Removal of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons from soil using surfactant and the white rot fungus Phanerochaete chrysosporium

The bioremediation of soil contaminated with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) is often limited by a low bioavailability of the contaminants. Non‐ionic surfactants, such as Tween 80, when above their critical micelle concentration (CMC), can efficiently enhance the bioavailability of PAHs in contaminated soil by increasing solubility and dissolution rates. However, disposing of this micelle‐contaminated spent washwater can be a major problem. The aim of this study was to combine surfactant soil washing techniques using Tween 80 with the versatile lignin‐degrading system of the white rot fungus, Phanerochaete chrysosporium, to bioremediate PAH‐contaminated soil. Approximately 85% (w/w) of a total of nine PAHs in an aged (1 month) contaminated soil (total PAH concentration = 403.61 µg g⁻¹) could be solubilized in a 2.5% (w/v) Tween 80 solution at a soil/water ratio of 1:10. The washwater was then catabolized by a 3‐day‐old culture of P chrysosporium under a stationary condition. The disappearance of most PAHs tested (molecular weight ≥ 178) correlated well with their ionization potentials and 66.4% (w/w) of the total PAHs in washwater with 2.5% (w/v) Tween 80 was catabolized after 11 days of culture. The catabolism was enhanced to 86% (w/w) using a lower concentration of 0.5% (w/v) Tween 80. The initial oxidation rate of total PAHs based on the first 4 days of culture remained almost constant at approximately 1.88 µg cm⁻³day⁻¹ when the Tween 80 concentration in washwater was increased from 0.5% to 2.5% (w/v). The combination of soil washing and white rot fungus catabolization of PAH using 2.5% (w/v) Tween 80 eliminated the total PAH concentration in the contaminated soil by 56.4% (w/w) after 11 days. The results suggest that PAH‐contaminated soil may be cleansed by using a combination of surfactant soil washing and white rot fungus catabolism. © 2000 Society of Chemical Industry     

Effect of non‐ionic surfactants on elimination of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in soil‐slurry by Phanerochaete chrysosporium

Surfactants can enhance bioremediation of soil contaminated with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) by increasing their bioavailability. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of non‐ionic polyoxyethylene (POE) surfactants on the elimination of nine PAHs in contaminated soil by the white rot fungus Phanerochaete chrysosporium. PAHs in both liquid and solid phases were extracted and then assayed using GC–MS. Fungal biomass concentration and the activity of extracellular ligninolytic enzymes were used to determine the toxicity of POE surfactants. Results indicated that 0.5% (w/v) of surfactant Tween 80 was not toxic to fungal growth and had little impact on extracellular ligninolytic enzyme synthesis. About 80% of low ring PAHs (ie acenaphthene and fluorene) could be efficiently catabolized by P chrysosporium without surfactants, while catabolism of others (ie phenanthrene, fluoranthene, pyrene, chrysene, benzo(a)pyrene, dibenz(ah)anthracene and benzo(ghi)perylene) was less than 30% over a 8‐day culture period. Elimination of four‐to six‐ring PAHs in contaminated soil was enhanced in P chrysosporium cultures with 0.4% (w/v) Tween 80 by 15–33% compared with those in cultures without Tween 80, while no obvious effect was observed in the elimination of three‐ring PAHs over the culture period. Investigations on PAH concentrations in aqueous phase during the culture period showed that Tween 80 increased PAH aqueous concentrations and the PAH oxidation rate in aqueous was rapid. Enhancement of soil PAH elimination in the presence of Tween 80 was due to the increased PAH bioavailability. © 2001 Society of Chemical Industry     

Biodegradation of slop wax by Bacillus species isolated from chronic crude oil contaminated soils

