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The aim of this work is to examine the adsorption performance and mechanism of phosphorus (P) onto polyethyene polyamine (PEPA) grafted chitosan-zirconium(IV) composite beads (CS-Zr-PEPA) from aqueous solutions. The morphology, functional groups, and surface area of the CS-Zr-PEPA beads were characterized by SEM, FTIR, and BET analysis. Batch adsorption experiments were conducted via different operating parameters such as solution pH, initial phosphate concentration, co-existing anions and temperature. The adsorption kinetics, equilibrium isotherms and adsorption stability of the adsorbent were scrutinized. In comparison with other CS-based beads, the CS-Zr-PEPA had a greater affinity towards P and exhibited a maximum adsorption capacity of 103.96 mg-P/g predicted by Langmuir mode. The reusability studies of CS-Zr-PEPA beads were carried out. The CS-Zr-PEPA beads exhibit preferable sequestration of P through specific interactions, as further demonstrated by studying physicochemical characteristics of the virgin beads and P-adsorbed beads using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The column performance of CS-Zr-PEPA beads was tested with P-containing wastewater. Results indicated that the developed CS-Zr-PEPA composite beads could be utilized as a promising adsorbent for effective removal and recovery of P from water and wastewater. Unlabelled Image • Novel polyaminated chitosan-Zr(IV) complex bead adsorbent was prepared. • The bead adsorbent exhibited high adsorption capacity towards phosphorus. • The adsorbent possessed good reusability and effectiveness to practical effluent. • The mechanism of phosphorus adsorption onto the bead adsorbent was explored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Currently, there is a growing trend in employing natural biomaterials (e.g., alginate) to prepare a novel bead adsorbent for phosphorus (P) elimination. However, the utilization of alginate beads to remove and recover P from effluents possesses limitations associated with its physical characteristics such as a dense gel layer, poor mechanical strength and low stability. To overcome the limitations and improve the adsorption performances, we synthesized a novel alginate-derived bead constituted of PNIPAM network interpenetrated in alginate-Zr4+ network (PNIPAM/SA-Zr) decorated with polyethylene glycol as a pore-forming agent, and then investigated its ability to remove and recover P from effluents. The morphology, functional groups, surface area, and mechanical strength of the beads were evaluated by SEM, FTIR, BET, and swelling analysis. The adsorption of P was investigated by varying various factors. The adsorption kinetics, isotherms, and thermodynamics were studied. Particularly, the P-loaded beads exhibited a faster desorption rate under thermal stimulus, and remained good desorption efficiency and reusability within five consecutive cycles. Zeta-potential and XPS results revealed that the adsorption mechanisms were related to electrostatic interactions, ligand exchange, and the formation of inner-sphere complexes. The beads possessed favorable fixed-bed column operation performances for P removal and recovery from real wastewater. Graphical abstract Unlabelled Image Highlights • Macroporous thermosensitive alginate-Zr4+ bead adsorbent was prepared. • The mechanisms of phosphorus adsorption onto the beads were explored. • The introduced Zr4+ and macroporous structure enhanced phosphorus removal. • The beads showed a faster desorption rate by thermal stimuli and good reusability. • The beads possessed good fixed-bed column operation performances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reports the preparation of calcium alginate gels-functionalized PUF decorated with AgNPs (CA/PUF@Ag) by in situ reduction of Ag+ ions to form AgNPs with weakly reducing glycerol in CA/PUF composite. The water-adsorbing capacity, chemical structure, crystalline nature, elemental composition and morphologies of the composite were characterized. The Ag release behavior of CA/PUF@Ag was investigated. The inhibition zone test, time-dependent co-culture assay, test tube test, and antibacterial filtration experiment with Escherichia coli as an indicator of bacterial contamination were conducted to explore the antimicrobial efficacy. Results indicated that the CA/PUF@Ag prepared at 0.25 % w / v of SA could absorb more water with a higher swelling ratio of 8.0 g/g than that of PUF@Ag (6.0 g/g), which was subsequently squeezed by minimal pressure stimuli. The CA/PUF@Ag had a larger initial AgNPs loading amount (8.48 mg/g), lower Ag release concentration (44.35 μg/L) and lower Ag release rate (0.27 %) after 14 days tests than those of PUF@Ag (7.93 mg/g, 80.87 μg/L and 0.60 % respectively). The CA/PUF@Ag was highly reusable because bacterial cells in the squeezed water recovered from the composite were completely inactivated over five cycles of operation, and exhibited good antibacterial efficacy as an antibacterial filter in a flow test. • Calcium alginate-modified polyurethane foam loaded with silver nanoparticles was prepared by a facile protocol. • The introduced calcium alginate matrix can enhance the water-absorbing ability of CA/PUF@Ag. • The CA/PUF@Ag possessed higher silver loading amounts and slower release of silver. • The CA/PUF@Ag exhibited excellent long-term antibacterial activities against E. coli. • The CA/PUF@Ag could be regenerated by minimal pressure stimuli and highly reusable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We explore the feasibility of utilizing electro-responsive hydrogels as novel forward osmosis (FO) draw agents for desalination. The chemically cross-linked hydrogels were synthesized via free radical copolymerization of common acrylamide (AM) with strong anionic comonomer 2-acrylamido-2-methyl- 1 -propanesulfonic acid (AMPS). The morphology, chemical structure, water-adsorbing capacity, and water state of the hydrogels were characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), a swelling test, and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The water-swollen hydrogels exhibited electroresponsiveness as shrinking and expanding reversibly with the on-off switching of the electric field in an electrode contact system. The magnitude of hydrogels' deswelling increased with the increase in the degree of swelling and applied voltages. This dehydration phenomenon was induced by the decrease in hydration power of microcounter ions due to the interaction with the electrodes by water electrolysis. The hydrogels were proved to be capable of generating a reasonable water flux of 2.76 L m−2 h−1 (LMH) from brackish water (2000 ppm NaCl solution) due to their high swelling pressure. In addition, the water flux was affected by the amount of hydrogel particles on the membrane surface. Importantly, the prepared hydrogels could effectively release around 71% of the adsorbed water at an applied voltage of 15 V for 40 min, and were able to maintain their water flux and water recovery performances up to three times regeneration. Results indicate that the electric field is an attractive alternative stimulus for extracting desirable water from the hydrogel draw agent in the FO desalination process. Image 1 • Electro-responsive hydrogels as draw agents for forward osmosis desalination. • Hydrogels exhibited electroresponsiveness as shrinking and expanding reversibly. • High water flux was achieved due to incorporation of strong anionic groups. • The hydrogel dewatering mechanism was associated with water electrolysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tetracycline (TC) is a commonly used human and veterinary antibiotic that is mostly discharged into wastewater in the form of the parent compounds. At present, wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) use activated sludge processes that are not specifically designed to remove such pollutants. Considering the biological toxicity of TC in aquatic environment, the migration and fate of TC in the process of wastewater treatment deserve attention. This paper reviews the influence of TC on the functional bacteria in the sludge matrix and the development of tetracycline-resistant genes, and also discusses their adsorption removal rates, their adsorption kinetics and adsorption isotherm models, and infers their adsorption mechanism. In addition, the biodegradation of TC in the process of biological treatment is reviewed. Co-metabolism and the role of dominant bacteria in the degradation process are described, along with the formation of degradation byproducts and their toxicity. Furthermore, the current popular integrated coupling-system for TC degradation is also introduced. This paper systematically introduces the interaction between TC and activated sludge in WWTPs. The review concludes by providing directions to address research and knowledge gaps in TC removal from wastewater. Unlabelled Image • The activity of function strain recovers after adapting to tetracycline (<5 mg/L). • Sludge protects itself with extracellular polymers which offer adsorption sites. • The biochemical adsorption process is rapid, but involves ion competition. • A lag period is needed before a cometabolism-led biodegradation process. • The integrated coupling system has the higher tetracycline mineralization rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]