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This study aims to investigate the effect of using Al2O3 nanoparticles (NPs) in membrane structure on the operation condition of the membrane bioreactor. To this end, alumina NPs as the high hydrophilic agents with an approximate size of 40 nm and a concentration of 0–3 wt.% were placed within the PAN polymeric membrane matrix structure with high hydrophilicity and high mechanical resistance over the others via the phase inversion method. Characterization of synthesized nanocomposite membranes was carried out by SEM analysis. In the presence of the alumina NPs, the porosity of the membranes improved. The water contact angle measurement confirmed the superior hydrophilicity of mixed PAN membranes compared to the pure polymeric membranes. The best nanocomposite membrane with better antifouling properties was selected to evaluate the MBR's performance in wastewater treatment and assessed in terms of the resistance, flux recovery, and COD removal rates. The result of a comparison with pure membrane showed that by increasing the Al2O3 amount up to 2wt.%, irreversible fouling resistance mitigated as much as 50%. Moreover, the flux recovery ratio was increased by 15%, and the COD removal rate was also raised as large as 16%. Our investigation illustrated that the presence of alumina NPs has improved the MBR performance and decreased the irreversible fouling resistance of the membrane. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study is to synthesize a magnetic nanocomposite membrane using iron oxide and alumina nanoparticles and employing it in magnetic membrane bioreactors (MBRs) for oily wastewater treatment. Al2O3 and Fe3O4 nanoparticles with approximate sizes of 20 and 30 nm respectively, were settled into a polysulfone (PSf) membrane matrix via magnetic casting method. The concentration of alumina and iron oxide nanoparticles were 0–0.25 wt% and 0.03 wt%, respectively. Compared with the blank membrane, an increase in the concentration of Fe3O4 up to 0.2 wt%, led to the flux as much as 70% and mitigated total resistance by 70%. The presence of the magnetic field around the bioreactor increased the flux significantly and reduced the cake resistance by 93%. Moreover, by applying the static magnetic field to MBR, the Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) removal rate was increased to 93%, while in the MBR without the magnetic field the COD removal rate was 80%. Our investigation illustrated that the magnetic casting is an effective method to improve the flux and mitigate the fouling of the magnetic nanocomposite membrane. The output of this research indicates that the magnetic casting method enhance the magnetic MBRs performance for wastewater treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work the influence of fabrication conditions (ion strength, surfactant utilization) on the macro- (particle size distribution, PSD) and microscopic [pore size distribution (PoSD), specific surface area] structure of agarose beads was investigated. The main purpose was achieving uniform sized and porous beads with improved mechanical strength for bioseparation and chromatography applications. Therefore, PSD, PoSD, mechanical resistance, and flux through packed bed of the fabricated beads (4, 6, and 8% wt/wt) were analyzed. Based on porosimetry results, it was found that increasing ion concentration or presence of surfactant (the key variable for narrowing PSD) decreases the span value of PSD (p-value <0.05); thus, leading to a more uniform distribution. Moreover, as a result of controlling PSD, the PoSD changes from micro- to meso- and macropores in higher ion charged solutions. Furthermore, the obtained PoSD affects mechanical resistance of the prepared microspheres either as single beads or packed in a column. Mesoporous 6%-agarose beads showed the highest flux due to elevated mechanical resistance and elastic characteristic. Mesoporous 4%-beads showed the highest elasticity, and thus lower flux through column. These results demonstrate that manipulation of both macro- and microscopic characteristics of the beads should be commensurate with the intended application i.e., bioadsorption chromatography. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ensuring the effluent quality despite fluctuations in influent flow rate and organic load to municipal wastewater treatment plants is critical. This study investigated the performance of a membrane bioreactor (MBR) in handling hydraulic and organic loading shocks during wastewater treatment. The ability of the MBR to remove COD, BOD5, and turbidity from synthetic wastewater was evaluated at steady-state and after applying five levels of organic shock loads (1.5×-4×) and four levels of hydraulic shocks (1.2×-4.7×). Due to the short-term shock-loadings no discernible effect was observed on the mixed liquor suspended solids implying biological stability. The average COD removal in MBR exposed to organic and hydraulic shock loads was 93.8% and 94%, respectively, similar to average BOD5 removals of 94.4% and 93.6%. The membrane retained suspended particles well throughout the process. However, it became quickly fouled only by applying a strong hydraulic shock. The MBR guaranteed the quality of the effluent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Synthesis and employing advanced materials for emerging applications is of great challenge for the scientific community. Recombinant proteins production and purification is one of the fastest growing fields in the global economy. In this regard, it is essential to fabricate biocompatible low-cost materials with high specificity to enhance purification efficiency. This requires the regulation of mass transfer based on the protein molecular size and interactions with the matrix interface; thus, needs synthesizing novel materials with tuned porosity. In this study, we proposed rational alteration in porous structure of biopolymeric microspheres using appropriate-sized porogen to facilitate intraparticle molecular diffusion. The tailored porous nanostructures, which were generated by phase separation in the polymer blend of agarose and polyethylene glycol, were analyzed with optical and scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, water diffusion, and albumin adsorption. The well-tuned beads possessed highly porous structures with dominant mesopores owing to PEG phase migration out of the network. The high speed homogenizer caused an uncommon dense morphology with interwoven two-type porosity. Optimally tuned mesoporous beads with considerably high specific surface area exhibited dramatically fast and enhanced intraparticle diffusion of both water