Exploring effects of chemical structure on azo dye decolorization characteristics by Pseudomonas luteola

This follow-up study tended to provide a systematic comparison for how the variation of functional groups and molecular structures present in model azo dyes affects color removal capability of Pseudomonas luteola. As sulfo group at methyl orange (p-MO) or carboxyl group at 4-(4'-dimethylaminophenylazobenzoic acid) sodium salt (denoted p-MR) were both para to azo bond, the ranking of decolorization rate was p-MO>p-MR due to the stronger electron-withdrawing effect of the sulfo group. For isomers, when the functional groups (sulfo group at 2-(4'-dimethylamino-phenylazo) benzenesulfonic acid sodium salt (o-MO) or carboxyl group at methyl red (o-MR)) were ortho to azo bond, the decolorization rate significantly decreased (e.g., p-MO>o-MO or p-MR>o-MR) likely due to steric hindrance near azo linkage(s). Similarly, for phenolic azo dyes the series of decolorization rate was 3-(4'-dimethylaminophenylazo) phenol (m-OH)>2-(4'-dimethylaminophenylazo) phenol (o-OH). Apparently, azo dyes with different properties of substituent on aromatic ring could affect the efficiency of biodecolorization of P. luteola. Moreover, the relative position (e.g., ortho, meta, para) of the substituent to azo bond could also influence the capability of biodecolorization of P. luteola. Regarding the electronic effect, azo dyes with stronger electron-withdrawing group (e.g., sulfo group) at specific positions (e.g., at para) could be more easily biodecolored than those with a carboxyl group.     

Use of cellulose-based wastes for adsorption of dyes from aqueous solutions

Low-cost banana and orange peels were prepared as adsorbents for the adsorption of dyes from aqueous solutions. Dye concentration and pH were varied. The adsorption capacities for both peels decreased in the order methyl orange (MO) > methylene blue (MB) > Rhodamine B (RB) > Congo red (CR) > methyl violet (MV) > amido black 10B (AB). The isotherm data could be well described by the Freundlich and Langmuir equations in the concentration range of 10-120 mg/l. An alkaline pH was favorable for the adsorption of dyes. Based on the adsorption capacity, it was shown that banana peel was more effective than orange peel. Kinetic parameters of adsorption such as the Langergren rate constant and the intraparticle diffusion rate constant were determined. For the present adsorption process intraparticle diffusion of dyes within the particle was identified to be rate limiting. Both peel wastes were shown to be promising materials for adsorption removal of dyes from aqueous solutions.     

Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) quantum dots as supramolecular cages modified with biochar as nanobio photocatalyst for degradation of organic dyes

In this study, we used co-precipitation assisted solvothermal route to produce self-assembled covalent organic frameworks (COFs) quantum dots modified with biochar structures. In addition, photocatalytic degradation of organic dyes such as methyl red, methyl orange and methyl blue were measured without the need to artificial UV visible light in vitro condition, and degradation rate was estimated at alternate times. The biochar as precursor agent with hydrothermal method as an eco-friendly synthesis route used to provides COFs quantum dot nanostructures with appropriate diameter and size about 3.68 nm. This research presents a new and novel nanocomposite structures with the contribution of biochar as biological material for decolorization of methylene red, orange and blue were calculated using UV–vis spectroscopy. Novel covalent organic frameworks quantum dot membranes with high purity were synthesized and characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transition electron microscopy (TEM), Atomic force microscopy (AFM), Fourier transformed infrared spectrum (FT-IR), thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area analysis. Results clearly indicate which self-assembled COFs quantum dots as supramolecular cages modified with biochar synthesized with the cost-effective method act as a high performance photocatalyst for degradation of methylene red, orange and blue organic dyes.

     

Decolorization of methyl orange by ozonation in combination with ultrasonic irradiation

The combination of ultrasound and ozone for the decolorization of azo dye, methyl orange, was studied. The effect of ultrasonic power, ozone gas flow rate, gaseous ozone concentration, initial dye concentration, pH and hydroxyl radical scavenger on the decolorization of methyl orange was investigated. The results showed that the synergistic effect was achieved by combining ozone with ultrasonic irradiation for the decolorization of methyl orange. The synergistic effect was more significant when the system temperature was raised due to the heat effect of ultrasonic irradiation. The decolorization of methyl orange fits the pseudo first order kinetic model. The decolorization rate increased with the increase of ultrasonic power, ozone gas flow rate, gaseous ozone concentration. However, the decolorization rate decreased with the increasing initial dye concentration. Either pH or sodium carbonate has little effect on the decolorization rate, indicating that the low frequency ultrasound enhanced ozonation process for the decolorization of methyl orange is mainly a direct reaction rather than radical reaction.     

