability of these compounds and the formation of the component 3-methyl-2-butenyl in melon juice may be used as a volatile marker to follow the juice fermentation. These findings suggested that even though it is not a dairy product the lactic acid fermentation of fruits developed a volatile profile combining the fruit and lactic acid fermentation volatiles with mildly formation or degradation of aroma compounds. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  20. Degradation of lipid regulators by the UV/chlorine process: Radical mechanisms, chlorine oxide radical (ClO•)-mediated transformation pathways and toxicity changes.

    PubMed

    Kong, Xiujuan; Wu, Zihao; Ren, Ziran; Guo, Kaiheng; Hou, Shaodong; Hua, Zhechao; Li, Xuchun; Fang, Jingyun

    2018-06-15

    Degradation of three lipid regulators, i.e., gemfibrozil, bezafibrate and clofibric acid, by a UV/chlorine treatment was systematically investigated. The chlorine oxide radical (ClO • ) played an important role in the degradation of gemfibrozil and bezafibrate with second-order rate constants of 4.2 (±0.3) × 10 8  M -1  s -1 and 3.6 (±0.1) × 10 7  M -1  s -1 , respectively, whereas UV photolysis and the hydroxyl radical (HO • ) mainly contributed to the degradation of clofibric acid. The first-order rate constants (k') for the degradation of gemfibrozil and bezafibrate increased linearly with increasing chlorine dosage, primarily due to the linear increase in the ClO • concentration. The k' values for gemfibrozil, bezafibrate, and clofibric acid degradation decreased with increasing pH from 5.0 to 8.4; however, the contribution of the reactive chlorine species (RCS) increased. Degradation of gemfibrozil and bezafibrate was enhanced in the presence of Br - , whereas it was inhibited in the presence of natural organic matter (NOM). The presence of ammonia at a chlorine: ammonia molar ratio of 1:1 resulted in decreases in the k' values for gemfibrozil and bezafibrate of 69.7% and 7%, respectively, but led to an increase in that for clofibric acid of 61.8%. Degradation of gemfibrozil by ClO • was initiated by hydroxylation and chlorine substitution on the benzene ring. Then, subsequent hydroxylation, bond cleavage and chlorination reactions led to the formation of more stable products. Three chlorinated intermediates were identified during ClO • oxidation process. Formation of the chlorinated disinfection by-products chloral hydrate and 1,1,1-trichloropropanone was enhanced relative to that of other by-products. The acute toxicity of gemfibrozil to Vibrio fischeri increased significantly when subjected to direct UV photolysis, whereas it decreased when oxidized by ClO • . This study is the first to report the transformation pathway of a micropollutant by ClO • . Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  1. Multi-technique approach for qualitative and quantitative characterization of furazidin degradation kinetics under alkaline conditions.

    PubMed

    Bērziņš, Kārlis; Kons, Artis; Grante, Ilze; Dzabijeva, Diana; Nakurte, Ilva; Actiņš, Andris

    2016-09-10

    Degradation of drug furazidin was studied under different conditions of environmental pH (11-13) and temperature (30-60°C). The novel approach of hybrid hard- and soft-multivariate curve resolution-alternating least squares (HS-MCR-ALS) method was applied to UV-vis spectral data to determine a valid kinetic model and kinetic parameters of the degradation process. The system was found to be comprised of three main species and best characterized by two consecutive first-order reactions. Furazidin degradation rate was found to be highly dependent on the applied environmental conditions, showing more prominent differences between both degradation steps towards higher pH and temperature. Complimentary qualitative analysis of the degradation process was carried out using HPLC-DAD-TOF-MS. Based on the obtained chromatographic and mass spectrometric results, as well as additional computational analysis of the species (theoretical UV-vis spectra calculations utilizing TD-DFT methodology), the operating degradation mechanism was proposed to include formation of a 5-hydroxyfuran derivative, followed by complete hydrolysis of furazidin hydantoin ring. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  2. An efficient TiO2 coated immobilized system for the degradation studies of herbicide isoproturon: durability studies.

    PubMed

    Verma, A; Prakash, N T; Toor, A P

    2014-08-01

    The investigation presents the observations on the use of cement beads for the immobilization of TiO2 for the degradation of herbicide isoproturon. The immobilized system was effective in degrading and mineralizing the herbicide for continuous thirty cycles without losing its durability. Catalyst was characterized by SEM-EDAX for checking the durability of the catalyst. The degradation rate followed first order kinetics as measured by change in absorption intensity in UV range as well as HPLC analysis. Two rounds of TiO2 coating on inert cement beads with average diameter 1.5cm at UV Intensity 25Wm(-2) calcined at 400°C were the optimized conditions for the degradation of herbicide isoproturon. More than 90% TOC and COD reduction along with ammonium ions generation (80%) confirmed the mineralization of isoproturon. Fixed bed baffled reactor studies under solar irradiations using the TiO2 immobilized beads confirmed 85% degradation after 6h. LC-MS studies confirmed the intermediates formation and their subsequent degradation using immobilized system. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  3. Determination of pharmaceutical compounds in hospital wastewater and their elimination by advanced oxidation processes.

    PubMed

    Souza, Fernanda S; Da Silva, Vanessa V; Rosin, Catiusa K; Hainzenreder, Luana; Arenzon, Alexandre; Pizzolato, Tania; Jank, Louise; Féris, Liliana A

    2018-02-23

    This study investigates the mineralization efficiency, i.e. removal of total organic carbon (TOC) in hospital wastewater by direct ozonation, ozonation with UV radiation (O 3 /UV), homogeneous catalytic ozonation (O 3 /Fe 2+ ) and homogeneous photocatalytic ozonation (O 3 /Fe 2+ /UV). The influence of pH and reaction time was evaluated. For the best process, toxicity and degradation efficiency of the selected pharmaceutical compounds (PhCs) were determined. The results showed that the PhCs detected in the hospital wastewater were completely degraded when the mineralization efficiency reached 54.7% for O 3 /UV with 120 minutes of reaction time using a rate of 1.57 g O 3 h -1 . This process also achieved a higher chemical oxygen demand removal efficiency (64.05%), an increased aromaticity reduction efficiency (81%) and a toxicity reduction.

  4. Comparison of different advanced oxidation processes for the removal of amoxicillin in aqueous solution.

    PubMed

    Souza, Fernanda Siqueira; da Silva, Vanessa Vargas; Rosin, Catiusa Kuchak; Hainzenreder, Luana; Arenzon, Alexandre; Féris, Liliana Amaral

    2018-03-01

    Amoxicillin (AMX) is a widely used penicillin-type antibiotic whose presence in the environment has been investigated. In this work, the degradation of the AMX in aqueous solutions by ozonation, ozonation with UV radiation (O 3 /UV), homogeneous catalytic ozonation (O 3 /Fe 2+ ) and homogeneous photocatalytic ozonation (O 3 /Fe 2+ /UV) was investigated. The performance results have been compared in terms of removal of amoxicillin and total organic carbon (mineralization efficiency). In all processes, complete amoxicillin degradation was obtained after 5 min. However, low mineralization was achieved. For the best available process, the potential toxicity of AMX intermediates formed after ozonation was examined using a Fish Embryo Toxicity test. Results reveal that O 3 in alkaline solution and O 3 /Fe 2+ /UV provide the highest mineralization rates. Ecotoxicity showed that no acute toxicity was observed during the exposure period of 96 h.

  5. Biosynthesis of palladium nanoparticles using Saccharomyces cerevisiae extract and its photocatalytic degradation behaviour

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sriramulu, Mohana; Sumathi, Shanmugam

    2018-06-01

    In this article, we have discussed the biosynthesis of palladium nanoparticles (PdNPs) using aqueous Saccharomyces cerevisiae extract and its photocatalytic application. The biosynthesised PdNPs were characterised by UV-Vis spectroscopy (UV-Vis), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), x-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDX) and Atomic force microscopy (AFM). The formation of PdNPs was confirmed from the disappearance of the peak at 405 nm in the UV-Vis spectrum. Agglomerated and hexagonal shaped PdNPs were noted by SEM. FTIR was performed to identify the biomolecules responsible for the synthesis of PdNPs. Bioactive compounds in the yeast extract acted as secondary metabolites which facilitated the formation of PdNPs. The yeast synthesised PdNPs degraded 98% of direct blue 71 dye photochemically within 60 min under UV light.

  6. Effect of iron ion on doxycycline photocatalytic and Fenton-based autocatatalytic decomposition.

    PubMed

    Bolobajev, Juri; Trapido, Marina; Goi, Anna

    2016-06-01

    Doxycycline plays a key role in Fe(III)-to-Fe(II) redox cycling and therefore in controlling the overall reaction rate of the Fenton-based process (H2O2/Fe(III)). This highlights the autocatalytic profile of doxycycline degradation. Ferric iron reduction in the presence of doxycycline relied on doxycycline-to-Fe(III) complex formation with an ensuing reductive release of Fe(II). The lower ratio of OH-to-contaminant in an initial H2O2/Fe(III) oxidation step than in that of classical Fenton (H2O2/Fe(II)) decreased the doxycycline degradation rate. The quantum yield of doxycycline in direct UV-C photolysis was 3.1 × 10(-3) M E(-1). In spite of doxycycline-Fe(III) complexes could produce the adverse effect on the doxycycline degradation in the UV/Fe(III) system some acceleration of the rate was observed upon irradiation of the Fe(III)-hydroxy complex. Acidic reaction media (pH 3.0) and the molar ratio of DC/Fe(III) = 2/1 favored the complex formation. Doxycycline close degradation rates and complete mineralization achieved for 120 min (Table 1) with both UV/H2O2 and UV/H2O2/Fe(III) indicated the unsubstantial role of the reduction of Fe(III) to Fe(II) in UV/H2O2/Fe(III) system efficacy. Thus, factors such as doxycycline's ability to form complexes with ferric iron and the ability of complexes to participate in a reductive pathway should be considered at a technological level in process optimization, with chemistry based on iron ion catalysis to enhance the doxycycline oxidative pathway. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  7. Degradation of carbendazim in water via photo-Fenton in Raceway Pond Reactor: assessment of acute toxicity and transformation products.

    PubMed

    da Costa, Elizângela Pinheiro; Bottrel, Sue Ellen C; Starling, Maria Clara V M; Leão, Mônica M D; Amorim, Camila Costa

    2018-05-08

    This study aimed at investigating the degradation of fungicide carbendazim (CBZ) via photo-Fenton reactions in artificially and solar irradiated photoreactors at laboratory scale and in a semi-pilot scale Raceway Pond Reactor (RPR), respectively. Acute toxicity was monitored by assessing the sensibility of bioluminescent bacteria (Aliivibrio fischeri) to samples taken during reactions. In addition, by-products formed during solar photo-Fenton were identified by liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (UFLC-MS). For tests performed in lab-scale, two artificial irradiation sources were compared (UV λ > 254nm and UV-Vis λ > 320nm ). A complete design of experiments was performed in the semi-pilot scale RPR in order to optimize reaction conditions (Fe 2+ and H 2 O 2 concentrations, and water depth). Efficient degradation of carbendazim (> 96%) and toxicity removal were achieved via artificially irradiated photo-Fenton under both irradiation sources. Control experiments (UV photolysis and UV-Vis peroxidation) were also efficient but led to increased acute toxicity. In addition, H 2 O 2 /UV λ > 254nm required longer reaction time (60 minutes) when compared to the photo-Fenton process (less than 1 min). While Fenton's reagent achieved high CBZ and acute toxicity removal, its efficiency demands higher concentration of reagents in comparison to irradiated processes. Solar photo-Fenton removed carbendazim within 15 min of reaction (96%, 0.75 kJ L -1 ), and monocarbomethoxyguanidine, benzimidazole isocyanate, and 2-aminobenzimidazole were identified as transformation products. Results suggest that both solar photo-Fenton and artificially irradiated systems are promising routes for carbendazim degradation.

  8. Photodegradation of the antimicrobial triclocarban in aqueous systems under ultraviolet radiation.

    PubMed

    Ding, Shi-Ling; Wang, Xi-Kui; Jiang, Wen-Qiang; Meng, Xia; Zhao, Ru-Song; Wang, Chen; Wang, Xia

    2013-05-01

    This work aimed to investigate the effectiveness of ultraviolet (UV) radiation on the degradation of the antimicrobial triclocarban (TCC). We investigated the effects of several operational parameters, including solution pH, initial TCC concentration, photocatalyst TiO₂ loading, presence of natural organic matter, and most common anions in surface waters (e.g., bicarbonate, nitrate, and sulfate). The results showed that UV radiation was very effective for TCC photodegradation and that the photolysis followed pseudo-first-order kinetics. The TCC photolysis rate was pH dependent and favored at high pH. A higher TCC photolysis rate was observed by direct photolysis than TiO₂ photocatalysis. The presence of the inorganic ions bicarbonate, nitrate, and sulfate hindered TCC photolysis. Negative effects on TCC photolysis were also observed by the addition of humic acid due to competitive UV absorbance. The main degradation products of TCC were tentatively identified by gas chromatograph with mass spectrometer, and a possible degradation pathway of TCC was also proposed.

  9. An oxygen-insensitive degradable resist for fabricating metallic patterns on highly curved surfaces by UV-nanoimprint lithography.

    PubMed

    Hu, Xin; Huang, Shisong; Gu, Ronghua; Yuan, Changsheng; Ge, Haixiong; Chen, Yanfeng

    2014-10-01

    In this paper, an oxygen-insensitive degradable resist for UV-nanoimprint is designed, com-prising a polycyclic degradable acrylate monomer, 2,10-diacryloyloxymethyl-1,4,9,12-tetraoxa-spiro [4.2.4.2] tetradecane (DAMTT), and a multifunctional thiol monomer pentaerythritol tetra(3-mercaptopropionate) (PETMP). The resist can be quickly UV-cured in the air atmosphere and achieve a high monomer conversion of over 98%, which greatly reduce the adhesion force between the resist and the soft mold. High conversion, in company with an adequate Young's modulus (about 1 GPa) and an extremely low shrinkage (1.34%), promises high nanoimprint resolution of sub-50 nm. The cross-linked resist is able to break into linear molecules in a hot acid solvent. As a result, metallic patterns are fabricated on highly curved surfaces via the lift off process without the assistance of a thermoplastic polymer layer. © 2014 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  10. A nano particle vector comprised of poly lactic-co-glycolic acid and monophosphoryl lipid A and recombinant Mycobacterium avium subsp paratuberculosis peptides stimulate a pro-immune profile in bovine macrophages

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    Current research and development of antigens for vaccination often center on purified recombinant proteins, viral vectored subunits, and synthetic peptides, most of which suffer from poor immunogenicity and are subject to degradation. For these reasons, efficient delivery systems and potent immunost...

  11. Mineralization of aniline using hydroxyl/sulfate radical-based technology in a waterfall reactor.

    PubMed

    Durán, A; Monteagudo, J M; San Martín, I; Amunategui, F J; Patterson, D A

    2017-11-01

    The aim of this work is to study the applicability of a UV/H 2 O 2 process intensified with persulfate (PS) as a source of SO 4 - radicals to efficiently mineralize a synthetic effluent containing aniline in a glass reactor arranged in a cascade configuration. pH conditions were studied and the concentration of PS was optimized. The synergism for aniline mineralization between the UV/H 2 O 2 process and the combined UV/H 2 O 2 /PS process was quantified in 10.1%. Aniline degradation reached 100% under the UV/H2O2/PS process after 20 min. Its mineralization is favored under acidic conditions and with the presence of persulfate (optimal conditions: 49% in 90 min; pH = 4; [PS] = 250 ppm). On the contrary, the worst conditions were found at pH = 11, since hydrogen peroxide decomposes and carbonates were formed increasing the scavenging effect. The different mechanisms involved (formulated from intermediates identified by mass spectrometry) confirm these results. Aniline was found to follow a degradation pathway where phenol is the main intermediate. The presence of sulfate radicals increases phenol degradation rate leading to a higher mineralization extent. Benzoquinone was identified as the main aromatic oxidation product of phenol, whereas succinic, 4-oxo-pentanoic, fumaric and oxalic acids were detected as aliphatic oxidation products for both UV/H2O2 and UV/H2O2/PS oxidation processes. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  12. Recycling of poly (lactic acid)/silk based bionanocomposites films and its influence on thermal stability, crystallization kinetics, solution and melt rheology.

    PubMed

    Tesfaye, Melakuu; Patwa, Rahul; Gupta, Arvind; Kashyap, Manash Jyoti; Katiyar, Vimal

    2017-08-01

    In this study, the effect of silk nanocrystals (SNCs) on the thermal and rheological properties of poly (lactic acid) (PLA) under repetitive extrusion process is investigated. The presence of SNCs facilitates the crystallization process and delaying the thermal degradation of PLA matrix. This leads to the reduction in cold crystallization peak temperature with lower crystallization half-time and higher growth rate. The substantial improvement in nucleation density observed through Polarized Optical Microscope (POM) proves the nucleating effect of SNC in all processing cycles. Moreover, the rheological investigation (complex viscosity, storage and loss modules values) revealed the stabilizing effect of SNC and the drastic degradation of neat PLA (NPLA) in third and fourth cycle is observed to be fortified by the presence of SNC. Cole-Cole plot and cross over frequencies have been correlated with the molar mass distribution of PLA and PLA-Silk composite during processing, which is further supported by the intrinsic viscosity measurement and acid value analysis. This investigation suggests that the melt viscosity and thermal properties of PLA can be stabilized by addition of silk nanocrystals. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  13. Photocatalytic degradation of furfural in aqueous solution by N-doped titanium dioxide nanoparticles.

    PubMed

    Veisi, Farzaneh; Zazouli, Mohammad Ali; Ebrahimzadeh, Mohammad Ali; Charati, Jamshid Yazdani; Dezfoli, Amin Shiralizadeh

    2016-11-01

    The photocatalytic degradation of furfural in aqueous solution was investigated using N-doped titanium dioxide nanoparticles under sunlight and ultraviolet radiation (N-TiO 2 /Sun and N-TiO 2 /UV) in a lab-scale batch photoreactor. The N-TiO 2 nanoparticles prepared using a sol-gel method were characterized using XRD, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and SEM analyses. Using HPLC to monitor the furfural concentration, the effect of catalyst dosage, contact time, initial solution pH, initial furfural concentration, and sunlight or ultraviolet radiation on the degradation efficiency was studied. The efficiency of furfural removal was found to increase with increased reaction time, nanoparticle loading, and pH for both processes, whereas the efficiency decreased with increased furfural concentration. The maximum removal efficiencies for the N-TiO 2 /UV and N-TiO 2 /Sun processes were 97 and 78 %, respectively, whereas the mean removal efficiencies were 80.71 ± 2.08 % and 62.85 ± 2.41 %, respectively. In general, the degradation and elimination rate of furfural using the N-TiO 2 /UV process was higher than that using the N-TiO 2 /Sun process.

  14. DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Yan, Feng; College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Normal University, Harbin 150025; Zhang, Siwen

    Highlights: • Walnut-like ZnO nanostructures are synthesized through a facile hydrothermal method. • Morphologies and microstructures of the as-obtained ZnO products were investigated. • The photocatalytic results demonstrate that methyl orange (MO) aqueous solution can be degraded over 97% after 45 min under UV light irradiation. - Abstract: Walnut-like ZnO nanostructures are successfully synthesized through a facile hydrothermal method. The structure and morphology of the as-synthesized products were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The photocatalytic properties of ZnO nanowalnuts are investigated by photodegradating several organic dyes, such as Congo red (CR), methyl orange (MO) andmore » eosin red aqueous solutions under UV irradiation, respectively. The results demonstrate that methyl orange (MO) aqueous solution can be degraded over 97% after 45 min under UV light irradiation. In addition, eosin red and Congo red (CR) aqueous solution degradation experiments are also conducted in the same condition, respectively. It showed that ZnO nanowalnuts represent high photocatalytic activities with a degradation efficiency of 87% for CR with 115 min of irradiation and 97% for eosin red with 55 min of irradiation. The reported ZnO products may be promising candidates as the photocatalysts in waste water treatment.« less

  15. Iron in non-hydroxyl radical mediated photochemical processes for dye degradation: Catalyst or inhibitor?

    PubMed

    Wu, Bingdang; Zhang, Shujuan; Li, Xuchun; Liu, Xitong; Pan, Bingcai

    2015-07-01

    The acetylacetone (AA) mediated photochemical process has been proven as an efficient approach for decoloration. For azo dyes, the UV/AA process was several to more than ten times more efficient than the UV/H2O2 process. Iron is one of the most common elements on the earth. It is well known that iron can improve the UV/H2O2 process through thermal Fenton and photo-Fenton reactions. What will be the role of iron in the UV/AA process? Could iron-AA complexes act as photocatalysts in environmental remediation? To answer these questions, the photo-degradation of an azo dye, Acid Orange 7 (AO7), was conducted under the variant combinations of AA with iron species in both ionic (Fe2+, Fe3+) and complex (Fe(AA)3) forms. The pseudo-first-order decoloration rate constants of AO7 in these photochemical processes followed such an order: UV/Fe(II)/AA

  16. Photocatalytic Degradation Effect of μ-Dielectric Barrier Discharge Plasma Treated Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles on Environmental Contaminant.

    PubMed

    Seo, Hyeon Jin; Hwang, Ki-Hwan; Na, Young Hoon; Boo, Jin-Hyo

    2018-09-01

    This study focused on the photocatalytic degradation effect of the μ-dielectric barrier discharge (μ-DBD) plasma treated titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles on environmental contaminant such as formaldehyde. TiO2 nanoparticles were treated by a μ-DBD plasma source with nitrogen gas. We analyzed the degradation of formaldehyde with the plasma treated TiO2 nanoparticles by UV-visible spectrophotometer (UV-VIS), and demonstrated that the photocatalytic activity of the μ-DBD plasma-treated TiO2 nanoparticles showed significantly high catalytic efficiency rather than without plasma treated TiO2 nanoparticles. Field emission scanning electron microscopes (FE-SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and water contact angle analyzer were used to measure the effects of photocatalytic degradation for the plasma treated TiO2 nanoparticles.

  17. Determination of early warning signs for photocatalytic degradation of titanium white oil paints by means of surface analysis

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    van Driel, B. A.; Wezendonk, T. A.; van den Berg, K. J.; Kooyman, P. J.; Gascon, J.; Dik, J.

    2017-02-01

    Titanium white (TiO2) has been widely used as a pigment in the 20th century. However, its most photocatalytic form (anatase) can cause severe degradation of the oil paint in which it is contained. UV light initiates TiO2-photocatalyzed processes in the paint film, degrading the oil binder into volatile components resulting in chalking of the paint. This will eventually lead to severe changes in the appearance of a painting. To date, limited examples of degraded works of art containing titanium white are known due to the relatively short existence of the paintings in question and the slow progress of the degradation process. However, UV light will inevitably cause degradation of paint in works of art containing photocatalytic titanium white. In this work, a method to detect early warning signs of photocatalytic degradation of unvarnished oil paint is proposed, using atomic force microscopy (AFM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Consequently, a four-stage degradation model was developed through in-depth study of TiO2-containing paint films in various stages of degradation. The XPS surface analysis proved very valuable for detecting early warning signs of paint degradation, whereas the AFM results provide additional confirmation and are in good agreement with bulk gloss reduction.

  18. Sono- and photocatalytic activities of SnO2 nanoparticles for degradation of cationic and anionic dyes

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Paramarta, Valentinus; Taufik, Ardiansyah; Munisa, Lusitra; Saleh, Rosari

    2017-01-01

    The current research work focuses on the catalytic activity of SnO2 nanoparticles (NPs) against degradation of both cationic dye (methylene blue) and anionic dye (Congo-red). SnO2 NPs were synthesized under the sol-gel method and were characterized by performing X-ray diffraction, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) Brunauer-Emmet-Teller (BET) surface area analysis and UV-Vis spectroscopy. The results demonstrate that SnO2 NPs has well crystalline structure with the crystallite size of 44 nm. The degradation of dyes was studied under ambient temperature using ultrasonicator and UV light, respectively. The sono- and photocatalytic activities of SnO2 NPs on dyes were analyzed by measuring the change in absorbance of dyes under UV-spectrophotometer. The degradation of the organic dyes has been calculated by monitoring the degradation in the concentration of the dyes before and after irradiation of ultrasonic and light, respectively. The influence of other parameters such as catalyst dosage, pH and scavenger have also been investigated. The catalytic activity is enhanced in the presence of ultrasonic irradiation. The degradation of both dyes follows pseudo-first order kinetics. The reusability tests have also been done to ensure the stability of the used catalysts. A reasonable mechanism of sono- and photocatalysis with SnO2 NPs has been proposed by correlating the active radical species involved with the physical properties of the as-synthesized samples.

  19. [Biodegradable catheters for fistula prevention in hypospadias. Experimental preliminary study].

    PubMed

    Ramos, J L; Aldazabal, P; Zuza, E; Sarasúa, J R; Arrieta, A; Villanueva, A; Eizaguirre, I

    2013-04-01

    Continuous technical innovations are not enough to resolve the high incidence of fistula after hypospadias repair. A urethral catheter-tutor made of reabsorbable polymeric biomaterial (RPB) which could be left in situ long enough could reduce the complications. To investigate in an animal model differents RPB to be used in urology. CRL Wistar rats, males, divided into 5 equal groups according to the used polymers: polylactide; lactic-coprolactone copolymer; lactic-glycolic copolymer; simulated; control silicones. Three individuals were sacrificed per group at 4th, 10th and 16th week. In all animals (exceptuating the simulated group), biomaterial was fixed to the bladder wall bylaparotomy. Animals remained in individual housing and kept under daily control of hematuria during the first 15 days and weekly weight and urine control for pH and lactate. After being slaughtered, remaining polymer was collected for chemical analysis and bladder tissue for hystologic study. There was no mortality, hematuria nor other clinical signs. The bladder wall showed a mild foreign body reaction. The values of lactate and pH in urine did not reach toxic levels. Lactic-glycolic was totally reabsorbed by the 10th week and had the lowest degree of calcification. Polylactide and lactic-coprolactone remained intact. The model of urinary bladder has proven useful for studying the degradation of bioresorbable polymers. The analyzed polymers have spent long time to be reabsorbed, so we will have to study new others.

  20. Investigating the Implementation of ZnO Nanoparticles as a Tunable UV Detector for Different Skin Types

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Mosayebi, Pegah; Dorranian, Davoud; Behzad, Kasra

    A facile chemical reduction method was used to synthesize ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) in ethylene glycol solvent at two different calcination temperatures. As a result of variation in the calcination temperature, ZnO NPs with two different sizes were achieved. The NPs were investigated for their structural and optical characteristics using X-ray diffraction and ultraviolet (UV)-Vis spectroscopy. The synthesized ZnO NPs exhibited a hexagonal structure with sizes of 46 and 65nm. The synthesized NPs were then used to investigate dye photocatalytic behavior of products as a tunable UV detector for different skin types. The dye degradation and decolorization of methylene blue in the presence of ZnO NP, following UV radiation as a function of time, were studied at different pH levels. The optical absorption spectra were then taken every 15min for all samples. The UV-Vis spectroscopy spectra revealed that optical absorption of solution was decreased upon UV exposure as a function of time. Photocatalytic reaction indicated that the dye degradation and decolorization rate were accelerated with the increase of pH level. Therefore, a tunable UV detector for different skin types could be engineered by varying the pH level of solution to avoid human skin burning.

  1. Protection of Nomex from Ultraviolet Degradation

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1977-03-01

    absorbs UV radiation beginning at approximately 390 nano- meters (nm) and extending into the near UV with a peak at approximately 360 nm. This absorption is...the region near 290 nm [ 5 ]. Sunlight is much richer in radiation at 360 nm than at 290 nm and this fact undoubt- edly accounts for the much greater...function as UV screening agents. The absorption spectrum of Nomex in the near UV and visible region which is responsible for Nomex photodegra- dation is

  2. UV resistance and dimensional stability of wood modified with isopropenyl acetate.

    PubMed

    Nagarajappa, Giridhar B; Pandey, Krishna K

    2016-02-01

    Chemical modification of Rubberwood (Hevea brasiliensis Müll.Arg) with isopropenyl acetate (IPA) in the presence of anhydrous aluminum chloride as a catalyst has been carried out under solvent free conditions. The level of modification was estimated by determining the weight percent gain and modified wood was characterized by FTIR-ATR and CP/MAS (13)C NMR spectroscopy. The effect of catalyst concentration on WPG was studied. UV resistance, moisture adsorption and dimensional stability of modified wood were evaluated. UV resistance of modified wood was evaluated by exposing unmodified and modified wood to UV irradiation in a QUV accelerated weathering tester. Unmodified wood showed rapid color changes and degradation of lignin upon exposure to UV light. Chemical modification of wood polymers with IPA was effective in reducing light induced color changes (photo-yellowing) at wood surfaces. In contrast to unmodified wood, modified wood exhibited bleaching. FTIR analysis of modified wood exposed to UV light indicated stabilization of wood polymers against UV degradation. Modified wood showed good dimensional stability and hydrophobicity. Thermogravimetric analysis showed that modification with IPA improved thermal stability of wood. Improved dimensional stability and UV resistance of modified wood indicates IPA as a promising reagent since there is no acid byproduct of reaction as observed in case of other esterification reactions. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  3. The impact of background organic matter and alkalinity on the degradation of the pesticide metaldehyde by two advanced oxidation processes: UV/H₂O₂ and UV/TiO₂.

    PubMed

    Autin, Olivier; Hart, Julie; Jarvis, Peter; MacAdam, Jitka; Parsons, Simon A; Jefferson, Bruce

    2013-04-15

    The impact of background constituents on the degradation of trace levels of micropollutants by two advanced oxidation processes: UV/H₂O₂ and UV/TiO₂ was studied. Experimental results demonstrated that the background scavenging rate rather than the concentration of micropollutant controls the required UV irradiation dose. The character of the natural organic matter had a limited impact on scavenging when the water source remains unchanged, however, a periodic bleed of hydrophobic material may substantially increase the minimum UV dose required to reach the desired micropollutant concentration. Moreover, in the case of UV/TiO₂, high concentrations of background organic matter do not only act as scavengers but also saturate the TiO₂ surface. Alkalinity inhibits the efficacy of UV/TiO₂ photocatalysis due to the formation of large TiO₂ aggregates. The study also demonstrated that the use of synthetic waters for treatability test purposes was an acceptable approach as long as both the background organic matter and the alkalinity were matched to that of the projected application. Finally spiking micropollutants at higher concentrations does not alter the significance of the findings as long as the background constituents represent more than 85% of the total scavenging rate. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  4. Repair of osteochondral defects with hyaluronan- and polyester-based scaffolds.