Slop wax waste by-product obtained through the lube oil manufacture was subjected to biotreatment using five isolated Bacillus species at 30 °C and various incubation periods, 7, 14 and 21 days. The results obtained from HPLC for the 15 samples showed that the aromatic contents decreased, especially, for that treated with Bacillus sp. MAM-27 which degrade PAHs faster at 1% (w/v) concentration of slop wax waste by-product and exhibited high biodegradation ability within 1 week. Bacillus sp. MAM-27 degraded 99.9% of PAHs, while Bacillus sp. MAM-24 degrades 99.8% of PAHs within 2 weeks and then the degradation ability is slightly increased afterwards. The gas chromatographic analysis of the samples before and after treatment with Bacillus spp. showed that, the aromatics, naphthenes and iso-alkanes were more degradable than saturated n-paraffins. Treatment by Bacillus sp. MAM-27 and Bacillus sp. MAM-24 can be an effective method for biodegradation of slop wax waste by-product leading to paraffin waxes match with plastic paraffin wax according to USSR 1121284 specifications.     

Tween 80强化-活化过硫酸钠氧化修复多环芳烃污染土壤

考察了在典型非离子表面活性剂Tween 80辅助增溶作用下,活化过硫酸钠（SPS）对多环芳烃（PAHs）污染土壤的氧化修复性能。研究结果表明,室温下10%（20 g·L^-1）的Tween 80对PAHs的平均洗脱效率达到37.8%,连续淋洗样品4次,PAHs平均解吸率可达89.5%以上。当使用柠檬酸（CA）络合硫酸亚铁为活化剂时,在84 mmol·L^-1 SPS浓度条件下,将反应Fe （Ⅱ）浓度由0.84 mmol·L^-1增加至4.2 mmol·L^-1,PAHs的平均去除率可从64.3%提高至73.5%。但当Fe （Ⅱ）浓度继续增大时,PAHs的去除率反而降低。固定SPS与Fe （Ⅱ）摩尔比为20：1,当SPS浓度持续增加至168 mmol·L^-1时,总PAHs的平均去除率可提高到86.1%,之后SPS浓度对PAHs的去除率无显著影响。在活化SPS体系中添加0.25%的Tween 80后,与不加Tween 80的反应系统相比,PAHs平均去除率提高约14%。最终优化结果显示,在0.25% Tween80,42 mmol·L^-1 SPS,2.1 mmol·L^-1 Fe （Ⅱ）浓度条件下,受污染土壤中PAHs平均去除率可达到90.0%。因此,Tween 80强化过硫酸钠可作为PAHs污染场地氧化修复的有效手段。     

Treatment of PAH‐contaminated soil by combination of Fenton's reaction and biodegradation

A combination of modified Fenton and biological treatment was used to remove polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from creosote oil‐contaminated soil. After modified Fenton reaction the toxicity of column leachate and soil to Vibrio fischeri increased. The number of intact bacterial cells and utilisation of PAHs in PAH utilisation microplate assay decreased after modified Fenton reaction. However, bacteria in chemically treated soil utilised PAHs without addition of other carbon sources. The activity of extracellular esterases increased during incubation of modified Fenton‐treated soil. PAH removal in combined chemical oxidation and incubation (43–59%) was higher than in incubation alone (22–30%). Residual H₂O₂ in soil allowed chemical oxidation of PAHs during incubation. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry     

Biodegradation of quinoline in crude oil

Removal of quinoline, which is typical of nitrogen‐containing compounds in crude oil, was achieved by a biodegradation reaction by Comamonas sp TKV3‐2‐1. The aerobic strain, Comamonas sp TKV3‐2‐1, which can grow utilizing quinoline as the sources of both carbon and nitrogen, degraded quinoline to 2‐hydroxyquinoline, finally to water‐soluble substances. The degradation reaction of 2‐hydroxyquinoline was revealed to be regarded as a rate‐limiting step controlling the overall reaction of biodenitrogenation process of quinoline in crude oil. The degradation rate of 2‐hydroxyquinoline in a stirred fermenter had a maximum of 211 mg 2‐hydroxyquinoline g‐cell^?1 h^?1 when the portion of crude oil in the reaction mixture, the cell concentration and the rotational speed of agitation impeller were 83.3%(v/v), 28.5 gdm^?3 and 11.7 s^?1, respectively. After the reaction was completed, the crude oil and the cell suspension could be separated efficiently by centrifuging. The possibility of constructing a bioprocess for removing quinoline in crude oil under storage is also discussed. © 2001 Society of Chemical Industry     

