Microbial Application to Improve Olive Mill Wastewater Phenolic Extracts

Olive mill wastewater (OMW) contains valuable and interesting bioactive compounds, among which is hydroxytyrosol, which is characterized by a remarkable antioxidant activity. Due to the health claims related to olive polyphenols, the aim of this study was to obtain an extract from OMW with an increased level of hydroxytyrosol by means of microbial enzymatic activity. For this purpose, four commercial adsorbent resins were selected and tested. The beta-glucosidase and esterase activity of strains of Wickerhamomyces anomalus, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae were also investigated and compared to those of a commercial enzyme and an Aspergillus niger strain. The W. anomalus strain showed the best enzymatic performances. The SP207 resin showed the best efficiency in selective recovery of hydroxytyrosol, tyrosol, oleuropein, and total phenols. The bioconversion test of the OMW extract was assessed by using both culture broths and pellets of the tested strains. The results demonstrated that the pellets of W. anomalus and L. plantarum were the most effective in hydroxytyrosol increasing in phenolic extract. The interesting results suggest the possibility to study new formulations of OMW phenolic extracts with multifunctional microorganisms.

Simultaneous Removal of Dyes Colour and Cu(II) Metal Ions using Acetone-Formaldehyde-Salicyclic Acid Resin

Removal of dyes colour and Cu(II) metal ion from aqueous solution using acetone-formaldehyde-salicyclic acid (AFSA) resin has been carried out. The results revealed that AFSA resin acts as a cheap substitute to commercial adsorbent like activated carbons. The effects of pH, adsorbent dose, contact time, and initial dye and Cu(II) metal ion concentration on the adsorption efficiencies were investigated. Isotherm studies were conducted using Langmuir and Freundlich models, and thermodynamic studies were also performed. Adsorption of dyes was found to obey the Langmuir isotherm model and have endothermic process. The maximum adsorption capacities calculated from the Langmuir isotherm were found to be 88.18 and 2.9 mg/g for methyl orange dyes

Application of Commercial Adsorbent for Rare earth elements - Uranium Mutual Separation and Purification

The treatment of rare earths sulfate liquor contaminated with traces of uranium as radioactive contaminates utilizing lewatit mono plus M500 was studied. Adsorption behavior was studied by batch experiments to determine the optimum conditions for uranium removal. The obtained equilibrium data were found to be satisfactory fitted with Langmuir isotherm and the second order rate equation. Also, elution process was achieved by 2M NaCl/1M HCl solution and the reuse of sorbent remains appreciable. A marketable pure product of rare earth oxide was prepared in addition to pure sodium diuranate containing total uranium content of the starting REEs cake.

Synthesis of N-Alkyl-N,N-Dimethyl Quaternized Chitosan and its Application as Effective Absorbents towards Reactive Dye KN-R

Several types of N-alkyl-N,N-dimethyl quaternized chitosan (QC) derivatives with different alkyl chains were prepared as effective adsorbents towards reactive dye KN-R. QC with long dodecanyl chain was insoluble in neutral solution but could self-assembled into spherical nanoparticles. The effects of degree of quaternization and alkyl chain length on the adsorption properties of KN-R onto QC were investigated. The results showed that a higher degree of quaternization of copolymers led to a higher adsorption capacity. At similar degree of quaternization, QC nanoparticles with longer alkyl chains showed better adsorption ability than soluble free QC chain with shorter alkyl chains. Positive charges were accumulated on the surface of nanoparticles, which showed higher charge density than free polymer chain. The adsorption kinetics appeared to followed a well-described by pseudo-second-order model. Meanwhile, all of the obtained quaternized chitosan samples showed a higher adsorption capacity than the commercial adsorbent polyaluminium chloride. This work showed that adsorption ability of the cationic polymer could be improved by self-assembling into nanoparticles and that synthesized quaternized chitosan could be utilized as an efficient adsorbent for dye removal.

MACAUBA PULP OIL BLEACHING USING COMMERCIAL ADSORBENT AND ACTIVATED CARBON FROM ENDOCARP OF THE OWN FRUIT

A Macaúba (Acrocomia aculeata) é uma fonte promissora de óleo vegetal com capacidade de produção de até 5000 kg /ha. O processo de refino é essencial, não só para a remoção de impurezas que reduz a qualidade do óleo, bem como para fornecer ao consumidor uma cor mais apreciada. O objetivo deste estudo foi desenvolver o refino de óleo da polpa da Macaúba com o foco na fase de clarificação, onde foi investigado o efeito da temperatura e da quantidade de adsorvente comercial. Além disso, avaliou-se o uso de carvão ativado produzido a partir do endocarpo de Macaúba como um substituto parcial econômico de adsorventes. A utilização de 6% de adsorvente comercial a 90 oC promoveu uma capacidade de branqueamento de cerca de 84%. A utilização de uma mistura de adsorvente comercial e carbono ativado promoveu uma maior capacidade de branqueamento (acima de 90%) e aumentou a remoção de fosfolipídios.

Synthesis, characterization, and water adsorption properties of a novel multi-walled carbon nanotube/MIL-100(Fe) composite

In situ hydrothermal synthesis of MWCNT/MIL-100(Fe) composites can combine all the attributes required of a commercial adsorbent into a single material designed for high-performance adsorption chillers.

Minimization of Phenol by Natural Occurrence Adsorbent

Phenol and chlorophenols are long-lived pollutants frequently found in industrial effluents. Phenols are widely used for the commercial production of a wide variety of resins including phenolic resins, epoxy resins and adhesives, and polyamide for various applications. Adsorption process has been proven one of the best water treatment technologies around the world and the removal of diverse types of pollutants from water. However, widespread use of commercial adsorbent is sometimes restricted due to its higher costs. Attempts have been made to develop inexpensive adsorbents utilizing for the reduction of phenol from water. Four types of adsorbent clay, algae, moringa oleifera and rice husk has been used. Among all rice husk shown 97 % of phenol adsorption at 1mm particle size, pH 4, 3 g/l dosing and 150min contact time.