    PubMed

    Solchaga, Luis A; Temenoff, Johnna S; Gao, Jizong; Mikos, Antonios G; Caplan, Arnold I; Goldberg, Victor M

    2005-04-01

    The natural repair of osteochondral defects can be enhanced with biocompatible, biodegradable materials that support the repair process. It is our hypothesis that hyaluronan-based scaffolds are superior to synthetic scaffolds because they provide biological cues. We tested this thesis by comparing two hyaluronan-based scaffolds [auto cross-linked polysaccharide polymer (ACP) and HYAFF-11] to polyester-based scaffolds [poly(DL-lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) and poly(L-lactic acid) (PLLA)] with similar pore size, porosity and degradation times. Fifty-four rabbits received bilateral osteochondral defects. One defect received a hyaluronan-based scaffold and the contralateral defect received the corresponding polyester-based scaffold. Rabbits were euthanized 4, 12 and 20 weeks after surgery and the condyles dissected and processed for histology. Only ACP-treated defects presented bone at the base of the defect at 4 weeks. At 12 weeks, only defects treated with rapidly dissolving implants (ACP and PLGA) presented bone reconstitution consistently, while bone was present in only one third of those treated with slowly dissolving scaffolds (HYAFF-11 and PLLA). After 20 weeks, the articular surface of PLGA-treated defects presented fibrillation more frequently than in ACP-treated defects. The surface of defects treated with slowly dissolving scaffolds presented more cracks and fissures. The degradation rate of the scaffolds is critical for the repair process. Slowly dissolving scaffolds sustain thicker cartilage at the surface but, it frequently presents cracks and discontinuities. These scaffolds also delay bone formation at the base of the defects. Hyaluronan-based scaffolds appear to allow faster cell infiltration leading to faster tissue formation. The degradation of ACP leads to rapid bone formation while the slow degradation of HYAFF-11 prolongs the presence of cartilage and delays endochondral bone formation.

  5. Ultraviolet/ultrasound-activated persulfate for degradation of drug by zinc selenide quantum dots: Catalysis and microbiology study.

    PubMed

    Fakhri, Ali; Naji, Mahsa; Tahami, Shiva

    2017-05-01

    In this study, wet chemical method used for ZnSe quantum dots (QDs) and characterized by, UV-vis, photoluminescence spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. The crystallites size of ZnSe QDs was 4.0nm. The average diameters of ZnSe QDs were 3.0-5.3nm. Ritalin was degraded using the UV/ZnSe QDs/persulfate process. The several parameters investigated for the influence of Rtialin degradation were the temperature, the persulfate concentration, and the initial Ritalin concentration. The values of optimum parameters ware room temperature, concentration persulfate 5mmol/L and initial Ritalin concentration 0.09mmol/L. Comparative analyses showed the maximum degradation of Ritalin was found for ZnSe/persulfate under ultra-visible and ultra-sonic irradiation process. Comparative analysis showed the maximum degradation of Ritalin was found for ZnSe/persulfate under ultra-visible and ultra-sonic irradiation process. The values of first-order rate constants from degradation of Ritalin at 25°C were 0.96×10 -2 , 1.09×10 -2 , 1.59×10 -2 and 2.19×10 -2 for US/PS, UV/PS, ZnSe/US/PS and ZnSe/UV/PS system, respectively. The antibacterial activity evaluation against two bacterials, including Gram-positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 43300), Bacillus megaterium (ATCC 14581) and Gram-negative bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 27853), Micrococcus luteus (ATCC 4698) was considered. It was found that the MIC values for the antibacterial assay in the presence of ZnSe QDs were around 0.30mM with 64.0, 66.0, 79.2, and 83.5% inhibition for the S. aureus, B. megaterium, P. aeruginosa and M. luteus bacterial strains, respectively. Then, results show that the ZnSe QDs have antibacterial activity. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  6. Application of a solar UV/chlorine advanced oxidation process to oil sands process-affected water remediation.

    PubMed

    Shu, Zengquan; Li, Chao; Belosevic, Miodrag; Bolton, James R; El-Din, Mohamed Gamal

    2014-08-19

    The solar UV/chlorine process has emerged as a novel advanced oxidation process for industrial and municipal wastewaters. Currently, its practical application to oil sands process-affected water (OSPW) remediation has been studied to treat fresh OSPW retained in large tailings ponds, which can cause significant adverse environmental impacts on ground and surface waters in Northern Alberta, Canada. Degradation of naphthenic acids (NAs) and fluorophore organic compounds in OSPW was investigated. In a laboratory-scale UV/chlorine treatment, the NAs degradation was clearly structure-dependent and hydroxyl radical-based. In terms of the NAs degradation rate, the raw OSPW (pH ∼ 8.3) rates were higher than those at an alkaline condition (pH = 10). Under actual sunlight, direct solar photolysis partially degraded fluorophore organic compounds, as indicated by the qualitative synchronous fluorescence spectra (SFS) of the OSPW, but did not impact NAs degradation. The solar/chlorine process effectively removed NAs (75-84% removal) and fluorophore organic compounds in OSPW in the presence of 200 or 300 mg L(-1) OCl(-). The acute toxicity of OSPW toward Vibrio fischeri was reduced after the solar/chlorine treatment. However, the OSPW toxicity toward goldfish primary kidney macrophages after solar/chlorine treatment showed no obvious toxicity reduction versus that of untreated OSPW, which warrants further study for process optimization.

  7. Binary metal oxide nanoparticle incorporated composite multilayer thin films for sono-photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Gokul, Paramasivam; Vinoth, Ramalingam; Neppolian, Bernaurdshaw; Anandhakumar, Sundaramurthy

    2017-10-01

    We report reduced graphene oxide (rGO) supported binary metal oxide (CuO-TiO2/rGO) nanoparticle (NP) incorporated multilayer thin films based on Layer-by-Layer (LbL) assembly for enhanced sono-photocatalytic degradation of methyl orange under exposure to UV radiation. Multilayer thin films were fabricated on glass and quartz slides, and investigated using scanning electron microscopy and UV-vis spectroscopy. The loading of catalyst NPs on the film resulted in the change of morphology of the film from smooth to rough with uniformly distributed NPs on the surface. The growth of the control and NP incorporated films followed a linear regime as a function of number of layers. The%degradation of methyl orange as a function of time was investigated by UV-vis spectroscopy and total organic carbon (TOC) measurements. Complete degradation of methyl orange was achieved within 13 h. The amount of NP loading in the film significantly influenced the%degradation of methyl orange. Catalyst reusability studies revealed that the catalyst thin films could be repeatedly used for up to five times without any change in photocatalytic activity of the films. The findings of the present study support that the binary metal oxide catalyst films reported here are very useful for continuous systems, and thus, making it an option for scale up.

  8. Lactic acid delays the inflammatory response of human monocytes

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Peter, Katrin, E-mail: katrin.peter@ukr.de; Rehli, Michael, E-mail: michael.rehli@ukr.de; RCI Regensburg Center for Interventional Immunology, University Hospital Regensburg, Franz-Josef-Strauß-Allee 11, 93053 Regensburg

    2015-02-13

    Lactic acid (LA) accumulates under inflammatory conditions, e.g. in wounds or tumors, and influences local immune cell functions. We previously noted inhibitory effects of LA on glycolysis and TNF secretion of human LPS-stimulated monocytes. Here, we globally analyze the influence of LA on gene expression during monocyte activation. To separate LA-specific from lactate- or pH-effects, monocytes were treated for one or four hours with LPS in the presence of physiological concentrations of LA, sodium lactate (NaL) or acidic pH. Analyses of global gene expression profiles revealed striking effects of LA during the early stimulation phase. Up-regulation of most LPS-induced genesmore » was significantly delayed in the presence of LA, while this inhibitory effect was attenuated in acidified samples and not detected after incubation with NaL. LA targets included genes encoding for important monocyte effector proteins like cytokines (e.g. TNF and IL-23) or chemokines (e.g. CCL2 and CCL7). LA effects were validated for several targets by quantitative RT-PCR and/or ELISA. Further analysis of LPS-signaling pathways revealed that LA delayed the phosphorylation of protein kinase B (AKT) as well as the degradation of IκBα. Consistently, the LPS-induced nuclear accumulation of NFκB was also diminished in response to LA. These results indicate that the broad effect of LA on gene expression and function of human monocytes is at least partially caused by its interference with immediate signal transduction events after activation. This mechanism might contribute to monocyte suppression in the tumor environment. - Highlights: • Lactic acid broadly delays LPS-induced gene expression in human monocytes. • Expression of important monocyte effector molecules is affected by lactic acid. • Interference of lactic acid with TLR signaling causes the delayed gene expression. • The profound effect of lactic acid might contribute to immune suppression in tumors.« less

  9. A study on heterogeneous photocatalytic degradation of various organic compounds using N-Tio2 under Uv-light irradiation

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Srujana, Dhegam; Sailu, Chinta

    2018-04-01

    The aim of this work is to determine the photocatalytic degradation of mixture of four selected organic compounds are Congo Red (CR), Methylene Blue (MB), Diclofenaec (DC), 4-Chlorophenol (4-CP) have been subjected to Photo catalytic degradation by Ultraviolet (λ=254nm) radiation in presence of Nitrogen-doped Titanium dioxide (N-TiO2) catalyst. This paper focused on the enhancement of photo catalysis by modification of TiO2 employing non-metal ion (Nitrogen) doping. Experiments are conducted with a mixture of equal proportions of organic compounds (CR, MB, DC, and 4-CP) with combined concentrations of 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 mg/l in water in a batch reactor in presence of N-TiO2catalyst with UV light (λ=254nm). The rate of degradation of each compound is determined by using spectrophotometer. The kinetics of degradation of the selected organic compounds is followed first order rate.

  10. Dietary hyperoxaluria is not reduced by treatment with lactic acid bacteria

    PubMed Central

    2013-01-01

    Background Secondary hyperoxaluria either based on increased intestinal absorption of oxalate (enteric), or high oxalate intake (dietary), is a major risk factor of calcium oxalate urolithiasis. Oxalate-degrading bacteria might have beneficial effects on urinary oxalate excretion resulting from decreased intestinal oxalate concentration and absorption. Methods Twenty healthy subjects were studied initially while consuming a diet normal in oxalate. Study participants were then placed on a controlled oxalate-rich diet for a period of 6 weeks. Starting with week 2 of the oxalate-rich diet, participants received 2.6 g/day of a lactic acid bacteria preparation for 5 weeks. Finally, subjects were examined 4 weeks after treatment while consuming again a normal-oxalate diet. Participants provided weekly 24-hour urine specimens. Analyses of blood samples were performed before and at the end of treatment. Results Urinary oxalate excretion increased significantly from 0.354 ± 0.097 at baseline to 0.542 ± 0.163 mmol/24 h under the oxalate-rich diet and remained elevated until the end of treatment, as did relative supersaturation of calcium oxalate. Plasma oxalate concentration was significantly higher after 5 weeks of treatment compared to baseline. Four weeks after treatment, urinary oxalate excretion and relative supersaturation of calcium oxalate fell to reach initial values. Conclusions Persistent dietary hyperoxaluria and increased plasma oxalate concentration can already be induced in healthy subjects without disorders of oxalate metabolism. The study preparation neither reduced urinary oxalate excretion nor plasma oxalate concentration. The preparation may be altered to select for lactic acid bacteria strains with the highest oxalate-degrading activity. PMID:24330782

  11. Physicochemcial characteristic of CdS-anchored porous WS2 hybrid in the photocatalytic degradation of crystal violet under UV and visible light irradiation

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Vattikuti, S. V. Prabhakar; Ngo, Ich-Long; Byon, Chan

    2016-11-01

    In this work, we report the synthesis of CdS-incorporated porous WS2 by a simple hydrothermal method. The structural, morphological, and optical properties of the samples were examined by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), high resolution X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and UV-visible spectrometry. The photocatalytic activities were established for degradation of crystal violet (CV) under UV and visible light irradiation. The CdS-incorporated porous WS2 hybrid demonstrated high photocatalytic activity for degradation of CV pollutant compared to pure CdS nanoparticles and porous WS2 sheets. This result implies that the CdS-incorporated porous WS2 promoted more electron-hole pair transformation under UV and visible light irradiation. This significant enhancement of photocatalytic efficiency of CdS-incorporated porous WS2 photocatalyst under visible light can be ascribed to the presence of CdS nanospheres on the meshed-like WS2 sheets which potentially improves absorption in the visible range enabled by surface plasmon resonance effect of CdS nanospheres. The photostability and reusability of the CdS-porous WS2 were examined through recycling experiments.

  12. Intimate Coupling of Photocatalysis and Biodegradation for Degrading Phenol Using Different Light Types: Visible Light vs UV Light.

    PubMed

    Zhou, Dandan; Xu, Zhengxue; Dong, Shanshan; Huo, Mingxin; Dong, Shuangshi; Tian, Xiadi; Cui, Bin; Xiong, Houfeng; Li, Tingting; Ma, Dongmei

    2015-07-07

    Intimate coupling of photocatalysis and biodegradation (ICPB) technology is attractive for phenolic wastewater treatment, but has only been investigated using UV light (called UPCB). We examined the intimate coupling of visible-light-induced photocatalysis and biodegradation (VPCB) for the first time. Our catalyst was prepared doping both of Er(3+) and YAlO3 into TiO2 which were supported on macroporous carriers. The macroporous carriers was used to support for the biofilms as well. 99.8% removal efficiency of phenol was achieved in the VPCB, and this was 32.6% higher than that in the UPCB. Mineralization capability of UPCB was even worse, due to less adsorbable intermediates and cell lysis induced soluble microbial products release. The lower phenol degradation in the UPCB was due to the serious detachment of the biofilms, and then the microbes responsible for phenol degradation were insufficient due to disinfection by UV irradiation. In contrast, microbial communities in the carriers were well protected under visible light irradiation and extracellular polymeric substances secretion was enhanced. Thus, we found that the photocatalytic reaction and biodegradation were intimately coupled in the VPCB, resulting in 64.0% removal of dissolved organic carbon. Therefore, we found visible light has some advantages over UV light in the ICPB technology.

  13. Surfactant-free solvothermal synthesis of Hydroxyapatite nested bundles for the effective photodegradation of cationic dyes

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Reeta Mary, I.; Sonia, S.; Navadeepthy, D.; Mangalaraj, D.; Viswanathan, C.; Ponpandian, N.

    2018-05-01

    In this study, hydroxyapatite nested bundles (HNBs) were successfully constructed from nanosticks as nanoscale building blocks via a facile, solvothermal process without using any surfactant. The fabricated HNBs were structurally analyzed using X-ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, which confirmed the purity of the HNBs. The surface characteristics were determined by field emission scanning electron microscopy and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller analysis, and the optical characteristics by ultraviolet (UV)-visible spectroscopy. The synthesized HNBs were tested to determine their activity during the degradation of methylene blue, methylene violet, and rhodamine B via photocatalysis under UV irradiation. The degradation efficiency of HNBs and the rate of degradation can be explained based on the properties of the HNBs and cationic dyes.

  14. Surface evaluation of UV-degraded contamination

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Connatser, Robert; Hadaway, James B.

    1992-01-01

    Three different areas of work were accomplished under this contract: (1) contamination testing and evaluation; (2) UV irradiation testing; and (3) surface evaluation testing. Contamination testing was generally performed in the In-Situ Contamination Effects Facility at Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC). UV irradiation testing was also performed primarily at MSFC, utilizing facilities there. Finally, the surface evaluation was done at facilities at UAH Center for Applied Optics.

  15. Effects of applying molasses, lactic acid bacteria and propionic acid on fermentation quality, aerobic stability and in vitro gas production of total mixed ration silage prepared with oat-common vetch intercrop on the Tibetan Plateau.

    PubMed

    Chen, Lei; Guo, Gang; Yuan, Xianjun; Zhang, Jie; Li, Junfeng; Shao, Tao

    2016-03-30

    The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of molasses, lactic acid bacteria and propionic acid on the fermentation quality, aerobic stability and in vitro gas production of total mixed ration (TMR) silage prepared with oat-common vetch intercrop on the Tibetan plateau. TMR (436 g kg(-1) dry matter (DM)) was ensiled with six experimental treatments: (1) no additives (control); (2) molasses (M); (3) an inoculant (Lactobacillus plantarum) (L); (4) propionic acid (P); (5) molasses + propionic acid (MP); (6) inoculant + propionic acid (LP). All silages were well preserved with low pH (< 4.19) and NH3-N contents, and high lactic acid contents after ensiling for 45 days. L and PL silages underwent a more efficient fermentation than silages without L. P and MP silages inhibited lactic acid production. Under aerobic conditions, M and L silage reduced aerobic stability for 15 and 74 h, respectively. All silages that had propionic acid in their treatments markedly (P < 0.05) improved the aerobic stability. After 72 h incubation, all additives treatments increased (P < 0.05) the 72 h cumulative gas production and in vitro DM digestibility (IVDMD) as compared with the control. L treatment decreased (P < 0.05) in vitro neutral detergent fibre degradability. Our findings show that TMR prepared with oat-common vetch intercrop can be well preserved. Although propionic acid is compatible with lactic acid bacteria, and when used together, they had minor effects on fermentation, aerobic stability and in vitro digestibility of TMR silage prepared with oat-common vetch intercrop. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry.

  16. Photodegradation of Acid Violet 7 with AgBr-ZnO under highly alkaline conditions.

    PubMed

    Krishnakumar, B; Swaminathan, M

    2012-12-01

    The photocatalytic activity of AgBr-ZnO was investigated for the degradation of Acid Violet 7 (AV 7) in aqueous solution using UV-A light. AgBr-ZnO is found to be more efficient than commercial ZnO and prepared ZnO at pH 12 for the mineralization of AV 7. The effects of operational parameters such as the amount of photocatalyst, dye concentration, initial pH on photo mineralization have been analyzed. Expect oxone, other oxidants decrease the degradation efficiency. Addition of metal ions and anions decrease the degradation efficiency of AgBr-ZnO significantly. The mineralization of AV 7 has also been confirmed by COD measurements. The mechanism of degradation by AgBr-ZnO is proposed to explain its higher activity under UV light. The catalyst is found to be reusable. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  17. Feasibility of applying the LED-UV-induced TiO2/ZnO-supported H3PMo12O40 nanoparticles in photocatalytic degradation of aniline.

    PubMed

    Taghavi, Mahmoud; Ghaneian, Mohammad Taghi; Ehrampoush, Mohammad Hasan; Tabatabaee, Masoumeh; Afsharnia, Mojtaba; Alami, Ali; Mardaneh, Jalal

    2018-03-03

    In the present study, TiO 2 /ZnO-supported phosphomolybdic acid nanoparticles are investigated by the impregnation method, followed by analyzing their photocatalytic activity under UV-LED light and degradation kinetics degrading aniline as an organic pollutant model. Nanoparticle characteristics and the remaining Keggin structure in the nanocomposites were confirmed by means of FESEM, FTIR, and XRD analyses. Heterogenization of phosphomolybdic acid on TiO 2 and ZnO nanoparticles resulted in the improved light absorption intensity and decreased band gap of nanocomposites. Photocatalytic degradation of aniline was also improved for composite nanoparticles and reached to 25.62, 43.48, and 38.25% for TiO 2 /HPMo, ZnO/HPMo, and TiO 2 /ZnO/HPMo, respectively. Overall, the results showed a good fit to the Langmuir-Hinshelwood kinetic model.

  18. Catalytic degradation of Amlodipine Besylate using ZnO, Cu doped ZnO, and Fe doped ZnO nanoparticles from an aqueous solution: Investigating the effect of different parameters on degradation efficiency

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Alizadeh, Elahe; Baseri, Hadi

    2018-04-01

    Some common nanoparticles, such as Zinc Oxide have been used as nanocatalysts in many processes, but they also have an important application in water purification processes. In this research, ZnO based nanoparticles were used for the degradation of Amlodipine Besylate (AMB) and the effect of some main parameters, e.g. initial concentration of AMB, nanocatalysts dose, pH of the solution, temperature of the solution, H2O2 dose, and the time of visible light irradiation, were investigated. The destruction amount was determined by UV-Vis spectroscopy. The synthesized nanoparticles were characterized by FE-SEM, XRD, FT-IR, BET, BJH, EDS, XRF and UV-Vis techniques. The maximum degradation of AMB was about 90% in 60 min of visible light irradiation with 100 μL of H2O2.

  19. Comparison and mechanism of photocatalytic activities of N-ZnO and N-ZrO2 for the degradation of rhodamine 6G.

    PubMed

    Sudrajat, Hanggara; Babel, Sandhya

    2016-05-01

    N-doped ZnO (N-ZnO) and N-doped ZrO2 (N-ZrO2) are synthesized by novel, simple thermal decomposition methods. The catalysts are evaluated for the degradation of rhodamine 6G (R6G) under visible and UV light. N-ZnO exhibits higher dye degradation under both visible and UV light compared to N-ZrO2 due to possessing higher specific surface area, lower crystalline size, and lower band gap. However, it is less reusable than N-ZrO2 and its photocatalytic activity is also deteriorated at low pH. At the same intensity of 3.5 W/m(2), UVC light is shown to be a better UV source for N-ZnO, while UVA light is more suitable for N-ZrO2. At pH 7 with initial dye concentration of 10 mg/L, catalyst concentration of 1 g/L, and UVC light, 94.3 % of R6G is degraded by N-ZnO within 2 h. Using UVA light under identical experimental conditions, 93.5 % degradation of R6G is obtained by N-ZrO2. Moreover, the type of light source is found to determine the reactive species produced in the R6G degradation by N-ZnO and N-ZrO2. Less oxidative reactive species such as superoxide radical and singlet oxygen play a major role in the degradation of R6G under visible light. On the contrary, highly oxidative hydroxyl radicals are predominant under UVC light. Based on the kinetic study, the adsorption of R6G on the catalyst surface is found to be the controlling step.

  20. Radical Chemistry and Structural Relationships of PPCP Degradation by UV/Chlorine Treatment in Simulated Drinking Water.

    PubMed

    Guo, Kaiheng; Wu, Zihao; Shang, Chii; Yao, Bo; Hou, Shaodong; Yang, Xin; Song, Weihua; Fang, Jingyun

    2017-09-19

    The UV/chlorine process is an emerging advanced oxidation process (AOP) used for the degradation of micropollutants. However, the radical chemistry of this AOP is largely unknown for the degradation of numerous structurally diverse micropollutants in water matrices of varying quality. These issues were addressed by grouping 34 pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) according to the radical chemistry of their degradation in the UV/chlorine process at practical PPCP concentrations (1 μg L -1 ) and in different water matrices. The contributions of HO • and reactive chlorine species (RCS), including Cl • , Cl 2 •- , and ClO • , to the degradation of different PPCPs were compound specific. RCS showed considerable reactivity with olefins and benzene derivatives, such as phenols, anilines, and alkyl-/alkoxybenzenes. A good linear relationship was found between the RCS reactivity and negative values of the Hammett ∑σ p + constant for aromatic PPCPs, indicating that electron-donating groups promote the attack of benzene derivatives by RCS. The contribution of HO • , but not necessarily RCS, to PPCP removal decreased with increasing pH. ClO • showed high reactivity with some PPCPs, such as carbamazepine, caffeine, and gemfibrozil, with second-order rate constants of 9.2 × 10 7 , 1.03 × 10 8 , and 4.16 × 10 8 M -1 s -1 , respectively, which contributed to their degradation. Natural organic matter (NOM) induced significant scavenging of ClO • and greatly decreased the degradation of PPCPs that was attributable to ClO • , with a second-order rate constant of 4.5 × 10 4 (mg L -1 ) -1 s -1 . Alkalinity inhibited the degradation of PPCPs that was primarily attacked by HO • and Cl • but had negligible effects on the degradation of PPCPs by ClO • . This is the first study on the reactivity of RCS, particularly ClO • , with structurally diverse PPCPs under simulated drinking water condition.

  1. Photocatalytic degradation of commercial phoxim over La-doped TiO2 nanoparticles in aqueous suspension.

    PubMed

    Dai, Ke; Peng, Tianyou; Chen, Hao; Liu, Juan; Zan, Lin

    2009-03-01

    Photocatalytic degradation of commercial phoxim emulsion in aqueous suspension was investigated by using La-doped mesoporous TiO2 nanoparticles (m-TiO2) as the photocatalyst under UV irradiation. Effects of La-doping level, calcination temperature, and additional amount of the photocatalyst on the photocatalytic degradation efficiency were investigated in detail. Experimental results indicate that 20 mg L(-1) phoxim in 0.5 g L(-1) La/m-TiO2 suspension (the initial pH 4.43) can be decomposed as prolonging the irradiation time. Almost 100% phoxim was decomposed after 4 h irradiation according to the spectrophotometric analyses, whereas the mineralization rate of phoxim just reached ca. 80% as checked by ion chromatography (IC) analyses. The elimination of the organic solvent in the phoxim emulsion as well as the formation and decomposition of some degradation intermediates were observed by high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectroscopy (HPLC-MS). On the basis of the analysis results on the photocatalytic degradation intermediates, two possible photocatalytic degradation pathways are proposed under the present experimental conditions, which reveal that both the hydrolysis and adsorption of phoxim under UV light irradiation play important roles during the photocatalytic degradation of phoxim.

  2. Application of excitation and emission matrix fluorescence (EEM) and UV-vis absorption to monitor the characteristics of Alizarin Red S (ARS) during electro-Fenton degradation process.

    PubMed

    Lai, Bo; Zhou, Yuexi; Wang, Juling; Yang, Zhishan; Chen, Zhiqiang

    2013-11-01

    Oxidative degradation of Alizarin Red S (ARS) in aqueous solutions by using electro-Fenton was studied. At first, effect of operating parameters such as current density, aeration rate and initial pH on the degradation of ARS were studied by using UV-vis spectrum, respectively. Then, under the optimal operating conditions (current density: 10.0mAcm(-2), aeration rate: 1000mLmin(-1), initial pH: 2.8), the identification of degradation products of ARS was carried out by using GC-MS and HPLC, meanwhile its degradation pathway was proposed according to the intermediates. Considering the location, intensity and intensity ratio of fluorescence center peak of the ARS in aqueous solution, a convenient and quick monitoring method by using excitation-emission matrix fluorescence spectrum technology was developed to monitor the degradation degree of ARS through electro-Fenton process. Furthermore, it is suggested that the developed method would be promising for the quick analysis and evaluation of the degradation degree of the pollutants with π-conjugated system. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  3. Study of photocatalytic degradation of tributyltin, dibutylin and monobutyltin in water and marine sediments.

    PubMed

    Brosillon, Stephan; Bancon-Montigny, Chrystelle; Mendret, Julie

    2014-08-01

    This study reports on the first assessment of the treatment of sediments contaminated by organotin compounds using heterogeneous photocatalysis. Photocatalysis of organotins in water was carried out under realistic concentration conditions (μgL(-1)). Degradation compounds were analyzed by GC-ICP-MS; a quasi-complete degradation of tributyltin (TBT) in water (99.8%) was achieved after 30min of photocatalytic treatment. The degradation by photolysis was about (10%) in the same conditions. For the first time decontamination of highly polluted marine sediments (certified reference material and harbor sediments) by photocatalysis proves that the use of UV and the production of hydroxyl radicals are an efficient way to treat organotins adsorbed onto marine sediment despite the complexity of the matrix. In sediment, TBT degradation yield ranged from 32% to 37% after only 2h of irradiation (TiO2-UV) and the by-products: dibutyltin (DBT) and monobutyltin (MBT) were degraded very rapidly in comparison with TBT. It was shown that during photocatalysis of organotins in sediments, the hydroxyl radical attack and photolysis are the two ways for the degradation of adsorbed TBT. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  4. Advanced oxidation processes on doxycycline degradation: monitoring of antimicrobial activity and toxicity.

    PubMed

    Spina-Cruz, Mylena; Maniero, Milena Guedes; Guimarães, José Roberto

    2018-05-08

    Advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) have been highly efficient in degrading contaminants of emerging concern (CEC). This study investigated the efficiency of photolysis, peroxidation, photoperoxidation, and ozonation at different pH values to degrade doxycycline (DC) in three aqueous matrices: fountain, tap, and ultrapure water. More than 99.6% of DC degradation resulted from the UV/H 2 O 2 and ozonation processes. Also, to evaluate the toxicity of the original solution and throughout the degradation time, antimicrobial activity tests were conducted using Gram-positive (Bacillus subtilis) and Gram-negative (Escherichia coli) bacteria, and acute toxicity test using the bioluminescent marine bacterium (Vibrio fischeri). Antimicrobial activity reduced as the drug degradation increased in UV/H 2 O 2 and ozonation processes, wherein the first process only 6 min was required to reduce 100% of both bacteria activity. In ozonation, 27.7 mg L -1 of ozone was responsible for reducing 100% of the antimicrobial activity. When applied the photoperoxidation process, an increase in the toxicity occurred as the high levels of degradation were achieved; it means that toxic intermediates were formed. The ozonated solutions did not present toxicity.

  5. Time-of-flight mass spectrometry assessment of fluconazole and climbazole UV and UV/H2O2 degradability: Kinetics study and transformation products elucidation.

    PubMed

    Castro, Gabriela; Casado, Jorge; Rodríguez, Isaac; Ramil, María; Ferradás, Aida; Cela, Rafael

    2016-01-01

    The efficiency of UV irradiation for the removal of the antimycotic drugs fluconazole (FCZ) and climbazole (CBZ) from water samples is evaluated. Degradation experiments, at laboratory scale, were carried out with spiked aliquots of ultrapure water solutions and treated wastewater samples using low-pressure mercury lamps emitting at 254 nm. Time course of precursor pollutants and identification of arising transformation products (TPs) was performed by injection of different reaction time aliquots in a liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC-QTOF-MS) system. Chemical structures of identified TPs were proposed from their full-product ion spectra, acquired using different collision energies. During UV irradiation experiments, the half-lives (t1/2) of FCZ and CBZ were similar in ultrapure water solutions and wastewater samples; however, the first species was more recalcitrant than the second one. Four TPs were identified in case of FCZ resulting from substitution of fluorine atoms by hydroxyl moieties and intramolecular cyclization with fluorine removal. CBZ interacted with UV radiation through reductive dechlorination, hydroxylation and cleavage of the ether bond; moreover, five additional primary TPs, with the same empirical formula as CBZ, were also noticed. Given the relatively long t1/2 of FCZ under direct photolysis (ca. 42 min), UV irradiation was combined with H2O2 addition to promote formation of reactive hydroxyl radicals. Under such conditions, the degradation rate of FCZ was enhanced significantly and no TPs were detected. These latter conditions allowed also the effective removal of CBZ TPs. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  6. Removal of phosphonates from industrial wastewater with UV/FeII, Fenton and UV/Fenton treatment.