Effects of frying on the trans‐fatty acid formation in soybean oils

To evaluate the effects of repeated deep‐frying on the trans‐fatty acid (TFA) formation in soybean oils, simultaneous frying experiments were carried out. French fries were prepared using three different types of soybean oil (pressed soybean oil, PSBO; first‐grade solvent extracted soybean oil, FG‐SESBO; and third‐grade solvent extracted soybean oil, TG‐SESBO). French fries were fried intermittently at 180–185°C for a total frying time of 32 h and at an interval time of 30 min. It was found that the initial amount of total TFAs was 0.29 g/100 g, 0.31 g/100 g, and 0.90 g/100 g in PSBO, TG‐SESBO, and FG‐SESBO, respectively. Before the frying started, the C18:1,t‐9, trans‐linoleic acid (TLA), trans‐linolenic acid (TLNA), and total TFA content of the PSBO and TG‐SESBO were significantly lower than in the FG‐SESBO (p<0.05). However, in the frying oil samples, the final concentration of total TFA in the PSBO, TG‐SESBO, and FG‐SESBO were 1.79 ± 0.17 g/100 g, 1.12 ± 0.10 g/100 g, and 1.70 ± 0.07 g/100 g, which was 6.17‐, 3.61‐, and 1.89‐fold higher that in fresh oil, respectively. The highest increasing slopes of C18:1,t‐9, TLA, TLNA, and total TFA were observed in the PSBO. Practical applications : A high intake of TFAs has been shown to lead to an increased risk of coronary heart disease. Plant oils, particularly soybean oil, have been widely used in the food industry in China. Frying is one of the most common methods to cook food. The formation of TFAs during frying has been shown to be closely related to the temperature and duration of the frying process. However, the effects of frying on the formation of TFAs in different soybean oils have not been well studied. In the present study, we demonstrated that increasing the number of frying cycles can cause an intensive increase in the concentration of TFAs in different types of soybean oil, but especially in PSBO.     

Removal efficiency of heavy oil by free and immobilised microorganisms on laboratory‐scale

This study explored free and immobilised microorganisms to degrade heavy oil. Two oil‐degrading bacterial strains (W‐1 and W‐2) were isolated from heavy oil wastewater samples collected from Shengli Oil Field in China. W‐1 and W‐2, identified as Rhosococcus sp. and Bacillus cereus sp., respectively, were tested for their growth behaviour and optimal growth conditions in the laboratory. The obtained results showed that the optimal growth conditions for W‐1 and W‐2 were identified as pH of 8, temperature of 40°C, and salinity of 2% and 4%, respectively. The environmental conditions affecting oil‐degrading efficiency by W‐1 and W‐2 were optimised in the media containing 0.3% heavy oil. The results showed that the optimal degradation and optimal growth conditions were similar, and the oil degradation rates of W‐1 and W‐2 were about 34.6% and 45.3%, respectively after 5 days. W‐1 and W‐2 capable of degrading oil was immobilised in calcium alginate gel beads containing active carbon and used for degradation of heavy oil. The heavy oil biodegradability of immobilised bacteria improved dramatically, compared with that of the free ones. The heavy oil biodegradation rates of immobilised W‐2 were found to be maximal at the same optimal growth conditions of pH, temperature, and salinity as the free ones. The best biodegradation rate of immobilised W‐2 reached above 78%, which is 33% than that of the free W‐2. © 2011 Canadian Society for Chemical Engineering     