Photocatalytic decolorization of soluble dyes by a bis-ions coexistence system of NH4(+) and NO3(-) with high photoreduction ability

In this paper, we found that the acidic and basic dyes were easily decolorized by a bis-ions coexistence system of NH(4)(+) and NO(3)(-) under UV light irradiation. The coexistence of NH(4)(+) and NO(3)(-) is a necessary condition for the photocatalytic decolorization of soluble dyes. The photocatalytic decolorization of methyl orange (MO) and methylene blue (MB) follows the first order rate kinetics. The location of an absorption peak in the visible region is blue-shifted with the increase in the illumination time. It is proposed that the photocatalytic decolorization of soluble dyes in the bis-ions coexistence system of NH(4)(+) and NO(3)(-) is a photoreduction reaction, in which the ammonium nitrate acts as a photocatalyst. The chromophore of acidic and basic dyes reacts with hydrogen and then results in their rapid decolorization.     

Photo-reductive decolorization of an azo dye by natural sphalerite: Case study of a new type of visible light-sensitized photocatalyst

Natural sphalerite, which represents a new class of mineral-based catalyst, was characterized and investigated for photo-reduction of an azo dye methyl orange (MO) under visible light. After 2 h of visible light irradiation, a complete decolorization of the MO solution was achieved. The degradation rate was related to the pH conditions. Spectra from FT-IR analysis indicate an initial adsorption of MO to sphalerite via its sulfonate group. Further reduction of the adsorbed MO by sphalerite under light irradiation led to the destruction of the azo structure, as indicated by the results from UV–vis, FT-IR and ESI-MS analyses. The visible light-induced photocatalytic reductive activity of natural sphalerite was mainly attributed to the distribution of foreign metal atoms in its crystal lattice, which reduces the intrinsic bandgap of sphalerite and also broadens its spectra responding range. In addition, the high conduction band potential of natural sphalerite may also enhance the photo-reduction of MO.     

Use of active consortia of constructed ternary bacterial cultures via mixture design for azo-dye decolorization enhancement

This first-attempt study used constructed bacterial consortia containing Escherichia coli DH5alpha (a weak decolorizer) and its UV-irradiated mutants (E. coli UVT1 and UV68; strong decolorizers) via equilateral triangle diagram and mixture experimental design to assess color removal during species evolution. The results showed that although strain DH5alpha was not an effective decolorizer, its presence might still played a significant role in affecting optimal color removal capabilities of mixed consortia (e.g., E. coli DH5alpha, UVT1 and UV68) for two model azo dyes; namely, reactive red 22 (RR22) and reactive black 5 (RB5). Contour analysis of ternary systems also clearly showed that decolorization of RR22 and RB5 by DH5alpha-containing active mixed consortia was more effective than mono-cultures of the stronger decolorizer alone (e.g., UVT1). The optimal composition of the mixed consortium (UV68, UVT1, DH5alpha) achieving the highest specific decolorization rate was (13%:58%:29%) and (0%:74%:26%) for decolorization of RR22 and RB5, respectively, with initial total cell density fixed at OD(600)=3.5+/-0.28.     

Azo dye decolorization by a new fungal isolate, Penicillium sp. QQ and fungal-bacterial cocultures

A new azo dyes-decolorizing fungi strain QQ was isolated from activated sludge. It was identified as Penicillium sp. based on 26S rRNA gene sequence analysis. The study indicated that strain QQ could aerobically decolorize Reactive Brilliant Red X-3B by the way of bioadsorption, and nutrient-poor medium was more beneficial for adsorption. Decolorization rate was inversely proportional to the size of mycelial pellets. The optimum pH was observed at 4 or 5 for X-3B decolorization. There was still 70% color removal when salinity increased to 6%. By contrast with aerobic decolorization, the degradation of azo dyes occurred under anaerobic conditions, and some azo dyes could be absolutely decolorized. Furthermore, the decolorization of azo dyes by fungal-bacterial cocultures was investigated. The results demonstrated that strain QQ and Sphingomonas xenophaga QYY cocultures performed better than any single strain did. Weak acidity conditions and the presence of small amount of surfactant could enhance the ability of consortium to decolorize azo dyes.     