    PubMed

    Rott, Eduard; Minke, Ralf; Bali, Ulusoy; Steinmetz, Heidrun

    2017-10-01

    Phosphonates are an important group of phosphorus-containing compounds due to their increasing industrial use and possible eutrophication potential. This study involves investigations into the methods UV/Fe II , Fenton and UV/Fenton for their removal from a pure water matrix and industrial wastewaters. It could be shown that the degradability of phosphonates by UV/Fe II (6 kWh/m 3 ) in pure water crucially depended on the pH and was higher the less phosphonate groups a phosphonate contains. The UV/Fe II method is recommended in particular for the treatment of concentrates with nitrogen-free phosphonates, only little turbidity and a low content of organic compounds. Using Fenton reagent, the degradation of polyphosphonates was relatively weak in a pure water matrix (<20% transformation to o-PO 4 3- ). By means of the Photo-Fenton method (6 kWh/m 3 ), those phosphonates with the smallest numbers of phosphonate groups were easier degraded as well at pH 3.5 in a pure water matrix (o-PO 4 3- formation rates of up to 80%). Despite an incomplete transformation of organically bound phosphorus to o-PO 4 3- with Fenton reagent in an organically highly polluted wastewater (max. 15%), an almost total removal of the total P occurred. The most efficient total P elimination rates were achieved in accordance with the following Fenton implementation: reaction → sludge separation (acidic) → neutralization of the supernatant → sludge separation (neutral). Accordingly, a neutralization directly after the reaction phase led to a lower total P removal extent. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  7. UV-visible light-activated Ag-decorated, monodisperse TiO2 aggregates for treatment of the pharmaceutical oxytetracycline.

    PubMed

    Han, Changseok; Likodimos, Vlassis; Khan, Javed Ali; Nadagouda, Mallikarjuna N; Andersen, Joel; Falaras, Polycarpos; Rosales-Lombardi, Pablo; Dionysiou, Dionysios D

    2014-10-01

    Noble metal Ag-decorated, monodisperse TiO2 aggregates were successfully synthesized by an ionic strength-assisted, simple sol-gel method and were used for the photocatalytic degradation of the antibiotic oxytetracycline (OTC) under both UV and visible light (UV-visible light) irradiation. The synthesized samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD); UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy; environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM); transmission electron microscopy (TEM); high-resolution TEM (HR-TEM); micro-Raman, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS); and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). The results showed that the uniformity of TiO2 aggregates was finely tuned by the sol-gel method, and Ag was well decorated on the monodisperse TiO2 aggregates. The absorption of the samples in the visible light region increased with increasing Ag loading that was proportional to the amount of Ag precursor added in the solution over the tested concentration range. The Brunauer, Emmett, and Teller (The BET) surface area slightly decreased with increasing Ag loading on the TiO2 aggregates. Ag-decorated TiO2 samples demonstrated enhanced photocatalytic activity for the degradation of OTC under UV-visible light illumination compared to that of pure TiO2. The sample containing 1.9 wt% Ag showed the highest photocatalytic activity for the degradation of OTC under both UV-visible light and visible light illumination. During the experiments, the detected Ag leaching for the best TiO2-Ag photocatalyst was much lower than the National Secondary Drinking Water Regulation for Ag limit (0.1 mg L(-1)) issued by the US Environmental Protection Agency.

  8. Optimization of photo-Fenton process for the treatment of prednisolone.

    PubMed

    Díez, Aida María; Ribeiro, Ana Sofia; Sanromán, Maria Angeles; Pazos, Marta

    2018-03-29

    Prednisolone is a widely prescribed synthetic glucocorticoid and stated to be toxic to a number of non-target aquatic organisms. Its extensive consumption generates environmental concern due to its detection in wastewater samples at concentrations ranged from ng/L to μg/L that requests the application of suitable degradation processes. Regarding the actual treatment options, advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) are presented as a viable alternative. In this work, the comparison in terms of pollutant removal and energetic efficiencies, between different AOPs such as Fenton (F), photo-Fenton (UV/F), photolysis (UV), and hydrogen peroxide/photolysis (UV/H 2 O 2 ), was carried out. Light diode emission (LED) was the selected source to provide the UV radiation. The UV/F process revealed the best performance, reaching high levels of both degradation and mineralization with low energy consumption. Its optimization was conducted and the operational parameters were iron and H 2 O 2 concentrations and the working volume. Using the response surface methodology with the Box-Behnken design, the effect of independent variables and their interactions on the process response were effectively evaluated. Different responses were analyzed taking into account the prednisolone removal (TOC and drug abatements) and the energy consumptions associated. The obtained model showed an improvement of the UV/F process when treating smaller volumes and when adding high concentrations of H 2 O 2 and Fe 2+ . The validation of this model was successfully carried out, having only 5% of discrepancy between the model and the experimental results. Finally, the performance of the process when having a real wastewater matrix was also tested, achieving complete mineralization and detoxification after 8 h. In addition, prednisolone degradation products were identified. Finally, the obtained low energy permitted to confirm the viability of the process.

  9. Evolution of molecular weight and fluorescence of effluent organic matter (EfOM) during oxidation processes revealed by advanced spectrographic and chromatographic tools.

    PubMed

    Chen, Zhiqiang; Li, Mo; Wen, Qinxue; Ren, Nanqi

    2017-11-01

    Effluent organic matter (EfOM) is an emerging concern to receiving aquatic environment due to its refractory property. The degradation of EfOM in ozonation and other two advanced oxidation processes (AOPs), UV/H 2 O 2 and UV/persulfate (PS), was investigated in this study. Fluorescence spectra coupled with parallel factor analysis (PARAFAC) and two-dimensional correlation gel permeation chromatography (2D-GPC) were used to track the evolution of EfOM during each oxidation process. Results showed that the degradation of EfOM indicated by dissolved organic carbon (DOC), UV 254 and fluorescence components, fitted well with pseudo-first-order kinetic model during the oxidation processes. Ozonation showed higher degradation efficiency than AOPs, while UV/PS was more effective than UV/H 2 O 2 with equimolar oxidants dosage. Ozone and SO· 4 - were more reactive with terrestrial humic-like substances, while hydroxyl radical preferentially reacted with protein-like substances. Organic molecules with higher molecular weight (MW) were susceptible to ozone or radicals. Ozonation could transform higher MW (MW of 3510 and 575) organic matters into lower MW organic matters (MW of 294), while reductions of all the organics were observed in both AOPs. Due to the higher reaction rates between ozone and EfOM, ozonation maybe serve as a pre-treatment for AOPs to reduce the radical and energy consumption and improve mineralization of EfOM by AOPs. The decline in DOC, UV 254 , fluorescence and reduction in oxidants increased with the increase of oxidants dosage, and linear correlations among them were found during the ozonation and AOPs. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

  10. Degradation Analysis of NBR and Epichlorohydrin Rubber by New Micro Analysis Method

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Katoh, Hisao; Kamoto, Ritsu; Murata, Jun

    The degradation analysis of NBR and Epichlorohydrin rubber was carried out by infrared micro spectroscopy (μ-IR) and micro sampling mass spectrometry (μ-MS) which gives information on the scission and crosslinking of rubber molecules. Samples were prepared by three different treatments, heat as well as ultra violet (UV) and electron beam (EB) irradiations. It was found for NBR vulcanizates that the heat treatment induced the oxidation, scission and crosslinking of rubber molecules. By the UV treatment, chain scission and crosslinking accompanied by a slight oxidation were induced. The EB treatment enhanced the crosslinking, however, the extent of oxidation was negligible. For Epichlorohydrin rubber vulcanizates, the heat treatment accelerated chain scission rather than crosslinking. On the other hand, the oxidation and crosslinking were induced by the UV and EB treatments.

  11. Determination of CMPO using HPLC -UV

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Gracy Elias; Gary S. Groenewold; Bruce J. Mincher

    Octyl(phenyl)-N,N-diisobutylcarbamoylmethylphosphine oxide (CMPO) is an extractant proposed for selective separation of radionuclide metals from used nuclear fuel solutions using solvent extraction. Radiolysis reactions can degrade CMPO and reduce separation performance and hence methods for measuring concentration of CMPO and identifying degradation products are needed. A novel high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method employing ultraviolet detection (UV) was developed to detect and quantitate CMPO in dodecane. Some radiolysis products in gamma and alpha irradiated CMPO solutions were identified using HPLC/electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry (ESI-MS). Validation data indicated that the HPLC-UV method for CMPO determination provided good linearity, sensitivity, procedure accuracy and systemmore » precision. CMPO-nitric acid complexes were also identified, that account for the apparent loss of CMPO in acidic environment, independent of irradiation.« less

  12. New porous titanium–niobium oxide for photocatalytic degradation of bromocresol green dye in aqueous solution

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Chaleshtori, Maryam Zarei, E-mail: mzarei@utep.edu; Hosseini, Mahsa; Edalatpour, Roya

    2013-10-15

    Graphical abstract: The photocatalytic activity of different porous titanium–niobium oxides was evaluated toward degradation of bromocresol green (BG) under UV light. A better catalytic activity was observed for all samples at lower pH. Catalysts have a stronger ability for degradation of BG in acid media than in alkaline media. - Highlights: • Different highly structured titanium–niobium oxides have been prepared using improved methods of synthesis. • Photo-degradation of bromocresol green dye (BG) with nanostructure titanium–niobium oxide catalysts was carried out under UV light. • The photo-catalytic activity of all catalysts was higher in lower pH. • Titanium–niobium oxide catalysts aremore » considerably stable and reusable. - Abstract: In this study, high surface area semiconductors, non porous and porous titanium–niobium oxides derived from KTiNbO{sub 5} were synthesized, characterized and developed for their utility as photocatalysts for decontamination with sunlight. These materials were then used in the photocatalytic degradation of bromocresol green dye (BG) in aqueous solution using UV light and their catalytic activities were evaluated at various pHs. For all catalysts, the photocatalytic degradation of BG was most efficient in acidic solutions. Results show that the new porous oxides have large porous and high surface areas and high catalytic activity. A topotactic dehydration treatment greatly improves catalyst performance at various pHs. Stability and long term activity of porous materials (topo and non-topo) in photocatalysis reactions was also tested. These results suggest that the new materials can be used to efficiently purify contaminated water.« less

  13. Determination of early warning signs for photocatalytic degradation of titanium white oil paints by means of surface analysis.

    PubMed

    van Driel, B A; Wezendonk, T A; van den Berg, K J; Kooyman, P J; Gascon, J; Dik, J

    2017-02-05

    Titanium white (TiO 2 ) has been widely used as a pigment in the 20th century. However, its most photocatalytic form (anatase) can cause severe degradation of the oil paint in which it is contained. UV light initiates TiO 2 -photocatalyzed processes in the paint film, degrading the oil binder into volatile components resulting in chalking of the paint. This will eventually lead to severe changes in the appearance of a painting. To date, limited examples of degraded works of art containing titanium white are known due to the relatively short existence of the paintings in question and the slow progress of the degradation process. However, UV light will inevitably cause degradation of paint in works of art containing photocatalytic titanium white. In this work, a method to detect early warning signs of photocatalytic degradation of unvarnished oil paint is proposed, using atomic force microscopy (AFM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Consequently, a four-stage degradation model was developed through in-depth study of TiO 2 -containing paint films in various stages of degradation. The XPS surface analysis proved very valuable for detecting early warning signs of paint degradation, whereas the AFM results provide additional confirmation and are in good agreement with bulk gloss reduction. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  14. Optimization of photocatalytic degradation of sulphonated diazo dye C.I. Reactive Green 19 using ceramic-coated TiO2 nanoparticles.

    PubMed

    Rastegar, M; Shadbad, K Rahmati; Khataee, A R; Pourrajab, R

    2012-01-01

    Optimization of photocatalytic degradation of C.I. Reactive Green 19 (RG 19) under UV light irradiation using ceramic-coated TiO2 nanoparticles in a continuous circulation rectangular photoreactor was studied. The used catalyst was TiO2 Millennium PC-500 (crystallite mean size 8 nm) immobilized on ceramic plates. A central composite design was used for optimization of the UV/TiO2 process. Predicted values of decolorization efficiency were found to be in good agreement with experimental values (R2 = 0.97 and Adj-R2 = 0.91). Optimization results showed that maximum decolorization efficiency was achieved at the optimum conditions of: initial dye concentration 10 mg/L, UV light intensity 47.2 W/m2, flow rate 150 mL/min and reaction time 240 min. Photocatalytic mineralization of RG 19 was monitored by chemical oxygen demand (COD) decrease and changes in the UV-Vis spectrum.

  15. Removal of organics and degradation products from industrial wastewater by a membrane bioreactor integrated with ozone or UV/H₂O₂ treatment.

    PubMed

    Laera, G; Cassano, D; Lopez, A; Pinto, A; Pollice, A; Ricco, G; Mascolo, G

    2012-01-17

    The treatment of a pharmaceutical wastewater resulting from the production of an antibacterial drug (nalidixic acid) was investigated employing a membrane bioreactor (MBR) integrated with either ozonation or UV/H(2)O(2) process. This was achieved by placing chemical oxidation in the recirculation stream of the MBR. A conventional configuration with chemical oxidation as polishing for the MBR effluent was also tested as a reference. The synergistic effect of MBR when integrated with chemical oxidation was assessed by monitoring (i) the main wastewater characteristics, (ii) the concentration of nalidixic acid, (iii) the 48 organics identified in the raw wastewater and (iv) the 55 degradation products identified during wastewater treatment. Results showed that MBR integration with ozonation or UV/H(2)O(2) did not cause relevant drawbacks to both biological and filtration processes, with COD removal rates in the range 85-95%. Nalidixic acid passed undegraded through the MBR and was completely removed in the chemical oxidation step. Although the polishing configuration appeared to give better performances than the integrated system in removing 15 out of 48 secondary organics while similar removals were obtained for 19 other compounds. The benefit of the integrated system was however evident for the removal of the degradation products. Indeed, the integrated system allowed higher removals for 34 out of 55 degradation products while for only 4 compounds the polishing configuration gave better performance. Overall, results showed the effectiveness of the integrated treatment with both ozone and UV/H(2)O(2).

  16. Graphene oxide (rGO)-metal oxide (TiO2/Fe3O4) based nanocomposites for the removal of methylene blue

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Banerjee, Soma; Benjwal, Poonam; Singh, Milan; Kar, Kamal K.

    2018-05-01

    Herein, ternary nanocomposites based on titanium dioxide, ferric oxide and reduced graphene oxide (GO) have been developed for photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue. The nanocomposites are prepared by simple sol-gel and wet assembly methods with varying weight ratio of each components to obtain efficient photocatalytic degradation. Due to the synergistic effect among the three components, a swift removal of methylene blue becomes possible under visible and UV light. The rGO-Fe3O4-TiO2 nanocomposite having composition 1:1:2 has achieved maximum degradation of methylene blue from the aqueous solution. About 99% of the dye has been removed within 6 min under UV irradiation, while in presence of visible light, 94% has been degraded from the wastewater. The enhancement of photocatalytic activity in this ternary system is attributed to the efficient separation of charge carriers from TiO2 to rGO under the exposure of light and the initiation of photo-Fenton reaction due to the incorporated Fe3O4 nanoparticles in presence of H2O2, which provides highly reactive hydroxyl ions that mineralize the pollutants. All these results indicate that these ternary nanocomposites possess great potential for both UV and visible light driven methylene blue destruction from the wastewater.

  17. Enhanced UV-visible response of bismuth subcarbonate nanowires for degradation of xanthate and photocatalytic reaction mechanism.

    PubMed

    Cui, Kuixin; He, Yuehui; Jin, Shengming

    2016-04-01

    (BiO)2CO3 nanowires were prepared by simple hydrothermal treatment of commercial Bi2O3 powders and characterized by X-ray diffractometry, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high-resolution TEM, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The photocatalytic activity of (BiO)2CO3 nanowires was studied through degradation of sodium isopropyl xanthate. Photocatalytic experimental results indicated that the as-prepared (BiO)2CO3 nanowires show high photocatalytic efficiency. Photocatalytic activity increased after two cycles. Time-dependent UV-vis spectra demonstrated that the final degradation products included isopropyl alcohol and carbon disulfide. UV-vis diffuse reflection spectra showed that the band gap of the as-prepared (BiO)2CO3 nanowires and recycled (BiO)2CO3 nanowires were 2.75 eV and 1.15 eV, respectively. XPS results indicated that formation of Bi2S3@(BiO)2CO3 core-shell nanowires occurred after recycled photodegradation of isopropyl xanthate owing to existence of two types of Bi configurations in the recycled (BiO)2CO3 nanowires. A probable degradation mechanism of isopropyl xanthate was also proposed. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  18. Chemical instability of graphene oxide following exposure to highly reactive radicals in advanced oxidation processes.

    PubMed

    Wang, Zhaohui; Sun, Linyan; Lou, Xiaoyi; Yang, Fei; Feng, Min; Liu, Jianshe

    2017-12-01

    The rapidly increasing and widespread use of graphene oxide (GO) as catalyst supports, requires further understanding of its chemical stability in advanced oxidation processes (AOPs). In this study, UV/H 2 O 2 and UV/persulfate (UV/PS) processes were selected to test the chemical instability of GO in terms of their performance in producing highly reactive hydroxyl radicals (OH) and sulfate radicals (SO 4 - ), respectively. The degradation intermediates were characterized using UV-visible absorption spectra (UV-vis), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Raman spectroscopy, and matrix-assisted laser desorption and ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS). Experimental data indicate that UV/PS process was more effective in enhancing GO degradation than the UV/H 2 O 2 system. The overall oxygen-containing functionalities (e.g. CO, CO and OCO groups) dramatically declined. After radical attack, sheet-like GO was destructed into lots of flakes and some low-molecular-weight molecules were detected. The results suggest GO is most vulnerable against SO 4 - radical attack, which deserves special attention while GO acts as a catalyst support or even as a catalyst itself. Therefore, stability of GO and its derivatives should be carefully assessed before they are applied to SO 4 - -based AOPs. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  19. Assessment of the UV/Cl2 advanced oxidation process for the degradation of the emerging contaminants amitriptyline hydrochloride, methyl salicylate and 2-phenoxyethanol in water systems.

    PubMed

    Javier Benitez, F; Real, Francisco J; Acero, Juan L; Casas, Francisco

    2017-10-01

    Three emerging contaminants (amitriptyline hydrochloride (AH), methyl salicylate (MS) and 2-phenoxyethanol (PE)) frequently found in wastewaters were selected to be individually degraded in ultra-pure water by the advanced oxidation process (AOP) constituted by the combination of UV radiation and chlorine. The influence of pH, initial chlorine concentration and nature of the contaminants was firstly explored. The trend for the reactivity of the selected compounds was deduced: AH > MS > PE. A later kinetic study was carried out focused on the evaluation of the first-order rate constants and the determination of the partial contribution to the global reaction of the direct photochemical pathway and the radical pathway. In a second stage, the simultaneous oxidation of mixtures of the selected contaminants in several types of water was also performed by the same combination UV/Cl 2 . The efficiency of this combined system UV/Cl 2 was compared to other oxidants such as the UV/[Formula: see text] and UV/H 2 O 2 AOPs, and the influence of the operating variables was discussed. Results confirmed that the UV/Cl 2 system provides higher elimination efficiencies among the AOPs tested. The presence of dissolved organic matter and bicarbonate ions in the water matrix caused a decrease in the treatment efficiency.

  20. Atomistic modeling of water diffusion in hydrolytic biomaterials.

    PubMed

    Gautieri, Alfonso; Mezzanzanica, Andrea; Motta, Alberto; Redealli, Alberto; Vesentini, Simone

    2012-04-01

    One of the most promising applications of hydrolytically degrading biomaterials is their use as drug release carriers. These uses, however, require that the degradation and diffusion of drug are reliably predicted, which is complex to achieve through present experimental methods. Atomistic modeling can help in the knowledge-based design of degrading biomaterials with tuned drug delivery properties, giving insights on the small molecules diffusivity at intermediate states of the degradation process. We present here an atomistic-based approach to investigate the diffusion of water (through which hydrolytic degradation occurs) in degrading bulk models of poly(lactic acid) or PLA. We determine the water diffusion coefficient for different swelling states of the polymeric matrix (from almost dry to pure water) and for different degrees of degradation. We show that water diffusivity is highly influenced by the swelling degree, while little or not influenced by the degradation state. This approach, giving water diffusivity for different states of the matrix, can be combined with diffusion-reaction analytical methods in order to predict the degradation path on longer time scales. Furthermore, atomistic approach can be used to investigate diffusion of other relevant small molecules, eventually leading to the a priori knowledge of degradable biomaterials transport properties, helping the design of the drug delivery systems.

  1. Photolysis of Mono- and Dichloramines in UV/Hydrogen Peroxide: Effects on 1,4-Dioxane Removal and Relevance in Water Reuse.

    PubMed

    Patton, Samuel; Romano, Mariano; Naddeo, Vincenzo; Ishida, Kenneth P; Liu, Haizhou

    2018-06-05

    Growing demands and increasing scarcity of fresh water resources necessitate potable water reuse, which has been implemented with the aid of UV-based advanced oxidation processes (UV/AOPs) that remove potentially hazardous trace organic contaminants from reclaimed water. During the potable reuse treatment process, chloramines are added to prevent membrane fouling that are carried over to the UV/AOP, where hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ) is commonly added. However, the impact of chloramines on the photolysis of H 2 O 2 and the overall performance of the UV/AOP remains unknown. This study investigated the impacts of the photochemistry of monochloramine (NH 2 Cl) and dichloramine (NHCl 2 ) associated with the photolysis of H 2 O 2 on the degradation of 1,4-dioxane (1,4-D), a trace organic contaminant ubiquitous in recycled water. Results indicated that NH 2 Cl and NHCl 2 alone functioned as oxidants upon UV photolysis, which produced HO • and Cl 2 •- as the two primary oxidative radicals. The speciation of chloramines did not have a significant impact on the degradation kinetics. The inclusion of monochloramine in UV/H 2 O 2 greatly decreased 1,4-D removal efficiency. HO • was the major radical in the mixed H 2 O 2 /chloramine system. Results from this study suggest that recognizing the existence of chloramines in UV/H 2 O 2 systems is important for predicting UV/AOP performance in the treatment train of potable reuse.

  2. Cerium-doped -Ni(OH)2 hexagon nanosheets: an effective photocatalyst for degradation of the emerging water pollutant naproxen.

    PubMed

    Regmi, Chhabilal; Maya-Flores, Etel; Lee, Soo Wohn; Rodríguez-González, Vicente

    2018-06-21

    Nickel hydroxide β-Ni(OH)2 hexagonal nanosheets were synthetized via a hydrothermal exfoliation process. The practical microwave assisted hydrothermal method facilitated obtain layered nickel 3D nanoplates with cerium functionalization in 5h. The as-produced nanostructures were characterized by XRD, XPS, FESEM, FT-IR, PL, UV-vis, and BET techniques. The hydroxilated structures are nano-thick hexagonal plates having sides with 28 nm in length and 5 nm of average thickness. UV and PL irradiation was used to study the photoactive properties in the degradation of a pharmaceutical emerging pollutant, naproxen. UV-vis spectroscopy and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) monitoring indicated that the Ni(OH)2-Ce nanostructures are an effective photocatalyst for naproxen degradation including 40 % of mineralization of this highly recalcitrant drug. The photocatalyst showed stability for two consecutive cycles, preserving its photoactive and structural characteristics. Ce3+ doped nanoplates and surface functionalized Ce4+ act as charge separators and scavenging agents for the enhanced photodegradation of naproxen. © 2018 IOP Publishing Ltd.

  3. Enhanced photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue by metal-modified silicon nanowires

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Brahiti, N., E-mail: dihiabrahiti@yahoo.fr; Université Mouloud MAMMERI de TiziOuzou, Département de Physique, Bastos; Hadjersi, T., E-mail: hadjersi@gmx.com

    2015-02-15

    Highlights: • SiNWs modified with Pd, Au and Pt were used as photocatalysts to degrade MB. • Yield of photodegardation increases with UV irradiation time. • SiNWs modified with Pd nanoparticles show the best photocatalytic activity. • A degradation of 97% was obtained after 200 min of UV irradiation. - Abstract: Silicon nanowires (SiNWs) modified with Au, Pt and Pd nanoparticles were used as heterogeneous photocatalysts for the photodegradation of methylene blue in water under UV light irradiation. The modification of SiNWs was carried out by deposition of metal nanoparticles using the electroless metal deposition (EMD) technique. The effect ofmore » metal nanoparticles deposition time on the photocatalytic activity was studied. It was found that the photocatalytic activity of modified SiNWs was enhanced when the deposition time of metal nanoparticles was increased. In addition of modified SiNWs with Pt, Au and Pd nanoparticles, oxidized silicon substrate (Ox-Si), oxidized silicon nanowires (Ox-SiNWs) and hydrogen-terminated silicon nanowires (H-SiNWs) were also evaluated for the photodegradation of methylene blue.« less

  4. UV-visible spectroscopic estimation of photodegradation of rhodamine-B dye using tin(IV) oxide nanoparticles.

    PubMed

    Sangami, G; Dharmaraj, N

    2012-11-01

    Nanocrystalline, tin(IV) oxide (SnO(2)) particles has been prepared by thermal decomposition of tin oxalate precursor obtained from the reactions of tin(IV) chloride and sodium oxalate using eggshell membrane (ESM). The as-prepared SnO(2) nanoparticles were characterized by thermal studies, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman, FT-IR and UV-visible studies and used as a photocatalyst for the degradation of rhodamine-B (Rh-B) dye. The size of the prepared nanoparticles was in the range of 5-12nm as identified from the TEM images. Powder XRD data revealed the presence of a tetragonal, rutile crystalline phase of the tin(IV) oxide nanoparticles. Thermal analysis showed that the decomposition of tin oxalate precursor to yield the titled tin(IV) oxide nanoparticles was completed below 500°C. The extent of degradation of Rh-B in the presence of SnO(2) monitored by absorption spectral measurements demonstrated that 94.48% of the selected dye was degraded upon irradiation with UV light for 60 min. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  5. Synthesis process and photocatalytic properties of BiOBr nanosheets for gaseous benzene.

    PubMed

    Liu, Yu; Yin, Yongquan; Jia, Xueqing; Cui, Xiangyu; Tian, Canrui; Sang, Yuanhua; Liu, Hong

    2016-09-01

    A series of nano-BiOBr were prepared by an effective hydrothermal method in the presence of cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB) and ethanol at different calcination temperatures. The as-prepared nano-BiOBr samples were characterized by measuring the specific area (S BET), UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectrum, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The results show that the calcination temperature has an important impact on the morphology and microstructure of BiOBr. The nano-BiOBr calcined at 120 °C showed excellent photocatalytic degradation properties for benzene, with photocatalytic degradation rate of 75 % for benzene under UV irradiation for 90 min, and removal efficiency of benzene was significantly enhanced by using nano-BiOBr catalyst compared to UV irradiation alone. BiOBr catalyst possessed good photocatalytic activity even after three consecutive photocatalytic reaction cycles, illustrating its excellent stability. The photocatalytic degradation of benzene followed the first-order kinetics, and the good catalytic capability of nano-BiOBr catalyst can be attributed to its crystalline, hierarchical nanostructure and nanosheet thickness.

  6. Mechanisms of Photo Degradation for Layered Silicate-Polycarbonate Nanocomposites

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2005-09-01

    crystal was used as the sampling accessory. The UV/VIS spectra were recorded using a Cary 5G UV/VIS/ near - infrared (NIR) spectrometer set to scan in...transform infrared spectroscopy. The results reveal that the carbonate linkages undergo a scission reaction upon UV exposure, thereby compromising the...were wiped clean before spectroscopic analysis. 3.3 Spectroscopic Measurements Infrared measurements were recorded on a Nicolet model 560 Magna

  7. Photodegradation of the antineoplastic cyclophosphamide: a comparative study of the efficiencies of UV/H2O2, UV/Fe2+/H2O2 and UV/TiO2 processes.

    PubMed

    Lutterbeck, Carlos Alexandre; Machado, Ênio Leandro; Kümmerer, Klaus

    2015-02-01

    Anticancer drugs are harmful substances that can have carcinogenic, mutagenic, teratogenic, genotoxic, and cytotoxic effects even at low concentrations. More than 50 years after its introduction, the alkylating agent cyclophosphamide (CP) is still one of the most consumed anticancer drug worldwide. CP has been detected in water bodies in several studies and is known as being persistent in the aquatic environment. As the traditional water and wastewater treatment technologies are not able to remove CP from the water, different treatment options such as advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) are under discussion to eliminate these compounds. The present study investigated the degradation of CP by three different AOPs: UV/H2O2, UV/Fe(2+)/H2O2 and UV/TiO2. The light source was a Hg medium-pressure lamp. Prescreening tests were carried out and afterwards experiments based on the optimized conditions were performed. The primary elimination of the parent compounds and the detection of transformation products (TPs) were monitored with LC-UV-MS/MS analysis, whereas the degree of mineralization was monitored by measuring the dissolved organic carbon (DOC). Ecotoxicological assays were carried out with the luminescent bacteria Vibrio fischeri. CP was completely degraded in all treatments and UV/Fe(2+)/H2O2 was the fastest process, followed by UV/H2O2 and UV/TiO2. All the reactions obeyed pseudo-first order kinetics. Considering the mineralization UV/Fe(2+)/H2O2 and UV/TiO2 were the most efficient process with mineralization degrees higher than 85%, whereas UV/H2O2 achieved 72.5% of DOC removal. Five transformation products were formed during the reactions and identified. None of them showed significant toxicity against V. fischeri. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  8. Decomposition of 3,5-dinitrobenzamide in aqueous solution during UV/H2O2 and UV/TiO2 oxidation processes.

    PubMed

    Yan, Yingjie; Liao, Qi-Nan; Ji, Feng; Wang, Wei; Yuan, Shoujun; Hu, Zhen-Hu

    2017-02-01

    3,5-Dinitrobenzamide has been widely used as a feed additive to control coccidiosis in poultry, and part of the added 3,5-dinitrobenzamide is excreted into wastewater and surface water. The removal of 3,5-dinitrobenzamide from wastewater and surface water has not been reported in previous studies. Highly reactive hydroxyl radicals from UV/hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ) and UV/titanium dioxide (TiO 2 ) advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) can decompose organic contaminants efficiently. In this study, the decomposition of 3,5-dinitrobenzamide in aqueous solution during UV/H 2 O 2 and UV/TiO 2 oxidation processes was investigated. The decomposition of 3,5-dinitrobenzamide fits well with a fluence-based pseudo-first-order kinetics model. The decomposition in both two oxidation processes was affected by solution pH, and was inhibited under alkaline conditions. Inorganic anions such as NO 3 - , Cl - , SO 4 2- , HCO 3 - , and CO 3 2- inhibited the degradation of 3,5-dinitrobenzamide during the UV/H 2 O 2 and UV/TiO 2 oxidation processes. After complete decomposition in both oxidation processes, approximately 50% of 3,5-dinitrobenzamide was decomposed into organic intermediates, and the rest was mineralized to CO 2 , H 2 O, and other inorganic anions. Ions such as NH 4 + , NO 3 - , and NO 2 - were released into aqueous solution during the degradation. The primary decomposition products of 3,5-dinitrobenzamide were identified using time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LCMS-IT-TOF). Based on these products and ions release, a possible decomposition pathway of 3,5-dinitrobenzamide in both UV/H 2 O 2 and UV/TiO 2 processes was proposed.