Synthesis and properties of polyurethane networks derived from new soybean oil‐based polyol and a bulky blocked polyisocyanate

BACKGROUND: Developing vegetable oil‐based polyols for polyurethane manufacturing is becoming highly desirable for both economic and environmental reasons. Most vegetable oils do not bear hydroxyls naturally. The objective of this work was to prepare a new soybean oil‐based polyol with high functionality of hydroxyl groups and built‐in (preformed) urethane bonds. RESULTS: A facile and improved method was developed for the transformation of epoxidized soybean oil into carbonated soybean oil under ambient pressure of CO₂ gas, with tetrabutylammonium bromide/calcium chloride as catalyst/co‐catalyst couple. Ring‐opening reaction of the carbonated oil with ethanolamine led to the desired polyol. A one‐pack polyurethane system was prepared via combination of the polyol and a blocked polyisocyanate. The polyol and final polyurethanes were fully characterized, and their physical, mechanical, viscoelastic and electrical insulating properties were studied. CONCLUSION: The application of this newly developed soybean oil‐based polyol for preparation of electroinsulating casting polyurethanes was examined. The prepared soy‐based polyurethanes offered excellent thermal and electrical insulating properties. Also, tunable physical and chemical properties for the final polyurethanes were achieved by replacing part of the soybean oil‐based polyol with poly(propylene glycol) (M_n = 1000 g mol^?1). Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry     

Enhanced bioremediation of crude oil‐contaminated soil by a Pseudomonas species and mutually associated adapted Azotobacter vinelandii

A mixed culture of compatible hydrocarbonoclastic and diazotrophic bacteria, each at a density of 10⁸ organisms cm^?3, was developed for optimised bioremediation of crude oil‐contaminated soil. The hydrocarbonoclastic bacterium, Pseudomonas sp and the diazotroph, Azotobacter vinelandii, were both isolated from a previously crude oil‐contaminated soil and thereafter modelled as a unit of mutualistic consortium in situ. Stabilisation of the consortium and hence the optimised bioremediation process occurred when the bacterial growth attained a pseudo‐steady state condition. This was considered to be as a result of a symbiotic association between A vinelandii and the Pseudomonas sp in which A vinelandii produced the required concentration of fixed nitrogen compounds required for the growth of the Pseudomonas sp. Enhancement in biodegradation, due to stimulated growth of Pseudomonas sp and co‐metabolic activity of A vinelandii, was mathematically evaluated as the difference in the specific growth rates (µ) between the consortium Pseudomonas sp/A vinelandii and Pseudomonas sp alone. The proportion of petroleum hydrocarbons degraded by the consortium from the contaminated soil ranged between 66.83 and 69.6% as compared with that of a pure culture of Pseudomonas sp (23.2–44.45%). Hence, beyond their role in biological nitrogen fixation, diazotrophs may be used to contribute to bioremediation of crude oil‐contaminated land. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry     

Using ionic liquid catalyst for conversion of waste polyethylene terephthalate and soybean oil to polyester polyol

An imidazolium ionic liquid was synthesized, characterized and used as a catalyst for conversion of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and soybean oil to polyester polyol (PE polyol). The degradation of PET waste was carried out using glycerol and low cost soybean oil that resulted in the formation of PE polyols. Formed PE polyols were characterized using Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR) and mass spectra method, thermo gravimetric and differential thermal analysis and gel permeation chromatoghraphy. The first step in the overall process is proposed to be the transesterification of soybean oil with glycerol to form monoglyceride or/and diglyceride of soybean oil fatty acids. In the second step, the obtained glycerides can react with PET to form PE polyol. Both steps could be combined in one process and acidic catalyzed by an ionic liquid. Ionic liquid can be used as active catalyst and show a high reusability. The influence of some factors such as amount of glycerol used in transesterification of soybean oil with glycerol, PET degradation time, and temperature on PET conversion were investigated to find the suitable conditions for the process. Under suggested optimum parameters (mass ratio of soybean oil to glycerol of 2:1, a time of 8 h and a temperature of 180 °C for PET degradation), a PET conversion of 87.3% was reached. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016 , 133, 43920.     