Degradation of methyl orange using short-wavelength UV irradiation with oxygen microbubbles

A novel wastewater treatment technique using 8 W low-pressure mercury lamps in the presence of uniform-sized microbubbles (diameter = 5.79 microm) was investigated for the decomposition of methyl orange as a model compound in aqueous solution. Photodegradation experiments were conducted with a BLB black light blue lamp (365 nm), a UV-C germicidal lamp (254 nm) and an ozone lamp (185 nm+254 nm) both with and without oxygen microbubbles. The results show that the oxygen microbubbles accelerated the decolorization rate of methyl orange under 185+254 nm irradiation. In contrast, the microbubbles under 365 and 254 nm irradiation were unaffected on the decolorization of methyl orange. It was found that the pseudo-zero order decolorization reaction constant in microbubble system is 2.1 times higher than that in conventional large bubble system. Total organic carbon (TOC) reduction rate of methyl orange was greatly enhanced by oxygen microbubble under 185+254 nm irradiation, however, TOC reduction rate by nitrogen microbubble was much slower than that with 185+254 nm irradiation only. Possible reaction mechanisms for the decolorization and mineralization of methyl orange both with oxygen and nitrogen mirobubbles were proposed in this study.     

Enhanced accumulation and visible light-assisted degradation of azo dyes in poly(allylamine hydrochloride)-modified mesoporous silica spheres

A new route for the economic and efficient treatment of azo dye pollutants is reported, in which surface-modified organic-inorganic hybrid mesoporous silica (MS) spheres were chosen as microreactors for the accumulation and subsequent photodegradation of pollutants in defined regions. The surface-modified silica materials were prepared by anchoring the polycationic species such as poly(allylamine hydrochloride) on MS spheres via a simple wet impregnation method. The as-synthesized spheres with well-defined porous structures exhibited 15 times of accumulating capacity for orange II and Congo red compared to that of the pure MS spheres. Diffuse reflectance UV-vis spectroscopy and confocal laser scanning microscopy demonstrated that the accumulated orange II and CR in defined MS spheres were rapidly degraded in the presence of Fenton reagent under visible radiation. Kinetics analysis in recycling degradation showed that the as-synthesized materials might be utilized as environment-friendly preconcentrators/microreactors for the remediation of dye wastewater.     

Surface-enhanced resonance Raman scattering of black inkjet dyes in solution and in situ printed onto paper

Understanding the changes that occur when dyes are absorbed onto paper is crucial for the design of new inkjet dyes. This problem is particularly difficult for black dyes that have complex chromophores, and as a result, spectroscopic information on electronic and structural changes can be of importance. Surface-enhanced resonance Raman scattering (SERRS) and electronic structure calculations were used to probe in situ changes in the chromophore in black di-azo dyes printed onto paper. The data indicate that the low-energy chromophore is due mainly to the hydrazone group and the high-energy chromophore to both the azo and hydrazone groups. A comparison of SERRS from the dyes adsorbed onto silver particles in suspension and from the dyes on paper demonstrated a broadening of the chromophore into the red for both dyes and evidence of a structural change in one dye.     

Kinetic study approach of remazol black-B use for the development of two-stage anoxic-oxic reactor for decolorization/biodegradation of azo dyes by activated bacterial consortium

The laboratory-isolated strains Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Rhodobacter sphaeroides, Proteus mirabilis, Bacillus circulance, NAD 1 and NAD 6 were observed to be predominant in the bacterial consortium responsible for effective decolorization of the azo dyes. The kinetic characteristics of azo dye decolorization by bacterial consortium were determined quantitatively using reactive vinyl sulfonated diazo dye, remazol black-B (RB-B) as a model substrate. Effects of substrate (RB-B) concentration as well as different substrates (azo dyes), environmental parameters (temperature and pH), glucose and other electron donor/co-substrate on the rate of decolorization were investigated to reveal the key factor that determines the performance of dye decolorization. The activation energy (E(a)) and frequency factor (K(0)) based on the Arrhenius equation was calculated as 11.67 kcal mol(-1) and 1.57 x 10(7)mg lg MLSS(-1)h(-1), respectively. The Double-reciprocal or Lineweaver-Burk plot was used to evaluate V(max), 15.97 h(-1) and K(m), 85.66 mg l(-1). The two-stage anoxic-oxic reactor system has proved to be successful in achieving significant decolorization and degradation of azo dyes by specific developed bacterial consortium with a removal of 84% color and 80% COD for real textile effluents vis-à-vis >or=90% color and COD removal for synthetic dye solution.     