and protein molecules. Thus, the introduced porosity modification is a promising design for enhancing mass transfer in the bio-separation process. Finally, useful insights for developing future smart hydrogel microparticles with tuned porous network for biomolecules purification are provided by the conducted experiments. Graphical abstract Unlabelled Image Highlights • A rational strategy is introduced to tune the nanostructure of agarose microspheres • Small mesopores (<20nm); thus, the highest surface area are achieved by PEG removal • High shear mixing leads to smaller beads and increased physical cross-link density • Engineered mesoporous beads show remarkable intraparticle molecular diffusion • Highly enhanced protein adsorption rate and capacity validated our proposal [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this work was to synthesize nanocomposite membranes based on chitosan (CS) and cellulose acetate (CA) blends containing titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles and investigate their morphological, structural, mechanical, and thermal properties along with dye affinity ligand content for using potentially as bioadsorption applications. The samples were characterized by means of scanning electronic microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X‐ray (EDX), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), tensile, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and water contact angle (WCA). The SEM micrograph images showed a uniform and microporous morphology of the prepared membranes. FTIR analysis confirmed the presence of CA and TiO2 nanoparticles through the CS matrix in which the components used had good compatibility. The mechanical and thermal studies emphasized that strong interactions occurred between CS, CA, and TiO2 nanoparticles. Blending CS with CA and the addition of TiO2 nanoparticles enhanced the hydrophilic property of CS membranes, significantly. The CS/CA based nanocomposite containing 1.5 wt% of TiO2 nanoparticles showed the remarkable improvements in ultimate tensile strength values and an increase in stiffness more than three times compared to the neat CS membrane sample. Finally, considering the results of tensile test and immobilized Cibacron Blue F3G‐A (CB) content measurement, the nanocomposite samples denoted by (50/50) CS/CA/TiO2 (1.5%) were nominated as the promising material used for potentially bioadsorptive membrane. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:4452–4466, 2018. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Highlights • Homogeneous formation of dynamic membrane (DM) with minimum effluent turbidity using static mixer in DMBR. • Size and place of static mixer had significant effects on the formation, stability, and filtration resistance. • The shortest formation time of DM was obtained with elevation of the static mixer size. • Membrane fouling improved with changes in static mixer place. • Role of static mixer was more prominent in reduction of operational costs and energy consumption. Abstract Homogeneous formation of a dynamic membrane (DM) on macroporous materials (such as mesh filter) in a dynamic membrane bioreactor (DMBR) is very important. In this research, an economical and efficient method was introduced for homogeneous formation of DM using a static mixer. To investigate the effectiveness of the static mixer in formation and filtration of DM, in comparison with the state without a static mixer, the size of the static mixer was examined at different aeration rates. The filtration characteristics of DMBR including formation time, stability time and fouling propensity were obtained. Further, the properties of DM including the mean particle size (M ps), soluble microbial product (SMP), average thickness and porosity of DM were measured to analyze the formed DMs in the bioreactor. The results indicated that the static mixer size (r p = −0.892) has the maximum effect on the formation time. With the crossflow velocity control, the static mixer contributed to homogeneous formation of cake layer and increased share of large particles on the mesh filter surface at the very beginning, such that the minimum formation time was achieved. Moreover, to achieve suitable conditions for the site of static mixer in the bioreactor, the effects of the place of the static mixer were examined in the best DM formation state (formation time < 5 min). It had a great impact on the stability time (r p = −0.941) and fouling propensity (r p = 0.926). Based on the obtained results, application of static mixer can contribute to saving energy and promoting the DMBR technology in wastewater treatment through shortening DM formation time and decreasing membrane fouling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Employing magnetic beads for immobilized metal affinity chromatography application was studied with the approach of magnetic effects investigation. Hence, fabricated magnetic nanoparticles-carrying beads were functionalized with Ni(II)-iminodiacetic acid (IDA). BET-BJH results showed that nanoparticles affected pore sizes lower than 10 nm. Therefore, the pore blockage by protein molecules is considered as an outcome of the new pore diameter in magnetic beads. In accordance, bovine serum albumin (BSA) adsorption isotherms revealed a significant difference between magnetic and nonmagnetic beaded matrices. For nonmagnetic beads, adsorption isotherm followed Langmuir model. However, one step increase in adsorption isotherm for initial BSA concentration from 0.5 mg/ml to 0.8 mg/ml was observed on magnetic beads due to pore blockage by proteins. BSA Adsorption kinetics on beads was found to follow the assumptions of an intraparticle diffusion-controlled pseudo-second order mechanism, with higher adsorption rate constants at lower adsorbate concentrations. Furthermore, though the same IDA density on both non/magnetic beads, presence of magnetic nanoparticles reduced the required equilibrium time (up to 60 min), the saturation path of BSA adsorption breakthrough curves, dynamic binding capacity and the number of theoretical plates. It is concluded that magnetic characteristic of composite agarose adsorbent carrying Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticles affects protein’s conformation. Thus, BSA travel toward ligand is enhanced and sped up. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this research membrane bioreactor (MBR) technology as a novel and practical technology was studied for treatment of saline petrochemical wastewater. Membrane fouling and permeability, mixed liquor properties such as change of flock size, and effluent characteristics of MBR were measured in presence of various salt concentrations in the feed. The results showed that the increasing the salinity reduced cake layer, total membrane resistances and increased the membrane permeability and sludge particle size. Also, COD removal efficiencies were up to 91% in all trials. These results indicate that the MBR was highly efficient for treating saline petrochemical wastewater. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The aim of this study is the synthesis of a magnetic nanocomposite membrane to reduce fouling in a magnetic membrane bioreactor. To this end, Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticles with an approximate size of 60–70 nm were settled into the polysulfone ultrafiltration membrane matrix through blending of Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticles with the dope solution. Nanocomposite membranes containing 0–0.11 wt% Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticles submerged in the magnetic bioreactor system in which the MLSS was considered between 8000–16,000 g/L and the magnetic field intensity was 40–160 mT. The results showed that an increase in the concentration of nanoparticles reduced the filtration resistance as much as 48% and developed the COD removal as much as 24% and increased the flux as large as 30%. The presence of a magnetic field around the bioreactor reduced the total filtration resistance as much as 68% and increased the COD removal as much as 34% due to the production of some changes in the membrane morphology and the sludge properties. Comparing the performance of the synthesized nanocomposite membranes with a MICRODYN-NADIR commercial membrane sample showed that magnetic nanocomposite membranes possess 30% higher flux, 27% lower filtration resistance, 41% higher COD removal compared to a commercial membrane. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a submerged membrane was installed in a bioreactor to treat N-riched wastewater and obtain high biomass productivity. Chlorella vulgaris was cultivated under mixotrophic, heterotrophic, and photoautotrophic conditions in different kinds of nitrogen sources (nitrate and ammonium) to compare the microalgae growth and nutrient removal in a membrane bioreactor. Further, the respirometric and photosynthetic activities of microalgae were investigated to evaluate the viability of microalgae in different conditions. The highest biomass productivity was obtained under mixotrophic cultivation in ammonium source (0.230 ± 0.009 gr/L d). Moreover, with this type of cultivation and nitrogen source, specific oxygen uptake rate (SOUR) was higher than oxygen product rate (SOPR). However, SOPR improved in mixotrophic cultivation using nitrate source. In both nitrogen source types, the photosynthetic activity of mixotrophic microalgae was reduced at high cell density. Compared favorably with other cultivation types, mixotrophic microalgae could achieve high N and P removal rates (about 23.64–28.84 and 4.38–5.08 mg/L d, respectively). In all cultivation types (except photoautotrophic condition with nitrate source), N and P removal amounts were assimilated to biomass. Based on the obtained results, membrane bioreactor containing mixotrophic microalgae would be the most useful system for application in N-riched wastewater treatment systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study the effects of Al2O3 nanoparticle concentration were investigated on the membrane structure/performance; the boundary of variations was detected, introduced as Nanoparticle Concentration Threshold (NCTh), and was used for forecasting the field of membrane application. For this purpose, Al2O3 nanoparticles with a size of 70 nm and a concentration between 0 and 0.52 Wt.% were added to the membrane matrix. Loading threshold of Al2O3 nanoparticles was evaluated and the properties of the nanocomposite membrane were compared up and sub the loading threshold. Rheometric analysis, contact angle measurement, SEM images, and filtration experiments showed that concentration threshold of Al2O3 nanoparticles was 0.39 Wt.%. Based on their properties, the antifouling performance of those membranes possessing Al2O3 concentration below the threshold was evaluated in a membrane bioreactor (MBR). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of the presence and impregnation of iron oxide nanoparticles with the polysulfone membrane matrix. The nanoparticles were synthesized via co-precipitation method and were added to the membrane structure through blending with the polymeric matrix (Blended Nanocomposite Membranes (BNM)), deposition by photopolymerization (PhotoPolymerized Nanocomposite Membranes (PPNM)) and deposition by interfacial polymerization (Interfacially Polymerized Nanocomposite Membranes (IPNM)). FTIR analysis proved the presence of nanoparticles in all of the three types of membranes. According to AFM images, nanoparticles enhance the membrane roughness. On the account of SEM images obtained from the membrane surface, nanocomposite membranes have a more uniform surface compared to neat polymeric membranes. In addition, the cross-sectional SEM images of the membrane revealed that the blending method provides the opportunity of controlling the membrane morphology by means of nanoparticles. Contact angle analysis confirmed the development of nanocomposite membrane hydrophilicity versus neat polymeric membranes. The filtration experiments including permeation flux, dye rejection, and molecular weight cut off were done to compare all of the nanocomposite membranes. The results indicated that the blending method can improve the membrane structural properties and the deposition method can improve their separation yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] pH sensitive polyacrylic acid layer was deposited on polysulfone membrane by photopolymerization. [•] The deposited polyacrylic acid improved amoxicillin separation of nanofiltration membranes. [•] Surface charge is more effective than membranes pore size in amoxicillin separation efficiency. [•] The pH sensitivity of membranes makes charge repulsion as dominant separation mechanism. [•] Effect of pH on separation membrane efficiency was assessed by FTIR spectra. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] To develop formation process of self-forming dynamic membrane on mesh filter. [•] To optimize imposed flux and aeration rate for self-forming dynamic membrane. [•] To evaluate efficiency of dynamic membrane bioreactor in removal of COD and TDS. [•] To investigate the preferable cleaning method for recovery of fouled mesh filter. [•] To characterize dominant chemical matter in dynamic membrane using FTIR analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Presence of cations in MBR removes colloids, soluble biopolymers and induces bioflocculability of activated sludge. [•] Introduction of different multivalent metallic cations is a way of fouling mitigation in MBRs. [•] Pore blocking and cake layer permeability of membrane hydraulic resistance decreased with charge density. [•] Membrane fouling was correlated to biopolymers concentration and mean flocs size of activated sludge. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Membranebioreactors (MBRs) are becoming more suitable alternativesfor conventional wastewater treatment devices. The performance ofa pressure-driven MBR is dominantly affected by the hydrodynamic conditionsof the system. This study was conducted to investigate various hydrodynamiccharacteristics including shear stress, cross-flow velocity, and membranefouling resistance, using computational fluid dynamics (CFD). Simulationof two- and three-phase flow for a flat-sheet submerged membrane modulewas carried out, and the results were compared with the experimentaldata. The CFD simulation was implemented to analyze the fluid-flowpattern, shear stress on membrane surfaces, and cross-flow velocitybetween membranes at various mixed liquor suspended solid concentrationsin the bioreactor. It was shown that the cross-flow velocity playsan important role in the membrane fouling and determination of thecritical particle diameter. To achieve an optimal operating condition,the critical particle diameter was calculated at different air flowrates and permeate fluxes. The CFD results showed that the outermostmembranes are more prone to fouling because of the lower shear stresson their surface as well as the lower cross-flow velocity betweenthem and the module wall. Moreover, the effect of the air bubble diameteron the air and liquid shear stress was investigated to determine anoptimal bubble size. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In this study membrane fouling was studied in a novel airlift oxidation ditch membrane bioreactor (AOXMBR) working under various high organic loading rates (OLRs). The results confirmed the high performance of AOXMBR in terms of Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) removal, even at very high OLRs. The role of the membrane barrier appeared to be significant when the COD in the supernatant was high under such conditions. In addition, the study confirmed the performance of the AOXMBR was better in comparison with the conventional activated sludge as such colloid matters cannot be retained via a simple secondary settling step. Also, on-line viability measurement of the activated sludge illustrated that the fouling increased with a decrease in the viability of the activated sludge. The results showed that the qualitative change of the activated sludge affected the fouling phenomenon. The membrane fouling dynamics analysis pointed out the relationship between cause of the membrane fouling and MBR operating conditions. Adsorption in pores appeared to be the dominant cause when any biofilm or deposit was present on the membrane surface. On the other hand at high OLR in the absence of any deficiency (oxygen deficiency, large pH variations etc.) for the microbial population the biofilm played the dominant role consequent, whereas with drastic decreases of OLRs -due to significant cell lysis – external and reversible deposits appeared as the dominant cause of membrane fouling. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A new mathematical model is proposed based on filtrationmechanisms for the prediction of fouling in airlift immersedmembrane bioreactors (iMBRs). The cake formation on the membrane surface through constant pressure filtration process in the iMBR was explained by a proposed cake filtration mechanism which assumes that no particle enters the pores when forming the cake layer on the membrane surface. The cake porosity reduction due to diffusion of particles was described by an intermediate blocking mechanism. Experimental study of fouling was also performed in a lab-scale airlift flat-sheet iMBR operating at constant vacuum. The mixed liquor suspended solid (MLSS) concentration was changed within the range of 5000 to 15000mg/L, while the superficial air velocity was varied between 32 and 128m³/m²/h. The presented model includes two parameters, that is, ultimate filtration resistance and initial rate of cake formation. The effect of the MLSS concentration and superficial air velocity on the parameters of the proposed model was studied. The results obtained from the model demonstrated that the ultimate filtration resistance and the initial rate of cake formation are more sensitive to the aeration rate at lower superficial velocities. It was also shown that the ultimate filtration resistance has a linear relation with MLSS concentration. A good agreement exists between the results of the model and the experimental data. The proposed model also showed a better compatibility with the experimental data compared to other fouling models available in the literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT In the present study, bubble size distribution (BSD) within a bubble column reactor was modeled using an artificial neural network (ANN). The fluids tested in the bubble column consisted of 11 different oil mixtures, each containing two different oils. Pure water was also tested. BSD was determined for various superficial gas velocities by photographing the state of the fluid. It was found that bubble size as well as distribution depended on parameters, such as gas flow rate, liquid properties, sparger pore diameter and distance from the sparger in the column. The proposed ANN model is based on more than 4500 data points collected for BSD estimation. Through statistical testing, it was found that the model has a correlation coefficient greater than 70% and upon experimental testing was found to better predict BSD than currently used correlations found in the literature. Copyright © 2011 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This work investigates filtration performance of mesh filter bioreactor for synthetic municipal wastewater treatment. Critical flux is measured by flux stepping method and the effect of aeration rate on the critical flux is investigated. The long term monitoring of trans-filter pressure evolution at sub and super-critical fluxes is performed. The analysis of resistance is achieved by determination of resistances and microscopic observation of bio-cake. Cake resistance values vary from 78% to 92% of total filtration resistance for sub and super-critical fluxes. The effect of variations of specific aeration demands (SADm: 0.5–6m3/m2 h) on suspended solid of effluent, turbidity of filtrate, filtration resistance, and zeta potential of biomass is evaluated. The results show that filtrate quality is decreased when the aeration rate increases. It is attributed to stable formation of dynamic membrane. A rather clear filtrate, less than 18 NTU of turbidity, is obtained for SADm 0.5m3/m2 h. The results also show that the total filtration resistance of the sub-critical flux significantly decreases with increasing aeration intensity until SADm 2m3/m2 h and thereafter slightly decreases. It is also shown that the variations of zeta potential of biomass with aeration rate highly correspond to the alterations of filtration resistance. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: For the first time, growing cells of Gordonia alkanivorans RIPI90A were used for biodesulfurization (BDS) of diesel. This process was carried out in an internal airlift bioreactor. BDS parameters (oil/water phase ratio and initial sulfur concentration) were optimized in flasks using response surface methodology. Predicted results were found to be in good agreement with experimental results. Initial sulfur concentration had a remarkable effect on BDS process. Maximum removal of sulfur (21mg/l) can be achieved at oil/water phase ratio of 25% (v/v) and initial sulfur concentration of 28mg/l. Moreover, effect of superficial gas velocity (U g) and working volume (v) on volumetric gas liquid mass transfer coefficient was studied in an airlift bioreactor for BDS of diesel. The best results were achieved at U g and v of 2.5l/min and 6.6l, respectively. Subsequently, BDS of diesel was investigated in an airlift bioreactor under optimized conditions. Sulfur reduction after 30h was 14mg/l. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In this study, experiments and computational fluid dynamics were used to evaluate the fouling of membrane surfaces. Based on the resistance-in-series model, the total filtration resistance (R t ) was divided into cake resistance (R c ), adsorption resistance (R a ), internal-plugging (pore-blockage) resistance (R pb ) and intrinsic-membrane resistance (R m ). The values of each resistance and their relative percentages as a function of the operating parameters were experimentally determined. The effect of inlet air-flow rate and the baffle angle on the resistances were also investigated. It was then shown that the permeate flux and resistances could be related to the wall shear stresses of air and liquid flows at the membrane surface. Average shear stress was found to increase by increasing the air-flow rate. The change in baffle angle from 90° to 85° increased the shear stress of air on the membrane surface. At low air-flow rates there was a lower meandering of air as well as the area of the membrane, which is not subject to high-shear increases. The shear stresses of air and liquid on the membrane surface were determined by computational fluid dynamics and correlations were proposed for estimating each resistance of the membrane from these shear stresses. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Gas hold-up (ɛ g), sauter mean bubble diameter (d 32) and oxygen transfer coefficient (k L a) were evaluated at four different alkane concentrations (0.05, 0.1, 0.3 and 0.5vol.%) in water over the range of superficial gas velocity (u g) of (1.18–23.52)×10−3 m/s at 25°C in a laboratory-scale bubble column bioreactor. Immiscible hydrocarbons (n-decane, n-tridecane and n-hexadecane) were utilized in the experiments as impurity. A type of anionic surfactant was also employed in order to investigate the effect of addition of surfactant to organic-aqueous systems on sauter mean bubble diameter, gas hold-up and oxygen transfer coefficient. Influence of addition of alkanes on oxygen transfer coefficient and gas hold-up, was shown to be dependent on the superficial gas velocity. At superficial gas velocity below 0.5×10−3 m/s, addition of alkane in air–water medium has low influence on oxygen transfer coefficient and also gas hold-up, whereas; at higher gas velocities slight addition of alkane increases oxygen transfer coefficient and also gas hold-up. Increase in concentration of alkane resulted in increase in oxygen transfer coefficient and gas hold-up and roughly decrease in sauter mean bubble diameter, which was attributed to an increase in the coalescence-inhibiting tendency in the presence of surface contaminant molecules. Bubbles tend to become smaller with decreasing surface tension of hydrocarbon, thus, oxygen transfer coefficient increases due to increasing of specific gas–liquid interfacial area (a). Empirical correlations were proposed for evaluating gas hold-up as a function of sauter mean bubble diameter, superficial gas velocity and interfacial surface tension as well as evaluating Sherwood number as a function of Schmidt, Reynolds and Bond numbers. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Gas hold-up (εg) and volumetric gas–liquid oxygen transfer coefficient (kLa) in a draft-tube airlift bioreactor (24×10-3m3 in volume) were studied using pure kerosene and diesel and their water-in-oil microemulsions, as the model solutions for petroleum biodesulfurization. For comparison, experiments were also done with distilled water. The εg and the kLa values for kerosene and diesel systems were in most cases significantly higher than the water system. Increase in water-to-oil phase volume ratio (φ) of the microemulsion systems resulted in decrease in the values of εg, which was attributed to a decrease in the coalescence-inhibiting tendency of the petroleum liquids. Increase in the viscosity () of the microemulsion systems to around 32×10-6m2/s resulted in the occurrence of the churn turbulent regime with an associated decrease in the value of εg, which could not be solely accounted for by the increase in φ. Furthermore, the kLa values decreased with increase in the viscosity of the petroleum-based liquids. However, when churn turbulent conditions prevailed, increase in viscosity alone could not account for the decrease observed in the kLa values. Empirical correlations were developed that related εg and kLa to φ and ν, respectively, under the bubbly flow regime inside the bioreactor. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Treatment of pharmaceutical wastewater is a real challenge for wastewater engineers. In this study, a pilot-scale system including an external loop airlift membrane bioreactor (ELAMBR) was applied for treatment of a synthetic pharmaceutical wastewater. The performance of this system was evaluated in removal of acetaminophen as the main pollutant of a pharmaceutical wastewater. A conventional activated sludge (CAS process) laboratory system was used in parallel with this system to compare both systems in regard to their ability for acetaminophen removal. The performance of the ELAMBR system was monitored for approximately one month to investigate the long-term operational stability of the system and possible effects of solids retention time on the efficiency of removal of acetaminophen. The removal efficiency was significantly higher in the ELAMBR system than the CAS process. 100% of the acetaminophen was removed after 2days in this system. The results also showed that initial concentration of acetaminophen, chemical oxygen demand (COD) and mixed liquid suspended solids (MLSS) are the most effective parameters in removal of a pollutant such as acetaminophen. This study demonstrates the usefulness of ELAMBR system for pharmaceutical wastewater treatment with the advantages such as: (i) simple operation and maintenance, (ii) efficient removal of pharmaceutical pollutant and COD and (iii) low-energy consumption. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In this research, to benefit from the hydrophilic properties of zirconia nanoparticles as well as the role of iron oxide nanoparticles in improving porosity of polymer membranes simultaneously, Fe 3 O 4 @ZrO 2 /PAN nanocomposite membrane was synthesized and its performance was examined in reducing biological fouling of the membrane. FESEM analysis confirmed a size distribution of 35–55 nm, and TEM analysis confirmed a core-shell structure for Fe 3 O 4 @ZrO 2 nanoparticles. FTIR analysis identified the functional groups in the Fe 3 O 4 @ZrO 2 nanoparticles and confirmed their presence in the matrix of 1 Fe 3 O 4 @ZrO 2 /PAN NCM membrane. Contact angle analysis confirmed the role of zirconia nanoparticles in enhancing the membrane hydrophilicity by 51%, and porosimetry analysis confirmed the role of iron oxide nanoparticles in improving porosity of nanocomposite membranes by 47%. Usage of 1 wt% of Fe 3 O 4 @ZrO 2 nanoparticles in the PAN membrane matrix brought about 40% increase in water flux and 37% growth in dye rejection for 1Fe 3 O 4 @ZrO 2 /PAN NCM membrane. Investigation of the role of Fe 3 O 4 @ZrO 2 nanoparticles in the filtration of biological macromolecules indicated that 1 Fe 3 O 4 @ZrO 2 /PAN NCM membrane has 60%, 51%, and 56% less resistance to filtration of humic acid, sodium alginate, and BSA, respectively, when compared with raw membranes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to investigate the applicability of the adsorption process for the removal of organophosphorus pesticide malathion 57% from water by using multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). The impact of various experimental conditions such as pH, quantity of adsorbent, concentration of pesticides, contact time and temperature was studied and optimized for the maximum removal of malathion. Unlike conventional optimization, a limited number of experiments (26 steps) were performed in a cost-effective manner for different independent variables such as MWCNTs concentration (0.1–0.5 g/L), the malathion (57%) concentration (6 mg/L and 10 mg/L), contact time (2–30 min) and pH (neutral range). Based on the experimental data obtained in a lab-scale batch study, a three-factor response surface modeling (RSM) approach was implemented in order to optimize the conditions for maximum removal of malathion, and compare experimental results with standardized malathion samples. The optimized conditions to achieve the maximum removal of malathion (100%) were determined to be a malathion concentration of 6 mg/L, an initial MWCNTs concentration of 0.5 g/L, and a contact time of 30 min. Findings of this study clearly indicated that 100% of the malathion could be cost-effectively removed by MWCNTs in conditions predicted by the proposed optimization methodology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A laboratory stirred tank bioreactor with six single and dual-impeller configurations was tested to obtain the optimum operating conditions for future biological processes. Six impeller combinations consisting of three basic impeller types, namely Rushton turbine (RT), pitched 4blade (P4B) and pitched 2blade (P2B) downward flow were investigated in 1.77 L bioreactor working volume. Power consumption and gas holdup measurements were taken over a range of 100-1000 rpm of stirring speed and 1-5 Lmin-1 of air flowrates, for all the six combinations consisting of any single and dual impellers. Using predicted data some empirical correlations were derived which present relations in estimation of power consumption in stirred tanks with various impeller configurations. Electrical measurement method was use to determine the power drown in the stirred bioreactor. Gas hold-up increased with an increase in stirring speed and superficial gas velocity for all the impellers employed. The number and type of impellers in stirred bioreactor had considerable influence on gas hold-up behavior of the stirred bioreactor. Besides, Rushton turbine-dual Impeller gave comparably maximum gas hold-up, but at significantly higher power consumption levels. The proposed correlations offered good agreement with the experimental data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oxidation of glucose by homogeneous glucose oxidase was performed in rectangular bubble column reactor at 40 °C, ambient pressure and pH of 5.5 while superficial gas (oxygen) velocity was varied in the homogeneous and transition regime in the range of 0.0014-0.0112 m s-1. Effect of superficial gas (oxygen) velocity on the apparent reaction rate and its parameters was determined and it was observed that the apparent reaction rate on the basis of volume of the liquid increased with increasing the superficial gas (oxygen) velocity. The apparent reaction rate was assumed to be in the form of Michaelis-Menten equation and its apparent kinetic parameters were evaluated by the nonlinear regression method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bioconversion of glucose to gluconic acid with glucoseoxidaseas enzyme was considered to occur in a bubble column reactor at 40°C, atmospheric pressure, and pH 5.5 while oxygen gas velocitywas varied in the homogeneous and transition regime in the range of0.0014–0.0112 m s–1. It was found that thesuperficial gas velocity has a positive effect on gas holdup, meanbubble size, and volumetric mass transfer coefficient, while the glucoseconcentration has a negative influence on these hydrodynamic parameters.The modeling of bubble column by considering the complete bubble sizedistribution in the governing equations was carried out in this work.The model was also solved by considering the single and double