Effects of β-carotene and lycopene thermal degradation products on the oxidative stability of soybean oil

The relative oxidative stability of soybean oil samples containing either thermally degraded β-carotene or lycopene was determined by measuring peroxide value (PV) and headspace oxygen depletion (HOD) every 4 h for 24 h. Sobyean oil samples containing 50 ppm degraded β-carotene that were stored in the dark at 60°C displayed significantly (P<0.01) higher HOD values compared with controls. Lycopene degradation products (50 ppm) in soybean oil significantly (P<0.05) decreased HOD of samples when stored in the dark. PV and HOD values for samples containing 50 ppm of either β-carotene or lycopene degradation products stored under lighted conditions did not differ significantly from controls (P<0.05). However, soybean oil samples containing 50 ppm of unheated, all-trans β-carotene or lycopene stored under light showed significantly lower PV and HOD values than controls (P<0.01). These results indicated that during autoxidation of soybean oil held in the dark, β-carotene thermal degradation products acted as a prooxidant, while thermally degraded lycopene displayed antioxidant activity in similar soybean oil systems. In addition, β-carotene and lycopene degradation products exposed to singlet oxygen oxidation under light did not increase or decrease the oxidative stability of their respective soybean oil samples.     

Microbial conversion of sterol‐containing soybean oil production waste

Soybean extract residue (scum), a waste of soybean oil production, was examined as a raw material for C₁₇‐ketosteroid production. As a model process, its bioconversion to 9α‐hydroxyandrost‐4‐ene‐3,17‐dione (9‐OH‐AD) by Mycobacterium sp VKM Ac‐1817D was studied. The content of transformable sterols (sitosterol, stigmasterol and campesterol) in scum was estimated at ～14%. The bioconversion of scum to 9‐OH‐AD was characterized by a long lag‐period (300–350 h) followed by 9‐OH‐AD accumulation. The microbial or chemical elimination of fatty non‐identified components resulted in sterol‐enriched scum preparations. Effective conversion of these preparations by Mycobacterium sp was demonstrated: 9‐OH‐AD molar yield ～65% was reached at 60 h from the scum preparation containing 10 g dm^?3 transformable sterols. The process productivity was comparable with that for high quality‐sitosterol of wood origin (tall‐oil sitosterol). Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry     

Self‐assembled acrylamide‐based copolymer/surfactant with high‐temperature resistance for enhanced oil recovery

In this article, we report on a water‐soluble self‐assembled system that consisted of an acrylamide (AM)‐based copolymer and a nonionic surfactant for enhancing oil recovery. The copolymer, denoted as poly(acrylamide–acrylic acid–diallyl dimethyl ammonium chloride–N ‐allyl benzamide) (PMADN), was synthesized with AM, acrylic acid, diallyl dimethyl ammonium chloride, and N ‐allyl benzamide, and the nonionic surfactant was Tween 40. The results of our investigation of the ratio of the copolymer to Tween 40 show that the optimal concentrations of PMADN and Tween 40 were 1000 and 500 mg/L, respectively. When it was heated to 115–120 °C for 15 min, the apparent viscosity of the self‐assembly system increased 19.2%, and its viscosity retention rate remained at 11.6% under 1000 s^?1. When the system was dissolved in 12,000 mg/L NaCl, 2000 mg/L CaCl₂, and 2000 mg/L MgCl₂ solutions, the viscosity retention rates were 22.3%, 12.1%, and 17.6%, respectively. In addition, a 2000 mg/L PMADN–Tween 40 solution dramatically enhanced the oil recovery up to 13.4%. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017 , 134 , 45202.     