Effect of α-Fe2O3 addition on the morphological,optical and decolorization properties of ZnO nanostructures

Visible light sensitive photocatalysts of Fe₂O₃/ZnO nanocomposites were prepared by a simple solid-state reaction method, using zinc acetate, α-Fe₂O₃ and sodium hydroxide at room temperature. The products were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, powder X-ray diffraction, N₂ adsorption–desorption measurement, UV–vis absorption, and photoluminescence spectroscopy and used for photodecolorization of Congo red. The characterization results showed that the morphology, crystallite size, BET surface area and optical absorption of the samples varied significantly with the Fe³⁺ to Zn²⁺ ratios. The nanocomposites show two absorption edges at ultraviolet and visible region. The optical band gap values of these nanocomposites were calculated to be about 3.98–3.81 eV and 2.88–2.98 eV, which show a red shift from that of pure ZnO. These red shifts are related to the formation of Fe s-levels below the conductive band edge of ZnO and effectively extend the absorption edge into the visible region. The growth mechanisms of the samples are proposed. These nanocomposites showed high decolorization ability in visible light with wavelength up to about 400 nm. Among the samples, Fe₂O₃/ZnO nanoflower (molar ratio of Fe³⁺ to Zn²⁺ is 1:100) exhibited higher decolorization efficiency than the other nanocomposites. It could be considered as a promising photocatalyst for dyes treatment.     

Degradation of azo dyes by sequential Fenton's oxidation and aerobic biological treatment

A two stage sequential Fenton's oxidation followed by aerobic biological treatment train was used to achieve decolorization and to enhance mineralization of azo dyes, viz. Reactive Black 5 (RB5), Reactive Blue 13 (RB13), and Acid Orange 7 (AO7). In the first stage, Fenton's oxidation process was used while in the second stage aerobic sequential batch reactors (SBRs) were used as biological process. Study was done to evaluate effect of pH on Fenton's oxidation process. Results reveal that pH 3 was optimum pH for achieving decolorization and dearomatization of dyes by Fenton's process. Degradation of dye was assessed by COD reduction and reduction in aromatic amines (naphthalene chromophores) which was measured by reduction in absorbance at 200 nm. More than 95% of color was removed with Fenton's oxidation process in all dyes. In overall treatment train 81.95, 85.57, and 77.83% of COD reduction was achieved in RB5, RB13, and AO7 dyes, respectively. In the Fenton's oxidation process 56, 24.5, and 80% reduction in naphthalene group was observed in RB5, RB13, and AO7, respectively, which further increased to 81.34, 68.73, and 92% after aerobic treatment. Fenton's oxidation process followed by aerobic SBRs treatment sequence seems to be viable method for achieving significant degradation of azo dye.     

ZnO:Cd纳米棒的制备及其光催化降解性能研究

采用水热法制备了ZnO和不同Cd掺杂浓度的ZnO:Cd纳米棒。通过x射线衍射仪、扫描电子显微镜、紫外-可见-近红外分光光度计和拉曼光谱对ZnO:Cd纳米棒的结构和光学特性进行了系统研究。结果显示,样品为一维纳米棒结构,Cd的掺杂可以减小ZnO纳米棒的晶粒尺寸和光学带隙。利用分光光度计检测ZnO:Cd纳米棒对偶氮结构染料(甲基橙溶液)的光催化降解效率,结果表明Cd掺杂可以改善ZnO的光催化性能,掺杂浓度为16%时ZnO:Cd纳米棒对甲基橙溶液的光催化降解效率最高。     

Mechanism and kinetics of treatment of acid orange II by aged Fe-Si-B metallic glass powders

The mechanism and kinetics of acid orange II(AOII) treated by aged gas-atomized Fe-Si-B metallic glass(MG) powders were investigated in this study. The decolorization reaction is shown to obey the pseudofirst-order kinetic model, and the treatment processes could be divided into two stages: a slow step followed by a rapid one. This observation is in accordance with the following results, the azo dye is simply adsorbed onto the Fe-based MG powders in the initial stage, because the oxide layer coated on the powder surface depresses the degradation reaction by covering the activity sites, and then the degradation occurs with the desquamation of the powders. The AOII could be degraded with a rapid reaction rate when the Fe-based MG powders are applied to the treatment process again, because of the consumption of the oxide layer and the unchanged core of the Fe-based MGs. These findings will promote the practical application of MGs in degrading azo dyes.     