  9. Degradation in the fatigue crack growth resistance of human dentin by lactic acid

    PubMed Central

    Orrego, Santiago; Xu, Huakun; Arola, Dwayne

    2017-01-01

    The oral cavity frequently undergoes localized changes in chemistry and level of acidity, which threatens the integrity of the restorative material and supporting hard tissue. The focus of this study was to evaluate the changes in fatigue crack growth resistance of dentin and toughening mechanisms caused by lactic acid exposure. Compact tension specimens of human dentin were prepared from unrestored molars and subjected to Mode I opening mode cyclic loads. Fatigue crack growth was achieved in samples from mid- and outer-coronal dentin immersed in either a lactic acid solution or neutral conditions. An additional evaluation of the influence of sealing the lumens by dental adhesive was also conducted. A hybrid analysis combining experimental results and finite element modeling quantified the contribution of the toughening mechanisms for both environments. The fatigue crack growth responses showed that exposure to lactic acid caused a significant reduction (p≤0.05) of the stress intensity threshold for cyclic crack extension, and a significant increase (p≤0.05) in the incremental fatigue crack growth rate for both regions of coronal dentin. Sealing the lumens had negligible influence on the fatigue resistance. The hybrid analysis showed that the acidic solution was most detrimental to the extrinsic toughening mechanisms, and the magnitude of crack closure stresses operating in the crack wake. Exposing dentin to acidic environments contributes to the development of caries, but it also increases the chance of tooth fractures via fatigue-related failure and at lower mastication forces. PMID:28183665

  10. Biofilm coupled with UV irradiation for phenol degradation and change of its community structure.

    PubMed

    Xia, Siqing; Yan, Ning; Zhu, Jun; Zhang, Yongming

    2011-06-01

    The extensive use of phenol compounds and the inability to remove these compounds during wastewater treatment have resulted in the widespread occurrence of phenols in the natural environment. Phenols have been linked to serious risks to human and environmental health. Hence, the need to develop technologies that can effectively remove phenols from wastewater and source waters is a pressing challenge. In this study, light ceramic particles were immersed in activated sludge acclimated to degrade phenol, and microorganisms were allowed to attach to the particles surface to form biofilm. Then the ceramic particles with biofilm were moved into the photolytic circulating-bed biofilm reactor made of quartz glass, which was used for the degradation of phenol by three protocols: photolysis with UV light alone (P), biodegradation alone (B), and the two mechanisms operating simultaneously (photobiodegradation, P&B). The experimental results indicated that phenol removal rate was quickest by B experiment. However, P&B experiment gave more complete mineralization of phenol than that by other protocols. During P&B experiment, the microorganisms grown on porous ceramic carrier still kept the bioactivity degrading phenol, even under UV light irradiation. However, the dominant members of the bacterial community changed dramatically after the intimately coupled photobiodegradation, according to molecular biological analysis to the biofilm. Whereas Beijerinckia sp. was the dominant strain in the inoculum, it was replaced by Thauera sp. MZ1T that played a main role on degrading phenol during P&B experiment.

  11. Granzyme B mediates both direct and indirect cleavage of extracellular matrix in skin after chronic low-dose ultraviolet light irradiation

    PubMed Central

    Parkinson, Leigh G; Toro, Ana; Zhao, Hongyan; Brown, Keddie; Tebbutt, Scott J; Granville, David J

    2015-01-01

    Extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation is a hallmark of many chronic inflammatory diseases that can lead to a loss of function, aging, and disease progression. Ultraviolet light (UV) irradiation from the sun is widely considered as the major cause of visible human skin aging, causing increased inflammation and enhanced ECM degradation. Granzyme B (GzmB), a serine protease that is expressed by a variety of cells, accumulates in the extracellular milieu during chronic inflammation and cleaves a number of ECM proteins. We hypothesized that GzmB contributes to ECM degradation in the skin after UV irradiation through both direct cleavage of ECM proteins and indirectly through the induction of other proteinases. Wild-type and GzmB-knockout mice were repeatedly exposed to minimal erythemal doses of solar-simulated UV irradiation for 20 weeks. GzmB expression was significantly increased in wild-type treated skin compared to nonirradiated controls, colocalizing to keratinocytes and to an increased mast cell population. GzmB deficiency significantly protected against the formation of wrinkles and the loss of dermal collagen density, which was related to the cleavage of decorin, an abundant proteoglycan involved in collagen fibrillogenesis and integrity. GzmB also cleaved fibronectin, and GzmB-mediated fibronectin fragments increased the expression of collagen-degrading matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) in fibroblasts. Collectively, these findings indicate a significant role for GzmB in ECM degradation that may have implications in many age-related chronic inflammatory diseases. PMID:25495009

  12. Assessment of DNA degradation induced by thermal and UV radiation processing: implications for quantification of genetically modified organisms.

    PubMed

    Ballari, Rajashekhar V; Martin, Asha

    2013-12-01

    DNA quality is an important parameter for the detection and quantification of genetically modified organisms (GMO's) using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Food processing leads to degradation of DNA, which may impair GMO detection and quantification. This study evaluated the effect of various processing treatments such as heating, baking, microwaving, autoclaving and ultraviolet (UV) irradiation on the relative transgenic content of MON 810 maize using pRSETMON-02, a dual target plasmid as a model system. Amongst all the processing treatments examined, autoclaving and UV irradiation resulted in the least recovery of the transgenic (CaMV 35S promoter) and taxon-specific (zein) target DNA sequences. Although a profound impact on DNA degradation was seen during the processing, DNA could still be reliably quantified by Real-time PCR. The measured mean DNA copy number ratios of the processed samples were in agreement with the expected values. Our study confirms the premise that the final analytical value assigned to a particular sample is independent of the degree of DNA degradation since the transgenic and the taxon-specific target sequences possessing approximately similar lengths degrade in parallel. The results of our study demonstrate that food processing does not alter the relative quantification of the transgenic content provided the quantitative assays target shorter amplicons and the difference in the amplicon size between the transgenic and taxon-specific genes is minimal. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  13. Degradation of microbial fluorescence biosignatures by solar ultraviolet radiation on Mars

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Dartnell, Lewis R.; Patel, Manish R.

    2014-04-01

    Recent and proposed robotic missions to Mars are equipped with implements to expose or excavate fresh material from beneath the immediate surface. Once brought into the open, any organic molecules or potential biosignatures of present or past life will be exposed to the unfiltered solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation and face photolytic degradation over short time courses. The key question, then, is what is the window of opportunity for detection of recently exposed samples during robotic operations? Detection of autofluorescence has been proposed as a simple method for surveying or triaging samples for organic molecules. Using a Mars simulation chamber we conduct UV exposures on thin frozen layers of two model microorganisms, the radiation-resistant polyextremophile Deinococcus radiodurans and the cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803. Excitation-emission matrices (EEMs) are generated of the full fluorescence response to quantify the change in signal of different cellular fluorophores over Martian equivalent time. Fluorescence of Deinococcus cells, protected by a high concentration of carotenoid pigments, was found to be relatively stable over 32 h of Martian UV irradiation, with around 90% of the initial signal remaining. By comparison, fluorescence from protein-bound tryptophan in Synechocystis is much more sensitive to UV photodegradation, declining to 50% after 64 h exposure. The signal most readily degraded by UV irradiation is fluorescence of the photosynthetic pigments - diminished to only 35% after 64 h. This sensitivity may be expected as the biological function of chlorophyll and phycocyanin is to optimize the harvesting of light energy and so they are readily photobleached. A significant increase in a ~450 nm emission feature is interpreted as accumulation of fluorescent cellular degradation products from photolysis. Accounting for diurnal variation in Martian sunlight, this study calculates that frozen cellular biosignatures would remain detectable by fluorescence for at least several sols; offering a sufficient window for robotic exploration operations.

  14. Degradation kinetics and mechanism of RDX and HMX in TiO2 photocatalysis.

    PubMed

    Choi, J K; Son, H S; Kim, T S; Stenstrom, M K; Zoh, K D

    2006-02-01

    This study was undertaken to examine the photocatalytic degradation of explosives hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine (RDX) and octahydro-1,3,5,7-tetranitro-1,3,5,7-tetrazocine (HMX) with a circular photocatalytic reactor, using a UV lamp as a light source and TiO2 as a photocatalyst. The effects of various parameters, such as the RDX or HMX concentration, the amount of TiO, and the initial pH, on the photocatalytic degradation rates of explosives were examined. In the presence of both UV light and TiO2 RDX and HMX were more effectively degraded than with either UV or TiO2 alone. The degradation rates were found to obey pseudo-first-order kinetics represented by the Langmuir-Hinshelwood model. Increases in the RDX and HMX degradation rates were obtained with decreasing initial concentrations of the explosives. The RDX and HMX degradation rates were higher at pH 7 than at either pH 3 or pH 11. A dose of approximately 0.7 g l(-1) of TiO2 degraded HMX more rapidly than did higher or lower TiO2 doses. RDX (20 mg l(-1)) photocatalysis resulted in an approximately 20% decrease in TOC, and HMX (5 mg l(-1)) photocatalysis resulted in a 60%, decrease in TOC within 150 minutes. A trace amount of formate was produced as an intermediate that was further mineralized by RDX or HMX photocatalysis. The nitrogen byproducts from the photocatalysis of RDX and HMX were mainly NO3- with NO2-, and NH4+. The total nitrogen recovery was about 60% from RDX (20 mg l(-1)), and 70% from HMX (5 mg l(-1)), respectively. Finally, a mechanism for RDX/HMX photocatalysis was proposed, along with supporting qualitative and quantitative evidence.

  15. Effect of an acid filler on hydrolysis and biodegradation of poly-lactic acid (PLA)

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Iozzino, Valentina; Speranza, Vito; Pantani, Roberto

    2015-12-01

    The use of biodegradable polymers is certainly an excellent strategy to solve many of the problems related to the disposal of the traditional polymers, whose accumulation in the environment is harmful and damaging. In order to optimize the use of biodegradable polymers, it is very important to understand and control the transformation processes, the structures and the morphologies resulting from the process conditions used to produce the articles and, not least, the biodegradation. The latter is strictly dependent on the just mentioned variables. The poly-lactic acid, PLA, is a biodegradable polymer. Many studies have been carried out on the degradation process of this polymer. In the course of this work we performed degradation tests on the PLA, with a specific D-isomer content, having amorphous structure, and in particular of biodegradation and hydrolysis. An acid chemical, fumaric acid, was added to PLA with the objective of controlling the rate of hydrolysis and of biodegradation. The hydrolysis process was followed, as function of time, by means of different techniques: pH variation, variation of weight of samples and variation of crystallinity degree and glass transition temperature using DSC analysis. The samples were also analyzed in terms of biodegradability by means of a homemade respirometer apparatus, in controlled composting conditions.

  16. Amino acid catabolism and generation of volatiles by lactic acid bacteria.

    PubMed

    Tavaria, F K; Dahl, S; Carballo, F J; Malcata, F X

    2002-10-01

    Twelve isolates of lactic acid bacteria, belonging to the Lactobacillus, Lactococcus, Leuconostoc, and Enterococcus genera, were previously isolated from 180-d-old Serra da Estrela cheese, a traditional Portuguese cheese manufactured from raw milk and coagulated with a plant rennet. These isolates were subsequently tested for their ability to catabolize free amino acids, when incubated independently with each amino acid in free form or with a mixture thereof. Attempts were made in both situations to correlate the rates of free amino acid uptake with the numbers of viable cells. When incubated individually, leucine, valine, glycine, aspartic acid, serine, threonine, lysine, glutamic acid, and alanine were degraded by all strains considered; arginine tended to build up, probably because of transamination of other amino acids. When incubated together, the degradation of free amino acids by each strain was dependent on pH (with an optimum pH around 6.0). The volatiles detected in ripened Serra da Estrela cheese originated mainly from leucine, phenylalanine, alanine, and valine, whereas in vitro they originated mainly from valine, phenylalanine, serine, leucine, alanine, and threonine. The wild strains tested offer a great potential for flavor generation, which might justify their inclusion in a tentative starter/nonstarter culture for that and similar cheeses.

  17. Bilayer Poly(Lactic-co-glycolic acid)/Nano-Hydroxyapatite Membrane with Barrier Function and Osteogenesis Promotion for Guided Bone Regeneration

    PubMed Central

    Fu, Li; Wang, Zhanfeng; Dong, Shujun; Cai, Yan; Ni, Yuxin; Zhang, Tianshou; Wang, Lin; Zhou, Yanmin

    2017-01-01

    Guided bone regeneration (GBR) is one such treatment that reconstructs neo-bone tissue by using a barrier membrane to prevent the invasion of soft tissue and to create a space for guiding new bone growth into the bone defect. Herein, we report a novel functionally graded bilayer membrane (FGBM) for GBR application. To fabricate the novel membrane, the composites of poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) and nano-hydroxyapatite were prepared by phase inversion for the dense layer and by electrospinning for another porous layer, and their corresponding properties were evaluated including surface morphology, mechanics, degradability, cell barrier function, and in vitro osteogenic bioactivity. The results showed that PLGA with 5% nHA in dense layer could meet the requirement of mechanical strength and have excellent barrier function even on condition of post-degradation. Furthermore, PLGA with 30% nHA in porous layer could achieve the good physical and chemical properties. In addition, 30% nHA incorporation would enhance the in vitro mineralization, and have superior capabilities of cell adhesion, proliferation and differentiation compared to other groups. Therefore, the designed FGBM could potentially serve as a barrier for preferential tissue ingrowth and achieve a desirable therapeutic result for bone tissue regeneration. PMID:28772618

  18. Depth profiling of mechanical degradation of PV backsheets after UV exposure

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Gu, Xiaohong; Krommenhoek, Peter J.; Lin, Chiao-Chi; Yu, Li-Chieh; Nguyen, Tinh; Watson, Stephanie S.

    2015-09-01

    Polymeric multilayer backsheets protect the photovoltaic modules from damage of moisture and ultraviolet (UV) while providing electrical insulation. Due to the multilayer structures, the properties of the inner layers of the backsheets, including their interfaces, during weathering are not well known. In this study, a commercial type of PPE (polyethylene terephthalate (PET)/PET/ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA)) backsheet films was selected as a model system for a depth profiling study of mechanical properties of a backsheet film during UV exposure. The NIST SPHERE (Simulated Photodegradation via High Energy Radiant Exposure) was used for the accelerated laboratory exposure of the materials with UV at 85°C and two relative humidities (RH) of 5 % (dry) and 60 % (humid). Cryomicrotomy was used to obtain cross-sectional PPE samples. Mechanical depth profiling of the cross-sections of aged and unaged samples was conducted by nanoindentation, and a peak-force based quantitative nanomechanical atomic force microscopy (QNM-AFM) mapping techniquewas used to investigate the microstructure and adhesion properties of the adhesive tie layers. The nanoindentation results show the stiffening of the elastic modulus in the PET outer and pigmented EVA layers. From QNM-AFM, the microstructures and adhesion properties of the adhesive layers between PET outer and core layers and between PET core and EVA inner layers are revealed and found to degrade significantly after aging under humidity environment. The results from mechanical depth profiling of the PPE backsheet are further related to the previous chemical depth profiling of the same material, providing new insights into the effects of accelerated UV and humidity on the degradation of multilayer backsheet.

  19. Ultraviolet-B radiation mobilizes uranium from uranium-dissolved organic carbon complexes in aquatic systems, demonstrated by asymmetrical flow field-flow fractionation.

    PubMed

    Nehete, Sachin Vilas; Christensen, Terje; Salbu, Brit; Teien, Hans-Christian

    2017-05-05

    Humic substances have a tendency to form complexes with metal ions in aquatic medium, impacting the metal mobility, decreasing bioavailability and toxicity. Ultraviolet-B (UV-B) radiation exposure degrades the humic substance, changes their molecular weight distribution and their metal binding capacity in aquatic medium. In this study, we experimented the effect of UV-B radiation on the uranium complexed with fulvic acids and humic acids in a soft water system at different pH, uranium concentrations and radiant exposure. The concentration and distribution of uranium in a complexed form were investigated by asymmetrical flow field-flow fractionation coupled to multi detection technique (AsFlFFF-UV-ICP-MS). The major concentration of uranium present in complexes was primarily associated with average and higher molecular weight fulvic and humic acids components. The concentration of uranium in a complexed form increased with increasing fulvic and humic acid concentrations as well as pH of the solution. The higher molecular weight fraction of uranium was degraded due to the UV-B exposure, transforming about 50% of the uranium-dissolved organic carbon complexes into low molecular weight uranium species in complex form with organic ligands and/or free form. The result also suggests AsFlFFF-UV-ICP-MS to be an important separation and detection technique for understanding the interaction of radionuclides with dissolved organic matter, tracking size distribution changes during degradation of organic complexes for understanding mobility, bioavailability and ecosystem transfer of radionuclides as well as metals. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  20. The Comparative Photodegradation Activities of Pentachlorophenol (PCP) and Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) Using UV Alone and TiO2-Derived Photocatalysts in Methanol Soil Washing Solution

    PubMed Central

    Zhou, Zeyu; Zhang, Yaxin; Wang, Hongtao; Chen, Tan; Lu, Wenjing

    2014-01-01

    Photochemical treatment is increasingly being applied to remedy environmental problems. TiO2-derived catalysts are efficiently and widely used in photodegradation applications. The efficiency of various photochemical treatments, namely, the use of UV irradiation without catalyst or with TiO2/graphene-TiO2 photodegradation methods was determined by comparing the photodegadation of two main types of hydrophobic chlorinated aromatic pollutants, namely, pentachlorophenol (PCP) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Results show that photodegradation in methanol solution under pure UV irradiation was more efficient than that with either one of the catalysts tested, contrary to previous results in which photodegradation rates were enhanced using TiO2-derived catalysts. The effects of various factors, such as UV light illumination, addition of methanol to the solution, catalyst dosage, and the pH of the reaction mixture, were examined. The degradation pathway was deduced. The photochemical treatment in methanol soil washing solution did not benefit from the use of the catalysts tested. Pure UV irradiation was sufficient for the dechlorination and degradation of the PCP and PCBs. PMID:25254664

  1. UV-visible-DAD and 1H-NMR spectroscopy data fusion for studying the photodegradation process of azo-dyes using MCR-ALS.

    PubMed

    Fernández, Cristina; Pilar Callao, M; Larrechi, M Soledad

    2013-12-15

    The photodegradation process of three azo-dyes - Acid Orange 61, Acid Red 97 and Acid Brown 425 - was monitored simultaneously by ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy with diode array detector (UV-vis-DAD) and (1)H-nuclear magnetic resonance ((1)H-NMR). Multivariate curve resolution-alternating least squares (MCR-ALS) was applied to obtain the concentration and spectral profile of the chemical compounds involved in the process. The analysis of the H-NMR data suggests there are more intermediate compounds than those obtained with the UV-vis-DAD data. The fusion of UV-vis-DAD and the (1)H-NMR signal before the multivariate analysis provides better results than when only one of the two detector signals was used. It was concluded that three degradation products were present in the medium when the three azo-dyes had practically degraded. This study is the first application of UV-vis-DAD and (1)H-NMR spectroscopy data fusion in this field and illustrates its potential as a quick method for evaluating the evolution of the azo-dye photodegradation process. © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  2. Evaluation of Soyscreen in an Oil-based Formulation for UV Protection of Beauveria bassiana Conidia

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    SoyScreen oil was studied as a formulation ingredient to protect Beauveria bassiana (Balsamo) Vuillemin conidia from UV degradation. Feruloylated soy glycerides, referred to as SoyScreen oil, are biobased ultraviolet-absorbing molecules made by combining molecules of soybean oil with ferulic acid. ...

  3. In vitro degradation and in vivo toxicity of NanoMatrix3D® polycaprolactone and poly(lactic acid) nanofibrous scaffolds.

    PubMed

    Pogorielov, Maksym; Hapchenko, Andrii; Deineka, Volodymyr; Rogulska, Larysa; Oleshko, Olexandr; Vodseďálková, Kateřina; Berezkinová, Liliana; Vysloužilová, Lucie; Klápšťová, Andrea; Erben, Jakub

    2018-04-10

    Nanofibrous materials present unique properties favorable in many biomedicine and industrial applications. In this research we evaluated biodegradation, tissue response and general toxicity of nanofibrous poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and polycaprolactone (PCL) scaffolds produced by conventional method of electrospinning and using NanoMatrix3D ® (NM3D ® ) technology. Mass density, scanning electron microscopy and in vitro degradation (static and dynamic) were used for material characterization, and subcutaneous, intramuscular and intraperitoneal implantation - for in vivo tests. Biochemical blood analysis and histology were used to assess toxicity and tissue response. Pore size and fiber diameter did not differ in conventional and NM3D ® PLA and PCL materials, but mass density was significantly lower in NM3D ® ones. Scaffolds made by conventional method showed toxic effect during the in-vivo tests due to residual concentration of chloroform that released with material degradation. NM3D ® method allowed cleaning scaffolds from residual solutions that made them nontoxic and biocompatible. Subcutaneous, intramuscular and intraperitoneal implantation of PCL and PLA NM3D ® electrospun nanofibrous scaffolds showed their appropriate cell conductive properties, tissue and vessels formation in all sites. Thus, NM3D ® PCL and PLA nanofibrous electrospun scaffolds can be used in the field of tissue engineering, surgery, wound healing, drug delivery, and so forth, due to their unique properties, nontoxicity and biocompatibility. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 00A:000-000, 2018. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  4. Experimental Study of Poly-l-Lactic Acid Biodegradable Stents in Normal Canine Bile Ducts

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Yamamoto, Kiyosei, E-mail: yamakiyo@zg7.so-net.ne.jp; Yoshioka, Tetsuya; Furuichi, Kinya

    Purpose: This study was designed to clarify the advantages of biodegradable stents in terms of mucosal reaction and biodegradation after placement. We designed a biodegradable stent and assessed stent degradation and changes in the normal bile ducts of dogs. Methods: The biodegradable stent is a balloon-expandable Z stent consisting of poly-l-lactic acid (PLLA) with a diameter of 6 mm and a length of 15 mm. We assessed four groups of three beagle dogs each at 1, 3, 6, and 9 months of follow-up. After evaluating stent migration by radiography and stent and bile duct patency by cholangiography, the dogs weremore » sacrificed to remove the bile duct together with the stent. The bile duct lumen was examined macroscopically and histologically, and the stent degradation was examined macroscopically and by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Results: Bile duct obstruction was absent and none of the stents migrated. Macroscopic evaluation showed moderate endothelial proliferation in the bile ducts at the implant sites at 3 and 6 months and a slight change at 9 months. Slight mononuclear cell infiltration was histologically identified at all time points and epithelial hyperplasia that was moderate at 3 months was reduced to slight at 6 and 9 months. Stent degradation was macroscopically evident in all animals at 9 months and was proven by SEM in two dogs at 6 months and in all of them at 9 months. Conclusions: Our results suggest that PLLA bioabsorbable stents seems to be useful for implantation in the biliary system with further investigation.« less

  5. Modified Fe3O4- hydroxyapatite nanocomposites as heterogeneous catalysts in three UV, Vis and Fenton like degradation systems

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Valizadeh, S.; Rasoulifard, M. H.; Dorraji, M. S. Seyed

    2014-11-01

    The magnetite-hydroxyapatite (M-HAP) nanocomposites were prepared by a chemical co- precipitation procedure and characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and diffuse reflectance spectra (DRS). The ability of the synthesized catalyst for photocatalytic degradation of Acid Blue 25 (AB25), as an organic dye, under UV irradiation was studied. The catalyst was modified employing transition metals (Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu and Zn) trying to improve the catalytic performance of HAP in absence of UV irradiation and in the presence of hydrogen peroxide i.e. a Fenton like reaction. The best results obtained for Cu and Co modified M-HAPs and the effect of operational parameters such pH, amount of catalyst and hydrogen peroxide concentration was studied. In order to investigate the performance of HAP based photocatalyst in visible light region, M-HAP was modified with silver ions. At the end, Langmuir-Hinshelwood kinetic expression used to evaluate and compare the catalytic systems. The strongest degradation activity was observed for Ag-M-HAP/Vis system because of Ag3PO4 formation. Apparent reaction rate constant (Kapp) by Ag-M-HAP/Vis was 63, 36 and 19 times faster than Cu-M-HAP(II)/H2O2, Co-M-HAP(II)/H2O2 and M-HAP (I)/UV systems, respectively.

  6. [Reactivity of several classes of pesticides with UV, ozone and permanganate].

    PubMed

    Liu, Chao; Qiang, Zhi-min; Tian, Fang; Zhang, Tao

    2009-01-01

    The reactivity of eight classes of 26 extensively used pesticides, namely, organochlorines, thiadiazole, dinitroanaline, acetamides, triazines, uracil and carbamates, with three common disinfectants or oxidants including UV254 (average intensity of 10.8 mW x cm(-2)), ozone (dosage of 4.1 - 6.2 mg x L(-1)) and permanganate (dosage of 15.8 mg x L(-1)) was investigated. The reactions were allowed to proceed for 30 min at pH 7.0 and ambient temperature (25 degrees C +/- 3 degrees C). Results indicate that under the applied experimental conditions, more than 95% of chlorobenzilate, etridiazole, alachlor, butachlor, metolachlor, propachlor, atrazine, simazine, aldicarb, oxamyl and methiocarb could be effectively removed by UV254; and the removal efficiencies of other pesticides were in a range of 12.9%-77.7%. Ozone could completely degrade chloroneb, dichlorvos, bromacil, aldicarb, carbaryl, carbofuran, oxamyl and methiocarb; prometon and aldicarb sulfone were resistant to ozonation; and the removal efficiencies of other pesticides varied from 19.0% to 93.1%. Permanganate could fully degrade dichlorvos, aldicarb and methiocarb; organochlorines, dinitroanaline, thiadiazole, acetamides and other carbamates were resistant to permanganate oxidation; and the removal efficiencies of other pesticides ranged from 16.0% to 88.2%. If the practical dosage applied in drinking water treatment is considered, it is expected that most of the pesticides will be completely degraded by ozone, a few by permanganate, but probably none by UV254 .

  7. Sono-photo-degradation of carbamazepine in a thin falling film reactor: Operation costs in pilot plant.

    PubMed

    Expósito, A J; Patterson, D A; Monteagudo, J M; Durán, A

    2017-01-01

    The photo-Fenton degradation of carbamazepine (CBZ) assisted with ultrasound radiation (US/UV/H 2 O 2 /Fe) was tested in a lab thin film reactor allowing high TOC removals (89% in 35min). The synergism between the UV process and the sonolytic one was quantified as 55.2%. To test the applicability of this reactor for industrial purposes, the sono-photo-degradation of CBZ was also tested in a thin film pilot plant reactor and compared with a 28L UV-C conventional pilot plant and with a solar Collector Parabolic Compound (CPC). At a pilot plant scale, a US/UV/H 2 O 2 /Fe process reaching 60% of mineralization would cost 2.1 and 3.8€/m 3 for the conventional and thin film plant respectively. The use of ultrasound (US) produces an extra generation of hydroxyl radicals, thus increasing the mineralization rate. In the solar process, electric consumption accounts for a maximum of 33% of total costs. Thus, for a TOC removal of 80%, the cost of this treatment is about 1.36€/m 3 . However, the efficiency of the solar installation decreases in cloudy days and cannot be used during night, so that a limited flow rate can be treated. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  8. Kinetics and mechanism investigation on the destruction of oxytetracycline by UV-254nm activation of persulfate.

    PubMed

    Liu, Yiqing; He, Xuexiang; Fu, Yongsheng; Dionysiou, Dionysios D

    2016-03-15

    Oxytetracycline (OTC), an important broad-spectrum antibiotic, has been detected extensively in various environmental systems, which may have a detrimental impact on ecosystem and human health through the development of drug resistant bacteria and pathogens. In this study, the degradation of OTC was evaluated by UV-254nm activated persulfate (PS). The observed UV fluence based pseudo first-order rate constant (kobs) was found to be the highest at near neutral pH conditions (pH 5.5-8.5). Presence of various natural water constituents had different effects on OTC degradation, with a significant enhancement in the presence of bicarbonate or Cu(2+). Limited elimination of total organic carbon (TOC) and PS was observed during the mineralization of OTC. Transformation byproducts in the presence and absence of hydroxyl radical scavenging agent tert-butanol (t-BuOH) were identified using ultra-high definition accurate-mass quadrupole time-of-flight liquid chromatography/mass spectrometer (LC-QTOF/MS). Potential OTC degradation mechanism was subsequently proposed revealing four different reaction pathways by SO4(-) reaction including hydroxylation (+16Da), demethylation (-14Da), decarbonylation (-28Da) and dehydration (-18Da). This study suggests that UV-254nm/PS is a promising treatment technology for the control of water pollution caused by emerging contaminants such as OTC. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  9. Oceanic protection of prebiotic organic compounds from UV radiation

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Cleaves, H. J.; Miller, S. L.; Bada, J. L. (Principal Investigator)

    1998-01-01

    It is frequently stated that UV light would cause massive destruction of prebiotic organic compounds because of the absence of an ozone layer. The elevated UV flux of the early sun compounds this problem. This applies to organic compounds of both terrestrial and extraterrestrial origin. Attempts to deal with this problem generally involve atmospheric absorbers. We show here that prebiotic organic polymers as well as several inorganic compounds are sufficient to protect oceanic organic molecules from UV degradation. This aqueous protection is in addition to any atmospheric UV absorbers and should be a ubiquitous planetary phenomenon serving to increase the size of planetary habitable zones.

  10. Optimization of photocatalytic degradation of palm oil mill effluent in UV/ZnO system based on response surface methodology.

    PubMed

    Ng, Kim Hoong; Cheng, Yoke Wang; Khan, Maksudur R; Cheng, Chin Kui

    2016-12-15

    This paper reports on the optimization of palm oil mill effluent (POME) degradation in a UV-activated-ZnO system based on central composite design (CCD) in response surface methodology (RSM). Three potential factors, viz. O 2 flowrate (A), ZnO loading (B) and initial concentration of POME (C) were evaluated for the significance analysis using a 2 3 full factorial design before the optimization process. It is found that all the three main factors were significant, with contributions of 58.27% (A), 15.96% (B) and 13.85% (C), respectively, to the POME degradation. In addition, the interactions between the factors AB, AC and BC also have contributed 4.02%, 3.12% and 1.01% to the POME degradation. Subsequently, all the three factors were subjected to statistical central composite design (CCD) analysis. Quadratic models were developed and rigorously checked. A 3D-response surface was subsequently generated. Two successive validation experiments were carried out and the degradation achieved were 55.25 and 55.33%, contrasted with 52.45% for predicted degradation value. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  11. Accelerated azo dye degradation and concurrent hydrogen production in the single-chamber photocatalytic microbial electrolysis cell.