Chitosan‐coated alginate–polyvinyl alcohol beads for encapsulation of silicone oil containing pyrene: a novel method for biodegradation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons

BACKGROUND: Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are potential hazards in the environment owing to their toxic, carcinogenic and recalcitrant nature. Biodegradation of these compounds, although effective compared with other treatment techniques, is problematic owing to its low aqueous solubility and negligible bioavailability. The present study reports a novel method for biodegradation of PAHs using an encapsulated form of the pollutant in chitosan‐coated alginate–polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) beads. RESULTS: A suitable combination of 3% (w/v) PVA, 100 g L^?1 non‐ionic surfactant Brij 30 and 0.3 silicone oil fraction in the formulation was found to be optimal in the preparation of stable emulsion. The emulsion obtained was admixed with alginate (3% w/v) to prepare suitably sized microspheres by an emulsion gelation technique, which were later coated with chitosan to yield a maximum pyrene encapsulation efficiency of 90.7%. Pyrene in silicone oil at concentration as high as 2 g L^?1, when delivered through the chitosan coated alginate–PVA beads, was completely degraded by Mycobacterium frederiksbergense within 10 days without any significant lag phase. CONCLUSION: Using chitosan‐coated alginate–PVA beads sustained release of pyrene and subsequent biodegradation by M. frederiksbergense were achieved. Using the present system, complete degradation of pyrene was attained even at its very high initial concentration and within a short time period. Further advantage offered by this system seems to be negligible toxic effect of pyrene and solvents on the degrading microorganisms since these were in an encapsulated form and were not in direct contact with the organism. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry     

Biodegradation of High Molecular Weight Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons Mixture by a Newly Isolated Fusarium sp. and Co-Metabolic Degradation with Starch

One native fungal strain, designated ZH-H2, was isolated from an agricultural soil contaminated by HMW-PAHs in a typical coal mining area of Hebei, China. The filamentous fungus was identified as a Fusarium sp. ZH-H2 was able to survive not only in the presence of the individual HMW-PAHs of Chry, BaA, B(K)F, BaP, DB(a,h)A, InP, InP and B(g,h,i)p but in the presence of a mixture of the above seven HMW-PAHs with a total concentration of up to 10 mg L^?1. Biodegradation experiments demonstrated that Fusarium sp. (ZH-H2) was able to degrade the aforementioned individual HMW-PAHs, with a degradation percentage of 77%, 85%, 91%, 42%, 56%, 42% and 38%, respectively, and degrade the aforementioned seven PAHs mixture with a degradation percentage of 48%. The effect of starch addition on the biodegradation efficiency of the PAH mixture was also investigated. The results showed a significant improvement in the degradation extent of the PAH mixture with the increase of starch concentration. The greatest degradation rate (DR; 89%) in 7 d was obtained when starch was added at 1.0 g L^?1, about 2-fold than was achieved without starch. This study implicates that Fusarium sp. (ZH-H2), a potential biodegrader, is suitable for practical field application in effective bioremediation of soils that have been simultaneously contaminated by several HMW-PAHs for a long time.     

n-Hexadecane and pyrene biodegradation and metabolization by Rhodococcus sp. T1 isolated from oil contaminated soil

The high-molecular weight polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons(PAHs) pyrene and typical long chain alkane nhexadecane are both difficult to degrade. In this study, n-hexadecane and pyrene degrading strain Rhodococcus sp. T1 was isolated from oil contaminated soil. Strain T1 could remove 90.81% n-hexadecane(2 vol%) and 42.79% pyrene(200 mg·L~(-1)) as a single carbon within 5 days, respectively. Comparatively, the degradation of pyrene increased to 60.63%, but the degradation of n-hexadecane decreased to 87.55% when these compounds were mixed. Additionally, identification and analysis of degradation metabolites of Rhodococcus sp. T1 in the above experiments showed that there were significant changes in alanine, methylamine, citric acid and heptadecanoic acid between sole and dual substrate degradation. The optimal conditions for degradation were then determined based on analysis of the pH, salinity, additional nutrient sources and liquid surface activity.Under the optimal conditions of pH 7.0, 35 °C, 0.5% NaCl, 5 mg·L~(-1) of yeast extract and 90 mg·L~(-1) of surfactant,the degradation increased in single or dual carbon sources. To our knowledge, this is the first study to discuss metabolite changes in Rhodococcus sp. T1 using sole substrate and dual substrate to enhance the long-chain alkanes and PAHs degradation potential.     