sizesof bubbles instead of complete bubble size distribution. It was shownthat the results of the model, considering the complete bubble sizedistribution, is in a good agreement with the experimental data, whilethe considered single and double bubble sizes cannot predict the experimentaldata of oxygen concentration in the reactor properly. It was alsofound that the superficial gas velocity has a positive influence onoxygen concentration while glucose concentration has negative influenceat low superficial gas velocity and positive influence at high gasvelocity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The effects of sludge viability on process performance and membrane fouling in a membrane bioreactor were investigated. A laboratory-scale submerged membrane bioreactor (SMBR) containing a flat-sheet microfiltration membrane was used at various percentages of living cellular flocs and dead cells. The effect of live to dead cells ratio on the extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) concentration was also studied. The proportion of dead cells affected the type of EPS in the mixed liquor as well as hydrophobicity of activated sludge. Tightly bound EPS (TB-EPS) mitigated membrane fouling, whereas loosely bound EPS (LB-EPS) caused severe membrane fouling. The results show that the content of TB-EPS and LB-EPS increases with dead cells portion. Furthermore, the ratio of TB-EPS to LB-EPS was presented as an important parameter in MBR performance. It was showed that this ratio is a good representative of flocculability of activated sludge and fouling intensity. Compared to the live cells, the dead cells had lower hydrophobicity and induced membrane fouling so that membrane permeability of the viable activated sludge was twice of the dead cell culture. The potential of zone settling velocity (ZSV) to be considered as a key parameter in MBR operation was also reported. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The rising demand for high quality water heightens the need to soften hard and very hard water. In this study, flat sheet polysulfone ultrafiltration membranes were prepared by phase inversion and modified by UV-induced polymerization of acrylic acid in order to prepare nanofiltration membranes for water desalination. Polyethylene glycol of different molecular weights mainly in the range of 1500–4000Da were used in the casting solution and acrylic acid was polymerized on the membrane surface. In this way, a manipulated membrane was prepared with higher pore size and higher surface charge density for improved water softening. The results show that by increasing irradiation time and monomer concentration in the photografting process, pure water flux declines and salt rejection increases. For a membrane photografted for 180min with acrylic acid solution (6wt.%) and PEG-4000 as additive, the rejection of Na2SO4, MgSO4, NaCl and CaCl2 follows a decreasing in order of 100%, 77.9%, 49.9% and 35.9% respectively. The RMS roughness of the prepared membrane is 1.65nm, which is well in the nanofiltration roughness range. Featuring a large pore size and high surface charge density, the developed nanofiltration membranes show a promising capability for water desalination. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Mathematical modeling of fatty acids (FAs) extraction from Trout powder by supercritical carbon dioxide was performed in the present work. Trout powder with its low cost contains high amount of essential FAs and it is commonly available as a proper source of FAs. The effect of process parameters, such as pressure (25, 28, 31, 34 and 37MPa) and temperature (310, 318 and 326K) of extraction and void fraction of the bed (0.25, 0.35 and 0.45, v/v) on the yield of FAs extraction was examined in a series of experiments conducted in a laboratory scale apparatus. The results indicated a significant increase of extraction yield with an increase of pressure from 25 to 34MPa, but working at the higher pressure (37MPa) caused reduction of the extract. Increasing the temperature higher than 318K revealed significant reduction of the FAs yield and increasing the bed void fraction from 0.25 to 0.45 showed enhancement of the extraction. The mathematical model was developed considering diffusion-controlled regime in the particle and film mass transfer resistance around the particle with axial dispersion of the bulk phase at dynamic conditions. Henry law was used to describe the equilibrium state of solid and fluid phases. The proposed mass balance equations were numerically solved using implicit finite difference method and the model parameters were correlated using the experimental results of the outlet FAs concentration in the oil extracted at dynamic conditions. Well-known Nelder–Mead method was applied to estimate the four parameters of the model, namely, mass transfer coefficient (k f), axial dispersion coefficient (D ax) in the bulk phase, effective diffusivity (D eff) into the pores and Henry coefficient (H). In the range of studied conditions, the higher extraction efficiency with higher pressure resulted lower correlated H, although the temperature increasing which showed a retrograde phenomena in the FAs yield, revealed H passing though a minimum. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Determinations of pertinent hydrodynamic and mass transfer parameters were carried out inside draft tube internal loop airlift bioreactor (DTAB) containing water in diesel (W/D) microemulsions with water to diesel volume ratio (φ) in the range 2.5–40%. For comparative purposes, data for diesel and water was also obtained. Increase in φ of the microemulsion systems up to 40% or increase in the amount of surfactant used to make the microemulsions resulted in a decrease in the values of ɛ g and k L a, which was attributed to the increase in the viscosity of the microemulsions. This viscosity was found to be a more suitable correlating parameter than φ. Increase in the value of φ of the W/D microemulsion resulted in a decrease in the values of liquid velocity for u gr up to 0.032m/s. At higher gas velocities, similar values were obtained for all the microemulsions. On the other hand, increase in φ of the W/D microemulsion resulted in increase in both the circulation time and mixing time values obtained inside the DTAB, although the difference was more pronounced at lower values of u gr. Suitable empirical correlations relating ɛ g , k L a, , circulation time and mixing time to riser superficial gas velocity (u gr) and kinematic viscosity were presented. The downcomer holdup data for diesel and W/D microemulsions was related to the riser holdup data using a single correlation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