    PubMed

    Hou, Yanping; Zhang, Renduo; Yu, Zebin; Huang, Lirong; Liu, Yuxin; Zhou, Zili

    2017-01-01

    The single-chamber microbial electrolysis cell constructed with a TiO 2 -coated photocathode, termed photocatalytic microbial electrolysis cell (PMEC), was developed to accelerate methyl orange (MO) degradation and concurrent hydrogen (H 2 ) recovery under UV irradiation. Results showed that faster MO decolorization rates were achieved from the PMEC compared with those without UV irradiation or with open circuit. With increase of MO concentrations (acetate as co-substrate) from 50 to 300mg/L at an applied voltage of 0.8V, decolorization efficiencies decreased from 98% to 76% within 12h, and cyclic H 2 production declined from 113 to 68mL. As the possible mechanism of MO degradation, bioelectrochemical reduction, co-metabolism reduction, and photocatalysis were involved; and degradation intermediates (mainly sulfanilic acid and N,N-dimethylaniline) were further degraded by OH generated from photocatalysis. This makes MO mineralization be possible in the single-chamber PMEC. Hence, the PMEC is a promising system for dyeing wastewater treatment and simultaneous H 2 production. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  12. Modelling studies for photocatalytic degradation of organic dyes using TiO2 nanofibers.

    PubMed

    Singh, Narendra; Rana, Mohit Singh; Gupta, Raju Kumar

    2017-09-05

    In this work, modelling of the photocatalytic degradation of para-nitrophenol (PNP) using synthesized electrospun TiO 2 nanofibers under UV light illumination is reported. A dynamic model was developed in order to understand the behaviour of operating parameters, i.e. light intensity and catalyst loading on the photocatalytic activity. This model was simulated and analysed for both TiO 2 solid nanofibers and TiO 2 hollow nanofibers, applied as photocatalysts in the Langmuir-Hinshelwood kinetic framework. The entire photocatalytic degradation rate follows pseudo-first-order kinetics. The simulated results obtained from the developed model are in good agreement with the experimental results. At a catalyst loading of 1.0 mg mL -1 , better respective degradation rates were achieved at UV light irradiance of 4 mW cm -2 , for both the TiO 2 solid and hollow nanofibers. However, it was also observed that TiO 2 hollow nanofibers have a higher adsorption rate than that of TiO 2 solid nanofibers resulting in a higher photocatalytic degradation rate of PNP.

  13. Solar photocatalytic degradation of isoproturon over TiO2/H-MOR composite systems.

    PubMed

    Sharma, Mangalampalli V Phanikrishna; Durgakumari, Valluri; Subrahmanyam, Machiraju

    2008-12-30

    The photocatalytic degradation and mineralization of isoproturon herbicide was investigated in aqueous solution containing TiO2 over H-mordenite (H-MOR) photocatalysts under solar light. The catalysts are characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV-Vis diffused reflectance spectra (UV-Vis DRS), Fourier transform-infra red spectra (FT-IR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) techniques. The effect of TiO2, H-MOR support and different wt% of TiO2 over the support on the photocatalytic degradation and influence of parameters such as TiO2 loading, catalyst amount, pH and initial concentration of isoproturon on degradation are evaluated. 15wt% TiO2/H-MOR composite is found to be optimum. The degradation reaction follows pseudo-first order kinetics and is discussed in terms of Langmuir-Hinshelwood (L-H) kinetic model. The extent of isoproturon mineralization studied with chemical oxygen demand (COD) and total organic carbon (TOC) measurements and approximately 80% mineralization occurred in 5h. A plausible mechanism is proposed based on the intermediates identified by liquid chromatography-mass spectroscopy (LC-MS).

  14. Fe2O3/ZnO/ZnFe2O4 composites for the efficient photocatalytic degradation of organic dyes under visible light

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Li, Xiaojuan; Jin, Bo; Huang, Jingwen; Zhang, Qingchun; Peng, Rufang; Chu, Shijin

    2018-06-01

    In this study, novel ternary Fe2O3/ZnO/ZnFe2O4 (ZFO) composites were successfully prepared through a simple hydrothermal reaction with subsequent thermal treatment. The as-prepared products were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) analysis, Barrett-Joyner-Halenda (BJH) measurement, and UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV-vis DRS). The photocatalytic degradation of rhodamine B (Rh B) under visible light irradiation indicated that the ZFO composites calcined at 500 °C has the best photocatalytic activity (the photocatalytic degradation efficiency can reach up to 95.7% within 60 min) and can maintain a stable photocatalytic degradation efficiency for at least three cycles. In addition, the photocatalytic activity of ZFO composites toward dye decomposition follows the order cationic Rh B > anionic methyl orange. Finally, using different scavengers, superoxide and hydroxyl radicals were identified as the primary active species during the degradation reaction of Rh B.

  15. Formic acid enhanced effective degradation of methyl orange dye in aqueous solutions under UV-Vis irradiation.

    PubMed

    Wang, Jingjing; Bai, Renbi

    2016-09-15

    Developing efficient technologies to treat recalcitrant organic dye wastewater has long been of great research and practical interest. In this study, a small molecule, formic acid (FA), was applied as a process enhancer for the degradation of methyl orange (MO) dye as a model recalcitrant organic pollutant in aqueous solutions under the condition of UV-Vis light irradiation and air aeration at the ambient temperature of 25 °C. It was found that the decolouration of the dye solutions can be rapidly achieved, reducing the time, for example, from around 17.6 h without FA to mostly about less than 2 h with the presence of FA. The mineralization rate of MO dye reached as high as 81.8% in 1.5 h in the case of initial MO dye concentration at 25 mg L(-1), which is in contrast to nearly no mineralization of the MO dye for a similar system without the FA added. The study revealed that the generation of the H2O2 species in the system was enhanced and the produced OH radicals effectively contributed to the degradation of the MO dye. Process parameters such as the initial concentration of MO dye, FA dosage and solution pH were all found to have some effect on the degradation efficiency under the same condition of UV-Vis light irradiation and air aeration. The MO dye degradation performance was found to follow a first-order reaction rate to the MO dye concentration in most cases and there existed a positive correlation between the reaction rate constant and the initial FA concentration. Compared to the traditional H2O2/UV-Vis oxidation system, the use of FA as a process-enhancing agent can have the advantages of low cost, easy availability, and safe to use. The study hence demonstrates a promising approach to use a readily available small molecule of FA to enhance the degradation of recalcitrant organic pollutants, such as MO dye, especially for their pre-treatment. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  16. Degradation of Oxo-Biodegradable Plastic by Pleurotus ostreatus

    PubMed Central

    da Luz, José Maria Rodrigues; Paes, Sirlaine Albino; Nunes, Mateus Dias; da Silva, Marliane de Cássia Soares; Kasuya, Maria Catarina Megumi

    2013-01-01

    Growing concerns regarding the impact of the accumulation of plastic waste over several decades on the environmental have led to the development of biodegradable plastic. These plastics can be degraded by microorganisms and absorbed by the environment and are therefore gaining public support as a possible alternative to petroleum-derived plastics. Among the developed biodegradable plastics, oxo-biodegradable polymers have been used to produce plastic bags. Exposure of this waste plastic to ultraviolet light (UV) or heat can lead to breakage of the polymer chains in the plastic, and the resulting compounds are easily degraded by microorganisms. However, few studies have characterized the microbial degradation of oxo-biodegradable plastics. In this study, we tested the capability of Pleurotus ostreatus to degrade oxo-biodegradable (D2W) plastic without prior physical treatment, such as exposure to UV or thermal heating. After 45 d of incubation in substrate-containing plastic bags, the oxo-biodegradable plastic, which is commonly used in supermarkets, developed cracks and small holes in the plastic surface as a result of the formation of hydroxyl groups and carbon-oxygen bonds. These alterations may be due to laccase activity. Furthermore, we observed the degradation of the dye found in these bags as well as mushroom formation. Thus, P. ostreatus degrades oxo-biodegradable plastics and produces mushrooms using this plastic as substrate. PMID:23967057

  17. Degradation of oxo-biodegradable plastic by Pleurotus ostreatus.

    PubMed

    da Luz, José Maria Rodrigues; Paes, Sirlaine Albino; Nunes, Mateus Dias; da Silva, Marliane de Cássia Soares; Kasuya, Maria Catarina Megumi

    2013-01-01

    Growing concerns regarding the impact of the accumulation of plastic waste over several decades on the environmental have led to the development of biodegradable plastic. These plastics can be degraded by microorganisms and absorbed by the environment and are therefore gaining public support as a possible alternative to petroleum-derived plastics. Among the developed biodegradable plastics, oxo-biodegradable polymers have been used to produce plastic bags. Exposure of this waste plastic to ultraviolet light (UV) or heat can lead to breakage of the polymer chains in the plastic, and the resulting compounds are easily degraded by microorganisms. However, few studies have characterized the microbial degradation of oxo-biodegradable plastics. In this study, we tested the capability of Pleurotus ostreatus to degrade oxo-biodegradable (D2W) plastic without prior physical treatment, such as exposure to UV or thermal heating. After 45 d of incubation in substrate-containing plastic bags, the oxo-biodegradable plastic, which is commonly used in supermarkets, developed cracks and small holes in the plastic surface as a result of the formation of hydroxyl groups and carbon-oxygen bonds. These alterations may be due to laccase activity. Furthermore, we observed the degradation of the dye found in these bags as well as mushroom formation. Thus, P. ostreatus degrades oxo-biodegradable plastics and produces mushrooms using this plastic as substrate.

  18. Stress tolerance of soil fungal communities from native Atlantic forests, reforestations, and a sand mining degraded area.

    PubMed

    Ferreira, Paulo C; Pupin, Breno; Rangel, Drauzio E N

    2018-06-01

    Microorganisms are essential to the functionality of the soil, particularly in organic matter decomposition and nutrient cycling, which regulate plant productivity and shape the soil structure. However, biotic and abiotic stresses greatly disrupt soil fungal communities and, thereby, disturb the ecosystem. This study quantified seasonal tolerances to UV-B radiation and heat of fungal communities, which could be cultured, found in soil from two native Atlantic forest fragments called F1 and F2, five reforested areas (RA) planted in 1994, 1997, 2004, 2007, and 2009 with native species of the Atlantic forest, and one sand mining degraded soil (SMDS). The cold activity of the soil fungal communities (FC) from the eight different areas was also studied. Higher tolerance to UV-B radiation and heat was found in the FC from the SMDS and the 2009RA, where the incidence of heat and UV radiation from sun was more intense, which caused selection for fungal taxa that were more UV-B and heat tolerant in those areas. Conversely, the FC from the native forests and older reforested sites were very susceptible to heat and UV-B radiation. The cold activity of the soil FC from different areas of the study showed an erratic pattern of responses among the sampling sites. Little difference in tolerance to UV-B radiation and heat was found among the FC of soil samples collected in different seasons; in general soil FC collected in winter were less tolerant to UV-B radiation, but not for heat. In conclusion, FC from SMDS soil that receive intense heat and UV radiation, as well as with low nutrient availability, were more tolerant to both UV-B radiation and heat. Copyright © 2017 British Mycological Society. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  19. Survival of plant seeds, their UV screens, and nptII DNA for 18 months outside the International Space Station.

    PubMed

    Tepfer, David; Zalar, Andreja; Leach, Sydney

    2012-05-01

    The plausibility that life was imported to Earth from elsewhere can be tested by subjecting life-forms to space travel. Ultraviolet light is the major liability in short-term exposures (Horneck et al., 2001 ), and plant seeds, tardigrades, and lichens-but not microorganisms and their spores-are candidates for long-term survival (Anikeeva et al., 1990 ; Sancho et al., 2007 ; Jönsson et al., 2008 ; de la Torre et al., 2010 ). In the present study, plant seeds germinated after 1.5 years of exposure to solar UV, solar and galactic cosmic radiation, temperature fluctuations, and space vacuum outside the International Space Station. Of the 2100 exposed wild-type Arabidopsis thaliana and Nicotiana tabacum (tobacco) seeds, 23% produced viable plants after return to Earth. Survival was lower in the Arabidopsis Wassilewskija ecotype and in mutants (tt4-8 and fah1-2) lacking UV screens. The highest survival occurred in tobacco (44%). Germination was delayed in seeds shielded from solar light, yet full survival was attained, which indicates that longer space travel would be possible for seeds embedded in an opaque matrix. We conclude that a naked, seed-like entity could have survived exposure to solar UV radiation during a hypothetical transfer from Mars to Earth. Chemical samples of seed flavonoid UV screens were degraded by UV, but their overall capacity to absorb UV was retained. Naked DNA encoding the nptII gene (kanamycin resistance) was also degraded by UV. A fragment, however, was detected by the polymerase chain reaction, and the gene survived in space when protected from UV. Even if seeds do not survive, components (e.g., their DNA) might survive transfer over cosmic distances.

  20. Degradation of Silicone Encapsulants in CPV Optics

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Cai, Can; Miller, David C.; Tappan, Ian A.

    High efficiency multijunction solar cells in terrestrial concentrator photovoltaic (CPV) modules are becoming an increasingly cost effective and viable option in utility scale power generation. As with other utility scale photovoltaics, CPV modules need to guarantee operational lifetimes of at least 25 years. The reliability of optical elements in CPV modules poses a unique materials challenge due to the increased UV irradiance and enhanced temperature cycling associated with concentrated solar flux. The polymeric and thin film materials used in the optical elements are especially susceptible to UV damage, diurnal temperature cycling and active chemical species from the environment. We usedmore » fracture mechanics approaches to study the degradation modes including: the adhesion between the encapsulant and the cell or secondary optical element; and the cohesion of the encapsulant itself. Understanding the underlying mechanisms of materials degradation under elevated stress conditions is critical for commercialization of CPV technology and can offer unique insights into degradation modes in similar encapsulants used in other photovoltaic modules.« less

  1. Degradation of Silicone Encapsulants in CPV Optics: Preprint

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Miller, David C.; Tappan, Ian A.; Cai, Can

    High efficiency multijunction solar cells in terrestrial concentrator photovoltaic (CPV) modules are becoming an increasingly cost effective and viable option in utility scale power generation. As with other utility scale photovoltaics, CPV modules need to guarantee operational lifetimes of at least 25 years. The reliability of optical elements in CPV modules poses a unique materials challenge due to the increased UV irradiance and enhanced temperature cycling associated with concentrated solar flux. The polymeric and thin film materials used in the optical elements are especially susceptible to UV damage, diurnal temperature cycling and active chemical species from the environment. We usedmore » fracture mechanics approaches to study the degradation modes including: the adhesion between the encapsulant and the cell or secondary optical element; and the cohesion of the encapsulant itself. Understanding the underlying mechanisms of materials degradation under elevated stress conditions is critical for commercialization of CPV technology and can offer unique insights into degradation modes in similar encapsulants used in other photovoltaic modules.« less

  2. Evaluating paper degradation progress. Cross-linking between chromatographic, spectroscopic and chemical results

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Łojewski, Tomasz; Zięba, Katarzyna; Knapik, Arkadiusz; Bagniuk, Jacek; Lubańska, Anna; Łojewska, Joanna

    2010-09-01

    The study presents an overview of the chromatographic (SEC), spectroscopic (FTIR, UV/VIS), viscometric (DP) and chemical methods (titration, pH) used for the evaluation of the degradation progress of various kinds of paper under various conditions. The methods were chosen to follow different routes of paper degradation. Model paper samples represented boundary paper types from pure cellulose cotton paper, through softwood to low quality acidic, sized groundwood paper The accelerated ageing conditions were adjusted to achieve maximum effect (climatic chamber RH 59%, 90oC) and also to mimic the environment inside books (closed vials). The results were settled on the literature data on the degradation mechanisms and compared in terms of the paper types and ageing conditions. The estimators of coupled de-polymerisation and oxidation have been proposed based on the correlation between SEC, UV/VIS and titrative coppper number determination. The overall oxidation index derived from FTIR results was shown to correlate with the summary -CHO and -COOH concentration determined by titrative methods.

  3. Validation of UV spectrophotometric methods for the determination of dothiepin hydrochloride in pharmaceutical dosage form and stress degradation studies

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Abdulrahman, Sameer A. M.; Basavaiah, K.; Cijo, M. X.; Vinay, K. B.

    2012-11-01

    Spectrophotometric methods have been developed for the determination of dothiepin hydrochloride (DOTH) in both pure and tablet dosage form and their limits of detection and quantification have been evaluated. The methods are based on the measurement of the absorbance of a DOTH solution either in 0.1 N HCl at 229 nm (method A) or in methanol at 231 nm (method B). Beer's law is obeyed over a concentration range of 1-16 μg/ml DOTH for both methods. Molar absorptivity values are calculated to be 2.48 × 104 and 2.42 × 104 l/(mol × cm) with Sandell sensitivity values of 0.0134 and 0.0137 μg/cm2 for methods A and B, respectively. The degradation behavior of DOTH was investigated under different stress conditions such as acid hydrolysis, alkaline hydrolysis, water hydrolysis, oxidation, dry heat treatment, and UV-degradation. The drug undergoes significant degradation under oxidative conditions only.

  4. Nature or petrochemistry?-biologically degradable materials.

    PubMed

    Mecking, Stefan

    2004-02-20

    Naturally occurring polymers have been utilized for a long time as materials, however, their application as plastics has been restricted because of their limited thermoplastic processability. Recently, the microbial synthesis of polyesters directly from carbohydrate sources has attracted considerable attention. The industrial-scale production of poly(lactic acid) from lactic acid generated by fermentation now provides a renewable resources-based polyester as a commodity plastic for the first time. The biodegradability of a given material is independent of its origin, and biodegradable plastics can equally well be prepared from fossil fuel feedstocks. A consideration of the overall carbon dioxide emissions and consumption of non-renewable resources over the entire life-cycle of a product is not necessarily favorable for plastics based on renewable resources with current technology-in addition to the feedstocks for the synthesis of the polymer materials, the feedstock for generation of the overall energy required for production and processing is decisive.

  5. Synthesization and characterization of poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) / calcium phosphate bone cement from crab shells

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Hanan, M. R. Abdul; Daud, N. M.; Ismail, L. H.; Saidin, S.

    2017-05-01

    An injectable calcium phosphate (CaP) bone cement has been widely used for musculoskeletal and bone disorder due to its biocompatible and osteoconductive properties. In this study, CaP was successfully synthesized from crab shells by a wet chemical route. Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) microspheres which have been produced through a double emulsion technique were incorporated into the CaP mixture for the purpose of bone cement solidification. The ratio of both compounds, CaP and PLGA, were set at 8:2. The CaP and PLGA/CaP bone cement were analyzed by ATR-FTIR, FESEM-EDX and contact angle analyses. The bone cement was composed of CaP and PLGA where the micro-powders of CaP were agglomerated on the PLGA microspheres. Addition of the PLGA has increased the hydrophilicity of the bone cement which will be beneficial for materials degradation and bone integration.

  6. Advanced oxidation chemistry of paracetamol. UV/H(2)O(2)-induced hydroxylation/degradation pathways and (15)N-aided inventory of nitrogenous breakdown products.

    PubMed

    Vogna, Davide; Marotta, Raffaele; Napolitano, Alessandra; D'Ischia, Marco

    2002-08-23

    The advanced oxidation chemistry of the antipyretic drug paracetamol (1) with the UV/H(2)O(2) system was investigated by an integrated methodology based on (15)N-labeling and GC-MS, HPLC, and 2D (1)H, (13)C, and (15)N NMR analysis. Main degradation pathways derived from three hydroxylation steps, leading to 1,4-hydroquinone/1,4-benzoquinone, 4-acetylaminocatechol and, to a much lesser extent, 4-acetylaminoresorcine. Oxidation of the primary aromatic intermediates, viz. 4-acetylaminocatechol, 1,4-hydroquinone, 1,4-benzoquinone, and 1,2,4-benzenetriol, resulted in a series of nitrogenous and non-nitrogenous degradation products. The former included N-acetylglyoxylamide, acetylaminomalonic acid, acetylaminohydroxymalonic acid, acetylaminomaleic acid, diastereoisomeric 2-acetylamino-3-hydroxybutanedioic acids, 2-acetylaminobutenedioic acid, 3-acetylamino-4-hydroxy-2-pentenedioic acid, and 2,4-dihydroxy-3-acetylamino-2-pentenedioic acid, as well as two muconic and hydroxymuconic acid derivatives. (15)N NMR spectra revealed the accumulation since the early stages of substantial amounts of acetamide and oxalic acid monoamide. These results provide the first insight into the advanced oxidation chemistry of a 4-aminophenol derivative by the UV/H(2)O(2) system, and highlight the investigative potential of integrated GC-MS/NMR methodologies based on (15)N-labeling to track degradation pathways of nitrogenous species.

  7. Effect of preparation methods on the activity of titanium dioxide-carbon nitride composites for photocatalytic degradation of salicylic acid

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Yuliati, L.; Salleh, A. M.; Hatta, M. H. M.; Lintang, H. O.

    2018-04-01

    In this study, titanium dioxide-carbon nitride (TiO2-CN) composites were prepared by three methods, which were one pot oxidation, impregnation, and physical mixing. Each series of the photocatalysts was prepared with different ratios of titanium to carbon (Ti/C), i.e., 1, 5, 10, 20, and 50 mol%. All samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and diffuse reflectance ultraviolet-visible (DR UV-Vis) spectroscopies. The characterization results confirmed the successful preparation of TiO2, CN, and the TiO2-CN composites. Photocatalytic activity tests were carried out for degradation of salicylic acid at room temperature for 6 h under UV and visible light irradiations. It was confirmed that all the prepared TiO2-CN composites showed better photocatalytic activities than the bare TiO2 and the bare CN. Under UV light irradiation, 90.6% of salicylic acid degradation was achieved on the best composite prepared by one pot oxidation with 5 mol% of titanium to carbon (Ti/C) ratio. On the other hand, the highest degradation under visible light irradiation was 94.3%, observed on the composite that was prepared also by one pot oxidation method with the Ti/C ratio of 10 mol%. Therefore, among the investigated methods, the best method to prepare the titanium dioxide-carbon nitride composites with high photocatalytic activity was one pot oxidation method.

  8. UV irradiation of biomarkers adsorbed on minerals under Martian-like conditions: Hints for life detection on Mars

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Fornaro, Teresa; Boosman, Arjen; Brucato, John R.; ten Kate, Inge Loes; Siljeström, Sandra; Poggiali, Giovanni; Steele, Andrew; Hazen, Robert M.

    2018-10-01

    Laboratory simulations of Martian conditions are essential to develop quantitative models for the survival of organic biomarkers for future Mars exploration missions. In this work, we report the results of ultraviolet (UV) irradiation processing of biomarkers adsorbed on minerals under Martian-like conditions. Specifically, we prepared Mars soil analogues by doping forsterite, lizardite, antigorite, labradorite, natrolite, apatite and hematite minerals with organic compounds considered as potential biomarkers of extant terrestrial life such as the nucleotides adenosine monophosphate (AMP) and uridine monophosphate (UMP). We characterized such Mars soil analogues by means of Time-of-Flight Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (ToF-SIMS), Diffuse Reflectance Infrared Fourier Transform Spectroscopy (DRIFTS) and Confocal Raman Imaging Spectroscopy (CRIS), in order to get insights into the specific molecule-mineral interactions and explore the capabilities of different techniques to reveal diagnostic features of these biomarkers. Then, we performed irradiation experiments in the mid-UV spectral region under simulated Martian conditions and under terrestrial ambient conditions for comparison, monitoring the degradation process through DRIFTS. We observed that degradation under Martian-like conditions occurs much slower than in terrestrial ambient conditions. The minerals labradorite and natrolite mainly promote photodegradation of nucleotides, hematite and forsterite exhibit an intermediate degrading effect, while apatite, lizardite and antigorite do not show any significant catalytic effect on the degradation of the target organic species.

  9. Influence of biodegradable polymer coatings on corrosion, cytocompatibility and cell functionality of Mg-2.0Zn-0.98Mn magnesium alloy.

    PubMed

    Witecka, Agnieszka; Yamamoto, Akiko; Idaszek, Joanna; Chlanda, Adrian; Święszkowski, Wojciech

    2016-08-01

    Four kinds of biodegradable polymers were employed to prepare bioresorbable coatings on Mg-2.0Zn-0.98Mn (ZM21) alloy to understand the relationship between polymer characteristics, protective effects on substrate corrosion, cytocompatibility and cell functionality. Poly-l-lactide (PLLA), poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB), poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) or poly(lactic-co-glycolic) acid (PLGA) was spin-coated on ZM21, obtaining a smooth, non-porous coating less than 0.5μm in thickness. Polymer coating characterization, a degradation study, and biocompatibility evaluations were performed. After 4 w of immersion into cell culture medium, degradation of PLGA and PLLA coatings were confirmed by ATR-FTIR observation. The coatings of PLLA, PHB and PHBV, which have lower water permeability and slower degradation than PLGA, provide better suppression of initial ZM21 degradation and faster promotion of human osteosarcoma cell growth and differentiation. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  10. Studying the Use of Photocatalytic Coatings to Increase Building/Structure Sustainability and Cleanliness at NASA Stennis Space Center

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Underwood, Lauren

    2013-01-01

    TiO2 coated surfaces demonstrated both visually through photographic representation, and quantitatively, through reflectance measurements that they improved upon the current state of cleanliness upon the surfaces that they were applied to. TiO2 has the potential to both maintain and increase building s sustainability and the overall appearance of cleanliness TiO2 coated slides degraded soot under UV light compared to soot samples on plain uncoated slides under the same conditions Degradation of soot by photocatalysis was far more apparent than degradation of soot by UV light alone This demonstration provides the foundation for a laboratory model that could be used to simulate real world applications for photocatalytic materials Additional research is required to better understand the full potential of TiO2

  11. Elimination of pharmaceutical residues in biologically pre-treated hospital wastewater using advanced UV irradiation technology: a comparative assessment.

    PubMed

    Köhler, C; Venditti, S; Igos, E; Klepiszewski, K; Benetto, E; Cornelissen, A

    2012-11-15

    UV irradiation technology as a membrane bioreactor (MBR) post-treatment was investigated and assessed. Both UV low pressure (LP) and medium pressure (MP) lamps were examined. The technology was installed in a pilot plant treating hospital wastewater to provide the study with adequate field data. The effect of the UV irradiation was enhanced with varying dosages of H2O2 to establish an advanced oxidation process (AOP). The efficiency of the pharmaceutical removal process was assessed by examining 14 micropollutants (antibiotics, analgesics, anticonvulsants, beta-blockers, cytostatics and X-ray contrast media) which are typically released by hospitals and detected with liquid chromatography coupled tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). While the MBR treatment generally showed only a low degradation capacity for persistent pharmaceuticals, much better degradation was obtained by applying UV irradiation and H2O2 as AOP. The "conventional" cost-benefit analysis of the different technology options taking into account both electrical energy consumption and pharmaceutical removal efficiency, revealed clearly better performance of low pressure UV lamps as AOP. However, a holistic comparison between the different scenarios was carried out by evaluating their environmental impacts using the life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology. Decisive advantages were highlighted to include this approach in the decision making process. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  12. Degradation and Byproduct Formation of Parathion in Aqueous Solutions by UV and UV/H2O2 Treatment

    PubMed Central

    Wu, Changlong; Linden, Karl G.

    2013-01-01

    The photodegradation of parathion, a US EPA Contaminant Candidate List pesticide, in aqueous solutions by UV and UV/H2O2 processes in batch reactors was evaluated. Direct photolysis of parathion both by LP (low pressure) and MP (medium pressure) lamps at pH 7 were very slow with quantum yields of 6.67 ± 0.33 ×10−4 and 6.00 ± 1.06 ×10−4 mol E−1, respectively. Hydrogen peroxide enhanced the photodegradation of parathion through the reaction between UV generated hydroxyl radical and parathion with a second-order reaction rate constant of 9.70 ± 0.45×109 M−1 s−1. However, addition of hydrogen peroxide did not result in a linear increase in the degradation rate. An optimum molar ratio between hydrogen peroxide and parathion was determined to be between 300 – 400. Photodegradation of parathion yielded several organic byproducts, of which the paraoxon, 4-nitrophenol, O,O,O-triethyl thiophosphate and O,O diethyl-methyl thiophosphate were quantified and their occurrence during UV/H2O2 processes were discussed. NO2−, PO43−, NO3− and SO42− were the major anionic byproducts of parathion photodegradation and their recover ratio were also discussed. A photodegradation mechanism scheme suggesting three simultaneous pathways was proposed in the study. PMID:18834610

  13. Characterizing the weathering induced changes in optical performance and properties of poly(ethylene-terephthalate) via MaPd:RTS spectroscopy

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Gordon, Devin A.; DeNoyer, Lin; Meyer, Corey W.; Sweet, Noah W.; Burns, David M.; Bruckman, Laura S.; French, Roger H.

    2017-08-01

    Poly(ethylene-terephthalate) (PET) film is widely used in photovoltaic module backsheets for its dielectric break- down strength, and in applications requiring high optical clarity for its high transmission in the visible region. However, PET degrades and loses optical clarity under exposure to ultraviolet (UV) irradiance, heat, and moisture. Stabilizers are often included in PET formulation to increase its longevity; however, even these are subject to degradation and further reduce optical clarity. To study the weathering induced changes in the optical properties in PET films, samples of a UV-stabilized grade of PET were exposed to heat, moisture, and UV irradiance as prescribed by ASTM-G154 Cycle 4 for 168 hour time intervals. UV-Vis reflection and transmission spectra were collected via Multi-Angle, Polarization-Dependent, Reflection, Transmission, and Scattering (MaPd:RTS) spectroscopy after each exposure interval. The resulting spectra were used to calculate the complex index of refraction throughout the UV-Vis spectral region via an iterative optimization process based upon the Fresnel equations. The index of refraction and extinction coefficient were found to vary throughout the UV-Vis region with time under exposure. The spectra were also used to investigate changes in light scattering behavior with increasing exposure time. The intensity of scattered light was found to increase at higher angles with time under exposure.