Degradation of methyl orange through synergistic effect of zirconia nanotubes and ultrasonic wave

Zirconia nanotubes with a length of 25 μm, inner diameter of 80 nm, and wall thickness of 35 nm were prepared by anodization method in mixture of formamide and glycerol (volume ratio = 1:1) containing 1 wt% NH(4)F and 1 wt% H(2)O. Experiments showed that zirconia nanotubes and ultrasonic wave had synergistic degradation effect for methyl orange and the efficiency of ultrasonic wave increased by more than 7 times. The decolorization percentage was influenced by pH value of the solution. Methyl orange was easy to be degraded in acidic solution. The decolorization percentage of methyl orange reached 97.6% when degraded for 8h in 20mg/L methyl orange solution with optimal pH value 2. The reason of synergistic degradation effect for methyl orange might be that adsorption of methyl orange onto zirconia nanotubes resulted in the easy degradation of the methyl orange through ultrasonic wave.     

Preferential biodegradation of structurally dissimilar dyes from a mixture by Brevibacillus laterosporus

Biodegradation of a mixture containing seven commercial textile dyes with different structures and color properties has been investigated by an ecofriendly strain--Brevibacillus laterosporus MTCC 2298. It showed 87% decolorization in terms of ADMI removal (American Dye Manufacturing Institute) within 24h. The effective decolorization of dye mixture was attained in the presence of metal salt--CaCl(2) and nitrogen sources. The induction of oxido-reductive enzymes such as veratryl alcohol oxidase, tyrosinase, NADH-DCIP reductase and azo reductase was found to be responsible for biotransformation of dyes. High performance thin layer chromatography exposed the mechanism of preferential biodegradation of dyes at different time periods. Significant change in the high pressure liquid chromatography and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy of sample before and after treatment confirmed the biodegradation of dye mixture. Phytotoxicity study revealed the much less toxic nature of the metabolites produced after the degradation of dyes mixture.     

Heat treatment effects on the characteristics and sonocatalytic performance of TiO2 in the degradation of organic dyes in aqueous solution

The ambient sonocatalytic degradation of congo red, methyl orange, and methylene blue by titanium dioxide (TiO₂) catalyst at initial concentrations between 10 and 50 mg/L, catalyst loadings between 1.0 and 3.0 mg/L and hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) concentrations up to 600 mg/L is reported. A 20 kHz ultrasonic processor at 50 W was used to accelerate the reaction. The catalysts were exposed to heat treatments between 400 and 1000 °C for up to 4 h to induce phase change. Sonocatalysts with small amount of rutile phase showed better sonocatalytic activity but excessive rutile phase should be avoided. TiO₂ heated to 800 °C for 2 h showed the highest sonocatalytic activity and the degradation of dyes was influenced by their chemical structures, chemical phases and characteristics of the catalysts. Congo red exhibited the highest degradation rate, attributed to multiple labile azo bonds to cause highest reactivity with the free radicals generated. An initial concentration of 10 mg/L, 1.5 g/L of catalyst loading and 450 ppm of H₂O₂ gave the best congo red removal efficiency of above 80% in 180 min. Rate coefficients for the sonocatalytic process was successfully established and the reused catalyst showed an activity drop by merely 10%.     

Study on the nonlinear optical properties of three azo dyes by Z-scan measurements

The nonlinear optical properties of p-aminoazobenzene (PAAB), methyl orange (MO) and p-dimethylamino benzene arsenic acid (PDBAA) were investigated by a single beam Z-scan technique, respectively. Their solution samples all exhibited large nonlinear refractive indices under the excitation of a 633 nm laser. Among the three azo dyes, PDBAA showed the largest value of nonlinear refractive index. Moreover, the process of nonlinear refraction induced by the laser thermal effect was also analyzed in this paper.