About half a century after antibiotics discovery, multi-antibiotic-resistant bacteria posed a new challenge to medicine. Attempts to discover new antibiotics have drawn the attention to Antimicrobial Peptides (AMPs). The rapid growth, besides its known genetic and manipulation systems, makes E. coli the preferred host system for production of recombinant proteins on an industrial scale. To produce AMPs in E. coli , the application of fusion-tags with the aim of stability, solubility, and prevention of antimicrobial activity is one of the best practices in this regard. In this study, we presented two different expression systems for the production of PR-39 in E. coli ; one in fusion with intein-Chitin binding domain (CBD) and another in fusion with SUMO accompanied by polyhistidine affinity tag. Both were cloned in the NdeI-XhoI sites of pET-17b and transformed to E. coli BL21 (DE3) pLysS. Recombinant bacteria were cultured and induced with 0.4 mM IPTG at 30 °C. Expression and purification of target proteins were confirmed by Tricine- SDS-PAGE and dot blot analysis. Recovery of 250 μg PR-39/L from SUMO fusion system and 280 μg PR-39/L from the intein fusion system was achieved. Both purified peptides showed antibacterial activity using MIC/MBC demonstrating their functionality after SUMO and intein mediated purification. • Utilizing SUMO and intein fusion systems for production of PR-39, a porcine cathelicidin antimicrobial peptide, in E. coli. • SSuccessful expression of both constructs in E. coli Bl21 (DE3) pLysS • One step purification of PR-39 peptide in the case of fusion with intein-chitin binding domain. • SUMO-fused peptide purification and tag removal in two steps with Ni-NTA column and the use of SUMO protease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] The impact of OLR on viability and activity of activated sludge sometimes is different. [•] SMP release in the bioreactor depends on the viability of activated sludge. [•] Novel method based on capacitance was introduced for viability of activated sludge. [•] Determination of activated sludge quality is important for efficient operation of MBR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In this work, biosurfactant production by Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Bacillus cereus has been compared. These microorganisms were isolated from agricultural and oil polluted area of Iran. Maximum biosurfactant production reached to about 1.6g/l and liquid surface tension decreased from 72 to 25mN/m using B. subtilis. All screened bacteria exhibited a good ability to emulsify the crude oil. Biosurfactant of B. subtilis attained an emulsion index of 75% for crude oil which was significantly greater than other strains. Stability studies were carried out under the extreme environmental conditions as find normally in the oil reservoir such as high temperature, pH and salinity. Results showed an excellent resistance of all produced biosurfactants to retain their surface-active properties at extreme conditions. It was found that the biosurfactants show a good stability around pH of 4 but at lower pH, they will harmfully be affected. Lesser precipitation has been observed at low pH for biosurfactant produced by B. subtilis. It has also been observed that biosurfactants from three isolated bacteria were able to support the condition up to 25g/l salinity. B. cereus biosurfactant was even stable at the higher salinity. Regarding temperature, all produced biosurfactants demonstrated a good stability in the temperature up to 120°C. Oil displacement experiments in micromodel with kerosene showed around 25% recovery of residual oil after water flooding when the biosurfactant of B. subtilis was added. These results suggest that biosurfactants of these indigenous isolated strains are appropriate candidates for enhanced oil recovery with a preference to biosurfactant of B. subtilis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In an industrial fermentation of Bacillus thuringiensis, it is important to verify the intactness of bacterial plasmid content in all steps of culture. Changes in some plasmid resident properties of this bacterium could be considered as the simple potential signs of changes in the plasmid content. For studying this matter, two Cry+ (mother strain) and Cry− phenotype strains of B. thuringiensis H14 were compared. They showed different properties in many studied levels. Facing the presence of seven plasmids in the Cry+ strain only one small plasmid was observed in the Cry− strain. Despite the ability of mother strain to form aggregates (Agr+), no aggregation was observed in the Cry− phenotype (Agr−). The colony morphology of Cry+ strain was R shape while Cry− formed S shape colonies. Cry− strain grew faster than Cry+ strain, but both of them were capable to do sporulation. The protein profile using SDS-PAGE showed the presence of a 130, 65, and 25kDa Cry protein in the Cry+ strain whereas these proteins were absent in the Cry− strain. The Cry− was not toxic against Aedes aegypti and Culex pipiens larvae. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In this study, through a multistep enrichment and isolation procedure, a halophilic bacterial strain was isolated from unpolluted saline soil, which was able to effectively and preferentially degrade long chain alkanes (especially tetracosane and octacosane). The strain was identified by 16S rRNA gene sequence as an Alcanivorax sp. The growth of strain Est-02 was optimized at the presence of tetracosane in different NaCl concentrations, temperatures, and pH. The consumption of different heavy alkanes was also investigated. Optimal culture conditions of the strain were determined to be as follows: 10% NaCl, temperature 25-35 °C and pH 7. Alcanivorax sp. strain Est-02 was able to use a wide range of aliphatic substrates ranging from C14 to C28 with clear tendency to utilize heavy chain hydrocarbons of C24 and C28. During growth on a mixture of alkanes (C14-C28), the strain consumed 60% and 65% of tetracosane and octacosane, respectively, while only about 40% of the lower chain alkanes were degraded. This unique ability of the strain Est-02 in efficient and selective biodegradation of long chain hydrocarbons could be further exploited for remediation of wax and heavy oil contaminated soils or upgrading of heavy crude oils. Comparison of the sequence of alkane hydroxylase gene (alkB) of strain Est-02 with previously reported sequences for Alcanivorax spp. and other hydrocarbon degraders, showed a remarkable phylogenetic distance between the sequence alkB of Est-02 and other alkane-degrading bacteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]