  14. Synthesis of silica coated zinc oxide–poly(ethylene-co-acrylic acid) matrix and its UV shielding evaluation

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Ramasamy, Mohankandhasamy; Kim, Yu Jun; Gao, Haiyan

    Graphical abstract: - Highlights: • Well layer thickness controlled silica shell was made on ZnO nanoparticles. • PEAA, an interfacial agent is used to make nanocomposite–polymer matrix by twin-screw extruder. • Si-ZnO/PEAA matrix is highly stable and UV protective as compared to ZnO/PEAA matrix. • Nanoparticle embedded polymer matrix is suggested to make UV shielding fabrics with Nylon4. - Abstract: Silica coated zinc oxide nanoparticles (Si-ZnO NPs) (7 nm thick) were synthesized successfully and melt blended with poly(ethylene-co-acrylic acid) (PEAA resin) to improving ultraviolet (UV) shielding of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs). The photostability of both the ZnO NPs andmore » Si-ZnO NPs were analyzed by the difference in photoluminescence (PL) and by methylene blue (MB) degradation. Photo-degradation studies confirmed that Si-ZnO NPs are highly photostable compared to ZnO NPs. The melt blended matrices were characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy interfaced with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (FE-SEM-EDX). The UV shielding property was analyzed from the transmittance spectra of UV–visible (UV–vis) spectroscopy. The results confirmed fine dispersion of thick Si-ZnO NPs in the entire resin matrix. Moreover, the Si-ZnO/PEAA showed about 97% UV shielding properties than the ZnO/PEAA.« less

  15. Advances in analytical methods and occurrence of organic UV-filters in the environment--A review.

    PubMed

    Ramos, Sara; Homem, Vera; Alves, Arminda; Santos, Lúcia

    2015-09-01

    UV-filters are a group of compounds designed mainly to protect skin against UVA and UVB radiation, but they are also included in plastics, furniture, etc., to protect products from light damage. Their massive use in sunscreens for skin protection has been increasing due to the awareness of the chronic and acute effects of UV radiation. Some organic UV-filters have raised significant concerns in the past few years for their continuous usage, persistent input and potential threat to ecological environment and human health. UV-filters end up in wastewater and because wastewater treatment plants are not efficient in removing them, lipophilic compounds tend to sorb onto sludge and hydrophilics end up in river water, contaminating the existing biota. To better understand the risk associated with UV-filters in the environment a thorough review regarding their physicochemical properties, toxicity and environmental degradation, analytical methods and their occurrence was conducted. Higher UV-filter concentrations were found in rivers, reaching 0.3mg/L for the most studied family, the benzophenone derivatives. Concentrations in the ng to μg/L range were also detected for the p-aminobenzoic acid, cinnamate, crylene and benzoyl methane derivatives in lake and sea water. Although at lower levels (few ng/L), UV-filters were also found in tap and groundwater. Swimming pool water is also a sink for UV-filters and its chlorine by-products, at the μg/L range, highlighting the benzophenone and benzimidazole derivatives. Soils and sediments are not frequently studied, but concentrations in the μg/L range have already been found especially for the benzophenone and crylene derivatives. Aquatic biota is frequently studied and UV-filters are found in the ng/g-dw range with higher values for fish and mussels. It has been concluded that more information regarding UV-filter degradation studies both in water and sediments is necessary and environmental occurrences should be monitored more frequently and deeply. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  16. Photocatalytic degradation of diethyl phthalate using TiO{sub 2} nanoparticles

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Singla, Pooja, E-mail: pooja.singla@thapar.edu; Pandey, O. P., E-mail: pooja.singla@thapar.edu; Singh, K., E-mail: pooja.singla@thapar.edu

    2014-04-24

    TiO{sub 2} nanoparticles predominantly in rutile phase are synthesized by ultrasonication assisted sol-gel method. TiO{sub 2} powder is characterized using X-ray powder diffraction and UV-vis diffuse reflectance. TiO{sub 2} is used as catalyst in photocatalytic degradation of Diethyl Phthalate. TiO{sub 2} exhibits good photocatalytic activity for the degradation of diethyl phthalate.

  17. Securin is a target of the UV response pathway in mammalian cells.

    PubMed

    Romero, Francisco; Gil-Bernabé, Ana M; Sáez, Carmen; Japón, Miguel A; Pintor-Toro, José A; Tortolero, María

    2004-04-01

    All eukaryotic cells possess elaborate mechanisms to protect genome integrity and ensure survival after DNA damage, ceasing proliferation and granting time for DNA repair. Securin is an inhibitory protein that is bound to a protease called Separase to inhibit sister chromatid separation until the onset of anaphase. At the metaphase-to-anaphase transition, Securin is degraded by the anaphase-promoting complex or cyclosome, and Separase contributes to the release of cohesins from the chromosome, allowing for the segregation of sister chromatids to opposite spindle poles. Here we provide evidence that human Securin (hSecurin) has a novel role in cell cycle arrest after exposure to UV light or ionizing radiation. In fact, irradiation downregulated the level of hSecurin protein, accelerating its degradation via the proteasome and reducing hSecurin mRNA translation, but the presence of hSecurin is necessary for cell proliferation arrest following UV treatment. Moreover, an alteration of UV-induced hSecurin downregulation could lead directly to the accumulation of DNA damage and the subsequent development of malignant tumors.

  18. Securin Is a Target of the UV Response Pathway in Mammalian Cells†

    PubMed Central

    Romero, Francisco; Gil-Bernabé, Ana M.; Sáez, Carmen; Japón, Miguel A.; Pintor-Toro, José A.; Tortolero, María

    2004-01-01

    All eukaryotic cells possess elaborate mechanisms to protect genome integrity and ensure survival after DNA damage, ceasing proliferation and granting time for DNA repair. Securin is an inhibitory protein that is bound to a protease called Separase to inhibit sister chromatid separation until the onset of anaphase. At the metaphase-to-anaphase transition, Securin is degraded by the anaphase-promoting complex or cyclosome, and Separase contributes to the release of cohesins from the chromosome, allowing for the segregation of sister chromatids to opposite spindle poles. Here we provide evidence that human Securin (hSecurin) has a novel role in cell cycle arrest after exposure to UV light or ionizing radiation. In fact, irradiation downregulated the level of hSecurin protein, accelerating its degradation via the proteasome and reducing hSecurin mRNA translation, but the presence of hSecurin is necessary for cell proliferation arrest following UV treatment. Moreover, an alteration of UV-induced hSecurin downregulation could lead directly to the accumulation of DNA damage and the subsequent development of malignant tumors. PMID:15024062

  19. Enhanced degradation of paracetamol by UV-C supported photo-Fenton process over Fenton oxidation.

    PubMed

    Manu, B; Mahamood, S

    2011-01-01

    For the treatment of paracetamol in water, the UV-C Fenton oxidation process and classic Fenton oxidation have been found to be the most effective. Paracetamol reduction and chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal are measured as the objective functions to be maximized. The experimental conditions of the degradation of paracetamol are optimized by the Fenton process. Influent pH 3, initial H(2)O(2) dosage 60 mg/L, [H(2)O(2)]/[Fe(2+)] ratio 60 : 1 are the optimum conditions observed for 20 mg/L initial paracetamol concentration. At the optimum conditions, for 20 mg/L of initial paracetamol concentration, 82% paracetamol reduction and 68% COD removal by Fenton oxidation, and 91% paracetamol reduction and 82% COD removal by UV-C Fenton process are observed in a 120 min reaction time. By HPLC analysis, 100% removal of paracetamol is observed at the above optimum conditions for the Fenton process in 240 min and for the UV-C photo-Fenton process in 120 min. The methods are effective and they may be used in the paracetamol industry.

  20. Stability indicating HPLC-UV method for detection of curcumin in Curcuma longa extract and emulsion formulation.

    PubMed

    Syed, Haroon Khalid; Liew, Kai Bin; Loh, Gabriel Onn Kit; Peh, Kok Khiang

    2015-03-01

    A stability-indicating HPLC-UV method for the determination of curcumin in Curcuma longa extract and emulsion was developed. The system suitability parameters, theoretical plates (N), tailing factor (T), capacity factor (K'), height equivalent of a theoretical plate (H) and resolution (Rs) were calculated. Stress degradation studies (acid, base, oxidation, heat and UV light) of curcumin were performed in emulsion. It was found that N>6500, T<1.1, K' was 2.68-3.75, HETP about 37 and Rs was 1.8. The method was linear from 2 to 200 μg/mL with a correlation coefficient of 0.9998. The intra-day precision and accuracy for curcumin were ⩽0.87% and ⩽2.0%, while the inter-day precision and accuracy values were ⩽2.1% and ⩽-1.92. Curcumin degraded in emulsion under acid, alkali and UV light. In conclusion, the stability-indicating method could be employed to determine curcumin in bulk and emulsions. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  1. Vortex Stabilized Plasma for Rapid Water Disinfection & Pharmaceutical Degradation

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Hershcovitch, Ady

    2016-10-01

    Good quality drinking water is dwindling for large segments of the world population. Aggravating the problem is proliferation of antibiotics in the water supply, which give rise to drug resistant pathogens. One option for water supply increase is recycling waste and polluted water by inexpensive, environmentally friendly methods. Presently disinfection uses chemicals and UV radiation. Chemicals are limited by residual toxicity, while UV consumes much electricity. Current methods can remove only certain classes of drugs due to their large variety of physical and chemical properties. Plasmas in water are very attractive for degrading all pharmaceuticals and deactivating pathogens: intense arc current can physically break up any molecular bonds. UV radiation, ozone, etc. generation inside the water volume disinfects. Present utilized plasmas: glow, pulsed arcs are not power efficient; vortex stabilized plasmas are power efficient that can advance water treatment state-of-the-art by orders of magnitude. Proposed techniquefeatures novel components facilitating large diameter vortex stabilized in-water arcs with optimized plasma parameters for maximal UV-C emission; and harvests hydrogen centered by the vortex.

  2. CFD modeling of a UV-A LED baffled flat-plate photoreactor for environment applications: a mining wastewater case.

    PubMed

    Devia-Orjuela, John Steven; Betancourt-Buitrago, Luis Andrés; Machuca-Martinez, Fiderman

    2018-06-02

    The use of ultraviolet light in photoreactors for wastewater treatment has become popular as an alternative of known chemical oxidative substances. UV LED light represents cheaper, robust, and versatile alternative to traditional UV lamps. In this study, it was designed and evaluated a photoreactor with an approach of chemical fluid dynamics (CFD) and experimental validation. The evaluation consisted of (1) CFD velocity profile analysis, (2) characterization of the average light distribution with potassium ferrioxalate actinometry, (3) degradation of a typical recalcitrant metallic cyanocomplex Fe(CN) 6 3- , and (4) scavenger effect analysis in the photodegradation using potassium persulfate. Actinometrical essay concluded that the system was able to receive 1.93 μE/s. The reactor operated under turbulent regime and best result for Fe(CN) 6 3- degradation was obtained at 4 h of operation, using 5-W UV-A LEDs, with pH ~ 7 and 10 mM de S 2 O 8 2- . Baffled photoreactor demonstrated to be useful for this type of illumination and wastewater treatment.

  3. Efficient degradation of H2S over transition metal modified TiO2 under VUV irradiation: Performance and mechanism

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Liu, Gaoyuan; Ji, Jian; Hu, Peng; Lin, Sixin; Huang, Haibao

    2018-03-01

    Odor pollution causes great harm to the atmospheric environment and human health. H2S, as an odor gas, is highly toxic and corrosive and thus requires removal efficiently. In this study, TiO2 catalysts modified by transition metals including Mn, Cu, Ni and Co, were prepared using a modified sol-gelatin method and tested under UV-PCO or VUV-PCO process. H2S degradation was great enhanced in VUV-PCO compared with conventional UV-PCO. Among the catalysts, 1 wt% Mn-TiO2 showed the highest removal efficiency of 89.9%, which is 30 times higher than that under 254 nm UV irradiation. Residual ozone in the outlet can be completely eliminated by Mn-TiO2. Photocatalytic oxidation, photolysis and ozone-assisted catalytic oxidation all involved in the VUV-PCO process and their contribution were determined by H2S removal efficiency.

  4. The effects of RF plasma ashing on zinc orthotitanate/potassium silicate thermal control coatings

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Dever, Joyce A.; Bruckner, Eric J.

    1992-01-01

    Samples of YB-71, a white thermal control coating composed of zinc orthotitanate pigment in a potassium silicate binder, were exposed in air plasma and in oxygen plasma to determine optical property and surface chemistry changes. Results show that YB-71 undergoes a significant reflectance decrease upon exposure to the simulated LEO atomic oxygen environment provided by an air plasma asher. YB-71 samples exposed to the same effective fluence in oxygen plasma, or in a UV screening Faraday cage in air or oxygen, do not undergo as severe reflectance decreases as the samples exposed in the air plasma asher environment. The UV and VUV radiation present in the plasma ashers affects the YB-71 degradation. It is noted that, when using plasma ashers to determine LEO degradation, it is necessary to take into account the sensitivity of the material to the synergistic effects of atomic oxygen and accelerated UV radiation.

  5. Evaluation of copper slag to catalyze advanced oxidation processes for the removal of phenol in water.

    PubMed

    Huanosta-Gutiérrez, T; Dantas, Renato F; Ramírez-Zamora, R M; Esplugas, S

    2012-04-30

    The aim of this work was to evaluate the use of copper slag to catalyze phenol degradation in water by advanced oxidation processes (AOPs). Copper slag was tested in combination with H(2)O(2) (slag/H(2)O(2)) and H(2)O(2)/UV (slag/H(2)O(2)/UV). The studied methods promoted the complete photocatalytic degradation of phenol. Besides, they were able to reduce about 50% the TOC content in the samples. Slag/H(2)O(2)/UV and slag/H(2)O(2) treatments have favored biodegradability increment along the reaction time. Nevertheless, the irradiated method achieved higher values of the biodegradability indicator (BOD(5)/TOC). The toxicity assessment indicated the formation of more toxic compounds in both treatments. However, the control of the reaction time would minimize the environmental impact of the effluents. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  6. Granzyme B mediates both direct and indirect cleavage of extracellular matrix in skin after chronic low-dose ultraviolet light irradiation.

    PubMed

    Parkinson, Leigh G; Toro, Ana; Zhao, Hongyan; Brown, Keddie; Tebbutt, Scott J; Granville, David J

    2015-02-01

    Extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation is a hallmark of many chronic inflammatory diseases that can lead to a loss of function, aging, and disease progression. Ultraviolet light (UV) irradiation from the sun is widely considered as the major cause of visible human skin aging, causing increased inflammation and enhanced ECM degradation. Granzyme B (GzmB), a serine protease that is expressed by a variety of cells, accumulates in the extracellular milieu during chronic inflammation and cleaves a number of ECM proteins. We hypothesized that GzmB contributes to ECM degradation in the skin after UV irradiation through both direct cleavage of ECM proteins and indirectly through the induction of other proteinases. Wild-type and GzmB-knockout mice were repeatedly exposed to minimal erythemal doses of solar-simulated UV irradiation for 20 weeks. GzmB expression was significantly increased in wild-type treated skin compared to nonirradiated controls, colocalizing to keratinocytes and to an increased mast cell population. GzmB deficiency significantly protected against the formation of wrinkles and the loss of dermal collagen density, which was related to the cleavage of decorin, an abundant proteoglycan involved in collagen fibrillogenesis and integrity. GzmB also cleaved fibronectin, and GzmB-mediated fibronectin fragments increased the expression of collagen-degrading matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) in fibroblasts. Collectively, these findings indicate a significant role for GzmB in ECM degradation that may have implications in many age-related chronic inflammatory diseases. © 2014 The Authors. Aging Cell published by the Anatomical Society and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

  7. Application of Ni-Oxide@TiO₂ Core-Shell Structures to Photocatalytic Mixed Dye Degradation, CO Oxidation, and Supercapacitors.

    PubMed

    Lee, Seungwon; Lee, Jisuk; Nam, Kyusuk; Shin, Weon Gyu; Sohn, Youngku

    2016-12-20

    Performing diverse application tests on synthesized metal oxides is critical for identifying suitable application areas based on the material performances. In the present study, Ni-oxide@TiO₂ core-shell materials were synthesized and applied to photocatalytic mixed dye (methyl orange + rhodamine + methylene blue) degradation under ultraviolet (UV) and visible lights, CO oxidation, and supercapacitors. Their physicochemical properties were examined by field-emission scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction analysis, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and UV-visible absorption spectroscopy. It was shown that their performances were highly dependent on the morphology, thermal treatment procedure, and TiO₂ overlayer coating.

  8. Synthesis and characterization of rod like C doped ZnO nanoparticles with enhanced photocatalytic activities

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Labhane, P. K.; Sapkal, B. M.; Sonawane, G. H.

    2018-05-01

    Carbon (C) doped ZnO rod like nanoparticles were prepared by simple co-precipitation method. The effect of C doping on ZnO has been evaluated by using XRD, Williamson-Hall Plot, FESEM and EDX data. UV light assisted photocatalytic activities of prepared samples were evaluated spectrophotometrically by the degradation of methylene blue (MB). C doped ZnO shows excellent catalytic efficiency compared to pure ZnO, degrading MB completely within 100 min under UV light. Photocatalysis follows the first order kinetics law and the calculated apparent reaction kinetics rate constant suggest the better activity of C-ZnO.

  9. Optimized photodegradation of Bisphenol A in water using ZnO, TiO2 and SnO2 photocatalysts under UV radiation as a decontamination procedure

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Abo, Rudy; Kummer, Nicolai-Alexeji; Merkel, Broder J.

    2016-09-01

    Experiments on photodegradation of Bisphenol A (BPA) were carried out in water samples by means photocatalytic and photo-oxidation methods in the presence of ZnO, TiO2 and SnO2 catalysts. The objective of this study was to develop an improved technique that can be used as a remediation procedure for a BPA-contaminated surface water and groundwater based on the UV solar radiation. The photodegradation of BPA in water performed under a low-intensity UV source mimics the UVC and UVA spectrum of solar radiation between 254 and 365 nm. The archived results reveal higher degradation rates observed in the presence of ZnO than with TiO2 and SnO2 catalysts during 20 h of irradiation. The intervention of the advanced photocatalytic oxidation (PCO) reduces the time of degradation to less than 1 h to reach a degradation rate of 90 % for BPA in water. The study proposes the use of ZnO as a competitor catalyst to the traditional TiO2, providing the most effective treatment of contaminated water with phenolic products.

  10. Preparation and characterization of Bi-doped TiO{sub 2} and its solar photocatalytic activity for the degradation of isoproturon herbicide

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Reddy, Police Anil Kumar; Srinivas, Basavaraju; Kala, Pruthu

    Highlights: {yields} Visible active Bi-TiO{sub 2} photocatalyst preparation and thorough charaterization. {yields} Bi-TiO{sub 2} shows high activity for isoproturon degradation under solar light irradiation. {yields} The spectral response of TiO{sub 2} shifts from UV to visible light region by Bi doping. {yields} Bi{sup 3+{delta}+} species are playing a vital role in minimizing e{sup -}/h{sup +} recombination. -- Abstract: Bi-doped TiO{sub 2} catalyst was prepared by sol-gel method and was characterized by thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA), X-ray diffraction spectra (XRD), X-ray photo electronic spectroscopy (XPS), UV-Vis diffused reflectance spectra (DRS), photoluminescence spectra (PLS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy dispersive analysis ofmore » X-rays (EDAX) and BET surface area. The photocatalytic activity of the catalysts were evaluated for the degradation of isoproturon herbicide under solar light irradiation. The UV-Visible DRS of Bi-doped TiO{sub 2} showed red shift in optical absorption. The presence of Bi{sup 3+{delta}+} species are playing a vital role in minimizing the electron hole recombination resulting higher activity compared to bare TiO{sub 2}.« less

  11. Cobalt ferrite nano-composite coated on glass by Doctor Blade method for photo-catalytic degradation of an azo textile dye Reactive Red 4: XRD, FESEM and DRS investigations.

    PubMed

    Habibi, Mohammad Hossein; Parhizkar, Janan

    2015-11-05

    Cobalt ferrite nano-composite was prepared by hydrothermal route using cobalt nitrate, iron nitrate and ethylene glycol as chelating agent. The nano-composite was coated on glass by Doctor Blade method and annealed at 300 °C. The structural, optical, and photocatalytic properties have been studied by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and UV-visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis DRS). Powder XRD analysis confirmed formation of CoFe2O4 spinel phase. The estimated particle size from FESEM data was 50 nm. The calculated energy band gaps, obtained by Tauc relation from UV-Vis absorption spectra was 1.3 eV. Photocatalytic degradation of Reactive Red 4 as an azo textile was investigated in aqueous solution under irradiation showed 68.0% degradation of the dye within 100 min. The experimental enhanced activity compare to pure Fe2O3 can be ascribed to the formation of composite, which was mainly attributable to the transfer of electron and hole to the surface of composite and hinder the electron hole recombination. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  12. Biodegradation improvement of poly(3-hydroxy-butyrate) films by entomopathogenic fungi and UV-assisted surface functionalization.

    PubMed

    Kessler, Felipe; Marconatto, Leticia; Rodrigues, Roberta da Silva Bussamara; Lando, Gabriela Albara; Schrank, Augusto; Vainstein, Marilene Henning; Weibel, Daniel Eduardo

    2014-01-05

    Ultraviolet (UV)-assisted surface modification in the presence of oxygen was used as initial step to achieve controlled degradation of poly(3-hydroxy-butyrate), PHB, films by entomopathogenic fungi. Treated surfaces were investigated by surface analysis techniques (water contact angle, Fourier Transformed Infrared Spectroscopy in Attenuated Total Reflectance mode, X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy, Near-edge X-ray Absorption Fine Structure, Gel Permeation Chromatography, Optical Microscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy, and weight loss). After the UV-assisted treatments, new carbonyl groups in new chemical environments were detected by XPS and NEXAFS spectroscopy. The oxidizing atmosphere did not allow the formation of CC bonds, indicating that Norrish Type II mechanism is suppressed during or by the treatments. The higher hydrophilicity and concentration of oxygenated functional groups at the surface of the treated films possibly improved the biodegradation of the films. It was observed a clear increase in the growth of this fungus when oxygenated groups were grafted on the polymers surfaces. This simple methodology can be used to improve and control the degradation rate of PHB films in applications that require a controllable degradation rate. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  13. Degradation of Methyl Orange and Congo Red dyes by using TiO2 nanoparticles activated by the solar and the solar-like radiation.

    PubMed

    Ljubas, Davor; Smoljanić, Goran; Juretić, Hrvoje

    2015-09-15

    In this study we used TiO2 nanoparticles as semiconductor photocatalysts for the degradation of Methyl Orange (MO) and Congo Red (CR) dyes in an aqueous solution. Since TiO2 particles become photocatalytically active by UV radiation, two sources of UV-A radiation were used - natural solar radiation which contains 3-5% UV-A and artificial, solar-like radiation, created by using a lamp. The optimal doses of TiO2 of 500 mg/L for the CR and 1500 mg/L for the MO degradation were determined in experiments with the lamp and were also used in degradation experiments with natural solar light. The efficiency of each process was determined by measuring the absorbance at two visible wavelengths, 466 nm for MO and 498 nm for CR, and the total organic carbon (TOC), i.e. decolorization and mineralization, respectively. In both cases, considerable potential for the degradation of CR and MO was observed - total decolorization of the solution was achieved within 30-60 min, while the TOC removal was in the range 60-90%. CR and MO solutions irradiated without TiO2 nanoparticles showed no observable changes in either decolorization or mineralization. Three different commercially available TiO2 nanoparticles were used: pure-phase anatase, pure-phase rutile, and mixed-phase preparation named Degussa P25. In terms of degradation kinetics, P25 TiO2 exhibited a photocatalytic activity superior to that of pure-phase anatase or rutile. The electric energy consumption per gram of removed TOC was determined. For nearly the same degradation effect, the consumption in the natural solar radiation experiment was more than 60 times lower than in the artificial solar-like radiation experiment. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  14. Degradation of ethylenethiourea pesticide metabolite from water by photocatalytic processes.

    PubMed

    Bottrel, Sue Ellen C; Amorim, Camila C; Leão, Mônica M D; Costa, Elizângela P; Lacerda, Igor A

    2014-01-01

    In this study, photocatalytic (photo-Fenton and H2O2/UV) and dark Fenton processes were used to remove ethylenethiourea (ETU) from water. The experiments were conducted in a photo-reactor with an 80 W mercury vapor lamp. The mineralization of ETU was determined by total organic carbon analysis, and ETU degradation was qualitatively monitored by the reduction of UV absorbance at 232 nm. A higher mineralization efficiency was obtained by using the photo-peroxidation process (UV/H2O2). Approximately 77% of ETU was mineralized within 120 min of the reaction using [H2O2]0 = 400 mg L(-1). The photo-Fenton process mineralized 70% of the ETU with [H2O2]0 = 800 mg L(-1) and [Fe(2+)] = 400 mg L(-1), and there is evidence that hydrogen peroxide was the limiting reagent in the reaction because it was rapidly consumed. Moreover, increasing the concentration of H2O2 from 800 mg L(-1) to 1200 mg L(-1) did not enhance the degradation of ETU. Kinetics studies revealed that the pseudo-second-order model best fit the experimental conditions. The k values for the UV/H2O2 and photo-Fenton processes were determined to be 6.2 × 10(-4) mg L(-1) min(-1) and 7.7 × 10(-4) mg L(-1) min(-1), respectively. The mineralization of ETU in the absence of hydrogen peroxide has led to the conclusion that ETU transformation products are susceptible to photolysis by UV light. These are promising results for further research. The processes that were investigated can be used to remove pesticide metabolites from drinking water sources and wastewater in developing countries.

  15. Trade-offs in ecosystem impacts from nanomaterial versus organic chemical ultraviolet filters in sunscreens.

    PubMed

    Hanigan, David; Truong, Lisa; Schoepf, Jared; Nosaka, Takayuki; Mulchandani, Anjali; Tanguay, Robert L; Westerhoff, Paul

    2018-08-01

    Both nanoparticulate (nZnO and nTiO 2 ) and organic chemical ultraviolet (UV) filters are active ingredients in sunscreen and protect against skin cancer, but limited research exists on the environmental effects of sunscreen release into aquatic systems. To examine the trade-offs of incorporating nanoparticles (NPs) into sunscreens over the past two decades, we targeted endpoints sensitive to the potential risks of different UV filters: solar reactive oxygen production in water and disruption of zebrafish embryo development. First, we developed methodology to extract nanoparticles from sunscreens with organic solvents. Zebrafish embryos exposed to parts-per-million NPs used in sunscreens displayed limited toxicological effects; nZnO particles appeared to be slightly more toxic than nTiO 2 at the highest concentrations. In contrast, seven organic UV filters did not affect zebrafish embryogenesis at or near aqueous solubility. Second, to simulate potent photo-initiated reactions upon release into water, we examined methylene blue (MB) degradation under UV light. nTiO 2 from sunscreen caused 10 times faster MB loss than nZnO and approached the photocatalytic degradation rate of a commercial nTiO 2 photocatalysts (P25). Organic UV filters did not cause measurable MB degradation. Finally, we estimated that between 1 and 10 ppm of sunscreen NPs in surface waters could produce similar steady state hydroxyl radical concentrations as naturally occurring fluvic acids under sunlight irradiation. Incorporation of NPs into sunscreen may increase environmental concentrations of reactive oxygen, albeit to a limited extent, which can influence transformation of dissolved substances and potentially affect ecosystem processes. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  16. Nitrogen doped nanocrystalline semiconductor metal oxide: An efficient UV active photocatalyst for the oxidation of an organic dye using slurry Photoreactor.

    PubMed

    Ramachandran, Saranya; Sivasamy, A; Kumar, B Dinesh

    2016-12-01

    Water pollution is a cause for serious concern in today's world. A major contributor to water pollution is industrial effluents containing dyes and other organic molecules. Waste water treatment has become a priority area in today's applied scientific research as it seeks to minimize the toxicity of the effluents being discharged and increase the possibility of water recycling. An efficient and eco-friendly way of degrading toxic molecules is to use nano metal-oxide photocatalysts. The present study aims at enhancing the photocatalytic activity of a semiconductor metal oxide by doping it with nitrogen. A sol-gel cum combustion method was employed to synthesize the catalyst. The prepared catalyst was characterized by FT-IR, XRD, UV-DRS, FESEM and AFM techniques. UV-DRS result showed the catalyst to possess band gap energy of 2.97eV, thus making it active in the UV region of the spectrum. Its photocatalytic activity was evaluated by the degradation of a model pollutant-Orange G dye, under UV light irradiation. Preliminary experiments were carried out to study the effects of pH, catalyst dosage and initial dye concentration on the extent of dye degradation. Kinetic studies revealed that the reaction followed pseudo first order kinetics. The effect of electrolytes on catalyst efficiency was also studied. The progress of the reaction was monitored by absorption studies and measuring the reduction in COD. The catalyst thus prepared was seen to have a high photocatalytic efficiency. The use of this catalyst is a promising means of waste water treatment. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  17. Correction of MSL/REMS UV data from dust deposition and sensor's angular response

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Martinez, German; Vicente-Retortillo, Alvaro; Renno, Nilton; Gomez-Elvira, Javier

    2017-04-01

    The Rover Environmental Monitoring Station (REMS) onboard the Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) mission has a UV sensor (UVS) that for the first time is measuring the UV radiation flux at the surface of Mars. The UVS is comprised of six photodiodes to measure the UV flux in different bands of the spectral range 200-380 nm [1]. The highest-level UVS data archived in the NASA Planetary Data System (PDS) are the ENVRDR and MODRDR products. The ENVRDR products contain UV fluxes in units of W/m2 for each UVS channel, while the MODRDR products contain identical data but with values of UV fluxes removed when θ is between 20° and 55° and when the rover or its arm are moving. Due to its location on the rover deck, the UVS has been exposed to dust deposition. Nominal UVS operations lasted until sol 154, when for the first time degradation of the UVS due to dust deposition led to deviations from nominal values above 10%, with increasing deviations in time. In addition, discrepancies between measured and physically-consistent UV fluxes are found when the solar zenith angle (θ) relative to the rover frame is between 20° and 55°. In particular, derived UVS fluxes present a non-physical discontinuity at θ = 30° caused by a discontinuity in the calibration function. We have developed a methodology to correct the ENVRDR data set from the effects of dust degradation and inconsistencies in the angular response for each of the six UVS channels and to complete the MODRDR products when 20° < θ < 55° for each of the six UVS channels. To perform this correction, we use photodiode output currents (available in the NASA PDS as lower-level TELRDR products), ancillary data records containing the geometry of the rover and the Sun (available in the NASA PDS as ADR products) and dust opacity values obtained from Mastcam [2]. Data products generated by this study will allow to assess risks of UV radiation to the health of human explorers, to analyze the relationship between seasonal changes in UV radiation at Gale Crater and seasonal patterns discovered in the background methane concentration [3], and to compare the UV radiation environment at different locations (ExoMars mission in 2020 and NASA's Mars 2020 mission carry UV sensors in their payloads). References: [1] Gómez-Elvira, J. et al. (2012), Space Science Reviews, 170, 583-640. [2] Smith, M. et al. (2016), Icarus, 280, 234-248 [3] Webster, C.R. et al. (2016), AGU Fall Meeting.

  18. Natural lactic acid bacteria population of tropical grasses and their fermentation factor analysis of silage prepared with cellulase and inoculant.

    PubMed

    Khota, Waroon; Pholsen, Suradej; Higgs, David; Cai, Yimin

    2016-12-01

    Natural lactic acid bacteria (LAB) populations in tropical grasses and their fermentation characteristics on silage prepared with cellulase enzyme and LAB inoculants were studied. A commercial inoculant Lactobacillus plantarum Chikuso 1 (CH), a local selected strain Lactobacillus casei TH14 (TH14), and 2 cellulases, Acremonium cellulase (AC) and Maicelase (MC; Meiji Seika Pharma Co. Ltd., Tokyo, Japan), were used as additives to silage preparation with fresh and wilted (6 h) Guinea grass and Napier grass. Silage was prepared using a laboratory-scale fermentation system. Treatments were CH, TH14, AC at 0.01% fresh matter, AC 0.1%, MC 0.01%, MC 0.1%, CH+AC 0.01%, CH+AC 0.1%, CH+MC 0.01%, CH+MC 0.1%, TH14+AC 0.1%, TH14+AC 0.01%, TH14+MC 0.1%, and TH14+MC 0.01%. Microorganism counts of Guinea grass and Napier grass before ensiling were 10 2 LAB and 10 6 aerobic bacteria; these increased during wilting. Based on morphological and biochemical characteristics, and 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, natural strains from both grasses were identified as L. plantarum, L. casei, Lactobacillus acidipiscis, Leuconostoc pseudomesenteroides, Leuconostoc garlicum, Weissella confusa, and Lactococcus lactis. Lactobacillus plantarum and L. casei are the dominant species and could grow at lower pH and produce more lactic acid than the other isolates. Crude protein and neutral detergent fiber were 5.8 and 83.7% of dry matter (DM) for Guinea grass, and 7.5 and 77.1% of DM for Napier grass. Guinea grass had a low level of water-soluble carbohydrates (0.39% of DM). Guinea grass silage treated with cellulase had a lower pH and higher lactic acid content than control and LAB treatments. The 0.1% AC and MC treatments had the best result for fermentation quality. All high water-soluble carbohydrate (2.38% DM) Napier grass silages showed good fermentation quality. Compared with control and LAB-inoculated silage, the cellulase-treated silages had significantly higher crude protein content and lower neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber contents. The results confirmed that cellulase could improve tropical silage quality, inhibiting protein degradation and promoting fiber degradation. Copyright © 2016 American Dairy Science Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  19. In vitro and in vivo biological characterization of poly(lactic acid) fiber scaffolds synthesized by air jet spinning.

    PubMed

    Granados-Hernández, Marco Vladimir; Serrano-Bello, Janeth; Montesinos, Juan José; Alvarez-Gayosso, Carlos; Medina-Velázquez, Luis Alberto; Alvarez-Fregoso, Octavio; Alvarez-Perez, Marco Antonio

    2017-11-30

    Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) is one of the most promising renewable and biodegradable polymers for mimic extracellular matrix for tissue engineering applications. In this work, PLA spun membrane scaffold were successfully prepared by air jet spinning technology. Morphology, mechanical properties, in vitro biocompatibility, and in vitro and in vivo degradation of PLA fibrous scaffold were characterized by X-ray diffraction, Fourier Transform Infrared, and scanning electron microscope (SEM). Morphological results assessed by SEM analyses indicated that PLA scaffolds possessed an average fiber diameter of approximately 0.558 ± 0.141 µm for 7% w/v of PLA and approximately 0.647 ± 0.137 µm for 10% w/v. Interestingly, our results showed that the nanofiber size of PLA scaffold allow structural stability after 100 days of in vitro degradation in Ringer solution where the average fiber diameter were of approximately 0.633 ± 0.147 µm for 7% w/v and approximately 0.645 ± 0.140 µm for 10% w/v of PLA. Mechanical properties of PLA fibers scaffold after in vitro degradation showed decrease in terms of flexibility elongation, and less energy was needed to achieve maximal elastic deformation. The fiber size exerts an influence on the biological response of human Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stromal Cells as confirmed by MTT assay after 9 days of cell culture and the in vivo degradation assay of 7% w/v and 10% w/v of PLA scaffold, did not demonstrate evidence of toxicity with a mild inflammatory respond. In conclusion, airbrushing technology promises to be a viable and attractive alternative technique for producing a biocompatible PLA nanofiber scaffold that could be considered for tissue engineering regeneration. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  20. Photo- and thermal degradation of olive oil measured using an optical fibre smartphone spectrofluorimeter

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Hossain, Md Arafat; Canning, John; Cook, Kevin; Ast, Sandra; Jamalipour, Abbas

    2017-04-01

    Degradation of olive oil under light and heat are analysed using an optical fibre based low-cost portable smartphone spectrofluorimeter. Visible fluorescence bands associated with phenolic acids, vitamins and chlorophyll centred at λ 452, 525 and 670 nm respectively are generated using near-UV excitation (LED λex 370 nm), of extra virgin olive oil are degraded more likely than refined olive oil under light and heat exposure. Packaging is shown to be critical when assessing the origin of degradation.

  1. Degradation of 5-FU by means of advanced (photo)oxidation processes: UV/H2O2, UV/Fe2+/H2O2 and UV/TiO2--Comparison of transformation products, ready biodegradability and toxicity.

    PubMed

    Lutterbeck, Carlos Alexandre; Wilde, Marcelo Luís; Baginska, Ewelina; Leder, Christoph; Machado, Ênio Leandro; Kümmerer, Klaus

    2015-09-15

    The present study investigates the degradation of the antimetabolite 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) by three different advanced photo oxidation processes: UV/H2O2, UV/Fe(2+)/H2O2 and UV/TiO2. Prescreening experiments varying the H2O2 and TiO2 concentrations were performed in order to set the best catalyst concentrations in the UV/H2O2 and UV/TiO2 experiments, whereas the UV/Fe(2+)/H2O2 process was optimized varying the pH, Fe(2+) and H2O2 concentrations by means of the Box-Behnken design (BBD). 5-FU was quickly removed in all the irradiation experiments. The UV/Fe(2+)/H2O2 and UV/TiO2 processes achieved the highest degree of mineralization, whereas the lowest one resulted from the UV/H2O2 treatment. Six transformation products were formed during the advanced (photo)oxidation processes and identified using low and high resolution mass spectrometry. Most of them were formed and further eliminated during the reactions. The parent compound of 5-FU was not biodegraded, whereas the photolytic mixture formed in the UV/H2O2 treatment after 256 min showed a noticeable improvement of the biodegradability in the closed bottle test (CBT) and was nontoxic towards Vibrio fischeri. In silico predictions showed positive alerts for mutagenic and genotoxic effects of 5-FU. In contrast, several of the transformation products (TPs) generated along the processes did not provide indications for mutagenic or genotoxic activity. One exception was TP with m/z 146 with positive alerts in several models of bacterial mutagenicity which could demand further experimental testing. Results demonstrate that advanced treatment can eliminate parent compounds and its toxicity. However, transformation products formed can still be toxic. Therefore toxicity screening after advanced treatment is recommendable. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  2. Fate of artificial sweeteners through wastewater treatment plants and water treatment processes

    PubMed Central

    Li, Shaoli; Ren, Yuhang; Fu, Yingying; Gao, Xingsheng; Jiang, Cong; Wu, Gang; Ren, Hongqiang

    2018-01-01

    Five full-scale wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) in China using typical biodegradation processes (SBR, oxidation ditch, A2/O) were selected to assess the removal of four popular artificial sweeteners (ASs). All four ASs (acesulfame (ACE), sucralose (SUC), cyclamate (CYC) and saccharin (SAC)) were detected, ranging from 0.43 to 27.34μg/L in the influent. Higher concentrations of ASs were measured in winter. ACE could be partly removed by 7.11–50.76% through biodegradation and especially through the denitrifying process. The A2/O process was the most efficient at biodegrading ASs. Adsorption (by granular activated carbon (GAC) and magnetic resin) and ultraviolet radiation-based advanced oxidation processes (UV/AOPs) were evaluated to remove ASs in laboratory-scale tests. The amounts of resin adsorbed were 3.33–18.51 times more than those of GAC except for SUC. The adsorption ability of resin decreased in the order of SAC > ACE > CYC > SUC in accordance with the pKa. Degradation of ASs followed pseudo-first-order kinetics in UV/H2O2 and UV/PDS. When applied to the secondary effluent, ASs could be degraded from 30.87 to 99.93% using UV/PDS in 30 minutes and UV/PDS was more efficient and economic. PMID:29293534

  3. Fate of artificial sweeteners through wastewater treatment plants and water treatment processes.

    PubMed

    Li, Shaoli; Ren, Yuhang; Fu, Yingying; Gao, Xingsheng; Jiang, Cong; Wu, Gang; Ren, Hongqiang; Geng, Jinju

    2018-01-01

    Five full-scale wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) in China using typical biodegradation processes (SBR, oxidation ditch, A2/O) were selected to assess the removal of four popular artificial sweeteners (ASs). All four ASs (acesulfame (ACE), sucralose (SUC), cyclamate (CYC) and saccharin (SAC)) were detected, ranging from 0.43 to 27.34μg/L in the influent. Higher concentrations of ASs were measured in winter. ACE could be partly removed by 7.11-50.76% through biodegradation and especially through the denitrifying process. The A2/O process was the most efficient at biodegrading ASs. Adsorption (by granular activated carbon (GAC) and magnetic resin) and ultraviolet radiation-based advanced oxidation processes (UV/AOPs) were evaluated to remove ASs in laboratory-scale tests. The amounts of resin adsorbed were 3.33-18.51 times more than those of GAC except for SUC. The adsorption ability of resin decreased in the order of SAC > ACE > CYC > SUC in accordance with the pKa. Degradation of ASs followed pseudo-first-order kinetics in UV/H2O2 and UV/PDS. When applied to the secondary effluent, ASs could be degraded from 30.87 to 99.93% using UV/PDS in 30 minutes and UV/PDS was more efficient and economic.

  4. High photocatalytic activity of hierarchical SiO2@C-doped TiO2 hollow spheres in UV and visible light towards degradation of rhodamine B.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Ying; Chen, Juanrong; Hua, Li; Li, Songjun; Zhang, Xuanxuan; Sheng, Weichen; Cao, Shunsheng

    2017-10-15

    Ongoing research activities are targeted to explore high photocatalytic activity of TiO 2 -based photocatalysts for the degradation of environmental contaminants under UV and visible light irradiation. In this work, we devise a facile, cost-effective technique to in situ synthesize hierarchical SiO 2 @C-doped TiO 2 (SCT) hollow spheres for the first time. This strategy mainly contains the preparation of monodisperse cationic polystyrene spheres (CPS), sequential deposition of inner SiO 2 , the preparation of the sandwich-like CPS@SiO 2 @CPS particles, and formation of outer TiO 2 . After the one-step removal of CPS templates by calcination at 450°C, hierarchical SiO 2 @C-doped TiO 2 hollow spheres are in situ prepared. The morphology, hierarchical structure, and properties of SCT photocatalyst were characterized by TEM. SEM, STEM Mapping, BET, XRD, UV-vis spectroscopy, and XPS. Results strongly confirm the carbon doping in the outer TiO 2 lattice of SCT hollow spheres. When the as-synthesized SCT hollow spheres were employed as a photocatalyst for the degradation of Rhodamine B under visible-light and ultraviolet irradiation, the SCT photocatalyst exhibits a higher photocatalytic activity than commercial P25, effectively overcoming the limitations of poorer UV activity for many previous reported TiO 2 -based photocatalysts due to doping. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  5. Photocatalytic performance of crystalline titania polymorphs in the degradation of hazardous pharmaceuticals and dyes

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Thuong Huyen Tran, Thi; Kosslick, Hendrik; Schulz, Axel; Liem Nguyen, Quang

    2017-03-01

    In the present work, nano-sized TiO2 polymorphs (anatase, brookite, and rutile) were synthesized via hydrothermal treatment of an amorphous titania. Three polymorphs were characterized by XRD, Raman spectroscopy, SEM, UV-Vis DRS, and N2-sorption measurements. The photocatalytic degradation experiments were performed with low catalyst concentration, high organic loading under a 60 W UV-Vis solarium lamp irradiation. The photocatalytic degradation was monitored by UV-Vis spectroscopy and TOC measurements. Cinnamic acid, ibuprofen, phenol, diatrizoic acid and the dyes rhodamine B and rose bengal were used as model pollutants. The formation of intermediates was studied by ESI-TOF-MS measurements. The presence of active species was checked by quenching the activity by addition of scavengers. The photocatalytic activity decreased in the order: anatase  ⩾  brookite  >  rutile, with growing recalcitrance of organic compounds. The differences in the activity are more pronounced in the degree of mineralization. The valence band holes and superoxide radicals were the major active species in the photocatalytic treatment with anatase and brookite, whereas hydroxyl radicals and superoxide radicals contributed mainly in the treatment with rutile explaining the lower activity of rutile. The complementary use of UV-Vis spectroscopy and TOC measurements was required to obtain a comprehensive realistic assessment on the photocatalytic performance of catalyst. Invited talk at 8th International Workshop on Advanced Materials Science and Nanotechnology (IWAMSN2016), 8-12 November 2016, Ha Long City, Vietnam.

  6. Preparation of Carbon-Chitosan-Polyvinyl Chloride (CC-PVC) Material and its Application to Electrochemical Degradation of Methylene Blue in Sodium Chloride Solution

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Riyanto; Prawidha, A. D.

    2018-01-01

    Electrochemical degradation of methylene blue using Carbon-Chitosan-Polyvinyl Chloride (CC-PVC) electrode in sodium chloride have been done. The aim of this work was to degradation of methylene blue using Carbon-Chitosan-Polyvinyl Chloride (CC-PVC). Carbon chitosan composite electrode was preparing by Carbon and Chitosan powder and PVC in 4 mL tetrahydrofuran (THF) solvent and swirled flatly to homogeneous followed by drying in an oven at 100 °C for 3 h. The mixture was placed in stainless steel mould and pressed at 10 ton/cm2. Sodium chloride was used electrolyte solution. The effects of the current and electrolysis time were investigated using spectrophotometer UV-Visible. The experimental results showed that the carbon-chitosan composite electrode have higher effect in the electrochemical degradation of methylene blue in sodium chloride. Based on UV-visible spectra analysis shows current and electrolysis time has high effect to degradation of methylene blue in sodium chloride. Chitosan and polyvinyl chloride can strengthen the bond between the carbons so that the material has the high stability and conductivity. As conclusions is Carbon-Chitosan-Polyvinyl Chloride (CC-PVC) electrode have a high electrochemical activity for degradation of methylene blue in sodium chloride.

  7. Solar/UV-induced photocatalytic degradation of three commercial textile dyes.

    PubMed

    Neppolian, B; Choi, H C; Sakthivel, S; Arabindoo, Banumathi; Murugesan, V

    2002-01-28

    The photocatalytic degradation of three commercial textile dyes with different structure has been investigated using TiO(2) (Degussa P25) photocatalyst in aqueous solution under solar irradiation. Experiments were conducted to optimise various parameters viz. amount of catalyst, concentration of dye, pH and solar light intensity. Degradation of all the dyes were examined by using chemical oxygen demand (COD) method. The degradation efficiency of the three dyes is as follows: Reactive Yellow 17(RY17) > Reactive Red 2(RR2) > Reactive Blue 4 (RB4), respectively. The experimental results indicate that TiO(2) (Degussa P25) is the best catalyst in comparison with other commercial photocatalysts such as, TiO(2) (Merck), ZnO, ZrO(2), WO(3) and CdS. Though the UV irradiation can efficiently degrade the dyes, naturally abundant solar irradiation is also very effective in the mineralisation of dyes. The comparison between thin-film coating and aqueous slurry method reveals that slurry method is more efficient than coating but the problems of leaching and the requirement of separation can be avoided by using coating technique. These observations indicate that all the three dyes could be degraded completely at different time intervals. Hence, it may be a viable technique for the safe disposal of textile wastewater into the water streams.

  8. Phragmites australis root secreted phytotoxin undergoes photo-degradation to execute severe phytotoxicity

    PubMed Central

    Rudrappa, Thimmaraju; Choi, Yong Seok; Levia, Delphis F; Legates, David R; Lee, Kelvin H

    2009-01-01

    Our study organism, Phragmites australis (common reed), is a unique invader in that both native and introduced lineages are found coexisting in North America. This allows one to make direct assessments of physiological differences between these different subspecies and examine how this relates to invasiveness. Recent efforts to understand plant invasive behavior show that some invasive plants secrete a phytotoxin to ward-off encroachment by neighboring plants (allelopathy) and thus provide the invaders with a competitive edge in a given habitat. Here we show that a varying climatic factor like ultraviolet (UV) light leads to photo-degradation of secreted phytotoxin (gallic acid) in P. australis rhizosphere inducing higher mortality of susceptible seedlings. The photo-degraded product of gallic acid (hereafter GA), identified as mesoxalic acid (hereafter MOA), triggered a similar cell death cascade in susceptible seedlings as observed previously with GA. Further, we detected the biological concentrations of MOA in the natural stands of exotic and native P. australis. Our studies also show that the UV degradation of GA is facilitated at an alkaline pH, suggesting that the natural habitat of P. australis may facilitate the photo-degradation of GA. The study highlights the persistence of the photo-degraded phytotoxin in the P. australis's rhizosphere and its inhibitory effects against the native plants. PMID:19816146

  9. Phragmites australis root secreted phytotoxin undergoes photo-degradation to execute severe phytotoxicity.

    PubMed

    Rudrappa, Thimmaraju; Choi, Yong Seok; Levia, Delphis F; Legates, David R; Lee, Kelvin H; Bais, Harsh P

    2009-06-01

    Our study organism, Phragmites australis (common reed), is a unique invader in that both native and introduced lineages are found coexisting in North America. This allows one to make direct assessments of physiological differences between these different subspecies and examine how this relates to invasiveness. Recent efforts to understand plant invasive behavior show that some invasive plants secrete a phytotoxin to ward-off encroachment by neighboring plants (allelopathy) and thus provide the invaders with a competitive edge in a given habitat. Here we show that a varying climatic factor like ultraviolet (UV) light leads to photo-degradation of secreted phytotoxin (gallic acid) in P. australis rhizosphere inducing higher mortality of susceptible seedlings. The photo-degraded product of gallic acid (hereafter GA), identified as mesoxalic acid (hereafter MOA), triggered a similar cell death cascade in susceptible seedlings as observed previously with GA. Further, we detected the biological concentrations of MOA in the natural stands of exotic and native P. australis. Our studies also show that the UV degradation of GA is facilitated at an alkaline pH, suggesting that the natural habitat of P. australis may facilitate the photo-degradation of GA. The study highlights the persistence of the photo-degraded phytotoxin in the P. australis's rhizosphere and its inhibitory effects against the native plants.

  10. Degradation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in a coking wastewater treatment plant residual by an O3/ultraviolet fluidized bed reactor.

    PubMed

    Lin, Chong; Zhang, Wanhui; Yuan, Mengyang; Feng, Chunhua; Ren, Yuan; Wei, Chaohai

    2014-09-01

    Coking wastewater treatment plant (CWWTP) represents a typical point source of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) to the water environment and threatens the safety of drinking water in downstream regions. To enhance the removal of residual PAHs from bio-treated coking wastewater, a pilot-scale O3/ultraviolet (UV) fluidized bed reactor (O3/UV FBR) was designed and different operating factors including UV irradiation intensity, pH, initial concentration, contact time, and hydraulic retention time (HRT) were investigated at an ozone level of 240 g h(-1) and 25 ± 3 °C. A health risk evaluation and cost analysis were also carried out under the continuous-flow mode. As far as we know, this is the first time an O3/UV FBR has been explored for PAHs treatment. The results indicated that between 41 and 75 % of 18 target PAHs were removed in O3/UV FBR due to synergistic effects of UV irradiation. Both increased reaction time and increased pH were beneficial for the removal of PAHs. The degradation of the target PAHs within 8 h can be well fitted by the pseudo-first-order kinetics (R (2) > 0.920). The reaction rate was also positively correlated with the initial concentrations of PAHs. The health risk assessment showed that the total amount of carcinogenic substance exposure to surface water was reduced by 0.432 g day(-1). The economic analysis showed that the O3/UV FBR was able to remove 18 target PAHs at a cost of US$0.34 m(-3). These results suggest that O3/UV FBR is efficient in removing residuals from CWWTP, thus reducing the accumulation of persistent pollutant released to surface water.

  11. Graphene oxide based CdSe photocatalysts: Synthesis, characterization and comparative photocatalytic efficiency of rhodamine B and industrial dye

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Ghosh, Trisha; Lee, Jeong-Ho; Meng, Ze-Da

    Highlights: ► CdSe–graphene is synthesized by hydrothermal method. ► Three molar solutions of CdSe were used making three different composites. ► RhB and Texbrite MST-L were used as sample dye solutions. ► Texbrite MST-L is photo degraded in visible light. ► UV-spectroscopic analysis was done to measure degradation. - Abstract: CdSe–graphene composites were prepared using simple “hydrothermal method” where the graphene surface was modified using different molar solutions of cadmium selenide (CdSe) in aqueous media. The characterization of CdSe–graphene composites were studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and with transmission electron microscope (TEM).more » The catalytic activities of CdSe-composites were evaluated by degradation of rhodamine B (RhB) and commercial industrial dye “Texbrite MST-L (TXT-MST)” with fixed concentration. The degradation was observed by the decrease in the absorbance peak studied by UV spectrophotometer. The decrease in the dye concentration indicated catalytic degradation effect by CdSe–graphene composites.« less

  12. UV-induced photocatalytic degradation of aqueous acetaminophen: the role of adsorption and reaction kinetics.

    PubMed

    Basha, Shaik; Keane, David; Nolan, Kieran; Oelgemöller, Michael; Lawler, Jenny; Tobin, John M; Morrissey, Anne

    2015-02-01

    Nanostructured titania supported on activated carbon (AC), termed as integrated photocatalytic adsorbents (IPCAs), were prepared by ultrasonication and investigated for the photocatalytic degradation of acetaminophen (AMP), a common analgesic and antipyretic drug. The IPCAs showed high affinity towards AMP (in dark adsorption studies), with the amount adsorbed proportional to the TiO2 content; the highest adsorption was at 10 wt% TiO2. Equilibrium isotherm studies showed that the adsorption followed the Langmuir model, indicating the dependence of the reaction on an initial adsorption step, with maximum adsorption capacity of 28.4 mg/g for 10 % TiO2 IPCA. The effects of initial pH, catalyst amount and initial AMP concentration on the photocatalytic degradation rates were studied. Generally, the AMP photodegradation activity of the IPCAs was better than that of bare TiO2. Kinetic studies on the photocatalytic degradation of AMP under UV suggest that the degradation followed Langmuir-Hinshelwood (L-H) kinetics, with an adsorption rate constant (K) that was considerably higher than the photocatalytic rate constant (k r), indicating that the photocatalysis of AMP is the rate-determining step during the adsorption/photocatalysis process.

  13. Photocatalytic degradation of metronidazole and methylene blue by PVA-assisted Bi2WO6-CdS nanocomposite film under visible light irradiation

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Rajendran, Ranjith; Varadharajan, Krishnakumar; Jayaraman, Venkatesan; Singaram, Boobas; Jeyaram, Jayaprakash

    2018-02-01

    The enhanced photocatalytic performance of nanocomposite is synthesized via the hydrothermal method and characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), UV-visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV-Vis DRS) and photoluminescence spectroscopy (PL). Under visible light irradiation, PVA assisted Bi2WO6-CdS nanocomposite film displayed enhanced photocatalytic efficiency and inhibition of photocorrosion as compared with pure CdS, pure Bi2WO6 and Bi2WO6-CdS composite. The PVA assisted Bi2WO6-CdS composite film catalyst showed stable catalytic performance until seven successive runs with 92% of methylene blue(MB) degradation, and easy to recover after degradation of organic pollutant. PVA assisted Bi2WO6-CdS nanocomposite film has optimal band edge position for superior photocatalytic degradation. Furthermore, the trapping experiment was carried out using different scavenger for active species. Among the active species, OH· are the most responsive species which play a vital role in the degradation of metronidazole and MB.

  14. Amoxicillin degradation from contaminated water by solar photocatalysis using response surface methodology (RSM).

    PubMed

    Moosavi, Fatemeh Sadat; Tavakoli, Touraj

    2016-11-01

    In this study, the solar photocatalytic process in a pilot plant with compound parabolic collectors (CPCs) was performed for amoxicillin (AMX) degradation, an antibiotic widely used in the world. The response surface methodology (RSM) based on Box-Behnken statistical experiment design was used to optimize independent variables, namely TiO 2 dosage, antibiotic initial concentration, and initial pH. The results showed that AMX degradation efficiency affected by positive or negative effect of variables and their interactions. The TiO 2 dosage, pH, and interaction between AMX initial concentration and TiO 2 dosage exhibited a synergistic effect, while the linear and quadratic term of AMX initial concentration and pH showed antagonistic effect in the process response. Response surface and contour plots were used to perform process optimization. The optimum conditions found in this regard were TiO 2 dosage = 1.5 g/L, AMX initial concentration = 17 mg/L, and pH = 9.5 for AMX degradation under 240 min solar irradiation. The photocatalytic degradation of AMX after 34.95 kJ UV /L accumulated UV energy per liter of solution was 84.12 % at the solar plant.

  15. [Sequential degradation of p-cresol by photochemical and biological methods].

    PubMed

    Karetnikova, E A; Chaĭkovskaia, O N; Sokolova, I V; Nikitina, L I

    2008-01-01

    Sequential photo- and biodegradation of p-cresol was studied using a mercury lamp, as well as KrCl and XeCl excilamps. Preirradiation of p-cresol at a concentration of 10(-4) M did not affect the rate of its subsequent biodegradation. An increase in the concentration of p-cresol to 10(-3) M and in the duration preliminary UV irradiation inhibited subsequent biodegradation. Biodegradation of p-cresol was accompanied by the formation of a product with a fluorescence maximum at 365 nm (lambdaex 280 nm), and photodegradation yielded a compound fluorescing at 400 nm (lambdaex 330 nm). Sequential UV and biodegradation led to the appearance of bands in the fluorescence spectra that were ascribed to p-cresol and its photolysis products. It was shown that sequential use of biological and photochemical degradation results in degradation of not only the initial toxicant but also the metabolites formed during its biodegradation.

  16. Effect and interaction study of acetamiprid photodegradation using experimental design.

    PubMed

    Tassalit, Djilali; Chekir, Nadia; Benhabiles, Ouassila; Mouzaoui, Oussama; Mahidine, Sarah; Merzouk, Nachida Kasbadji; Bentahar, Fatiha; Khalil, Abbas

    2016-10-01

    The methodology of experimental research was carried out using the MODDE 6.0 software to study the acetamiprid photodegradation depending on the operating parameters, such as the initial concentration of acetamiprid, concentration and type of the used catalyst and the initial pH of the medium. The results showed the importance of the pollutant concentration effect on the acetamiprid degradation rate. On the other hand, the amount and type of the used catalyst have a considerable influence on the elimination kinetics of this pollutant. The degradation of acetamiprid as an environmental pesticide pollutant via UV irradiation in the presence of titanium dioxide was assessed and optimized using response surface methodology with a D-optimal design. The acetamiprid degradation ratio was found to be sensitive to the different studied factors. The maximum value of discoloration under the optimum operating conditions was determined to be 99% after 300 min of UV irradiation.

  17. Photocatalytic degradation of organic dyes using composite nanofibers under UV irradiation

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Salama, Ahmed; Mohamed, Alaa; Aboamera, Nada M.; Osman, T. A.; Khattab, A.

    2018-02-01

    In this work, photocatalytic degradation of organic dyes such as methylene blue (MB) and indigo carmine (IC) have been studied by composite nanofibers systems containing cellulose acetate (CA), multiwall carbon nanotubes (CNT) and TiO2 nanoparticles under UV light. The amino factionalized TiO2-NH2 NPs cross-linked to the CA/CNT composite nanofibers works as a semiconductor catalyst. The morphology and crystallinity were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. It was also seen that many factors affected the photodegradation rate, mainly the pH of the solution and the dye concentration, temperature, etc. The study demonstrated that IC degrades at a higher rate than MB. The maximum photodegradation rate of both organic dyes was achieved at a pH 2. In comparison to other studies, this work achieved high photodegradation rate in lower time and using less power intensity.

  18. Degradation of n-butylparaben and 4- tert-octylphenol in H 2O 2/UV system

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    BŁędzka, Dorota; Gryglik, Dorota; Olak, Magdalena; Gębicki, Jerzy L.; Miller, Jacek S.

    2010-04-01

    The degradation of two endocrine disrupting compounds: n-butylparaben (BP) and 4- tert-octylphenol (OP) in the H 2O 2/UV system was studied. The effect of operating variables: initial hydrogen peroxide concentration, initial substrate concentration, pH of the reaction solution and photon fluency rate of radiation at 254 nm on reaction rate was investigated. The influence of hydroxyl radical scavengers, humic acid and nitrate anion on reaction course was also studied. A very weak scavenging effect during BP degradation was observed indicating reactions different from hydroxyl radical oxidation. The second-order rate constants of BP and OP with OH radicals were estimated to be 4.8×10 9 and 4.2×10 9 M -1 s -1, respectively. For BP the rate constant equal to 2.0×10 10 M -1 s -1was also determined using water radiolysis as a source of hydroxyl radicals.

  19. From Nanofibrillar to Nanolaminar Poly(butylene succinate): Paving the Way to Robust Barrier and Mechanical Properties for Full-Biodegradable Poly(lactic acid) Films.

    PubMed

    Xie, Lan; Xu, Huan; Chen, Jing-Bin; Zhang, Zi-Jing; Hsiao, Benjamin S; Zhong, Gan-Ji; Chen, Jun; Li, Zhong-Ming

    2015-04-22

    The traditional approach toward barrier property enhancement of poly(lactic acid) (PLA) is the incorporation of sheet-like fillers such as nanoclay and graphene, unfortunately leading to the sacrificed biocompatibility and degradability. Here we unveil the first application of a confined flaking technique to establish the degradable nanolaminar poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) in PLA films based on PLA/PBS in situ nanofibrillar composites. The combination of high pressure (10 MPa) and appropriate temperature (160 °C) during the flaking process desirably enabled sufficient deformation of PBS nanofibrils and retention of ordered PLA channels. Particularly, interlinked and individual nanosheets were created in composite films containing 10 and 20 wt % PBS, respectively, both of which presented desirable alignment and large width/thickness ratio (nanoscale thickness with a width of 428±13.1 and 76.9±8.2 μm, respectively). With the creation of compact polymer "nano-barrier walls", a dramatic decrease of 86% and 67% in the oxygen permeability coefficient was observed for the film incorporated with well-organized 20 wt % PBS nanosheets compared to pure PLA and pure PBS (1.4 and 0.6×10(-14) cm3·cm·cm(-2)·s(-1)·Pa(-1)), respectively. Unexpectedly, prominent increases of 21% and 28% were achieved in the tensile strength and modulus of composite films loaded 20 wt % PBS nanosheets compared to pure PLA films, although PBS intrinsically presents poor strength and stiffness. The unusual combination of barrier and mechanical performances established in the fully degradable system represent specific properties required in packaging beverages, food and medicine.

  20. Advanced oxidation of five contaminants in water by UV/TiO2: Reaction kinetics and byproducts identification.

    PubMed

    Alvarez-Corena, Jose R; Bergendahl, John A; Hart, Fred L

    2016-10-01

    The extent and kinetics of degradation of 1,4 dioxane, n-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA), tris-2-chloroethyl phosphate (TCEP), gemfibrozil, and 17β estradiol in a prepared aqueous matrix by means of UV/TiO2 (ultraviolet light/titanium dioxide) oxidation was evaluated. Degussa P25 TiO2 was employed as a photocatalyst excited by UV light in a 1 L water-jacketed batch photoreactor. The rate of degradation was modeled using a pseudo-first order rate model and the Langmuir-Hinshelwood rate model with a high correlation. Degradation rate constants were found to be maximum at pH 5.0 and 1.5 g L(-)(1) TiO2 dose. For these conditions first order rate constants, values were as follows: 0.29 min(-1) for 1,4 dioxane, 0.50 min(-1) for NDMA, 0.12 min(-1) for TCEP, 0.61 min(-1) for gemfibrozil, and 0.53 min(-1) for 17β estradiol. While for the Langmuir-Hinshelwood rate model, the following constants were found: 0.11 Lmg(-1) and 2.81 mgL(-1) min(-1) for 1,4 dioxane, 0.12 Lmg(-1) and 4.35 mgL(-1) min(-1) for NDMA, 0.06 Lmg(-1) and 1.79 mgL(-1) min(-1) for TCEP, 0.21 Lmg(-1) and 3.27 mgL(-1) min(-1) for gemfibrozil, and 0.15 Lmg(-1) and 3.43 mgL(-1) min(-1) for 17β estradiol. In addition, specific byproducts of degradation were identified using GC/MS analysis. The results obtained from the kinetics analysis showed that UV/TiO2 oxidation is a promising process for treating trace organic contaminants in water, but further research is needed to better understand how to incorporate these findings into pilot and full-scale designs. The toxicity of oxidation byproducts, and their potential for interacting with other compounds should be considered in the treatment of contaminated waters using the UV/TiO2 oxidation process. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  1. Simultaneous atrazine degradation and E. coli inactivation by simulated solar photo-Fenton-like process using persulfate.

    PubMed

    Garkusheva, Natalya; Matafonova, Galina; Tsenter, Irina; Beck, Sara; Batoev, Valeriy; Linden, Karl

    2017-07-29

    This work evaluated the feasibility of a photo-Fenton-like process using persulfate (PS) and ferrous iron (Fe 2+ ) under simulated solar radiation for degrading the herbicide atrazine (ATZ, 6-Chloro-N-ethyl-N'-isopropyl-1,3,5-triazine-2,4-diamine) and inactivating E. coli. Milli Q water, lake water, and diluted wastewater effluents were spiked both simultaneously and separately with ATZ (4 mg/L) and E. coli (10 5 CFU/mL), and exposed to treatment. A method for determining the average irradiance throughout the water media in the UV(A+B) range of the Xe lamp emission was developed for bench-scale experiments. These values were used to calculate the UV(A+B) fluences and the solar UV(A+B) energy doses per unit of volume (Q UV(A+B) , kJ/L). The obtained kinetic data were presented versus energy dose. Treatment of lake water at near-neutral pH was ineffective via the photo-Fenton-like process, attaining only 20% ATZ removal and 1-log reduction of E. coli. In Milli Q water and wastewater, the complete degradation of ATZ in the absence of bacteria was observed at an average energy dose of 1.5 kJ/L (60 min), while in the presence of cells the degradation efficiency was ∼60%. When ATZ was present, E. coli inactivation was also affected in Milli Q water, with 1.4-log reduction (93%) at a dose of 1.6 kJ/L (60 min), whereas in wastewater complete inactivation was achieved at a lower dose of 1.3 kJ/L (45 min). The energy requirements on a Q UV(A+B) basis for simultaneous 90% ATZ removal and 99.99% E. coli inactivation in Milli Q water and wastewater were shown to be less than 10 kJ/L. This suggests the solar/PS/Fe 2+ system is promising for simultaneous treatment and disinfection of wastewater effluents.

  2. TiO2 micro-nano-hybrid surface to alleviate biological aging of UV-photofunctionalized titanium

    PubMed Central

    Iwasa, Fuminori; Tsukimura, Naoki; Sugita, Yoshihiko; Kanuru, Rajita Kodali; Kubo, Katsutoshi; Hasnain, Hafiz; Att, Wael; Ogawa, Takahiro

    2011-01-01

    Bioactivity and osteoconductivity of titanium degrade over time after surface processing. This time-dependent degradation is substantial and defined as the biological aging of titanium. UV treatment has shown to reactivate the aged surfaces, a process known as photofunctionalization. This study determined whether there is a difference in the behavior of biological aging for titanium with micro-nano-hybrid topography and titanium with microtopography alone, following functionalization. Titanium disks were acid etched to create micropits on the surface. Micro-nano-hybrid surfaces were created by depositioning 300-nm diameter TiO2 nodules onto the micropits using a previously established self-assembly protocol. These disks were stored for 8 weeks in the dark to allow sufficient aging, then treated with UV light for 48 hours. Rat bone marrow–derived osteoblasts were cultured on fresh disks (immediately after UV treatment), 3-day-old disks (disks stored for 3 days after UV treatment), and 7-day- old disks. The rates of cell attachment, spread, proliferation, and levels of alkaline phosphatase activity, and calcium deposition were reduced by 30%–50% on micropit surfaces, depending on the age of the titanium. In contrast, 7-day-old hybrid surfaces maintained equivalent levels of bioactivity compared with the fresh surfaces. Both micropit and micro-nano-hybrid surfaces were superhydrophilic immediately after UV treatment. However, after 7 days, the micro-nano- hybrid surfaces became hydrorepellent, while the micropit surfaces remained hydrophilic. The sustained bioactivity levels of the micro-nano-hybrid surfaces were nullified by treating these surfaces with Cl−anions. A thin TiO2 coating on the micropit surface without the formation of nanonodules did not result in the prevention or alleviation of the time-dependent decrease in biological activity. In conclusion, the micro-nano-hybrid titanium surfaces may slow the rate of time-dependent degradation of titanium bioactivity after UV photofunctionalization compared with titanium surfaces with microtopography alone. This antibiological aging effect was largely regulated by its sustained electropositivity uniquely conferred in TiO2 nanonodules, and was independent of the degree of hydrophilicity. These results demonstrate the potential usefulness of these hybrid surfaces to effectively utilize the benefits of UV photofunctionalization and provide a model to explore the mechanisms underlying antibiological aging properties. PMID:21760728

  3. TiO2 micro-nano-hybrid surface to alleviate biological aging of UV-photofunctionalized titanium.

    PubMed

    Iwasa, Fuminori; Tsukimura, Naoki; Sugita, Yoshihiko; Kanuru, Rajita Kodali; Kubo, Katsutoshi; Hasnain, Hafiz; Att, Wael; Ogawa, Takahiro

    2011-01-01

    Bioactivity and osteoconductivity of titanium degrade over time after surface processing. This time-dependent degradation is substantial and defined as the biological aging of titanium. UV treatment has shown to reactivate the aged surfaces, a process known as photofunctionalization. This study determined whether there is a difference in the behavior of biological aging for titanium with micro-nano-hybrid topography and titanium with microtopography alone, following functionalization. Titanium disks were acid etched to create micropits on the surface. Micro-nano-hybrid surfaces were created by depositioning 300-nm diameter TiO(2) nodules onto the micropits using a previously established self-assembly protocol. These disks were stored for 8 weeks in the dark to allow sufficient aging, then treated with UV light for 48 hours. Rat bone marrow-derived osteoblasts were cultured on fresh disks (immediately after UV treatment), 3-day-old disks (disks stored for 3 days after UV treatment), and 7-day- old disks. The rates of cell attachment, spread, proliferation, and levels of alkaline phosphatase activity, and calcium deposition were reduced by 30%-50% on micropit surfaces, depending on the age of the titanium. In contrast, 7-day-old hybrid surfaces maintained equivalent levels of bioactivity compared with the fresh surfaces. Both micropit and micro-nano-hybrid surfaces were superhydrophilic immediately after UV treatment. However, after 7 days, the micro-nano- hybrid surfaces became hydrorepellent, while the micropit surfaces remained hydrophilic. The sustained bioactivity levels of the micro-nano-hybrid surfaces were nullified by treating these surfaces with Cl(-)anions. A thin TiO(2) coating on the micropit surface without the formation of nanonodules did not result in the prevention or alleviation of the time-dependent decrease in biological activity. In conclusion, the micro-nano-hybrid titanium surfaces may slow the rate of time-dependent degradation of titanium bioactivity after UV photofunctionalization compared with titanium surfaces with microtopography alone. This antibiological aging effect was largely regulated by its sustained electropositivity uniquely conferred in TiO(2) nanonodules, and was independent of the degree of hydrophilicity. These results demonstrate the potential usefulness of these hybrid surfaces to effectively utilize the benefits of UV photofunctionalization and provide a model to explore the mechanisms underlying antibiological aging properties.

  4. Use of the Rigor Mortis Process as a Tool for Better Understanding of Skeletal Muscle Physiology: Effect of the Ante-Mortem Stress on the Progression of Rigor Mortis in Brook Charr (Salvelinus fontinalis).

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Diouf, Boucar; Rioux, Pierre

    1999-01-01

    Presents the rigor mortis process in brook charr (Salvelinus fontinalis) as a tool for better understanding skeletal muscle metabolism. Describes an activity that demonstrates how rigor mortis is related to the post-mortem decrease of muscular glycogen and ATP, how glycogen degradation produces lactic acid that lowers muscle pH, and how…

  5. Wetspun poly-L-(lactic acid)-borosilicate bioactive glass scaffolds for guided bone regeneration.

    PubMed

    Fernandes, João S; Reis, Rui L; Pires, Ricardo A

    2017-02-01

    We developed a porous poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) scaffold compounded with borosilicate bioactive glasses (BBGs) endowing it with bioactive properties. Porous PLLA-BBG fibre mesh scaffolds were successfully prepared by the combination of wet spinning and fibre bonding techniques. Micro-computed tomography (μCT) confirmed that the PLLA-BBG scaffolds containing ≈25% of BBGs (w/w) exhibited randomly interconnected porous (58 to 62% of interconnectivity and 53 to 67% of porosity) with mean pore diameters higher that 100μm. Bioactivity and degradation studies were performed by immersing the scaffolds in simulated body fluid (SBF) and ultrapure water, respectively. The PLLA-BBG scaffolds presented a faster degradation rate with a constant release of inorganic species, which are capable to produce calcium phosphate structures at the surface of the material after 7days of immersion in SBF (Ca/P ratio of ~1.7). Cellular in vitro studies with human osteosarcoma cell line (Saos-2) and human adipose-derived stem cells (hASCs) showed that PLLA-BBGs are not cytotoxic to cells, while demonstrating their capacity to promote cell adhesion and proliferation. Overall, we showed that the proposed scaffolds present a tailored kinetics on the release of inorganic species and controlled biological response under conditions that mimic the bone physiological environment. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  6. Microwave-enhanced persulfate oxidation to treat mature landfill leachate.

    PubMed

    Chou, Yu-Chieh; Lo, Shang-Lien; Kuo, Jeff; Yeh, Chih-Jung

    2015-03-02

    Microwave oxidation process (MOP) was evaluated for treatment of landfill leachate. Kinetics of persulfate oxidation in MOP, effects of pH and persulfate doses on fates of derivative organic acids, and the energy cost of MOP were evaluated. The results showed that total organic carbon (TOC) removal of 79.4%, color removal of 88.4%, and UV254 removal of 77.1% were reached at MOP 550 W/85 °C within 30 min. The kinetics of oxidation by MOP followed the first-order reaction. For a given persulfate dose, the reaction rate increased with the microwave power setting (775 W>550 W>325 W>128 W) with reaction rate constants ranging from 10(-5) to 10(-2) min(-1). The adverse effects on reaction rates under higher microwave power settings and high persulfate doses are plausibly caused by excessive persulfate oxidation and self-scavenging termination of free radicals. During the MOP treatment, TOC/COD ratio dropped with time and an 86.7% reduction in TOC/COD ratio after 120 min at pH 7. Oxalic acid was the major derivative and its concentrations were higher under acidic conditions. Malic, lactic, and acetic acids were formed and soon degraded, and the solution pH has an insignificant effect on their fates. The energy cost of MOP (USD$6.03/m(3)) is essentially similar to that of conventional heating oxidation (CHO) (USD$6.10/m(3)). Published by Elsevier B.V.

  7. Effect of UV and UV/H2O2 in the presence of chloramines on NDMA formation potential of tramadol.

    PubMed

    Radjenovic, Jelena; Farré, Maria José; Gernjak, Wolfgang

    2012-08-07

    This study evaluates the effect of UV-C and UV-C/H(2)O(2) in the presence of chloramines on the N-nitrosodimethylamine formation potential (NDMA FP) of tramadol as a model precursor. The experiments were performed at high initial concentrations of TMDL (i.e., 20 mg/L) in order to elucidate the structures of TMDL byproducts. Twenty-four byproducts were identified in UV-C, UV-C/monochloramine, and UV/H(2)O(2)/monochloramine oxidation of tramadol using MS(3) capabilities of a hybrid quadrupole-linear ion trap mass spectrometer, combined with online hydrogen/deuterium (H/D) exchange experiments. Oxidative cleavage of methoxy and methoxybenzene moiety, O-demethylation, hydroxylation, and cyclohexane ring-opening were identified as major reaction mechanisms of tramadol in UV oxidation. Addition of monochloramine decreased the degradation rates of tramadol and its byproducts and yielded several monochlorinated derivatives. The oxidation rates were significantly enhanced in the presence of H(2)O(2), and byproducts of oxidative benzene ring-opening were detected. The majority of the identified byproducts are likely to have a higher NDMA FP than the parent compound due to a reduced steric hindrance and/or insertion of electron-donating hydroxyl groups in the N,N-dimethylamine side chain. This was confirmed by the results of NDMA FP tests, which showed that the formation of NDMA was enhanced up to four times depending on the process conditions in UV alone and in UV and UV/H(2)O(2) in the presence of monochloramine. Prolonged oxidation by hydroxyl radicals in UV/H(2)O(2)/monochloramine process mineralized some of the byproducts and slightly reduced the NDMA FP at the end of the treatment. The obtained degradation pathway of tramadol allowed the correlation of changes in NDMA FP during oxidation with its major oxidative transformation reactions. This manuscript demonstrates the significance of oxidation byproducts as NDMA precursors and emphasizes the need for their consideration when evaluating the evolution of NDMA FP during oxidative treatment.

  8. Metal peroxide- polymer composites for dye degradation

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Anshu, Ashwini; Vijayaraghavan, R.

    2017-11-01

    Semiconductor metal oxides/its composites with polymers have been explored for dye degradation through photocatalytic mechanism; these require UV or visible light for activation. Hence, there is need to develop (photo) catalyst that work in absence/presence of light. Towards this objective we are exploring metal peroxides and its composites for dye degradation. Here, we report our work on magnesium peroxide and its composites for dye degradation by photochemical pathways. The nanocomposites are synthesized from monomers and peroxides. The synthesized composites have been characterized by IR, DRS and powder XRD. The composites did not degrade dyes in dark.

  9. Enhancing the Photocatalytic Activity of Sr4 Al14 O25 : Eu2+ , Dy3+ Persistent Phosphors by Codoping with Bi3+ Ions.

    PubMed

    García, Carlos R; Oliva, Jorge; Romero, Maria Teresa; Diaz-Torres, Luis A

    2016-03-01

    The photocatalytic activity of Bismuth-codoped Sr 4 Al 14 O 25 : Eu 2+ , Dy 3+ persistent phosphors is studied by monitoring the degradation of the blue methylene dye UV light irradiation. Powder phosphors are obtained by a combustion synthesis method and a postannealing process in reductive atmosphere. The XRD patterns show a single orthorhombic phase Sr 4 Al 14 O 25 : Eu 2+ , Dy 3+ , Bi 3+ phosphors even at high Bismuth dopant concentrations of 12 mol%, suggesting that Bi ions are well incorporated into the host lattice. SEM micrographs show irregular micrograins with sizes in the range of 0.5-20 μm. The samples present an intense greenish-blue fluorescence and persistent emissions at 495 nm, attributed to the 5d-4f allowed transitions of Eu 2+ . The fluorescence decreases as Bi concentration increases; that suggest bismuth-induced traps formation that in turn quench the luminescence. The photocatalytic evaluation of the powders was studied under both 365 nm UV and solar irradiations. Sample with 12 mol% of Bi presented the best MB degradation activity; 310 min of solar irradiation allow 100% MB degradation, whereas only 62.49% MB degradation is achieved under UV irradiation. Our results suggest that codoping the persistent phosphors with Bi 3+ can be an alternative to enhance their photocatalytic activity. © 2016 The American Society of Photobiology.

  10. Photocatalytic degradation of malathion using Zn2+-doped TiO2 nanoparticles: statistical analysis and optimization of operating parameters

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Nasseri, Simin; Omidvar Borna, Mohammad; Esrafili, Ali; Rezaei Kalantary, Roshanak; Kakavandi, Babak; Sillanpää, Mika; Asadi, Anvar

    2018-02-01

    A Zn2+-doped TiO2 is successfully synthesized by a facile photodeposition method and used in the catalytic photo-degradation of organophosphorus pesticide, malathion. The obtained photocatalysts are characterized in detail by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET), Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). XRD results confirm the formation of the anatase and rutile phases for the Zn2+-doped TiO2 nanoparticles, with crystallite sizes of 12.9 nm. Zn2+-doped TiO2 that was synthesized by 3.0%wt Zn doping at 200 °C exhibited the best photocatalytic activity. 60 sets of experiments were conducted using response surface methodology (RSM) by adjusting five operating parameters, i.e. initial malathion concentration, catalyst dose, pH, reaction time at five levels and presence or absence of UV light. The analysis revealed that all considered parameters are significant in the degradation process in their linear terms. The optimum values of the variables were found to be 177.59 mg/L, 0.99 g/L, 10.99 and 81.04 min for initial malathion concentration, catalyst dose, pH and reaction time, respectively, under UV irradiation (UV ON). Under the optimized conditions, the experimental values of degradation and mineralization were 98 and 74%, respectively. Moreover, the effects of competing anions and H2O2 on photocatalyst process were also investigated.

  11. Pilot-scale treatment of atrazine production wastewater by UV/O3/ultrasound: Factor effects and system optimization.

    PubMed

    Jing, Liang; Chen, Bing; Wen, Diya; Zheng, Jisi; Zhang, Baiyu

    2017-12-01

    This study shed light on removing atrazine from pesticide production wastewater using a pilot-scale UV/O 3 /ultrasound flow-through system. A significant quadratic polynomial prediction model with an adjusted R 2 of 0.90 was obtained from central composite design with response surface methodology. The optimal atrazine removal rate (97.68%) was obtained at the conditions of 75 W UV power, 10.75 g h -1 O 3 flow rate and 142.5 W ultrasound power. A Monte Carlo simulation aided artificial neural networks model was further developed to quantify the importance of O 3 flow rate (40%), UV power (30%) and ultrasound power (30%). Their individual and interaction effects were also discussed in terms of reaction kinetics. UV and ultrasound could both enhance the decomposition of O 3 and promote hydroxyl radical (OH·) formation. Nonetheless, the dose of O 3 was the dominant factor and must be optimized because excess O 3 can react with OH·, thereby reducing the rate of atrazine degradation. The presence of other organic compounds in the background matrix appreciably inhibited the degradation of atrazine, while the effects of Cl - , CO 3 2- and HCO 3 - were comparatively negligible. It was concluded that the optimization of system performance using response surface methodology and neural networks would be beneficial for scaling up the treatment by UV/O 3 /ultrasound at industrial level. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  12. Development of Ultraviolet (UV) Radiation Protective Fabric Using Combined Electrospinning and Electrospraying Technique

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sinha, Mukesh Kumar; Das, B. R.; Kumar, Kamal; Kishore, Brij; Prasad, N. Eswara

    2017-06-01

    The article reports a novel technique for functionization of nanoweb to develop ultraviolet (UV) radiation protective fabric. UV radiation protection effect is produced by combination of electrospinning and electrospraying technique. A nanofibrous web of polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF) coated on polypropylene nonwoven fabric is produced by latest nanospider technology. Subsequently, web is functionalized by titanium dioxide (TiO2). The developed web is characterized for evaluation of surface morphology and other functional properties; mechanical, chemical, crystalline and thermal. An optimal (judicious) nanofibre spinning condition is achieved and established. The produced web is uniformly coated by defect free functional nanofibres in a continuous form of useable textile structural membrane for ultraviolet (UV) protective clothing. This research initiative succeeds in preparation and optimization of various nanowebs for UV protection. Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FESEM) result reveals that PVDF webs photo-degradative behavior is non-accelerated, as compared to normal polymeric grade fibres. Functionalization with TiO2 has enhanced the photo-stability of webs. The ultraviolet protection factor of functionalized and non-functionalized nanowebs empirically evaluated to be 65 and 24 respectively. The developed coated layer could be exploited for developing various defence, para-military and civilian UV protective light weight clothing (tent, covers and shelter segments, combat suit, snow bound camouflaging nets). This research therefore, is conducted in an attempt to develop a scientific understanding of PVDF fibre coated webs for photo-degradation and applications for defence protective textiles. This technological research in laboratory scale could be translated into bulk productionization.

  13. An ESR study of the UV degradation of FEP

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    George, G. A.; Hill, D. J. T.; Odonnell, J. H.; Pomery, P. J.; Rasoul, F.

    1992-01-01

    Spacecraft in low earth orbit are subjected to significant levels of high energy radiation, including ultraviolet (UV) and visible ultraviolet (VUV) wavelengths. The effects of UV radiation are enhanced over those at the surface of the earth, where the only incident wavelengths are greater than 290 nm. In low earth orbit the incident UV wavelengths extend below 290 nm into the VUV region, where the Lyman alpha-emissions of atomic hydrogen occur at 121 nm. In addition to electromagnetic radiation, in low earth orbit polymer materials may also be subjected to atomic oxygen particle radiation, which will result in direct oxidation of the polymer.

  14. UV and solar photo-degradation of naproxen: TiO₂ catalyst effect, reaction kinetics, products identification and toxicity assessment.

    PubMed

    Jallouli, Nabil; Elghniji, Kais; Hentati, Olfa; Ribeiro, Ana R; Silva, Adrián M T; Ksibi, Mohamed

    2016-03-05

    Direct photolysis and TiO2-photocatalytic degradation of naproxen (NPX) in aqueous solution were studied using a UV lamp and solar irradiation. The degradation of NPX was found to be in accordance with pseudo-first order kinetics, the photocatalytic process being more efficient than photolysis. The NPX removal by photolysis (pHinitial 6.5) was 83% after 3h, with 11% of chemical oxygen demand (COD) reduction, whereas the TiO2-UV process led to higher removals of both NPX (98%) and COD (25%). The apparent pseudo-first-order rate constant (kapp) for NPX degradation by photolysis ranged from 0.0050 min(-1) at pH 3.5 to 0.0095 min(-1) at pH 6.5, while it was estimated to be 0.0063 min(-1) under acidic conditions in photocatalysis, increasing by 4-fold at pH 6.5. Ultra High Performance Liquid chromatography (UHPLC) coupled with a triple quadrupole detector and also a hybrid mass spectrometer which combines the linear ion trap triple quadrupole (LTQ) and OrbiTrap mass analyser, were used to identify NPX degradation products. The main intermediates detected were 1-(6-methoxynaphtalene-2-yl) ethylhydroperoxide, 2-ethyl-6-methoxynaphthalene, 1-(6-methoxynaphtalen-2-yl) ethanol, 1-(6-methoxynaphtalen-2-yl) ethanone and malic acid. Solar photocatalysis of NPX showed COD removals of 33% and 65% after 3 and 4h of treatment, respectively, and some reduction of acute toxicity, evaluated by the exposure of Eisenia andrei to OECD soils spiked with NPX-treated solutions. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  15. Identification and Structure Elucidation of Forced Degradation Products of the Novel Propionic acid Derivative Loxoprofen: Development of Stability-Indicating Chromatographic Methods Validated as per ICH Guidelines.

    PubMed

    Eissa, Maya S; Abd El-Sattar, Osama I

    2017-04-01

    Loxoprofen sodium (LOX) is a recently developed novel propionic acid derivative. Owing to its instability under both hydrolytic and oxidative conditions, the development of simple, rapid and sensitive methods for its determination in the presence of its possible forced degradation products becomes essential. Two simple chromatographic methods, high-performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), were developed associated with ultraviolet (UV) detection. In HPTLC-densitometric method, the separation of LOX from its degradation products was achieved using silica gel F254 plates and toluene:acetone:acetic acid (1.8:1.0:0.1, v/v/v) as the developing system followed by densitometric scanning at 220 nm. In the HPLC-UV method, the separation was performed using isocratic elution system with acetonitrile: 0.15% triethylamine (pH 2.2) (50:50, v/v) on C18 analytical column. The flow rate was optimized at 1.0 mL·min-1 and UV detection was achieved at 220 nm. Validation was performed in accordance with the International Conference on Harmonization guidelines and the method was perfectly applied for determination of LOX in its pharmaceutical preparation. The results obtained were statistically compared to those obtained after application of the official HPLC method, where no significant difference was found incompliance with precision and accuracy. Identification and characterization of the possible hydrolytic degradation product under alkaline conditions and that produced during oxidative degradation using hydrogen peroxide were structurally elucidated using infrared and mass spectrometry analyses. © The Author 2016. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

  16. Excellent sun-light-driven photocatalytic activity by aurivillius layered perovskites, Bi₅-xLaxTi₃FeO₁₅ (x = 1, 2).

    PubMed

    Naresh, Gollapally; Mandal, Tapas Kumar

    2014-12-10

    Aurivillius phase layered perovskites, Bi5-xLaxTi3FeO15 (x = 1, 2) are synthesized by solid-state reaction. The compounds are characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (PXD), field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), UV-vis diffuse reflectance (UV-vis DRS), and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy. UV-vis DRS data revealed that the compounds are visible light absorbing semiconductors with band gaps ranging from ∼2.0-2.7 eV. Photocatalytic activity studies by Rhodamine B (RhB) degradation under sun-light irradiation showed that these layered oxides are very efficient photocatalysts in mild acidic medium. Scavenger test studies demonstrated that the photogenerated holes and superoxide radicals (O2(•-)) are the active species responsible for RhB degradation over the Aurivillius layered perovskites. Comparison of PL intensity, dye adsorption and ζ-potential suggested that a slow e(-)-h(+) recombination and effective dye adsorption are crucial for the degradation process over these photocatalysts. Moreover, relative positioning of the valence and conduction band edges of the semiconductors, O2/O2(•-), (•)OH/H2O potential and HOMO-LUMO levels of RhB appears to be responsible for making the degradation hole-specific. Photocatalytic cycle tests indicated high stability of the catalysts in the reaction medium without any observable loss of activity. This work shows great potential in developing novel photocatalysts with layered structures for sun-light-driven oxidation and degradation processes largely driven by holes and without any intervention of hydroxyl radicals, which is one of the most common reactive oxygen species (ROS) in many advanced oxidation processes.

  17. Factors affecting the roles of reactive species in the degradation of micropollutants by the UV/chlorine process.

    PubMed

    Wu, Zihao; Guo, Kaiheng; Fang, Jingyun; Yang, Xueqin; Xiao, Hong; Hou, Shaodong; Kong, Xiujuan; Shang, Chii; Yang, Xin; Meng, Fangang; Chen, Liwei

    2017-12-01

    The UV/chlorine process is an emerging advanced oxidation process (AOP) that produces various reactive species, such as hydroxyl radicals (HO) and reactive chlorine species (RCS). The effects of the treatment conditions, such as chlorine dosage and pH, and the water matrix components of natural organic matter (NOM), alkalinity, ammonia and halides, on the kinetics and reactive species in the degradation of four micropollutants, metronidazole (MDZ), nalidixic acid (NDA), diethyltoluamide (DEET) and caffeine (CAF), by the UV/chlorine process were investigated. The degradation of MDZ and CAF was primarily attributable to HO and ClO, respectively, while that of NDA was primarily attributable to both ClO and CO 3 - . HO, Cl and CO 3 - are important for the degradation of DEET. The second-order rate constants for ClO with CAF and CO 3 - with NDA were determined to be 5.1 (±0.2) × 10 7  M -1 s -1 and 1.4 (±0.1) × 10 7  M -1 s -1 , respectively. Increasing chlorine dosage slightly changed the contribution of HO but linearly increased that of ClO to micropollutant degradation. Increasing pH decreased the contribution of either HO or Cl but not that of ClO. Both NOM and bicarbonate decreased the contributions of HO and Cl, whereas NOM but not bicarbonate significantly decreased that of ClO. The contribution of either HO or Cl first rose and then fell as the molar ratio of ammonia to chlorine increased from 0 to 1:1, while that of ClO decreased. The co-presence of high concentrations of Cl - and Br - enhanced the contribution of ClBr - and BrCl. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  18. Application of Ni-Oxide@TiO2 Core-Shell Structures to Photocatalytic Mixed Dye Degradation, CO Oxidation, and Supercapacitors

    PubMed Central

    Lee, Seungwon; Lee, Jisuk; Nam, Kyusuk; Shin, Weon Gyu; Sohn, Youngku

    2016-01-01

    Performing diverse application tests on synthesized metal oxides is critical for identifying suitable application areas based on the material performances. In the present study, Ni-oxide@TiO2 core-shell materials were synthesized and applied to photocatalytic mixed dye (methyl orange + rhodamine + methylene blue) degradation under ultraviolet (UV) and visible lights, CO oxidation, and supercapacitors. Their physicochemical properties were examined by field-emission scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction analysis, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and UV-visible absorption spectroscopy. It was shown that their performances were highly dependent on the morphology, thermal treatment procedure, and TiO2 overlayer coating. PMID:28774145

  19. Optical study of plasma sprayed hydroxyapatite coatings deposited at different spray distance

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Belka, R.; Kowalski, S.; Żórawski, W.

    2017-08-01

    Series of hydroxyapatite (HA) coatings deposited on titanium substrate at different spray (plasma gun to workpiece) distance were investigated. The optical methods as dark field confocal microscopy, Raman/PL and UV-VIS spectroscopy were used for study the influence of deposition process on structural degradation of HA precursor. The hydroxyl group concentration was investigated by study the OH mode intensity in the Raman spectra. Optical absorption coefficients at near UV region were analyzed by Diffuse Reflectance Spectroscopy. PL intensity observed during Raman measurement was also considered as relation to defects concentration and degradation level. It was confirmed the different gunsubstrate distance has a great impact on structure of deposited HA ceramics.

  20. Holistic approach to wood protection

    Treesearch

    Roger M. Rowell

    2006-01-01

    When untreated wood is exposed to adverse outdoor conditions, nature has a series of chemistries to degrade it to its original building blocks of carbon dioxide and water. Fungi, termites, heat, moisture, ultraviolet (UV) energy, and chemicals take their toll on the performance properties of wood. We tend to study each of these degradation chemistries as individual...

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