Adsorption and recovery of nonionic polymers by neutralization of cellulose fiber surface charge via cationic polyamide‐epichlorohydrin resins

Gelatin‐based graft copolymers of polypropylene (PP), has been synthesized by chemical method using benzoyl peroxide (BPO), as radical initiator. Biodegradation studies of pristine PP and PP‐g‐Gelatin have been carried out by soil burial test in simple soil and soil enriched with nitrogenous content by adding urea. The microbial degradation was substantiated by the direct attack of the microbes on the grafted samples. The rate of degradation by the direct attack was fast in comparison to the degradation in soil burial studies. The biochemical tests performed on the organisms isolated from the soil, identified these organisms as Bacillus circulans, Kurthia gibsonii, and Flavobacterium sp. which helped biodegradation of PP‐g‐Gelatin samples. The degradation of the grafted samples was further confirmed by carrying out the physical characterization of the original samples and the degraded samples by SEM, XRD, and TGA. The XRD and thermal data indicate an increase in the crystallinity of the degraded samples. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010     

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) adsorption on solid surfaces applied to waste lubricant oils recovery process

Lubricant oils undergo degradation increasing polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) concentration. In this work, PAHs adsorption onto activated carbon, powder silica, and powder chitosan surfaces was estimated, with their concentrations in organic solvents (ethanol, 2‐propanol, 1‐butanol, and terc‐butanol) monitored by UV‐visible absorption. Equilibrium concentration was attained after 72 h and the isotherms presented characteristic of multilayer formation. The greater surface density was determined for the chitosan, but the system containing activated carbon and 1‐butanol presented better efficiency for PAHs removal. Results indicated that the adsorption evaluated in this work can be a potential stage in the waste lubricant oils global recovery process.     

Simultaneous degradation of nitroaromatic compounds TNT,RDX, atrazine,and simazine by Pseudomonas putida HK‐6 in bench‐scale bioreactors

BACKGROUND: Environmental contamination by nitroaromatic compounds such as 2,4,6‐trinitrotoluene (TNT), hexahydro‐1,3,5‐trinitro‐1,3,5‐s‐triazine (RDX), atrazine, and/or simazine (TRAS) generated as waste from military and agricultural activities is a serious worldwide problem. Microbiological treatment of these compounds is an attractive method because many explosives and herbicides are biodegradable and the process can be made cost‐effective. We explored the feasibility of using cultures of Pseudomonas putida HK‐6 for simultaneous degradation of TRAS with the aim of microbial application in wastewater treatment in bench‐scale bioreactors. RESULTS: Experiments were conducted to study the effects of supplemental carbons, nitrogens, and Tween‐80 on the degradation of Ps. putida HK‐6 in media containing TRAS as target substrate(s). The most effective TRAS degradation was shown in the presence of molasses. Addition of nitrogen sources produced a delayed effect for the target substrate(s). Tween‐80 enhanced the degradation of target substrate(s). Simultaneous degradation of these compounds proceeded to completion within the given period. CONCLUSIONS: Ps. putida HK‐6 was capable of growth with TRAS, and the effects of supplements on TRAS degradation and simultaneous TRAS degradation were evaluated in bench‐scale bioreactors. The results of this study have practical applications in the processes of industrial waste stream treatment where the disposal of TRAS may be problematic. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry